THURSDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Zipline Introduces Innovatory Strategy to Fight COVID-19 in Nigeria Signs MoU with Kaduna on use of drone technology to transport vaccines John Shiklam in Kaduna An American company with specialization in medical product delivery, Zipline, has signed a memorandum

of understanding with the Kaduna State government to facilitate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines using drone technology. The South San Francisco,

California-based company, which designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones, in the recent MoU commits to helping the Kaduna State government to distribute the

vaccines, expected in the country latest by April, in the difficult terrains of the state. The Kaduna State government, according to

the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, took the major revolutionary step to reverse the losses to COVID-19, which has

cost the state 57 lives, as of Saturday, February 6. According to statistics from Nigeria Centre for Disease Continued on page 8

National Cement Policy Open, Transparent, Says Dangote Group... Page 6 Thursday 11 February, 2021 Vol 26. No 9440. Price: N250

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Rejig Security Architecture, Senate Urges Buhari, NSA, Service Chiefs, IG Asks govs to implement national livestock transformation plan Insecurity fuelling culture of self-help, says Gbajabiamila Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The worsening insecurity in the country yesterday engaged the attention of the National Assembly, with the Senate urging President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), the service chiefs, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to

rejig the nation’s security architecture for more effective counter measures to tackle the security challenges facing the country. The Senate, in resolutions passed after a debate on a motion on insecurity, also asked state governors to implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan in order to prevent Continued on page 46

Afenifere, PANDEF Welcome Northern Govs’ Call to End Open Grazing Deji Elumoye in Abuja The pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, and its Niger Delta counterpart, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have expressed their support for the position of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) that open grazing is no longer sustainable. The Northern Governors

Forum, in a communiqué on Tuesday after a virtual meeting held on Monday, had admitted that following Nigeria’s increasing urban population, the current system of open grazing of cows is no longer sustainable. The governors, during an emergency meeting to discuss issues affecting the Continued on page 8

REVALIDATING MEMBERSHIP... Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right), during his APC membership revalidation at Abeokuta, Ogun State...yesterday

CBN: FG’s Fiscal Deficit Rose to N620bn in November 2020...Page 5

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

CBN: FG’s Fiscal Deficit Rose to N620bn in November 2020

Obinna Chima

The federal government’s estimated fiscal deficit expanded to N620.49 billion in November 2020, compared with the N421.35 billion recorded in October 2020. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its monthly economic report for November 2020, that was posted on its website yesterday, said the high deficit was driven by the rise in personnel and overhead costs as provisional aggregate expenditure rose to N905.26 billion from N738.71 billion in the preceding period. It stated that the rise in recurrent expenditure was due to the government’s quest to stimulate aggregate demand to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the provisional gross federal revenue increased by 7.2 per cent to N706.47 billion in November 2020, compared with the N6.556 billion recorded the previous month. But the amount generated in November, when compared with the budget benchmark and the receipt in November 2019, representing a contraction

by 16.6 per cent and 19.7 per cent respectively. The increase was attributed to upticks in both oil and non-oil revenue components. But the report showed that the federal government retained revenue stood at N284.76 billion in November 2020, indicating a significant drop of 36.3 per cent, relative to its level in the corresponding period of 2019. According to the report, total federal government’s debt outstanding at the end of June 2020, was N31.009 trillion; with domestic and external components accounting for 57.6 per cent and 42.4 per cent of the total debt stock, respectively. At N535.07 billion, it showed that the Federation Account revenue increased, relative to its level in the previous month, but fell below the benchmark of N621.12 billion and collections in the corresponding period of 2019, by 13.9 per cent and 21.6 per cent, respectively. “Though gross revenue from both oil and non-oil revenue outperformed the previous month, the increased cash call deductions, affected

FG to Meet Striking Varsity Workers over N40bn Earned Allowances

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has scheduled another talk with members of the non-teaching staff of universities. The meeting is to try and resolve the raging dispute between unions in the university system, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the sharing formula for the N40 billion Earned Allowances recently approved by the federal government. SSANU and NASU members are currently on strike to compel the government to address their demands. A notice of today’s meeting signed by the Deputy Director, Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Charles Akpan, said the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige would host a conciliation meeting between the representatives of the federal government and the Joint Action Committee of NASU/ SSANU. Both ASUU and the other unions are currently embroiled in a tussle over who gets more allocation of the earned allowance. While NASU and SSANU has accused the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation of unduly favouring ASUU in

the disbursement of the fund, the leadership of the academic staff union countered that nonteaching staff were seeking to reap where they did not sow. A joint action committee of SSANU and NASU listed some their grievances to include alleged discriminatory disbursement of the N40 billion earned allowances, inconsistencies in the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), non-payment of arrears of national minimum wage, delay in the renegotiation of FG/NASU and SSANU 2009 agreement and non-payment of retirement benefits of outgone members. Other issues in contention are the alleged usurpation of the headship of non-teaching units by the teaching staff in clear violation of condition of service and establishment procedures, neglect and poor funding of state universities and non-constitution of visitation panels for universities. On its part, ASUU had said the N40 billion was meant to settle arrears of earned academic allowances due to its members. The President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said the N40 billion was part of the agreement to end its ninemonth nationwide industrial action. At the last reconciliatory meeting between the federal government and the nonteaching staff unions, both sides agreed to set up a joint committee to resolve the dispute.

the distributable revenue in November 2020. “The distributable revenue for November 2020 fell by 13.1 per cent, 21.6 per cent, and 13.9 per cent relative to its levels in October 2020, November 2019, and the budget benchmark, respectively. “Consequently, the allocations to the three tiers of government also declined, relative to these comparable periods,” the report stated. It noted that the increase in oil revenue in November 2020, was driven by the upturn in receipts from Domestic Crude/Gas Sales, which

was 280.7 per cent and 6.5 per cent above its benchmark and the level in November 2019, respectively, due to increased demand arising from the easing of lockdowns in some countries. “The growth in non-oil revenue in November 2020 increased by 5.9 per cent over the level in October 2020. This was, however, below the budget benchmark. “The major driver of the increase in non-oil revenue in November 2020 was the receipt of N37.67 billion from stamp duty collections,” it stated. The report said economic

activities in November 2020 continued to gain momentum, following increased production by firms, with strengthening consumer demand. “Nevertheless, the performance of the economy still reflected the lagged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic containment measures, which gave rise to persisting inflationary pressures, high uncertainties in crude oil price and production, as well as high uncertainty in business expectations. “Consequently, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 third quarter contracted

for the second consecutive time, plunging the economy officially into a recession. “The economy was characterised by fragile business conditions, despite the growth recorded by more sectors relative to the previous quarter. “The increase in the pump price of PMS and electricity tariff hike, during the period, impacted negatively on consumers’ welfare thus aggravating inflationary pressures, reducing consumers’ purchasing power, and worsening uncertainty in the business climate,” it added.

SEEKING ADADA STATE... L-R: President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; former President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo; and leader of a delegation for Adada State, Mr. Vita Abba, during a courtesy visit to the president of the Senate by the delegation in Abuja…yesterday julius atoi

Court Orders CBN to Unfreeze #EndSARS Activists’ Accounts Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to immediately unfreeze 20 bank accounts linked to protesters and promoters of #EndSARS protests against police brutality. Justice Mohammed gave the order following the withdrawal of the suit by counsel to the CBN, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN). The order, which was for 90 days, was to enable the CBN to investigate the defendants for an alleged crime. Although the order was supposed to be renewed upon an application by the CBN, Aondoakaa filed for its withdrawal in an earlier application for extension of time. Also, the defendants through their lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), withdrew all processes filed against the suit, prompting the judge to strike it out. The court, in a ruling by Justice Mohammed, ordered

all the commercial banks affected by the order, to “immediately” unfreeze the accounts. It also struck out the suit that was filed against the alleged #EndSARS promoters by the CBN, and its Governor, Mr. Godwin Emiefele. The order came after all the parties notified the court that they had resolved to amicably settle the matter by withdrawing all the processes they earlier filed with respect to the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1384/2020. When the matter was called yesterday, Aondoakaa told the court that he had discussed with the counsel to the defendants and in the spirit of reconciliation, his client was withdrawing the suit. Justice Mohammed, in a short ruling, struck out the suit following the application for its withdrawal. "All processes filed deemed to have been withdrawn in the spirit of reconciliation, the suit is hereby struck out. "The order of November 4, 2020, freezing the accounts of the respondents is hereby

set aside. "An order is made defreezing the accounts of the respondents immediately," the judge said. The apex bank had filed an ex-parte application on October 20, 2020, asking the court to freeze the accounts of the respondents, which Justice Mohammed granted. The court order was addressed to the head offices of Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank of Africa, and Zenith Bank. The court directed the banks to freeze all transactions on the accounts on the list annexed to the CBN’s application as exhibit for a period of 180 days pending the outcome of investigation and inquiry by the bank. The 90 days elapsed on February 2. Some of the bank accounts holders are Bolatito Oduala, Chima Ibebunjoh, Mary Kpengwa, Saadat Bibi, Bassey Israel, Wisdom Obi, Nicholas Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Yusuf, Uhuo Promise and Mosopefoluwa

Odeseye. Others are: Adegoke Yusuf, Umoh Ekanem, Babatunde Segun, Mulu Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Jacob, Victor Solomon, Idunu Williams, and Gatefield Nigeria Limited. The defendants, in an application they filed to set aside the order, had maintained that they were denied fair hearing by the court. They accused the CBN of not only lying to the court when it painted them as suspected terrorists but also engaging in gross abuse of the judicial process. They said the freezing order the court issued against them was “anchored on misrepresentation of material facts and based on suppression of material facts” by the CBN. Falana, in an interview with journalists, urged the government to stop violating the rights of Nigerians. He said none of his clients was invited for questioning, interrogated, or charged to court for any of the alleged offences for which their accounts were frozen.

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National Cement Policy Open, Transparent, Says Dangote Group Shifts production of refined petroleum products to 2022 Expects products from fertiliser plant this month Peter Uzoho The Executive Director, Capital Projects and Portfolio Management, Dangote Group, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, has said that Nigeria has a good cement policy that does not favour only a few companies as being speculated. He added that Dangote Refinery has shifted production of refined petroleum products from 2020 to early 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He, however, stated that the production of fertilisers from the company’s plant would begin this year. Edwin, while fielding questions on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, faulted the perception among some competitors in the cement sector that the national cement policy favours only a few players. He spoke against the backdrop of the call by the Chairman and Founder of the BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, for the liberalisation of Nigeria’s cement policy to boost production and subsequently crash the price of the commodity. Rabiu had told reporters in Lagos on Monday that the price of cement, which presently sells for about N4,000 per bag, remains high in Nigeria because the few producers are not able to meet the country’s huge demand due to low production capacity. However, Edwin said the policy was open, transparent and did not favour any particular interest. He said: “Few points were raised; one is about the policy - that the policy favours certain people. All policies encourage everybody, including us. “So, this is a simple government policy and I'm sure you must have already done the investigation based on yesterday's report which came in and you will be able to see that the policy is a very open policy and it doesn't specify or favour any individual or any

company, either a Nigerian or a foreign company. “Before we started our investment in cement, the country's production was about seven million tonnes. Now, when you talk about available estimates, including imports, the country's production itself was about two-and-a-half million tonnes. “And you see now that within this period, the local capacity and projection itself has grown seven-fold within this 15 years span and if you look at the entire Africa country by country, you cannot find any single country where they have this much level of growth within this period, that is number one. That shows that the policy has encouraged investment.” He insisted that the policy does not favour only one company, pointing out, however, that although Dangote had grown phenomenally, other companies had grown too. According to him, the only company operating before Dangote entered the Nigerian cement market was a foreignowned company, which had been there for 50 years with a small production capacity. He said: “Now, we can see that they have also added up capacities. So, it's a foreign company, they have also grown. Then, another company came in, which is Flour Mills of Nigeria Group, which is a Nigerian company, but its principal shareholders are foreigners. But they also came in, invested but of course, they dis-invested and sold the brand to Lafarge. If you go through the policy, it is very transparent, very open.” He added that the policy encourages anyone to invest and there is no single line in that policy that favours any company. “Having seen the controversy yesterday, I'm sure you will agree with me. Whether you are a Nigerian investor, whether you are an African investor or foreign investor, the only benefit which is available to any

investor today is the pioneer status tax facility, which is available to everyone. Apart from that, there is nothing restricting anyone from anybody,” he said. Edwin said refined petroleum products from the company’s 650,000 per day refinery would be in the market early next year as against the last quarter of 2021 as earlier planned. He stated that the company expected finished products from its fertiliser plant to be ready this month. Edwin explained that the group could not meet the earlier completion and products production date due to the impact of COVID-19

on movement, as restrictions led to delays in the shipment of equipment from abroad. He, however, said the group had gone far ahead with the construction schedule and that by the end of this year, it would have achieved mechanical completion and proceed with the inauguration by December. Edwin said: "Well, as you rightly said, it's a 650,000 barrels per day refinery and it is much larger than the existing capacity within Nigeria. And this is the largest single-train refinery in the world. "We had hoped to complete at the end of last year and start the commissioning early

this year, but as you know, the impact of the COVID-19 had a major impact on us. "We, are receiving goods manufactured in the US, Europe, China and India and almost all the four countries were affected by COVID. "So, our equipment deals got delayed and because of the movement restrictions, the shipping got delayed and the construction engineers also got restricted. "So, now, we have gone far ahead with the construction schedule and by the end of this year, we will have mechanical completion and we start the commissioning by December this year. So, we expect the products to start coming out

early next year." On the challenges faced by the group during the construction of the refinery and the fertiliser plant, Edwin said there were no major challenges apart from the COVID-19-induced movement restrictions that hampered movement of equipment and the arrival of foreign engineers in the country. He said the group had already foreseen the challenges it would encounter in the process and was prepared for them. On the state of the fertiliser plant, he said the facility is ready and that the finished products from it would be in the market this month.

MEN OF STEEL… L-R: Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite (left) and Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, during a visit to the governor in Kaduna…yesterday kingsley adeboye

OPS Backs Buhari on Gains of Nigeria-Niger Rail Link Dike Onwuamaeze Members of the organised private sector (OPS) have endorsed the construction of the railway line to run across some states in Nigeria and terminate at Maradi in Niger Republic. President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, had justified the extension of the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya rail line to Maradi in Niger Republic, saying the project, when completed, will boost trade between the two countries, foster trans-Sahara trade and contribute to the expected gains of the African Continental

Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). Buhari, during the virtual groundbreaking for the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi rail line, had noted that Jibiya and Maradi constituted a significant trading core between Nigeria and Niger Republic – a tradition dating back many centuries. “This vital infrastructure line will establish an endto-end logistic supply chain in railway transport services between northern and southern regions of the country, reaching Nigerian southern ports of Lagos and Warri. “The entire route

encompasses territory inhabited by close to 80 million people across 10 states of the country. This project has a branch line to Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, to open up this corridor which is endowed with vast resources,’’ he had stated. Members of the OPS Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), told THISDAY in separate interviews that the rail project will spur increased economic activities

in Nigeria and enhance the country’s competitiveness as the preferred trans-shipment corridor for the movement of cargoes from the coastal ports to Niger Republic, which is a landlocked territory. They added that the rail project will deepen regional integration of West African economies and invigorate the participation of Nigerian businesses in the current implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the project would boost businesses in Nigeria despite the criticisms of its relevance.

Ajayi-Kadir noted that information from Nigeria’s government sources indicated that the rail will provide connectivity for some states, particularly Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States and boost economic activities in the states. He said: “Moreover, movement of industrial goods, raw materials, machinery and spares would be enhanced. More importantly, Niger Republic is a landlocked country. So, this cross-border rail network will enhance the status and business fortunes of Nigeria among the coastal states of Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana in the West

African sub-region. These three countries have dominated the movement of cargoes from this landlocked country to their seaports for either export or import. “With the construction of the railway line, Nigeria will be able to get a share of the business and the influence and cooperation that comes with it, including on security and environmental issues. “Nigeria should now be able to compete for the servicing of not only the Republic of Niger but other similar landlocked countries like Burkina Faso Continued on page 46

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FEC Approves N26.7bn Contracts for Information, Communication, Water Ministries Okays new national policy on aging Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved contracts worth over N26.7 billion for projects under the Ministry of Information and Culture; Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. The FEC meeting, held virtually in Abuja, with President Muhammadu Buhari presiding, also approved a new National Policy on Aging. Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu, told journalists after the meeting that the council approved N8.43 billion for the implementation of Damaturu water supply scheme. Adamu said the contract for Lot A was awarded to Mallam Matari and Service Centre Water Supply Project. Lot B is the construction of water supply at Nufakalam and Lot C water supply scheme at Sunsuma, all in Yobe state He said: “They are all groundwater or borehole projects spread over a wide distance because they are covering three major cities. They will be mostly solar-

based and also it’s in response to the critical needs of these localities in Yobe State.” According to him, the localities are affected by the activities of insurgents eight years ago and the area is a high Sahel region where surface water is difficult to come by. “We hope that with this intervention, the water supply within this area will be greatly enhanced. The completion period is 24 months,” he added. The Communication and Digital Economy Minister, Isa Pantami, on his part, told newsmen that the council approved about N8.9 billion for a new National Information and Communication and Technology (ICT) park in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to coordinate public and private ICT hubs in the country. He added that the government would soon release the timelines for the replacement of BVN with NIN in bank accounts. According to him, 4,200 square metres of land has already been acquired for the establishment of the ICT park. He said: “The wisdom behind the ICT Park is for it to be a centre where

public and private ICT hubs are going to be coordinated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, where young innovators with crazy and disruptive ideas will be mentored and all that they need to be provided for. We will provide enabling environment for them to utilise and come up with disruptive technologies. “This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, we have so many parks and hubs but they are regional. This one will be central and will be a center of job creation for our teeming youths. It will be a centre where technology will be developed and incubated. It will play a significant role in reducing unemployment and the reduce the gap in unemployment. “The Federal Executive Council has approved the memo and we are going to start by establishing it in Abuja and we hope Abuja is going to be another Silicon Valley in Nigeria.” Also speaking, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the council approved N9.43 billion to complete the digital switchover, which had previously missed the deadline set for its implementation.

Mohammed said: “As you know, the ITU had two cut-off dates, one in 2017 another in 2020, where nations were supposed to complete their movement from analogue to digital. "Regrettably, we were not able to make it. But with the approval of this memo today, we would be striving to switch from analogue to digital. “We will now agree on a date for a launch in the biggest cities like Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. And we will start the switch off in the already switched on states. “The effect of the more today is that digital switchover is now real and the economic effect of it will be the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in content production, channel distribution, Nollywood and electronic appliance productions to service about 20 million Nigerian homes. At the end of the switch over, we would have created the biggest free to air TV platform in Africa. I will be announcing a ministerial task force that will execute the council resolve either this week or next.” Mohammed added that the council also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between

the ministry and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bankers' Committee for the renovation of the National Theatre, Lagos. He said: “This is a landmark approval because it has paved the way for investment in the creative industry as part of the resolve of this government to create at least one million jobs in the next three years in the creative industry. “The approval of these two memos is capable of creating one million jobs in the next three years. “President had in 2020 gave approval to the CBN and the Bankers' Committee to develop, refurbish and renovate the National Theatre and at the same time take over the adjoining land to create a veritable creative industry where they will be four hubs - one for films, one for music, one for IT, and the other for fashion. “The memo today was for the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to enter into Memorandum of Understanding for the refurbishment of the National Theatre. “The CBN and Bankers' Committee are willing to invest N21.894 billion to

renovate, refurbish and commercialisation (run it profitably) of the National Theatre complex. The MoU has a life span of 21 years after which it will revert back to the government. The important thing is that no job will be lost because after the National Theatre is renovated, a special purpose vehicle will be created to run it. It cannot be business as usual, it will be a turning point in the creative industry in the sense that we are going to have a brand new National Theatre, an event center that will help in creating more jobs.” Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, said the FEC approved the National Policy on Aging. According to her, the objective of the policy is to ensure that older persons are guaranteed security, comprehensive care, selffulfillment, and dignity. “The policy covers spectrum of issues and opportunities for older persons, older persons with disabilities, older persons who are internally displaced, older persons engaged in farming in Nigeria, in urban and rural areas,” she explained.

resolving the herder's crisis." Its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken Robinson, told THISDAY that the group believed open grazing of cattle to be archaic and would continue to occasion crisis in the country. He said: "It is good that the Northern Governors Forum has acknowledged that fact. We hope they are sincere and that the statement credited to the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State,

Simon Lalong, represents the collective perspective of the northern governors. "For goodness' sake, cattle rearing is a private enterprise; let those involved establish ranches, instead of taking over people's land and terrorising communities. "If need be, the government should provide soft loans to these people to establish ranches. Of course, not the preposterous policy of RUGA settlements that was vigorously touted at some point by this administration."

of Renewal’ is “devoted to capital expenditure to support the government’s commitments to education, health, infrastructure, and agricultural development while 34 percent is devoted to recurrent expenditure.” Governor El-Rufai said 2021 will be “used to fully deliver on the government’s campaign promises to the electorate, having lost the greater part of 2020 to the COVID-19 pandemic and other civil unrest that bedeviled the entire country.” A few years ago, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Office of Innovations realizing that the need to deliver life-saving materials in both humanitarian and development contexts can face a range of challenges started to use drone technology to address transport, connectivity and better emergency preparedness in some African and Asian countries. Zipline was at the centre of this, operating distribution

centres in Rwanda, Ghana, and the US. The company began drone deliveries in Rwanda in 2016.

AFENIFERE, PANDEF WELCOME NORTHERN GOVS’ CALL TO END OPEN GRAZING region and the country, had expressed concern over the tension generated by the eviction order issued to herdsmen in some parts of the country. In the communiqué released in Jos, Plateau State capital, by the Chairman of the forum and Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, said the tension had aggravated the security crisis in the country with threats of reprisals. “Consequently, the forum resolved to aggressively

sensitise herdsmen on the need to adopt new methods of herding by ranching or other acceptable modern methods,” it said, adding: “It appeals to the federal government to support states with grants to directly undertake pilot projects of modern livestock production that will serve as springboard and evidence for breaking resistance to the full implementation of new methods of livestock production." The Arewa Consultative

Forum (ACF) had also thrown its weight behind the position of the governors. Reacting to the development, Afenifere and PANDEF hoped the latest position of the 19 governors on open grazing may be a tactical way of ending the herders' crisis. Spokesman of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, however, expressed the hope that the NGF position is not deceptive, adding that the report of the 2014 National Conference had pronounced

open grazing dead. He said: "We hope they are not playing games to lull victims of herdsmen to sleep. Trust is dead in the country. The 2014 National Conference has since pronounced open grazing dead but the backers of Miyetti Allah have promoted it since after," he stated. PANDEF said the admittance by the northern governors that open grazing of cattle is no longer sustainable "could be an important climacteric in

ZIPLINE INTRODUCES INNOVATORY STRATEGY TO FIGHT COVID-19 IN NIGERIA Control (NCDC), 7,804 persons have been infected with the virus in the state. While 7,467 persons were treated and discharged, 280 cases are on admission. With the first-of-its-kind innovatory MoU, however, Zipline would deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), better known as drone technology, to deliver vaccines and other medical supplies to areas that may be difficult to penetrate due to challenging topography and bad roads. This method of procurement and distribution of vaccines and medications is a novelty in Nigeria pioneered by the Kaduna State government. Other states are reportedly negotiating with the company to enter a similar working relationship. The clamour for the company’s services is influenced by the success rate of the medical delivery firm, which has the distinction of having delivered more than one million doses of other

vaccines in Africa over the past year. The novel delivery of vaccines and other drugs in Kaduna is planned to start in the second quarter with 30 drones working fulltime from three distribution centres. To accomplish this goal, the state Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, said the state government has upgraded 255 primary health centres, installed a pharma grade warehouse and is recruiting and training 3,000 officers to manage the facilities. The working relationship between the Kaduna State government and Zipline, according to Adekeye, will help the state to overcome the challenge of cold-chain storage, while allowing drone shipment of COVID-19 vaccines. “It will help ensure that millions of people in Kaduna State will always get the care they need,” el-Rufai said after the signing of the MoU. The governor explained that the deployment of the

drone technology will ensure that medical consumables will be delivered to many parts of the state facing security challenges and a bad road network. In December 2020, the Kaduna State governor went into self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. “As a survivor of the deadly disease his willingness to deploy drone technology in the fight against COVID-19 ahead of other states and the federal government is a clear demonstration of empathy with victims and the love for his people,” a senior state official said yesterday. The collaboration between Kaduna and Zipline follows a similar partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria, which last year supported the screening of 2,306 persons for COVID-19 and 2,506 persons for Tuberculosis (TB), using Chest X-Ray, and GeneXpert machine through mobile testing in

Kaduna State communities. The state is reportedly faced with an over 50% reduction in hospital attendance and access to services due to disruption of routine essential services and programmes resulting from prioritization of COVID-19 response. In renewed efforts to tackle the virus alongside TB in Nigeria, WHO Nigeria in collaboration with the state government and KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, co-facilitated implementation of an integrated community testing for the two disease conditions using a mobile itinerant TB diagnostic facility called “Wellness On Wheels” Truck (WOW Truck). This year, the population of Kaduna State is estimated at 1,133,000, occupying a land area of 46,053 km2. The state is ranked 4th by land area and 3rd by population in Nigeria. Sixty-six percent of the state’s 2021 budget of N246 billion christened ‘Budget

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

Appreciation

L AT E S I R .

ARTHUR OKORIE UZOMA OKOWA (JP) AUGUST 21, 1932 - JANUARY 28, 2021

On behalf of the Okowa family of Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, I wish to thank all who have taken time to commiserate with us on the death of my beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa. Ever since the news of his demise, our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill from a wide spectrum of political, business, religious leaders as well as the mass of Nigerians. My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the show of solidarity, which have, in no small measure, helped us to cope with Papa’s passing. Although he died at what may be considered a good old age, nevertheless the death of someone so dear cannot but leave one with a sense of void. My late father was a strong pillar of support all through my political/public service career. I drew immeasurably from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and he was very passionate about the growth and development of our

beloved Delta State. As a family, we will greatly miss his physical fellowship but we thank God that he lived a good and full life; he has etched his name in gold with his legacy of hard work, selﬂess service, discipline, godliness, love for others/community, and passion for positive, lasting change. In view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, we have opted to hold a private burial ceremony sometime this month, while a Celebration of Life event will take place on August 21, 2021. Hopefully, by then the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic would have given way to a freer and more assured environment. Once again, I thank all those who have called, visited, prayed for us, and issued statements in solidarity with our family. May God richly bless you.

Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Governor, Delta State

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COMMENT

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

A CREDIBLE VOICE ON HERDER’S CRISIS

Sade Fubunmi writes the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila is focused on reconciling the nation

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has never sat on the fence when threatening national issues rear their ugly heads. It will be recalled that at the nick of time, he intervened when lives and livelihood were under risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gbaja rallied his colleagues in the Green Chamber to donate generously to the cause of the poor. He didn’t stop there, he advocated two months free electricity to ameliorate the pangs of the pandemic on the strained earnings of the poor. When the interests of Nigerian traders and Nigeria were threatened in faraway Ghana, he got the permission of President Muhammadu Buhari to pacify frayed nerves. He succeeded. When the #EndSARS protest was raging, the speaker spoke and acted like a leader. He assured them that their 5-for-5 demands will be accommodated in the 2021 budget otherwise his chamber won’t approve the appropriation bill. So, when banditry and kidnapping by suspected Fulani herdsmen was threatening to shatter corporate co-existence, he went to seek an audience with the president and came out with a far-reaching panacea to the nagging problem of ethnic strife. Gbajabiamila declared that no ethnic group should lord it over another. It is revealing that what the president should have done exerting his presidential powers was what Gbajabiamila has done. He declared, “Everybody just has to come to the table and discuss and come to an amicable resolution, which I’m sure we will. I don’t think any ethnic group should lord it over any other ethnic group; the south-west should not lord it over the north, the north should not lord it over the south. “We should respect each other’s trade, geographical space, history, culture and more importantly the issues of crime, murder, all those things should be completely jettisoned, but more importantly, we all have to sit on the table and discuss this matter and look for the way forward. I think everybody is willing to do that. “From the National Assembly, solutions will come from talking. I believe that now that we are about to start work, I know these issues will come up and adequate and proper legislation will address the issue frontally and in the best interest of the country, and all nations that make up the nation such legislation will be put in place”. Garba Shehu, Special Assistant on media too often makes and issues statements capable of escalating the tense situation. The actions and utterances of these spokespersons could be interpreted to be serving the interest of the Fulani clan. Statements from the presidency and Miyetti Allah bear much similarities that people often wonder if MACBAN is a unit under the executive. The presidency violated the constitution by warning the Ondo State Governor not to order illegal occupants out of the forest reserves. In January 2018, over 72 locals who were mostly farmers died in deadly attacks in Benue. The state governor, Samuel Ortom fumed as trucks moved dead bodies for mass burial. The president’s lukewarm response to the calamity sparked outrage across the

THE IMPLICATION OF ETHNIC FIGHTERS RISING IN DEFENCE OF THEIR PEOPLE IS A HUGE THREAT TO THE CORPORATE EXISTENCE OF NIGERIA

land. When the Benue elders protested to the Villa, President Buhari was reported to have admonished them to live peacefully with their neighbours. The utterances of the president’s media aides are also vexatious and most often reckless. When the people of Benue opposed the proposed ranching and cattle colony, Femi Adesina, the president’s media adviser during a live interview on national television reportedly said it was better to live with cattle than counting dead bodies arising from farmer/herder clashes. The body language of the Villa and pronouncements from the seat of power appear that the president who is a Fulani is backing his people to the detriment of other ethnic interests. That is a perception that the president’s handlers have struggled to dismiss. When the former Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) and ex-presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae was kidnapped on his farm twice in Ondo State, aside from the usual press statements condemning the attacks the Buhari presidency did little to forestall future attacks. Recounting his ordeal, the elder statesman had complained about the ravaging of his farms by herders before he was abducted. In Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State herdsmen had been on the rampage killing and maiming without the government’s intervention. The lack of political will to rein in the killer herders by those in power created a space for the likes of Sunday Igboho who many of the oppressed locals and others in the Southwest see as a messiah. The implication of ethnic fighters rising in defence of their people is a huge threat to the corporate existence of Nigeria. It is an indictment on the security forces and the political leadership of the country. The report in The Nation where soldiers escorted herdsmen back to Ogun community where they were rejected by the locals and intimidated the people also fuelled complicity of the security forces which further deepens the distrust between the people of other ethnic extractions who are not Fulani. The speaker has become a credible voice of reasoning in the ensuing confusion over the herder imbroglio. The president should leverage the solutions Gbajabiamila has enumerated. The executive arm of government should be truly executive in this matter. Killer herders who have sent many to early graves should be brought to justice and the rights of farmers over their ancestral lands should be enforced. We hardly hear in the media of arrested killer herders being committed to trial and convicted. Trial of hardened criminals should be given wide publicity to serve as deterrent to others who might be nursing kidnapping, murder and allied heinous ventures. When suspected killers who are of Fulani extraction walk free without any punitive action for crimes they committed, it further weakens the trust of other ethnic groups in the leadership. r'BCVONJ XSPUF GSPN ,BOP

FAREWELL, TONY MOMOH

Osita Okechukwu pays tribute to Tony Momoh, former Minister of Information

s our chairman, Prince of Auchi Royal Kingdom, Tony Momoh goes home morrow,11 February, 2021, after a sojourn of 81 years, and nine months on Mother Earth. We his children of extended clan, and adherents can only quip that to whom we cherished, we can never lose. And as Irving Berlin’s lyric posited, the song has ended, but the melody lingers. The letter to my countrymen like many of his lucid prose have no new ones henceforth, in fact had seized from legendary Prince, it can only be found in the archives. For the sage says that death is a universal destiny and uncommon denominator, which spares neither the royal rich nor the poor, neither black nor white and neither young nor old. He was intensely spiritual, making him seem as if he operated between the living and the dead. Our chairman was an octogenarian and lived an exemplary and successful life. Prince was chairman, of Editorial Board, Daily Times, chairman Alex Ekwueme Campaign Organisation (ALEPCO), chairman Media and Publicity Committee of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), chairman The Buhari Campaign Organisation (TBO) Media and Publicity and chairman defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC). Indeed chairman of all chair. Prince was pan-Nigerian, patriot per excellence, kind hearted and charitable persona. He touched many lives, mentored uncountable hundreds and a model to be emulated. He was passionate in his beliefs and spiritual even in politics. A spiritual realm vividly captured by his grandson, Esivwe Momoh, “As if he knew it was time, he told us shortly before he passed on that he was going for SPIRITUAL CHECKUP.” He was in the same league with Rt.Hon. Chuba Okadigbo of blessed memory in prophesying as early as 2002 that President Buhari will not only halt the pet project of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was then constructing a one party system for Nigeria, but will one day win the presidential election. We thank Almighty God that their labour, indeed our labour for multiparty system in Nigeria is not in vain. It is with nostalgia that

one will recount my encounter with him after an AIT television session where one was paired with PDP’s spokesman, Kola Olagbodiyan. I got kind of emergency call from him. If you know Prince, you dare not fail to honour his summon, so I abandoned my schedule, headed to his Utako home at Abuja, after greetings, good morning Sir, he sat me down. As an old teacher cum professional journalist, he queried my answers on what Mr President has achieved. He cleared his throat, gave me pass marks on issues like Buhari’s Agrarian Revolution and infrastructural development, but rebuked me on what he rated the most remarkable achievements. He reminded me of multiparty system as the hallmark of liberal democracy with unique feature of two dominant political parties. He said without the strident, passionate and uncommon resilience of Mr President and some of us his foot soldiers that Nigeria could have remained under a one party system, hence unbridled dictatorship. Quoting him, “never forget the land mines placed on our tortuous route to merger that gave birth to All Progressives Congress on 31, July 2013. This is the most important achievement of Mr President, like him or hate him, this is a historical fact.” He added the issue of prudent management of scarce public fund by Buhari’s administration as a major achievement. For him anti-graft war is work in progress. On the issue of herdsmen/ farmers clashes he expressed misgivings and promised to meet Mr President to advise him to take decisive action. Whether he did, one doesn’t know. Suffice it to say that he intoned of decisive action from our dear president. It was lecture series one will ever miss from this icon. Albeit, Prince reminds us that when you are sorrowful, look again and again in your inner heart and recount the useful lessons he bequeathed to us. The lessons are unlimited, as one cannot easily forget his stand at Railway Guest House Jos. Alex Ekwueme Campaign Organisation used the guest house as TAC Hq and was confronted with a big dilemma, between the devil and deep blue see, as the presidential primary election was shifted to Sunday. Opinion was divided whether there could legally be a shift of date without National Executive Committee

of the Peoples Democratic Party’s meeting. The late Dr Emeka Enejere and some of us contested the shift because we were angered first, because Chief Obasanjo’s camp had earlier allegedly shot our Campaign Director General, Chief Audu Ogbeh who was contesting Benue South Senatorial District with Senator David Mark. Added salt to injury was the shift, resulting from the fact that we booked full, most hotels in Jos and Obasanjo camp was left out in the cold Jos weather. They were forced to be quartered miles away outside town. Prince, late Adamu Ciroma and Dr Ekwueme stood on the side that contesting the date may derail the transition program and that nothing on earth should halt Nigeria’s move to democracy, whether Ekwueme lost or not. And with the military establishment push Ekwueme lost, but democracy triumphed. Another remarkable event which demonstrated Prince’s professional dexterity as a journalist was immediately after our exit from the defunct ANPP, when late Chief Edwin Umezoke, then chairman and his cohorts post 2007 mangled presidential election, abandoned Buhari at the Presidential Election Tribunal. Prince invited ANPP Media and Publicity team to his hotel and marshaled out media action plan. He said, “Osita, we are going to use your platform as the Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) to advance our narrative against their bogus claim of National Unity Government. For the spokesman of the party didn’t exit with us. It was then that he reminded us that he had made legal history in the classic-cus judgement of Momoh Vs National Assembly. A Grapevine report akin to today’s constituency project grapevine news of building bridge to no where story. The judgment was one of his golden medals, that the source of news is sacred and cannot be disclosed by journalists as guaranteed by the constitution. In sum, Prince was my dear chairman at different at times at different fora, spanning over two decades; accordingly in adieu tribute, permit me to end with one of the the occasions when he demonstrated his most remarkable commitment to democracy. When most APC leadership were losing their heads consequent upon the brouhaha over the

National Assembly election which produced former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, he remained calm and philosophical. In a crucial meeting of core legacy members of APC he assigned me to go and plead with my brother, Senator Ike Ekweremadu to vacate the office of Deputy Senate President. That it was an aberration and antithetical to the cohesion of our great party, the ruling party. For him that was the only snag and he was ready to plead with all those that were offended in one way or the other, if he will resign or withdraw. There and then I told him, there is no need broaching it, for the Ekwemadu I know will not agree. I then whispered to him that we should go to Mr President as members of the defunct CPC family and to fashion out ways and means of managing the presidency. He shouted, are you one of those who still talk of CPC family, when we are now one family under APC. He frowned seriously and named some prominent individuals he rebuffed on this score. I calmly took time to narrate how we need to assist Mr President as the center can no more hold, as Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu after contributing immensely in the construction of APC merger either by commission or omission, breached one of the Igbo maxims. He quietly as usual asked me whether am coming with another Igbo proverb? I said no proverb this time, but a maxim that “you do not allow the sharing of shops of a new market to denigrate into a fight,” especially when Asiwaju has gotten the VP’s slot. He could have avoided such fierce struggle for National Assembly slots, more so when Mr President had publicly pronounced that he was ready to work with anyone. That after such fight, it becomes very difficult or almost impossible for shareholders to sit amicably. That we are going to be the bridge. He refused and up to death was committed to one APC family. For this, I once more salute his tenacity, resilience, learnt a lot from him and wish we all emulate him. Prince, the Song has ended, but the melody lingers! Adieu! Adieu! Adieu Prince! r0LFDIVLXV JT %JSFDUPS (FOFSBM 7PJDF PG /JHFSJB

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EDITORIAL

CONTAINING THE BIRD FLU OUTBREAK The authorities must do more to check the flu

ith the recent death of several birds in four farms across Plateau State, the Director and Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Sipak Dawat Shaseet has confirmed that the dreaded Bird Flu disease caused by the H5N1 virus has made a resurgence in the country. This is a disturbing development, especially at a period the country is battling the Covid-19 pandemic. Nigeria recorded its first-ever case around January 2006. At that time, about 88 persons THE RELEVANT around the world had AUTHORITIES succumbed to the SHOULD ALWAYS disease that was first BE PROACTIVE ON diagnosed three years earlier. The 2006 Bird THE HANDLING Flu episode in the OF EMERGENCIES country did not subWHICH OCCUR FROM side until around 2009. TIME TO TIME But the real concern at this period is the potential of the disease to be transferred to humans. We hope the authorities will move quickly to avoid a spread, especially into states like Kano where cluster farming is predominant. Cluster Farming is a method of farming for higher profit, which merges several smallholder farms called satellites to a mother farm referred to as the hub farm. This form of farming supports the rapid spread of the Avian Influenza. Experts therefore call on the federal government to expand its forensic investigation to ascertain how the disease came back into our country. Although no human case has been found, continuous implementation of extreme bio-security measures must be ensured. One fact that should not be ignored is that being a zoonotic disease, bird flu can be

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passed between animals and humans, even though the human strain does not spread easily from person to person. But with the resurgence at a period of COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to be careful and vigilant so that it does not spread. It must be stated though that the very few cases of such transmission (not in Nigeria) have been among people with exceptionally close contact, such as a mother who caught the virus while caring for her baby that was ill. The fact also remains that eating fully cooked eggs or chickens presents no health hazard. To the extent that scientists believe that because the disease has spread to wild birds, pigs, and even donkeys, bird flu will be difficult to eradicate. The relevant authorities should always be proactive on the handling of emergencies which occur from time to time. In most countries, it is treated as a public health issue, especially since human beings are involved but it would appear that in Nigeria, it is an issue that only the Ministry of Agriculture deals with. For us, this is not tidy. We call for collaboration between the agriculture ministry and health authorities so that there can be concerted efforts in the management of the challenge. The government must not take anything for granted. More manpower must be empowered to take samples with their task being to buy and test chickens randomly from farms, and live birds markets all over the nation. These experts must go in search of possible cases. Also, there must be surveillance even in the remotest of the rural settlements in our country. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) should work with stakeholders like the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other development partners with expertise to deal with the outbreak. We must do everything we can to keep bird flu at bay from our country, especially at a time like this.

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INEC, CERTIFICATES AND THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE

ndoubtedly, a major responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is to credibly conduct elections, for candidates from various political parties to vie for positions and by extension, educate voters. Upon declaration of a vacant seat, the platform is open for political parties to field candidates, they deemed fit and qualified, by submitting necessary documents and certificates for INEC documentation and onward clearance. The electoral sphere has, in recent time, witnessed what seems not to be the usual. Upon conclusion of an voting exercise, results are unveiled and winners declared. Optimistic losers, who felt some abnormalities during the exercise, seek redress at the tribunal then appeal, up to the apex supreme court. This is done on basis of over voting, rigging and others. The paradigm shift is for candidates who lost at the polls and even some at party primaries, to seek disqualification of the winner or another candidate on basis of certificates submitted. Why should that be the case? Why should INEC screen in a candidate with discrepancy and issues on certificates? Why should it be the opposition to fish that out when there is an electoral body?

Why should the mandate of the people, who had taken time to rally their support for a candidate, be jeopardised? This is a big question that calls for answer, when candidates reap from where they never sowed. It is a big blow on democracy, which gives maximum power to the people, as Abraham Lincoln explained it as a “government of the people, for the people and by the people”. In 2020, Bayelsans, and Nigerians generally, received with a great shock, the disqualification of the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, David Lyon and Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, by the Supreme Court verdict led by Justice Mary Odili, a day to their swearing-in. The disqualification, filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Sen. Douye Diri, was on ground of discrepancies of names on credentials submitted by the Deputy Governor-elect, noting there was no connection between the name on the candidate’s school-leaving certificate, first degree (BA), master’s degree and the affidavits sworn, who was and still a sitting senator. The participation of Bayelsans at the 2019 polls was without equal in the history of the state. But what turns out for the people? Their choice was upturned by a court order,

CALLED OUT

which could have been averted at the onset. Similar case is ongoing in the post-Edo 2020 governorship election, where the Governor, Godwin Obaseki is defending his credentials before the court of law in a suit, this time, against the APC. What do we get of it? Nothing but absolute waste of time and resources, maximum distraction from governance, and of all, toying with the mandate of choice. The electoral act should saddle INEC wholesomely, with the power to disqualify candidates, who seems to have issues with their certificates or documents submitted, prior to the conduct of the elections. Such candidates should be given the benefit of making amendments, within a stipulated period, and/or the parties of such candidates be asked to field in another contestants. This would solve a reasonable part of the numerous electoral cases in the court, which make the electorate to question the electoral process they participate in. Why would we not continue to experience low voters’ turnout at the polls when the people’s choice is often jeopardised after serious participation?

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he Australian Tennis tournament is using the new Hawk-Eye electronic line-calling system rather than line umpires, a sensible move given COVID restrictions although there is the possibility of an unexpected option beyond out and fault, advertisements. Advertisements in papers and on TV are a regular part of life and there are so many logos on players uniforms - surely enough brand names are out there for anyone to want but apparently no. The line calling system may now call out Buy Brand X or Brand Y will make your skin glow or if it is connected by Wi-Fi there are many other messages that an enthusiastic hacker could call out and have heard by the whole world. This could be the new version of Trump Twitter posts now that his voice is silenced for a while. Again, a good use of science that can be misused and abused by big business.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021

POLITICS

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

‘The President is Aware of the Urgency of the Moment’ Nseobong Okon-Ekong Senior interviews the Special Assistant on Special Intervention Programmes, Mr. Ismail Ahmed, a lawyer, on his perception of how President Muhammadu Buhari administers the country

Ahmed

re you concerned that President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy may be marred by misunderstanding? What would you say are the obstacles to accurate and factual information on the performance of this administration? Yes. Sometimes I fear that his legacy might be deliberately misconstrued or mistaken because of the cacophony of lies and fake news and false narratives created by cynics and naysayers. Every govt in the world does the hard job of selling its story. We on our part have not been as vehement about telling and selling our story as we should. Most of the people that speak for us as a govt or defend us lack the requisite information and those who posses the information hardly talk. We need to up our game in terms of communication, firmly and vehemently so. What are some if the iconic projects of the Buhari era that the Nigerian public should know? They are pretty obvious. The 2nd Niger Bridge is one. The Railways are undoubtedly a humongous achievement. The almost reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway. The AKK Gas Pipeline Project. The refurbishments and upgrade of some of the major airports in the country. The Social Investments Programme that have helped reduce out of school children. The Commission of People with Special Needs. The refocus on the Mambila Power Project. The Siemens Power Deal with the Germans. The Agricultural Revolution. And so much more. Do you agree that the President takes his precious time in acting on matters that could be classiﬁed as a matter of national emergency? What does this say about his leadership style?

It just says he is meticulous and careful. His age and persona also gives him the latitude to be deliberate and take his time. I understand how that can be a bit uncomfortable for many people but it is not for lack of a thoughtful process. The president is aware of the urgency of the moment and always ensures that decisions are timely. Do you think the President worries more about the process than what he actually does, because this sometimes causes serious delay or obstacles? Process is important because it sets precedence. But I think he is more worried about making the right decisions rather than the fast ones. What do you think Buhari should do to change a lot of minds? There is a clamour for change an open dialogue on restructuring of the country? I think this issue has been overflogged. The APC has had a restructuring committee that came up with fantastic recommendations and we are at the verge of submitting them as bills

to National Assembly. The dynamic nature of life is the kind that allows us the opportunity to adapt to changing circumstances. The president is not reluctant to restructure. He just believes the Natiomal Assembly should do it. What is happening in terms of insecurity is unbelievable under Buhari watch, where are the loose ends? What is he not doing right? It is unfair to say that there is something he is not doing right. There has been tremendous improvements in some aspects of security especially the fight against insurgents, the upgrade and tooling of our Armed Forces. The issue in the last couple of years has been rural banditry and kidnapping especially in the North West and some parts of North Central down to the South West. It is a heartbreaking situation but the armed forces, intelligence agencies and law enforcement are all pooled together to bring a wholistic end to this madness. What do you think has informed the optimism in the projections in the 2021 budget, when ot is clear that Coronavirus,

The APC has had a restructuring committee that came up with fantastic recommendations and we are at the verge of submitting them as bills to National Assembly. The dynamic nature of life is the kind that allows us the opportunity to adapt to changing circumstances. The president is not reluctant to restructure. He just believes the Natiomal Assembly should do it

for instance, and the unpredictable global oil market indicate otherwise? I am not an economist and I am not in the Financial Sector of the Govt. However, I do know that we have a very good minister of finance and she must have done her calculations and projections in concert with the the Economic team of the president made up of renowned economists and developmental experts. I would yield superior wisdom to them in this matter. The overriding opinion in the public space is that the leading ofﬁcials of this administration are arrogant and stubbornly refuse to admit they are fallible and reject help and superior arguments on national issues Really? Like who? Tell us anyone and we will invite him at the party level and make it clear to him or her that this is a Govt of, for and by the people. People come first. If you hold any position on our behalf, then you must be accountable to the people on your stewardship. You are only as important as the respect the people accord you. We have no room for arrogance. Information coming out in many instances allege cases of corruption involving high ranking ofﬁcials of this administration and the President simply turns a blind eye, except in cases where it may be suggested that the accused is being witch hunted These are all rumors and innuendos. The president has once challenged you journalist to provide clear and irrefutable evidence of corruption and leave the rest to him. What do you think the Buhari administration should prioritise in order to impact on the welfare of the most vulnerable groups? Security and Economic growth.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021

POLITICS

‘You Can’t Allow Fulanis With AK47 and Disarm Others, It’s Unfair ‘

DISSENTING VOICE...IN HIS OWN WORDS

2023 and Young People

Businessman and politician, Iboro Otu challenges Nigerian youths to play more active role in Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, in this preparation towards the 2023 national elections interview with George Okoh, tackles issues relating to insecurity, using the situation in his state as a mirror to reﬂect the grim situation in the country

he spate of insecurity across the country in recent times is getting out of control.What do you think will resolve these issues? The truth is that this country belongs to all of us and the presidency must act fast because things are going to an alarming propotion. From North-east, North-west, North-central, South-west, South-east and South-south, there is general insecurity and this is being propelled by herdsmen. I want to repeat again, I have sent a petition to the presidency and to all security agencies before that if they want peace, Miyetti Allah must be arrested. These are people who have owned up and taken responsibility that they have killed; they maim, they rape and do all sorts of atrocities, yet their leadership is in Abuja and nobody is confronting them. Until these people are arrested, we will continue to have this sad scenario. But when I talked, I was being vilified and castigated. There is nothing they didn’t say against me but the reality is here now. It is not just happening to Benue State today, it is happening to the entire country. Why is the Federal Government silent about these Fulani herdsmen? When will the Federal Government come out and criticize and arrest herdsmen carrying AK47? When are they going to do that? Are we second class citizens in this country? What makes Fulani man feel he is superior to a Tiv man? A Benue man is not a slave to any Fulani man in this country. And so, Federal Government must do this. At a point in time, the Federal Government came out with a policy through the police that even those with licensed dane guns, double barrel and pump action guns should surrender them to the police. How many times has the presidency or the Federal Government condemned the Fulani herdsmen who are carrying AK47 all over the place? This is not correct. In Benue, we stand for justice, equity and fairness. Whatever is happening to Fulani man should also happen to any other person. That was why I called on the Federal Government to license me and many other good citizens to have Ak47 too. Because, if I have my AK 47 and a Fulani man coming and see that both of us are carrying same type of guns, then we can face each other. But you can’t disarm me and arm the Fulani man. This is the point. This is not right. The Federal Government is biased and unfair. The failure in security is caused by the Federal Government. What I perceive is that the president is not aware of all these things, because if he is aware he will stop it. I know General Muhammadu Buhari as someone who is disciplined but people around him, sycophants and mediocre are not willing to let him know the pains that Nigerians are going through. Mr president, in case you are listening to me, I want you to know that your people, Nigerians are suffering. You promised Nigerians that you would be fair to all. You said that you will be for everybody and for nobody and now it would appear that you are just for Fulani people because nothing is coming from you to give the people confidence that you are their president. You are the president of the federal republic of Nigeria and not the president of Fulani. You are the president of everybody and I owe you a duty as a stakeholder in this country, to let you know that what is going on is wrong and this has the potential of dividing this country which will not be in the interest of anyone. Some of us believe in the unity of this country. We believe in leadership because we know that leadership is by God and we have the responsibility to advise you when things are going wrong. It

Ortom is not everything that I know as governor but depend on lieutenants. So, you must depend on us. Those who are silent are doing that as sycophants and mediocre. They are not willing to tell you the truth. The bible says you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Mr. President, if anybody is deceiving you that all is well, it is not well with us here in Benue state and from what I can hear from other states, it is not well with Nigerian today. You must act fast before it is too late. What do you have to say about the recent agreement by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to ban open grazing? Benue State has become a model in this country when it comes to issues of security, when it comes to economic issues and on issues of ensuring that there is adequate legislation to ensure the rule of law in our society. Today, like I said when MKO Abiola was being honoured in Abuja, you would recall that I said that the prohibition of open grazing and provision for ranching law that is being opposed today that tomorrow, it will be celebrated as they are celebrating June 12 and the principal actor, MKO Abiola. It is not more than two years and today we have seen it. And if you recall for all of you who were with us here who supported us in the struggle, that we told Nigerians and Benue people that there is no alternative in ensuring security for lives and property other than ensuring that there is legislation so that everybody will know his limit. That is what we have done in Benue state. Our anti open grazing law has succeeded. Today we have relative peace in the state because there is a legislation on ground and anybody that comes here with cattle in the forest or in our farms and so on knows that he is trespassing against our law. We appreciate the security agencies, our livestock guards, Argo Rangers, vigilante groups and our people for standing with us to ensure that we implement this law. It is on record that hundreds of people have been convicted, some have paid fines and some are in prison. And thousands of cattle have been arrested and quarantined until people come to pay their fines. And those who are not able to pay, we auction them as stipulated by the law. And we are not going to relent. Benue State has no intention to scrap the law that has given us relative peace. I am happy that people from the South-east and South-west including South-wouth are agreeing that cattle must be ranched. This is what we saw several years ago. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Otu

ow many years do you possibly think you have left on this earth, young people? You seriously don’t believe you’ll live pass 80, do you? What’s your number, how many more you reckon? 50? 60? 40 more? It’s hard to consider death ‘before your time’. Most of us are confident it can’t happen even when the choice isn’t within our hands. Truth is, you can possibly die tomorrow and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. The cliche about living each day as our last sometime feels a bit too dramatic than realistic but banal as it may seem, it still surprises over 90% of the 150, 000 people who die everyday on earth. So, what is this thing you’re taking your time to do? We procrastinate, we ‘cruise’. Not like there is anything wrong with this except the notion and our concept of time, for it warps our reality, tempers our resolve and spreads intended achievements to fit ‘our time’. How many friends or people you know, have you lost this year - 2023 - already? Of course, I know, i know, it can’t happen to you. I just want to remind you there was a time it couldn’t happen to them - at least not while they were still alive, but I bet now the joke’s on them. No, the joke is on you. The joke is on all of us. I know some people whose biggest worry is living well, so on the day the Good Lord comes or rapture happens, they can make heaven. Some believe He will come like a thief in the night, like He said. All those are considered concepts except the dawning fact that your Lord comes the day you die. Death is your thief in the night, your rapture, and there’s no escaping that. I’m certain some of your friends have already met their rapture so what? Ninety-nine percent of us have so little time than we imagine and very few of us will ever live to see the age we envision, and yet we don’t resolve to live each day so fiercely, so much so that our revenge against death is us living well. You must live well while you are alive, you owes yourself that. Life isn’t a destination, it is what you are doing right now and you might as well do it enjoyably. But what is living well? There are a lot of wrongs in the community we live in; artificial man-made wrongs. Most of these are unnatural occurrences within our capacity to correct or redirect but most of us look the other way. We may be right to say we do not have the resources needed to fight these battles, true, but no greatness comes with a ready-made armory. The safe option to pursue is silence and a lot of heroes have allowed their greatness to pass them by while in silence. But you, you son/daughter of an almost illiterate father and a hardworking mother, bastard of a child, you who has nothing

to lose; you who has seen everything from 1 to 99, what then is 100? They have stolen your past and your present, you want to let them steal your future too? How do you want to be remembered? Wouldn’t it be fun to right just one wrong and go out in blazing glory? I’ll play the devils advocate here, for even the devil in the Devil’s Advocate knows ‘it’s fun to be right!’ We read books and watch documentaries on people like Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, etc, and we are wowed, inspired about the insurmountable battles they fought and what they stood for. To make a difference takes courage, but courage is nothing. To make a difference, even before the courage, requires recognition; recognition of the fact that what is good for us is also good for others. This knowledge, deeply accepted, carries within itself the courage to fight for ourselves and others. It comes with an inalienable love for truth and justice, just like current and voltage carried within an electromotive force. I can bet you, however, that no great person did what they did with a certainty to be great, it’s impossible. You can’t design greatness, greatness is a prepackaged contraption that picks you when you pick it. And as you unravel it, it unravels you. Most great people only wanted to address injustices happening about them, but ended up changing the world around them. Greatness isn’t in doing great things great, it’s in doing little things amazingly. Greatness is a journey, a humbling task, and it begins with seeing life through another’s lens, recognizing life as a guest house; a living space given for a brief visit on our way towards an everlasting journey. As a people, we have been robbed silly by wicked leaders. We have seen different shades of impunity, poverty, death, what haven’t we seen? We have witnessed the privileged go scot free while the innocent get jailed. We have seen the mighty few get unlimited access to our commonwealth while the rest suffer. The question then is, what have you done about these beyond talking and posting on social media? Rarely does the world propel anyone to their destiny. The world only follows you quietly when you’re diligent with your work, until you arrive at the set table in the presence of your enemies; and thereafter your head gets anointed with oil. It is always when you surpass your boiling point that everything else comes bubbling over. So, act! The time has come that we must act. Not for glory, but for love of community and equal good, for others and ourselves. 2023 is your opportunity to be great, young people. And yes, the time is short.

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FEATURES

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

Promoting Cultural Identity, Unity among the Yoruba Race Chiamaka Ozulumba reports that the 2021 World Congress of the O’odua Progressive Union, a social and economic organisation, comprising prominent Yoruba indigenes in the Diaspora, was another opportunity for the union to promote cultural identity and unity

or the O’odua Progressive Union (OPU), a social and economic organisation, comprising prominent Yoruba indigenes in the Diaspora, its objective has always been to promote cultural identity and foster unity among the Yoruba race. The self-dependent organisation was formed in 2011 and since then, it has been at the centre of projecting Yoruba cultural heritage and identity abroad and has over the years been able to cover 84 countries, assisting themselves and asserting their roles for national calling and development. Recently, the union held its 2021 annual World Congress in Offa, Kwara State. The event tagged Offa 2021 was in fulfillment of the group's tradition whereby members meet annually from all over the world to rejoice and deliberate on the way forward for the Yoruba race. According to the organisers, the annual event was originally planned to be a week-long programme climaxing with various activities but unfortunately, the second wave of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic prevented members of the group from participating in all the programmes. Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland and Global Convener of the group, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, who lauded the sagacity of OPU members, added that the group had demonstrated strong commitment and consistent efforts in ensuring that the annual fiesta was held. The Yoruba generalissimo went down the memory lane, saying the Yoruba diaspora group will be 10 in November this year, maintaining also that members of the group have shown enough maturity and diligence in addressing issues. "The reason for the annual world congress is to gather Nigerians of Yoruba origin from abroad to discuss pertinent issues relating to the progress and development of our race. This year congress is the 7th edition. It had been held in Ikeja, Lagos, Ife in Osun State, Oyo town, Oyo State, Abeokuta, in Ogun State, Akure, in Ondo, Ado- Ekiti,in Ekiti state and Offa in Kwara state respectively". The Offa congress, according to Iba Gani Adams was scheduled to be the best so far because of the series of programmes that were lined up for the annual fiesta. Part of the programmes, he said was the royal visit to the palace of the Oloffa of Offa, His Royal Majesty,Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Okikiola Ajagungbade. Apart from the royal visit, there was also a lecture, a dinner party, and a special visit to the governor of Kwara State, Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasaq. The group had also planned to visit the Erin-Oke Waterfall as one of the tourists destinations in the state. On this, he explained further that the world congress was a lasting project and a perfect destination for members to visit various tourists' destinations in the country, just as he urged the government to resuscitate the moribund tourism destinations across the country. Leading the train of members to Offa was the Chairman of the 2021 congress and African Union (AU) Coordinator, Chief Segun Ogunpitan, who stated that this years congress was historic because it actually marked the beginning of great things, declaring that no fewer than 500 members of the group were in attendance at the various events, with strict adherence to the COVID-19 regulations. He said the group also embarked on humanitarian services, such as inauguration of borehole to Offa community and a special free medical facility, tagged:" Medical Mission", where over 800 people benefitted from the facility. "It was a successful congress and God really supported us from beginning to the end.We actually planned a week-long programme as usual, but we had to skip some of the programmes because of the prevailing health issues in the country. By and large, we are able to touch people's life by offering free healthcare facilities and inaugurating the borehole to Offa community.With the two events, I think we are able to impact lives positively. And I am proud to be part of this success story", he said. While welcoming his guests to the palace, the Offa monarch, Oba Mufutau Okikiola, expressed delight that members of OPU had made significant impacts in the town, adding that the group would be remembered for providing basic facilities to

Members of the group during the free health exercise

Some members of the community waiting for the health experts

Founder of the group, Iba Gani Adams

the people of the town. "It is not in all cases that you see a group from diaspora coming back home to facilitate an enduring legacy like this. Many of the people abroad hardly remember where they were coming from because they are in what I described as their comfort zones. “They are exposed to global development around the world. But that is not the case with the OPU,it is amazing that the group could raise such money to provide for facilities that are purely in the interest of the community.” "I am very optimistic that Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, being the global convener of the group had succeeded in building a formidable platform that can change the narratives of our race in no distance time". The revered monarch prayed for all the members

of the group, even as he wished them well in all their future endeavours, just as residents and beneficiaries of the project applauded the efforts of the OPU. Expressing her appreciation to OPU, Alhaja Memunat Ajao, in her view, said the health care initiative came at the appropriate time. She added that the community will always remember the group for taking care of residents. "I want to appreciate all members of the OPU for donating the borehole and for this health care services. It is a special privilege,and I am happy that we can now have clean and potable water within our reach". General Secretary of the 2021 congress, Comrade Larry Aderoju, said he was impressed with the turn out of people during the medical mission. He expressed concern that the recent health care

initiative has shown that there are vacuums in the health sector. Aderoju, however, promised that the group will continue to offer free health services to host community in future congresses. "Many of our members that participated in the health care programme are care-givers". They contributed immensely in ensuring that the services were rendered to those that needed them most. We attended to both the young and the old. Aged mothers and fathers were not left out even as many of the residents confessed that the medical mission had really helped them", he said The OPU 2021 congress scribe also urged the Kwara state government to embark on grassroots free health programme, stressing that people at the grassroots need to be taken care of with comprehensive health schemes. "As a group, there are plans to sustain the legacy we have in Offa. I hope those that benefitted from this project should see it as their project, so that they can be able to maintain and sustain this legacy.” The Congress came to climax with a bash organised at the Omole Phase 2 residence of the Aare Onakakanfo. The gathering also offered the opportunity for all the members of the group to discuss the activities for the next congress, which, according to them, will hold next year in Kabba, Kogi state. The party became lively with presentations of Pillar Awards to countries and individuals. The awards, according to them, were presented to appreciate those that had supported the 2021 edition of the OPU World Congress. Some of the members that supported the played key roles during the congress include the Welfare Chairperson Chief Funmi Olumade,Chief Rapheal Ajibare and Chief MsModupeolaAkewusola, who is Secretary finance committee. All the 34-member of the Offa 2021 OPU World congress, planning committee were happy as they all gave their reports about the congress. The report was later ratified by the highest decision making organ of the group.

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INDUCTION CEREMONY

L-R: First Vice President, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigerian, Dr. Adesola Kayode; CEO, Josmol Group of Health Technology Company, Dr. Joseph Olowe; Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Adetunji Adenekan, and President, AGPMPN, Dr. Ugwu Odo, during the launch of DoktorConnect and Lifepro for e-Health service delivery, in Lagos...recently

‘Africa Needs More Spectrum to Accelerate Digital Penetration’ Emma Okonji GSM Association (GSMA), the industry organisation that represents the interests of global mobile network operators (MNOs) has called on African governments to release more spectrum licences that will accelerate Africa’s digital agenda in the era of global digital transformation agenda. The organisation stated this in its report, even as it advised African governments to make cost of spectrum licences more affordable as a first step, should they want to continue to expand coverage and maximise the benefits from broadband connectivity. Spectrum licence is the exclusive rights given by government to telecoms operators to use certain frequency band for a particular service delivery. According to the report,

TELECOM “African countries account for a large proportion of the highest spectrum prices globally. When spectrum prices are adjusted by income, Africa accounts for about half of all the high or extremely high spectrum prices worldwide. “Governments in Africa have assigned approximately half the amount of mobile spectrum compared with the global average. This gap in spectrum assignments has emerged and expanded over the last decade, making it difficult for operators to offer fast mobile broadband speeds. Governments in the region have also on average, licensed 3G and 4G spectrum around three years later than other regions.” Analysing the report, Head of Africa, GSMA, Mr. Akinwale

Goodluck, said licensing more spectrum earlier and at affordable prices could pay dividends for consumers. He explained that higher amounts of spectrum and lower spectrum prices are strongly linked to higher population coverage, download speeds and adoption. Countries that have assigned spectrum earlier have also achieved higher coverage levels, he further said. Giving the statistics of the growth of mobile broadband services in Africa, the report stated that at the end of 2019, 477 million people in sub-Saharan Africa subscribed to mobile services, accounting for 45 per cent of the population. Also, the rollout of mobile technology has driven a fifth of income per capita growth over the last 20 years. These

are impressive numbers. But with some 900 million people in Africa still unconnected, there is more work to be done. According to Goodluck, “Spectrum licensing decisions, and pricing in particular, play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of mobile services and providing better networks and services for consumers and businesses. Our new “Effective Spectrum Pricing in Africa” report is unprecedented in scope and depth, tracking spectrum assignments across nearly 50 African countries for the 2010–2019 period.” He said the negative impacts of high spectrum prices on connectivity in Africa, were unfortunately clear to see. It is an issue that has to be addressed for the region to take Continued on page 26

Analysts Forecasts Higher Bond Yields in Second Half of 2021 Nume Ekeghe The Chief Investment Officer, Afrinvest Asset Management, Mr. Robert Omotunde has predicted that the second half of 2021 will see higher yields on federal government’s bonds. He said this Tuesday, at Afrinvest’s virtual seminar titled: “The investment playbook for 2021,’ where other analysts also from the research and investment company discussed the investment strategies for 2021. Omotunde said: “The Nigerian domestic bond market is a fantastic opportunity to plug into. If you follow the market, you would have noticed that

ECONOMY since December 2020, we are beginning to see uptick in yields. “And one of the interesting things about it is what you call market expectations and the market sentiments is that yields should begin to trend upwards. “You have high inflation which peaked at 15.75 per cent and there is no basic justification for it to remain downwards and this has driven sentiments upwards.” He added: “What we know and what we are certain is that it is a sentiment that cannot last because we are aware of

much of the liquidity that are waiting on the side-lines to get invested in asset. “And as we speak, the alternative that would have been the OMO market, in which case most investors have opted out and so you have the treasury and bond market as the only alternatives left.” Continuing, the analysts said: “Overall outlook in terms of yield expectations is that we think that demands are going to overweigh the supply and because of that, we expect that this upward trend would reverse at least for the first four to five months into the year and we believe we would now see a

bit of uptick towards the end of the year.” Speaking further on the outlook of the market, he said: “There are so many reasons compelling us to believe that yields would track downwards because of the latest supply we expect form the government and of course the huge demand that is still in the system. We think that is only a matter of time, within weeks, we would begin to see this reality come into play. So, our expectation in the first half is that we would see yields track downwards after

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Konga Rolls Out POD in Ogun, Kaduna

ÙØÑË˜ ËØ Ï̋ Ù××ÏÜÍÏ ÚÖËÞÐÙÜ× ÓÝ ÝÏÞ ÞÙ ÜÙÖÖ ÙßÞ ÓÞÝ Ëã ÙØ ÏÖÓàÏÜã ̙ ̚ ÙÚÞÓÙØ ÓØ ÑßØ ËØÎ ËÎßØË ÝÞËÞÏÝ˛ ÒÏ ÙÚÞÓÙØ˜ áÒÓÍÒ áÏØÞ ÖÓàÏ ÓØ ÑßØ ËØÎ ËÎßØË ÏÎØÏÝÎËã˜ ÙÚÏØÏÎ ÙÚÚÙÜÞßØÓÞÓÏÝ ÐÙÜ ÝÒÙÚÚÏÜÝ ÓØ ÌÙÞÒ ÝÞËÞÏÝ ÞÙ ÚÖËÍÏ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÙÜÎÏÜÝ ÙØÖÓØÏ ËØÎ ×ËÕÏ ÚËã×ÏØÞ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÓÞÏ×Ý áÒÏØ ÞÒÏ ÖËÝÞ ×ÓÖÏ ÙØÑË ÎÏÖÓàÏÜã ÚÏÜÝÙØØÏÖ ÎÏÖÓàÏÜÝ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÙÜÎÏÜÝ˛ ÒÏ ÎÏàÏÖÙÚ×ÏØÞ ÓÝ ÌÙßØÎ ÞÙ ÏâÍÓÞÏ ÝÒÙÚÚÏÜÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏÝÏ ÖÙÍËÞÓÙØÝ˜ ×ËØã ÙÐ áÒÙ× ÒËÎ ÏâÚÜÏÝÝÏÎ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÎÏÝÓÜÏ ÞÙ ÒËàÏ ÙØÑË ÏâÞÏØÎ ÞÒÏ ÚËã×ÏØÞ ÙØ ÎÏÖÓàÏÜã ÙÚÞÓÙØ ÞÙ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÝÞËÞÏÝ˛ ÑßØ ÞËÞÏ ËØÎ ËÎßØË ÞËÞÏ ÞÒßÝ ÔÙÓØÏÎ ÙÞÒÏÜ ÝÞËÞÏÝ ÓØ ÓÑÏÜÓË˜ ÓØÍÖßÎÓØÑ ËÑÙÝ˜ ÌßÔË˜ ÞÒÏ ÏÎÏÜËÖ ËÚÓÞËÖ ÏÜÜÓÞÙÜã ̙ ̚˜ ÏÖÞË˜ ÓàÏÜÝ˜ ÎÙ˜ ãÙ˜ ÖËÞÏËß ËØÎ ÓÑÏÜ˜ áÒÏÜÏ ÞÒÏ ÚËã×ÏØÞ ÙØ ÎÏÖÓàÏÜã ÙÚÞÓÙØ ÒËÎ ÚÜÏàÓÙßÝÖã ÌÏÏØ ÜÙÖÖÏÎ ÙßÞ Ìã ÙØÑË˛ ÓÍÏ ÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞ˜ ÚÏÜËÞÓÙØÝ ËÞ ÙØÑ˪Ý˜ Ü˛ ÏØØã ÜÓÙÖË˜ ÝËÓÎ ÞÒÏ ÜÙÖÖÙßÞ áÙßÖÎ ÙÐÐÏÜ ÝÒÙÚÚÏÜÝ ÓØ ÑßØ ËØÎ ËÎßØË Ë ÍÒËØÍÏ ÞÙ ÏØÔÙã ×ÙÜÏ ÍÙØàÏØÓÏØÍÏ ËØÎ ÙÚÞÓÙØÝ˛ ˩ Ï ÒËàÏ ÖÓÝÞÏØÏÎ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ãÏËÜØÓØÑÝ ÙÐ ÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝ ÓØ ÑßØ ËØÎ ËÎßØË Ìã ÏâÞÏØÎÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÚËã×ÏØÞ ÙØ ÎÏÖÓàÏÜã ÙÚÞÓÙØ ÞÙ ÞÒÏÝÏ ÝÞËÞÏÝ˛ ˫ ÒÓÝ ÖËÞÏÝÞ ÜÙÖÖÙßÞ ÓÝ Ë ßØÓÛßÏ ÙÚÚÙÜÞßØÓÞã ÐÙÜ ÝÒÙÚÚÏÜÝ ÓØ ÌÙÞÒ ÖÙÍËÞÓÙØÝ ÞÙ ÏØÔÙã ×ÙÜÏ ÐÖÏâÓÌÓÖÓÞã˜ ÍÙØàÏØÓÏØÍÏ ËØÎ ÙÚÞÓÙØÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÙÜÎÏÜ ÐßÖÐÓÖ×ÏØÞ ÔÙßÜØÏã áÓÞÒ ßÝ˛ ˫ ÖÝÙ˜ áÏ ËÜÏ ÍÙØÐÓÎÏØÞ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÓÝ áÓÖÖ ÎÜÓàÏ ×ÙÜÏ ÝÒÙÚÚÏÜÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏÝÏ ÖÙÍËÞÓÙØÝ ÙØÖÓØÏ˜ ËÝ áÏ ÏâÚÏÍÞ ×ËØã ×ÙÜÏ ÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝ ÞÙ ÞËÕÏ ËÎàËØÞËÑÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ØÏá ÚËã×ÏØÞ ÙÚÞÓÙØ ÞÙ ÚÖËÍÏ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÙÜÎÏÜÝ˜ˬ ÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏÎ˛ ÏËØáÒÓÖÏ˜ ÙØÑË ÒËÝ ËÖÝÙ ÚßÞ ÞÙÑÏÞÒÏÜ Ë ×ÙßÞÒáËÞÏÜÓØÑ ÖÓØÏ̋ßÚ ÙÐ ÙÐÐÏÜÝ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÓÝ ãÏËÜ˪Ý ËÖÏØÞÓØÏ˪Ý Ëã ÍÏÖÏÌÜËÞÓÙØ˛ ÒÏã ÓØÍÖßÎÏ ËÖÖ̋ÏâÚÏØÝÏÝ ÚËÓÎ ÞÜÏËÞ ÞÙ Ë ÚÜÓàËÞÏ ×ÙàÓÏ ÝÍÜÏÏØÓØÑ ÎËÞÏ ÐÙÜ ÐÓàÏ ÖßÍÕã ÍÙßÚÖÏÝ˜ áÓÞÒ ÖÙÞÝ ÞÙ ÏËÞ ËØÎ ÎÜÓØÕÝ ÙØ ËÖÏØÞÓØÏ˪Ý Ëã˛

Champions Emerge in PwC Cricket Tournament

ÒÏ ÙßÞÒ̋ÝÙßÞÒ ÑÏÙÚÙÖÓÞÓÍËÖ äÙØÏ ÒËÝ Ï×ÏÜÑÏÎ ÍÒË×ÚÓÙØ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ËÞÓÙØËÖ ̋ͯ͵ ÜÓÍÕÏÞ ÒË×ÚÓÙØÝÒÓÚ˜ ÝÚÙØÝÙÜÏÎ Ìã á ÓÑÏÜÓË˛ ÒÏ ÞáÙ̋áÏÏÕ ÞÙßÜØË×ÏØÞ˜ áÒÓÍÒ áËÝ ÙÜÑËØÓÝÏÎ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÓÑÏÜÓË ÜÓÍÕÏÞ ÏÎÏÜËÞÓÙØ ̙ ̚˜ ÏØÎÏÎ ÙØ ÏÌÜßËÜã ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ˜ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÙßÞÒ̋ÝÙßÞÒ ÞÏË× Ï×ÏÜÑÓØÑ ËÝ ÞÒÏ àÓÍÞÙÜ ÓØ Ë ÞÒÜÓÖÖÓØÑ ÐÓØËÖ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÙÜÞÒ̋áÏÝÞ ÚÏÏÜÝ˛ ÒÏ áÓØ ×ÏËØÞ ÞÒËÞ ÙßÞÒ̋ÝÙßÞÒ ÎÓÎ ÞÒÏ ÎÙßÌÖÏ˜ ÒËàÓØÑ áÙØ ÞÒÏ ÑÓÜÖÝ˪ ÐÓØËÖ Ë áÏÏÕ ÏËÜÖÓÏÜ˛ ßÜÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ËáËÜÎÝ ÍÏÜÏ×ÙØã˜ ÏÑÓÙØËÖ ÏØÓÙÜ ËÜÞØÏÜ á ÓÑÏÜÓË˜ Ü˛ ãÓ ÕÚËÞË˜ ËÚÚÜÏÍÓËÞÏÎ ÏÐÐÙÜÞÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÓØÓÝÞÏÜ ÙÐ ÙßÞÒ ËØÎ ÚÙÜÞÝ ÏàÏÖÙÚ×ÏØÞ˜ Ü˛ ßØÎËã ËÜÏ˜ ÞÙáËÜÎÝ ÞÒÏ ÎÏàÏÖÙÚ×ÏØÞ ÙÐ ÍÜÓÍÕÏÞ ÓØ ÓÑÏÜÓË˜ ËØÎ ÐÙÜ ÒÏÖÚÓØÑ ÞÙ ÏØÝßÜÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÙÜÑËØÓÝÏÜÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÙ×ÚÏÞÓÞÓÙØ ÐÙÖÖÙáÏÎ ̋ͯͷ ÚÜÙÞÙÍÙÖÝ˛ Ù××ÏØÞÓØÑ ÙØ ÞÒÏ ÍÒË×ÚÓÙØÝÒÓÚ˜ ÕÚËÞË ØÙÞÏÎ ÞÒËÞ ÒÏ áËÝ Ó×ÚÜÏÝÝÏÎ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÚÏÜÐÙÜ×ËØÍÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ãÙßÞÒÝ˛ ˫ ÒÏ ãÙßØÑ ÍÜÓÍÕÏÞÏÜÝ ÒËÎ ÚßÞ ÓØ ËØ ÏâÍÏÚÞÓÙØËÖ ÚÏÜÐÙÜ×ËØÍÏ˜ˬ ÒÏ ÝËÓÎ˜ áÒÓÖÏ ØÙÞÓØÑ ÞÒËÞ ËÖÖ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞÓÍÓÚËÞÓØÑ äÙØÏÝ ÓØ ÌÙÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÑÓÜÖÝ˪ ËØÎ ÌÙãÝ˪ ÐÓØËÖ ÝÒÙßÖÎ ÌÏ ÚÜÙßÎ ÙÐ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÚÏÜÐÙÜ×ËØÍÏ˛

“Since inception in 2013 Rack Centre has maintained 100 per cent uptime and offers its customers, open access and uncapped interconnect capacities. Its non-affiliation with telecommunications carrier, unlocks access to multiple connectivity providers” Managing Director, Rack Centre,

Dr. Ayotunde Coker Continued on page 26

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD ‘AFRICA NEEDS MORE SPECTRUM TO ACCELERATE DIGITAL PENETRATION’ full advantage of the benefits mobile broadband can bring. Goodluck was of the view that mobile industry simply cannot be seen as cash cows anymore. Government interventions to maximise revenue, result in negative consequences for citizens in cities as well as rural areas. He stressed the need for African governments to release more spectrum in a timely manner, which he said, would help telecoms operators to expand their network coverage, improve speeds and encourage adoption. “The aim with our new report is to give governments and regulators the arguments they need in order to implement policies that help improve mobile capacity and expand connectivity,” Goodluck said. The mobile market in the sub-Saharan region is expected to reach several important milestones over the next five years: half a billion mobile subscribers in 2021, 1 billion mobile connections in 2024, and 50 per cent subscriber penetration by 2025.

ANALYSTS FORECASTS HIGHER BOND YIELDS IN SECOND HALF OF 2021 which we would then see some uptick in yields in the second half driven by the demand and supply expectation.” Indications emerged last week that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could be considering wooing foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) back into the fixed income market with higher yields. The move was also expected to improve the country’s forex liquidity. Standard Bank revealed this in its latest report obtained at the weekend. According to the report, should the recent adjustments to over-the-counter (OTC) futures and open market operations (OMO) yields occur, “the CBN seems to be considering attracting FPIs again.” Last week, the FMDQ OTC futures prices were adjusted higher by an average of N9.81 on the short-end and N14.16 on the long-end of the curve. According to the report, “such a big move typically connotes an imminent depreciation of the dollar/naira pair.”

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

NEWS

Report Reveals More Information about Stealer Malware Stories by Emma Okonji The latest Sophos research has exposed a seven-year-old information stealer that spreads through malicious email spam and remains a powerful threat to companies and organisations. According to the report, the malware, called ‘Agent Tesla’ had been active for more than seven years, yet it remained one of the most common threats to Windows users. Senior Security Researcher at Sophos, a global IT Security Company, Sean Gallagher, said: “The most widespread delivery method for Agent Tesla is malicious spam attachments. The email accounts used to spread Agent Tesla are often legitimate accounts that have been compromised. “Organisations and individuals should, as always, treat email attachments from unknown senders with caution, and verify all attachments before opening them.” The report noted that Agent Tesla would steal information from web browsers, email clients, virtual private network clients, and other software that stores usernames and passwords, and could capture keystrokes while users are typing, for example entering their password, and record screenshots, so it can see what is on their screen. The more recent version of the info-stealer can use the Telegram messaging service to

communicate with its operators, as well as a software program called Tor that is very popular on the dark web to hide activity like the removal of stolen data. It also tries to alter software code to block security protection. The report said a variety of attackers use the malware to steal user credentials and other information from victims through screenshots, keyboard logging, and clipboard capture. “Since the malware’s compiler hard-codes operator-specific variables at build time, Agent Tesla

behavior can vary widely—and the malware continues to evolve. Recent changes increased the number of applications targeted for credential theft, including web browsers, email clients, virtual private network clients, and other software that store user names and passwords. The evolution of the tool also extends to its delivery package, with one version that now targets Microsoft’s Anti-Malware Software Interface (AMSI) in an attempt to defeat endpoint protection software,” the report

said. According to Gallagher, SophosLabs tracked multiple actors using Agent Tesla, including the ones behind the RATicate campaigns we began investigating in November of 2019. We’ve continued to see new variants in a growing number of attacks over the past 10 months; as recently as December 2020, Agent Tesla accounted for 20 per cent of malware email attachments detected in Sophos customer telemetry.

The Sophos report looked at the two currently active versions, which it identified as Agent Tesla version 2 and version 3. The differences between the two demonstrate how the Remote Access Trojan (RAT), has evolved, employing multiple types of defense evasion and obfuscation to avoid detection—including options to install and use the Tor anonymizing network client, and the Telegram messaging API, for command and control communications.

PROMOTING TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ekiti State, Mr. James Owolabi (left), and Board Chairman, Coderina, Mr. Femi Niyi, during the training and distribution of robotics kits to schools in the state...recently

Ekiti, Firm to Promote Future of Work for Youths The Ekiti State government is set to promote the future of work for youths in the state, through the preparation of youths for digital skills and prepare them for the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). To achieve this, the state government has launched Coding, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in public schools, in partnership with Coderina Education and Technology Foundation. To this effect, 12 schools from a mix of urban and underserved communities have been carefully

selected by the government to participate in training on Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The training was delivered by the team from Coderina Education and Technology Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that leverages technology as an enabler for gender, social and economic change. The organisation also donated 12 robotics kits to the 12 schools through sponsorship from partners including SAP, DOW,

Ford, FIRST and the LEGO Foundation. Nominated teachers and students from the 12 selected schools came together in Ado Ekiti for two days in December 2020, to partake in the inaugural training. A community of practice was also created for the teachers to continue the learning and sharing process. The 12 schools under the pilot phase are expected to ramp up to participate in the regional FIRST LEGO League Challenge; an experiential

hands-on learning program that inspires young learners to pursue a career in Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. James Owolabi, emphasised the importance of skills such as creative thinking, coding and AI as being important in the future of work as well as for entrepreneurship.

The governor pledged his support for the initiative and promised to ensure that the program is scaled to all schools across the state, in order to ensure that no child is left behind. Commenting on the programme, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, reiterated the governor’s administration to position the state to ensure that the youths and society benefit from ICT advancement, since the future is digital and the way to go.

Expert Harps on Customer Experience Strategies for Enterprise Growth Given the adverse effect of COVID-19 on businesses, the Country Head for Ajua Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Ashiru has stressed the need for organisations to build integrated customer experience strategies in order to remain competitive in business and grow the enterprise market. Ashiru in a statement said the biggest risk to businesses post-COVID was failure to meet revenue expectations, among others.

He emphasised the need for businesses to have a strong understanding of who their customers are and what their expectations are, adding that having a digital customer experience strategy enables businesses to receive information on a continuous basis in real-time. According to him, 2020 was a game-changer for businesses globally. “Businesses were confronted

with the harsh reality of a global pandemic. The difference between businesses that succeeded and those that did not, lay in their ability to understand their customer needs quickly and adapt. The question that is still on everyone’s mind is how their brands can stay relevant to their customers,” he said. He cited a report from Nigeria’s Statistics Bureau, which showed that the

economy contracted by 6.1 per cent year on year by the second quarter of 2020 alone. This decline according to him, “is Nigeria’s steepest recorded in the past decade. In addition, a report by The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) showed that during the lockdown periods, Nigeria’s GDP dropped by 34.1 per cent, amounting to $16 billion. “The reality of these figures

proves that consumers’ wallets are even more constrained in 2021. Fighting for a share of the consumer wallet will require a major shift in strategies and an even deeper understanding of the dynamic customers’ ever-shifting needs.” He insisted that even as Nigerian businesses continued to embrace digital transformation to stay ahead, there was still a need to establish deeper connections with customers.

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)

NIPOST Urged to Embrace Innovation to Enhance Revenue The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Festus Yusufu Daudu has urged the management of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), to come up with innovations that will enhance its revenue generation.

Daudu gave the charge in Abuja during the official presentation of the SERVICOM Compliant Evaluation Report on NIPOST by the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemili to the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary said the ministry was aware of the challenges of NIPOST and urged the management to come up with innovative ideas that would improve revenue generation for the organisation. According to him, “We are in the era of technology, NIPOST

has no excuse to complain about revenue generation. You have to devise other means of generating revenue and ensure quality service to the citizens”. He said the main objectives of every government globally was service delivery to his people, to make life better

for the citizens adding that SERVICOM Compliant Evaluation report is not meant to witch hunt any agencies but a means of looking into the strengths and weaknesses of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Aziz: NIMC is Working Towards Meeting Enrolment Target The Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Aziz, in this interview speaks on a number of issues around the enrolment target for the National Identification Number and SIM linkage. Emma Okonji brings the excerpts:

he federal government has a target date for National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enrol all Nigerians and legal residents. Are you on course to meet this target, and what is the total enrolled as of now? Thank you for that question, and for the opportunity to address Nigerians through your esteemed media organisation. The federal government’s statement was first made in 2018 upon the federal executive council’s approval of the strategic roadmap for accelerating digital identity project using ecosystem approach. The target of year 2022 was on the premise of partnership with public and private sector agencies to support the commission in data capturing services and making the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment centres easily accessible to the people. The Commission is on course to meet the target of enrolling all Nigerians and legal residents within timeframe subject to availability of funds and the ongoing pandemic easing out. So far, we are making progress in these respects. As at February 1, 2021, the total enrolment and successfully generated NIN is 56.18 million. You, of course, know that in late December 2020, we reported a figure of 43 million NINs issued. So, we have added additional 13 million records between December 2020 and February 2021. The commission is still working tirelessly to populate the database and has licensed over 203 agents for the intervention enrolment drive of the government.

Federal government’s directives last December on NIN-SIM linkage has brought several thousands of people to NIMC ofﬁces nationwide in clear violation of COVID-19 protocols. What should be done to stem this tide, given that NIMC still has just 1,000 as against the projected 10,000 enrolment centres in the country? First, the NIN-SIM integration is a policy of the federal government through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy due to the improper registration of SIM. So, the directive by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr, Isa Pantami, to link SIM with NIN was in compliance with the NIMC Act 2007 and Regulations 2017, which stipulate mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a valid means of identification for service delivery in Nigeria. On the issue of the COVID-19 protocols, the commission works with relevant government’s agencies such as the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to institute, and ensure compliance with all COVID-19 safety protocols and guard against the spread of the virus within and around our office premises and special centres. It is pertinent to state that NIMC received support from donors such as Red Cross, Dantata, World Bank, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, among others for the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Items donated include hand sanitisers, water dispenser buckets, hand wash basins, thermal scanners, disinfectants, face masks, mops, and information banners to raise awareness about the COVID-19 protocols that must be observed by applicants before, during and after visiting any of our offices. The Commission will continue to do its best and comply fully to the set protocols on the COVID 19. Likewise, citizens have a responsibility to adhere and observe the federal government’s directives on COVID-19 protocols for their own safety and wellbeing. It is a collective responsibility for us all. To reduce the crowd besieging our offices for enrolment, the commission introduced a number booking system, which allows only persons who have been pre-booked for a particular day to visit our offices. The system took effect from December 30, 2020 even though most applicants failed to comply by

of the overall National Identity Management System architecture. From all indications, all of the licensed agents may not be able to start at the same time; however, as many centres are set up for operations, we shall be updating the general public through our various media platforms. As the regulator of the identity sector, NIMC has built in the necessary clauses into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the licensees to ensure timely roll out of enrolment operations and periodic performance evaluation for licence renewal. The issue of obtaining a licence and not going further to fulfil the terms and obligations of the licence is foreclosed by these time-based conditions.

Aziz

showing up anyway without booking. We also encouraged NIN application through the pre-enrolment portal on the NIMC official web page- www.nimc.gov.ng. In terms of enrolment expansion and extension, it is projected that by the end of the first quarter of this year, 2021, given the speed at which our licensed enrolment vendors are setting up, especially the telecoms operators, the existing 1,000 enrolment centres would have been tripled. Nigerians are wondering why NIMC is so slow in enrolling citizens. Are there challenges that are hindering the smooth enrolment activities at NIMC ofﬁces? NIMC started enrolment and issuance of NIN since the year 2012, which is over nine years ago and our enrolment and registration centres have been functional and open all year round to provide identity services to the general public. It is quite unfortunate that a large number of citizens and legal residents did not take advantage of those years to enrol for their NIN. Based on the above, it is unfair to state that NIMC is slow in enrolling Nigerians. What you are witnessing is sudden surge of applicants showing up for enrolment because of the SIM-NIN Linkage deadline. As with any complex national project that is targeted to the entire population, there would be challenges, constraints and unforeseen issues. The federal government is fully aware of the challenges and doing its best to resolve them especially on the area of power supply, broadband connectivity, awareness and sensitisation, among others. The Commission is also collaborating with the private and public sectors in order to leverage their capacities and facilities for a cost effective, faster and better coordinated implementation of identity services delivery. NIMC staff went on strike on January 6 this year, complaining about a number of issues, including poor pay, lack of PPE to protect them from contracting COVID-19. How are you going about resolving all the issues raised by the workers? The management of NIMC has always taken steps to resolve issues and welfare demands of the staff of the Commission amicably. The federal government’s intervention is continually sought when such demands are beyond the control of the NIMC’s management. All of the issues tabled by the union are being looked into with a view to addressing and resolving them. I believe this is a NIMC family affair and we will resolve them as a family like

we have done in the past. NIMC commenced Diaspora enrolment last year. How far have you gone with this, and in how many countries so far. How do those enrolled abroad ﬁt into the NIN-SIM linkage especially for Nigerians who may visit home? Our Diaspora enrolment commenced in April 2019 and tremendous progress has been made in enrolment and issuance of NIN to Nigerians in Diaspora. Presently, we have started enrolment operations in about 16 countries where we have successfully licensed private sector companies to partner with us. The countries include - Austria; Benin Republic; Canada; China, Ghana; Germany; India; Ireland; Italy; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; South Africa; Togo; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; and the United States of America. In some countries, we have offices in two or more cities, depending on the location preference of the licensed agents. The commission is working to license more partners and expand Diaspora enrolment to more countries. For Nigerians abroad who have enrolled and have their NINs, they should visit the website of the telcos for specific instructions on how to submit or link their SIM with the NIN. If they can’t remember their NIN, they can simply retrieve it by dialling *346# from the phone number with which they were enrolled. For those who haven’t enrolled for the NIN, they have to locate the NIN enrolment centres closest to them. Our centres abroad are listed on our website. NIMC has licensed over 203 agents public and private sector operators for NIN enrolment, in what is meant to help fast- track enrolment in the National Identity Ecosystem project. Have these agents started enrolment, if no, why have they not started? What is NIMC doing, as a regulator, to make sure licensees don’t just collect the licences and ﬁle them away while Nigerians suffer trying to be enrolled? There are certain processes involved and conditions required before a licensed agent can commence data capture operations. So far, some of the licensed enrolment agents have fully met the laid out conditions, which include: procurement of enrolment equipment, certification of equipment, training of enrolment personnel, among others and have started data capture services. Some of the agents are at various stages of configuring their devices, training of enrolment agents, and setting up of enrolment equipment to ensure people, technology and processes are aligned with the standards and specifications

Although the federal government has extended the deadline for submission and linkage of NIN to April 6, 2021, industry players are pushing for June in the ﬁrst instance, considering the fact that NIMC’s enrolment centres have not increased beyond 1,000 and it is clear the crowd that throng NIMC’s ofﬁces may not be fully enrolled by that given deadline. What is your view about further extension to June? NIN enrolment is an ongoing exercise. The NIN-SIM integration exercise is a federal government policy, and there is a standing committee and Ministerial Task Force responsible to seeing that the tenets of the policy are implemented to the letter. The committee meets from time-to-time to review the progress and challenges of the policy implementation. So, it is their prerogative to either advise for extension of the deadline or otherwise. It is not in the hands of the National Identity Management Commission to extend or halt the process. It is instructive to note that this policy was not just announced in December 2020 as many have been led to believe. This Policy was officially announced in February 2020 by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. The announcement in December 2020 was a reminder to the effect of the deadline. Many people have alluded that NIMC has gulped hundreds of billions of Naira since it started but with little to show in terms of identity card issuance and now the NIN enrolment. What has been invested into NIMC so far, and how much more is required to be invested for NIMC to give Nigerians a robust identity database with all Nigerians enrolled? The commission has institutionalised accountability and probity in its financial dealings. All budgetary allocations and releases to the commission can be verified from the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant General Office. We should speak with facts and these facts are easily accessible to everyone. Since 2007 when NIMC was established, the commission has made it a duty to publish its annual financial statement and audited accounts. There you can find total appropriated funds and actual releases to the commission since inception. On the issue of how much needs to be invested into the commission in order to have a robust identity database, it is not possible to sit and announce any figure. Progress has to be measured yearly, with budget tied to necessities. This is how we operate each fiscal year. Additionally, the strategic roadmap for accelerating the digital identity project using ecosystem approach is a public document on our website and has detailed the cost of registering and issuing NIN to the population, scaling up the infrastructure, safeguarding the identity infrastructure, rolling out nationwide authentication services, providing linkages with all stakeholders for identity utilisation in service delivery among others. I want to encourage the general public including members of the media to visit the NIMC website to read and fully understand the project and what we are doing.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Ogun State, Fan Milk Partner on Dairy Farm Raheem Akingbolu Fan Milk Plc, a DANONE Company, has signed a partnership agreement with the Ogun State Government to establish a dairy farm at the Odeda Farm Institute, at Odeda Local Government Area. The partnership, an alliance with the state, is to introduce global standards in dairy farming, empower local communities and reduce unemployment rates. According to a statement, it signifies Fan Milk’s commitment to enhance the impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s backward integration programme and reinforce the federal government’s initiative to achieve food self-sufficiency in the country. In addition to boosting local content within the sector, the project would serve as a model, best-inclass dairy farm operated by local dairy experts to support local suppliers, housing a milk collection centre, purchasing feed locally and collecting milk from other farmers. The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, saying: “We welcome such future-forward partnerships, which align

with our vision to create an enabling environment for Public Private Partnerships. “As Nigeria’s Gateway State, Fan Milk’s partnership gives us the opportunity to contribute quickly and easily to job creation at scale.” “It is another symbol of our plans for 2021 and signifies our strong commitment to fostering relationships that grow the state’s revenue. The government and people of Ogun State look forward to the advancements collaboration like this will bring to local farmers and communities,” Abiodun stated. The farm, which includes a training institute, is being established to up skill existing and new local dairy farmers in the adoption of farming best practices. In his response, the Chairman of Fan Milk, Mr. Olayinka Akinkugbe, said: “For us, this partnership is bigger than the CBN backward integration program. It is about the 2,000 people or more who would be impacted through this initiative and the change we seek to bring to Nigeria’s food architecture. We are investing across the value chain and ensuring the support of the long-term ambitions of the state.”

Axxela Assigned BBB+(NG), A2(NG) Goddy Egene Axxela Limited(Axxela), has been accorded favourable national scale issuer ratings of BBB+(NG) and A2(NG) in the long term and short term by Global Credit Ratings (GCR). The ratings are valid until September 2021 and were ascribed due to Axxela’s strategic initiatives, continued diversification of revenue sources, and robust business continuity plans. Before now, Agusto & Co. had revalidated Axxela’s corporate credit rating as “Bbb+” with a stable outlook until June 30, 2021. Commenting on the rating renewal, Chief Executive Officer, Axxela, said: “Given the global headwinds faced by many sectors due to the pandemic, the company’s rating profile reaffirms our healthy financial status, competitive position, and the application of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards across our sustainable business model. “As an industry leader, Axxela will continue to spur wider industrialisation to develop communities and maximise shareholder value.” According to the GCR report, “Axxela’s ratings reflect its leading position within the Nigerian natural gas distribution market, supported by long term distribution franchises in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Other key strengths which

have underpinned the stability of earnings and cash flows include long term agreements with suppliers and customers, as well as a shipper license on the West African Gas Pipeline which enables Axxela supply gas to other West African countries. “Axxela evidenced resilient performance in 3Q FY20, despite the COVID-19 disruptions, and reported strong revenue growth over the review period underpinned by a larger client base, rising volumes, and firmer selling prices.” Axxela recently became the first Nigerian midstream company to successfully achieve a dual-listing of debt securities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the FMDQ markets. The listing of the N11.5 billion Series 1 bonds is part of a multi-year N50 billion Debt Issuance Programme issued through a special purpose vehicle – Axxela Funding 1 PLC. Commenting, Chief Financial Officer, Axxela, Timothy Ononiwu said: “We appreciate the continued recognition of our enterprise by the financial community, and the positive credit ratings further enhance Axxela’s anticipated portfolio diversification initiatives. “Confidence in our company’s future increases the certainty of access to capital markets, which are critical to our continued growth and midterm regional expansion strategy.”

NEWS

BoI: 311,000 Employees Got FG’s Payroll Support Initiative James Emejo in Abuja The Bank of Industry (BoI), yesterday said about 311,000 employees of small companies have been supported under the payroll support initiative of the MSME Survival Fund Scheme. Stakeholder Engagement Representative, BoI, Mr. Akan Ekure, added that about 64,000 companies had also been verified to date. The payroll support scheme was introduced by the federal government to ameliorate the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium enterprises to enable vulnerable Nigerians keep their jobs and as well as the businesses to thrive. Under the initiative, employees of approved enterprises

are paid between N30,000 to N50,000 for a period of three months. However, speaking at the MSME Survival Fund payroll support activation programme in Abuja, some of the beneficiary companies and staff, commended the federal government’s gesture adding that the intervention helped to stabilise their firms as well as saved many jobs. The businesses further urged the government to extend the programme from three months to one year and expand the maximum number of beneficiaries from the current 10 staff per enterprise to about 20 staff so as to make more impact. They said this would help them further cope and stabilise

given that the COVID-19 impact is still much evident globally and in the country. The businesses particularly admitted that government’s support had been a major lifeline for small business since the outbreak of the pandemic. Responding to their requests however, Ekure, said although the programme was designed and approved for three months, their requests will be conveyed to appropriate authorities for possible action. He said: “For now that is the status quo but as we have heard all the request and cries from beneficiaries for an extension, we would carry that to our principals and see what can be done because we all know that resources are finite these

days. “The global economy is tough and so with the limited resources the federal government has, they are doing what they can. “We all know the federal government is not deaf but willing to listen. We will take all these to them and see whether it can be extended and what can be done.” The survival fund and guaranteed offtake schemes are valued at N75 billion and are part of the N2.3 trillion stimulus package of the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) unveiled by the government designed to provide a lifeline to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marina

Ecobank Nigeria Introduces Money Transfer Via SMS, WhatsApp Ecobank Nigeria has said its customers can now transfer funds by email, SMS and Whatsapp – which are new features available on the bank’s Mobile App. The bank disclosed this in a statement. Speaking, Head, Consumer Banking Ecobank Nigeria, Olukorede Demola-Adenyi, said the initiative was part of the bank’s innovation in digital banking, enabling customers perform their transactions conveniently. She also spoke on the simplified and more appealing

interface of the Mobile App, making it easier and convenient for people to transfer funds from their accounts with the App. “This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time when many people are selfisolating and keeping social distance due to the COVID-19. We have the responsibility as a bank to continue to innovate for the benefits of our teeming customers. “We encourage our customers and others to utilize this new addition to our digital self-service solutions. With

this feature, a customer can transfer up to N50,000 without the beneficiary’s account number. The transfer can be initiated without the beneficiary providing an account number or deciding on which account to receive the funds into. For us as a bank, this is super convenient for money transfer.” Demola- Adeniyi further said, the process was simple, adding that beneficiaries could redeem the money sent in three simple steps: Receive the web link sent to his mobile number as SMS or WhatsApp message, click on the link to select bank

and enter the account number, then, submit the request and senders account is immediately debited. The beneficiary account irrespective of the bank receives the credit instantly. The process is secure, convenient and funds are in local currency and do not leave the senders account until the beneficiary initiates the redemption into the destination account. She called on those who are yet to download the Ecobank Mobile app to do so without delay because of the attendant benefits.

Firm Unveils Brand Ambassador SW Nigeria recently revealed the latest addition to its brand influencers, notably referred to as the ‘Sparkle Queens,’ which is Erica Nlewedim. She joins other SW Nigeria’s diverse and influential portfolio of personalities which includes the likes of Nancy Isime, Tomike Adeoye, and Anita Okoye. According to a statement, for over 125 years, Swarovski has globally aligned itself with promoting the well-being, development and creativity of women through strategic partnerships and initiatives. “SW Nigeria has proven to

be a pioneering brand by continuously setting the standard through collaborative, fruitful and meaningful relationships with its influencers,” it stated. It revealed that Erica was recently unveiled through an inclusive Meet and Greet activation at SW Nigeria’s flagship store at Ikeja City Mall. “The Swarovski team were conscious to make the event Covid-compliant, distributing numerous face masks and bottles of hand sanitizer. This event is a further testament to the brand’s commitment to supporting women by

creating unique networking opportunities and unforgettable experiences driven by an electrifying ambience,” the statement added. Speaking on the new signing, Executive Director of Polo Luxury Group, Jennifer Obayuwana said: “Erica is the perfect addition to the SW Nigeria family. She is proof that you can achieve your dreams with dedication and hard work and we know that she is going to have an outstanding impact on the brand. “Erica has demonstrated a high level of integrity, class and sophistication which

aligns with the values of the SW Nigeria brand and we are excited to reveal the unique activations that we have planned with her.” Also speaking on the new signing, Nlewedim said: “I feel so excited and honoured to be on boarded as the new Sparkle Queen for SW Nigeria. This is like a dream come true for me and the brand also speaks so much to my personality. I hope to make the brand proud as their ambassador, grow their share of voice in Nigeria using my platform as well as pull customers who are able to patronize the brand”.

T H I S D AY ˾ FEBRUARY 11, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Outlook for Integrated Marketing Firms Partner to Develop Home-grown Tech Solutions Communication Industry Leaders of various sectoral bodies in the integrated marketing communication industry have identified strategies that could be explored by practitioners to revitalise the industry. Raheem Akingbolu reports

op representatives of sectoral bodies in the nation’s integrated marketing communications (IMC) industry have urged practitioners to begin deploring tools that would help their business out of the economic quagmire brought upon it by the coronavirus pandemics and other challenges, instead of resulting to self-pity. They spoke at the virtual 2021 IMC Business Outlook organised by Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) with the theme “2021 IMC Business Outlook Navigating a World Disrupted.” The APCON Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, in his keynote address at the event, admitted that COVID-19 has disrupted the whole IMC landscape. He pointed out that the council organised the event as a thought leadership session to proffer solutions to some of the challenges facing the industry, promising that the regulatory body would continue to look for innovative ways to support the industry. The APCON Registrar explained that the webinar had become imperative to enable practitioners chart a new course in a disrupted world. “The COVID 19 pandemic is a shock like no other, involving simultaneous disruption to both supply and demand in an interconnected global economy. “The Nigeria IMC industry is not left out in the paradigm shift. We are not immune to this disruption in economic activities; hence our decision to secure the valuable time of a team of experts in IMC and advertising to review the general activities of the industry in 2020 as well as project the business outlook for 2021,” he added. The president of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Steve Babaeko expressed the belief that the ongoing sanitisation of the industry by APCON and the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement), flagged off in January, would go a long way in enhancing the fortune of industry in 2021. While urging agencies to anticipate client challenges, he advised the agencies owners to always be at alert in providing necessary solutions on time. As a crucial step towards gaining back their momentum, the AAAN Chief, advocated cooperation among agencies. While citing the example of WPP as a global agency that has fully imbibed the culture of cooperation and expanding more globally, he pointed out that cooperation is the new competition. Driving home his point, Babaeko was emphatic as he reeled out a mathematical formula in explaining what he termed 3Cs-Cost. According to him, for the industry to thrive in 2021; practitioners should manage cost, access credit opportunities and use it judiciously and manage their cash flow. A former President of the Media Independent Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, who also spoke at the event, centered his discussion on the need for marketing professionals to prepare for navigating a business world that has become disrupted. He argued that it had become imperative for practitioners to begin to thread the road never -travelled for such practitioner to remain relevant. Ikpe, who is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Insight Redefini added that while there are different types of roads for practitioners, such as the road well- travelled, the road less- travelled,

the road never- travelled, he declared that the road never- travelled remains the most viable options, for practitioners desirous of navigating the disrupted world practitioners had found themselves He stated that the disruptions being experienced in the industry today had made it imperative for agencies and practitioners to be ‘solution’ providers to their clients. “What I’m saying in essence is that you must be ready to provide ‘solution’, that is an answer that has a soul to your client’s problems, instead of the regular solution,” he stated. He also stressed the need for practitioners to aspire to always think about staying relevant “If I were to deliver this lecture, some years ago, perhaps I would have been talking about how to consolidate our businesses, and other things. But what is happening today sometimes make me wonder whether we even have any business to consolidate. I think our major concern, as practitioners, should be how to stay relevant,” he added. According to him, one of the ways to achieve that is for practitioners to make the enhancement of his product quality his utmost priority. “As a CEO, what is the most important thing to you? I know some would say profit. But the fact remains that for you to continue to be relevant, your priority should be how to enhance your products. It is when you have a product that can stand competition that you can remain relevant,” he stated. The former MIPAN President also believed agencies must develop a start-up mentality, to enable them cut cost and avoid unnecessary waste He also urged agencies on the need to incentivize their skilled personnel in order to win such staff’s ‘pity’, instead of his loyalty. “For instance, the public health crisis we are experiencing today has made majority of the staff to work from home. Interestingly, that is not without its challenge. Some of your highly skilled staff may be working for another organization without you knowing, and that is why it is better to incentivize them so that they can have pity on you,” he stated. Country Manager, Jc Decaux Gracelake, Nigeria, Dele Odugbemi, said COVID-19 has disrupted the IMC landscape and Out-of-Home advertising (OOH) is one of the most hit, so he urged businesses to evolve in order to remain relevant while he stated that they should invest in technology for it to transform their business. “When you are investing in technology, do so with the future in mind. When we were investing in technology then, we thought it was just for networking, and purely office use, we never envisaged a time would come so soon, when we will be using it remotely, as we doing now,” he stated. On his own part, Tony Akiotu, Group CEO, Daar Communications explained that the broadcast industry was greatly affected as revenue declined and business survival was under threat but his organisation was able to weather the storm because of team work and trust from its stakeholders. He therefore urged businesses to work closely with their stakeholders in order to navigate a world that is disrupted. “Besides innovating and investing more in technology, what we also did was to enter into a trust agreement with our staff, by doing that we were able to elicit their support for a salary review to make the company stay afloat,” he added.

Emma Okonji

Rock Results, a construction and civil engineering company, has partnered with Nugi Technologies to develop home-grown technology solutions that will enable the former diversify its operations. Speaking at the signing of the partnership agreement between both organisations in Lagos, recently, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Rock Results Group, Mr. Ifeanyi Okorie, expressed the company’s excitement over the partnership and willingness to work with Nugi Technologies to grow technology adoption in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. According to Okorie, “Rock Results Group is partnering Nugi Technologies to strategically pivot into the tech-space of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, and to diversify her portfolio into innovation and technology. “The emphasis of such partnership will initially revolve around innovating and developing products in transportation, health, agriculture, banking and education. The partnership is expected to create

job opportunities for Nigerians.” Speaking on the impact of the partnership on the different sectors of the economy, the CEO, Nugi Technologies, Mr. Ugi Augustine Ugi, said both companies were already providing technology solutions for the oil and gas industry, but are planning to extend such indigenous technology solutions to other sectors of the Nigerian economy, with a view to creating job opportunities for Nigerians and beyond. “Nugi technology has a track record of providing indigenous technology solutions in the healthcare and education sectors and the solutions have helped in blocking financial leakages and thus saving huge revenues for institutions and organisations. “The strategic partnership agreement we have with Rock Results Group, is a long term agreement that will help organisations in the identified sectors to leverage on our technologies to further enhance their businesses, while blocking financial leakages.” “Nigerians spend so much on foreign

technologies, but Nugi Technologies is providing indigenous technology solutions that will not only drive innovation and growth, but will also help organisation to save huge sums of money that would have gone out of the country through purchase of foreign software solutions,” Ugi said. “Rock Results Group is involved in civil engineering construction and has delivered on projects across the country, but we decided to diversify our business offerings, while using the best of technology solutions in offering our services and we found Nugi Technologies as a trusted partner,” Okorie said. While Results Group comprises strategically positioned subsidiaries and associate companies principally engaged in construction, civil engineering, procurement, quarrying, marine services, and oil and gas, Nugi Technologies is a customer-centric ICT solutions company in Africa with a craving for digital transformation and technological innovations that cuts across all spheres of life.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

‘No Vulnerable Nigerian Left Behind’ Olu Ojewande

t can boldly be said that no administration in the history of Nigeria has been as determined as the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration to leave behind a true legacy of commitment to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians. The first demonstration of this commitment manifested itself in the launch of the National Social Investment Programme, which has since 2016 grown to become the largest social welfare programme in Africa. Another major demonstration of this commitment came in 2019, when the President created the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (MHDSD). To take charge of this Ministry the President appointed Sadiya Umar-Farouq, who was at the time the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). Since she was sworn in as Minister overseeing that very vital Ministry on August 21, 2019, Umar-Farouq has worked hard to translate into reality the President’s vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over the course of ten years. At the time, nobody knew that the world was entering into a global pandemic that would see the greatest disruption to human existence in many decades, and would put so many lives and economies at great risk. With the benefit of hindsight, the presidential decision to create this Ministry has turned out to be a most apposite and foresighted move. Since August 2019 the new Ministry has hit the ground running, pursuing its mandate and vision of ‘Service to Humanity’. As a new entity it has faced its teething challenges, but it has continued to rise beyond them. The Ministry is responsible for coordinating all of the humanitarian interventions of the federal government and works with a wide range of stakeholders

Umar-Farouq

across the government and the private sector, including local and international organisations and civil society organisations, to fulfil this mandate. Under the leadership of the minister, the ministry has taken the pandemic not just as the unexpected challenge that it is, but also a veritable opportunity: an opportunity to deepen the foundations of the federal government’s humanitarian interventions, and to build povertyalleviation systems that are truly resilient and responsive. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has the following agencies under its umbrella: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), North East Development Commission (NEDC), National Agency for Prohibition and Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs). In addition, there is the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP),

which has the following four components: Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP); Job Creation Unit (N-Power); Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT); and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The newest agency under the oversight of the Ministry is the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), established following Presidential assent to the establishment Bill by President Buhari in January 2019. It has since fallen upon Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq to operationalize the Commission, which she has successfully done by getting presidential approval for the constitution of the Commission’s inaugural Management Board. In February 2020, a year ago, the President approved the constitution of a National Humanitarian Coordination Committee (NHCC), co-chaired by Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, to liaise with law enforcement agencies to ensure improved security and also more efficient coordination of humanitarian interventions especially in the North East of the country. A year later H.M. Sadiya Umar Farouq was appointed by the President as Co-Chairperson (alongside the Minister of Education) of an 18-member Presidential Steering Committee on Alternate School Programme (ASP), established to target Nigeria’s out-ofschool children with “an innovative and flexible approach-of-schooling.” Recent achievements under her watch include the following: the announcement of one million new slots for the next Batch of the N-Power programme (Batch C); the launch of an Empowerment Portal in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for exiting NPower beneficiaries in Batches A and B; the rollout of the Federal Government’s Special Cash Grant for Rural Women (125,000 rural women nationwide benefiting from a 20,000 one-off grant); and flag-off of the Rapid Response Register (RRR) which will enable COVID-19 cash transfers to Nigeria’s urban poor. Other milestones include the onboarding of 5,000 independent monitors for the

National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), as part of efforts to improve transparency of implementation. Specifically, during the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry got approval from President Buhari for a 3-month moratorium on all GEEP loans (TraderMoni, MarketMoni, etc). The Ministry also secured presidential approval to Increase the number of GEEP beneficiaries by 1,000,000 and increase the beneficiaries of the Home-Grown School Feeding by 5,000,000. The Ministry equally oversaw the distribution of tens of thousands of tonnes of food items from the National Strategic Grain Reserves, Nigeria Customs Service, and other sources, and has transparently detailed the details of these interventions on its official website. Also as part of Covid-19 intervention efforts, the Ministry collaborated with FCT, Ogun and Lagos States, as pilot States for the implementation of a modified version of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, involving a “Take Home Ration” given to parents and guardians of benefiting school children. The work of the Ministry is a national one, every part of the country is being touched and impacted, in line with the President’s vision. And the testimonials keep rolling in. More than 109,000 Batch A and B beneficiaries of the N-Power Programme have gone on to establish thriving small businesses from their stipends. Millions of Nigerians have benefited and are benefiting from grants, loans, relief materials, jobs and other benefits. Nigeria is steadily entrenching an enduring culture of governmentdriven social welfare and investment, like the developed world. The journey ahead is no doubt a long on, but it promises to be greatly rewarding and impactful, as Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq works to achieve the Buhari Administration’s vision of creating sustainable and inclusive social systems that promote human dignity in Nigeria. -Ojewande writes from Lagos.

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Ighodalo: Nigeria Requires Policies to Attract Private Capital The Managing Partner, SIAO, Mr. Ituah Ighodalo, in this interview speaks on how Nigeria can exit recessions as well as on other economic challenges facing the country. Ugo Aliogo brings the excerpt:

hat economic interventions will you advise that the federal government to put in place to help the economy exit recession? It is high time the federal government showed sincere commitment in the management of the economy. There are some fundamental things that need to be done to position Nigeria’s economy on the part of prosperity. The challenge with Nigeria is that productivity is very low and there is low private sector involvement in driving the economy, and too much government involvement. Until, we change certain policies there is very little the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) can do. CBN is not the government; it is a regulatory authority that deals with the management of money and the foreign exchange rates. But there are more fundamentals things needed to be done to restructure an economy, such as freeing it and allow it to produce. First, all of the laws of the land that makes a lot of our assets vested in the hands of the federal government have to be changed and this is the reason why people are calling for restructuring. By law, solid minerals belong to government, but they don’t have the capacity to produce those solid minerals. So we have a lot of solid minerals wasting because government is holding unto it and not developing it, so government should change that law. Anybody whether state or local government or private individual that wishes to develop any of our solid minerals let them come and develop it, and then pay taxes to the federal government, then free the economy. The federal government should release their hold on oil and gas, and give it back to the states where the oil is being produced. For instance, in the United States of America, California State specialises in agriculture, Huston specialises in oil, Delaware does free trade, and New York does real estate. Every part of United States has different things they specialise in. The federal government of the United States of America doesn’t owe any of those resources. The states and the individuals combine to owe those natural resources. That is how it is supposed to be done in Nigeria, at best 20 per cent taxes can be given to the federal government on a monthly basis. Nobody will come and invest in something they cannot control, so the federal government needs to restructure the economy. They need to ensure that we have stable energy. Regarding the issue of power, federal government doesn’t need to control things, they just need to issue the right laws, they need to free the electricity tariffs, any amount an investor wants to sell electricity he should sell it, anybody who is able to buy will buy. Then as you sell more and more, the prices will drop. It happened with telecommunications, so why is federal government afraid to do it with the power and petroleum sectors. Why does the federal government own refineries? They should sell all those refineries and let any individual who wants petroleum products go and refine. The federal government should instruct Shell, Mobil, and Chevron, that they cannot export crude oil, they should build a refinery, then refine the oil before you export. So if you doing crude oil, 50-60 per cent goes to refinery. You can sell your petroleum anywhere you want, but there must be value added to the Nigeria economy. The same thing goes for agriculture. For agriculture, government should open up the land and let people come and plant, then add value. How can we be a cocoa producing nation without chocolate processing factory? So federal government should make policies that will attract private capital into Nigeria, to allow people invest and develop our resources, and within the next 10-15years the economy of Nigeria will be transformed. Not just those, a lot of people have assets in Dubai, London, and US. A lot of those assets are wasting assets. The Presidency can discuss with the owners of these assets to sell some and invest the money in the Nigeria economy, to ensure that the foreign exchange is brought into the economy as private capital. Instead of it wasting and growing other economies. This is an incentive that government needs to create and if you do that, your foreign exchange will change very fast. We also make sure we

Ighodalo

are net exporters of the things we produce. If we produce power, we should export it, if we produce cocoa, add value to it and export it, if we produce groundnut add value to it and export it. These are the fundamental things we need to do to restructure our economy. Unless we have these policies, we are wasting our time. We should not import any food into Nigeria, if we cannot produce it, we shouldn’t eat and if we are going to eat it, let’s produce it. Why should we spend a lot of oil revenues to import food, when we have enough arable land? We should stop importing motor vehicles; we should bring the motor vehicles companies to Nigeria to produce motor vehicles here in Nigeria, like they did in Brazil, Germany, Singapore and China. The factories should be brought here; we have more than enough demand. We have 200 million people. Why are we using our money to finance factories in China, America, Japan and Germany? We can bring Mercedes Car Company to Nigeria and ask them to build a factory, then own 60 per cent of controlling stake in the company, employ Nigerians and produce the car in Nigeria. The same thing can apply to other brands. But we did bad economics and chased some vehicle manufacturing companies away, now we have factories laying in waste. So, if we get power right and we have policies that can attract capital and technology into Nigeria, then we will begin to reverse our economy. In United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government designed the economy in such a way that private investors with capital can invest and develop the potential of the economy. Government does not owe much apart from Emirates Airline that they invested in and allowed private individuals to run it, aside from that it is private capital that developed Dubai. It is what we should do in Nigeria, whatever we produce; we should develop it and add value to it. It is not healthy for the growth of the economy that we are importing petroleum into Nigeria, just because we refuse to invest in refineries and allow corruption and politics to destroy our refineries. Then the CBN needs to manage the inflow and outflow of cash, capital, and investments and have good monetary policies that controls interest and exchange rates and makes it easy for people to save, invest and borrow money. The CBN will also continue regulating the banks, and ensure that the banks are vehicles for economic reforms, not just lending and money warehousing institutions that is trading on small margins. A bank is a vehicle to restructure an economy and a lot of our banks are not lending to the real sector, therefore the economy is not growing. These are the policies interventions that the CBN needs to do and not worry itself with these interventions it is doing. For this economy to get out of recession, President Buhari and his government have to do the right thinking and formulate the necessary policies.

First, the federal government has to put a stop to food importation and begin to produce food in Nigeria. We should develop the agriculture sector. Secondly, there is need to put a stop to importation of things we can produce in Nigeria. We have to get Nigeria to produce, when we produce, we will build the economy, create jobs and exit recession. The problem is that the jobs that we should be doing in Nigeria are being done by other people and we are importing finished goods. We are importing toothpicks; why can’t we produce toothpick? We are importing health, why can’t we build more hospitals and refurbish existing ones? We have natural tourism endowment such as the National Theatre that government can develop and turn it to a tourist site. Why should the movement of cattle be a major issue in 2021? Who drives cattle on the road anywhere else in the world except in Nigeria and some parts of Ghana? Cattle are transported by rail and vehicles. We don’t have herdsmen roaming the streets; those things were dead since 60s. We should focus on having ranches, and advanced agricultural processing facilities where we can produce beef for consumption. It should not be an issue in Nigeria today? Those herdsmen should be retrained; they should not be wasting their time moving cattle from one place to another because it is a cultural thing. These herdsmen should be in school so that their gifts and abilities can be developed. We need a total reorientation in Nigeria, we are hanging too much on the old cultural values, we can have cultural institutions to preserve our values and norms. So they become cultural educating institutions, not the ones that will set us back. There is the view from some stakeholders that the CBN is overburdened, therefore much of the work of transforming the economy should also be shifted to ﬁscal authorities. Do you support the view? It is only in Nigeria that the CBN is doing a lot of economic interventions. In England and US, the situation is different. The CBN is doing the work that the banks, Ministry of Finance, and intervention agencies should be doing. Therefore, the CBN should cut back, and fund those institutions so that those institutions can do what they need to do. The apex bank is doing too much and almost running the economy. Instead the CBN should inspire other institutions to run the economy, because they are going outside of their remit in my view. This happens because the institutions that are supposed to be doing what they are assigned to do have lost their remit. The federal government wants to borrow from unclaimed dividends, dormant assets and pension funds to ﬁnance the budget and support revenue drive in the country.

What is your reaction to this move? There is no problem with borrowing; rather the question is what are you borrowing for? The question is if you borrow to consume how will you pay back? You must borrow to invest. If federal government is borrowing from whatever sources to pay salaries, it is a waste of time, but if they are borrowing to build industries, reposition the economy, build refineries and things that will create jobs, then they should borrow. The problem with Nigeria is that we are borrowing to pay interests and salaries and service debts. Therefore, there is no way the economy can grow. What drives an economy is production not consumption, we consume too much in Nigeria without equivalent production. So the government must move to production. I agree that is there is a lot of wasting assets in Nigeria, it should be sold, and the money should be used judiciously to invest in initiatives that will drive the economy, not to finance consumption. The federal government should also change the land laws and Certificate of Occupancy (C/O), so that it is easy to owe your certificate of occupancy. It is also easy to take your house to the bank and use it to borrow money and keep reflating the economy. So these are all things that the government should do and we will be fine. But if they borrow for consumption, they are wasting our time. If they borrow from unpaid dividends one day those dividends will be payable, they might be lucky in that sense, some of the people might have died or forgotten or not interested. Therefore, they can mop up that money and use it effectively. There is plan by the federal government to give N5, 000 to every Nigeria as part of the administration’s commitment to take millions Nigerians out of poverty in the next two years. What do you make of it? It’s alright, however, it depends on what the people wants to use the N5, 000 for. What can you do with N5, 000? You can only eat with it; you cannot buy a machine with it. Again, federal government is being unrealistic. If you give money to a man and it is not enough for what he wants to use it for, you have wasted his time. So they should be giving people minimum of N50, 000 to N100, 000 knowing what they want to do with it. Instead of giving 24 million people N5, 000, while don’t you give N50, 000 or N100, 000 each to 1 million people, so that those 1 million persons will use the money to create jobs for other two or three persons. So if you give a woman a N100, 000, she buys a grinding machine, small iron and other things, which she can use to produce goods or services and generate income to feed her children, send them to schools and create employment opportunities. There is no way that this kind of money reflates the economy, it is like social welfare programmes that brings an economy down and doesn’t raise it. As a country, we don’t get value from social welfare programmes because we don’t think out well. Globally, social welfare programme is not a permanent initiative. It is a temporary thing for somebody who is out of work in the hope that within a few months, he will get work and continue with his life. We have turned social welfare into an electioneering tool for people and we keep them permanently in poverty. It is just a waste of time; it is a situation where government creates opportunity for spending money on imported commodities. So we are wasting resources in that aspect. We don’t have statistics and information. We don’t know how many people will be taken out of the welfare system over a period of time and we are just giving people money and make them consumption driven. Instead of being production driven. We need to rethink social welfare, plan it with information and statistics. We need to know what the benefits of every naira spent will be in our economy. There is happy money and feel good money, but you find out that eventually, you have to keep printing these monies and spending it, and this causes inflation without real production, so we should think it through properly. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

ETI Appoints Assah as Independent Non-executive Director Goddy Egene

(ETI), parent company of the executive director. Assah has almost investment and financial advisory, markets, regional development and Ecobank Group, has appointed four decades’ experience as a senior global trade development, public business strategy amongst others. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Hervé Assah, as independent non- executive in various fields, including private partnerships in emerging He is Managing Partner of Aequaria A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 09- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Feb-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

Capital, a fund management company focused on growth companies in sub-Saharan Africa.

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 162.62 164.26 9.80% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 28.92% Nigeria International Debt Fund 371.86 371.86 -6.84% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 115.10 115.10 0.87% 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 N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.30% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.49 3.64 -1.85% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.80 19.37 3.67% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 398.31 410.32 -0.51% ARM Ethical Fund 35.54 36.61 5.43% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.21 -1.54% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -5.47% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.43% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 131.05 131.97 3.86% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.45% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.08 2.08 -33.41% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.23 2.28 -3.81% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.92% Paramount Equity Fund 16.53 16.85 3.41% Women's Investment Fund 135.65 137.23 1.94% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.27% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 132.54 133.55 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.83 108.83 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 1.43% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.19 1.20 -0.79% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.53 1.53 -3.40% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.05% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.07% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,184.34 1,186.25 -1.35% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,342.97 1,342.98 -4.03% FBN Balanced Fund 187.60 189.00 -0.04% FBN Halal Fund 110.02 110.02 -1.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.17% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 123.66 123.66 1.70% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.80 123.80 1.69% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 154.32 156.40 2.08% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,890.10 3,937.97 3.53% Coral Income Fund 3,324.45 3,324.45 1.79% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 3.02% 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 0.64% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 128.75 129.28 19.76%

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 0.19% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.83 2.90 21.87% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 155.78 156.30 0.26% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: 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 7.24% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.21 12.32 8.78% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.67 PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.02 111.61 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 133.56 136.51 12.29% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 0.73% 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 -0.05% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.42% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 1.69% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.49% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 0.61% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.31% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -1.32% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.23 1.23 0.70% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.52 111.52 0.40% 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 1.41 1.44 3.14% United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 0.65% United Capital Equity Fund 0.90 0.92 3.79% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.77% United Capital Eurobond Fund 117.82 117.82 0.63% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.10 0.45% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 1.88% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +2349031100041 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.36 12.50 4.28% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.73 13.85 12.40% Zenith Income Fund 24.14 24.14 0.70% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.84%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.29 52.51

0.46% 0.21%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.36 125.29 100.09

13.46 125.29 101.97

1.05% 2.92% 0.73%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

4.13

4.17

8.94%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.87

5.95

3.12%

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

17.99 1.00 20.29

18.09 1.00 20.49

9.84% 1.02% -1.14%

181.40

183.40

-18.03%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

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.

IMAGES

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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L - R: Member Representing Ndokwa West DTHA, Chairman House Committee on Education, Hon. Charles Chukwuemeke Emetulu; SJ Provincial Superior North West Africa, Province of the society of Jesus, Rev. Fr. Chukwuyenum Afiawari; Vicar General, Kwale Region, Diocese of Warri, Rev. Father, Bernard Olagba; Chief Operating Officer, AA Holdings Limited,Mr. Johnnie Eni, and Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Mr. Patrick Ukah; at the groundbreaking ceremony of Arrupe Jesuit College Abbi, Delta State by the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus and Austin Avuru Foundation in Delta...recently

L-R President of Rotary Club of Uselu Central, Omosefe Queen Ogieva; Assistant Governor Zone 3, Nosa EDO-OSAGIE and a past president, Deborah Akhaine , during the fund raising and award giving ceremony for the Rotary Club of Uselu central in Uselu...recently

L-R; Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic, Prof. Idris Bugaje ; Coordinator of the Succor for Almajirai Initiative, Lawal Kankiya presenting a welding starter pack to one of the graduating Students, during the graduation ceremony of 30 students of Out-of-School Youth Skills Acquisition Pogramme organized by the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic in Kaduna..recently

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L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; Governor Godwin Obaseki; outgoing Assistant Inspector General Zone 5, Mr. Shola David and Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Marcus Onobun, during Shola David’s courtesy visit to the Government House, in Benin City... recently

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T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 11, 2021

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Bill Gates: Championing the Global Fight against COVID-19 Co-chair Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates recently shared insights on the impact of COVID-19 on the world and Africa in 2020. In an interview with select journalists from across the continent, Gates, who looked at the current status of the global fight against the virus and how partners can support countries in Africa and elsewhere to ensure an equitable global response, also touched on the potential of future pandemics and what the world can do to prepare beforehand. Chiemelie Ezeobi brings excerpts

ou have talked before about the dangers of a vaccine grab, and yet this is exactly what we’re seeing unfold. What are your assessments of the impact of the rush for this kind of vaccine nationalism is going to have on Africa and what kind of trajectory you’d like to see with the COVID-19 pandemic? The key for the vaccines is getting more approved and getting more factories into production. A lot of the work that the foundation has done is to back a variety of vaccines. Back in 2015 in my TED talk I talked about the risk of a pandemic, and how we weren’t prepared. At that time, not much was done. The foundation, Wellcome Trust, the UK, Japan and Norway did create a group called CEPI which has helped a lot with a number of these vaccines. With medicines we always have this challenge with the big markets, the sales opportunities are in the rich countries. That’s why for diseases like HIV or malaria, the foundation reaches out to these companies and says “We need to have some equitable approach.” The first two vaccines that were approved are fairly costly to make and hard to scale up. They’re very good vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, but it’s the next three, including AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Novavax that will give us the highest volumes, the ease of scaling and the thermal stability. And so, we’re hopeful that, particularly with some factories in India, that the foundation has helped to finance, which have larger factories than the factories in the West, within the next few months a large number of doses will come out of there and be targeted almost entirely to the developing world, which is the goal of what we call COVAX. It’s a dynamic situation, I’ve been talking with governments and companies about this going back to last March, and so we have a chance here to get a lot of vaccines. In Africa, the epidemic itself in a direct sense has been the worst in South Africa. The rest of Africa, with a few exceptions, hasn’t been super bad. But of course, the economic effects are there and any life that’s lost is really terrible. So we need to first get the 20 per cent coverage, and then move to 70 to 80 per cent coverage and I’d say the foundation is at the forefront of that but it’s still unclear how well all these efforts will go. Is there a plan for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to assist poorer countries such as Nigeria for instance, in developing COVID-19 vaccine production capacity? There are a very high-volume of factories in the developing world, primarily in Indonesia and India. Making a new vaccine factory is a more than five-year effort. Definitely, to be ready for the next pandemic, I think that there will be factories using this mRNA approach, that are put in multiple places in Africa so you’ll have guaranteed quick supply. For this epidemic we need to take advantage of the large capacity that people like Serum, BioE, and many others have, which are the developing world manufacturers who can in volume, make four to five times as many vaccines as all the Western companies put together. So, the factories really are there. We can’t get new ones overnight but these highly scalable vaccine constructs, the next three, the numbers can be very large. As soon as that can happen, the best. The plan for the next round is to globally have lots of mRNA capacity, and to advance

of people who’ve taken this vaccine and we’re tracking that experience to make sure we were right about the overall safety. It is going to be a tragedy if a country continues to have an epidemic because of these false vaccine rumours.

Bill Gates

that technology so that it’s more scalable, more thermal stable and cheaper, over the next five years, that should be possible if we get the rich countries to make large investments. I’ll certainly be a huge advocate for that. As you say in the letter, until vaccines reach everyone then new clusters of disease will keep popping up, but when we look at The Economist, last December they projected that the vaccine will be widely available in Africa in 2022 or 2023. What can be done to improve the supply? Well, the agreement we have with India is that those factories, at least half the capacity will be dedicated to going to supply, through GAVI, to Africa and other developing countries. Every day, of course, we’re trying to speed this up. The history of vaccines is that until GAVI was created in the year 2000, the really key vaccines for saving literally millions of lives were not cheap enough for the poor countries, and the coverage levels were very low. And so GAVI deserves more visibility for what it did, funded by many governments and our foundation, to get diarrhoea vaccines and pneumonia vaccines into all the children in the world. And so the GAVI approach, where GAVI buys the vaccines at the very lowest price with that donor money, has worked very well. That’s why deaths of children under five, since the year 2000, in the world at large has been cut in half. It’s an even higher percentage if you just focus on Africa. So, we have that success story. GAVI had a hard time getting money from the United States, until recently, which was fairly key, so both Melinda and I were working on that. We were successful in getting a $4 billion allocation for GAVI. In the meantime, we were giving money to get these factories ready. So, the whole vaccine model that emerged on GAVI, that’s what we’re trying to use here. Now, doing it very very quickly is a challenge because you never want to build a factory that can’t make quality vaccines.

You really would prefer to use vaccines that have gone through the toughest regulatory process, like the US regulator or the UK regulator, and then receive the WHO blessing. Right now, we’re working on those processes but you don’t want to speed them up where you would compromise safety for those factories or for those trials so we have to balance those things as we push ahead. What would you have to say to those who are skeptical about taking any vaccine? This is of course amidst the spread of misinformation about both the virus and vaccine development. Do you believe that this has delegitimised your efforts through your foundation? For people who care about childhood death, vaccines are the best thing that ever happened. Smallpox killed over a million people a year, and because of vaccines, now smallpox is gone. The miracle of vaccines is very clear. When a child dies, that’s a very clear thing. We have very good statistics on what that was like before we got these new vaccines. Over 10 million children were dying under the age of five every year, with a high portion of those being in Africa. The more people learn about vaccines, the more amazed they should be about how fantastic they are. As I said, the safety issues are challenging. You do need to go through the trials, you do need to use extremely well regulated factories. A factory can only be built in a country whose regulator is a gold standard regulator and can look at every aspect of that factory, making sure that it’s very very good. There are very few countries that have that safety review capacity that the world trusts. We are now getting the experience with these coronavirus vaccines, I had my first dose last week. There are very, very few side effects, and it is protecting people. In fact, almost no one who has been vaccinated has had severe disease which is really quite miraculous. I hope people will read the facts about vaccines, and how they’ve worked against other diseases, and see that now we have millions and millions

I want to ask about the fates of African countries, like Rwanda especially, now that major economies have not supported the COVAX and GAVI arrangements. What does the foundation have for our countries and what can you talk about the effectiveness of this vaccine, especially now that we’re seeing new strains? So the way GAVI has always worked is that for the countries with the low GDP per person, there’s almost no co-financing required. So we raise money from the Gates Foundation and from rich countries, and they pay for the vaccines. The same thing will take place here with the coronavirus vaccine, the GAVI money, which was difficult to raise when the US wasn’t involved, now we see a clear path to raise up to about 10 billion, just for vaccine procurement, which should be enough to finance it for most of the GAVI-eligible developing countries. Your question about the new strains is a very good one. We will get data this week from trials that were conducted with several of these new vaccines in South Africa, and that is of course one of the countries where there is a variant circulating. It’s one of three countries right now where it’s pretty clear that the variant is slightly more infectious, and may even be slightly more fatal. What we think is that the vaccines will be only slightly less effective, but within two weeks, the data will be out. If there is a drop in effectiveness, even by 10 per cent, we’ll still need to use the vaccine because it is still very effective. But then we’ll look at whether we need to add an additional thing to the vaccine so it covers the variants that have emerged, and we get the efficacy level back up closer to 100 per cent. So we’re investing money in that right now - I’m talking to all of the companies. It’s definitely bad news that these variants showed up, but we do expect that the vaccines will still have a pretty high level of efficacy, even before we make that new addition. Given the commitment to vaccine equity expressed in your annual letter this year, do you support calls led by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organisation, to suspend intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines? Well the key question is, what would make more vaccines become available? If you’re going to try and tell people to take these vaccines, which are extremely difficult to make - these are biological processes where even the very best companies sometimes have bad failures and contamination. Right now, only by using vaccine companies that have the right expertise, are we able to make these. You know, there is no royalty, so as these Indian companies like Serum and BioE are getting the rights to make these vaccines, because of the money that the foundation has put forward and because these companies are not trying to make money on these vaccines - they’ve been given without any royalty whatsoever. So, the only limiting factor is getting the regulatory approval for the new factory to make sure it’s absolutely right and then ramping up that production in that factory. And so, you know, although there’s lots of issues about intellectual property, at this point, changing the rules wouldn’t make any additional vaccines available. We’re

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 11, 2021

COVER

BILL GATES: CHAMPIONING THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

FERTILITY

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

FERTILITY PROFILING: KNOWING YOUR FERTILITY STATUS (PART 2 )

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T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 11, 2021

NEWS

Tuberculosis Treatment Receives Boost from USAID Michael Olugbode ÓØ ÌßÔË Treatment of tuberculosis in the country has been enhanced by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with the donation of critical diagnostic equipment. A statement on Monday from USAID read: “In the closing days of 2020, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided critical commodities to Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy Control Program for the testing and diagnosis of more than 10,000 patients suspected of having the disease. “The donation of 86,500 “GeneXpert Ultra” cartridges will help Nigerian health workers to optimize the use of molecular diagnosis tools that can detect both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant forms of TB, and improve detection

of TB in people living with HIV/AIDS. “The ultra cartridge has significantly increased sensitivity of the GeneXpert machine compared to standard cartridges, especially in patients who show low numbers of bacteria, such as those with HIV co-infection and in children.” Quoting USAID Mission Director, Anne Patterson, the statement said: “Nigeria has the highest estimated burden of TB in all of Africa,” but noted that after the donation, “with these cartridges, officials tasked with reducing its burden in Nigeria can identify some of the most problematic strains of the TB bacteria.” It revealed that since 2015, USAID has donated more than 150 GeneXpert machines to hospitals in Nigeria, noting that the GeneXpert testing platform improves upon

slow and less sensitive conventional diagnostic methods, particularly for HIV-positive patients who are extremely vulnerable to TB. It noted that it cutting the period of diagnosis from weeks to a matter of hours represents a significant breakthrough in TB diagnosis and supports earlier treatment and better patient outcomes. The statement noted that TB can be spread from person to person through the air when a person with

active TB infection coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. It said the symptoms of TB include coughing up blood and chest pain, as well as weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills, and fatigue, while noting that early detection and treatment of TB will stop transmission of infection and move the country closer to ending the TB epidemic. It said: “USAID has partnered since 2003 with the federal and state ministries

of health in Nigeria to build the capacity of healthcare providers, expand TB care and treatment services in the public and private sector, link patients to health services, and roll out new treatment options for multi-drug resistant TB. “In 2020, USAID evaluated more than one million patients for TB, of which almost 80,000 were diagnosed with TB and started on treatment, including 1,000 cases of the multidrugresistant strain of the disease. “Since 2003, USAID has

established 1,700 TB clinics and 700 microscopy laboratories across 18 states to improve diagnosis and treatment. It also helps develop new approaches to engage the private sector in TB control. “USAID works with Nigeria on TB control under a new business model after entering a 2019 partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health to reinforce two countries’ commitment to meet the United Nations’ TB targets for Nigeria.”

COVID-19: Traditional Doctors Demand Action on Local Herbal Remedy Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË Traditional doctors have stormed Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory demanding the fastracking of clinical studies on the herbal medicine specimen submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Operating under the auspices of the Association of Traditional Medicine Practioners of Nigeria, the group met in Abuja recently to try to profer suggestions on how to find local solutions for COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking to journalists on their mission in Abuja, the National Secretary, Mr. Bamidele Fatoki said members of the group have done tremendous work individually and collectively to promote traditional medicine recipe, especially to develop local cure for COVID-19. He said: We have been doing tremendous work with the Federal Ministry Health and Science and Technology aimed at bringing lasting solution to the issue of COVID-19. “We have developed and submitted over 160 various types of herbal medicine specimen to the ministries for research and clinical studies. We are hopeful that the results will soon be out”. On his part, the National

President of the association, Alhaji Ibrahim Dada said the body is urging the federal government to allow effective use of herbal drug produced locally for treatment of COVID-19 cases rather than rely on foreign vaccines that will gulp a lot of resources from the national income. Dada said some COVID-19 patients have been patronising local herbs for the treatment of the aliment, adding that most of them have gained full recovery. The Deputy President of the association and Chairman of the Inspectorate Division of the Anambra Traditional Medicine Board, Chief Eugene Osita Nwachukwu said the findings of the traditional doctors showed that COVID-19 is not a new disease. According to Nwachukwu, COVID-19 virus has been in existence and was being effectively treated with local herbal drugs until recently when scientists christened it with a new name. “All we ask is to be given a chance to prove the efficacy of traditional herbal remedy. We also want the federal government to provide financial support to enable local research effort to establish the potency of traditional medicine in the cure of not only COVID-19 but other diseases afflicting our people,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi at the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital, Victoria Island, during the walk round tour to mark the World Cancer Day celebration....recently

Herbal Expert Produces 100% Cure for Waist Pain, Low Sugar, Malaria, Others Kuni Tyessi ÓØ ÌßÔË A herbal expert, Rotimi Emmanuel of the Best Safety Enterprise, has produced herbal mixtures which have proven to be effective in the treatment of waist pain, low sugar, irregular menstruation, diarrhoea and malaria. At the launch of the products namely 7G- Davido Extra Data and 4G, in Abuja, Emmanuel, said the mixtures which are mainly from palmwine are without ethanol which is dangerous to the human body when abused. He said: “People who con-

sume too much of groundnut oil, especially women who suffer irregular menstruation can use this product as it has proven to be 100 per cent efficacious. What it does, is that it flushes it out. “For men, it cures waist pain and diarrhea. In women, if there’s too much of sugar in their system, it has been proven that the passage of the monthly flow can be blocked. This herbal medicine has proven to be effective as it can completely flush the system of excess sugar for proper flow. “No side effects except

when consumed in excess because it has elements of alcohol. Just a dose will do.” He said using the names 7G and 4G which is primarily to draw the attention of the public to the importance and use of herbs is also to make a statement indicating that such names are not solely attributed to networks but also to products known to improve total well-being. He urged the government to come to the aid of companies that produce herbs that cure and with living testimonies as evidence. “We are enlightening the

general public about the dangers of consuming alcohol by ethanol. If people must consume alcohol, it should be the one made from palmwine and without ethanol. “Ethanol kills the body system faster. We try to encourage people to avoid anything with ethanol. “We work hard and buckle right. We need the federal government to help the companies that produce herbs that cure. If you go deeply, you will discover that we have thousands of testimonies everywhere about the efficacy of herbal medicine.”

DELSU VC Assures Institution’s Commitment to Research of Neglected Tropical Disease Sylvester Idowu ÓØ ËÜÜÓ The Vice Chancellor Delta State University, Prof Andy Ogochukwu Egwuyenga has assured of the institution’s commitment to research of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs). Prof Egwuyenga stated this when he received members of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) and Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA) in his office on courtesy visit as part of activi-

ties marking this year’s world NTDs day. The university head said “as an institution we value research, most of our lecturers and student have been engaging in research which have gained international recognition”. He further stated that the university takes NTDs seriously and gives priority attention to it as the diseases are of high socio-economic impact. “The university is a fertile ground for NTDs studies and in the forefront to see that the disease burden is brought

down to the barest minimum through research.” He further pledged to organise a more formidable Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) in Abraka as his membership with PPSN is about 32 years, adding that the university has eminent Parasitologist, who work on various research areas. The Vice Chancellor said he looks forward to real enthusiasm to engage in ground breaking research that will be of benefit to the

society as being practiced by advanced societies where funds are devoted to research. In his remarks, the Director of Advanced Research Centre, Prof Patrick Nmorsi welcomed the idea of collaboration with the Primary Health Development Agency, hoping that the research collaboration will be sustained to cover other diseases of public importance. He said they have an available and formidable team, ready to work adding that NTDs (mostly Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH)

and trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness) abound in Abraka, affecting the communities causing economic burden, stunted growth and poor performance in school children. Chairman DSPHCDA, Dr. Mrs Isioma Okobah represented by Dr. Paul Yinkore, Director Community Health Service said the visit was to seek for collaborative efforts with Delta State University towards eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases. “One of the agency’s mandate is to promote research with

academic institutions. We look forward to collaborating with Delta State University on researches geared towards control and prevention of diseases especially the NTDs. “We know the place of academia’s, their worth, they should be on the driver seat for any successful research.” Dr. Yinkore further emphasised that the NTDs programme and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for NTDs is domiciled in DSPHCDA, adding that “so we cannot do without each other”.

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 11, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

COVID-19VaccineManufacturing:OptionsandOpportunitiesforNigeria Olumide Okunola

t goes without saying that the country will have to cough out a substantial amount of its hardearnedforeign exchange to procure COVID-19 vaccines. It is estimated that for Nigeria to cover about 70% of itspopulation before herd immunity arrives it will need to spend close to N400B (One billion USD) to procure the highly valued COVID 19 vaccine. For a country in recession this forex requirements could have been better spent. Only if the country had invested in its health systems and established vaccine manufacturing capabilities. In fact, individuals like Mr. Bill Gates argues that Nigeria should divert resources budgeted for approved COVID-19 vaccines into the development of the country’s weak health care system and wait for the COVAX arrangements to kick in. Countries are currently sourcing their COVID-19 vaccine availability through the following five routes – COVAX initiative (co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the WHO), bilateral agreements between governments and manufacturers/countries, pre-positioning through pre-orders, off the shelf commercial contracts and leveraging vaccine manufacturing capabilities in-country. This article explores the last route arguing that Nigeria needs to fast track its vaccine manufacturing potential as part of the overall pandemic preparedness and as a health security priority. The ongoing pandemic will not be the last one it is therefore imperative that ahead of future outbreaks Nigeria needs to invest in vaccine manufacturing capacity rather than relying on reserved doses through the COVAX arrangements or exploring country to country contracts as is been explored with Russia and China. Vaccine nationalism implies that western countries have already pre-ordered the bulk of potential vaccines even though they do not have the bulk of the world’s population. With half of our population classified as poor the possibility of commercial purchase for the vaccine is far-fetched. Countries with manufacturing capacity have been able to jump the queue. Johnson and Johnson will be utilizing the plants of ASPEN in South Africa for fill and finish. Argentina and Mexico will produce the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for most of Latin America. In India the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer the Serum Institute of India (SII) has been contracted to produce large amounts of the AstraZeneca and Novavax vaccines — with half of it promised to the Indian government. Whilst acknowledging the complexity of vaccine production and the difficulties inherent in scaling up production Nigeria ought to be one of the countries with not just greater vaccine manufacturing capacity it should have been able to use that capacity as leverage like the aforementioned countries. It ought to be clear that a decision to invest in vaccine manufacturing capacity should now not be guided by just financial returns but undoubtedly national interest. Africa represents 14% of the world’s population but has only an infinitesimal capability (less than 0.1%) of the world’s vaccine production! Beyond the lack of technological expertise and high research and development costs associated with the early phases of vaccine development there are also concerns associated with the cost of production in small to medium plants who cannot compete with large manufacturers. Furthermore, small sized plants might not be feasible as subsidies from GAVI makes the prospects of such local production nonviable. For comparison Serum Institute of India (SII) produces 100 million vaccine doses per month whilst ASPEN of South Africa produces 300 million doses per annum. However, COVID-19 pandemic requires a serious rethink of previous efforts for local production of vaccine in Africa and this should be led by Nigeria. This requires

Okunola

a number of policy actions on the part of the Government of Nigeria (GoN) The sweet spot for early starters in vaccine manufacturing like Nigeria is the last and final stage where vaccines are filled into vials and packaged for delivery and is often called “fill and finish”. Fill and finish technology transfers offer a relatively high value proposition and are more common than technology transfers including bulk antigen production. This article highlights some of the policies fulfilling necessary conditions for Nigeria to become a vaccine manufacturing country for “fill and finish”. Scale is a key consideration in vaccine manufacturing which will require a plant securing public vaccine production capacity to grow to a more modest size to be a strategic asset. Nigeria vaccine requirements for childhood vaccine supplies assures the kind of scale required for profitable vaccine manufacturing. The new AfCFTA trade agreement further guarantees the kind of scale required to make investment decisions quickly and urgently. The technology transfer associated with fill and finish provides an essential learning curve which gives a country the opportunity, technical capacity and experience useful for bulk antigen production (the phase before fill and finish). However, the ability to produce a vaccine is heavily reliant on finding a suitable technology transfer partner from amongst the other vaccine manufacturers, who are also competitors. The establishment of a vaccine manufacturing plant will require capital. However, such a project is deemed investment worthy where packaging locally for carefully selected high and medium viability products can generate

substantial revenues. The business case will have to use modest assumptions by estimating prices below what is procured by UNICEF. But there are other considerations beyond financial viability – the availability of the fill and finish lines can be retooled in the case of a pandemic to produce the kind of vaccine we now require. There are jobs opportunities too. For emphasis all countries that have now jumped to the front of the line leveraged available manufacturing capabilities in-country to do so. Lastly, all the factors discussed above needs to be backed by political commitment in government. The GoN needs to support this kind of endeavor with tax concessions, financing, policy coherence enshrined in advance market commitments and guarantees. The influence of government is also essential in obtaining the necessary partnerships with friendly countries for technology transfer and deploying provisions of AfCFTA for the scale necessary for such an investment. All the ingredients listed above are found in the BIOVACCINES Nigeria PPP (BVNL). This is a publicprivate partnership (PPP) between the GoN and May & Baker Nigeria. May & Baker Nigeria Plc, which is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), holds the majority 51 per cent equity stake in BVNL. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for market access with the Federal Ministry of Health, enables it to fill and finish approved vaccines of her international technical partners to the Nigerian market. The BVNL PPP is proposing to deliver its plant in 2024 or thereabout to enable it to put in place - faculty construction and equipment procurement; facility and equipment commissioning and qualification;

process optimization and media fill validation; facility certification; process validation and product registration. The fast-paced research and development associated with COVID has shattered widely held views about vaccine R&D – a process that takes about five years was achieved in less than a year. Rapid developments in testing capabilities allowing for testing at scale was achieved with similar timelines. The BVNL PPP must by necessity become a national priority project in healthcare for Nigeria. The GoNshould facilitate immediate engagement with the CBN, NEPZA, NIPC, NSIA, NIPRD, NAFDAC and other identified stakeholders to fast track the immediate delivery of the BVNL PPP. If we set our minds and heart to this task the facility can be delivered within a shorter timeline. The United states invoked the Defence Production Act in response to the COVID pandemic allowing it to impose a certain degree of control over the private sector in order to ensure the production and distribution of goods that are considered necessary for public health, including critical medical and protective equipment. Vaccine nationalism as exhibited by countries in the global north has shown that if Africa led by Nigeria does not make use of this crisis to establish local production for vaccines aimed at accelerating human capital development, providing employment, enhancing technology transfer and saving hard earned forex then this crisis would have essentially been wasted. Okunola, a Senior health specialist with World Bank, Nigeria wrote in via ookunola@ifc.org

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Adesina: Vaccines, Debt Relief Key to Africa’s COVID-19 Recovery Obinna Chima The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called for fair access to COVID-19 vaccines for Africans. He also said debt relief would help African economies recover faster and better from the pandemic. Speaking during a virtual event held recently in his honour as the outgoing African of the Year of African Leadership Magazine, the bank’s President warned that so long as the coronavirus was unchecked in any part of the world, no one would be safe. “There is light at the end of the tunnel – it just happens to be a very long tunnel. I am very positive that African economies will bounce back over the next

two years, but the speed of recovery will depend on ensuring that Africa gets enough vaccines for its population,” a statement quoted Adesina to have said during the event. “The world must not shortchange Africa on access to vaccines,” he added. He also said significant debt relief would be key to accelerating African economies’ recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. “To recover faster, Africa will need significant debt forgiveness from bilateral and official creditors,” he said during the event attended by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, and Chairman of Contec Global Worldwide, Benoy Berry. Adesina added: “While developed countries have been spending trillions of dollars for

fiscal stimulus, Africa does not have such resources. The payment for vaccines is already adding to the already high debt burden.” Adesina, vowed that the bank, in collaboration with its partners, would continue to lead Africa’s recovery and development after the pandemic, with a focus on youth, women and healthcare. “Together, we will create new opportunities for African youth and trigger a youth-based wealth system for Africa. Together, we will ensure that we deliver financing for African women,” he said. He stressed: “Together, we will support Africa to build world-class, quality healthcare infrastructure, while ensuring also that the continent builds its pharmaceutical and vaccine industrial production.”

Leading Edge Announces Strategic Appointments The Leading Edge Consulting Group has announced the appointment of Dr. Franklin Ngwu and Ms. Cynthia Egwidu as members of its Advisory Board. These appointments which have the endorsement of the Chairman of its Advisory Board, Dr. Christopher Kolade, have already taken effect, according to the Founder and CEO of the Group, Dr. Ije Jidenma. The group disclosed this in a statement. Ngwu is the Director of Lagos Business School (LBS) Sustainability Centre and an Associate Professor of Strategy, Corporate Governance and Risk Management. He has a PhD in Law and Economics of Banking Regulation; an MSc in Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Economics from University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He also has an MSc in Comparative Political Economy from Cardiff University, United Kingdom as well as a BSc in Sociology which he obtained from University of Lagos, Nigeria. “Ngwu has consulted extensively over the years, for both local and international organisations. These, include companies in the financial services including some Nigerian banks, insurance, micro-

finance banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the African Development Bank, some FMCG companies and faith-based organisations. “He is the author of two Corporate Governance handbooks: ‘Corporate Governance in Developing and Emerging Markets’ (Routledge, 2016) and ‘Enhancing Board Effectiveness-Institutional, Regulatory and Emerging Markets’(Routhledge,2019) and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in Developing and Emerging Markets ‘ (Cambridge University Press). “Also, he is the Co-chair, Private Sector, Advisory Group Board on UN sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), Advisory Board member, E-Waste Producer Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (EPRON) and Expert Network, World Economic Forum. He is also a member of the Society of Corporate Governance Nigeria among so many others professional organisations,” it added. Also, the statement revealed that Egwidu is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Free Global Investments Limited Nigeria, the Special Purpose Vehicle & Investment promotion subsidiary of Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). OGFZA is Nigeria’s apex government agency set up to regulate the Nigerian Oil& Gas

Free Trade Zones. She was, prior to this, the Special Adviser to the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria. She represented the DG on the multi-agency Financial Inclusion Technical Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, hon policy formulation advocacy and implementation of the regulatory reforms. “Egwidu has close to three decades of combined experience in the public and private sectors in the UK and in Africa, generally. Her work experience traverses financial inclusion, trade investment advisory, inter -government relations, business reputation/ ethics & corporate governance. “A Chartered Accountant, she had trained at the Hugill & Co London and Andersen Consulting, England and worked in the investment sector at Sunlife UK Ltd as well as at the Citibank, Uk. Ms Egwidu is a Doctoral student in Business Administration and had acquired a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International Commercial Law from University of Salford Manchester, England, Master of Business Administration from London School of Business & Finance as well as a B.A Economics & MSc Economics degrees from University of Leicester, England,” it added.

Ngwu

Egwidu

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS 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)

Peter Uzoho The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said it is upgrading the Nigerian oil and gas downstream operations to global standards with improved technology in its ongoing automation process. The Director of DPR, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, stated this at a virtual meeting with the members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) on

Tuesday. In a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Paul Osu, the director said the department was deploying appropriate technology to enhance value for operators and investors alike in the downstream sector. Auwalu said the DPR has concluded plans to launch the the Downstream Remote Monitoring Systems (DRMS), an inventory and regulatory tool designed to track product levels across retail outlets and depots using the

short code- *7117#. Noting that the DRMS would be launched on Thursday in Abuja, the DPR director added that the introduction of DRMS would create value for the sector by providing access to data for efficient management of their operations. Auwalu assured that DPR, as partners in progress, would continue to engage with MOMAN to ensure seamless communication and feedback on our regulatory activities.

NYSC Members Win N4m in Unity Bank Challenge Nume Ekeghe Twelve members of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who took part in Unity Bank’s flagship business plan competition, Corpreneurship Challenge, have won cash prizes totalling N4 million. The winners emerged during the final business pitch

in the fourth edition of the contest for NYSC 2020 Batch B corps members, which took place simultaneously across four NYSC camps in Lagos, Ogun, Benin, and Abuja recently. The cash prizes included a N200,000 business grant for each of the second runner up, N300,000 business grant for the

first runner ups and a star prize of N500,000 for each of the four winners. Some of the winners included Evelyn Esumai, Aisosa Erica and Ozuoka Moses in Abuja camp, while Akomolade Blessing, Okafor Augustine and Edokpayi Harrison emerged the winners in the Benin camp.

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

DPR Leverages Technology to Upgrade Downstream Operations

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020

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 crudes so far this month stand at 58.1$ a barrel, compared with 54.38$ the previous month. Over last twelve months the price has risen 4.7%. The OPEC Basket, is a weighted average of prices for petroleum blends produced by OPEC countries members. It is used as an important benchmark for crude oil prices. OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, it coordinates the oil policies of its member countries, and consequently to have the inﬂuence on the international oil market. These are the members of the OPEC: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Gabon, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Stakeholders List Strategies to Sustain Growth as Market Sheds N425bn Goddy Egene The stock market extended its losses for the third day as investors took more profit. As a result the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) fell by 1.1 per cent to close at 40,696.01 while market capitalisation shed N425.9 billion t o be at N21.3 trillion. However, stockbrokers and some other stakeholders have listed the stimulation of private

sector activities, creation of an intervention fund for securities dealing firms and consistency in government policies as strategies to grow the market. They spoke at the 2021 annual economic review of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) with the theme: “The Nigerian Economic Review for 2020 and Outlook for 2021 with Recommendations.” For instance, the Chairman, Research and Technical Commit-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

tee, CIS, Mr. Akeem Oyewale, said private sector activity needed to be significantly stimulated, while the Micro Small and Medium Scale business class should have greater access to viable long term capital. “These will be effectively accomplished if the equity capital market is supported, strengthened and stabilized with continuous liquidity. Based on the universally acknowledged

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

principle that the money (short term) and capital (long term) markets complement each other in the economic development process, we wish to call on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the following structural / liquidity support to the equity arm of the Nigerian capital market,” he said. He added that an intervention fund should be created for securities dealing firms, to avail

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

them the necessary liquidity to maintain consistent position on quoted securities, thus stabilising the market. “Permit banks’ stocks to qualify for investment of margin lending facilities, under strict regulatory controls, because of its significant impact on market turnover. In view of the gradual return of local investors, we enjoin the CBN to be temperate in dealing with interest rate, liquidity and yield adjustments in its monetary

O F

policy,” Adewale said. An economist, Dr. Biodun Adedipe of B. Adedipe and Associates advocated for investment in Agriculture, ICT and manufacturing and urged the government to make credit available, accessible and attractive for investment. Another economist, Mrs. Kemi Akinde, urged the government to align fiscal and monetary policies and ensure consistency of both policies.

1 0 / 0 2 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

THURSDAY, ͹͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Police Douse Tension over Alleged Herdsman’s Invasion of Soyinka’s Compound Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta Controversy yesterday trailed Tuesday’s alleged grazing of cattle by a herdsman at the Abeokuta home of Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. While the Ogun State Police Command has said that missing cattle strayed into Soyinka’s compound, a close associate of the laureate and a former Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Olu Agunloye, said the herdsmen led their cattle to graze in the compound because they thought that Soyinka was not at home. However, the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has condemned the reported herders’ scare at Soyinka’s home. A statement by the state's Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the intrusion on Soyinka's home was just a case of a

strayed missing cow. Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said: "Yesterday, Tuesday, February 9, 2021, one Kazeem Sorinola, an indigene of Ijeun, Abeokuta, who is into cattle business, was said to have been informed by a young Fulani man, Mr. Awalu Muhammad, who is taking care of the cattle, that one of the cows had got missing. "While the Fulani man was searching for the stray cow around Kemta Estate where Prof. Wole Soyinka’s house is located, the Prof. himself who was going out then saw the Fulani man with some of the cows and he came down to ask where the man was heading to with the cows.” The police said Soyinka asked the herder to move the cattle away from the vicinity. The statement added that the Divisional Police Officer, Kemta Division, who heard

about the incident, moved to the scene with a patrol team and the owner of the cows was invited to come with the Fulani man. "The duo was questioned and properly profiled. The entire place was inspected by the DPO and it was established that it was just a case of strayed cow, as nothing was damaged or tampered with. "There is nothing like an invasion of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s house or any form of attack on his person," it said. The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had visited the scene and he interviewed Sorinola and the herder, adding that their statements showed no evidence of invasion. But Agunloye disputed the police's narrative, saying the herdsman trespassed on Soyinka’s unfenced compound. Agunloye said in a

statement yesterday that the herdsmen did not attack the laureate or his family members. In the statement titled, ‘Herdsmen did not attack Prof Soyinka,’ he said the police had arrested the trespassing herdsmen Agunloye said: “What happened was that herdsmen led their cattle to graze in Prof. Soyinka’s unfenced compound again yesterday despite his strong warnings to the herdsmen. “Prof. Soyinka has been living in the forest at the outskirt of Abeokuta in an area designated as GRA since the late 1980s.” He stated that in recent times, cattle herders had desecrated Soyinka’s compound by flooding it with cows. He added that Soyinka had summoned the herdsmen and sternly warned them to stop trespassing on the laureate's property. “However, the herdsmen

broke the rules yesterday thinking that Prof. Soyinka was not home. When the Prof accosted them, they fled into the bush leaving their cows behind. Prof Soyinka reported the incident to the police, which later arrested the herdsmen and their cows. “We can say categorically that Prof. Soyinka and his house were not physically attacked but his compound was violated by recalcitrant herdsmen who wanted to turn his compound into a grazing field. Prof Soyinka and his family remain okay in their Abeokuta home.” Meanwhile, the SMBLF has condemned the reported herders’ scare at Soyinka’s home. The forum, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Yinka Odumakin (South-west); Chief Guy Ikokwu (South-east); Senator Bassey Henshaw (South-south) and Dr. Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt), expressed sadness that the herders did

not regard Soyinka's status. "It is a painful development that herders will not even give scant regard to a man of Soyinka's stature in their madness and were let loose on Nigeria with no authority to call them to order. "If there are people still living in denial about the intention of these criminals and those shielding them, there is no further evidence than this. "We do not know what they have that they are playing this roulette but we are sure when a blind man says we have to settle this stoning ourselves, it is either he is stepping on or clutching one," it stated. The group warned the herdsmen of the implications of hurting Soyinka with the fragile unity of the country. It also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to note that these criminals are working hard to make him the last president of a united Nigeria.

of the LCCI, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the railway will provide connectivity along with Nigerian cities it will pass through and is critical to Nigerian economic growth. Yusuf stated that the fact that the railway line would pass through many Nigerian cities before it got to Niger Republic “will bring the connectivity that will usher in economic transformation in those cities.” He added that the second advantage of the project is that it would bring relief to Niger Republic, which is a landlocked country that has challenges with moving its cargoes from the coastal countries. “Right now, the transit

cargoes that normally should have passed through Nigeria to Niger Republic are being transported by road from Togo and Republic of Benin. If they have the opportunity of using Nigerian ports, it will be easier for them to move these cargoes on the railway. These cargoes will increase businesses in our maritime sector,” Yusuf said. He said the rail project would be a critical infrastructure in facilitating the objectives of African economic integration as espoused under the AfCFTA. “Connectivity is very critical to trade at continental and regional levels. Trade under

the AfCFTA will flourish between countries that have connectivity either by roads, airports but more significantly by railways. It is going to facilitate the objective of African economic integration. “If you look at all the cities that railway have major stations, you will notice that it occasioned significant transformation in those places. Places like Ibadan, Osogbo, Jebba, Kaura Namoda, which ordinarily would have been small settlements are today big cities. The fact that railway passed through these cities brought significant economic transformation for them,” Yusuf said.

would not make any exceptions based on individual's religion or tribe. According to him, insecurity has become so pervasive that it has cost people in every region and state lives and property. He said: "Here in the National Assembly, we do not command any army or control the police. Command and control of our nation’s security infrastructure is an exclusively executive responsibility. “Yet, it is to us that our constituents look to when the forces of darkness descend to disrupt their lives, often irreparably. "We have to reconcile the obligations we owe to our people with the constitutional limitations under which we operate. But we will not shrink from our role as advocates for the forgotten voices, and we will continue to exercise the appropriation and oversight authority vested in us to hold to account those who bear direct responsibility for the protection of all our nation’s people." Gbajabiamila said in the 2021 legislative year, the House would focus attention on bills and motions that would improve ease of doing business and unlock economic potential by removing restrictive regulations and that deprive young people of the opportunity to conquer new frontiers.

He said in this age of technology and innovation, of daring and enterprise, the government could not risk implementing policies that would handicap the ability of the nation to participate in new markets and profit from emerging industries. According to him, it has become more difficult with each appropriation cycle for the government to meet its obligations, considering the exploding recurrent cost of governance demands. He, therefore, called on the lawmakers to be more circumspect in the priorities the parliament pursues, particularly regarding establishment bills in the National Assembly. Gbajabiamila said at a time of reduced revenue, with pre-existing and worsening infrastructure deficits requiring significant investments, the parliament could not afford to keep establishing more institutions that would raise the cost of governance. "I am not unmindful of the realities that often necessitate such legislation, yet we cannot ignore the facts that lie before us. Let us work together to reform and strengthen the institutions already in existence, and remove those no longer fit for purpose. I believe most sincerely that this is the pathway to a legacy that we can all be proud of," he said.

OPS BACKS BUHARI ON GAINS OF NIGERIA-NIGER RAIL LINK and Chad.” He added that the rail line will provide the vital support for the trade in goods and services and movement of persons and consequently investments within the context of the AfCFTA that commenced last month. “Having entered the operational phase of the AfCFTA’s agreement, provision of hard infrastructure such as this is critical to the country's chances of benefiting from the free trade area that has 1.2 billion people market,” Ajayi-Kadir said. Ajayi-Kadir's counterpart in NACCIMA, Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, told THISDAY

that the construction of the rail line is a welcome development considering the importance of rail infrastructure as a tool for sustainable economic development in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the desire to boost trade and economic ties between Nigeria and its West African neighbours. Olukanni said: “The rail link to Niger Republic in particular is indeed a good development. Apart from enhancing free movement of people as envisioned under the ECOWAS treaty, it will also help to expand trade between people in our northern geo-

economic zone and the Niger Republic. “I am also sure that a landlocked country like Niger Republic will be delighted with this development because it will expand the volume of goods and industrial raw materials which usually transit through Nigerian ports and are usually conveyed by trucks.” According to him, an efficient rail system will place Nigeria in an advantageous position in the context of the AfCFTA, as part of the needed infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods for the successful implementation of the agreement. Also, the Director-General

RE JIG SECURITY ARCHITECTURE, SENATE URGES BUHARI, NSA, SERVICE CHIEFS, IG farmer-herder conflicts. to battle security challenges, Security Failure House would shortly begin At the House of particularly in the rural areas. Fuelling Culture the consideration of bills to Representatives, the Speaker, It urged the state governors of Self-help, Says amend the Administration Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to re-invigorate rural of Criminal Justice Act, and expressed concern that the governance and convene Gbajabiamila also follow it up with a review worsening insecurity has prompted the people to resort to self-help to stay alive and protect their assets. In the resolutions read by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, at the plenary yesterday, the Senate also urged security agencies to deploy drones and helicopters in the forests and other ungoverned spaces to identify illegal camps of bandits so as to crush the criminals. Senators, however, observed one- minute silence in honour of all victims of insurgency, banditry, herdsmen-farmers' clashes, and other security challenges. The Senate had formulated the resolutions following points raised by Senators Tolulope Odebiyi (Ogun West Senatorial District); Solomon Adeola (Lagos West Senatorial District); Kola Balogun (Oyo South Senatorial District); Ali Ndume (Borno South Senatorial District), amongst others, for urgent action to be taken against the security challenges in the country. The Senate, therefore, urged Buhari to direct Monguno, the new service chiefs and Adamu, to rejig the nation’s security architecture and evolve more effective counter measures

dialogue to promote local conflict resolution and interethnic harmony. The Senate also advocated a scheme to checkmate the proliferation of firearms and enforce the laws against illegal possession of firearms. It said by implementing the National Livestock Transformation Plan, the governors would help to eliminate transhumance in order to prevent farmer-herder conflicts. In other resolutions, the Senate “urged the federal government to adequately equip the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Customs Service to police and monitor our borders using technology to check illegal immigrants, and checkmate smuggling of firearms and light weapons. “Urge the federal government to resuscitate and inaugurate the National Task Force Commission to combat the proliferation of Light Weapons, Small Arms and Ammunition; and urge the federal government to review the ECOWAS Protocol of free movement to checkmate the infiltration of criminal elements into Nigeria.”

Also, yesterday, Gbajabiamila, while delivering his speech on the resumption of the lawmakers for the 2021 legislative session, expressed concern that the federal government’s inability to protect the people has now forced them to resort to selfhelp in defending themselves against criminals. He warned that the resort to self-help portends danger for the nation’s continued existence. Gbajabiamila urged all stakeholders to put aside the petty concerns of partisanship and ethno-religious differences and support the government to defeat insurgency, banditry, communal violence, and the violent struggle over land. According to him, the true test of any government is in its ability to protect the most vulnerable, adding that it is impossible to separate the goal of economic prosperity from the ambition to ensure that people live in a just society free from abuse of power and protected by a justice system built on fairness and the rule of law. Gbajabiamila said as part of its legislative support to combat insecurity, the

of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act as well as other legislations that seek to deliver a justice system that works for all. He stated: "The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. With these words, the constitution obligates all of us who swear to serve in government to do everything to protect the lives and property of all citizens and promote their well-being above all else. "This obligation is central to the governing contract between the government and the citizenry. Every time a citizen going about their business is killed or kidnapped, loses their property or livelihood, we have failed in our obligation. "From the abundance of these failures has emerged a culture of self-help in matters of internal security that portends grave danger for our nation’s continued existence." The speaker added that if there was a time for all to put aside all other considerations, especially the petty concerns of partisanship and politics, it was now. Gbajabiamila said the forces threatening lives and property, sovereignty and nationhood,

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Senate Gives Committees Two Weeks to Screen Service Chiefs, Ambassadorial Nominees Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate has given its relevant committees two weeks to screen the newly appointed military Service Chiefs as well as non-career ambassadors nominees, and

report back to plenary. President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter requesting for the confirmation of the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs was referred to the Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Air Force

Frozen Accounts: Govt Cannot Be Intimidated, Malami Tells #EndSARS Campaigners The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said the federal government was not wrong to freeze the bank accounts of 20 #EndSARS campaigners. Malami who spoke on a live television programme last night, argued that: “Government is not wrong particularly in circumstances that justifies intense investigation. It is the end result of an investigation that can determine whether government is right or wrong as determine by the court on the basis of the facts presented,” he said. Following the destruction that trailed the #EndSARS protests last October, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) obtained a court order to freeze the accounts of the #EndSARS promoters. However, a Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the CBN to unfreeze the accounts of the #EndSARS campaigners. But speaking on the decision of the court, Malami said the decision to comply with the court order or not would not be out of intimidation, adding that the government cannot be intimidated. He said, “The decision to comply with the court order or not is not a decision that is a product of intimidation; government cannot be intimidated, government cannot in anyway be compromised as far

as the exercise of its constitutional powers are concerned but that does not mean the government is perpetually inconsiderate. “The bottom-line is that the public interest matters most in whatever decision the government arrives at as far as compliance or non-compliance with the orders or judgments of the court are concerned. Intimidation is out of it, threats are out of it, constitutionality is the bottom-line.” The AGF further said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was lenient with the #EndSARS protesters, adding that no government all over the world can tolerate a situation where scores of policemen were murdered because citizens expressed their rights to lawful assembly and freedom of expression. He stressed that the government would continue to protect Nigerians and their constitutional rights. “The government is there to ensure there are no security threats and in so doing the true position of things is that it is the responsibility of the government to accord protection to the lives of the citizens, their personal liberty, freedom of movement, and indeed accord protection to all the constitutionally guaranteed rights of individuals.

Kwara Alleges Plot By Opponents to Instigate Violence, Blackmail Gov Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Government yesterday raised the alarm over alleged plots by some suspected political interests to instigate violence and blame it on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as part of a grand conspiracy to defame him. Already, the government said that, the security agencies in the state have been alerted over the alleged plots in the state. This development according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with series of violence that has characterised the activities of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following the leadership tussle in the state. Some chieftains of the APC were recently attacked at the stakeholders’ meeting of the party on the need to intimate them on the ongoing membership and revalidation exercise of the party in the state. The attack took place at the venue of the meeting held at the Banquet hall of Government House, Ilorin. Many members of the party were receiving medical attention at various hospitals in

the state. Also on Monday, some chieftains of the APC from Kwara north senatorial district of the state were attacked at the stakeholders meeting at Lafiagi. Many of them were seriously injured while the vehicles belonging to the APC leaders were vandalised. The governor has since condemned the attack and urged the security agencies in the state to fish out those that behind the attack in Lafiagi town. However, speaking at a press conference yesterday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye said that, “the plots also include sponsorship of spurious corruption allegations using sexed up official documents and innuendoes in the media to blackmail the Governor, urging members of the public and security agencies to be wary of the conspiracies”. He stated that, “The objective of the plotters is to create a false image for the governor as a promoter of violence, thereby heating up the polity in the name of politics and pitching him against the public.

and Navy, for further legislative work. Buhari had in the letter to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, dated January 27, 2021, said the screening was being sought in furtherance of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The new military Service

Chiefs to be screened are Major General Lucky Irabor, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao as Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively. The president’s other request for the confirmation of General

Abayomi Olonisakin (rtd), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (rtd), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar(rtd) and Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (rtd) as non-career ambassadorsdesignate was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Lawan, while referring

the nomination of Victor Chinemerem Muruako for appointment as chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission to the Committee on Finance, also referred the nomination of Larry Obinna Chukwu as Commissioner for the Nigerian Law Reforms to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

WE SHARE YOUR PAINS…

L-R: Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Edith Okowa; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, during his condolence visit to the governor over the death of his father, Pa Arthur Okowa, in Government House, Asaba…yesterday

I have Not Left PDP, Fani-Kayode Insists Former minister visits Jonathan

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode yesterday insisted that he was still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former Presidential spokesman also disclosed that he visited former President Goodluck Jonathan. The Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, had earlier disclosed in a viral video that emerged yesterday that Fani-Kayode had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former minister had on Monday met with Bello and the National Chairman of the APC, Governor Mai Buni of Yobe State. Their meeting led to speculation that he had defected to the ruling party. Bello confirmed the speculation to be true, in the viral video, saying, “Our brother and friend, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has joined our party in good faith. He’s joining our party to add his own positive energy and make contribution into ensuring that APC is a party to beat.”

“Remember that Chief Femi Fani-Kayode was a foundation member of this great party. Due to misunderstanding, he decided to port elsewhere, now he has decided to join our party, approached me, and by the mandate given to me by the party, I must not segregate or discriminate against any individual.” But in a swift reaction, Fani-Kayode admitted that he was indeed holding talks across party lines but insisted that he has not left the PDP. “Though we have had meetings across party lines and

we are in a season of political consultation, I have not left the PDP,” he wrote yesterday on his verified Twitter handle. Fani-Kayode has also disclosed that he visited former President Jonathan in his Abuja residence on Tuesday. “My team and I had the honour and privilege of spending a wonderful evening with President Goodluck Jonathan in his Abuja home last night. None like him,” the minister tweeted yesterday. He did not reveal the details of the meeting with the former president.

MOPOL Inspector Commits Suicide in Imo Amby Uneze in Owerri Tragedy occurred on yesterday in Imo State as a Mobile Police (MOPOL) Inspector, deployed to the Fire Service Police Station, on Egbu Road, Owerri, capital of the state, Umor Godwin, shot himself and died instantly. THISDAY gathered that his colleagues heard the sound of

the gunshot and rushed to the scene, which was inside one of the rooms in the station and discovered the lifeless body with blood all over the room. The reason for his action was not immediately known but investigation has commenced. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Orlando Ikeokwu, a Superintendent of Police (SP),

who confirmed the incident, said there was yet no known reason for the suicide. According to him, the deceased simply entered a room known as ‘camp’ at the station, closed the door and the sound of gunshot was heard. Ikeokwu, hinted that after hearing the noise, other policemen entered the room

and opened the door only to see Umor’s corpse. His words: “It just happened. He was an Inspector and mobile police deployed there. His name is Umor Godwin. “He entered a room there, known as camp, and other officers heard a gun noise. When they opened the door, they saw that he had shot himself and died.”

Gunmen Kill Police Officer, Injure Four Others in Taraba Gunmen in the early hours of yesterday attacked a Mobile Police checkpoint in Chanchanji village of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing a police officer. Local sources said the gunmen who rode on motorcycles opened fire on the police officers manning the checkpoint, killing an officer, while four other passersby sustained injuries in the attack. It was gathered that the gunmen after killing the

officer allegedly made away with his rifle. An eyewitness told journalists that the gunmen who came from the Benue side of the Taraba/Benue border opened fire at a checkpoint mounted by the police, killing one of the officers on duty. “The gunmen rode on three motorcycles and passed at a high speed heading towards the bridge. “After a while, we heard gunshots, but because of the insecurity around here, we

did not rush to the area. It was after 30 minutes that we went out only to discover that a police officer was killed in the attack. “Four other persons including the son of the Gara of Chanchanji was injured in the attack,” he said. Ahua also said the Jukun youths suspecting the gunmen might be Tiv people, launched a reprisal on people of the ethnic group in the area, burning two motorcycles and injuring several others

who were on their way to Peva market. The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Reform Leha, confirmed the attack. “Yes, one police officer who is on special duty to the area protecting the internally displaced persons was killed in the early morning attack “Four other IDPs were also injured. Those injured are responding well to treatment at the Takum General hospital.”

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Oyo Police Arrest Kidnappers of LG Boss, Nine Others Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Oyo State Police Command has arrested some members of criminal gangs involved in killings, kidnappings, and other atrocities in the Ibarapa area of the state. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko, led other top police officers to parade the suspects and others arrested by men of the command in Ibadan on Wednesday. The CP said, “On January 2, 2021, at about 1955hrs, some members of a notorious

kidnapping syndicate who have been terrorising members of the public in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo State invaded Subawah Filling Station located along Idere Road, Igboora, with sophisticated firearms such as AK-49 rifles, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons. In the course of the attack, the kidnapper shot indiscriminately in different directions, and in the process, two young girls who were later identified as Bababtunde Omowumi and Toriola Kudirat were hit by stray bullets and died on the spot.

“The suspects whisked her (owner of the filling station) into the bush where they brutally murdered her after shooting at her several times in the stomach. “The three deceased victims were later deposited at the morgue by policemen from Igboora Division and upon the conclusion of their preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to the Monitoring Unit for more diligent investigation. No sooner was the case received than a team of crack police detectives swung into action and arrested nine suspects from

their hideouts. ” On January 5, 2021, further investigation revealed that one of the prime suspects Jare Mohammed (Male) inserted his sim card Number 07086824526 on the Nokia Phone belonging to the deceased, Alhaja Adisa Sherifat, which was carted away from her during the armed robbery operation that claimed her life.” Apart from the suspects, the CP said the police also arrested the hoodlums, who abducted the Chairman of Iganna Local Council Development Area of the state, Mr. Jacob Adeleke.

The council boss was kidnapped with his driver on the Okeho-Ado Awaye road and ransom was collected before he was released. The CP said the council boss was invited and he identified his abductors. Onadeko said, “Based on credible intelligence, the command through operatives of the CP Monitoring team intercepted and arrested some members of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate armed with AK-47 rifles. ” The suspects confessed to

kidnapping the Chairman of Iganna LCDA, Adeleke Jacob Olayiwola, along the Iganna/ Ado Awaye road, subsequently dispossessed him of all his personal effects and a random of N5.5million was paid. The victim vividly identified the suspects who had confessed to the crime.” She gave the names of the arrested suspects in connection with the kidnapping as Babuga Mohammadu; Rabiu Mohammadu; Usman Mohammed and Aliyu Mohammed.

I will Support Amnesty for Bandits, Says Lai Mohammed Ejiofor Alike The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has thrown his weight behind the states that offered amnesty to bandits, saying that “if granting amnesty to a warlord will lead to the surrendering of many others I will take that decision”. The minister has also insisted that the country is safer today than it was prior to the coming of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in 2015. He also gave reason the federal government proscribed the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), saying that the group is not the same as bandits or killer herdsmen, stressing that the latter cannot be called terrorists. Speaking yesterday on a live TV programme, Mohammed said that before 2015, the entire Northern Nigeria was no- goarea, adding that even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was not safe for residents. “Before APC government came on board in 2015, bombs were going off everywhere including in the heart of FCT. During that time as a minister, before you go to the mosque in Abuja, we’re frisked before you enter for Jumat. It was that serious then but our government has stopped all that now”, he explained. The minister argued that the government has worked very hard to degrade and subdue the insurgents just as he said the neutralisation of the bandits and insurgents by security agencies

are underreported. “The insurgents have been dealt a serious blow and when these bandits who are not settled at a place are neutralized nobody hears about it. Our security agencies have been dealing with the insecurity and they have been succeeding”. Reacting to the issue of some governors granting amnesty to notorious armed gangs, he said: “When dealing with a situation like an insurgency and banditry you do certain things in the interest of peace. If granting amnesty to a warlord will lead to the surrendering of many others I will take that decision”. The minister also commented on Sheikh Abubakar Gumi’s amnesty proposal for bandits, saying that anyone can go on that mission if it will bring peace. He, however, declared that the federal government did not authorise the meeting in the first place. When asked why the federal government hurriedly proscribed the IPOB even when they were not as vicious as the bandits but failed to also proscribe bandits and killer-herdsmen who are carrying sophisticated weapons against innocent Nigerians, the minister argued that the two groups are different. “Don’t compare IPOB with bandits and herdsmen. IPOB doesn’t believe in Nigeria hence they were declared a terrorist organisation. Bandits and herdsmen are only criminals”, Mohammed said.

FCT Police Arrest Community Head, Three Others for Alleged Kidnapping The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the head of a community in Abuja and three others for their alleged involvement in kidnapping. The suspects, who were undergoing interrogation, were believed to have aided kidnap gangs in their community located between Zuba and Giri Junction, on the ZubaGwagwalada Expressway in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT. It was gathered that a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Abdulahi Rakieu, and three others abducted in the Tungan Maje area of Gwagwalada on Saturday, had been released. The victims were said

to have breathed the air of freedom on Tuesday. The ex-NIS officer and the other victims were taken away by the kidnappers, who reportedly gained access to their residence by breaking the wall and destroying the anti-burglar irons. A police spokesperson, ASP Mariam Yusuf, confirmed the arrest of the kidnap suspects and the release of Rakieu and the other hostages. “Yes, we have arrested some suspects in connection with the kidnapping at Tungan Maje. Four persons, including the head of a community, are in custody undergoing interrogation over the kidnapping incidents along that axis,” she confirmed yesterday.

A BOOST TO DIGITAL ECONOMY...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Cosgrove Investment Limited, Mr. Umar Abdullahi; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Patami; and Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during the laying of the foundation block of the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, in Abuja…recently

Ebonyi Court Remands 55 Suspects for over Murder, Arson A Magistrate Court in Ebonyi Effium, in the Ohaukwu Local state, on January 22, 2021. Cap R, 11, Laws of Federation State yesterday remanded one Ojo Monday and 54 others, who were arraigned by the state police command for murder, arson and destruction of property worth millions of naira in Ebonyi community. The police accused the 55 suspects of being responsible for the killings, destruction of buildings and illegal possession of firearms, that took place during the crises that erupted between the people of Effium and Ezza

Government Area of the state, recently. The two communities in the Ohaukwu Council Area of the state, had been enmeshed in intra-communal war that led to the killings of over 40 persons and destruction of property and other valuables worth millions of naira, in the area. The defendants were alleged to have committed the offence in Ezza Effium in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the

They were arraigned yesterday on seven counts bordering on felony, murder, arson, encouraging communal war, unlawful possession of firearms, among others. The Police Prosecutor, ASP Mathias Eze, told the court that the offences were punishable under sections 516A (a), 42, 319(1), 443 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009 and section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms Act,

of Nigeria, 2004, as amended The defendants were not represented in court and, therefore, no bail application was made on their behalf. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Nnenna Onuoha, ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Abakaliki, while their case file should be transferred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, for necessary legal advice.

Okowa’s Father for Private Burial this Month Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed the desire of his family to ‘hold a private burial’ for his late father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa, the patriarch of the Okowa’s family of Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Okowa, who made the decision publicly yesterday in a statement signed by him, disclosed that while the private burial would be conducted this month (February), a public reception to celebrate the life of his late father would hold

later in the year in August, with the hope that the curve of the coronavirus infection would has dipped remarkably by then. The governor, however, expressed profound appreciation to Nigerians for their uncommon show of love and condolences following the demise of Pa Okowa, thanking all those who came to condole with him and those who called or sent messages of condolences to him and his siblings. According to him, “In view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, we have opted to hold a private burial ceremony sometime this month for my late father, while

a celebration of life event will take place on August 21, 2021. “Hopefully, by then, the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic would have given way to a freer and more assured environment. “On behalf of the Okowa family of Owa-Alero, Ika NorthEast LGA, I wish to thank all those who have taken time to commiserate with us on the death of my beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa. “Ever since the news of his demise broke out, our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill from a wide spectrum of political, business and religious leaders

as well as the Nigerian masses. “My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the show of solidarity, which have, in no small measure, helped us to cope with Papa’s passing. “Although he died at what may be considered a good old age, the death of someone so dear cannot but leave one with a sense of void. “My late father was a strong pillar of support all through my political/public service career. I drew immeasurably from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and he was very passionate about the growth and development of our beloved state.

Gbajabiamila Refers Buhari’s Request to Confirm Service Chiefs to House Committees Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday referred President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the confirmation of the new Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to the House Committees on Army, Defence, Air Force and Navy for screening.

Buhari had in a letter dated January 27, 2021, and addressed to Gbajabiamila, said the screening was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The appointees for confirmation are Maj. Gen. Lucky Eluonye lrabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen. Ibrahim

Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao, Chief of Air Staff. They are to replace the former Chief of Defence Staff, and Service Chiefs. The president urged the lawmakers to consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner.

The Speaker, after reading the letter, directed the Chairmen of the Committees, Hon. Abdulrasak Namdas (Army), Hon. Babajimi Benson (Defence), Hon. Shehu Koko (Air Force) and Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (Navy), to work with their deputies, and at least five members of their committees to carry out the exercise in strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Rising Costs Hindering Investment in Oil Industry, Say Producing Companies Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Major stakeholders Nigeria’s oil and gas industry yesterday lamented the rising cost of doing business in the country, insisting that the development was hindering the much-needed investments in the sector. The stakeholders, including the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), comprising 30 oil and gas companies and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPIG), with a membership of 25 firms, agreed that the prevailing situation was not sustainable. They spoke at a Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), virtual event tagged “The Nigerian Oil and Gas Regulations: X-raying the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Stakeholders Review of the Perspectives, Legislation and Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Landscape.”

Quoting industry data, Managing Director, Total E&P Nigeria Limited and Chairman, OPTS, Mr. Mike Sangster, noted that for instance, of the $70 billion that flowed into the continent between 2015 and 2019, only $3 billion came into the country. He explained that considering Nigeria’s huge resource base, the quantum of foreign investment was very low, noting that bureaucracy and the cost of doing business in the country was not only hurting investors, but also negatively impacting government revenues. Represented by the Director, Downstream Gas, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sanjay Narasimhalu, the Total chief executive argued that what Nigeria needed was “the right” PIB, saying that almost every Nigerian has a different reason for wanting the enactment of the proposed law. “What Nigeria needs is the

right PIB. Every entity, everybody has a different reason why we should have one. Between 2015 and 2019, there was an amount of capital spend across the globe and it shows that what resources a country has and the capital they received. “The key takeaway is that of the $70 billion that came to Africa between 2015 and 2019, only $3 billion came to Nigeria

despite the amount of resources. That’s a powerful message,” he posited. Sangster opined that businesses will always go to where they are competitive, stating that there was so much time and resources wasted on bureaucracy in the country. He added: “The cost of doing business in Nigeria is a reality. We spend so much

time and money in developing projects and we are inundated with a significant amount of bureaucracy and oversight and that chews away profitability for government and for investors. “So, cost is a parasite that hurts government and industry and that’s where we can partner so that the PIB can work in our favour to help to focus on

driving cost down. So, when it comes to governance, will the new PIB help to really drive cost down. Does it simplify the administration process?” He maintained that a principle that all stakeholders must agree on is that the proposed law must establish a governance framework that simplifies the entire process and drives cost of business down.

IMF Foresees Dangote Refinery’s Potential of Bailing Nigeria from Economic Downturn The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global financial watchdog is projecting that Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery would provide an elixir for the country’s economy when it is completed and start production by 2022. In its latest report on Nigeria’s economy, the Fund raises the hope that the start of production from the refinery, solely owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote could help Nigeria improve its Current Account balance. It said Dangote Refinery has “the potential to catalyse more domestic crude oil production and boost GDP growth.” “On the upside, the Dangote refinery, if commencing production in 2022 as planned, could meet the full demand for domestic consumption of refined petroleum products— which are almost all imported at present—thereby improving the CA balance. “With crude oil for local refining not subject to the OPEC quota, the refinery also has the potential to catalyse more domestic crude oil production and boost GDP growth,” the IMF wrote in its Article IV report on Nigeria’s economy released recently. Many experts have also

projected that the refinery, which may cost Dangote about $15 billion to complete is capable of helping to save Nigeria huge foreign exchange in fuel importations. The 650,000 capacity Dangote Refinery, is regarded as one of the world’s biggest oil refineries and could end the irony of Africa’s biggest oil producer importing estimated $7 billion of fuel yearly, and instead see it meeting its own needs and supplying neighboring nations. Renaissance Capital in a report in 2018 had projected that Dangote Refinery has the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s economy, with its operations adding $13 billion, or 2.3 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Dangote Refinery, which is described as Nigeria’s largestever industrial project, boasts of a distillation column for separating crude into various fuels at different temperatures that is the largest of its kind in the world. The 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery is just part of a $15 billion petrochemical complex that will also house a gas processor and the world’s biggest plant for ammonia and urea, which is used in making plastics and fertilizer.

Buhari to Confer NYSC Awards on 110 Ex-corps Members No fewer than 110 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who distinguished themselves during their service years will receive national honours. The NYSC said the award would be conferred on them by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, at a press briefing yesterday, said 500 corps members from the state level were nominated for the award

by the National Selection Committee, with 110 making the final list. “The processes are rigorous because we want to ensure that only those that duly qualify win the award, and for a corps member to win this award, he/ she must have won the award from local government to the state and then forwarded to the national level,” Ibrahim explained. He appealed to corps members not to relent in their drive towards peace, growth and development of the country.

ANOTHER MEGA PROJECT...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Director in charge of Rail in the ministry, Mr. Muhammed Babakobi; and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at the groundbreaking ceremony for Kano-Maradi rail line in Katsina…recently

INEC Tasks Security Agencies on Crowd Management Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday met with security agencies and other members of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election. security (ICCES), declaring that credible elections start with the management of voters at the polling units. In his address to the security chiefs during the meeting, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahood Yakubu said that the meeting is crucial because it is on how to manage crowd at the polling stations during elections. According to the INEC

chairman, “Members of ICCES are critical partners to the commission in delivering credible and peaceful election, including orderly behaviour at the Polling Unit level. The management of large crowds at many Polling Units across the country has been challenging to Commission officials and the members of ICCES, resulting in some cases in the late commencement of polls or the disruption of the sorting and counting of ballots at Polling Units. “Such disruptions often have consequences on electoral outcomes leading, in some instances, to avoidable supplementary

elections.”, he stated. Yakubu further stated, “as you are aware, the success of elections is largely a reflection of what happens at Polling unit level. It is the only point at which votes are cast by eligible citizens. What follows thereafter is the collation process leading to the declaration of results. “However, the large crowds at some of our Polling Units on Election Day remain a challenge to the orderly management of elections. In your reports to the Commission, some members of ICCES have alluded to this problem.” He said that with only

119,973 Polling Units serving a voter population of 84,004,084 which will certainly increase by the time the Commission resumes the mandatory fresh registration of voters, Nigeria faces an acute problem of voter access to Polling Units. He explained that the truth is that the current Polling Units in Nigeria were established in 1996 by the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) to serve a projected population of about 50 million voters. He added that over the last 25 years, the voter population has increased.

Obaseki: We’ll Flush out Killer Herdsmen from Edo Forests The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state government has concluded plans to launch an operation to comb forests in the state for killer herdsmen, as the state government intensifies efforts to flush out criminals from the state. The governor disclosed this when he led heads of security agencies in the state on a fact-finding tour in Ugo community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state. The governor also condoled with families who lost their

lives to herdsmen attacks, adding, “I am here with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Philip Agbadu and other heads of security agencies in the state to commiserate with you. This is to tell you how serious we take what has happened in Ugo. We are here first to commiserate with you and to let you know that we feel your pains and that as a government we are very concerned and worried. “The principal role of any government is to protect the lives and property of

citizens. We are here to find out for ourselves what actually happened and to make certain decisions.” He said, “I know this is not the first time it has happened, but we want to make sure that this sort of thing does not happen again in this community. I want to thank you for being law abiding citizens and not taking laws into your hands. Obaseki reassured the residents of his administration’s commitment to check the activities of killer herdsmen

in the community, noting, “I want to assure you that an operation will be carried out. I am very happy with the number of vigilantes I see in the community, which means that you have enough information. We are not against the presence of anybody who wants to come and do business here. “Whether they want to come and herd their cattle or they want to do other business here, you are not against them. You are only saying that, if they want to come and graze, they must do it legally and lawfully.”

Freight Forwarding Firm Bags World Customs’ Certificate of Merit Award Sunday Okobi A Lagos-based freight forwarding firm, Talod Ocean Airfreight Limited, has clinched the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit award. The award was presented by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) at the just concluded International Customs Day celebration which

took place in Abuja, recently. It was delightful as freight forwarding practitioners, friends, business associates and wellwishers across the country poured encomiums on the firm. They also lauded the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Mr. Hakeem Olanrewaju. Apart from being the pioneer vice chairman of the maiden Governing Council of the Council for the Regulation of

Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), the Talod Ocean Airfreight Limited boss was also the chairman, Governing Council of the CRFFN during its second tenure. The Certificate of Merit Award was presented to Olanrewaju by the Secretary-General of WCO, Mr. Mr. Kunio Mukuriya, at a ceremony held in Abuja recently. According to the organisers, the WCO certificate award is an international recognition through

merit to private organisations endorsed by the national Customs having obtained a clean bill of professional practices by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) for outstanding trade compliance, qualitative logistics services and participation in the global trade initiative programmes which in the local parlance is referred to as compliant declarant/ trader’.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Adoke Petitions IG, Wants Alleged Criminal Forgery Investigated Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, over an alleged case of criminal forgery designed to link him with Aliyu Abubakar, one of the parties in an ongoing court case in Milan, Italy. Adoke alleged that parties responsible for the petition, investigations and commencement of the criminal trial at the court of Milan against the individuals and entities connected with the OPL 245 settlement agreement, resorted to forgery of an email dated June 21, 2011, which was submitted to the court as material evidence. In the letter written on his

behalf by his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), Adoke stated that he was particularly shocked at the unlawful design and collusion with the public prosecutors at the court of Milan to carry out the act. He argued that the email was written at a time he was no longer the AGF, owing to the dissolution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by then President Goodluck Jonathan. Adoke stated that he was only reappointed to the position on July 2, 2011, saying that from May 29, 2011- July 2, 2011, he was on holiday abroad as a private citizen, and did not have any dealings with official matters on behalf of the government. He noted that it was inconceivable that he would send a memo on behalf of the

federal government on official matters about the OPL 245 settlement agreement in the form of the email of 21/06/2011, as a private citizen. “Our client’s position is that it is on record that all of our client’s correspondence, whether physical or electronic, are signed off with the suffix “SAN”, and at no time did our client sign

off any document without using his rank in the legal profession. “The parties responsible for the forgery of the email dated 21/06/2011 would want to suggest to the Milan Court and the public that our client would sign off an email from another person or a third-party’s email account with his name “Mohammed Bello Adoke”

omitting his professional rank of “SAN” which is false. “Our client would want to point out that he would never have sent an email from another person’s account and signed off with his name. This is completely illogical. Our client has an e-mail account for his personal and for his official matters. Therefore, it

is completely nonsensical to expect our client to use another person’s email address,” the petition said. It added that moreover, Adoke while in office, had at least five aides working with him who could have sent an email on his behalf assuming that he was busy, or had issues with his email account.

Army Chief Open to Criticisms, Says New Spokesman Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, is open to engagement and constructive criticism from the media, the new Director, Army Public Relations, BrigadierGeneral Mohammed Yerima, has said. Yerima spoke yesterday at the Nigerian Army Headquarters while taking over from his predecessor, BrigadierGeneral Sagir Musa, who was redeployed to the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna, Niger State. He said such constructive engagement was capable of boosting the morale of the troops at the frontlines and

would help them to defeat the insurgents. “As you all know, nothing boosts the morale of our fighting troops more than the solidarity of all Nigerians, especially media reports that ginger their zeal and fighting spirit and sacrifice to the nation,” he said. The Army Spokesperson stressed that Nigerians should know that crushing the terrorists would be victory for Nigerians. “We shall be open to constructive engagements and criticisms that will support the military operations against the enemies of the country. “The Nigerian Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, values your partnership and cooperation,” he said.

Pharmacists Task Senate over Anomalies in MDCN 2020 Bill As controversy over the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Bill 2020 rages, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos Chapter, has kicked against a deliberate attempt by sponsors of the bill to undermine the constitutional power of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) as the only body that can regulate Pharmacy Practice at both the private and public sector levels in Nigeria. The pharmacists’ body accused the Chairman of Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, of attempting to force unimaginable clauses into the MDCN Bill in collaboration with his Medical and Dental Council colleagues. The Chairman of the PSN, Lagos Chapter, Gbolagade Iyiola, in a press statement said: “We observe with dismay, the undisguised attempts by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, to force through the unimaginable sacrileges he and his medical collaborators had smuggled into the MDCN Bill 2020.” He specifically picked holes on the “Section 42(1) Subject to subsection (4) which says: no person, other than a registered Medical Practitioner shall: (b) Take or use the title of

Physician, Doctor or licentiate of medicine, medical practitioner or apothecary; and “42(2) Subject to Section (4) of this section, no person other than a registered Dental Surgeon shall (b) take or use the title of Dental Surgeon, Doctor, Dentist, Dental Officer or Dental Practitioner. Iyiola said: “We propose that Section 42(1) b should read: A. Take or use the title of Physician, Surgeon or licentiate of medicine or Medical Practitioner. Section 42(2) b should read: B. Take or use the title of Dental Surgeon, Dentist, Dental Officer or Dental Practitioner. Continuing, he said: “These propositions can be justified to align with the PSN (Lagos State) amendment because in tandem with due process, it is the NUC by virtue of its enabling Act that has powers to draw and approve the curriculum of all academic programmes in Nigeria. If the NUC has graciously approved Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Physiotherapy and related programmes in the Health Sector, the MDCN has no statutory powers to decree that holders of these degrees and titles cannot bear the title of Doctors neither can such constitute an offence within the purview of law.

MEMBERSHIP MOBILISATION…

L-R: Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. David Nweze Umahi; his Yobe State counterpart and Chairman, APC Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni; and Chief of staff to the Yobe State governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf Gashua, during the visit of the ENOCK REUBEN Ebonyi State governor to APC National Secretariat, in Abuja … yesterday

House to Recover Monies, Assets from Privatised Public Enterprises Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate and recover monies, assets and dividends in some privatised public enterprises. The House also resolved that the committee would be chaired by the chairman, House Committee on privatisation. Moving the motion at the plenary on yesterday, Hon.

Mukhtar Ahmed recalled that the federal government embarked on privatisation and commercialisation of public enterprises to introduce private sector resources and discipline, create jobs and reduce the burden of funding the public enterprise from the national treasury. He noted that prior to and post privatisation of some federal government public enterprises, the federal government still

owned shares in some of the enterprises, and therefore entitled to dividends. Ahmed said some of the assets, cash and residual shares in privatised public enterprises are still unaccounted for, while some of the privatised companies like NICON Insurance, Nigerian Re-Insurance and Nicon Luxury Hotels are already taken over by AMCON over acquisition loans. The lawmaker, therefore,

expressed concern that the federal government may not be able to recover those monies, dividends and assets except if they are properly determined. Considering the fact that the federal government needs money to finance the budget, the House, therefore, resolved “to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee of the House to investigate, determine those assets and report back to the House within eight weeks.”

...Steps down Motion to Obtain 2014 National Confab Report Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at the plenary yesterday stepped down a motion to obtain the report of the 2014 National Conference with the purpose of including it in the ongoing constitutional amendment process of the National Assembly. The House Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, who sponsored the motion, made reference to the reports of the 2014 National Conference and the report of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on True

Federalism chaired by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-rufai, saying it will address the mileage and challenges being faced in the union. Moving the motion, Okechukwu said the House is aware that the federal government instituted the National Conference on March 17, 2014, where about 492 delegates drawn from various segments, interest and professional groups of the Nigerian society brainstormed on how to build Nigeria into a more cohesive, viable, prosperous union. He also noted that the

conference made over 600 recommendations cutting across public service; devolution of powers and political restructuring; national security; trade and investment; energy; public finance and revenue generation; social welfare; politics and governance; electoral reforms, among others. Shortly after moving the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Idris Wase, in his contribution, faulted the motion, saying it was procedurally wrong. He stated that the committee had sent out notice requesting inputs by way of memoranda

from Nigerians. The deputy Speaker explained that it was obligatory on owners of the documents to submit them to the committee if they considered it necessary. While reacting, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, asked Okechukwu if he was okay with the Deputy Speaker’s input even though the prayer of the motion was commendable. In his response, Okechukwu agreed to withdraw it, but added that the documents should be made available to the committee in the course of its sitting.

Emirates to Start Airlifting Nigerian Passengers from February 28 Chinedu Eze The United Arab Emirates mega carrier, Emirates Airlines, has announced that it would start airlifting Nigerian passengers from Lagos and Abuja to its hub in Dubai from February 28, 2021. Emirates spokesperson made this known in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday saying the airline would continue to operate its inbound flight to

Nigeria. The statement stated that the suspension of flights from Nigeria was in line with UAE Government directive. It also reiterated that Nigerian passengers would not be allowed to transit from any other airport outside Nigeria to Dubai, disclosing that Nigerians who arrived in Dubai from transit destinations were not allowed to come into the country.

According to the statement, “In line with the government directives, passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until February 28, 2021. Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date. “Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating

in or connecting through Dubai). “Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja will continue to operate as per the normal schedule. We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. Emirates remains committed to Nigeria, and we look forward to resuming passenger services to Dubai for our customers when conditions allow.”

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Banking Transactions: CBN Lists Means of Identification for Refugees Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised commercial banks to always accept the Machine Readable Convention Travel Document (MRCTD) as well as some other cards it listed as means of identification with respect to the conduct of financial transactions in the country, for

refugees and asylum seekers. The CBN stated this in a circular posted on its website yesterday, and signed by its Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Dr. Kevin Amugo. The MRCTD is issued by the Nigeria Immigration Services. In addition, banks were directed to always accept the

Refugee Identity Card Issued by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons as means of identification for banking transactions for the aforementioned category of persons. “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to challenges encountered by

refugees and asylum seekers in Nigeria with regards to means of identification with respect to the conduct of financial transactions. “To address these concerns, all banks and other financial institutions are referred to the provisions of the CBN AML/ CFT Regulations, 2013 (as amended) on customer due

diligence, especially Regulation 40 and Regulation 80, and to note that the Machine Readable Convention Travel Document (MRCTD) issued by the Nigeria Immigration Services; and the Refugee Identity Card Issued by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons are adequate as means of

identification for banking transactions,” it stated. It further urged banks and other financial institutions to continue to ensure that effective customer due diligence policies and procedures are implemented to combat money laundering, financing of terrorist and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

130 Countries yet to Access COVID-19 Vaccines, WHO, UNICEF Lament Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have expressed dismay that about 130 countries were yet to receive a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A joint statement issued by UNICEF Executive Director, Henrietta Fore, and WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in New York and Geneva respectively, yesterday said only 10 countries account for more than three quarters of the vaccines so far administered. In the statement titled: ‘In the COVID-19 vaccine race, we either win together or lose together’, the UN bodies said: “Of the 128 million vaccine doses administered so far, more than three quarters

of those vaccinations are in just 10 countries that account for 60 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “As of today, almost 130 countries with 2.5 billion people are yet to administer a single dose. “This self-defeating strategy will cost lives and livelihoods; give the virus further opportunity to mutate and evade vaccines, and will undermine a global economic recovery.” The statement said WHO and UNICEF are urging world leaders to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in order to help put an end to the ravaging pandemic. “Today, UNICEF and WHOpartners for more than 70 yearscall on leaders to look beyond their borders and employ a vaccine strategy that can actually end the pandemic and limit variants.

MOVING AGAINST KILLER HERDSMEN...

Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and member representing Orionmwon South, Hon. Roland Asoro (left), and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the governor’s fact-finding tour in Ugo community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State...yesterday

COVID-19: T.Y Danjuma Group Donates Boreholes, Hand Facemasks, Others to Schools in Plateau Senate Okays Restoration of Sanitizer, by the state Governor, Simon providing these facilities for our other well-meaning Nigerians to Seriki Adinoyi in Jos who was represented schools. We say thank you.” take a cue from VSF to ensure Ethiope West Constituency The Victim Support Fund Lalong, by the Secretary to the State He also stated that every that children are able to learn in (VSF), a T Y Danjuma taskforce Government (SSG), Professor government school must have a safe and secure environment. The state Commissioner for on COVID-19, yesterday Danladi Atu, where he specially taskforce on COVID-19, and also in Delta Assembly commenced the third phase thanked the group for it encouraged the people to go for Women Affairs, members of the

DejiElumoyeinAbuja

The Senate yesterday approved the restoration of Ethiope West state constituency (1) in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State from the present Ethiope West state constituency. This was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, at plenary. The development came two months after the upper chamber also approved the restoration of Abraka state constituency in Ethiope East Local Government Area from the present Ethiope East state constituency. In his lead debate, the Delta Central senator urged the upper legislative chamber to approve the restoration of the constituency in compliance with the declarations and orders of the Federal High Court and Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution.

Omo-Agege noted that persistent agitations by concerned leaders, electorate and stakeholders in the constituency led to legal action at the Federal High Court inWarri with Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/21/2015. According to him, in a judgement delivered by Hon. Justice M. Shitu Abubakar on March 25, 2015, the Federal High Court in Warri upheld the arguments of the representatives of the electorate, stakeholders and people of Ethiope West state constituency (1), granted their reliefs declaring that “the Delta State House Assembly as it currently stands is not properly constituted in line with the provisions of Sections 6, 36, 91 and 112 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore Ethiope West constituency (1) as a state constituency with an elected member in the state House of Assembly.”

handover of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project in Plateau State at the Government Secondary School, Federe in Jos East Local Government Area of the state. The Fund, led by Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, was received

contributions to the fight against COVID-19. Lalong said: “It was a difficult decision to arrive at-sending our kids back to school despite the rising figures of people that have contracted the virus-but VSF came through for us by

test as the state now has three testing centers, adding that the fight against the virus is not the sole responsibility of the government; “all hands must be on deck.” The governor also urged every individual, organisation and

state House of Assembly, the traditional ruler of Jos East Local Government Area, Dr. Isaac Wakil, and the principal of the government secondary school, Mr. Peter Dabo, were all on ground to receive the items.

APC will Take Decision on Igbo Presidency, Says Umahi Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take decision ‘as a family’ on the clamouring for Igbo presidency in 2023. Umahi stated this yesterday after meeting with the Caretaker Chairman of APC and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, at the party secretariat. On clamour for Igbo

presidency in 2023, he stated: “It is a party affair. It is very wrong for any party person to make personal views on such matter. Party discipline requires that you sit down and discuss issues. You advance your reasons and another person will also advance his. And then the party as a family will take position. Not even as a new member. Even if I am an old member, I will not like to comment.” On the ongoing registration

and revalidation exercise of the party, Umahi commended the leadership of the party for the arrangements and logistics, while also describing the intention as wonderful. The governor allegedly noted that everybody in the South-east region wants to join the ruling party He added: “It is first class because I have never seen it in any party administration. APC is just coming on board in the Southeast. I complain

to him that the hundreds of forms at the polling units are a far cry from what we experience. Everybody in the South-east wants to belong to the APC. “He has assured me how he came about the shortage of forms. And he has also assured me of the expectations of the national leadership of APC in terms of the number of Nigerians we are going to register. It is working out in the South-east region.”

who said they executed various projects amounting to N8 billion for the institute, stormed the National Assembly complex to protest the non-payment of their money by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The House also resolved to invite the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Director-General of BPP, Mamman Ahmadu, and

PRODA management to appear before the committee to offer some explanations during the course of the investigations. It also mandated the institute to stop all further procurement activities on the 2020 budget, and pay contractors and suppliers as well as consultants who have executed contracts allocated to them, without further delay. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance, sponsored by Hon.

Henry Nwawuba. Moving the motion, Nwawuba noted that PRODA in Enugu is a research and development agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology with the objective to facilitate the development and deployment of science and technology apparatus to enhance the pace of socioeconomic development of the country, through appropriate technological inputs into productive activities.

Dakuku Peterside to Deliver House Probes Institute over Alleged Staff Victimisation Lecture at Federal Varsity Contractors protest N8bn unpaid contracts at National Assembly

Barely three days after delivering a keynote address at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) retreat in Calabar, immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside is to mount the podium again for another thought-provoking discourse. Peterside, will on Friday, February 12, 2020, deliver a paper titled “Challenging The Way We Deliver Higher Education in A Changing World” at the First Honour’s Day Lecture of

the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State. A statement from the university signed by the Registrar, Yousuo Donald Iruo, revealed that the event is part of activities marking the send forth of the institution’s 2nd Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seth Accra Jaja. A columnist and technocrat, Peterside will share his thoughts on re-engineering the way tertiary education is delivered in an era of globalisation and rapid technological disruptions and, the need to be innovation-driven.

Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at the plenary yesterday directed its Committee on Public Procurement to investigate allegations of procurement deception, staff victimisation and the ongoing management problem in Project Development Institute (PRODA) Enugu, which is under the Federal Ministry of Technology. This is as the contractors,

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

NFF Mourns as Yisa Sofoluwe Buried in Lagos Duro Ikhazuagbe

Former Super Eagles defender, Yisa Sofoluwe who died on Tuesday night in Lagos was buried yesterday at the Atan Cemetery in Yaba area of the state. Sofoluwe fondly called ‘Dean of Defence’ in his hey days with the senior national team died

Yisa Sofoluwe...buried in Lagos yesterday

of cerebral atrophy at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Amongst some of the ex internationals that were at Sofoluwe’s graveside yesterday include his Flying Eagles teammate, Waidi Akanni, Jide Oguntuase, Festus Odini, Peter Nieketien and Wasiu Adetoro. Sofoluwe’s wife Busola and her two sons were also on hand to bid farewell to the ex international according to Islamic rites. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was not represented at the burial due to mixup in the dates earlier sent out for the burial of the former Abiola Babes FC player. However, in a condolence message sent out earlier, President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick expressed utter shock and sorrow at the death of the ex international defender. “It is another sad, sad day. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were lamenting the loss of former goalkeeper and coach Joseph

Erico. Now, Yisa Sofoluwe. That man was a gem in the green-and-white and did his very best for Nigeria whenever he was on the field. Personally, I have sweet memories of Yisa Sofoluwe. “It is more painful that he left just when help was coming to him from everywhere and the process was on to rectify his medical condition. We loved him but God loves him more. May

his soul rest in peace.” Sofoluwe first wore Nigeria’s colours during the qualifying series for the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in Mexico. He was a key figure in that squad that became the first Nigeria team to feature at a FIFA-organised championship. The Flying Eagles defeated old Soviet Union, lost to Brazil and drew with The Netherlands,

narrowly failing to make the knockout stage. The same year, he won his first senior cap, in a 1984 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Morocco in Benin City, which ended scoreless. The return leg in Rabat also ended scoreless, but Nigeria triumphed 4-3 after penalty shootout to qualify for Cote d’Ivoire ’84. Sofoluwe played a notable role

in the Green Eagles squad that finished as runner-up in Cote d’Ivoire, winning Nigeria’s first silver medal at the AFCON, and was also a force in the team that repeated the feat in Morocco four years later. He won a total of 40 caps for the Nigeria senior team, scoring one goal – in a 1986 World Cup qualifying match against Kenya in Lagos on April 20, 1985 that Nigeria won 3-1.

AFN Salutes Okagbare on Diamond League Record The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has hailed Blessing Okagbare for the award of the record for most appearances in the money-spinning World Athletics Diamond League achieved when she competed in the 100m event at the Weltklasse Diamond Leage meeting in Zurich, Switzerland in August 2018. The beautiful 2014 Commonwealth Games double sprint champion took to her social media handles on Wednesday after she was officially presented with the Guinness World Records Certificate. “A dream made reality through God’s grace and determination. Look what finally came in the mail… Thanks to the Guinness Book of World Records. I am indeed honoured , proud and grateful,” she wrote on her handles. AFN Secretary General, Prince Adisa Beyioku, said yesterday that Okagbare has

over the years continued to place Nigeria’s name on the map of the world for all the right reasons. “The board of the AFN is delighted with the formal presentation of the Guinness World Record certificate for most appearances (67) to our own Blessing Okagbare. She is one of our biggest ambassadors in the sport and has won several medals for Nigeria since 2007 when she won a silver medal in the long jump (6.46m) event at the African Games in Algiers,’ said Beyioku in a statement. The AFN chronicled Okagbare’s incredible achievements and records set in her over a decade storied career on the track to include the 100m/200m gold she won at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland to become the second Nigerian woman after Mary Onyali to achieve the feat.

Blessing Okagbare yesterday received her Guinness Book of Records certiﬁcate as the athlete with most appearances at the World Athletics’ Diamond League

AFN’S PUMA DEAL

Hearing Begins Today in Case against Gusau, Two Others The hearing of a case of alleged criminal conspiracy, misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and cheating in violation of the Nigeria Penal Code preferred against the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Shehu Ibrahim Gusau, former Technical Director of the federation, Sunday Omotayo Adeleye, and his company, Dynamic Sporting Solutions by the Inspector General of Police begins today in Court 14 of the Magistrate Court, Wuse 2, Abuja. According to the FIR (first information report) in the suit CR/99/2020 IGP Vs Ibrahim Shehu Gusau & two others, Gusau was alleged to have

conspired with Adeleye and Dynamic Sporting Solution Nigeria Limited (Adeleye’s company) to cheat the AFN. The charge sheet read that Gusau and the co-accused “fraudulently inducing PUMA based in Doha to pay the sum of $75,000.00 USD (seventy-five thousand US Dollars) into Account No. 0015296488 operated by Dynamic Sporting Solution Nig Ltd in the guise of sponsoring the federation sporting activities ”which they allegedly then converted to their personal use.” The duo and Dynamic Sporting Solutions operated by Adeleye were granted bail

with the presiding judge fixing today for the commencment of hearing in the case. This action was in reaction to a petition written by board members of the AFN to the IGP accusing Gusau and Adeleye of diverting into the account of Dynamic Sporting Solution Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Adeleye, then a board memeber of the AFN, monies paid by sportswear and equipment manufacturer (PUMA) as sponsorship fees to kit Nigerian track and field athletes. In that petition filed by AFN board members, they alleged that Gusau and Adeleye signed

the sponsorship deal without the knowledge of the board and most importantly the Secretary General who the federation’s constitution, article 8.7.2 says is the accounting officer of the AFN and must be privy to any and all financial decisions made by the federation. Article 8.7.2 also made the Secretary General the custodian of all documents (which MUST include the PUMA contract), properties (which MUST also include all kits and equipments supplied by PUMA to the federation as part of its contractual obligations) and records.

NNL: Insurance Players Iheanacho Fires Leicester to FA Cup Q’finals Undergo Covid-19 Tests Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Ahead of the kick off of the Nigeria National League (NNL), players of Edo Insurance FC and their coaching crew, on Wednesday, undergo Covid-19 test. The tests were carried out on the 40 players and their crew at their camp on Commercial Road, Government Reserve Area of Benin. The club’s spokesman, Kehinde Osagiede, who spoke on the issue, said the test was made compulsory by the league body. He said “It is part of the requirement that every club must carry out the Covid-19 test before being allowed to play in the league. “That is exactly what we

have done today and by His grace, we are all but set for the league.” Osagiede added that barring any unforeseen circumstance, the Benin-based club is set for the commencement of the NNL. According to him, “As a club, we are well prepared for the league but only hoping that it will not be postponed again.” He said though the league would kick off on Friday with Insurance playing their first match against Joy Cometh FC of Lagos on the February 20. From the fixtures made available, Insurance will be playing in Group B2 of the NNL alongside clubsides like; Abia Comets, Gateway FC, FC One Rocket, Crown FC and Bayelsa FC, among others.

Nigerian forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, scored a 94thminute winner as Leicester City edged past Brighton 1-0 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. Substitute Iheanacho nodded in from Youri Tielemans’ cross to settle an otherwise unremarkable contest. Iheanacho’s compatriot, Wilfred Ndidi was on duty for 62 minutes before giving way for Hamza Choudhury. With both sides making seven

changes for the tie, the first half was a slow burner and neither team were able to register a single shot on target. The second half improved slightly with Andi Zeqiri and Cengiz Under both having efforts ruled out for offside. The quarter-final draw takes place today, with matches being played across the weekend of 20-21 March. Brendan Rodgers’ side, now beaten just once in 13 games,

reached the last eight of the competition for the second successive season - but a nasty-looking knee injury to James Justin will take the gloss off the result. The in-form English fullback landed awkwardly in the second half and seemed to jar his leg on impact with the turf. He was carried off on a stretcher. The two best openings of a lacklustre 45 minutes fell to

Adam Lallana but the Brighton midfielder was unable to work goalkeeper Danny Ward with either of his strikes from outside the area. The lively Zeqiri curled wide and had a low shot kept out by Leicester’s second-choice keeper Ward. At the other end Turkey international Under’s effort, following a lovely one-two with James Maddison, was pushed away by Christian Walton.

Iyaye Showers Encomium on Obuah over Support for Rivers Utd Rivers Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye, has showered encomiums on the founder of Go-Round Football Club and sports philanthropist, Bro Felix Obuah over his continued support to Rivers United. According to him, Bro Obuah’s actions are testimonies of genuine love for sports development and particularly, for the State government-owned Rivers United.

Rivers United has benefitted from Obuah’s financial promises, after he tasked the team to win matches in the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup and get rewarded. Iyaye gave the commendation at Omoku, Rivers State when he led a team that included the Permanent Secretary, Sir Honour Sirawoo; officials and players of Rivers United, supporters club,

amongst others, on a thank you visit to Obuah. The commissioner described Obuah’s gesture as unparalleled in the history of the state, stressing that outside the Rivers State Government, no other individual has done that much for the team. Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Sir Honour Sirawoo commended Bro Obuah for his

* CAF Confed Cup: Tasks team to beat Enyimba in Aba and get N2m

exemplary commitment to the cause of Rivers people, pointing out that his efforts for the team would not be in vain. The General Manager of Rivers United, Okey Kpalukwu, Technical Manager, Stanley Eguma, team Captain, Festus Austin and chairman, Rivers United Supporters Club, Franklin Owhor, all praised the uncommon love for the team by Obuah.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

ThursdaySports CLUB WORLD CUP

Lewandowski Hopeful Bayern Munich Will Write History Tonight Robert Lewandowski hopes Bayern Munich can “write history” by beating Mexico’s Tigres in the Club World Cup final in Qatar this evening (18:00 GMT kick-off). The European champions could become the second club after Barcelona to win all six domestic and international titles. They already hold the Champions League, Super Cup, German Super Cup, Bundesliga and German Cup titles.

Striker Lewandowski said: “The Club World Cup would be the cherry on top.” The third-place play-off is between Egypt’s Al Ahly and Palmeiras of Brazil. The competition, which is being used as a test event for the World Cup in Qatar 2022, was moved from its original December date because of Covid restrictions. “The next final for us means that we can win the sixth title. That means a lot for football

history,” added Lewandowski. “We can write history but it is also a big challenge. When you are that close to a title then you want to win it.” Lewandowski’s double in Monday’s semi-final win

against African champions Al Ahly set up Bayern’s chance to win a sixth title in nine months, against Concacaf champions Tigres. “No other Mexican team have gone this far, but now

we want more,” said Tigres forward Carlos Gonzalez. “We came here hoping to lift the trophy and now that we’re close, we’re encouraged and motivated that we can achieve our goal.”

Bayern are without midfielders Leon Goretkza and Javi Martinez, who had been due to fly to Qatar for the final, but remain in Munich under quarantine after testing positive for Covid.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Kyrgios Thrills Melbourne Fans, Djokovic Survives Tiafoe Novak Djokovic survived a scare and Nick Kyrgios saved match points as day three at the Australian Open caught the attention of the crowds. Defending champion and world number one Djokovic overcame Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3. Australian Kyrgios then produced a thrilling five-set win over Ugo Humbert in front of a rowdy John Cain Arena. Kyrgios showed his usual mix of fiery antics and exciting shots to beat the Frenchman 5-7 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4. He fell to his knees after winning the match before sitting in his chair and shaking his head in disbelief. Kyrgios has often said that the John Cain Arena, which is open to general ticket-holders, is his favourite to play on because of the atmosphere. With numbers at Melbourne Park restricted to up to 30,000 per day because of coronavirus - and falling well short of that so far this week - this was the first time anything resembling a ‘normal’ tennis crowd noise had been heard for months. Home fans did not let up as they cheered a Kyrgios fightback from 5-4 down in the fourth set, before seeing him through a tie-break and, somehow, a winning fifth set. “Honestly, if you were in my head, I was thinking about everything I was going to cop if I lost that match,” a disbelieving Kyrgios said. “I don’t know what to say. I am lost for words.” He will face last year’s finalist and US Open champion Dominic Thiem next, after the Austrian eased past Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 6-4 6-0 6-2. Kyrgios smashed a racquet after losing the first set, was given a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and

continually complained about the technology for net cords. However, when he dialled into the match, the antics stopped. He served brilliantly, hitting 30 aces, and his swats from behind the baseline allowed him to hit 65 winners to run Humbert ragged. With the crowd celebrating every Kyrgios point - and every error from Humbert - he broke early in the deciding set. At several points in the match, Kyrgios was the one applauding his opponent’s shots as the crowd continued to barrack for the home favourite. After holding his own match points, Humbert double-faulted to hand one to Kyrgios, before saving it with an ace. The French 29th seed recovered to force Kyrgios to serve out the match, with the Australian looking shocked as Humbert sent a backhand long after three hours 39 minutes. In hot conditions at Melbourne Park, Djokovic served 26 aces to Tiafoe’s 23 as the 33-year-old came through in three hours and 30 minutes. “It was a very tough match and difficult conditions, while we had sun on the court it was very warm a lot of long rallies,” Djokovic said. “I want to give a hand to Frances for a great fightback, it was a fantastic match. “It is not the first time I am in this kind of situation but I was fortunate to get through the third set, it was anyone’s - high quality tennis, he gave it his all.” American Tiafoe was upset at being handed a time violation and another led to the 23-yearold being docked his first serve in a game Djokovic went on to break in the fourth and final set. He also later received a code violation after an expletiveladen protest to the umpire.

Novak Djokovic (left) and Frances Tiafoe after their game in Melbourne... yesterday

Bayern Munich players at training ahead tonight’s Club World Cup final in Qatar

Premier League, Others Live on GOtv Max this Weekend SuperSport continues to provide quality football content from the 2020/21 football season for all GOtv Max customers, with live action from the La Liga, Serie A and FA Cup and Premier League matches scheduled for 12 to 15 February, 2021. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton will meet in the FA Cup Fifth Round at 6:30pm this evening live on SS Football (channel 31). The pick of matches from this weekend’s Premier League action sees clash between Everton and Fulham on the evening of Sunday 14 February at 8:05pm live on SS Football(channel 31). SuperSport is the only place to get English

commentary from the legendary La Liga, where the pick of matches for this round sees Real Madrid welcome Valencia to Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Sunday at 4pm on SS La Liga(channel 32).This match will be a revenge mission for Los Blancos, who were humbled 4-1 by Los Che when the teams met at Estadio de Mestalla in November. Also, on Sunday, the clash between Villarreal and Real Betis will air at 9pm live on SS La Liga (channel 32). Elsewhere in Spain this weekend, Barcelona will look to claim a home win over Deportivo Alaves on Saturday at 9pm, showing

live on SS La Liga(channel 32).The Catalan giants are still stinging from their Super Cup defeat to Athletic Bilbao, though manager, Ronald Koeman, insists they have shrugged off the disappointment. Atletico Madrid face a tricky trip to Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes to face a Granada side with European ambitions, while Sevilla will back themselves to overcome Huesca in a home clash as they continue to push for a return to the UEFA Champions League next season. These matches will air live at 2pm and 4pm respectively on SS La Liga(channel 32).La Liga matches for this weekend

ends with Cadiz vs Athletic Bilbao on Monday at 9pm, live on SS La Liga (channel 32). The headline fixture from Serie A this weekend sees Napoli welcome Juventus to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 6pm, showing live on SS Select 1(channel 33).This clash will have plenty of spice – not only have these two teams been title rivals in recent seasons, they also met in the recent Italian Super Cup and had a league clash earlier this season controversially postponed. Also, on Saturday, Spezia’s fight with Milan will air at 8:45pm live on SS Select 1(channel 33).

Suarez Earns €1m Bonus after 15 Goals for Atletico Luis Suarez has earned himself a mammoth €1million bonus following his scintillating start to life at Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan has played a key role in the club’s good fortunes on the pitch this season, with Diego Simeone’s side into the last-16 of the Champions League and coasting in top spot in LaLiga. They are five points clear of city rivals Real Madrid, and even have two games in hand over their nearest challengers, with Suarez’s goals playing a major role on delivering them to such a strong position. The former Liverpool

frontman has 16 goals in 17 league appearances so far this season and has a strike-rate of a goal every 80 minutes he has been on the field. Indeed, he broke the record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo for reaching the total in the quickest time in LaLiga history. And according to Mundo Deportivo - as per AS.com, that rich vein of form has already seen the 34-year-old rewarded with a bonus of €1m (£875,000), with his 15th goal of the campaign seeing him hit one of the incentivised targets in his contract. And it is claimed that

Suarez will earn more still, with that total due to rise should he hit 20 goals - a target that appears increasingly likely. It is deserved reward for the striker after bouncing back from a painful summer exit at Barcelona. Suarez has made clear his feelings following the explanation last year that he was no longer required at the Nou Camp. It resulted in a tearful farewell media conference, one that was only arranged following pressure put on the club’s board by the likes of Lionel Messi. And he admits he felt ‘disrespected’ by his former

club, who allowed him to leave for just £4m. ‘It was tough because of the way I was disrespected, but I wanted my children to see me leave the club with my head held high,’ Suarez told Onda Cero. ‘When the time came to tell my children about the move, it was very difficult. They’re older now and sensed there was going to be a change. ‘There were some very tough moments surrounding my departure from Barcelona. There were rumours that were eventually confirmed and that’s what hurt me the most.’

Thursday, February 11, 2021

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MISSILE El-Rufai to Northwest Governors

“In some states, the governors think that they should dialogue with the bandits and forgive them to stop what they are doing. I don’t agree with that. But people like the governor of Zamfara State think that dialogue is the best solution, so there are diﬀerences and divisions among us” – Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on why there should be no appeasement for bandits and kidnappers.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI Criminal Cartels on the Loose THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

ollowing a tip-off in July 2016, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) arrested an obscure fruit seller under a bridge in Zaria, Kaduna State. Investigations revealed the man to be a high-ranking Boko Haram operative who coordinated the finance cell of the group with others in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to disburse funds to various terror camps in North East Nigeria as well as Diffa, Nigér Republic. From what I gather, the Zaria arrest proved to be a major breakthrough that eventually revealed a pattern of financial flows and transactions not only to Boko Haram field operatives but to other criminal cartels, particularly those engaged in kidnappings for ransom. The ONSA investigations further revealed that between 2015 and 2016, the sum of $782,000 was transferred from Dubai to Nigeria through Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to aid Boko Haram. As reported in the media, this was what led to the conviction in April 2019 of six Nigerians, including a man identified as a government official. Aside laundering money for the terror group, these men were also found guilty of running a Boko Haram cell in the UAE to raise funds and material assistance for the insurgents in Nigeria. Although the convicts claim innocence, follow-up investigations have helped the security agencies to better understand the movement of money by criminal cartels in Nigeria. The investigations also led to the arrest of accomplices in Kaduna, Kano and Zamfara States. Meanwhile, the Dubai security breakthrough helped to expose how some of the criminal networks operating in Nigeria had perfected a seamless method of laundering money through BDC operators. Once the money has been given to a BDC operator in Dubai, he contacts an associate in Nigeria who gives the same amount in cash to the coordinator. On the instruction of the Boko Haram leadership, the coordinator goes ahead to distribute the funds to members who incidentally have no direct contact with one another, in an elaborate scheme to cover their tracks. The same pattern was discovered for disbursement of ransom monies from kidnappings, especially those traced to illegal mining in Zamfara State. What the foregoing suggests quite clearly is that we are dealing with a serious national security threat that is not only well organized but well-funded. For instance, the thriving Nigerian gold market in the UAE has been traced to activities of illegal miners in Zamfara with Aminu Kano International Airport as a gateway. “It is the most notorious airport in the country”, a security source told me last week. But the real challenge is in Zamfara where the proliferation of arms and hundreds of muscle men working as miners, (licensed as well as illegal) engage in kidnappings. A combination of porous borders, weak signal and technical intelligence, lack of proper data of licensed miners and the influx of illicit drugs such as Tramadol have combined to make banditry the most lucrative enterprise in the state.

Gov. Matawalle According to security sources, there is a nexus between kidnappings for ransom and terrorism as well as between gold prospecting in Zamfara State and the general wave of criminality by herdsmen that has spread to the southern part of the country with dire implications for national peace and security. For instance, a clear pattern has emerged between ISWAP and kidnappings with many of the herders implicated as foot soldiers. “Most of the herdsmen you see all over the place, whether in the north or south, kidnapping, raping and maiming people are employees of a larger terror network. They kidnap but the ransom does not go to them”, a senior security officer told me. Most of the people identified with illegal mining in Zamfara State are herders who realize that more money can be made from kidnappings. They are not only ‘diversifying’ their business, many of them are also moving southward. “A lot of these Fulani marauders are from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso” said a security source. Sadly, rather than tackle the problem, the presidency indulges in making excuses that lead to accusations of complicity and most often in a manner that threatens the unity of the country as an inclusive polity founded on diversity. And with that, kidnappings for ransom has become the most lucrative enterprise in the country. In October 2019, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar disclosed that over N3 billion was collected by bandits as ransom from relatives of victims in Zamfara alone within a period of eight years. Abubakar who chaired a committee set up by the current governor, Bello Matawalle to find solutions to banditry in the state, said the report covered the period from June 2011 to May, 2019. The money, according to Abubakar, was collected from 3,672 victims whose relatives paid to secure their freedom. Abubakar said that a total of 4,983 women were widowed, 25,050 children orphaned and 190,340 persons displaced by banditry over the period in the state. While that level of threat should worry

the authorities, there is also an international dimension to the criminality that is just as intriguing to security agencies. I understand that there are more than a thousand Chinese and Indians in the mining business in Zamfara State. “Yet, not a single one of their nationals has been kidnapped.” Meanwhile, some of the people who serve as security personnel to these miners have been discovered to be engaged in kidnappings for ransom, raising questions about who they work for. The threat coming from this criminal enterprise is now political given what the senate yesterday described as “issuance and counter issuance of eviction notice by some ethnic entrepreneurs and groups posing as ethnic nationalists and champions”, while kidnappers continue to operate mostly on the roads, outskirts of towns and farms where they ambush innocent rural people. That these kidnappers kill, maim and rape is bad enough. That they are identified as belonging to a certain ethnic colouration is the problem. They particularly enjoy brutalizing their victims which perhaps explains why in most instances, they force their captives to walk long distances on thorns and sharp stones in the bush. Quoting the global risk consultancy, ‘Control Risks’, the Financial Times of London, recently reported that Nigeria has the highest rate of kidnaps for ransom of both locals and foreigners in all of Africa. “For most businesses, the greatest risk to their employees is while they are travelling,” Tom Griffin, senior partner for Africa and the Middle East at Control Risks was quoted to have said. “Almost half of all kidnaps in Nigeria recorded by Control Risks occur during road travel, with kidnappers often selecting targets based on perceived wealth during roadside ambushes, roadblocks or attacks in traffic congestion.” We must admit that we have a crisis on our hands that is not restricted to any section of the country. It is national. In the clip of the interview he granted a television station that has gone viral, Alhaji Bashir Kurfi, National Chairman, Network for Justice narrated an incident that happened in Kurfi, Katsina State where he hails from. “One lady came to share her story. She went to see her daughter who gave birth and then the bandits came—they asked her to hold the baby and they raped the daughter. And then after, they asked the daughter to hold the baby and they raped the mother. This is what is going on everyday...it is the reality on the ground and it is a shame on us.” It should worry President Muhammadu Buhari that whether on land or in water, the Nigeria territorial space is now one of the least safe spaces in the world. The latest report by the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reveals that over 95 per cent of the 135 shipping crew members kidnapped last year were recorded in the Gulf of Guinea and mostly on Nigerian waters. “Incidents in the Gulf of Guinea are particularly dangerous, as over 80 per cent of attackers were armed with guns,” according to the IMB. That there is no coherent strategy to deal

with the challenge can be glimpsed from the interview granted the BBC Hausa Service by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir elRufai. While he advocates that you do not appease criminals, his Zamfara State counterpart believes in offering ‘amnesty’ and money to bandits and kidnappers to make them change their ways. El-Rufai has therefore cited lack of unity and cooperation among the governors of the North West as one of the reasons the security challenges persist. The governors, according to ElRufai, have different approaches to ending banditry and kidnapping. This is where the moral authority of the president can help. He should be able to impress upon the governor of Zamfara State that you do not make deals with criminals. Bandits and kidnappers being offered government largesse will never keep to deals as we see with the experience of Katsina State. And while there is a place for the personal efforts such as the one being undertaken by Sheikh Gumi, the state must muster the capacity to restore law and order without bowing to criminals. At a time we are facing apprehension over impending national crisis, it is the responsibility of leadership to identify solutions to difficult problems, ensure stability of the polity, and guide the society to prosperity. The fear of a national crisis, this time, is fueled by criminal activities traced to herdsmen who now roam the country with impunity. The rising profile and complexities of conflict disorders in the country therefore requires a hands-on approach from the president. Sadly, that is precisely where the problem lies. That sundry criminal cartels have overpowered the capacity of the state to restore law and order is no longer in doubt. But more worrisome is the fact that our national security challenge is being framed around identity politics which can only exacerbate the situation. The tone of debate yesterday in the Senate reflected this unfortunate national divide. According to a senator from Adamawa State, Binos Yaroe, whenever kidnappers are arrested anywhere within the country, the majority of them always turn out to be Fulani. That is the kind of rhetoric you also get from the street. “Right now, we are an endangered species. People are going into homes to abduct, to rape, herdsmen are everywhere. We have spoken several times and nothing has been done. Posterity beckons”, said Senator Biodun Olujimi from Ekiti State in a note of resignation. The connecting thread for the variants of violence that we witness across the country today, as I have argued several times on this page, is that the Nigerian state has lost what Max Weber described as the monopoly of “the legitimate use of physical force” to criminal cartels. Until we muster the capacity to effectively confront them, we will continue to be at their mercy. But whichever way one looks at the current challenge of insecurity across Nigeria, it all leads to the doorstep of President Buhari. It is therefore my hope that he will address that challenge most decisively. Before the amber light turns red!

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