THURSDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2023 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Higher Food, Commodity Prices Push Inﬂation to 21.82% Severe in Lagos, Bauchi, Ondo, others James Emejo in Abuja The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities increased by 0.47 per cent to 21.82 per cent in January,

compared to 21.34 percent the preceding month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed yesterday. The NBS however, explained that year-on-year, the headline index was 6.22 per cent higher

compared to 15.60 per cent in January 2022. According to the CPI report for January which was released by the statistical agency, food inflation year-on-year rose to 24.32 per cent in January 2023, representing 7.19

per cent increase compared to 17.13 per cent in January 2022. The rise in food inflation was attributed to increases in prices of bread and cereals, oil and fat, pota¬toes, yam and other tubers, fish, vegetable, fruits, meat, and

food products. Month-on-month, however, the food index stood at 2.08 per cent in January, which was 0.20 per cent higher than the 1.89 per cent in December. Core inflation, which excluded

prices of volatile agricultural produce rose by 5.29 per cent 19.16 per cent year-on-year in January 2023, compared to 13.87 per cent in 2022. Continued on page 9

Tinubu: We Need Authority to Change Life for Prosperity... Page 10 Thursday 16 February, 2023 Vol 28. No 10172. Price: N250

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Stick to February 10 Deadline, Shehu Sani Tells Fed Govt... Page 6

Edo Govt Accuses Oshiomhole of Masterminding Protests, Riots, Calls for His Arrest Look elsewhere for blame, not me, ex-governor fires back Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State government has accused the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives

Congress (APC) and former governor of the state, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole of masterminding the protests that broke out yesterday morning in Benin City, which

claimed three lives and a number of banks destroyed. But in a swift reaction, the former governor of Edo State distanced himself from the riots

and asked the state government to look elsewhere to blame for “its abysmal performance in the state.” The protesters expressed their anger over the scarcity of the new

naira notes occasioned by the redesigning of the N1,000, N500 and N200 denominations of the nation’s currency. The state government, which

described the riots as “systematic and targeted at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled states,” Continued on page 9

Buhari Considers Recirculating Old N200 Notes to Ease Pains of Naira Scarcity To address Nigerians in nationwide broadcast by 7am today El-Rufai confirms option discussed with top govt officials in out-of-court settlement move Bayelsa, Edo break ranks with governors, align with FG in suit against banning old notes Case adjourned till Feb. 22, exparte order subsists Again, Buhari, Emefiele meet at State House Angry customers attack CBN office, banks, ATMs in Edo Continued on page 9

R-L: Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr. Tonye Cole; Presidential candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu and the Minister of State for Environment, Mr. Udi Odum, receiving Tinubu, when he arrived Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, for a campaign rally... yesterday

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

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

NEWS

DEFENCE INFORMATION TEAM VISITS ARISE MEDIA GROUP... L-R: Director, Engagement and Guests Liaison, ARISE Media Group (AMG), Joseph Ushigiale; Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau; Deputy Managing Director, AMG, Emmanuel Efeni; Sub. Lt. Sandra Ikechukwu; Director, News, AMG, Yemi Ajayi, and Group Captain Christopher Erondu, when delegation visited AMG's corporate headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos...recently

Benin Port: FG, Edo Govt Commence Bidding Process for Devt of 300,000 TEUs Per Annum Project The Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in collaboration with the Edo state government have called for bids for the development of the Benin Port (on an area of approximately 20 hectares) under a public-private partnership (PPP). In an advert for the project, the government said the purpose of the proposed project was to enhance the national water transportation capacity and to develop a multipurpose port with capability to handle container and general cargo. According to the federal government, “The project has

been certified by the federal government of Nigeria through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) as eligible for a PPP. Edo State Government and NPA will act as counterparts for the project. “The project is in line with Edo state government strategic integrated infrastructure plan to promote infrastructure development, attract investment, create employment and stimulate economic growth. “Edo state government’s vision is to develop in the future, an Agro-Industrial Park (on an area of approximately 717 hectares)

adjacent to the Benin Port which will have a positive impact on the port and which the private partner can leverage to create ancillary services and facilities.” It added that the Edo State government had engaged the services of CPCS Transcom Nigeria Limited as the Transaction Advisor to assist in the procurement of interested private sector investors with the requisite technical competence, managerial capability and financial resources. The government added that a Project Steering Committee and Project Delivery Team had been constituted, comprising relevant

Patronise Only Filling Stations Selling at Appropriate Prices, Delta Govt Tells Residents Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee has advised citizens to patronise only petrol stations that sell the product at normal prices. Chairman of the Taskforce and State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Emman Amgbaduba, gave the charge at a news conference in Asaba. He said buying from those selling at reasonable prices would force others selling at arbitrarily high prices to bring lower their prices. Amgbaduba said the state government was concerned about scarcity of fuel and other issues

affecting livelihood of the people across the state. "Since our taskforce was put in place and we have gone round the state, we discovered that petrol is becoming more available to our citizens though the queues are still there, but easing out gradually and the price per litre is also coming down, he said. "Although, some people are still selling at N400 and above per litre, the prices are still coming down and I can inform you that we were represented this morning by a member of our Committee IPMAN, at a meeting with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

"It is our hope that as time goes on, prices will come down further with the availability of more products and the apology of the NNPC Limited and with the promise of NNPC to bring in more petrol. I am sure that the prices will keep coming down. "I want to crave the indulgence of our citizens in Delta to continue to be patient and patronise petrol stations selling at the very lowest rates, that way it will drive others to bring down their prices when no one patronised them. "As a government we will continue engage them to ensure that our citizens are not ripped off their hard earned monies."

stakeholders from the federal and Edo state governments to coordinate and facilitate all approvals for the project. The government said the preferred private partner's responsibilities will include: design, build, finance, operate, maintain and transfer land and marine

the stress of moving gigantic furniture around or parting with loved furniture upon relocation.” It added: “More so, the newly launched Iròkó Furniture are affordable and made from recycled raw materials as well as re-purposed wood into premium products. “They are produced in strict compliance to sustainable and environmentally-friendly processes and are crafted with the utmost care, pre-packed and sealed in a box with an easy to apply instruction manual such that an average homeowner can assemble without the need for any form of tools.”

Speaking on the products, the Founder/Creative Director of Iroko Furnitures, Precious Okoi, expressed optimism that the ready-to-assemble sofa and bed frame collections would usher in a new era of innovative woodwork across Nigeria. According to her, "Furniture is not a mere piece that fills a space but a possession that gives life to your space. As an ever-advancing business, we embarked on a journey to find uniqueness in furniture making to ease the needs of Nigerians and furniture lovers across the globe and we found a solution through our self-assembled furniture -a piece

ing, warehousing and delivery; development and maintenance of port superstructure; management of safety and security within the port; towage, pilotage, mooring, bunkering, ship chandelling and ship repairs, as well as transfer of technology through training of local personnel.”

Wike to FG: Ensure 2023 Elections Are Not Truncated Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has urged the federal government to ensure that the general election was not truncated. Wike noted that the Central Bank’s disregard for the Supreme Court on the naira swap policy matter should worry the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, particularly, as the elections drew near. The Rivers State governor made the call yesterday, during a courtesy visit by the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate, senator Kashim Shettima, APC national chairman, senator Abdullahi Adamu to the Government House, Port Harcourt. Wike urged Tinubu to prevail on the federal government not to extend the election dates.

Iròkó Unveils First Self-assembled Furniture

Iròkó, one of Nigeria’s leading furniture and lifestyle brands has announced the launch of the first ever ready-to-assemble sofa and bed frame collection. The furniture was specially designed for lovers of solution-driven furniture. According to a statement, “the sofas and beds are durable, stylish and can be assembled easily with little effort and in very little time. “They fit into tight spaces, especially for those living in small apartments, make decorating easy and perfect for beautifying homes. The self-assembled furniture eliminates

infrastructure, including quays, yards, buildings, infrastructure services, marine bollards, among others. The other details of the project include “Container Terminal operations and maintenance (capacity of 300,000 TEUs per annum); Cargo handling, stevedor-

of furniture you can pack into a box, assemble or disassemble whenever or wherever. In simpler terms- We box it, you build it.” She added: “With a high standard of quality check before delivery and an optional service of professional installation, the sofa and bed frames in a box will redefine comfort and ease. We are presently starting with three sofa designs, ottomans and stools. “The sofas come in three colour options and are available for purchase on our website at irokofurnitures. com where you can get a visual experience of all our self-assembled furniture’’.

Thanking God that the APC presidential rally in the state was devoid of violence, Wike expressed reservation on whether the APC-led federal government was interested in conducting the general election particularly, with the lingering naira swap crisis. “Do you people really want this election to take place or not; or you have an agenda to truncate this election. I don’t know. Look at what is happening in Oyo today, Edo, Delta. See what is going on,” he said. The Rivers State governor, who maintained that the abrupt naira redesign and the consequent tactless implementation of the swap policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria smacked of pure politics, insisted that irrespective of the politics, the ruling APC must ensure that the election held. “I believe your party should make sure this election holds. You people are in power, ensure that this election holds. Nobody can solve the issue of corruption in two-three months. It is not possible. This thing is purely politically motivated,” he said. Taking a swipe at the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, for his disregard for the Supreme Court of Nigeria, he said, “How can you people be in government at this time, governor of a Central Bank disrespecting the Supreme Court. Where has it happened in any democracy. Governor of Central Bank thinking of whether to obey Supreme Court order. Where has it happened? “I am not talking about

Federal High Court order, not Court Of Appeal, I am talking about Supreme Court. Supreme Court said do not do this and everybody is folding hand begging Central Bank to obey Supreme Court order. Which country has it ever happened? When the order of Supreme Court is not obeyed, what are you telling the poor people on the street?” He however, described himself as unrepentant member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but said it abominable for two PDP states, Bayelsa and Edo to join the federal government as defendants in the suit brought before the Supreme Court by some states challenging the naira sway policy. Earlier, Tinubu informed Wike that the courtesy call was necessitated by his sheer regards and admiration for his advocacy that power should rotate to the south, adding that, he joined the race to lead the country on the philosophy which Wike has consistently advocated that power should return to the south. “Our courtesy call, not to personalise it, is out of the respect I have for you. You worked hard and you voiced loudly your commitment to unity and the critical part to that unity in Nigeria, you never advocated a division of our country. You followed history. You respect the country,” he said. APC National Chairman, senator Abdullahi Adamu, explained that his party had deliberately resolved that power should rotate to the south at the end of President Buhari’s tenure.

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NEWS

LAUNCH OF OLAM AGRI’S CROWN FLOUR ANGELS BAKING ACADEMY... L-R: Chairman of Azman Air, Alhaji Abdul Munaf Yunusa; Director of Greenwich Merchant Bank, Dr Faruk Umar; Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Rural and Community Development, Dr. Ibrahim Gaya; Emir of Kano; HRH, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, cutting the ribbon; and Country Head for Olam Agri in Nigeria Mr. Ashish Pande, at the launch of Olam Agri’s Crown Flour Angels Baking Academy in Kano…recently

Stick to February 10 Deadline, Shehu Sani Tells Fed Govt Insist some governors stashed old notes for vote-buying Alex Enumah in Abuja Social critic and former Kaduna State Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to bow to pressure to allow the use of the old naira notes to circulate side by side the new ones before the February 25 general election. Sani argued that allowing the old notes to run till February 25 or beyond, would be detrimental to the forthcoming general election and the nation's democracy. According to him, while Buhari was striving to usher in a political order, "where money would not

influence, decide and shape the thinking of people," some politicians were vehemently opposed to it. Speaking on a programme monitored on Channels Television, the former Senator claimed that most governors especially those from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were against the demonitisation policy of the federal government because they had stashed huge funds in the old naira notes for prosecution of the 2023 general election. Reacting to the position of some state governments which has been against the policy, Sani noted that

if the federal government decided to use the old naira notes after the elections the said governors, "will still not agree because they want to use the old naira notes to buy votes." He condemned the governors for using the ordinary Nigerians to fight their cause, just as he berated them for not raising their voices against acts of terrorism and banditry that had brought more harm on the people. He said: "The average person in Nigeria in the last seven years has been traumatised, has faced a lot of hardship and you can't talk to me

about the average person because I come from the northern Nigeria, where the average person every day is being killed, kidnapped, their lives are being decimated by terrorist and bandits. How many of these governors have gone to court over matters which affect the lives of the ordinary people." He argued further that, had the policy been introduced a year or two ago and people were queuing and suffering, the governors would have simply said: "it's the policy of our party, everybody should fall in line. So, it is simply about February 25.

Buhari Signs Bill to Establish Research Agency for Nigerian Military, Others into Law Sunday Aborisade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Defence Research and Development Bureau Act, 2022, passed by the National Assembly. This was disclosed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Babajide Omoworare, made available to THISDAY in Abuja, yesterday. He said it was in furtherance of Section 58 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. Omoworare said the Act was to establish the Defense Research and Development Bureau to conduct and coordinate robust research and development in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Part of the statement read, "The Act provides for a realistic defence policy for basic and applied research on defence items and equipment, initiate and coordinate the scientific, technological, and environmental research activities of the armed forces, provides strategic direction for self-reliance and security needs, evaluate needs and liaise with private and government research institutions on defence and related items and equipment." The president’s aide also said Buhari had assented to three other bills, namely, the National

Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Act, 2022. The Act he said, repealed the National Commission for Refugees Act, Cap. N21 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and enacted the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Act, 2022. This, he said provides a framework for the management, rehabilitation, return, reintegration,

and resettlement of the victims of displacement, migrants, refugees and other persons of concern. Another legislation signed by Buhari was the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Act, 2022. The Act he explained, repealed the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act, Cap. N137 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and enacted the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Act, 2022 to develop and promote Nigeria as

a travel and tourism destination. Also the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2022, was signed into law by the President. The Act, according to Omoworare, establishes the National Assembly Trust fund for the purpose of research provision of library equipment and related facilities, and enhance the research capacity of legislators and staff of the National Assembly Library.

Buhari Rejoices with VP's Mother, Mama Olubisi Osinbajo, At 90 Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has extended hearty felicitations to the Osinbajo family on the 90th birthday anniversary celebration of their matriarch, Mama Olubisi on February 16, 2023. In a letter he personally signed, yesterday, the president thanked the celebrant for giving the country illustrious offspring like the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and his other siblings. The congratulatory letter stated: “It gives me immense pleasure to felicitate with our dear Mama Olubisi

Osinbajo, as she turns 90, entering the rare ranks of a nonagenarian. “It is nothing but the sheer grace of God that spares a person to live up to 90, and we are thankful to the Almighty God that Mama has not only reached the milestone, she’s doing so in sound mind, and in good health, surrounded by accomplished offspring and doting family members. “On behalf of myself, my family, and Nigerians, we rejoice with Mama, and wish her continued grace and joy in the Lord, all the days of her life. Amen. “I am particularly pleased that

the matriarch of the Osinbajo Family had thought it worthy to establish the Olubisi Osinbajo Foundation, which caters for the well-being of widows and families of clergymen. It is an initiative I recommend to other endowed people in our society, as it has lofty rewards not only here, but also in the hereafter. “Thank you Mama for giving Nigeria the gift of your son and our Vice President, Professor ‘Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and his other illustrious siblings. “Please accept my hearty congratulations. Happy 90th birthday anniversary.”

"Let's not make mistake about it, the struggle of this new naira notes is as important as the soul of democracy in Nigeria. If you allow these old notes to be used on or before February 25, forget about credible and transparent elections. "There is so much poverty in the country today, people will not see money and turn the other way. Money has, for a very long time, influenced the decision of ordinary people because poverty has been so weaponised. "As far as I am concerned there should be no validation of these new notes until after the election, then that can be done because if you do that now, the election will be so monetised." While stating that the ordinary people did not start suffering from the time Emefiele introduced the naira redesign, but have been suffering for the past seven years, he challenged those contesting elective position to sell themselves and their programmes to the people without relying on money. "If they have enough of new

naira notes nobody would have gone to court," he said, adding that schools were closed for eight months and people being killed every day but all the governors could say is that the government is doing its best. "At this crucial hour what I will advise the president to do, is simply to stick to the no use of old naira notes. The opposition (parties) are not doing what they are supposed to do, opposition thought with or without money they will win election because people are suffering. "A nation that has statistically proven to have 130 million people, poverty has been weaponised, allowing the use of these old naira notes would influence the decision of the people and we can't be talking of having democracy in Nigeria when leaders buy position, when they buy the presidency, when they buy the governorship position and buy leadership position. "Leaders that are fit for our country, that we deserve should be leaders that are competent to take over power in Nigeria," he said.

Police, Parties’ Supporters Injured as Guber Debate Turn Bloody in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Yesterday’s governorship debate in Sokoto State turned bloody as supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and that of the All Progressive Congress (APC) engaged in physical combat some people, including a police man, were injured. The debate was organised by the Voice Of America (VOA) Hausa Service at an auditorium in Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto. Trouble started after each governorship candidate of five political parties, PDP, APC, NNPP, ADP and that of Labour Party reeled out their manifestoes to the people. Some supporters of APC, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, blamed the moderator for the crisis because he was trying to favour PDP. They maintained that in an atmosphere where you have dif-

ferent political parties how would you only give opportunity to PDP to asked questions. He explained that the moderator should be hold responsible for the chaos. But in a swift reaction, a chieftain of PDP, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the moderator has not done anything wrong blaming the chaos on APC. He said it is the nature of APC in the state stressing that the party is known for thuggery and violence. He noted that the APC has mutilated all their billboard and posters across the state. He explained that despite provocation, the PDP leaders in state have been telling their supporters to remain calm. He challenged APC to campaign on issues based instead of engaging in violence, saying if they kill in the name of politics who will they govern if they eventually win the election.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

BUHARI CONFERRED WITH CHIEFTAINCY TITLE OF NWANNE DI NA MBA... L-R: Governor Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo); President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman, Imo State Council of traditional rulers, HRH, EC Okeke and Chairman of Orlu zonal Council of traditional rulers, HRH Eze Thomas Obiefuna, at the Palace of Eze Imo in Owerri, where Buhari was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Nwanne di na Mba Imo State...recently

FG Okays Electronic Cargo Tracking System to Curb Crude Oil Theft To attract $235m annually Approves $53.1m for electricity conductors, transformers

Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its weekly meeting yesterday, approved electronic cargo tracking device that would monitor all vessels entering and leaving Nigeria’s water space. Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, who disclosed this to newsmen after the meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House Abuja, said the device would help curb the recurring incidents of oil thefts along the Nigerian maritime water. He said: "This scheme includes also the tracking of our oil exports. This way we are going to reduce, if not totally eliminate oil theft.” Sambo disclosed that the Electronic cargo tracking put in place, a scheme already widely implemented in 26 African counties, including Ghana, Senegal, Benin republic and Togo. The devise, according to the Minister, was also expected to tackle under declaration at ports and secure imports and exports, provide transparency in cargo invoicing and declarations. He disclosed that the countries where the devises are operational, have recorded tremendous improvement in the management of trades across borders. His words: "The implementation of the scheme will abate the chal-

lenge of under declaration, concealment and wrong classification of cargo which are primary causes of revenue leakages, insecurity and safely issues at the borders. “The deployment of the state of the art ECT will ensure the elimination of loop holes in border operations and boost government revenue in form of duties, port charges and levies. “The platform will be deployed by a consortium of five companies made up of a foreign technical partner and four local companies. "Apart from the above advantages, the scheme will also generate revenue for the government ranging from about $90 million per annum to a peak of about $235m per annum. “Furthermore it is at no cost to the government, the investments are going to be made by the investing private sector companies and revenues that would be derived from the small margin of Charges would be shared in the ratio of 60 percent to the government and 40 per cent to the consortium of companies.” Also yesterday, the federal government approved the sum of $53.1 million for the procurement and installation of electricity conductors and transformers that will help boost power supply in the country. Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, who also briefed newsmen,

said when installed, the conductors would help address the challenge of constant tripping of circuit breakers due to overloading of electricity lines. He revealed the cost of the conductors also included a naira component of N2.1billion. “The total amount for these four components of conductors is $53,131, 128.93 plus an onshore component of N2, 127, 068, 626. 45,” he said.

According to him, the new conductors would be used to upgrade existing power lines, with the aim of enhancing their efficiency. “These are existing lines which are being upgraded. The wires will be removed and new ones put in place and the difference is that the new ones will be more efficient because they carry more load than the old ones. “They will reduce sagging

prayer, worship and the word of God,” it explained. The inaugural service would be hosted by P.Daniel and Pastor Nifemi Olawande his Wife. “Also to speak at the programme are the Pastor in Charge of Region, Joseph Adeyokunu, Music Minister, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Sunmisola Agbebi, and the church’s Lead minstrel Naomi David who will be ministering at the inaugural service of the RCCG The Envoys. "Everyone who desires to experience the love and power of God will find a home at the envoys. At the envoys, we place priority on prayers, teaching the word with the strong community of believers who help each other grow both in their walk with God

105 kilometre Kumbotso-Kankiya line; 90 kilometre Benin-Irrua line; 72 kilometre Irrua-Okpella; 48kilometre Okpella-Okenne, 58 kilometere Okenna-Ajaokuta lines and 394 kilometre Gombe-BiuDamboa-Maiduguri line. He also disclosed that Council approved a N1.46 billion contract for the procurement of 20 transformers ratio analysers for the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Nigeria, Others May Lose Oil Buyers as EU Set to Ban Petrol, Diesel Vehicles by 2035 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria and other major oilproducing countries could lose major markets in Europe after the European Parliament approved a law to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles across European Union (EU) nations by 2035. The continent is aiming to ramp up the production of electric cars to combat the climate change crisis which many countries have pledged various actions to tackle. Nigeria has promised net-zero by 2060. When the newly approved law comes into effect, European countries like Spain, Italy, France,

Netherlands, Portugal and several other major Nigeria’s customers would be unable to buy the commodity from the country. The oil sector in Nigeria accounts for up to 95 per cent of the country’s export earnings, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). But for the landmark EU rules, it will require that by 2035 carmakers must achieve a 100 per cent cut in CO2 emissions from new cars sold, which would make it impossible to sell new fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the 27-country bloc. The law will also set a 55 per cent cut in CO2 emissions for new

RCCG ‘The Envoys’ Plans Inaugural Service in Lagos The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Mega ChurchThe Envoys is planning church service at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba Lagos. The programme, the inaugural church service of the RCCG Envoys is scheduled this Sunday, at 4.pm and would hold same time every Sunday. The Envoys is a mega church From RCCG. According to a statement, the programme, with theme: Inferno for the Sunday services would witness the supernatural, Word, worship, love amongst brethren and excellence every Sunday service. “Each service is going to be power service where the move of the Spirit will be evident in

because once the wires are aged, they will sag and they become vulnerable and heavier. So, these ones are lighter and can carry more electricity so it will improve efficiency and address the challenges of constant tripping of the breakers due to the overloading of these lines will be tremendously reduced,” the Minister explained. Aliyu listed the four components of the contract to include 173 kilometre Kubotso- Hadeja, line;

and career. We have interest groups for everyone in different works of life. “From fashion, tech, entertainment, entrepreneurship, finance and many order institutes. Who’s responsibility is to help scale up their influence and apostles in the market place," the statement explained. "RCCG Envoys, is God’s response to our time of prayer. We received our mandate and strategy in the place of prayer, which informed our order of service. We will not only have our normal Sunday services by 4pm, we would have community churches in unorthodox places, soul winning is our drive and we want to let all men know the love of God know no social class

or structure. Jesus died for all," the statement added. "As a revival hub for all nations, we are raising envoys who will represent the kingdom of God everywhere in every sphere; ordinary men who become extraordinary professionals and global entities. You can be an envoy too and be part of this revolution," Pastor Daniel and Nifemi Olawande, Lead Pastors, The Envoys, said. "We hold our services twice every week. Our mid week services hold virtually every Wednesday at 5pm while our Sunday services hold at 4pm. During our services you experience uplifting worship, inspiring message and sound doctrine as well as fellowship with other believers," the Lead Pastors added.

cars sold from 2030 versus 2021 levels, much higher than the existing target of a 37.5 per cent. "The operating costs of an electric vehicle are already lower than the operating costs of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine," the parliament's lead negotiator on the rules, Jan Huitema, said. He added that it was crucial to bring more affordable electric vehicles to consumers as per a Reuters report. Huitema, a member of the European Parliament, stated that the targets were crucial for Europe if it wants to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. “These targets create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers,” he stressed. “Purchasing and driving zeroemission cars will become cheaper for consumers, and a second-hand market will emerge more quickly. It makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone,” the chief negotiator assured. Chairman of The Transport Committee, Karima Delli, stressed that the law was a win for the planet and its people. “Today’s vote is a historic vote for the ecological transition … it is a victory for our planet and our populations,” Karima said. EU countries agreed the deal with lawmakers last October, but still need to formally rubber stamp the rules before they can take effect. Final approval is expected in March. New vans must comply with a 100 per cent CO2 cut by 2035, and a 50 per cent cut by 2030, compared with 2021 levels. Many carmakers

in Europe have announced investments in electrification. Volkswagen Chief Executive, Thomas Schaefer, said last year that from 2033 the brand will only produce electric cars in Europe. Still, the EU law met resistance from some industry and countries when it was proposed in July 2021. As a result, the final deal includes some flexibilities including that small carmakers producing less than 10,000 vehicles per year can negotiate weaker targets until 2036. The car CO2 law is part a broader package of tougher EU climate policies, designed to deliver the bloc's targets to slash greenhouse gas emissions this decade. The law passed in Strasbourg aims to give European automakers a clear time frame to switch to production of electric vehicles and counter competition from China and the United States. “Let me remind you that between last year and the end of this year, China will bring 80 models of electric cars to the international market,” EU Vice President Frans Timmermans, said. “These are good cars. These are cars that will be more and more affordable, and we need to compete with them. We don’t want to give up this essential industry to outsiders,” he added. Meanwhile, some automakers have already started preparing for the transition to electric vehicles. Aside Volkswagen which last year said it will produce only electric vehicles in Europe by 2033, Audi also assured it would cease producing diesel and petrol cars by 2033.

THURSDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEF: We'll Resist Any Attempt to Subvert Outcome of Presidential Election Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has warned that it was ready to counter any attempt to subvert the outcome of the February 25 presidential election. Convener of the forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, who stated this yesterday in Abuja during the General Assembly of the forum, said the Nigerian political environment must be based on democratic tenets only, and not power rotation. Abdulahi stressed that going by the constitution of Nigeria, the north was qualified to contest the forthcoming presidential election, while also arguing that the region still has an outstanding of four years to rule going, by the number of years southern Nigeria has ruled the country since return of democracy in 1999. Noting that the north has made more sacrifices for the unity of the country than any other part of the country, Abdulahi stated: “The north has paid its dues, if there is any

part of this country that has made sacrifices for the unity of this country and for this country to call itself Nigeria as a country, there is no other section of the country that has contributed as much as the northern Nigerian. “The issue shouldn’t have been that we are not qualified to contest, we have no right to contest, and certainly this is the reason why we are saying now that the issue in Nigeria political environment must be based on democratic tenets only. “There will be no issue of reserving anything for anybody, if you win in an election, we accept, but if we win, there is no way you will deny us victory, no way, we will not accept that at all and we will be ready." On whether the region should contest the presidential election, he said, "The constitution is very clear that I can contest 20 times and I can lose 20 times. But nothing should stop me from contesting election if I want to, but when you look at it in terms of ‘do me I do you’,

'rub my back and I rub yours', the north has rubbed more backs than its back being rubbed. “Obasanjo couldn’t get 10,000 votes in front of his house. I said to the journalists that spoke to him rudely most of the times, I said he will be president in Nigeria by the votes of northern Nigeria and he did, we got paid back somehow, it wasn’t appreciated as such. “Who voted Abiola? The North did in my sitting room to defeat Tofa. All these are sacrifices being made by northerners. And even if you are talking about the years in power from 1999 till date, Obasanjo eight years; Jonathan six, that is 14; Umaru two, and now Buhari eight years. So, I am being owed even in the number of years, four years. “The issue should not have been we are not qualified to contest, we have no right to contest. Certainly, this is the reason we are saying now that the issue in Nigerian political environment, must be based on democratic tenets only. There should be no issue of reserving anything for

anybody. If you win an election, you win on the basis of this thumbprint. If you win, we will accept. “But for us to begin to see threats that if this happens, and we do not like it, we’ll do something negative, we are warning that the election will be contested hopefully free and fair, and credible. And anybody who wins the election must be accepted as the winner of the election, without sentiments. And if there is any attempt to subvert it, then we’ll be ready to also counter." Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, on his part, said the north was full of rhetoric and semantics, adding that, they sat down to discuss and lament, but nothing was done. While faulting the leadership recruitment process, and that the overdependence of the north on presidency was the bane of the problem of the region, Mohammed stated: “We need a team, we need people that will give us a wake up call, all the aspects of life and living in the north are deplorable.

EDO GOVT ACCUSES OSHIOMHOLE OF MASTERMINDING PROTESTS, RIOTS, CALLS FOR HIS ARREST called on security agencies to “invite Oshiomhole, interrogate him and arrest him to account for his movements within Benin city in the last couple of days.” Addressing a press conference, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said the state government, after appraising the situation, “discovered that there is more than meets the eyes”. “Today, we had the unfortunate incident of the protest in Edo State, particularly in Benin City as a result of the new naira redesigning policy. We have gone round the town and we have discovered that there is more than meets the eyes. “We are by this press conference calling on all security agencies to call Adams Oshiomhole for questioning, arrest him and make him account for his movements in the last couple of days in Benin City. “We have reasons to believe that Oshiomhole instigated the riots. There is a video, which has gone viral, where Oshiomhole is seen instigating his lions and tigers to riot, destroy and attack government property. “Today’s riot is thought to be as a result of the naira redesigning. It is the same party responsible for the policy, that is the one instigating people to protest and in doing that PDP billboards are destroyed. One of the billboards destroyed is a 50-feet gantry. “Oshiomhole has unleashed his lions and tigers because his party is about to face an imminent defeat at the coming general elections”, Nehikhare, who was flanked at the press conference by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, said. Nehikhare, while calling on the citizens of the state to remain calm, said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had assured the state government that it had enough money to be given to point of sales (PoS) operators in the state for circulation, adding that, that could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace. “Edo people should remain calm and know that they are the ones we are protecting. It is strange that when the APC federal government forced universities to close down for eight months, the APC governors did not talk. “When the fuel scarcity became biting, the APC governors did not talk. But when the naira redesigning policy, initiated by the same APC government is now affecting the APC governors, they suddenly woke up to talk. “The only way the APC governors can make an impact in the coming election is to give them the opportunity to buy votes. “We are already engaging the CBN seriously and by tomorrow (today), they assured us that the market will be filled with the new

naira notes. We therefore wish to warn those behind the riots to note that if they should continue, the security agencies will deal with them”, Nehikhare warned. When reminded that there were riots in Oyo and Delta States over the same issue, Nehikhare responded by saying that it was not coincidental that the protests took place in PDP-controlled states, saying: “It is a systematic protest organised by the APC in all PDP states. This is an APC policy and it does not make sense that PDP will go and destroy PDP infrastructures.” “The APC federal government is lame duck and is being attacked daily by APC governors over APC policies. I will not be surprised if by tomorrow, there is riot in Kaduna or Kogi state to give it a resemblance of balance. Nigerians should wait for February 25 to chase the bald

heads out of the town and replace the APC government with a party that cares about the people, the PDP”, he said. Reacting to the allegation of instigation, Oshiomhole through his media aide, Victor Oshioke, said there was no way he would instigate the people to take up arms against the policies of an APC-led federal government. “As we speak now, Comrade is in Port Harcourt for the APC presidential campaign rally. Yesterday (Tuesday), he was in Imo State. Comrade did not instigate anything. Edo State Government should go and face its failure and why the people are about to reject it. Who did the Comrade instigate? “The Obaseki government is just using Oshiomole’s name as face saving for its failure in all ramifications. The problem is that Edo people are about to compare

the Oshiomhole government of over eight years ago with that of Obaseki and the government is panicking. “It is the fear of that comparison that is making the government say what it is saying. Obaseki and Philip Shaibu have failed woefully and they are intimidated by the large crowd that follows Comrade Oshiomhole anytime he is in Benin. “Which video are they talking about? The Comrade asked APC members to go to the streets and campaign for the party and its candidates and by that, the opponent will be intimidated. Is that instigation? If they have any evidence that Comrade instigated anybody, let them bring it forward. Otherwise, let the Edo state Government go and face where they have failed and the verdict of the people at the coming elections”, Oshioke said.

“Leadership recruitment is very bad, the elites are on each other's neck. We, as governors, we have not established a peer review group that we’ll be discussing. We are so fragmented– ego, envy and malice have taken the order of the day. “Any time we are given the opportunity, we don’t do our best and we don’t need the federal government to excel in the north. Our overdependence on the presidency and the Nigerian government is our problem. We have been at the centre for too long and we didn’t do much and that is why we are always struggling to be at the centre." Vice Presidential Candidate of the

Labour Party, Yusuf Datti-Ahmed decried the lack of political will to tackle the problems facing the country. He said: "Where you see the problem, we see the solution, we have already seen it. The terrorist, the bandits and armed robbers are not more formidable than constituted authorities; the fact of the matter is that there has never been that political will. “Our records and history have shown we were able to create wealth, we did not derive money from the government, logically speaking, we know how to move Nigeria from consumption to production."

HIGHER FOOD, COMMODITY PRICES PUSH INFLATION TO 21.82% Month-on-month, the core index rose by 0.49 per cent 1.82 per cent in January compared to 1.33 per cent in December. The NBS blamed the rise in core inflation on increases in prices of gas, liquid fuel, pas¬senger transport by air, vehicles spare parts, fuels, and lubricants for personal transport equipment, solid fuel, among others. Notably, the highest contributors to the headline index include bread and cereal (21.67 per per cent), actual and imputed rent (7.74 per cent), potatoes, yam and tuber (6.06 per cent), vegetable (5.44 per cent), and meat (4.78 per cent). Urban inflation year-on-year increased to 22.55 per cent in January compared to 16.17 per cent 2022. Month-on-month, the urban index stood at 1.98 per cent in January com¬pared to 1.80 per cent in December. On the other hand, the rural inflation also rose to 21.13 per cent year-on-year compared to the 15.06 per cent in 2022. On a month-on-month ba¬sis, the rural index rose to 1.77 per cent in the period under review compared to 1.63 per cent in

De¬cember. On states level, general inflation year-on-year was highest in Bauchi (24.79 per cent), Ondo (24.54 per cent), and Anambra (24.51 per cent), while Jigawa (19.09 per cent), Borno (19.62 per cent) and Sokoto (19.90 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in the headline index. Month-on-month, however, the highest increases were recorded in Lagos (2.91 per cent), Taraba (2.84 per cent), Ondo (2.68 per cent), while Yobe (0.54 per cent), Jigawa (0.73 per cent) and Oyo (0.87 per cent) record¬ed the slowest rise on month-on-month inflation. Food Inflation year-on-year was highest in Kwara (29.03 per cent), La¬gos (27.67 per cent), and Ondo (27.38 per cent), while Jigawa (19.22 per cent), Sokoto (20.80 per cent) and Yobe (21.32 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in the index. On a month-on-month basis, however, food inflation was highest in Lagos (3.67 per cent), Ogun (3.54 per cent), and Ekiti (3.32 per cent), while Yobe (-0.50 per cent), Jigawa (0.18 per cent) and Kebbi (0.92 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

BUHARI CONSIDERS RECIRCULATING OLD N200 NOTES TO EASE PAINS OF NAIRA SCARCITY Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City, Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba, Fidelis David in Akure, Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti, Francis Sardauna in Katsina, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Segun James in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari is considering directing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to allow only the old N200 remain legal tender until April 10, 2023, in order to improve currency circulation in the country and ease pains experienced by Nigerians due to the decision to retire some denominations of the old banknotes after a currency redesign project. THISDAY learnt that the president, who is expected to address the nation this morning, is concerned about the plight of Nigerians. Kaduna State Government, Nasir El-Rufai, who confirmed the move by the president, also said there were talks for an out-of-court settlement of the currency imbroglio. However, contrary to the position of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Bayelsa and Edo states, yesterday, appeared as co-defendants with the federal government in the suit challenging the move by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to retire the use of the old N200, N500 and N1, 000. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday at the Supreme Court, in Abuja, nine states of the federation announced their desire to be joined as interested parties in the suit. While seven states, including Lagos, Katsina, Cross River, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Sokoto sought to be joined as co-plaintiffs; Bayelsa and Edo states informed the court that they desired to be joined as co-defendants. Justice John Okoro, who led other justices of the Supreme Court, adjourned the case till February 22

for hearing. But he did not vacate the order of interim injunction he granted on February 8 in the case originally brought by Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kogi states against CBN’s February 10 deadline for the swapping out of the old naira notes. However, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, public anger and frustration boiled over in bloody demonstrations yesterday as people continued to face difficulty accessing the new naira notes, while banks rejected the old currency, despite the Supreme Court order. Added to the non-availability of new naira notes and rejection of old ones was the fact that most of the banks’ online banking applications were inoperable. An attack at the Benin branch of CBN was foiled by a combined team of officers from the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Three people were feared killed in the incident, resulting in angry protests and attack on virtually all banks along Akpkakpkava Road. As the protest spread to Kwara, Delta, and Oyo states, the three state governors – AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Seyi Makinde, respectively – called on their people and all Nigerians to remain calm and exercise restraint in the face of widespread hardship occasioned by scarcity of the redesigned naira notes. In addition, Buhari, again, met with the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, at the State House, Abuja. That was the fourth time the president would be meeting with the apex bank governor in the last one week since the recent crisis over implementation of the currency swap introduced by the CBN in October last year. Emefiele was at the State House on Monday, and he also appeared before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Council of State last Wednesday and Friday,

respectively. Although details of Wednesday's meeting between the president and the CBN governor, which took place shortly after the weekly FEC meeting, was not made public, sources told THISDAY that the meeting might have reviewed the sitting of the Supreme Court. The meeting was also said to have considered options open to government over the matter, with a resolve to await the outcome of the litigation by the states before government could make any further move. A top Presidency official told THISDAY on condition of anonymity that Emefiele was actually scheduled to meet the president after the FEC meeting on Wednesday. However, the source said the CBN governor left the State House before the end of the FEC meeting for another official assignment. Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states had dragged the federal government to the Supreme Court last week to stop the government and CBN from fully implementing the demonetisation policy introduced last October. The three states requested a temporary order of the apex court halting the scheduled ending of the old 200, 500 and 1,000 denominations on February 10, 2023, pending the hearing and determination of the suit. In granting the request, the apex court had fixed hearing for February 15 and asked that the order be served on the respondent (Attorney General of the Federation). However, when the matter was called for hearing on yesterday, nine states announced their intentions to be joined as interested parties in the suit – seven as co-plaintiffs and two as co-defendants. Since there was no opposition to their joining, Justice John Okoro, who led a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court, granted the requests and joined the states as parties.

Following the consent of parties, Okoro subsequently directed Mr. Samuel Ologunorisa, who represented Katsina State, to move the application on behalf of all those seeking to be joined as co-plaintiffs. The judge added that the states should amend their originating summons to reflect the name of all plaintiffs. Similarly, Mr. Damian Dodo moved the application for Bayelsa and Edo states as co-respondents, and they were also ordered to amend their statements of defence to reflect the new position of the case. Subsequently, the judge adjourned hearing in the suit till Wednesday, February 22. Curiously, both Bayelsa and Edo states are governed by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while those who joined the earlier three appellants, besides Sokoto State, are all of the ruling APC; they as opposing the policy of their own federal government. Meanwhile, four other states – Rivers, Kano, Jigawa and Niger – filed a similar suit, challenging implementation of the demonetisation policy, but the apex court said they would be consolidated with the other suits. The Supreme Court had on February 8 temporarily halted the move by the federal government to ban the use of the old naira notes from February 10, 2023. Kogi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states had specifically applied for an order of interim Injunction restraining "the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the commercial banks from suspending or determining or ending on February 10, 2023, the time frame with which the now older version of the 200, 500 and 1,000 denomination of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction." Counsel to the applicants, Mr.

AbdulHakeem Mustapha, had urged the apex court to grant the application in the interest of justice and the well-being of Nigeria.

El-Rufai Conﬁrms Talks for Out-Of-Court Settlement

Meanwhile, Kaduna State government has confirmed that there were talks for an out-of-court settlement on the matter. El-Rufai, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media & Communication), Muyiwa Adekeye, in response to a report by an online newspaper, stated: “There has been no meeting this week between the federal government and either the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) or the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), not to talk of one lasting till the wee hours of today, Wednesday, 15 February 2023. “Rather, senior officials of the federal government reached some governors, including Malam Nasir ElRufai, on phone to initiate discussions on a possible out of court settlement. The terms they proposed were to allow only the old N200 note to remain legal tender and be circulated by the CBN till April 10, 2023. “They claimed that the CBN had already destroyed the old N500 and N1000 notes that had been deposited, but that those persons who still held the old notes could redeem them up to 10 April 2023. These were not considered as serious proposals, for obvious reasons. “Circulating the old N200 notes alone would not be sufficient to relieve widespread human suffering in Kaduna State, and indeed in Nigeria today. They knew that and that is why they falsely claimed that the CBN had already destroyed the old N500 and N1000 notes. This is contrary to the fact available to the governors to the effect that the old Continued on page 36

THURSDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

WORKERS' PRAYER RALLY... L-R: President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Enugu State Chapter, Kenneth Ugwueze’ Governor of Enugu State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the State Head of Service, Ken Chukwuegbo; State Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Bennett Asogwa and Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Committee (JPSNC), Ezekiel Omeh, during the workers' prayer rally at the State Secretariat, Enugu…yesterday

Tinubu: We Need Authority to Change Life for Prosperity Urges Rivers youths to shun oil pipelines vandalism Decries violent protests in Delta, Oyo, Kwara, Edo Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has urged Rivers youths to shun oil pipelines vandalism in the state, assuring them that if elected into office, his government would change the people's life for prosperity across the country.

The former Lagos State governor spoke yesterday, while addressing his supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally, held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt City Local Government of Rivers State. Addressing thousands of supporters, Tinubu stressed the need to revive the nation's industries, insisting that with better utilisation

of the ports, ensuring stable security in the country and developing the youths skillfully, would Nigeria achieve its position as the giant of Africa. "Here we are in Nigeria and in Rivers. It’s not fish that we are looking for, it’s not crayfish. It’s in Lagos too. What we are looking for is authority to change your lives for prosperity.

“Power and magnitude to give you the best of life, to take care of your inheritance, to make sure that all of you, particularly the youths are empowered to have the best skill in the world that can manufacture, that can produce things that other countries want. That can produce for export from Nigeria, make Nigeria proud, a nation of prosperity, joy and happiness beyond one day.

My Husband’s Government Will Reform Education, Health, Says Oluremi Tinubu Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Wife of the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday in Kano, promised that the Tinubu/Shettima presidency would revolutionalise the health, education and agricultural sectors if voted into power on February 25. Replying to demands made by women drivers in education, health, agriculture, business and entrepreneurship, during a Town Hall meeting held for women leaders across the 44 local government areas of Kano State, Mrs Tinubu

also promised that the Tinubu/ Shettima administration would give women grants for economic empowerment if given the mandate by Nigerians. She observed that Kano State, under the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, remained in the lead on the girl-child education, adding that, "the Governor has done it all, since basic education was free and compulsory in the state." She further stated that the Tinubu/Shettima administration would ensure free, compulsory basic education for all Nigerian

children, adding that they would come up with incentives that would persuade the girl-child to remain in school. According to her, the Tinubu/ Shettima administration would not only ensure grants and empowerment for the women, but will also come up with policies that will encourage adult education for the women. "Nigerians have the best brains in the health sector, and we will ensure that Nigerian Doctors and other health workers do the best for us," she said. Speaking on agriculture, she

reminded the gathering that Nigeria have the best weather and soil, recalling that Lagos in partnership with Kebbi State had already set up rice production, adding that, the Tinubu/ Shettima administration would be passionate in revamping the economy through creation of enabling business environment. While commending the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in its achievements in power and other sectors, she said the Tinubu/Shettima administration would build upon the foundation laid by the Buhari administration.

APC Holds Presidential Rally in Ibadan Today, Accuses PDP of Plot to Scuttle Exercise Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaigns Council in Oyo State, Dr. Isiaka Kolawole, yesterday, said the presidential rally scheduled for today (Thursday), at the historical Mapo Hall, would hold as planned. He, however, accused the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) of sponsoring riots ostensibly to stop the APC presidential rally. The APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party were expected in Ibadan, last Thursday, for the

same presidential rally but was rescheduled due to the crisis that followed the fuel and naira scarcity. Addressing a press conference at the APC campaign office, Mokola, Ibadan, yesterday, Kolawole on behalf of other chieftains of the party, accused the state government and PDP of sponsoring hoodlums to truncate the APC rally. He said plans by some miscreants to disrupt the rally that would be attended by chieftains of the party all over the country would not work, calling on security agencies to prevail on them to ensure a hitch-free rally of the party. The nefarious activities of some

hoodlums being sponsored by the state government, Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP and their evil agents, he said, was to cause strife in the state in order to forestall the actualisation of the rally, but would not work. According to him, "Nobody can stop us from holding the rally tomorrow. The presidential rally of our party, the All Progressives Congress APC scheduled to hold tomorrow the 16th of February, 2023 at Mapo Hall will hold as planned. "The nefarious activities of some hoodlums being sponsored by the state government, Peoples Democratic Party PDP and their

evil agents to cause strife in the state in order to forestall the actualization of the rally would not work. "We are hereby calling on the security agencies to stop these sponsored protests forthwith and clear all the blocked roads and streets in the interest of the masses of this state. The leaders of PDP and the state government that are orchestrating this evil protest do not mean well for the citizens. "They are only taking undue advantage of the present situation in the country to cause more hardships for the people to cover their failure and the lackluster performance in the state."

"We are talking about prosperity in Nigeria, without our own factory, without better utilisation of our Ports, without peace and stability, we cannot achieve those aims and those dreams. "We want you to take your life seriously beyond politics. I will become your president by the grace of God. By the power of your votes. Make sure you have your PVC, make sure your votes and ballots are ready. I know that you are looking for president, you will vote for me as your president. "One day you will be president too, let's build a nation of joy, unity, that is hardworking, that is working together and not killing one another. Today, I must promise you, if we can work together, we must work together to stop vandalism of our properties, of our oil pipelines. It is only in unity, working together with prosperity will be part of our hope," he said. Commending Rivers people for their turnout in numbers and patience while the rally was delayed, he also spoke about a joyful and progressive future for the state. "Thank you very much for the warm reception. Rivers will be a forest of joy, a forest of peace, a forest of progress. This politics is political. We know you are very good people to have waited till this time. We thank you," Tinubu added. Earlier, after receiving the flag from the national leadership of the party, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr Tonye Cole, urged the presidential candidate for a full support of the party in Rivers. "With your (Tinubu) support and prayers, also prayers of Rivers people, APC will win in the state and national offices. We have been intimidated but we know that APC is on the ground, we’re into grassroot campaign and have won the heart of Rivers people. The antecedent of our presidential candidate is known, when we take over, there will be a great change in the state and country at large," he said. National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, said they had kept to the promise to Nigeria by selecting a Southerner (Tinubu) as a presidential candidate,

adding that, "What the PDP failed to give, we have given the South by bringing out the candidacy of Alhaji Bola Tinubu." In another development, Tinubu has decried the violent protests that took place yesterday in different parts of the country like Delta, Oyo, Kwara and Edo States. In a statement yesterday, Tinubu warned that the destruction of property would rather complicate the issue, and assured the people that the current phase would soon pass away as federal and state governments were already working to surmount the current challenges. He said: "I am saddened by reports of violent protests in parts of our country today (yesterday) especially in Delta, Oyo, Kwara and Edo states. In Delta, there were reports of arson and destruction of bank branches. "I sympathise with all Nigerians who are going through the pains of not being able to get money from banks and ATM points to meet their basic daily needs. I also sympathise with the banks for being victims of the CBN currency redesign policy." With the Supreme Court reaffirming its order of 8th February on monetary authorities to allow the old and new Naira notes to circulate together, the former Governor of Lagos State said he believed a solution was right on the way and the scarcity of naira notes would soon be over. "I am happy to note the various measures being put in place by many of our governors to cushion the effect of the scarcity of naira on households. I want to appeal to our young people not to take law into their hands through destructive protests. We feel your pains and frustration but destroying lives and property will not solve any problem," Tinubu pleaded. Rather, Tinubu said it would only complicate the crisis at hand, while maintaining that everyone keep the peace and remain calm. "Let us not be provoked. Instead, let us cooperate with the government in seeking immediate and lasting solution. This difficult time shall soon be over. We must keep hope alive as we move forward to a better, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria of our dreams."

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023

POLITICS

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

Arise: Tinubu More Qualiﬁed than Other Presidential Candidates A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayo Arise, in this interview with Adedayo Akinwale, speaks on salient national issues including the fact that the party’s presidential ﬂag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is the candidate to beat in the February 25 election.

he February 10 deadline for the currency swap has come and gone and I know that a lot of stakeholders have expressed concern over the policy which they said is well intended and was poorly implemented. What’s your take on this? I think it’s a very welcome development, the Supreme Court has intervened because it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that there is peace and order. The welfare of the people, the security of workers in the bank and security of individuals on the street. A lot of people are walking about with a lot of anger. A little thing can trigger unexpected consequences. And this currency thing has festered for almost two weeks now. We’ve seen the effect, we’ve the consequences of lack of good planning, and ordinarily should not have required the Supreme Court to intervene for this policy to have been changed. Having said that, it is the prerogative of the CBN to change currencies, but it’s not part of the Act, everything has a procedure. It is always good for us to learn from other climes. I have lived in America now for over 40 years. They have changed their currency about twice but it’s within the space of about 25 years and you will never know that any currency is being changed. It is when you take your old currency to the bank, they will take it, the Bank will give you back the new currencies. There have never been a time when the Federal Reserve Bank in America would actually say they are banning a legal tender. To change the currency is not a problem, but for you to now simultaneously say that you are banning the old currency within 30 days without making adequate provision for you

they have forgotten all the good things that APC did in the past. They’re only going to remain with this knowledge of what have been visited upon them. So if Asiwaju says it is targeted at him, he’s speaking correctly.

Tinubu

Arise

to give people money as they bring their monies into the bank. This claim that the policy was ab initio intended to frustrate the ambition of a particular candidate, in this case, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has alleged that himself, governors of the party have done same and the federal government, though they have attempted to deny that, have not succeed in convincing Nigerians. Do you also share that view? Well, let me say it the way I see it. Even if that was not the intention of the policy. It is not rocket science for us to see who will be affected most by this policy. We were here in

2018/2019 when we were campaigning for the second term of our president, what was going on was people like (Yemi) Osinbajo going into markets, going into every state doing market money (trader-moni) to relieve the burden and the pains on the people, to show that this government cares. So if the same government now says we have about two weeks to our election and they now say they want to visit hardship on the people, do you think that the average man on the street would like APC as a party when you have such a keen competition? So, it might not be the original intention or their purpose, but that is what we’re seeing on the streets. People are angry. Why do you want to go to an election, you don’t create an atmosphere that will bring so much anger to people on the street. The everyday person who’s going to vote,

There was a report in a national daily that the APC started scheming to seek election postponement by four weeks and the person leading the pack allegedly is Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai, what’s is your response to this, is that the plan of the party? Well, let me put it this way. I believe we read today that INEC has gone to meet (Godwin) Emefiele that if he doesn’t have money to prosecute this election, What do you think would be the result? The result would certainly lead to postponement. Invariably, some people have already foreseen where this thing is headed to. And when you look at it, on the day of the election, the drivers that will carry the ballot papers and all that, that will drive to the respective locations and distribute in all the polling units are cash-and-carry people. And you don’t have cash to pay them. So, what would then happen, it would be a colossal disaster because some people will be ready for election and there would be no materials to vote. At the moment I saw that this is the outcome of this problem. We have to thank the likes of El-Rufai who could come out. Because you like him or hate him, you know he’s somebody that speaks truth to anybody. He will come out and talk and it took his intervention for people to understand there is a problem. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Babalola: Atiku Has Enough Experience to Rule Nigeria A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Femi Babalola, in this interview with Kemi Olaitan, speaks on the chances of Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate and other issues including the crisis rocking the party at both the state and national level. Excerpts:

s a core PDP member campaigning for Atiku why do you think he is capable of leading the country? One, someone once told me that Nigeria is in trenches but I said no. I corrected the person that where Nigeria is now is even below the trenches that we cannot even locate Nigeria. It is like Nigeria is lost somewhere in the moon. When you say something is in the trenches you know where it is. The state at which we are now is that we don’t even know where the country is. As far as I am concerned we need Atiku who has done this before. Of all of those contesting, he is the one who has done it before. He has been the Vice President for eight years and has seen it all. That is the kind of person we need now. We don’t need a learner. We don’t need someone that will come in and learn on the job. We don’t need someone who will say give me the first two years to settle down, I want to take my time and see what is going on in the Villa. No. State politics and regional politics is different from national politics. National governance is different from state or regional governance. I stand by Atiku. He is qualified and competent as he has done it before. If you look at it again, he is one man that identifies talents. Atiku brought 90 per cent of all the people that worked with the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is just a very humble person who doesn’t talk and probably doesn’t fly his achievements around. He was the man behind so many of the people that helped Chief Obasanjo as President to achieve results. Don’t forget that at some point the governors had to go and beg him to take over from Obasanjo and if he wanted to he had the structure in his hands. I believe that the Yorubas owe Atiku in 2023 as if he was a greedy man and over ambitious

Atiku

Babalola man he would have been the President in 2003. So Yoruba owe him. Also in 1991, I was there in Jos. He was one of the persons that was asked to step down for Abiola. So we owe him. Yorubas owe him. If he had contested with Abiola maybe something else would have happened. So I believe we owe him from the South-West. Do you agree with the view that the position of the G5-Governors not to be part of the presidential campaign of Atiku Abubakar will affect his chances in Oyo State? I can assure you that it will not affect the fortunes of Atiku in Oyo State. This was displayed recently during the flag-off of the re-election of Governor Seyi Makinde, when party members came out in their thousands and chanting Atiku, Atiku, saying that is what they wanted. So, there is no problem with that. Members know their own,

no matter what. Basically, the G5-Governors have a common stand. And one of it is that a Northerner, should not take over from a Northerner. And the other one is that the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu should resign from his postion. And to me, I look at those two points, of a Northerner taking over from a Northerner, and Ayu resigning, and my response is, if you have such a law or an understanding as they say, what do we have to say about the situation in Oyo State where Governor Seyi Makinde, as present governor, benefitted from such arrangement. And he is still contesting in the next election, Makinde took over from late Governor Abiola Ajimobi after eight years.Ajimobi was from Ibadan and Makinde who took over is also from Ibadan but he did not see anything wrong in contesting and taking over from Ajimobi. He did not say oh, an Ibadan man has done eight years, it should be unfair for another Ibadan man to contest and continue. We have other zones in Oyo state. We have people from Ogbomosho, Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun.

So, why should it be an Ibadan man, replacing another Ibadan man? He did not see anything wrong there then. So, what I am saying is that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. If he had kept a principled stand then, somebody like me, Femi Babalola, will support him, that yes, this is what this guy stood for in 2019, so we are ready to support him. And on the issue of chairmanship, I don’t know why they are bothered about somebody being the Chairman or coming from any section for now because we are just at the threshold of an election all candidates for elections have emerged. So what will the Chairman do? What role is he going to play? Except people are up to mischief except people are up to some motives which I don’t know of. What will the Chairman do at this time when we have all the candidates in place. But what of the argument of the G-5 Governors that the two top most party slots of presidential candidate and National Chairman should not go to the North? No, the truth of the matter is that, it is when you want to kill a dog that you give it a bad name. To those of us that have travelled far and wide in this country you can say North but which part of the North. It is like saying South under South. There is South-South, South-West and South-East. In the North, North-Central is different from North-East likewise North West. We have six regions so the people that sat down in their wisdom to come up with the division of major posts know what they are doing. They said okay, we have six regions in the country so we have to move round the regions in the division of posts. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Unveiling John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History President Mohammadu Buhari, in company of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu led the culture community in Lagos to the state-of-the-art museum for preserving Yoruba’s rich cultural heritage. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

President Buhari alongside his entourage gets a ﬁrst view of the permanent exhibition

t was a whistle stop. The tightening security around the newly built John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History provided a visual clue for the much-anticipated arrival of President Mohammadu Buhari. His black power salute and smile resonated with the audience who witnessed history as the nation took a remarkable step in rekindling interest in preserving history through a permanent exhibition at a repurposed space with colonial history. After the tape cutting event, President Buhari and his entourage were whisked away as the official tour of the exhibition gallery began. Culture buffs including from the international cultural institutions and indigenous artists, curators, school children as well as journalists took their turns to have a brisk walk-through the maze of installations. The new edifice forms a part of the urban regeneration project for the heart of Lagos

Island. Taking cues from Yoruba architecture and craftsmanship, the Centre serves as a watershed for a nostalgic return to public recreational experience while engaging the public through art, music, religion, fashion, language and popular culture. A revolving centrepiece installation revives the account of creation from the Yoruba worldview accompanied by a sound installation. A smoke-filled piece, the installation symbolises the earth as the story of creation through Obatala’s point of view is recreated through a roof-bound sound system loaded with oral narration. As a whole, the exhibition celebrates deities, rituals and the Yoruba ancestry. The curatorial notes help non-Yoruba speakers to understand the history embedded in the works. There's also the eye-catching video installation showing footage of Ogunde Theatre, a pioneering theatre art company that shaped contemporary Yoruba theatre.

To further heighten the educational function of the permanent exhibition, an interactive device built in the form of a self-service kiosk helps non-Yoruba speakers to translate from English to Yoruba. Throughout the building, there’s a conscious effort to deemphasize the use of English by putting Yoruba words in bigger fonts while the English fonts are captured in squint-worthy sizes. John Randle Centre is created to be a place of remembrance and reconnection for Yoruba people from Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, America and the Caribbean as well as South West Nigeria as well as visitors or others who are curious about Yoruba culture. In a brief encounter with journalists at the official commissioning of the centre, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Umazat Akinbile-Yussuf assured the

public that the dream museum turned reality by the project consultants, contractor and installation teams “We are trying to find the best way to smooth the operation of this centre. The board is already in place and the management will be trained to make sure that this place is running efficiently. This place should be open to the public in one or two months. The entry will not be free but we hope to get grants to make it sustainable. This is the first and only board that will be chaired by the Governor himself so you can see how passionate he is about this project. He has been working from the front. On several occasions, we have to travel on several international trips to ensure that the space is well-equipped with artefacts to explain the Yoruba history and culture. This is a reminder of who we are and where we need to be. When you don’t understand your past, it will be difficult to know where you are going as a person,’’ she said.

Kola Abiola Beams with Glimmer of Hope for Nigeria Precious Ugwuzor Though the interview had come and gone, the pungent soundbites gleaned from the 30-minute no-holds-barred interview with the heir of the legendary M.K.O. Abiola’s dynasty, Kola, contain some instruments of social re-engineering public service experts can deploy to recalibrate Nigeria into a more prosperous nation. The political outing of the Peoples Redemption Party’s presidential flagbearer, Kola Abiola, on Channels TV’s Politics Today, offered some glimmers of hope that the Nigerian state is blessed with people who understand the issues bedevilling the country and can hit the ground running with answers if given a chance. From security to economy,

education to healthcare system, politics, national cohesion inter alia; Abiola proved to be a chip off the old block. In addressing security challenges plaguing Nigeria, Abiola noted that, the Department of Security Services (DSS) is supposed to be to Nigeria what the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is to the United States but many of its highly-skilled personnel are detailed to rich Nigerians and their expatriate cronies. All social barometers deployed have indicated that lack of accountability and fairness cut across ethnic divides to entrench national interest is the bane of our retrogression among the comity of nations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), no fewer than 133 million Nigerians, representing 63 per cent of the population are currently

living in multi-dimensional poverty, which partly justifies the ‘japa’ phenomenon that makes Nigeria lose many of his skilled young demography to just any other country where they suppose the land is greener. Abiola firmly holds the belief that much is still desired from economic diversification, especially with a focus on agriculture that is not just about crops. His value proposition if science and technology is introduced into the mix to match the country to her full calling is a stuff of genius and wittily derived from empirical data. He was unequivocal with his promise; “in my first year, 65 million Nigerians will be employed.” To further block economic leakages that fritter away our patrimony, Abiola had identified the poor management of oil subsidy, alleging

that successive government keeps kicking the can down the road, but given the opportunity, he’d decisively right the wrongs done the ordinary people of Nigeria in the guise of oil subsidy. “If the government is serious about removing subsidy, it should do it today. What we would rather do is cut off the subsidy and go for cost-of-living adjustment. You do away with subsidy and that money can go into something else.” Even as the clock ticks closer to the February 25 general elections, running with Haro Haruna Zego, just like his father, and to the envy of many, Abiola’s belief in democracy remains unwavering. Hence his remark at his party’s primary; “I believe in positively disrupting the electoral process. Our party is fielding 711 candidates and is the oldest in Nigeria.

Abiola We have representation.” His fidelity to the tenets of democracy continues to endear him to more electorates across the geo-political

zones; his age and those of his ideas are needed for a 21st century state that desires to rank top among comity of nations.

THURSDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

TRIBUTE Mamora: A Patriot and Humanist At 70 By Habib Arunai

r. Olorunnimbe Adeleke Mamora, a medical doctor, politician, patriot, humanist, one of the finest omoluabi and the current Minister of Science and Technology, just stepped on the seventh floor and has decided to roll out the drums to celebrate the day. He will not only be marking the day with family, friends and associates, he will also deservedly be launching a book, an autobiography, where he detailed his sojourn on earth in the last seven decades. Mamora became famous when he was elected the Speaker of the Lagos State of Assembly in 1999, at the beginning of the current democratic dispensation. As the lawmaker who was elected under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), representing Kosofe Local Government, Mamora’s democratic credentials and political sagacity was easily noticeable among the party’s establishment in the state and his colleagues in the house, that it was not difficult for him to emerge as the Speaker. It was always a delight anytime we were at the gallery watching him preside over the plenary sessions. His comportment, deep knowledge of legislative procedures and the maturity he always exhibits were topic of discussion among journalists covering the House. Besides, Mamora was always ready to throw more light on any issue of importance to the state when we (journalists) approached him, either on his way to the office, or in his office. I became very close to him at that time and the friendship has blossomed to this very day. He sees me as an aburo before a journalist; and I see him as an egbon, a confidant and veritable source of getting information before a politician. It was thus not a surprise when his party gave him a ticket to represent Lagos East Senatorial District at the Nigerian Senate at the end of a successful four years at the helm. Mamora went on to win the election in a landslide and he became a philosopher-king in the Upper Chamber. At the Senate, he was very vocal in championing progressive agenda and was always in the forefront, using the legislature, to fight on issues that will improve the quality of lives of ordinary Nigerians. You can be sure that Mamora will not sit on the fence when it

Mamora comes to issues of national importance or matters that bother on development and growth of the country. He was neither a passive legislator, nor one that will be absent at duty post. He gave his constituency a robust and effective representation. He was indeed, many times commended by Nigerians as one of the stars at the Upper Chamber. It was therefore not a surprise that in 2007, he was reelected to the Senate. After resuming his

seat he was appointed to committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Selection Committee, Health and Federal Character & Inter-Government Affairs. In a mid-term evaluation of Senators in May 2009, ThisDay newspaper noted that Mamora had sponsored bills on Tenure of Office, Surgeon-General of Nigeria and repeal and amendment of the Tobacco Control Act. He sponsored or co-sponsored motions, including

one to amend Senate rule 111 to bring it into conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was also aptly described as a master of parliamentary procedures by the newspaper. After two terms in the Senate, Mamora was denied his party’s ticket and could not return to the Upper Chamber. It was evident and discernible to more than casual observers, that he was a victim of power play in the state. While some, particularly his supporters, were not comfortable with the way he was treated, his critics were of the view that he had been a beneficiary of the same structure since 1999 and should therefore give way to another person. Being a responsible and obedient party man, he took it in his strides and vowed to continue to support the party going forward. He was actively involved in the formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2014 and was appointed the Deputy Director General of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential campaign. It was not until the second term of the Buhari administration that he was tapped to serve as the Minister of State in the Health Ministry. He, with the Minister, Osagie Ehanire, were very auspicious and consequential in tackling the dreaded Covid 19 epidemic. Hence, it was to their credit that the country came out of it strongly. He was elevated to his current portfolio when the cabinet was slightly reshuffled by Buhari in the wake of resignations by some of the ministers who contested the presidential primaries. At 70, the celebrant has every reason to be happy as a fulfilled man; he has every reason to smile as a dutiful husband to his amiable wife; he has reasons to bring out the drums because he has served Lagos State and by extension, the country diligently and with honour. Even so, he has every reason to celebrate because he’s among few Nigerians who still have their integrity intact; in a country that is increasingly short of men of honour. Happy birthday and many happy returns sir, as you join the septuagenarian Club. I wish you more years in good health and abundant blessings in the service of your fatherland. r"SVOB B KPVSOBMJTU MJWFT JO *LFKB

NEWS

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Mamora on 70th Birthday Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Minister of Science and Technology, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Mamora, a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and two-term member of the Senate, who represented Lagos East Senatorial District between 2003 and 2011, clocks 70 today. Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, yesterday, described the Minister of Science and Technology as a shining star, a seasoned technocrat, a diligent public servant and administrator, who has used his positions for the development of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. The governor praised Mamora’s contribution to the medical profession in Nigeria as a health practitioner and later as Minister

of State for Health, adding that the medical doctor turned politician who served as first Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the present Fourth Republic and later two-term Senator was appreciated by the people of Lagos State, especially members of his constituency. He said “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the Lagos State Government, leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Lagos State, I heartily rejoice with the Minister of Science and Technology, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, on the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday. “Senator Mamora is a passionate Lagosian whose contribution to the progress of our Lagos State cannot be minimised. He has always been part of the progressive forces in the State. “He served passionately not

only as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly but also as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers from 2000 to 2001. “He contributed his quota to the legislative business during his eight years in the Upper Chamber,

especially during his tenure as the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate. “Senator Mamora has also distinguished himself in public office as a Minister of State for Health and now Minister of Science and Technology,

Two women were pulled from the rubble in Turkey’s southern city of Kahramanmaras and a mother and two children were rescued from the city of Antakya yesterday, as rescue efforts shifted to getting relief to survivors nine days after a deadly earthquake. Rescuers could be seen applaud-

ing and embracing each other as an ambulance carried away a 74-year-old woman rescued in Kahramanmaras, and earlier in the day, a 46-year-old woman was rescued in the same city, close to the epicentre of the quake. According to Reuters, later yesterday, a woman named Ela

Uges CBN to make cash available to citizens the state capital, adding that the state government will do its best to ensure that residents in the state are able to withdraw their cash from the banks in the state. He noted, “We just concluded our security council meeting over the incident that took place in our city today. It’s something we are concerned and very sad about. It is just a culmination of the pains and sufferings expressed by our citizens. “As a government, we tried to do as much as we could have, to make sure that citizens are

group of Septuagenarians, I wish him more fulfilling years. I pray that God will grant him the grace, long life, and sound health to enable him to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and federal government.”

Three Women, Two Children Pulled from Rubble in Turkey

Protests: Obaseki Calls for Calm, Orders Deployment of Security to Protect Banking Assets, PoS Operators The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged for calm among residents of Edo State, as security operatives have been deployed to protect banking assets in the state to ensure the disbursement of cash to citizens. The governor made the call while addressing journalists at the Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday, after a closed-door meeting with heads of security agencies in the state. Obaseki expressed displeasure over the protests in Benin City,

contributing to the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration. He has also contributed positively to the growth of APC at the local government, state and national levels. “As Senator Mamora joins the

able to draw cash deposited in their accounts, and unfortunately, that has not happened the way we expected and it has led to some agitations and concerns by people in the city. “From what happened today, we can tell clearly that the people who undertook the damages of banks and banking assets were not depositors as many of them were area boys. We met and resolved to restore security to the state and the banking institutions. Security men have been deployed and will remain in

banking premises to keep calm.” The governor added, “We are putting pressure on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) authorities to do what they should do to release cash to citizens and have requested for security to do so. The plan is that from tomorrow morning, security men would give support for disbursement of cash through POS operators in our markets and as soon as they can restore safety and sanity to the banks, then the bank will open to disburse cash to citizens.

and her children Meysam and Ali were pulled from the rubble of an apartment block in Antakya, 228 hours after the earthquake, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported. The combined death toll in Turkey and Syria has climbed to more than 41,000, and millions are in need of humanitarian aid, with many survivors having been left homeless in near-freezing winter temperatures. Rescues are now few and far between. Focus has shifted to supporting survivors and with much of the region’s sanitation infrastructure damaged or rendered inoperable by the earthquakes, health authorities face a daunting task in trying to ensure that people now remain disease-free. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday it was particularly concerned by the welfare of people in northwestern Syria, a rebel-held region with little access to aid. It asked Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to open more border crossing points with Turkey to allow aid to get through. Huseyin Berber, a 62-year-old diabetic, survived 187 hours after the collapsing walls of his groundfloor were propped up by a fridge and a cabinet, leaving him an armchair to sit in and a rug to keep him warm.

He had a single bottle of water, and when that ran out, drank his own urine, he said from a bed in Mersin City Hospital. “I shouted, shouted and shouted. No one was hearing me. I shouted so much that my throat hurt... Someone reached their hand out and it met with my hand. They pulled me out from there. The hole I got out from was very small. That scared me a bit.” In Kahramanmaras, homeless families slept in tents set up on the field and running track of the city’s stadium. In one tent, 28-year-old Hatice Kavakdali clutched a grey teddy bear. “I can’t put the experience we had into words. It was so terrifying and I am still feeling the pain of that,” she said. “I lost consciousness after the quake and I am still recovering. I couldn’t remember my family or how we got out of the house.” “We haven’t been able to rinse off since the earthquake,” said Mohammad Emin, a 21-year-old graphic design student. Batyr Berdyklychev, the World Health Organization’s representative in Turkey, had warned that the water shortage in quake-hit areas “increases the risk of waterborne diseases and outbreaks of communicable diseases.”

20 T H I S D AY THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 TR

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& RE A S O

Thursday February 16, 2023 Vol 27. No 10169

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

2023 ELECTION: LOOKING FOR NIGERIA’S LULA VICTOR C. ARIOLE urges the youth to ensure the elections are credible

See page 21

NIGERIA ON THE CUSP The elite should shape up or ship out of governance, writes O. JASON OSAI

See page 21

EDITORIAL

PROTECTING WOMEN AND GIRLS

Political office seekers should focus on positively winning the hearts of the people, not excuses and falsehood, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

CANDIDATES, CONCENTRATE ON YOUR MOMENTUM

The heat generated by the races for various elective positions will reach its climax in a matter of days. While some candidates are hopeful of triumph, others can perceive that things have gone awry, and would take the back seat and start planning to try their luck some other time. Yet, there are those who move against reason and the clear signs of impending electoral failure. It is such persons who scream that powers more powerful than them have already sealed their fate. Accusations of favouritism, pre-meditated rigging and other alleged opponents’ transgressions proceed from that mindset. But I particularly like what the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said about the body’s neutrality when he addressed election supervisory SUHVLGLQJ R΀FHUV 632V ODVW ZHHNHQG LQ Abuja. His words: “The commission is determined that the 2023 general election will be the best ever and you are the people that will help the commission to make it happen and help to ensure that Nigeria has a pleasant experience on election day. INEC is not a political party. INEC has no candidate in the HOHFWLRQ 2XU RQO\ LQWHUHVW LV LQ WKH SURFHVVHV The choice of who becomes what in Nigeria is left to the Nigerian people to decide. You are the people who supervise those who will work at the most important level, the Polling Units (PUs) level. That is the only place where voting takes place. ´7KH FROODWLRQ R΀FHUV DW WKH SROOLQJ XQLWV· level are collating results from the PUs. When FROODWLRQ R΀FHUV DW WKH 38V JR WR WKH ORFDO government level, they are collating results from the PUs. When they go to the state level, they are collating results from the PUs and when they come to Abuja, where we collate the presidential result, it would have passed WKURXJK DOO WKHVH SURFHVVHV 6R E\ WKH WLPH the results come to Abuja, Nigerians would KDYH NQRZQ WKH RXWFRPH RI WKH HOHFWLRQ 2XU UHVSRQVLELOLW\ LV VLPSO\ WR FROODWH 6R \RX DUH playing a very critical role. What will help you, help the commission, help Nigerians and the electoral process is your integrity as LQGLYLGXDOV µ 2QH KDUG WKLQJ WR GR QRZ LV WR get the Nigerian people to swallow without a pinch of salt whatever comes from the government or its agencies. And you can’t seriously fault them on that. In my view, however, this INEC has put some measures LQ SODFH WR HDUQ VRPH SXEOLF FRQÀGHQFH It won’t be long before that is tested at the national stage, though. At least for the sake of our own mental health, let’s believe Prof. Yakubu for now. While the rest citizens do so, politicians may have to return to the proverbial drawing board and get re-invigorated for the task at KDQG 3XW GLͿHUHQWO\ WKLV LV QR WLPH WR GURS the momentum ball. For, next week, Nigerians will vote for their choices of president of the federal republic and members of the National $VVHPEO\ WKH ÀUVW VHW RI SROOV LQ WKLV \HDU·V

general election. Voters will seek to satisfy a couple of expectations. First, their own conscience, that adults are capable of rising up and taking responsibility for the emergence of credible leadership to steer this rich but heavily encumbered ship called Nigeria. 6HFRQG OHWWLQJ LW EH RQ UHFRUG IRU IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV WKDW JHQXLQH HͿRUWV ZHUH PDGH in deciding who governs the country and its diverse constituencies. Third, that, the world, having become increasingly smaller and more interconnected, Nigeria is not left behind in the comity of progressive, democratic nations; that it be viewed more favourably, instead. In countries where the civic duty of participating in elections is considered sacred and treated as such, there’s a periodic reinforcement of the grounds stated earlier to further enlist the devotion of citizens. Truth is, there can’t be any meaningful or enduring socio-political engineering without an entrenched voting culture. It is for this reason that serious governments, civil society groups, the media and other key components of society mobilise resources towards achieving mass commitment and involvement. Talking of galvanising corporate or social stimulus towards achieving common objectives and, in our present circumstances, electing competent people into executive and legislative positions nationwide. John Maxwell, world acclaimed author and leadership expert, declares in one of his cerebral works, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, that, “momentum is a leader’s best friend.” I sincerely hope that the candidates in the forthcoming elections, particularly the frontrunners, have given that counsel adequate thought. The book outlines seven critical points about momentum. +HUH·V P\ XQGHUVWDQGLQJ DERXW WKHP 2QH whenever momentum manifests, it tends to magnify all the positive energies of the individual, organisation or occasion. It creates a force that exaggerates the importance or viability of the subject. Two, it adds more YDOXH WR WKH DͿHFWHG OHDGHUV 2QORRNHUV and even some insiders would most likely think kindly of the qualities of their leader, which should yield desirable dividends. Three, momentum enhances the capacity of members of the team to invest more resources

Nigerians are desperately in search of salvation from their numerous torments, a condition arguably worse than the pre-2015 polls’ atmosphere. Victory will likely go the way of those who can engage the electorates constructively and concertedly to the end. They’re not too distracted to vote sensibly. Hopefully.

therein and perform optimally. The prospect of success usually becomes more real and, of a truth, nothing fuels enthusiasm more. Four, many times, the early direction RI PRPHQWXP LV GL΀FXOW WR LGHQWLI\ DQG FRQWURO 2QFH EHJXQ KRZHYHU SLORWLQJ it is made easier, especially if the leaders are able to place their hands on the vital buttons and, ultimately, take the ship to the target destination. Five, momentum is arguably among the most potent weapons of change for the simple reason that, many times, what people actually need to key into transformation are leaders they can trust in terms of clarity of purpose, capability and track-record. They would willingly jettison their own familiar, comfort zones and dive into a future well painted by their performing captains. 6L[ PRPHQWXP KDV D ORW WR GR ZLWK D OHDGHU who sets the tone, designs the roadmap, chooses the team, monitors the progress, interprets the dynamism or otherwise, and, in some cases, determines the course. These possible modes of intervention by leaders GLͿHU IURP ÀHOG WR ÀHOG 7KH\ DUH FHUWDLQO\ more unpredictable in volatile areas like politics. And, lastly, seven. Momentum may not end with a leader but it surely starts with him. He is the visionary, touch-bearer, pacesetter. The alpha, in short. His passion about set goals must be strong and contagious enough to get others on board and possibly make them drop other own engagements to follow him, the dear leader, on the mission. Just one example here. The run up to these elections has produced one phenomenon that should be properly situated and understood. 7KRVH ZKR GLVPLVV 0U 3HWHU 2EL presidential standard-bearer of Labour Party, as structureless, a mere south east candidate and social media giant may be insincere, mischievous or ill-informed. His near-folk status in the ongoing contest is occasioned by the yearnings of a frustrated generation for VRPHWKLQJ GLͿHUHQW IRU VRPHRQH FORVHU WR LWV age grades and who exhibits a distinguished knowledge of its potential and aspirations. It’s remarkable that the momentum generated by his candidacy since the middle of last year hasn’t waned, contrary to dissenting projections. With due respect to the criticisms against the opinion polls that have so far IDYRXUHG 2EL LW·V FOHDU WKDW KH LV WKH V\PERO of an un-envisaged movement. Cynics and sceptics may deny or despise its ability to ELWH WR WKHLU GLVFRPÀWXUHV My take is that Nigerians are desperately in search of salvation from their numerous torments, a condition arguably worse than the pre-2015 polls’ atmosphere. Victory will likely go the way of those who can engage the electorate constructively and concertedly to the end. They’re not too distracted to vote sensibly. Hopefully. Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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The elite should shape up or ship out of governance, writes O. JASON OSAI VICTOR C. ARIOLE urges the youth to ensure the elections are credible

2023 ELECTION: LOOKING FOR NIGERIA’S LULA 'LOPD 5RXVVHͿ VXFFHHGHG /XOD GD 6LOYD DV KLV SURWpJpH DQG DV D FRQWLQXLW\ LQ %UD]LO VKH was in power 2011 till she was impeached and removed on 31st August 2016. Lula da Silva tried unsuccessfully three times to be president until he succeeded in 2002. Dilma, a lady, was not greatly, neuronally, GLVSRVHG WR ZDUG RͿ WKH DWWDFNV FRPLQJ from Brazilian far right and other rentier class in whichever parties they belonged to, including even Lula’s own Labour Party. So, her impeachment was like that of Balarabe Musa in Kaduna State, unable to face what Ekundayo Simpson describes in his novel ´7KH $FWµ DV WKH .DWVLQD 0DÀD $QG LQ D

SROLWLFDO VSDFH LQ 1LJHULD VXFK 0DÀD H[LVWV defending the interest of Nigeria’s rentier class, petrol subsidy racketeerers, and what UHFHQWO\ WKH 0' RI 113& VHHV DV LQ KRXVH petroleum product smugglers when he was DGPRQLVKLQJ KLV VWDͿ GXULQJ WKHLU WrWH j WrWH gathering. Population wise, Brazil and Nigeria are within 200 million plus, and they display JRRG DQG EDG OHDGHUV DOVR 0DÀD RQHV DUH DOVR ZKDW %ROVRQDUR WKH GHIHDWHG H[ president of Brazil, represents in Brazil. We have them in Nigeria and one must not shy away in naming and shaming them if the Nigerian type of Lula must emerge. People whose only permanent interest is how to be in the mainstream for the looting of Nigerian UHVRXUFHV SDUW\ D΀OLDWLRQ UHPDLQV D GHFHLW Current pronouncement of the highest court of the land giving such people the right to contest election in which they were found wanting at the primary election process says it all. The people of Imo are still grieving on how a candidate with the smallest recorded votes turned out to be their governor. Those types of people are what the Braizlian youths stood their grounds against in the election that ushered in Lula as President with very weak margin that the fraudulent Bolsanarao group’s machination failed to rubbish. According to some friends in Brazil spoken WR WKH HOHFWURQLF EDOORW ER[HV RSHUDWLQJ LQ WKHLU FORVH FLUFXLW ORFDWLRQV UHJLRQ SHU region, not connected to the internet, and ascertaining fraud free before linking it to the nations network, helped in avoiding VLJQLÀFDQW KDFNLQJ LQWHUIHUHQFH YRWLQJ ZDV by making use of App and monitoring the H EDOORW ER[HV WKH\ DUH XSORDGHG WR Surprisingly, the security sought for was by the Army in their technology savvy approach not by physical presence. The Army devised an Apps that monitored the HOHFWURQLF ERRWKV ² H 7RWXOR DSS ² ZKLFK stored both voters’ ID and their local polling stations and another app which alerted on IUDXG LQ DQ\ ERRWK RU ER[ ERWK HOHFWURQLF VR as to segment dangers or failures as against pulling down all the system.

Surprisingly, again, the judiciary acted in a proactive manner, being active in all the processes so as not to be deceived in their pronouncement of the winner at the end by relating with the processes’ managers towards guiding the TSE – Tribunal Superior Electoral (word for word translation) as the highest electoral court. No need for litigation. The youths, the poor, the mulatos, the EODFNV KHOG ÀUP WKH QRUWK RI %UD]LO ZLWK H[FHSWLRQ RI WZR WLQ\ ORFDWLRQV WKH\ VKDUH borders with British Guyan and French Guyan, even when Surinam – Spanish – separates that two, the two Brazilian *X\DQV SURYHG DFRO\WHV RI %ROVDQDUR possibly, greatly, entrenched in “uncle Tom” EHKDYLRXU 7KH HQWLUH 1RUWK (DVW DQG 1RUWK West of Brazil voted for Lula. Pernambuco is the region of birth of Lula and it is located in 1RUWK (DVW 7KH FHQWHU DQG WKH VRXWK RI %UD]LO YRWHG IRU %ROVDQDUR 6RXWK (DVW ZDV QHLWKHU here nor there – split votes. The surprise is Rio de Janaeiro with poor and black population voting in favour of Bolsanaro at 56:43. Another surprise that could serve as the median is the weak success of Lula LQ $PD]RQDV 1RUWK :HVW LQGHHG WKLV LV where fraud could be suspected as Lula RXJKW WR ZLQ ZLWK JUHDW PDUJLQ WKH VDPH IRU WKH FDSLWDO ZKHUH /XOD ORVW DW ,Q HͿHFW south/central west had to be for Bolsanaro OLNH 1RUWK (DVW LV WR /XOD The determinant of Lula’s success is the youths and, unknown to many outside Brazil, the blacks that turn to mulattos in a %UD]LO ZKHUH FKDQJLQJ FRPSOH[LRQ FRXOG EH TXLWH HDV\ DQG TXDVL RUJDQLF $QG /XOD could shout in ecstasy that “Brazil is black” in lieu of “Brazil is for the poor” as he was able to lift over 20 million of such people out of poverty in his reign of eight years, 2002 to 2010. This is what PMB in Nigeria could not do, as both military Head of State and FLYLOLDQ +HDG RI 6WDWH VR KRZ DQG ZKHQ ZLOO Nigerians herald their own Lula? Both APC and PDP habour great number of what Simpson narrates in his novel as .DWVLQD 0DÀD .ZDQNZDVR LV DQ H[ JRYHUQRU ZLWK credibility in Kano, the same as Obi for $QDPEUD KRZHYHU DW WKH VFDOH RI 1LJHULD and the seemingly weak neuronal disposition of Nigerians as ENDSARS and its failure to UHDOO\ HQG .DWVLQD 0DÀD RSSUHVVLYH V\VWHP shows that the two leaders mentioned could KDYH SUREOHP PDNLQJ VLJQLÀFDQW LPSDFW EUHDNLQJ WKH VWURQJKROG RI WKH .DWVLQD 0DÀD in Nigeria. Ironically, PMB that could not EH VHHQ DV SDUW RI WKH PDÀD VHHPV WR KDYH VXFFXPEHG WR WKHLU FDSULFHV DND ´FDEDO LQ Aso Rock”. So, like the youths in Brazil that supported the use of Apps in election and greatly followed it up to the success of Lula, so, could they also do that in Nigeria, at least, to stop WKH ULJJLQJ SURFHVV RI WKH 0DÀD HVSHFLDOO\ WKH FXUUHQW *RYHUQRUV RI WKH 1RUWK :HVW Brazilian election had a median turnout of 82% and an average turnout of about 79%, TXLWH LPSUHVVLYH DQG SHUFHQWDJH RI \RXWK SRSXODWLRQ LQ %UD]LO LV DERXW KHQFH LQVLJQLÀFDQW QXPEHU RI \RXWKV ZHUH OHIW out. The elderly, indeed, complained about accessing the voting App. Ariole is a Professor of French and francophone Studies, University of Lagos

NIGERIA ON THE CUSP At no time in the history of Nigeria have (some of whom earn N37m MONTHLY) the manifestations of years of acrimonious that have refused to increase minimum DWWULWLRQ KDWH EDUWHULQJ DQG HQGOHVV wage from N18k to N30k per month What recriminations so violently split Nigerians a travesty of justice. as in recent times. Yet, at no time in the More and more Nigerians from across history of Nigeria have the masses risen in ethnocultural and religious lines have one discernible voice to condemn the level realized that the dividing hedgerows are of ineptitude, corruption, and kleptomania economic. They have been shocked by in government as it is now. And at no time seeing the seemingly warring political in the history of Nigeria has the electorate ÀJXUHV H[FKDQJLQJ SOHDVDQWULHV DQG demonstrated so much consciousness of the bear hugs clearly demonstrating the goings on in government. Naturally, these VXSHUÀFLDOLW\ RI WKHLU SXEOLFO\ WRXWHG are outcomes of the psychological warfare GLͿHUHQFHV 7KH PDVVHV DUH QRZ FRQVFLRXV waged on the people through unemployment of the divide between them and the elites masses and how the elites have H[SORLWHG WKHP WR IHDWKHU WKH QHVWV RI WKHLU OX[XULRXV OLIHVW\OH LQ WKH IDFH RI DEMHFW poverty. The youth and the masses know better now and they are a whole lot more emboldened. Need we be told that with the proliferation of illegal arms across the land that any sequel to ENDSARS will be hard to quell. In a video clip that has gone viral, 0RKDPPHG ,EUDKLP 7DÀGD D +DXVD alumnus of Kaduna State University, decried the divisive orientation Northern FKLOGUHQ UHFHLYHG +H H[SUHVVHG WKH pervading realization that the orientation was elitist propaganda to create bad blood towards perpetuating elite interest. and prolonged frustration due to failure Therefore, he called on Northerners to of government to play its fundamental eschew religious and ethnic sentiments constitutional role. This has resulted in and vote wisely. This standard of distrust of government and overarching angst liberalism is hitherto very rare in the at the pervading insecurity and consistent SROLWLFDO H[SHULHQFH RI 1LJHULD LW LV pauperization of the masses by a government evident that Nigerians are transcending WKDW H[FOXVLYHO\ VHUYHV WKH LQWHUHVW RI WKH GLͿHUHQFHV DQG WHDULQJ GRZQ PDQ PDGH minority elites to the criminal neglect and IHQFHV WRZDUGV KDUPRQLRXV FR H[LVWHQFH glaring detriment of the masses. Matthew insistence on good governance and +DVVDQ .XND ODPHQWV ´WKH LQH΀FLHQF\ prosperity for all. corruption, and shameful degrading life of Nigeria is on the cusp and 2023 [Nigerians] today”. Elections is the meeting point of the two Across the religious hedgerow but with curves where a change is imminent. a highly disproportionate percentage on What that change portends will depend, the Christian side, communities have been in the short run, on the outcome of the subjected to the trauma and tragedies of election and, in the long term, on the kidnapping, killing, desecration of places attitudinal disposition and behavior of of worship and other assaults by miscreants the elite, especially political and public that now audaciously reign supreme on the R΀FH KROGHUV ZKR ZLOO HPHUJH LQ R΀FH highways, railways and communities across following the elections. Peaceful protests the country. This has introduced the phrase will be rampant and, drawing lessons ´DEGXFWLRQ HFRQRP\µ LQ WKH 1LJHULDQ OH[LFRQ from ENDSARS, the organizers will make ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ .DVKLP 6KHWWLPD WKH 9LFH every preparation to contain and counter Presidential candidate of All Progressives any attempt at armed repression. At that Congress (APC) averred that“Nigerians have point, a confrontation will surprisingly [acquired] the capability to see through the be the starting gun for various ethnic ZRUQ RXW UKHWRULF DQG VRSKLVWU\ RI SUHWHQWLRXV militia groups, armed bandits, unknown politicians. Toeing the same line while gunmen, etc., to pursue objectives that ÀHOGLQJ TXHVWLRQV RQ $ULVH 1HZV· 3ULPH have been kept at abeyance for long. And Time Television program, Professor Usman WKDW PD\ EH WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH HQG D Yusuf said that though APC government is deafeningly thunderous declaration of “to “driving [us] blindly into a ditch”, Nigerians thy tents oh Nigeria”. are waking up to the responsibility of making John F. Kennedy (JFK) it was who said the right political choices. that “those who make peaceful revolution In the above circumstance, criminal impossible will make violent revolution conjectures and outrightly malicious inevitable “. Nigerian masses now know IDOVLÀFDWLRQ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ KDYH EHFRPH that there are enough resources for the order of the day, and the new norm HYHU\RQH·V QHHG EXW WKH H[FHVVLYH JUHHG WKDW H[DFHUEDWHV WKH DOUHDG\ WRXFK\ VRFLDO RI WKH HOLWH FODVV KDV FUHDWHG WKH SDUDGR[ VLWXDWLRQ WKLV LV EXR\HG E\ FRQVSLUDF\ of a highly endowed country spotting the theories from the factories of merchants inglorious and ignominious moniker of of centrifugal forces. Truth remains that poverty capital of the world. They know 1LJHULDQV QRZ NQRZ WKDW LW LV DQ XV DQG WKHP that their state of abject poverty is as a EDWWOH EHWZHHQ WKH XQUHSHQWDQWO\ VHOÀVK HOLWH result of elite conspiracy to weaponize and the brutally battered and pauperized poverty and illiteracy thereby keeping masses. For instance, the combined ANNUAL them perpetually docile and malleable. budget for Healthcare (N46b) and Education The game is up. (N48b) is N94b for a population of more than 200 million people while N125b is the budget O. Jason Osai IRU OHJLVODWRUV 7KHVH DUH SXEOLF R΀FHUV ozomogoosai@gmail.com

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EDITORIAL

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

PROTECTING WOMEN AND GIRLS All the stakeholders should do more to address violence against women

here is an alarming upsurge in incidents of violence perpetrated against girls and women in our country. Almost every day, reports in the media are replete with incidents of killings, rape, assault, and all manner of physical and mental abuse DJDLQVW JLUOV DQG ZRPHQ PRVW RIWHQ IRU WKH ÁLPVLHVW of excuses. Wives get battered or killed for not cooking RU SUHSDULQJ VWHZ ZLWK LQVX΀FLHQW VDOW IRU VWD\LQJ out too late even when they work or for not tending to a chore satisfactorily. To compound the problem, many of our law courts hand out light sentences that DUH KDUGO\ RI DQ\ GHWHUUHQW HͿHFW WR WKH RͿHQGHUV As of 22nd November, last year, according to the Minister of Women $ͿDLUV 0UV 3DXOLQH Tallen, Nigeria had recorded about 11,053 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) for year 2022, going by the information available from the National Situation Room and Data Dashboard. Meanwhile, only 33 persons had been convicted, even though 401 cases resulted in fatalities. This is a serious problem that should concern critical stakeholders in the country. We cannot continue to ignore the upsurge in these occurrences, for the implications on our collective psyche as citizenry, and our development as a nation, are ominous. The statistics are simply startling even though our government and critical stakeholders are yet to comprehend the gravity of the situation. According to a recent study, up to one third of Nigerian women reported that they had been subjected to one form RI YLROHQFH RU WKH RWKHU ZKLOH RQH LQ ÀYH KDV EHHQ subjected to physical abuse or violence. For such a huge percentage of our women to be at the receiving end of incidents of abuse, it is imperative that we try to understand the underlying causes and dynamics of violence, if only to redeem our values and the stability of the family unit, and consequently, the larger society.

Institutional violence (as forms of harassment and exploitation) in schools, public institutions and even within the agencies of law enforcement, has gradually become the norm. Complaints of violence and abuse (against family members) made at our police stations, where girls and women can summon the courage to do so, are often dismissed as domestic matters, especially where the violence occurs between spouses. $VVDXOW DQG EDWWHU\ HYHQ WKRXJK VHULRXV RͿHQFHV in our law books, are paradoxically not perceived as crimes by many of our law enforcement agencies, unless the acts ultimately culminate in death. Violence continues to manifest itself in new forms and trends. Obscene tape recordings, accompanied by threats and blackmail, are readily summoned in compelling silence from female victims of violence, especially among young people. Unfortunately, our laws are yet to catch up with the various dimensions they manifest in our society, with the outcome of a plural legal system working to compound the challenges for those who seek to obtain justice. Despite the signing LQWR ODZ RI WKH 9LROHQFH $JDLQVW 3HUVRQV 3URKLELWLRQ Act 2015, the frequency of these incidents in our immediate environment vividly demonstrates that we are teetering towards a lawless society, with all the frightening implications for peace and security. The media should continue to bring to the fore these incidents, if only to arouse our collective outrage into a sense of emergency to act to stop gender-based violence. We also need an institutional structure where these incidents (including the perpetrators and victims) could be analysed with a view to strategically addressing all the challenges in a comprehensive and structured manner. Finally, our governments, at all levels, need to sit up to address these concerns, to assure our collective welfare and wellbeing, and thereby our health and prosperity as a nation.

Obscene tape recordings, accompanied by threats and blackmail, are readily summoned in compelling silence from female victims of violence, especially among young people T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to speciﬁc publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS FEBRUARY 2023 AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA

There are 12 months in the 2023 calendar, but the uniqueness of February and the implications of its activities in the lives and future of Nigerians is something to reckon with. It is the only month in the history of Nigeria when the rich became poor overnight, not because they don’t have the money, but because they could not access their money in the bank. I will not also forget my personal experience on 3rd February 2023. I spent six hours in the bank VWDQGLQJ DQG PDQ\ 1LJHULDQV VXͿHUHG WKH VDPH GXH WR WKH FKDQJH in Nigeria’s currency note. February comes with a lot of landmarks and development, as ZH MRXUQH\ WKURXJK WKH PRQWK 7KH GHDGOLQH IRU 3HUPDQHQW 9RWHU &DUGV 39&V FROOHFWLRQ ZDV VODWHG WR HQG RQ )HEUXDU\ WK OLNHwise, the deadline for the use of the old Naira Notes (N200, N500, and N1,000), which was extended from 31st January to February 10th, and equally extended to 15th February. The all-awaited, and DOPLJKW\ 3UHVLGHQWLDO DQG 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ (OHFWLRQV ZHUH DOVR slated for 25th February 2023. There was an allegation that the CBN currency changes with compulsory deadlines in February were DLPHG DW UHGXFLQJ WKH LQÁXHQFH RI PRQH\ LQ WKH IRUWKFRPLQJ HOHFtion, especially vote-buying amongst other reasons. You can see the fundamental changes that are taking place in February, which will shape the future of Nigeria politically, economiFDOO\ DQG RWKHUZLVH )HEUXDU\ LV D GHÀQLQJ PRPHQW FRQVLGHULQJ

WKH LQQRYDWLRQ FKDQJHV LQ YRWLQJ SDWWHUQV DQG WKH PRGLÀFDWLRQ RI WKH HOHFWLRQ ODZV HVSHFLDOO\ WKH (OHFWRUDO $FW DV DPHQGHG )HEruary 2023 will be the month of departure and liberation from the old Nigeria to a new dawn, or a month of enthroning and legalizing DOO IRUPV RI LOOHJDOLW\ E\ FRQÀUPDWLRQ No doubt, many people are excited, and can’t wait to see the outFRPHV RI WKH XQIROGLQJ PRPHQWXP IRU GLͿHUHQW UHDVRQV ZKLFK include a personal pocket or national interest. But the outcomes of the decisions of the election will determine the interest that prevailed. And the prevailing interest will determine the future of our dear country. February 2023 is the month we are all waiting IRU VLQFH DIWHU VXͿHULQJ WKH FRQVHTXHQFHV RI PDODGPLQLVWUDtion from the increase of insecurity, kidnapping, killing of innocent souls, poverty, unemployment, falling standards of education and health, hunger, and harsh economic conditions. Here is the awaiting month of exodus for a better future or deterioration if we have not paid the price enough. Nigerians, don’t vote for personal interest, but for the national interest. Because the outcomes of your personal interest in the forthcoming election are time bound and limited, while that of national interest is generational and last longer for the next generational unborn. You are entitled to your opinion, Yes, I know. Also, don’t forget that your decision is as good as your value. In fact, the

second phase of your life after May 2023 will share the outcomes of your decision in February 2023. Not only will you have a share of the outcomes, but even your children and other family members will equally have a share, either good or bad. It is very important! ,W LV ZRUWK QRWLQJ WKDW WKH RXWFRPHV ZLOO DͿHFW WKH TXDOLW\ RI URDGV RU DLUOLQH RSHUDWLRQV \RX ZLOO XVH LQ 1LJHULD ,W ZLOO DͿHFW the services you will receive at the healthcare centres, both public DQG SULYDWH ,W ZLOO HTXDOO\ DͿHFW WKH VHFXULW\ RI \RXU OLIH SURSHUWLHV DQG RI \RXU IDPLOLHV LQ 1LJHULD ,W ZLOO LQÁXHQFH WKH TXDOLWLHV of education you will acquire or that of your children and family members in the nearest future. The outcomes of the 2023 general HOHFWLRQ GHFLVLRQV ZLOO DͿHFW IRRG VHFXULW\ ERWK WKH TXDOLW\ DQG quantity of your food consumption, which will equally determine your well-being and that of your family. Don’t also forget water DQG HOHFWULFLW\ VXSSO\ 7KH RXWFRPHV ZLOO LQÁXHQFH WKH GLSORPDWLF relations between Nigeria and any other country you will run to, LQ FDVH \RX GHFLGHG WR ¶-DSD· (YHQ WKH SHUFHSWLRQV DQG UHJDUG \RX will receive as a person in another man’s land. The importance of your decision in February 2023 cannot be RYHUHPSKDVL]HG DV LW ZLOO JR D ORQJ ZD\ WR DͿHFW RXU HFRQRP\ DQG political landscape, and the unity of our dear country. Omale Omachi Samuel, 6SHFLDO 'XWLHV 2΀FHU &HQWUH IRU 6RFLDO -XVWLFH $EXMD

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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REPO

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

08056356325

F E B R U A R Y

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11.25%

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10.25%

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Arise @ 10: A New Vista for Africa Advertisers 10 years after Nigeria’s media entrepreneur, Prince Nduka Obaigbena sowed the seed for an international media platform -Arise Television, the brand appears to have redefined news consumption and successfully created a stronger platform for Africa advertisers to leverage on. Raheem Akingbolu reports Like a phoenix from the ashes, Arise Television suddenly became a sensation and toast of all during the #EndSARS imbroglio in 2021. For the dexterity and daring stance of the Arise TV crew, who were on the field at the peak of the protest against police brutality, the brand warmed itself into the heart of television viewers. Perhaps the icing on the cake was the live stream of the broadcast from the scene of the Lekki Toll Gate Shootings and many other protest grounds, which aired on various platforms like DStv channel 416, YouTube, Twitter, and the Arise TV website. This was happening at a crucial time when Nigerians desired trusted news sources, considering that a lot of information — both genuine and questionable — have been making the rounds on social media and on traditional news outlets. It was not long before social media went awash with many influencers endorsing the station as the star station of the resistance of young Nigerians who wanted a positive change for the country. Arise Television thus earned a Super brand status from this protest. But for its outstanding performance in reporting the protest, perhaps many viewers, who had earlier regarded the brand as too elitist, wouldn’t have known the stuff it was made of. Since then, Arise Television has been a top of the mind brand, with many analysts and observers viewing it as the only

Obaigbena television station in Nigeria with an international template. To this end, top corporate

brands that were used to struggling for advertising exposures in CNN and BBC

started looking inward to place their ad on Arise Television. Then came a few months

ago. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had just lifted a ban on

political campaigning for the 2023 elections. Political analysts were moving from one television station to the other to set an agenda for the players on the field. Spokespersons of various presidential candidates and political parties were also on the prowl to sell their candidates. Again, the Arise brand suddenly became a game changer. According to the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Steve Babaeko, the station’s approach to political discourse has continued to stand out since the build up to the election started. He said, “In a country where political journalism has almost been reduced to throwing of soft ball questions and massaging the ego of politicians, Arise TV anchors changed the game by asking tough follow-up questions and holding the legs of government officials and political candidates to the fire. This has of course endeared them to the public and also created a sizable population of critics. I believe the team should be proud of the job done so far and I hope they keep up the good work,” Looking at the brand from the point of view of a stakeholder in the advertising industry, Babaeko admitted that the Arise brand is a good option for media planners to have in their bouquet of channels. “The demographic Continued on page 25

Telcos Distant Selves from Failed Financial Transactions, Urge Banks to Build Capacity around Mobile Apps Emma Okonji Following the increase in failed financial transactions currently being experienced by bank customers, the telecom operators (Telcos) whose infrastructure the banks ride on to provide financial services to

customers, have distant themselves from such failed transactions. The Telcos are blaming the situation on the inability of mobile apps, provided by the banks, to absorb the sudden pressure from bank customers who have switched from other payment channels to

mobile banking channel because the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are no longer dispensing cash as they should. Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who exonerated the Telcos from

all failed financial transactions, told THISDAY that the Telcos do not have control over what happens between banks and banks’ customers during financial transactions, because the Telcos only provide the pipe that relays the financial transactions. “We provide the pipe for

transportation of all financial transactions between the banks and their customers. What happens at the interconnectivity end of the financial transaction is not under the control of the telecom operators, whose infrastructure, the banks are using to provide digital financial

services to their customers. All other online applications like Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), e-Commerce, website and internet browsing, are working perfectly, except for mobile apps used for Continued on page 24

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 ^13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

10.362, 00 10.459, 00 10.287, 00 11.168, 00 10.386, 00

Change Updated Time (%) 10.82 -0.01 January 6, 2023 January 11.11 -0.71 6, 2023 January 0.00 6, 11.35 2023 January 12.60 0.00 6, 2023 January 12.92 0.00 6, 2023

Yield

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23

3.01

NTB 11May-23

3.23

3.01 2.21 3.20

3.27

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

Change Updated Time (%) 3.01 -0.01 January 6, 2023 January 6, 0.00 2023 3.02 January 6, 2.22 -1.71 2023 January 6, 3.23 0.00 2023

Yield

January 6, 0.00 2023

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

Change Updated Time (%) January 6, 9.26 9.43 0.00 2023 January 6, 14.15 14.64 0.00 2023 January 6, 10.52 10.81 -0.01 2023

Discount Yield

. .

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate Updated Time ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS JAN 25 469.87 January 6, 1 2023 2023 January 6, NGUS FEB 22 2 472.05 2023 2023 NGUS MAR 29 474.23 January 6, 3 2023 2023 NGUS APR 26 476.42 January 6, 4 2023 2023 NGUS MAY 31 478.60 January 6, 5 2023 2023

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

TELCOS DISTANT SELVES FROM FAILED FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS, URGE BANKS TO BUILD CAPACITY AROUND MOBILE APPS financial transactions, which I think, is as a result of increased volume of transactions on the mobile apps of banks, because the ATMs are no longer dispensing cash as they should and the banks are not releasing cash across the counters, leading to cash crunch in the economy.” Adebayo said. According to him, “Before the current naira re-design policy, there were alternative means of financial transactions, through USSD, ATMs and mobile apps, but since ATMs are currently not dispensing cash, people shifted to internet and mobile app banking and the pressure suddenly became much on the mobile apps, leading to failed transactions. So the banks need to build more capacity and strengthen their baking applications to make the apps resilient enough to accommodate the pressure.” In his views, if cashless policy was Telco-led, there would have been better access to financial services and failed transactions would have greatly reduced. If it was Telco-led, the ease of financial transactions will be higher that what it is today because the Telcos have the network, the devices

and the subscriber number. Today the Telcos have recorded over 200 million subscribers across networks, a number that is far above the number of Nigerians with bank accounts, and the Telcos are able to manage the over 200 million subscribers by providing unhindered services to them. At the beginning of the cashless policy in 2011, we pushed for Telcos-led cashless economy but the banks refused and said it must be bank-led because public funds are involved, which they felt they

could manage better than the Telcos, but today they are having crisis managing financial transactions, Adebayo further said. However, the Executive Secretary, Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), an interest group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Rogba Adeoye, has blamed the situation on the mass exodus of bank staff who are relocating abroad for fear of the dwindling economic situation of the country.

According to Adeoye, there is pressure on the transaction channels because of increased volume of traffic on few of the channels like the mobile app channel. “The transactions are failing on a daily basis because the experts that were supposed to manage the backend transactions have all relocated, leaving the few remaining inexperienced technical staff to manage the situation. Outsourcing the transaction operations of the bank could have been the ideal

thing to do, but the bank cannot outsource a critical aspect of their operations because it has to do with public funds. “Again, the bank staff that programmed the ATMs to dispense only N500 and N1000 notes have all relocated to other countries and the banks are finding it extremely difficult to programme their ATMs to dispense N50 and N100 that are not affected by the CBN policy on re-design of the naira notes,” Adeoye said.

He therefore called on federal government to hold stakeholders’ emergency meeting in electronic transactions. He further advised that Telcos and the banks should develop more capacity and employ staff members that are willing to remain in Nigeria and work in Nigeria. Adeoye also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce inter-agency coordination and fund it, to enable it monitor what banks and Telcos are doing.

NDPB Decries Dearth of Data Protection Experts in Nigeria, Targets 250,000 in 5yrs Emma Okonji The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), which was established in February 2022 to advance data protection across the country, has decried the dearth of data protection experts in the country. The Bureau, which said this during a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, explained that it would target as much as 250,000 Data Protection experts in the next five years, beginning with 50,000 each year. The National Commissioner and CEO of NDPB, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, further revealed that the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2022 has been drafted and approved last month by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and would be transmitted to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill. According to Olatunji, “Our resolve from day one is to follow a road map that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART). Thus, we have put in place five guiding pillars, namelly: Governance, Ecosystem and Technology, Capacity Development, Cooperation and Collaboration, Funding and Sustainability. In each of these pillars are time-bound goals, activities and outcomes, which are carefully

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

crafted to guide the Bureau in the discharge of its mandate.” He said the Bureau has carried out full automation processes on Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), Compliance Audit Returns Filing, NDPR Complaint Process, and Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) Registration

and Licensing. He added that the Bureau also embarked on National Data Protection Adequacy Programme, designed to create a gradual pathway for organizations in implementing adequate technical and organisational measures of data privacy protection. He said the Bureau recorded 400 per cent

increase in the enrolment of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from data controllers and processors across Nigeria, and licensed additional 48 Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs). “With this number, we now have 138 DPCOs. This has boosted wealth and job creation in the ecosystem. The cumulative

revenue of the sector is estimated at N5.5 billion and over 9, 500 jobs have been created so far. Similarly the rate of NDPR Compliance Audit Returns filing increased from 1229 in 2021 to 1,777 in 2022,” Olatunji said. According to him, the Bureau is currently investigating over 110 data controllers and data processors

for various degrees of data privacy and protection breaches. “The most worrisome are those in the financial and the telecom sectors. Four banks, online lending companies, one telecom company and one gaming company are being investigated. The vulnerabilities in these sectors are high partly due to the capabilities of intrusive mobile apps.

Economic Sabotage: Pinnacle Oil and Gas Raises the Alarm, Writes DSS Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited has petitioned the DirectorGeneral of the Department of State Services (DSS) alleging a sinister plot by political opponents of its Founder/ Chief Executive Officer and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, to cause a breach of

the peace and sabotage the national economy by instigating protests at its terminal situated at the Lekki Free Zone, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. Pinnacle Oil and Gas is the market leader in the petroleum downstream subsector. In a letter signed by its Managing Director, Robert Dickerman, the company

Olalere: Govt Policies Will Check Real Estate Scam, Save Industry Ayodeji Ake The Chief Executive Officer, Numero Homes, Mrs. Omowunmi Olalere, has frowned at scam activities in the real estate industry, saying government policies will regulate and guide practices within the industry. Speaking with newsmen recently at the twin event of Numero Homes Head Office and Dozen Price Supermarket dedication, in Lagos, Omowunmi noted allocation scam extorting members of the public of the finances in the name of real estate business can be likened to organisation policies, emphasised on the need for collective effort of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and government intervention to flush out scam in the industry. She said: “I’m a member of REDAN and my experience is just for the five years of Numero but I have been in the industry for over 10 years which gives me a clear understanding of the market demand. We saw that people are building luxuries but we are building a cadre of real estate portfolios that will cater

for everybody according to their budget. We have created a lot of product portfolios and a mandate of delivering and not just getting the money. We are working so hard to ensure that we meet people’s demand. “On allocation, once anyone makes an initial deposit, we cut out their property and allocate immediately. Some people get money from buyers and start scouting for land they didn’t market to them but that’s not our culture. We deal based on integrity. We have enough portfolio so we would rather sell another estate and not collect money without allocation. “On how to deal with scam in the industry, I feel it’s a personal trait and every organization has their own policy. I think the government should enforce some rules and guidelines that the real estate industry must follow. Policies that will guide our practices. Flushing out scam in the system is a collective thing and the government also has a role to play. It’s good that people are now very much aware and taking precautionary measures.”

alleged that persons suspected to be Mbah’s political opponents in his home state were desperately trying to recruit the company’s partners and customers, to stage massive and well-publicised protests at the facility over “a totally false and absolutely non-existent failure to fulfill the terms of product supply contract with marketers”. It alleged that the plotters were seeking to create the impression that Mbah channelled monies paid to the company for supply of products to his governorship project, thereby precipitating the fuel shortages across the country. The company described the

narrative as, “totally malicious, untrue and unpatriotic, and shows how far his (Mbah’s) political opponents in his home state are ready to go to stop him even if their sinister plot to destabilize the national economy not minding the various difficulties, including fuel shortages faced by Nigerians.” It stated, “This wicked machination to complicate current national economic and security situation due to challenges of fuel distribution in Nigeria, is geared towards not only destroying the facility and reputation of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited and its Founder/Chief Executive Officer across the country and

beyond, but also to cause a major breach of peace and security across the country in an election month. “Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited is a well governed corporate organisation with an effective Board, hence insulated from whatever political ambitions being pursued by its Founder/CEO. “We are the undisputed market leader in the downstream subsector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Our records as a major factor in ameliorating the challenges of fuel distribution in Nigeria is public knowledge and well published on NNPCL’s website and verified social media handles.”

Housing Deficit: DEXTA Tasks FG on Bureaucratic Bottlenecks of Land Registration Gilbert Ekugbe One of the leading brand in Nigeria’s real estate sector, DEXTA Africa Limited, has charged the federal government to urgently address the herculean processes of land registration in the country, noting that the challenge is the major factor responsible for the increasing housing deficit in Nigeria. In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer, Dexta Africa Limited, Olamide Ojo, also lamented over the spate of bribery and corruption involved in the land registration and documentation processes, explaining that it discourages both local and foreign investments into the sector. According to him, the rising housing deficit situation in the

country is caused by so many issues including government’s inability to regulate prices of both landed and rented properties, pointing out that presently, the situation in Lagos and other business oriented areas in Nigeria is worrisome “We have had people report experiences of agents wanting to get more than a 100 per cent gain on properties. Agents and third parties aim to make even more money and this greed as little as it looks plays a huge part in increasing the housing deficit,” he said. “In DEXTA, we aim at reaching a defined agreement and bringing every third party under one roof so prices of our landed property can have a common price,” he added.

Ojo stated that according to research, the housing deficit in Nigeria is over 17 million, saying that with Nigeria’s rising population of over 200 million people at an annual increase of 3.0 per cent, the deficit would only increase. “We have high expectations. Issue based and problem solving related ventures or enterprises like real estate is not a one man thing, but a governmental responsibility too. According to UNDP’s valuation, our present housing deficit will be bridged with a whopping sum of 55.5 Billion dollars. So, while we start with what we have, we are sure to make an impact and as we grow, I believe our results will draw the attention of these personalities and in the future we would partner them,” he averred.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Goott: Competitive Pricing Key in Payments Industry The Director for Africa, Unlimint, Mr. Trevor Goott, speaks about the growth of African payment solutions and Fintech industry, highlighting some of the factors that have contributed to such growth, as well as projections and trends that will shape the ecosystem this year. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: The year 2022 was regarded as one of severe economic contraction, hyperinﬂation, and an increase in the expense of life. What impact do you anticipate the payment ecosystem will have on this narrative in 2023? he payment ecosystem is dynamic. It can adapt to changes fairly quickly. This is in part due to the innovative Fintech and payment companies that operate within the system, and the regulations surrounding it. The narrative of 2022 described in your question, should have a positive impact on the payments ecosystem, especially for the end-users. In order to stimulate business growth after a dismal 2022, consumers can expect more competitive pricing within the payments ecosystem, which leads to cost savings, and ultimately, more affordability for the customer. A payment ecosystem needs transactions to run along its network, and if this slows down, Goott due to the past macroeconomic problems of 2022, then more competitive pricing is one way to promote transactions on the payments system.

New credit or ‘buy now pay later’ products within the payments ecosystem system will emerge and this will facilitate and stimulate online sales. The payment ecosystem is therefore launching products to help facilitate online e-commerce growth in 2023. In my opinion, the impact will be positive for customers. In the same vein, the payments sector went through a transitional era that fueled intense industry consolidation in 2022. What are some of the major trends that the industry will follow in 2023? Consistency will be a key trend in payments for 2023. Payment providers who offer a consistent experience, with a good product, competitive pricing, good customer service, and an easy-to-use interface, will continue to grow. There is no need to reinvent the wheel in the sector. Just deliver more-of-the-same for 2023 and the cream among the payment providers should rise to the top. As the Director of Africa at Unlimint, a payment solutions’ company set to launch

its operations in Nigeria, what are your strategies for partnering stakeholders in the ﬁnancial services industry in identifying and aggregating local and international alternative payment methods? Unlimint is quick to offer all the local relevant payment methods. We currently have over 1,000 payment methods globally. Our local teams constantly seek out new and up and coming payment methods, and then add that payment method to our portfolio. We do not limit ourselves in terms of payment methods - we are dynamic in that respect. Our strategy is quite simple - and that is to keep current and relevant. We can identify a new payment method and have it ready for launch on our platform within a matter of weeks if required. If our customers demand it, we will offer it. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

ARISE @ 10: A NEW VISTA FOR AFRICA ADVERTISERS skew of the channel becomes a good opportunity for brands to have a meaningful relationship and grow brand equity,” he stated. However, the irony of it all is that many Nigerians assume that Arise TV is a young brand. This was so because it did not have it rosy in the past. Arise TV,

which is owned by Nduka Obaigbena (Publisher of THISDAY Newspaper) started operations in 2013 with a determination to give Africa a voice in the likes of Cable News Network (CNN) and Al Jazeera. Arise TV came as another media venture, when many thought Obaigbena had had his

hands full, having successfully nurtured THISDAY Newspaper Group and the Lifestyle Magazine Arise. At the beginning, Obaigbena had drawn up a plan and feasibility study for a global African TV channel, to validate what he had already known. He saw the ‘need’ for an African TV channel and he

pursued the dream even when many saw it as a tall dream. The media guru believed the only way to change the African narrative was for Africans themselves to write their stories and he stood his ground to establish a global television brand that would sell Africa to the world. Just like every new

startup in this part, the business struggled to gain traction and faced severe revenue challenges. The challenges did not last as Nigerian businesses began to patronise Arise TV by giving the then struggling TV company TV commercial patronage. That appeared like the

breakthrough the TV brand had been waiting for because since then, it has continued to wax stronger, in attracting quality hands, who churn out daily innovative ideas, to enhance quality operation. At 10 and with the way the brand is breaking new grounds, it could be apt to conclude that ‘the journey has just started’.

BUSINESSWORLD

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

DEVELOPMENT

Examining Violent Extremism in Nigeria As the world celebrates the first annual International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, Ugo Aliogo examines the efforts of the federal government in the fight against violent extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP who have wreak havoc on the Nigerian state for more than a decade

iolent extremism is a diverse phenomenon, without clear definition. It is neither new nor exclusive to any region, nationality or system of belief. Nevertheless, in recent years, terrorist groups such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have shaped our image of violent extremism and the debate on how to address this threat. These groups’ belief in religion, culture and social life has had severe consequences for many regions of the world. Holding territory and using social media for real-time communication of their atrocious crimes, they seek to challenge our shared values of peace, justice and human dignity. Policy makers, development experts and security personnel view this phenomenon as an affront to economic development, and a force to undermine peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. On a global scale, the sad reality is that no country is immune from the impacts of the menace. In Nigeria, the terrorist sect, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) have shaped the image of violent extremism, despite federal government’s effort to eradicate these sects and their activities. The efforts have been viewed by some as an exercise in futility. Over the years, the sects have grown stronger and wreaked havoc on government establishments, places of worship, market, security and educational institutions, and private buildings. Since May 2022 Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) has conducted a number of attacks in Kogi, Niger, and in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja. The resultant impacts of their activities have led to great humanitarian crisis in the north-east causing huge displacement of people, a crisis that the government is struggling to grapple with. Millions of people have fled the territory controlled by violent extremist groups. Migratory flows have increased both away, from, and towards the conflict zones - involving those seeking safety and those lured into the conflict as foreign terrorist fighters, further destabilizing the regions concerned. Most attacks are conducted by Boko Haram or ISWA and occur in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the North-east. There have also been significant attacks in other states, including Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba.

RECENT ATTACKS

Some of the attacks by this group are as follows: On July 5, 2022 the Kuje Prison in The Federal Capital Territory was bombed and attacked by gunmen and an unknown number of prisoners escaped. Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) claimed responsibility for the attack. On September 22, 2022, a police patrol was attacked by gunmen in Ondo State, and on September 23, 2022, security personnel were attacked by gunmen in Edo state. Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) has claimed responsibility. Also, on July 28, 2022, a Nigerian military checkpoint in Niger State, 30km from Abuja, was attacked. Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) claimed responsibility for killings of policemen in

Suleja, Niger State, on May 12 and July 4, 2022. Suleja is less than 20 kilometres away from the Federal Capital Territory. ISWA also claimed responsibility for an IED attack on a bar in Kabba, Kogi State, on 29 May 2022. In April 2022, ISWA claimed responsibility for two improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Iware and Jalingo, Taraba State, and in May 2022 claimed responsibility of an attack against a military facility in Jalingo.

EXPERTS’ VIEWPOINT

In its resolution 77/243, the UN General Assembly decided to declare 12 February, 2023, the first annual International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, to raise awareness of the threats linked to violent extremism and terrorism, and to enhance international cooperation in this regard. With few months left in office for the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, THISDAY conducted a poll on the performance of the administration in tackling violent extremism. The Project Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Programming, Nigeria Country Office, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Tom Parker, said terrorism had always posed a demanding and multi-faceted challenge for any country unlucky enough to be faced with such a threat, and the Nigerian experience has been no exception to this rule. He also stated that past Nigerian governments have devoted substantial resources to countering terrorism and they have achieved some significant successes. He also noted that Nigeria has also developed with international support, adding that some very innovative approaches to countering the terrorist threat, have been developed. Senior Research Fellow Initiative for Public Policy Analysis, Thompson Ayodele, takes a different stance to the discourse, when he remarked that though President Buhari has given himself grade ‘A’ in the tackling Boko Haram and banditry, which he said was far from reality, but argued that there were reports on daily basis that a certain amount of people have been killed or kidnapped, and the killings were more noticeable in one part of Nigeria than the other. Ayodele further argued that the killings and kidnapping have remained in the southwest of the country, noting that what is responsible for this could be linked to people taking precautions and avoiding hotspots, and the efforts of Amotekun too seem to be paying off, while in the Northwest and Northeast, Boko Haram activities have continued to soar, and this is coupled with banditry and kidnapping which have continued unabated. “With these happenings, I will say the government is just overwhelmed. A lot of factors are attributable to these. The first is the lack of morale in the military, where salaries and bonuses are not paid on time. The second is, although government has not said this, but the shortage of manpower within the military and the police. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Need to Improve Access to Micronutrient Supplements for Pregnant Women in Nigeria Rebecca Ejifoma writes on the need to enhance access to Multiple Micronutrient Supplements, MMS, to reduce iron and folic acid deficiencies, and improve pregnancy outcomes, as Vitamin Angels advocate the full implementation of government policy to upscale MMS and its inclusion in the national Micronutrient Deficiency Control Guidelines

regnancy remains a reality that leaves women vulnerable and somewhat susceptible to communicable diseases like anaemia, especially women in underserved and far-to-reach communities. According to health experts. Hence, they warned that pregnant women are at a higher risk of iron and folic acid deficiencies. This is why good nutrition like MMS commonly referred to as prenatal multivitamins, is essential to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Micronutrients Are Critical for Mothers, Babies According to research, This is because pregnancy increases a woman’s energy, protein, and micronutrient needs – an average increase of 300 calories per day due to the rapid growth and development that occurs. These pregnant women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are said to be at increased risk of being deficient in multiple, critically important, micronutrients including vitamins A, C, D, E, BT (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B12, folic acid and also in minerals like iron, zinc, iodine, copper, and selenium. Speaking at a media engagement and capacity-building workshop on Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in pregnancy in Lagos, the Country Director of Vitamin Angels Nigeria, Dr Francis Ohanyido sees micronutrients as critical for both mother and child. He, however, noted that inadequate nutrition can lead to critical health risks to the infant such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, and being born small for gestational age. And poor nutrition can also lead to serious maternal health outcomes and even to the death of the mother or her baby. “That is why the first 1,000 days of life of a child – from conception to age two – whatever the mother takes has an impact on the child including brain development.” Effects of Poor Maternal Nutrition for Women, Children According to Ohanyido, malnourished women with severe anaemia are twice as likely to die during or shortly after childbirth. Adding, he said micronutrient deficiencies can have lifelong impacts on a child’s physical, mental, and emotional development. And due to COVID-19, rates of malnutrition in mothers and young children are predicted to rise sharply over the next three years. He further outlined the consequences of inadequate food, health and care across a woman’s life which include low pre-pregnancy BM, anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies, obstructed/prolonged labour, fatigue

who are going through pregnancy to have a better value in terms of nutrition for both them and their babies. He harped on the recommendation. “One thing that is very evident from science is that the first 1,000 days of life of the child – from conception to age two of the child – whatever the mother takes has an impact on the child including brain development. It’s important also that this nutrition is there for this woman who is the carrier of this passenger so that her nutritional level should be good.” While noting that Nigeria currently uses iron and folic acid as supplements, Ohanyido said the causes of anaemia – beyond iron and folic acid deficiency is more than that. “That is why the world, especially the UN has felt countries must move towards the direction of using multiple micronutrients which have 15 micronutrients comprising vitamins and minerals. If we have to get the Nigeria that we want people to have to be healthy, it starts from conception; it starts from pregnancy that the woman should go to pregnancy with a good experience and a healthy outcome for her,” he emphasised.

and impaired well-being, eclampsia and preeclampsia, impaired productivity and school performance, maternal mortality. According to Ohanyido, many women lack access to nutritious diets and lack quality health and nutrition services globally. 170 women — one in 10 — of reproductive age are underweight. 570 million women — one in three of reproductive age are anaemic. Only 38 per cent of women receive over 90 iron folic acid (IFA) tablets during their pregnancy. Only 59 per cent of pregnant women attend four antenatal care (ANC) visits. Since 2016, WHO recommends eight ANC contacts, which further increases the gap. Each year, 20 million babies suffer from low birthweight (LBW), an early marker of poor maternal and foetal nutrition. Sadly, experts warned that inadequate food, health, and care in children can lead to short stature, impaired cognitive development, anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies, fatigue and impaired well-being, and impaired productivity and school performance. Hence the urgent need for MMS. “MMS has significant benefits compared to ironfolic acid,” he hinted. “MMS contains 15 micronutrients including iron and folic acid (IFA). And multiple micronutrient

supplementation contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant and nursing women and meets micronutrient requirements that poor diets cannot meet. The essential vitamins and minerals include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Selenium, and Zinc.” It is for this reason that Vitamins Angels is advocating full implementation of government policy to upscale MMS and its inclusion in the national Micronutrient Deficiency Control Guidelines. The country director added, “We are at that point in the nation where nutrition comes to the front burner of national discussions and everything we do including implementation to make Nigeria better. It is also important that our leaders understand this issue before us”. He, however, conceded that one of the things Nigeria does is trying to scale up the implementation. “This is a formulation of multivitamins for pregnant women as identified by the United Nations that should help women

MMS to Reduce the High Rate of MMR A significant part of mortality in Nigeria is around maternal mortality rate and then infant mortality. One of the things that MMS does – from research compared to iron and folic acid – reduces stillbirth and has other advantages for the child in terms of good health in the first 1,000 days of life. It helps reduce the issues around even infection because if the mother is doing very well, she also passes it on to the child in terms of quality outcomes for the child. MMS also helps to give that supplementation in terms of the nutrient level the mother has been through during pregnancy. A lot of women who are going through pregnancies in Nigeria, especially in underserved communities are not reached. A lot of them don’t have the kind of food that will give them the gateway to good health. So we must introduce MMS and roll it out in a way that is accessible in Nigeria. It is now for us stakeholders and the government to begin to chart a common course in terms of making sure that MMS is available. MMS will gradually replace iron and folic acid but the speed will depend on how much the government is willing to invest and how much the partners are willing to put into that to make it acceptable to everyone in Nigeria. According to Vitamin Angels, improving maternal malnutrition is possible when we invest in women and deliver a package of evidence-based maternal nutrition interventions.

HealthfundyIntroducesCrowdfundingtoEase Accessto Healthcare Mary Nnah In a bid to deepen access to medical and healthcare in the country, HealthFundy has unveiled a credible platform to encourage and enable individuals, NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs), and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to conveniently utilise the unlimited potential of crowdfunding in raising funds for their medical and healthcare projects. HealthFundy is a subsidiary of Dokita 24/7, a telemedicine platform, and a member of the prestigious American Hospitals; a novel platform committed to providing crowdfunding

services to families, individuals, communities, and organizations in Nigeria and Africa at large. In a statement made available to the media, the organisation said that ‘We achieve this by connecting philanthropists with those who are verified and confirmed to be in dire need of financial assistance for critical and emergency medical needs.’ Speaking on the initiative, the Country Operations Manager of HealthFundy, Ms. Jasmine Ngozi Onyemachi, stated that ‘Health Fundy is the first-ever medical crowdfunding platform in Nigeria. It is

a novel platform committed to providing crowdfunding services to families, individuals, communities, and Nigeria and Africa at large, adding that “We want to support individuals, NGOs, and SMEs to leverage crowdfunding to raise funds for their healthcare and medical projects. Fortunately, donors can utilize our transparent system for issues and projects dear to them.’ ‘Our team is committed to providing opportunities for patients to access quality healthcare through crowdfunding to save lives. Partnering with NGOs that have the desire to create a positive impact

through crowdfunding to raise funds for a course dear to them, and SMEs to set up a campaign to raise capital for any small business of their choosing,” Dr. Iyiola Christiana Olamide, Chief Medical Director of HealthFundy added. Providing insight into the initiative, Dr. Olamide stated that the vision and mission of the organisation are to create access to affordable healthcare and medical facilities for all strata of society in Nigeria and Africa at large while providing financial access to medical related projects aimed at achieving Healthcare to all facets of society across Nigeria and

Africa as a whole. On crowdfunding and how it works, the Country Operations Manager explained that “Crowdfunding is the process of raising capital from a large number of individuals to finance medical healthcare, majorly through the internet. It allows anyone around the globe with a genuine and verified health issue to raise funds online by seeking the help of generous individuals, and in this case through the HealthFundy platform. She further said that once a campaign is completed and funds realized are disbursed accordingly, a patient will be required to start another campaign with proof show-

ing that additional funds are required. However, making an accurate estimate from the unset is advisable to avoid going back and forth. On funds disbursement, Ms. Onyemachi said that ‘Disbursement of funds is a two-part process. One part is the payment of medical bills made directly to the Hospital, and the other is paid directly to the individual to be used in taking care of therapy or recuperation.’ Health Fundy is authorised by relevant authorities and agencies to carry out crowdfunding activities on behalf of individuals, NGOs, and SMEs.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FERTILITY UNICEF:NgorOkpala,Ideato LGAs IntensifyZero Toleranceof Balanced Nutrition To Female GenitalMutilation Enhance Fertility (Part 1) hand-pressing does not mean mutilation, but we are still preaching to them As the United Nations and I believe very soon mark the anniversary everybody will comply of zero tolerance of fe- with the teaching,” he male genital mutilation stated. (FGM) on February 6th Mrs. Christiana Osof every year, two local hionya, the home and governments in Imo State abroad women president of have intensified effort Ubichukwu community in to the elimination of the Ngor Okpala local governscourge in their various ment told the field Officers communities. that the compliance in her To this end, the United community was total conNations Children’s Fund sidering the measures the (UNICEF) and her de- women group stipulated velopment partners; the in their area. National Orientation According to her, we Agency (NOA), Imo State, spread the message with and the Broadcasting the slogan “live it as God Corporation of Abia State created it”, meaning that (BCA) embarked on field nobody can touch there in mission to document and whatever manner. report the current situation The traditional ruler and progress being made of Osina in Ideato North to end FGM practice in local government, Eze affected communities in O.S.B Igwillo noted that Imo state. the sensitization of zero In Ngor Okpala local tolerance of female genital government, the palace mutilation in his commusecretary of Imerienwe nity has been welcomed community, Michael Alozie and his subjects are living who spoke on behalf the by it. traditional ruler, Eze Au“Since the message gustine Ekechi commended came to our community his people for adhering to and the follow up by the zero tolerance of FGM. the agencies, we in the )F IPXFWFS BTTVSFE eze’s cabinet made it that that about 95 percent of every household are being his people are compliant to monitored especially the the UNICEF sensitization pregnant women, their but regretted that only a women-folks make sure few are still believing that they supervise when the hand-pressing does not child is born they know mean mutilation. the sex of the baby. If “I cannot say that100 a baby girl is born, the percent are compliant, women also monitor to only a few still feel that ensure that zero tolerance Amby Uneze in Owerri

of genital mutilation is followed,” the traditional ruler said. Mrs. Nonye Anyalebechi from Ikpa Uzoakoli Urualla in Ideato North local government expressed satisfaction that the sensitization against female genital mutilation has gained wide acceptance in her community. She stated that the people were able to accept it because it was carried out in all the hospitals and health centres in the community. She decried the dangers associated with the scourge but noted that such practice had stopped. In 2003, the United Nations declared February 6th of every year as “International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. The date has since been celebrated in pursuant of the need to stem awareness and campaigns with aim to ending this harmful practice. UNICEF partners with the media in ensuring massive public awareness is created, this year in line with UNICEF’s visibility and communication plans, “we are engaging the media in two affected states of the south eastern Nigeria (Imo and Ebonyi) as frontliners and to embark on one day field mission to highlight current situation in the affected areas,” said the UNICEF Communication Officer of Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma OnuohaOgwe stated.

Gavi Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate As CEO Rebecca Ejifoma Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has appointed Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate as its new Chief Executive Officer. Pate, described as a proven global health leader with experience at the national and international levels, will officially begin on 3 August this year. )F JT UP MFBE (BWJ BT it continues its work to support routine immunisation, outbreak response, and COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide. Gavi selected Pate following a yearlong recruitment process personally overseen by the Chair of the Gavi Board, Prof José Manuel Barroso. )F JT B NFEJDBM EPDUPS trained in both internal medicine and infectious EJTFBTFT )F IPMET BO MBA from Duke University in the US. Pate served as Nigeria’s Minister of State for )FBMUI CFUXFFO and 2013, where he led a flagship initiative to revive routine vaccinations and primary health DBSF )F BMTP DIBJSFE B presidential task force

to eradicate polio and introduced new vaccines into the country. )F TFSWFE BT (MPCBM %JSFDUPS GPS )FBMUI Nutrition, and Population of the World Bank and Director of the Global Financing Facility at the World Bank between 2019 and 2021. The new CEO had also led the Bank’s US$ 18 billion COVID-19 global health response and represented the Bank on various boards, including those of Gavi, the Global Fund, CEPI, and UNAIDS. )F JT UIF +VMJP 'SFOL Professor of Public )FBMUI -FBEFSTIJQ BU )BSWBSE $IBO 4DIPPM PG 1VCMJD )FBMUI )F IBT TFSWFE PO several health-focused boards and expert panels in the public, private, and not-forprofit sectors during his career. “Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate stood out in a field of world-class candidates,” says Barroso. “With his knowledge and experience of national immunisation programming and international emergency response and global finance, I

am confident that Gavi will continue to build on its vision and mission, as well as navigate the many challenges and opportunities we will face.” In his reaction, Pate TBJE i8IBU BO JODSFEJCMF honor and privilege to build upon a solid legacy of results, leading a great team in an exceptional global partnership supporting countries! Much to do for equitable access to the modern miracle of vaccines. Thanks, Gavi Board, Gavi Seth & Secretariat.” )F GVSUIFS EFTDSJCFE Gavi as one of the most impactful organisations in global health, a testament to the great work of the Alliance partners and Secretariat staff, Pate emphasised. “It will be my privilege to lead it, building on the work of Dr. Seth Berkley, and continue to support countries to scale up critical routine immunisation programmes, reach more zero-dose children, expand access to new vaccines, transform primary health care systems, and help fight outbreaks and future pandemics,” he expressed.

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

fter such a concentration on the clinical side of infertility, this week, we will take a look at Nutrition and its vital role in fertility. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential at every point in a person’s life but it is especially important and recommended for all couple trying for conception, via natural process or Assisted Reproductive Techniques such as IVF. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in 10 women will experience infertility. Whilethere is no such thing as magical fertility diet, our nutrition plays a vital role to the body’s functions, fertility and general wellbeing. Adequate nutrition will promote optimum weight, hormonal balance which eventually enhances spontaneous ovulation for the female and quality sperm production for the male. Numerous studies have shown that specific changes to diet can improve fertility, prevent recurrent miscarriages, support a healthy pregnancy and enhance delivery of a live healthy baby. WHAT IS FERTILITY DIET? A fertility diet contains natural balanced food products that are known to support your body in its reproductive functions. It includes foods which are dense in some specific nutrients needed for hormonal production/function and balance, fetal health development, egg / sperm health, blood health and much more. It is a diet that is designed to help your body to balance fertility issues that may exist, build up nutrition stores and provide all of the building blocks for a healthy child. WHY EAT A NATURAL FERTILITY DIET? DO YOU KNOW: r5IF GPPET ZPV FBU UPEBZ JNQBDU UIF health of your sperm and eggs 90 days from the day eaten? r)PSNPOFT CVJME UIFNTFMWFT GSPN UIF ingredient you provide through your diet? r5IFSF BSF TQFDJàD OVUSJFOUT UIBU BSF needed by the young fetus(growing baby in the womb) before you can even detect pregnancy and deficiency of these nutrients can cause serious birth defects? r5IF OVNCFS POF USFBUNFOU GPS CBMBODJOH Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and getting pregnant despite PCOS is majorly diet? r0OF NBKPS DBVTF PG JOGFSUJMJUZ JT BOPWVMBtion (lack of ovulation) and that it can often be corrected by changes in our diet? . THE BENEFITS OF EATING RIGHT FOR EFRTILITY r1SPWJEFT BOUJPYJEBOUT WJUBNJOT BOE minerals which help to protect eggs and sperm health from the damage caused by free radicals. r)FMQT UIF CPEZ NBJOUBJO IPSNPOBM balance by providing the fat necessary for hormonal production and function r1SPWJEFT UIF CPEZ XJUI UIF BCVOEBODF of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants necessary for optimal health r.BZ EFDSFBTF UIF DIBODFT PG NJTDBSSJBHF resulting from insulin resistance and damage from free radicals to the eggs or sperm and DNA r4VQQPSU B IFBMUIZ SFQSPEVDUJWF TZTUFNBOE helps to build important nutrient store for pregnancy r1SPNPUFT FOFSHZ BOE WJUBMJUZ DIETARY INTAKE /FOOD SOURCES TO BOOST FERTILITY r8BUFS Drink lots ofclean water daily. Approximately 1.5-3 Liters recommended Avoid fizzy, sugary drinks. r"OUJPYJEBOUT .JOFSBMT BOE 7JUBNJOT r $02 5IJT FO[ZNF JT OFDFTTBSZ GPS energy production at the mitochondrial level, improves eggs and sperm health and motility. Protect cells from free radical thus preventing %/" EBNBHF $02 BNPVOU JO UIF CPEZ declines with age, hence supplementation of the prepared doses of about 200mg or more daily may be recommended after age 30 in humans where percentile depreciation of health is more visible. 'PPE TPVSDFT 4FB GPPET GSPN DMFBO GSFTI water sources and organic meat.

r 4FMFOJVN UIJT JT BO BOUJPYJEBOU UIBU helps to protect the eggs and sperm from free radicals which can cause chromosomal damages known to be a cause of miscarriages and birth defects. It is an essential vitamin for sperm creation. 'PPE TPVSDFT MJWFS DPE TISJNQ NVTISPPN turkey, Brazil nut, tuna fish, salmon fish, sardine fish. r ;JOD *O XPNFO [JOD XPSLT XJUI over 300different enzymes in the body to maintain body functions and processes. Without it our body cells will not divide properly, and may create imbalance between the female fertility hormones (oestrogenprogesterone) and this alters reproductive function. Research has proven that low level of zinc was associated with early pregnancy loss.Zinc can be damaged by cooking so it is important to eat some food high in zinc in their raw forms. 'PPE TPVSDFT DBMG MJWFS PZTUFS CFFG lamb, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt, green peas, shrimps, turkey r -JQPJD BDJE " WFSZ JNQPSUBOU antioxidants that improve female reproductive organ, sperm quality and motility. Also it helps the body to continually re-use the antioxidants in the body. 'PPE TPVSDFT 4NBMM BNPVOU JT PCUBJOFE from potatoes, spinach and lean red meat. r 7JUBNJO # *U JT POF PG UIF NPTU important vitamins for human life, it is necessary for making blood and helps convert food eaten into energy. It is useful for production of sex hormones and stress countering hormones from the adrenal glands 'PPE TPVSDFT .VTISPPNT FHHT BWPDBEPT oily fish, beef, chicken,turkey, lean pork, cheese, and sweet potatoes. r 7JUBNJO # 6TFGVM BT B IPSNPOF regulator. It may also help to regulate blood sugar, alleviate pre-menstrual syndrome and may be helpful in relieving symptoms of morning sickness. 'PPE TPVSDFT #BOBOB UVOB àTI TBMNPO fish, liver, spinach, cabbage, garlic, broccoli, peppers, turkey, cod, mustard greens. r 7JUBNJO # 'PMJD BDJE GPMBUF 5IJT is the best known vitamins for pregnancy. It prevents birth defects like neural tube defect, congenital heart defects, cleft palate, cleft lips, limbs defect, and urinary tract abnormality in the developing fetus. Deficiency of folic may increase the risk of preterm labour, fetal growth retardation (baby stops growing suddenly), low birth weight baby and can predispose to other complications for the mother such as spontaneous pregnancy loss, placenta abruption and pre-eclampsia. 'PPE TPVSDFT -JWFS MFOUJMT QJOUP CFBOT spinach, kidney beans, black beans, green leafy vegetable 7JUBNJO # *NQSPWFT TQFSN r quality and production. It may also help to boost the preparation of the endometrium lining (baby bed), boost fertilization and decrease the chance of miscarriage. Deficiency has been proven to increase the incidence of irregular ovulation and in some cases cessation of ovulation. 'PPE TPVSDFT 'JTI NFBU FHH NJML MJWFS sardines, tuna, fortified cereals, clams. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

HEALTH

Ogbara’s Free Medical Outreach for the Elderly, Children In this report, Sunday Ehigiator writes that no fewer than 2000 children and elderly persons benefited from the free medical outreach recently organised by the All Progressives Congress candidate for House of Representatives, under Kosofe Federal Constituency, Alhaja Kafilat Ogbara

he saying ‘Health is Wealth’ means that health is the biggest wealth anybody can have. Anything can be achieved if we have good health, as it is not enough to have money alone when we can only make good use of wealth only if we have good health. Good health is not only the absence of disease in the body but a complete physical, mental, social as well as spiritual well-being of an individual. These were the words of Ogbara to the beneficiaries at the occasion which was a part of her efforts aimed at giving back to the community. About the Outreach The outreach, which was organized in collaboration with the Lagos State government, was held at the Oworonshoki area of the state, featuring free consultations, blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings, eye tests, free drugs, and free eyeglasses, among others.

(L - R): Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Princess Adejoke Orelope; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for House of Representatives, under Kosofe Federal Constituency, Alhaja Kaﬁlat Ogbara at the Kaﬁlat Ogbara Free Medical Outreach recently organised in Lagos

Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme Speaking during the occasion, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was the special guest of honour, commended Ogbara for the initiative and noted that his administration would continue to work with like-minded people in delivering quality healthcare service to Lagosians. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the number of people in the state subscribing to the Lagos Health Scheme, tagged: “Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme,” is increasing day by day but still encouraged residents of the state who were yet to subscribe to do so. He said less than N10,000 Lagosians who subscribed to the Ilera Eko healtHealthrance Scheme could enjoy quality healthcare service for one year at any accredited hospital in the state. Adding that issue of quality healthcare service for Lagosians is one of the pillars of his T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda. While urging people at the grassroots to embrace the Ilera Eko Health Insur- Beneﬁciaries at the Kaﬁlat Ogbara Free Medical Outreach recently organised in Lagos ance Scheme, he said his administration introduced the programme to key into the while also avoiding late-night food.” especially, Alhaja Ogbara, for bringing this scheme for Universal Health Coverage to Oworonshoki. (UHC) that is affordable and convenient. Touching Lives “Overtime, we would go to Gbagada Addressing Journalists, Ogbara said in for this type of outreach and this is the first The SDG Perspective the course of the outreach there was a time I am witnessing any medical outreach Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant donation of 300 health insurance schemes here in Oworonshoki. to President Muhammadu Buhari on the of which the people that participated in “I always feel pain in my chest and never Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the outreach will also benefit. knew it was related to high blood pressure Princess Adejoke Orelope said “we can’t According to her, “this is a way of until now. I have been checked and given drugs do any meaningful business when you touching the lives of our people. Health to help with my blood pressure. don’t have good health. But when you is not just wealth, health is life. If you don’t “I have also been advised by the doctors to have good health, only then can you have good health, you will be grounded in avoid salty food and stress that could aggravate be fruitful. it. I thank the organisers again and pray every way and every form. “Good health and well-being speak to “Health is paramount in everything we that all her good wishes come true for goal 3 of the SDG. If you are healthy, do, and today we have been able to give her.” you are strong and when you are strong our people free medical checkups, free eye Also speaking, another beneficiary, everything will fall into place. Hence try tests, free eyeglasses and even free surgical Mr Ukot Bassey noted that he has been to ensure you take advantage of this operations. unable to change his cracked medical outreach to know your health status, “If it were discovered that any beneficiary’s glasses for a while due to the inflated and if given any medication, take it eye needs urgent medical surgery, they im- prices and has had to manage the other very seriously.” mediately escalate and refer you to the affiliated good half of the lenses while reading. Orelope noted that without good health, hospitals for this outreach. And this is what we “However, upon coming here, I was not there is no life, and it’s only when there have brought to our people in Oworonshoki, only tested and given medical glasses free of is a life that one can truly cater for their which is just an area under Kosofe Federal charge but I was also advised on how best to care family, community, state and country. Constituency. for my eyes by eating good and suitable diets.” “Try to keep yourself in good health “This area is one of which federal or state and ensure to create adequate time to presence is low in terms of the dividend of The Ogbara Kafilat Foundation rest. It is also very important for us to democracy and that was what informed my The high point of the occasion was the know what to eat and when to eat. A decision to bring this outreach to them. This is official unveiling of her foundation, Ogbara good diet is also a prerequisite for good just a way of supporting the Governor’s effort, Kafilat Foundation (OKF), which according health. but the paramount reason for coming here is to Ogbara, will cater for the needs of people “It is not everything edible that is to positively touch the lives of our people.” in her constituency. eatable, when you eat the wrong food, Speaking briefly about the foundation, and at the wrong time, it can lead to Beneficiaries Express Gratitude Ogbara said she aims to use the platform issues in your body. Please try to know Expressing her gratitude, one of the ben- to touch people’s lives in various spheres what to eat and what to eat. The formula eficiaries of the outreach, Mrs Folashade considered possible by charity, while also is to eat fewer carbohydrates, eat not too Arowolo said, “I want to say a big thank calling on the support of well-meaning oily foods, and eat them in moderation you to the organisers of this outreach Nigerians.

HFN: Nigeria to Liaise with Doctors in Diaspora on Cutting-edge Technology toTackle Brain Drain Rebecca Ejifoma The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has said Nigeria would liaise with doctors acquiring more skills and cutting-edge technology abroad to tackle the dearth of skilled medical personnel in the country. He made this known at the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria 2023 Annual Conference and General Meeting from February 3rd to 4th in Lagos on the theme, “Building the Healthcare of Our Future”. Ehanire said: “Brain drain bothers all citizens and there are many things Nigeria is going to do. First is to improve the condition of services as much as possible.” The minister outlined plans to try to utilise those who have left, “The country to go abroad to acquire more skills and more cutting-edge technology to also be able to relate with Nigeria”. With key health stakeholders including those delivering services, procuring medical equipment and also manufacturing, Ehanire commended HFN, describing the conference as a good opportunity to meet with stakeholders and bring them to par on what the government is doing. Speaking on the need for the conference, the President of HFN, Dr Pamela Ajayi said they decided to focus on creating solutions to the main problems facing the nation’s healthcare sector. She outlined the discourse which highlighted fiscal policies and its issues, training and retraining of personnel, brain drain and way out, healthcare financing and investments, and investing in people. Other issues addressed included health insurance and the new National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) act, the human resources crisis, solutions that work for Nigeria, solutions from people in the diaspora, and utilising technology. Ajayi admitted: “It is difficult to stop people from leaving, but how can we get more people to return? If they cannot return physically, can we get their brain power back here? The president also suggested another area, which is leveraging technology systems and structures. Adding to it that, “We have a lot on our table but this is just the beginning. It is a building block. We are trying to build the healthcare we want to see in our future”. With the election gathering momentum, the HFN president assured newsmen that the organisation is here to work with whichever government comes into power. She added: “We will be happy to work with them in transition and throughout that is what we are here for and we know that the private sector has a lot to offer. “We want to urge whichever government comes in to recognise the private sector and work with them to build the healthcare system that all Nigerians will be proud of.”

PIKCF Celebrates Five Years of Child Advocacy and Diabetes Awareness Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF), as part of its anniversary plans this year, will celebrate five years of transformation and impact in the lives of children through advocacy, health and hygiene awareness in Lagos. To commemorate the anniversary celebrations, it plans to organise a walk/fitness event starting in May this year. Tagged “Walk For Diabetes” in collaboration with key stakeholders both local and international in the diabetes ecosystem, the objective of the year-long program is to use the universal symbol of sports and its ability to bring people together as a social vehicle for impact and mass awareness. The founder of the Children Foundation, Pamela Iweze, who sheds light on people living with diabetes said: “The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that globally, more than 1.2 million young people under 20 years have type 1 diabetes and approximately 184,100 new cases are diagnosed each year. “In another study in 2021, there were about 8·4 million individuals worldwide with type 1 diabetes: of these 1·5 million (18 per cent) were younger than 20 years.” She added that “Here in Nigeria, over 5.8 per cent of the population are people living with diabetes. Sadly, diabetes awareness and screening programmes are very few across most states in Nigeria.” The foundation has been involved in advocacy and awareness projects centred around health and hygiene in local communities for five years now. PIKCF has organised events and collaborated with local community development associations CDA and the Nigeria Army via its command secondary schools in Ojo Military Cantonment. In 2019, it organised a Dental hygiene program on children’s day to educate and enlighten the students on oral hygiene. Over 350 students attended and benefited from the lecture. In 2021, in conjunction with the Nigeria Army, it engaged over 700 secondary school girls from Command Secondary school Ojo in a menstrual hygiene programme tagged Pad a Girl Child. The girls were enlightened on the importance of genital care and menstrual hygiene. Last year, it teamed up with the CDAs in the Agbado Oke Odo Local Community Development area in Lagos. This time, it organised a health outreach and awareness program to sensitize people on the chronic disease called Diabetes and the steps to take to manage it.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Korean Expert Urges Nigeria to Diversify its Economy Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole ÓØ ÌßÔË A South Korean Professor of Computer Science, from Sangmyung University, Hung Park, has urged the Nigerian government to diversify her economy in order to become one of the world’s leading digital global players. Park, who gave the advice in Abuja during a two-day E-Government Master Plan workshop with the theme: “Building Foundations Towards Digital Governance in Nigeria,” said South Korea was once solely relied on agriculture for their economy growth until the economy was diversified through education. “In South Korea, the country used to rely on agriculture alone, until the government realized the implications and quickly diversified the economy beyond agriculture and invested heavily

in other sectors like Education, Entertainment among others. “So I want to encourage Nigerian government to do the same because I have also noticed that Nigeria is now heading towards the right direction with her e-government project and the first phase of the e-government master plan has been implemented from 2014-2019.” According to Park, “Though Nigeria has successfully implemented the e-government master plan, she still needs to diversity her economy. Nigeria is known for her huge dependence on oil, but there is need to diversify and invest in other areas like emerging technology that is driving global development. “Over the past eight years Nigeria has been able to implement only one aspect of the e master plan as recommend, which is the establishment of the presidential council for e-government and

they made the first phase a national agenda. So this is a good start towards transforming Nigerian government into a digital economy, but more need to be done. The e-government master plan is not just a document, rather the success factors of it is how to implement it. It is for this reason that the Nigerian government has brought us together to discuss the second phase of the project.” The Country Director of Korea International Cooperation (KOICA), Son Sungil, stated that Nigeria was on her way to achieving a fully digitalised economy, adding that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy should be commended for developing the Nigeria e-Government project, which is the Masterplan (NeGMP), in fulfilment of its mandate, which is to utilise Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to drive

L- R: MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Limited, Adaobi Nwakuche; Commissioner for Insurance, Sunday Thomas and MD/CEO, Risk Analyst Consultant (UK) Limited, Dr Funmi Babington-Ashaye at the Africa Insurance Leadership Program organized by Chartered Insurance Institute, London in Collaboration with Risk Analyst Consultant (UK) Limitedrecently

MARKET INDICATORS

FMDQ Approves O3 Capital’s N5bn CP Programme O3 Capital Limited has announced the approval of its N5 billion Commercial Paper (CP) Programme Registration with the FMDQ Exchange. A statement from the company noted the approval was granted on the 7th of February 2023. While commenting on the successful registration, the company’s CEO, Mr Abimbola Pinheiro, described the CP Programme as a strategic move for O3 Capital towards achieving the next phase of the growth plan. According to

the statement, the objective is to expand the existing credit card portfolio and achieve international acceptance with a new Credit Card product in partnership with an international card scheme for the Nigerian market. In his remarks, Director of UCML, Mr Egie Akpata, expressed delight with the successful registration of the O3 Capital Limited N5billion Commercial Paper Programme. He said, “This reinforces our commitment to enable all our clients access the debt

capital market and optimize their capital structure. We are glad that UCML Capital Limited was instrumental in the successful registration of the programme and thank the board and management of O3 Capital Limited for the opportunity to work with them.” The opportunity to access the CP market as an alternative source of funding will further enhance O3 Capital’s ability to unlock value for all stakeholders with a platform to raise short-term finance within the Nigerian debt markets.

FMN Set to Unveil Innovative Businesses Driving Local Content Development Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), has announced its Prize for Innovation 2.0 pitch event, which will stream on digital platforms. In a statement, FMN said the live pitch event is set to air on February 18, 2023, and will feature six of the most promising innovators in the food and agro-allied sector. “The FMN Prize for Innovation 2.0 is a continuation of FMN’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving growth in the industry. The pitch event aims to provide a platform for viewers to watch the six innovators, showcase their ideas and receive recognition for their efforts. The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of N5,000,000, as well as mentorship and significant support from FMN. The first

and second runners-up will go with prize money of N3,000,000 and N2,000,000 respectively. “Themed, “Innovative techniques for local content development in the food and agro-allied sector”, this year’s edition of the competition attracted about 400 entries and innovators across Nigeria within the two project categories who showcased their innovative ideas and solutions to boost local content development in the Nation. The finalists were selected from entries in category one of FMN’s annual innovation competition based on a transparent selection process, “it added. Commenting on the pragmatic and transformative nature of the project, Group Managing Director

and CEO, FMN, Mr. Boye Olusanya stated, “The FMN Prize for Innovation project is a clear demonstration of the Group’s commitment towards driving local content development in Nigeria through innovation. Beyond identifying and rewarding Nigerians that are championing innovations across various sectors, through the project also, we entrench business sustainability by working closely with the winners to ensure business continuity by providing the required expertise, training, mentorship, and partnership. In essence, the FMN Prize for innovation is a transformative project that further reiterates our mandate of enriching the lives of Nigerians while feeding the Nation, Everyday.”

CITN Joins Force with EFCC to Contain Tax Fraud Omolabake Fasogbon The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, has teamed up with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intensify fight against tax fraud and other tax crimes. The move became expedient to be able to block tax leakages resulting in $15 billion tax loss annually, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa

stated that the commission would deploy more resources to capacity building and advocacy programme, to spread knowledge and check the tax fraud. While receiving CITN’s management team at EFCC headquarters in Abuja recently, Bawa pledged commitment to the cause, as he urged the institute to draft a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) that will guide as blueprint for the partnership between the duo. Bawa seized the occasion

to shed more light on Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML. He appealed to CITN, being a critical stakeholder, to educate its members to be compliant with the laws regulating activities of SCUML. He explained, “it is an avenue where all the gatekeepers assisting public and private sector fraudsters to launder their proceeds of crime are now obliged by law to submit those records for analysis and subsequent investigation where needed.”

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 10 JANUARY, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $82.78 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $81.86 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela)

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

MARKET NEWS

Popoola: More Listings on Capital Market Can Boost Govt Revenue, Drive Economic Growth Kayode Tokede The CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Temi Popoola has called on the federal government to explore the capital market to boost revenue and stimulate the sustainable economic growth required to increase wealth and reduce poverty in Nigeria. In a recent interview, Popoola specifically advocated for more

government incentives to motivate companies to list on NGX as a means of boosting tax revenue to GDP ratio, which currently stands at six per cent. According to him, “The reality is that because listed firms must adhere to regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards in order to maintain their listing on the Exchange, they are typically more consistent and reliable with their tax compliance. “Consequently, the more

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companies we can get to list, the more revenue the government can make.” The CEO who spoke extensively on what the institution’s top priorities are for the year noted that the Exchange is looking to address some age-long issues bordering on new listings which will, in turn, deepen trade. Recall that in December 2022, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) approved NGX’s Technology Board rules

which permit it to list fintech start-ups and tech companies on the Exchange. In order to push its digital transformation agenda, NGX had gone one step further and established an advisory panel on digital technology products. The Panel would give the Exchange a platform to communicate with the capital market community and the fintech ecosystem to enhance and increase NGX’s digital product offerings. “We are interested in expand-

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ing beyond financial services, the construction industry and Telco. For instance, NGX admitted the first-Generation power company, Geregu Power Plc on the Exchange in 2022 and BUA foods which led to the deepening of the market and a fair representation of GDP. The Agric industry is one sector that has been often said to be underrepresented on the Exchange. As we move to get such listings, we are also

AS O F

looking for companies and sectors with low representation in order to promote a market with equal representation.” In a bid to diversify, Popoola also mentioned an interest in exploring listings from free zone companies like the listing of the second tranche of the Lagos Free Zone N25 billion series 2 bonds, the first 20-year corporate infrastructure bond in Nigeria on the Exchange.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

GAMINGWEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

L e a d in g Gaming E xpe r t s U ni t e t o Discuss Growth Opportunities in Africa Iyke Bede reports the outcome of a recent convergence of gaming experts in Africa on how to go about monetising their work

efore the COVID-19 pandemic influenced a surge in interest in gaming, the global gaming industry revenue maintained a steady year-on-year growth. The continued growth will be projected to see the sector exceed a revenue of $583.69 billion by 2030. Africa is considered one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world, growing from 77 million users in 2015 to 186 million users in 2022. Several factors contribute to this growth, including a growing middle class with disposable income, increasing access to affordable technology and internet penetration, and a teeming youth population. Currently, the industry is valued at $590 million. However, a huge percentage of the spending is earned by international gaming companies, leaving a measly amount for the stakeholders in Nigeria. This dearth in earnings of the more than a decade-old gaming industry in Nigeria recently spurred the convening of gaming experts to dissect some of the issues affecting the African gaming industry. Powered by GameStar Exchange, a leading decentralised P2P trading platform, the Twitter Space event with the theme ‘The Business of Gaming in Africa’ pooled Co-founder, AfricaComicade, Oscar Michael, and game developer Edu Shola to highlight some of the challenges facing growth to proffer sustainable solutions. Right off the bat, Michael emphasized that the changes in the technology landscape have made it relatively easier for developers to access hardware and software needed to create games, however, he maintains that the major problem faced by game creators was

a lack of understanding as to how to go about monetizing their work. Breaking down the processes for monetizing their projects, Shola elucidated that developers can woo publishers through online pitching their games to publishers. However, he noted that this could be tedious and that research must go into understanding trends in the industry and specific benchmarks created by specific publishers. “You can find a publisher, and they do all the work for you,” Shola affirmed. “They will help you publish and get it out to the right audiences, and sometimes, they pay you upfront once they publish the game.” Alternatively, he suggested using product placements sponsored by brands within the game to generate direct revenue, selling the game app on various app stores, or using in-app purchases, that is, features that serve as

tools for power-up, change of costumes, or weapon upgrade. He also noted that in-app purchases open more opportunities for nonfungible tokens (NFT) and cryptocurrency in web 3.0 (blockchain gaming), where the game publisher takes a fee for each transaction. While blockchain is a great monetizing tool, Michael revealed a dark side to it— play-to-earn. Play-to-earn is a subset of blockchain gaming where players are rewarded for playing. “It is good for most of the users, and that’s why there is a whole lot of trend and buzz. But then it takes focus away from the play, and that’s barely something that most stakeholders stand for,” he explained. “In 2022, there was a rise in the number of game studios looking at blockchain gaming, and the simple reality was about adding more players to their platforms.” Michael further explained that play-to-earn didn’t translate to a good gaming experience, especially when one of the players has an unfair advantage over the other through the purchase of in-app features. He said their wins come at a high cost. He noted that although they might earn up to $800 to $1,000, “at the end of the day, they end up spending up to $700 to purchase special features to gain an edge.” In addition to watering down the gaming experience, blockchain gaming contributes to climate change, owing to how they are coded to use more electricity. He advised that gamers should embrace green coding for sustainability. L-R: Game Developer 3D/2D Animator, Edu Shola; Co-founder/COO, Gamr Africa, Kunmi Another vital area reviewed during Adenipebi; Game Developer, Dooshima Lois Anger; Senior Software Engr. Gamr Africa, Immanuel Oluwatobi; and Navigating Web3/Web3 Partnerships, Expert Lead, Godwin Salako the hour-long virtual event was the

relationship between game developers and game publishers in terms of earned royalties. Some argued that game developers were always taken advantage of by publishers who take a huge chunk of the revenue generated by published games, sometimes up to 90 per cent of revenue. Michael elaborated that these cases occur from game developers not understanding the ramification of signing deals without any business and legal counsel. He says this is a problem AfricaComicade is trying to eliminate through its various works in the gaming space. “We all know that the business in itself is rough and tough. There are lots of sharks out there. The problem is not the fact that publishers are cheating, the problem is those game developers are mostly not business people, so they don’t understand the dynamics of running a game studio,” Michael explained. “We have more developers than we have entrepreneurs in the creative space.” He added, “You ask people to create pitches, create business models and financial models, research, on how to pivot, these are the things that people in the creative space don’t do. The creative industry is mostly driven by passion. They have an idea and they just want to see it come to fruition.” According to him, every organisation has a process, and what might be a “shitty deal for you might be an awesome deal for another person.” “The question is, do you understand what you are signing into?” Michael stated.

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

GAMINGWEEK OYI NDAMO L A MICHAE L S :

The Educationist in Gaming Industry Nseobong Okon-Ekong He is one of the most sought-after authorities in the Nigerian gaming environment with deep knowledge of how to make the processes work. There is hardly any critical meeting in the gaming industry that he is not invited to share some knowledge. Those who have observed the unparalleled enthusiasm of Oyindamola Michaels, Country Manager of PariMatch Africa, may not know that it is inspired by the good foundation from earning a first class in Computer Science from the Houdegbe North University, Republic of Benin. To underscore the importance of his initial career as an educationist between 2012 and 2014, he records it as a period he engaged himself in “grooming our future leaders.” This background hints at why he loves to be in front

Michaels of the room, postulating his opinion. “I derive pleasure and possess a great interest in ideas, their workability, and the eventual potentials of ideas that can evolve in reshaping human

living,” he stated. You may be forgiven for thinking Michaels has been in the gaming industry for the better part of his life, whereas his first job was in 2016 when he served as online operations, product development and social media manager at BetBonanza. He stayed on that assignment for three years and one month: his longest employment so far. Since then, he has been on a roll, working as a product manager at Cloudbet and country manager/COO at Paripesa. He even had a seven-month stint at Jarabet. The assertions on his Linkedin page are true because Michaels has proven that he is capable of “taking on projects and joining teams in effectively building interesting and successful business models and creating opportunities to contribute hands-on within projects, startups and ventures remain my next best interest.” For instance, when he posits

that “I have extensive knowledge and experience in working within the gambling industry, which includes running very large Digital/Online and Retail businesses.” Who can challenge it? The new designation, which he assumed in March 2022 as country manager of PariMatch Africa, has offered him the biggest opportunity yet to demonstrate “Proven expertise encompassing Digital, retail, project management, and benchmarking industry best practices. Experienced leader, negotiator, and operational director, heading a team of people and embedding a clear corporate vision whilst empowering individuals at all levels to fulfil their potential in a pressurized target-driven environment.”

OBINNA AKPEN:

The Gaming Industry in Nigeria Is Big There is no doubt that his background in Computer Science from the Afe Babalola University has contributed in no small way to the advancement Obinna Akpen is making in game development. He recently told the GAMING WEEK team that although he is a multi-award winning competitive e-sport player, he thinks of himself more as a game developer, who is doing great things with the Unity game engine. Currently, he works at KobGames Studios Lagos. He uses this platform to vent his passion about coding and game development and solving the challenges that come from them Was it passion that drove you to game development? It is definitely a question because I’ve been playing games since I was a kid. And I’ve always wanted to be a game developer from my primary or secondary level. I never said I wanted to be a doctor, or any of that sort. Two years ago, people used to say there were no game developers. Would you say that has changed today? Yeah, definitely. That’s changed. Two years ago, I’ll be part of the people that said there were no game developers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole until I met Oscar, who is the owner of Africacomicade. So I found out that the industry is quite big. There are game developers in Nigeria and Africa. Okay, when you say the industry is quite big, I mean, what size are we looking at? We have more than 500,000 developers across Africa. If you want to slim it down to Nigeria, can you give a guess? A rough guess will be like a 100+. What do you think was responsible for the earlier thought that there is a dearth of game developers in Nigeria?

Akpen

There was zero or no presence in the gaming industry. Even when I was going into game development and when I started my career as an esports player, I didn’t really have exposure to players or developers in Nigeria. I was mostly online, where I have made most of my money and where I’m working right now. So it was more about poor communication, publicity and marketing? Yes Does that still exist

today? It still exists but is gradually fading. What are the other challenges you encountered? I would say the biggest challenge would be knowledge because I’m self-taught. I didn’t go to school. I did everything myself from the ground up with YouTube and any other source I could find online. How were you able to surmount these challenges? I have loved games since I was a kid but

when I knew I wanted to build a career out of it was around 2014. The first competition I entered was organised by world of gaming. So I started from there. Obviously, I had Nigerian parents who were not really happy about my gaming interests till I brought back my first win. They were really happy about it and pushed me up from there. Then gradually I started making more impacts from ESL (electronic sports league) and the rest. Then one day a friend of mine approached me that they have a gaming tournament in Nigeria and I was so surprised because, at that point I never knew we had such in Nigeria. . So they invited me to Tech Plus which was my first ever tournament which I won. That was in 2016. The next year I came back and won the same tournament. From there I went to Jumia, and I won. That has been my journey in eSports.

FOR ECAST N ig e ria n S u p e rs t a r Osimhen’s Napoli Edges Closer to Scudetto

Davidson Abraham Italian side Lazio and Portuguese giants Sporting CP will be in European action this week in the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively. They are expected to beat their opponents and advance to the next round easily. On Friday, Victor Osimhen’s Napoli and Genk are set to claim three points, respectively, in their away league games against Sassuolo and Mechellen. In England, the two London

DATE

giants Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to be victorious in their matches against Aston Villa and Southampton, respectively, while Manchester city are expected to continue their pursuit of Arsenal with a win against Nottingham Forest. Inter will welcome Udenise to the San Siro as their expected fine form with a win at home. In Scotland, Celtic should be victorious over Aberdeen as they edge closer to the Scottish title While Melbourne City are expected to beat their neighbours’ Victory.

FIXTURE

BETTING TIPS

16 FEB 2023

Lazio Vs Cluj

16 FEB 2023

Sporting CP VS Midtjylland

17 FEB 2023

Sassuolo Vs Napoli

17 FEB 2023

Mechelen Vs Genk

18 FEB 2023

Aston Villa Vs Arsenal

Over 1.5

18 FEB 2023

Chelsea VS Southampton

18 FEB 2023

N/Forest Vs Man City

18 FEB 2023

Inter Vs Udenise

18 FEB 2023

Celtic Vs Aberdeen Melbourne Victory Vs Melbourne City

18 FEB 2023

PROMO!!! 50 MOST

INFLUENTIAL PERSONALITIES IN GAMING Keep a date on Thursday, March 30, 2023 as Gaming Week reveals across the gaming spectrum, the ladies and gentlemen who turn the wheel.

GAMINGWEEK TEAM

How many games have you developed so far? More than 10

Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324

All around eSports? No, they are general.

John Bamidele amostogun@yahoo.com | 08022212236

What’s your overview of the gaming industry? Progressive. We are pushing forward; let the world see us and know that we are more than they think we are, and we can achieve more.

Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

THURSDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

LIVESTOCK REFORMS ON THEIR MINDS... L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state and his Deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, during the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conﬂicts, organized by Kano State Government, held in Abuja ... recently

Ayu: Atiku Will Get More Than 1.5mVotes in Jigawa I’ll revive farming, trading, says former vp Nigerians won't vote candidate with entitlement mentality, says PDP Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, yesterday, said the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, would get more than 1.5 million votes in the February 25 presidential election in Jigawa State. Ayu stated this at the presidential campaign of the party held at the Aminu Kano Square in Jigawa State. He said, "We are the products of Aminu Kano and I am happy that I am telling you this in Aminu Kano Square. Our politics is about improving the quality of life of ordinary people. That is why we joined hands with our senior brother, to form what is today the PDP. "Jigawa is PDP and PDP is Jigawa. Whatever development you have seen here is because of PDP. APC is not a party for development. It is a party of deceiving people and telling lies. I am happy that all of you came here today with one purpose: that in 10 days time, you will elect a new President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That man is Atiku Abubakar. "Therefore in 10 days time, all of you should come out and vote for President Atiku Abubakar. After you have done that, you will vote for somebody, who will work with Atiku as your governor, Mustapha Sule Lamido. I can see more than one million people in this arena, Atiku Abubakar is going to get more than 1.5m votes in Jigawa." Atiku, on his part, assured the people that farming and trading

which were the main occupation of the people of Jigawa would be revived. According to him, “We will also ensure that our children go back to school and there won't be teachers strikes. I will set aside $10 billion to assist youths and women especially. If you vote for our party I promise to fulfill my promise to you.” Chairman of PDP campaign council and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, said, if the crowd witnessed at the campaign would translate into votes, Atiku would be elected on February 25. "Jigawa State has spoken. If you give us so much by translating what we are seeing today into votes, then, rest assured that you are going to elect a president who rewards hard work, who rewards loyalty, who rewards partnership," he said. Meanwhile, a former National Secretary of the party, Prof Abiodun Oladipo, has said Nigerians would only vote a presidential candidate with the capacity to turn things around and not one with entitlement mentality. Oladipo, who is the Deputy Director General Administration of the PDP PCC stated this yesterday in Abuja when he received three support groups at PDP Presidential Campaign headquarters. The three groups were Northern Intellectuals Forum (NIF) led by Prof. Muhammed Abubakar; Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria led by Mr. Ozeomena Pepple and Voters Club of Nigeria led by Uzama Osagie. "Let me say it clearly that Atiku

Abubakar is not contesting this election just because he wants to be president; he is contesting because he loves this country. "Atiku does not have the entitle-

ment mentality that some people were parading, saying it is my turn, it is our turn. The Presidential Villa is not the private estate of anybody. Also it is not a hospital ward, a

The Kogi State Government has said the current intimidation and threats by the leadership of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the officials, associates and family members of the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, would not yield positive results. The government, therefore, said, "No amount of intimidation will stop the Governor Bello from supporting and mobilising support for the candidature of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria." Speaking at a news conference in Ilorin, Kwara State capital yesterday, Commissioner for Information and

Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, said, "The current display of desperation of Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the EFCC to paint the Kogi State Government and its officials in the colours of corruption at all costs is not unexpected. "Having failed to make Nigerians believe that a 20 billion naira bailout loan was placed in a phantom fixed deposit account with Sterling Bank Plc, he kissed the dusts of defeat, when Sterling Bank unequivocally DENIED UNDER OATH that Kogi State owned such an account or such funds. "Mr. Bawa then rushed to a willing collaborator and a co-hater of the justice system, the Central Bank of Nigeria, which claimed that it has

business," Oladipo said. Earlier, Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the groups pledged their support to the Atiku /Okowa Recover Nigeria project.

Bwala Asks Federal Govt to Declare Emergency in Rivers over PDP Crisis Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie Following the internal wrangling in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the elections, which has resulted in violent attacks in Rivers State, the party has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the state. One of the spokespersons of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, said this yesterday while speaking as a guest on the Morning Show of the ARISE NEWS Channel. He said this was necessary to curb the antics of the governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, who was threatening the conduct of free and fair election in the state and that there were members of the party, who still thought they could change the case law regarding the supremacy of the party. “The intriguing part of it all is not going to the court but the antics of those individuals before going to the court,” he said, as he further accused

Wike of not being a man of integrity and turning the sacredness of the office of the governor in Nigeria into an event of melodramatic expression of emotional exigency. On the postponement of the PDP campaign rally in Rivers State, he reiterated that the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar would visit the state before the presidential election fixed for February 25, 2023, citing violence and the avoidance of bloodshed as the reason for the postponement of PDP rally in the state. He expressed confidence that Atiku was going to win the election in Rivers State as he was sure they were in competent hands, alleging further that Wike had threatened everybody in the state and taken all political parties to court. Fielding questions on why the party had not called the governor to order, he said Wike was not practicing democracy and wasn’t the first person to lose presidential primaries. “Wike is the first person since

EFCC's Intimidation, Threats against Bello, Allies Won’t Yield Results, Says Kogi Govt Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

sick bay. "The villa is not an apprentice workshop where you can go and start learning on the job. This is a serious business and Atiku means

received the “missing” funds from Sterling Bank. The CBN has since November 2021 till date provided no clarification to the Kogi State Government, whose funds it allegedly received from Sterling Bank, even after three reminders." Fanwo added that, "The EFCC did a tactical retreat by failing to file a defence or joining issues after being thoroughly embarrassed by the avalanche of facts presented by the Kogi State Government to Court in respect of a pending suit. "We will not give in to any intimidation or threats by the convicted Abdulrasheed Bawa, using the EFCC and taxpayers resources at its disposal to fight personal and proxy battles. "The recent despairing attempt to

embarrass and intimidate some Kogi State government officials and persons related to the governor is nothing but the classic naked dance of a hen whose anus has been unfurled by the wind of truth. "While we might not dwell on the matter like the EFCC is doing right now because of our own respect for the Judiciary, we make bold to say that monies belonging to the state government are not missing. "Like the ‘missing’ or ‘fixed’ 20 billion Naira Bailout Loan, the recent attempt is a political tool to silence the governor and distract him from the task of garnering support for the election of the APC Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

1999 till date who believes that if he does not win, the world will collapse. The entire party that made him who he is, what he has done or what was he worth before he entered politics and benefitted from things by being a member of the PDP. He owes the party much more,” Bwala noted. The party's spokesperson also alleged that the governor was funding his own interest as opposed to funding the party as

he claimed, explaining, therefore, that the reason he decided to speak up now was because the election campaign in the state was finally thwarted even after the entire party tried to please him. He said Wike was inconsequential to the victory of Atiku in the coming elections, stressing, “I believe that there will be members of his family who will vote for Atiku. PDP is going to get 75 per cent of the votes in Rivers State.”

Group Urges Security Agencies, Stakeholders to Curb ElectoralViolence Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

A non-government organisation, the Brain Builders’ Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), has called on security agencies, traditional rulers and political stakeholders to do their best in curbing electoral violence in Nigeria. The Global Director of BBYDI, Mr. Olasupo Abideen, made the call yesterday at the unveiling of the Election Violence Incidence Tracker Dashboard, and launching of Issue Brief, Factsheet and Research titled: ‘Election Violence Landscape in Nigeria: A Critical Intelligence Analysis from 1999 to 2022’, held in Osogbo, Osun State. Abideen also charged the religious leaders and believers to tell their followers why they should discourage people from involving in the electoral violence, for development of the country. He said there was need for a holistic approach to resolving electoral violence across board. Abideen admonished the parents to warn their wards not allow themselves to be use for elections distribution. He said the group would collaborate with political parties, INEC, security agencies and media to ensure free, fair and credible elections. According to him, "Election violence in Nigeria is a major

problem that threatens the stability of the country and the well-being of its citizens. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has a long history of election-related violence with incidents ranging from minor scuffles to full-blown sectarian conflicts. "Electoral violence can take any form, depending on the period of occurrence during the election cycle. Pre-election violence could range from hate speech to the disruption of the electoral process, destruction of opposition campaign and publicity materials, denial of opposition the use public facility, partiality of the security agents, unlawful postponement of the election, unhealthy rallies, illegal arrest, intimidation of political opponents, and fake news peddling. "Violence during elections is more tactical and can be evidenced by the absence, shortage, or late arrival of voting materials, manipulation of the election result, lack of openness in the counting of ballots after voting, denial of party agent participation in the voting process, hate speech, partiality of the security agents, delay in synchronisation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to INEC server, transfer of voters to another polling unit without their consent, raising false alarm, incompetence of INEC officers, ignorance of the new electoral law on election cancellation.

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BALA MOHAMMED CONDOLES DIRI... Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (left) and his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, during the latter’s condolence visit to the former over his father’s demise at his Sampou community home in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area... yesterday

Court Asked to Order INEC to Permit Use of Temporary Voter's Card Polls: PLAC urges electoral body to guard against network disruption, sabotage Alex Enumah and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to issue an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to permit registered voters without the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) participate in the forthcoming general elections. However, ahead of the February 25 presidential election in Nigeria, the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has advised INEC to take measures against possible of disruptions in telecommunication services on election day. The request that the court should direct INEC to permit registered voters without PVCs to vote made by two plaintiffs in a fresh suit was predicated on the grounds that

haven been fully registered and all relevant information uploaded into the database of the electoral umpire, they cannot be prevented from exercising their civic responsibility. The plaintiffs, Kofoworola Olusegun and Wilson Allwell in the suit filed on February 8, and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/180/2023, asked the court to determine, "Whether by the true construction and interpretation of section 10(2), 12(1) and 47 of the Electoral Act 2022; Section 77(2) and 132(5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), and bearing in mind that the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machine introduced by the defendant only needs the thumbprint and/or facial recognition to accredit a voter. "Whether a person whose name appears in the electronic format in the Defendant's central database

and manual, printed paper based record or hard copy format of the Register of Voters and has been assigned a Voter’s Identification Number (VIN), can be said to be entitled to be accredited to vote with his/her Temporary Voter’s Card, in the forthcoming General Election to be conducted by the Defendant. "Whether by the true construction and interpretation of section 10(2), 12(1) and 47 of the Electoral Act 2022; Section 77(2) and 132(5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) the plaintiffs, bearing in mind that the BVAS Machine introduced by the INEC only needs the thumbprint and/or facial recognition to accredit a person whose name appears in its central database and manual printed paper based record or hard copy format of the Register of Voters and

has been assigned a VIN. "Whether such a person can as a consequence of the defendant’s inabilities, actions and omission be disenfranchised of the right and entitlement to vote in the forthcoming 2023 general election.” The plaintiff asked the court to grant the following reliefs should the questions be answered in their favour. "A declaration that the plaintiff, having fulfilled all necessary legal requirements to register and having consequently been captured in its central database and manual, printed paper based record or hard copy format of INEC's maintained register of voters, the plaintiff are entitled to vote using their Temporary Voter’s Card in the forthcoming 2023 General Election. "An order compelling INEC to

Court Orders Kidnap Kingpin, Evans to Refund €233,000 Ransom to Victim Wale Igbintade

Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi of the Lagos high court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has ordered kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, to refund the sum of €233,000 ransom he coercively collected from one of his victims, Chief Donatus Dunu. The judge also ordered the convicted kidnapper to pay N50 million as general damages in favour of the claimant. The claimant, a pharmacist was abducted on 14th day of February, 2017, for ransom and held hostage, before he escaped from captivity. Upon his escape he alleged that the defendant collected the sum of €233,000 as ransom. Consequently, the claimant, who is the CEO of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company filed Suit No: LD/5243GCM/2018 demanding the return of the sum of £223,000 he paid as ransom while in the custody of the kidnap kingpin. The claimant also demanded the sum of N50 million as damages.

In his testimony before the court, the claimant, said he was abducted on 14th day of February, 2017, for ransom and held hostage, before he escaped from captivity. Upon his escape he alleged that the defendant collected the sum of €233,000 as ransom. The claimant added that the defendant also asked him to instruct his brothers, Anslem Dunu and Innocent Dunu to pay the ransom. He stated that the sum of €233,000 was paid, but the defendant refused to release him. He eventually escaped from captivity. He was not cross examined despite several adjournments for cross examination. Also, the claimant's brother, Anslem Dunu gave evidence on behalf of the claim and adopted his witness statement on oath sworn to on 16th May, 2022. His evidence was that on February, 14, 2017, his brother, one Innocent Dunu informed him that the claimant was abducted. The next day he spoke with the claimant on phone who instructed him to pay his

abductors N100 million as ransom for his release. He stated that the abductors later demanded for £1million. His relation, one Uchenna Okagwu, delivered the €233,000 to the abductors. He was not cross examined. However, in his defence, the Defendant contended that the strength of the Claimant's case is predicated majorly upon criminal trial against him and others in Suit No. 1D/5970C/2017. Defendant also submitted that the only evidence before the court as to the payment of €233,000 and to whom if any was paid to was the evidence of Uchenna Okagwu, who allegedly delivered the money to the abductors. He added that in the criminal trial in Suit No. 1D/5970C/2017, Okagwu testified that he dropped the said sum on the ground and fled and that he did not see anybody or delivered the money to anyone. He argued that the evidence of Okagwu who delivered the said ransom to the abductors which was the only direct evidence that must pass the

test of proof beyond reasonable doubt. In his judgment, Justice Ogunjobi held that the Defendant gave inconsistent evidence and cannot be rewarded as a truthful witness. Justice Ogunjobi held: "It a settled law that no witness who gives materially inconsistent evidence on oath is entitled to the honour of being accorded with any credibility and such does not deserve to be treated as a truthful witness. "Aside adducing conflicting pieces of evidence on oath, I have watched the demeanor of the defendant in the witness box when giving evidence and came to the conclusion that the defendant is not a witness of truth. "Consequently, the claimant is entitled to be paid or repaid and or recover from the defendant, the sum of €233,000 ransom coercively paid by the claimant to defendant when the defendant kidnapped the claimant in 2017, and held the claimant hostage for months. "The sum of N50,000,000 is awarded as general damages in favour of the claimant against the defendant.”

allow the plaintiff to vote using their temporary voter’s card, issued by the defendant, the plaintiff having been duly captured in the National Register of Voter’s database. "Any other order, the court may deem fit for all other Nigerians who are like the plaintiffs and have not gotten their permanent voter's card, as the court may deem fit.” Lawyers to the plaintiffs Mr. Victor Opatola, in support of the originating summons had filed an affidavit of urgency praying the court to abridge time due to the nearness of the election which comes up on February 25 with the presidential election. When the matter was called, the counsel to the plaintiffs, Opatola, moved a motion to abridge time in which INEC could file their counter affidavit to the originating summons. The court, however, refused the application and ordered that the originating summons filed by the plaintiffs be served on the defendant. The matter was adjourned until February 20, for INEC to file its counter-affidavit and other necessary processes. In their statement of fact, the plaintiffs claimed they were citizens of Nigeria, who had been registered in the central database and been assigned Voters Identification Numbers (VIN). "After the plaintiffs have fulfilled all legal requirements of registration, and their names contained in the central database, the defendant has neglected to issue them their voter’s card even after several attempts were made by the plaintiffs to get their PVCs. "Consequently, the time frame given by INEC for the collection of Voter’s Card lapsed on February 5. "The plaintiffs will be disenfranchised, due to no fault of theirs, and precluded from voting in the forthcoming general elections. "That INEC has closed the collection of PVCs and stopped its distribution nationwide." Meanwhile, ahead of the presidential election, PLAC has advised INEC to take measures against possible of disruptions in telecommunication services on the election. Against the background of the nationwide service outage experienced by one of the Mobile telecommunication network providers - MTN on Tuesday - the centre said the federal government should investigate the matter and ensure that it was not an act of sabotage. Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo who spoke to

THISDAY in Abuja, yesterday, at the unveiling and dissemination PLAC's Electoral Act Web and mobile App, said INEC should have multiple network connections and the capacity to switch over any of these mobile networks if there is service disruption. "I think it is important for INEC to explore every other options for the transmission of election results. Certainly there are more than four network providers in the country. INEC as a policy should engage in multiple network providers so that in the event of failure of one network, the commission can switch to another," he said. Nwankwo said one cannot rule challenges in technology application, adding that what needed to be ascertained was the extent which such challenges will affect the conduct of the election. "We also have to find out whether there was sabotage and if this was a dress rehearsal for the next week scheduled presidential election. This is because we cannot rule out the fact that there would still people who will try to minimise the important use of the BVAS machine," he said. Nwankwo gave reasons for creating a web and mobile App for the Electoral Act 2022, saying it would enable Nigerians have easier access to the provisions of the electoral law. According to Nwankwo, the App also includes all INEC's regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the forthcoming general election. "We believe that people should have access to information on the laws and guidelines governing the elections in the country. The App has been produced to make it easily accessible for people, especially those that are familiar with the technology," he said. In his goodwill message at the event, Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law at the European Union, Laolu Okawumi expressed hope that the implementation of the Electoral Act (as amended 2022) would usher in the era of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. Also panel of discussants which included Principal Partner, Dikko and Associates, Mudu Ishaka Dikko, SAN, a University Don, Miakpiburo Emiaso and Executive Director, Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance, MMA Odi all echoed the need to properly apply the provisions of the amended Electoral Act end rigging and manipulation of the electoral process.

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COURTING ROYAL FATHERS FOR SUPPORT... L-R: Elese of Ilese, Oba Oluremi Obayomi; Ajalaiye of Ilugun; Oba Oluwaseyi Olusanu, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele during the Governor and his team's visit to the palace of the Ajalaiye of Ilugun in the Ijebu North East Local Government area of the state ....yesterday

Fani-Kayode Should be Prosecuted If…, Atiku Charges DSS It's disturbing PDP is politicising matter, APC alleges Leave him alone, party’s campaign tells police Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said the Director of Special Projects and New Media of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, should be prosecuted if he refused to produce the names of the purported coup plotters. But the APC leadership has expressed dismay about how the PDP was allegedly handling the matter, saying it was disturbing that the opposition party had continued to exploit and politicise the issue. At the same time, the APC

Presidential Campaign Council, has told the Nigeria police to leave Femi Fani-Kayode alone, because such unending invitations by the different agencies a few days to the election, when his services were mostly needed, was unhealthy for the campaign. The Department of State Services (DSS) had Monday grilled FaniKayode for making insinuations of an attempted coup being planned by Atiku and top military generals. While Fani-Kayode was being grilled by the DSS, he was suddenly invited by the Nigeria Police Force over the same issue, which forced the APC campaign organisation to issue a statement calling on the police

to leave Fani-Kayode alone. Atiku, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Public Communications to Atiku, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, commended the police for widening the scope of investigation. He urged the police not to be intimidated by the Tinubu campaign organisation, insisting that the allegations made by Fani-Kayode were too weighty to be ignored. “We commend the police for widening the scope of investigation by inviting Fani-Kayode over claims of army generals meeting with Atiku with a view to toppling a democratically elected government. “However, as we had stated earlier, Fani-Kayode is not acting

alone. The defence put up by Mr Bayo Onanuga on behalf of Tinubu’s campaign organisation shows that Fani-Kayode has not been acting alone. “It is obvious that other members of Tinubu’s campaign have information about this supposed coup. They all need to be invited so they can shed more light on the coup,” Atiku said. The former vice-president stressed that Fani-Kayode must not be treated as a sacred cow because he is a member of APC, saying the police should not leave any stone unturned as the probe deepens. He maintained that the police must not just invite Fani-Kayode but

must also grill him with a view to prosecuting him if he was unable to produce the names of the purported coup plotters. Atiku said: “Fani-Kayode should not just be given a slap on the wrist. He should be prosecuted if he cannot produce the names of the coup plotters. On July 7, 2022 FaniKayode similarly accused soldiers of complicity in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack and the attack on Kuje prison, where hundreds of terrorists were released. “Till date Fani-Kayode has refused to reveal the identities of the soldiers involved. These are allegations that are too weighty to be ignored. The police and the

DSS must thus dig deeper for the sake of national security.” Nevertheless, the APC has expressed concern after the Police requested Fani-Kayode to appear before it on the same issue already being investigated by DSS National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement said Fani-Kayode was an upstanding and law-abiding citizen of Nigeria, adding that, he honoured the invitation by the DSS and submitted himself fully to their investigative authority, and continued to cooperate with the investigation.

situation. According to the statement, “the rejection of the old notes especially now that the new ones were scarce has further compounded the hardship of ordinary Nigerians and encouraged POS operators to continue to extort Nigerians. “NUJ Ekiti State condemns in strong term the attitude of banks in the state and other business ventures which have continued to reject the old notes. "We see this action as an aberration and disrespect for the rule of law which must not be tolerated to avoid setting a bad precedence.”

Abiodun, has reiterated his warning that the state government would clamp down on banks and businesses rejecting the old naira notes. Explaining that part of the measures being considered may include getting security agencies to arrest anyone who refuses to accept old naira notes, the governor said the directive became imperative after an on-the-spot assessment of business transactions at some filling stations in Ijebu-Ode. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, yesterday, the governor stated that old naira notes of N1000, N500 and N200 were still valid and anyone who refuses to accept the old currency would be dealt with according to the dictates of the law. According to the governor, “it has come to the notice of the State Government that some people and traders were rejecting the old Naira notes from the citizens, a development that is not healthy thereby inflicting untold hardship on the people of the state.” Abiodun said the old naira notes were still valid and anybody found rejecting them would be arrested and prosecuted, calling on the people to go about their legitimate businesses and report any person who refuses to accept the old naira notes to security agencies for necessary action.

Continues online

BUHARI CONSIDERS RECIRCULATING OLD N200 NOTES TO EASE PAINS OF NAIRA SCARCITY notes were in the custody of commercial bank branches throughout Nigeria until the evening of Monday, February 13, and not a single N500 or N1000 had been destroyed. “It is also a non-starter to insist on a new cut-off date without first assuring that sufficient new notes would have been printed and circulated. Information available to the governors also indicate that the Mint will need at least 12 months to print the minimum amount of N1 trillion needed to ensure a functioning trade and exchange environment in Nigeria. “The tabling of false facts, inadequate solutions to the sufferings of our people, and the bad faith that some of the federal government negotiators displayed in our phone conversations and chats have now been taken further in leaking a false account and context to a respected medium. The plaintiff governors rejected the draft proposal as insincere, and invested our hopes in the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

Three Die as Angry Customers Attack CBN Ofﬁce, Banks in Edo

There were protests in Benin City over scarcity of the new currency notes, rejection of the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes, and inoperability of banks’ online banking applications. The Benin branch of CBN and some commercial banks along Akpkakpkava Road were attacked, with their ATM machines and buildings destroyed. Some of the banks affected were Sterling Bank, UBA, GT Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and Stanbic IBTC. Two of the victims died at the Akpakpava road where the CBN office is located while one other was killed on Sakpoba road when angry residents including those who could not make withdrawal of new notes besieged the CBN to swap old notes following its rejection by banks, fuel stations and market women. Trouble started when an unmarked Toyota Hilux which the protesters believed was from a government office was driving into the CBN, but

the angry customers started stoning the vehicle before security agents brought the situation under control. The protest snowballed into crisis when other protesters from Mission road and Sakpoba road joined the protest and started attacking the CBN by throwing stone and other dangerous objects. He said the police responded by firing tear gas and bullets into the air and in the process three people were killed. This prompted angry protesters to later move into the town attacking and vandalising banks offices across the state and shattered their ATMs. Following the development, banks across the state hurriedly closed down to prevent hoodlums from taking the advantage of the protest to loot. A bank customer, Precious Oruche, said she visited the CBN to swap the old with new notes but the situation was frustrating as she was not allowed to into the premise.

Okowa Sues for Calm as Naira Scarcity Sparks Protests in Delta

In a related development, Okowa called on the people of the state and all Nigerians to remain calm and exercise restraint in the light of widespread hardship occasioned by scarcity of the redesigned naira notes. Okowa, who is vice presidential candidate of the PDP, spoke following reported outbreak of violent protests in Udu and Ovwie local government areas of the state. Citizens, angered over the nonavailability of new naira notes in the banks' ATMs in the locality, reportedly vandalised two old generation banks (Union and First Bank) property in Orhuwhorun Community in Udu Local Government Area, including the bank's ATM gallery, which was destroyed and burnt. A new generation bank (Access Bank) was similarly torched in Effurun in Uvwie, which borders Warri in Warri South Local Government Area. Speaking in Asaba through the information commissioner, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the governor said although the state government was well aware

of the unpleasant experience of the citizens due to the scarcity of the new currency, the people should refrain from resorting to extreme actions that are counterproductive that would be regretted. Okowa also appealed to the CBN, commercial banks and other monetary authorities to take further steps to increase the money supply in the system accessible to members of the public. "We appeal to our brothers and sisters across the state to keep calm in spite of the current travails they are going through as a result of the scarcity of new naira notes in the country. "As a government we are aware of your sufferings but we appeal to you to be patient with the monetary authorities as they take steps to improve on the money supply in the country,” he said.

Reverse Policy Now Akeredolu Charges Buhari, CBN

The Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele to reverse the naira redesign policy now. Akeredolu, said both the new and old notes should be allowed to co-exist, noting that despite an existing court injunction, the old notes seem to have ceased to be legal tender in the country. The governor spoke while receiving members of the Youth Directorate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) led by Seyi Tinubu, the son of APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu Akeredolu faulted the timing of the policy, adding that the problem created by the naira and fuel scarcity have affected the ratings of the APC. He said: “We have a problem we are facing in this country today. Our rating as a party is not that favorable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy? How? Fuel and everything? “Things are not easy. This policy

is not right at this time. It should be reversed. Reserve it and tell CBN that we are reversing it. Let old and new notes co-exist. “Okada, taxis, banks are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction.”

Sanwo-Olu Warns against Rejection of Old Notes

Lagos State Government yesterday, commended residents for their patience and calmness of following the controversy generated by the naira shortage crisis. In a statement yesterday, the state government confirmed that it has joined the dispute at the Supreme Court. The statement also warned, “those rejecting the old notes to desist from doing so or face prosecution. It is against the law to reject the old notes as doing so is contrary to the position of the Supreme Court.” Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to, “remain law-abiding and shun mischief makers who may exploit this temporary situation to promote their anti-people agenda.” He expressed confidence that the judiciary would resolve all issues around the currency shortage crisis.

Sanction Banks, Filling Stations, Institutions Rejecting Old Notes, NUJ Tells Ekiti Govt

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ekiti State Council, yesterday, expressed concern over the rejection of the old naira notes by filling stations, business ventures and banks in the state as against the Supreme Court directive. It disclosed that banks, filling stations and business ventures have since stopped receiving the old notes while some even go further to reject mobile transfer of money. NUJ in a statement by its state secretary, Kayode Babatuyi and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti described such action as an affront to the rule of law, hence it appealed to the state government to use the instrument of the law to correct the

Katsina Governor Faults Policy

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, while speaking during an interactive session with Katsina traders at the Government House, yesterday, described the apex bank policy as anti-people. He insisted that the implementation of the policy was poor and the transition period was too short and saddened, vowing to rescue citizens of the state from the challenges orchestrated by the policy. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives further said he was surprised, shocked and disappointed over the inability of the CBN governor to obey the recent Supreme Court judgement on the new naira redesign policy. He said: "The naira redesign policy is good. Implementation is poor. No transition: the transition period is too short and too saddened in a country where the informal sector is competing with the formal sector. "I am really surprised, shocked and disappointed that the Supreme Court of Nigeria should give judgement of which the governor of the Central Bank refused to follow.” He, however, warned the traders and other citizens of the state against collecting old naira notes from terrorists for swapping with the new notes.

Abiodun: We'll Deal Decisively with Businesses Rejecting Old Notes

Ogun State Governor, Dapo

Kwara Governor Expresses Concern over Inconveniences Faced By Residents

Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed concern over the inconveniences being experienced by the people of the state over the shortage of new naira notes and fuel scarcity. In a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state against the backdrop of protest that greeted all the parts of the state, yesterday, the governor however said, "for clarity, the Supreme Court has granted an injunction that allows the old and the new notes to coexist. This injunction is still valid until the highest court rules otherwise." Continues online

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking, Parallex Bank Limited, Foluke Kudehinbu; Managing Director and Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Mr. Olufemi Bakre; former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Team Lead, Private Banking, Foluke Abodunrin, during a courtesy call on Obasanjo by management of Parallex Bank Limited in Abeokuta… yesterday

Court Remands Suspected Killers of Couple, Son in Ogun James Sowole in Abeokuta A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday remanded suspects connected with the murder of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa Fatinoye. The suspects, Adekanbi Lekan, Odetola Ahmed, Adeniyi Waheed, Fadairo Temitope, Adekanbi Adenike ,and Owolaja Anuoluwapo, were arraigned on a 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, felony, arson, setting properties ablaze, stealing,

escape from lawful authority, amongst others. The Police Counsel, Miss Oluwatosin Jackson moved a motion exparte pursuant to Section 306 of Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of Ogun State, praying for an order of the court to remand the defendants. Jackson prayed the court to remand the defendants for 60 days in the first instance at Oba Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the office of the State Director of Public prosecution (DPP)

Oyebanji Launches Ekiti Digital Skill Academy

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has launched the Ekiti State Digital Skill Academy, as he restated his administration’s commitment to wealth creation and shared prosperity. Speaking at the launch and beneficiary orientation at the conference hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti, the governor said making job creation and youth development number one in his administration’s six-point agenda is a pointer that his administration is particular about youth development. The governor, who said about 500 youths would be given laptop computers and other devices to facilitate their learning

process for the next one year of their intensive training, expressed confidence that through right knowledge and digital skill, vocational education, small and medium scale development, sport development and entertainment, Ekiti youths can get to any level in life and become financially independent. According to him, “As a people, you determine how much you go in life and you determine the height you want to reach-you can choose your own game and the speed at which you play the game-the fact that you are here in Ekiti State does not make you a second class citizen, I say no to that, and we have brought everything to your door step.”

Nigerian Firm Gets Shell’s Supplier Assessment Approval Peter Uzoho Nigeria Machine Tools Limited (NMTL), an integrated industrial engineering and manufacturing company has obtained Shell Supplier Technical Assessment Record (STAR) for Stud Bolts and Flanges. As a result, the company in a statement yesterday, said the products were now listed in Shell’s Technically Accepted Manufacturers and Products (TAMAP) database. The company said its stud bolts and flanges were subjected to acceptance testing; overseen by a facility audit and company evaluation, at its design and manufacturing facility in Oshogbo, Osun State. Commenting on the TAMAP approval, General Manager, Business Development and

Corporate Affairs, NMTL, Obehi Ojeaga, said: “Nigeria Machine Tools strives to provide our end-users with reliable, quality products that addresses all their needs. As the first indigenous company in Nigeria to receive Shell TAMAP approval for stud bolts and flanges, we are proud to have received our esteemed customer certification giving us the ability to provide this product to the industry on a wider scale.” According to the statement from the company, “Shell carries out an extensive multi-annual vendor management testing procedure known as TAMAP, where vendors must undergo detailed product quality reviews. TAMAP assesses the capability of manufacturers and ensures that manufactures prove the full functional performance of their industrial products.”

According to the counsel, the suspected killers, Lekan, Ahmed and Waheed, committed the offences on January 1, at about 1:30am at Ibara Housing Estate,

in Abeokuta. She said that the defendants conspired among themselves and killed Kehinde Fatinoye, a staff member of the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by piecing his neck with a knife, and his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, by hitting a sledge hammer on her head. She also alleged that the

defendant also killed the only surviving child of the couple Oreoluwa, by pushing him into Ogun river which led to his death.

Nine Killed as Cultists Clash in Rivers Six die in Auto crash in Kwara Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Rivers State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killing of nine persons at Ikata, Upata community in Ahoada Local Government Area of the state, following a cult clash that ensued between two rivalries.

This is just as six persons were reportedly killed in a fatal auto accident that occurred along Ganmo in Kwara State. But the Rivers State incident, it was gathered, happened on Tuesday, February 14, this year. A source from the community who pleaded anonymity, told THISDAY that two factions of suspected Greenland cult groups

loyal to VIP and Ebuka exchanged gunfire in Ikata community for over 30 minutes which led to death of nine persons. The source further stated that the incident caused panic in the community as residents scampered for safety and business owners hurriedly closed their shops and stores to a avoid being caught by stray bullets.

Meanwhile, confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace IringeKoko said the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Mr. Effiong Okon had deployed tactical units in Ikata, Upata community and its environs. Iringe-Koko confirmed that the killings resulted from a cult clash between two cult groups.

Civil Society Forum Makes Case for Hitch-free Elections SegunAwofadejiinBauchi

Ahead of the upcoming February and March general elections in Nigeria, a group known as Bauchi State Civil Society Forum of Executive Directors has organised a town hall meeting aimed at charting a way forward for free and fair polls in the country. Speaking to newsmen shortly

after the meeting yesterday, the State Chairman, Civil Society Forum of Executive Directors, Bauchi state, Sodangi Adam Chindo said that the meeting was a stakeholders’ engagement on violence-free and fair election in Bauchi state. He said that the aim of the meeting was to enable the stakeholders interact and reach a common ground by finding a way

of averting violence before, during and after the elections. He said the stakeholders that graced the meeting were community leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, security agencies. According to Sodangi, the meeting provided an avenue where the forum interacted with community leaders to get the idea of what is happening so

that the security would also give information to the community in order to collectively avert the looming violence. While expressing satisfaction on the responses from the stakeholders, Sodangi, described the interaction during the meeting as very qualitative one, adding that it was opened, from the side of the community to the security agencies.

Enugu PDP Guber Candidate Sues APC Chair for N1bn GideonArinzeinEnugu Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has instituted a libel suit against the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ugochukwu Agballah and the Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily Independent

Newspapers. According to his lawyers, statement and publication by the defendants were “calculated to lower the Claimant (Mbah) in the estimation of right thinking members of the society; isolate the claimant from the society; expose the Claimant to hatred, odium, contempt, and ridicule; cause other persons to shun or

avoid the Claimant; and discredit the Claimant in the matter of his business and political engagements.” Mbah is therefore, demanding the sum of N1billion as general damages for the said libelous publication. In the lawsuit marked E/25/2023 filed before the Enugu State High Court, the entrepreneur accused Agballah and the Independent

Newspapers of false and malicious publication about his person in the 30th May 2022 online edition of the newspaper. In a Statement of claim filed by his lawyers, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN & Co, Mbah said thatAgballah accused him of joining the governorship race in order to use Enugu’s funds to pay up an alleged N40 billion business debt.

Osogbo-Ikirun Road: Adeleke Mobilises Contractor Back to Site

Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has mobilised Sammya Construction Company back to site for the continuation of Osogbo/Ikirun/Ila Odo Kwara Boundary Road, which was started by ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola’ administration over 10 years ago.

The Osogbo-Ikirun/Kwara State Boundary Road awarded in June 2012. Following the resumption of work on the project, an inspection team led by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Olusola Ajao, alongside the Ministry’s Director of Highways, Mr. Basiru Bello, went

on an inspection of the ongoing project. Workers of the construction company handling the project were seen on ground in their numbers engaging in one activity or the other to ensure that the portion of the project approved for continuation is completed on time. Ajao expressed delight at the

level of work done so far. He said that the administration of Governor Adeleke is determined to put smiles on the faces of masses. He explained that the governor approved the continuation of the project because he believed that good road infrastructure enhances speedy economic growth of any society.

Slain Lawyer Suffered Multiple Lung, Organ Injuries, Says Pathologist

Wale Igbintade

A pathologist and forensic expert, Dr. Williams Oluwaseun Olatunde, yesterday told a Lagos High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) that the late Lagos-based lawyer Omobolanle Raheem killed on Christmas

Day died as a result of multiple organ and lung injuries. Olatunde, who testified as the 11th prosecuting witness, said the injuries were caused by the largest shattered bullet fragment. He added that the path of the bullet was determined by

the relative positions of all injuries to each other. Narrating the outcome of the post-mortem examination conducted on the deceas ed, he said after the body was wheeled into the morgue, Mr. Gbenga Raheem, the husband of the deceased and an investigating

police officer, assigned from the State Criminal Investigating Department were invited to identify the body before his team proceeded to take the measurements of heights, weight and forensic photographs which included the clothing of the deceased.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

THANK YOU FOR VISITING…

L-R: Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Isah Jere(left), and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanem, when Jere visited the monarch in Maiduguri…recently

INEC: Ekiti PDP N’Assembly Candidates Irreplaceable Gbenga Sodeinde inAdoEkiti The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed that all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly candidates in Ekiti State are authentic and cannot be replaced. INEC made this known in a six paragraph ‘Affidavit of Facts’ deposed to on February 13, 2023, in response to suit number HAD/12/2023, filed by five of the PDP National Assembly candidates to challenge their

suspension and expulsion from the party. Certified true copy of list of candidates for the senatorial and House of Representatives candidates for Ekiti State was attached to the ‘Affidavit of Facts’. The ‘Affidavit of Facts’ deposed to by one Edu Sodiq, a senior clerical officer at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, read in part: “I have read the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by one Offiong Joseph, and I state as follows: “That in furtherance

Firm Holds Summit on the Future of Water

SundayOkobi

In an effort to promote the existential value of water as an infinite source of life, GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, will dedicate its 2023 GROHE X Summit ‘Caring for Water’ taking place from March 7 to 9, 2023, to the “element we cannot live without: water.” In a statement made available by one of the organisers and Managing Partner, GIG Communications, Omawunmi Ogbe, the group said all over the world, different societies are facing numerous challenges that require knowledge-sharing, new ideas and innovative approaches combined with a large dose of pragmatism. The group said each summit

day would be dedicated to one of the macro trends urbanisation, sustainability, and health and wellbeing, and the debate to focus on: ‘What makes a place a home? How will we live with and use water in the future? How can water help heal an increasingly stressed population?’ It said during the GROHE X Summit, the brand would highlight the relevance and value of water by bringing the industry together to demonstrate that it needs an entire ecosystem to make change happen. In the statement, the Leader of LIXIL EMENA, Jonas Brennwald, said: “We will look at water in the context of the key trends that shape our industry and the future of living-urbanisation, sustainability, as well as health and wellbeing.”

Bridge Schools Pupil Wins Mathematics Competition A Primary Six Pupil from one of the Bridge Schools at Babatunde Laja Academy, Alexander Tarhe-veyan Oghenebrume, has emerged as the overall winner out of over 1,800 pupils at 11th edition of The Ultimate Mathematics Ambassador (TUMA) competition. TUMA is an annual event organised by the Ambassadors School, Ogun State with a vision to eliminate mathematics phobia among pupils and discover talents. During the prize-giving and award ceremony, the Chairman of Ambassador School, Ota, Samson Osewa said: “It is always an honour for us to host the TUMA competition and this corporate social responsibility of the Ambassador Schools, Ota, is fueled by a desire to replace the phobia for mathematics which is inherent in most young people, with a cultivated passion for the

subject.” Osewa added that: “Mathematics is the mother of invention. The knowledge of mathematics is not self-sufficient but it remains the bridge to other worlds.” Mathematics provides an effective way of building mental discipline and encourages logical reasoning and mental rigour. In addition, mathematical knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding the contents of other school subjects such as science, social studies, and even music and art. Commenting on the outcome of the competition, the Managing Director of Bridge International Academies (Bridge) in Nigeria, Foyinsola Akinjayeju said: “The result of the 2023 Ultimate Maths Ambassador competition is a testament to our value proposition at Bridge-Bridge Builds Leaders.”

of the third defendant’s power to publish the list of candidates that stand nominated as submitted by the sponsoring political party, the third defendant published

the final list of candidates for the Ekiti State senatorial district, House of Representatives and the amendment made to the final list by reason of Court Order for the Ekiti

State senatorial district in respect of the 2023 general election holding on February 25, 2023. “A copy of the final list for the Ekiti State senatorial district, the

amendment to the final list for the Ekiti State House of Representatives are hereby annexed and marked as Exhibit INEC 1, Exhibit INEC 2 and Exhibit INEC 3.

Media Should Check Fake News for Success of Census, Says Varsity Don

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Head of Department of Mass Communication, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Professor Tenedes Ende, has charged media practitioners in the country to be in the vanguard of checking the circulation of fake news for the success of the National Population and Housing Census.

Ende gave the charge in Minna on Tuesday while delivering a paper titled: “The Population or Housing? Decoding the Matrix for Effective Reportage of the 2023 Population and Housing Census,” at a one-day “Capacity Building Workshop for Journalists on Effective Reporting of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.” He charged journalists to be ambassadors of credible

information during and after the census, adding that “we should combat fake news by not sharing fake news. “We should join hands with the NPC to make the 2023 census successful and acceptable,” adding that the press has very important role to play before during and after the head count. The Head of the Technical Department of the Commission, Mr. Sanusi Yussuf, disclosed

at the forum that every arrangements have been completed to ensure the conduct of the census in “physical and security hard to reach areas of the country,” adding that “demarcation of security prone areas has already taken place.” Yussuf who disclosed that no fewer than 27,000 ad hoc staff would be recruited for the exercise apart from the staff of the commission.

Delta Elections: APC Alleges Plans By PDP to Manipulate BVAS Sylvester Idowu in Warri The opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State yesterday raised the alarm on alleged plan by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manipulate the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines in the forthcoming presidential and

governorship elections slated for February 25 and March 11 respectively. Delta State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, at a press conference in Warri said top members of the ruling party had been holding clandestine meetings with some officials of the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state to perfect plans of manipulating the BVAS machines to the advantage of their party. He said a petition in which information about the alleged plan of the ruling party had been submitted to the national headquarters of INEC in Abuja as well as the heads of all the

security agencies. According to Onojeghuo, a candidate of the ruling party in the state for Delta Central Senatorial district has been clandestinely meeting with the officials of INEC towards manipulating the BVAS machines to give them an advantage in coming elections.

Lassa Fever: 13ofChildren, Seven Adults Admitted in Edo cases, urging residents to disease in the state were persons and proper care,” she advised.

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, has said about 13 children and seven adults, who were confirmed with Lassa fever in the state, are still on admission at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISTH). The commissioner, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City, said the state had continued to record a steady rise in the number

complement the government’s efforts at containing the disease by complying with all guidelines against its spread. She said Edo had recorded a total of 173 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 25 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 15 per cent. The commissioner said most of the deaths recorded from the

who were unwell and failed to report to a proper hospital for care until they developed complications. “Take responsibility to work with the Ministry of Health, observe preventive measures and report early symptoms suspected to be malaria or any other sickness that present like malaria so as to receive early

“While the government continues to intensify efforts to contain the disease and protect citizens, we urge everyone to comply with all preventive protocols and visit the nearest health facility if they notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever; avoid self-medication,” she added.

2023 UTME: JAMB Extends Registration to February 22

KuniTyessiinAbuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended its 2023 UTME registration exercise by one week starting from yesterday, 15th February, 2023. By this extension, the sale of ePINs would end on Monday, 20th

February, 2023, while the UTME registration ends on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023. According to a statement released by the Board, as at the close of the sale of ePINs on Tuesday, 14th February, 2023, 1,527,068 candidates had successfully registered for the 2023 UTME exercise inclusive of

the 168,748, who indicated their interest to take the Mock-UTME. “The sale of ePINs would end on Monday, 20th February, 2023, while the UTME registration ends on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023. “Recall that in line with the Board’s 2023 Schedule of Activities, as earlier released, the closing date for the sale of both the ePINs

and the 2023 UTME application documents was slated for Tuesday, 14th February, 2023. “At the close of the sale of ePINs on Tuesday, 14th February, 2023, 1,527,068 candidates had succesfully registered for the 2023 UTME exercise inclusive of the 168,748, who indicated their interest to take the Mock-UTME,”JAMB said.

Naira Abuse: Court Grants Nollywood Actress N5m Bail Wale Igbintade A Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, granted N5 million bail to a Nollywood Actress, Ms. Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, charged with alleged tampering and spraying of the new Naira notes by the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC preferred a two-count charge against Omoseyin, who was arraigned on Monday, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The charges bothered on spraying and stepping on the newly designed Naira notes.

The defendant, 31, was alleged to have tampered with a total sum of N100,000 new notes, by spraying and stepping on same during an occasion in the Lekki area of Lagos State. She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge while the court had adjourned ruling on

her bail application until yesterday. In his ruling yesterday, Justice Aneke granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum. The court held that the surety must be a public servant, and must have a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

THURSDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Man City Edge Arsenal to Return to Top of Premier League Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League for the first time since November last night as they leapfrogged leaders Arsenal with a vital 3-1 victory at Emirates Stadium. The reigning champions turned on the power in the second half in the biggest game of the domestic season as Arsenal paid a heavy price for individual errors. Takehiro Tomiyasu's poor back pass allowed Kevin de Bruyne to loft a finish over Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after 24 minutes but Arsenal deservedly drew level three minutes before half-time, Bukayo Saka scoring from the spot after

City goalkeeper Ederson fouled Eddie Nketiah. City, lacking spark in the opening phase, improved after the break and had a penalty of their own ruled out for offside against Erling Haaland before they showed a ruthless streak to punish Arsenal. Gabriel lost possession to allow Bernardo Silva and Haaland to set up Jack Grealish for a deflected finish after 72 minutes before they ended Arsenal's hopes with 10 minutes left. Inevitably, Haaland was the scorer from De Bruyne's pass to put City top on goal difference having played one game more than Arsenal.

Barca, Man Utd Renew Rivalry Live on GOtv Jack Grealish (right) scored Manchester City's second goal in the 3-1 defeat of Arsenal last night at the Emirates Stadium

GTI Says TNFF is Catalyst for Football Devt in Nigeria Duro Ikhazuagbe GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, an innovative financial services provider, strongly believes that The Nigerian Football Fund (TNFF) it set up recently to raise N5billion for football and sports project from the capital market will lead to a massive growth in the sector. Speaking at an interactive session with sports and business journalists in Lagos yesterday, GTI’s Executive Director on Fund Management, Nelson Ine, insisted that there is no reason why the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) should not be on the same pedestal as the English Premier League because of the abundance of talent in the country. Using the Premier League as an example, Ine pointed out at the growth trajectory as the league over 30 years grew from a £192 million value to £10.5 billion in 2022. He pointed at how the Nigerian music and movie sector have conquered the world to begin to earn mega money at the moment. The GTI director points out

that if the right structures are put in place in Nigeria coupled with trusted corporate governance, Nigerian football will boost the country’s GDP. “The Nigerian Football Fund (TNFF) is a collective investment scheme and mutual fund that combines the regular advantages of a mutual fund with unique propositions of a structured fund. The value of our asset is to deliver value. That is Return on Investment (ROI). The NPFL ought to be an asset giving value to investors. Just like our Music and Movie sector. With what we have on ground and anticipated to pull in from the capital market, in four years, we may not have more than four government teams in the league,” observed the GTI executive director who also insisted that the asset company was not a sponsor of the league but rather a strategic partner. The GTI at the moment can be credited for the paradigm shift in the running of the NPFL which has resulted in teams going away to win matches without molesting of match of officials. It has also taken away the burden of match

Chief Sunday Dare... Sports Minister officials indemnities from the league organisers and clubs. It promised to raise the N5 billion through an initial public offer (IPO) of 5.0 billion units at a par value of N1.2 kobo per unit. “The minimum subscription to the fund is 100,000 or N100,000 and thereafter in multiples of N100,000,” stressed Ine. He advised investors seeking equities to put their monies to take

advantage of the TNFF. “If you can recall, the telecom environment didn’t look rosy when we had NITEL. Nigerians investors refused to invest until South Africans came in into our telecom and digital world. They are reaping it now. The same thing is going to happen with our football very soon. What we have been doing here is sports activities and not business activities,” In his vote of thanks, the Group Managing Director/CEO of GTI, Mr. Abubakar Lawal, “Because funding has always been a challenge to the growth of sports in Nigeria, we intend to harness the various resources through innovative financial schemes and help build a very vibrant football economy in the sports ecosystem. He challenged journalists to be alive to their roles in helping worthy projects like the TNFF solve sports sector funding problems. The application list for the offer was opened about a year ago and it was registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an open-ended fund. It is envisaged to fill the missing link in the development of Nigerian sports.

NPFL: Plateau Hammer El-Kanemi 5-0 as Lobi Crash in Bauchi Plateau United moved into the championship playoff spots after a comprehensive 5-0 trashing of El-Kanemi Warriors at the New Jos Stadium. The Jos side got off to a flying start scoring three goals in the first 30 minutes. Anthony Sunday scored first in the 4th minute before Eru Jackson (21st minute) and Ibrahim Mustapha (28th minute) took the match beyond the visiting El Kanemi who were poor on the day. Second-half goals from Tochukwu Udeh (63rd) and Uche Onwuansanya (90+2) only heaped more misery on the visitors. The win saw Plateau United move up to third in Group A, level on points with Remo Stars. Plateau's joy of moving into the playoff spots

could however depend on the outcome of Akwa United versus Gombe United clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in the final fixture of Match-Day 8 this evening in Uyo. In Ilorin, Remo Stars dropped out of the championship playoff spot after playing out a goalless draw with Kwara United. The draw leaves Kwara United one point off the relegation zone on the 8th position with six points. Enyimba continued their fine run of form with three straight wins after brushing aside underperforming Shooting Stars 2-0 in Aba. Chukwuemeka Obioma Godson scored a brace first in the 2nd minute before doubling the lead at the stroke of halftime. The defeat leaves Shooting

Stars four points off the championship playoff places. With the two goals, Obioma became the leading scorer with seven goals from eight games. Group A leaders Bendel Insurance returned to winning ways after edging Nasarawa United 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. Ebuka Akubundu scored the all-important goal in the 67th minute. Insurance remain unbeaten this season. In Group B, leaders Lobi Stars saw their six-match unbeaten run come to an end after losing 2-1 at Wikki. An early goal by Muhammed Guda (6th) gave the home side the lead but Lobi equalised in the 34th minute through Umar Abba. However, it was Wikki who would have the last laugh when Muhammed Guda got

his brace in the 38th minute to seal all three points for the Tourists who are now undefeated in their last three matches. In Gombe, Abia Warriors missed the chance to go top of Group B after a narrow 1-0 loss to Doma United. After a keenly contested first half, it was Doma who won all three points after Musa Usman scored in the 49th minute. The win lifts Doma to fifth on the table with 12 points while Abia Warriors are still second with 13 points. Sunshine Stars missed the chance to get into the championship playoff spots after a 2-1 defeat to Dakkada at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Dakkada remain in the relegation zone, one point behind Wikki Tourists who are in 8th position.

Barcelona and Manchester United will renew their rivalry this evening when both teams meet at Camp Nou in the Round 32 stage of the Europa League. Barcelona dropped to UEFA’s second tier competition from the Champions League having failed to qualify from their group with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Victoria Pizen. Although the Catalans currently sit at the top of the La Liga table, Manager, Xavi Hernandez has admonished his team to be on their best form against a strong Manchester United team. “We analyzed Manchester United, and I can tell you: They are a great team. It will be very complicated," Xavi told BarçaTV+ yesterday. The host will be without two of their key players, Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets due to injury. The game is set to broadcast on GOtv La Liga (ch 32) at 6:45pm. United’s Manager, Erik Ten Hag, has admitted that he would have preferred to challenge in the Europa League final “I think Barcelona and us as well would have preferred to play this match in the final,” Ten Hag told UEFA.com. “We are looking

E U R O PA forward to it, it takes a lot of energy searching for that finish and it will be a great game. The Red Devils will be missing some of their key players for this clash. Anthony Martial, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Donny Van De Beek are injured, while Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are suspended for the tie.

UCL RESULTS Dortmund 1-0 Chelsea C’Brugge 0-2 Benfica

EUROPA Barcelona v Man Utd Ajax v Union Berlin Salzburg v Roma Shakhtar v Rennes Leverkusen v Monaco Juventus v Nantes Sevilla v PSV

Burna Boy,Tems, Rema to Perform at NBA All-Star Game 2023 The National Basketball Association (NBA) yesterday announced that three Nigerian superstars, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer Burna Boy, 2023 Grammy Award-winning singer and Oscar-nominated singer and producer Tems and rapper and singer Rema, will headline the NBA All-Star Game 2023 halftime show with

RESULTS Group A Insurance Enyimba Plateau Utd Kwara Utd

1-0 Nasarawa Utd 2-0 Shooting Stars 5-0 El Kanemi 0-0 Remo Stars

Group B Tornadoes 1-1 Bayelsa Utd Dakkada 2-1 Sunshine Doma Utd 1-0 Abia Warriors Wikki Tourists 2-1 Lobi Stars Rivers Utd pp Rangers

TODAY Akwa Utd v Gombe Utd - 4 pm

an Afrobeats-themed performance. A statement issued by the NBA further revealed that after the performance, the NBA family will honour LeBron James for becoming the league’s all-time scoring leader. The 72nd NBA All-Star Game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET (3:30 a.m. CAT) at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City and air on beIN Sports, Canal+ and ESPN across the continent. Prior to tip-off, global superstar Post Malone will perform a medley of hits following the first-ever in-arena NBA All-Star Draft and Vin Diesel, star of the upcoming “Fast X” movie, will welcome fans to the evening. Payson, Utah, native and Grammy Award-nominated artist Jewel will sing the U.S. national anthem and Juno Award-winning and platinumselling artist, Jully Black, will sing the Canadian national anthem on Sunday for the NBA All-Star Game. Utah singing group The Bonner Family will perform the U.S. national anthem before the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars, which will be played on Friday, Feb. 17. As previously announced, the group will also perform the U.S. national anthem and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice,” at the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, which will tip off on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. ET on TNT, ESPN2 and NBA TV.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

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Afenifere to Godwin Emefiele Many men and women have resorted to antics that are degrading such as exposing their bodies in bank premises to demonstrate how desperate they were. Fuel stations, court registries, shopping malls and even banks have been reported to refuse receiving the outgoing currency notes thus putting millions of people in jeopardy. Yet, Mr. Emefiele said that the situation is ‘calming down’!—Yoruba socio-cultural group on how the Naira swap policy of the CBN is making life difficult for most Nigerians.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

INEC and the Lesson from VAR

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a mock accreditation exercise last week in 436 polling units across the country. The purpose was to test the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the general election that begins next week Saturday with the presidential poll. Available reports indicate that it was largely successful, and I must commend INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who is doing all within his powers to give Nigerians a credible election where votes will be counted. And they will count. However, it is important for INEC to be cautious of the potential risks of human error, even with the use of advanced technology like BVAS. I enjoin INEC to read the 20-page report of YIAGA Africa on the BVAS testing and mock accreditation to take onboard some important lessons. BVAS and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) are two technological innovations designed to enhance the transparency of elections and boost public trust in their outcomes. These systems, as highlighted by YIAGA Africa, address some of the most pervasive weaknesses in Nigeria’s election result management process, including falsification of votes, falsification of the number of accredited voters, collation of false results, mutilation of results, computational errors, swapping of results sheets, forging of results sheets, snatching and destruction of results sheets, obtaining declarations and returns involuntarily, making declarations and returns while result collation is still in progress, and poor record-keeping. BVAS and IReV, according to YIAGA Africa, work together “to perform critical functions in elections, and they reinforce each other’s effectiveness.” By using biometrics (voter fingerprints and facial recognition) for the accreditation process, BVAS has been a game-changer in recent gubernatorial and legislative elections. In addition to greater accountability, its use in capturing images of the polling unit result sheet (Form EC8A) and uploading them in real-time to the IReV online portal has made rigging more difficult. “So far, so good. Voters have been verified using their PVCs and authenticated using their fingerprints or facial based on which they will be given the ballot paper on election day after successful accreditation,” Yakubu enthused following the conclusion of the trial run last week. “In the polling units visited so far, no report of failure. The machines performed optimally, and this is the report we are getting nationwide.” One of the significant benefits of BVAS and IReV is the transparency they bring to the electoral process. For instance, the INEC IReV allows members of the public to create personal accounts to access all uploaded results stored as PDF files. However, as with all technologies, these systems are not infallible and the YIAGA report highlights potential pitfalls. INEC must learn from recent events in football, particularly the controversial incidents involving Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the English premiership last Saturday. These events serve as a stark reminder that even the most sophisticated technology can fail due to human error. Officially introduced in March 2018 by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) responsible for the ‘Laws of the Game’, VAR is meant to assist on-field referees in making more accurate and informed decisions by alerting them of “clear and obvious errors” and “serious missed incidents” during a football match. It works with an assistant video assistant referee (AVAR) watching the live action on a big screen in a video operation room to check incidents and communicate outcomes of their reviews to on-field referees. So, what happened last Saturday

Yakubu in England? In the match between Arsenal and Brentford, the home team were on their way to securing three points until a controversial goal in the 74th minute by Ivan Toney levelled the score to 1-1. After a lengthy delay during which an innocuous incident between two opposing players was checked, the on-field referee Peter Bankes was advised by Lee Mason in the video room to award a goal. However, Mason—a certified ‘enemy of progress’ to all Gunners worldwide—failed to draw the system lines that would have revealed that Christian Norgaard was offside when he provided the assist for Toney to score. His faulty advice to the referee resulted in an incorrect decision to award the goal that should not have been given. In the case of Brighton who were away to Crystal Palace, the goal by Pervis Estupinan was disallowed following a review by John Brooks in the VAR room who ruled that the Ecuador international was offside. But television pictures later revealed that Brooks drew the computer line incorrectly from James Tomkins rather than from another Palace defender, Marc Guehi, who was playing the striker on in the build-up to the goal. So, the on-field referee relied on faulty information from VAR to deny Brighton a goal that should have been allowed. Howard Webb, the Chief Refereeing Officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has informed both Arsenal and Brighton that the mistakes made during their matches in the VAR process were due to human error. In both cases, the technology did not fail, it was humans who dropped the ball. Despite PGMOL’s apologies and the removal of the two erring referees from future matches, the damage to the league campaigns of both teams is already done. The crucial lesson for INEC from these incidents is that, despite the reliability of technology, consequential and irreversible failures can occur due to the human factor. When we use technology to drive any process, we make a critical assumption that those managing the process will follow the rules. However, as these football incidents have shown, even the most advanced technology can be compromised by human error, which can then cast doubt on the fairness of the entire process. Such doubts erode public trust and undermine the credibility of the election outcome. Against the backdrop of

concerns that a lack of rigor in the application of technology may have influenced the outcome of the Osun gubernatorial election tribunal case, it is important for INEC to impress on its field officers the need to be thorough in the discharge of their responsibility on election day. Those who will handle the BVAS and IReV must possess the competence to work under pressure, respond to emergencies, pay attention to small details and be able to manage a range of issues that may ensue. To do this effectively, the commission can learn from its past. For instance, while the 2011 election may have been conducted at a time when INEC technology was not as robust as it is today, the fact that “some data was lost due to incomplete data transfers” during the aggregation phase was significant. Database management, according to the 2011 post-election report, “posed its own challenges as data needed for electoral operational planning was often not forthcoming or not in the form and format in which they will be easily processed.” For sure, INEC operations have improved since then. But these lessons are useful. Under Yakubu, there has been a great deal of forward-thinking. For instance, whereas in the past, “posting of all trained electoral staff, including issuance of appointment letters created its challenges particular with issues of proper identification to remove duplications, fake and proxies,” the system is now so automated and data-driven that INEC already has the details of polling/party agents as well as that of journalists who will cover this general election. I can confirm that my registration (and that of other THISDAY reporters) for field and collation coverage was done more than a month ago on the online portal created by INEC. Given his desire to continue improving electoral systems and processes with technology, I have faith in Yakubu and his commission. But others must also play their part for us to realize a successful and credible general election. For instance, it remains to be seen how what the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has appropriately dubbed a ‘Naira Confiscation’ policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will impact the election. INEC is reportedly yet to receive the required cash for smooth operations in our

kind of environment and under the prevailing circumstance. I understand that the security sector is facing a similar cash crunch. I don’t know of any country where the state and its agent, in this case CBN, would flagrantly confiscate people’s hard-earned currency notes to achieve ill-digested political objectives. But that is what happens when, as Ewi exponent, Lanrewaju Adepoju once sang, you have a leader who is deaf to the cries of his people, as President Muhammadu Buhari obviously is. If the goal of this policy was to set the country on fire, then we can surmise that things are going in the ‘right direction’. And with governors issuing different orders in their states on what constitutes legal tender in Nigeria amid violent protests, anarchy is not too far away. Let me be clear. I wholeheartedly support efforts to give Nigeria a credible election. But I do not buy the argument that the CBN policy was done to checkmate vote-buying. That is not one of the mandates of the apex bank. Besides, due to the Naira squeeze, we may witness more vote-buying than we have ever experienced in any previous election because of hunger. Yet, people at CBN are carrying on with extraordinary arrogance. In case they are living in another world, this policy has so traumatized and pauperised the ordinary people that many will sell their votes for as little as a loaf of bread on election day. Even more worrisome is that the judiciary is increasingly being dragged into these issues because our politicians—especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who cannot resolve their internal contradictions in-house (another Buhari failure)—have become more desperate. Overall, while I am optimistic that INEC operations have improved, it is critical to recognize that the application of technology in the electoral process is a continuing challenge. To ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the election outcome, the Commission must review past election reports and take stock of the lessons, particularly about addressing gaps in the capacity of its field officers. By doing so, INEC can stay alert to the risks of human error and deliver a credible, transparent electoral process that earns the trust of Nigerians.

Congratulations, Ali Pate

fter a rigorous and competitive process that started in 2021 with 344 applicants across the world, Mohammed Ali Pate, 54, was on Monday announced as the next CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In unanimously recommending him (Pate) to the Board, according to a statement by the public-private global health partnership, “both the Search Committee and Governance Committee noted Dr Pate’s achievements as Minister of State for Health in Nigeria in 2011–2013, during which time he led a flagship initiative to revive routine immunisation and primary health care, chaired a presidential taskforce to eradicate polio and introduced new vaccines into the country.” Pate, who led the “World Bank’s US$ 18 billion COVID-19 global health response and represented the Bank on various boards, including those of Gavi, the Global Fund, CEPI and UNAIDS, among other assignments” is one of the foremost experts on vaccines and immunisation. He first brought this expertise to bear at home when in 2008 the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed him to head the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). He discharged himself so creditably that President Goodluck Jonathan later elevated

Pate him to the position of Minister of State for Health. A well-respected international scholar and administrator, Dr Pate is among the growing number of Diaspora Nigerians who continue to make our country proud in the global arena. I wish him success in his new assignment.

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