WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH 2023 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Polls: We're Not in Alliance with Any Political Party, Labour Party Declares Rivers chapter defies order, endorses PDP NWC dissolves state’s executive Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Ahead of the March 11 governorship

and House of Assembly elections, National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has said the party

would not negotiate or go into alliance with any other political party. Abure said LP was only interested

in winning elections for candidates contesting under its platform. But in what seemed like a direct

affront to the position of the national leadership of the party, the Rivers State chapter of LP yesterday

declared support for the candidate Continued on page 48

Pro-Atiku, Tinubu Groups Clash over Poll Results at INEC’s Office... Page 8 Wednesday 8 March, 2023 Vol 28. No 10192. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Chatham House: Nigeria’s Presidential Election Not Conducted in Line with INEC’s Guidelines Says electoral body learnt no lesson Fitch downgrades Nigeria’s short-term social stability, on Tinubu’s ‘weak' mandate Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Chatham House, an independent policy institute based in London, has

stated that from its analysis of the February 25 presidential election, it would appear that the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) failed to learn new lessons. The organisation stressed that the electoral umpire failed to adhere to its own guidelines, which it enunciated

before the poll, especially the one bordering on the uploading of results in real-time. The London-based institute made

the assertions just as Fitch Solutions lowered Nigeria’s Social Stability score in its proprietary Short-Term Political Risk Index (STPRI) to 17.5

out of 100, down from the 25.0 previously projected, following Continued on page 50

Appeal Court Rules Today on INEC’s Request toVary Order Permitting PDP, LP to Inspect Poll Materials Tinubu seeks order to inspect election materials PDP raises the alarm over alleged plan to erase, destroy evidence of rigging Opposition parties insist reconfiguration of BVAS will tamper with evidence Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja The Court of Appeal in Abuja, yesterday, adjourned till today for ruling in an application by

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking to vary the court’s order for inspection of materials used for the conduct of the Continued on page 48

APC Constitutes 13-man Legal Team to BOOSTING COMMERCE IN EDE... Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Defend Presidential Election Petition... Page 50 L-R: Adewusi, at the opening ceremony of Ojaja Shopping Mall Complex in Ede, Osun State ... yesterday

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ 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

LAUNCH OF SAMSUNG GALAXY A14... L-R : Business Manager, Samsung Nigeria, Nathan Lee; Head of MX Division, Joy Tim-Ayoola; Managing Director, Charles Lee; Head Marketing PR, Chika Nnadozie; and Product Manager, MX Division, PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN Stephen Okwara during the launch of Samsung Galaxy A14 in Lagos…… yesterday

Elumelu: Credible Census Data Key for Economic Development Says 2023 headcount must be above board James Emejo in Abuja The Chairman, Heirs Holdings Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has said a credible demographic data remained critical for the development of the Nigerian economy, particularly in both the public and private sectors. He said the 2023 census tentatively scheduled to hold this month, must meet the “public’s acceptability criteria”. Speaking at the Nigerian Government high-level donor engagement

on the country’s 2023 housing and population census, Elumelu said, “For me this task is critical to our country’s future – if we do not know our population, we cannot properly plot our developmental path, our economic growth, our society’s goals.” He said the NPC must endeavour to conduct credible, acceptable, and non-controversial headcount and learn from the weaknesses observed during the recent presidential election.

The Heirs Holdings Group boss, who expressed the readiness of the private sector and African development organisations to support the census said the exercise would affect how resources are allocated in the country as well as several other decisions. Hence, he maintained that it was important that the process remained credible and above board. Elumelu said, “Today, Nigerian population estimates and demographic profile are unclear and

projections debatable. Census figures and population distribution have unfortunately become politicised. “Population figures have ramifications for revenue allocation, office allotment, legislative power and even elections. The stakes are, therefore, high for various interest groups – we need to act for our nation as a whole and the next generations.” Pledging private sector support, he said, “We the Nigerian philanthropic organisations and

Access Bank MD Appointed into Presidential Advisory Council on Support to Women, Girls President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed the Managing Director, Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna into the Presidential High-Level Advisory Council on Support to Women and Girls. The appointment comes on the heels of Access Bank’s concerted contribution to women empowerment through access to adequate financing and literacy while promoting advocacy and specialised training. This was disclosed in a statement yesterday. Commenting on his appointment, Ogbonna said: “This feat signifies a more significant responsibility to ensure gender equality, equal access to opportunities and national development through purposeful long-term initiatives targeted at women. “Being appointed by the Presidency signifies that we are doing something right at Access Bank and also points to the impact of our various initiatives and vocational training programs on the larger society. “Indeed, every individual, irrespective of status, organisation or tribe, has a part to play in ensuring the rights of women and girls are upheld. As we enter the month of the woman, we must recognise that gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable nation.

“Therefore, all public and private stakeholders must work collaboratively to embrace equality, ensure women have a voice and have the right support to thrive.” Since unveiling the ‘W’ Initiative in 2014, Access Bank has worked to accelerate a new and more substantial wave of hitherto scanty female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. In addition to financial inclusion and liberation, the ‘W’ initiative is a

one-stop shop for all Access Bank’s women empowerment offerings. Some of these include capacitybuilding programs, mentoring programmes, and maternal health services, all aimed at helping to build a bigger, stronger and more sustainable society. Since Ogbonna’s appointment as the MD/CEO of Access Bank Limited, he has consolidated the bank's various initiatives to ensure

equal access to opportunities and social infrastructure among women. Under his stewardship, Access Bank signed a commitment letter with the DFC for $280 million in financing to help address the financing gap for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advance financial inclusion in Nigeria and aid the bank’s commitment to supporting women-owned and led businesses.

private sector are ready to support and complement the efforts of the Nigerian government in this most important exercise. “We believe that by working together, we can achieve our shared goal of obtaining high-quality data that will inform evidence-based decision-making and positively impact our nation's development. “Nigeria is our home, and it's our duty to continually contribute to the sustainable development of the country not just for ourselves but also for the future generations yet to come.” He said, “Our country just concluded a huge logistical exercise in the form of the national elections. “We are about to embark on an even larger exercise, the census. We must, therefore, be quick learners and ensure that the lessons learned from the elections are channelled into the data collection process.” According to Elumelu, “As a private sector leader with investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy through the Heirs Holdings Group, Transcorp Group, United Bank for Africa Group, and with the work we do at the Tony Elumelu Foundation in empowering thousands of young

entrepreneurs and building the entrepreneurial capacity on the continent, I understand firsthand, the value and importance of available, accessible and accurate data in making informed decisions, driving development, and creating opportunities. “The upcoming census is a significant milestone in Nigeria's development, as it provides an opportunity to collect accurate and reliable data on the country's population and housing, which will serve as a vital tool for policymakers, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.” Meanwhile, Resident Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Ms Ulla Mueller, said the country deserved a credible census to understand the structure of the population to aid policy and decision-making. While calling for support from every stakeholder, she said the complexity of census remained a mind-boggling exercise which is also capital intensive in nature. She stressed that if Nigeria can’t deliver on its census, it’s quite unlikely that it would deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well.

Akeredolu: Corruption Trials Not Exclusive Preserve of FG Says unwholesome activities of public servants must come under close scrutiny Fidelis David in Akure Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, said the trial of corrupt cases should not be the exclusive preserve of the federal government. He pointed out that since committing certain offences was local, it was proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offence was committed. The governor spoke in Akure, during the inauguration of members of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), Members of the State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption

Commission as well as Members of Governing Council of State owned Tertiary Institutions. Akeredolu, who said the Chairman of the State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission was the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Williams Akintoroye also charged members of ODIEC under its Chairman, Dr. Joseph Aremo, to remain an impartial umpire and assist in deepening the democratic practice. He said: "The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission is one of the tripod, a very important institution, whose effectiveness

determines the extent of peace and stability at the grassroots. “This Commission is empowered by law to conduct elections to elect those who will serve the people of Ondo State at the local level. The members of this Commission will conduct Local Government elections. Their ability to remain impartial umpires will assist, tremendously, in deepening our democratic practice. “There is the argument which holds that since this body is normally constituted by the State Government, it is unwise to rely on its activities. We assert, without any fear of contradiction, that our

Administration has been fair to all and sundry since the inception of this administration. “There is no compelling reason for us to embrace injustice and illegality at this stage. Not at all", he stressed Inaugurating the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission, Akeredolu said the establishment of the Commission followed due process and in line with the claim that the current arrangement in the country is a federal system of government, describing the Commission as a novelty in the state. He charged the Commission to

beam its searchlight on the public service. “The commission of certain offences is local. Corruption trials should not be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government. Stealing is also an offence against the state. “Therefore, if an allegation of crime falls within the purview of the state’s criminal jurisdiction, it is proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offence is committed. “This Commission is expected to combat crime, effectively. Intelligence gathering should commence from the execution of the State Budget passed into law.”

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

COMMEMORATING 2023 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY... L-R: Partner head, litigation, Duale, Ovia and Alex-Adedipe (DOA); Soibi Ovia; Principal, Special Correctional Center for Girls, Mushin Lagos, Sumbo Ojukotola; CEO, Klasha/guest speaker. Jessica Anuna; CEO, Herconomy/guest speaker, Ife Durosinmi-Etti; and Managing partner/partner-in-charge, telecommunication, media and technology, DOA, Adeleke, Alex-Adedipe, during an empowerment program and donation of gift items to Special Correctional Center for Girls, Mushin, to commemorate 2023 International Women's Day organised by DOA in Lagos…. yesterday.

Pro-Atiku, Tinubu Groups Clash over Poll Results at INEC’s Office 18 CSOs, SaMBA demand Yakubu's resignation NOA urges parties to rein-in supporters to avert post-election crisis Use of dogs at polling units violates Electoral Act, police warn NNPP denies Kwankwaso congratulated Tinubu, says poll flawed Kingsley Nwezeh, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja As the dust generated by the outcome of the presidential election of February 25, won by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, was yet to settle, some pro-Atiku Abubakar and Tinubu groups, yesterday, clashed at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. While the pro Atiku group under the umbrella of coalition of Civil Society Organisations demanded the resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the pro Tinubu protesters under the umbrella of Tinubu Support Groups (TSG) told the commission not to be intimidated by rag-tag Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). Relatedly, a coalition of 18 CSOs organisations, has insisted that Nigerians would not accept the foisting of a compromised election result on the nation. This is as the Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SaMBA), has asked Yakubu, to resign if he could not guarantee a free, fair and credible elections this Saturday, when the governorship and house of assembly polls would hold. But the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has called on political parties and major political stakeholders to rein-in their supporters in order to avert post-election violence. This, nonetheless, the police, yesterday, said the use of dogs at the

polling unit was prohibited, warning that those planning to use dogs to prevent ballot box snatching would be considered as having violated the electoral law. However, while the pro-Atiku group under the umbrella of coalition of Civil Society Organisations, demanded the resignation of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the pro-Tinubu protesters under the umbrella of Tinubu Support Groups (TSG), told the commission not to be intimidated by rag-tag Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). Addressing journalists, the Secretary, Support Group Coordination, Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Tosin Adeyanju, said they staged a solidarity walk in defence of democracy and the mandate given to the president-elect by Nigerians. He said: "We came to commend you for the good job you did in the last presidential election. You have done a good job. Nigerian youths are with you, Nigerian women are with you. Do not be intimidated by the rag-tag PDP and Labour Party. "We are here to protect the mandate freely given by Nigerians to Asiwaju. He won overwhelmingly across the country. He will be president for all."

18 CSOs, SaMBA Demand Yakubu's Resignation

A coalition comprising 18 CSOs organisations, yesterday, insisted that Nigerians would not accept the

foisting of a compromised election result on the nation. The protesters were armed with placards with various inscriptions like: "INEC is a wing of APC"; "Yakubu must go"; "2023 elections is a fraud"; "Nigerians demand cancellation of INEC results now"; "We reject INEC's appropriation of results to APC"; and "Yakubu is bias", among others. Addressing journalists during the protest, convener of the coalition, Dada Olayinka, said prior to the election, INEC promised that their staff were well-trained, motivated and psychologically prepared for the task. He stressed that commission also assured Nigerians that election results would be transmitted electronically to their server from the polling units across the 176, 846. The coalition, however, said events during and after the elections would later prove that INEC performed below expectations and pulled the wool over the eyes of Nigerians.

SaMBA to Yakubu: Resign If You Won't Conduct Credible Poll on Saturday

The Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SaMBA) has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmoud Yakubu, to resign if he could not guarantee a free, fair and credible election on Saturday SaMBA, which handed down the threat in a statement by its spokesperson, Rwang Pam Jnr, also asked the Inspector General of

Police, Director of the Department of State Service (DSS) and members of the various Election Tribunals, to reassure Nigerians that they would ensure transparent polls or quit their jobs honourably. The group lamented that the failure of INEC, Police and DSS to competently perform their constitutional duties during the presidential and national assembly elections “has not only brought international disgrace to Nigeria but equally failed to protect the mandate of millions of Nigerians.” He said, “Nigerians need commitment that transcends verbal promises. The countless instances of bullying, intimidation of voters and snatching and destruction electoral materials in various polling units across the country in the presence of security agencies indicates gross incompetence on the part of the Nigeria Police, whose primary responsibility is to protect lives and property. "After a week of such daylight destruction and intimidation, neither the NPF nor the DSS has paraded any of the political thugs or their sponsors as a demonstration of their commitment towards defending the integrity of the electoral process. Consequently, millions of Nigerian taxpayers and the international community are fast losing confidence in the sincerity of these security agencies,” SaMBA said. It berated INEC Chairman and his commissioners “who either by omission or commission or both have conducted an election that has been unanimously rejected as not being free, fair or credible by international

Delight Over Spain’s Interest in Nigeria’s Music Industry Michael Olugbode in Abuja The federal government has expressed delight over Spain’s interest in Nigeria's music industry. The Spanish government yesterday, through its ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Sell, indicated willingness to invest in Nigeria’s music industry following from earlier collaboration in the country’s creative art industry. The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Folorunsho Coker said Nigeria was glad that the Western European country had shown introduce in

investing in Nigeria’s music industry. Speaking at a press conference on ‘VIS A VIS’ a flagship professional meeting between the African music industry and Spanish music producers which was also aimed at the internationalisation of African music, Coker said with Nigeria as a creative hub in Africa, Spain had recognised the importance of the Nigerian music industry to its Gross Domestic Product. He noted that: "This project will open up the potentials in the creative industry in Nigeria. So I would expect that shortly after this project, I will not be surprised to see

Spanish businesses in this creative industry deciding to come and invest in the critical infrastructure for the music industry such as the recording studios, film studios etc. "Spain recognises the importance of this creative industry to their GDP. If we can mutually benefit from this project, I think it will be a wonderful thing. Nigeria is the creative hub of Africa in music, film and fashion. “I try as much as get the interest in all the mediums of our cultural expression on this one outing because I know this is a good way for me to project Nigeria not just

music but using her music to project much more to Spain. "I think Nigeria could create a very important component of the festivals in Spain. It will attract even more Europeans to head to Spain on a continuous annual basis." Also speaking, Sell said: "I am particularly proud of this programme because it brings together a lot of things that we care a lot about. “We truly believe this project can create a good collaboration between Nigeria and Spain in the field of music, and that would provide us with a very good platform to build upon it."

observers and local observers as well as majority of Nigerians.”

NOA Urges Parties to Rein-in Supporters to Avert Post-Poll Crisis

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has called on political parties and major political stakeholders to rein-in their supporters to avert post-election violence. The Director General of NOA, Garba Abari, made the call yesterday in Abuja, during a media interaction with journalists, saying caustic and insulting narratives that characterised the campaigns must cease on all sides He said the interaction became imperative as the country tried to manage the post-election situation that has a lot of implication for the stability and peace of the country. Giving summary of the agency's observation during the elections, Abari said cases of violence as feared before the election were not wide spread, but that such was not to say that there were no cases of violence across country, citing states like Lagos, Rivers, Imo and Borno that witnessed flashes of violence. According to him, “The point here is that unlike previous elections, incidents of violence were not wide spread across states. The few cases of violence did not significantly affect the outcome of the election and indeed, where violent disruption were recorded, INEC promptly cancelled the election. Abari noted that aftermath of the declaration of results, the agency has noticed measures of disagreement with the outcome of the elections, stressing that some of the political parties that felt that they, rather than the declared candidate, won the presidential elections, have headed to court, and that their decision to vent their disagreement through legal laid down channels was commendable.

Use of Dogs at Polling Units Violates Electoral Act, Police Warn

The Police, yesterday, said the use of dogs at the polling unit was prohibited, and that, those planning to use dogs to prevent ballot box snatching would be considered as having violated the electoral law. There has been a groundswell of opinion amongst the young electorate that the best way to prevent thugs

from snatching the ballot box on election day was to unleash dogs on them. Pictures of supposed voters monitoring election with dogs had trended on social media. But the police high command warned against use of dogs at the polling units, saying it violated the electoral act. A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said use of dogs around voting centers would be viewed by police as an offensive weapon and intimidation of voters. "The Nigeria Police Force has deemed it necessary to educate and caution Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs, at the polling units on election day, as such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended. "The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorate that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers. Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/ handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others. "The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various states, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite. The conceived ideas and plans by certain individuals, electorate, and groups of people to go to the polls accompanied by pets are unacceptable, stand discouraged, and remain an act of electoral infraction as it will cause harassment and intimidation," it said. The force Headquarters, therefore, warned "those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws."

NNPP: Kwankwaso Didn’t Congratulate Tinubu, Poll Flawed

The leadership of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), has said denied reports that its Presidential Continued on page 51

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

OSHIOMHOLE GOES TO SENATE... L-R: INEC National Commissioner, Rhoda Gumos, presenting Certiﬁcate of Return to Senator-elect, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, of the APC in Abuja... yesterday

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI.

IWD: Buhari Celebrates Nigerian Women, Says Their Role Invaluable in Nation's Progress Pledges commitment to promoting gender equality Hails Masha’s appointment as first African Director of G-24 Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Nigerian women in celebrating the International Women’s Day (IWD), observed

yearly on March 8. The president also recognised the invaluable role women have played in advancing the progress of the country since independence. The president, in a statement

issued yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, pledged the commitment of government to promoting gender equality, respect for the rights of women and working conscientiously to

remove all barriers that prevent Nigerian women from realising their universal rights. On the theme of IWD 2023, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” Buhari

UNICEF Says 7.3m Adolescent Girls, Women of Reproductive Age in Nigeria are Undernourished Nigeria, others lose $1tn in GDP to exclusion of women from digital world, UN resident coordinator reveals Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) yesterday declared that the number of adolescent girls and women aged 15 to 49 years, who were undernourished has soared from 5.6 million in 2018 to 7.3 million in 2021 in Nigeria. It placed Nigeria among the 12 hardest hit countries by the global food and nutrition crisis. According to a new global report released by UNICEF, which was made available to journalists, 12 countries – including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen – represented the epicentre of a global nutrition crisis that had, “been increased by recent impacts of COVID-19 and exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and ongoing drought, conflict, and

instability in some countries." The report with the theme: "Undernourished and overlooked: A Global Nutrition Crisis in Adolescent Girls and Women - issued ahead of International Women's Day (IWD), warned that the ongoing crises, aggravated by unending a gender inequality were deepening a nutrition crisis among adolescent girls and women that had already shown little improvement in the last two decades. “This nutrition crisis is pushing millions of mothers and their children into hunger and severe malnutrition,” UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell said. “Without urgent action from the international community, the consequences could last for generations to come.” According to the report – an unprecedented and comprehensive look at the state of adolescent girls’ and

women’s nutrition globally – more than one billion adolescent girls and women suffer from undernutrition (including underweight and short height), deficiencies in essential micronutrients, and anaemia, with devastating consequences for their lives and wellbeing. It added: "In Nigeria, 55 per cent of adolescent girls and women suffer from anaemia while nearly half of Nigerian women of reproductive age do not consume the recommended diet of at least five out of 10 food groups (grains and tubers, pulses, nuts and seeds, dairy, meat, poultry and fish, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, other vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables, other vegetables and other fruits) according to the 2022 National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey. "Inadequate nutrition during girls’ and women’s lives can lead to weakened immunity, poor

cognitive development, and an increased risk of life-threatening complications – including during pregnancy and childbirth – risking mother’s lives, also, with dangerous and irreversible consequences for their children’s survival, growth, learning, and future earning capacity. "For example, in Nigeria, 12 million children under 5 are stunted, meaning they are too short for their age due to malnutrition. Of those, about half become stunted during pregnancy and the first six months of life, the 500-day period when a child is fully dependent on maternal nutrition, according to a new analysis in the report." The release explained that, “to prevent undernutrition in children, we must also address malnutrition in adolescent girls and women,” Russell added. Continues online

believed that his administration has leveraged on the creation of a ministry dedicated to digital economy to promote the importance of digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship for the girl-child. As Nigeria builds on the successes of the digital economy sector, which is the most successful in the diversification of the nation’s economy, and the Start-up Act, which creates endless opportunities to Nigerians in the technology space, the president trusted that women and girls in the country would have access to equal opportunities, live their dreams and contribute immensely to the development of the country. Buhari hailed the hard work and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor, from those sacrificing daily in the markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking limits in education, sports, medical field, arts, entertainment and even in politics, where they are still largely under-represented. The president said he was proud to have worked and associated with some of Nigeria’s brightest women in his cabinet, government and the international community. He thanked the amazons who have served meritoriously as partners in the progress witnessed on the political, economic and social fronts.

He noted that, against all obstacles, these women in leadership positions have delivered in a society still largely dominated by men. Buhari welcomed the contributions of role models and women who have demonstrated that through hard work, dedication and honesty, greatness could be achieved. Meanwhile, Buhari has congratulated the newly appointed Director and Head of Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four, (G24), Dr. Iyabo Masha. In a letter personally signed by him yesterday, the president noted that by the appointment, Dr. Masha has made history, becoming the first African to hold the position since the organisation was founded in 1971. Buhari enjoined Masha to use the position to champion the cause of developing countries, especially on the key economic challenges of economic diversification, debt resolution, tax policy and financial sector development. He said: “Having worked closely with Dr. Masha during her time with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, I have no doubt in my mind that she has the drive, dedication to duty, and professionalism to rise to the responsibilities of the position. “Congratulations, Nigeria is proud of your achievement, and I wish you a successful tenure.”

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

+0".+ 0&,+ ) ,*"+ / 5 *,+$ 0%" 0,- " %"),+ ,# 0%" + 0&,+ / )" !&+$ * 6,+ / 3%, % 2" "/0.&!!"+ 0%" &$".& / " ,+,*& ) +!/ -" &+ 0%" ) /0 !" !" &/ 3"+ *,$& #, /%" % / ,+0&+1"! 0, * (" *,+1 *"+0 ) ,+0.& 10&,+/ ,2". 0%" 5" ./ 3&0% %". )" . &+!")& )" #,,0-.&+0/ ,+ 0%" / +!/ ,# 0&*" "5,+! )&- /".2& " /%" &/ &+!""! 3")) #, 1//"! 0" %+, . 0 3%,/" * &+ ,**&0*"+0 &/ 0%" 01.+&+$ .,1+! ,# 0%" &+/0&010&,+/ +! 0%" ,* *". & ) 2"+01."/ 5 !!&+$ 0."*"+!,1/ 2 )1"/ 0,3 .!/ $.,30% +! !"2"),-*"+0 &+ 0%&/ 5" . / "!&0&,+ ,# 0%" /%" &/ *,+$ 0%" )" !&+$ )&$%0/ ,# 0%" +, 0 )" 3,*"+ 3%, ." +,0 )&*&0"! 5 $"+!". 0, )&* 0, 0%" 0,- ,# %". ."".

8 <=*;= @2=1 ; ;< !@.7 !68 02*/8 2< =1. ";.<2-.7= *7- ;8>9 ! 8/ %;*7<7*=287*5 8;98;*=287 "5, %;*7< ,8;9 20.;2*G< 5.*-270 52<=.- -2?.;<2 ¿HG FRQJORPHUDWH ZLWK LQYHVWPHQWV LQ SRZHU KRVSLWDOLW\ DQG HQHUJ\ 6KH LV WKH ¿UVW IHPDOH =8 185- =12< 98<2=287 ./8;. 1.; *99827=6.7= <1. <.;?.- *< ! 8/ %;*7<,8;9 8=.5< "5, @1.;. <1. @*< ;.<987<2+5. /8; -;2?270 98<2=2?. =;*7</8;6*=287 +8=1 27 %;*7<,8;9 25=87 +>3* *7- %;*7<,8;9 8=.5< *5*+*; !@.7 2< * 6>5=2 *@*;- @277270 9;8/.<<287*5 @2=1 8?.; =@8 -.,*-.< 8/ .A9.;2.7,. 27 8;0*72 C*=287*5 -.?.5896.7= 1>6*7 ,*92=*5 6*7*0. PHQW ¿QDQFLDO VHUYLFHV FKDQJH PDQDJHPHQW 18<92=*52=B .7.;0B *7- <=;*=.0B $1. 1*< 1.5- YDULRXV KLJK SUR¿OH UROHV WKURXJKRXW KHU FD UHHU LQFOXGLQJ &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2൶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൵XUXQ 6KH LV DOVR DQ DOXPQXV 8/ =1. *08< ><27.<< $,1885 *7- $ ><2 7.<< $,1885 27 $9*27 !@.7 2< * 6.6+.; 8/ =1. 1*;=.;.- 7<=2=>=. RI 3HUVRQQHO DQG 'HYHORSPHQW 8. D FHUWL¿HG 1*70. *7*0.; @2=1 =1. ";8<,2 7<=2=>=. &$ * 6.6+.; 8/ =1. 1*;=.;.- 7<=2=>=. /8; ".;<87 7.5 *7*0.6.7= 20.;2* * 6.6+.; 8/ =1. 7 <=2=>=. 8/ 2;.,=8;< 8 20.;2* *7- * 6.6+.; 8/ =1. +8*;-< 8/ /;25*7- ";89.;=2.< =- %;*7< ,8;9 "8@.; =- *7- %;*7< /*6 "8@.; =- $1. <2=< 87 =1. -?2<8;B 8*;- 8/ .2;< ,*-.6B 7 ;.,8072=287 8/ 1.; 6*7B ,87=;2+>=287< =8 =1. .,87862, *7- <8,2*5 -.?.5896.7= 8/ 20.;2* !@.7 1*< @87 7>6.;8>< *@*;-< %8 6.7=287 * /.@ 27 <1. @*< 7*6.- 27 =1. ) *23* "8@.; 2<= /8; 8;98;*=. 20.;2* 27 <1. @*< ;.,8072C.- +B %1. >*;-2*7 .@<9*9.;< *< 87. 8/ 20.;2*G< 68<= 27<92;*=287*5 @86.7 7 !@.7 @*< 52<=.- *6870 =1. 8<= ,QÀXHQWLDO $IULFDQ :RPHQ E\ WKH $YDQFH 0H -2* ;8>9 $1. @*< *5<8 ;.,8072C.- *< 87. 8/ G< %89 !< *7- ;.,.2?.- * E .A= >55<F *@*;- /;86 ><27.<< *B .-2* *7- =1. 20. ;2*7 $=8,4 A,1*70. %12< *@*;- ,*=.08;B ;., 8072C.- !< 8/ 52<=.- ,869*72.< @18 =1;8>01 <8>7- <=;*=.0B -2<,29527.- .A.,>=287 @8;5- FODVV JRYHUQDQFH DQG D FXVWRPHU ¿UVW HWKRV 1*?. -.52?.;.- ,869.=2=2?. <1*;.185-.; ?*5>. 87 =1. 20.;2*7 $=8,4 A,1*70. 7 !@.7 ZDV UHFRJQL]HG DV D 7RS 6$:,/ 7UDLOEOD]HU /8; 1.; 9287..;270 @8;4 27 %;*7</8;6*=287 9;8 68=270 -2?.;<2=B *7- $1*9270 /;2,*G< />=>;. 6KH ZDV DOVR KRQRUHG ZLWK WKH :RPDQ RI ,P 9*,= *@*;- +B ' " *0*C27. /8; 1.; ,87=;2+> =287< =8 20.;2* *7- 1>6*72=B 7 <1. @*< ;.,8072C.- +B ?*7,. .-2* DV RQH RI $IULFD¶V 0RVW LQÀXHQWLDO ZRPHQ /8; =1. =12;- ,87<.,>=2?. B.*; .*-270 *-2.< $IULFD DV RQH RI WKH 0RVW ,QVSLULQJ :RPHQ 27 20.;2* *7- +B .;,8786B *< 8;98;*=. .*-.; 8/ =1. ).*; 7 *;,1 !@.7 @*< ;.,8072C.- +B 8?.;78; *+*32-. $*7@* !5> 8?.;78; 8/ *08< <=*=. *< 87. 8/ =1. 48 :RPHQ LQ 6KH ZDV DOVR UHFRJQLVHG E\ $IULFD FRP RQ LWV 'H¿QLWLYH /LVW RI :RPHQ &(2V DFURVV WKH 6WRFN ([FKDQJHG LQ $IULFD 7KLV OLVW LGHQWL¿HV ZRPHQ ZKR DUH OHDG 270 ,869*72.< @2=1 ;.?.7>. 8/ 6 8; 68;. 8; * 6*;4.= ,*92=*52<*=287 8/ 6 8; 68;. $1. ;.,.7=5B ;.,.2?.- =1. ";.<2-.7= 8/ =1. ).*; @*;- /;86 =1. $.?.7 $=*;< >A>;B 8< 92=*52=B *7- 2/.<=B5. @*;-< 12015201=270 1.; VLJQL¿FDQW FRQWULEXWLRQV DQG LPSDFW !@.7 2< *5<8 1*9925B 6*;;2.- @2=1 ,125-;.7 "./,+ ) &+0.,!1 0&,+ B 7*6. 2< !@.7 !6802*/8 *6 =1. ";.<2-.7= *7- ;8>9 ! 8/ %;*7<7*=287*5 8;98;*=287 " %;*7<,8;9 * ;85. *<<>6.- 27 *;,1

";28; =8 =12< @*< =1. ! 8/ %;*7<,8;9 +RWHOV 3OF , DP WKH \RXQJHVW SHUVRQ DQG WKH ¿UVW /.6*5. =8 1*?. +..7 *99827=.- =8 +8=1 ;85.< 1*?. * $, 8>+5. 878>;< 27 $8,28580B *7- 7=1;898580B /;86 =1. &72?.;<2=B 8/ .727 *7 $, 27 >6*7 #.<8>;,. *7*0.6.7= /;86 =1. 87-87 $,1885 8/ ,87862,< *7- "852=2,*5 $,2.7,. *7- *7 *5>67* 8/ =1. *08< ><27.<< $,1885 *7- $ $9*27 B 9;8/.<<287*5 6.6 +.;<129< 27,5>-. +.270 * 6.6+.; 8/ =1. 1*;=.;.- 7<=2=>=. /8; ".;<877.5 .?.5896.7= & =1. 1*;=.;.- 7<=2=>=. /8; ".;<877.5 *7*0.6.7= 20.;2* *7- =1. 7<=2=>=. 8/ 2;.,=8;< *6 *5<8 =1. '2,. ";.<2-.7= 8/ =1. *08< ><27.<< $,1885 5>672 <<8,2*=287 *6 * @2/. * 68=1.; *7 .7=1><2*<= /8; @2-.; 27,5><287 *7- 6*7B 68;. )RUPDWLYH \HDUV DQG LQÀXHQFH RQ WKH GHFL /&,+/ * !" / 3")) / 0%" /&01 0&,+/ "+ ,1+ 0"."! &+ ) 0". )&#" 0;.@ >9 *< *7 875B -*>01=.; *7- B8>70.<= ,125- *6870<= +8B< D 6B +;8=1.;< *7- 6B ,8><27< 4XLWH GL൵HUHQW IURP ZKDW ZRXOG EH WKH QRUP ZKLOVW P\ EURWKHUV SURWHFWHG PH ¿HUFHO\ WKH\ *5<8 -.6*7-.- 1201 *,,8>7=*+252=B /;86 6. *7- ZRXOG ³UHVHW´ PH LI , VWHSSHG RXW RI OLQH :H @.;. *5<8 ,1*;0.- @2=1 -8270 ,18;.< @2=1 787. ;.<.;?.- /8; *7B 0.7-.; %1>< 6B +;8=1.;< ,*7 ,884 *< ,*7 *7- ,*7 *5<8 ,1*70. * =B;. *<=1.B ,*7 < * ,125- @*< ?.;B 27:>2<2=2?. *5@*B< *<4.- :>.<=287< *7- @*7=.- =8 478@ 68;. <8 DOZD\V DVNHG WKH TXHVWLRQ ³:K\"´ 0\ GDG DO @*B< .7,8>;*0.- 6. 27 =12< *7- =1*= 68>5-.- 6B :>.<= /8; 478@5.-0. *< *5@*B< 1*- =8 ;.*- ?*<=5B *+8>= =1.8;2.< *7- 2-.85802.< @*< :>2=. ,5.*; *+8>= @1*= @*7=.- *7- -2- 78= @*7= . 270 *?.;*0. @*< 78= *7 89=287 *< +.52.?.- 27 *7- <=255 +.52.?. =1*= @1*=.?.; 2< @8;=1 -8270 2< @8;=1 -8270 @.55 @*< +;8>01= >9 87 =1. 9;27 ,295.< 8/ 27=.0;2=B 1*;- @8;4 ;.<9.,= /8; =1. 27 -2?2->*5 *7- 427-7.<< 55 =1.<. *< @.55 *< =1. ?*;28>< 9.895. 1*?. 1*- =1. 9;8/8>7- +5.<<270 =8 +. 27 6B 52/. *< 0;.@ >9 262>@> -84848 *7- !6*0+2=<. /*6252.< =8 6.7=287 * /.@ 1*?. ,87=;2+>=.- =8 =1. B8>70 @86*7 @18 3827.- =1. @8;4/8;,. *= =1. =.7-.; *0. 8/ *7- @18 ,87 =27>.< =8 9>;<>. .A,.55.7,. 27 *55 <1. -8.< % ))"+$"/ ,. )&*&0 0&,+/ !1" 0, $"+!". ,. " &+$ 3,* + %,3 0%" /&01 0&,+ 3 / * + $"/ < 6.7=287.- *+8?. @*< ;*2<.- 27 *7 .7?2 ;876.7= =1*= -2- 78= 5262= 6B +;8=1.;< *7- 6. =8 0.7-.; +*<.- ;85.< %1>< /;86 *7 .*;5B *0. 1*?. +..7 .:>299.- *7- .7,8>;*0.- =8 +. =1. +.<= ,*7 +. @2=18>= +.270 ,87<,28>< 8/ 6B 0.7 -.; = @8>5- 27=.;.<= B8> =8 78=. =1*= 1*?. /*,.- 68;. :>.<=287< *+8>= 6B *0. =1*7 6B 0.7-.; 9;8/.<<287*55B ;.,*55 @*7=270 =8 *995B =8 * =89 8?.;76.7= 9*;*<=*=*5 *< * B8>70 0;*->*=. 8/ +>= ,8>5- 78= *< =1. 62726>6 *0. *= =1. =26. @*< /8; *7 .7=;B 5.?.5 98<2=287 &7-8>+=.-5B 1*?. 6.= <86. 9.895. 27 6B 9;8/.<<287*5 ,*;..; @18 1*?. :>.<=287.- 6B *+252=2.< ->. =8 6B 0.7 -.; *7- 6B *0. +>= *6 1*99B =8 <*B =1*= 68<= 1*?. ,1*70.- =1.2; 627-< @1.7 @. *;. .70*0. = =1. .7- 8/ =1. -*B <8 5870 *< B8> *;. -.*5 270 @2=1 89.7 627-.- 9.895. @1*=.?.; 7*=>;*5 +2*< =1.B 6*B 185- @255 /*-. 87,. B8> 9;8?. B8>; ,869.=.7,. !7 * 5201=.; 78=. *< B8> 478@ =1. 7*6. !@.7 2< 9;.-8627*7=5B *<<8,2*=.- @2=1 =1. 6*5. 0.7-.; <8 * 58= 8/ =26.< 9.895. .A9.,= =8 6..= * 6*7 EHKLQG WKH QDPH RQO\ WR EH VXUSULVHG WR ¿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¿F DFWLRQV WDNHQ WKDW KDYH FRQWULE 10"! 0, /1 "// /0,.5 7 52/. 87. 6><= *5@*B< *,478@5.-0. *7- >7-.;

<=*7- =1. ;85. 8/ =1. 0;*,. 8/ 8- 27 .?.;B=1270 WKDW LV GRQH DQG , DP QR GL൵HUHQW , KDYH EHHQ +5.<<.- =1;8>018>= 6B .7=2;. 52/. =8 +. .A98<.- =8 0;.*= 6.7=8;< @18 1*?. 95*B.- 2698;=*7= ;85.< 27 6B 52/. 27,5>-270 6B 9..;< 0;*->*=.- *= * =26. @1.7 1*?270 * $.,87- 5*<< &99.; @*< 4.B =8 -.=.;627270 B8>; />=>;. .<9.,2*55B 2/ B8> ,*6. /;86 * 1>6+5. +*,40;8>7- *< -2- @*< /8;=>7*=. =8 1*?. <86.87. 27 *74270 @18 27/8;6.- 6. 8/ =12< *7- 9.;1*9< 68;. 26 98;=*7=5B 52<=.7.- =8 =1. ,8>7<.5 *7- @8;4.- 1*;- =8 .7<>;. 0;*->*=.- @2=1 * 1201 0;*-. $V D ¿UP EHOLHYHU LQ ZKDWHYHU LV ZRUWK GRLQJ 2< @8;=1 -8270 @.55 9;.9*;.-7.<< 1>70.; /8; <>,,.<< *7- ?*5>. ,;.*=287 1*?. 9;89.55.- 6. =8 *,12.?. ;.<>5=< 27 6B ,*;..; 38>;7.B ;86 ;.*-270 % *7- # =.A=+884< *< @. 9;. 9*;.- /8; .7=;B 5.?.5 .A*6< =8 .A.,>=270 6B ;85. *< ";.<2-.7= 8/ %;*7<,8;9 ;8>9 ,87=27>. =8 EH JXLGHG E\ WKHVH 2QH GH¿QLWLRQ RI OXFN WKDW 58?. 2< 9;.9*;.-7.<< 6..=270 8998;=>72=B = YDULRXV SRLQWV LQ P\ OLIH LPELELQJ WKLV GH¿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¿JXUHV DUH HQFRXUDJLQJ WKHUH LV VWLOO ;886 /8; 68;. *7- @. *;. 0.==270 =1.;. :H FDQ KDYH PRUH SROLFLHV WR HQDEOH IHPDOH SDU =2,29*=287 27 =1. @8;495*,. 8; .A*695. 68;. /*?8>;*+5. 9852,2.< *;8>7- 6*=.;72=B *7- ,125- ,*;. "852,2.< =1*= .7,8>;*0. =1. 9*;=2,29*=287 8/ 6.7 27 <86. 8/ =1. ;85.< =1*= @.;. =;*-2=287 *55B ,.7=;.- *;8>7- @86.7 8; .A*695. UHFHQWO\ LQFUHDVHG PDWHUQLW\ OHDYH WR PRQWKV *7- @..4< /8; 9*=.;72=B 5.*?. /8; 2=< @8;4.;< = @255 +. 088- /8; =1. 9;2?*=. <.,=8; =8 ,87<2-.; =12< *< 2= 2< * 088- <=*;= /8; /*=1.;< =8 0.= 27 ?85?.- 27 .*<270 =1. <=;.<< 87 7.@ 68=1.;< *7- *5<8 0.==270 27?85?.- 27 =1. 186. /;87= %1.;. 2< *5<8 =1. =892, 8/ @8;4<9*,.< 1*?270 ,;.,1.< =8 .7*+5. 68=1.;< =8 /8,>< 87 =1.2; ;85.< 27 =1. R൶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

=.7 *= 6..=270< 5.*;7 /;86 8=1.;< *7- *995B <*2- 5.<<87< 78=1.; 9255*; =1*= @*< 4.B =8 6B 0;8@=1 2< 6B <>998;= <B<=.6 = 2< 2698;=*7= /8; .?.;B @86*7 *7- ;.*55B .?.;B87. =8 <..4 8>= 6.7=8;< *7- *5 OLHV ZKR FDQ R൵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¶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¿GHQFH *<=5B @8>5- 524. =8 .7,8>;*0. @86.7 =8 <>9 98;= 8=1.; @86.7 0.7>27.5B .=G< ,855*+8;*=. @2=1 .*,1 8=1.; 5.=G< -8 +><27.<< =80.=1.; *7- ;./.; .*,1 8=1.; @1.;. 8998;=>72=2.< *;. *?*25 *+5. .=G< ;.<9.,= *7- 58?. .*,1 8=1.; 40"+0 3,*"+ ." -.&,.&0&6"! &+ 0%" "2,)1 0&,+ ,# /1/0 &+ )" "!1 0&,+ /5/0"* &+ 0%" ,1+0.5 &# 0%"." &/ &+ ." /" ,. !" ." /" &+ 0%" "+.,)*"+0 ,# $&.)/ &+ -.&* .5 /" ,+! .5 +! 0".0& .5 "!1 0&,+ ,3 &$".& + &*-.,2" 0%" /0 +! .! ,# "!1 0&,+ #,. $&.)/ 0, *""0 &+ 0".+ 0&,+ ) /0 +! .!/ 6><= <*B =1*= 8?.; =1. B.*;< =1.;. 1*< +..7 =;.6.7-8>< 269;8?.6.7= 27 =1. .7;856.7= 8/ 68;. 02;5< 27 9;26*;B <.,87-*;B *7- =.;=2*;B 27<=2=>=287< -.<92=. =1. 478@7 ,>5=>;*5 9.;,.9 =287 =1*= 02;5< -87G= 7..- =8 +. .->,*=.- 87. *;. =1. -*B< @1.7 .->,*=270 =1. 02;5 ,125- @*<7G= UHOHYDQW :H KDYH GRQH ZHOO DV D FRXQWU\ LQ WKH 5*<= B.*;< @2=1 <.7<2=2C270 *7- .7;855270 68;. 02;5< 27 8>; 58,*5 08?.;76.7= 9;26*;B *7- <., 87-*;B <,1885< +>= * 58= 68;. 7..-< =8 +. -87. .<9.,2*55B 27 *;.*< 8/ 5.<< .,87862, -.?.589 6.7= :H QHHG ODZV DQG SROLFLHV WKDW HQVXUH WKDW HYHU\ ,125- .<9.,2*55B =1. 02;5 ,125- 6><= +. .7;855.- 27 <,1885 ;.0*;-5.<< 8/ =1.2; 0.80;*912,*5 58,* =287 = 8>; %;*7<,8;9 $,1885< @. 1*?. * =8 WDO RI HQUROOHG DW 7UDQV $IDP 6WD൵ 6FKRRO @1.;. @. 1*?. +8B< *7- 02;5< = %;*7< FRUS 3RZHU /LPLWHG 6WD൵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¿F SODQV IRU RUJDQL]D 0&,+ &+ 0%" ,*&+$ 5" ./ +! +"40 !" !" = %;*7<,8;9 @. *;. *55 *+8>= 269*,= *7- ?*5>. ,;.*=287 1.7,. 8>; 9>;98<. 8/ E 69;8? 270 2?.< %;*7</8;6270 /;2,*F *<= B.*; @. ,1*70.- 8>; 7*6. /;86 %;*7<7*=287*5 8;98;* =287 8/ 20.;2* "5, =8 %;*7<7*=287*5 8;98;*=287 "5, 27 527. @2=1 8>; 27=.7= 8/ 9;89*0*=270 8>; PLVVLRQ RI WUDQVIRUPDWLRQ EH\RQG 1LJHULD :H ;.,8072<. 27 527. @2=1 =1. 9;27,295. 8/ /;2,*92 =*52<6 =1. ;85. 8/ =1. 9;2?*=. <.,=8; 27 ,*=*5B<270 =1. -.?.5896.7= 8/ 8>; -.*; ,87=27.7= /;2,* :H ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR IRFXV RQ FDWDO\VLQJ JURZWK *,;8<< 4.B <.,=8;< 78=*+5B 27 =1. 7.;0B <.,=8; 20.;2* 1*< * 58= 8/ =;*99.- ?*5>. =1*= ,*7 +. >7 58,4.- 2/ @. 0.= 8>; 7.;0B <.,=8; *6870<= 8=1 .; =1270< ;201= %1>< @. @255 89=262<. 8>; .A2<= LQJ LQYHVWPHQWV RI QHDUO\ 0: LQ WKH 3RZHU $.,=8; -;2?. 8>; 27=.0;*=.- .7.;0B <=;*=.0B +B 6*=>;270 8>; 825 *7- 0*< *<<.= *< @.55 *< -2?.; <2=B 27=8 ;.7.@*+5. .7.;0B <8>;,.< .?.;*0270 87 8>; -8627*7,. 27 =1. 18<92=*52=B <.,=8; @. ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR UHGH¿QH VHUYLFH VWDQGDUGV DQG .A,.55.7,. 87. 18=.5 *<<.= *= * =26. &5=26*=.5B @. 5884 =8 +>25- * <><=*27*+5. ,870586.;*=. =1*= @255 <>,,..- /;86 87. 0.7.;*=287 =8 =1. 7.A= ,;.*=270 ?*5>. /8; *55 <=*4.185-.;<

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

2023 Poll: Judiciary as Last Hope of Common Man That the outcome of the 2023 presidential election wherein candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was declared winner, will be challenged in court is not in dispute. However, the worry of many Nigerians is whether the Supreme court would live above board in adjudicating the case, going by the crisis of conﬁdence and corruption that has rocked the judicial arm in

Ariwoola

Maikyau

he role the judiciary play in any society or country can best be appreciated by the evergreen statement of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “There can be no justice without peace, and there can be no peace without justice”. And like Lord Hewart, one of the great legal luminaries of all times observed, “it is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done”. Unfortunately, not many Nigerians see justice being done in Nigeria today, despite efforts by the courts to ensure justice is done in cases brought before them. For example, so many Nigerians are yet to see the justice in declaring two candidates of the All Progressives Congress, who did not participate in the party’s initial primary election for the selection of senatorial candidate as winner of the primary. Both Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had bought presidential nomination forms and actually participated in the presidential primary where they lost to Tinubu. However, they had emerged through another senatorial primary which the court declared them winner, simply because the suit

was wrongly commenced by the plaintiffs. Besides the two recent judgments that have put the courts in a further bad light, especially the apex court, the current insecurity in Imo State have been blamed by some people on the emergence of the governor as the authentic winner of the 2019 governorship election. While candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won majority of the votes cast at the poll and declared winner, the apex court however, in its judgment held that candidate of the APC, who initially came fourth in the result declared by INEC, was the authentic winner because it was proven that the electoral umpire was wrong in voiding votes in over 300 polling units which when added made the APC winner of the governorship poll. In essence, because a lot of people cannot see the justices in some of these cases, they no longer have confidence in the courts and by extension the judiciary. Little wonder they brand the courts as

corrupt, filled with judges who are ready and willing to do the biddings of money bags or influential people in the society. The issue of corruption allegations in the judiciary is not new. The administration of Buhari, did not only accused the third arm of corruption but moved against it in 2016, when its security apparatus carried out the infamous sting operation on the residents of judges, including a Supreme Court Justice who was later arraigned in court, although, he was later discharged and acquitted. The Buhari government did not rest on its oars in the fight against perceived corruption in the judiciary as it again moved to prosecute a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was then sacked for giving false information about his assets in his Assets Declaration form submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau. Although, it has not been established, but it is believed that the same corruption allegations that took Onnoghen out of office also dealt with his successor, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, who had voluntarily resigned from office, citing health ground. Unlike Onnoghen’s case when the allegations of corruption came from outside the Judiciary, that of Muhammad was from 14 of his col-

leagues on the same bench at the apex court. Their allegations were contained in a form of protest letter wherein they complained about the non-availability of basic amenities both in their chambers and homes, which according to them was capable of shutting down activities at the final court. Specifically, they had complained about the non-replacement of poor vehicles; accommodation problems; lack of drugs at the Supreme Court clinic; epileptic electricity supply to the Supreme Court; increase in electricity tariff; no increase in the allowances for diesel; lack of internet services to residences and chambers. Others are internal problems including non-signing of amended Rules of Court for almost three years; sudden stoppage of two to three foreign workshops and training per annum for Justices; no provision of qualified legal assistants. The deplorable situation was such that the Chief Registrar was said to have served Justices with an internal memo, that electricity would be supplied to the Court between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm daily, for lack of diesel. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Senate Presidency: The odds favour Northwest’s Jubrin Barau Ibrahim Olawale writes that ranking Senator Jubrin Barau from North West geo-political zone, stands a better chance of emerging the President of the 10th Senate.

he race for the senate presidency has begun almost three months before the expected inauguration of the 10th Assembly in June. Ranking senators elected on the platform of the APC from geopolitical zones outside that of the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (South-west) and his vice, Kashim Shettima (North-east) are already positioning themselves for the coveted position throwing up so many factors in the mix. The APC may likely favour the zone that gave it its strongest support and cooperation and that will favour the Northwest which gave the highest number of votes. This has been the tradition in the past, where the region that gives the ruling party its support is most favoured for such positions. During President Obasanjo era in 1999, it was easy to zone the seat of the Senate President to the South-east because the region voted overwhelmingly for the PDP government and in the Umaru Yar’Adua -Goodluck Jonathan administrations, the North-central zone was favoured due to the same reasons. In the present circumstance, since the Northwest has contributed immensely to Tinubu’s emergence, it is expected that the zone would be rewarded with the position. Coincidentally, the region boasts of an array

Barau

of rankings legislators who are eminently qualified to occupy the seat. Top on the list is Senator Jibrin Barau from Kano State. The odds favour Kano due to its strategic importance as one of the super-states in the Nigerian power equation. The need for the APC government to consider Kano has become

more imperative due to the threat of annihilation by the Rabiu Kwankwaso-led NNPP which inflicted considerable damage on the APC in the last elections. One of the few people who was able to withstand the onslaught of the NNPP and returned his Senatorial District to the APC is Jibrin Barau, a fourth-term legislator who has shown capacity, by winning the Kano North senatorial seat consistently for three consecutive times. With that feat, it has become clear that Barau has the capacity not just to check the excesses of the NNPP and return Kano fully to the APC but can provide the needed leadership for the success of the APC-led government. Senator Barau, who is the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, is a thoroughbred lawmaker who has served a better part of his political life in the parliament. He was in the House of Representatives between 1999 to 2003 where he served as the chairman of the committee on appropriation and came back to the National Assembly in 2015, this time as a senator. He not only retained the seat in 2019 but in the February elections, confirmed the fact that he is a formidable political leader by defeating the NNPP which claimed the other two senatorial seats in his state.

Barau is one politician who has had credible experience both as a legislator and an administrator but has never been associated with any scandal or controversy. For a legislator who has served as chairman of the Appropriation Committee of both the House of Representatives and Senate, he has been effective in the discharge of his duties and ensuring proper scrutiny of the budget. He has served as the Chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd, Commissioner of Science and Technology in Kano State, and member of a committee to review Nigeria’s Budgetary process. In the legislature, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) of the Senate, and later Chairman of the same Committee and was reassigned to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund as the Chairman of the Committee. Soft-spoken and easygoing, Barau enjoys the support and cooperation of his colleagues as he is accessible and humble while being effective in every leadership role he has held. The President-elect would require such an experience, committed and easy-going leader to work with as president of the Senate for the success of his administration. -Tajudeen writes from Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

M A R C H

S & P INDEX

7 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

DMBs Borrowing from CBN Grow Exponentially f r o m N 4 0 0 . 9 6 b n t o N 9 8 1 . 8 6 b n Yo Y

Kayode Tokede With the persistent aggressive liquidity mop-up by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Deposit Money Banks (DMB) borrowing from the apex bank increased by 96.4 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) to N981.86billion in first two months of 2023 as against N499.96 billion first two months of 2022. A source in the banking sector hinted THISDAY of the apex bank’s aggressive liquidity mop-up between January and February 2023, stating that DMBs decided to access the special window to meet their daily business

obligations. The apex banking regulating body has Standing Lending Facility (SLF), a short-term lending window for DMBs and merchant banks to access liquidity to run their day-to-day business operations. The CBN lends money to DMBs and merchant banks through the SLF at interest rate of 100 basis points above the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) that is currently at 17.5 per cent. The Month-on-Month (MoM) breakdown of SLF revealed that DMBs and merchant banks in January 2023 borrowed N528.16billion from CBN as against N313.35billion in January

2022 and in February 2023, it increased significantly by 143.3 per cent to N453.7billion from N186.48billion in February 2022, according to the financial data released by the CBN. The banking sector in the first two months of 2023 has witnessed scarcity of local currency that obstructed physical cash deposit and increasing uncertainty surrounding the nation’s economy. The Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele had at the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in 2023 said money market rates oscillated below and within the asymmetric corridor of the standing facilities window,

reflecting changing liquidity conditions in the banking system. A senior manager in a top tier2 bank disclosed to THISDAY of CBN’s aggressive liquidity mop-up through According to him, “The CBN has been aggressive in its intervention in the first two months of 2023. The CBN Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) debits has increased significantly this year when compared to last year. DMBs always visit the SLF window when CBN debit them CRR every two weeks. When CBN mop-up liquidity, DMBs will first resort to the intervention before they build capacity again.”

With the increasing inflation rate, the CRR debit is a means to reduce banks ability to extend access cash into the system and control the volume of money in circulation. “This policy in the short run reduces the amount of profits DMBs can make from excess credit extension and ensure DMBs will always have the right amount of cash and not fall short of funds when depositors require funds for their personal needs,” another analyst who does not want his name in print added. Commenting, the Chief Executive officer, Wyoming Capital and Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka attributed

the increase to cash scarcity, stressing that DMBs were no longer enjoying the usual cash deposits that normally come from businesses and individuals that generate significant amount of cash from relationship with various third parties. He added that, “Economy has suffered so much from the problem created by CBN’s mismanagement of currency redesign program and deliberate cash scarcity. A program that was expected to be positive suddenly turned negative because CBN did not understand the dynamics of deliberate cash scarcity as an Continued on page 23

Nestle, Dangote Cement, 7 Others Accounted for N20.9bn Unclaimed Dividends in 2022 Kayode Tokede Despite the introduction of E-Dividend Management Mandate System (e-DMMS), by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a total of nine listed companies on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) reported accumulated N20.9billion outstanding unclaimed amounts in 2022 financial year compared with

N20.08 billion in 2021 financial year. The nine companies are: Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Seplat Energy Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, BUA Cement plc, Dangote Sugar refinery Plc, and Nascon Allied Industries Plc. Unclaimed dividend is the dividend, which is being paid by the company but the shareholder

has not claimed the dividend. Unclaimed dividend is to be paid by the company as and when demanded and hence is a liability for the company. Dividends, which remain unclaimed for a period exceeding 12 years from the date of declaration and which are no longer actionable by shareholders in accordance with Section 432 of the Companies and

Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, are included in the profits that should be distributed to the other shareholders of the Company. The SEC had in 2022 disclosed that the N170 billion unclaimed dividends was finally remitted to the Unclaimed Dividend Trust Fund (UDTF), which is being managed by the Commission and the Debt Management Office

(DMO). THISDAY analysis of the nine companies’ audited result and accounts for the period ended December 31, 2022, revealed that Nestle Nigeria in 2022 reported N7.58billion unclaimed dividend in 2022 from N6.6billion in 2021, while Nigerian Breweries reported N4.8billion unclaimed dividend in 2022 as against

N4.6billion in 2021. On its part, Dangote Cement announced N4.4 billion unclaimed dividend in 2022 from N4.6 billion in 2021 while Lafarge Africa announced N1.64 billion unclaimed dividend in 2022 from N1.4 billion in 2021. Also Nascon Allied Industries saw increase in Continued on page 23

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T U E S D AY, M A R C H 7 , 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 11.11 -0.71 January 6, 2023 0.00 January 11.35 6, 2023 12.60 0.00 January 6, 2023 12.92 0.00 January 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 6, 0.00 January 3.02 2023 6, 2.22 -1.71 January 2023 6, 3.23 0.00 January 2023

Yield

6, 0.00 January 2023

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Olusola: Innovation Allowed Us Provide More Value to Customers

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day with the theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” the Managing Director Transcorp Hotels Plc, Dupe Olusola, explains how innovation was integral to her firm’s growth. She also spoke on her career journey and other industry issues. Nume Ekeghe presents the accepts Describe your background and what did you do before you became CEO of Transcorp always wanted to do something in development, something with African economies, aid and growth. I knew it had to be something that had impact and created employment and addressed poverty. It was funny, growing up; I would lie down and be glued to CNN. That was always something. I just wanted to know what was happening around the world. Somehow, I gravitated towards Economics which I studied at the University of Leicester, and then went on to study Development Economics with my thesis on the Impact of Aid and Trade on Growth in developing economies. I attended Queen’s College, Lagos, where I obtained my GCE O-levels in 1991. After O-levels, I enrolled at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom where I graduated in 1996 and went on to obtain a master’s degree (MSc) in Development Economics from the University of Kent in 1997. After my Masters, I worked in different roles with Bloomberg and Northern Trust in the United Kingdom before moving back to Nigeria. In Nigeria, I worked at SecTrust (now Afrinvest) and thereafter with Africa’s leading Private Equity Firm SME Manager/ African Capital Alliance and joined the Investor Relations department of the UBA group in 2008 before a move to Transcorp as Director of Resources in January 2010. Prior to my role as MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, I was Group Marketing Director at the United Bank for Africa and I loved it. I had a wonderful team. I also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria-based agricultural company, Teragro Commodities Limited, the agribusiness subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (now Transnational Corporation Plc). I was appointed to the position in 2014.

tomorrow’s world as well as differentiate our brand. At the height of the pandemic, occupancy went as low as 5% at our flagship property Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with losses staring us in the face. We were only able to overcome that difficult period through innovation. We introduced new offerings that were totally in line with people’s idea of safety at the time, ensuring they could have it both ways; be safe and still enjoying our premium hospitality. From drive-in cinema to food take out options and a Clean Stay initiative that ensured deep cleaning of rooms and public places at the hotel, our guests were able to have a good time while being assured of their health and safety. We were arguably the first hotel in most of Africa to recover from the impact of the pandemic; innovation gave us an edge.

Can you speak on Transcorp hotel? Transcorp Hotels Plc. is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”). ‘Transcorp Group’ is a diversified conglomerate with interests in Power, Hospitality, and Oil & Gas sectors. Transcorp Hotels Plc was incorporated on the 12th of July 1994 in Nigeria. We are the owners of the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Transcorp Hotels Calabar and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online platform for booking homes, hotels and experiences. Since 1994, the company has undergone a number of notable changes and attained some major milestone achievements. With hospitality experience spanning over 30 years, Transcorp Hotels’ brands are individually distinctive and collectively powerful. Our growing portfolio of awardwinning and innovative brands paves the way for superior guest experience across our key locations and all touch points. We have hosted some of history’s most celebrated icons, and our hotels are destination venues for business leaders and notable personalities coming into Nigeria. What has made you successful, what do you value? Wow, what has made me successful? First, I would like to establish that success is relative as it means different things to different people. For me, success is being your absolute best and constantly seeking growth in all ramifications to be the best version of yourself and produce great results. I would say what has made me successful by my standards is actively a well-rounded life, socially, emotionally, mentally, physically and financially. I have pushed boundaries and redefined the status quo as an individual and with the teams I have been opportune

Olusola

to work with to meet and exceed set objectives. I believe I am teachable and open to every learning experience as anybody can teach you something new. Being authentic is also very important to me. Staying true to my values and myself and with my family and team as amazing support systems, I have attained my current level of success and aim to achieve more. Which are the major services of the company and how does it get ahead in the competition? What value-added services do the company provide? Transcorp Hotels Plc is Africa’s leading hospitality company, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). We own Africa’s leading business hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja. However, through some innovative strategies introduced at the onset of the pandemic, Transcorp Hilton Abuja has grown to cater for even more segments than its traditional business, including leisure, leading the way in catering to the fastgrowing Bleisure segment. We are also the proud owners of Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a fast-growing digital platform for booking hotels, apartments, and experiences. We launched Aura by Transcorp Hotels in 2021 as part of our asset-light strategy. Aura by Transcorp Hotels is an online platform for booking hotels and apartments, as well as experiences. The platform is helping us expand to places it would have otherwise taken us many years to expand to. Today, we have over 5,000 rooms and counting across different hotels and apartments nationwide. With Aura by Transcorp Hotels, we are leveraging the power of technology to fast-track growth. Also, we work closely with different stakeholders and introduce innovative

offers to continue to improve demand, even as we expand our business. We are delivering a world-class event centre at Transcorp Hilton Abuja in 2024. We are also working on a new five-star hotel in the heart of Lagos, Africa’s big apple. What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? Our core values are Excellence, Execution and Enterprise. These three Es are the key pillars upon which our organisational culture is built. Excellence means the highest level of effectiveness in achieving real results. With enterprise comes innovation, and the only way to execute with excellence is to maintain a high level of integrity that ensures every stakeholder is committed to our common goal. Our core values have certainly helped us build and maintain a culture of integrity and innovation at Transcorp Hotels Plc., which are some of the important reasons for our continuous growth. Our core values are in our day-to-day lives; our standards of practice, team onboarding, and induction, and this is not only at Transcorp Hotels Plc, but these guiding principles are shared across the Transcorp Group. What is the signiﬁcance of innovative ideas in the company? The significance of innovative ideas cannot be overemphasised because innovation keeps the company at the cutting edge of service delivery. Innovation is what improves our operations and processes, ultimately allowing us to provide more value to our guests and stakeholders as a whole. Innovation allows us to stay relevant with today and

Give us your opinion on this: do organisations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? Really, there are different types of organisations; some rely on individual brilliance and heroics, maybe of a founder or some key members of the team, while others rely fully on team processes. And no organisation is by no means wrong to choose whatever works for it. However, the big difference is always sustainability. Most of the sustainable organisations out there are built on processes; even when they get some breakthroughs through individual brilliance, they institutionalise such and make it part of their process. If the hero decides to leave, the organisation doesn’t take a big hit, as the breakthrough has now become everyone’s breakthrough and the team can manage it without the hero. That is how I believe one builds to last. If you rely on heroes, progress can easily be hampered by the sudden departure of the hero through any means, including ill health or death. The danger of relying on heroes isn’t just about them getting a better offer and leaving. What are your responsibilities as a CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? In a nutshell, I am responsible for strategic direction; developing the company’s strategies, providing strategic advice to various organizational and functional leaders, and generally helping the company achieve its goals. We have been able to build a culture of excellence, execution, and enterprise at Transcorp Hotels, which all our employees imbibe. We have a common goal that we are working towards and the hunger to achieve the things we have set out to achieve keeps us all motivated. My colleagues are self-motivated, but we ensure that their working conditions are great, career progression is catered to, and there is always a new challenge; you can’t run out of things to motivate you. The happiest part of my daily routine is my interaction with my colleagues and family. The daily growth brings me joy. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the ﬁrst time? Your team is there to support you. If they win, you win. Continue to push boundaries and break the glass ceilings. Be open to opportunities that come your way and do not let the fear of failing keep you from taking a chance on things. Do not be afraid; it is better than not doing it at all. Also, you are not an island; there is a limit to what you can do alone. Network and collaborate with like-minded people, and foster strategic partnerships for optimal growth.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023

BUSINESSWORLD

ECONOMY

Adjusting to Reality of Cashless Economy James Emejo writes that the CBN’s cashless policy bolstered by the recent redesigning of the Naira may have come to stay, ushering in a new dawn for electronic payment in the country.

ith the 2023 general elections gradually winding down, many Nigerians are optimistic that the cashless initiative introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as far back as 2012 – and whose implementation became more evident following the Naira redesign programme – would at least be relaxed. This is so as a section of the public believed the cashless and currency redesign policies were largely a witch-hunt and politicallymotivated – a claim which the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had vehemently refuted. Yet, some people appeared not to understand the difference between improving the availability and circulation of the new naira banknotes and the cash withdrawal limits which was unveiled following the currency redesign – which were both meant to address specific objectives. Therefore, going by the allegations that the naira redesign and cashless programmes were introduced to punish certain persons during the electoral process, it would then be imagined that the policy should be reversed soon after the elections were over. However, while the new banknotes are expected to be made more accessible to Nigerians, alongside the old naira notes, following the Supreme Court judgement, whenever the CBN deemed it fit - given that the bank has to control money supply; the policies on cashless economy, barring any policy reversal by the incoming administration – appeared to have come to stay as well as ushered in a new normal whereby electronic payments become the preferred means of transaction over cash.

JOURNEY TO CASHLESS ECONOMY

It is however important to point out that despite speculations that the cashless programme may have been forced down on Nigeria or invented only because of the elections, the policy had been introduced in 2012 by Emefiele’s predecessor. In fact, Emefiele noted that there had been five reversals in the bank’s attempt to go cashless and promote financial inclusion since 2014 when he was first appointed as CBN Governor, adding that the reversals were born out of the need to deepen the country’s payment system infrastructure, adding that the payment system in Nigeria is now among the best six in the world. But as could be witnessed over time, the apex bank had invested in infrastructure and evolved measures to encourage the participation and innovation of cashless agents across the country. Hence Emefiele said, “We believe that we have put in place enough infrastructure that would help us attain or achieve a cashless policy that will be in line with global practices.”

NAIRA REDESIGN

On October 26 last year, Emefiele unveiled the central bank’s plan to redesign, produce, and circulate new currency denominations of N200, N500, and N1, 000 denominations, following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, the move was also aimed towards proper management of money supply, addressing currency counterfeiting, particularly the increasing ease and risk of evidenced by several security reports and the increased risk to financial stability as well as the worsening shortage of clean and fit currency, with the

attendant negative perception of the central bank. Others are to discourage vote buying by politicians, curb banditry and terror financing and fight inflation.

NEW CASH WITHDRAWAL REGIME

On December 21, 2022, the CBN reviewed upward its cash withdrawal policy across all payment channels by individuals and corporate organisations. Under the updated regime, the bank said that effective January 9, 2023, individuals and corporate entities could withdraw a maximum of N500,000 and N5 million respectively compared to N100,000 and N500,000 which was previously announced on December 6, 2022. During a recent engagement with the diplomatic community, Emefiele noted, “You are all foreign dignitaries representing your countries in Nigeria and you know and you would agree that the level at which people carry cash in Nigeria is unacceptable. “In your countries, you do not carry cash anyhow. If you carry cash and you are seen, you are questioned and profiled continuously. We want to look at your country and that is why we are saying that Nigeria, being the largest economy in Africa and with the largest population in Africa, really must go cashless. And we are delighted at the CBN that with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, we would achieve this.”

CASHLESS POLICY BOLSTERED BY NFIU

Meanwhile, those who may be speculating that the cashless policy whose immense benefits are currently being felt by Nigerians – would be scaled back may be wrong going by developments that appeared to bolster the cashless policy of the central bank. Earlier in January, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) unveiled new guidelines aimed at mitigating money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation of weapons among others.

The provisions of the framework prohibited cash withdrawal from public accounts and ban the payment of estacodes and overseas allowances to civil and public servants in cash effective March 1, 2023 – in an apparent drive to complement the efforts by the central bank to tackle terrorism-related financing as well as promote a cashless economy. The Enforcement, Guidelines, and Policies for Mitigation of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Proliferation of Weapons and Prevention of Predicate Crimes, was signed by the NFIU Director/ Chief, Mr. Modibbo Hamman Tukur and restricts cash payments of a sum exceeding N5 million (or its equivalent) for individuals, and N10 million or its equivalent for a body corporate and imposes a fine of at least N10 million or imprisonment for a term of at least three years (or both), in the case of individuals; and a fine of N25 million in the case of a body corporate. Section 26 of POCA, 2022 makes provision for the seizure and detention of cash over the prescribed amount under the law.” Tukur said, “There is nothing in these guidelines to suggest or indicate there is reason to compel or warrant a public official at federal, state, and local government to go to a financial institution to withdraw cash. In the unlikely event that a public official feels he may need cash withdrawal, he may apply for approval for a waiver from the presidency which may be granted on a case-by-case basis. “Under no circumstance, shall any category of public officers be given a standing or continuous waiver to withdraw cash from any public account in any financial institution or designated non-financial institution.”

ANALYSTS’ PERSPECTIVES

Commenting on the development, analysts in separate interviews with THISDAY agreed that the cashless policy may have come to stay barring any policy changes especially as the country awaits the incoming administration.

The analyst particularly backed the cashless and naira redesign policy of the apex bank noting that these have helped to tackle the serious security challenges bedevilling the country including kidnapping and ransom taking which appeared to have reduced following the challenges in accessing physical cash. They said implementation of the policy, however, needed to be fine-tuned. Wealth Management and Business Development Consultant, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said, “I think it is tough to determine at this point whether the policy will be sustained. The pressure leading up to the elections may not have been able to change the policy but perhaps with an incoming government, there may be need to revisit the policy. “Personally, I do not have a problem with the policy, but I do have an issue with the implementation. Adherence to the policy would undoubtedly be good for the economy in the long run, but without adequate measures in place to mitigate against the effects, it has certainly created hardship for the entire population.” Shelleng argued that the benefits of the policy outweigh the drawbacks, adding that more efforts needed to be made in easing the burden of the sudden implementation. He said in order to encourage the adoption of e-channels; the government must do more to persuade the public about the benefits, adding that the adoption of the e-Naira had been poor even though it remained a potential game changer for the CBN. He noted that the cashless policy was a fantastic opportunity for the central bank to push for the use of digital currency, adding however that little was done in terms of publicity and mass education leading up to the implementation of the cashless policy. He said, “With the right incentives, more people would have been compelled to use it and become ambassadors of the product. Paper cash is simply a means of exchange that has been widely adopted and extremely convenient. An informal economy like Nigeria thrives on cash but with the penetration of mobile phones to every nook and cranny, there is an opportunity to gradually introduce a new form of exchange. However, we must be mindful that change takes time.” Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, stressed the need for the political will to carry through with the policy. He said, “If the political will exists and does not change with a change of government, then, it has come to stay. If there is no distortion in the policy, Nigerians will gradually get accustomed to it and adjust. “Let us, therefore, watch the incoming government and see whether they will consider the policy plausible enough to continue.” On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade said the cashless policy is envisaged to be the next stage of economic advancement if properly implemented. He said, “The negative impact of the policy presently is based on implementation. The country’s network backbone has not been able to support the millions of transactions occasioned by the cashless policy daily and so we are presently witnessing more failed transactions than before the commencement of the policy.” He noted that policy remained a commendable initiative by the central bank and should be fine-tuned to ensure that it brings a better economic experience to the people.

NESTLE, DANGOTE CEMENT, 7 OTHERS ACCOUNTED FOR N20.9BN UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS IN 2022 its unclaimed dividend to N695.8 million in 2022 from N658.16 million in 2021. Other notable companies with unclaimed dividend are: BUA Cement with N689.54 million unclaimed dividend in 2022 from N474.7million in 2021; MTN Nigeria Communication with N632 million unclaimed dividend in

2022 from N688 million; Seplat Energy in 2022 reported N448.55 million unclaimed dividend in 2022 from N939.25 million in 2021 and Dangote Sugar with N39.27 million unclaimed dividend in 2022 from N88.34 million in 2021. Experts believe multiple securities subscriptions, incorrect data and lack of sensitisation by

market regulators are majorly the challenges contributing to unclaimed dividend in the Nigerian capital market. The Director-General, SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda in 2022 stated that efforts are on-going to rebuild the e-DMMS platform in a sustained effort to drive down unclaimed dividends in the capital market.

Yuguda said members of the Capital Market Committee had adopted some measures to increase the number of mandated investors on the e-DMMS and reduce the quantum of unclaimed dividends in the market adding that the e-dividend Committee had been working on the platform and have concluded plans to have it rebuilt.

He said this involves having a centralized submission of E-dividend mandate forms, Application Programming Interface (API) for Banks and Registrars, and a revamped web interface among others. Speaking with THISDAY, the CEO, Wyoming Capital & Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka stated that,

“The truth is that some investors are yet to actualize the E-dividend mandate by SEC, and they appear to be in large numbers. Some of them are outside Nigeria, and have been away from the country for quite a long time. Some are late, while some others may have reasons for temporarily staying away.”

DMBS BORROWING FROM CBN GROW EXPONENTIALLY FROM N400.96BN TO N981.86BN YOY unusual monetary management tool.” On his part, the vice president, Highcap securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori attributed

increasing DMBS borrowing from CBN to demand from customers. According him, “It could be that some DMBs are over-

stressed and they needed money to meet existing obligations. These could have been the two major reason DMBs increase borrowing from CBN.”

Findings by THISDAY revealed that DMBs deposit with the apex bank spikes in the period amid political uncertainties in the country.

In the period under review, deposit with CBN stood at N1.25trillion, representing per cent YoY increase from N785.87billion in corresponding

period of 2022. Adnori stated that the naira design policy and political tension had forced DMBs to deposit with the CBN.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

FEATURE

APM Terminals: Narrowing the Gap in Gender Equity Gilbert Ekwugbe writes on how APM Terminals introduced more gender friendly policies as regards its female employees.

Chinenye Miriam Deinde

ince 2019 when the federal government approved women working night shifts, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, began a concerted effort to create opportunities for women in its largely male-dominated operations. Starting with the employment of female crane operators that same year, the company has gone on to introduce more gender friendly policies as regards its female employees. Women can now be found in previously male dominated roles such as the planning department and banksmen. With this year’s theme for the International Women’s Day being Equity for All, female employees across the three APM Terminals facilities in Nigeria take stock and review the company’s contributions towards gender balance. One of such areas is encouraging women to not only aspire for leadership positions but to also undergo specific training programs designed to position them for roles in leadership and management. Already, at terminal levels across the country and the national level, APM Terminals has six women in management. Senior Human Resource Business Partner, APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ngozi Ben-Ude, reiterates, “In APM Terminals Nigeria, we not only give equal opportunities to both genders, but we also actually go the extra mile to encourage female participation in some of the fields and roles where you have limited participation of females. We also ensure we have female representation in the leadership cadre of the organisation and create an enabling environment for them to succeed in whatever roles they have within the company.” Not to confuse equality with equity, a distinction must be made between the two. General Manager, Legal and Corporate Affairs, APM Terminals Nigeria, Chinenye Miriam Deinde, while noting the difference, described as positive, the shift in the IWD theme from equality to equity. According to her, “Equality means I share resources to people equally irrespective of their specific needs. Equity means apportioning resources to persons according to their specific needs in such a way as to level the playing field for everyone. What women want to see is employers looking beyond absolute values and determining what support each employee needs. Women for example may need additional support to be at par with their male colleagues.” Additional support such as the APM Terminals Strategies for Success (SFS), a training program specifically designed to position women in the junior cadre and middle management level, for leadership positions. For RTG Operator, APM Terminals/West African Container Terminals Onne, Goodhope Rowland, the International Women’s Day theme resonates on a more personal level. She stated, “I always look forward to every theme that comes with the International Women’s Day celebration. On

Goodhope Rowland

Adaeze Ojukwu

a personal level, it’s usually an opportunity to get curious and learn something new about a topic. This year’s theme resonates a lot with me, when I think of not just the opportunity that I’ve been given to play in a unique space, but also the privilege of being well equipped to function and succeed in that space, regardless of social definition of concepts such as gender. Now that is what Embrace Equity means, it’s about fairness, giving people equal access to opportunities, dismantling, and strategically addressing systemic oppression and inequalities that potentially stall progress of any kind. Inequalities could be racism, gender discrimination and more, but in the context of the IWD celebration, it’s all about gender gaps and differences in the workplace.” One cannot speak of equity without inclusion, enabling employees feel comfortable and confident of themselves, working in a way that allows them deliver your business needs. Customer Service Officer, APM Terminals/ WACT, Adaeze Ojukwu, said, Historically, the terminal and shipping business is a male dominated space, with unimaginable opportunities for women. Consequently, as part of its strategy of becoming a Safer, Better and Bigger Terminal, APM Terminals has been on a journey of enabling a highly diverse and inclusive workplace, actively enhancing more female involvement in the business, and ensuring everyone is given a fair chance to succeed in any capacity, taking into cognizance the differences and individual needs of each woman. Adaeze adds that in her time with APM Terminals, the company effortlessly aided female employees realise their full potentials, while allowing for introspection on how to become better. This has expectedly led to an increase in the number of female employees with remarkable presence in roles that previously enjoyed only male presence. “In APM Terminals Nigeria, women are also stamping their presence in leadership

positions, where, along with their male counterparts, they are held accountable for progress in diversity and inclusion agenda, demonstrating APM Terminals’ commitment to the cause,” she said. Making gender friendly policies and enabling equity in the work environment is not without its challenges and pitfalls. As with all positive ideas and policies, there is always the human element to look out for. Uzoma aptly captures this. She said, “Biases and stereotypes always come in the way of having a truly diverse work environment. There are stereotypes about roles that should be done by men and women and sometimes people are not open to the possibilities of having the female gender in certain roles and levels of responsibility within the organisation. “In addition, people perceive creating an enabling environment for women as creating double standards and as such might not welcome the opportunity for inclusion, and we therefore can lose the huge benefit of having a diverse workforce where everyone is contributing from different perspectives and the performance of the organisation is enhanced.” To counter this human element, Chinenye pointed the need for all leaders to be conscious of their individual biases. Specifically she said, “Bias is a big issue because it is unconscious. As an employer and a leader, you may not be aware that you have this bias. So we need to ask ourselves what unconscious biases do we have? It is important to shine the torchlight on these unconscious biases by confronting ourselves honestly if we are to make fair decisions.” To ensure inclusivity, APM Terminals focuses on gender equity and inclusion right from the point of recruitment through the

“We ensure that we demonstrate a duty of care towards our female employees by creating female gender sensitive policies and environment to ensure they can perform at their best. We also provide good health care system and have family support programs.”

Fatima Yakubu Aliyu employee life cycle. Employees are mandated to undergo a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion training to create awareness about unconscious biases and how they can stifle equity in the workplace. Uzoma adds, “We ensure that we demonstrate a duty of care towards our female employees by creating female gender sensitive policies and environment to ensure they can perform at their best. We also provide good health care system and have family support programs.” Customer Service Officer, APM Terminals Kano, Fatima Yakubu Aliyu, throws more light on some of the gender friendly policies, describing them as encouraging to female employees to aspire further. She said, “As at the time I joined APM Terminals a few years ago, the Human Resource Manager was a lady. I was impressed; it was encouraging to know that I could also aspire to management. “The company has a great maternity program; four months of paid leave and 6-month back to work program that allow you to resume later and close earlier than normal work hours. This wayt, it makes adjustment back to work after maternity easier on the women.” There is still much to be done in ensuring workplace equity and closing the gender gap. However, the first steps begin with acknowledging the loopholes and the courage to make the necessary changes.

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERVIEW

SEYI MAKINDE: I Fulﬁlled All My Promises, Believe Oyo People Will Reelect Me This Saturday Few governors deserve a second look —even fewer deserve another turn. Handsome and winsome, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State deserves both: a second term and a second look. The high-performing and empathetic governor will go to the poll this Saturday —to contest the March 11 gubernatorial election. Ingenious and humane, he exemplifies “government of the people, for the people, and by the people,” signposted by his achievements in security, economy, education, health, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, youth and women empowerment. In this interview with THISDAY, Makinde reveals he has more to offer and believes the people of Oyo State will repay him at the polling booth by reelecting him come Saturday, March 11, for the great achievements he has recorded in the last four years. Excerpts: could not maintain it for more than six months, but we have done this consistently for three and a half years. We have been paying minimum wage and consequential increases in Oyo State since January 2020. Not only that, we have paid 13th-month salaries four times in a row, and this last year, we paid N10,000 each to pensioners as well.

What would you like to pitch to the people of Oyo State within the context of being returned as governor? et me start by thanking the good people of Oyo State who gave me the opportunity to serve them. Just like four years ago, the election is going to be a one-day event, but the ramification and effects will stay with us for another four years. I want to urge our people to come out and not be afraid. Come out and make your choice. Vote for me again. What we have enjoyed for over three years in the state was the result of the step you took by voting for me on March 9, 2019. Now, on the 11th of March, 2023, go out and do the same thing, and we will have the Oyo State of your dreams. We are talking about civil servants and pensioners being paid for 45 months unbroken out of 48 months of this tenure: that is about 94 per cent really gone. If we want to extend it and not stop at 48 but go to 49, 50 and even 96, then come out to vote for PDP and all the PDP House of Assembly candidates. I will work with the House of Assembly members who approve budgets and bills we want to turn into law. So, please vote en masse for the PDP next Saturday.

Your administration was criticised at the initial stage as engaging in populism. Did these criticisms get to you at some point in a way that could have made you consider changing your style of leadership and governance? To be honest, I am not sure what it was about how we were governing the state that made people refer to our policies and projects as populist. Mind you, we have not changed the way we govern. I think, in general, Nigerians are not used to governance with a human face. We promised a government that would execute people-centred policies, and that is what we will continue to do. For example, the decision to scrap the N3,000 school fees for secondary schools was a pragmatic decision to increase access to education for our people. As a result, in the first two years of our administration, of the over 250,000 out-of-school children our administration inherited, we were able to return over 54,000 to the classrooms. Another example is ensuring that salaries of civil servants, pensioners and local government workers are paid on the 25th of every month. Apart from the fact that workers deserve their wages as and when due, this consistent payment of salaries injects about N12 billion into the Oyo State economy every month. Why did you go into politics? I went into politics to make a difference. So, our administration’s focus is to do the right thing that benefits the good people of Oyo State. This is what keeps me going when things are rough. When I go out and see the difference our policies and programmes are making to our people, it encourages me to keep going. Can we have a sectoral overview of what you have achieved in the security of Oyo State? In security, we provided critical infrastructure: security vehicles, security posts and communication gadgets for the security agencies. Of course, a major achievement is operationalising Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, after South-West governors agreed to set up the agency. To date, we have recruited and trained 2,000 Oyo Amotekun Corps members, the most in the South-West region. We have also equipped them. Our security strategies have resulted in our farmers returning to their farms. What about the state’s health sector? We renovated and upgraded over 200 PHCs across the state, which we have already started equipping. We also upgraded and equipped secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. We have increased enrollees on the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme from 45,000 to over 300,000, and this includes pensioners who need the service the most. Not only that, our Omituntun Free Health Mission has reached over 2 million residents in underserved areas of the state with free medical and surgical care. Considering the education sector, what are the successes recorded by your administration? The big one is the sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). This was a campaign promise that we were able to achieve within our first two years in office. We have adopted a multi-campus approach for the university and are

These are indications the economy of the state is buoyant. Could you walk us through the economic indices of Oyo State under your watch? Data from the Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning shows that our economy grew from N2.75 trillion in 2019 to N4.05 trillion in 2022. As I said earlier, one of the reasons this has happened is that by creating an enabling environment, we attracted big businesses to Oyo State. Between 2019 and 2022, we attracted net local investments (Capital Expenditure, Business Fixed Investment, Residential Housing and Changes in Inventory) worth over N457.76 billion. In agriculture, our strategy was to approach it from a business perspective which is why before our first year in office anniversary, we established the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) to drive agribusiness investments in the state. We have attracted over N35 billion of investments into the sector from big businesses who have also served as off-takers for our smallholder farmers. We have also registered about 12,000 smallholder farmers who we have been supporting with inputs and assets.

Makinde currently constructing the Iseyin Campus, which houses the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources. Not only that, LAUTECH has been adjudged the best state-owned university in Nigeria in both local and international rankings. We were also able to complete the building of 60 model schools and construct/renovate over 700 classrooms, among other projects in the sector. We also reduced the manpower deficit by employing 5,000 secondary school teachers and 692 Education Officers. We recently got the approval to convert the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education into a university of education. When we assumed office in 2019, we had 1.5 universities, and now we have three, which will increase access to affordable tertiary education for our people. From 2019 to date, how have you invested in developing infrastructure in Oyo State? As I often say, where roads go, development follows. Even before we completed the reconstruction of the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road, agribusinesses started springing up along the route. Another example is the 7.2km Idi Ape-Basorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks Road dualisation project. If you go to that area now, you will see that new businesses have been established simply because the road was built. And all the data from Oyo State attest to the fact that our economy is growing. Our internally generated revenue (IGR) has increased by over 100 per cent since we assumed office in 2019 from about N1.7 billion monthly to N3.8 billion as of November 2022. Also, the last available data for VAT collection put Oyo State in the third position in Nigeria. This increase in VAT collection could only happen because we have a thriving economy. Upon reelection, we will activate a lot of projects, including the Ilutuntun Business District in Akinyele, which will have a digital technology hub for the youths. Even for big businesses, we have several examples of businesses expanding their operations and remaining within a zone of the state because of the linkages we have created. For example, you may have heard that Brent Farms Ltd, which started operations in 2020 in

Oyo State, is expanding its business to include a sugar factory. The groundbreaking ceremony for the sugar factory was last month. That factory is on the newly constructed 76.7km Iseyin-FapoteOgbomoso Road. Just last August, I commissioned another agroprocessing facility, the first cassava-based sorbitol factory in Nigeria and Africa and only the second in the world at Psaltry International Company Ltd because of the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road. Infrastructure development has focused on road construction, resuscitating moribund facilities and housing projects in collaboration with the private sector. We have been able to construct and rehabilitate over 500 kilometres of roads in the past three and half years, including major projects like the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road which we completed in a record 18 months in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing construction of the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road and the construction of bridges, including interchanges of 32km of the 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. We have resuscitated six previously moribund facilities, including the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, which hosted an international match in October last year for the first time in nearly 30 years; and the Pacesetter Quarry and Asphalt Plant, Ijaiye, which is contributing revenue to the government as well as asphalt for our road constructions and rehabilitations. What will you point to as your achievements regarding workers’ welfare? Regarding pensions and gratuities, we inherited a backlog of about N56 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities dating back to 2011. The first thing we did was to ensure that we paid pensions in full from May 2019. The previous administration had been making pension payments in percentages. Next, we started to pay the backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities, and to date, we have paid N19.5 billion. The salaries of civil servants, primary school teachers and local government workers are paid on the 25th day of every month, now known as the ‘GSM day’. When we started, people said we

Nigeria boasts huge statistics of teeming youths. No doubt Oyo State has its fair share of that number. What is your government doing for this group of Nigerians? Our youths are being supported through training and enterprise support. We are collaborating with international organisations to carry out some of our programmes for youths. For instance, the Start Them Early Programme (STEP), which is a collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, trains students in secondary schools on agribusiness value chains. So far, the programme has impacted 1,500 students. We also trained about 4,000 youths in technology-driven agrifood systems at Nasarawa and the Oyo State-IITA Youth in Agribusiness Incubation Park Centre, Aawe (another one of our resuscitated moribund facilities). Of course, sports development benefits our youths as well. As stated earlier, we reconstructed and upgraded the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba. We are also upgrading at least one stadium in every zone in Oyo State. Not only that, we have trained and empowered youths. For instance, we currently have ongoing training on entrepreneurship for over 400 youths under the Graduate Industrial Self Employment Loan Scheme (GISES) who will be empowered with loans of up to N500,000 to set up their businesses. Human capital development won’t be complete without women. Is a speciﬁc programme targeted at women in the state? Of course, our women in Oyo State are not left out. As far as representation is concerned, we appointed the first female Secretary to the State Government in the history of Oyo State. In fact, we have 20 per cent female representation in my cabinet. We are working towards increasing that under Omituntun 2.0. We have also carried out programmes targeted at our women. For instance, we worked with the French government to provide training for 150 women in agribusiness through the Support for Women Entrepreneurs in the Agrifood sector in Nigeria (SEFAN/SWEAN) project. I also signed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill 2021 into law to tackle violence against women. We will release our Roadmap for Sustainable Development in Oyo State 2023-2027 for our second term at the end of this month. I know second-term manifestos are not common in this part of the world, but we are not afraid to make promises, nor do we deny campaign promises. While maintaining the four pillars — economy, education, healthcare and security — we have expanded the economy to include tourism and solid minerals exploitation. We are confident of a win in the March 11 (gubernatorial) election, and with this document, our people will have another opportunity to track our campaign promises and hold us accountable.

26 T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Wednesday March 8, 2023 Vol 27. No 10189

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

THE RACE FOR ENUGU GOVERNMENT HOUSE PAT ONUKWULI reckons Chijioke Edeoga is the man to beat

See page 31

AFRICA ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF 5G CONNECTIVITY Telecom services on 5G will take time to come to fruition, reckons SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

See page 31 EDITORIAL

NIGERIAN WOMEN AND THE TECH SPACE

For fairness, North-central should have it in 10th Assembly, contends ANDREW AGBESE

THE BATTLE FOR SPEAKERSHIP OF THE GREEN CHAMBER In the history of Nigeria’s legislature, it is only the North-central geopolitical zone that has had the shortest stint of three months at the Speakership of the House of Representatives. All the other geopolitocal zones have held it for several years, with the exception being the Southsouth. The only time the North-central zone held it was in 1983, when the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) administration of President Shehu Shagari won a second term and Hon. Chaha Biam from Benue State was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. He served from October to December of that year, and suddenly, the military sacked the 2nd Republic. In the 1st Republic, Chief Jaja Wachukwu from the region now known DV 6RXWK HDVW EHFDPH WKH ÀUVW LQGLJHQXRV Speaker. That was in 1959, shortly before independence. He handed over the baton to Ibrahim Jalo Waziri from the region now known as North-east in 1960. Chequered by so many millitary interruptions in Nigeria’s democracy, the history of the legislature has been a tale of vicissitudes, with so many ups and downs. At the return of democracy in 1979, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) from the South-east had held sway as Speaker from 1979 to 1983, in a marriage of convenience between the NPN and the NPP. Prior to the current democratic dispensation, the Ibrahim Babangida administration had inaugurated a federal legislature that served under his military government. In that era, the South-east took the slot of Speaker when Agunwa Anaekwe, from Anambra State, served as Speaker of the House between 1992 and 1993. Before the current dispensation, the North-east has had it once while the South-east held it thrice with Ume-Ezeoke and Anaekwe. But the long haul of the current dispensation with the return to democracy in 1999, which has remained uninterrupted for almost 24 years, has given almost all the geopolitical zones in the country, the opportunity to produce speakers of the House of Representatives for reasonable number of years. However, the North-central, which apart from the three months’ stint by Chaha Biam in the 2nd Republic, has not had any opportunity to preside over the Green Chamber. From 1999 to 2007, the position of Speaker was zoned to the North-west

Senate President would go to the Northwest. Then, the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker should go to the North-central and South-south regions respectively. This will ensure fairness and equity and give all the zones a sense of belonging in the next administration. Moreover, the North-central zone has contributed massively to the victory of the APC during the presidential and National Assembly elections that it should be given priority consideration in the allocation of SROLWLFDO R΀FHV In the just concluded elections, the North-central has given the APC with Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba presidential candidate the third highest and Aminu Bello Masari taking their number of votes from the regions, pulling turns. Between 2007 and 2011, the South- 1,670,091 of the votes cast. west had it with Patricia Etteh and Dimeji All the states in the zone voted Bankole presiding, while the position overwhelmingly for the APC such that went back to the North-west between even where it did not lead, it followed 2011 and 2015, with Aminu Waziri closely as second. Tambuwal presiding. And in 2015, the The number of votes polled by the APC North-east clinched the position again in the North-central were even more than with Yakubu Dogara reigning as Speaker. the 1,190,458 votes that the North-east, By 2019 however, it returned to the where the vice President-elect hails from South-west with the current Speaker, recorded. Femi Gbajabiamila. Since the formation of the APC, As permutations have commenced over the region has been overwhelmingly who will be Speaker in the 10th Assembly, VXSSRUWLYH RI WKH SDUW\ ZLWK ÀYH RI WKH it has become necessary to draw attention governors being members of the party. to the need to zone the position to the In 2015, states like Plateau and Benue, North-central, which is the zone that has voted out the then ruling parties and the least representation on the seat. gave their mandates to the APC and since So far, the North-west has had more then the love for the party in the zone has than a fair share, having taken the slot remained entrenched. for 12 record years with Salisu Buhari, 7KH ]RQH DOVR KDV DEO\ TXDOLÀHG UDQNLQJ Na’Abba, Masari and later Tambuwal. PHPEHUV WKDW FDQ HͿHFWLYHO\ KDQGOH This is followed by the North-east with WKH R΀FH RI WKH 6SHDNHU ZLWK WKRURXJK the 10 years of Jalo Waziri and Dogara H΀FLHQF\ LI JLYHQ WKH FKDQFH combined. Then the South-west, with the There are ranking lawmakers such as combined eight years of Etteh, Bankole $KPHG ,GULV :DVH ZKR LV D ÀIWK WHUPHU and Gbajabiamila. The six years of Ume- representing Wase Federal Constituency Ezeoke and Anaekwe from the South-east of Plateau State, and a host of others from and the one year of Wachukwu equally the zone, who are capable of leading the make for fair shot by that geopolitical House. zone. But Wase stands out as he is currently Apart from the historical factor, the the Deputy Speaker of the House, and a OLNHO\ FRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI WKH WK $VVHPEO\ very loyal party man, who will use the ZKLFK ZRXOG GHÀQLWHO\ WDNH D FXH IURP experience and knowledge garnered the composition of the executive arm serving in his current position to give of the All Progressives Congress (APC) WKH +RXVH DQ H΀FLHQW DQG HͿHFWLYH government, which has already produced leadership. the next president and his vice, also makes This would be the best way to it imperative for the North-central to be compensate the North-central zone considered for the Speakership. for both its shortfall in occupying the With the current arrangement where 2΀FH RI 6SHDNHU DQG IRU LWV VLJQLÀFDQW the president-elect comes from the contributions to the success of the APC in South-west and the vice president-elect the just concluded elections. from the North-east, it is expected that the Senate Presidency would go to the Agbese South-east while the position of Deputy writes from Wuse, Abuja

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY

331

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023

PAT ONUKWULI reckons Chijioke Edeoga is the man to beat

THE RACE FOR ENUGU GOVERNMENT HOUSE

On Saturday March 11, 2023, the quadrennial ritual of electing and reelecting SROLWLFDO R΀FH KROGHUV LQ 1LJHULD ZLOO EH observed throughout the country. While few states like Anambra will not observe this ritual in full due to their staggered governorship election, others like Enugu are obliged to do so. To that extent, intense political activities are more evident in the states observing this ritual in full. In Enugu the contest is bearing signs of a tough contest among three candidates who are the foremost contenders for the big win. Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party, Frank Nweke Jnr. of the All Progressives Grand

Alliance and Peter Mbah of the People’s Democratic Party are fairly equally strong to win the polls. All three are from Enugu East Senatorial Zone where the governorship position is zoned in line with the state’s rotation arrangement. Ordinarily, electing a governor of a state from a senatorial zone will appear to constrict the political space and restrict choices, but the three contestants in particular have varied experiences that will serve the needs of Enugu and her people in this trying period. However, only one of them has greater chance of a win as well as minded to deliver on good governance. And that is Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party. He may not approximate all the qualities of a demon administrator, but he surely has an advantage over his closest rivals. One, Edeoga has borne UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV RI HOHFWHG R΀FHV ERWK DV D Local Government Chairman and Member, House of Representatives. Two, he has held appointive positions that exposed him to the complex workings of the executive as well as the legislature. He was a Commissioner for Environment in Enugu State, Special Adviser to former Deputy Senate President on Legislative matters, Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly, etc. The experience of the other candidates if pitted against his easily pales in comparison. What he is bringing to bear in governance in Enugu State is a composite skill honed through exposure to both elective and appointive positions. Neither of his two closest rivals has as much experience to trump him in the contest. Edeoga is enough of a politician, a journalist, a lawyer and with mild manners to navigate the fractious politics of Enugu State and deliver good JRYHUQDQFH +H LV WKH NLQG RI PDQ \RX ÀQG easy to entrust with the collective aspiration of a people and go to sleep. He is judicious in action and will most likely not provoke distrust through political indiscretion. While his track record of performance LQ SXEOLF R΀FH VWDQGV KLP LQ JRRG VWHDG WR perform excellently if elected, his platform, the Labour Party, hitherto “without structure”, puts him in a pole position to win the contest. The performance of the Labour Party in the

KHDYLO\ ÁDZHG HOHFWLRQ RI )HEUXDU\ has changed the perception about the coming elections. The desire of Nigerians, especially her youth population which forms the greater number of the voter audience to have a new country has put parties like the APC and the PDP on edge. The revolutionary zeal of the Obidient movement which largely propels the Labour Party has shown scant regard for the survival of the other parties. It was evident in that last election that many candidates got lucky not for any special HͿRUW RI WKHLUV EXW IRU PHUHO\ FRQWHVWLQJ RQ the Labour Party ticket. And so far as that development goes, nothing has happened to suggest that the next Saturday election will be DQ\ GLͿHUHQW 5DWKHU WKH IDLOXUH RI WKH ,1(& to discharge the responsibility fairly and credibly has compelled greater determination to elect more Labour Party candidates in the coming election. The zeal to avenge the subversion of the will of the people in the last election is evident in the manner the people are pulling for Labour Party candidates across the country. 7KH VWRU\ LV QRW DQ\ GLͿHUHQW LQ (QXJX 6WDWH where Edeoga’s emergence as the Labour Party governorship candidate was achieved in almost the same manner as Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate. Edeoga moved over to Labour Party after losing out in the People’s Democratic Party primaries. However, his candidacy was challenged up to the Supreme Court by one Evaristus Nnaji who sought to stop him. In its ruling the Apex Court described Nnaji as a meddlesome interloper who should not have gone to court LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH EHFDXVH KH ODFNHG WKH ORFXV standi. “He should not have gone to court in WKH ÀUVW SODFH VLQFH KH GLGQ·W SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH Labour Party governorship primaries.”. It is important to state here that since the campaigns, Edeoga has continued to chalk up good popularity with the people. He has public acceptance which is premised on his previous record of performance as IsiUzo Local Government chairman, Federal Law Maker, Commissioner, etc. The fact of his being from Isi-Uzo in Enugu East Senatorial Zone, but has ties with Enugu North Senatorial Zone with a running mate from Enugu West makes his governorship a balanced package. It is a governorship in the best position to heal Enugu State and QLS RͿ WKH VSULQJLQJ EXG RI GLYLVLRQ DERXW to take root in the state. Enugu’s match to statehood has no greater chance of taking HͿHFW XQGHU DQ\ RWKHU JRYHUQRUVKLS EXW Edeoga’s. He has not hidden his distaste for the imaginary divisions orchestrated by few SROLWLFDO SURÀWHHUV MXVW WR GHHSHQ WKHLU SHUFK Decrying the politics of division in the state he once said: “We do not speak in zones. We speak of the state as one united constituency in need of transformation, and this we are determined to do”. There is the belief that he is the preferred candidate in the March 11 polls. But more of this belief is hinged on his ability to push up the frontiers of development, make Enugu State the frontline state it was and heal her of the divisions caused by self-serving politicians who want to remain at scene perpetually. It is not expected that anything will blight his chances at the polls. He has worked hard to “ensure there grows no weed of rebellion WR FKRNH WKH ÁRZHUV RI JUDFHµ +H ZLOO QRW labour in vain. Onukwuli, PhD., writes from Bolton, United Kingdom

Telecom services on 5G will take time to come to fruition, reckons SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

AFRICA ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF 5G CONNECTIVITY With less than one percent coverage of the Fifth Generation (5G) networks in subSaharan Africa, there are indications that services on this prized telecommunications technology is still a distant cry. So far, no fewer than 229 countries have implemented the technology across the globe but only few African countries including Nigeria appear to have initiated moves to implement 5G in concrete terms. Nigeria has three licencees for 5G but only MTN has shown serious progress in its implementation while Mafab Communications and Airtel are in various stages of implementing and activating their networks. In general terms,5G remains a pipe dream as countries like Ethiopia and Ghana are in a hurry to actualise services. South Africa, Botswana, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Lesotho and Egypt have commercial 5G services, while Ghana, Uganda, Senegal and Gabon are warming up for commercial launch.

services from Airtel and Jio in 2023 and expected to be pivotal to the region’s ongoing adoption. “GSMA Intelligence predicts there will be four 5G networks in India by the end of 2025, accounting for 145 million additional users. “Many of the new 5G markets scheduled to launch networks in 2023 are in developing regions across Africa – including Ethiopia and Ghana – and Asia. Today, 5G adoption in the subSaharan region sits below one per cent but will reach over four per cent by 2025 and 16 per cent in 2030, largely thanks WR D FRQFHUWHG HͿRUW IURP LQGXVWU\ DQG government organisations to provide connectivity to citizens” according to Head of GSMA Intelligence, Peter Jarich, adding: “Until now, 5G adoption has been driven by relatively mature markets and consumer use cases like enhanced mobile broadband, but that’s changing. We’re now entering a second wave for 5G that will see the technology engage a diverse set of new markets and audiences.” “The extension to new use cases and markets will challenge the mobile ecosystem to prove that 5G truly is ÁH[LEOH HQRXJK WR PHHW WKHVH GLYHUVH demands in a way that’s both inclusive and innovative” he explained. In terms of country coverage, Chile has 15.4% while France (15.9%), Netherlands (16.1%), Qatar (16.4%).Singapore(18.1%), Bulgaria (20.8%) Thailand (21.2%), Croatia (21.5%), Hong Kong (SAR China) 22.2%), and United States has 25.2% accordingly. Global System of Mobile Communications Taiwan has 27.2% while Saudi Arabia Association (GSMA) rose from its yearly has 28.5% and South Korea has 31.3 % in Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, that order. Spain last week with a not too exciting verdict The GSMA yearly Global Mobile on 5G coverage in Africa despite the rising Economy Report, states that: SURÀOH RI LWV LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ HOVHZKHUH LQ WKH “5G will overtake 4G in 2029 to become global communities. the dominant mobile technology, with GSMA says 5G connections would double 5G adoption at over 85% in the top 5G over the next two years, with expedited markets by 2030.” Global 5G connections technological innovations and new network ZLOO VXUSDVV ÀYH ELOOLRQ E\ WKH HQG RI WKH deployments in more than 30 countries decade, with the industry on track to hit in 2023 alone. Of the new networks to be 1.5 billion connections in 2023.” deployed in 2023, it is expected that 15 will The report says 5G will add almost be 5G Standalone networks. $1 trillion to the global economy in 2030 The forecasts from GSMA Intelligence, DQG EHQHÀW HYHU\ VHFWRU ZLWK WKH VHUYLFHV announced during Mobile World Congress (46%) and manufacturing (33%) sectors 0:& %DUFHORQD SRLQW WR D VLJQLÀFDQW deriving the most value; the mobile period of growth in terms of mobile sector’s economic contribution will subscribers and enterprise adoption. exceed $6 trillion by 2030. GSMA, which represents the interests of The majority of operators expect mobile operators worldwide, uniting over private wireless networks to account 750 operators with nearly 400 companies for up to 20% of their total enterprise in the broader mobile ecosystem, noted revenues, driven by improvements in 5G that consumer connections surpassed one capabilities. billion at the end of 2022 and would increase Meta verse momentum continues to to around 1.5 billion this year – before grow, in tandem with advancements reaching two billion by the end of 2025. in enabling technologies like 5G and 7KLV PRPHQWXP FRQÀUPV * DV WKH IDVWHVW $UWLÀFLDO ,QWHOOLJHQFH $, generational roll-out, when compared to 3G 7KHUH DUH PDQLIHVW * EHQHÀWV DQG and 4G. challenges. For instance, 5G aims to “As at January 2023, there were 229 support increasing capacity demands commercial 5G networks globally and over and, compared to 4G/LTE, the average 700 5G-smartphone models available to GRZQORDG VSHHGV RI * ZHUH RYHU ÀYH users. GSMA disclosed that growth would times faster in all markets. 5G technology also come from key markets within Asian will allow for easier streaming of high3DFLÀF $3$& DQG /DWLQ $PHULFD /$7$0 GHÀQLWLRQ PHGLD LQ GHQVHO\ SRSXODWHG such as Brazil and India, which have recently areas or when out of reach of Wi-Fi launched 5G networks.” hotspots. GSMA noted that India would be HVSHFLDOO\ VLJQLÀFDQW ZLWK WKH H[SDQVLRQ RI Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

32 4

T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

NIGERIAN WOMEN AND THE TECH SPACE Our women and girls deserve a better deal

he 2023 International Women’s Day is being celebrated today under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” It is based on the premise that while women have made tremendous contributions to the digital world in which we live, their “accomplishments have been against all RGGV LQ D ÀHOG WKDW KDV KLVWRULFDOO\ QHLWKHU ZHOFRPHG nor appreciated them.” As Nigeria therefore joins the rest of the world to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day, we must celebrate the achievements of our mothers, sisters, and daughters while working towards the removal of the several barriers that inhibit them, especially in the tech space. Indeed, there can be no better time than now to begin addressing all the impediments that are placed against Nigerian women. Despite the overwhelming percentage of women in the country, available data indicate that very few are in the digital and technology space. While the tech ecosystem in Nigeria rose from $4.9 billion in 2021 to $10billion LQ WKH IDFW WKDW RQO\ RI ÀQWHFK FRPSDQLHV KDG IHPDOH FKLHI H[HFXWLYH R΀FHUV LV YHU\ WHOOLQJ <HW LQ recent times in the tech industry, Nigerian women have closed huge business deals and are taking on leadership hats in their organisations. On a day such as this, therefore, we must salute the likes of Seun Runsewe of Chipper Cash, Tope Omotolani of Crowdyvest, Adaora 1ZRGR RI 8QVWDFN <DQPR 2PRUHJEH RI %DPERR DQG others who continue to make the country proud. 7KH FKDOOHQJH RI FRXUVH LV HQRUPRXV %XW ZH PXVW MRLQ WKH HͿRUWV RI RXU ZRPHQ DV WKH\ ÀJKW DOO IRUPV of discrimination that continue to keep them and our country down. For instance, women in the Nigeria tech space make up just about 22 per cent of the industry workforce. Reasons for this include lack of accessible opportunities, cultural stereotypes, society’s male suitability for tech roles, etc. For instance, it has been assumed for many years that science and technology

belong to the male gender while the females are more prone to the arts and humanities domain. This unfortunate narrative has led to programmes and initiatives by International Organisations to create awareness and instill the importance of the females in the digital and innovation space. However, the surface has just been scratched. There is a lot more that can be done, especially in Nigeria. A partnership between the public and private sectors can come up with programmes to encourage STEM education for girls. This can be done through such initiatives as scholarships, mentorship programmes, and awareness campaigns. According to a study by WKH :RUOG %DQN SURYLGLQJ VFKRODUVKLSV WR JLUOV FDQ increase their enrollment in STEM education by up to 40%. It is also important to provide mentorship and training, create funding opportunities for women-led startups in the country, promote inclusive policies and practices, increase access to education, challenge gender stereotyping, create support networks, address unequal pay structure, and provide digital skills training, especially for women in rural areas. Whether in the tech space or in other areas of life, critical stakeholders in Nigeria must come to terms with the fact that our women and girls deserve a better deal. They have proved wrong the erroneous notion imposed by patriarchy that women are inferior to men while gender equality is not just a human rights issue, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development and a peaceful, prosperous society. Circumscribing access to opportunities that ultimately empowers women who make up about 50 per cent of the Nigerian population is counterproductive for the development of our society. As we join the rest of the world to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day, we must assure our women that we care about their welfare and the prosperity of our country.

Circumscribing access to opportunities that ultimately empowers women who make up about 50 per cent of the Nigerian population is counterproductive for the development of our society 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 THE CONCEPT OF WOMEN IN AN AGING WORLD 0DQ\ VD\ WKDW DJH LV MXVW D QXPEHU %XW IRU PDQ\ RWKHUV DJH LV D reality they can relate to with an uncanny familiarity as it ploughs across their backs and pummels their tired bodies and faculties into submitting to the tyranny of time. In a world that is aging but LQFUHDVLQJO\ DJHLVW WKRVH ZKR ÀQG WKHPVHOYHV RQ WKH JUH\ VLGH RI age are increasingly being left all to themselves with far more to do than they could have shouldered in their younger days. In Nigerian culture as in many other cultures, it is easy to hear and hold WKDW ROG DJH LV D EOHVVLQJ %XW KRZ PXFK RI WKLV LV WUXH HVSHFLDOO\ when put side by side with the current Nigerian reality? :LVGRP LV RIWHQ DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK DJH %XW LQ D ZRUOG WKDW WXJV at everything and tussles with everything else, even that assertion has become the subject of searing disputes. Political events in Nigeria have recently helped to stoke the odiRXV ÀUH RI DJHLVP ZLWK WKH IUDFWXUHV RI D IUDFWLRXV SROLWLFDO VHDVRQ HͿRUWOHVVO\ PHOGLQJ ZLWK GHHS HWKQR VRFLR ÀVVXUHV WR FDVW XQVDvory light on the age of two of Nigeria’s most prominent politiFLDQV $WLNX $EXEDNDU DQG %ROD 7LQXEX DV WKH\ UDQ IRU WKH R΀FH of the president. Nigeria’s frustrated youth were more than happy to focus an unforgivable searchlight on their age, and highlight how leadership in Nigeria has become reserved for the old and

frail with young people reduced to eating crumbs. On March 8 every other year, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Women. It is a day set aside to celebrate women for the indispensable roles they play in today’s world and to reemphasize why the glass ceiling everywhere must continue WR FUDFN ,W DOVR RͿHUV D IRUWXLWRXV DQG DXVSLFLRXV RSSRUWXQLW\ WR laud women for the extraordinary work they do in providing care in a world that couldn’t care less about anything. Women are natural caregivers. From conception to death, every child who grows up to become an adult and runs the full cycle of life knows that care giving is a woman’s forte. It simply comes with the territory. During the two main periods when a person is most vulnerable – being childhood and old age – women are always available. It is as biological as it is psychological, neurological and even physiological. Women conceive and usually after nine months, they give birth and the process of care and nurturing which began from the womb simply continues. It usually continues through life. At the twilight of one’s days, when the toll of age takes its trophies, women remain. Experience has also shown that many old people prefer their caregivers to be women. For example, an oc-

WRJHQDULDQ ZKR KDV ÀYH FKLOGUHQ RI WKUHH PDOHV DQG WZR IHPDOHV would most likely prefer to move in with either of his female children than any of the males. The sure hand and natural compassion of women ensure that they retain their appeal as caregivers. Experience has also shown that in old age, it is women more than men that provide care and support to their parents. The critical roles women play as caregivers have become ever more necessary in a world where women, children and the aged are coming under increasing danger. Death continues to hunt women and children. According to data from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health: 145 Nigerian women die every day from pregnancy-related causes; 2,300 chilGUHQ EHORZ DJH ÀYH VXͿHU WKH VDPH IDWDO IDWH GDLO\ 7KHVH DUH among the highest rates globally. %HWZHHQ DQG WKH SURSRUWLRQ RI WKH ZRUOG·V SRSXODtion over 60 years will double from about 11% to about 22%. The absolute number of people aged 60 years and over is expected to increase from 605 million to two billion over the same period. Ike Willie-Nwobu, Coordinator/President International Federation on Ageing-Nigeria (IFAN)

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023

EDUCATION OOU VC: We’re Developing Artiﬁcial Intelligence to Screen Breast Cancer

Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, a professor of Cancer Pathology, recently emerged the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Before he rose to this position, he served the institution in diﬀerent capacities including its Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Chairman, Research, Linkages and Advancements Committee, among others. In this interview with Gboyega Akinsanmi, Agboola speaks on the triumphs and travails of the institution to mark its 40th anniversary

day to work at the institutions where they are studying and earn some living. We believe that the same can be applied here. What we want to do is that by the end of the month, students can have money that can take care of their school fees in a session. We will do it in such a way that no student will be given the money because it could be spent on other needs?

hat is the secret of your survival these 40 years, especially in the area of funding? Anywhere in the world, the government alone cannot fund education. The governments are not solely responsible for the funding of most tertiary institutions outside the country. Institutions will do better through endowment than government funding. In Nigeria, governments are doing their own part through subvention. At the same time, we also need to have individuals and corporate organisations that can actually invest in our tertiary institution. We need private interests that can do a cost-benefit analysis of what programmes we have running and measure the benefit of our programmes to the community, state and the nation. With limited funding support from the government, how does the present leadership of Olabisi Onabanjo University plan to overcome funding challenges? We are working on different plans to make this institution less dependent on the government. In the last 40 years, for instance, we have graduated no fewer than 265,000 persons. Some of our graduates are today captains of industry and owners of their own companies. If 1,000 of our graduates can give this university N10,000 every month, it will translate into N100,000,000 a month and N1.2 billion each year. If an institution is well managed and it gets a good endowment, the university will do well. I do not really believe that the government should totally fund a university. There is no way it can be done. For me, I think the government should create an enabling environment for the university to grow. There are so many ways the university can generate money. It is not just by increasing tuition fees. Although the government needs to fund it, the managers need to look at the institution as a business venture through which it can generate funds internally. What are the challenges constraining the inﬂow of funding support from private organisations and wealthy individuals? If the image of the institution is good, everybody wants to identify with it. Years back, this university was known for cultism. As a result, nobody wanted to identify himself or herself with it. There was a time we had a meeting with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. At the meeting, His Royal Majesty told us one of the reasons he found it difficult to come to the institution. One of the reasons he identified then was cultism. We then told him that it was in the past. We told him that we now have CCTVs to monitor activities in the campus. Before 2012, we could hardly get 2,000 candidates seeking admission. When we solved the problem of cultism, however, the image immediately changed. The following year, over 30,000 candidates applied to undertake different programmes in this institution. Since that time, it has been on the increase. Also, the way the students were treated would go a long way in determining if they would return. We are changing the narrative because we are products of this place and we know what happened when we were in school. Can you speciﬁcally mention some private interests and organisations that have supported this university in one way or the other? After we held meetings with the Awujale of Ijebu Ode and gave him assurance that cultism had been addressed, he first instituted a N50o million endowment of a professorial chair in this university. Subsequently, this has since been scaled to the Oba (Dr.) Adetona Institute of Governance Studies. This was the endowment that we got. Awujale has about

What is the mode of application? When they come in, they are supposed to register two weeks into the session. At the end of the two weeks, people who begin to apply for leave of absence indicate that they cannot pay. At 100 level, everyone will pay because if they don’t pay, it means they are not students. In subsequent sessions, however, we will know those who are unable to pay their tuition fees. We can then harvest them. We will call them for a meeting and give them options of the available jobs from which they can pick.

Prof. Agboola

seven state-of-the-art projects in the university. One of such projects is the Vice Chancellor’s Residence. Similarly, Chief Kensington Adebutu built a N200 million Radio Station for us at the Mass Communication Department and another structure in the University Teaching Hospital. What is the present leadership doing to ensure that the graduates of the university will always give back to the institution? Honestly, we know what needs to be done to students so that they can come back. We will continue to change the narrative as we move on. In the past, we used to have chalk and markers. If you go to our classrooms now, what you see is amazing. We are also changing the environment in which they are learning because it has a way of affecting their psyche. If we make the environment more serene in nature, students will be able to say they want to identify with the university. If you go to the Teaching Hospital at Shagamu, they have standing air conditioning in the classrooms. With this kind of learning environment, how will that student graduate and not want to come back?

If you go to the Faculty of Law and see the seats there, you will be impressed. Last Friday, one of our alumni gave us a 750-seater hall. Another is building an Information Technology Centre at the Faculty of Law. We have our business school here, which was just completed. In a way, the alumni now see the university as their own. We are still talking to many more. We believe that if the alumni do all these, it will reduce the pressure. One of the ways to encourage the students is to ensure that those who are indigent can complete their programmes. This is the reason we are now introducing work-study. Could you talk about the work study programme for indigent students? We did a study and discovered that in the last five years, an average of 2,000 out of the 30,000 students were unable to pay their tuition. The management reviewed it and discovered that we could start with a scholarship. We started giving scholarships to the indigent students, who are in the second class upper division and above. Until last year, we discovered that it could not go round. We reviewed the study we did. Having worked and studied abroad, we now decided to introduce work-study. We want to plan for 2,000 of them at a go. Some areas that we believe that they will be able to work and do well include the library, mowing and bakery. Just like in the UK where students are given 20 hours per week or two hours per

We are currently working on cancer screening to have a control study of those who have breast cancer and those who do not. We need sophisticated equipment that is worth $11,000 to help us to do the test in such a way that we can use artiﬁcial intelligence to actually develop a screening test

What is the university doing to reconfigure some courses to fit into the country’s current socio-economic and political realities? Interestingly, NUC is currently migrating from Basic Minimal Academic Standards to Core Curriculum Minimal Academic Standard. That means that 70 per cent of the courses are centrally designed by NUC for all universities while the remaining 30 is left to the individual universities, according to what they want and what they want their universities to be known for. That can be applied in virtually all the courses. Every course is interrelated. For instance, a course like Philosophy will always be there because there is philosophy behind every course. In this university, we are trying to modify some of the programmes to meet the needs of society. We have looked at it globally. We have seen that there is a need for us to identify the skill gap that our products will naturally have when they get out of the school. Perhaps that is why people say that some of the courses in the Humanities should be changed. However, I have a different view, there was a time in this university when the numbers of students were used to determine if a course would be run or not. For Religious Studies, the number of students they used to have was not up to 10. But we have professors there. We said to ourselves ‘if we cancelled Religious Studies, the motto of the university would be defeated because in this university we pride ourselves on Omoluabi and our colour is blue. In Yoruba, blue signifies calmness and boldness. If we are going to produce Omoluabi, it has to do with morality and religion is part of it, which is why everybody goes to mosques and churches. If we train those people they will be the one to man the churches and mosques, making society better. If you do the cost-benefit analysis of some courses, will it be economically reasonable to run such courses, especially when you consider the number of applicants you have? There is no course that is useless. However, it depends on the applications. When you strictly look at it from the cost-benefit perspective, Medicine should have been canceled a long time ago because it produces 60 students with 15 departments. We have not less than six lecturers in each department including professors to produce just 60 students. In the Faculty of Science, there are about six departments. In each department, there are no less than 120 students at a go, without needing more than 10 lecturers to produce those 120 students. In a way it depends on what we are looking at in society and how society will look back at the institution saying if not because of this institution we will not get this far. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023

EDUCATION

Huawei Partners Greensprings Students to Represent UNESCO to Enhance Nigeria at Global Conrad Summit Learning Via Technology Uchechukwu Nnaike Kennedy Space Center, USA, $60,000 worth of scholarships learn in the classroom to solve One of the global technology companies, Huawei, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing learning in Nigeria using technology. Huawei said it is also making similar efforts in other developing countries, including Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Pakistan. The company made this known during the Digital Talent Summit co-hosted by Huawei and the Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) as part of the company’s lead-up to the Mobile World Congress 2023 held in Barcelona, Spain, recently. According to Huawei’s Vice-President of Corporate Communications, Vicky Zhang, the company is proud to join forces with UNESCO better to deliver enhanced learning experiences in developing countries through technology.

“Getting the right education is often the key to success in life. As a major player in the technology sector, Huawei feels it is responsible for providing technical skills in all parts of the world, trying our best to include as many people as possible,” she said. Zhang disclosed that Huawei started the Seeds for the Future programme, a sub-project of the National ICT Talent Development, in 2018 by signing an MoU with the government of Nigeria. She revealed that ten talented Nigerian students are selected each year for two weeks of ICT development and Chinese culture training. She added that the programme is expected to yield significant social impact and contribution that will inspire and help students find new solutions for the future ICT development of Nigeria and help the country develop rapidly.

Three students of Greensprings School, Lagos, Segun Balogun, Adewale Saliu and David Onukwugha, have made Nigeria proud at the just concluded 2023 Conrad Challenge. The students represented their school as Team S.A.D (formed using the first letter of their first names) and emerged as the overall best in Nigeria for creating a smartphone application that connects craftsmen with people who need their services. Their innovation won them $298,000 worth of scholarships for their college tuition, an exclusive invitation to represent Nigeria at the Global Conrad Summit in April at NASA’s Johnson /

and N1 million cash prize. Speaking on Greensprings School’s participation in the challenge, the acting Deputy Director of Education, Mrs Feyisara Ojugo, said the school presented five teams out of the 230 teams from several schools that participated in the competition. Four of the five teams made it to the finals, with Team S.A.D emerging as the best in the cyber-technology and security category and the best in Nigeria, thus claiming the grand prize after weeks of rigorous efforts. Apart from the awards given to the winning team, each of the 15 students that made up the four finalist teams received

from Clarkson University and awards of excellence. Expressing satisfaction with the students’ accomplishments, Ojugo said that beyond winning the competition, she is pleased that the students were able to develop an app that would help to solve a specific challenge in the country by connecting craftsmen with people who need them, thereby giving access to a larger market without the limitations of geographic location. She said it also enables instant access to their services at the customer’s convenience, without the hassle of driving around endlessly in search of workers, expressing delight that the students can apply what they

societal problems. “I want to say congratulations to all the teams that participated in the competition, and I am super proud of our students for emerging as winners of this year’s Conrad Challenge. Beyond developing the winning app for the competition, our students have put out a service through tech to help link artisans with those who need their services promptly and efficiently,” Ojugo stated. “This year, we embedded coding in our curriculum as a core subject that all our students should take.” The Conrad Challenge is a purpose-driven innovation competition to create the next generation of entrepreneurs who will change the world.

Greensprings Kanu Football Camp Resumes in April Preparations are in full swing as the ninth edition of Greensprings Kanu Football Camp resumes next month. The event, an annual football camp for children since 2012, was postponed indefinitely in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With its resumption this year, the football camp is scheduled to hold from Sunday, April 16 to Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Lekki Campus of Greensprings School. According to the Chief Strategy Officer of the school group, Mr Uche Ogbu, while the camp was suspended, two alumni of Greensprings Kanu Football Camp, Jubril Azeez and Light Eke, were recruited into the Golden Eaglets squad for the West African Football Union B U-17 Championship in 2022 and the team won the championship for Nigeria. The two are poised to represent the country at this year’s U-17 African Cup of Nations in Algeria and FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru. Reiterating the event’s goal,

Ogbu said, “Kanu Camp is designed to enable young children between the ages of 5 and 17 to learn the fundamental skills required to be professional football players; it aims to empower children through football and education. The children are trained by top coaches from Europe and the Lagos State Football Association.” The participants will be taken through many drills, including one-touch shooting, three-goal drills, lay-offs, turns, chest control, headers on goal, basic short passes, shuffling passes, tackling, sliding tackles, goalkeeping, and other exciting drills. Other activities include five-aside football matches, mentoring sessions, mental stimulation, swimming, basketball, and basic networking. He also disclosed that, as part of the week-long programme, the European coaches would have a training session with Lagos State football coaches just before the camp opens to help improve their technical coaching skills.

British Polytechnic Opens in Ondo Fidelis David in Akure British Transatlantic Polytechnic has been established in Akure, the Ondo State capital, having received the approval of the Federal Ministry of Education through the National Board for Technical Education. A statement by the polytechnic’s corporate communication office, signed by the registrar, Julius Ayodele, explained that the institution would take off with courses in high demand in the labour market, giving students the tools they need to be more employable at local and national and international levels. According to him, the courses are carefully designed to meet modern-day demands in the industry to make students highly sought-after. Ayodele said that the curriculum is redesigned to tackle the higher technical skills shortage that Nigerian graduates are

facing, supporting a muchneeded growth in productivity, particularly in IT, engineering and digital industries. Ayodele added that the polytechnic “is strategically situated in Akure to support the efforts of the government of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Edo states, to fill the skills gap and give people the tools they need to build a better economic and industrialised future for the states.” The registrar said, “the polytechnic has industry-standard facilities and partnership to increase education and employment opportunities across IT, business, engineering and digital industries.,” stressing that “a key priority of the polytechnic is to support individuals from economically disadvantaged states to foster valuable connections and access sustainable, well-paid careers, even at international level.”

Segun Balogun, Adewale Saliu and David Onukwugha, the three Greensprings School students who emerged overall best in Nigeria for 2023 Conrad Challenge

Lagos Assures Parents of Dead Chrisland Student of Justice Funmi Ogundare The Lagos State Ministry of Education has assured the parents of Whitney Adeniran, the Chrisland pupil who died during the school’s inter-house sports competition in Agege Stadium, that no effort will be spared to get justice for her. The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, stated this during a condolence visit to Mr and Mrs Adeniran at their residence in Lagos. The commissioner confirmed the receipt of the post-mortem

report sent by the state Ministry of Justice on the cause of Whitney’s death and restated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that nothing will be spared to ensure appropriate interrogation of the cause and prosecution of anyone found culpable. Adefisayo assured the parents that the Ministry of Education shares in their grief and will be with the family in the journey for justice. The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the ministry’s Permanent Sec-

retary, Mr Abayomi Abolaji; the Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni; the Executive Secretary of Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, and some directors in the ministry. Meanwhile, a statement from the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), stated that the post-mortem report revealed the cause of Whitney’s death to be asphyxia and electrocution. The statement added that the

Directorate of Public Prosecutions was instructed to issue legal advice immediately. “The Lagos State Government commiserates with the deceased family while reassuring Lagosians that anybody found culpable would immediately be charged to court,” it said. The government had ordered the temporary closure of Chrisland School, Opebi, Ikeja, in February following the student’s death. Adefisayo said the closure was ordered pending the outcome of a full investigation into the unfortunate incident.

Parents Urged to Encourage Children to Pursue Sports as Career Funmi Ogundare The principal of the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Ms Tofunmi Akamo, has called on parents not to discourage their children from taking to sports as careers. She described sports as a lucrative and quick-rewarding enterprise that youths could embrace to make a difference in their lives. Akamo, who said this recently at the college’s 45th inter-house sports competition in Lagos, described sports as enhancing social interaction among students from different social backgrounds. “The competition was

introduced in unity schools by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of efforts to foster healthy minds in healthy bodies. It provides opportunities for relaxation, entertainment and recreation for our pupils,” she said. At the competition, Oduduwa House emerged in the first position, beating six other houses in the school and clinching 15 gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals to lift the diadem. Nnamdi Azikiwe House got 11 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals to place second, while Moremi House won seven gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals to come third.

Similarly, Macaulay House clinched five gold, nine silver and 10 bronze medals to come fourth position, while Danfodio House got four gold, five silver and six bronze medals to come fifth. El-Kanemi House won four gold, three silver and three bronze to place sixth, while Jaja House won no gold but got two silver and three bronze medals to come last in the competition. In the junior girls’ 100 metres competition, Miss Onyinye Mbagwu, representing Macaulay House, came first in 13.88 seconds; Precious Okeke, also from Macaulay House, came second in 14.08 seconds.

Amarachi Nwadinma of Moremi House came third in 14.57 seconds, while Chizaram Njoku of El-kanmi House finished fourth in 15.10 seconds. In the senior girls’ category, Gift Ogochukwu of Moremi House out-smarted others to clinch first position in 12.80 seconds, Olayemi Akanbi of Macaulay House came second in 12.81 seconds, while Alimat Ligali of Oduduwa House was third in 12.98 seconds. Chikaima Nwanyanwu from Macaulay House came fourth in 13.01 seconds, with Christabel Okeoma from Nnamdi Azikiwe House finishing fifth in 13.06 seconds.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ˜ 2023

FEATURES

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

2023 IWD: Celebrating Successful Nigerian Women in Tech In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, IWD, themed, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, Sunday Ehigiator throws a spotlight on some Nigerian women who have successfully built a career for themselves in the technology space and grew to become a leader in the industry despite the stereotype

Tope Omotolani

Damilola Odufuwa

Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti

Solape Akinpelu

Damilola Olokesusi

Aniekan Inyang

Adora Nwodo

Ibukun Akinnawo

Honey Ogundeyi

Yanmo Omorogbe

Abiola Eniola Amin

women who beyond specializing in the tech industry, have also worked to the top getting better as the industry grows.

over $35 million through savings and investment for multiple businesses from a community of over 100,000 members in over a year.

arch 8 is annually celebrated as International Women’s Day all over the world. The United Nations (UN) theme for this year’s IWD is, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’. It is common to have people misconstrue the Tech industry as a very difficult pathway to delve into for women, hence the general notion that the tech industry is for the male gender more than the female. According to the UN, this year’s theme is targeted at bringing women and other marginalized groups into technology to achieve more creative solutions and greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. “Their lack of inclusion, by contrast, comes with massive costs: as per the UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022 report, women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low and middle-income countries in the last decade. “This is a loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action. Reversing this trend will require tackling the problem of online violence, which a study of 51 countries revealed 38 per cent of women had personally experienced. “A gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement. “Advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges and to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Unfortunately, the opportunities of the digital revolution also present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality. Growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies,

with women being left behind as the result of this digital gender divide. “The need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is therefore crucial for a sustainable future.” It is against the backdrop of promoting digital education and motivating more women to enter into the digital space and close up the ‘Digi-divide’, that THISDAY chose to project some very amazing Nigerian

Tope Omotolani: Co-founder and CEO Crowdyvest Tope Omotolani is the co-founder and CEO of Crowdyvest, an impact-driven community focused on creating interdependence between individuals and businesses. She is one of the co-founders of Farmcrowdy, Nigeria’s First Digital Agricultural Platform that launched in November 2016. Under Tope’s leadership, Crowdyvest has raised

This year’s theme is targeted at bringing women and other marginalised groups into technology to achieve more creative solutions and greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality

Damilola Odufuwa: Co-founder and CEO Backdrop Damilola Odufuwa is a tech executive and women’s rights advocate whose work intersects cryptocurrency, communications, and women’s rights. She currently leads Public Relations and Communications for Africa at Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Odufuwa is the co-founder and CEO of Backdrop, an app and social network that lets people find and share beautiful spaces worldwide. She is also the co-founder of the FeministCoalition, an advocacy group made up of young Nigerian feminists championing equality for women in Nigerian society, with a core focus on education, financial freedom, and representation of women in Continued on page 37

T H I S D AY ˾ MARCH 8, 2023

FEATURES

2023 IWD: Celebrating Successful Nigerian Women in Tech

Nnenna Nwakanma

Roseline Ekenimoh

Ruth Iselema

Fara Ashiru Jibutoh

Seun Runsewe

Omolara Adejuwon

Olatokunbo Ogunlade

Ada Nduka Oyom

Layo Ogunbanwo

Folayemi Agusto

public office. Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti: Founder and CEO Herconomy Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti is the founder and CEO of Herconomy, a female-focused fintech startup dedicated to creating financial resources for women. Herconomy is Nigeria’s first digital platform for female entrepreneurs and professionals focusing on empowering women and connecting women and opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, scholarships, jobs, and much more. Solape Akinpelu: Founder and CEO Hervest A certified financial education instructor and a member of the Personal Finance Speakers Association (USA), Solape is the founder and CEO of HerVest, a womenfocused and inclusive fintech platform for the underserved and excluded women in Africa. HerVest enables women to participate in savings, impact investments and credit, particularly for smallholder women farmers in Nigeria. Damilola Olokesusi: Co-founder and CEO Shuttlers Olokesusi is the co-founder and CEO of Nigeria’s leading transport-driven transportation startup, Shuttlers. Under her leadership, Shuttlers raised $1.6 million in seed funding, announcing plans to expand into more African metropolitan cities. In 2020, she launched an initiative called Shemoves Shuttles, an all-female shuttle service (sponsored by Ford Motors Company) that has impacted 600+ female professionals by turning their commute time into learning time. Aniekan Inyang: Stears Data Scientist Aniekan who started her career path as an intern at the computer unit, Ministry of Finance, Akwa Ibom state secretariat, Nigeria has always loved the use of data to help brands build new things, give solutions to problems, and fasten processes. She desires to raise a community of women who are interested in Artificial intelligence. She is a Data Scientist at Stears Business. Adora Nwodo: Microsoft Software Engineer Adora as she loves to be called is a software engineer based in Lagos, Nigeria. Having gathered experiences over the years, authoring a guidebook that helps people launch into their careers in cloud engineering. She works at Microsoft currently; she also shares a lot of her experiences as a woman in tech on LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Ibukun Akinnawo: Business Process Outsourcing Expert Ibukun served for about 6 years in the fintech industry as a business process outsourcing expert. From working at Paystack to Kuda bank which is a very popular tech brand, she kept soaring on and on, being the head of the launch team at Pawapay. Overall, she is very passionate about women getting into tech, and holding their forte. Honey Ogundeyi: Founder Edukoya Honey Ogundeyi, founded Edukoya in May 2021, an examination preparation platform that was built to ensure students adequately prepare for their examinations, and raised $3.5 million in a pre-seed round which is currently the largest amount raised for a female-led startup in the Edu-tech sphere. Before becoming a founder, she at some point worked at Kuda as its Chief Marketing Officer. Yanmo Omorogbe: Cofounder and COO Bamboo From studying Chemical engineering at Imperial College, London, to being an assistant to the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Yanmo Omorogbe later moved to the private sector, and now into the digital tech industry. She is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Bamboo, a platform that helps Nigerian residents trade assets on the US stock exchange. Abiola Eniola Amin: Flutterwave Product Designer Abiola, having started her tech journey by learning UX design for three months, and then as a UI/ UX intern, moved on to work with brands like Cowrywise, Yellow

card, etc. and now is a product designer at Flutterwave. Nnenna Nwakanma: Co-founder The Free Software Nnenna is a co-founder of The Free Software, as well as the Open Source Foundation for Africa, and also served as a board member there. Having worked in the ICT sector for several years, she has held her own in the field. She was policy director for the World Wide Web Foundation with the U.N. for fifteen years and is currently the Chief Web Advocate there. Roseline Ekenimoh: CEO and Cofounder TORA Africa This is another Nigerian that upscaled in the tech world, as the CEO and Co-founder of TORA Africa, an academy founded in 2019. Ruth Iselema: CEO Bitmama Just in case you are wondering about the impossibility of you working in tech when your area of expertise doesn’t tally with that, here is Ruth, a trained pharmacist who is also the CEO of Bitmama. Bitmama is a platform that ensures a safe structure where users can run cryptocurrency transactions, without fear of being duped. Fara Ashiru Jibutoh: CEO and CTA Okra This amazing lady is the founder and CEO of Okra, another payment platform that helps connect financial transactions between customers, and their banks. Asides from being the CEO, she is also the CTO and is one lady that will do so much even in times to come. Seun Runsewe: Chipper Cash Lead Product Manager Seun, who began as a management consultant at KPMG, as she coordinated the popular Project Africa, she also led the beta-launch of Switch by Sterling bank. Before working with Sterling bank, she was the business lead at Paystack. A former director of product at Opay, and

Unfortunately, the opportunities of the digital revolution also present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality. Growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind as the result of this digital gender divide

vice-president of Growth at Softcom, she has grown in leaps and bounds, and currently is the lead of product management at Chipper Cash. Omolara Adejuwon: Editor ProAndroidDev Omolara was the senior android engineer and engineering manager at Gokada Inc. She worked in these same capacities at Brainspace Venture Group, before moving on to join ProAndroidDev. Having gathered more than 8 years of experience in the areas of building software products across the various industries she has worked in, she now works as an Editor at ProAndroidDev. Olatokunbo Ogunlade: Ventures Garden DevOps Engineer Olatokunbo having studied computer science at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, has volunteered as an education facilitator at Eduaid, worked as a senior loan officer at AB Microfinance Bank Nigeria Limited, and now works at Ventures Garden Group as a DevOps Engineer with her experiences in Cloud, Monitoring, and Automation processes. Ada Nduka Oyom: Founder She Code Africa Ada is the founder of She Code Africa, and also the Developer Relations at Google. She Code Africa is her way of giving back, as it is an NGO that helps girls and women in Africa gain technical skills. Her skills and expertise have earned her roles, and positions in Interswitch, and other tech companies. Layo Ogunbanwo: PiggyVest VP Products Layo has gathered more than 10 years of experience in various areas of product management, growth, and Marketing, in Africa at large, as well as the US. She is very particular about women being included in the tech industry, the same way she is particular about the building, and launching of products. She serves as the VP of Product at Piggyvest. Folayemi Agusto: CEO and Co-founder Tix.africa Agusto is the CEO and a co-founder of tix.africa, a self-service ticketing platform for event organisers to list, manage, and collect payment for live and virtual events. She is a self-taught user interface designer, a passionate event organiser, and co-founder of Eat Drink Lagos. The endeavour that started as a good blog has grown into the go-to bible for inhabitants and visitors deciding where to eat and drink in Lagos.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

MTN Nigeria Raises N125bn through Commercial Paper Kayode Tokede MTN Nigeria Communication Plc has notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public of the successful completion of its series 4 & 5 Commercial Paper Issuance under N150billion CP issuance Programme. The telecommunication giant in a statement signed by its company secretary, Mr. Uto Ukpanah stated that it sought to raise N100billion and the transaction was 125 per cent subscribed with a total of N125billion to enable the

company to disburse the fund on short-term working capital and funding requirements. Commercial paper is an interest-bearing promissory note exchanged for capital. It is a credit instrument or a channel to obtain loans from the securities market without approaching the bank. The commercial paper is issued by a corporate organisation in need of funds for short-term financial obligations, which include; working capital, and refinancing debt, amongst others. According to his statement,

“MTN Nigeria sought to raise N100 billion, and the transaction was 125% subscribed, with a total of A125 billion raised. “MTN Nigeria issued 188day commercial papers at a yield of 11.00% and 267-day commercial papers at a yield of 12.50%. The CP Issuance was completed on 1 March 2023. “The CP Issuance is part of MTN Nigeria‘s strategy to diversity its funding options. The proceeds will be utilised for its short-term working capital and funding requirements,” the document reads.

Landwey Gets First Time Issuer Rating of “BBB”, Outlook Stable Landwey Investments Limited has been assigned a long-term rating of “BBB” with a stable outlook for 2022/2023. On Tuesday, a statement by DataPro, the rating agency, listed considerations for the rating assigned to include the company’s revenue, profitability, capital structure, asset quality, and liquidity. The statement signed by DataPro’s Client Services Manager, Mr. Kehinde Rasheed, said that Landwey’s revenue lines improved over

the last four years (2018-2022). “Revenue for 2022 increased by 48 per cent compared to the prior year. Earnings for the period under review was largely drawn from the sale of landed properties. “The company’s efficiency was reflected in its improved profit margin, return on shareholder’s equity and return on assets.” The statement added that the positive rating assigned reflects DataPro’s opinion of LandWey’s diversified revenue

source, good project experience as well as its macroeconomic environment. “BBB” indicates a slight risk. It shows fair financial strength, operating performance, and business profile when compared to the standard established by DataPro. This company, in our opinion, can meet its ongoing obligations, but its financial strength is vulnerable to adverse economic conditions changes, “ the statement clarified.

IWD: Sovereign Trust Boss Celebrates Female Employees Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Olaotan Soyinka has said that the Underwriting Firm is an equal gender organisation that gives vent to the aspiration and ambition of members of staff irrespective of the gender, tribe, or religious affiliation. He stated this while felicitating with his female employees at this year’s International Women’s Day holding today March 8, 2023. Soyinka, in a statement made available to THISDAY by the company’s DGM, Corporate Communications /Inventor Relations, Segun Bankole stated that premium is placed on meritocracy and good professional conduct from all and sundry in the organisation.

In his goodwill message to the female employees of the organisation at a special session organised for them in commemoration of the global event, Soyinka seized the moment to appreciate and honour them accordingly. “As we celebrate all our women the world over I want to particularly express my profound support and appreciation to our great women in Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc for your doggedness and dedication to duty. You have always proven that you are all women of grit and compassion and it has been very exciting working with you all. “As you are all aware, our organisation is an equal gender-based one driven by professionalism, dedication,

and commitment to good corporate governance ethics. An attestation to this fact is seen in the composition of the management structure of the organisation as quite a number of women are in top management positions within the organisation, “Soyinka said. Citing examples of outstanding women in Sovereign Trust Insurance he said the Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development, of the company, Ugochi Odemelam, was a pioneer staff of the Underwriting Firm and has risen through the ranks over the years to become equally a member of the Board of Directors of the company and a member of the Executive Management team respectively.

CISI Nigeria Welcomes New Principal Oﬃcers The new Principal Officers of the National Advisory Council of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in Nigeria have been appointed to drive the Institute’s agenda in 2023. CISI is the global professional body offering certification and continuing professional development opportunities across the breadth of financial services. The growing membership supports practitioners in the capital markets, risk and compliance, wealth management and operations and settlement. All these functions are represented. Mrs Ijeoma Onwu MCSI has emerged the President, Mr Obinna Okafor MCSI First Vice President, and Mr Abiodun Adebimpe MCSI Second Vice President.

“They have all shown great commitment towards the growth of CISI in Nigeria. They were elected based on their commitment and support over the years to the vision of CISI. With their many years of valuable experience in various capacities in the financial services space, including corporate board room exposure. They are set to promote and deliver the benefits of the Institute across the financial sector in Nigeria. We would also like to thank inaugural President Mr Bola Ajomale for his inspiration and leadership and the outgoing President Mr Ade Buraimo,” said Dr John Osuoha MCSI CISI Nigeria Country Representative. Ijeoma Onwu is a senior member of CISI in Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute

of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She has vast experience in Audit and Advisory services and as a Chartered Stockbroker and Certified Information Systems Auditor she has over 20 years of working experience and over 10 years in leadership positions. Mr Okafor holds a BSc and MSc in Accounting and an MBA in Marketing, and is a Member of the CISI. He is the Managing Consultant/CEO of Vicosbin Consult Limited, a firm of Compliance, Risk Management, Audit & Investigation, Strategies and Management Consultancy, with over 20 years’ experience in financial services where he rose to executive positions in Accounting, Audit, Compliance and Risk Management.

L-R: Director – Group Strategy and Stakeholder Relations at Flour Mills of Nigeria, Sadiq Usman; Mira Mehta FounderandCEOofTomatoJosFarmingandProcessingLimited,PFI2.0Winner,EugeneOlumeseOsomobegbe of Osomobegbe Global Ventures Limited, First runner-up, Musa Pashi Ali of Palmark syndicate Limited, Second runner-up, Damilare Ogundipe of Indigo Farms and Bio Resources, Adenike Adeyemi, CEO of FATE Foundation and Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers Limited during at the second editionofFlour MillsofNigeriaPlcPrizeforInnovationcompetitionheldinLagos…recently

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

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE 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 ˾ ˜ Ͷ˜ 2023

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Close Flat on Profit-taking in MRS, 21 Others Kayode Tokede Trading activities on the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday was flat as the capitalisation declined by N1 billion amid profit-taking in MRS Oil Nigeria and 21 others. The NGX All-Share Index declined by 1.63 per cent or 0.003 per cent, to close at 55,603.94 basis points from 55,605.57basis points , as the overall market

capitalisation value lost N1 billion to close at N30.290 trillion from N30.291trillion it opened for trading. Consequently, the year-to-date (YTD) slipped to 8.49 per cent. The market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; MRS Oil Nigeria, Multiverse Mining and Exploration, Zenith Bank, NCR Nigeria and FBN Holdings (FBNH).

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

The market breadth was negative as 22 stocks lost relative to 10 gainers. Caverton Offshore Support Group recorded the highest price gain of 9.62 per cent to close at N1.14, per share. UAC of Nigeria (UACN) followed with a gain of 7.60 per cent to close at N9.20 and Wapic Insurance up by 5.00 per cent to close at 42 kobo, per share. AXA Mansard Insurance rose by 4.50 per cent to close at N2.09, while Chams Holding

Company gained 3.85 per cent to close at 27 kobo, per share. On the other hand, MRS Oil Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N31.05, while NCR Nigeria followed with a decline of 9.88 per cent to close at N2.92, per share. Multiverse Mining and Exploration declined 9.85 per cent to close at N3.57, while Cutix and Veritas Kapital Assurance shed 9.09 per cent each to close at N2.00 and 20

S E C U R I T I E S

T R A D E D

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

kobo respectively, per share. Meanwhile, the total volume traded increased by 29.07 per cent to 159.460 million units, valued at N2.476 billion, and exchanged in 4,187 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) topped the activity chart with 14.420 million shares valued at N18.467 million. Zenith Bank followed with 13.261 million shares worth N344.877 million, while Guar-

A S O F

anty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 11.871 million shares valued at N311.013 million. United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 11.141 million shares valued at N95.469 million, while Fidelity Bank transacted 10.225 million shares worth N52.520 million. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited stated that, “in the next trading session, we expect mild gains in the market as investors hunt for bargains.”

0 7 / 0 3 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˜ ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ /ŶĚĞǆ ƐůŝĚĞƐ ϭďƉ dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞǆ ĨĞůů ϭďƉ ƚŽ Ϯ͕ϱϵϴ͘ϲϴ ŝŶĚĞǆ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲŽīƐ ŝŶ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;Ͳ ϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ^^ KZW ;ͲϬ͘ϱйͿ͘ ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůǇ͕

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϭ͘ϰй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ͘

Price Previous Current Price Change Change Price Weighting YTD Index to Change Date

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

2598.68

-0.01%

40.1%

159.9%

24.9%

5.4%

1,548.70

0.0%

35.5%

-5.3%

18.7%

6.3%

95.00

0.0%

10.4%

46.2%

38.4%

15.1%

18.1x

7.0x

3.7%

99.45

0.0%

7.2%

1.7%

23.3%

12.1%

37.4x

8.5x

2.9%

2.7%

248.00

1.2%

7.5%

15.3%

119.8%

14.4%

14.1x

15.1x

6.3%

7.1%

>ŽĐĂů ŽƵƌƐĞ ZĞĐŽƌĚƐ WŽƐŝƟǀĞ KƵƟŶŐ͙ ^/ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϭй

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Foods PLC 3 BUA Cement Plc 4 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ƌĞƐƵŵĞĚ ŽŶ ĐƵƐƚŽŵƐ ƐƚƌĞĞƚ ǇĞƐƚĞƌͲ ĚĂǇ ŽŶ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŶŽƚĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ^/ͲE'y ƌŽƐĞ ϭϬďƉƐ ƚŽ ϱϱ͕ϲϬϱ͘ϱϳ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ďƵǇŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ DdEE

;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ : Z' Z ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ h ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ϴ͘ϱй ;ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůǇ͗

5 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 6 Zenith Bank PLC 7 Dangote Cement PLC

ROE

ROA

P/E

4.9x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.8x

5.7%

12.7%

1.5% 5.5%

26.30

-0.8%

4.7%

14.3%

20.5%

3.1%

4.3x

0.9x

11.4%

23.5%

26.30

-1.1%

4.4%

9.6%

20.7%

2.6%

3.2x

0.6x

11.7%

31.2%

278.00

0.0%

3.4%

6.5%

37.2%

15.0%

12.5x

4.5x

7.2%

8.0%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC

11.50

-1.3%

2.3%

5.5%

24.6%

2.2%

2.1x

0.5x

3.0%

48.4%

27.05

0.2%

5.9%

12.7%

190.9%

14.0%

10.3%

8.1x

1.1x

11.0%

12.3%

10 Nestle Nigeria PLC

1,080.30

0.0%

1.7%

-1.8%

122.7%

13.7%

18.4x

20.7x

5.6%

5.4%

11 Access Holdings PLC

9.30

-0.5%

1.9%

9.4%

19.2%

1.5%

1.9x

0.3x

2.2%

53.8%

12 SEPLAT Energy PLC

1,200.00

0.0%

1.7%

9.1%

3.5%

1.7%

24.1x

0.9x

3.6%

4.1%

13 United Bank for Africa PLC

8.70

1.2%

1.7%

14.5%

16.5%

1.4%

2.3x

0.4x

11.6%

42.8%

14 Ecobank Transnational Inc 15 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

12.00

0.0%

1.3%

13.2%

19.9%

1.1%

2.3x

0.5x

5.6%

43.7%

40.85

-1.0%

1.1%

-0.4%

10.9%

3.8%

31.5x

2.2x

3.3%

3.2%

16 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

41.00

0.0%

1.3%

22.6%

20.2%

2.7%

6.1x

1.3x

8.8%

16.3%

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ďǇ ϴϯ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ϲ͘ϳй͕ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ƚŽ

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

183.50

1.3%

1.1%

11.2%

52.7%

30.7%

10.1x

4.6x

1.1%

9.9%

18 Fidelity Bank PLC

5.14

0.0%

0.9%

18.2%

15.5%

1.3%

3.2x

0.5x

1.9%

31.6%

ϭϮϯ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ ʬϮ͘ϱďŶ͘

19 International Brew eries PLC 20 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

4.85

0.0%

0.8%

3.2%

-5.0%

-1.7%

32.95

-1.6%

0.8%

16.0%

11.4%

2.5%

6.4x

0.7x

6.5%

15.6%

21 Guinness Nigeria PLC

69.00

0.0%

0.5%

-0.4%

13.4%

5.1%

13.9x

1.9x

10.3%

7.2%

22 FCMB Group Plc

4.30

0.0%

0.5%

11.7%

12.7%

1.2%

2.6x

0.3x

4.6%

38.1%

23 United Capital PLC 24 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

14.80

1.4%

0.4%

5.7%

46.0%

2.6%

9.2x

3.0x

10.2%

10.9%

2.00

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

3.6%

1.0%

7.7x

0.6x

3.0%

13.0%

25 Presco PLC

150.80

0.0%

0.4%

9.7%

53.4%

13.5%

7.8x

3.5x

1.3%

12.8%

26 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

19.30

0.5%

0.4%

20.2%

36.5%

12.9%

4.3x

1.4x

7.8%

23.3%

27 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

10.75

0.0%

0.3%

-5.3%

29.2%

9.7%

3.9x

1.0x

9.4%

25.9%

28 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.27

-0.8%

0.3%

12.4%

17.6%

4.1%

3.3x

0.5x

1.6%

30.5%

29 Wema Bank PLC 30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri

4.35

0.0%

0.2%

11.5%

16.9%

1.0%

4.1x

0.7x

5.5%

24.4%

218.80

0.0%

0.2%

13.4%

31 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

6.60

0.0%

0.1%

3.1%

4.1%

0.4%

9.5x

0.7x

32 Custodian and Allied Insurance

5.80

-1.7%

0.1%

-2.5%

18.4%

5.5%

3.1x

0.5x

8.6%

33 Jaiz Bank PLC

0.90

-1.1%

0.1%

-2.2%

24.5%

1.6%

5.9x

1.4x

4.4%

17.0%

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

26.95

10.0%

0.1%

10.0%

16.9%

1.9%

3.7x

0.7x

9.3%

26.8%

35 Unilever Nigeria PLC

13.80

0.0%

0.1%

19.0%

8.9%

5.2%

13.3x

1.1x

36 Oando PLC

4.36

-4.4%

0.1%

11.2%

37 Sterling Bank PLC 38 Champion Brew eries PLC

1.54

2.7%

0.1%

10.0%

12.4%

1.1%

2.4x

0.3x

4.87

1.9%

0.0%

-11.5%

16.8%

11.7%

23.8x

3.6x

4.2%

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd

62.50

0.0%

-13.0%

-2.8%

1.9x

-18.9%

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

6.50

0.0%

4.0%

ϴ͘ϯйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ʬϰϭ͘ϲďŶ ƚŽ ʬϯϬ͘ϯƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚǇ ůĞǀĞů ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ

DŝǆĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ǁĂƐ ŵŝǆĞĚ ĂƐ Ϯ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ Ϯ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ͕ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵǇŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ DdEE ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ // K ;нϯ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ /Ed E Z'/ ;нϴ͘ϯйͿ͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝͲ ĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ Ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƐĞƋƵĞŶƟĂůůǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐͲ ƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;Ͳϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ : / E< ;Ͳϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ E ;Ͳ

KƵƚůŽŽŬ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ͲϬ͘Ϭϱǆ ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϬϬǆ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝŽƌ

ƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ͘

6.5%

1.0x

2.0%

-0.8% -0.8%

8.3%

UB A

9.2

1.2%

8.4

-4.4%

9.3%

T ic k er

LIVEST OC K

1.12

4.7%

OA N D O

CHA M S

0.26

4.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

6.4

0.0%

6.2

0.2%

A IIC O

0.61

3.4%

WA P C O

NA HCO

8.55

3.0%

A C C ESSC OR P

5.9

-0.5%

ST ER LN B A N K

5.9

2.7%

UC A P

5.2

1.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

4.8

-1.1%

2.7%

4.87

UC A P

1.9%

14.80

1.4%

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

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er C WG F T N C OC OA

P ric e 0.91 0.28

P ric e C hg % -7.1% -6.7%

OA N D O

4.36

-4.4%

C OUR T VILLE

0.46

-4.2%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.28

-3.4%

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

GT C O

248.3

-0.8%

N EST LE

184.0

0.0%

WA P C O

168.1

0.2%

M TNN

168.0

1.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

126.0

-1.1%

D A N GC EM

107.3

0.0%

C OR N ER ST

0.63

-3.1%

WA P IC

0.40

-2.4%

92.7

-1.0%

82.4

0.5%

N GXGR OUP

26.50

-2.2%

D A N GSUGA R

UP D C

1.05

-1.9%

UB A

79.0

1.2%

-1.7%

UC A P

76.3

1.4%

C UST OD IA N

ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ tĞƐƚ ĨƌŝĐĂ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ

-206.2%

9.4

10.0%

0.59

ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ tĞ ĞǆƉĞĐƚ Ă ŵŝůĚůǇ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƚŽĚĂǇ͕ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďǇ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŽƉͲ

7.5%

-12.1%

11.8

26.95

UN IT YB N K

1.54

5.80

31.9%

GT C O

J B ER GER

ST ER LN B A N K

22.1% 10.5%

T R A N SC OR P

P ric e C hg %

C H A M P ION

ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ ϮϬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϳϲ

1.8%

P ric e C hg %

P ric e

1.30

4.5x

Vo lum e

T ic k er

IN T EN EGIN S

-5.2%

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

T o p 10 G a in e r s

ϭ͘ϬйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ &>KhZD/>> ;Ͳϭ͘ϲйͿ͘

1.0x

ƌŽŬĞƌĂŐĞ

ƐƐĞƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ

ĚĞĚŽǇŝŶ ůůĞŶ ͮ ĂĂůůĞŶΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ZŽďĞƌƚ KŵŽƚƵŶĚĞ ͮ ƌŽŵŽƚƵŶĚĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ďŝŽĚƵŶ <ĞƌŝƉĞ ͮ <ĞƌŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

dĂŝǁŽ KŐƵŶĚŝƉĞ ͮ ƚŽŐƵŶĚŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ŚƌŝƐƚŽƉŚĞƌ KŵŽŚ ͮ ĐŽŵŽŚΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ĂŵŝůĂƌĞ ƐŝŵŝǇƵ ͮ ĚĂƐŝŵŝǇƵΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

41.8%

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 06Mar-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 204.09 205.24 7.82% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 10.79% Nigeria International Debt Fund 329.56 329.56 6.58% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 106.89 107.99 1.39% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.80% Anchoria Equity Fund 158.84 160.55 9.58% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.25 1.25 1.26% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 23.72 24.44 8.11% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 552.50 569.16 6.00% ARM Ethical Fund 47.39 48.82 5.04% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.14 1.14 1.00% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.12 1.33% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.32% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.12% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 98.13 98.13 3.19% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,121.78 1,121.78 -0.41% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalﬁf@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 1.52% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.86% Paramount Equity Fund 20.17 20.54 7.88% Women's Investment Fund 156.67 159.66 6.61% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 101.65 101.65 9.97% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 0.99 0.99 9.19% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.54% Cordros Milestone Fund 145.54 146.49 5.71% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 107.24 107.24 9.68% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 104.36 104.36 6.03% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 114.25 114.25 5.81% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 10.83% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.24 1.25 3.66% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.38 1.38 -1.80% Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 100.00 9.63% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.09% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,120.84 1,125.78 1.29% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1503.06 1503.06 12.21% FBN Balanced Fund 211.14 212.70 5.73% FBN Halal Fund 125.73 125.73 12.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.38% FBN Dollar Fund 121.72 121.72 6.92% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 179.65 181.98 8.48% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 105.83 105.83 9.62% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.43% Legacy Debt Fund 3.52 3.52 -12.08% Legacy Equity Fund 2.13 2.18 22.70% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.27 1.27 5.27% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

Bid Price 4,439.63 3,763.57 100.00

Offer Price 4,469.62 3,763.57 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 30.92% 7.79% 11.13%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.14 1.14 5.67% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.02% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.96 3.02 8.40% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.21% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 0.00 0.00 0.00% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.33 1.37 8.94% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 8.57% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.82 1.86 4.54% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,177.53 1,177.53 1.48% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 136.43 139.73 0.05% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 11.02% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,852.36 3,881.09 13.61% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 246.95 246.95 4.83% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.52 1.54 21.43% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 336.17 336.17 7.36% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 282.01 285.08 20.67% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.99% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 13,041.97 13,200.18 19.45% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.38 1.38 6.92% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 122.36 122.36 4.66% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 116.77 116.77 9.77% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,640.86 4,640.86 9.09% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,488.60 3,532.88 25.49% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,393.23 4,410.12 15.40% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.07 1.09 12.15% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.59 1.62 16.38% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.28 1.31 10.55% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.12 1.12 9.95% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 7.29% United Capital Eurobond Fund 126.56 126.56 5.47% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.08% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.61 14.81 5.58% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.63 16.80 5.21% Zenith Income Fund 23.86 23.86 1.28% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.00% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

115.40 53.52 101.31 9.93

1.31% 4.74% -13.05%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

17.00 143.06 112.10 17.40 16.40

17.10 145.55 114.05 17.50 16.50

9.82% 12.11% 12.12% 0.41% 3.98%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.75

0.00%

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC REIT

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

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ˜ 2023

CITYSTRINGS

Group Features Editor: ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ Email ÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×˜ ͖͕͔͑͑͒͑͒͑͑͘

Ade Yesufu: How Middle East Energy Will Accelerate Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan The prevailing challenges surrounding the energy sector across West Africa bring to the fore two salient realities. First, the region will not be able to sufficiently contribute to the global energy transition without a resilient energy system and second, the global clean energy transition holds new promise for Africa’s economic and social development, with renewable energy and other emerging areas offering strong growth potential, if well managed and leveraged. Therefore, experts believe that for West Africa to significantly contribute to the global energy transition, its three pillars – decarbonisation, financial investments, and digitalisation and technologies must occupy a central place while complementing each other, and here’s why. Which is why Middle East Energy, the leading international trade event for the energy industry, organised by Informa Markets is leading the charge. This and many more will be thrust of the 2023 event where 900 exhibitors and 25,000 guests are expected this week. According to the Exhibition Manager, Ade Yesufu, this will accelerate Nigeria's energy transition plan. Precious Ugwuzor brings excerpts

A technical seminar will be hosted as an interactive forum to discuss and demonstrate the innovations and technologies driving the energy transition. It will explore the practical application of cutting-edge research and innovation, and technological advancements in the energy and utilities sector important to stakeholders building, operating, and maintaining power plants, as well as transmission and distribution grids. The Intersolar conference will guide the region through the energy transition by providing concentrated insights into the transformative dynamics of renewable energies.

ell us about Middle East Energy and what the 2023 conference and exhibition offers Middle East Energy is the leading international trade event for the energy industry organized by Informa Markets. This event is a unique platform for energy leaders to explore the latest technological advancements in the energy sector whilst participating in relevant discourse with other leaders across the region. This year’s edition will hold at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will focus on exploring key energy sub-sectors including the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity; energy consumption & management; renewable & clean energy; critical & backup power; and smart solutions. It will also feature conferences and seminars that will work to outline the blueprint for accelerating energy transition across the Middle East and African region. These conferences will feature case studies that will inspire practical solutions to business challenges in the energy sector, as well as lay the groundwork for integrating renewables into the mix. This year marks the 48th edition of MEE. In your opinion, what has led to the continued success of the program, and what is unique about this edition? With a legacy of 48 years, Middle East Energy continues to grow its reputation as the leading industry event in the energy sector. This is because the event continues to impact the energy landscape by connecting the global community, allowing the discovery of innovative technologies and solutions, and providing networking and relationship-building opportunities. This year, the quality of attendees across the spectrum is outstanding. All the brightest minds in the industry will all be in the same place and this is a result of the constant energy-changing needs of the industry-at-large. Middle East Energy will enable participants to evolve in order to have a diverse, digitised, and sustainable future. The theme for this year’s edition is “Guiding the region through the energy transition”. How can MEE address Nigeria and Africa’s energy transition needs? The dedicated renewable energy zone at the exhibition has grown by 20% this year. The country pavilions also feature state-of-the-art renewable energy products and solutions, especially solar, and other renewable sources. The collocated Intersolar Middle East event is a must-attend for Nigerians and Africans who are going through a transformation process, those who are seeking to diversify and those want to explore the latest advancement in renewable energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen. With almost a thousand exhibitors expected from 170 countries, what kind of new technology or knowledge should participants aim to experience? There are numerous technologies and solutions to be discovered across major product sectors that are leading the way in the energy transition i.e., generation, transmission & distribution, renewables and clean energy, smart solutions, and energy consumption & management. With an expected 25,000+ global audience, participants will explore insights on the future of alternative energy solutions that will help in delivering more efficient and effective power systems. MEE is focusing on ﬁve distinct product sectors that are at the forefront of energy transition. Kindly share an overview of each of these sectors As the industry continues to evolve for a diverse and sustainable future, Middle East Energy will explore the latest energy trends through five dedicated product sectors, all within a combined mega-show. The first sector will be Smart Solutions which

Based on your expertise, what is your outlook for the energy industry in Africa for the next ﬁve years? Affordable and reliable energy for all Africans remains an absolute priority for all Africans in the next five years. Presently 600 million people which is about 43% of the total population lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda are on track for full access by 2030, offering success stories other countries can follow. In rural areas, where over 80% of the electricity-deprived live, mini-grids and stand-alone systems, mostly solar-based, are the most viable solutions.

Yesufu will highlight new technologies to an audience that is looking for ways to digitally transform their operations and business models. The Renewable & Clean Energy sector will cover key areas of the sector including solar, wind, and hydro energy solutions from across the world. This sector will also include transformative sub-sectors like energy storage & batteries and green hydrogen. The Backup Generators & Critical Power sector will help guests source progressive energy solutions and explore new technologies from niche energy providers from across the world, enabling them to have a source of sustained electrical power to achieve continuous operations. The Energy Consumption & Management sector supports participants in their need to establish systems that support the increase in energy consumption and helps to manage that by focusing on automation, data and energy efficiency, transformative lighting systems, and smarter ecosystems through energy management systems as well as digitalization of the energy system flow. Lastly, the Transmission & Distribution at Middle East Energy is the longest and most successful sector. There is a constant need for the sector to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing energy landscape. This sector will host industry bellwethers and international companies from

various countries, showcasing the entire value chain of products. This year will also play host to the ﬁrst Strategic Conference, a high-level forum focused on unpacking the complex opportunities and challenges in the energy and utilities sector. Please share insights about this conference. The Strategic conference is the only highlevel forum in Dubai exclusively for senior decision-makers in the energy and utilities sector in the Middle East and Africa. The overall theme of the three-day conference, ‘Powering the energy transition’, will shape the narrative of the conference, with stories from thought leaders who are developing and implementing strategies to successfully facilitate the energy transition. This will drive better stewardship over energy efficiency projects while ensuring adequate energy generation to meet future needs. The first day will focus on the future energy outlook in the Middle East and Africa. The second day will feature conversations about decarbonizing energy and utilities, whilst the third day will center on dissecting future grids in terms of its implementation and impact. What other sessions will be hosted at the MEE? Middle East Energy will also host The MEA Utility CEO Roundtable which is an exclusive peer-to-peer platform that will feature over 30 CEOs from across the power value chain to discuss pressing issues and evolving opportunities. It will be a networking experience like no other, allowing for advanced strategic engagement and testimony sharing.

Affordable and reliable energy for all Africans remains an absolute priority for all Africans in the next five years. Presently 600 million people which is about 43 per cent of the total population lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa

What is Informa Market’s plan for Nigeria and Africa in the next coming years? Informa Markets hopes to support Nigeria and other African countries in reaching their developmental goals toward reaching their electrification targets and making power affordable and accessible to communities that do not have access. We have a host of events occurring across the continent that will help countries industrialize by providing an enabling platform for manufacturers and suppliers to engage with local stakeholders, as well as for buyers and sellers from across the globe to develop international relationships, and for investors to discover the opportunities available in the region. Egypt Energy (previously known as Electrix) is the largest annual gathering of power and renewable energy professionals in North Africa. The event has been held for more than 30 years under the patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy to provide a platform for power manufacturers and innovators to showcase their latest technologies to buyers and key stakeholders from Egypt and the MENA region. Nigeria Energy (formerly Power Nigeria) exhibition and conference is the leading energy event in West Africa. Now in its 10th year, Nigeria Energy has been rebranded, from Power Nigeria, to reflect the transformation currently sweeping through West Africa’s rapidly growing power sector. Held under the patronage of Nigeria’s Ministry of Power, the exhibition and conference annually attract hundreds of local and international suppliers and thousands of professional visitors. We also have The Africa Energy Expo which is scheduled to be launched in February 2024 in Rwanda. It will help build a network of government & regulatory authorities, investors, contractors, project financiers, distributors, local manufacturers, and more to lay the groundwork for developing cost-effective energy solutions and bridge the investment gaps for African nations. Middle East Energy, the leading energy industry event in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, will be making a highly-anticipated return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 7 – 9 March 2023. Featuring the largest and most innovative power companies that will showcase the latest energy trends from smart solutions to renewable & clean energy, Middle East Energy will provide a unique platform for energy leaders to debate and shape the future of the energy landscape.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

FORTY-EIGHT APPEAL COURT RULES TODAY ON INEC’S REQUEST TO VARY ORDER PERMITTING PDP, LP TO INSPECT POLL MATERIALS February 25 presidential election. Today, the court would also rule in applications brought by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, for permission to carry out similar inspection of electoral materials used for the February 25 presidential election. Justice Joseph Ikyegh, who led a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, announced date for ruling in the application by INEC to vary the court’s order. That was shortly after lawyers representing parties in the suit adopted and argued their briefs of argument for and against the motion. The move by INEC for an order to vary the permission the court had previously granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to inspect materials used by the commission in the conduct of the February 25 presidential election had elicited questions about the integrity of the recently held poll. INEC had said the request was predicated on the need to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used in the presidential election before deploying the machines for the March 11 governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls. However, some IT experts told THISDAY that granting the order would allow the electoral body to tamper with the evidence and compromise the pending litigations on the controversial presidential poll, and further worsen the credibility of the entire process. The IT experts believed INEC did not need to reconfigure the BVAS ahead of the gubernatorial and House of Assembly polls. The presidential candidates of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and LP, Peter Obi, had in their challenge of the outcome of the presidential election, recently, obtained the order of the court to inspect materials used in the conduct of the poll, including the BVAS. INEC had declared the APC candidate, Tinubu, winner of the presidential election, which was marred by technical challenges. Following the order obtained by both parties to inspect the election materials, INEC on March 4 approached the appellate court for an order giving it leave to reconfigure the BVAS used for the presidential and federal legislative elections. The electoral umpire explained that the reconfiguration was to enable it deploy the BVAS for the forthcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls. INEC, through its lawyer, Mr. Inuwa Tanimu, in urging the court

to grant its request, told the court that the defendants had nothing to fear, since the information that would be wiped out during reconfiguration would be stored and kept save in its server in the cloud. Tanimu noted that time was not on the electoral umpire's side and pointed out that if the earlier order was not varied, it might affect the conduct of the March 11 governorship election. However, in their opposition to the request for varying the order, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu and Chief Emeka Etiaba both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN’s), representing Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, respectively, argued that if the order was varied vital information needed in proving their case would be wiped out. Ikpeazu said the real number of accredited voters could only be gotten from the BVAS, adding that if the BVAS devices are tampered with in the name of reconfiguration, vital information would be lost. In addition, the senior lawyer argued that the March 11 elections could be postponed if situation warrants so. He urged the court to dismiss the application of the commission. Meanwhile, Ikpeazu prayed the court to grant his clients permission to conduct a physical/ digital forensic inspection of the presidential electoral materials as well as an order directing INEC to issue him a Certified True Copy (CTC) of registered voters and polling units’ results. He argued that the request was to ensure that the evidence was preserved before they are wiped out, noting that information on the INEC server vary from day to day. He said it was not until information was gotten from the BVAS that Obi and Atiku were able to prove that there was no incidence of over-voting in last year's governorship election. The presidential poll had been rejected by the two leading opposition parties and had been criticised by international observers and civil society organisations. Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, was said to have polled a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat his closest rival and presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku, who scored 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi of LP, who polled 6,101,533 votes, in an election that INEC failed to ensure instantaneous transmission of results to its IReV at the conclusion of voting at polling units as originally planned for

the 2023 general election. Dissatisfied with the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the presidential election, both Atiku and Obi vowed to ventilate their grievances at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which is the court saddled with the responsibility of hearing and determining cases surrounding the conduct of presidential election. While they were yet to file their respective petitions, Atiku and Obi in separate motions ex parte had sought for an order of court permitting them to inspect the materials used for the February 25 presidential election. The order according to them was to enable them gather evidence needed in proving allegations of non-compliance and rigging of the poll. Both Atiku and Obi are claiming that they secured the highest number of votes cast in majority of the states and ought to be declared winner, accusing INEC of manipulating the process to favour the ruling APC and its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. After listening to their respective applications last Friday, Ikyegh made an order permitting Atiku and Obi to inspect, “All the electoral materials used in the conduct of the election for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held on February 25, 2023.” The court also permitted them to do electronic scanning and/ or make photocopies of Voter’s Registration and ballot papers used in the presidential election. In addition, both Atiku and Obi were by the order permitted to, “carryout digital forensic inspection of BVAS machines used for the conduct of the February 25” presidential election.

Tinubu Seeks Appeal Court’s Order to Inspect Electoral Materials

The appeal court would also today rule in the applications of APC and Tinubu, praying it to allow them also carry out similar inspection of electoral materials used for the February 25 presidential election. Tinubu’s counsel, Akintola Makinde, said he would need to inspect, scan and make photocopies of some of the electoral materials to enable him prepare his defence against petitions that sought to nullify the presidential election. Makinde made the request yesterday during the sitting in Abuja. Continued on page 52

POLLS: WE'RE NOT IN ALLIANCE WITH ANY POLITICAL PARTY, LABOUR PARTY DECLARES of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Owing to that, the National Working Committee (NWC) of LP, in swift reaction, announced the disbandment of the party's executive in Rivers State. Abure, in a statement, declared that in preparation for the governorship and states’ Houses of Assembly elections, "The Labour Party is leaving nothing to chance in ensuring that our candidates not only participate, but win at the ballot.” He said the call became necessary, "given reports from some political opportunists from other political platforms, claiming that they have reached an agreement with Obidients and Labour Party supporters to cast their ballots for them in this Saturday's polls.” The LP national chairman explained, "We want to state categorically and unequivocally that the national secretariat of Labour Party has not given any instructions for any chapter of the party to liaise or support any candidate, except Labour Party candidates, in this Saturday's polls. "Our members should not only go out and vote, but follow the process to a conclusive end as provided by the law. "We encourage millions of the electorate who believe in Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the philosophy of the party not to be deterred, but

troop out en masse and vote for all Labour Party candidates anywhere in the country. “The Labour Party is not in any alliance with any political party in the run-up to this Saturday's polls." However, contrary to the national headquarters position, the Rivers State chapter of the party dumped its governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo, and endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Sim Fubara, for governor. This came just few hours after Abure issued the statement. In a communiqué signed by the state party chairman, Dienye Pepple; member, Board of Trustees, Favour F. Reuben; and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Amadi Solomon, the leadership of the party in the state in the company of some local government party chairmen at a meeting yesterday, said they were supporting a young and vibrant candidate from the South-east Senatorial District that had not produced a governor in the state. Consequently, they advised Obidients in Rivers State to vote for the Labour Party State Assembly candidates in the elections. They explained that the decision was in line with the values of equity, fairness and justice, which propelled them to support the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Part of the communiqué from the Rivers State executive that had since been dissolved read, "While

our leader heads to the courts to resolve the issues that concern the outcome of the polls, we must not lose sight of the opportunity to once again demonstrate the values that define him, define us as a people, and define our noble party. The values of equity, fairness, justice and balance. "In the past few days, the party in the state was hit by a major shock of an unknown person surfacing and claiming to be our gubernatorial candidate, coupled with the news making the rounds on social media that our gubernatorial candidate, Mrs. Beatrice Itubo, has stepped down and adopted the APC candidate. "In order for us not to remain in the dark, the party in line with the 23 LGAs chairmen has decided to support a credible candidate irrespective of the party affiliation, a candidate who must be young and vibrant and must hail from the senatorial district that haven’t produced a governor before in the state.” It added, "All through the history of this great and outstanding state, the Rivers West district has produced the governor once in person of Sir. Peter Odili. The Rivers East District has produced the governor thrice, while the district of Rivers South East has never had this opportunity, thereby flouting and negating the values of equity, fairness, justice Continued on page 52

LIST OF SENATORS-ELECT

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF RETURNS BY INEC... L-R: Nollywood Actress, Regina Daniels Nwoko; Delta North Senator Elect, Prince Ned Nwoko; Senate President, Ahmad Lawal, and Senator Elect, Cross River South, Asuquo Ekpenyong, during the PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE presentation of Certiﬁcate of Returns by INEC to elected National Assembly members in Abuja ...yesterday

Diri Urges Bayelsa Electorate to Vote PDP Again on Saturday Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has called on the electorate in the state to again vote massively for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s House of Assembly election. Diri stated this in Government

House, Yenagoa, during three days’ consultative meetings with his party’s candidates, caucus leaders, stakeholders and the leadership of the non-indigenes from the eight local government areas, which ended on Tuesday. While congratulating the state

PDP for the overwhelming victory recorded by the party in the February 25, presidential and National Assembly elections, the governor expressed the hope that the same feat would be repeated this Saturday. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted

the governor as commending the peaceful conduct of the elections across Bayelsa, saying it was unprecedented in the history of elections in the state. He however attributed the victory to God, whom he said used men to make it happen.

Clarify How Elections’ Results Will Be Transmitted, Media Organisation Tells INEC The Whistler newspapers, one of Nigeria’s online independent news platforms, has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain how it intends to collate and transmit results of this Saturday’s governorship/state assembly elections. The request from the news platform followed the controversy that continues to trail last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly election as a result of the failure of the Commission to transmit the results electronically as it had promised. This many analysts believed gave undue advantage to the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu, who was declared winner. In a Freedom of Information Act request addressed to the Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, the media house cited, “the Commission’s refusal

to deploy electronic transmission of results in the February 25 Presidential/National Assembly election contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 as reason for seeking the clarification.” The letter which was signed by The Editor of the Newspaper, Tajudeen Suleiman, added: “The Whistler will make INEC’s response on the request available to the public as soon as it is received. We wish INEC and Nigerians a successful governorship/state assembly.” Already, some analysts are raising questions over the integrity of the Commission following its decision to approach the Court of Appeal in Abuja, for an order varying the permission the court had previously granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to inspect materials used by the commission in the conduct of the

February 25 presidential election. INEC said the request was predicated on the need to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used in the presidential election before deploying them for the March 11 governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls. However, some experts believe that granting the order would allow the electoral body to tamper with the evidence and compromise the pending litigations on the controversial poll and further worsen the credibility of the entire process. The presidential candidates of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and LP, Peter Obi, had in their challenge of the outcome of the presidential election, recently, obtained the order of the court to inspect materials used in the conduct of the poll, including the BVAS. INEC had declared candidate

of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, winner of the presidential election, which was marred by technical challenges. The controversial poll has been rejected by the two leading opposition parties and had been criticised by international observers and civil society organisations. Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, was said to have polled a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat his closest rival and presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku, who scored 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi of LP, who polled 6,101,533 votes, in an election that INEC failed to ensure instantaneous transmission of results to its IReV at the conclusion of voting at polling units as originally planned for the 2023 general election. Both Tinubu and Atiku won 12 states each, while Obi won 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

APGA Appeals for Igbos’ Support in Saturday's Elections Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has pleaded with the people of the South-eastern part of Nigeria not to vote against it as they did during presidential and National Assembly elections held 10 days ago. The political party said it was aware that the masses, particularly the youths came out in their numbers and voted for Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi during the just concluded presidential election. A statement by APGA's National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tex Ikechukwu, urged the people to vote only for APGA in the States’ Houses of Assembly election coming up on Saturday. He said: "Ndi igbo should please vote for APGA, particularly in Anambra, where the sitting governor is from APGA for seamless execution of government policies."

While explaining the losses suffered by his party in the presidential and National Assembly election, Okechukwu said in most places, the youths who wanted Labour Party’s presidential candidate even voted incompetent people into the national assembly without knowing that they did, only for them to realise their mistakes when the results were announced. "Most of them started regretting and complaining of their mistakes in wrong choice of members of national assembly "For you to have voted for a presidential candidate of your choice was plausible because Nigerians wanted a change of APC Buhari-led administration for obvious numerous reasons viz flagrant abuse of rule of law, insecurity, hyper-inflation etc. "The masses particularly the youths came out in their numbers and voted for Labour Party for Peter Obi to be president of the federal

republic of Nigeria," he said. The APGA scribe said his party suffered from the unintended misfortunes of bandwagon effect of voters’ anger to throw away the APC administration. Okechukwu, pleaded with voters in Anambra state to support the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo by voting for APGA House of Assembly candidates on Saturday. " If you vote any other party other than APGA it is a vote to stagnate the state and stop all the lofty programs the government of APGA has started. "I implore you Ndi Anambra to vote only for APGA in Anambra state house of assembly election coming on Saturday the 11 March 2023, so that you will benefit massively, so that there will be seamless cooperation between the legislature (house of assembly members) and the executive (governor Soludo). “If you vote for another party,

that other party members will try to frustrate government policies and they may end up demanding outrageous sums to approve government proposals. This is the money that would be used to develop the state," he said. Okechukwu also pleaded with the people to consider the place of APGA's founding father, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and vote for the party. In the same vein, Okechukwu said a vote for APGA in Anambra state would help produce majority House of Assembly members who would support Soludo to achieve his agenda of making Anambra a liveable place. Regarding the protests trailing the presidential election, Okechukwu said there were several mistakes made by INEC untrained ad-hoc staff who could not operate the BVAS and couldn't even manage the electoral process.

The governor also stressed the need for PDP members to redouble their effort in order to emerge victorious in the state assembly election. He equally urged party members to close ranks and work as a family, stating that when united and put the interest of the party above personal consideration, achieving victory becomes easier. He said: "I like to return all thanks and glory to God for the victory recorded in the February 25 elections. It can only be God. "God does not come down. He uses men as instruments and He

has used leaders of our party in the various local government areas. “On behalf of your government and our party, I say big congratulations to you all for the victory. We appreciate you for making our party proud. It is no mean feat, particularly when compared with other states. In Bayelsa, PDP recorded 100 per cent victory. “In this Saturday’s state assembly election, I urge people of the state to replicate this feat in giving victory to our candidates in the 24 state constituencies. I can assure you that our party will not deviate from its track record of development.”

Kogi Professional Women Laud Bello’s Gender Sensitive Policies

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Professional Women Council (PWC) in Kogi has described Governor Yahaya Bello as the best women-friendly and gender sensitive compliance governor in Nigeria. The State Coordinator, PWC in the State, Rekiya Onaivo Sanni made this known while addressing large crowd of women during a thank you walk organised by the PWC to express gratitude to the governor and the people of the State for the unflinching support of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates in Kogi Central Senatorial District. Sanni explained that the walk became imperative in view of the Bello's concerns for women in the state , adding that it was also to express thanks to women in the Central Senatorial District for voting en-mass for APC in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly election in the State and Nigeria at large. She lauded the unprecedented manner in which the governor had been appointing women into positions, noting that Kogi State government was unrivalled in carrying women along in governance in the state. The State Coordinator also pointed out that Bello has so appointed no fewer than 120

women into various positions in Kogi State. Sanni, who is also the Executive Director Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA), enjoined women to support the current administration to enable it deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state, assuring that the Senator-elect, Abubakar Sadiku Ohere, would give good representation at the National Assembly. The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Anne Olurinde, who also joined the walk, commended the state government for making the state's resources work for the people, noting that the infrastructure projects undertaken by Bello's administration were unprecedented in the history of the state. She said Kogites had enjoyed peace since the governor assumed office and that, though journalists must be neutral, they also owed the state and the entire nation the duty of responsible journalism devoid of unfounded panic reporting. "We monitored the elections, and considering what Kogi State elections have been like for decades, we can conveniently say it was very peaceful. The elections were free and fair," Olurinde said, while urging aggrieved parties to seek redress in court to maintain peace.

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

APC PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION... Members of APC support group in solidarity walk in defence of declared results of last Presidential and National Assembly elections in Abuja... yesterday

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

APC Constitutes 13-man Legal Team to Defend Presidential Election Petition As coalition urges PDP leaders not to set Nigeria ablaze with unguarded statements

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted a 13-man legal team to defend the mandate of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu. The National Legal Adviser of the party, Ahmad El-Marzuq in a statement issued yesterday, said the team is made up of legal luminaries with vast experience in election petition matters, constitutional law, and litigation. The party noted that legal team consisting of 12 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and the National Legal Adviser of the party would be led by Lateef Fagbemi, a renowned

lawyer who had successfully handled various high-profile election matters and other landmark cases. Other members are: Ahmad Elmarzuq, Sam Ologunorisa, Rotimi Oguneso, Olabisi Soyebo, Gboyega Oyewole, Muritala Abdulrasheed, Aliyu Saiki, Tajudeen Oladoja, Pius Akubo, Oluseye Opasanya, Suraju Saida and Kazeem Adeniji. It stated: "We are confident that the legal team possesses requisite expertise and experience to ensure a successful outcome for the APC in the Presidential Election Petition matters. "We urge members of the Party to support the team in its effort to

defend the will and mandate of the people." The ruling party, however, called on all parties involved to conduct themselves with utmost professionalism and respect for the rule of law throughout the legal process. Meanwhile, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Tinubu/ Shettima 2023 has called on the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to set the country ablaze through ungraded statements. The convener, Dr. Lilian Ogbole, made the call while addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday. She said there was nowhere in the world where elections are devoid

of some hitches, saying Nigeria wasn't an exception. Ogbole said: "But be that as it may, you will all agree with us that the just concluded election has been the most transparent since independence in 1960. And any man or woman who says the election was not credible was just being unfair and not truthful. "This is our country. If Nigeria goes bad, we will go bad. Nigeria is our hope. We must do everything within our powers to ensure that we keep that home. There is no election in the world where everybody emerged winners. What makes you a personality is your ability

to take your losses in good faith, it is your ability to be a good loser.” Ogbole said the fact that certain individuals or elements or contestants did not win election does not mean that Nigeria should come to a halt. She added: "Nigeria was there before they came and Nigeria will continue after them. If we are patriots, if we believe in the Nigerian project, and of course if we are sure that what we are doing by contesting is to build a better Nigeria for all and sundry, we will not want to destroy the country that we want to build." The coalition, therefore, condemned the action of some

elder statesmen and leaders of the opposition party taking to the streets and making lose an unguarded statements. It stated: "You see them taking to the streets, if you think the election was not free and fair, the right thing to do is to seek for a redress in a court of law. A man who is meant to be a nationalist, a man who is meant to be a patriot, a man who wants to be a leader should not be making loose statements here and there." They commended Nigerians for rejecting calls to disintegrate the country, call for anarchy and call to destroy the country.

C H AT H A M H O U S E : N I G E R I A’S P R E S I D E N T I A L E L E CT I O N N OT C O N D U CT E D I N L I N E W I T H I N E C ’S G U I D E L I N E S what it described as the aftermath of the “weak” mandate claimed by the country’s president-elect, Bola Tinubu. INEC had last Wednesday announced the former Lagos State governor as winner of the keenly contested presidential poll. However, the contending parties refused to accept the verdict of the electoral umpire. While the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, approached the courts to overturn the result, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Abubakar Atiku, who had also announced plan to challenge the outcome of the election in court, led a protest against the result on Monday. Stating that Nigeria’s presidential election results had put disenfranchisement in the spotlight, Chatham House noted that despite boasting the biggest electoral register in Africa of 93.4 million voters, fewer than 25 million valid votes were counted in Nigeria’s 2023 election. Writing for the body, the Associate Fellow, Africa Programme, Dr. Leena Koni Hoffmann, noted that the delayed opening of polls meant that many potential voters were not able to vote. Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, prides itself as an independent policy institute headquartered in London. Its stated mission is to provide commentary on world events and offer solutions to global challenges. Founded in 1920, Chatham House engages governments, the private sector, civil society and its members in open debates. All the major presidential candidates in Nigeria were visitors to the organisation before the presidential election.

According to Chatham House, the results announced by chair of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, showed that the incumbent APC candidate, Tinubu, received 8.87 million votes – roughly one-third of the total. His main challengers, Atiku of PDP, in his sixth attempt, and Obi of LP, the organisation said, garnered 7 million and 6.1 million votes, respectively. Hoffman wrote, “The INEC’s performance and controversies over these results mean that the electoral reforms and lessons declared to have been learned were not fully applied and, as an electoral body, it was significantly less prepared than it claimed. “The logistical failures of INEC and widespread delayed opening of polling units meant that voters who showed up at the polls early were frustrated and many voters and INEC staff were not able to locate their polling units for several hours.” Chatham stated that Nigerians queued in the sun and rain to cast their votes, despite recurrent fuel crisis, epileptic power supply, record inflation, and a painful cash crunch. Yet it noted that thousands of voters were disenfranchised, and multiple irregularities were recorded as well as intimidation and violence as noted by election observers. Chatham House stated, “Less than half of eligible voters could participate in the elections, despite the commission’s N305 billion budgetary allocation. While Nigeria’s youth seemed energised leading up to the elections, it seems their ability to turn out is still being hugely constrained by how difficult and potentially dangerous it is to cast a vote in Nigeria. “The INEC’s performance and

controversies over these results mean that the electoral reforms and lessons declared to have been learned were not fully applied “At just 25.7 per cent, the elections have the lowest recorded turnout of any election since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, despite being the most expensive. These dwindling numbers highlight how Nigeria’s politics and state institutions continue to exclude rather than include.” The commission’s patchy deployment of technology in the use of a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Chatham House stated, was still being intensely scrutinised and criticised. “It failed to adhere to its own statements and guidelines, which derive from its laws, that election results would be uploaded to its portal using the BVAS directly from the polling unit in real-time for the public’s viewing,” Chatham House added regarding INEC. Having just 23 per cent of the public’s trust going into the 2023 election, Chatham noted that the need for strict transparency by INEC in this crucial phase of electronic results transmission could not be overstated and should not be downplayed. INEC’s sub-optimal performance, the organisation said, must be taken seriously because Nigeria’s path to recovery and stability must follow the way of accountability and electoral integrity. It added that when sworn in, Tinubu would inherit a country made weaker economically, less secure, and diminished in stature under the leadership of his party. The monumental challenges that weigh Africa’s most populous country, Chatham said, would not be easy for any leader, adding that

the Nigerian people – especially the country’s youngest – have demonstrated strong resilience and have waited for far too long for a country that works for them. The organisation stated, “Tinubu’s party first came into power in 2015 through a campaign of change and he has won in 2023 by running a campaign for renewed hope. But many of the issues that worried the Nigerian electorate in 2015 are a bigger headache in 2023 – significantly due to the self-inflicted fiscal and monetary decisions of the president he will be succeeding. “In the months leading up to his swearing, Tinubu needs to marshal an extraordinary amount of political capital, goodwill and consensus to redirect and reunite a fractured and volatile Nigeria.”

Election Aftermath: Fitch Downgrades Nigeria’s Shortterm Social Stability Index to 17.5%

Fitch Solutions lowered Nigeria’s Social Stability score in its proprietary Short-Term Political Risk Index (STPRI) to 17.5 out of 100, down from the 25.0 previously projected, following what it described as the aftermath of the “weak” mandate claimed by the president-elect. In its latest Country Risk & Industry Research, the global group also downgraded Nigeria’s overall STPRI from 42.1 to 40.2, maintaining that political risks are expected to rise in Nigeria as a result of Tinubu’s victory. Fitch stated that as it had projected, Tinubu – the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) – was declared the winner of Nigeria’s presidential election on March 1, 2023. It added that

despite opposition parties calling for a re-run of the presidential election, it believed that chances of this happening were slim. According to the organisation, reduced trust in the electoral process and Tinubu’s weak political mandate would increase social unrest in the immediate term. The Fitch report stated, “In line with the Fitch Solutions' view, Bola Ahmed Tinubu – the candidate for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) – was declared the winner of Nigeria’s presidential election on March 1 2023. “As we had predicted, the popularity of the Labour Party (LP)’s candidate – Peter Obi – split the opposition vote at the expense of Atiku Abubakar, the candidate for the PDP. “Indeed, Obi received the largest share of votes in many states in Nigeria’s South-south and South-east regions, which were PDP strongholds in previous elections. “However, Tinubu received a weak mandate. With all states now reporting, Tinubu received just 36.6 per cent of the national vote. This is the first time since the return of democracy in 1999 that a president has been elected with less than 50 per cent of the vote, and the lowest share received by an election winner since 1979.” Furthermore, the report noted that opposition figures had criticised the conduct of the vote and were demanding that the election be re-run. While international observers had not described the vote as rigged, Fitch explained that they had reported that the election was characterised by operational failures and a lack of transparency. It added that opposition parties had been particularly critical of

the fact that INEC did not post individual polling station figures to a website that was meant to ensure transparency. Besides, Fitch explained that it believed that the low voter turnout of an estimated 29.0 per cent – the lowest turnout on record – at a time when voter enthusiasm was high, will give rise to the perception that widespread voter suppression took place. A coalition of opposition parties led by PDP and LP, Fitch said, had already called for the cancellation and re-run of the election. It added that statements by INEC, however, suggested that the institution would stand by the official results, with INEC officials having stated that allegations of electoral fraud were “unfounded and irresponsible” and that the results point to “a free, fair and credible process.” The report said this suggested that there was limited appetite within the commission to hold new elections, noting that, indeed, holding a re-run would be extremely costly, as the commission’s 2023 election budget totalled N305 billion ($660 million) – likely discouraging a re-run. Fitch stated that it expected that protests were likely over the short term, particularly in urban areas, such as Lagos, stressing that the Labour Party drew significant support from members of the #EndSars protest movement, which launched a series of protests in the commercial capital in 2020. The Fitch report stated, “Given that several pre-election polls showed the Labour Party’s candidate winning the vote, we expect that the party’s youthful supporters are likely to be dissatisfied with the result. Continues online

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

ABIODUN PARLEYS TEACHERS... L-R: The President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Otunba Osibemiwo Adekunle; chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Femi Majekodunmi; Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, during a parley with teachers' associations in the state... yesterday

Alleged Destruction of Election Materials: Akpoti-Uduagan Seeks Investigation, Prosecution of Adavi LG Boss Sends evidence to INEC Alex Enumah in Abuja The Kogi Central Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called for the investigation and subsequent prosecution of the Chairman of Adavi Local Government, Hon Joseph Salami, over alleged destruction of election materials used in the just concluded senatorial election in Kogi State. Akpoti-Uduaghan's call was contained in a letter written to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and dated March 6, 2023. INEC through its Returning Officer for Kogi Central Senatorial District, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, had declared Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the February 25 senatorial election in Kogi Central Senatorial District. According to INEC, Sadiku-Ohere scored 52,132 votes as against Natasha’s 51,763 to emerged winner.

But Akpoti-Uduaghan in the letter written by one of his lawyers, Mr. Samuel Ogala, blamed her loss on alleged intimidation of voters, harassment of electoral officers as well as destruction of election materials by salami. The letter was titled: ‘Request for Investigation of Electoral Offences Including Offence of Destruction of Election Materials, Obstruction of Election, Intimidation and Harassment of INEC Officials, Voters on Election Day By Hon Joseph Salami, Chairman of Adavi Local Government Area.” According to the letter, "between 12 noon and 2pm while voting and collation of results was ongoing on February 25, 2023, several of our client's polling agents in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State reported to our client that the Chairman of Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi State, Hon. Joseph Omuya Salami in the company of his police escort were going around destroying ballot boxes that were already thumb-printed by voters in

INEC Removes Doguwa’s Name from List, Says Declaration Made Under Duress Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The name of the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa,has been removed from the list of election winners by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), saying his declaration as winner was done under duress. Doguwa was proclaimed the winner of the Doguwa/Tudunwada constituency election on February 25 by the electoral body. The returning officer, Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai, announced that Doguwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 39,732 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yushau Salisu Abdullahi of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who polled 34,798 votes. But in the newly released list of members-elect, Doguwa’s name was missing, and in the remark session, INEC stated that the declaration was made under duress. In a viral video of the returning officer declaring the results, the don from Bayero University, Kano could

be seen reading out the results with shaky voice. THISDAY reported that following election violence recorded in the constituency after the election, Doguwa was arrested by the police for his alleged role in the killings of several persons and burning of the secretariat of the NNPP, an allegation the lawmaker has since denied. The police, however, confirmed that at least three persons were killed while the campaign secretariat of the NNPP in Tudunwada, was set ablaze with two persons burnt to death. Doguwa was thereafter taken before a magistrate’s court on the charges of murder, arson and unlawful possession of firearms, and was subsequently remanded in prison. But a Federal High Court in Kano, Monday, admitted the embattled lawmaker to N500million bail, but barred him from his constituency during the coming gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

favour of our clients at the various polling units." Ogala claimed that AkpotiUduaghan's agents were able to capture on camera the alleged criminal activities perpetrated by Salami at the polling unit with code 034 along Eid prayer Ground, Nagazi/ Farm Center Ward and Polling unit 033 Mikab Model School Nagazi/ Farm Center

Ward, Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi State, "where he was destroying polling materials, ballot papers, intimidating voters and harassing electoral officials with the aid of police officers and thugs". The petitioner further revealed that the LG boss went to other polling units where, "he tore ballot papers already thumb-printed in favour of our client to reduce her

wide margin against the candidate of the APC. "There is no doubt that the unwholesome activities of Hon Joseph Omuya Salami, the Chairman of Adavi Local Government Area, constitute very grave offences under the Electoral Act, 2022. “Hence, it is our client's instruction to request you to use your good office to investigate the said

offences which contravenes Sections 115(1)(f) and (j) 125 and 126(i)(j) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which is punishable under Section 125, 126(3)(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022. "In order to facilitate your investigation, we hereby attached the tape of the tearing of ballot papers by Hon Salami to facilitate your investigation", the letter read in part.

Ahead of Edo Assembly Election, State Govt Alleges Oshiomhole Meeting with Criminal Gangs State trains smallholder oil palm farmers on sustainable farming practices The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, yesterday alleged that former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole was meeting with criminal gangs across the state to plot strategies to unleash violence on Edo electorate during Saturday’s election. In a statement, Osagie alleged that the former governor met with persons who he had previously described as his ‘infantry brigade’ on modalities on how they intend to disrupt the elections in different parts of the state. According to him, “The information we have indicates that the meetings are being coordinated across different parts of the state and cash is being disbursed with the intention to intimidate voters with thugs. We are not surprised by this turn of events as it is part of Oshiomhole's modus operandi. "We are calling on the security agencies to closely monitor Oshiomhole and ensure that he does not carry out his devious plots against Edo voters." He added: "Edo people, we are sure, will resist Oshiomhole and his Lions and Tigers by being vigilant and protecting their votes on March 11, after casting their votes. “Edo voters are wiser and have proven that they can rise against Oshiomhole and his thugs, as was done in 2020. We have rejected the antics of the Lions and Tigers and will do so again. They plan to come with their violence as usual but the people will prevail." Meanwhile, investors in oil palm estate farming in Edo State have engaged communities in the state on practices to ensure sustainable oil

palm production under the Community Outreach and Engagement Programme (COEP). The Managing Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Development Services Limited, Fatai Afolabi, said the Community Outreach and Engagement Programme (COEP) was to engage stakeholders at all levels of society within palm oil-producing countries. Afolabi also added that the programme would be organised in six oil palm-producing local government areas in the state. He listed the six local government areas to include Ikpoba Okha, Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Uhunmwonde, Owan West and Orhionmwon. According to him, over 80 smallholder oil palm farmers, elders, youths, women and communitybased organisations (CBO) were

trained on the principles and criteria of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Noting that the programme ensures an equitable playing field for all stakeholders in the palm oil industry, he said that it focuses on the three impact goals of prosperity, people and planet. He said the participants were drawn from Madagbayo, Gbelebu, Udo and Maroghionba (AT&P) communities in the Ovia South-West local government area. “With this training RSPO wishes to educate the communities and other stakeholders in the palm oil supply chain on the standards to adopt for sustainable palm oil production. It also wishes to raise the level of awareness of the people on the obligations of the communities and companies producing sustain-

able palm oil on matters relating to their rights, livelihoods, social and environmental management, and protection of communities and employees. “In all of these, the overall aim of RSPO is to make sustainable palm oil the norm”, he said. Afolabi explained that the choice of Edo State for the COEP was a result of its being the major producer of sustainable palm oil in Nigeria. He added that the Edo State Government has also subscribed to the production of sustainable palm oil through the application of the RSPO standards. According to him, the state government has also mandated investors through the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP) to do the same in order to achieve a palm oil sector that is sustainable.

PRO-ATIKU, TINUBU GROUPS CLASH OVER POLL RESULTS AT INEC’S OFFICE candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, congratulated the President-elect Bola Tinubu, saying the election that produced the winner was grossly flawed, contentious and disputed. In a statement by NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major, the party said, "The report that Engr. Kwankwaso congratulated Tinubu was a figment of the fertile imagination of anti-democrats, political hirelings and fifth columnists, leveraging on the popularity of the party's presidential flag bearer. "NNPP rejects the outcome of the February 25, 2023 presidential election as it did not reflect the will, wish and mandate of the Nigerians, who trooped out to vote but were disappointed by the failure of INEC to conduct credible and transparent

election and fulfill its promise to upload the Polling Units results to its portals, which would have guaranteed the authenticity of the results and declaration of the winner of the presidential election. "Sadly, the presidential poll turned out to be a charade as it failed to meet the expectation of Nigerians and the international community. NNPP was a target of these electoral robbers, who want the status quo to remain, in place of the new and better Nigeria the party promised if voted into office. "It is unthinkable that Engr. Kwankwaso would hastily congratulate Asiwaju Tinubu on his questionable mandate, which other candidates also claimed they won and had approached the court

to seek redress." Furthermore, NNPP added that, "All lovers of democracy, due process and rule of law will wait for the determination of the election petitions in court. Until the court decides them one way or the other, it will be preposterous for NNPP that was rigged out in most of its strongholds across the country to concede defeat and congratulate INEC's imposed "winner" "The mood of the nation since the electoral body mischievously declared Tinubu the ‘winner’ of the election clearly showed that it was justice juxtaposed, absolutely unacceptable to majority of Nigerians, who desire and deserve a new Nigeria, which only the NNPP can usher in,” the party said.

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

OBASEKI ON CAMPAIGN TRAIN... Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd from left), during a visit to Oba market to campaign for the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday, March 11 House of Assembly elections, ...yesterday

Adamu Meets APC Govs Ahead of Saturday's Guber Election Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu,yesterday, met with some governors and governorship candidates of the party ahead of the March 12 governorship

and state assembly elections. The meeting which lasted for about one hour and thirty minutes had in attendance, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed

Badaru; and some governorship candidates of the party, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta), Pastor Tonye Cole (Rivers), retired Air Marshal Siddique Abubakar (Bauchi) and Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), as well as some members of the National Working Committee

(NWC) of the party. At the end of the meeting, the governors and the governorship candidates and the party refused to talk to journalists, who had laid siege to the meeting. But a source privy to the meeting said the chairman worried that the

scarcity of cash has affected the party's preparation for the Saturday election. The source quoted the chairman as saying, "The actual plan and preparation for the election itself can't be said to have been concluded fairly well. There are places we

Police: We Didn’t Recover Sensitive Polls’ Materials from Any Building in Minna Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State Police Command, yesterday, said it did not recover any sensitive governorship and house of assembly elections materials billed for Saturday from any building in Minna, the state capital. The media had last week reported that the police raided a building in Niger State, said to be a situation room of one of the two leading political parties, where some sensitive materials including ballot papers BVAs machines were found. The police, in a statement yesterday insisted that, "No such raid took place neither were such materials recovered." In the statement signed by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun,

the force said, "The Niger State Police Command is inundated with calls and publications in some online media, alleging that the Police had discovered a building where ballot papers and BVAS machines were found in Minna metropolis. "It was further alleged that the police also raided a political party's situation room. The Police Command wishes to categorically deny these spurious allegations as these publications do not reflect the true position of the incident." According to Abiodun, "The Command with every sense of responsibility states that on 05/03/2023 at about 1500hrs, information was received that some persons were found in a building at Bosso Estate allegedly thumb-printing ballot papers ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial

POLLS: WE'RE NOT IN ALLIANCE WITH ANY POLITICAL PARTY, LABOUR PARTY DECLARES and balance. Values that are both foundational and intrinsic to the Labour Party. “As Labour Party members, and as Obidient adherents to the aforementioned values, we must come out and support a region that has never in the history of the state produced a governor. “Voting a Riverine candidate in the person of Siminialayi Joseph Fubara from the South East Senatorial district of the state during the upcoming gubernatorial polls, ensures that Labour Party and her members are defenders and ambassadors of the values that have set her and the Obidient Movement apart from all other parties. "We urge all Labour Party members, supporters and our Obidients team to come out in their numbers on Saturday 11th March 2023 to vote Sir Siminialayi Joseph Fubara from the South East senatorial District of Rivers State for governor, and vote all other Labour Party candidates for State House of Assembly in their various constituencies. "The Labour Party considers this decision both fundamental and intrinsic to the stability, progress and growth of Rivers State and by intractable extension- Nigeria.” However, in a swift reaction, LP’s

NWC announced the dissolution of the party’s Executive Council in Rivers State with immediate effect, for what it described as "gross anti-party activities and corruption in the management of Labour Party funds.” The NWC, rising from an emergency meeting yesterday in Abuja, said the decision was in "the interest of Labour Party and the Obidient movement in Rivers State that those who were at the helm of affairs in Rivers State, when our presidential mandate was openly stolen in Rivers State, should step aside until full investigation on what happened on that day is completed." The party NWC said it "has lost confidence in the ability of the compromised State Executive Council led by Mr. Deinye Pepple to lead the campaign for the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections come March 11th.” Hence, the NWC urged all its supporters in Rivers State to “disregard every comment made by the disgraced state chairman of the Labour Party, Deinye Pepple, on the election of March 11th”. It reiterated LP’s full backing of the candidacy of its own Beatrice Itubo as the next governor of Rivers State.

election in the state. "Upon receipt of this information, the Police patrol team led by DPO Bosso Division mobilised to Bosso Estate, Minna in company of the informant to verify the information. Contrary to the report, on entering the building and based on preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the information was untrue and false in its entirety." Abiodun said the police discovered the building to be

an APC situation room, adding that, "There were no ballot papers or BVAS machines or anything both sensitive and non-sensitive associated with elections in the past or in the future found in the building. "The said informant, who was later identified as Arch. Aminu Maaji and one Mohammed Liman were immediately invited for further questioning for giving false information and attempt to cause breach of peace at the

scene by the SCID. "The Command wishes to inform members of the public to disregard this misinformation, as it is false, untrue and merely misleading," adding that, they should verify and confirm their information before raising the alarm to avoid causing public uproar, most especially to also avoid over-heating the electioneering atmosphere and peaceful co-existence being enjoyed in the state.

have problem. As we talk, money not being in circulation as it should be, to enable the candidates confront the elections properly. "There are problems of money being approved for some states and until now the money has not reached them, but they have reason to believe that there are some kind of arrangements for them," adding that, Adamu also lamented about some APC party leaders at the local level campaigning for other political parties "There are some kind of local problems, last minute problems of maybe people who are supposed to be leaders of the parties are not playing along or some APC leaders campaigning for other party's within the state for some election. This I thought are some of the problems that need quick intervention," he reportedly said. The meeting, the source claimed, was aimed at tackling all the identified problems before the election.

APPEAL COURT RULES TODAY ON INEC’S REQUEST TO VARY ORDER PERMITTING PDP, LP TO INSPECT POLL MATERIALS

PDP Raises the Alarm over Alleged Plans to Erase, Destroy Evidence of Rigging

In a related development, PDP yesterday raised the alarm over an alleged plot by INEC to erase and destroy evidence of rigging in the February 25 presidential and National Assembly election by reconfiguring the BVAS. PDP said allowing INEC to reconfigure the BVAS would wipe out all the evidence of the malpractices that took place on February 25. Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists, "We have called you to alert Nigerians and the international community of the atrocious move by INEC to destroy and erase evidence of its intolerable rigging of the February 25, 2023 presidential election. "Late yesterday at 10: 10 pm, INEC, in a desperate move to prevent our party and candidate from obtaining necessary evidence as ordered by the court, filed a motion requesting that it be allowed to reconfigure the BVAS machines and wipe out relevant information that our party and candidate require to prosecute our case at the Presidential Election Tribunal. "This reprehensible action by INEC to frustrate the desire of Nigerians to get redress through the court is a clear recipe for crisis and a deliberate design by the commission to derail our democracy and trigger anarchy in the country." According to the national publicity secretary, "Nigerians can recall

how the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, superintended over the manipulation of the results of the presidential election and hurriedly announced a winner in spite of widespread outcry and complain over numerous evidence of malpractices and violation of several provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 by INEC and its officials. "The INEC chairman bypassed all the steps and procedures provided by the Electoral Act, 2022 for the declaration of results, including to announce and declare only results that were transmitted directly from the polling units to the INEC server/ website and to review the results in the event of disputes and objections as to the correctness and consistency of the collated result.” Furthermore, Ologunagba said, "Section 64 (6) of the Electoral Act clearly states, ‘Where during collation of results, there is a dispute regarding a collated result or the result of an election from any polling unit, the collation officer or returning officer shall use the following to determine the correctness of the disputed result"The original of the disputed collated result for each polling unit where the election is disputed; the smart card reader or other technology device used for accreditation of voters in each polling unit where the election is disputed for the purpose of obtaining accreditation data directly from the smart card reader or technology device. "Data of accreditation recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed as prescribed under section 47 (2) of this Act. “The votes and result of the

election recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed, as prescribed under section 60 (4) of this Act." Furthermore, Ologunagba explained that Section 65 (1)(c) of the Electoral Act, 2022 said, "S. 65.-(1) The decision of the returning officer shall be final on any question arising from or relating to-…. (c) declaration of scores of candidates and the return of a candidate. "Provided that the commission shall have the power within seven days to review the declaration and return where the commission determines that the said declaration and return was not made voluntarily or was made contrary to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines, and manual for the election.” The PDP spokesman said, "instead of being guided by the law, the INEC chairman brazenly announced and declared results that were not transmitted directly from the polling units to INEC’s server/website while ignoring the objections and complaints raised during the collation in complete disregard to the provisions of the Electoral Act. "Despite the provocative act of the INEC chairman, the PDP, as a law-abiding party, approached the court and obtained an order directing INEC to, among other things, grant our party and candidate unrestrained access to carry out a forensic examination of the ballot papers, data forms, BVAS/ and or card readers and all other necessary information, material and evidence to get redress for Nigerians at the Election Tribunal."

He stated further, "Apparently panicked by the order, INEC rushed to court to file a motion requesting the court to allow it reconfigure the BVAS devices with the view to erasing the information contained therein. "In the obnoxious motion, INEC admitted that the ‘BVAS Application stores the Accreditation Data for all voters accredited on the device for the presidential, senatorial districts and House of Representatives elections’ conducted on the 25th February, 2023,” and that the reconfiguration of the BVAS devices “entails purging the Accreditation Data on the BVAS devices”. "This action by INEC is vexatious, provocative and only points to the impunity and culpability of the commission with regard to the reported manipulations and alteration of results to deny our party and its candidate their victory at the presidential election. “It further validates the fact that our party and presidential candidate won the February 25, 2023 presidential election, based on the actual votes cast at the polling units. "If INEC has nothing to hide, why was it in a hurry to declare manipulated results without recourse to the provisions of the Electoral Act and without consideration of the disputes, objections and complaints raised by parties during the collation process? Why is INEC panicky and desperate to erase the data in the BVAS if not that they contain evidence of malpractices and its culpability in the election?" He said the PDP, as a law-abiding party, would continue to pursue the matter in accordance with the law.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR JIMOH IBRAHIM…

Newly elected Senator, Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim (left),and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, during the presentation of Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Ibrahim in Abuja…yesterday

YPP Raises the Alarm over Plan by INEC to Aid PDP Rig Elections in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has raised an alarm over a plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to connive with the

Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the electoral process on March 11, 2023, governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom State. The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of YPP, Apostle Nyeneime Andy,

raised the alarm yesterday at a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State’s capital. Nyeneime alleged that the party has intelligence of plans by the commission to either delay the process, or send inadequate materials and heavy security in opposition parties’ strongholds in order to disenfranchise voters. He tasked the state Resident

Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, to restore the confidence in the electoral process ahead of the Saturday’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly polls in the state. According to him, the last presidential and National Assembly elections were allegedly rigged in the state to favour PDP. He, however, vowed to resist every

attempt to rig this weekend’s polls. “From credible intelligence, the PDP with the latitude of INEC has perfected plans to rig the forthcoming polls as follows: voting materials meant for Itu/ Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency must not leave INEC office until 12.30 p.m. on Saturday March 11th, 2023. “Voting materials meant for

the entire Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District must not be complete in some federal constituencies and must not leave INEC office before 10.00 a.m “Voting materials meant for Eket Senatorial District must leave INEC office on time as it is the presumed ‘sure bet zone’ for the PDP as the state governor hails from there.

Ahead of the governorship and House of Assembly elections across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed and replaced the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in charge of Sokoto State, Dr. Nura Ali, with the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa,

This is contained in a letter addressed to the commission’s office in the state and signed by the Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, dated March 6, 2023. THISDAY gathered that the commission’s Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, recently in a meeting with states RECs as part of preparation for the forthcoming governorship

anyone, either staff or ad hoc staff of the commission who contributed to the shortcomings of the presidential election before the remaining set of election nationwide. According to the letter which was made available to THISDAY by a source in the commission in the state, the commission directed the REC to stay away from office immediately until further notice.

number: INEC/SCE/ 442/V.II, “This is to inform you of the commission’s decision for you (Dr. Nura Ali), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State, to stay away from the commission’s office in the state immediately until furthermore notice. “The administrative secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC office in Sokoto State with immediate effect.”

Supplementary Election: Labour Party Accuses APC of Recruiting Replaces Sokoto REC with Administrative Secretary Thugs to Rig Poll in Imo INEC with immediate effects. elections vows to deal with According to the letter with Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Amby Uneze inOwerri

Sequel to the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of inconclusive poll in the February 25 national assembly election in Mbaitoli/ Ikeduru Federal Constituency in Imo State, the Labour Party (LP) in the state has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Buba Alkali; the Chief Of Army Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the National Security Adviser, the Director of the Department of Security Services and Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 9 in Umuahia, over an alleged plan to scuttle the supplementary election that would hold in some polling booths this Saturday. Briefing journalists yesterday, the LP’s Candidate, Mr. Uche Ogbuagu, alleged that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress

(APC), Mr. Akarachi Amadi; his father, Mr. Charles Amadi and members of his campaign organisation were allegedly intimidating his supporters. Ogbuagu claimed that the APC’s candidate had intimidated voters during the first ballot on February 25 and has concluded plans to rig the supplementary election on March 11. Displaying copies of the petitions, the LP’s candidate said that he was confident of victory if the supplementary election is free, fair and credible. According to him, “I scored 17, 000 votes from the first ballot ahead of the APC’s candidate who came second position with 12,000. Evidences before me prove that, there were colossal attempts made by some callous people on February 25, when elections were held for the president and National Assembly.

Remove Constitutional Obstacles to South-west Devt, Forum Tells Tinubu Wale Igbintade

The South West Development Stakeholders Forum (SWDSF) has urged the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove constitutional obstacles to South-west integrated security, waterways, power infrastructure, and environmentally sustainable exploitation of its mineral resources.

The forum in a statement dated February 6, 2023 jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mr. Alao Adedayo and Reverend Muyiwa Bamebose respectively, stated this in a congratulatory message to the Tinubu, and the Vice-Presidentelect, Senator Kashim Shettima, on their victory in the 2023 elections. SWDSF while assuring

Tinubu of its unflinching support, also urged him to remove all obstacles to Southwest development. It described removal of constitutional obstacles to South-west integrated security, railways and waterways, power infrastructure, and environmentally sustainable exploitation of its mineral resources as ‘low hanging

fruits for renewed hope in the South-west region.’ The statement added that the development plan had already been approved in the various blueprints of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), a Commission established by Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti, which Tinubu is one of the founding fathers.

gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections in the country, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has called on various ethnic nationalities in the state to maintain peace and unity in the course of the election. Governor Okowa made the call yesterday while playing

Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), who paid him a courtesy call at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Asaba. He specifically called on sons and daughters of Urhobo nation to continue to promote peace as the nation transit from one government to the other. “We request that as we transit

other, that you do the best you can to try and call on the sons and daughters of Urhobo nation to maintain peace in the course of the elections. “I also want to urge you to remember that as the leadership of the apex body of UPU, it is a strong duty of yours to relate with other ethnic nationalities

we are able to protect and strengthen the peace that we now enjoy in Delta State. “In the last eight years, it has been a very good story for us. Our ethnic groups have tried to bond together and I want to urge you to do all you can to relate with other ethnic nationalities.

Glo, Samsung Unveil Poll: Okowa Urges Ethnic Nationalities to Maintain Peace Galaxy S23 Smartphone Guber Ahead of the March 11 host to executive members of from one government to the to ensure that working together, Nigerian telecoms giant, Globacom, and Samsung, world’s leading manufacturer of electronic devices, have unveiled the Galaxy S23 device in Lagos. The smartphone was unveiled yesterday at Gloworld shop, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, at an event attended by Glo and Samsung customers, the media and brand ambassadors of the two companies. The Galaxy S23 models unveiled at the event included S23 Ultra, S23 Plus and S23, which all come in standard and eco packages with different accessories and functionalities. Globacom and Samsung had recently announced a special offer which allows Glo subscribers to own the Galaxy

S23 ultra 1TB smartphone. This was followed by a preordering process for Glo customers to visit Gloworld shops across the country to pre-order different models of the top-notch smartphone. The offer comes with different benefits for customers, including N100, 000 discount for the first 100 customers to trade-in any old device or do device financing for S23 series. Device financing allows interested customer to pay over a period of time. Another advantage that Samsung S23 customers will enjoy is 18GB bonus data which comes with ‘Glo Smartphone Festival Data Plans’. Thus, 3GB will be enjoyed by customers on Glo network on monthly basis for six months.

Guber Poll: 10 Kwara SDP LeadersHon. Shun Merger Talks with APC Congress(APC) ahead of the poll. Saheed Popoola, Dr. had ruled out the plan to merge Hammed Shittu inIlorin About 10 leaders including the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) Kwara state for Saturday’s poll, Alhaji Hakeem Lawal, have stayed away from the peace and merger talks organised by the state chapter of the ruling All Progressives

Others leaders that were invited for the meeting, according to THISDAY checks are, the state chairman of the party, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Afolabi, Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji (DG Campaign)Arch. Kale Belgore, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo Akogun , Alhaji AbdulKadir Manko, Alhaji Y A Adisa,

Hezekiah Oyedepo and Chief Sunday Oyebiyi THISDAY investigations revealed that, the meeting was convened by the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who happens to be leader of the APC in the state. Already, the SDP in the state

with any political parties ahead of the poll in the state. The party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Adewole Adebayo while speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday said that, “the SDP would not work with any political parties ahead of Saturday’s poll in Kwara state and other states of the federation”.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

PROF. WILFRED IYIEGBUNIWE HONOURED…

(L-R) Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Kola Adesina; Dr. Osadebe Osakwe; Representative of University of Lagos (Unilag) Vice Chancellor(VC), Prof. Lucian Obinna Chukwu; the celebrant, Prof. Wilfred Chifumnanya Iyiegbuniwe, and immediate past VC of Unilag, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, during the unveiling of “The Frontiers of Management Sciences in Nigeria: A Festschrift of Prof. Wilfred Chifumnanya Iyiegbuniwe,” in Lagos…recently

Armed Invasion: Bayelsa Community Seeks FG’s Intervention Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Royal Throne and the entire Opu-Nembe community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has called on the federal and Bayelsa State Government as well as the entire

security architecture in the country to come to their rescue from the continuous armed attack and invasion of the community. In a press conference at OpuNembe town hall, which was addressed by the Chairman of Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs,

Sanwo-Olu, Obaigbena, Peterside, Others for Performance Award The Peak Performer (TPP), a platform where African industry leaders, culture shapers, and game changers gain insights to achieve peak performance, is to recognise some crème de la crème in Africa at the maiden edition of TPP 100. The event, dedicated to celebrating highly esteemed leaders across Africa, will be held on Thursday, 23rd March 2023, at the Muson Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, on the theme, “In Pursuit of Greatness!” According to the organisers, among the 100 personalities to be honoured are: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Olori of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III; Chairman, THISDAY Group Nigeria, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman, Shoreline Energy Group, Mr. Agbaoye Kola Karim; Group CEO, The Guardian, Lady

Maiden Ibru; Ex-Chairman, KPMG Africa, Mr. Kunle Elebute; Founder, StanbicIBTC Group, Mr. Atedo Peterside; Chairman, PZ Cussons (Nigeria), Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, all from Nigeria. Others are: Country Managing Director, Access Bank(Rwanda), Mr. Faustin Byishimo; Managing Director, CLM Africa, Mr. Mbulelo Clive Khoza, (South Africa); Ghanaian Celebrity Blogger, Mr. Ameyaw Debrah, (Ghana); MD/CEO, United Bank of Africa (Sierra Leone), Mr. Mohammed Alhaji Samoura; CEO, MOREM Consulting & Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Mohammed Gillen (The Gambia) and CEO, Enterprise Group, Keli Gadzekpo (Ghana). The awards within 14 categories ranging from TPP Elite, Hall of Fame, and Legacy to Excellence across multiple professions, among others.

New Kogi NLC Chairman Vows to Adopt Dialogue to Resolve Issues

IbrahimOyewaleinLokoja

The newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State,Amari Gabriel, has vowed to adopt dialogue to resolve issues relating to labour and government in order to achieve results. Amari was elected as the new chairman of NLC council to pilot the affairs of the organised labour for the next four years in the state. The chairman, who was elected unopposed, was the chairman of Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Kogi State chapter. Other executive members elected were Ebenezer Adeyemi and Opaluwa Eleojo as vice chairmen; Salifu Joel as treasurer; Omuya Momoh andAwodi Ochala as Auditors; and Bolanle Inubiwon and Oyiza Sanni as ex-officios. The NLC National Returning Officer, Roseline Uba, sworn in the new state NLC executive members

during the NLC 8th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference yesterday in Lokoja. Uba, who represented the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, charged the new chairman and other Excos to work together in unity to improve the welfare of workers in the state. Ajaero urged the new Excos to surpass the achievements of the immediate-past one, and ensure harmonious relationship with the state government for the benefit of workers in the state. He commended the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, for his tremendous achievements in infrastructure development and for improvements in workers welfare in the state. Meanwhile, Amari appealed to the state government to establish a quarterly meeting with the organised labour where issues would be discussed and resolved to boost industrial harmony in the state.

Chief Ezekiel Ikoli, they urged the security agencies to save them from repeated attack and put a stop to the dastardly act as many has now turned refuges in other

communities. He said their ordeal began on February 15, 2023, where the community was heavy attack at about 9 p.m. which lasted till

6a.m. Ikoli said: “In the attack, three persons were brutally murdered-Mr. Bait Agala, Miss Queen Kieriseiyei and Mr. Inikio

Walter-as well as several others who sustained various degree of injuries resulting from gunshot and other forms of weapons used by the attackers.

Benue Passes Law toincluding Extend Retirement Age of Category of“With State Workers Colleges of Education boasted that his administration this new law, except George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Government has domesticated a law to extend the retirement age of some section of civil servants in the state. The categories of civil servants are administrative and non-administrative staff of state-owned tertiary institutions,

in Katsina-Ala and Oju as well as Ugbokolo Polytechnic in Okpokwu Local Government Area. While signing the bill to extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 years into law yesterday at Government House, Makurdi, the state Governor, Samuel Ortom,

has signed the highest number of laws over 55 more than any government in the state. He added that all the laws were for the best interest of the people, maintaining that for the new law, his government is replicating what is done at the federal level.

one is stricken with illness, it is expected that as you age, you get better in experience,” Ortom said. In another vein, the Benue State has directed the lifting of ban on motorcycles in the Sankera axis consisting of Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs of the state.

Community Drags Edo to ECOWAS Court over Alleged Forceful Land Takeover MaryNnah

Members of the Oke-Oroma community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have dragged the state government before the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

over the alleged forceful acquisition of their lands. In a petition with the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/23 filed before the ECOWAS court on February 28, 2023, the applicants led by Gaius Idusuyi Emokpae and seven others, accused the Edo State Government of forceful acquisition of their ancestral lands since 2022.

According to the regional court, failure of the defendant/respondent to respond to the suit within 30 days of being served notice will lead to judgment being delivered without their representation in the matter. The High Court in Benin-city, capital of Edo State, had on February 17, 2023, adjourned the case to April 5, 2023, for further deliberation on

the matter. The Presiding Judge of the court, Justice V.O Eborimeh, had directed the claimant and all other parties in the case to amend their court processes in the suit to reflect the ruling. The Judge further granted an order for the 14 parties seeking to be joined as fifth to 18th defendants to do the same.

Group Canvasses Support for Re-election of Makinde Kemi OlaitaninIbadan

A political group under the aegis of Oyo For Makinde (OFM) yesterday implored the people of Oyo State to troop out en masse next Saturday to vote for the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, to ensure he emerges victorious at the polls. The group in a statement issued yesterday by its Director, Tokunbo

Olaitan, said doing this would enable the governor to complete his good works for the benefit of the people of the state, and applauded by indigenes and non-indigenes within and outside the country. The group, which is a grassroots mobilisation campaign outfit operating under the theme: ‘Arise Larika’, had since last November, commenced a statewide campaign

for the reelection bid of Makinde by showcasing his modest achievements in close to four years through visuals. Olaitan said the group was able to beam the recorded activities of Makinde’s administration in over 400 locations across the 33 local government areas of the state with the reception being overwhelming, stating that it signposted the

genuine love the people of the state have for the governor. According to him, “We have gone round the state with our visual campaigns to showcase the modest achievements of GSM in the last four years or thereabout, and we can conveniently say that he is greatly appreciated and widely accepted by the people of the state.”

100 Days: Osun is Progressing under My Watch, Says Adeleke Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday posited that the state is gradually progressing under his administration with the provision of water projects in each of the 332 wards in the state. Adeleke, who spoke at a press conference to mark his 100 days in office at Government House in Abere, Oshogbo, also noted that his administration had constructed 20km roads across state. He equally disclosed that resumption of construction of Osogbo/Ikirun/Kwara boundary road abandoned by the past administration had commenced, saying the road which stretched over 20km is wearing a new look and easing movement of users as a result of his administration’s intervention.

He said the “presentation of 518 million to 40 communities in the state for infrastructural development as well as rural electrification projects across the state was accomplished.” While speaking further, the governor contended that in the area of surgical and medical outreach, 2,000 persons in each of the nine federal constituencies, making a total of 18,000 beneficiaries received free surgeries. Also, the governor stressed that the enrollment of 3332 Osun indigenes-10 per ward-on Osun Health Insurance Scheme was done to ensure adequate health care access for the vulnerable for 5 years. He also remarked that the state is the first in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Startup Act.

Adeleke, however, promised that all roads in the state that

need critical intervention would be embarked upon soonest.

WEDNESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Osimhen: Arsenal Tipped to Upstage Man Utd to Sign Napoli Star

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Best Foreign Athlete in Italy and Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, is likely to end up in Arsenal during winter transfer window as the North London Gunners appear the leading suitors to land the Napoli star. Apart from Manchester United, a number of other top European clubs have lined up to lure the in-form Nigerian striker away from Napoli. The 24-year-old is the outright top scorer in the Italian Serie A this season, having netted an impressive 19 goals in 21 matches. According to Italian outlet Rai, as relayed by Tutto Napoli, the Gunners are favourites to sign Osimhen ahead of United and Chelsea, who are ready to pounce if they get the opportunity to bring him in. Paris Saint-Germain have also been named as a possible destination as they boast a good relationship with Napoli. Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani and Fabian Ruiz are amongst the players to swap Naples for Paris in recent years. It is understood only so-called 'big clubs' are speaking with Osimhen's entourage over a

potential move. However, they would have to pay a record-breaking sum of money to prize him away from Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Rai claims that Napoli value Osimhen at least £133million, which would equate to a British record transfer, eclipsing Chelsea's £106m move for Enzo Fernandez in January. He wouldn't be PSG's record buy, however, with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar bought for £159m and £197m respectively. Arsenal have never paid more than £72m for a player, having signed Nicolas Pepe for that amount from Lille back in 2019. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Ben White, Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Jesus complete their top-five most expensive transfers. However, the Gunners will have to break their transfer record if they want to sign Osimhen - and it could be a risk worth taking. Speaking at the Foreign Press Association award ceremony in Rome on Monday, he admitted his dream is to play in the Premier League without naming any club as his preference. Osimhen, who has scored 21 goals in 26 appearances for Napoli

Victor Osimhen ...working hard to realize his dream of playing in England topﬂight league this season, said: "I think playing in (Serie A) one of the top five leagues in the world is an amazing

feeling for me and a good fit. "A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League the

best and the strongest league but I am in a process. "Now I am in one of the best leagues in the world, which is the Serie A, and I am working so hard to make sure I achieve my dream, which is to play in the Premier League one day." Despite his goals this season, Osimhen stressed that he cannot equate himself to Diego Maradona’s feat at Napoli yet. “I don’t consider myself as an icon yet until I achieve the objective which the club has set itself for this season,” insisted Osimhen. However, if Napoli wins the scudetto, he said: “I think (I) have a very big chance of being named an icon.” But, he quickly added: “It wouldn’t compare to what Maradona has done for this club.” Maradona inspired Napoli to win the Scudetto in the 1986/87

season at the height of the tension between the North and South Italy over economic development. The club’s home ground has been named after the legendary Argentine following his death. Naples are already getting ready for a big victory party with three million guests when they land a third championship. Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, however insisted that the wait, may not take longer in coming. “It’s been 33 years since the last Scudetto,” He revealed that Naples’ close 3 million residents were already bracing for the big party to celebrate the third Scudetto coming to their City. “Another title could make the city go crazy, I think it is already going crazy and planning (a party]) which could involve two or three million people,” he added.

Chelsea Knock out Dortmund to Reach Q’ﬁnals Graham Potter enjoyed his finest night as Chelsea manager as they overcame a first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund 2-1 aggregate to

reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Potter was under huge pressure after a dismal run of results following Chelsea's

C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E huge outlay in the transfer market, but he will hope the manner of this performance and the advance into the latter stages of Europe's elite competition will deliver a measure of calm and stability to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea fully deserved their win, although they squandered several big opportunities before Raheem Sterling made the breakthrough after 43 minutes, firing past Dortmund keeper Alexander Meyer after initially fluffing his shot. The goal which settled the tie and overturned Dortmund's 1-0 advantage from the first leg came in contentious fashion from the penalty spot eight minutes after the break. Dortmund were furious when a VAR review penalised

Marius Wolf for handball from Ben Chilwell's cross and their sense of injustice heightened after Kai Havertz struck the post with his spot-kick only for a re-take to be ordered. This time Havertz made no mistake and Chelsea were on their way into the last eight. Potter has struggled to convince Chelsea's fans he has the personality required to take on this occasionally dysfunctional football beast since switching from Brighton to take over from Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. His cause has not been helped by poor Premier League form and a battle to establish any sort of shape and stability from the influx of players assembled at vast expense by new owner Todd Boehly.

PSG V BAYERN MUNICH

Mbappe Insists Clash Tonight May Not Determine His Future

Raheem Sterling celebrating his opening goal in Chelsea’s 2-0 (agg 2-1) defeat of Borussia Dortmund to reach the quarter ﬁnal of the UEFA Champions League at the Stamford Bridge...last night

Kylian Mbappe said that his Paris St-Germain future will not be decided by the outcome of their Champions League last 16 second leg against Bayern Munich. Bayern won the first leg 1-0at the Parc des Princes with Kingsley Coman scoring the only goal. PSG have never won the Champions League. "If I linked my future to the Champions League, without wishing to show a lack of respect to the club, I would have left a long time ago," said Mbappe. The France striker, whose future

Heineken Extends ‘Cheers to all Fans’ Campaign to Consumers UEFA Champions League sponsors, Heineken, has opted to extend its ‘Cheers to all Fans’ campaign to consumers. The campaign, which was originally launched after the coronavirus pandemic to welcome fans back to stadiums, has helped add even more glamour to the Champions League. A healthy mix of football and entertainment, the campaign has done well celebrating the passion and love fans have for the round leather game

Heineken's Senior Brand Manager, Chinwe Greg-Egu, explained that the extension of its 'Cheers to all Fans' campaign to consumers is a way for the premium brand to show its appreciation for its loyal customers as they enjoy Champions League football once again. She said: “The ‘Cheers to all Fans’ campaign has been a massive success since its launch and has been able to connect with football fans in Nigeria and globally and it has also helped to reinforce Heineken’s position as a brand

that is passionate about football. “We are glad the campaign has been able to create a sense of community among football fans, and it has provided a platform for them to share their love for the sport.” “With the extension of this campaign, Heineken is looking to deepen its connection to millions of its loyal consumers in the country,” the Senior Brand Manager affirmed While it has promised to unveil its specific activation plans now that the Champions League has

entered the crucial phase, Heineken is inviting consumers and fans alike to share their passion for football and their love for Heineken by participating in their various activities. These activities include sharing pictures and videos of themselves enjoying Heineken while watching the intriguing Champions League matches. The brand said fans can also participate in online quizzes and games while also attending football-related events organised

by Heineken. At the moment, the second leg games of the Round of 16 matches of the Champions League are on the front burner. After Chelsea salvaged saved what is left of their sinking season with aggregate 2-1 victory that knocked out Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge last night, Lionel Messi and his PSG teammates will also have a herculean task in their hands tonight at Bayern Munich after losing first leg 1-0 in Paris.

at the club is continuously debated, became PSG's all-time top scorer on Sunday with his 201st goal for the club - despite only being 24. He said: "I don't think this match will have an impact. I am here and I am very happy to be here. I am not thinking about anything other than making PSG successful." PSG will be without another of their star forwards, Neymar,with ankle surgery ruling him out for the season. Captain Marquinhos and fellow centre-back Nordi Mukiele both have fitness issues. Bayern Munich have won all seven Champions League games this season, keeping clean sheets in six of those games.

RESULTS Benfica 5-1 Club Brugge Chelsea 2-1 Dortmund

TODAY B’Munich

v PSG

Tottenham v AC Milan

Europa Conference Lazio 1-2 AZ Alkmaar

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

UT H

& RE A SO

Price: N250

MISSILE Reno Omokri to INEC, Tinubu “When you take into account that 93 million people registered to vote for the 2023 elections, and that Mr. Tinubu won by less than 9 millions votes, the implication is that less than 10% of the electorate determined who the winner would be. So, did we have a ridiculously low (27%) voter turnout, or is our population reducing, or are we not really 220 millions people strong as we claim? Something is wrong somewhere with either our population, or our election ﬁgures” --Social Critic, Reno Omokri, querying the Presidential election results.

ENIOLABELLO ENI-B

eniola.bello@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1956

President-Elect Apamaku! S

ometime in May 2002, the City Colleges of Chicago presented the distinguished alumnus award to the then Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the nomination of his alma mater, the Richard J. Daley College, one of the seven institutions that make up the city colleges in that American city. Reading Tinubu’s citation at a side event of the institutions’ Board of Trustees meeting, Dr Wayne Watson, at the time the chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago, had described Tinubu as “a likely future president of Nigeria”, amongst others. Sitting in the audience, I had chuckled in amusement, and had in my column on this page (Tinubu Returns to Chicago, 12 May 2002), dismissed Watson as either having “a limited understanding of the dynamics of Nigerian politics”, or attempting to humour Tinubu. Twenty-one years after, the future Watson speculated on is here as Tinubu prepares to be sworn-in as the 16th President of Nigeria on 29th May 2023 (all things being equal), having won the 25th February 2023 presidential election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last week declared the candidate of the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC) the winner, having met the double requirements of spread (25% of the votes in 30 states) and highest number of votes (8,794,726). He defeated Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who got 25% in 21 states and total votes of 6,984,520, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who scored 25% in 16 states and total votes of 6,101,533, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party who recorded 25% in one state and total votes of 1,496,687, as well as 14 candidates of other parties. Not unexpected, the main opposition PDP and LP have both claimed to have won the election, alleging fraud, and vowing to challenge the results in court. Typical of politicians in this clime, the two opposition parties had moved to discredit the election long before INEC released the result and declared Tinubu winner. They had complained of voter suppression, violence, destruction of ballot boxes, late arrival of electoral officials and voting materials, and more crucially, failure to transmit result electronically. The PDP agents even tried to force on INEC the suspension of further release of results, and when that failed, staged a walk out from the result collation centre in Abuja. On the other hand, the APC insisted the election was free and fair and advised those dissatisfied to challenge the result in court. There is no doubt that the election could have been better managed. It suffered the ills of previous elections in areas of logistics and violence and voter suppression. These were mitigated in rescheduled voting in polling units where INEC officials were late or electoral materials were unavailable, and cancellation of results in polling units where there were reports of violence or destruction of ballot boxes, or where those who voted were more than those accredited. What many found, however, untenable was INEC’s failure to use BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System), to upload in real time the results from the polling units on the election result viewing portal, despite months of promises and assurances, and the general expectation of the ensuing transparency and a credible election. INEC somehow managed to sabotage itself and give some politicians a ready weapon to shout foul play and discredit the election. The devil is in the details of the INEC figure. Out of the over 93 million registered voters, less than 25 million voted despite the enthusiasm of the youths and the reported large voter turnout. The inescapable conclusion is that the voter register is populated with ghost names and INEC has done little or nothing to ensure a thorough clean-up. With 8.7 million votes, Tinubu won the election with 37%

Tinubu of the votes; he didn’t have the support of over 60 percent of accredited voters who shared their votes among PDP’s Atiku, LP’s Obi, and NNPP’s Kwankwaso. The trio, all members of the PDP before the party primary, scored a combined votes of more than 14 million. Had they worked together in PDP, the APC candidate would have been toast, and understandably so. In a normal democracy, a candidate of the APC, even if he were the best of the lot, should have stood no chance of winning that election in the light of the pain and trauma a government produced by that party has foisted on the generality of Nigerians in the last eight years. The general sense of disappointment at Tinubu’s victory therefore is because the opposition PDP failed itself in not managing the ambitions of its members resulting in having, from its ranks, three candidates for the presidential election instead of one, and even still allowed a group of five state governors weaken the party from within. A divided opposition lost long before the ballot was cast, despite the incompetence of the APC administration, particularly its chaotic currency redesign policy and grinding fuel scarcity weeks into the election. Despite INEC’s failure at electronic transmission of results from the polling units, the election still has many positives. The use of the BVAS machine stopped politicians from delivering fictive millions of votes for their parties; and made it possible for votes to really count, almost. Without BVAS, the APC would possibly have delivered between 15 to 24 million votes to its candidate to match the range of votes of the winning candidates in the 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections. Without the BVAS machine, Governors Ben Ayade of Cross River, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Darius Ishaku of Jigawa and Samul Lalong of Plateau would have won their senatorial seats; the southeast political elite in PDP and APC would have shared Obi’s votes in that region; LP wouldn’t have won in Lagos or Nasarawa or Edo or Cross River or Delta or FCT; and APC would have somehow managed to take Kano, Kaduna and Katsina; and an Okada rider would have had no chance of winning a House of Representatives seat in Kaduna State. The technology innovation has moved our electoral system miles away from sharing unused ballots

for thumb-printing, stuffing ballot boxes, allocating fictitious figures at collation centres, and declaring bogus results. All INEC need do before subsequent elections is to review its systems and processes, work on the rough edges, and in no time, power would FULLY be in the hands of the people. For now, whether INEC was right in declaring Tinubu winner would ultimately be a subject of judicial intervention, the PDP and LP having separately insisted on claiming a stolen mandate in court. No matter. Tinubu has been savouring the taste of victory, displaying to friends and associates, like a trophy wife, INEC’s Certificate of Return, and jaywalking to the gates of Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Watson’s uncanny prediction 21 years ago is about being fulfilled. For Tinubu, the journey to realising what he once described as a life ambition has been a long and turbulent one. I do not know whether Tinubu’s presidential ambition preceded Watson’s prediction, or if it was the prediction that sowed the seed of ambition in his mind. What I do know is that at the time Watson described him as a likely future president of Nigeria, Tinubu had only just survived a bruising battle of his political life. Shortly after his election as Lagos State governor, he had barged into a storm of certificate scandal, claiming on his INEC forms, to have attended Government College, Ibadan and the University of Chicago, United States, institutions he never attended. The media, NGOs and opposition politicians smelt blood and went for the kill. About the same time, House of Representatives Speaker Salisu Buhari and Senate President Evan(s) Enwerem, faced with scandals of similar proportion, had fallen on their swords. Those who hoped Tinubu would end the same way, embraced an effigy of disappointment. Through deft political moves, Tinubu rallied the Lagos House of Assembly members and got a clean bill of health. Bruised and weakened, Tinubu embarked on a political re-engineering that turned him into a darling of the civil society. He weaned Lagos from being financially dependent on federal allocations. Unlike many of his peers, he stood up to the bullying tactics of President Olusegun Obasanjo. He challenged the federal government in court and won some cases which helped define the powers of the federal government in relation to those of the states and deepened the structure of our federation. He successfully resisted Obasanjo’s stealthy move to hand over Lagos State to the ruling PDP in the 2003 polls. He instituted a governance template for Lagos, installed his successors, and held the leash on the state’s politics, and some would argue, and resources. He brought most of the southwest states under his political influence, built relationship across parties, formed alliances, supported associates to realise their ambitions, and was pivotal to the formation of APC and the victory of Muhammadu Buhari, after three failed attempts, in the 2015 presidential election. With eyes fixed on his ambition, he carefully cultivated and consistently nurtured personal relationships with some top academics, journalists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and monarchs, relationships he leverages on for empathy, support and loyalty at every point in his presidential sojourn. In the ensuing years, Tinubu’s influence first as godfather in Lagos, then opposition leader, and later his catalytic role in the making of the Buhari presidency in 2015 has been a subject of envy by associates, and derision by competitors. Every aspect of his life is mired in controversy – his parentage, age, early life, education, health, business, politics and source of wealth. In the last eight years, he’s unarguably the most talked about politician, with many holding him vicariously responsible, even while not holding any appointment in the party or the government, for the failed policies of the Buhari administration. He always spoke favourably for Buhari even when elements in the administration, and the party, made repeated efforts to undermine and frustrate him. Throughout the campaign period, he was enemy

candidate No.1 on social media – abused, ridiculed, derided, caricatured. His mistakes were amplified, his voice became a source of comedy skits, and his words were turned into mocking songs. However, Tinubu navigated every obstacle. He campaigned with determination and courage, dishing out close to as much as he received. He is what the Yoruba people call, Apamaku, the one who has refused to die after being serially killed, the unbreakable so to say. As he savours the joy of victory, Tinubu must move hard and fast towards forming the government he intends to run. In the immediate term, he must heal a country deeply divided, not so much the well-known the religious and ethnic divisions, important as those are, but more crucially, the division between the new generation of youths against those of their parents. The road to bridging that division would only be paved with fixing the economy, creating the environment for job opportunities, restoring the education system, securing the lives of the citizens, and making the country work. The first step to achieving this is putting together a solid cabinet immediately after inauguration, a cabinet with a healthy injection of experts that could grow the economy. Of course, Tinubu has political debts to pay his associates, particularly state governors who were critical not only to his nomination as APC candidate, but also to his victory at the polls. Many of these governors are rounding up their second term and would expect to be beneficiaries of major political appointments in Abuja, particularly so for those who lost their bid for Senate seats. Indeed, the way Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru jumped up with both hands in the air when INEC announced the winner of the presidential election, one could have mistaken him for the president-elect were Tinubu not in the same room with him. In picking his cabinet, Tinubu shouldn’t allow politics of loyalty trump competence and performance. However, the strength of Tinubu presidency, at the end of the day, would possibly depend on the commitment and capacity of the men women around him, his personal staff; those that would plan his schedule and appointments, manage his time, write his speeches, shape his thoughts, work out his policies, work on his battle plans, finetune his strategies, and generally ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The choice of a Chief of Staff, the man who will help the president-elect breathe life to his vision by planning the strategy, overseeing the work, managing the people, interfacing with other stakeholders, tackling the challenges and generally making things happen, is crucial. Considering the powers of that office, charisma, communication and interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence without a touch of arrogance should be necessary qualities of the would-be CoS. The president-elect does have a lot to proof. Having coveted the presidential office for so long and worked so hard to get it, he would need to quickly stamp strong footprints on the nation’s problems with a view to driving the country on the path of quantum growth and development. Should he succeed in posting solid achievements, he could force the hands of the foreign media, which in the wake of his electoral victory, have unwholesome narrative of him as a “ wealthy political fixer” (Financial Times), “divisive figure” (New York Times), “kleptocratic godfather” (The Times of London), and “wealthy veteran power broker trailed by corruption” (The Guardian of London) who won “a deeply flawed” (Financial Times) election after a “messy count” (The Economist). Having now achieved his life ambition, would Tinubu work hard and smart to change the Nigerian narrative from a country with perpetual potential for greatness to one bursting forth and flying the path of greatness? Would he transform himself as the founder (or what his traducers call feudal lord) of modern Lagos to a great leader of Nigeria? That should be his challenge.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com