WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 2022

APC Stakeholders Mull Soft-landing for Buni, Akpanudoedehe's Fate Uncertain Bello directs sale of forms this week or early next Buhari to join Tuesday’s NEC meeting remotely

Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Worried by the recent turn of events in the ruling All Progres-

sives Congress (APC), which witnessed a dramatic change of guard, stakeholders in the party

have started mulling a soft-landing for the displaced former chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary

Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, in order to

save him from the embarrassment Continued on page 48

Report: FG’s Domestic Borrowing to Exceed N2.6trn in 2022… Page 5 Wednesday 9 March, 2022 Vol 27. No 9829. Price: N250

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IWD: Buhari, Others Extol Virtues of Nigerian Women, Call for Better Appreciation House rescinds decision, reconsiders rejected gender bills in constitution amendment

Chuks Okocha, Deji Elumoye, Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia, Emma Okonji, Segun James in Lagos and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

L-R: Countess of Wessex, HRH Sophie; Chairman, UBA Group, Mr Tony Elumelu, and UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, at a private meeting to advance UK-Africa partnership and empower young women in Africa, yesterday at 10 Downing Street, London, UK ...Monday

As the world marked the International Women’s Day (IWD) Continued on page 46

Unlike Zamfara, Court Sacks Umahi, Igwe, 16 Lawmakers, SaysVotes Belong to Party I'm still in charge, judgment was bought, declares Ebonyi gov PDP moves to take over, submits names of replacements to INEC Mike Ozekhome: Judgment cannot stand Appeal Court scrutiny Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki and Alex Enumah in Abuja Contrary to a ruling by a Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, which affirmed Bello Matawalle as the governor of Zamfara State, in a suit by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), another Federal High Court of coordinate jurisdiction, yesterday, in Abuja, has sacked the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi and his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe, for defecting from the PDP to the APC. The court, which was presided Continued on page 48

Current state of the construction work at the 2nd Niger Bridge in Eastern Nigeria during the inspection by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Chris Ngige; MD/CEO NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji and other senior government officals..yesterday

Despite Court Order, Buhari Writes House, Wants Deletion of Section 84 (12) in Electoral Act… Page 8

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

CELEBRATING 65TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo marks his 65th birthday celebration at the Presidential Villa flanked by women ... yesterday

Report: FG’s Domestic Borrowing to Exceed N2.6trn in 2022 NBS Understates Economy by 25%, Says PwC Economist

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Coronation Merchant Bank (CMB) has projected that the federal government’s domestic borrowings in 2022 would exceed N2.6 trillion while estimating that inflation and GDP growth rates would be 13.88 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively this year.

The CMB added that the country might experience weak portfolio investment inflows due to negative real interest rates as the headline inflation rate remained in double digits.

These predictions were contained in its Economic Review and 2022 Outlook titled “Blend of Optimism and Uncertainty,” which was released yesterday during a virtual CMB 4th edition of its Interactive Session Series themed “Nigeria’s Economic Landscape – a Blend

of Optimism and Uncertainty.”

The CMB said: “Given the current elevated oil price, compared with the oil price benchmark in the 2022 budget, there might be room for the FGN to source funds for fuel subsidy from its windfall/ savings. Overall, we expect the budget deficit this year to be higher than the current projection and that domestic borrowing could exceed N2.6 trillion. This implies upward pressure on FGN bonds and NTB yields.

“For 2022, we expect the impact of positive base effects on the headline inflation rate to wither away by the second quarter of the year. Looking ahead, on the back of specific factors which could result in upward pressure on prices, we have imposed visible fluctuations in the m/m inflation rate using a few assumptions. These include

insecurity, modest exchange rate depreciation, hike in electricity prices, electioneering and the possible N10 per litre excise duty imposed on non-alcoholic carbonated and sweetened beverages. We see average inflation for FY 2022 at 13.88 per cent y/y and at 13.91 per cent y/y at end-December 2022.”

The report further stated that the steady financial injections/ interventions into selected sectors like agriculture by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have assisted to keep economic activities afloat within these sectors and observed that the “large informal economy is one reason for the misalignment between the growth figures recorded in these sectors and intervention efforts.

“We expect some fiscal stimulus on the back of FGN’s capital expenses. Furthermore, we anticipate

investment spending in targeted sectors. We are optimistic about the implementation of the PIA, which should improve revenue collection and could boost investor appetite.

“Looking ahead, overall preelection expenditure towards the 2023 general elections should also contribute to the growth drive. For 2022, we expect a GDP growth of 2.6 per cent y/y.”

Delivering a welcome remarks yesterday during the unveiling of the report, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of CMB, Mr. Banjo Adegbohungbe, stated that “there are a number of factors, both positive and negative that are expected to influence the macroeconomic landscape in 2022. The lessons learnt on resilience as Nigeria embarked on a recovery path in 2021 will

FG Urges Turkey to Invest in Nigeria’s Onshore Oil Assets Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian government yesterday called on the Turkish authorities to look at the prospect of funding major oil and gas projects in the West African country, against the backdrop of the planned exit of major International Oil Companies (IOCs).

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alpersen Bayraktar, on the sidelines of the ongoing CERAWeek, in Houston, Texas, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said Nigeria was open to the country’s investment in Nigeria.

A number of foreign oil companies operating in the country, especially Shell, Nigeria’s biggest partner in the industry as well as ExxonMobil, are planning to sell off many of its assets in Nigeria.

Sylva stated that with the planned divestments, especially from the onshore segment of the oil and gas sector, it would be worth the investment for the country.

“Now that IOCs like Shell, ExxonMobil and others are planning to divest from onshore assets. More investments in that sector would be a great opportunity for Turkey to expand its investments interest in Nigeria,” the minister said.

A statement by the Senior Adviser, Media & Communications, Horatius Egua, quoted the minister as saying that, “We are looking at the possibility of Turkey taking interests in more investments in Nigeria.”

He said the cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey remained very significant, stressing that the relationship could be extended to the energy sector and other areas of trade.

The minister added that with the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Nigeria has further streamlined its laws in the oil and gas investment environment and thus making investments in the more attractive to potential investors.

He called on the deputy minister to encourage Turkish investors to come to Nigeria to participate in the new opportunities offered by the exit of the IOCs to consolidate the bilateral relations between both countries.

Sylva assured Bayraktar of good returns on investments in Nigeria, stressing that despite plans by the IOCs to divest from onshore assets, the companies were ramping up investments in offshore assets in the country.

He noted that this was a sign that the Nigeria investment environment is still the desired investment destination in Africa.

The minister added that he

expected investors from the country to also take up investments in greenfield assets, noting that the country was prepared to engage in discussions on a governmentto-government basis to achieve the desired results.

On his part, Bayraktar solicited the support of Sylva to get Turkey to be part of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas sector, adding that the country was prepared to shore up investments in the area of natural gas, given the right environment.

be critical in shaping the business and macroeconomic environment this year The event, which was held virtually, featured expert speakers such as Founder and Chief Consultant of B. Adedipe Associates, Dr. Biodun Adedipe; Advisory Partner/Chief Economist at PwC Nigeria, Dr. Andrew S. Nevin; Chief Economist at Coronation Merchant Bank, Ms. Chinwe Egwim, and Chief Economist at the Development Bank of Nigeria, Professor Joseph Nnanna,.

Egwim, who delivered the macroeconomic presentation, said: “Looking ahead, on the back of specific factors, we expect upward pressure on prices. Overall, consumption patterns are relatively better and are almost mirroring pre-pandemic levels. However, we must note that consumer pockets are still steadily being rebuilt.”

However, Nevin expressed optimism for 2022 added that the National Bureau of Stattistics (NBS) underestimated the volume of Nigerian economy by 25 per cent.

He said: “We (Nigeria) have a bigger economy and more economic activities than we think.

The official number from NBS is

about N20 trillion in the fourth quarter which understates the economy perhaps as much as 25 per cent. We also have a smaller population than estimated, so we are actually richer than we think.”

Speaking during the virtual event, Adedipe noted that, “we’ve seen the pattern in the last 10 years of non-oil sectors accounting for between 77 per cent and 82 per cent in terms of contribution to our GDP, while the oil sector has repeatedly accounted for less than 10 per cent. It is now obvious that what drives the economy is the non-oil sector and that is where we will have to pay a lot of attention.

Looking at this in the context of where we are, I see an economy that will grow very strongly, and I expect growth to be sustained this year.”

In his comment, Nnanna added that “taking a look at the diversification strategy, we need as a country to restructure the economy, moving from the factors of production within and across different sectors towards high productivity so that diversification can be achieved through encouraging private investments, foreign investments, improving infrastructure and so on.”

Presidency: N10.06bn Already Released for State House VIP Clinic Says project to be ready December Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Presidency says it has released N10.06 billion for the ongoing construction of the Presidential VIP Wing of the State House Clinic within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Addressing the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs during an oversight visit to the clinic under construction, Tijanni Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, assured that the project would be ready by December 31, 2022.

Giving a breakdown of the project's financial status, Tijanni disclosed that the N416.6 million budgeted for the project in 2020 and N1.06 billion in 2021 had been paid in full.

The total budgeted cost for the state-of-the-art clinic, which will cater to the health needs of the

president, vice president and other top government officials, was put at N20.9 billion.

He indicated that out of the N20.8 billion budgeted for the project in 2022, the Federal Government had released N8.5 billion.

He recalled that in line with due process, President Muhammadu Buhari approved Julius Berger Plc to review, develop the concept design and proceed with the construction as a turnkey contract.

“Accordingly, on July 29 2021, the company was instructed to proceed with the review of the concept design and other site works simultaneously, based on which a roadmap/timeline for the construction of the facility was developed," explained the State House official.

He added, ''In furtherance to this, the site was handed over to M/s JBN on August 23, 2021, which proceeded to undertake necessary

and extensive site survey and other ancillary works paving the way for the ground breaking and foundation laying that was performed by the Chief of Staff to the President on November 1, 2021."

The permanent secretary also noted that the schedule of payment plan linked to the work plan negotiated with the company "in line with the advice of" the finance minister "outlining milestones at which the client is expected to effect regular periodic payment for work done." This, he stressed, was to sustain the momentum of work and "to deliver/commission the project by December 31, 2022, is yet to be fully aligned."

Speaking further, he explained: "I should like to say that my remarks will be incomplete without expressing my profound and unreserved gratitude to you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, for the sustained interest in this

project, which by all standards will be a cherished national asset and a legacy of the present administration."

Expressing satisfaction with the progress of work during the visit, the leader of the senate delegation and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator Danjuma La’ah, said the project, when completed, would address the issue of medical tourism. ''For the remarkable steps so far reached on the project site, I am highly impressed," said La’ah.

The senator, who described the progress of the work as fantastic, commended Julius Berger and the management of State House, led

by Umar, for complying with the schedule for the completion of the project. ''We will take it as a point of duty to keep a tab on this project until it is completed," added La’ah.

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SIDELINE OF THE ONGOING CERAWEEK IN HOUSTON...

L-R: Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) Alternate Governor/Chief of Staff to Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Dr. Adedapo Odulaja; Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, OPEC Secretary General, Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, and Minister of Mines and Energy Namibia, Mr. Tom Alweendo, on the sideline of the ongoing Ceraweek, in Houston, Texas, United States of America…recently

Again, NEITI Raises Questions over Handling of Federation Share of NLNG Revenues Wants NNPC to properly account for monies from gas company Pegs crude loss from 22 oil firms at 53m barrels, $2.21bn

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has once more raised questions over the handling of the federation’s proceeds from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company.

In its latest report covering 2020, the Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji-led organisation called for more transparency in the handling of the funds, stating that the monies were lodged in accounts belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, instead of being lodged in the Federation Account.

Making 16 recommendations in the just-released 2020 oil and gas industry report, the organisation stated that while the funds should be paid into the joint account, it should be fully accounted for in the national oil company’s financial statements.

“NLNG dividend and other related payments remain an issue in 2020 as payments are being warehoused in NNPC designated bank accounts and not Federation accounts.

“NNPC Ltd. should transparently disclose and account for NLNG payments in the corporation's financial statements while future dividends should be paid to the federal government as the investor,” the report stated.

In 2017 NEITI had raised similar posers, calling on the federal government to institute an independent investigation into the status and utilisation of all dividends and loan repayments by the NLNG Limited to the NNPC. However, in the latest report, NEITI stated that issues concern-

ing the warehousing of the funds remained unresolved and called for a quick resolution of all associated matters.

On the operatorship of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 116, NEITI stated that although the operatorship was transferred to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the proceeds from production was treated as if the ownership of the license was reassigned to NPDC. It added that there was no consideration paid to show that it was reassigned.

“Transfer of operatorship does not mean transfer of assets or ownership rights. NPDC should pay considerations if the OML has been reassigned,” the organisation recommended.

NEITI further put the total volume of crude losses reported by 22 companies at 53,056,772bbls, valued at about $2.21billion, at the annual average selling price of Federation Equity crude oil reported in the audit.

“The NNPC should ensure proper pipeline security surveillance using satellite imagery and other sophisticated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to ensure real time monitoring and decisive actions on pipeline vandalism.

“The companies should also work with the federal government to ensure the implementation of fiscal provisions in the PIA for the welfare of host communities and thus strengthening responsibility for communal ownership of crude oil pipelines,” it said.

On pre-export financing and Project Eagle , NEITI stated that a total volume of 1.799 mmbbls crude oil (valued at $59.225 million)

and 2.847 mmbbls crude oil (valued at $116.980 million) was lifted from OML 119 (Okono fields) and sold for pre-export financing and project eagle agreement.

“These amounts are for repayment of loans taken in the past to settle marketers under the petroleum subsidy scheme, which are being recovered from monthly federation revenue proceeds. The circumstances under which the subsidies were incurred and the beneficiaries are not clear,” it added.

NEITI therefore recommended

aggregate income from all sources for the preceding year with the state tax authority in which they are deemed resident within 90 days from the commencement of every new year of assessment.

Executive Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ayodele Subair, urged, “all individual taxpayers, including self-employed persons and employees under the PAYE Scheme in Lagos State to file their annual tax returns on or before March 31, 2022, to avoid payment of penalties as well as other statutory sanctions.”

He also emphasised that filing

of subsidy regime should be used to improve the lives of the citizens.

Pertaining to under-recoveries and value loss, NEITI pointed out that the total amount of subsidy claim by NNPC in 2020 was N133.74 billion ($375.22million), out of which N106.99billion ($300.19million) was recovered from the federation in 2020, leaving an outstanding balance of N26.74 billion.

“The federal government should fully deregulate the downstream sector and savings made , from the stoppage of the subsidy regime

should be used to improve the life of citizens. The PIA is expected to address this issue,” it noted.

It reiterated that the total outstanding company taxes payable to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as at 30th September, 2021 was $79.20 million while the total amount of outstanding federation revenue payable to at 31st December, 2020 was $3.10 billion.

“The responsible government agencies should recover debt owed by the stated companies,” NEITI said.

TCN Explains Nationwide Load Shedding, Blames Gencos for Worsening Power Supply Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday attempted to explain the worsening nationwide power supply, stating that the Generation Companies (Gencos) were not generating enough electricity to be transmitted by the company.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the wholly owned federal government entity, insisted that it could only transmit the power supplied by the Gencos.

The TCN notified its customers that the current load shedding being experienced nationwide was as a result of very low power generation made available by the Gencos for wheeling through the transmission grid to Distribution Companies (Discos) nationwide.

“The media has been awash

LIRS Reaffirms March 31 Deadline for Filing of Individual AnnualTax Returns In accordance with provisions of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) Cap P8 2011 (as amended), the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has notified all individual taxpayers, including self-employed persons and employees under the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) scheme to file their annual tax returns on or before March 31, 2022.

A statement from the LIRS yesterday explained that the obligation to file annual tax returns was stipulated in Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA).

It explained that the provision makes it mandatory for all taxable person(s) to file a return of

that the NNPC should transparently disclose details of the subsidy and the beneficiaries of the payments, in addition to render accounts on the loan transactions. “The transaction should be extensively reviewed and investigated,” NEITI noted.

On refineries, the initiative stressed that zero allocation was made to the nation’s refineries due to lack of capacity to process refined products and advised that the federal government should fully deregulate the downstream sector and savings made from the removal

of tax returns in Lagos State could only be done on the LIRS e-Tax portal through the ink: https:// etax.lirs.net.

“It is therefore mandatory for all taxable persons in the state to register on the e-Tax portal. The e-Tax portal is built purposely for the convenience of taxpayers. It is easy, convenient, and safe.

“As part of the agency’s quest to ease compliance obligations for taxpayers, tax officers have been designated at various tax stations to assist individuals to carry out online registration and filing of tax returns on the e-Tax portal,” it added.

with reports that TCN has reduced the load allocation to distribution companies. That information is incorrect. The correct position is that TCN can only transmit the quantum of power generated

by Gencos through the national grid to distribution load centres nationwide.

“For clarity, TCN does not generate electricity and therefore can only transport cumulative generation from all the generation companies nationwide to distribution load centres.

“The distribution companies are responsible for end-users consumption. TCN allocates power to distribution companies based on approved percentage (formula approved by NERC), of the total generation available per hour or on day-ahead nomination,” it stated.

The company noted that presently, the cumulative generation nationwide was low and generation companies have attributed this to several factors including poor gas supply.

Other challenges, it stressed, included low generating units of generating companies, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, all of which have caused most power generating companies to limit their generation, and sometimes not generate at all.

A summary of the power generating profiles in the last two months, for instance, the statement noted, clearly showed that 14 gas-powered generating stations were either not generating at all or had limited generation at various times within the period, further depleting the quantum of power generation available for transmission into the grid on a daily basis.

“Power generating stations in

this category include; Omotosho units 5 & 6, Olorunsogo units 3, 4 & 6, Omoku units 3 & 6, Omotosho NIPP units 3 & 4, Delta units 15, 17, and 18, Afam VI units 11 & 12, Olorunsogo NIPP unit 3, Ihovbor NIPP unit 2, Sapele Steam unit 3, Sapele NIPP unit 1, Odukpani NIPP units 1 & 3, and Okpai units 11, 12 & 18.

“Also, within the same period, Jebba Hydro and Shiroro Power Generating Stations were either out or had limited generation, causing additional loss of 232MW from the grid.

“Other power generating plants such as Omotosho units 3&4, Olorunsogo units 1, Delta units 10 &20, Afam VI unit 13, Ihovbor NIPP units 4, Geregu NIPP units 22&23 and Odukpani NIPP units 2, 4 & 5, have also been out either on fault or for scheduled maintenance, causing a further loss of about 3,180MW from the grid,” the TCN stated.

The company stated that a combination of the above scenarios had persisted and the total effect on the grid has been persistent low generation, which TCN operators have had to strive to dispatch in a way that will not jeopardise the stability of the grid.

“More recently, from the 1st to 4th of March, 2022, there was generation shortfall due to water management in Shiroro and Jebba hydro with the loss of 307MW and 125MW respectively from both stations.

“Within the same period, there were fault and technical problems in Egbin, causing 514MW shortfall and in Geregu causing 230MW shortfall, while reported fault at Alaoji NIPP reduced generation from the substation by 263MW. “Gas constraint alone in

Olorunsogo gas generating plant reduced generation from the station by 104MW, in the same vein, Omotosho gas lost 102MW and Sapele NIPP lost 263MW. In Omotosho NIPP, there was generation shortfall of 233MW and in Omoku a shortfall of 112MW. “Two units in Okpai have limited generation due to technical problems causing a 204MW drop in generation and in Afam VI 511MW drop in generation.

“Gas constraint and fault in Olorunsogo NIPP reduced generation by 240MW, Geregu NIPP by 435MW, and Ihovbor by 142MW. Also, due to gas pipeline pigging, Odukpani NIPP was shut down which caused a reduction of generation by 575MW,” it added.

The TCN further reiterated that a combination of issues ranging from gas constraints, fault, and technical problems within generating plants caused persistent low generation and consequently low load allocation to distribution companies nationwide.

It pointed out that this is based on the fact that TCN can only transmit what is being generated

by Gencos and presently they are all generating below capacity.

TCN stated that except cumulative power generation increases considerably for it to transmit to distribution companies nationwide, TCN would be left with no choice than to continue to shed load.

“We will however continue to work hard to ensure the efficient allocation of the total load generated by power generating stations into the grid, bearing in mind the need to ensure that the national grid is stable in spite of the challenges posed by insufficient load on the transmission grid,” TCN said.

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INAUGURAL LECTURE OF THE ANYAOKU INSTITUTE FOR DIPLOMACY...

L-R: Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Anambra State Governor-elect, Prof. Charles Soludo; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, after the inaugural lecture of the Anyaoku Institute for Diplomacy held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka...yesterday

Buhari Writes House, Wants Deletion of Section 84 (12) in Electoral Act

Ruling won't stop us from amending Act says Senate House shuns president's request, says it will obey order

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade, and Udora Orizu in Abuja Despite the ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, that temporarily restrained members of the National Assembly from deleting or taking any further steps regarding Section 84 (12) in the constitution, President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives seeking removal of that part of the constitution which mandates government appointees to resign their positions three months ahead of primary elections of political parties in the newly signed Electoral Act 2022.

Even as observers question whether a court of law can stop the National Assembly from performing its lawful duty of law making. "One arm of government cannot stop the other from performing its

constitutional role. There is clear separation of powers as spelt out in the constitution," an observer pointed out to THISDAY yesterday night. "It a judicial overreach, the court has no power to stop the legislators from amending the and law. The role of the court is to interpret the law," he further stated.

But the House of Representatives has promised to obey court order.

The spokesman of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) made this known while briefing journalists after plenary.

THISDAY recently reported that there were strong indications that the leadership of the House of Representatives had initiated back channel moves to block the deletion of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, despite the commitments made to Buhari by the federal lawmakers in an

executive-legislative deal.

It was gathered that after Buhari signed the new law, Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had been bowing to pressure from some presidential aspirants to block it.

“We heard that Gbajabiamila wants to be Governor of Lagos State.

So, they don’t want to delete the controversial section from the Act. So, while the Senate is considering deleting it, the House may block it,” the source had explained.

However, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, declared yesterday that the court ruling won’t stop the National Assembly from amending the legislation.

On Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja delivering ruling in an ex parte application brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the legality of the

National Assembly’s decision to amend the bill, temporarily restrained the lawmakers from deleting or taking any further steps regarding the section.

However, Gbajabiamila at yesterday’s plenary, asked the House to consider deleting Section 84 (12), stating that it would be stretching matters beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restrictions into the constitution, where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election.

The letter read in part: “I write with reference to the recent assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2022, and to draw your kind attention to some salient issues contained in the Act and to seek your immediate legislative action thereon.

“I have carefully studied the content of the recently assented

Domestic Flight Operations Paralysed Amid Aviation Fuel Scarcity Jet A1 sells in Lagos N590 per litre Chinedu Eze There are indications that flight operations may be paralysed due to the non-availability of aviation fuel (Jet A1).

At the two busiest airports in Nigeria, Lagos and Abuja, aircraft scheduled for flight service on Tuesday were parked for hours waiting for fuel.

Passengers waited anxiously, hoping to hear an announcement for boarding, but none was announced for about four hours.

Later, at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, an airline announced the cancellation of a flight to Jos. That was indicative that all the flights destined to airports where flights do not operate in the night, known as sunset airports, would be cancelled and passengers would become stranded.

THISDAY learnt that since 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, some airlines could not continue operating fight service after exhausting the fuel in their aircraft.

Meanwhile, the price of aviation fuel has increased to N590 per litre in Lagos and is likely to cost more in Abuja, Kaduna and Kano.

“For perspective, just to inform you guys what’s happening. In January 2021, we bought aviation

fuel at N190 per litre. At the end of the year, we were paying N360, almost double. At the end of February 2022, just over a week ago, it was between N415 and N440," stated the Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi. "Today, it is N579 per litre in Lagos, N599 in Abuja, N599 in Port Harcourt and N607 in Kano. And that’s even where you find it to buy."

According to him, the airlines are almost grounded.

He added, "You cannot find the fuel, and where you find it, you have to decide if it’s worth paying for at these ridiculous rates.

Needless to say, we are in a major crisis."

Travel expert and consultant Ikechi Uko, who was waiting for a flight from Lagos to Abuja, told THISDAY that from 12:00 p.m. when he arrived at the airport until 4:00 p.m., there was no boarding of passengers to any destination from the GAT facility, and it was the same in the main domestic terminal, MMA2.

“Nobody is taking off. One airline has cancelled a flight to Jos. I spoke to an Air Peace official, and she said they were not cancelling flight.

Green Africa is sending messages to its passengers," explained Uko. "But every aircraft is still parked. No plane has left. Since 12:00 mid-day I came here, only one flight operated

by Air Peace has left. In Abuja, I gathered that aircraft are parked at the tarmac, waiting."

Later, Uko told THISDAY that some bowsers (fuel distribution vehicles) had driven to the tarmac.

“The delay I witnessed since I came to the airport was over four hours, and we are not sure when flights will begin to take off. Flights going to sunset airports will be cancelled because they cannot fly to those airports and come back,” Uko added.

Uko, the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, noted that the high price of aviation fuel and other fuel products was due to Nigeria buying at the international market price with foreign exchange.

However, he pointed out that “Nigeria stands another great opportunity to enjoy a wonderful windfall from the sale of crude oil, which was budgeted for $70 per barrel but now it is going to $130 per barrel and still rising."

He lamented that the subsidy regime would wipe off the gains.

Last week, Dana Air apologised to its passengers for flight disruptions on March 1, with most flights cancelled due to fuel scarcity.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Sukhjinder Mann, explained that the disruptions were also due to ramp congestion and bad weather. He promised to give

complimentary tickets to passengers affected.

“On fuel scarcity, we are working with our partners to significantly mitigate the challenge, and I am pleased to advise that we have made major inroads in this area with our key suppliers," said Mann. "We will continue to do our best to minimise any foreseeable challenges while hoping that the situation improves generally for all carriers as soon as possible."

Electoral Act (Amendment), 2022; I must admit that there are positive provisions that could revolutionise election process in Nigeria, particularly, through the introduction of new technological innovations that will in turn guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively.

"The recently assented Electoral Act has improved and engendered clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduced to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied candidates and political parties.”

It stated further: “I, therefore, commend the legislative wisdom of the National Assembly, which is in line with our policy to bequeath Nigerians and posterity a landmark legal framework that paves the way for credible electoral process that we would all be proud of.

“Honourable Speaker, I, however, will want to kindly draw your attention to the provisions of Section 84(12) of the Act, which I believe, constitutes a fundamental defect, as it is in direct conflict with extant constitutional provisions."

The letter further read: “Section 84 (12) of the Act constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at conventions or congresses of any political party, for the purpose of nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the Election. Section 84(12) of the Act provides as follows: ‘No political appointee at any level shall

be voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election. “The practical application of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, (Amendment) 2022 is to subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under Sections 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension as public officers within the context of the Constitution is resignation, withdrawal, or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election, as provided in Section 66(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. Arising from the foregoing, I request the National Assembly to consider immediate amendments that will bring the Act in conformity with the constitution by way of deleting Section 84(12) accordingly.”

Shortly after reading the letter, Gbajabiamila was of the view that the controversial section was being misunderstood.

He, however, said Buhari's request would be sent to the appropriate committee to look at it.

Raising a point of order, a member Hon. Herman Hembe (APC, Benue) reminded the Speaker of the existing Court Order barring them from amending the Act In his response, Gbajabiamila said he was aware of the court injunction, however he's obligated Continued on page 51

Gambari, Fashola, Ngige Inspect 2nd Niger Bridge Say work to be completed in April David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, minister of Works and Housing, Alhaji Babatunde Fashola, and his Labour and Employment counterpart, Dr Chris Ngige, inspected work at the second Niger Bridge yesterday.

At the Onitsha-Owerri Road Interchange of the link road to the bridge, the trio also walked the entire 1.6km length of the bridge to the Asaba, Delta State end.

The Managing Director of Julius Berger, Mr. Lars Ritchter, who conducted the dignitaries

through work at the bridge, said the construction firm would complete work on April 2.

The delegation also included representatives of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Anambra and the Delta governments.

Briefing journalists, Fashola reiterated the completion date saying, "April is the completion date. Earlier, I said it would end in February or, latest, end of the first quarter."

The minister added, "Before now, some people said there was no bridge, but now we are walking on the bridge. This is real

now. Plus or minus, when we cross the Ts and dot the Is, we will complete it as promised - 11 kilometres and 12 kilometres on both sides of the bridge."

Fashola also mentioned that the high tension transmission line across the bridge would be relocated in April because they were too low on the bridge.

"Power will be shut down for two weeks to enable the generating and transmission companies as well as the ministry of power to work seamlessly on the project," he stressed. "We plead that those affected will cooperate as nobody will be shut out permanently."

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COMMENT

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

REVISITING THE SECOND NATIONAL OPERATOR LICENCE Sonny Aragba-Akpore urges the NCC to reassess the terms of the licence for the Second National Operator

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orried by the failure of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) to meet the access demand of fixed telephone services in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) licensed a Second National Operator(SNO) in 2002.

At that time, the sector was in dire need of telecommunications services even after the Digital Mobile Licence (DML) auction of 2001. State-owned, Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (Mtel) was one of the beneficiaries of the GSM auction in 2001 without firing a shot. It only waited for the bid conclusion and the bid price of $285m was paid.

But while the other beneficiaries in the auction – MTN and Econet Wireless (EWN) began a spirited rollout obligation, Mtel literarily went to sleep, after paying the licence fee.

NITEL, its parent company was already in a state of comatose despite the efforts of the government to prepare it for privatization.

NITEL, with its formidable national infrastructure spread, blew the opportunity to create a strong presence and make a difference.

The South African example comes to mind, readily. The state-owned Telkom South Africa subjected itself to the national telecommunications regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), but our own NITEL did not subject itself to the NCC Secondly, most of the managers at the NITEL then were plagued by ownership mentality and so will not let go of the enormous powers they wielded. They tried to subject the regulator to its whims and caprices more so since it was NITEL that provided the N50m take-off grant that enabled NCC to take root in 1993. NCC‘s existence depended strongly on NITEL, at the time.

The acquisition of NCC’s first corporate headquarters at 48, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, purchase of official and operational vehicles, recruitment of the first set of staff was through the benevolence of NITEL. So it was difficult and if not impossible for the NCC to subject NITEL to its control. Even the law setting up NCC, Decree 75 of 1992 midwifed by a committee headed by Engr. Vincent Maduka was silent on how to deal with the NITEL issue. And so NITEL was left to its own devices. Today both the government and the people are the worst for it.

The South African example was clear. ICASA was in charge of the telecommunications and broadcasting services in that country.

When ICASA threw open the process to license GSM operators, TELKOM South Africa quickly went into alliance with Vodaphone of the United Kingdom (UK) and came out with Vodacom Limited which at the time had only MTN as a competitor. Vodacom at some point was the leader of GSM services in South Africa until MTN made inroads to Nigeria in 2001.

Nigerian operations buoyed MTN’s entry into several African

IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGE MARKET SHARE

BY TECHNOLOGY, GSM OCCUPIES 99.75%, WHILE FIXED TELEPHONY/WIRED SERVICES HOLD 0.01% OF THE MARKET

countries today thereby being the largest mobile operator in Africa.

So when the NCC took a decision to licence an SNO to complement the NITEL even when its failure was a question of time, many industry players applauded the move.

The NCC stated clearly that in consideration of the potential growth of NITEL and other licensed operators, further demand by subscribers will require the licensing of a Second National Operator (SNO) to provide telecommunications services at a national level including but not limited to the long-distance transmission network, full international gateway services, mobile telephony services, fixed telephony services, and value-added services (VPS) among others.

“For these services, the SNO will be awarded a National Carrier Licence, an international gateway licence, and Digital Mobile Licence (DML)’’ the NCC document stated unambiguously.

The information memorandum stated that the SNO licence authorizes the provision of telecommunications services on a national basis, for a term of 20 years from the date of award with renewal for a further 15 years upon payment of a new fee.

Each bidder was to pay an application fee of $50,000. The rollout obligation was that the SNO should provide at least one percent of its installed capacity at any given time in each state of the federation.

The document stated that: Rollout targets will be measured according to the following time scale: 12 months, a minimum of 150,000 fixed lines; 36 months, a minimum of 550,000 fixed lines; 60 months, a minimum of 1,200,000 fixed lines.

Radio Spectrum International (RSI) was the consultant to the SNO bid process. Of the five companies that applied for the SNO license, only Globacom Limited, a Special Purpose vehicle (SPV) promoted by Mr. Mike Adenuga successfully made it through the financial bid stage by paying the mandatory deposit of $20m on August 13, 2002, and was provisionally awarded the license for a bid sum of $200m. The balance of $180m was paid on August 30, 2002, and got the NCC nod for the SNO licence.

In August 2022, it will be exactly 20 years since Globacom won the licence for the SNO but there are questions as to the fulfilment of the timeline for the provision of fixed lines. As of December 2021, NCC statistics for mobile telephony was as follows: MTN had 73,594,682 lines with 37.72% market share. While Globacom with 54,817,363 lines occupies 28.09% market share.

The rest are Airtel with 53,926,886 lines and 27.64% market shares and 9mobile with 12,789,344 lines 3.55% market shares. In terms of percentage market share by technology, GSM occupies 99.75%, while fixed telephony/wired services hold 0.01% of the market.

This explains why the NCC should revisit the terms of the licence for the Second National Operator.

OF RASCALS, RADICALS AND REBELS Nigeria needs more than rebels in our present circumstances, writes Tunde Olusunle

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t was interesting listening, recently, to the exhortation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, that the nation was urgently in need of rebels. Obasanjo spoke at the public presentation of a book, “Footprints Of A Rebel,” the autobiography of Tayo Sowunmi, an erstwhile activist and statesman, who is the *Babanla Adinni* of Egbaland. Sowunmi commemorated his ascension into the revered club of octogenarians, at that event, hosted in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Obasanjo charged that Nigeria requires “more rebels, to stand and speak for the truth.” Pursuing his thesis, Obasanjo said the country desires more of “those who would look at things straight in the face and say: “this is not right, this I will not be part of, this is not good for Nigeria.”

It is truly heartening that Obasanjo who I was privileged to serve as a close personal aide beginning from his formal declaration to run for the nation’s top job November 3, 1998, to his hand over, May 29, 2007, is the one who threw this challenge. Without being patronising or subjective, Obasanjo remains the best president Nigeria has had since the return of democratic governance, 23 years ago. He was competent, confident, pan-Nigerian, meritocratic, courageous and never quivered when decisions were to be taken. He had his ears on the ground too and felt the heartbeat of the streets.

He had his visible failings in critical sectors and departments of the entire gamut of statecraft and administration, nonetheless. He had every opportunity for instance, to bequeath a more acceptable Constitution to Nigeria, than the version hurriedly cobbled together by the fleeting Abdulsalam Abubakar regime. That flawed document, remains a subject of disputation and contestation, even today.

It has continued to haunt, hound and hurt genuine national integration, equity, justice and fairness.

It is the same Constitution which the incumbent leadership operates and cites as alibi whenever Nigerians query the peculiarly northerncentric, religion-insensitive bias of the administration. “I’m leading this country according to the constitution,”

is a regular refrain, those few and far between moments, when the media got the president to speak. Obasanjo was in a position to pragmatically address the burning question of restructuring, which would have assuaged the very roots of the vexation which the issue continues to generate.

I do not intend to revisit Obasanjo’s very tardy transition process in 2007, which brought Nigeria to the despairing morass the country has found itself, especially in the past seven years. Obasanjo was almost singularly responsible for producing Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as successor, to the wholesale exclusion of other candidates. Some of them perhaps, would probably have served the country better.

For all the bile and bickering between him and his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, there were credible and competent alternatives Obasanjo would have considered.

I do not want to probe Obasanjo’s wholesale acceptance of the national population census figures conducted in 2006 which proffered the demographic superiority of Kano State, for instance, over and above Lagos. As a student of geography, I was taught that urbanisation expands and gravitates towards the coast. I was tutored that maritime resources provide limitless and sustainable mainstream and downstream opportunities, for those in geophysical proximity. Instructively, states which were privileged with jumbo numerical statistics from that exercise, are barely able to justify the figures on polls day. Underage urchins are usually recruited from the streets, to make up the numbers. The Lagos we know today, is a pseudo-country on its own right, generating about 40% of its fiscal needs, while chasing a spot in the top six positions of national economies in Africa.

I also do not intend to interrogate what a possible Obasanjo reaction would have been, to those courageous enough to rebel against him, those days when he held sway in Aso Rock. Atiku’s subsequent travails, as well as the torments of Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseighas and the James Onanefe Iboris, former governors during his superintendence,

have been serially attributed to him. We shouldn’t be unmindful too, of Obasanjo’s lien on federal allocations due to Lagos State in 2006, because the government of Bola Tinubu, dared to create more local government areas, “against due process.” The state was compelled to look inwards for survival, which activated its internal revenue generation sensibilities. The state subsequently won the case at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

A lot has also been said about Obasanjo’s complicity in creating the current socio-political situation in Nigeria. He joined the chorus of those rooting for the candidacy of the subsisting president, in 2015. A few years down the road, however, Obasanjo himself has repeatedly in the public sphere, denounced the questionable capacity, unabated inertia, palpable lack of creativity, glaringly divisive governance regimen and the promotion of ethno-religious fissions in the polity, of a leadership he once promoted. Comprehensively disappointed and roundly outraged about the minimum governance the reign the present leadership has brought Nigeria, Obasanjo’s new prescription is understandable.

I align with Obasanjo though, on the need to galvanise the “soro soke” mass choir, because so much has gone wrong and is still going awry, under the watch of the incumbent “change” administration.

The percentage contortions, the mass disillusionment, the quantum despair witnessed within these gruelling seven years, remain the worst in our political history. Beginning from the back and forth on the prices of premium motor spirit, (PMS), to the recent sprint of the cost of diesel oil beyond the N400 price per litre mark, and the increment of the per unit cost of electricity, Nigerians are being concurrently bled, left, right and centre. Inflation figures remain on the ascendancy, while the figures of the unemployed, even as provided by the government’s own National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS), is projected at 33% of the general population, for the year 2022.

Youth unemployment rate specifically, was 53.40% in year 2020. For all the pretensions about an ongoing anti-corruption war, the incumbent administration

may yet produce the richest public servants ever.

A certain Jafaru Mohammed, a brigadier general in the Nigerian Army, recently forfeited 24 prime properties littered across the country, valued at N10.9 billion. Mohammed, serving Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser, (ONSA), was appointed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), under Ibrahim Magu’s watch in 2017, to take charge of the finances of the National Intelligence Agency, (NIA), after the sum of N13 billion belonging to the agency, was discovered in a Lagos apartment. Almost simultaneously, 20 landed property belonging to late Aminu Maude, also an army general, and valued at N3billion, were forfeited to the Nigerian government.

Examples abound.

Never in the nation’s history have the twin evils of favouritism and nepotism, been so rife. There is this “in your face” haughtiness and accompanying insensitivity about it all, as though asking you the question, “what can you do about it, anyway?”

This is why out of the 44 ministers and members of the federal executive council, (FEC), 10 substantive ministers, not one minister of state, anchoring most of the more critical ministries, are from the North West. These are the: Petroleum, Justice, Defence, Police Affairs, Finance, Agriculture, Water Resources, Aviation, Disaster Management and Environment ministries. Conversely, a much smaller Ministry of Labour and Employment, has two ministers from the South, Chris Ngige and Festus Keyamo, SAN, sandwiched in the constrained department.

Hunger has never been as debilitating, acute lack an incongruous twin, in a milieu where sadistic leaders grin from ear to ear as they preside over the customary laceration of state resources, gifting percentage tokens or outrightly denying workers and retirees who have invested their active years in service to fatherland, their legitimate entitlements.

Despair and despondency, have triggered strings of suicides and untimely deaths across the land.

Dr. Olusunle, poet, journalist, writer and author, is a Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors

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EDITORIAL HANDLING DEATH-ROW INMATES It is wrong to keep people interminably on death row

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he Lagos State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Francis Adebisi, recently disclosed that 352 inmates are on death row at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre with 150 other inmates serving life jail terms. Across the country, there are almost 4,000 death-row inmates. Whatever may be the justifications, prolonged solitude is a punishment that is detrimental for the psychology of death row inmates. It also negates the international treaties, declarations and other documents that establish the scope of prisoner rights to which Nigeria is a signatory. A clear reference is the UN adopted Standards Rules of 1955 that recognise solitary confinement and prolonged segregation as appropriate only in exceptional circumstances and to be used sparingly.

It is an inherIT IS MORALLY ent violation on REPREHENSIBLE TO LEAVE their rights and THEM PERPETUALLY ON dignity to keep DEATH ROW, ESPECIALLY people intermiFOR CASES THAT HAVE nably on death row, especially for BEEN CONCLUDED BY THE cases that have SUPREME COURT been concluded by the Supreme Court. To put it in context, prisoners on death row are condemned to a kind of existential limbo, existing as entities in cold storage rather than living as human beings. We, therefore, imagine the harrowing spell condemned prisoners go through daily in solitary cells, humbled by the force of an impending death that seems to be an eternity.

The obligation on the governors is specifically enshrined in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 221 of the Penal Code and Section 319 of the Criminal Code. All these codes prescribe capital punishment for murder while sections 37 and 38 of the Criminal Code prescribe the same punishment for treasonable felony. There is of course a global campaign against capital punishment, but it is still applicable in Nigeria. Majority of these death row

Letters to the Editor

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inmates are in solitary confinement having been convicted for such offences as murder, treason, treachery, and armed robbery. Some states in the country have also enacted capital punishment for those convicted of kidnapping.

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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

solution to the rising cases of prisoners on death row is to carry out a thorough review of the Administration of Justice Criminal Act. The review will reduce incidents of prisoners on death row being held outside their states of conviction and allow governors to consider their sentences when such cases are brought forward. In the meantime, they must deal with the issue of those that are already condemned, one way or another. That is what leadership demands.

Statutorily, there is no compulsion to sign warrants for the execution of people on death row. There are prerogative powers to commute such sentences to lifetime in jail or reduced jail terms. These condemned prisoners can also be granted state pardon, therefore putting a closure to the matter. But it is morally reprehensible to leave them perpetually on death row, especially for cases that have been concluded by the Supreme Court. It is therefore little surprise that this category of inmates, according to the NCS, were becoming difficult to control. “On those on death row, we have crisis on our hands. Of course, you know that this category of inmates is very difficult to maintain or control. They are afraid of nothing because they know that they are already destined to die,” said the NCS Public Relations Officer, Francis Enobore.

Against the background that the NCS Act provides for some mitigations, we urge Ja’afaru. to liaise with the judiciary on how to operationalise Section 12(2c) which specifically provides that “where an inmate sentenced to death has exhausted all legal procedures for appeal and a period of 10 years has elapsed without execution of the sentence, the Chief Judge may commute the sentence of death to life imprisonment.”

We endorse this prescription as a solution to the problem.

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

BIG STRIDES AT VOICE OF NIGERIA

igeria’s external radio service, Voice of Nigeria can be described as an equivalent to British Broadcasting Corporation and Voice of America. It was established and commissioned in 1961 by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s government to serve as the external radio service of the then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation.

It was not until 30 years later that the organisation was severed from the NBC and granted full autonomy through Act of Parliament No 15 of 1991. The Act equally granted the corporation the exclusive mandate to be the only radio station in Nigeria permitted by law to broadcast news and information about Nigeria externally. They are also mandated to project the views of the federal government as stated in section 5(3) of VON Establishment Act. VON has a ‘’mission to reflect Nigerian and African vision in their broadcasts, as well as winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora; making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of the world’’. Their vision is ‘’to become the international radio broadcasting station of first choice for anyone interested in Nigeria and Africa’’.

While in the past most Nigerians were befuddled as to the role and mandate of VON, the current management of the corporation under a consummate and articulate technocrat cum politician, Mr. Osita OkeChukwu has made deliberate efforts towards advancing the mandate of the organisation, as well as creating awareness about its existence and the roles

they play in the affairs of Nigeria, its citizens and foreigners alike. OkeChukwu along with his management team has embarked on a huge expansion of the corporation in all spheres, especially in operations, equipment, manpower, training and resources.

Through a dint of hard work and determination to upgrade VON to a Nigerian brand with global reach, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. OkeChukwu wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting for a new office complex befitting of the important role they play in information dissemination, and on Wednesday 13th of September, 2018 VON acquired a new corporate office in Abuja after the request was graciously approved by President Buhari.

This massive edifice located at plot 1386 Oda Crescent, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 11, Abuja is not only imposing but adequately projects VON as a true global brand from Nigeria. It must be stated that this massive office complex was acquired by VON following the diligent execution of President Buhari’s anti-graft war. The building was one of those for which the courts have issued final forfeiture verdicts.

With offices in 17 states of the country and staff strength of 1200, the organisation has continued to record landmark achievements under Mr. OkeChukwu as they can now boast of state of the art studios at their headquarters in Abuja. The station has also been fully digitized as they now broadcast through the Digital Radio Mundial (DRM). Apart from the normal broadcast on terrestrial broadcast, they also reach their audiences through various platforms such as social media (Facebook, twitter, YouTube) and stream live to their audiences

on VON news app.

On their feedback mechanism, VON is now able to receive audience feedback from across the globe through emails and their traditional terrestrial broadcast system.

As an external radio outfit with diverse listenership, VON is able to broadcast in eight languages which include Igbo, Hausa, English, Yoruba, French, Fulfude, Arabic and Kiswahili.

As a further step towards broadening their audience reach VON signed a memorandum of understanding with Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, and this type of partnerships as well as VON’s increasing profile across the globe has attracted the recognition of local and international organisations. For example the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Award, UNICEF Award, Radio Iran Award, NNMA Award DAME Excellence Award for Media Excellence.

From the foregoing it can be said that VON has remained true to their vision and under OkeChukwu has remarkably accomplished their mission and all these attainments were made possible because of the foresight of the leadership.

Perhaps one of the major reasons for the sterling performance of today’s VON is that the staff are highly motivated and therefore endeavour to work with dedication and patriotism.

In this era when Nigeria is confronted with image problems based on the security challenges and sundry issues, VON can and indeed is playing an important role to present the alternative viewpoints and the positive aspects of the country to their diverse audiences abroad.

Chukwudi Enekwechi, Kwechis19@yahoo.com

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Abia North Puts Right Foot Forward With Nwaka’s Guber Bid Politicians from Abia North senatorial district of Abia State are putting up a stiff fight to have the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party zoned to them, writes Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo

Ikpeazu

Okere

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t’s hard for any Abia politician, especially in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to feign ignorance of the power shift agitation bellowing from the Abia North Senatorial district. Those who may want to block their ears against the deafening clamour might even end up with ruptured eardrums. In this current season of political transition the air is well saturated by Abia North with what they feel is a justified demand for power to return to the zone.

Despite the apparent indifference and delay tactics of the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to address the concerns of Abia North, the clamour has refused to fizzle out. If anything, it is growing in intensity. The argument of the protagonists is that the power rotation principle in Abia has gone full cycle with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who is from Abia South and was handed over the baton by his predecessor, Senator Theodore Orji from Abia Central zone. With Governor Ikpeazu’s second tenure set to terminate in 2023 there is heightened expectation from the ruling party to pronounce where the direction of the power shift compass. Abia North stakeholders insist governorship seat therefore should return to the northern part of Abia where it started the downward journey in 1999, moving steadily to Abia Central and finally to Abia South.

The clamour and debate around the direction of power rotation in 2023 gained traction in 2015 shortly after Ikpeazu was inaugurated for his second tenure. Since then Abia North stakeholders have maintained that their zone has capable men and women who are well qualified to pilot the affairs of Abia effectively. At the turn of the year all eyes were fixed on the political arena in search of prospective governorship aspirants from Abia North who were expected to start rising like the morning sun. All the while

those nursing governorship ambitions were contented with confining their dreams within their families and close circles while engaging in “consultations”.

The waiting game for aspirants to start strutting out to the political arena becomes worrisome at some point as the arena remains unusually empty at this period leading to general election. Where are the governorship aspirants? That is the question popping out of the lips of observers of Abia politics.

On February 2, 2023, the state chairman of Abia PDP even had to confess that “we have no aspirant yet for the governorship and other elective positions.” According to him, the party leadership “has no records” of any 2023 governorship aspirant and if indeed there were any aspirants, it could be that they were still making their ambitions known at their community levels.

Not any more. On February 15, 2023 Senator Emma Nwaka became the first governorship aspirant on PDP platform to formally declare his ambition to become the governor of Abia State in 2023. Nwaka, a Third Republic Senator is not only from Abia North but also from Isuikwuato, which represents the letter ‘I’ in Abia. Standing before the State Executive Committee of PDP at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia he declared: “Here am I, send me”.

He actually waxed biblical as he drew inspiration from prophet Isaiah who had in similar fashion

Nwaka

responded to a divine call to become a prophet.

It was Nwaka’s expression of his willingness and readiness to serve the people of Abia at the highest level.

There are others from Abia North nursing ambitions to become Abia governor under the platform of the ruling party as well as on the side of the opposition parties. But so far only Senator Nwaka has stepped out to be seen. His public declaration of his governorship ambition is significant in the sense that Abia North has put its right foot forward. It has demonstrated that it’s not just enough to be asking for power shift, it’s equally imperative to that those to take the reins of power should start coming out for proper scrutiny of their capacity and antecedents. Significantly, Isuikwuato is asking that the governorship seat should be micro-zoned to the area given that every other component districts from which the name Abia was derived have all taken their turns in occupying Abia’s highest office.

Nwaka is at home in the art of making kings.

He was the chairman of Abia PDP between 2011 and 2015. Under his watch the party recorded its best election results ever in 2011 when in addition to retaining the governorship seat the PDP also took the three senatorial seats, eight House of Representatives slots and had a complete sweep of the State Assembly seats.

The ruling party had a firm grip of Abia which emboldened Nwaka to invent the slogan “Abia is PDP and PDP is Abia.”

So, having successfully crowned kings, Nwaka feels that the time is ripe for him to also wear the crown and preside over the affairs of Abia as governor. According to him, the “inspiration” hit him a year ago. His first reaction was to pray over it and then inform his family about it before following up with consultations starting from his Ward 5 Oguduasa, Isuikwuato local

government. This bottom-top consultations, meant that he also took his consultations to party leaders and stakeholders at the local governments, zone and state levels in that order.

The assuring responses in the course of his wide and varied consultations propelled the former party chairman to storm Umuahia with a throng of supporters and asked the current state party leaders to consider him as the right person to be the flag bearer of PDP in the 2023 Abia governorship poll.

As nothing is settled yet on the issue of zoning of the governorship seat in the ruling party, a fierce competition looms large for the aspirants that would eventually emerge. But Senator Nwaka’s visit to the party leadership for further consultations on his ambition added fuel to the already raging fire of power shift to Abia North. Party chairman, Dr Asiforo Okere and members of the State Working Committee(SWC) that received Nwaka’s entourage were told point-blank that the party must heed the clamour from Abia North and zone the governorship ticket upwards.

Former chairman of Isuikwuato Local Government, Hon Obinna Ekekwe, who was in the entourage, reminded the party leaders that PDP has been maintaining “a sequence of power rotation” since 1999, adding that the state would be the better for it if the chain is not broken. “Our appeal from Abia North is: let this sequence continue,” he said. Ekekwe noted that Abia PDP has remained peaceful since Nwaka passed the baton of leadership to his successors (because) he bequeathed “equity and fairness.”

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

Gwamna Urges Gombe Residents to Participate in Political Process Nseobong Okon-Ekong

D

r. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, a leading political stakeholder in Gombe State has called on the people to participate effectively in the political processes building up to the general election in 2023.

Gwamna, who recently switched political party loyalty from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the call following the release of 2023 general election guidelines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He exited the APC about a fortnight ago.

He further advised the electorate and politicians to always prioritize the interest of Gombe State before making any political decision for the overall good of the state and the country at large.

He charged the people to ensure that they are enlightened politically ahead of the national elections to enable them make the right choices for Gombe and Nigeria.

“Politics cannot work without peace, hence,

Gwamna

Dankwambo

citizen’s approach to politics should be peace-oriented while eschewing violence in all forms,” he said.

He further said, “the attitude of not wanting to participate in electoral pro-

cesses starting from not getting voter card and others should be jettisoned because it is the voice of the majority that count in a democracy and every vote matters for the majority to carry the day.”

A statement by his Media Aide, Ibrahim Sani Shawai announced that Gwamna was received into the PDP by a former governor of the state and PDP leader, Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo in Abuja.

At the meeting, Gwamna said, “Your Excellency, we are here today for two things: to visit you and cement our existing relationship as brothers and to also inform you that I have returned to the PDP. I assure you that we are going to unite ourselves to return PDP to government in the state come 2023.”

In his response, Dankwambo thanked Jamilu Gwamna and his entourage for the visit, welcomed him to the PDP and assured him of his support as well as the unity of the party.

“Sardauna is my brother and I welcome him back to our fold,” the former governor acknowledged, promising, “we’ll work together for the unity and the success of the party.”

Dankwambo further advised the Sardaunan Gombe and his entourage to go back to the grassroots and mobilize people for the party ahead of the 2023 general election.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

POLITICS

Can Segun Oni’s Third Force Turn the Table in Ekiti?

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Having failed to clinch the governorship ticket of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Segun Oni, a former governor of Ekiti State has moved on to the Social Democratic Party to actualize his dream, writes Victor Ogunje

Oni

O

n March 1, 2022, the ex-Governor of Ekiti State , Engr. Segun Oni formally flagged off his governorship campaign on the platform of the Social Democratic Party

(SDP).

This event came after the populace, especially his admirers, were put in abeyance, expecting the course the former governor will take in his political journey to 2022, after a waiting game spanning over one month.

In actual fact, it was one unique declaration, for Oni , because he came out on the platform of a lowly rated party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), which represents a third force in the countdown to the June 18 governorship poll in Ekiti State.

Since the advent of democracy in 1999, Ekiti has been known for majorly recognizing two parties, despite the multiparty system being operated in Nigeria.

Going down memory lane, it was a direct duel between the Alliance for Democracy and the Peoples Democratic Party in 1999. This trend dominated the polity until 2007 when the AD transmuted to Action Congress and later Action Congress of Nigeria and now All Progressives Congress(APC).

Looking at the trajectory of elections and whatever transmutations the progressive party must have undergone, electioneering has always been a direct battle between the progressive party and the PDP even up to 2018.

Though,we have had instances where third forces emanated for governorship elections, but none of them made remarkable showing.

The first time this kind of scenario played out was in 2007, when former governor Ayodele Fayose, who was impeached ordered his foot-soldiers to abandon PDP and work for the candidature of the aggrieved Mr Yinka Akerele on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria’s People’s Party(ANPP).

The results of the election showed that Akerele, who came first in the PDP’s primary, but was substituted with Segun Oni on the order of President Olusegun Obasanjo could only poll slightly over 7,000 votes out of over 300,000 total votes cast in the election .

The same scenario resurged in 2014 when Governor Kayode Fayemi was seeking reelection on the platform of the APC. Miffed by the way he was edged out of the primary, a member of the House of Representatives then and now a Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved to Labour party and contested in that election.

Despite his popularity in the politics of the state, Bamidele could only muster 18,200 to emerge third behind Fayose , who won the election with the incumbent Fayemi coming second.

In-depth dissection of the aggregate of these political happenings gives an insight that third force had never made any remarkable impact in the Ekiti governorship race.

Though in 2015 , nobody ever expected that

Muhammadu Buhari of the APC could spring trounce the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan with intimidating presidential power in such an ignominious fashion, but it happened and history recorded that.

The whole Ekiti is patiently waiting for the political Ingenuity and wizardry that Oni would bring to bear to turn the table against APC and the dominant opposition PDP in this game.

However, the only difference between Oni’s third force and others remains that he is a former governor while the two others: Akerele and Bamidele are not.

Indisputably, Oni has two things going for him in this game and that is the goodwill he has garnered over the years as a former governor, where he employed over 6,000 people into the civil service. The populace also have the general feeling that he is one leader with spartan, modest and receptive mien, who can be trusted with power.

In Ekiti, as things stand today, the civil service remains the engine room of election, because it consists of over 60, 000 population all within voting ages. This gives them advantage to remove any governor at will, especially those they do not want.

The second advantage for Oni is the fact that he has criss-crossed all major parties, where he held vital and strategic positions. He was a foundation member of the PDP and later moved to the APC where he held the position of Deputy National Chairman (South). With these political journeys, it is evidently clear that Oni has followers in the ruling and main opposition parties , which has become a strong bulwark for his campaign and ambition in SDP. Without sounding exaggerative, the former governor enjoys a lot of goodwill today in Ekiti. This singular factor has made the SDP he joined barely three weeks ago a movement and potential danger to both the ruling APC and Fayose-propelled PDP. The fact that he brought out his running mate from Ado Ekiti capital city, one Ladi Owolabi, has also reinforced his chances in this election.

Also, Ado Ekiti has the largest percentage of voting population and it remains one of the swing local governments in election victory.

The APC has also played a smart politics to countermand this strategy, by picking Hon Biodun Oyebanji’s running mate, Mrs Monisade Afuye from Ikere Ekiti, the town with second largest vote concentration in Ekiti.

However, Oyebanji too, is also an experienced politician with strong backings from from Governor Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, traditional rulers and political office holders. This has made him a hard nut to crack for any contestant in the coming election. He is also being rated as having a good prognosis of winning the poll.

It was a carnival like moment the day Oni formally flagged off his campaign under SDP in Ekiti. He was welcomed into Ado Ekiti via Ikere road by mammoth crowd of party admirers, who were adorned in SDP vest carrying Oni’s portrait and a big horse, the logo of the party.

The large turnout of admirers and party supporters that welcomed Oni, who was accompanied by his running mate and Ado Ekiti indigene, Hon. Ladi Owolabi, had caused serious traffic gridlock along Ado-Ikere-Akure road for over two hours.

Going back to past records, besides absorbing new blood into the civil service during his time, Oni also has indelible footprints in road infrastructure, establishment of two universities, robust scholarship scheme, micro credit for traders and above all ensured prompt payment of salary, pension and gratuity.

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

L-R: The Gomo of Kuje, His Royal Highness Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin and Group Managing Director, Adron Homes and Properties, Adetola Emmanuel King, during a courtesy visit to the monarch as the host community to Central Park and Garden the Polo club Estate Kuje in commemoration of Adron Home’s 10th Anniversary... recently

From Left: Bunmi Fasehun (OPC National Secretary), Adeoye Jolaosho (OPC Consultant), Kunle Adesokan (OPC-BoT Member), Wale Oshun (OPC-BoT Chairman), Remi Fasehun (Son), Mrs. Iyabo Fasehun (OPC Founder’s Widow), Wasiu Afolabi (OPC President), Kole Fasehun (Son), Jubril Ogundimu (OPC-BoT Member), Babatunde Adewale (OPC-GOC), at the Okota, Lagos home of the organisation’s late Founder

Former Governor of Gombe State Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo with Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna at his Abuja residence at the event of Gwamna’s formal defection from the All Progressives Congress to the People’s Democratic Party

From right- Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Health, Nutrition & Medical Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Prof.

Akeem Olawale Lasisi; Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; Registrar, Mr. Kassim Kayode Babawale and Librarian, Mrs. Bukky Olufemi Asubiojo, during a courtesy visit by the Management Team of the University, to the office of the Governor at Abere

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

22

FEATURES

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

Two Years of Sterling Human-faced Projects, Commitment to Bayelsa Given his miraculous emergence as the Governor of Bayelsa State two years ago, the recently commemorated second anniversary afforded Governor Duoye Diri the opportunity to showcase his sterling achievements and reaffirm his commitment to bringing dividends of democracy to the people. Chiemelie Ezeobi, who covered the inauguration of different projects, reports

Governor Douye Diri (left) and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at Angiama during the flagoff of the bridge project to connect Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area

L-R: Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Governor Douye Diri; and his wife, Dr. Gloria, during the inauguration of the 4.5km Igbedi community road

Lecture halls and pathology laboratory at the Bayelsa Medical University inaugurated by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, during the second anniversary

L-R: Former President Goodluck Jonathan; Governor Douye Diri, his wife, Dr Gloria; and National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu during the second anniversary thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene

U

ntil his current position as Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri was the senator representing Bayelsa Central senatorial district of Bayelsa state at the Nigerian 9th National Assembly under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Thorny Beginnings For two years, he has held the saddle of leadership of "The Glory of All Lands" despite the hurdles he initially encountered. How did he become governor one might ask?

On February 13, 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria invalidated the results of the 2019 Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections on grounds that the running mate of the actual winner of the election, David Lyon, submitted fake certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

When the court ordered Diri to be issued a certificate of return, he was sworn-in as the governor of Bayelsa State on February 14, 2020.

But it was not yet Uhuru. On August 17, 2020, a tribunal at Abuja, Nigeria ordered for his sack but on October 2, 2020, a court of appeal sitting in Abuja overruled the tribunal court and confirmed him as governor.

Anniversary Two years down the line, the governor is still thankful for the privilege to rule his people and bring down the dividends of democracy as he exhibited during the recent thanksgiving service in Bayelsa to commemorate his second year anniversary.

That was why for two whole weeks, the entire state was agog given the line up of activities marking the second anniversary in office of Governor Douye Diri.

For the people of the state, the anniversary

was enough reason to roll out their drums to celebrate the sterling accomplishments of an accomplished administrator who had touched their lives with the different human-faced projects.

According to the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ayibaina Duba, who was also chairman of the Media/Publicity Committee, the two-week programme of activities was to showcase the achievements of the governor.

Traditionally, the second-anniversary gift is cotton, a versatile material that represents both comfort and strength. On his anniversary, the governor said despite the odds they faced occasioned by the COVID-19 and downturn of the economy, the little they have achieved has been a source of joy to the people.

"I think to a large extent God has been faithful to us because we have done something reasonable and I think we should be proud of what we have been able to achieve so far.

"When I came in, my immediate challenge was to first unite the people by preaching peace, by offering the olive branch because there was too much of bitterness in the political

system of the state; there was too much of hatred.

"My immediate concern was peace. I don’t know who was APC and who was PDP. I was prepared to work with all manner of people and political parties provided it is for the security and stability of our state. I was also determined to continue with the projects I met on ground.

"So some of the projects we have done were initiated by the previous government. We have completed some of them, not all of them, and also adding some new ones."

Unflinching Support For the anniversary, one thing stood out- the governor has the unflinching support of his people. For days unending, they trooped out under the scorching sun to honour the inauguration of each projects.

Dignitaries Also to show support, PDP governors and party stalwarts flew into the state on different days to inaugurate the projects.

Present were former President Goodluck Jonathan; Oyo State Governor, Oluseyi Makinde; Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel; Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike; Bauchi Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Aminu Tambuwal, who also doubles as the Governor of Sokoto; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa;

"Despite the initial hiccups in his first year, Diri stood against all odds and is breaking new grounds through the inauguration of several projects"

immediate Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the current PDP Chairman of the National Working Committee.

Aside members of the National Assembly, religious and traditional leaders that were present, others were the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the State, Justice (Mrs) Kate Abiri; Immediate past Deputy Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); Prof.

Paingha Alagoa, Prof. Mark Okorobia, Dr. ThankGod Apere, Mr. Dianam Dakolo, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, and Hon. David Alagoa, among many others.

Inauguration of Projects For two weeks, the state was agog with inauguration of projects to commemorate the two-year anniversary and achievements of the Diri administration.

Meanwhile, Vice President Osinbajo was also present as he inaugurated the historic flag-off of the bridge construction project linking Oporoma, headquarters of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area from Angiama Community on the Yenagoa-Oporoma road.

Other projects inaugurated included the Bayelsa mega Media complex housing the state radio and television stations as well as the newspaper corporation; the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme complex; the New Yenagoa City link bridge and access roads, Igbedi community road, Elebele Bridge and the Nembe Unity Bridge.

Also inaugurated were the Igbogene-Okarki road, transport terminal building and lecture halls and laboratories at the Bayelsa Medical University, where Governor Wike promised

23

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

FEATURES

The newly inaugurated Igbedi community road

The Bayelsa mega Media Complex housing the state radio and television stations as well as the newspaper corporation

L-R: Former Bayelsa State Governor and currently Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson; Dr. Gloria Diri, Governor Douye Diri; his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed; Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, during the inauguration of the IgbogeneOkarki road

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (left) and Governor Douye Diri during the inauguration of projects at the Bayelsa Medical University

N500,000million to help support the facility.

Other activities include groundbreaking ceremonies of the Smart Learning Centre housing the Diri Industrial Skill and Entrepreneurial Training Centre and that of the new commissioners quarters as well as flag-off of the dry season farming in the state and a made-in-Bayelsa agric expo.

Also, THISDAY and three others from other media houses had embarked on a tour of the second phase of the Isaac Boro Road, the 89km Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, the 38km YenagoaOporoma Road and the 22km second phase of Elebele-Igbogene Ring Road given that the first phase from Igbogene-Okarki has since been inaugurated.

Izon of the Niger Delta One of the events that stood out was the launch of the Ijaw history book, 'The Izon of the Niger Delta'.

At the book launch, Governor Diri appealed that the Ijaw history book project, started years back by the late DSP Alamieyeseigha's government, should be given wide support by all Ijaw sons and daughters as part of concerted effort to ensure the Ijaw language does not go into extinction.

While commending past governors of the state who initiated and funded the book project, he also thanked the only surviving editor of the book, Emeritus Professor E.J Alagoa for embarking on the project, while praying for the repose of the soul of late Prof. Tekena and late Prof. John Pepper Clark, who were co-editors of the book.

Chief Launcher of the book, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles (JP), stressed that the Ijaw culture was built on the foundation of truth and tasked all citizens of Ijaw nation to continue in the same vein.

Linking Communities One of the impactful projects embarked on by Governor Diri is his move to link communities who were hitherto separated by large bodies of water.

One of such communities is the Igbedi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the people trooped out for the inauguration of the road.

The Igbedi road is historic as it was the only community in Kolokuma/Opokuma that hitherto was not connected by road for about 500 years before the Senator Diri administration wiped off their tears and to demonstrate their

joy, they wore thier best and danced on the newly constructed 4.5km Igbedi community road.

At the inauguration, Governor Diri promised that his administration will construct more roads to link communities in the state.

Ernest Ikoli Media Complex Another plus at the anniversary was the inauguration of the Ernest Ikoli Media Complex.

Unveiled by the PDP National Chairman, the complex named after the late media icon and pioneer editor of the Daily Times, has 430 offices, 107 restrooms, two restaurants and other facilities.

It houses the state-owned media outfits- namely Radio Bayelsa, Niger Delta Television and the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the New Waves Newspaper.

Completing Inherited Key Projects A firm believer that government is a continuum, Governor Diri has left no stone unturned in completing past projects started by his predecessors.

For Governor Diri, "Government is moving from one hand to another and projects started are being completed and not abandoned. That is the only way our resources cannot be wasted.”

According to his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah: “The governor inherited uncompleted key projects from past administrations. In his wisdom, he reasoned that state resources had been spent on such projects and that it was proper not to abandon them to immediately begin new projects.

"For instance, phase two of the Glory Drive Road from Igbogene to Onopa, where the Government House is located, was started during the Timipre Sylva administration.

“When former Governor Seriake Dick-

son took over in 2012, the administration could not continue the project due to litigation issues arising from disagreements with the contractor. So, for another eight years, the project was stalled.

"But upon entering the saddle, Governor Diri not only succeeded in clearing the litigation bottleneck he also ensured work resumed. Now it is one of his administration’s big-ticket projects to be inaugurated before his first term ends.

"There were also other big-ticket projects from the immediate past administration which the Diri government is continuing."

Boost for Bayelsa Airport According to Alabrah, "another standout project that the Diri administration inherited and has also put in huge funds as part of its continuity policy is the Bayelsa International Airport. The facility was constructed and inaugurated by the Dickson administration before they left office.

"However, it was under the new administration that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, certified the airport and granted the operational licence in April 2021.

"Courtesy of the Diri administration, flight operations commenced with an inaugural flight of the United Nigeria Airline touching down at the airport on August 11 last year. On February 8, 2022, Ibom Air became the second airline to commence commercial operations with its inaugural flight landing at the airport.

"To enable night-time flights at the airport, the Diri administration has procured Instrument Landing System, ILS, and other required equipment. It had earlier undertaken the construction of the airport’s perimeter fencing, a condition that the NCAA insisted upon even though there were other considerations for delaying the operational licence."

"Government is moving from one hand to another and projects started are being completed and not abandoned. That is the only way our resources cannot be wasted”

Thanksgiving As one always thankful to God, the Governor held a thanksgiving service at Ecumenical Centre in Yenagoa.

In his sermon, General Overseer of Gateway International Church, Pastor George Izunwo, said God did not perform the miracle for Diri to become governor without a purpose, stressing that the governor should stay focused and work for the prosperity of all Bayelsans.

Commendations Throughout the two-week anniversary, the governor drew commendations from all flanks.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Diri for his inclusive approach to governance and his reverence for God. The former president also commended him for encouraging peaceful co-existence of citizens from across party lines and prayed God to give him the wisdom to bring more development to people of the state.

He said: “God has given you opportunity to pilot the affairs of the state and you are doing well. I thank you for encouraging peaceful co-existence.

"We pray that you have the wisdom to bring more development. All of us should continue to support him and through him God will bless us.”

Governor Makinde, who inaugurated the Igbedi road, also commended Governor Diri.

While thanking Diri for giving him the opportunity to be part of the history of the road inauguration, he urged the people of the state to support him for a second tenure to enjoy more development.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP governors, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa also commended Diri for his strides in office so far and urged him to continue to work for the development of the state.

Also speaking, the PDP National Chairman, Senator Ayu, commended the performance of the Bayelsa governor, saying the party was proud of his achievements in two years.

He said it takes a man of great commitment to do so much in such a short time when some others were still struggling to find their footing in governance.

He said despite the initial hiccups in his first year, Diri stood against all odds and is breaking new grounds through the inauguration of several projects.

At the end of the anniversary, one thing was clear, Bayelsa as the Glory of All Lands is bent on taking its place infrastructure-wise.

24

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

25

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

8 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

14.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

565.29%

1/4 TO DATE

6.06%

N412.08/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

14.50%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.11%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.66%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.41%

ETI Leads as Zenith Bank, 8 Others Granted N16.68trn Loans to Customers in 2021

Kayode Tokede A total loans & advances of N16.68 trillion was granted by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Zenith Bank Plc and eight other banks to their customers in 2021, representing 15.6 per cent increase over N14.42 trillion reported in the full year 2020, analysis of the banks 2021 financial year results have revealed.

Analysis of six teir-2 banks’

financial statements for the year ended December 31 2021 and four Teir-1 banks showed that loans to customer s went up by N2.3 trillion.

The Tier-1 banks are; ETI Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and United Bank for Africa Plc. The investigated tier-2 banks are; Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Wema Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) money and credit statistics had reported that credit to private sector hits N35.73trillion in 2021 to emerge as all-time high banks lending to private sector.

The apex bank had reported N26.65trillion credit to private sector in 2019 and with the latest figure of N35.73trillion, it means credit to private sector has added N9.03 trillion in the last three years.

However, a breakdown of the

banks 2021 results showed that ETI granted the largest loans to customers as the pan-African Bank released a total of N4.1 trillion as loan facilities to its customers, up nearly 10 per cent from N3.7 trillion in 2020.

Zenith Bank in its audited financial statement reported 21 per cent increase in loans & advances to customers to N3.36 trillion in 2021 from N2.78 trillion reported in 2020.

Also, UBA reported 2.5 per cent increase in loans & advances to customers to N2.68 trillion in 2021 from N2.55trillion in 2020 while GTCO reported 8.4 per cent increase in loans & advances to customers to N1.8 trillion from N1.662 trillion reported in 2020.

Fidelity Bank Plc lead tie-2 banks in loans & advances to customers at N1.65 trillion from N1.33 trillion in 2020, while FCMB Group recorded significantly increase in its loans &

advances at N1.06 trillion in 2021 from N822.77million in 2020.

Further analysis showed Stanbic IBTC’s Holdings grew its loans by 47.3 per cent to N921.04 billion in 2021 up from N625.13 billion reported in 2020 while Sterling Bank loans to customers currently moved to N716.71 billion, up 20.1 per cent from N596.82 billion the bank reported in 2020.

Continued on page 26

FIRS Offers One-Month Window for Taxpayers to Settle Foreign Currency Liabilities in Naira James Emejo in Abuja The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, yesterday said taxpayers with outstanding foreign currency tax liabilities have

one-month window to settle their indebtedness in Naira.

The incentive regime, which takes effect from March, 1 to 31, 2022, covers all such liabilities which are due for payment on or before December 31 2021, and

for all taxes except the Petroleum Profit Tax. The move followed requests and submissions by taxpayers on the challenges they have encountered in sourcing for foreign currencies to offset their outstanding tax liabilities.

However, Nami, in a public notice, explained that the concession was a one-off opportunity as the law has stipulated that the currency a taxpayer transacts in is the currency with which the tax is to be paid.

He said, “In view of the number of

requests, enquiries and the challenges encountered by the taxpaying public in sourcing for foreign currencies to offset outstanding tax liabilities, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (“the Service”) wishes to inform our esteemed taxpayers that a one-month

window has now been opened for this category of taxpayers to settle their foreign currency tax liabilities in Naira with effect from the 1st of March, 2022 to 31st of March, 2022.”

Continued on page 26

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT F R I D AY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

BONDS DESCRIPTION 12.75 27-APR2023 14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027

Price

Yield

106.80 6.49 112.34 7.52 113.86 8.29 108.16 9.91 124.59 9.96

Change Updated Time (%) 4, -0.01 March 2022 4, -0.01 March 2022 March 4, 0.00 2022 March 4, 0.03 2022 4, -0.09 March 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S

C Ps

MATURITY

Discount

Yield Change Updated Time (%)

NTB 28-Apr22 NTB 12May-22 NTB 9-Jun22 NTB 14-Jul22

3.07

3.08

0.00

March 4, 2022

3.13

3.14

0.00

March 4, 2022

3.24

3.27

0.00

March 4, 2022

3.38

3.43

0.00

March 4, 2022

NTB 11Aug-22

3.50

3.55

0.00

March 4, 2022

MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change Updated Time (%)

UNCP CP VI 2-MAY-22 NEVE CP I 24-MAY-22 DANC CP II 25-MAY-22 TRBH CP V 26-JUL-22 FSDH CP VI 1-AUG-22

8.78

8.91

0.00

March 4, 2022

16.31

16.92 0.01

March 4, 2022

8.69

8.86

0.01

March 4, 2022

11.45

11.99 0.00

March 4, 2022

8.15

8.43

March 4, 2022

0.00

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS MAR NGUS MAR 30 30 2022 2022 NGUS APR 27 2 2022 NGUS MAY 25 3 2022 NGUS JUN 29 4 2022 NGUS JUL 27 5 2022

Current Rate ($/₦)

Updated Time

427.24

March 2, 2022

428.93

March 2, 2022

430.63

March 2, 2022

432.32

March 2, 2022

434.02

March 2, 2022

26

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

STATUS REPORT

UBA: Growth in Interest Income Drives Impressive Performance the deepening of its retail banking franchise.

The Group’s non-performing loan ratio improved further to 3.6per cent in 2021 from 4.7 per cent in 2020. This testifies to the quality of UBA’s loan portfolio even as the bank remains relentless in its resolve to drive down the Cost-to-Income ratio, which stood at 63per cent in 2021 The bank achieved further strides in growing its business and gaining market share across its pan-African operations, with the region accounting for 63.2per cent of the Group’s profitability, compared to 55.4per cent in 2020; Loans and advances as well as Deposit in the region were also up 14.5per cent and 27.3per cent respectively from a year earlier.

Kayode Tokede

U

nited Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) reported a significant increase in profits on the heels of stronger growth recorded in interest income, net interest income, and operating income to post impressive 2021 financial year results.The performance, which shows the hard work put in by the board, management and staff, has been hailed by stakeholders given the challenging operating environment.

For the 2021 financial year for period ended December 31, 2021, UBA reported 11 per cent increase in its interest income, while net interest income and operating income grew by 22.1per cent and 13.2per cent respectively.

The two key factors to interest income growth was 117.7 per cent growth in interest accrual from loans and advances to banks from N9.52billion in 2020 to N20.73billion in 2021 and 12 per cent increase in interest income generated from loans and advances to customers to N251.89billion from N225.04billion reported in 2020.

UBA in the period under review also improved on its top-line performance by 7.8 per cent to N660.22billion in 2021 from N616.84billion reported in 2020.

The pan-African bank effectively managed its interest expenses and operating expenses to drive profit amid the tight and challenging business operating environment.

Interest expenses was effectively managed in the year under review, dropping by 6.4 per cent to N157.55billion from N168.40billion in prior year. Interest expenses dropped over 28.5 per cent in interest bearing borrowings and other borrowed funds to N32.54billion in 2021 from N45.51billion in 2020 as interest on deposit from customers grew marginally by 0.4 per cent to N104.04billion from N103.63billion in 2020.

The collective impact of higher income and lower expense led to a 22.1per cent increase in net interest income to N316.71 billion from N259.47billion recorded in 2020.

Likewise, impairment charges on loans and other financial assets declined by 52.4per cent to N9.85billion in 2021 from N22.44billion in 2020 over the pre-pandemic levels and supported profitability margins.

The dissimilar to other Tier-1 banks which have released results thus far, non-interest income declined by 14.1per cent to N128.21 billion I 2021 due to losses from foreign exchange revaluation and derivative contracts compared to the gains recorded in 2020 financial and 31.2 per cent drop in foreign exchange trading and mark-to-market gains from trading investment securities (-6.6per cent ).

The decline across these lines offset the robust growth in net fees and commission income that

REACTIONS

Uzoka closed 2021 at N45.77billion, about 22.1 per cent growth from N82.61billion reported in 2020 to N100.9billion reported in 2021.

UBA’s operating expenses (opex) increased by 11.7per cent to close at N278.99 billion in 2021 from N249.85billion in 2020 as the balance sheet growth and increasing inflationary pressures in the business environment drove most expense items higher – most significant were regulatory charges for NDIC premium that grew by 38.5per cent to N15.91 billion and AMCON levy rose by 21per cent to N27.98 billion).

UBA’s profit-before-tax was 16.1per cent higher at N153.07 billion from N131.86billion reported in 2020 but further weighed down by the higher income tax expense of about 90.1 per cent to N34.40 billion in 2021 from N18.10 billion reported in 2020.

Consequently, the group closed 2021 financial year with profit after tax increase of 4.3per cent to N118.68 billion from N113.77 billion in 2020 financial year.

Overall, the bank recorded a 9.4 per cent growth in Earning Per Share (EPS) to N3.39 in 2021 from N3.10 in 2020, on which the management proposed a final dividend

of N0.80 per share which in addition to the N0.20 per share paid as interim dividend, amounts to a total dividend of N1.00 per share (2020: N0.52 per share) from the retained earnings account as at 31 December 2021.

TOTAL ASSETS CROSSES N8TRN UBA’s grew its total assets by 11 per cent to N8.5 trillion in 2021 from N7.7 trillion reported in 2020. The growth in total assets was driven about five per cent increase in loans & advances to customers to N2.68trillion from N2.55trillion in 2020, as investment in securities grew by 29.2 per cent to N3.34trillion from N2.58trillion in 2020.

In addition, net loans and advances grew by 7.7per cent to N2.8 trillion with exposure mostly to resilient economic sectors including oil & gas, agriculture and manufacturing.

Deposit from customers grew 12.2per cent, crossing the N6 trillion mark, to N6.4trillion from N5.7trillion in 2020, reflecting increased customer confidence, enhanced customer experience, successes from the ongoing business transformation programme and

According to analysts at Cordros securities, “UBA’s strong financial performance and the corresponding increase in payout to shareholders bodes well for the bank, and we expect to see sentiments improve in the short to medium term, which may potentially drive price action.

“We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook and expect financial performances to maintain the positive growth trajectory. Our estimates are under review.”

The Group Managing Director/CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, in a statement said that notwithstanding the tight and challenging operating environment, UBA continues to deliver significant performance, He said: “The year 2021 can best be described as a year of global recovery; economies around the world began to witness early-stage recoveries, as supply chains recover from the devastating disruptions suffered in 2020.”

The GMD explained that the quality of UBA’s portfolio as well as the strength of the bank’s credit risk management frameworks and policies remain the bedrock of the positive results that the bank has been recording over the years, adding that the current performance highlights UBA’s relentless customer focus, and leverage on its key strategic levers – People, Process and Technology.

“Looking forward, I am particularly excited about our ongoing Enterprise Transformation Program which is designed to enhance the bank’s process agility, service delivery and customer experience.

“We are also making sizeable investments in cutting-edge technology and cyber security, to keep our innovative digital banking offerings above the curve, as we tool and re-tool our human resources to compete and win in a rapidly changing and evolving landscape. This will ensure the bank continues to achieve respectable top and bottom-line growth through the medium to long term, “the GMD stated.

FIRS OFFERS ONE-MONTH WINDOW FOR TAXPAYERS TO SETTLE FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES IN NAIRA The notice further clarified that “The applicable rate shall be the Investors and Exporters (I&E) Foreign Exchange Rate

of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prevailing on the date of the transaction and or when the tax obligation falls due.”

“This concession is available to all taxpayers, covers all tax types, and all foreign currency tax liabilities falling due on or before

31st December 2021, except for companies in the Upstream (Oil & Gas) Sector, and the Petroleum Profits Tax,” the FIRS added.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS, Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola, further pointed

out that in order benefit from the concession, taxpayers within the stipulated category are expected to make all payments before March 31.

addition to the over N3 trillion intervention loans disbursed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost economic recovery and generate employment opportunities in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Economist & Private Sector Advocate, Dr Muda Yusuf had in a chart with THISDAY stated that the apex bank has no doubt been quite bullish about lending to the real sector and the Small and Mid-size Enterprises (SMEs), stressing that there are various intervention funds- the LDR, and other credit boosting measures by the apex bank.

He explained: “However, there are concerns about the quality of the loan assets, especially those disbursed outside the framework

of the deposit money banks. There are reports of high default rates, which have implications for the sustainability of such interventions.”

In addition, Analyst at PAC Holdings, Mr. Wole Adeyeye, said: “The LDR of 65 per cent played a significant role in the economic activities in the country as it encouraged higher loans from banks to the private sector. The lending helped most companies to meet the higher demand in 2021.

“For instance, 40 out of the 46 economic activities in the nation’s GDP basket recorded positive growth rate in the third quarter of 2021 (compared with 18 out or 46 economic activities in the third quarter of 2020). This resulted in positive economic growth in the first three quarters of 2021.”

ETI LEADS AS ZENITH BANK, 8 OTHERS GRANTED N16.68TRN LOANS TO CUSTOMERS IN 2021 In addition, Wema bank posted N418.17 billion Loan advance to customers under the period in review, indicating a 16.1 per cent rise from N360.07 billion the full year 2020.

Meanwhile, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and severe completion by Fintech companies, Nigerian banks have also deployed mobile App strategies and other traditional forms in driving loans to customers.

Challengers such as; Carbon, Fairmoney, Branch, among others have made significant advancements into the retail banking space as they offer incentives to youth to abandon the more traditional access to loans.

Analyst believe Fintechs are challenging the scope of lending

to customers, stressing that current financial services space does not poses a threat to Nigerian banks loans & advances to customers.

“The Fintechs operation is currently been felt in loans to retail customers. Easy accessibility by Fintechs has given them leverage and they have a market niche over the banks. They targeted mostly the youths and as you likely know, accessing loans from banks demand documentations which the youths do not have that patient.

“However, the youths form the larger market share with easy access to N50,000 loan unlike banks that target a single customer with loan of about N2billion. The Fintech space was not viable for banks because in the past, how many customers were banks granting

N10,000 loan? However, the story has changed but I don’t really see much competition between the bank and Fintech companies disbursing loans to customers, ” Markets Analyst, Mr. Rotimi Fakayejo noted.

Fakayejo added: “While most newer banks focus on attracting younger account openers or newer businesses, traditional banks create a value chain of products built into their ecosystem that allows them mobilize a sizeable deposit.

Also, analysts at GTCO in a report titled: “Nigeria Macroeconomic outlook for 2022,” stated that: “Following the success recorded in the digital banking space post-pandemic and the massive investments made by banks to contain the pressure

from fintechs, Banks will continue to look for innovative ways to grow non-interest revenue as well as consumer and retail loans.”

“The relatively low yield on fixed income securities (FIS) will mount pressure on banks to intensify credit creations to the private sector which will in turn increase competition for quality loans amongst banks and cause funding cost to inch up slightly.”

The report added that the CBN’s interventions as a percentage of total system liquidity is quite sizeable, and competes with and in some other cases, crowds out loans from banks, most of the intervention funds are for new businesses and to select sectors with a longer tenure.

Meanwhile, the granted loans & advances by the banks was in

27

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

FINANCE

CBN’s Push for Increased Private Sector Credit With non-performing loans in the banking sector dropping below regulatory benchmark, Nume Ekeghe writes on the fiscal strategies adopted by the Central Bank to sustain the policies that spurred credit to businesses, individuals

F

or the first time in over a decade, non-performing loans (NPLs) in the Nigerian banking industry dropped below the regulatory benchmark of 5 per cent, a position Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members say is as a result of sound regulatory oversight by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The decline in the NPLs level can also be linked to the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) as well as the forbearance granted banks and their creditors as part of measures to ease the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and the banking industry. The forbearance included the restructuring of the loan repayment plans, moratorium as well as the CBN reducing interest rates on all its intervention programmes to five per cent from nine per cent till the end of March 2022.

DECLINING NPLs

The NPL ratio measures the rate of bank loans that are either going bad because they are not being serviced adequately or have gone bad completely. The current 4.94 per cent NPL recorded in 2021 was regarded by analysts as impressive when compared to 6.1 per cent recorded as at December 2020. In October 2021, the NPL was 5.3 per cent, reflecting progressive improvement, compared with 5.7 per cent in October 2020. NonPerforming Loans Ratio was 5.7per cent, in June 2021, down from 5.8 per cent in May 2021. It fell to 5.70 per cent in June 2021 compared with 6.4 per cent in June 2020, a trend indicating that the banking sector was more resilient. This was largely driven by the implementation of the GSI policy, strengthening of risk management practices.

RISING CREDIT

In her personal statement at the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in January this year, the CBN Deputy Governor Aisha Ahmad had noted that in spite of rising credit to the private sector, NPL levels has been good. Total

assets in the banking industry had risen to N59.24trillion in December 2021 from N50.99 trillion in December 2020, while total deposits rose to N38.42 trillion from N32.21 trillion over the same period.

“Total credit also increased by N4.09 trillion between end December 2020 and end-December 2021 with significant growth in credit to manufacturing, general commerce and oil & gas sectors.

This impressive increase was achieved amidst continued decline in non-performing loans ratio from 5.10 per cent in November 2021 to 4.94 per cent in December 2021, six basis points below the regulatory benchmark of five per cent for the first time in over a decade. “”The financial system maintained its resilience into 2022 as data provided by Bank staff indicated stability in broad soundness indicators and an unprecedented improvement in asset quality, even as credit to the private sector continued to grow. Capital adequacy as at December 2021 was robust at 14.53 per cent, 453 basis points above the regulatory minimum of 10 per cent.

“Industry liquidity was also strong at 41.33 per cent over the same period and supported by significant cash reserve requirement buffers available to provide liquidity backstops should banks require it.

“Furthermore, results of stress tests showed resilience of banks’ solvency and liquidity ratios in response to potential severe macroeconomic shocks. However, the bank must remain vigilant to proactively manage probable macro risks to the financial system such as lingering spillover effects of the pandemic, winding down of forbearance measures, and myriad risks to financial stability including exchange rate, operational and cyber security risks.” Ahmad stated.

On his part, another member of the MPC, Aliyu Ahmed stated, “The improvement in NPLs is attributed mainly to sound regulatory

oversights of the CBN during the year. Gross credit rose from N20.48 trillion in December 2020 to N24.57 trillion in December 2021 on account of increased industry funding base and CBN’s directive on Loan to Deposit Ratio.”

The CBN had put the LDR ratio at 65 per cent, with the aim of increasing banks’ lending to the private sector and easing access to finance, a move some had feared might cause a spike in NPL levels. However, the CBN initiative on Global Standing Instruction (GSI) has been a key factor in the declining level of NPLs in the country.

GSI IMPACT ON NPLs

Operational guidelines of the GSI had recently been reviewed to allow for continuous and unrestricted loan recovery

by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and financial institutions in the country. The GSI creates a contractual mandate from an individual borrower, in favour of a creditor bank to apply monies standing to the credit of the borrower in a thirdparty financial institution or electronic wallet to offset the debt obligations of the borrower. It helps to facilitate improved credit repayment culture.

In the latest amendment in the GSI operational guidelines, the frequency of recovery attempts via the GSI platform had been altered from a specific number to continuous and unrestricted. This means that the GSI’s automated loan recovery feature, applicable to all loans in the industry, shall remain perpetually in place throughout the life of the loan and/or until the loan is fully repaid.

The apex bank stated further that the move was in furtherance of its mandate to promote financial system stability. The initiative was fundamentally conceived to address the recurring instances of willful loan default in the industry with a view to identifying and

watch-listing recalcitrant debtors, enhancing loan recovery from all eligible and funded accounts/ wallets in the banking industry, improving credit repayment culture and reducing Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in the Nigerian banking system.

AN END TO LOAN FORBEARANCE

However, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had noted that the updated framework is expected to further reduce incidences of loans going bad thereby leading to better NPLs level.

This is critical as the loan forbearance of the CBN ends this month.

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the end of the November 2021 MPC meeting, while citing improvement in economic activities, urged businesses to resume loan repayment. “If you recall from our standpoint, we granted a forbearance regime from just two areas.

“One primarily had to do with the fact that we said all loans that companies and businesses that are impacted adversely by COVID-19, that they should be given about two years, we first started by saying one year, from 2020 to March 2021 and by February 2021, we extended it by one more year when the Delta strain of the pandemic continued. That made it two years that would expire by March 2022.

“At this time, we believe that the global economy has opened up; the lockdowns have been lifted and of course, we know the economic damages and fatalities that were caused as a result of the that and I am so sure that not too many counties if at all will in the midst of this pandemic want to embark on a wholesome lockdown any longer. Particularly because most countries are all administering vaccines that they think should assist in reducing the impact of the strain of the virus.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

28

BUSINESSWORLD

ECONOMY

Pension Assets and Matters Arising James Emejo argues that among other things, mass awareness campaign could curb resentment of the Contributory Pension Scheme

N

o doubt, the CPS remains the preferable option in pension administration due to the transparency and safety of contributors compared to the old scheme, which was opaque and fraught with all manner irregularities and corruption.

For the first time, contributors under the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) are able to monitor pension accruals, how the funds are invested and the profits made in a most transparent manner.

Also, at retirement, pensioners are able to immediately access their contributions as opposed to the old system whereby pensioners waited for eternity to get their entitlements.

ANTAGONISM

But in spite of the merits of the CPS, some enrollees including the military and some paramilitary agencies had opted out of the scheme while there had been further agitations by a few to exit the platform.

Only recently, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) declared its intention to exit the scheme partly because it had not met their expectations mainly in terms of access to lump sums at retirement compared to other security agencies which are not part of the CPS.

EXIT COSTLY FOR ECONOMY

But, according to the Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Aisha DahirUmar, the clamour by the police to withdraw from the scheme was ill-advised, adding that the commission already had provisions that could address whatever grievances and challenges that may be faced by the police and other federal government agencies on the administration of their retirement benefits.

The PenCom boss, while speaking at the recent public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, on a bill for an Act to amend the Pension big knowledge gap in the pension industry Act, 2014 to Provide for Exemption of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme and for Related Matters, further raised concerns that if allowed, the exit of the police from CPS to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) could further impose an additional N1.84 trillion pension liabilities on the federal government.

The hearing further considered a bill for an Act to Amend Sections 1 (c), 7 (2), 8 (1), 18, 24 and 99 of the Pension Reform Act Cap 50 LFN 2014 by providing that a pensioner shall receive at least 75 per cent of his retirement benefits immediately upon retirement and criminalise the undue delay in payment of pension.

But Dahir-Umar, had pointed out that the primary objective of the Pension Reforms Act (PRA) 2014 is to ensure that everyone who works receives his/her retirement benefits as and when due, the proposed bills basically sought to undermine the essence of pensions and social security cover as enshrined in the 1999 (as amended) as both would ultimately deny retirees an adequate periodic income in retirement.

She stressed the exemption of the police, if allowed,

would unsettle the federal government’s fiscal policy and financial system stability adding that to date, about 63.17 per cent of the N13.4 trillion pension assets are invested in federal government securities.

As a result, she said, “Exempting the NPF would lead to material divestment from FGN securities before maturity, which would have ripple negative effects on not only the finances of government but on the entire financial system.”

She said, “We, therefore, have a collective responsibility as Nigerians to ensure that the CPS remains sustainable in order to achieve this objective.”

She, however, argued that the absence of other social security benefits in the country was partly responsible for the clamour by the retirees for exemption or to access substantial amounts as lump sum from their RSA balance.

She added that was imperative for the country to institute a Zero Pillar Pensions in the form of social security benefit, which is recognised and provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The PenCom DG said, “If implemented, it will go a long way to alleviate the sufferings of all Nigerians irrespective of whether or not they had a formal employment. It will also augment earnings from occupational pensions.

“Accordingly, the Commission respectfully urges the Honourable House Committee on Pensions to disregard the Bills and, instead, seek to institute sustainable pension system and social security scheme in Nigeria.”

Essentially, the police had been pushing for an exemption from the scheme because they are unable to access lump sums of benefits at retirement, citing the military as an institution that had exited the scheme and now access lump sums on retirement.

However, the PenCom boss said exiting the scheme was not the best option for the police, adding that the quantum of entitlements is only a function of salary. In other words, the police can only get better pension if their current salaries were to be increased. It is however, on recorded that the police are one of the poorly remunerated among the security agencies.

She added that the federal government, which is the police employer, had since realized that the resolution of the challenges of the police under the CPS was surmountable without recourse to abandoning the programme.

She said one of the ways to resolve the problem was for the police to get the federal government to increase their salary, a move that cannot be influenced by the commission on their behalf.

She said, “The solution to the pension challenges of the personnel of the Nigeria Police does not reside in their exemption from Contributory Pension Scheme and reversion to the Defined Benefits Scheme, which is clearly unsustainable.”

According to her, “Exemption of the personnel of the NPF would imply additional

financial burden on the federal government by way of unsustainable pension obligations.

For instance, as at September 2021, there were 304,963 Police personnel based on IPPIS data.

“An actuarial valuation revealed that the retirement benefits (pension and gratuity) liability of these personnel under the defunct Defined Benefits Scheme would amount to about N1.84 trillion.”

On the other hand, the liability under the CPS for the same NPF personnel is made up of N213.4 billion as accrued pension rights and monthly employer pension contributions of about N2.2 billion.

RAISING SALARIES

The DG noted that to address the concerns of police personnel on pension, the employer could review upwards its current contribution rate of 10 per cent, adding that the PRA 2014 further provides that notwithstanding the pension contributions made by employer and employee into the employee’s RSA, the employer may agree on the payment of additional benefits to the employee upon retirement.

She added that the federal government may also wish to provide additional benefits in the form of gratuity to police personnel upon their retirement, stating that the exemption of the NPF and any other agency from the CPS would erode the pool of long-term investible funds accumulated under the scheme.

She said, “That would undermine the process of funding the huge infrastructure gap in the country. Indeed, it is noteworthy that the pension industry has significantly contributed in providing finance for infrastructure development in Nigeria through investments in infrastructure bonds (including sukuk) to the tune of N184.03 billion and real estate to the tune of N234.2 billion as at 30 September 2021.

“Exclusion of NPF from the CPS would also affect existing retirees under the Retiree Life Annuity, which would negatively affect the flow of capital into the insurance industry thereby undermining the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government.”

PENSION ASSETS

Nonetheless, confidence in the CPS has continued to grow as pension assets swelled to N13.61 trillion as at January 2022 from N13.42 trillion as at December 2021.

According to the commission, operators had invested N8.35 trillion in Federal Government Securities, while other were invested in mutual funds.

But despite the relative acceptance, which the CPS had enjoyed, the wide knowledge gap in the pension industry remained a major source of worry to the commission and stakeholders.

If fact, it is believed that some of the clamours by public institutions to exit the scheme would have been greatly minimised if massive awareness had been put up by

both regulators and operators since the inception of the CPS. A top PenCom official recently admitted to the lack of adequate enlightenment as being one of the challenges of the industry.

He said, “I agree with you that we need massive awareness campaign and we want to appeal as a commission because we won’t do this alone. There is a big knowledge gap in the pension industry in terms of how people know how the industry operates. The media should help because massive awareness campaign is more effective when all the stakeholders are doing that.”

It took the explanation of the PenCom, to douse an already tensed atmosphere during the public hearing. Perhaps, had people known some of the facts disclosed, the clamour to exit the scheme would have been given a second thought by the agitators.

Also, an aggressive awareness campaign could help deepen coverage of pension administration.

STRATEGIES INTERVENTIONS

However, the PenCom under the current leadership has mapped out policy initiatives to better address the limitations in the scheme.

Part of the strategic focus is resolution of liabilities of the federal government as well as improved public awareness and customer service delivery.

Others include the diversification pension assets’ investment portfolio from FGN securities to ensure it is spread across many asset classes to improve their safety.

PenCom is also focused on enforcement and compliance and expand pension coverage to the states as well as ensure that the scheme is sustainable over time.

The strategy is to further ensure that programmes and policies remained people - centric and that people feel they belong to the scheme.

ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Chief Executive of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOP), Mr. Oguche Agudah, has said the country must come to terms with the fact that pension assets will provide ample opportunity for the development of critical infrastructure.

He said the current advocacy is therefore, focused on educating Nigerians on the use of the collective wealth to improve national development.

Rather than deplete pension assets by exiting the scheme, the PenOP boss insisted that the collective wealth should be used to help the system build better infrastructure adding that there should be a limit to wanton private consumption.

According to him, those seeking to exit the scheme were only being ungrateful for the transparency, professionalism and consistency so far demonstrated within the over 16 years of the CPS administration in the country.

According to him, the CPS remained the safest and most sustainable scheme currently adding that there had been in-built checks and balances by the PFAs, Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) as well as PenCOM, which is the industry regulator and further vetted by the National Assembly.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

29

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

30

BUSINESSWORLD

INSURANCE

NAICOM to Sanction Firms for Failure to Comply with Digital Regulatory Model Stories by Ebere Nwoji The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has said that it would sanction any insurance firm that failed to upload its daily operational transactions into its regulatory portal.

This is just as the umbrella body of insurance underwriters, the Nigeria Insurers Association(NIA) has expressed satisfaction at the rate of compliance of its member to the new digital regulatory model The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas, who stated this while speaking

at the 2022 Business Outlook Programme, organised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), in Lagos, raised the concern, saying the insurance industry is currently lagging.

He said there was a need to reconsider the business model, re-evaluate its approach to the market and make the digital agenda a priority before the industry could contribute its quota maximally to the economy.

“To get this done in the industry, it will require a different set of skills, culture and operating model,” he said.

Thomas said every technology age has its challenges, stressing

Mutual Benefit Boss Admitted into Hall of Fame The Group Chairman, Mutual Benefit Assurance has been admitted into the Marketing Edge Hall of Fame.

The industrialist turned politician was one of the selected few that were inducted at the maiden edition of Marketing Edge Hall of Fame held in Lagos recently. In his opening remarks at the occasion, publisher/CEO, MARKETING EDGE John Ajayi, extolled the virtues of the recipients.

“We are so proud to have these exceptional figures seated here tonight to join our Hall of Fame.

I thank them for accepting to be part of the Marketing Edge family, and for inspiring the younger generation of entrepreneurs,

visionary investors and inventors.

We consider it an incredible honour, but I think what’s most important for everyone in this hall to know tonight is what the inductees mean to us, and what they mean to Nigeria, Africa and indeed to the world and to humanity,” he said.

In his remarks at the occasion, Ogunbiyi, thanked Marketing Edge for the honour, saying, “I am quite humbled by this honour and this is undoubtedly one of my treasured moments. I thank the Marketing Edge team for this and I must confess that looking at the crowd you have pulled and this high octane event, my respect for you and professionalism has doubled”, he enthused.

that there would be challenges facing the industry in the digital environment.

He said the challenges include meeting the demands of

the multi-generation customer base.

He noted that the fastchanging digital space, systems and technologies would lead to

the need to reduce cost, data reliability, legacy technology and workforce training.

He said the commission was eager for a fully digitized

industry, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption and the use of digital technology in the industry.

Politician Partners Health Firm to Provide Micro Health Insurance Cover for Lagos Voters A micro health insurance package that will enable all registered voters in Lagos access micro health insurance scheme has been introduced into the market in commemoration of this year ’s world malaria day.

The insurance package distribution strategy is driven by an architect, a politician and leader of the OURLAGOS

movement, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour.

In doing this, he is partnering with the WellaHealth to provide the Micro Health Insurance cover for one million Lagosians in commemoration of World Malaria Day coming scheduled for April 25,2022.

At a Media Launch held at the Lagos Office of

WellaHealth in Maryland Lagos, Gbadebo RhodesVivour stated that he believed every Lagosian deserved access to affordable and high-quality health care especially owing to the high level of stress and various health hazards that the city presents to its hardworking and resilient residents. ‘It is time we use innovations and

creativity to impact the lives of lagosians.

Also speaking, the Business Development Lead at WellaHealth stated that the plan was to enable everyday Lagosians gain access to quality healthcare at the Micro and Primary levels fully sponsored by Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour, a truly visionary Lagosian.

Leadway Assurance Leverages Data, Insights to Improve Customer Understanding The Managing Director, Leadway Assurance, Tunde Hassan Odukale, has said that Leadway Assurance is leveraging data and insights to improve customer understanding Odukale said Leadway is also employing new platform to better and facilitate personalisation of its engagement and product designs for its consumers.

In a recent statement, he highlighted how Leadway

was taking advantage of big data to deliver innovative and consistent customer experiences.

“At Leadway, the remote/ hybrid work model was in the plan and the policy framework in place for implementation before the global health pandemic. This pro-activeness and the dexterity of our Business Continuity Plan (BCP) committee brought about the stability and seamless connections experienced during

the pandemic. So, we were able to provide our customers with a consistent experience whenever and wherever they needed it during the lockdown as we had further automated processes already in place before the pandemic.”

According to him, there have been engagements and an increased drive towards self-service channels such as downloading our mobile app and visiting the website. We offered a live chat experience

that helped us communicate with our clients and policyholders in real-time. Staff are also sensitised to the need for exceptional speed for idling times while also maintaining a work-life balance”, Mr. Hassan-Odukale said He however noted that the accelerated drive towards digital engagement and online customer touch points had not disrupted services to those who favour in-person service interactions.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

BOI Fosters Export-oriented Women Led Businesses with $10m Nume Ekeghe In a bid to promote export businesses led by women, the Bank of Industry (BOI) has invested $10 million into a women-focused fund to support Nigerian business led by women.

He Managing Director and Chief Executive at BOI, Olukayode Pitan disclosed this

while speaking at the banks international women’s day (IWD) celebration in Lagos.

He also added that the bank has collaborated with the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to allocated $20 million to women led businesses in the oil and gas sector.

He said: “BOI has invested

$10 million in the Alitheia Fund, also towards supporting Nigerian women-led businesses, some of which will be export-oriented. In addition, the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund, a partnership between the BOI and Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has allocated $20 million as an intervention fund to women

businesses in the oil and gas sector.

“For us, this is just the beginning. We will continue to do more to eliminate bias, while actively promoting and supporting women in industry.

At the Bank of Industry, we are constantly working to close the gaps created by bias. We are committed to providing equal

opportunities to our employees and we strive for increased representation of women in senior positions to ensure that they make the valuable contributions we know them to have.

“BOI plays an important role in advocating for women-owned businesses by focusing on impact, as we recognise that economic opportunities these businesses

present, and their contribution to national development.”

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investments, Ambassador Mariam Yelwaji Katagum in her speech noted on the important of empower women cited its importance a quicker inclusive economic growth for Nigeria and the rest of the world.

PenCom Lists Edo, 3 Others as Only States Lekki Deep Sea Port Construction Now at 85% Completion Complying with Contributory Pension Eromosele Abiodun

Eromosele Abiodun Edo workers have commended the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for prioritizing the welfare of civil and public servants in the state, with the government keying into the Contributory Pension Scheme and ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions to the workers.

The commendation comes as the National Pension Commission (PenCom) listed Edo State and three others as only states that have remitted their worker’s pension

contributions fully as of December 2021, in line with the mandate of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

According to the 2021 fourth-quarter report, Q4’21, released by PenCom, while Edo, Lagos, Kaduna, and Benue are up to date with their remittances, five other states of Osun, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are also remitting both employer and employee contributions, have backlogs in remittances. Analysis of the report shows that 25 states had enacted pension laws on the CPS, while seven

states were at the bill processing stage. Out of the five states operating other pension schemes, four states adopted the Contributory Defined Benefits Scheme (CDBS), while one state operates the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS). The Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced in Edo by the Governor Obaseki-led administration in 2017, with retiree workers under the scheme receiving their monthly pensions regularly and promptly, outliving the biggest challenge that confronted the old pension scheme.

Construction work on Lekki Deep Sea Port has now reached 85% completion at the end of February 2022, according to the latest status update released by the promoter - Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited.

With this development, Lekki Port, which is expected to be the deepest port in Sub-saharan Africa is on course for completion of construction in September 2022 and will be operational by December 2022.

According to the status which was released on the company’s official social media pages, dredging and reclamation works has reached 93.78

percent completion and Quay Wall 89.96 percent completion, while Breakwater and the Landside Infrastructure reached 83.63 percent and 74.35 percent completion, respectively.

Speaking on the construction progress, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Du Ruogang explained that the project’s EPC Contractor, China Harbour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise is working round the clock to ensure that the port is delivered even ahead of the agreed schedule.

He stated that a significant distinguishing feature of the Port is that it has a draught capacity of 16.5metres, adding that it has a

turning circle of 600 meters, which would enable it to handle the largest generation of vessels.

He further disclosed that the Port is built to leverage on cutting-edge technology. Upon the start of port operations, which will be handled by Lekki Freeport Terminal (a subsidiary of CMA CGA), the screening and processing of shipment will become completely automated, thereby promoting efficient and seamless service to the end-user.

According to him, Lekki Port is being constructed with the framework of a modern port in mind, as it boasts of state-of-the-art equipment such as Rubber Tyre Gantry cranes.

APM Terminals Apapa Introduces Onsite Laundry Service for Employees Air Peace Kicks Off Direct Flight to Dubai Nigeria’s largest container terminal operator, APM Terminals Apapa has introduced onsite laundry services for the protective clothing of its employees.

Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said the onsite laundry service is a part of the terminal operator’s effort to continuously reinforce two of its core values – Constant Care and Our Employees – and further improve employee experience at the port.

“With this initiative, we aim to support our colleagues in taking good care of their protective clothing without any burden to them. This will save our employees valuable time and energy. “Our teams in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Procurement have put in great efforts to ensure the laundry service will follow washing guide from the manufacturers to preserve the integrity of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs),” Knudsen said.

“Our Terminal Leadership Team will continue to develop initiatives that will make it easier for employees to do their work. In the past year, we have been investing heavily in improving our assets and facilities, and this journey continues. We will also continue to make deliberate investments in the training and development of our people., as the goal is to have an organisation that can truly deliver services of international standards to our stakeholders.”

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has commenced direct flights to Dubai.

The first flight was operated with one of the airline’s Boeing 777 5N-BUU, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The management of the airline disclosed this in a press statement and said that it is poised to give customers the best experience on the route.

The airline stated that United Arab Emirates is not a new terrain for Air Peace, as it commenced scheduled operations into the country via Sharjah Airport in July 2019, adding that the airline is glad that it can now operate three weekly direct flights into the city of Dubai. Air Peace noted that UAE and Nigeria have a long-standing relationship and is delighted to be serving as one of the veritable means of oiling

this amity, especially solidifying the economic ties between the two countries through air travel.

“Our commitment to excellence and determination to reduce the air travel burden of Africans will continue to drive our route expansion and fleet modernisation. It is this same excellence that we’re replicating in this service. Air Peace has recorded a lot of landmark strides in just seven years of operation, “it stated.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Why NNPC’s Acquisition of ExxonMobil Assets is Strategic to Nigeria’s Growth Adekunle Gboyega

T

he transition by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from a purely oil and gas company to an integrated energy company is strategic to Nigeria and its overall economic growth. As an energy company, the NNPC would diversify its operations to transcend oil and gas exploration and production to the entire value chain of the energy industry, including gas development and exports, natural gas liquids (NGLs), liquiefied petroleum gas (LPG) and power generation, transmission and distribution. In essence, the NNPC will not only be the producer of the resource that generates the wealth of the nation, but it will be the guarantor of the country’s energy security. Through the development of the country’s abundant gas resources, the country would earn huge revenues from exports.

But the distribution of gas to industries would boost production, while supply for power generation would ensure available of electricity for other businesses that drive economic growth.

“Gas is the new oil, and as a company transiting from operating as a purely oil and gas business into an energy company, the NNPC is committed to becoming an enabler for energy transition, but also a guarantor of the country’s energy security,” the Group Managing Director/CEO of NNPC, Mele Kyari, told participants in the recent Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja.

“The NNPC will drive the strategy in reshaping and optimizing its operational portfolio not only emerge as the most capitalised company in Africa, but also to make Nigeria the No. 5 gas producer in the world. This is our target. It is possible.

The resources are available and the will to achieve it is also there. We will prioritize the acquisition of assets that are rich in gas, especially assets ready for blowdown.

“To reshape our operational portfolio, we will carefully select assets with low vulnerability with regards to security and production losses over those with high vulnerability and poor performance capabilites,” he said. Prior to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the NNPC was in a bad place. As the stateowned national oil company representing the Nigerian government’s interests in ths six major joint venture multinational operations in the oil and gas industry, NNPC’s place should have been to create wealth and share the country’s prosperity.

But, over the years, the company appeared to have thrived more in other negative vices that conspired to give it a bad name. Despite all the opportunities at its disposal, the NNPC recorded losses from its operations, over the last ten years, with its latest audit accounts and financial statements for 2020 showing a profit of N287.2 billion after cumulative losses of over N1.53trillion in the previous year. However, the picture of the post-PIA NNPC appears to be that of transformation, efficiency, growth and development. As an incorporated limited liability company under the regulation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the NNPC now sees itself as a commercial entity with a business mindset and profit-making orientation committed to delivering dividends to its shareholders.

The implication of its new status is that as a business entity that is now independent of government support, its obligation would henceforth be to harness and mobilise its potentials, leverage its operational systems and processes to compete for investment opportunities that would be developed profitably, like peer around the world, to guarantee energy security and prosperity for the country.

Under the new dispensation, the NNPC says it is committed to the transformation agenda, with a deliberate focus on gas development.

Therefore, in acquiring assets to grow its portfolio and build its capacity, the company said priority attention would be given to those facilities that would not only help realise its set objectives, but also ensure that its

Kyari operations are devoid of avoidable losses.

To direct its asset acquisition drive, the NNPC has deliberately targeted existing assets owned by multinational operators in its joint venture partnerships in the oil and gas industry.

The company’s interest has been on those assets the multinationals JV partners are divesting from, which it believes would help harness the over 220 trillion standard cubic feet of proven reserves of gas in the country, in addition to giving value to the over 603 trillion standard cubic of unproven gas potentials. Considering the lingering crisis in the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region, which has forced the multinational operators to relocate away from their onshore and shallow water operations, the NNPC is derermined not to be entangled with the acquisition of assets already mired in community crises or conflicts. In 2015, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company, acquired Oil Mining License (OPL 29), along with the associated Nembe Creek Crude Oil Trunk line from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) after the company decided to divest its interest and relocate its operations offshore following alleged incessant attacks and sabotage of its facilities by campaigning community youths.

Years after the acquisition of the asset, Aiteo Group is still suffering the devastation of the crisis that its predecessor grappled with for years. In November 2021, there was a massive blowout in one of the pipelines that resultes in a massive oil spill from the Opu Nembe Community at Well 1, Wellhead located at the Southern Field of Sant Barbara, in Bayelsa State. Apart from the disruption to its operations and the impact of the oil spill on the immediate environment,

the company suffered massive losses in material resources and assets. Apparently with the benefit of hindsight, the NNPC is determined to avoid the Aiteo experience, and has placed strategic interest on other assets across the country operated by its divesting JV partners, particularly those with high performance capacity and low vulnerability to security issues, capable of resulting in production losses. This disposition may have informed NNPC’s interest in acquiring the divested asset

by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) in Nigeria long before the recently touted sale/purchase agreement with an indigenous operator.

MPNU is the operator of the joint venture with the NNPC on behalf of the Federal Government. In the joint venture the NNPC is the princpal partner controlling 60 percent equity, with 40 percent MPNU. Since 1961, when MPNU was granted Oil Prospecting License (OPL) to carry out offshore operations in Ibeno in present Akwa Ibom State, the company has been working with NNPC to finance and execute several key projects that contributed to the joint venture emerging as the second largest producer of oil and gas in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The joint venture’s portfolio spans oil mining leases (OMLs) 67, 68, 70, 104, and the Qua Iboe oil export terminal, Ibeno, in addition to 90 offshore platforms, comprising over 300 producing oil wells, with the capacity to produceover 550,000 barrels per day of crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Also, has a 51 per cent interest in the Bonny River NGL Recovery project. operations As part of the decision by its mother company, ExxonMobil Corporation, for MPNU to divest from part of its onshore and shallow waters investments

in Nigeria, it is natural to expect that the right of first refusal would have been given to its ersrwhile principal partner. Rather, ExxonMobil announced recently that it reached an agreement with Seplat Energy Offshore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seplat Energy Plc, for the entire share capital of MPNU to be sold to them. Details of the sale, which was subject to final approval by the regulatory authorities in the oil and gas industry and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, included an offer by Seplat Energy to pay $1.283 billion for the assets, in addition to a contingent consideration of up to $300million. MPNU’s operated shallow water portfolio primarily comprises a 40% interest in four oil mining leases (OMLs 67, 68, 70 and 104) under a joint operating agreement with NNPC, along with the Qua Iboe Terminal and a 51% interest in the Bonny River Terminal and the Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plants at EAP and Oso. Despite the announcement about the purported agreement with Seplat Energy, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, has written to ExxonMobil to fault the deal and to register his displeasure that NNPC, as the principal partner in the joint venture was not given the opportunity to buy over the asset. Kyari in his letter pointed out that as a senior partner in the NNPC/Mobil JV, the NNPC should have been given the pre-emptive right of first refusal to acquire the MPNU interests before ExxonMobil’s decision to call for bids for the share of its affiliate. Pre-emptive right of first refusal is a legal term for granting a party in a joint venture to be considered first before others for any planned sale or takeover of assets in a JVs. As part of NNPC’s commitment to focus on building its portfolio towards its longterm profitability, Kyari said in the letter to ExxonMobil that the company was more than ready to fully match the offer of the winning bid in line with the terms of the joint venture operating agreement. Pursuant to its aspiration to build its operational portfolio, the NNPC last January sealed a $5billion corporate finance deal with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), its first finance deal post-PIA and its incorporation into a limited liability company. Under the financing deal, Afreximbank agreed to provide financial advisory services and fundraising for $5billion to NNPC to “acquire, invest and operate energy producing assets in Nigeria as part of NNPC’s growth strategy. ” In addition, Afreximbank also agreed to underwrite $1billion as part of forward sales base trade finance transaction. The finance would enable the NNPC to fund some of its major investments in the country’s upstream oil and gas sector, including the planned acquisition of pre-emptive rights in select Joint Venture operations in the industry as well as take over the ownership of some divesting partnerships. Others include investing in strategic assets to address integrity, bottlenecking, and growth issues in the oil industry, such as rigless activities and oil drilling campaigns. In line with its criteria for the acquisition of assets, the NNPC identified as “significant and strategic targets” assets under the MPNU JV, which have not been able to monetize its huge gas resources.

After spearheading Nigeria’s gas revolution in the 1990s, with the construction of the OSO Condensate Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) facility to export the country’s gas, ExxonMobil refused to get involved in the high risk domestic gas market, limiting itself to the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), popularly called cooking gas for domestic consumption, despite having some of the acreages with the highest concentration of gas resources in the country. Therefore, the determination of the NNPC to press for the acquisition of the MPNU divested assets is not only for the good of the company, but for the overall benefit of the country desirous of building a national oil company that would grow to become the enabling energy company for the country’s progress and prosperity. t (CPZFHB XSJUFT GSPN -BHPT

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

EDUCATION Prof. Olatunbosun: Our Research Targeted at Developing Business of Our Host Community The Vice-Chancellor of Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun, speaks about how the university is championing scholarship and research and what the government can do to stop young Nigerians taking to crime. Uchechukwu Nnaike presents excerpts:

H

ow has it been since you assumed office as the vicechancellor?

It’s been interesting and also challenging because the role of the vice-chancellor is to drive the system. The university was established in 2016. It commenced academic activities in 2017, and we had the first set of graduates on November 4, 2021, and the Vice President (Prof.) Yemi Osinbajo delivered the convocation lecture. We graduated 52 candidates from various disciplines, from the two faculties that were in existence as at the commencement of the programme of the university, that’s the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and Faculty of Applied Sciences, but now the university has also been given the approval to run law by the NUC and the Council of Legal Education. So, hopefully, in some time to come, we’ll start graduating students from the Faculty of Law. The university is also projecting towards expanding the number of disciplines and programmes that we are running here. We intend to have nursing science, medical laboratory science, public health, pharmacy and medicine and dentistry, so those are the priorities that the founder of the university, Bashorun Kola Daisi, so much believes in and is passionate about.

We have set up committees and invited experts that are helping us to develop the academic brief and other requirements documentation for the purpose of ensuring that.

Presently, our students are doing well; we also have students in the various programmes that we have. Currently, we have 12 programmes that we are running in the university.

What is the unique selling proposition of KDUI? The unique selling point of the university is that the vision of the university is to ensure that we produce graduates who are employable. So, with the various aspects of the programmes that we are running, we ensure that we also have the practical experience and we also expose them to IT for those disciplines that require that. Also, we ensure that they are well placed in industries for the purpose of acquiring practical knowledge for their programmes, and also we are planning to have a focus on some specific disciplines like computer science, law and medical sciences and we try as much as possible to be unique in those areas so that people will know us for that.

Our mass communication is also outstanding in terms of the quality of staff, studios that we have, both for the radio and television as well as our facilities for the print media. We are also developing towards that to make sure that we are recognised in that area. We’re trying to unbundle mass communication to have a faculty or a college of its own. So many disciplines are coming out; advertisement, broadcasting and other stuff so as to project us to a very advantageous position. The university also has a very unique environment; very serene.

We have on this present campus about a hundred hectares of land, which the founder has acquired for us. We also have on the other side of the road about one hundred and fifty hectares of land on which we plan to build mainly Faculty of Health Sciences, and we intend to have a state-of-the-art hospital, about 250-bed teaching hospital for the purpose of giving our students the practical experience and the better idea of running the place. So, this will help our university be unique amongst the universities in Nigeria.

We have also acquired good staff, most of our staff have their PhD already, and we are also ensuring that we meet up with what operates in the federal universities. In terms of remuneration, salaries and emoluments, we ensure that we have the same standard as what operates in the federal universities so as to attract good hands to help us build the

to be complete graduates and students while they’re here.

In terms of research, we are trying to engage in some research and trying to get awards and grants from available granting bodies. For instance, there is an ongoing project that we are trying to do; we have identified that we have two groups in our environment here, we have the abattoirs for the cattle and also we have the new Shasha market for the tomatoes and pepper, so we are working, trying to pick up what will be relevant to them so that when they put it their market will also expand and we hope that we’ll be able to develop something that will work for them and improve their business.

Recently, our founder and Chancellor, Chief Kola Daisi gave us a N1 billion endowment to sustain the university and we believe this money will help us to expand our research profile for the purpose of managing the university in a sustainable manner and also to give us leverage to make sure there’s continuity in research and teaching. Other partners and friends of our founder are also supporting us, especially in terms of giving prizes and awards to the best students in various disciplines. Many of them engaged us in the first convocation and we also believe that they’ll engage us in the second convocation by November 2022. The number of prizes and awards will also increase which will also motivate our students. We believe in that area that the university will also do more to get the best for our students.

Prof. Olatunbosun university. We are also giving lecturers opportunities to attend conferences. We also sponsor them for conferences both locally and internationally.

We have had some collaborations with some universities in the US, Ohio State University, the University of Indiana and a couple of other universities. We have signed MoU with some of the universities for the purpose of ensuring that we have a kind of working relationship; some of them have also assisted us in terms of giving us some books to support our programmes, especially for Mass Communication, English and Literary Studies and some aspects of Law and other related aspects. We also have a working relationship with some organisations and institutions. We signed an MoU with them. They’re already here trying to help us offer some technical knowledge to our students in the area of ICT, artificial intelligence and other forms of certificates so that even when they graduate from the university, they still have another certificate which will help them compete very well with their colleagues from other universities. So, in that area, we are working very well.

In the past five years, how has the university contributed to knowledge?

Well, in the past five years, the university has been contributing to knowledge because of an ongoing achievement and target. We have assisted in giving access to higher education to many students who would have been deprived of the opportunity of

university education because of the place that we are in.

We are also working to ensure that we have vocational training in various fields that will be of interest to them. We also are putting up an entrepreneurship sector in the university; we believe that our graduates should not just be job seekers but job creators. What we have in line is that apart from vocational training, we also want them to be global entrepreneurs in their various disciplines. In the field of sports, we have provided and we are still doing more; our students have competed with their colleagues in other universities especially from our enclave here. We are also making them to also unleash their potential in those areas for those who have an interest. We are grooming them to be responsible future leaders in the various disciplines; we have encouraged them to have associations for them to have leadership training skills so that when they graduate from the university, they can also compete in politics, governance and other public sectors.

On the religious side, the university is a non-faith-based university but we allow our students to congregate for the purpose of worship and serving God. We have a chapel for Christian students; we also have a mosque for Muslim students and we encourage them to form associations because the impact of religion is important.

We cannot focus only on academics; as we are doing academics, we are doing social and religious activities that will make them

The vision of the university is to ensure that we produce graduates who are employable. So, with the various aspects of the programmes that we are running, we ensure that we also have the practical experience and we also expose them to IT for those disciplines that require that. Also, we ensure that they are well placed in industries for the purpose of acquiring practical knowledge

Most parents are of the view that private universities are too expensive. Is that the case with KDUI? That is the mindset of every parent but if you want to quantify the cost of training an undergraduate every year in a university, what we are charging is below what it’ll take to train a child every year. Our fees are moderate and we also encourage those who may not be able to pay once to pay in instalments and we also give some kind of scholarship to the best students in various disciplines every year. So, we believe that we can work in that regard.

Our fees are reasonable compared with other universities that we are in the same space with.

I just want to encourage our parents that what is more important is access to education, so the parents should thrive to train their children because at the end of the day, whatever they have spent will amount to the potential and the gains that will eventually come out if they train their children. What we are charging is moderate and we are cautious because of the economy of the country and we don’t want to overburden our parents in terms of school fees and other charges.

One of the reasons parents send their children to private universities is to prevent them from engaging in cultism and the like. Do you have the challenge of cultism in your university?

No. We don’t have that challenge here.

We have put in place an internal mechanism to ensure that we are able to evaluate our students regularly. We have an internal security mechanism. We also have CCTV cameras that cover specific aspects of our university campus and we give our students training to let them know that we have zero tolerance for drug abuse, cultism and other vices which are very common among youths. We have also put in place student disciplinary measures, whereby if any student is caught either in examination malpractice or other misconduct, they’re given appropriate punishment.

As far as we are concerned, our students are law-abiding and they keep to the rules and regulations of the university.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

EDUCATION

Using Robotics to Solve Problems in Nigeria With the collaboration between Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos and FIRST, an organisation that inspires innovation in young people, on the 2022 Lego league and tech challenge, its stakeholders are optimistic that Nigerian youths will be able to use robotics to solve some of the problems confronting the society. Funmi Ogundare reports

W

hen the idea of The First Lego League and First Tech Challenge was mooted by the management of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Oregun, Lagos, three years ago, it was to aside from challenging all aspects of students’ learning, also enable them to proffer solutions to problems in the society through robotics. The goal of robotics is to design machines that can help and assist humans.

So, the school decided to sign up for a programme organised by FIRST, a non-profit organisation that inspires young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators and put together the 2022 first tech challenge national championship, which focused on transporting goods to difficult paths in difficult terrains and serve underserved communities.

Aside from the school team including Robo Phantoms, Technobots and Tech Savvies participating, other schools teams were also represented to make their presentation on their outreach and how they could develop their robots to perform different tasks.

With their robot named ‘Humprey Dumpty’, team TECHNOBOTS won the competition and got the ‘Inspire Award’ and other prizes. In April this year, they will represent the school at the First Tech Challenge (FTC) world championship in Houston, USA. According to the management, the team has shown success in designing and building a robot, adding that the inspire award winner will be an aspiration to other teams, acting with gracious professionalism both on and off the playing field.

The headteacher of the college, Niyatha Krishnan, who expressed excitement about her student’s success, said they are passionate about technology, adding that they have shown interest in different aspects of robotics.

“The ones who are not good at coding may not be really science inclined, but all of them have shown interest in one aspect of Robotics or another. So we have about 50

Robo Phantoms team members with their project per cent of the school population who are involved in robotics, while others too contributed to design, write-ups and presentations,” she told THISDAY. Asked how the idea of Robotics was birthed, she said, “about five years ago, we were approached” by a company called Roborave.

She added, “We went to international competitions, and we won, and so we decided that we need a world-class programme which challenges all aspects of the student’s learning.”

According to her, FIRST was discovered and signed up for.

For the competition, she said there are prizes for innovative projects and design, a set of core values and how the students were able to imbibe the core values engaged in work preparing for the competition and community outreach.

“For the robot games, they have to accomplish 16 missions, Lego league is in two and a half missions. How many missions are they able to carry out at the end of the day? The speed of the robot and how strongly it has been built matter a lot,” she explained.

The head of the winning team, Miss Adeyimika Adebayo, in Year 12, said her team had different departments comprising fundraising and sponsorship, marketing, media, web design and graphics, and engineering. They are all working together to build something functional.

She said they were able to programme it to do a certain task for their project, adding that it’s efficient in gripping and carrying large and delicate cargo upon ignition.

“Our robot design is based on a futuristic truck called the omnibus

which on the outside looks like the regular bus that transport things. So many people complain about the things they order coming back broken,” she stressed. “The way our robot is designed is that when it is in contact with your cargo, it keeps it safe in its grasp until it gets to its destination. It is a model towards something that we will love to develop in the future.”

The team’s coordinator and English Language teacher, Miss Oyinye Kenechukwu, expressed excitement about her student’s innovativeness, saying that with their robot, they will do great things with it in the future.

Another team from the college, Team Tech Savvies, headed by Miss Damilare Adebowale, said it was working on an app, adding that with constant development, it will be able to spread it on Google play store and perfect it as technology evolves to make it better.

Other school teams who participated in the competition were also delighted that technology would go a long way in making life better.

The coordinator of team Contech, made up of students from International School, University of Lagos, Akoka and Yaba College Staff Secondary School, Miss Ruth YinkaBanjo, said, “We are trying to let more people build their skills in technology as the world is moving towards that direction. Hopefully, the competition will attract more members to us... We are also looking towards women empowerment.”

A coach of Greenwood House School, Ikoyi, Miss Oyeladun Toyosi, said her team, Moonstone developed an app, Cargoconnect, which revolves around delivery.

“We realised some of the problems associated with cargo deliveries in Nigeria.

One should be able to access the app at any particular location, and you log in to the app, tell your name and the package you are expecting, and you either go to a designated agent or he comes to you,” explained Toyosi.

According to a coach from the school, Mr. Opeyemi Olasunkanmi, “computerised dealings” is the future

Midwestern JV Offers Skills Acquisition, Lagos Student Emerges Winner of 9mobile Scholarships to 83 Youths Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited has raised the stakes in Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) through social investments, following the award of scholarship to students and skills acquisition for youths in Delta State.

At the seventh edition of its scholarship award and skills acquisition ceremony in Kwale, 51 students were awarded

scholarships and 32 youths enrolled in Midwestern Oil’s skills acquisition programme and their joint venture partners, SunTrust.

Speaking at the event, the acting Managing Director of Midwestern Oil, Mr. Emeka Onyeka, commended the host communities (Umusadege, Ogbeani, Umusan) for providing the requisite

peaceful environment that has strengthened their value chain.

Represented by the External and Corporate Communications Head of the company, Mrs. Mercy Max-Ebibai, the Managing Director, said that over 250 students have benefitted from the scholarship awards since its first edition in 2014, with over 175 beneficiaries under its

A cross-section of the Midwestern JV scholarship beneficiaries (secondary school category), their parents, and chiefs of the host communities, during the seventh annual scholarship award and Skills acquisition ceremony

skills acquisition programme. ‘’The scholarship award is designed to enhance human capital development as well as the provision of qualitative education for the host communities and Delta State in general. ’The scheme is also a commitment of Midwestern JV’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening relationship with the host communities and the state,” he stated.

‘The award provides tuition fees and living expenses for scholarly and financially challenged university and secondary school students and is renewed annually for students who maintain a high level of academic excellence.

Addressing journalists on the sidelines, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr Simbi Wabote, commended Midwestern JV for being alive to their CSRs through social investments.

Wabote, represented at the scholarship award ceremony by Mr. Augustine Timbri, stressed the nexus between local content and entrepreneurial development.

Future CEO Initiative

A 16-year-old student of Lagos State Civil Service Senior Model College, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Jane-Frances Okorie, has won the maiden edition of the 9mobile FutureCEO speech competition.

Okorie defeated nine other finalists in a keenly contested speech battle held at the Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School, Maryland, Lagos.

Over 50 students from secondary schools within the Lagos State Education District 2, comprising Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Shomolu local government councils, participated in the competition.

The 9mobile FutureCEO is an initiative aimed at inspiring future leaders by stirring up their interest in business and leadership. The initiative also affords promising future leaders an opportunity to walk in the shoes of senior business leaders.

Commending the finalists, the Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile Abdulrahman Ado, represented by the PR Lead,

9mobile, Chineze Amanfo, commended the participants for their courage, efforts, and hard work. She said, “You have all demonstrated sound intellectual prowess and excellence in your presentations. This is proof that you are future leaders who are determined to achieve their dreams. 9mobile is proud of you, and we hope that you remain confident in your ability to take up new tasks ahead.”

Commenting on the competition, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, lauded 9mobile for the initiative.

Expressing delight at her win, Okorie remarked, “Honestly speaking, I am short of words. Let me begin by saying a huge thank you to 9mobile for providing us this wonderful opportunity and platform to express ourselves and inspire us to dream big.

To my school management and teachers, thank you for reposing this level of confidence in me to do the school proud.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

EDUCATION

Lagos Commissioner Urges Varsities to Improve Lecturers’ Teaching Capacity Dike Onwuamaeze

The Commissioner for Education in Lagos, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, has urged Nigerian universities to provide their lecturers with support training to turn them into superb teachers.

Adefisayo made this remark last week iat the Lagos Education Fair (LEF) that was organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) with the theme ‘Transforming Education: Enhancing Access to Qualitative Tertiary Education’.

She explained that every stakeholder should be “concerned with the quality of teaching that we have in the tertiary institutions,” which she said is largely responsible for the poor quality of Nigerian graduates” who can barely “string a comprehensible sentence in the English language.

“The most critical is that nexus between teaching and learning borders on the relationship between the lecturer and the undergraduates. This is one place I would like our universities to look into because I have

the feeling, and forgive me if I am wrong because I left the university many years ago, but it appears that anyone with a PhD can teach. No! Teaching is a skill, and like all skills, it can be taught, it can be learned, and it can be mastered.”In her goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi OlatunjiBello, said that LASU would not send lecturers to the classrooms without first equipping them with basic teaching skills.

The Vice-Chancellor of Anchor

University, Prof. Sam Oye Bandele, who delivered the keynote speech on ‘Enhancing Access to Quality Tertiary Education’, called for restricted access to ensure that only quality students are admitted into tertiary institutions to ensure quality education.

“I am seeing in the mirror the reintroduction of a Higher School Certificate (HSC) in our institutions. I believe it can create a quality of access to tertiary institutions. Other climes do not rely on O’Level alone,” Bandele said.

Chairman Board of Trustees, Victory High School/Victory College Old Students Association Ikeja, Prince Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN (sixth from left) his wife, Chief Mojisola Ahonaruogho; Global President of the association, ‘Seyi Olorunyomi, (eight from left), with other members of the association, at the burial of Pa. Jeremiah Olu Oma Ahonaruogho in Benin City... recently

258 Teachers Shortlisted for 2022 Merit Award Funmi Ogundare

A total of 258 public school teachers have been shortlisted for the 2022 Edition of the Lagos State Teachers’ Merit Award, aimed at recognising, showcasing and appreciating public school teachers.

It is also designed to promote education and emphasise teachers’ outstanding ideas and innovations so that other educators can replicate them to

enhance learning outcomes in all schools.

The initiative is driven by private education administrators and public sector technocrats, who are the committee members responsible for the screening and selection of all categories of winners for this year’s programme.

It is led by the Chairperson of the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), Mrs. Lai Koiki.

She said the committee

received almost 4,000 entries compared with last year when they had about 1,000, adding that they had to screen them to 258.

The chairperson disclosed that the committee would assess the essays and videos submitted by the 258 teachers and administrators and select the best in each district.

Koiki thanked the permanent secretary for the opportunity, noting that the committee is cur-

rently waiting for the governor to approve a date in April.

The Secretary of the committee and Executive Director, Edumark, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, said the award would inspire teachers to work harder, adding that they must be technology-savvy.

A Director, Public/Private Partnership, Lagos State, Mrs. Lydia Onuoha, called for engaging the district as the state recently came tops in WASSCE conducted by WAEC.

Government, Stakeholders Seek Inclusive Learning in Schools The government and other stakeholders in the education sector have been urged to embrace a more inclusive learning approach in the implementation of education-technology-driven initiatives to achieve better learning outcomes and results.

This followed the justconcluded February edition of EdTech Mondays; an initiative of Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with CcHub

Limited. The virtual roundtable featured panelists such as cofounder/strategy and Head, Maevis Computer Limited, Chizaram Ucheaga, a certified English teacher from Lagos State, Bisayo Adewole, and moderated by Joyce Daniel, the social engineering practitioner.

Speaking at the virtual roundtable titled ‘Education in the Pandemic Era, The Role of Technology,’ Ucheaga

emphasised the need for governments and relevant stakeholders to embrace more inclusive learning to create a robust and well-rounded educational system. He reiterated that with the shift to infrastructure-based technology to drive learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, governments need to continue to leverage technology in reinventing the educational system in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Bisayo Adewole, an EdTech teacher from Akoka Junior High School, Yaba, Lagos, noted that people’s minds were open to the benefits of technology in driving learning despite the pandemic.

She, however, stated that more needed to be done to ensure that both teachers and students have access to digital tools and training to achieve optimal learning outcomes.

Greensprings Students Win AISEN’s Regional Debate Competition The Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN) has declared Oyewunmi Diya and Anjolaoluwa Ashade of Greensprings School as the winners of its Key Stage two regional debate competition.

The two students outperformed contestants

from schools in Abuja and southwestern Nigeria on the topic, ‘The voting age should be lowered to 10’.

Expressing satisfaction with the students’ performance, the school’s Literacy Coordinator, Mrs. Ibiyemi Adebimpe, said the principle of the school to instil self-confidence in

children helped them to win.

She said, “I am pleased with the performance of Oyewunmi and Anjolaoluwa.

During the debate, they stated their points eloquently and connected the points well.

They also showed a great understanding of the use of words in creating effects

and capturing the interest of the audience.

“I believe the school’s approach in encouraging students to take charge of their learning and developing their public speaking skills through presentations in class and at the assembly contributed to their success.”

A

Teacher’s DIARY KEHINDE OMORU

www.kayomoru.com

EITHER RISE UP EARLY OR STAY UP LATE

N

ever both. The futilities and deficits that are inherent in doing both, day in day out, can never be overstressed.

Yet this is what many of us have done until it is almost too late and we have spent much of our most productive and able-bodied years hitting at all and no clear targets in particular.

“But I thought COVID lockdowns have eradicated this”, you may say. Yes for some - in countries perhaps where the costs of being online are relatively accomplishable. I heard the bells of work-balance lifestyle tinkle to jingle from midglobal lockdown period, until second COVID vaccinations were widely effected and death tolls have significantly reduced... And guess what?

It’s rise up early and stay up late again!

It is definitively pointless to work haphazardly, toil aimlessly, stress globally. As a quinquagenarian, I can assure you that rather it is best to seek and find your skills and interests early, find aspects of them that’s needed or in demand, be and prosper as the supplier of such demands.

Stress globally? You may have picked up this aforementioned words. ‘Yes stress’ globally I reiterate. Both these words put together suggest negativity. To stress globally is to grapple with the whole (of something eg., a job, a trade, a skill) rather than looking at all the fine components that make it up, finding the component that suits your spec and running or excelling with it.

Stressing implies the vast amounts of detrimental tensions and pressures we bring to bear: on our bodies; on our time as well as, on our mental wellbeing. When we don’t seek to decipher the aspects of a trade, a task, a skill, a profession, a business etc and align them with our natural and acquired specs which are variables where we are most proficient, then master them, practice them, evolve their processes, then we are likely to fail. If you Jack all trades, you are unlikely to master all.

The important thing is to find that job, trade, business, study that gives you most pleasure.

Research what aspect of it is highly demanded where you are. Study, research your consumers (you may need to move location fully or partly, pray, seek and look for your opportunities, take hold when your chance comes.

A young lady, Omoh, dazzles at the moment.

Although she is currently on her third masters degrees, she has never been able to find any gainful employment in her fields of study. What is making her a hot cake at the moment are not academic; they are her skills of joviality, extroversion and love for walking. Omoh is ready at sub-zero degrees and sweltering heat alike to take clients out for their therapy community walks.

For the clients escorted community walk is top on their list of reintroduction to outside where their stressors, fears, paranoia, intrusive ideations reside. These they must begin to face (in controlled and measured ways) as soon as their risks begin to reduce a few days into checking in. “Take some courses in communication” I whispered to her one day along the corridor. “Why sis?”

She countered interestedly. “...because you’re already a born communicator, encourager and influencer. The course will only tush you up!”

I winked playfully So Omoh did, she did a Communicating for Impact Cambridge one at that. And, guess what, her line manager has now recommended that the group sends Omoh to uni. She has also been offered a permanent position. Her talents have done her well.

Has your talent done you well? Your own talent can also make you ‘blow’ if you nurture it and stop wasting time and energy hating on others. Direct such negative energy and time to helping yourself. You can make it God being your helper.

-Omoru is a freelance writer, education, health and social care advocate

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

EDUCATION

Petroleum Training FUL Management Restates Commitment to Qualify Education Institute Matriculates Ibrahim Oyewale ÓØ ÙÕÙÔË

The management of Federal University, Lokoja, has restated its commitment to continue to improve the standard of education despite daunting challenges.

Just as the ViceChancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi promised not to be deterred by those poised to vilify his efforts to move the institution to the next level.

The VC disclosed this while briefing journalists on the journey in the last year in office.

According to him, the university used to be ranked number eight out of the 12 universities established by President Goodluck Jona-

than. In fulfilment of the mission, the management went into action, and today the university is ranked number one in the NorthCentral and second among the federal universities, sixth in Nigerian universities and 13th among both public and private universities in Nigeria.

He pointed out that within the last few months at the helm of affairs, the management had established the Directorate of Consultancy services to generate internal revenue to develop the nascent citadel of learning.

In addition to the above, the university management has also established a printing press and a pure water

factory to increase revenue for the university.

On the road network in the Permanent site, the vicechancellor pointed out that it was the intervention of the Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to tar one from the main gate to the senate building.

While road construction is ongoing at the permanent site Speaking on the institution’s academic programmes, Akinwunmi disclosed that about 39 programmes that hitherto had created problems for the university had been verified and cleared

by National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that all current programmes have been accredited too.

However, the vicechancellor lamented that the university was in dire need of staff and lecturers, stressing that the institution could not employ because of IPPIS. On security issues, the management has taken adequate measures to protect lives and property at the permanent site, confirming that apart from conventional security agencies partnering with the university, the management had employed over 30 hunters to fortify security around the campus.

The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the new Registrar, Dr. Rebecca Okotie, who succeeded Mr. Obansa Usman, retiring after meritorious service.

1,267 Students

Sylvester Idowu ÓØ ËÜÜÓ

To ensure that school’s students do not engage in addictions that could affect their studies, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, Delta has warned its 1,267 matriculated students against involving in any form of social vices.

Speaking during the matriculation ceremony for the 2021/2022 academic session over the weekend, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Dr. Henry Adimula, said the school has zero tolerance for cultism, drug abuse and other social vices and would sanction any of its students found wanting.

“We advise all students to desist from the following vices: examination misconduct, physical and all forms of assault, cultism, drug peddling and smoking of Indian hemp on campus, certificate forgery, improper dressing, for exposure of body parts, stealing, misuse of social media and many others,” he warned. “Let me sound a note of warning that any student found guilty in any of the vices would be

made to face the full wrath of the law.”

While congratulating the matriculated students, Adimula disclosed that “a total of 1,480 candidates applied for admission into the National Diploma programmes, but only 720 candidates were offered admission, and for Higher National Diploma, 714 applied, and only 547 candidates were admitted.”

The Principal and CEO said PTI had trained over 20,000 Nigerians and non-Nigerians, who are doing very well in every facet of the oil, gas and allied industries in the country and worldwide.

Adimula, accompanied by members of the institute’s council, urged the matriculating students to maximise available resources in the school to their advantage.

While admonishing them to be good ambassadors in and outside the school, he enjoined them to take a cue from alumni like Dr. Celestine Paddy Iyamu, Dr. Excel Ukpohor and Comrade Festus Osifo, the current President of PENGSSAN, who graduated at various times and are now very successful in their chosen careers.

After 50 Years, Bauchi Community Gets School L-R: Initiator of Mulade Quiz Competition, Chief Sheriff Mulade, presenting the star prize to Ewoma Godstime and Elohor Francis from Love Afodu school in Isoko South LGA, and essay prize to Miss Rudolph Abraham from Kpakiama Secondary School, Bomadi LGA, during the grand finale of the competition recently

Bauchi Students Commend Governor for Awarding N89.3m Scholarship to 5,033 Students Segun Awofadeji ÓØ ËßÍÒÓ

The National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS) has commended Governor Bala Mohammed for awarding a scholarship to 5,033 students from seven tertiary institutions worth N89.3 million.

Speaking on behalf of the union during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Bauchi, the President, Mohammad Abubakar lauded the intervention programmes of the present administration

in the last three years, saying that ND and NCE students are now being paid N12,000 against N7,000 previously paid to them as allowance.

“The governor has provided furniture worth over N3 billion. This is in addition to the procurement of many other instructional materials. The payment of WAEC N800 million fee plus the backlog owed by the previous administration is also notable,” he stated. “Even so, in 2021, about 80,000 students

fees for NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and BRCE were paid. Recently, over 1,000 students were recruited for medical bonding which include MBBS, pharmacy, radiography, physiology, nursing, dental technicians etc.”

The union maintained that while many other states cannot access intervention funds for non-compliance with the prerequisite conditions set up

by UBEC, Bauchi students continue to enjoy several

intervention programmes due to the governor’s compliance in payment of counterpart funds.

“The Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board through the 2019 UBEC SUREB Intervention Projects, has constructed and renovated 353 blocks of classrooms, 14 VIP toilets, drilled over 39 hand pump boreholes and provided schooling materials for 18,148 primary school pupils and 155 teachers across the state,” the group added.

Bridge Harps on Parents’ Involvement in Child Learning Bridge Nigeria, a network of community nursery and primary schools in Lagos and Osun, recently held its open day, ensuring that parents get involved in their children’s learning process, review their academic performance and have one-on-one discussions with the class teachers.

The Academics Manager, Ezinne Tochie-Asogwa, stated that it is extremely important for parents to assess the

efforts being made by the school in educating and training their children to become successful individuals in the future.

She described the open day as one of the most important activities held twice every school term in the school’s calendar.

“It exposes parents to what is being taught in the classroom, the teaching methodology being used, the

performance of their child, as well as their relationship with other pupils and the learning resources available to the child,” she pointed out.

A parent at one of the Bridge International Academies in Lagos, Mrs. Amenaghawon, whose daughter is in primary four, attested to her child’s improvement since joining the school.

“She has improved in her academics and behaviour.

Parents who are not involved in their child’s education will miss out. Parents need to partner with schools for effective learning.”

Another parent, Mrs. Alamudun, with a daughter in primary five, said, “I can see great changes in my child. I believe that parents should be involved in their child’s education.”

For people of Rudugungun Community, a predominantly Fulani settlement, February 21, 2022 will be a memorable day for them as a school was established for their children.

The settlement which is in Tirwun Ward of Bauchi LGA has existed for more than 50 years without basic education.

Efforts made in the past failed before the intervention of an NGO, Women for Women International, in collaboration with Non-formal Education Department of Bauchi LGA and the Nomardic Education Agency.

Women for Women International which is concerned about issues of violence against women and girls selected and trained 24 women change advocates and three male champions on how to address the issues.

It was discovered that due to absence of basic education in the community, the girlchild had been subjected to several forms of violence including early marriage.

Leader of the Women Change Agents, Hindetu Hassan Faruk said, “we discovered that the girl-child in the community was lagging behind, so we paid advocacy visits to the community and at the fourth visit, the community agreed for us to start a basic education class here.”

“Today, our joy knows no bound, our efforts are not in vain, we have opened up avenue for the girl-child to be liberated through basic education. She will through this class, know her rights

and basic principles of life,” Faruk said.

The village head of Tirwun, who was represented by Mohammad, commended the NGO for discovering the community and establishing the basic nomadic class.

He described basic education as the most important thing to bestow a child especially the girl-child, and implored the community to allow their children to attend the school.

The Ardo of the community, Mallam Yau Adamu promised to ensure that children in the area get enrolled. He called on government and other NGOs to complement the efforts of Women for Women International by providing school structure for easy learning.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director, Non-formal and Adult Education, Bauchi LGA, Babangida Umar, commended the NGO for discovering the community through its Women Change Agents initiative. He said the move complemented the efforts of the LGA in education.

Umar, the Chief Organiser of the LGA, said the council will take over the school and send teachers to the community.

He explained that it will be twice a week for now until the school takes deep root.

To demonstrate their seriousness in ensuring the immediate take off, the community donated a space, mats, exercise books, pencils, blackboard and other materials needed for over 50 pupils that have already enrolled.

38

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

CITYSTRINGS

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

A Glimpse of ‘Entities & Identities’ at Mydrim Gallery A solo exhibition of transformative artworks by the artist-art educator, Kolawole Olojo-Kosoko holds the Lagos audience spellbound with its strong aesthetic value. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

K

olawole Olojo-Kosoko is one artist that loves to reinvent himself through his art. At a recent preview of his first major solo exhibition at the Mydrim Gallery, he took the liberty of unfurling his collection. Titled ‘Entities and Identities,’ the show parades 35 works drawn from his 200 paintings as well as printmaking.

A product of a series of art schools, OlojoKosoko currently serves at the Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos Chapter.

Before reaching this milestone in his career, he had groomed his turf at the Lagos State Polytechnic before proceeding to the University of Benin for a degree programme in Fine and Applied Science.

He made a paradigm shift in his career when he proceeded for a postgraduate study at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. He began to rethink his preoccupation with landscape paintings, delving deeper into other skills he had developed outside visual art over time.

“Over the years, I have done textile and interior decoration and a little bit of draftsmanship and architecture. I had worked in an engineering firm. I do building design too. All these led me to this. I worked at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and technically veered into visual arts. Within four months of my master’s programme, I realised that I was still doing the same thing. In between that, I stumbled on print making and that was part of my research work. That took me to Kunle Adewale’s studio in Mushin,’’ he recounted.

With a year of industrial attachment at the National Studio (now Universal Studio), he enjoyed tutelage with Abiodun Olaku, a leading painter who added depth to his landscape paintings. His current works at the show which opened on February 26 are markedly different from what his audience are familiar with.

“The more you move around as an artist, the more you are influenced. People will begin to see more of me and other new things. When I had the opportunity of stepping out of the country, my orientation changed. I discovered slow art. The artists dedicate their lives to just

a few pieces. My orientation changes along with my studio setting. Abroad, you’d see an artist having a very large studio to himself. When I returned I used a whole floor, three to four rooms as a studio and I still maintained my studio at the Universal studio. When you spread your work around, you will be able to input ideas from time to time,’’ he said.

His series of paintings named ‘Premonition I, II, III and IV’ are described as a museum piece with a visual narrative influenced by the socio-political realities in Nigeria. Using mixed media, he communicates with the viewer on Nigeria’s chaotic state.

“The story started from a small pastel work with the title ‘Bi ogiri oba lanu’ meaning ‘If you don’t have a crack in the house, outsiders won’t have the opportunity to penetrate. After that, I started the bigger one during the subsidy crises. After that, I made three more from other ideas.

"Over the years, we have had the subsidy crises, I use the newspaper cut-outs to tell the story. I use the map of Nigeria as a carrier. All the crises that we have are beginning to make Nigeria shake. People want to break away and we are able to manage it.

After tribalism, nepotism, the next level may just be outright war.

"You will see Nigeria in disarray- in a broken form. While in the war if we are under able to resolve the issues, we will break up finally,’’ he said in reference to the piece which has a broken calabash and a lizard on the foreground.

The assistant curator, Mydrim Gallery, David Oluwatoyin said he was excited about the show, adding that the gallery is willing to work with Olojo-Kosoko as well as other artists.

The show runs till March 12.

Premonition I

Up Close with RMD, Alex Ekubo at ‘Conversations in Transit’ Film Location Yinka Olatunbosun

I

t could as well be a reunion for Nollywood actors Richard Mofe-Damijo and Alex Ekubo as they arrived at the film location for Nigeria’s next box office hit, ‘Conversations in Transit.’ Set at the ultra-modern Mobolaji Johnson Rail station, Ebute Metta, Lagos, the movie produced by Native Media is a love story that took place mostly on a train. For the two actors, working with the producer, Rogers Ofime has become a family tradition.

With trust and commitment, they got on board this new production, absorbing the thrill of the drama being created per frame.

Ekubo who plays the character of Mohammed in the movie has featured in television and film productions such as ‘Tinsel’ and ‘Zero Hour,’ with the latter directed by Robert Peters.

Ekubo expressed his excitement as well as his initial apprehension about some scenes in the movie.

“When I first got the script, I told Rogers that ‘No, this is not possible.’ How will we achieve this? As an actor, there seems to be an area of divide between what you imagine while reading the script and when you get on set. You see a scene where perhaps two actors are travelling from Lagos island to Peru and then you get on set; you are told not to worry; it will all happen at the backseat of a car. As an actor, you would have envisioned how that scene would go. But I completely trust Rogers and Peters on this. They are no small fish and not new to big productions at all. After my conversation with them, I knew it was achievable,’’ he said.

The good-natured actor shows his humble side when he said the success of the movie does not necessarily depend on a particular star actor.

“I feel that this movie will go on successfully

An interior view of the train for the movie, "Conversations in Transit" at the Mobolaji Johnson Rail Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos with or without me. This is already a blockbuster with or without any individual cast. Sometimes in your career, you are just happy to be a part of a project that you know will be successful. I am happy to be a cocktail of talents like Tope Tedela, Uzi, RMD and other budding

artists,’’ he said.

For him, infrastructure is key to making believable stories on screen and at the same time, he bemoaned the accusing fingers pointed at Nollywood lately for its role in providing media content that glamourise ritual money.

“You can’t shoot in absentia. You can’t shoot what is not there. Where some are saying that

Nollywood is the reason why there is constant ritual killings, which makes absolutely no sense to me, we are here pushing the buttons and trying to best represent the country in the good light in a way the government can’t do,’’ he said.

His character Mohammed is entangled in a love triangle. As a northern in the movie, Ekubo has lines in Hausa which he was able to deliver beautifully given his northern background.

“I schooled in Federal Government College Daura, Katsina and I lived in kano. So, I speak fluent Hausa. That helps the characterization,’’ he revealed.

Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) shared the same sentiment on the role of infrastructure in delivering high quality film productions in Nigeria.

“It makes life a lot easier when you channel the story in the movie, it is not about the people alone, the locations are also part of the story.

All the things that are lacking in our movies stem from the fact that our locations are not part of the story enough. We need to have locations that are so pivotal to the stories you tell, with more infrastructures in place, the better stories you can tell and the more the ease of doing films. I remember when I was in government and I lightened up Asaba, I remember what it did to our movies. It meant that night scenes were more picturesque and night shoots were easy to do,’’ he said.

Describing the plot of ‘Conversations in Transit’ movie as a ‘mix match of emotions,’ RMD believes the whole love story is a long emotional ride.

The former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta state has acted in several hit movies including ‘Out of Bounds,’ ‘Hostages,’ ‘The Wedding Party I and II,’ ‘King of Boys: The Return of the King’ as well as Oloibiri which was produced by Rogers Ofime.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022

39

CRIME&SECURITY

Conquering the World of Equestrian Sport the Nigerian Navy Way With finesse for golfing under its kitty, as well as its dexterity in swimming, the Nigerian Navy has delved into the world of polo with the goal of contributing to the growth and development of the equestrian sport in Nigeria. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the recently held maiden Chief of Naval Staff Polo Cup has unleashed the potentials inherent in the players while developing the desired camaraderie needed to foster synergy and teamwork among personnel in the discharge of their security obligations

A polo team that contested in the CNS Cup

The winners with the CNS, club officials and senior officers

L-R: DG NIMASA, CNS, Vice Admiral Gambo and a guest

Lagos Polo Club President, Ayo Olashoju and CNS presenting the prize to one of the winners

T

he Nigerian Navy is known for a lot of things but primarily for its responsibility to protect the nation's territorial integrity and even in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters; its dexterity in swimming given the amphibious nature of the job; its marksmanship and weapon handling skills as well as the dedication of officers and men to duty.

Known to smoothly blend its duty and passion, the recent foray into Polo, an equestrian sport that requires due diligence, was received with positive adulation as was confirmed by the teeming number of persons that graced the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, Lagos, venue of the recently held Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Maiden Polo Cup. Objectives For the CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, it was part of his resolve to continue to establish civil-military relations with the populace.

While lauding the development of the game of Polo in Nigeria, the CNS said it will help Nigerian Navy officers build camaraderie capable of strengthening the nation’s defence.

Navy's Contribution The CNS revealed that the competition is another unique opportunity given to the navy to further contribute to the growth and development of the equestrian sport in Nigeria.

He said: “ I’m delighted to be here today.

I appreciate the president of the club for the honour done on me while also acknowledging the support of other naval staff.

“It is on good authority that British naval officers introduced the game of polo to Nigeria

on the turf of the Lagos Polo Club. So, the Lagos Polo Club and the navy family have come a long way and the relationship will only get better.

“I am happy to state that the Nigerian Navy remains committed and will continue to nurture the relationship with Lagos Polo Club for our mutual benefits.”

Commending the President of the Lagos Polo Club, Ayo Olashoju, and other executive members for instituting the CNS Cup as one of the trophies to be competed for in the club, he said that, “I have no doubt that the entire Nigerian Navy sport family will continue to cherish this moment.”

Two-year Strides The CNS said it was in 2021 that the Nigerian Navy was introduced to the game of polo by the Nigerian Army’s 21 Guards Brigade Polo Club.

He said: "Since then, the service has not relented and early this year, the Nigerian Navy polo team competed in the Port Harcourt polo tournament and won its first trophy.

“Unlike individual sports, the game of polo highlights the importance of build-

ing strong communication, developing leadership skills and team work among the players.

“These attributes are quite instructive regarding the development of camaraderie needed to foster synergy and team work among personnel."

He added that, “the British Naval officers introduced the game of Polo to Nigeria on the turf of the Lagos Polo Club. So, it would be right to say that the Lagos Polo Club and the Navy family have come a long way and I make bold to say that the relationship would only get better.”

The CNS pledged continued commitment to ensure that the relationship between the navy and the Lagos Polo Club is sustained at mutual benefits.

In a similar vein, he said that the game would equally boost military-civilian relationship, a valuable force multiplier to gain the support of the civil populace in pursuit of national security objectives.

Vice Admiral Gambo congratulated both the winners and the runners-up for their display of skills and the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the international polo fiesta and pledged the commitment of

"Unlike individual sports, the game of polo highlights the importance of building strong communication, developing leadership skills and team work among the players"

the Nigerian Navy to the Lagos polo tournament.

Afterward he led other dignitaries to dole out awards and prizes to winners at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Lagos Polo Cup. Meanwhile, Lagos Polo Club President, Ayo Olashoju, who described the tournament as one of the most successful in years, declared that the campaign for the Majekodunmi Cup, Open Cup, Low Cup and Silver Cup prizes, were the most competitive and the most exciting in years.

Seyi Oyinlola, Tournament Manager, said "The 2022 tournament was three weeks of thrilling polo experience for the lovers of the game both on and off the pitch.”

Winners The Polo Tournament came to an end with three home teams sweeping all the four prizes at stake on the final weekend.

STL defeated Lagos Caverton 10-6 in a double decker to emerge winners of the Low Cup and the Governor’s Cup respectively.

The Silver Cup final pitched Lagos Elektron against the debuting Nigerian Navy team but the former clinched the prize.

However, the quartet of Bode Makanjuola, Rotimi Makanjuola, Muyiwa Oni and Diego White emerged the first ever champions of the Chief of Naval Staff Cup. Although the naval team did not lift the cup, one thing stood out- the a team sport highlighted the importance of building strong communication, developing leadership skills and team work among the players, all attributes which were instructive towards developing the desired camaraderie needed to foster synergy and teamwork among personnel in the discharge of their security obligations.

40

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͷ˜ 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nigerian Exchange, Women Affairs Ministry to Explore Partnerships on GenderEquality Kayode Tokede Nigerian Exchange Group of Companies yesterday joined over 100 securities exchanges around the world to celebrate the 2022 International Women’s Day and Ring the Bell for Gender Equality in collaboration with International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, United Nations (UN) Women, United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

The event, themed, “Break the Bias: Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” was headlined by the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen (OFR) and Honorable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment,

Amb. Mariam Katagum. It brought stakeholders together to explore the key issues that could facilitate progress towards gender equality through policy and finance.

In his opening remarks, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Mr. Oscar Onyema,said, “The global finance industry has a critical role to play in achieving gender equality.

As the world clamours for increased reallocation of finance to address the Sustainable Development Goals, climate change and other pressing issues, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to reconsider the role of finance in addressing gender issues.”

Speaking on the potential of

collaboration to promote gender equality, Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, said, “We recognize our strategic position as the engine of growth of Africa’s largest economy and we leverage this unique position to promote the adoption of sustainable business practices, and reporting as well as foster the growth of long-term sustainable finance. NGX Group of Companies is committed to championing efforts to advance gender equality across our ecosystem through the introduction of genderresponsive and inclusive financial instruments, advocacy for increased participation of women on boards and in senior management and support for capacity building initiatives to enable companies achieve their gender-related aspirations”.

Phillips Consulting Provides Insight Into ‘Future’At AfricaNXT2022 Phillips Consulting, (pcl.), a leading business and management consulting firm, has provided deep insight into the ‘Future of Work’ paradigm by exploring emerging trends and divers of the ‘Future of Work’ and distilling potential impacts on critical industries across Africa at AfricaNXT2022.

The company has, in the past two years re-imagine the future of work as the world comes to grips with the next normal, businesses and teams have to continue to adjust and react quickly to remain competitive.

“African businesses and

industry leaders are facing daunting tasks to navigate a post-covid economic environment continuously shaped by accelerating digitisation, rising hybrid workplace, diversity, globalisation, and Artificial intelligence.

To do nothing is dangerous to businesses and the prosperity of the African continent, “said Mr. Rob Taiwo, Managing Director Phillips Consulting. The panelists at the event contextualized and mapped how critical enablers of the fourth and fifth industrial revolution will profoundly drive transformation across industries and redefine the Future of Work.

According to Senior Managing Consultant & Head of Advisory, PCL, Mr. Joshua Ademuwagun, “We shared best practices and offered industry-focused considerations on how business leaders need to rethink their business models and strategies to best position themselves to leverage emerging opportunities.

Meanwhile, Remi Dada, Founder & CEO Spacefinish & Design Match Up stated that the future of work is about being empowered to work how you want, when you want. When employees are empowered, performance becomes the goal.

LAPO, Mercy Corps to SupportVulnerable Farmers in North East Sunday Ehigiator The Management of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, a premium microfinance institution in sub-saharan Africa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mercy Corps, an international non-governmental organization, with an aim to aprovide support for over 540,000 smallholder farmers in the North Eastern states of Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday, signed by LAPO’s Managing Director, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, it was stated that the partnership is also targeted at promoting

economic activities and recovery in some conflict-affected areas in the North Eastern states of Nigeria, through a market led intervention.

“This partnership fosters an alignment of purpose by both organizations, which reemphasizes ‘rural engagement, empowerment, resilience and sustainability.’ This is in line with our mandate of over 30 years commitment to social and economic empowerment of members of low-income households who are most vulnerable.

“Our collaborative interventions such as access to financial

and business advisory services to smallholder farmers and other micro, small and medium enterprises in the target locations will further contribute to the current efforts at enhancing financial inclusion and rural economic resilience.

“While we recognize that our footprint in rural agriculture support in Nigeria as well as our branch network has made LAPO Microfinance Bank a preferred financial institution for this partnership, beyond this, it is our commitment to invest in the real economy.

We look forward to fruitful collaboration,” she noted.

(L-R) Head of Marketing, Business Development & Retail Operations, Polo Luxury Group, Olamoniso Nduka; Managing Director of Polo Luxury Group, John Obayuwana; Sales Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Swarovski, Janni Bezuidenhout; Executive Director of Polo Luxury Group, Jennifer Obayuwana; and Sales Trainer and Visual Merchandiser, Sub-Saharan Africa, Swarovski, Jonathan Minter, during a strategic visit by the Swarovski team to Polo Luxury Group in Lagos.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)

NdukweReceives Independent Lifetime Achievement Award The Chairman, Board of Directors MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest C. Ndukwe, was celebrated with the lifetime achievement award at the 2021 Independent Awards held in Lagos.

The ceremony, themed, “Celebrating Trailblazers,” celebrated individuals and corporate organisations who have shown true commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and

have impacted positively on the lives of many.

Ndukwe received the lifetime award in recognition of his effort towards leading the telecommunications revolution in the country. He has over 38 years of international experience in business management and in the telecommunications industry, majority of which have been in C-Level positions in private

multinational companies and in government Telecom Policy & Regulation.

He was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria’s Telecommunications Regulatory Agency by the President in 2000 and proceeded to preside over the building of an internationally respected institution.

Uzuakpunwa Emerge CussonsBaby of theYear Nigeria’s foremost Baby Brand, Cussons Baby concluded yet another successful season of its flagship baby competition, Cussons Baby Moments Competition for its 8th season, which saw Isabella Uzuakpunwa emerge baby of the year at the grand finale recently on at Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

The final had all the attributes

of a grand finale lived up to its billing. The competition which began sometime in November, achieved a record number of entries as the competition had undergone some changes meant to reduce the focus on just cuteness and looks but instead celebrate the unique gifts and talents these children possess, with the aim of nurturing them.

To this end, new judges were brought in, in the person of talented Nollywood actress Linda Ejiofor, renowned creative photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi and beautiful entrepreneur Elsie Okpocha on its panel of judges.

They were, alongside the general public saddled with the responsibility of selecting the winners through score and votes.

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

41

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Vitafoam Reward Shareholders with N1.9bn Dividend Kayode Tokede Following its stellar performance in 2021, despite the inclement operating environment, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc has rewarded its shareholders with N1.9 billion dividend.

The dividend, which translated into N1.50 per share was promptly approved by the shareholders at the company’s hybrid 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos.

Addressing the shareholders at the AGM, Vitafoam Chairman, Dr Bamidele Makanjuola explained that the company achieved strong performance through flexible financing strategy and excellent customer service.

“This impressive performance was driven by improved operational efficiency, excellent customer service, a business friendly funding window and steadfast implementation of our

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

strategic initiatives. During the financial year, the company facilitated programmes that enhanced the quality and aesthetics of our products, enlarged the customer base, boosted technology investments to spur retail sales, and strengthened our distribution channels.

“The success achieved was due to the implementation of a flexible financing strategy aided by the Bank of Industry loan,

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

as well as cost maximisation through internal efficiency gains. Through the deployment of fresh initiatives to expand our business frontiers, we shall remain innovative and customer-focused while vigorously driving internal efficiencies in all our operations.

By so doing, we aim to drive up shareholder value in the interest of all stakeholders, “Makanjuola said.

Also, shareholders com-

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S

mended the company’s brilliant performance with the leader of Independent Shareholders Association, Mr Adebayo Adeleke stressing that the company had a bright future as all its subsidiaries have become profitable.

Corroborating him, the President, Noble Shareholders Solidarity Association, Mr Mathew Akindele stated that Vitafoam’s policy of attracting people of value to its

O F

0 8

board could be attributed to its exceptional performance.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi had in the past attributed the company’s consistent performance to its policy of putting its diverse customers at the centre of Research and Development.

Adeniyi also explained that beyond foams, Vitafoam produces a range of building materials.

/ 0 3 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

42

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

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THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

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Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

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Current Price

Ticker

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THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

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11 United Bank for Africa PLC 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

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13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 SEPLAT Energy PLC

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15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

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18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC

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20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

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22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

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24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

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26 NEM Insurance PLC 27 Presco PLC 28 NASCON Allied Industries PLC

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29 AIICO Insurance PLC 30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri

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31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC

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33 Unilever Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

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35 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 36 Oando PLC 37 Wema Bank PLC

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d

ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ĂƉŝĞĐĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ

38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd

ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

^^ ;Ͳϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ t W K ;ͲϮ͘ϭйͿ͘

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ KƵƚůŽŽŬ Ğƌ͕

ƵƉ

ϭ͘ϴй

ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

ďLJ

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ͲϬ͘Ϯϭdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘Ϭϭdž ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕

Ϯϴ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϱϴ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ tĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĂŬ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲdž ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ

ƌĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬ͛Ɛ ŝƐƐƵĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĨƵůůLJ ƉĂŝĚ ^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ϯϴ͕ϱϳϰ͕ϰϲϲ͕ϬϴϮ ŽƌĚŝŶĂƌLJ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ ϱϬ <ŽͲ ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůLJ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘ ďŽ ĞĂĐŚ ƚŽ ϭϮ͕ϴϱϴ͕ϭϱϱ͕ϯϲϬ ŽƌĚŝŶĂƌLJ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ ϱϬ <ŽďŽ

ĞĂĐŚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĂƟŽ ŽĨ ŽŶĞ ;ϭͿ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƚŚƌĞĞ ;ϯͿ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŚĞůĚ͘

-0.31% 0.0%

T ic k er

ROE

8.8% 101.7% 38.3%

31.9%

15.0%

ROA

P/E

3.5%

5.3x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

0.8x

5.9%

31.9%

0.2%

8.0%

3.6%

3.6%

134.7%

14.1%

13.9x

21.4x

70.75

0.0%

6.8%

5.5%

5.5%

19.1%

11.2%

34.0x

6.4x

26.20

0.8%

6.2%

0.8%

0.8%

24.8%

3.9%

4.0x

5.1%

7.2%

1.0x

11.5%

25.2% 29.0%

2.9%

26.80

-0.2%

6.0%

6.6%

6.6%

20.4%

2.7%

3.4x

0.7x

11.5%

273.50

0.0%

4.4%

6.4%

6.4%

39.2%

16.3%

12.9x

4.8x

7.2%

7.8%

1,395.00

-2.8%

3.0%

-10.4%

-10.4%

106.8%

15.6%

27.1x

31.8x

3.6%

3.7%

11.15

-2.2%

3.1%

-2.2%

-2.2%

8.4%

0.8%

6.6x

0.5x

4.0%

15.2%

23.50

-2.1%

3.1%

-1.9%

-1.9%

11.6%

8.4%

8.8x

1.0x

8.5%

11.4%

10.00

-1.5%

2.7%

7.5%

7.5%

17.0%

1.4%

2.8x

0.4x

8.5%

35.7%

8.40

0.0%

2.2%

4.3%

4.3%

15.8%

1.4%

2.5x

0.4x

11.8%

40.3% 12.7%

35.00

0.0%

1.5%

-2.8%

-2.8%

15.1%

2.1%

7.9x

1.2x

11.7%

46.50

-3.1%

1.4%

-7.0%

-7.0%

7.6%

2.7%

29.2x

2.2x

3.4%

3.4%

990.00

0.0%

2.3%

52.3%

52.3%

8.7%

4.1%

9.0x

0.8x

4.2%

11.1%

-10.3%

-3.9%

11.00

1.4%

1.6%

26.4%

26.4%

5.10

0.0%

1.1%

3.0%

3.0%

2.5x

39.5% 1.0x

-11.2%

135.00

0.0%

1.0%

-4.9%

-4.9%

36.5%

23.3%

9.2x

3.0x

30.60

-4.4%

1.0%

7.9%

7.9%

15.9%

4.5%

4.7x

0.7x

2.98

-0.7%

0.7%

16.9%

16.9%

13.3%

1.3%

2.3x

0.3x

7.4%

44.1%

2.35

0.0%

0.6%

1.3%

1.3%

9.3%

3.0%

7.2x

0.7x

9.4%

13.8%

8.7x

1.6x

6.3%

11.5%

0.3x

4.4%

3.0x

10.8%

15.80

0.0%

0.4%

-9.2%

-9.2%

15.3%

6.3%

3.42

0.3%

0.5%

14.4%

14.4%

10.3%

1.1%

10.9% 5.4%

13.60

-2.9%

0.5%

37.4%

37.4%

0.0%

0.6%

66.7%

66.7%

13.3%

6.0%

13.7x

1.7x

0.7%

7.3%

1.06

-1.9%

0.3%

10.4%

10.4%

11.1%

2.3%

5.6x

0.6x

0.9%

17.8%

35.6%

18.5%

5.6x

0.9x

5.1%

18.0%

2.2x

0.9% 3.1%

3.56

-9.9%

0.2%

-20.9%

-20.9%

104.50

0.0%

0.3%

19.0%

19.0%

13.00

0.0%

0.3%

-1.5%

-1.5%

21.3%

6.9%

12.2x

2.4x

0.66

0.0%

0.2%

-5.7%

-5.7%

7.2%

1.1%

366.7x

0.7x

264.90

0.0%

0.3%

19.4%

19.4%

48.0%

9.5%

5.4x

2.2x

1.6%

18.6%

7.20

0.0%

0.2%

-8.9%

-8.9%

19.5%

5.5%

4.2x

0.8x

7.6%

23.6%

21.90

2.8%

0.2%

-2.7%

-2.7%

38.7%

16.0%

5.6x

2.0x

6.8%

17.8%

14.00

0.0%

0.2%

-3.4%

-3.4%

7.8%

4.9%

31.1x

1.2x

26.30

0.0%

0.2%

17.7%

17.7%

18.9%

2.4%

4.0x

0.8x

1.5%

25.2%

3.9%

6.20

3.3%

0.1%

5.1%

5.1%

7.1%

0.8%

7.0x

0.7x

4.83

-2.0%

0.0%

9.3%

9.3%

14.5%

2.6%

2.1x

0.3x

3.2%

0.92

0.0%

0.1%

27.8%

27.8%

14.1%

0.8%

4.0x

0.5x

4.3%

1.53

0.7%

0.1%

1.3%

1.3%

9.4%

0.9%

2.0x

0.3x

3.3%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-28.3%

-6.1%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

2.4x 0.9x

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

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

525.3

2.0%

9.5%

UN IT YB N K

8.5%

GT C O

29.4

0.8%

C UT IX

2.48

8.3%

UB A

18.0

0.0%

22.25

7.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

14.3

-0.2%

0.95

5.6%

J A P A ULGOLD

13.2

-2.9%

UB N

6.20

3.3%

A C C ESS

12.6

-1.5%

VIT A F OA M

21.90

2.8%

C H IP LC

12.5

8.5%

F ID SON

8.35

2.5%

FB NH

9.7

-2.2%

UN IT YB N K

0.51

2.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

9.4

-0.7%

C OUR T VILLE

0.61

1.7%

UC A P

9.3

-2.9%

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

23.85

P ric e C hg % -10.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.72

-10.0%

UP L

2.62

-10.0%

N EM

3.56

-9.9%

R T B R ISC OE

0.56

-9.7%

F T N C OC OA

0.36

-7.7%

P H A R M D EKO

1.82

-7.6%

H ON YF LOUR

3.60

-7.5%

LIN KA SSUR E

0.51

-7.3%

WA P IC

0.47

50.0%

13.2%

0.23

C ON OIL

25.0%

-13.8%

0.64

P ric e

14.3% 48.1%

C H IP LC

T ic k er

8.2% 0.3%

N IGER IN S

UP D C

21.4%

65.00

P ric e

N GXGR OUP

17.1%

1.5%

204.00

T o p 10 G a in e r s

DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ tĞŵĂ ĂŶŬ WůĐ ĂŶŶŽƵŶĐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƐƉĞŶͲ < Z ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ŝƚƐ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŝŶ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐŚĂƌĞ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ

1,260.00

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC 10 Access Bank PLC

ϭϭďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϱϱϬ͘ϯϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ

2017.10

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

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

-6.0%

T ic k er

Value

GT C O

766.3

P ric e C hg % 0.8%

N EST LE

430.9

-2.8%

M TNN

426.0

0.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

383.0

-0.2%

NB

331.8

-3.1%

UN IT YB N K

262.5

2.0%

UB A

151.2

0.0%

UC A P

127.9

-2.9%

A C C ESS

126.6

-1.5%

FB NH

108.8

-2.2%

43

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 • 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 07Mar-2022, 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 174.99 176.14 4.86% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 7.38% Nigeria International Debt Fund 322.64 322.64 4.96% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 89.10 90.25 -9.31% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.65% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.66 3.82 4.70% 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 7.14% Anchoria Equity Fund 143.79 145.53 3.71% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.22 1.22 7.66% 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 21.08 21.71 3.90% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 476.47 490.84 5.61% ARM Ethical Fund 39.54 40.73 1.50% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.03 1.65% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.51% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 108.87 108.87 7.04% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,083.10 1,083.10 8.31% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.09 2.09 9.21% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.24 2.29 16.56% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 1.62% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.72% Paramount Equity Fund 18.66 18.99 10.87% Women's Investment Fund 145.72 147.31 4.77% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.85% Cordros Milestone Fund 139.66 140.59 5.66% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 111.40 111.40 0.87% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED 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 1.00 1.00 8.57% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.02 1.02 5.49% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.04 1.04 13.82% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.49 101.49 3.43% 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 Fixed Income Fund 1,423.18 1,423.18 10.87% FBN Balanced Fund 182.83 184.20 4.32% FBN Halal Fund 117.47 117.47 8.70% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.40% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD 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 FSDH Dollar Fund

122.94 154.74

122.94 3.95% 156.88 2.70% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.98 1.80 1.22

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 7.26% 3.98 -0.69% 1.84 3.57% 1.22 0.80% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 3,981.37 3,507.38 100.00

Offer Price 4,041.98 3,507.38 100.00

1.09

1.09

Yield / T-Rtn 2.28% 1.12% 6.57%

3.39%

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.51% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.85 2.92 -0.06% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 142.90 142.96 -8.17% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.32 1.36% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 4.06% 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 1.57 1.60 4.18% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,160.88 1,160.88 2.10% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.58 12.66 6.70% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.48% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.62 1.64 0.64% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.63 11.62 3.90% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.58% PACAM Equity Fund 1.49 1.50 3.13% PACAM EuroBond Fund 114.18 116.67 -0.88% 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 132.54 134.77 8.50% 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 1.08 1.08 10.03% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,522.07 3,561.22 2.30% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 236.84 236.84 0.47% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.33 1.35 3.08% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 316.37 316.37 0.97% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 243.71 247.23 0.64% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.54% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,227.57 11,383.90 1.06% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.30 1.30 0.80% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 117.65 117.65 0.58% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 107.95 107.95 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.96 0.99 3.79% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.41 1.43 3.35% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.15 1.16 5.53% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.09 1.09 1.36% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 1.30% United Capital Eurobond Fund 123.51 123.51 0.96% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.47% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.36 13.49 1.33% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.19 15.35 3.94% Zenith Income Fund 22.32 22.32 1.48% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.41%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.65

10.62% 8.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.10 135.33 106.74 20.25 22.22

14.20 138.72 109.10 20.35 22.32

0.93% 2.83% 3.02% 0.00% 0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.37 5.72 18.56 1.00 21.07 170.63

4.47 5.82 18.76 1.00 21.27 172.63

15.95% 12.29% 7.99% 6.89% 8.61% 8.10%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

10.80%

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.

44

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Russia Appeals FIFA, UEFA Ban The Russian Football Union (RFU) has appealed FIFA, and UEFA bans on its football teams.

The football governing bodies suspended Russia from competition on February 28 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The RFU will demand the restoration of all men’s and women’s national teams of Russia in all types of football in the tournaments in which they took part (including in the qualifying round of the World Cup in Qatar), as well as compensation for damage,” the RFU said last week.

“In order to ensure the possibility of the participation of Russian teams in the next scheduled matches, the RFU will insist on an expedited procedure for considering the case.”

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said a decision on the appeal could come in the next few days.

Russia’s men’s national team had a scheduled World Cup qualifying match against Poland on March 24. Poland has refused to play.

The matchwinner would play either Sweden or the Czech Republic, both of which have refused to play Russia.

Polish, Swedish and Czech soccer federations and federations from other nations will participate in the appeal process.

A wide range of sporting bodies has taken steps to ban or limit the participation of Russian athletes.

US Bans Imports of Russian Oil Amid Ukraine Invasion The US is banning all imports of Russian oil and gas, President Joe Biden announced Tuesday — a move that he said “will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine” as the Russian army continues its assault on Ukraine.

This step, outlined in an executive order, is the latest move by Washington to squeeze Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, accused by critics of filling his pockets with ill-gotten gains from his energyexporting nation. Under the executive order, the US is also banning all imports of crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, coal and coal products and banning any American from investing in Russia’s energy sector.

Last year, the US imported nearly 700,000 barrels per day of crude oil and refined petroleum products from Russia — a far cry from some 4.5 million barrels of Russian oil that Europe imports each day.

Taliban Vow to Defend Women’s Rights under Islamic Law The Taliban pledged Tuesday to protect the rights of women in Afghanistan under Islamic law to mark International Women’s Day, even as critics decried the erosion of human rights since the Islamist group retook control of the country nearly seven months ago.

“The Islamic Emirate is committed to upholding the Sharia rights of all Afghan women,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a tweet.

The hardline group calls its interim government in Kabul the Islamic Emirate.

“International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for our Afghan women to demand their legitimate rights. We protect and defend the rights of our Afghan women, God willing,” he added.

The Taliban had banned women from education and work, among other severe human rights violations, when they ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, leading to the global isolation of the South Asia nation.

However, in August, the group has attempted to portray a reformed image since seizing power from the now-defunct Western-backed Afghan government. Taliban leaders repeatedly have since assured the international community they would respect women’s rights and give them access to education and work.

But rights groups reject the Taliban claims and accuse the group of cracking down on human rights, particularly women.

President Raisi: Iran Won’t Back Down on ‘Red Lines’ in Nuclear Talks Iran will not back down on its red lines in nuclear talks with major powers, President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday, after the European Union said the time had come for Washington and Tehran to take political decisions needed to reach an accord.

Eleven months of negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, have reached their final stages.

Iran has sought to remove all sanctions, and it wants guarantees from the United States that it will not abandon the deal once more after then-US President Donald Trump walked out of the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.

Iran’s top negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, returned to Tehran on Monday for consultations.

“The government pursues nuclear negotiations in full accordance with the principles and framework set by the Supreme Leader,” Raisi said, referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in Tehran’s decision.

“It has not and will not back down on any of these red lines,” the semi-official Fars news agency quoted Raisi as saying.

Talks coordinator Enrique Mora of the European Union said on Monday that the political decisions needed to conclude the negotiations successfully must be taken in the next few days.

Kenyan Women Protest for End to Harassment Kenyan women were in the streets of Nairobi Tuesday in protest of motorbike taxi drivers who allegedly assaulted a woman last week.

The protesters, organised by the Federation of Women Lawyers, gave the capital’s police chief a petition seeking assurance of their safety and protection from all forms of harassment.

A video widely circulated on Kenyan social media platforms showed a woman motorcycle driver being manhandled by a dozen angry men and screaming for help in Nairobi last week.

The incident prompted a public outcry, and many women called on police to take action against drivers who act without regard to the law.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also called for a general crackdown on motorcycle riders.

Kenyan radio station Capital FM quoted police chief Hilary Mutyambai saying officers have arrested 229 riders and seized at least 900 bikes over the past two days.

The relationship between motorcycle riders and the public has deteriorated due to a perceived tendency for drivers not to follow traffic rules and to use violence to intimidate motorists and pedestrians.

The Federation of Women Lawyers has called for creating a task force to curb rogue riders.

UN Human Rights Chief to Visit China in May The United Nations high commissioner for human rights says she will visit China in May, including Xinjiang province.

Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday that the long-delayed trip would occur.

“I am pleased to announce that we have recently reached an agreement with the

government of China for a visit,” she said.

Many Western countries accuse China of genocide against the approximately 1 million ethnic Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Human rights groups accuse Beijing of operating re-education camps, using forced labour and committing forced sterilisation.

China denies the accusations, saying Uyghur re-education camps are to combat extremism within the Muslim group.

New Zealand Plans Historic Sanctions on Russia A groundbreaking law enabling New Zealand to freeze the assets of those associated with Russia is expected to pass this week.

In response to its invasion of Ukraine, the new Russia Sanctions Bill would allow authorities to target individuals, services, companies, and assets. The new legislation would allow New Zealand to impose sanctions on any individual country for the first time.

The South Pacific nation can now implement sanctions only when the United Nations Security Council has imposed them. However, Russia’s veto in the council has prevented that from happening.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her government’s unilateral penalties — prompted by the invasion of Ukraine — would freeze Russian assets in New Zealand and stop superyachts, ships and aircraft owned by targeted individuals from entering the country’s waters or airspace. The measures would extend to Russian oligarchs and countries that support Russia, including Belarus.

The government in Wellington has also released a list banning 100 individuals from travelling to New Zealand.

Ardern said Monday the new laws would strike a financial and political blow on Russia.

Malian Army Accused of Killings, Denies Culpability Videos of an alleged massacre in central Mali are circulating on social media, with locals saying those killed were ethnic Fulani men whom security forces arrested in late February and early March. Mali’s military this week denied any responsibility for the killings; however, VOA spoke to a man who said he witnessed troops arresting a close friend.

Last week, the videos began circulating on social media in Mali, showing the burned corpses of dozens of men, blindfolded, with their hands tied behind their backs.

In central Mali, Fulani in villages around Diabaly say that the Malian army recently arrested the victims.

The Fulani are a traditionally pastoralist ethnic group spread across West Africa and have accused the army of unfairly targeting them for supposed ties to extremism for years.

A local man, who did not wish to be identified for fear of reprisal, told VOA via a messaging app from his village that he witnessed troops arresting the men who disappeared, including

a close friend and six of his acquaintances.

South Korea Fires Warning Shots at North Korean Vessel South Korea’s military fired warning shots at a North Korean patrol boat that crossed the de facto inter-Korean sea border off the peninsula’s west coast, South Korea’s military reported Tuesday.

The skirmish occurred as South Korean authorities detained another North Korean vessel that had also crossed the so-called Northern Limit Line (NLL), according to a statement from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The statement added that the North Korean patrol boat, which was pursuing the first vessel, retreated after South Korea’s military fired warning shots.

South Korea’s military detained the other vessel and brought it to nearby Baekryeong Island. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that six of the seven crew members were wearing military uniforms.

A South Korean military spokesperson told VOA that Seoul was investigating the nature of the detained boat.

Small skirmishes occasionally break out along the inter-Korean border. But it is the first time a North Korean military vessel has crossed the NLL since the two countries signed a 2018 military agreement meant to reduce tensions, according to Chun In-bum, a retired South Korean lieutenant general.

Iranian State Media Claims Second Military Satellite in Orbit Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has successfully put a second military satellite, the Noor 2, into orbit, the state media said on Tuesday.

The announcement came as talks held in Vienna to revive an agreement restraining Iran’s nuclear programme have reached a critical stage.

Noor 2 is orbiting at an altitude of 500 kilometres (311 miles). The first military satellite, launched by the Islamic Republic in April 2020, placed the Noor, or “light” in Persian, at an orbit of 425km (265 miles) above the earth’s surface.

Putting a second satellite in space would be a major advance for Iran’s military, raising concerns about the country’s nuclear and missile programs.

Iran will send a series of military satellites into orbit over the coming years, Space Commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ Aerospace Force Ali Jafarabadi said on Tuesday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

“We will launch a series of Noor satellites in the coming years. The space program of the country, of which we are a part, is to stabilise various scientific, research and defence satellites in low-earth orbit and then reach the orbit of 36,000 kilometres above land,” Jafarabadi said.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

45

46

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IWD: BUHARI, OTHERS EXTOL VIRTUES OF NIGERIAN WOMEN, CALL FOR BETTER APPRECIATION “We have a good number of women as appointees but above all, Benue State under my leadership has given women leadership roles as chairmen of local government areas in the state.

"In the forthcoming local government elections, our party, the PDP, has liberalised women participation by giving nine slots to women as council chairpersons.

Apart from a certain percentage of women who will be appointed as secretaries of local government councils, there will be 69 elected women councillors in the 23 local governments. This is a good testimony of a government that prioritises the place of women for the development of our state and country."

He challenged the leadership of the APC-controlled National Assembly to borrow a leaf from what he called, "the women development model from Benue State," and not to jettison the clamour for women in the political process of the nation.

Ortom condemned the recent brutal killing of Miss Bamise, who boarded a Lagos Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) from Ajah to Oshodi, and urged the authorities to ensure the deceased family got justice.

yesterday with the theme, “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow," President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the virtues of Nigerian women.

Buhari was joined by state governors, their wives, and lawmakers, who released statements and held ceremonies to salute the courage of the womenfolk, and pledge commitment to their increased empowerment.

That was as members of the House of Representatives at plenary yesterday rescinded their earlier decision and agreed to reconsider three out of the four gender bills they had rejected during last week's voting on the constitution amendment.

Buhari, in statement by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, said the IWD was an opportunity to reflect on the vital role women played in society, homes, governance, the professions, and all walks of life. He observed that women were not where they should be yet in different spheres of endeavour, but believed they would not be deprived for too long, as they consistently proved they could hold their own on all fronts, and in all fields.

The president applauded the contributions of women to his administration as ministers, special advisers, senior special assistants, executive directors, and executive secretaries, among others. He said women had been pulling their weight, and making it impossible for anyone to downplay their essence.

The president rejoiced with women and mothers around whom the tranquillity of homes and society revolves, praying God to grant them peace, joy, and satisfaction as they celebrate their day and always.

Obaseki Celebrates Women, Pledges Support for More Representation in Elective Positions

Constitution Amendment: House Rescinds Decision, Reconsiders Rejected Gender Bills

The House of Representatives yesterday withdrew its earlier position and decided to re-examine three out of the four gender bills, which it rejected during last week's voting on the constitution amendment.

Following the rejection of the bills by the lawmakers, hundreds of women had besieged the National Assembly complex, blocking the main entrance to the Three-arm zone to protest the death of the bills.

The aggrieved women vowed that they were not going to leave the protest ground until the lawmakers addressed what they called bias against the womenfolk.

At plenary yesterday, Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed the decision to reconsider the bills after a closed-door session. Gbajabiamila said the bills, which sought to "alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for 35 per cent affirmative action for women in political party administration; expand the scope of citizenship by registration and provide criteria for qualification to become an Indigene of a state in Nigeria," would be re-evaluated in the coming weeks by the lawmakers.

He said after the reconsideration, any differences with the Senate would be harmonised.

Gbajabiamila said the House would be relying on the provisions of the constitution to harmonise the differences between it and the Senate.

The speaker stated, "The House, in its wisdom, has decided to take a course of action for the good of the country. That action is to rescind three of the decisions that were taken on the day of voting on constitution amendment. We will revisit them on the next set of amendment coming up within the next four weeks; they will come up again for voting.

"We will take these three bills again, if we still at that point have a difference with the Senate, we will go for harmonisation. Harmonisation might not be the best tactic when it comes to constitution matters, because I have heard this thing argued here and there, but the constitution allows the House to regulate its own procedure.

“We will be relying on the provisions of the constitution to harmonise the differences between us and the Senate."

Consequently, Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Hassan Fulata, moved a motion to recede the rejected bills and it was thereafter put to a voice vote and all the lawmakers voted in agreement.

Speaking with journalists after plenary, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, said the decision of the lawmakers was in solidarity with the female folks on the occasion of the International Women’s Day and not because of pressure.

Benson, however, said the House did not rescind the decision on the bill to Provide for Special Seats for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly because of the constitutional constraints.

He said, "It is International Women’s Day, I congratulate the womenfolk. We rescinded three of the bills rejected during voting on constitution amendment. We did this without being under pressure; we are trying to do the right thing. If you talk about creating extra seats, the constitution itself states the maximum number. You must have a constituency that is available to run; you know what I'm saying.

"So it is an on-going conversation that we are also critically looking at. Nobody wants to leave the women behind. So, we will do our best to ensure that we try and give them the pride of place they truly deserve.

“I didn’t like what I saw outside (protest), I personally supported and voted in favour of the women bills and other lawmakers did as well."

The lawmakers, at the plenary, also passed for Third Reading the constitution amendment bills on autonomy for local government councils, state Houses of Assembly, and judiciary, which they voted in support of last week.

Others bills passed for Third Reading included, "An Act establish the office of the Attorney -: General of the Federation and of the State Separate from the office of the Minister of Justice or Commissioner for Justice of the state in order to make the Offices of Attorney - General independent and insulated from partisanship, independent candidacy in presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and local government council elections; and

Aisha Buhari Bill to provide for the Office of Mayor for the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja.

"Bills for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Move Airports from Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List; Bill to Establish State Security Council and for Related Matters; Bill to Empower the National Assembly and State House of Assembly Powers to Summon the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Governors of States to answer Questions on issues on which the National and State Assembly have the Power to make Law; a Bill to reduce the period within which the President or the Governor of a State may authorise the withdrawal of Monies from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in the absence of an Appropriation Act from six months to three months; Bill to provide for the State of the Nation and State Address by the President and Governor, and for Related Matters; Bill to Include Former Heads of the National Assembly in the Council of State, and for Related Matters.”

There were also the bills “To provide for the Termination of Tenure of certain Elected officials on Account of change of political party, and for Related Matters, and to enhance existing provisions on the formation of political parties."

The lower chamber also introduced a bill seeking to regulate activities of real estate, and a private member bill, sponsored by Hon. Blessing Onuh and nine other lawmakers, which scaled through First Reading.

Governors' Wives Join Protesting Women at NASS

Meanwhile, prior to the decision of the House of Representatives, wives of some governors in the country yesterday joined scores of women groups protesting what they called injustice against the female gender at the main entrance of the National Assembly.

Those present were the First Ladies of Ekiti State, Bisi Fayemi, Betty Obaseki of Edo State, and Martha Udom of Akwa Ibom State.

The team was led by Fayemi, who said they were at the protest ground to stand in solidarity for all Nigerian women.

"We are here to demand our rights. We want our leaders at the National Assembly to recognise that Nigerian women matter," she said.

Obaseki said anyone who neglected the interest of women would lose election in Edo State.

On her part, Emmanuel, who advocated 35 per cent affirmative action for women, argued that women should be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the society.

Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri, said women were not asking for the easy way out, but only seeking equity.

Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, voicing support for the protesting women, stated that women’s rights were human rights as well.

Ojukwu added that women should not be discouraged, saying this is just the beginning of the struggle.

He assured the women that "the National Human Rights Commission is with you, standing by you, cooperating with you, support you in any way we can to make sure that truly, women’s rights are human rights."

At the protest ground also was Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo, who noted that the struggle would count for something, saying the lawmakers have no choice but to yield to the demands of the women.

Kwara Governor Advocates Improved Participation of Women in Decision Making

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, clamoured for improved participation of women in the decision-making process in the country, saying this would make for a balanced society.

In a statement yesterday to mark the IWD celebration, signed by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, he said, "Whether as a girlchild, wife or mother, a woman is acknowledged for being hard working, kind, resilient, supportive, and generally committed to efforts to build a society that is conducive for all.”

The governor believed that for humanity to design a world that works for everyone, women must be in the room and be part of the process.

AbdulRazaq noted, "Women are half of humanity and there is no basis for shutting the door against them."

While congratulating women worldwide on the occasion of the IWD, the governor commended their grit, resilience, and commitment to nation-building. He said the IWD offered a platform to clamour for improved participation of women in the decision making process for a balanced society.

He added, “I believe wholeheartedly that for us to design a world that works for everyone, women must be in the room and be part of the process.”

Inuwa Pledges Increased Opportunities for Women

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, yesterday said his administration was committed to ensuring ease of access to resources and opportunities for women.

Yahaya stated this in a message to mark the 2022 IWD. He noted that the occasion was not just a day to celebrate women, but to also reflect on the challenges they were facing and implement workable solutions towards addressing them.

The governor described women as wonderful partners in the onerous task of nation-building.

He said in Gombe State, women held key cabinet positions, stressing that this is one of the steps towards demonstrating that, indeed, "We subscribe to gender mainstreaming and women empowerment."

He encouraged them to continue to remain positive and focused as well as use their talents and motherly disposition to advance societal growth and development. He assured of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the promotion of policies and programmes that will address their needs and challenges.

Ortom Commends Courageous, Resilient Nigerian Women

Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, commended the courage and resilience of Nigerian women.

Ortom, in a goodwill message to mark this year's IWD, yesterday, stated that some of the challenges militating against women's emancipation, such as cultural practices, widowhood, and inability to aspire to certain positions in the society needed to be addressed.

The governor noted that his government was at the forefront of efforts to empower Benue women politically and economically in line with the 35 per cent Beijing affirmative action.

"For instance,” he stated, “since we came in 2015, we have developed a deliberate policy to give women more opportunities to occupy political offices, which hitherto was not in place.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, linked the crisis that rocked the state’s House of Assembly to the lack of women representation. Obaseki reassured support for more women representation in elective positions.

The governor gave the assurance during an event at the Government House, Benin City, to mark this year's IWD. According to him, “My only regret till date is that I didn't work hard enough during the last national elections that produced members of our state House of Assembly to bring women into the house.

"You all know the situation under which we conducted that election. And we can see the crisis that we had in the house. It was possible because we did not have a woman there.

"So, we have learned our lesson, and this election, you don't need to preach to us. I will go out there to campaign and more women will be elected into our state House of Assembly. The crisis we had could have been avoided if we had more voices of reasoning in that house.

“So, women get ready. You know how we do it; you know we moved from ward to ward, and will do that again in a few months' time. Rest assured that our government will create more opportunities to support women and build structures that will allow you to achieve your goals.”

The governor, who flayed the National Assembly for rejecting bills seeking affirmative action and inclusion of women in politics and other spheres of the society, was quoted in a statement as saying, “The action of the National Assembly should serve as a turning point in our history and should spur you, women, to mobilise Nigerians for gender equality and to break the bias; do not despair.”

He further stated, “Today's celebration would have been an epic one if the National Assembly had set aside all unfounded misgivings and biases to justify their refusal to constructive debates and approved the bills to alter the provisions of our constitution to provide affirmative action for women in our political administration and other related matters.”

Speaking on efforts to end all forms of gender bias in Edo, Obaseki said, "In Edo, we are clear. We have seen how women have contributed to making major differences in our lives. If we say we want to make Edo great again, then, the women must be at the forefront.”

In her speech, Edo First Lady, Mrs. Besty Obaseki, who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, also berated the National Assembly for not giving approval to the five gender bills.

Lagos First Lady Leads Rally against Rejection of Gender Bills

Following the recent rejection of some gender bills by the National Assembly, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, yesterday led a rally of women against the rejection.

The rally was organised by the Purple Women Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum, and it was tagged, “One Million Women March Against Gender Discrimination.”

The First Lady and the women marched from the Lagos State Secretariat to the House of Assembly at Alausa, Ikeja, where they were received by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa; Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshinlokun; Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade; and Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation, Hon Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, among others.

Addressing the women as part of activities to commemorate the 2022 IWD, Sanwo-Olu described the rejection of the gender bills as a brazen act of discrimination against Nigerian women. She called on the National Assembly to promptly reconsider the bills and approve them.

The governor’s wife said, “Our interpretation of what transpired with this pattern of voting at the National Assembly on March 1st, 2022 is that the progress of Nigerian women has been rejected.

“All the proposed constitutional amendments were meant to end bias against women and ensure the minimisation, if not total removal of barriers, millions of women face on the basis of their gender.

“We hereby condemn in no uncertain terms this brazen discrimination against Nigerian women. As half of the population of the country, our voices and our lives matter.

“There can be no development without the full and equal participation of women in all spheres, and Continued on page 47

47

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IWD: BUHARI, OTHERS EXTOL VIRTUES OF NIGERIAN WOMEN, CALL FOR BETTER APPRECIATION solutions to the many problems plaguing the nation such as climate change and insecurity. No nation can progress with over 50 per cent of its population excluded from contributing to its development. Failure to recognise this is simply planning to fail from the beginning.”

ActionAid saluted Nigerian women for their strength and courage.

any country that continues to deliberately undermine the advancement of women is simply stifling its own advancement.”

The First Lady also spoke on the death of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who went missing after boarding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and was later found dead, describing the development as sad, shocking, and devastating.

She said, “As mothers, we are devastated; we are in shock; we are not happy. Lagos State is not known for ritual killings and we will not tolerate such.

“Investigations are going on and I am sure there will be justice. Mr. Governor is not sleeping. There will certainly be justice.”

LCCI Salutes Nigerian Women

Ekweremadu Flays Failure of N'Assembly to Advance Women's Participation in Politics

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, criticised the continued collapse of legislative efforts to advance Nigerian women’s participation in politics. Ekweremadu reiterated that only a fundamental switch to proportional representation in the nation’s electoral system could cure the malaise and guarantee women their deserved place in the governance of the nation.

In a goodwill message to Nigerian women on the occasion of the 2022 IWD yesterday, the former senate president said the situation was one of his nightmares at the helm of electoral reform and constitution amendment for many years, as there was a clear lack of understanding and political will among the political leadership and those who should know better.

He said, “I congratulate women all over the world and join other well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating Nigerian women, especially.

“In celebrating them, I also think the occasion calls for sober reflections by all, especially the political elites, over the continued collapse of every legislative effort to shore up women representation in governance structures across the country.

“I believe the International Women’s Day 2022 calls for recommitment and political will by all to rise to the demands beyond lip service.

“Should we not feel embarrassed that Rwanda occupies the first spot on the February 2022 InterParliamentary Union monthly ranking of women in 192 national parliaments, whereas Nigeria places a distant 184th, only better than a few countries like Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, Yemen, Eritrea, and Haiti.

“South Africa places 8th, Senegal places 19th, Mozambique places 21st, Ethiopia places 24th, while even South Sudan and Chad occupy the 54th and 56th positions, respectively, well ahead of the Giant of Africa on the same table.

“Instructively, one thing that is common among most of these nations and others with high women representation in parliament is proportional representation.”

According to the ranking senator, by law, 50 per cent of the national parliament of the United Arab Emirates is reserved for women.

Google.org Commits $1m Grant for African Women Entrepreneurs

In celebrating the IWD yesterday, Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, committed $1million in charitable funding to support programs helping African women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

The move was part of a series of new initiatives aimed at supporting women-owned businesses across Africa.

Google announced the African initiative for women and the financial commitment to support the initiate at a virtual conference yesterday.

While announcing the initiative, Head, Brand and Reputation for Africa at Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said, “Research shows that 58 per cent of small and medium-sized business (SMB) entrepreneurs in Africa are women. Despite this, women-run businesses show, on average, 34 per cent lower profits than those run by their male counterparts. They are also less likely to receive funding and investment. This is why we are announcing a series of initiatives today, aimed at providing the support women need to grow their businesses.”

In addition to the funding announcement, Google also announced another initiative called #LookMeUp, a campaign to showcase women entrepreneurs and tell their stories. These stories feature women like Vivian Nwakah in Nigeria, who launched Medsaf, a pharma supply chain solution to help Nigerians get access to quality pharmaceutical health care services; Mary Mwange, CEO and founder of Data Integrated, who is driving innovation in the mobile payments sector in Nairobi, Kenya; and Mosa Mkhize in South Africa, who launched Origins Publishers to provide her children - and others like them - with books in their home languages.

“Google is also providing free tools to support women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and has launched an intensive program to drive the discovery of women-owned businesses through Google Business Profiles,” Aderemi-Makinde further said.

Gender Equality Bills: PDP, Governors' Wives Want National Assembly to Reconsider Position

In line with the IWD celebration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and wives of the 36 states' governors have asked the National Assembly to reconsider all outstanding gender bills currently before it.

In a communiqué by the wives of the governors, signed by their chairman, Bisi Fayemi, they listed the five bills that the National Assembly must revisit to include, "A bill to create additional seats for women to increase women’s representation in the Senate and House of Representatives. This bill will level the playing field and lead to a significant number of women in the National Assembly, which currently stands at

Dolapo Osinbajo five per cent.”

The bill was rejected.

Others are, "A bill to enable Nigerian women transfer citizenship to foreign husbands, a right that every Nigerian man married to a foreign spouse enjoys. The bill was rejected.

"A bill to ensure Affirmative Action of at least 35 per cent in political party administration and appointive positions across Federal and State levels. The bill was rejected.

"A bill to ensure a minimum of 20 per cent Ministerial or Commissioner nominees are women. The bill was rejected.

"A bill to allow a woman become an indigene of her husband’s State after five years of marriage.

The bill was rejected."

According to the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ wives, the interpretation of what transpired with the pattern of voting at the National Assembly on March 1st, 2022, was that the progress of Nigerian women was been rejected.

According to Fayemi, "All the proposed constitutional amendments were meant to end bias against women and ensure the minimisation, if not total removal, of barriers millions of women face on the basis of their gender. We hereby condemn in no uncertain terms this brazen discrimination against Nigerian women.

"As half of the population of the country, our voices and our lives matter. There can be no development without the full and equal participation of women in all spheres, and any country that continues to deliberately undermine the advancement of women, is simply stifling its own advancement.”

The governors’ wives, among others, said they were committed to on-going engagement with a broad range of stakeholders to support the proposed constitution amendments that would usher in a gender-friendly constitution in Nigeria PDP Women Leader, Professor Stella Attoi, while addressing a press conference to mark the IWD, urged the National Assembly to reconsider all gender equality bills the federal lawmakers rejected recently.

Describing them as agents of development, Attoi said the National Assembly should re-present the said bills for positive reconsideration, adding that it would not be a sign of weakness, but rather that of strength. She explained that the attitudes against women in the National Assembly should be jettisoned, saying the rise of women would not in anyway make men to fall.

PDP urged the National Assembly to adopt the 35 per cent affirmative action, which is the most acceptable global standard on gender inclusion, explaining that the expectations of Nigerians on this matter should be met, which is the quick passage of the gender equality bills.

According to Attoi, "Gender balance is not solely a women’s issue. Men should be greatly involved in advancing it as no democracy without gender inclusiveness."

She called on male senators, members of the House of Representatives, and States Assemblies to support the gender bills.

Nasarawa First Lady to Sustain Fight for Gender Equality

The First Lady of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Silifat Sule, yesterday pledged to sustain her fight for gender equality through the enhancement of girlchild and women welfare in the society.

Silifat made the pledge in a statement given to journalists in Lafia by her Special Assistant on Media, Lamino Ishaq, in commemoration of the 2022 IWD. She lamented that one in three women in the country was at risk of one form of gender-based violence or the other, adding that insecurity in

many communities has equally placed women and girls, in particular, in grave danger across the country.

The Nasarawa first lady pledged to support her husband, Governor Abdulallahi Sule, by complementing his efforts and drawing his attention to the plight of vulnerable citizens, especially women and children.

She said, "Through my pet project, Silifat Abdullahi Sule's (SAS) Hope Foundation, I have engaged in advocacy, awareness raising and coordination of empowerment programmes to promote the well-being of women and girls.

"As 'Gender Equality Today for A Sustainable Tomorrow' is the theme for this year's IWD celebration, we in Nasarawa State have witnessed that the administration of Governor Sule has, since inception, being working to close the gender inequality gap in terms of participation in governance."

This, according to the first lady, was evident in the governor's appointments into various positions in the apparatus of the Nasarawa State government.

“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, as well as a world where difference is valued and celebrated is what we need."

ActionAid Nigeria Intensifies Call for Reconsideration of Rejected Gender Bills

ActionAid Nigeria also called on the National Assembly to re-present and re-consider the five proposed gender bills in the fifth Constitution Alteration Bills that were rejected by both Houses of the National Assembly.

Speaking in Abuja, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi said, “In line with this year’s theme ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’, we had looked forward to really celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 because we thought it would mark a turnaround for Nigerian woman in politics, and a historic win in the struggle for women inclusion in decision making spaces, as the 2023 general elections draw closer.

“Sadly, the decision of the ninth National Assembly has threatened the achievement of adequate women representation in governance, as they have outrightly demonstrated by their votes, that they do not want women inclusion in decision making.

“If, in 2022, we still have to argue for or against the pivotal role of women in governance, it means our leaders are deliberately resistant to change and still have a lot of learning to do.

“We, therefore, urge the leadership of the National Assembly of Nigeria to have the Gender Bills re-presented and re-considered. This is the only way to address the current gender imbalance across the legislative arms of governments and across the country.

“Nigeria’s National Gender Policy states that gender equality and women's empowerment are basic human rights that lie at the heart of equitable development and the country is a signatory to international and regional frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights with the Optional Protocol on Women’s Rights.

“Thus, Nigeria needs to live up to her commitment to 35 per cent Affirmative Action on women inclusion across all arms of governance.

Upholding this will also increase the country’s credibility in the international community.

“An inclusive governance is only possible when women sit at the decision-making tables, contribute to planning and national development to find

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) congratulated women all over the world on this year’s IWD. According to the chamber, the theme of this year’s edition, provides us an opportunity to join voices with people around the world and shout the message for equal rights.

It noted that this year’s theme was all about recognising and amplifying the important role women and girls around the world played in addressing climate change for a more sustainable future.

LCCI stated, “Beyond the speeches and celebrations that mark the annual International Women’s Day, we use this medium to call for critical policy and social reforms that put gender equality and sustainability at the centre of governance, politics, and international affairs.

“Women should be given equal access to resources for them to add more value to society. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) revealed that if women farmers had equal access to productive resources, their farm yields would increase by 20 to 30 per cent.

“This could provide enough food to keep 100 to 150 million people from hunger and thereby reducing global hunger to 17 per cent.”

It noted that in line with global trend, Nigerian women constituted nearly half of the population of the country. “But despite the major roles they play with their population size, women roles in the society are yet to be given the recognition they deserve.

“This is due to some cultural stereotypes, abuse of religion, traditional practices, and patriarchal societal structures. In Nigeria, about 51 percent of women are involved in voting during elections.

“Despite this, women are still under-represented in both elective and appointive positions. The extant National Gender Policy (NGP) recommended 35 per cent affirmative action and sought for a more inclusive representation of women with at least 35 per cent of both elective political and appointive public service positions.”

I'll Expand Women’s Political Fortunes as APC National Chairman, Says Al-Makura

As the world commemorates this year's IWD, an aspirant for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Tanko Al-Makura, has promised to expand the political fortunes of women if elected national chairman of the party.

Al-Makura, in a statement yesterday, lamented that Nigerian women were yet to get opportunities in governance commensurate with their contributions to the nation’s development.

He said, "It is a fact that no party, no people, and no nation can attain its goals without giving women their deserved place as a key demographic and agents of change.

“They are the political mobilisers, they constitute a large chunk of the voting population, and have acquitted themselves most creditably in the positions of authority and trust. They therefore deserve better.

“That is why we have it on top of our agenda to ensure that women take their rightful place in the scheme of things both within the APC and in the governance structures of the country as we will lobby the leaders of the party – the president, governors, lawmakers, ministers, among others - to ensure greater women representation across board."

Al-Makura recalled that when he was governor of Nasarawa State, he appointed five women as commissioners, adding that his administration also appointed a female Secretary to the State Government.

He said mainstreaming of Nigerian women, especially the APC women, in both party and governance was a key part of his agenda for the party if elected National Chairman.

LAPO Gives Award to Six Outstanding Women for Leadership Skills

Six women bagged the Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA) organised by the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) at a ceremony held in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Tuesday.

The awardees, which were adjudged to have done well in business, professional and agriculture, are Mary Ike-Chukwu, Martina Onah, Nwanta Nwakaego, Hajia Amina Mohammed, Olamide Akinnayajo and Hajia Hassana Haladu.

Chief Executive Officer, Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO),, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe said the award which was initiated in 2013, demonstrates the organisation's commitment to women empowerment.

He said, "The award reinforces the positive image of women in Nigeria and helps in reducing the influence of negative attitudes and practices that discriminate against and exclude women in all facets of life.

"I congratulate the recipients and I must say that the latest winners bring the number of LOWLA beneficiaries from inception to 27.

"LAPO as a pro-poor and woman-focused organisation has over the years supported women's right, socio-economic empowerment and elimination of all forms of violence against them through policy advocacy, health and social intervention programmes."

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Akinnayajo expressed happiness over the award and the N300, 000 attached to it.

She also noted that LAPO had been instrumental to the rise of their businesses and urged the organisation to do more for women.

48

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FORTY-EIGHT APC STAKEHOLDERS MULL SOFT-LANDING FOR BUNI, AKPANUDOEDEHE'S FATE UNCERTAIN of his ouster.

One of the options said to being considered, THISDAY gathered last night, was to ask Buni to resign as CECPC chairman, either on the grounds of health or the need to face governance in his State.

At the same time, there was a pall of confusion yesterday at the national secretariat of the APC over the fate of the National Secretary of the CECPC, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

This just as the new leadership is moving swiftly with preparations for the convention scheduled for March 26. THISDAY is reliably informed that printing of expression of interest forms has commenced and are expected to go on sale this week or early next week.

While there were reports that Akpanudoedehe had tendered his resignation having read the handwriting from the new leadership, he, on the other hand, claimed he was still the secretary except President Muhammadu Buhari said otherwise.

This is as President Buhari has hinted that he would be part of next Tuesday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, summoned by the acting chairman of the CECPC and Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, to address some of the raging crises in the party.

Sources in the APC told THISDAY last night that some of Buni’s colleagues were unhappy with what had become of him and thought that rather leave him to be embarrassed, there should be a soft-landing that would quietly ease him out, even though someone else had taken over the leadership of the party.

One of the sources maintained that though he had been out of the country on medical trip, it might be easy to ask him to resign on health grounds and allow the party continue with its affairs.

Another suggestion before the party, however, was to ask him to resign in order to concentrate on his state, especially, as a first term governor, who might be interested in seeking re-election in 2023.

A reliable source privy to the meeting told THISDAY that Bello said both Buni and Akpanudoedehe would be given soft-landing.

"They are going to give the Secretary and Buni a soft-landing by asking them to resign. Buni will resign and say he wants to face governance in Yobe, while the secretary will tender his resignation and say he wants to pursue his governorship ambition. That is the soft-landing they are giving them.

"That is the game plan on the ground. The NEC will now ratify the decision. The convention will hold, the date will not change and they will vacate the court order."

Meanwhile, at the end of the caretaker committee meeting yesterday, news filtered in that Akpanudoedehe had been forced to resign his position.

Akpanudoedehe, who also attended the meeting left the secretariat after the meeting ended.

Immediately the news of his resignation rent the air at the secretariat of the party, the staff of the party started jubilating.

The story of his alleged resignation, however, forced Akpanudoedehe to come back to the secretariat to address journalists to deny the report about his resignation.

He insisted that he remained the national secretary of the party until President Buhari says otherwise.

Akpanudoedehe said he wouldn't accept a situation, where some people would be dropping the name of the president, adding that he and Buni would wait until they hear directly from the President.

"I have read on social media that I have resigned as Secretary of the APC. I want to state that it is not true. I didn't resign. If I had resigned, you would have seen my letter of resignation written by me. Someone cannot just say somebody is dead when he is alive.

"I am not bigger than the party, or bigger than the President, who is a leader of the country. I am waiting for my national chairman to come back. This is not the first time you are seeing a power play.

I am waiting for the Chairman.

If we have a directive from the

President that we should resign, we are not bigger than the President, we will do so, if we hear from him.

"Somebody cannot say go and announce he is resigning. Like MKO Abiola used to say, you don't shave someone's head in his absence. So, we have done so much. And you will agree with me that when we came in, this place was like a dead zone. The secretariat was moved to a private home. But we were committed to what we were doing. I am stating here that that breaking news is not from me. I don't know who announced it."

Asked if he had received any letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) asking him to resign, Akpanudoedehe added, " I have not received any letter."

But he maintained: "Someone cannot say the President said. I have not received any letter from anywhere. As I said, nobody is bigger than the party. The issue is that, if I have resigned, the answer is no. I am the national secretary of the party."

Meanwhile, Buhari is expected to join Bello’s first NEC meeting next Tuesday virtually from London. The National Working Committee of the ruling party at its meeting on Tuesday resolved to hold its NEC next Tuesday at 11am.

Buhari’s virtual attendance, insider said, would serve to

instill confidence in Bello’s new leadership.

All members of the party’s NEC, except Buni and Akpanudoedehe will attend the meeting, including all APC governors.

THISDAY gathered that the party’s national convention and the presidential primary would dominate the meeting.

However, following the leadership change that occurred on Monday, Bello later met with APC state chairmen same night at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Bello said his major task was to fix the party and ensure a successful National convention of the party at the stipulated date.

"Our main task is to fix the party and hold a convention. We all should be worried about the Convention. We need to hold our Convention so that we rectify past mistakes. I placed my absolute loyalty to you but I need your support," he said.

Addressing journalists after the caretaker committee meeting yesterday, Bello said the report of the zoning of party offices had been adopted and also announced the NEC meeting for next week.

Bello stated: "The report of the zoning formula has been submitted and adopted and it will be released any moment from now. I mean the zoning formula.

He said the meeting held yesterday was a continuation of Monday's meeting, and that the

committee would meet everyday from now on.

On whether Akpanudoedehe was still part of the new leadership, Bello replied: "ask him".

Senate APC Caucus Laments APC Crisis

Senators elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, expressed deep concern over the crisis rocking the party.

The federal lawmakers, who held a closed-door meeting after plenary at Senate room 301, however, confirmed that the Niger State Governor, Sani Bello, was merely acting for the ailing Governor Buni, as chairman of the party's caretaker committee.

They, therefore, urged all stakeholders to exercise caution to avoid any incident that could prevent the conduct of the March 26 convention of the party.

Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, who briefed journalists after the two-hour meeting, described happenings in the APC as worrisome.

He said his colleagues would soon start peace moves to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders across the country.

Abdullahi said, "APC senators met for about two hours. We are too worried about what is happening in our party and we expressed our concern over the challenges facing the party, very

close to its national convention.

"We thought as a very important stakeholders in the party, we want to draw the attention of everyone involved to come together and unite so that we can have very successful convention in the party.

"This is not the time for regrets about what we could do. What is happening is about the future of our party and government and also the capacity of our party to win elections in 2023.

"We have sat down as important stakeholders as a caucus in this great party, to dissect all the issues that have been affecting our party since the formation of the caretaker extraordinary convention planning committee.

"We are quite aware of the challenges that they have faced and we are also aware of the successes that the committee had recorded particularly, when it comes to registration of members.

"They came to harmonise some of the successes of the party, carrying out congresses at the ward, local government and at the state levels. The same convention planning committee is in place. What we realised is that the chairman of the convention planning committee has been sick and he went for medical checkup.

"The current Niger State Governor, from the grapevine and from the knowledge that is available to us, is actually

the deputy chairman and in the absence of the chairman, he is acting till the chairman comes back. The speculation in the papers is not exactly true.

"What we are concerned about is the seeming disarray in the party. So, from our standing coming from all the states in Nigeria, we have to come and establish a national platform, where all these things can be articulated so that all of us will come up with one mind and strategise for the success of the party.

"All personal and individual bitter struggling for power is subordinated to the chances of the party – party’s interest. So that the party would be strong.

We are the strongest party; we have the largest membership, therefore, we should as much as possible move to make sure that our party is united in the interest of every member.

"We commend the performance of that committee, we ask you to do more by as much as possible by trying to reconcile those chapters, where there are still challenges trailing the ward, local government and state congresses.

"This is because, a loss in any state is a loss for the party. We cannot afford to come to the convention as a divided entity.

Anywhere there are challenges that could cause the party its victory is a loss for everybody."

UNLIKE ZAMFARA, COURT SACKS UMAHI, IGWE, 16 LAWMAKERS, SAYS VOTES BELONG TO PARTY over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, however, sounded a strong note of warning to governors that, the immunity clause in section 308 of the 1999 constitution as amended, was not absolute, and therefore sacked 16 members of the state House of Assembly on the same ground but in a similar suit.

But the governor had immediately dismissed the court ruling, which had caused instant uneasy calm in the state as null and void, saying he was still in charge as governor of the state, and that the judgment was particularly bought.

Relatedly, the leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had immediately sent names of choice replacements for the vacant positions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as instructed by the court.

However, in his ruling, Ekwo held that the defection of Umahi, his deputy and others from the PDP to the APC was illegal, null and unconstitutional.

To this end, the court held that they all could not continue to occupy their various offices, having defected from the party on whose platform they came into office.

The defendants had contested and won the 2019 governorship election on the platform of the PDP but defected to the APC in September 2020.

Their action had, however, incurred the wrath of the PDP, which dragged them to court to challenge their continued stay in office, having left the party that brought them into power.

Delivering judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/920/2021, Ekwo held that since candidates contest election on the platform of political parties, the votes and the victory in any election accordingly belong to the party and not the candidates.

He subsequently ordered that Umahi and his deputy should vacate their offices immediately.

In a similarly suit filed by the PDP, the court also ordered the 16 Ebonyi lawmakers, who defected with their governor, to vacate their seats too, having dumped the party that brought them into office.

He therefore ordered the plaintiff (PDP) to present the names of its candidates to INEC for the post of governor, deputy governor and the affected 16 lawmakers of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

In addition, Ekwo ordered INEC to stop recognising Umahi and Igwe as governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi State respectively. He made a similar order in respect of the affected 16 lawmakers.

Arriving at his decision, Ekwo clarified that the crux of the matter was the defection of Umahi and Igwe from the PDP to the APC, saying the averments of the 3rd and 4th defendants did not address

the issue of defection rightly and frontally but rather resorted to general denial to affidavit evidence.

Ekwo said the depositions of the 3rd and 4th Defendants in their counter affidavit were "evasive and insufficient" to competently challenge the Plaintiff's originating process.

It was, therefore, the opinion of the court that the "Immunity Clause" in section 308 of the Constitution was not absolute.

"Section 308 is a veritable constitutional shield and not for political reasons,” he said, adding that Umahi and Igwe did not controvert the deposition that total votes scored in an election belong to a political party.

Ekwo explained further that there was sufficient evidence that the 2nd defendant (APC) contested the Ebonyi State governorship election held on March 2019, with its own candidates.

"It can be noted that the Constitution does not deal with the issue of defection lightly. The 3rd and 4th Defendants cannot transfer the votes and victory of the Plaintiff on March 9, 2019, to the APC. Offices of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State belong to the PDP. "The option for Umahi and Igwe is to vacate office and wait for next election to contest election under the platform of its new party,” the court declared.

The court said the action of APC, Umahi and his deputy was aimed at dismantling the 1999 Constitution, and declared that under the democratic system operated in Nigeria, the plaintiff won the majority of votes during the election and was entitled to enjoy same till end of tenure of office for which the election was made.

Mike Ozekhome, SAN Reacts

In his reaction Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN,, said the judgment cannot stand the scrutiny of the Appeal Court.

“I am of the firm belief that the judgment, shredded of all legal and factual details, cannot stand the acid test of constitutionalism, nor pass the furnace of appellate courts scrutiny.

This is because the tenure of office of a Governor and his Deputy are constitutional matters.

The judgment is said to have sacked Governor David Umahi and his Deputy, Eric Kelechi Igwe from their offices. He cited section 221 of the Constitution, which merely prohibits political activities by certain associations which are not political parties from canvassing for votes or contributing to elections expenses of any candidate at any election. The Judge ordered the PDP to immediately send names of replacements to INEC so that fresh elections can be conducted.

He also ordered INEC to cease recognising Umahi and Igwe as

Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, of Ebonyi State.

The learned trial Judge further held that the 393, 042 votes polled by Umahi in the March 9, 2019 governorship election belonged to the PDP and cannot be legally transferred to the APC upon defection, and that there is no constitutional provision that made the ballot transferable from one party to another. He therefore order INEC to conduct fresh election in accordance with section 177(c) of the Constitution.

Not so fast, the enforcement of this judgment. The Governor and his Deputy have 90 days to appeal this decision under section 25(2), (a) of the Court of Appeal Act, it is their right under sections 240 and 241, of the Constitution, the judgment being a final one.

THIS JUDGMENT CANNOT SURVIVE APPELLATE SCRUTINY Perhaps, the Jurist’s learned attention was not drawn to appellate decisions on this type of matter, which under the doctrine of stare decisis and judicial precedent, he ought to have followed meticulously.

He may also not have been availed of the clear provisions of sections 180 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

VOTES BELONG TO INDIVIDUALS, NOT POLITICAL PARTY The appellate courts have since held again and again that votes cast in an election belong to a live candidate, and not the political party which merely serves as a vehicle that enthrones candidates.

The Judge in his Judgment had agreed with the PDP which relied on sections 221, 177(c), 106(d) and 65(2)(b) of the Constitution to substantiate its argument that votes belong to the political parties; and it is impossible for candidates to exist without a political party. The case of NGIGE V. AKUNYILI (2012) 15 NWLR (PT.1323) 343 @ 357-376, which came much later over rule this position. The court held in that case that: "...it is my considered view that the Appellant in relying on the provision quoted above (section 211 of the Constitution), has conveniently lost sight of the underlined words which show that a political party canvasses for votes on behalf of the candidate. In other words that a political party is nothing more than an agent of the candidate in gathering votes for an election. It is my further view that is against the backdrop of this, that the Electoral Act (Supra) requires the candidate (and not the party of the candidate) that has the highest number of votes at an election to be declared as the winner of the said election and further provides for the means of challenging the return of the candidate (and not his political party..”

The Conflicting Zamfara

Example

But in the suit by some PDP chieftains in Zamfara State, seeking the removal of Governor Matawalle as governor of the state, Justice Aminu Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Gusau, dismissed the case for lacking in merit.

The court, in dismissing the case, ruled that the constitution of the PDP and that of the 1999 Constitution do not, in any way, prohibit any person from joining any association or political party.

Aliyu also premised his decision on the fact that it was only an election tribunal or state House of Assembly that could remove a governor from office. The ruling was delivered on February 8, 2022.

Similarly, on March 1, 2022, Justice Henry Njoku, of a High Court in Ebonyi State had earlier dismissed a suit seeking to remove Umahi and his deputy on account of their defection to the APC. The judge in dismissing the suit slammed a N500,000 cost in favour of Umahi and his deputy.

The Plaintiff, Senator Sunny Ogbuorji, had demanded that the governor and his deputy, should vacate office for the second runner up, having defected from his former party, PDP. Among the issue for determination was whether Umahi and his deputy, having defected to APC, could still continue to be governor, having regards to the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act as relied upon by the plaintiff and that having come second in the governorship election ought to be sworn in.

Responding, the defendants in their argument canvassed that the plaintiff was relying on the pre-election/election qualification issues, arguing that there was no provision in the constitution that provided for defection as one of the grounds for the vacation or removal of a person as governor or as deputy governor.

In his judgment, Njoku, citing Section 188 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, noted that the defendant (Umahi), has not offended any provision of the Constitution or the Electoral Act in his defection to APC. The court further held that having regard to section 308 of the Constitution, it was wrong to institute criminal or civil proceedings against the office of the governor.

The Court, therefore, dismissed the suit in its entirety.

Umahi: I'm still Ebonyi Governor, Judgment Was Bought

Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, yesterday, described his removal by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress

(APC) as unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, Umahi reiterated that he still remained Ebonyi governor, and that he would appeal the judgement.

According to Umahi, a governor could only vacate his seat by either death, resignation or impeachment by majority of members of the state House of Assembly.

He noted that the judgement was allegedly concocted to embarrass the APC and the federal government.

Umahi said: "For me, I do not feel worried. I feel so sorry for the judiciary. The executive may have problems, the legislature may have problems too, but the moment justice could be purchased, then, we are in trouble in this country.

"Then the ruling this afternoon shows that this country is in trouble.

And let me tell you that this same judge has over ten cases against Ebonyi State government with him.

And you can imagine what he is going to rule. We have petitioned him to NJC and we will follow it up at all cost to ensure that this man is brought to justice".

"I want you to disregard the judgement. It is null and void. There is a subsisting judgement in Zamfara State and there is also a judgement in Ebonyi State. These sections of the constitution are very clear. This is not a pre-election matter; this is not a tribunal matter, and so, he has murdered justice in this country and he will be remembered by his generation for this jungle justice, which has no leg to stand.

"I am still the governor of Ebonyi State, but let me say to the nation, there is a need to look at the integrity of the judiciary, because if the judiciary begins to rule on constitutional matters that are well laid down, then, the citizens of this country may decide not to obey the jungle justice," and therefore called on the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding, as there was no issue to worry about.

Also, reacting to the judgment outside the court, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji, described the judgement as a travesty of justice and assured the people that they would appeal the decision.

Faulting the judgment, Orji stated that the judge only relied on provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with pre-election and election matters.

"The Court of Appeal decision in Amaechi shows that today's judgement was a clear case of an error in law and we must challenge it at the appellate court," he said.

He further disclosed that a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Ebonyi State, had made a pronouncement on this matter, saying the ConstituContinued on page 50

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NEWS

UNVEILING OF DALA INLAND DRY PORT LOGO...

R-L: Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Chidari, and Representative of Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, at the unveiling of Dala Inland Dry Port Logo in Abuja ... yesterday

Buhari, FEC, Gbajabiamila, Lalong, Tinubu Felicitate with Osinbajo on Birthday Wife marks vice president’s anniversary at north-east children centre in Maiduguri

Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, his Deputy Hon. Idris Wase, former Governor of Lagos State and some state governors have rejoiced with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as he celebrated his 65th birthday anniversary yesterday.

The President on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Government and people of Nigeria, warmly felicitated with Osinbajo, joining family, friends and associates to celebrate his vice president.

The president in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, noted the worthy contributions of the vice president to the development of the country as a lawyer, scholar, administrator and pastor, working selflessly and sacrificially to bring government closer to the people, and placing the people at the centre of governance by regularly advocating policies that support human development.

The president affirmed that his loyalty and dedication to duty had been most exemplary, especially in supervising the economy, which involves regular interface with heads of public and private institutions, and other government structures to ensure synergy and harmony that put the welfare and wellbeing of all Nigerians first.

Buhari extolled Osinbajo’s courage, humility and resourcefulness, praying that God would continue to grant him the strength, wisdom and good health to serve the nation and humanity.

Similarly, FEC, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, yesterday issued the congratulatory message to Osinbajo, describing him as an outstanding public servant, lawyer, pastor and the epitome of humility and loyalty in service to fatherland.

The Council stated that Osinbajo’s dexterity in leadership was exemplified in the management of the nation’s economy through the chairing of the National Economic Council (NEC), “which has resulted in economic recovery as well as stabilisation of the macro-economic policies in stimulating growth in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), for sustainable growth and development.”

Gbajabiamila and Wase in their separate statements noted that Osinbajo, has been a worthy vice president to Buhari.

Gbajabiamila in his congratulatory message, described the professor of law as one of the pillars of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a man of honour.

He said at 65, Osinbajo has served his fatherland to the best of his ability in different capacities.

On his part, Wase lauded the vice president for his loyalty and commitment to the growth and sustenance of democracy in the country.

The Deputy Speaker said Osinbajo was one among many Nigerians who genuinely believes in the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria adding that with leaders like him, Nigeria would certainly attain greater heights.

Also, Tinubu, wished Osinbajo a happy and fulfilling birthday.

He noted Osinbajo's positive

role both as deputy to President Muhammadu Buhari as well as his Commissioner for Justice & Attorney-General in Lagos State while he was governor.

Tinubu asked that God Almighty grant Osinbajo good health, peace and well-being for himself, his loving wife and children and that Almighty God guard and keep them all, as He also watches over the lives of all Nigerians, wherever they may be in the world.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State described the vice president as a leader who combined intellectual acumen with patriotism

and candour in the service of the nation.

Lalong, in a statement by his Director of Press, Simon Macham, said the vice president was an embodiment of humility and character as well as deep knowledge, which he said reflects in his supportive role to Buhari in running the affairs of the nation.

The Governor said Osinbajo has brought to bear his training and experience as a legal luminary and his calling as a Pastor by demonstrating honesty, selflessness and capacity in running State affairs.

A group under the aegis of Unified Northern Nigerian Youths Forum (UNNYF) yesterday organised a rally in Kano and called on stakeholders including religious leaders to prevail on the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Godwin Emefeile to contest the presidency in 2023.

The Convener of the forum, Mr. Muhammad Salihu Danlami gathering at the Kano Race Course, that the call was necessary in view of the CBN's effort under the leadership of Emefiele to revolutionise the agricultural sector of the economy through various intervention programmes.

"The CBN's effort to strengthen

the naira through the prohibition of importation of rice has led to the emergence of numerous rice mills in Kano State that is currently employing thousands of youths directly and millions of others indirectly across the value chains.

"Before the coming of this administration, and introduction of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, there were less than 10 functional rice-milling plants in the country, with a combined capacity of 350,000 metric tons. These have increased to over 60 integrated mills, with combined capacity of over three million tonnes as of today.

"From our findings, over 30 per cent of our country's combined rice production now take place in Kano State, the commercial nerve centre

Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, was in Maiduguri on Monday to visit the North East Children’s Learning Centre, a donor-funded school initiated by her husband on March 8, 2017, during his 60th birthday.

The school was designed to provide accommodation, feeding, healthcare and education to about 1,500 children orphaned by Boko Haram across the six states in the North East.

Mrs. Osinbajo was received at the Maiduguri International Airport,

by Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur and Borno’s First Lady, Dr Falmata Zulum, alongside top government officials and APC officials, especially women.

The VP’s wife visited the learning centre and interacted with students most of whom were drawn from internally displaced persons camps across the North East.

Mrs Osinbajo assessed the display of entrepreneurship skills by the children in different areas that included making of robots, tailoring and other facilities.

Nigeria Air Gets Interim Managing Director, May Commence Operations Before October AMCON to continue managing Arik Air under new executive Qatar selected as core investor Chinedu Eze Former Managing Director of Virgin Nigeria Airways, Captain Dapo Olumide has been named interim Managing Director of the new national carrier, Nigeria Air by the federal government.

This is coming as the federal government has decided that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) would continue to operate Arik Air as receiver manager but a new set of officials may be appointed to preside over the affairs of the airline.

The Director of Media, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. James Odaudu confirmed the appointment of Olumide, who is expected to carry

out the processes and procedures for the registration of the new airline, including securing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the recruitment of personnel, acquisition of offices and acquisition and choice of aircraft for the airline’s operations.

With the appointment of interim Managing Director and issuance of Request for Proposal (RFP) for the establishment of the national carrier advertised in the Economist of London and local newspapers, the Ministry of Aviation said it has started firm process to establish a national carrier and has projected that by October this year, the airline may mark its inaugural flight.

THISDAY also learnt that there

Youths, Women in Kano Urge Emefiele to Contest for President in 2023 Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Wife Marks Vice President’s Birthday at North East Children Centre in Maiduguri

of northern Nigeria.

"This alone, justifies the call on a private sector player to take charge of leadership affairs in Nigeria.

On these grounds, we call on the man who has shown great interest, love and concern for the masses. A technocrat that is already transforming Nigeria at the apex bank. A man who has taken Kano as his second home to contest for the exalted seat," Danlami Said.

He noted the growing call on Emefiele to join the presidential race as 2023 general election draws nearer Danlami said the group was in Kano to consult with stakeholders to add their voice to those of well-meaning Nigerians to call on Emefiele to also join the Presidential

race, without further delay.

"We are more than convinced that Kano youths would take ownership of the MEFFY 2023 Project as the state has witnessed tremendous Industrial Revolution since the CBN came on board which can only be compared with the era of Premier of the defunct Northern region, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto which ushered in the springing up to Textile Industries.

"So, we are calling on all stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional institutions, business tycoons, youth organisations to join forces with us and prevail on Dr Godwin Emefiele, to yield to the audible call of the general public and contest for the number one office of this country.

are indications that Qatar Airways may become the core investor of national carrier.

The Middle East carrier was chosen from among three international carriers, including Ethiopia Airlines, which might be consulted for the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and Turkish Airlines.

Industry consultant and CEO of BeluJane Konsult, Chris Aligbe who is involved in the drive for the national carrier, told THISDAY that the choice of Qatar Airways was because it guarantees better future for the new national airlines, disclosing that the core investor could place its aircraft fleet at the disposal of the new carrier for leasing and this would make it easy for Nigeria Air to obtain its AOC without long process because the core investor is already an operating airline.

Aligbe also said because everything would be in place for the airline to take off, it was expected that the regulatory authority would give waiver and circumvent the long procedures for the obtaining of AOC. “Because the core investor has everything that may be required in terms of technical requirements, personnel and capacity, some of the processes of AOC could be short circulated.

“The airline is expected to start operation after second quarter and it will not take long before it will go international and passengers can book to go to anywhere in the world, China, UK, US because the core investor has developed these routes. This is one of the gains of involving the legacy carrier, Qatar

Airways,” Alighe said.

THISDAY learnt that the new national carrier was being midwifed by Aviation Roadmap Implementation Committee, headed by the erudite Kabir Mohammed, but the committee decided to keep its plans under wraps until the work is completed.

“We will not make noise about our plan and what we are doing until the work is completed. So Nigerians will judge us by the result of our work,” an inside source told THISDAY. But an official from the Ministry of Aviation told THISDAY that while all indications show that Qatar Airways may have been chosen as core investor, none of those who bided as core investor has officially been given green light by the federal government.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that while AMCON would continue to manage Arik Air, the management team of the airline might be tinkered with.

THISDAY gathered that there could be changes in the management team.

Sources in the Ministry of Aviation told THISDAY that Arik Air was allegedly exposed to over N200 billion debts and that it was due to the debt that the federal government did not combine it with Aero to float a national carrie.

“That debt is huge. Arik Air Chairman wanted government to offset or cancel the debt, but government cannot do that. Instead AMCON will continue to manage it and see whether it could generate revenues to offset the debts”, the official said.

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NEWS

#BREAKTHEBIAS...

L-R: Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke during the International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow-#BreakTheBias” organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos... yesterday

PDP Mocks APC, Says It’s Defunct, Ineligible to Contest Elections Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC), over its raging leadership crisis, saying the unilateral dismissal and replacement of the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni with his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Sani Bello by President

Muhammadu Buhari as Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) confirmed that the CECPC was an illegal creation that lacked statutory powers, authority and legitimacy of party leadership.

The PDP also cautioned all intending APC aspirants for various positions in the 2023 general election to note that APC

was legally defunct, structurally crippled and no longer a legitimate and valid vehicle to field candidates for elections under the extant laws.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said President Buhari action confirmed that the APC was not a political party under Nigeria's laws but a Special

Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which became legally non-operational, when in December 8, 2020, it dissolved its national, state as well as local government structures and handed its affairs over to a team of “political undertakers” known as the CECPC. "With the absence of a National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee

UK Announces N10bn to Fund Girls Education in Nigeria, Bangladesh, Others

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is launching a new £20 million business partnership as the UK leads global efforts to improve girls’ access to education in developing countries.

In the UK’s first education partnership of its kind, the UK government is joining forces with the private sector to boost girls’ access to education in developing countries. According to a statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, the partners include Accenture, BP, Cognizant, Coursera, Microsoft, Pearson, PwC, Standard Chartered, Unilever, United Bank for Africa and Vodafone.

The UK government will partner UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU) to help deliver the programme, with key partners funding GenU being Accenture, Microsoft, Standard Chartered, Unilever, and United Bank of Africa.

On March 7, a reception was held at No. 10 Downing Street to mark the announcement ahead of March 8, 2022, International Women’s Day. “The United Kingdom has long been a proud and mighty champion of this fundamental cause, and today we take one leap further through our first global partnership of its kind - opening the opportunity for one million girls across the developing world to have access to high-quality skills training," said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Businesses, charities, schools and colleges will shortly be able to bid for funds from the programme as the UK government explained that the partnership "wants to support projects that will improve access to education for girls, with a focus on providing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills."

Initially, the statement disclosed that bids would be encouraged for projects in Nigeria and Bangladesh, two countries where significant barriers to girls’ education remain.

During the UK’s G7 Presidency

last year, it secured an agreement to help get an additional 40 million girls into school by 2026 and help 20 million girls learn to read by the age of 10 by 2026. In 2021, the UK hosted a successful Global Education Summit, which raised $4 billion in pledges from world leaders to support schools through the Global Partnership for Education.

Between 2015 and 2020, the UK supported at least 15.6 million children in developing countries to gain a decent education, including

8.1 million girls.

Speaking on the programme, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stressed that supporting women and girls "is at the heart" of UK foreign policy.

"We want women to have agency over their own lives and to be free to succeed. Investing in girls’ education is vital for a more sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future," noted Truss. "That’s why we are partnering with the private sector to help girls in developing

countries access education and job opportunities.”

Helen Grant, the PM's special envoy for girls' education, explained that every girl everywhere "deserves to have" an education.

Similarly, Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited, said the Girls’ Education Skills Partnership exemplified the commitment of the UK government and the private sector in addressing the critical gap in skilling girls for 21st Century opportunities.

(NEC), a Board of Trustees (BoT) or legitimate structures in the States, the APC is plagued by confusion and fierce infighting by its various warlords with two National Chairmen, multiple factions in the states and a national secretariat now taken over by security agencies," the party said.

The party claimed that this further validated PDP’s sustained position that the APC was just a bunch of strange bedfellows and inchoate sailors clobbered together for remote personal gains and not for governance and public good.

According to the PDP, "By virtue of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which bars a sitting governor from holding ‘any other executive office in any capacity whatsoever’ while serving as a state governor, the APC CECPC, whether headed by Governor Buni or Governor Bello, remains constitutionally invalid."

The PDP, therefore, drew the attention of intending aspirants on the platform of the APC to the fact that the CECPC had no statutory authority under the law and that any state congress or

national convention conducted by it to produce any party leadership at any level remained invalid and unrecognised by law.

Consequently, the PDP stated further that, "Any governorship, state assembly, national assembly as well as presidential primary election conducted by any leadership produced by the illegal CECPC can only produce invalid candidates just like in the case of Zamfara and Rivers States in the 2019 general election, where the APC had invalid candidates due to defective primaries.

"Our party, therefore, urges aspirants intending to contest in the 2023 general election under the APC as well as their supporters to read the hand writing on the wall and not waste their resources, time and energy in the APC," the PDP cautioned.

The opposition party also urged Nigerians not to be distracted by the turmoil in the APC but remain focused on the platform of the PDP as we continue to take appropriate steps and actions in our mission to rescue and rebuild our nation from the misrule of the fizzling APC.

UNLIKE ZAMFARA, COURT SACKS UMAHI, IGWE, 16 LAWMAKERS, SAYS VOTES BELONG TO PARTY tion has no provision on defection for governors or has not made it an offence for a governor to defect from one party to another.

PDP Submits Names of Replacements to INEC

In a related development, the PDP, in compliance with the orders of Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sacked Governor Dave Umahi and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, has submitted two names of governor and deputy nominees to INEC. The two nominees are Hon. Iduma Igariwe, a serving member of House of Representatives as the new governor and Mr. Fred Udogwu as the deputy governor.

The PDP also asked INEC to issue the certificates of return to the new nominees.

Addressing a press conference, the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, said, "Following the removal of Governor Dave Umahi and his Deputy, Mr. Igwe, and in line with the Order of the Federal High Court directing the PDP to submit replacements for the duo, the national leadership of the party, has submitted the names of Hon. Iduma Igariwe as the new Governor and Mr. Fred Udogwu as the new Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.

"It follows the sacking from office

of the Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Dave Umahi, and his deputy, His Excellency, Chief Kelechi Igwe, by a Federal High Court for defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

"In the same ruling, the court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, also sacked the 16members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, who also defected with the governor and his deputy into the APC. "You will recall that Governor Umahi, his deputy and the 16 lawmakers were elected on the PDP platform in 2015 and again in 2019, but defected to the APC on November 17, 2020, citing ‘injustice done to the South-East’.

"And determined to reclaim our stolen mandates, the PDP had sued them and joined both the APC and INEC in the suit. We had prayed the court to declare that by defecting from the PDP, on whose platform they were sponsored and elected, Umahi, Igwe and the 16lawmakers had resigned or deemed to have resigned from office on the day of their defections. And the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, gave the PDP and democracy justice today.

"In a landmark judgement, the court ruled that, ‘the votes in any election in Nigeria are to political parties, and not candidates. Justice Ekwo consequently ordered all the

affected persons to vacate office. He also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive names of candidates from the PDP to replace Messrs Umahi and Igwe.

"First, we want to appreciate the Nigerian Judiciary for this landmark judgement. The ruling will bring order in the political space and check the issue of political rascality and stolen mandates. The judiciary is indeed the backbone of this democracy.

"We also want to single out Justice Inyang Ekwo for special recognition, particularly, for being courageous and forthright in going for the substance of the law rather than the technicalities.

"And in line with the court order, PDP is immediately submitting to INEC, the names of our candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively. We are also calling on INEC to immediately issue the Certificates of Return to the PDP nominees as replacement for Messrs Umahi and Igwe pursuant to the Order of the Honourable Court.

"Furthermore, we call on the Chief Judge of Ebonyi state to immediately swear them in as soon as INEC issues the requisite Certificates of Return. And lastly, we call on INEC to immediately withdraw the Certificates of Return from the

16 lawmakers and commence the process of conducting bye-elections to replace them," Ayu stated.

Judgment is Judicial Recklessness, Says APC

The ruling APC, has described the Federal High Court judgement on the defection of Governor David Umahi as a clear case of travesty of justice and judicial recklessness.

The party in a statement issued yesterday by the Director of Publicity, Mr. Salisu Dambatta, declared that the judgement was dead on arrival.

The party stated: "Our attention has been drawn to the judgement made by Hon Justice Inyang Ekwo of Court 5 of Federal High Court FCT, Abuja and the travesty of Justice occasioned by the recklessness of his Judicial decision."

APC insisted that the presiding Judge committed a glaring judicial error by giving judgement sacking a duly elected and sworn in governor and his deputy without relying on or citing any provision(s) of the constitution or any provision of the Electoral Act that empowers the court to sack a sitting governor and or his deputy, saying, "This is purely a travesty of Justice."

The ruling party emphasised that the court failed, refused or neglected to understand the clear difference between a governorship

candidate of a political party as contemplated by the Electoral Act and a Governor of a state duly sworn in as contemplated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The Court presided by Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo further went ahead to rely on the outdated authority of Amaechi v INEC (Omegha case) without exercising the Judicial power of Judicial distinction between pre-election/ election matters and this matter of elected governor defecting to another Political Party.

"He chose not to appreciate or he lacked the understanding of the difference between a Governor of a State and Governorship candidate of a political party. The Electoral Act and the judgement in Amaechi v INEC contemplate, who is the right candidate of the Party and not the issue of defection, as you all know neither Amaechi nor Omegha raised the issue of defection to another political party.

"So it is absolutely ridiculous and questionable, as it is shameful that a judge could decide a weighty matter such as conditions for sacking the governor of a State without relying on any express provision of the Constitution or Electoral Act or Judicial Authority either of superior courts or even courts of coordinate jurisdiction."

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NEWS

POWA'S COURTESY VISIT TO UZODIMMA...

L-R: National President of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and Wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajia Hajara Usman Alkali Baba; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and his wife, Chioma Uzodimma, during a courtesy visit on the governor by POWA in Owerri…yesterday

Senate Makes Case for Eligible Inmates to Vote During Elections Stands down debate on proceeds of crime bill Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate, yesterday, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow duly registered and eligible prison-electorate to exercise their franchise during general election in the country.

It also advised the electoral umpire to determine the status of the inmates that were constitutionally and legally qualified to be registered as eligible voters and should vote at elections.

The Red Chamber further urged the commission and relevant agencies to carry out voter’s enlightenment in all prisons in

Nigeria, to educate the inmates of their rights and necessity to exercise their franchise in general election.

According to the Senate, INEC and all relevant agencies should update register of voters to take into account, the prison population for the purpose of elections.

The upper chamber also urged the Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Correctional Service to locate Voting Centres at Custodial Centres across the country to be used for voting.

The Senate resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Patrick Abba Moro (Benue South).

The motion was entitled: “The

prerogative of Prison Inmates to vote in general election in Nigeria: statutory, Inalienable and non-negotiable.”

In his presentation, Moro said, “The Senate notes that certain human rights are inalienable and come naturally with the birth of the individual. One of such rights is that of citizenship. Incarceration though is one of the legal grounds of depriving a person or an offender in custody of certain rights, the right of citizenship cannot at any point be taken away.”

He also noted further that Citizenship as encapsulated under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) came with many defined rights and civic

responsibilities, one of which is the right to vote in general election.

“Note again that there are certain persons in prison custody awaiting trial, undergoing trial or awaiting conviction for one offence or the other whose right to vote and citizenship remain sacrosanct; “Note that being a Prison inmate is not impediment to the Prisoners’ registration and voting rights as enshrined under Section 24 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and denying prison inmates access to the electoral process constitutes an infringement of their rights as Citizens of Nigeria as provided under Section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which confirms the definition of who a Citizen is as well as Section 12(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), which spells out, who qualifies to vote; and “Considers that the number of inmates in various prisons nationwide, which is put at over 68,000 and the statistics of those awaiting trial, who in the eyes of the law are presumed innocent until found guilty, it is forthright and just that such persons be allowed to exercise their franchise and any attempt by an individual or agency to deny inmates of their right to vote is unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful, null and void.”

Also, yesterday, the Senate stepped down consideration of a report on the Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022.

The report was by the Joint Senate Committee on AntiCorruption and Financial Crimes; and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, while calling for the report to be stepped down, said doing so would allow for robust contributions by lawmakers, who were absent during the sitting.

He disclosed that the report would nevertheless be considered tomorrow (today, Wednesday) during plenary.

DESPITE COURT ORDER, BUHARI WRITES HOUSE, WANTS DELETION OF SECTION 84 (12) IN ELECTORAL ACT to read the President's letter.

He said, "I’m aware of the court process that was served on us, I’m aware of the injunction but I’m still obligated to read the President’s communication."

House to Obey Court Order

The House of Representatives has promised to obey court order.

Spokesman of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia), who briefed journalists, hinged the Green Chamber's decision to obey the court injunction on the principle of separation of powers.

According to him, if the Executive didn’t want that 84 (12), it falls on them to seek the attention of court for the removal of the injunction, before the legislature would be allowed to touch it.

Kalu said: "In line with our rules, when such communication comes to the House and it has to do with a particular committee, the clerk of the house will refer it to the relevant committees.

“In this case in course of transmitting it to the committee, a court injunction comes by law, until the injunction is vacated, we are not expected to do anything on that.

"We have the executive wanting something from the legislature, the legislature weighing to look into it and the judiciary saying we should stay clear.

“If the Executive didn’t want that 84 (12), it falls on them to seek the attention of court for the removal of that injunction. Before the legislature will be allowed to touch it. That’s the position of our laws and we will respect the law.

“We will not abuse the principles of rule of law or separation of power. We will make sure that what the court has asked us to do we will comply. To do otherwise is to play within the arena of contempt of court."

Senate: Court Ruling Won't Stop Us from Amending Section 84 (12)

However, Lawan, declared yesterday that the court ruling won’t stop the National Assembly from amending the legislation.

The Senate President who was reacting to the ruling by the Federal High Court, said this after the Electoral Act Amendment Bill scaled first reading during plenary.

He said the court order violated the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended) on Separation of Powers.

Lawan said, “I find it necessary to talk to this at this point, because our governance system is based on the Presidential system of government where there is clear cut separation and exercise of powers.

“The Judiciary, under no circum-

stance cannot stop the National Assembly from performing its legislative duties.

“We know what our due processes are, just like we wouldn’t venture into what the Judiciary does, it should also understand that we have our processes.

“If the President writes to the National Assembly to request for an amendment, that is within his competence, and it is for the National Assembly to decide whether it agrees with the request of Mr. President or not.

“To say that we cannot consider it, is to ask for what is not there to be given. I believe that Members of this National Assembly know their work and will do what is right.

“This is due process, we are not doing anything outside of the law, whether it is Mr. President or any Nigerian who feels very strongly about an amendment, this National Assembly is ready to take in and consider.

“It is within our exclusive right to consider whatever request we receive from Nigerians, whether through the Executive arm of government or through our colleagues - private members’ bill.”

A Peoples Democratic Party member representing Benue North East, Senator Gabriel Suswam, agreed that the Court could not stop the National Assembly from

making laws.

Suswan however said it was beyond the powers of Buhari to interpret the laws made by the parliament.

He maintained that only the court could interpret laws made by the National Assembly.

The Senator said, "I agree with what you (Lawan) have said, the court cannot stop us from making laws. The problem with the letter sent to us by the President was that there is a part of it that interpreted the law we made.

“I think that is the only part that the court can act on, because he (President Buhari) said that the law we (National Assembly) made is ultra vires the Constitution, which is not his responsibility, and, I think, to that extent, the court can comment on that and not on the fact that we are making laws,” he said.

But former Deputy President of the Senate who is currently representing Enugu West in the upper chamber, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, cautioned Lawan against disobeying court order.

He maintained that doing so would be an invitation to anarchy.

He cited Order 52(5) of the Senate Standing Order, and called on the red chamber to abide by the court ruling.

Ekweremadu said, “When we were waiting for the President to

assent to the Electoral Act, some of us made a suggestion we believed would help, namely that the President would sign and then we would commit ourselves to amending that section.

“Mr. President, I also offered to help in redrafting it, now we have a situation where they’ve told us there’s a Judicial restriction on us to do that.

“Mr. (Senate) President, I agree with you entirely, but the principle as all the lawyers here know, is that if there is a court order, no matter how wrong it is, our responsibility as individuals and citizens is to respect it.

“The argument you have raised is what we are going to raise in response.”

The Senate President, while ruling to the Order raised by Ekweremadu, said, “this has nothing to do what happens in the court.”

Ekweremadu, however, advised the National Assembly to discharge the court order.

He said, "I think the argument you’ve raised is valid, but this point is what we have to present in court to discharge that order.

“We cannot sit and appeal on a matter that has already been given an order in court. I think we should exercise caution in siting a judgment over a matter that an

order has been given.

“What we should do is to brief our lawyers to go and discharge the order, instead of sitting here and disobeying court order, is is not good for us and our system, that is calling for anarchy.”

Responding to Ekweremadu, the Senate President said, “my opinion about anarchy is when either arm of government decides to go into the exclusive preserve of the other."

He said, "If the Judiciary wants to come into the Legislature to decide when we sit and when we don’t, then that’s anarchy.

“If the Judiciary would simply say we are not to consider this and that, and we obey those kind of rulings, that is anarchy, because it is emasculating the legislature and that is not supposed to be.

“We will continue with what we are supposed to do because that is our calling. We are just advising that the Judiciary should please help us develop this democracy, because this arm of government is the least developed and if we allow these kind of rulings, we may end up going back 23 years ago.

“I believe that what we are saying is the same, but we are emphasising that that judicial pronouncement will not stop us from doing what is right and our work here.”

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NEWS

Terrorists Kill Two, Abduct Catholic Priest,Three Others in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna Two people have been killed while a Catholic priest, a woman and her two children were abducted by terrorists in an attack on Kudendan, a suburb in Kaduna metropolis.

Sources said the criminals invaded the area at about 1:15am on Tuesday.

The terrorists were said to have attacked five locations within the community.

One Mohammed Salisu was killed in one of the locations while a security guard at the St. John’s Catholic Church was killed.

The Catholic Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aketeh as well as a mother and her two children were said to have been abducted.

The terrorists were said to be in large number, well-armed and operated for over an hour as they moved from one location to the other within the community.

“The terrorists were firing shots indiscriminately around the community. They went from one location to the other.

“It is like the St. John’s Catholic Church was one of their targets.

They broke into Church and abducted Rev. Fr. Joseph Aketeh,

at his residence.

“The guard went into hiding when he saw them, but as they were leaving with the priest, they sighted him and killed him.

“There was fear and apprehension everywhere.

Nobody slept throughout the night because of fear.

A woman and her two

children were also kidnapped”, the source said.

There had been wide speculations that terrorists from the neighbouring Niger

state were relocating to Kaduna enmass, rising fears among residents in some parts of the metropolis.

When contacted, Mohammad

Jalige, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, said he heard stories of the incident, but had not received official information about it.

TACKLING PERIOD…

L-R: Chairman,TakusharaVillage, Federal CapitalTerritory, Ibrahim Isyaku;Women Leader,TakusharaVillage, Maryam Jibrilla; Founder of HUMANx, Gbemi Elekula; and Programme Manager, Slay Dot Com Aid Initiative (ThriftySlayer), Chinelo Njemanze, at the HUMANx outreach toTakushara Community in commemoration of the InternationalWomen’s Day...yesterday

Adeleke Declared House Urges FG to Extend Evacuation to Winner of Osun PDP Nigerians Trapped in Ukraine’s War Zone Governorship Primary Udora Orizu in Abuja

Ogunbiyi nil.

He said a total of 1,916 votes were cast, while 24 were invalid votes.

“By the power conferred on me as the Chief Returning Officer of this gubernatorial primary, we hereby collectively declare Adeleke Ademola Jackson as the winner of this gubernatorial primary for 2022 governorship election in Osun,” he said.

Ewhrudjakpo, however, urged all other aspirants to join hands with the winner to win the July 16 governorship election in the state.

The House of Representatives has called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and relevant agencies to immediately take diplomatic action with Ukrainian authorities to extend humanitarian needs to Nigerians, including students trapped in Sumi and other war-torn area.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent

Ogun Promises to Promote Local Content in Projects

The National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure (Esq) yesterday tasked the National Assembly to approach the Supreme Court for a clear interpretation to lay to rest the controversies on Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Amendment Act, 2022.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who is the Chairman of the Osun People Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Primary yesterday declared Senator Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the second parallel primary held at Osun State stadium complex with 1,887 votes, while his closet rival Sanya Omirin scored four votes .

Ewhrudjakpo said other aspirants, Dele Adeleke scored 1, Fatai Akinbade nil, Dotun Babayemi nil and Akin

James Sowole inAbeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said his administration would continue to engage indigenous professionals and promote local content to enhance development in its ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda.

The governor, made the promise in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the 2022 World Engineering Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogun State chapter.

Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot SalakoOyedele, said the government had been involving local artisans, technicians, tradesmen and women in most of its projects, revealing that the result had been a resounding success, as evident in the delivery of its infrastructural projects.

He said: “Many of our projects are completely designed, implemented and supervised by indigenous engineers. We have great confidence in their ability to deliver quality jobs.

Dangote Sustains Late Brother’s Dream in Fight against Malnutrition Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, has pledged to enter into agreement with governments, local governments and local producers of ready to use therapeutic food(RUTF) in order to guarantee adequate supply directly to primary healthcare centres

that treat severe an acute malnutrition(SAM) on sustainable bases.

He stated this at the inauguration of a factory meant for the production of the RUTF in Kano yesterday.

Dangote also recalled the idea as one of the visions of his late brother which he also expressed happiness that it has come true and will be sustained.

national importance sponsored

by Chairman Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe at the plenary, yesterday.

Moving the motion, Sadipe noted with concern the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and its attendant effects and implication for Nigerians living in the area.

She lamented that there is limited availability of

transportation in the affected areas to evacuate those trapped, including Nigerians.

She said that considering the current war situation, particularly in Sumy and other parts of the war zone, it is plausible to state that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies intensify efforts on diplomatic action to ensure that humanitarian needs are extended to Nigerians, especially Students

who are stranded in Sumy to enable them exit the country.

Sadipe said: “Worried that that the most recent harrowing experience involved where a bus carrying some students was escorted back to Sumy, when they had already travelled 50km close to a neighboring city and now the hostels are being guarded by Ukraine soldiers who are preventing them from leaving Ukraine.”

Electoral Act: Labour Party Challenges N’Assembly to Approach Supreme Court for Interpretation Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

This followed a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, restraining President MuhammaduBuhari and the National Assembly from deleting or taking any further steps regarding Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act which is currently under contention.

President Buhari had on

February 25 after granting assent to the new Electoral Amendedment Act sought an amendment to the bill by requesting the National Assembly to delete Clause 84(12), which he said imposed ‘blanket restrictions’ on political appointees from taking leadership positions in their political parties.

Buhari had argued that

the Clause constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at conventions or congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the national election.

Ekiti TUC Berates Petrol Marketers over Outrageous Price Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Trade Union Congress(TUC), Ekiti Sate Chapter, has blasted the petrol marketers operating in the state for allegedly selling petrol above the regulated pump price of N162 approved by the federal government.

The labour union described as ‘killing and outrageous’, the N250 per litre being charged

by marketers, saying this was creating serious crisis to workers and imposing untold hardship on them.

The TUC expressed displeasure over the sale of petroleum products above the pump price, saying government should find a way to curtail the activities of petrol marketers, who were allegedly hiding under the current petrol scarcity to extort

the populace.

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, the State Chairman of the TUC Com. Sola Adigun, charged the marketers to consider the interest of the workers, the ordinary people who need to move daily and the artisans whose daily survival is determined by the product.

Adigun also appealed to the petrol marketers to stop hoarding

fuel in the interest of the people, particularly the masses who do not have alternative source.

The TUC Chairman reminded the government that “by the provision of Section 14, sub section 2 b, which makes” security and welfare of the people as the primary responsibility of government”, those in authority was bound to protect the people from exploitation of any kind.

2023: A’Ibom Youths Task Emmanuel to be Neutral in PDP Primaries Okon BasseyinUyo

A section of youths in Akwa Ibom State has said that though the state governor has the right to choose his preferred governorship candidate, he should be neutral and not use his position to frustrate other aspirants.

The youths, numbering over 3,000 drawn across the 31 local government areas made the

assertion in Uyo at a gathering to flag off a state-wide mobilisation for the governorship ambition of the member representing Etinan federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Onofiok Luke.

They said: “Governor Emmanuel’s interest is different from the collective interest of the youths and the majority of the people of the state for the position

of governor in the 2023 general elections in the state. Because of the position of the governor, the youths agreed to pursue their collective interest to support the candidate of their choice, Onofiok Luke for the 2023 governorship outside Governor Emmanuel’s choice.”

Coordinator of the group called, The Onofiok Luke People’s Movement, Ekemini

Smart, said the youths believe in Luke and have resolved to propagate his governorship ambition without let or hindrance.

“The governor’s decision was his personal decision; it did not represent our collective decision and the interest of the masses; so we will go ahead to pursue our collective

53

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Timely Information to Soldiers, Panacea to Ending Insurgency, Says Ndume Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has said accurate and timely information to soldiers by citizens remained the easiest way to suppress insurgency in the North-east geopolitical zone.

Ndume stated this yesterday while reacting to the latest successful suppression of the ISWAP insurgents by the Nigerian Army in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State The senator noted that lack of timely information from residents had made ISWAP attack’s on the citizens in the past successful.

He, however, expressed confidence that with the latest development, hope of an early end to the scourge was on the way.

He said: “The insurgents operating under the auspices

of Islamic State of West Africa Province, attempted to attack some towns in the Damboa Local Government Area, of Borno State “On getting the information, the Nigeria Army in Damboa with support from their counterpart in Chibok engaged the insurgents outside Damboa and they were able to neutralise most of them, while the few of them escaped with various gun wounds but there is no casualty recorded on the side of our troops.

“I want to commend the Nigeria Army particularly the Brigade Commander of the 25 Task Force Bridge in Damboa, Colonel Omopariola, for his gallantry.

“Any time he gets information about an impending attacks he moves swiftly to repel the insurgents.

“He has been carrying out clearance operations in the southern part of Damboa.

“His activities have been making the insurgents to be running helter skelter.

“The Nigerian Army

in that axis are seriously working and if they continue like this, the issue of insurgency along that

axis will be a thing of the past.

“We call on Nigerians to offer useful information that

would enable the soldiers move on time to stop any attack on innocent citizens.”

PROMOTING NUGA GAMES...

L-R: President, Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto(left) and Chief Operating Officer, Gamr Africa, Sholakunmi Adenipebi, during the official signing of a partnership deal between Gamr and NUGA in Lagos…recently

2023: Kwankwaso’s Third IWD: NAF Empowers 50 Women with Grants, Starter Packs Force Adopts NNPP Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

KuniTyessiinAbuja A political movement, The National Movement (TNM), recently formed by the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has adopted the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to battle the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2023 general elections. The party has fixed March 30, 2022 for its national convention.

The NNPP is among parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Speaking to party members in Abuja, Interim National chairman of the TNM, John Ifeimeje, said the movement decided to adopt the NNPP to rescue the country

from bad governance orchestrated by the ruling party.

According to him, the movement since its unveiling last month had received an overwhelming response from across the nation, noting that huge numbers of individuals and groups had been trouping to the TNM National Secretariat to identify with, and join the movement. “ While thanking everyone and supporters of the TNM, let me use this opportunity to present to the good people of Nigeria that, in pursuance of the objectives of the TNM, we have resolved and agreed to fuse ourselves to, and adopt a political platform in order to further our struggle to rescue our country from maladministration .and nepotism.”

‘Amnesty Programme Strategising to End Militancy in Niger Delta’ Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), said is setting up a special project to end militancy in the Niger Delta region.

The Interim Administrator of PAP, Col. Milland Dikio, stated the project would involve a massive reorientation programme targeting youths between the ages of 12 to18 in all the states in the region.

Unveiling the title of the project as “Niger Delta Stabilisation Programme”, Dikio said: “This will ensure that a new generation

of agitators do not arise in the Niger Delta region and in the nation in general”.

Dikio, who spoke in a statement, said the project would also strive to set up ex-agitators in meaningful business ventures to ensure lasting peace and security in the Niger Delta.

Dikio said the projects would be implemented through various schemes such as the Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM), cooperatives, strategic conflict resolutions and peace-building programmes.

2023: APGA Chieftain Endorses Ebonyi Ex-SSG for Governorship

BenjaminNworieinAbakaliki

The Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Chief Godwin Udu, has endorsed former Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Benard Odoh for the 2023 governorship position of the State.

In a chat with newsmen in Abakaliki, Udu noted that the former scribe stands a better chance of clinching the governorship ticket of the party, if he decides to run for

the position.

He also said that Odoh’s track records and mass followership places him at vintage position to win the gubernatorial election in the state in 2023.

Udu said: “I am saying so because of his track records and mass followership. And we are confident he will win the governorship of the state, should he make up his mind to run.

He served this current government, resigned on his own and left without a stain on his image.

The Director, Civil Military Relations (DCMR), Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Anthony Nweke, said yesterday that the Nigerian Air Force remained sensitive to gender equality hence the decision to train and empower 50 women selected from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps with skills and starter packs.

He spoke in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the empowerment programme to

commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD).

He said the NAF, in line with the theme “Gender Equality Today for A Sustainable Tomorrow” decided to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

“It has often been said when you educate or empower a woman, you empower a whole nation. This is why empowering and educating women play a significant role in the development of any nation and the world at

large.

“Women empowerment would generality mean encouraging women to be independent economically, and financially with the ultimate goal of being self reliant with the ability to contribute to the economic wellbeing of the family,” he said.

He lamented that majority of women struggle with domestic violence, unemployment, health issues, inequality in educational opportunities and low economic and political development due to

many factors.

He, however, noted that the challenges were surmountable with deliberate and planned objective of sustainable development through women empowerment programmes.

“It is in this light that our amiable Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, approved the Nigerian Air Force project to train and empower some women with theoretical and the practical skills to enhance the actualisation of financial independence.

Anyaoku Decries Nigeria’s Dwindling Global Reputation

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Former Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has decried Nigeria’s declining reputation globally.

Anyaoku, who spoke yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, at the maiden symposium of Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, said a lot of work needed to be done to raise

Nigeria’s profile in the comity of nations and win back the respect of Nigerians.

He described the special guest of honour, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as the most visionary president Nigeria has ever had, just as he thanked him for agreeing to honor the invitation.

The former diplomat said: “In his first time as Head of State, Nigeria standing internationally was such that he was able to

convene a worldwide festival of arts in Lagos, involving blacks globally, a landmark of Nigeria’s profile in the global community.

“In 1989, the competition of the post of Secretary-General was between Nigerian and former president of Australia, but Nigeria was elected. This was the era when Nigeria was flying high internationally-when the Nigerian passport was treated with respect and dignity globally.

He said: “Nigerians were most sort-after speakers abroad.

Unfortunately, today, Nigeria’s standing in the world, I must say, has declined amid robust brilliant performances.

“Today, Nigerian passport is treated with contempt in many parts of the world. We have a lot of work to do for the future in terms of raising the Nigeria’s profile in the comity of nations, and winning respect for Nigerians.”

Suspected Assailants Kill, Burn another Monarch in Ogun James Sowole in Abeokuta Suspected assailants early last Monday reportedly burnt to death the Baale of Olowe Gbagura in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Akin Muheedeen.

The incident came barely two months after the gruesome murder of Olu of Agodo, Oba Ayinde Odetola, in Ewekoro LGA of the state.

The suspected assailants, who killed two other persons with the traditional ruler, also set their remains ablaze after locking them inside a car in the outskirt of the town.

In the latest incident, it was gathered that the community head had gone out to observe the Islamic morning prayer (Subhi) when fire was discovered within his compound.

Family sources said the man

was killed by some unknown persons, who were said to have broken a window to gain access to where he was assassinated.

The family was of the belief that the assailants set the man on fire after killing him.

It was gathered that the deceased Baale currently had an issue with some people over land matters.

The village head was recently said to have been arrested and arraigned for his alleged

involvement in a land tussle with some individuals.

He was expected to appear in court on March 15, and had reportedly commenced the amicable resolution of the matter before his death last Monday morning.

One of his wives, Silifat, while confirming the incident, said she was returning from the mosque around 6 a.m. when she saw fire billowing out of their compound.

Bayelsa Sues for Patience as Communities Slam 14-day Ultimatum On SPDC

Olusegun Samuel

The Bayelsa State Government has urged the four protesting communities of the Kolo-Creek Cluster Development Board in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state to exercise more patience over the protracted delay in restoring power to the area.

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the appeal on Monday, when he met with the community leaders, executives of the cluster board and other representatives from Otuasega, Elebele, Oruma and Imiringi at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

The meeting came on the heels of a 14- day ultimatum issued by the Kolo-Creek Cluster Communities to the Shell Petroleum Development

Company (SPDC) to fulfill its agreement on restoring electricity to the communities.

The ultimatum, which was jointly signed by the paramount rulers of Imiringi, Otuasega, Oruma and Elebele communities, among other things, demanded the immediate operationalisation of the 2.5 MVA generator installed by Morpol Engineering Services Limited and the award of

contract for the Oruma high tension line.

They stated that SPDC had, “deliberately refused to honour the agreements it had with the cluster communities on several occasions since 2013.”

The communities had unanimously resolved to shut down all the oil installations and platforms in Kolo-Creek at the expiration of the 14 days’ ultimatum.

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Robert Lewandowski....scored hat trick of goals to fire Bayern Munich to the quarter finals of the Champions League... yesterday

Lewandowski’s Hat trick in 11 Minutes Fire Bayern into Q’Finals Robert Lewandowski scored a record-breaking 11-minute hattrick to send Bayern Munich sailing into the Champions League quarterfinals with a 7-1 win at home to Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday.

The Polish striker had three goals to his name by the 23rd minute – the earliest anyone has ever completed a hat-trick in a Champions League game – as Bayern shook off their early nerves to crush Salzburg.

The Austrian champions had held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but their hopes of an upset in Munich were left in tatters when Lewandowski scored a tap-in and two penalties to send Bayern on their way to a famous victory.

Elsewhere, Liverpool's seven-match winning run in the Champions League was ended by Inter Milan, but Jurgen Klopp's side progressed to the quarter-finals with a

NFF Celebrates The Whistle Man, Linus Mba, at 81 The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has felicitated with one-time FIFA referee, one-time FIFA advisor on refereeing and the Federation’s Consultant on Refereeing for many years, Mr Linus Mba, as the erudite man-of-the-whistle turned 81 yesterday.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, extolled Pa Mba’s endearing and lasting contributions to Nigeria Football, saying the one-time Member of the CAF Referees Committee has continued to acquit himself magnificemtly in both the professional and moral race, and indeed in all endeavours of life.

“As a referee, Pa Mba was an epitome of integrity and credibility. He was known to be fair and fearless, and built

a solid reputation as a man of honour. In retirement, he has continued to work assiduously to pull Nigeria refereeing into the forefront. At the age of 81, he remains very relevant and we still seek his views and perspectives on certain issues.”

Modest, self-effacing and meticulous, Pa Linus Mba served as a FIFA Advisor on Refereeing for many years, was on the CAF Committee on Refereeing for many years and was Consultant on Refereeing for the Nigeria Football Federation until a few years ago.

He still follows events in refereeing actively and with uncommon passion, and publishes a quarterly magazine on refereeing which he named The Whistle.

2-1 aggregate success.

An outstanding finish by Lautaro Martinez was not enough for Italian champions at Anfield as the late goals

by Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the first leg in Milan three weeks ago proved decisive.

Martinez gave Alisson

no chance with an arrowed finish from 20 yards in the 61st minute.

But Inter's hopes of forcing extra-time with a second goal

faded when former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez was sent off just two minutes later for a second yellow card.

Eguavoen Targets Victor Moses for Eagles Return Super Eagles Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, wants to persuade former Chelsea winger Victor Moses to return to international football with Nigeria at the 2022 World Cup. The 31-year-old, who plays for Russian club Spartak Moscow, quit international duty in 2018 to focus on his club career.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick and former coach Gernot Rohr both made unsuccessful attempts for the player to reverse his decision.

But Eguavoen, who succeeded Rohr in December, said: "We want the best for the country.

"Victor Moses is somebody I adore and I'm looking at ways of trying to get him in and we've spoken.

"He's not part of these games [World Cup play-off against Ghana] but hopefully as time goes on because we want the best for the team.

"Whether we like it or not, Victor Moses will still bring some value. But right now he is playing in Russia, we all know the problems with Ukraine and

Russia. I am happy to say that my conversation with him is settled."

Moses joined Spartak from Chelsea in July 2021, but he could leave the club in the coming weeks.

FIFA has announced that foreign footballers playing in Russia can suspend their contracts and temporarily leave the country.

The world governing body made the announcement as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Nigeria have previously succeeded in bringing back Odion Ighalo from international retirement to add experience and goals to the attack of the three-time African champions.

However, Moses will face stiff competition from the likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke and exciting new addition Ademola Lookman of Leicester City for a spot in the current Super Eagles set up.

Eguavoen has named a strong 25-man squad for their two-legged play-off against Ghana, which is scheduled to be played on 25 and 29

March and will decide who heads to Qatar later this year.

Moses previously represented England up to Under-21 level, before switching allegiance to Nigeria and making his debut against Rwanda in 2012.

He has scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for the West

Africans, and helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Crystal Palace, Wigan, Liverpool, West Ham, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce winger has represented the Super Eagles at two World Cups, in 2014 and 2018.

FIFA Gives Poland Bye into Playoff, Suspends Russia FIFA has confirmed that Poland will be given a bye into the World Cup play-off final after Russia were suspended from international competitions.

Poland will move into the final of 'Path B', where they will face either Czech Republic or Sweden. The winner of the game will qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which is set to be controversially played in Qatar this winter.

A statement released on FIFA's official website read: "In addition, subsequent to the decision of 28 February 2022 taken jointly with the UEFA Executive Committee to suspend all Russian teams from

WORLD CUP participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice, the Bureau of the FIFA Organising Committee decided that Poland will receive a bye to the final of Path B due to take place on 29 March 2022, in which they will face the winners of the match between Sweden and the Czech Republic."

The move is an expected one after Russia were rightfully sanctioned by footballing authorities, as well as by governments across the globe, for their disgraceful invasion of Ukraine last week.

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WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Real Madrid players at training ahead the crunch clash with PSG in the Spanish capital tonight

Real Set to Restore Pride against PSG, Says Ancelotti Injured Mbappé listed for action in Madrid Real Madrid were hurt by their worst performance of the season in their 1-0 loss to Paris St Germain in their Champions League last 16 first leg and will try to play smart in the return leg tonight, coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

The LaLiga leaders were sunk by a stoppage-time goal from Kylian Mbappe in their meeting last month but are no strangers to pulling out extraordinary performances in the Champions League, having won the competition a record 13 times.

"We are a very proud team and that performance hurt us pretty bad," Ancelotti told a news conference yesterday.

"We are a proud team, mainly in a competition like the Champions League. So we will play for pride. We saw the best version of PSG in Paris. I wish to see the best version of Real Madrid on Wednesday."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Ancelotti's side will be buoyed by their 4-1 win over LaLiga contenders Real Sociedad on Saturday, having initially been pegged back by an early goal.

"Our team is calm and motivated. The mental aspect is crucial in a moment like this. If we play with Saturday's intensity, we have a good chance to qualify," the Italian said.

"We have to be smart and play smart. We need to go out there and win. We don't need to score many goals. We need to keep it together and the support of our fans will be major for us."

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is reported to have told close friends that he plans to face Real Madrid tonight, despite the PSG man picking up a knock in training.

Mbappe was caught by team-mate Idrissa Gueye during

Premier League Suspends Broadcast Deal with Russia The Premier League has suspended its broadcast deal with Russia following the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The move will take effect immediately, meaning Thursday's four matches will not be shown in the country.

The matter took only 15 minutes of a four-hour meeting of all 20 clubs in London on Tuesday to agree.

The English top flight also says it will donate £1m to support the people of Ukraine.

The TV rights for the Premier League were owned by the Rambler Group. The company was in its final year of a three-year deal to show matches in Russia.

In a separate move, the Football Association has also suspended its deal with Russia.

That means none of this month's FA Cup quarter-final matches will be shown.

The Premier League says it condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that its clubs unanimously agreed the move.

"We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted," the Premier League said in a statement.

"The £1m donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need."

Last weekend, Premier League clubs showed solidarity with Ukraine as captains wore special armbands in Ukrainian colours, while stadium screens displayed 'Football Stands Together' in front of the country's blue and yellow flag.

a session earlier in the week, prompting concerns that he would not be fit for the second leg of the Champions League last 16.

PSG were optimistic that

Mbappe had avoided a serious injury but refused to be drawn on whether he will actually be ready for Wednesday's game.

Now, COPE state that Mbappe has confirmed to those around him that he expects to feature in the game and will just 'play safe' if needs be.

L'Equipe also expect Mbappe to make it back in time. X-rays on his foot showed no fracture and PSG are believed to have done a good job of containing the swelling and the pain, meaning the 23-year-old should keep his place in the team against Real.

Mbappe took to Instagram to show his support for Gueye, who came under fire from some PSG fans for potentially injuring their superstar.

"All together, always. Here, it's Paris," he wrote alongside a picture of himself and the midfielder.

The Sunny Ojeagbase I Know

By Tony Akhigbe This must be the bottom line.

Sunny Obazu Ojeagbase was achingly sweet and polite that he ought to have been canonised by the Pope. But SO as he was fondly known by several admirers was more than this. He was equally brave.

I was still studying Mass Communication at the Auchi Polytechnic when feats of SO’s bravery were already filtering in from the village. This was a man who had the audacity to walk away from the Army and pitched tents with the nation’s sports journalism without batting an eyelid. Not just this but he turned sports writing from one boring literature to an art of uncommon prose laced with savvy and panache. At once, I knew it by heart that I must reach him after my term at Auchi.

SO had just established the Sports Souvenirand Complete Football. Seeing him then was like a challenging ‘moon walk’., especially for greenhorns. But me... I saw the ‘Big Man’ in such easy fashion. Reason? His father’s house in Avbiosi in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State was a shout distance from my father’s compound.

Well, if I thought the village thing was going to buy me some freebies, I got it all wrong. SO had no time for tribe, religion or race. He hated small talks that could

Sunny Ojeagbase...trailblazer in sports journalism gone home to rest

TRIBUTE have snowballed into asking how people were faring in the village. All he craved for was performance. Like Nike’s mantra, ‘Just do it’ and be sure to be a great pal of SO. Ojeagbase exercised prudence and he was simplistic to the point of absurdity. He hated

it when you were hell bent on doing what others were doing.

He got easily infuriated when your ‘story hunting’ had to do with Press Conferences where free foods and booze and ‘keske’ were shared. ‘Keske’ took the place of ‘brown envelope’ at the time… you really want me to spell this out?

SO was always telling us, his reporters then … just four of us…

myself, late Dave Enechukwu, Frank Ilaboya and Phil, that we were a weekly paper and that our stories should reflect exclusivity.

Above everything, SO respected the power of faith.

Interestingly, coincidence was a concept he did not entirely trust. He believed true success was the experience of the miraculous. He mentioned it always that if you lacked guts, glory could be far from you.

He wanted you to apply guts so you could do new things.

If not for SO, may be I would not have been writing golf today. I could remember when he called me aside at the close of work one day and asked if I felt comfortable writing football like every other reporter. He mentioned that since I had knowledge of tennis and golf… two games I picked up from my birth place in Ibadan, I should dwell on them and be the real master of golf writing. This prophecy has come to pass.

What an irony of fate. SO passed away in Atlanta, home to the world’s best golf course, the Augusta National, where world masters of the game duel yearly.

In golf parlance, we could have mentioned that SO had played his final round… He had putted out. May he stay close to the Angels. *Tony Akhigbe is the EditorIn-Chief of Nigeria Golf People, a fortnightly golf magazine

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Wednesday, March 9, 2022

UT H

& RE A SO

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Price: N250

MISSILE INEC to Politicians

“So, the politicians are now targeting the polling units because they know that the moment the election is over, we upload the polling unit results to our result viewing portal from the polling units. So, they have found that going to the collation centre to disrupt collation is no longer a good idea. They have now returned violence to the polling units”--INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, warning that desperate politicians may attack polling units in 2023 general elections.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Gender Inclusion

M

ary Ikoku, a gender advocate, offered a brilliant defence of the cause of the Nigerian women on Arise News three days ago.

The lady’s sharp criticisms on television of the National Assembly’s rejection of the bills proposed for some affirmation action in favour of the female gender were made in the context of the International Women’s Day (March 8) observed yesterday in many countries of the world.

According to her, in Nigeria the national parliament elected to foul the March 8 mood of the Nigerian women on March 1, a day the female gender will remember as the day the National Assembly (NASS) took a decision to undermine the struggle for gender inclusion. Ikoku actually accused some elements in the NASS of misogyny. It would be very difficult to fault the lady.

It was as if the House of Representatives listened to Ikoku and legions of gender advocates (male and female) and many organisations girding their loins to resist the bias against the female gender.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, honourably announced yesterday that there would be a reconsideration of three of the four bills rejected on March 1 by the lawmakers.

The three bills which all lovers of gender equity want passed into laws are those of the 35% Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration; Expansion of the Scope of Citizenship by Registration and the Qualification to become an Indigene of a State in Nigeria.

The fourth bill on which Gbajabiamila was silent is the Bill to “give women a quota in the federal and state executive councils or ministerial and commissionership seats.”

The contradictions involved in the attitude of the male-dominated NASS to the bills which seek to promote gender inclusion are indeed in concentric circles. In the first place, the point has been made that the bills were treated so dismissively because there are only few women in the NASS and, perhaps,

Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen fewer men who are committed to gender equality.

As the Abuja lawmakers take another look at all the bills, they should bear in mind that already Nigeria trails other African countries in terms of representation in national parliaments. As at last year, the following were the percentages of women in the national parliaments of the following African countries: Rwanda (61), South Africa (46), Namibia (44), Senegal (43) and Mozambique (42). In Nigeria, the figure is embarrassingly 3.6%!

The responsive step taken yesterday by the House is in the true spirit of popular democracy: those in government should listen to the people’s voices.

However, it is important that individual women, men and organisations who are committed to gender inclusion should intensify the struggle to turn the bills into laws. Yes, the struggle should be that of men and women committed to human progress because as it is rightly said, women’s rights are indeed human

rights. The failure to protect the rights of the female gender will cause a huge deficit in the human rights barometer of Nigeria.

To be sure, the laws will not mean an end to the systemic discrimination against women; but it would at least ensure some progress in the movement towards gender equity. With the hashtag #BreakTheBias, the observance of this year’s International Women’s Day is reminiscent of the fighting spirit that defined the origins of the yearly March 8 celebration.

By the way, the idea of the day has a leftist provenance. Initially, about 15,000 American female workers staged a march through New York in 1908 to demand short working hours. In 1909, the Socialist Party of America proclaimed a National Woman’s Day. The radical origins of March 8 became global in 1910 when a German communist, Clara Zetkin, proposed the idea of a day set aside to reflect on the oppression and exploitation based on gender to an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark. Comrade Zetkin, a gender advocate, was a contemporary of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.

Her efforts and those of her comrades culminated in the first observance of March 8 in 1911 in Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Germany. Indeed, March 8 became the date because it was the date that Russian women began a strike in 1917 to demand “bread and peace.” And that was just few months to the Great October Revolution.

The United Nations adopted March 8 as the International Women’s Day in 1975.

The protests and outrage that defined this year’ s March 8 in Nigeria constitute a proof that the contradictions in the Nigerian society are not only of ethnic and regional dimensions.

Politicians and ethnic champions often put on the agenda the vertical identities of ethnicity, region and religion as if that is all there is to the Nigerian reality.

However, the March 8 marches of Nigerian women were a demonstration of one of the horizontal identities of Nigerians. This is the gender identity. Other identities

Will NASS Reject Equality?

By Funmi Falana

Y

esterday was the International Women’s Day but what exactly did an average Nigerian woman get to celebrate? The recent rejection of about five gender equality bills that sought to alter the Constitution by the National Assembly on Tuesday, 1st of March, 2022 has once again brought to the fore the need to consistently challenge the systemic ills and oppression our patriarchal society imposes on women as well as the urgent need to revamp and purge our democratic system of recondite bias.

The decision of the National Assembly to reject the gender equality bills engendered severe criticism, backlash and even protest from concerned and disgruntled members of the society as well as civil society groups.

The Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who is the only female member of the body of principal officers of the house and sponsored some of the rejected bills, was reported to have been extremely disappointed with the non-passage of the bills.

The rejected proposals which seek to alter the Constitution include Bills 35, 36, 37, 38 & 68 to wit: r #JMM UP iQSPWJEF GPS TQFDJBM TFBU GPS XPNFO JO UIF National and State Assembly”, r #JMM UP iFYQBOE UIF TDPQF PG DJUJ[FOTIJQ CZ SFHJTUSBUJPOu r #JMM UP iQSPWJEF GPS BGGJSNBUJWF BDUJPO GPS XPNFO in political party administration”; r #JMM UP iQSPWJEF DSJUFSJB GPS RVBMJGJDBUJPO UP CFDPNF an indigene of a state in Nigeria” and; r #JMM UP iHJWF XPNFO B RVPUB JO UIF GFEFSBM BOE TUBUF

executive councils or ministerial and commissionership seats”.

Consequent upon the rejection of these Bills, the 9th National Assembly has been strongly berated for deliberately missing an opportunity to etch their tenure in gold and for insisting on a pathway that can only take the country backwards. It is also evident that the National Assembly did not consider the salient provisions of section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Articles 2, 3 and 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), in arriving at their disappointing decision to kill the bills on the floor of the house.

Emphatically, section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that, “A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person: (a) be subjected to either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religious or political opinions are not made subject, or (b) be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religious or political opinions.”

Notably, Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights provides that, “Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status” while Article 3 states that: “Every individual shall be equal before the law and every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law”.

Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights also recognizes the equal right to participate in government as follows: 1. “Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country.

3. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law”.

Evidently, the male dominated National Assembly with extremely poor representation of women, does not want a change or alteration of the status quo, hence, the basis for flagrantly ignoring the excerpted provisions above on equality in right to participate in government.

Interestingly, the rejected gender equality bills, ipso facto, do not seek to “equally” bridge the gender inequality gaps between men and women in Nigeria,

are those of class, generation, professions, trades etc. that cut across all ethnicities , regions and religions.

For instance, if the rejected bills were meant for ethnic or regional inclusion, the male chauvinists at the NASS who opposed the proposed pieces of legislation would rather invoke “true federalism” and geo-political equity to support the proposals. So, it has been proved again that the social and political interests of the people are not only in ethnic and regional terms. Perhaps , more fundamentally, the people also have deep class, gender, generational and other interests. In other words, Nigerians are not only northerners and southerners; they are also men and women. They are not only Fulani and Ijaw; they are also rich and poor. They are not only Muslims and Christians; they are also the exploiters and the exploited. They are not only from southeast and northwest, they are also old and young.

The Quest for Social Justice

Ultimately, the legitimate agitation for inclusion of the female gender in the political arena is only an aspect of the broad struggle for social justice and all-round development in the society.

This struggle is central to our collective humanity.

Wole Soyinka summed it up when he said: “For me, justice is the first condition of humanity.”

Beyond inclusion in the political arena, other theatres of the struggle for gender inclusion include the bias against the female gender in the exercise of socioeconomic rights; the oppression often legitimised by cultural, religious and social practices and the endemic discrimination at work. These manifestations of social injustice against the female gender will definitely impair genuine development of any society.

Doubtless, the opposition to gender inclusion and equity is a pernicious form of social injustice. In any case, an unjust system that is biased against more than half of the population cannot achieve sustainable development.

That is why gender inclusion should be put squarely on the development agenda. rather, the Bills sought the general expansion of women rights and for more consideration and inclusion in governance, political party administration, political appointments and what have you. This is evident in Bill 35 that seeks to provide for special seat for women in the National and State Assembly by creating additional 111 seats in the National Assembly and Bill 68 which seeks the inclusion of at least ten percent (10%) affirmative action in favour of women in Ministerial Appointments.

Additionally, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which Nigeria is a signatory, acknowledges the fact that discrimination against women violates the principles of equality of rights and respect for human dignity, constitutes an obstacle to the participation of women on equal terms with men, in the political, social, economic and cultural life of their countries; hampers the growth of the prosperity of society and the family and makes more difficult the full development of the potentialities of women in the service of their countries and of humanity.

Lastly, the laudable attempt to inspire women to take their rightful place “in a man’s world” should not by any stretch of imagination be deemed or misinterpreted as a usurpation of the men’s rights.

It is earnestly hoped the 9th Assembly will reconsider its undischarged constitutional duties, the grave and perpetual injustice meted out to women on a daily basis together with the clamour of the aggrieved constituents they represent and ultimately revisit their stance on the rejected bills because the successful passage of same will manifestly and invariably do justice and crystallize the laudable achievements recorded by the 9th Assembly so far. *Mrs. Funmi Falana, FCIArb, is the Chairperson of the Women Empowerment & Legal Aid (WELA)

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