FRIDAY 7TH APRIL 2023

World Bank: Nigeria's Growth Recovery Still Fragile as Oil Production Remains Subdued 22 African countries at high risk of external debt distress Prescribes debt reduction, domestic revenue mobilisation strategies

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuj a The World Bank yesterday declared that Nigeria’s 2.8 per

cent projected growth recovery for 2023 was still fragile as oil production remains subdued, despite rallying to over 1.6 million

barrels per day (bpd) recently.

In the latest 'Africa’s Pulse,’ its April 2023 economic update for Sub-Saharan Africa, the

World Bank also revealed that 22 countries in the region were at high risk of external debt distress or already in debt distress as of

December 2022.

The World Bank report observed that growth across Sub-Saharan Africa remains

sluggish, dragged down by uncertainty in the global economy, Continued on page 5

$800m W’Bank Support: NECA Urges FG to Prioritise Fixing Refineries Above Sharing Palliatives... Page 8 Friday 7 April, 2023 Vol 28. No 10222. Price: N250

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Armed Police Take over Labour Party’s National Headquarters... Page 34

Obasanjo: Next Govt Must Strive to End Nation’s Ethnic Division Believes such moves may heal, assuage enraged Nigerian youths Says he’s too old to keep quite as his letterman obligation demands truth Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, assumed that the work of the next administration in the country was already cut out

as it must ensure that it closed the division caused in the country as a result of the last general election.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Abuja at a conference themed: “From Elections to Governance and

Performance,” organised by Nextier and the Ibadan School of Governance and Public Policy, believed such moves could help in healing and assuaging Nigerian youths, who were angered by the

shortcomings of the elections.

Obasanjo, who insisted the next administration must explore all avenues at ending ethnic division that emanated from the recent elections and work to facilitate

national moral rearmament and reconciliation, following the divisiveness occasioned by the elections, however, told his audience that he would always speak in the overall interest of

the country, because “I am too old to keep quiet.”

This, he said, has the potential to bring about healing and to Continued on page 5

Buhari: No More Easy Route to Power Than Electorate Happy voters rejected 10 governors’bid to senate Says 2023 polls result has changed nation's political landscape Expresses belief politics will be difficult henceforth Declares democracy as best system in Africa despite military incursion Bids Angola, UAE envoys farewell

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, declared that with the outcome of the 2023 national elections, there would be no more easy route to power than through the electorate.

He said the 2023 elections had shown the growing strength of the nation's democracy and particularly, the sophistication of the Nigerian voter, when it comes to the choice of the leaders, stressing that politics would be very difficult now, going forward.

Buhari, who declared that democracy remained the best form of government in Africa despite military incursion in some countries, also bade the outgoing Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Eustaquio Januario Quibato, and his United Arab Emirates Continued on page 5

BUHARI RECEIVES OUTGOING UAE AMBASSADOR...

L-R: Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria, Dr. Fahad Obaid AL-Taffag; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, and Admin. Attache, Mr. Saeed Al-Remaithi, during a farewell audience at the State House Abuja... yesterday SUNDAY AGHAEZE

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Kyari to IOCs: If You Walk Away, We Will Stay to Explore Our Resources Reiterates gas remains Nigeria’s transition fuel Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, yesterday told International Oil Companies (IOCs) that Nigeria would continue to explore its hydrocarbon resources, even if the multinationals take a walk.

In recent years, Europe and America which generate most of the world’s dangerous carbon emissions, have continued to pile pressure on Nigeria and other oil-producing countries, to jettison their resources in pursuit of cleaner fuels.

However, speaking on the occasion of the Society of Petroleum Engineers' (SPE) 2023 edition of the Annual Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) in Abujathemed: "Effective Gas Resources Utilisation: A Lever for Enhancing Energy Security and Achieving Net-zero Emission Goals in Nigeria,” Kyari explained that the world is not leaving fossil fuels soon, despite the pretence.

Kyari argued that within the period between now and 2035, it’s not possible to change all the vehicles and tricycles in Nigeria to electric vehicles, that crude oil well continue to be relevant.

Kyari stated that the NNPC has made massive investment to make sure its focus on gas exploration works insisting that: “But no one is going to help, so for us, we need to resort to self-help.”

He added: “We need the cash flow and the cash flow is what we need to make sure tomorrow we become self-reliant. Therefore, we are leveraging the position of the oil industry,” he added.

He noted that before now, everybody was looking for oil , but noted that now Nigeria needs to start looking for gas, with some associated oil instead of the other way round.

According to him, building Nigeria’s gas resourcss will mean building the country, stating the NNPC was going beyond power point presentations to the reality of actual work.

“We are a huge company. We have a $60 billion asset so we can ...so we can run without help , but we need help...no one will stop us...if you want to do so, we will kick you out...we are the largest economy in Africa and many of these countries rely substantially on our prosperity.

“To do this we are building infrastructure...we are engaging and we are having the line of sight to excellent engineering, financing and we will build a line all the way

from Brass to Morocco and Europe,” he added.

He explained that the NNPC and government spent humongous sums to reduce oil theft in conjunction with the locals and the security agencies.

“We are almost running solo, some of our partners will say get out...we have talked all the talk.

If they walk away we will stay, of course we are working assiduously,” he noted.

The GCEO explained that Nigeria as a resource rich country with opportunities to sustainability create prosperity, has maintained a strong posture of balanced energy transition that recognises the role of hydrocarbon for years longer than anticipated by other jurisdictions.

With NNPC Limited as a fully commercial enterprise, Nigeria, he said, was well positioned to lead the African continent in a just and gradual energy transition.

“Nigeria, like other African counties is endowed with an increasing young population, which needs a stronger economy to continue to generate beneficial employment to lift citizens from poverty to prosperity.

“This will no doubt continue to push our nation’s energy demand faster than what renewable energy technologies are likely to offer in

the near future.

“We are therefore leveraging the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to attract more investment in the Nigerian petroleum sector, to continue to guarantee access to energy while aligning with global energy transition,” he explained.

He restated the commitment of NNPC and its partners to the timely delivery of major gas pipeline infrastructure projects including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline (AKK) and the $25 billion NigeriaMorocco gas pipeline, amongst others.

Kyari stated that Nigeria’s domestic gas infrastructure network has an existing capacity to transport about 6.9 Billion Standard Cubic Feet (BCF) of gas to support power generation and gas-based industries.

He pointed out that the country’s huge investment in gas infrastructure is hinged on its growing natural gas reserves, thus supporting the nation’s aspiration to create Africa’s biggest industrial hub powered by low-carbon energy.

“NNPC is taking advantage of Nigeria’s huge natural gas reserves of over 200 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) with a potential to grow to 600 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) as more investment is expected due to the recent resolution of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) disputes with

partners. This significant reserve will serve as a low-carbon energy alternative that will support growth in the power and industrial sectors, address energy poverty, reduce carbon-footprint and create more employment opportunities,” he affirmed According to him, the NNPC was playing a leading role in the realisation of the Federal Government’s National Gas Expansion Programme, which seeks to deepen natural gas utilisation as an alternative transportation fuel, and an important feedstock for the development of gas-based industries.

“We are working assiduously to ensure timely delivery of major domestic gas pipeline infrastructure projects including the Abuja-KadunaKano gas pipeline corridor and associated power plants.

“NNPC is also making progress on the planned Nigeria-Morocco and the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipelines, that will connect West African countries to deliver natural gas to the international markets.

“For the gas export market, the on-going NLNG Train 7 will expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity from 22mpta about 30 million tons per annum (30 MTPA),” he stressed.

For its sustainability strategy, Kyari stated that NNPC is deploying

carbon-reduction initiatives to gradually decarbonise its operations and improve its compliances with global emission reduction.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources who is currently overseeing the ministry, Gabriel Aduda, described energy security and achieving net-zero emissions goals as two of the most pressing challenges of this era.

Globally, he stated that there are efforts towards the creation of an international market for fossil energy that minimise gas flaring, methane, and CO2 emissions across the value chain to the fullest extent practicable.

According to him, Nigeria became the first African country to regulate methane emissions from its oil and gas sector in 2022, highlighting the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) goal of cutting anthropogenic methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

Others who spoke at the event included the Chairman of SPE, Mr. Felix Obike, representatives of the chief executives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe and that of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, among others.

“Assumption is always that you are governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore.

Politics will be more difficult, henceforth."

After listening to the Emir, who listed several government projects put in place for Jigawa State under the Buhari Presidency, and a request for some more, President Buhari promised to do his best for the state in the remaining time left, and to brief the incoming president, Bola Tinubu on those requests.

He agreed with his visitors that the particular problem of water supply to the state capital was worrisome.

The president told the Emir and members of the Emirate Council, who accompanied him that he and the entire nation would continue to miss his friend, the late Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi, and would continue to pray for the repose of the deceased.

The Emir and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim, thanked the Buhari administration for helping Jigawa to excel in major rice production, for approving a rail link to Dutse from Kano and for the restoration of peace to the state, the entire nation and the neighbouring countries that had suffered past insecurity.

He also welcomed the upgrading of the Army Battalion in Dutse to a full military Brigade and requested the President to do something about the acute water shortage affecting the state capital.

But speaking while receiving Quibato, the president posited that despite the rash of military coups in some parts of Africa,

“democracy is still the best option,” even as he recalled the role Nigeria played in the liberation of Angola, noting that the country used its size and resources to help sister African nations as much as possible.

Earlier, the Angolan envoy thanked the President for the “wise leadership you’ve been giving to Nigeria,” for being the Champion of Anti-Corruption in Africa, for degrading the Boko Haram insurgency group and for repositioning the Nigerian economy to be less import dependent.

When with Taffaq, Buhari said he was quite glad that Nigeria made a good impression on the UAE enjoy, as he stated in his remarks, stating that he had always been well received anytime he visited UAE, assuring him that the two countries would continue to improve on their relationship, “as we have so much in common.”

Taffaq too pledged that the two countries would continue to work “on the details of our relationship,” adding that he made lots of friends in government, the private sector, and civil society, in his five-year stay.

While noting that he travelled extensively in Nigeria, and had come to understand the diversity and culture of the people, he said, “I am leaving with beautiful memories. I will continue to be close to Nigeria in different capacities.”

beyond 2023. All of these and more are necessary to correct and not to repeat the sickening and painful show of shame, which the elections of 2023 generated into.

“Let me conclude by stating clearly that I am now too old to keep quiet and watch Nigeria’s seemingly clueless launch into dystopia. All efforts are now required from all, well, many and committed patriots to rescue the nation from the precipice. And when I look at the audience, I have a feeling that among the people, who can do it and who must do it are some of you here.

“It has become my own personal obligation, continuing in my relentless service as letterman, dedicated in my twilight years to say the truth, as I see it, so as to push Nigeria, in the direction of our collective aspirations. What is our collective aspiration? A better society, where all Nigeria can become what the Almighty God destined it to be.

“In times like this, some of us have to adopt the attitude of being known to be blind and not being afraid of the dark. But we must continue to work for the light of all,” Obasanjo stated.

BUHARI: NO MORE EASY ROUTE TO POWER THAN ELECTORATE (UAE) counterpart, Dr Fahad Obaid farewell.

Speaking when he received the newly-installed Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State Capital, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi at the State House, Abuja, the

president said the failure of 10 Governors to make it to the Senate meant that the only guaranteed route to power was the electorate, adding the voter was truly king when it comes to elections.

He said, “It is a testament to

the maturity of our democracy and to the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen, who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things.

WORLD BANK: NIGERIA'S GROWTH RECOVERY STILL FRAGILE AS OIL PRODUCTION REMAINS SUBDUED the underperformance of the continent’s largest economies, high inflation, and a sharp deceleration of investment growth.

It stated that economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa was set to slow from 3.6 per cent in 2022 to 3.1 per cent in 2023.

Commenting on the new report which was released yesterday, the World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, said: "Economic activity in South Africa is set to weaken further in 2023 (0.5% annual growth) as the energy crisis deepens, while the growth recovery in Nigeria for 2023 (2.8%) is still fragile as oil production remains subdued.

"The real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the Western and Central Africa sub-region is estimated to decline to 3.4 per cent in 2023 from 3.7 per cent in 2022, while that of Eastern and Southern Africa declines to three per cent in 2023 from 3.5 per cent in 2022.

“Weak growth combined with debt vulnerabilities and dismal investment growth risks a lost decade in poverty reduction.”

Dabalen urged policy makers

to redouble efforts to curb inflation, boost domestic resource mobilisation, and enact pro-growth reforms, while continuing to help the poorest households cope with the rising costs of living.

Emphasising that debt distress risks remain high with 22 countries in the region at high risk of external debt distress or in debt distress as of December 2022, it affirmed that unfavorable global financial conditions had increased borrowing costs and debt service costs in Africa, diverting money from badly needed development investments and threatening macro-fiscal stability.

Stubbornly high inflation and low investment growth continue to constrain African economies, it stressed, adding that While headline inflation appears to have peaked in the past year, inflation is set to remain high at 7.5 per cent for 2023, and above central bank target bands for most countries.

The report also revealed that investment growth in Sub-Saharan Africa fell from 6.8 per cent in 2010-13 to 1.6 per cent in 2021, with a sharper slowdown in

Eastern and Southern Africa than in Western and Central Africa.

Despite these challenges, many countries in the region are showing resilience amidst multiple crises, the report pointed out.

These include Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which grew at 5.2 per cent, 6.7 per cent, and 8.6 per cent respectively in 2022.

In the DRC, the mining sector was the main driver of growth due to an expansion in capacity and recovery in global demand.

Harnessing natural resource wealth provides an opportunity to improve fiscal and debt sustainability of African countries, but the report cautioned that this can only happen if countries get policies right and learn the lessons from the past boom and bust cycles.

World Bank Senior Economist, James Cust said: “Rapid global decarbonisation will bring significant economic opportunities to Africa.

“Metals and minerals will be needed in larger quantities for

low carbon technologies like batteries—and with the right policies—could boost fiscal revenues, increase opportunities for regional value chains that create jobs, and accelerate economic transformation.”

The report further stated that in a time of energy transition and rising demand for metals and minerals, resource-rich governments have an opportunity to better leverage natural resources to finance their public programs, diversify their economy, and expand energy access.

Countries could potentially more than double the average revenues that they currently collect from natural resources, it added.

"Tapping these fiscal resources in the form of royalties and taxes while continuing to attract private sector investment requires the right kinds of policies, reforms, and good governance.

"Maximising government revenues derived from natural resources would offer a double dividend for people and planet by increasing fiscal space and removing implicit production subsidies," the report stressed.

OBASANJO: NEXT GOVT MUST STRIVE TO END NATION’S ETHNIC DIVISION assuage Nigerian youths who were angered by the shortcomings of the elections.

According to him, governance in Nigeria now required thinking outside the box, to rescue the nation, in terms of its plunging economy and huge national debt burden, adding that there must also be the political will and action, as well as administrative efforts, to reform the public service, and turn it into a capability-ready unit.

The former president also emphasised the need for national healing and reconciliation to address the anger of Nigerian youths who

were let down by the shortcomings of the elections, insisting the incoming administration must take appropriate steps to further heal and assuage concerns of the citizens.

Suggesting three ideas to enrich conversations at the event, he said, “One, given what we saw during the election, Nigeria is now even more divided and more corroded than we thought. This places a deep onus on any administration following the current one, to urgently facilitate the process of national moral rearmament and national reconciliation for the

aggrieved and will lead us across Nigeria and to assuage the youth.

“This must be done in sync with the imperative of national value orientation that Nigeria requires to build a collective sense of enduring local values and national belonging.

Two, governance in Nigeria now calls for thinking outside the box in terms of development financing.

This has become inevitable in the face of Nigeria’s dwindling fortune, in oil revenue, Nigeria’s huge foreign indebtedness and the urgency of diversifying the Nigerian neo-cultural economy.

“We cannot be spending like

drunken sailor on frivolities and corruption and expect development and growth. Such situation cannot take us into the fourth industrial revolution already underway. My experience and understanding, however, is that the money to develop and grow our economy is out there if we provide conducive environment for it to come and stay.

“Three, political will, political action and administrative efforts must be invested on reforming the public service into a capability ready institution that could enable Nigeria’s development agenda

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

OBASEKI IN THAILAND...

L-R: Wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; Nigeria's Ambassador to Thailand, Oma Djebah and Minister/ Head of Economic Desk, Embassy of Nigeria in Bangkok, Mr. Mohammed Haidara, during the Edo State Governor's visit recently...in Bangkok, Thailand

AMCON to NDA: Our Recovery Rate Highest in the World The Executive Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze, has said the fact that the corporation had so far recovered over N1.4 trillion out of the total

N1.76 trillion it paid to acquire Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) from 22 banks with total outstanding balance of N3.6 trillion when it was created in 2010, remains a feat never achieved by any other Asset

Management Company (AMC) anywhere in the world.

Uneze, who represented the MD/CEO, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, spoke when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Defence Academy

(NDA) at AMCON Head office, Abuja. According to a statement, he said the recovery rate accounted for over 70 per cent achievement, which was the highest so far when placed side-by-side with other

FG: 66.6% Eligible Population Vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccines Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has said a total of 71,477,351 Nigeria residents have been fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines as at April 1, 2023, representing 61.6 percent of the targeted eligible population.

In addition, government said another 82,474,931 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

In a bid to reverse poor health indices and provide Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria, the federal government said it has so far revived o 4,000 Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCS) nationwide.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this at a media briefing to commemorate the World Health Day and World Health Workers Week held yesterday.

Regarding efforts to check COVID-19, Ehanire said the National Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has as of April 1, 2023, fully vaccinated 71,477,351 Nigeria residents with COVID-19 vaccines.

This represented 61.6 per cent of the targeted eligible population and another 82,474,931 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Ehanire said the country was still implementing the SCALES 3.0 strategy using Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, “until we achieve at least 70% coverage needed for strong herd immunity against the COVID-19 virus.

He said the federal government had initiated the revitalisation of about 10,000 primary healthcare centers nationwide.

"As exemplified by the revitalised Kuchigoro PHC in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. More than 4,000 PHCs have been revitalised so far, while working towards a new PHC model equipped will staff quarters, solar power, and assured potable water supply, to enable 24+hour service provision to citizens," he said.

Ehanire said these steps taken by government have improved primary healthcare services in Nigeria and reduced challenges women face in childbirth and addressing home emergencies The minister also explained that the Basic Health Provision Fund (BHCPF) was established by the National Health Act (2014) to provide and finance essential health services that address our poor health indices at Primary Health centers, to poor and vulnerable citizens, especially

Buhari Sacks NIPC's Executive Secretary, Saratu Umar Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered the immediate termination of the appointment of the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Hajiya Saratu Umar.

In a directive to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, the President, according to a statement yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, also mandated the most senior Director in the Commission to immediately take over in the interim.

Umar, an Economics graduate,

was re-appointed NIPC Executive Secretary/CEO in July, 2022 for another five-year term by President Buhari.

This was the second time Umar would be sacked as NIPC Boss.

Seven years after she was removed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Umar was appointed in July last year by Buhari to take over the helms of affairs of the Commission.

Jonathan had removed Saratu as the NIPC Boss in 2014, but Buhari had in July last year, reappointed her to take charge of the Investment Promotion Agency in Nigeria.

in rural areas.

According to him, the effort includes; provision of emergency medical services with a rural Ambulance System (RAS) under a National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), at no charge at point of care. These initiatives are undergoing pilot testing in some states.

Speaking further on the achievement of the adminstration in the health sector, Ehanire Nigeria’s immunization profile has recorded a significant improvement from 33 percent in 2016 to 57 per cent in 2021, despite Covid-19 pandemic

distractions.

He added that Nigeria has remained free of wild polio virus (WPV) since obtaining certification in August 2020, over six years ago.

While reeling out it's achievement in the past years, the Director of the African Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said a lot of important achievements have been realised towards the aspirations of the leaders who founded WHO. For instance, Moeti said that Smallpox, which had claimed an estimated 300 million lives in the 20th century alone, has been eradicated.

AMCs across the globe.

The delegation, which was led

by Dr. S.G. Joshua and Dr. Lateef Mustapha, both lecturers at the academy included about 30 young cadets of 300-level in Accounting Department of the NDA. The statement by Head Corporate Communications Department of AMCON, Jude Nwauzor, said the cadets and their leaders were in AMCON on a mandatory educational field trip as demanded by both the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) and NDA. The field trip was one of those experiential engagements cadets in the academy must participate in before graduation.

The Executive Director who hosted the cadets alongside other senior officials of the Corporation, described the field trip, which he said has become an annual tradition as a welcome initiative, as it provides the corporation the opportunity to give back to society by imparting knowledge, which will take the students steps ahead in their theoretical and practical knowledge of accounting.

During the engagement, Group

Heads and Heads of Departments in the Corporation took turns to take the cadets through the day-to-day operational activities in accounting department as well as every other department in the corporation.

They were also tutored on some challenges that confront AMCON, the concept of a “bad bank”, reallife application of technical jargons including the internal audit process, bookkeeping, Corporate Services, Valuation and Insurance, Corporate Communications, Human Resource Management, Asset Sales, among others.

Other senior staff of the Corporation who were on hand to further enrich the knowledge base of the cadets include Najib Suleman, Head, Strategy, Olugbenga Ataiyero, Chief Finance Officer, Muhammad Buba, Head Internal Control, Hassan Tanko, Group Head, Operations, Iyatum AdodeKobiti, Group Head, Corporate Services, Mamuda Shehu, Head Human Resources and Saád Ahmed, Head Inter-Governmental Relations Department, among others.

Brain Drain: House Passes Bill to Mandate Doctors to Practise in Nigeria for Five Years Proposed legislations on data protection, police training pass second reading Lawmakers direct NDDC to halt release of N15bn to FG Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at the plenary yesterday, passed through second reading a bill to mandate medical doctors to practise in Nigeria for at least five years before moving abroad if they want.

The proposed legislation tilted, "bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to mandate any Nigeria trained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practice in Nigeria for a minimum of five before granted a full licence by the council in order to make quality health services available to Nigeria," was sponsored by Hon. Ganiyu Johnson.

In his lead debate, Johnson said the proposed legislation seeks to cure the exodus of brain drain and build the manpower in medical sector.

He opined that Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioners must work in the country for a minimum of five years before they are granted full licenses.

Opposing the bill however, Hon. Nkem Abonta, described it as offensive, saying: "I have the eyes of seeing bills that will not move on well. What this bill is asking is offensive. The bill is asking that any Nigerian trained medical doctor must mandatory train five years before he can be given licence after qualification, you must work here compulsorily that's not obtainable in any clime."

Reacting, Johnson argued that it was fair for medical practitioners who had benefited from taxpayers’ subsidies to undergo mandatory service for a minimum number of years in Nigeria before taking their skills abroad.

"Government has invested so much money in training these medical doctors, on the average.

Recently, the United Kingdom opened healthcare visa to people, they were all going to UK, USA, Canada so should we fold our hands.

“So to give back to our society after training you, the least we can get from you after your Housemanship before you're

given full license you practice for 5 years before you can go."

The bill was thereafter put to a voice vote and majority of the lawmakers supported it.

Also, the lawmakers passed through second reading the Nigerian Data Protection Bill and police force college training schools and institutions establishment bill.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday, written to the House, urging the lawmakers to consider the bills.

Buhari in the letters had explained that the data protection bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the protection of personal information and establish a data protection commission for the regulation of processing of personal information.

For the police force college training schools and institutions establishment bill, the president had said the proposed legislation seeks to provide a comprehensive institutional framework for the establishment of the Nigerian Police Force College for the provision of specialised training to officers in

law enforcement to enhance their performance.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has mandated the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to put on hold the release of N15 billion counterpart funding requested by the federal government, pending the approval of the Commission’s budget by the House.

The directive followed the adoption of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Unyime Idem (PDP, Akwa Ibom) at plenary yesterday.

Moving the motion, Idem noted that the Ministry of Niger Delta was inaugurated and commissioned by the Presidency to attend to intervention and humanitarian needs of the Niger Delta region of the country and promote the physical development of the Niger Delta region.

He acknowledged that since its inauguration, the Ministry of Niger Delta has executed fundamental and important humanitarian intervention projects across the region.

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BUHARI RECEIVES EMIR OF DUTSE ...

L-R: Madaki Tijjani Inuwa Dutse, Waziri Bashir Dalhatu, The Emir of Dutse, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, during an audience at the State House Abuja...yesterday SUNDAY AGHAEZE

$800m W’Bank Support: NECA Urges FG to Prioritise Fixing Refineries Above Sharing Palliatives Insists no economic sense injecting cash in form of palliatives into economy already beset with inflationary pressure Dike Onwuamaeze The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on the federal government to prioritise fixing the country’s comatose refineries instead of the proposed sharing of $800 million World Bank support for the removal of petrol subsidy to 10 million households at N36,000 each.

This call was contained in a statement titled, “Fuel Subsidy Removal: NECA Urges a More Fundamental Action” that was

issued by the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde.

The association stressed that fixing the country’s refineries was the most important palliative the government could provide to Nigerians.

Oyerinde stated that while NECA supports the removal of the fuel subsidy and also commended the support of the World Bank, it believed that government should not shy away from the fundamental issues, which included the

fixing of the refineries as a pre-condition for the removal of the subsidy.

He added: “Therefore, it makes no economic sense to inject cash in the form of palliatives into an economy that is already beset with unending inflationary pressures.

“The $800 million at best is equivalent to about N360 billion.

When you divide this by the targeted 10 million households, that amounts to approximately N36,000.

“What significant or tangible

effect would this have on anyone, irrespective of status?

We will only end up adding more woes on our shrinking economy. What we request is a more all-encompassing institutional structure to manage the gradual removal of the subsidy after fixing the refineries and not the proposed palliatives.

“It is worthy of note that previous palliatives had proved not to palliate the economic woes of the citizens. In reality, and within the context of our

FG Laments Only 30% of Women in Technology Industries 10th Assembly: Women should be considered for presiding positions, says WIPF Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government has expressed dissatisfaction over the poor number of women in innovation and technology, lamenting that only 30 per cent of the technological space are owned by women.

Minister of Women Affairs, Paullen Tallen stated in Abuja, while addressing the national women’s conference in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) with the theme: “Inclusive Technology and Digital Education for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment.”

The event was the last of the activities which brought to an end, the commemoration of the IWD celebration which was earlier flagged off on 2nd March with a media Briefing.

According to her, Nigeria’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector has contributed 18.44 per cent to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2022 and the industry is projected to experience more leap in the future.

She added that ICT contributed less than one per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in 2001. However, despite the rapid growth of the country’s tech sector, only very few women have the opportunity to participate

in the ecosystem which is largely dominated by men.

“Globally and even in Nigeria, innovative technology has become the new norm; shaping lives and redefining existing social norms,” adding that Technology was at the heart of the just concluded elections in Nigeria, just as the present monetary policy resolves around technology.

“This is why women and girls at all levels must brace up to be part of this growing phenomenon.

“It is disheartening that only about 30 per cent of 93 surveyed technology companies in Nigeria are owned by women and more than third of these companies employed no woman at all (NBS),” she said.

She noted the gains and successes recorded in the digital space excluding women, adding that about three billion people were still unconnected to the digital space especially internet, with majority of them being women and girls in developing countries.

“Women make up less than one third of the work force across science and technology, engineering and mathematics and in cutting edge fields like artificial intelligence, just as one in five professionals is a woman,” she added.

The Minister therefore, extoled the few women and girls who were making Nigeria proud in the ICT

sector including Kemi Bolarinwa, Funke Opeke, Kofo Akinkugbe, Hajiya Rakiya Mohammed, amongst others.

The minister called on all stakeholders from the public and private sectors to focus on developing digital tools and services that address the needs of all women and girls, across sectors, especially for their education, health, economic empowerment and engagement in public life, and to ensure that women and girls have access to digital literacy and skills throughout their life course.

“I also recommend that, Teachers and educational institutions should be supported to consciously remove gender biases and stereotypes in our educational environments, textbooks and didactic materials,” she stressed In the meantime, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has advocated for key positions for women in the 10th National Assembly, saying based in merit, qualification and experience, women have come of age to lead.

The convener and President of WIPF, Ebere Ifendu, said this yesterday, while addressing journalists in Abuja. She also read out six agenda expected from the 10th Assembly, calling on political parties to uphold provisions of the national gender policy as approved by the federal executive council and adopt gender inclusivity as

their mandate in the 10th National Assembly.

In the press briefing with the theme: "The constitution of principal officers in the 10th National Assembly,” Ifendu who congratulated the 78 women who have been elected across the country, said political with higher representation in the parliament should ensure that they mainstream gender as a major requirement in getting principal officers elected.

She enjoined political parties to give full support to female members elect from the various parties that will be contesting for principal office, particularly, chairmanship of key committees.

"We are particularly interested in the House of Representatives election for principal office where we have female members as some if the high ranking officers in the house with some returning for the fourth time.

"It will therefore he completely degrading to Nigerian women if, with the calibre and ranking if female parliamentarians in the House of Representatives, no female member ranks among the principal officers in the 19th National Assembly.

"Political parties be gender inclusive and ensure that whatever zoning ratio is adopted in the party concerning the principal officers, should favour the female members elect."

current economic situation, majority of Nigerians are vulnerable, especially organised businesses.”

Speaking further, the NECA boss said: “We would, again, reiterate that the government must fix all the refineries. If the government is truly interested in doing this, which appears to be the most important palliative it can provide to the citizenry, then all those who have continued to sabotage every effort at fixing and having them function at optimal capacity must be held culpable.

“That is the first bit of it.

As a matter of urgency, as the subsidy regime gradually comes to an end, accountability must be prioritised. All those who had any involvement in the subsidy regime directly or indirectly should be investigated.

Our anti-graft agencies should brace up to the occasion and

apprehend the situation with the view of recovering stolen funds.”

Oyerinde pointed out that the questions successive governments have refused to answer are: “why can’t the refineries work? If millions of dollars had been expended on Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), why are the refineries still not working? Why is it difficult to prosecute those that have collected money for the TAM and refused to fix the refineries? These questions beg for urgent answer.”

He noted that NECA, on several occasions, had called on the government to fix the refineries and be deliberate about establishing the right institutional and policy framework to keep them running. “We had hoped this would have been given attention first,” he said.

Seven-Up Bottling Company, Eat ‘N’ Go Africa Seal New Partnership One of Nigeria’s leading soft drinks manufacturers, Seven Up Bottling Company (SBC) and Eat ‘N’ Go Africa Limited, a franchisee for Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery and Pinkberry Yoghurt have announced a partnership to provide refreshing food and beverage experiences for customers across the country.

The partnership tagged ‘Confam Collabo’, according to a statement yesterday, would make SBC’s chain of products such as Pepsi, 7Up, Mirinda, Teem, Mountain Dew, Rockstar Energy Drink, Lipton Ice Tea, Supa Komando Energy Drink, H2Oh and Aquafina premium drinking water available to customers across over 175 Eat‘N’Go outlets across Nigeria.

The partnership started since Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Commenting on the partnership, GM. Marketing SBC, Segun Ogunleye, said “We are excited to have this Collabo as two renowned consumer-centric brands are coming together to give Eat’N’Go Customers better value and more refreshment flavor choices. This partnership is indeed

the Confam Collabo we have all been waiting for.

“With this partnership, customers will continue to enjoy the Confam enjoyment from the combination of Domino’s Pizza and Pepsi as well as other refreshing food, drinks and treat combos with Cold Stone Creamery and Pinkberry.”

Speaking at the launch, Group Chief Executive Officer of Eat‘N’Go Africa, Mr. Patrick McMichael said, “as an organisation, Eat’N’Go is driven by the passion to give customers the best flavour choices and best products, hence, we continuously explore innovative ways to keep improving on our menu offerings.

“This Confam Collabo is a testament to our appetite to continued focus on our customers.

Eat‘N’Go is proud to associate with SBC in this partnership that aligns with our customer-centric approach to our business operation; it underscores our goal to giving our customers more variety of flavours and equally match the delicious foods on our menu,” said McMichael.

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AMCON MEETS NDA...

Executive Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Dr Eberechukwu Uneze (right) and Dr S.G Joshua who led the delegation from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to the corporation’s head office in Abuja…yesterday

Rewane: Two US Banks’ Collapse Will Squeeze Funding for Nigerian Fintechs, Startups Says telecoms, banking sectors were gainers from naira crunch, and industrial, FMCGs, breweries losers Dike Onwuamaeze The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has declared that the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank in the United States of America would squeeze funding for financial technology (fintech) startups in Nigeria.

Rewane made this declaration on Wednesday, when he made a presentation titled “Global Tremor But No Contagion” at the Lagos Business School’s breakfast meeting.

He also revealed that the receding naira crunch that afflicted the Nigerian economy in the first quarter of 2023, produced gainers in the telecommunications and banking sectors and losers in the industrial, brewery and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) sectors. He noted that the total value of fintech start-up

funding by venture capital jumped to $536.7 million in 2021 from $20.9 million in 2015 before it declined to $507 million in 2022.

“The SVB is a major financier of tech startups and venture capital in the United States of America. The collapse of SVB and the Signature Bank crisis will squeeze and restrain funding to fintech startups in Nigeria,” Rewane said, adding that, “Nigeria’s fintech space is likely to come under pressure.”

He also stated that the impact of the global financial tremor would be felt in the emerging markets where more than a quarter of the markets have been shut out of international bond markets “as investors adopt a ‘risk off’ approach to high-yield debt despite the ease in global financial crisis.”

He added that countries with restricted access to international debt markets might be constrained to resort to the International Monetary Fund, private market debt sales and currency

devaluations.

According to Rewane, the cash crunch that was fueled by the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign exercise also produced its gainers and losers and might significantly slowdown the country’s GDP growth to 1.25 per cent in Q1of 2023 due to the effect of cash crunch on aggregate demand.

He identified the gainers as operators in the telecommunications and banking sectors due to increased use of digital and fintech services and e-banking.

According to him, their average revenue growth rates were 25 per cent for telecommunications and 22 per cents for banking sectors with strong and minimal impacts on their share prices respectively.

He said: “Total value of e-payment transactions surged by 30.80 per cent in March, reflecting sustained use of digital payment channels despite the

waning cash scarcity as improved banks efficiency contributed to the increase in total volume of transactions.

“Moreover, all e-payment channels recorded an increase in both value and volume of transactions.

“In April, total value of transactions is likely to rise further due to increased transactions ahead of Easter and Ramadan celebrations.”

He identified operators in the brewery, FMCG and industrial sectors as the losers of the induced cash crunch on the economy due to decline in consumers’ aggregate demand.

According to him, the brewery, FMCGs and industrial sectors respectively were projected to have recorded average revenue growth rate of 15 per cent, 20 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

Rewane stated that the naira redesign saga revealed the, “potency of tips, the true size of

the informal economy at 40 per cent of total GDP and cash as a catalyst of business transactions.”

He noted that sectors that were affected by cash crunch in Q1 included banking, agriculture, trade and manufacturing, adding that it might have, “reduced confidence in the banking system.”

He noted that decline in aggregate demand stalled production and income as lack of cash dampened consumer confidence and reduced sales for those in manufacturing and trading sectors. Therefore, “manufacturers in turn cut output as aggregate demand declined,” he said.

The chief executive of the FDC, however, noted that the naira was overvalued by 51.88 per cent at the current Investors and Exporters’ (I&E) forex rate of N462 per dollar against the parallel market rate of N750 per dollar.

Rewane, therefore, stated that

Nigeria should either make the hard choice of realigning its multiple forex rates or to retain the current status quo.

According to him, realigning the foreign exchange rates would remove market distortions, increase inflation, enhance fiscal space and encourage more capital inflows into the Nigerian economy.

He, however, warned that Nigeria would, “harvest compounded fiscal problems and inefficiency in markets” operations.

Rewane referred to the EIU Outlook and said that, “Nigeria's heavily managed exchange-rate regime will remain unstable and prone to dysfunction. Foreignexchange supply will be too low to consistently clear the market while gap between the parallel and the official rates will continue to encourage illicit arbitrage;” adding that “speculative attacks will be frequent.”

Oilserv's Chair, Okwuosa, Resigns Court Vacates Order Sacking Roger Brown as Seplat's CEO from Eroton's Board of Directors Peter Uzoho

Says aggrieved shareholders have locus standi Wale Igbintade Justice Chukwuejekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos State has vacated an interim ex-parte order previously made by the court, stopping Mr. Roger Brown, from parading himself as the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc. Justice Aneke vacated the order while ruling on applications filed by the Respondents, namely: Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Thompson Brown, Mr. Basil Omiyi, and Persons affected by the ex parte order in Suit No. FHC/L/402/2023.

The court held that by virtue of Order 26 Rule 9 and 10 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, the interim orders of the court made on March 8, 2023, “are hereby discharged and vacated.”

The court had on March 8, restrained Brown from parading himself as the CEO of the company pending the determination of a suit instituted against him and others by

some aggrieved stakeholders of the company over allegations of racism, favouring of expatriate workers, discrimination against Nigerians, and breach of good governance.

Justice Aneke made the order while ruling on a Motion Ex-parte, filed by J C Njikonye, on behalf of some aggrieved stakeholders of Seplat – Moses Igbrude, Sarat Kudaisi, Kenneth Nnabike, Ajani Abidoye, and Robert Ibekwe, Petitioners, against the Respondents, Seplat Energy PLC, Mr. Roger Thompson Brown, and Mr. Basil Omiyi, in Suit No. FHC/L/402/2023.

Similarly, Justice Aneke in a separate ex-parte application granted to the petitioner to serve any order of court and all other processes to be issued subsequently in the matter on Brown and Omiyi by pasting on the premises of Seplat Energy located at Ikoyi, Lagos.

However, the respondents in their various applications urged the court to set aside the ex-parte orders,

contending that the Petitioners lacked locus standi to file the suit.

They also challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit on grounds that the complaints of the Petitioners fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court.

Besides, they contended that the interim orders were granted against persons that were not parties to the suit and that the petitioners lacked locus standi to file the suit.

In his ruling, Justice Aneke, noted that the petitioners had in their application alleged that the affairs of Seplat was been conducted in a manner that is illegal, oppressive and unfairly prejudicial to their interests The Judge held, "I find as a fact that the petitioners' grouse can adequately be accommodated under the provisions of Section 354 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA to which provision falls within the jurisdiction of this court.

"There is no doubt that the application of this provision can be made by a member of a company who alleges that the affairs of the company is being run in an oppressive manner.

"Parties are in agreement that the petitioners are members of the first Respondent (Seplat), which is within the meaning of the provision of Section 354 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA and this has not been controverted by the Respondents.

"It is equally a fact that the averments in support are issues that can be comfortably capsulated under section 354 of CAMA. This is because when the entirety of the grouse of the Petitioners are read along with averments in support they point to the fact on whether the affairs of the first Respondent are being run in an oppressive manner, and against the interest of the Petitioners.

Continued online

Oilserv Limited has announced the resignation of its Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emeka Okwuosa, from the board of directors of Eroton Exploration and Production Limited, as a NonExecutive Director of the company.

In a statement issued yesterday, Oilserv said the resignation of Okwuosa from the board of Eroton took effect from February 16th, 2023, following the notice of resignation communicated to the Chairman and the Board of Eroton.

Described as a consummate industry professional and energy icon, the statement noted that Okwuosa was invited to the Board of Eroton as a Non-Executive Director, to share his wealth of experience with the board and management of the company.

The statement read: "Oilserv Limited hereby brings to the notice of the general public that its Chairman/GCEO, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, CON had resigned from the board of Eroton Exploration & Production Limited as a Non-

Executive Director of the company.

"The resignation of Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, CON from the board of Eroton Exploration & Production Limited, took immediate effect from 16th February 2023 following the notice of resignation dated 16th February 2023 communicated to the Chairman and the Board.

"Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, CON, a consummate industry professional and energy icon was invited to the Board of Eroton Exploration and Production Limited as a NonExecutive Director, to share his wealth of experience with the Board and Management of the company.

“He exercised this responsibility with utmost good faith to the company in accordance with his fiduciary duty as a Non-Executive Director. However, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, CON has voluntarily exited the Board.

"Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, CON has extended his sincere thanks to the Chairman and Board of Eroton Exploration & Production Limited for the opportunity of service to the company and wishes the company success in its endeavors."

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FINLAND AMBASSADOR VISITS OLU OF WARRI...

L-R: Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Leena Pylvanainen; His Majesty Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and His Olori Atuwatse III; during Ambassador's courtesy visit to Olu of Warri in Delta State...recently

Obi: Only Investment in Human Capital Can Bring Development to Nigeria Says his commitment to societal development remains unchanged David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi has stressed that only investment in human capital could bring development in Nigeria.

Obi stated this at Paul University, a faith-based institution owned by the Anglican

Communion, where he donated N10 million to the institution.

He said now that elections are over, he would recommence his visits to schools and hospitals, to intervene in ensuring that the effort to build human capital in Nigeria was achieved.

The presidential candidate said on his own, he undertakes the visit of at least three hospitals and secondary schools every

FCT Minister Orders Registration, Licensing of Hospitality Operators Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Social Development Secretariat (SDS) has secured the FCT Minister’s approval to commence the registration and licensing of all tourism and hospitality establishments in the territory.

The Mandate Secretary of SDS, Mrs. Hadiza Kabir, disclosed this at the tourism stakeholders' sensitisation forum yesterday in Abuja.

According to her, the ministerial authority was necessary because new areas that required to be incorporated under the tourism legislation have emerged such as the issue of multiple taxation, contravention of Land Use Act and other issues.

Kabir, said the registration of hospitality outfits implied the legal act of granting rights to a hospitality business to operate in the FCT geographical space in exchange for mild payment.

She said available data showed that there were over 3,000 hotel establishments in Abuja, with springing up daily in the territory.

She said the Tourism Act, amplified by the ministerial approval/ authority will ensure the enforcement of the act and make it mandatory for all tourism and hospitality establishments in the FCT to be registered and licensed at a

fee without which they cannot operate in the territory.

The mandate secretary said the registration and licencing of tourism and hospitality establishments would ensure control and standardisation of the industry in line with the international standards.

Kabir, disclosed that establishments who acquired the licence would be listed in the Tourism Compendium which would be made available to all tourists and visitors to the FCT at the point of entry.

According to her, establishments must meet certain requirements which will accompany their application forms before they are registered and licensed to operate.

Earlier, the Director, Tourism Department, SDS, Mrs. Marie Ochonue, revealed that since 2013 the FCT had never collected a dime from any hotel for the sake of registration.

“In the FCT, when I came in as the Director of Tourism Department, I noticed that all hotels about 3,500 operating in the FCT none of them is registered and a lots is happening in these hotels.

“Some people will just convert one part of their room and is a hotel and insecurity is bound everywhere. Therefore, there is need for us to harmonise the operation and activities of hotels in the FCT,” she said.

month, to give support to them as a way of intervening in their infrastructure.

During the visit, Obi said: "This is a visit that I would have done since January this year, but as you know, I was involved in campaigns. I didn't want what I'm doing in the education and health sector to be mixed up with politics.

"As a person, I endeavour to visit at least three hospitals and three secondary schools every month. As you would see later from the cheque I have for you, it was written since January this year.

"Paul University is one institution that once in a while I intervene in my own little way. I believe that to solve this country's problems, we need to invest in human capital development, and this means investment in health and education, and I have always intervened in this areas, all over Nigeria.

"Right now, elections are over.

I am no longer fighting for votes,

I'm no longer doing anything, this is the time to show interest in my country.

“That is what I'm here to do at Paul University, today. I urge you all to do the right thing, keep doing the right thing. I believe that God will at his own time intervene, and give salvation to Nigeria."

Obi handed a cheque of N10 million to the school’s management, to the cheers of members of management team of the university, staff and students alike.

Earlier, Obi was welcomed to the institution by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Obiora Nwosu and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Chinyere Okunna, who had worked with Obi in various positions, during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

In a related development, Obi yesterday stated that his commitment to the development of society remains unshaken by the challenges that have characterised the political

atmosphere in the nation.

Obi revealed that the ultimate progress and development of society remains his vision, adding that he would stop at nothing to make it a reality.

Obi made the revelations at Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka, when he paid an unscheduled visit to the hospital to encourage them in the critical role they play in society, while giving them financial support.

He maintained that he was by no means desperate for political power, saying he was desperate to make the society work.

"Anyone who has followed my journey in life will discover that I do not joke with human development, of which health is a critical component.

“I have maintained that the surest means of developing our society is by investing the three components of human development being education, health and poverty alleviation.

So for me, beyond getting access to political power, I desire to

see a functional society.

"Today I decided to pass through Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital and support the great works they are doing. I am happy with their efforts in delivering good health care to the people, and I am confident that they will do more with my financial support," Obi said.

He presented a cheque of N1 million to the management of the hospital to support their healthcare delivery and help some indigent patients in dire financial need.

Appreciating Obi for his benevolence, the Manager of the Hospital, Rev Fr Innocent Affusim, on behalf of the Proprietor of the Hospital, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, described Obi as a gracious gift to humanity, moreso Nigeria.

He said that Obi has remained consistent in his generosity, and that he is a firm supporter of societal progress. He prayed God to continue to protect and bless Obi always.

CSO Seeks REC’s Recall over Alleged Election Malpractices in Imo Udora Orizu in Abuja Nigeria Civil Society Central Coordinating Council has called for the recall of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Agu, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged malpractices in the just concluded House of Assembly elections in Ideato North and Ideato South Constituencies in Imo State.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Obed Agu, made available to journalists in Abuja, lamented that the REC allegedly rubbished BVAS and IREV with the plans to rob the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ideato North and Accord Party in Ideato South of their victory in the elections.

According to him, ward by ward results for Ideato North State constituency election declared by INEC at the polling units and uploaded to the INEC server have the PDP candidate, Kanayo Nwankwo, as winner but claimed that some impostors made an illegal, criminal announcement that APC is now the winner.

Agu also claimed that for Ideato South State constituency election, ward by ward results declared by INEC showed that Accord Party candidate, Vitalis Azodo won, alleging that those he described as impostors also made illegal and criminal announcement that candidate of the APC is now the winner.

While insisting that INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, owes Nigeria a duty

to immediately recall the Imo REC from Owerri, and in his place send an independent team of INEC senior staff to resolve the issue, he added that the time for the electoral body to act was now as Ideato North and South constituencies were a test case.

Agu said, “From the results sheets uploaded on INEC server www.inecelectionresults.ng for Ideato North, APC scored 3,969, Labour Party 2079 and PDP 5,018. For Ideato South Accord Party scored 3989, APC 3053, LP 2471 and PDP 1180. “It’s shameful that INEC conducted election in both local government areas and PDP and Accord Party scored highest votes, results was announced at the polling units apart from Ndimoke Ward in Ideato North where election didn’t hold because of insecurity

and Ugbelle ward in Ideato South where INEC staff was kidnapped.

“All results were uploaded on the INEC IREV platform but the electoral body has not allowed the winners to be declared but rather those who lost and ran away with the declaration sheet, claiming to have won now want to have their way.

“How can INEC justify clear victory that’s evidence

by BVAS accreditation and IREV uploaded results and still the issues have not been resolved.

“The REC should be recalled for her criminal involvement and obstruction of credible elections. This is the only way to prove the headquarters is not part of the shameful electoral outing in Imo State.”

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POLITICS

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

Parties Step Up Move to Succeed Bello in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale writes on the salient factors that may shape the succession struggle among the political parties for the governorship seat in Kogi State ahead of the November, 2023 poll.

T

hree weeks after the conclusion of the general elections across the country and with the dust raised gradually settling down, attention is being shifted to Kogi State political landscape that has once again become beehive of activities as political calculations and permutations towards the gubernatorial primary by all political parties in the State had since commenced.

The political gladiators and their foot soldiers have already returned to their trenches to strategize over who takes over from the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello, at the end of his tenure in January, 2024 The November ,2023 governorship election in the confluence state, will no doubt be very interesting as many strange factors are already making foray into the political terrain.

Apart from the power of incumbency which is already sending jitters into the spine of many stakeholders in the state, sources hinted that this has been posing a lot of threat to some critical stakeholders within and outside the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Other factors such as power shift or power rotation which has also been a recurring decimal in the political arrangement of the state is now heating up the polity already.

Before this time, the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had strongly believed and was so confident that its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would win the Presidential poll which would have made it easier to oust the APC from the seat of power in Kogi State having lost to the incumbent Governor twice in 2015 and 2019 respectively.

But with the APC retaining power at the centre after Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu won the presidential poll, the political permutations appear to have been altered.

Despite this salient factor, the opposition parties are not relenting in their strategies towards ensuring that another political party form the next government in the State.

This development, it was learnt, has caused serious setback in the opposition camp which has been strategizing to team up with a yet-to-be-known third force to wrest power from APC, while on the other hand, the APC is working hard to ensure its candidate takes over from Governor Bello in January, 2024.

THISDAY investigations further revealed that once the party governorship primaries are over, there would be realignment of forces among the interest groups to ensure that they produce candidates of their choice during the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Kogi State.

Be that as it may, another theory of (16 :16) has rented the air in the recent times, particularly among the people of Kogi Central senatorial district. Though with nostalgia, Kogi Central people are claiming that Kogi East has done 16 years in government, saying it is incumbent on them to complete another eight years after the expiration of the present administration in the State.

Political pundits in the Confluence State have argued that this move may put paid to the wishes and aspirations of Kogi West to have a shot at the seat of power for the first time in the 32 years history of the State.

They further posited that now that Nigeria’s politics is gradually evolving, it’s high time Kogi State formulated a power rotation arrangement in the interest of fairness, justice and equity given the nature of the state.

The proponents of power shift theory, therefore, believe every component parts of the Confluence State must have equal rights to the Lugard House seat of power to remove the seemingly monopolistic and oligarchy tendencies that have been the order of the day before now.

They described Kogi State as mini-

Nigeria with several ethnic groups but with Ebira, Igala and Okun people in the majority and yet it has been cries and hues of marginalisation, mistrust and distrust among the three major ethnic groups since the creation of the state in 1991.

There is also the struggle for the number one seat by the centrifugal and centripetal forces in the state towards ensuring that their interests are adequately taken care of at all costs.

This, it was gathered, will largely depend on the interests of those at the centre.

Although opinions are divided about this, observers of political events in Kogi State are keeping their fingers acrossed to see the next episode of political games coming in no distant future.

Interestingly, a total of 18 aspirants had obtained nomination forms on the platform of the APC, until last Saturday when one

of the leading aspirants tactically withdrew from the gubernatorial race.

However, 17 other aspirants were screened by the APC Governorship Primary Screening Committee in Abuja and awaiting the results. These aspirants cut across the three senatorial districts, with Kogi East having eight aspirants, Kogi Central six and Kogi West reduced to three following the withdrawal of Hon James Abiodun Faleke from the race.

Just like the APC, no fewer than10 aspirants are jostling for the Lugard House Seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi State ahead of the November gubernatorial election.

Prominent among the aspirants are the immediate past Deputy Governor under PDP administration, Yomi Awoniyi, Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Attai Aidoko, among others.

However, as at 31st March 2023, no fewer than 28 governorship aspirants have picked nomination forms and have been screened for the party primaries.

Those contesting for APC governorship ticket are Senator Smart Adeyemi, Deputy Governor Edward David Onoja, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Salami Momodu, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, Hajia Halima l. Alfa, Prince Shauibu Abubakar Audu, Senator Yakubu Oseni, Momoh Jibrin, Yusuf Yakubu Okala, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, Abdulkareem Asuku Jamiu, Professor Stephen Ikani Ocheni, Abubakar Yahaya Achimugu, Idachaba Friday and David A. Jimoh.

On the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP the aspirants includes Senator Attai Aidoko, Kabiru Usman, Abdullahi Haruna, Reuben Atabo,Gideon Ojata, Musa Wada, Bolu Femi, Senator Dino Melaye, Yomi Awoniyi, Idoko Lona, and Leke Abejide of African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ahead of the November, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, stakeholders from the West Senatorial district have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, President- Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Yahaya Bello to allow the zone produce the next governor of the state.

The Stakeholders unanimously made the appeal during the APC ‘Thank You” rally organized by Senator Smart Adeyemi to appreciate the people of Kogi West for their support to the party in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elecNOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Doomsday Prophets of Nigerian Politics Opposition politicians need utmost restraint in their reactions to the outcome of the recent presidential poll in the country, writes Segun James

S

ometimes, the best news is what never happens. During the run-up to a handover or change from one government to another, all kinds of apocalyptic predictions surface.

Yes, there’s gloom in Nigeria these days, but it doesn’t have much to do with oppression but the disappointments in certain quarters about the outcome of the recent presidential election.

The election has been lost and won, yet people have been crying wolf, not over the conduct but who won.

For the opposition, even before the election, it has been obvious that the election is for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win.

He had been the leading candidate even though some election polls organized by the opposition showed otherwise. While the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had a poor showing in the election contrary to all expectations, it was the surprising showing of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) in an election that was assumed to be strictly between the PDP and APC that confounded pundits.

Now it is this unexpected run that is heating up the polity. So overwhelmed by his showing in unexpected places, a third-placed Obi is now claiming victory in the election. How? That is the question as the nation races to the inauguration of the President on May 29th, barely 50 days away.Take a look at the polity today, you will understand part of what the current tussle for the presidency is all about.

What you will hear is a welter of desperate politicians trying to position

themselves strategically for when President Muhammadu Buhari exits. All their permutations failed and now, they are in need of a refuge.

Most of them, mainly members of the PDP, have abandoned their party in view of the crisis rocking it and now see the LP as a refuge.

The problem however is that they are mostly from the Southeast, a situation which has made the party now wear a toga of a regional party.

Power is seductive. Invincibility is boring. But the powers behind the throne are always invincible, and they exert the greatest force. Now, those forces are pushing Obi towards a dangerous cliff.

Will they succeed as the nation races forward?Exceptional times call for exceptional measures. This appears to be the conclusion to the situation in the country today.

Like the elephant in a china shop, these desperate forces know that a winner has

already been announced and the only option left was for Obi to go to court to prove his case or forever be silent. So why are they pushing toward an apocalypse?

Yet, in their desperation, they have gone to the Ministry of Defence and called on the military to plan a coup against President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to prevent Tinubu from taking office.

Some others also called for an Interim National Government instead of allowing the legitimate winner to be sworn in.

These calls and actions are by all means treasonable. Yet, they have been ignored.

Today, Obi and LP are before the courts to prove their case. Neither, in their filing, has said the election was rigged. Even the LP’s candidates who ran for National Assembly positions in the same election and won have since collected their Certificates of Return.

So, which part of the election is rigged?

Why is Peter Obi so desperate to have Tinubu’s victory overturned unconstitutionally, even through a coup d’etat? If Obi is a true Democrat as he claims, why has he refused to call his supporters baling for a coup to order?

How does he hope to actualize his supposed win if there’s a coup against the country?

But teaching a disparate bunch of politicians, an eclectic mix of desperados, a new form of playing politics, was never going to be easy.

Political pundits know this. That’s why they never care about the consequence of their call.

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

17

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 7, 2023

POLITICS

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Peter Obi, Lai’s Treason Card Nation of Partisan Fanatics and Nigeria Led Pragmatic Utilitarians

Chido Nwangwu writes that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Anthony Kila writes about the need for Nigerian election, Peter Obi, has faulted the recent treason voters to break the yoke of partisan politics in allegation levelled against him by Information and future elections in the country. ear Readers Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed.

Let us today dwell on a

D

I

t’s truly a shameful chapter and turn for the government of Nigeria led by its former dictator and retired General, Muhammadu Buhari, to attack presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll, Mr Peter Obi, for allegedly being involved in “treason”.

Buhari’s hyperbolic and incredible Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, attacked Obi in Washington DC, a few days ago in April, 2023.

USAfrica has learned that to the astonishment of the American editors he travelled to to talk to in Washington DC., Lai Mohammed continued claiming the factually incorrect and discredited line that the February 25, 2023 “general elections in Nigeria is the fairest, most transparent and authentic in the history of Nigeria.”

Obi’s crime is that he has the “balls” to go to court and the designated election tribunal to seek an accurate verification of the votes and with simple evidence challenge the qualifications of Buhari and Lai’s candidate for their APC political party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu!

These rulers believe that any questions and criticisms of their actions and deeds and evidences of serial failures simply undermine the State, the country and its purposes.

It’s a familiar strategy of discredited despots.

In the recent history of leadership and control of several countries across the African, Arab, Asian, European, and South American continents, the world have witnessed the hijack and personal appropriation of the powers and authority of the State and government.

The basic principles and responsibilities of constitutional order are swept aside to the primitive order of ruling.

Whatever remained as the public purse and commonwealth for the service of the citizens are smashed as consequence of the corrupt practices of the leaders.

Most things, almost everything that was important and reflective of the collective aspirations of the ruled are voraciously consumed psychotic appetite and whimsical desires, quixotic swings and criminal activities of the dictators and incompetent charlatans

who believe that they are State.

They have no room or tolerance for criticism and alternative viewpoints towards improving and improving the country.

But it’s not only from ancient history that the world has witnessed these actions.

Republican strategist, Rick Wilson said recently a few years ago that “For Donald Trump, any opposition, either personal, ideological, or political is treason. Anyone who stands in his path betrays the Great Leader.

Anyone who fails to take the knee is a traitor.”

Obi, the presidential candidate of Nigeria’s Labour Party in the February 2023 election, has dismissed the allegations of treason and incitement of insurrection made by Mohammed.

He accused Obi and his deputy, Senator Baba Datti-Ahmed, of treason and inciting Nigerians to oppose INEC’s declaration of former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President-elect.

Obi has also asked “how opting for the tribunal by myself and my Deputy amounts to treason…. Minister Lai accusing me of stoking the fire of insurrection is totally fictitious and malicious. I have never advocated or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian State….”

Obi, a very frugal businessman, condemned Mohammed’s trip as a waste of Nigeria’s resources and is laughable since “most of those countries sent their people to monitor the election and have all received reports from the monitors, as well as from their embassies.... Between Lai Mohammed and their monitors/ embassies, who would these countries believe. The billions spent on those meaningless trips would be enough to fix several dilapidated schools in the country.“ The treason allegation seems to be a form of intimidation and threat against those seeking the legal road of litigation of rigging issues, violence against targetted voters and ethnicities!

-Dr Nwangwu, is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com, and established USAfrica in 1992 in Houston.

Follow him on Twitter @Chido247

peculiarity that in my view is shaping our national conversations be it among analysts, be it among protagonists or the general public.

The peculiarity is around our propensity for focusing on consequence while ignoring sequence.

We tend to dwell on where we are without caring much about how we got to where we are. In that way we find ourselves marvelling on the quality of some of our graduates without spending time to ponder on the number of days most of them attended classes (due to strikes and closure of their universities) the quality of lessons they have received and the rigour of assessment they have gone through (due to the academic and moral qualities of teachers and their disposition to education).

We tend to be touched by and mostly unhappy with the behaviour and performance of our police officers but we rarely stop to reason about their selection, training process and welfare.

We marvel at the behaviour of politicians at general elections and once they get into office but we do not seem to care about how they got their tickets through primaries and before that, how they made a name for themselves in the party. There is a truism made popular by the writer, Chinua Achebe, that states that “the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership,” the appeal of such statement is clear and quite convincing if not even comforting, a deeper look at things and paying more attention to sequence will however reveal more about those led as well as the cited leaders.

I have argued elsewhere that the idea of identifying leadership with mainly the political class is a very dangerous misapprehension of any society. It is easy to see why most people can fall into the perilous perception of thinking political leadership is zenith of leadership, but it is also important for those that know, and that can, to take their time to explain to and remind the many that do not know that of all the spheres and shades of leadership, three things mark political leadership.

One is that though the most visible, political leadership is in reality the one that requires least talent, merit or qualification.

Never mind the scaringly low level of education required to run for office, to become a medical doctor or a vulcanizer, you actually need to be certified or confirmed as by some form of authority as a capable expert.

The other is that while politics is very important in every society, politicians are more important than others only in societies where ideas and innovations do not occupy prime positions.

The third point is that there is a negative correlation between general prosperity and political influence: Society where politics and politicians matter than most sectors and actors are also the poorest societies.

The detrimental supremacy of politics in a society is achieved using three major ingredients: One, the subjugation of sense of citizenry to avoid accountability and scrutiny, two, weaponization of poverty to make people more malleable and thirdly, mystification of leadership and movement to obfuscate reason and sense of justice.

Yes, supremacy of politics requires fanatism and in this case, a partisan fanaticism that makes people see, hear, read, speak and ultimately reason only through partisan

prisms.

After over 60 years of independence, the Nigerian political class may not have been able to solve basic problems like provision of electricity, any kind of water (portable or not), good roads and functional hospitals, safety of lives and property, reliable civil service and certainty of the law, they have however created a nation of partisan fanatics that can see no wrong in what their leader does. The partisan fanatics readily justify the actions or misdeeds of their leader and that of their party or movement even when such action is against their own personal interest.

Partisan fanatics judge every action and statement in view of how it benefits or harms their leaders, their care is not about how true, how fair, nor how reasonable.

So, when in April 2023, with some eminent concerned citizens we got together to propose an appeal to ask the judiciary to consider televising the recently concluded elections and to make sure that adjudication is done before the 29th May, too many people were interested not in the fairness or less of the appeal rather too many people were taken by how it might benefit or damage their leader and party.

The very simple and clear intentions of the appeal is to help douse tensions, channel all disputes towards the legal process, restore faith in the judicial institutions and make protests and rebellions redundant but shockingly, thanks to partisan fanatism, these points are missed by many normally rational people.

Luckily many get it. Amazingly, whilst observers (historians, reporters and social scientists) as well as other leaders of the society (teachers, leaders of thoughts and religions, captains of industry and traditional rulers) are missing the sequence that leads to the consequence of having a nation of partisan fanatics, politicians who benefit from such consequence are aware and they do two things.

One they perpetuate the sequences, secondly, they opt to be and act like pragmatic utilitarians that can focus on their personal interests by taking full advantage of the fanatism of their followers.

To achieve their ambition, as pragmatic utilitarians, our politicians can easily change political parties (like one would change a taxi) knowing their followers will go with them, even religious leaders cannot be sure of taking their flocks with them if they change church or mosque.

-Prof Kila is Centre Director at CIAPS Lagos. www.ciaps.org.

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

18

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 • THISDAY

PERSPECTIVE

Emefiele-led CBN as Pillar of Nigeria’s Economic Diversification Drive Oluchi Chibuzor

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ohamed El-Erian, who served as chair of President Barrack Obama’s Global Development Council, highlighted challenges that confront central banks globally in his book titled “The Only Game in Town: Central Banks, Instability, and Avoiding the Next Collapse.”

According to El-Erian, central banks have been considered “the only game in town” because they have been shouldering the majority of economic burden and could be said to have taken on the role of salvaging the global economy at the behest of their national governments since the 2008 global financial crisis.

He further pointed out that central banks today have been venturing deeper into tricky terrain of unconventional monetary policies as a matter of necessity rather than choice, which have seen them heavily intervening in the functioning of markets.

He revealed that during the financial crisis in the United States of America (USA), a myriad of emergency funding windows were opened to enable cash to be injected into the financial system, and from virtually any and all directions.

This clearly mirrors what the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as its governor, has been doing in its quest to support the diversification of Nigeria’s mono-economy in the past eight years.

Within these past eight years, Emefiele has steered the apex bank in that direction, by adopting various unconventional tools to wade through different challenges.

For instance, at the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015, there was a vacuum with the delay in appointing Ministers to drive the country’s fiscal policy and Emefiele was the one who filled that gap.

In addition, the central bank intensified its intervention in critical sectors of the economy in line with its development finance mandate. This saw the regulator developing home-grown policies to surmount challenges that confronted the economy.

It strengthened its development finance activities with focus on supporting farmers, entrepreneurs as well as small and medium scale businesses, through various intervention programs. Some of these initiatives included the Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP), Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and the National Collateral Registry.

Also, the CBN introduced the Real Sector Support Fund, which is a facility created to provide cheap funding at single digit to new projects in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. The aim was to boost output and create jobs.

In the agricultural sector, the ABP has ensured that Nigeria emerged from being a net importer of rice to becoming a major producer of rice.

It was in light of the success of the ABP, with regards to cultivation of rice and maize that the CBN extended the programme to other crops such as palm oil, tomatoes, among others.

Today, the central bank’s interventions aimed at stimulating productivity across the real sector ensured that between January and February 2023, N12.65 billion was disbursed to three agricultural projects under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, to bring the cumulative disbursement of fund under the programme to N1.09 trillion to over 4.6 million smallholder farmers cultivating or rearing 21 agricultural commodities on approved 6.02 million hectares of farmland across the country.

Interestingly, total repayment under the Anchor Borrower Programme is presently at 52.39 per cent of total exposure. Some of the

Emefiele crops that have received support under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme included rice, wheat, cowpea, millet, maize, cotton, fish, soya bean, poultry, cassava, groundnut, ginger, sorghum, oil palm, cocoa, sesame, tomato, castor seed, yellow pepper, onions, and cattle/dairy.

The programme, which was introduced by the Emefiele-led CBN, has contributed significantly to increased national output of focal commodities, with maize and rice peaking at 12.2 million metric tonnes and 9.0 million metric tonnes respectively in 2021 and 2022.

The ABP has also helped to improve the national average yield per hectare of these commodities, with productivity per hectare almost doubling within the eight years of the programme’s implementation.

Notwithstanding, the central bank has continued to reiterate its commitment to stimulating access to finance for the real sector in line with its developmental mandate.

The central bank has so far also released the sum of N23.70 billion under the N1 trillion Real Sector Facility to eight new real sector projects in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Cumulative disbursements under the Real Sector Facility currently

stands at N2.43 trillion, disbursed to 462 projects across the country, comprising 257 manufacturing; 95 agriculture; 97 services and 13 mining sector projects.

The central bank has also supported a lot of local manufacturers under the 100 for 100 Policy on Production and Productivity (PPP), designed to fast track productive activities in priority sectors.

It has released N3.01 billion under the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF-2) for capital and operational expenditure of distribution companies (DISCOs) to improve their liquidity status and aid their recovery of legacy debt. This has brought the cumulative disbursement under the facility to N254.39 billion.

Determined to address inadequate foreign exchange supply in the economy, the Emefiele-led CBN had also introduced the “Race to $200 billion in FX Repatriation (RT200FX) Programme,” to stimulate non-oil exports, with a $200 billion FX income target in the next three to five years.

“We have all been witnesses to the ever-changing fortunes of oil-exporting countries. Even those that have been reputed to manage their oil proceeds well also suffer from major shocks once

oil prices plummet.

“In order to avoid these sudden adjustments to our economic life, we need to focus on strategies that can help us earn more stable and sustainable inflows of foreign exchange.

“We would need to follow the best practices of other countries and ensure that we protect ourselves a little bit from factors that are beyond our immediate control,” Emefiele said during the unveiling of the RT200 FX programme.

Additionally, the CBN under Emefiele’s leadership, introduced the Produce, Add Value and Export (PAVE) initiative that is tailored at making Nigerians to consume what have been produced locally, add value to then and even export the surplus.

It was an initiative akin to SouthEast Asia’s much referenced export-led industrialisation policy, which changed the economic fortunes of countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

Emefiele explained that efforts at supporting small scale farmers and SMEs was based on awareness of the critical role they play in supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth, as well as in creating job opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

It has become clear that the country’s overdependence on crude oil for foreign exchange revenue also means that shocks in the oil market are transmitted entirely to the economy via the foreign exchange markets.

This has, however, emboldened Emefiele to continue to influence and champion the drive to support infant industries and domestic production of goods and services.

Similarly, as part of its long-term strategy for strengthening the Nigerian economy, the CBN has established initiatives that would resolve the underlying challenges to long-term Gross Domestic Product growth, economic productivity, unemployment and poverty that had pervaded the economy over the past decades.

Part of it was the establishment of credit bureau and the National Collateral Registry that were meant to improve access to credit in the domestic economy.

Also, as part of efforts to stimulate infrastructural development across the country, the Emefiele-led CBN, working with the fiscal authorities also established a N15 trillion infrastructure development company (INFRACO).

The CBN is also at the forefront of the drive for financial inclusion in the country, which has been made urgent by fact that close to 40 per cent of adult Nigerians do not have access to financial services.

Some of these measures initiated to drive financial inclusion included the promotion of alternative banking channels, agent banking and the Shared Agent Network Facility (SANEF), all of which are intended to deepen penetration of agent networks in underserved locations across the country.

Moreover, the Payment Service Banks, the Open Banking Initiative, the restriction on cash withdrawal in line with the cashless policy, the support for the creation of digital banks and financial technology companies were all steps to support financial inclusion in the country.

The Dangote Refinery would soon become functional and is expected to help in addressing a lot of the country’s foreign exchange challenges. This was made possible by the dedicated support given to the project by the Emefiele-led CBN. Today, Emefiele has planted the consciousness among Nigerians on the need to look inwards, produce and consume locally made goods in order to create jobs locally.

Therefore, Emefiele should be commended for leading efforts to diversify the productive base of the economy and should be encouraged to sustain the efforts.

FRIDAY APRIL 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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20 T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2023 TR

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& RE A S O

Friday April 7, 2023 Vol 27. No 10221

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

BEYOND THE OPPOSITION’S CLAMOUR MOSES OGBONA asks opposition politicians to be good losers

See page 21

WHEN WOMEN WIN: NIGERIA’S UNPLUGGED FORCE The Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai holds lessons for Nigeria, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21 EDITORIAL

ADDRESSING CHILDBIRTH COMPLICATIONS

22

1

Midweek spat between Labour Party’s Peter Obi and the federal government over alleged treason was unnecessary, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

AT DAGGERS DRAWN Hopes for the de-escalation of tension that arose from the declaration of All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 25 February presidential election dimmed on Wednesday as the federal government and Peter Obi of the Labour Party were at daggers drawn over the former’s allegation that the latter’s activities since the declaration of the poll’s results were becoming treasonable.

“Obi and his vice [deputy], Datti Ahmed, cannot be threatening Nigerians that if the president-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is sworn in on May 29, it will be the end of democracy in Nigeria,” Lai Mohammed, minister of Information, told foreign MRXUQDOLVWV ÀUPO\ LQ :DVKLQJWRQ RQ Wednesday, explaining, “This is treason.

You cannot be inviting insurrection, and this is what they are doing.”

According to the minister, who said he was in the faraway capital of the United States to give the Nigerian government’s narrative of the foreign community and its media’s skewed understanding of the electoral outcome, the Labour Party’s candidate’s statement was that of a desperate person, claiming that Obi was not the democrat that he claimed to be. “A democrat should not believe in democracy only when he wins the election,” Mohammed said.

Obviously taken aback, Obi responded robustly on the same day, saying he was not perturbed by the minister’s reckless use of the word ‘treason’ because, as far as he (Obi) was concerned, he had taken the legal route towards the recovery of his mandate and has remained committed to that. “Any person ‘seeing’ treason in a clear legal process should explain to Nigerians how opting for the tribunal by myself and my deputy amounts to treason,” he said in a statement.

Coming at a time many Nigerians were looking out for feelers on to the president-elect’s likely team as an indication of his policy thrust, and lessening of tension in the polity, the escalation of hostility was discomforting.

No doubt, the federal government is the instigator of this renewed aggression by misrepresenting the situation on the ground.

Though there is nothing wrong with the government trying to set the records straight, however, it would be inappropriate not only to mix up the facts but also to deploy extreme language in providing its own narratives. To be fair, despite Obi’s vociferous denunciation of the results, he has done what the Constitution and the law require of him.

He has engaged a team of expensive

OHDUQHG VLONV WR ÀOH KLV FRPSODLQWV ZLWK the election petitions tribunal. The tribunal is due to start listening to his case shortly.

While it is true that Obi’s strident critique of the poll and his supporters’ noisy protests and street demonstrations wear the toga of an attempt to intimidate the polity and the judicial process, stretching that to amount to treason is an overkill, indicative of a surreptitious move to clamp down on the legitimate outpouring of anger.

Yes, it would have been ideal for Obi to rein in his supporters and go back KRPH DIWHU ÀOLQJ KLV GLVSXWH EHIRUH WKH election petitions tribunal. But those who know how these things work in the nation’s political environment are aware that hangers-on tend to be more concerned about electoral defeats than the candidate itself due to disappointments over perceived missed opportunities. In the circumstances, therefore, demobilising such a charged army of adherents becomes extremely challenging.

So, it ought to be understood that when such a disappointed and disoriented bunch of disgruntled elements gather at the front of the Defence Headquarters and call for an interim administration, treason is not yet deducible unless hard evidence is procured to show that they are not only working in concert with some military elements but also that they have actually procured the means of enforcing their demand.

It is against this background that those who accused Mohammed of being ÁLSSDQW DW KLV :DVKLQJWRQ RXWLQJ PLJKW be on point. His otherwise brilliant presentation on the unmeritorious claim of Obi that he won the poll would

have struck a more positive cord had he restrained his urge to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it. Or, is it not common sense, as he argued, that a person who came a distant third in a contest cannot sustain creditably a claim of triumph when it is obvious that the loser has no clear path to victory?

Yet, if the information minister had EHHQ PRUH VSHFLÀF KLV PHVVDJH ZRXOG have been clearer. For it was Obi’s deputy, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, that actually walked on the precipice of treason. He, it was, that appeared on a national television network last week Wednesday to speak emotively, asking, threateningly, that President Muhammadu Buhari should not inaugurate Tinubu even as he called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria not to swear in the president-elect.

Datti-Ahmed’s outburst has attracted the ire of the Nigerian Broadcasting &RPPLVVLRQ ZKLFK ÀQHG WKH QHWZRUN on which platform he appeared a ZKRSSLQJ ÀYH PLOOLRQ 1DLUD 7KDW punitive action by the regulatory authority has brought it into a frontal collision with the media, which charged it with excessive application of sanction.

The LP vice-presidential candidate was also upbraided by Nobel Laurette Wole Soyinka. “I denounced the menacing utterances of a VicePresidential aspirant as unbecoming.

It was a gladiatorial challenge directed at the judiciary and, by implication, the rest of the democratic polity,” he said in a terse statement on Tuesday.

Not done, Soyinka expatiated his position on ARISE NEWS Channel on Wednesday, “I have never heard anyone threaten the judiciary on television the way Datti did. I heard the kind of menacing, blackmailing language as that to which we were treated by Datti. That kind of do-or-die attitude and provocation is not what I think we have all been struggling for.” For him the totality of Datti’s comment in the interview was unbecoming.

With all the tongue-lashing at home, not even the Baba-Ahmed misconduct would have merited a charge of treason at the Washington round, which Obi thinks is a waste of taxpayers’ money.

The important thing to note here though LV WKH QHHG IRU JRYHUQPHQW R΀FLDOV QRW to worsen the already bad situation with their habitual overbearing tendency to NLOO D Á\ ZLWK D VOHGJHKDPPHU Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2023

MOSES OGBONA asks opposition politicians to be good losers

BEYOND THE OPPOSITION’S CLAMOUR Sometimes we pander ceaselessly to count, seven Governors were defeated herd mentality without sparing thoughts by politicians regarded as dark horses to for the bare facts. We should resist being the delight of many who loath the upper led by the nose of the opposition and chamber’s reputation as a dumping their hirelings who appear to have dug in ground for former Governors. Apart from to make mincemeat of the results of the Governors who are licking their wounds presidential election and even imperil our and having failed to install their anointed hard-won democratic experiment because successors, the Zamfara State Governor, it does not turn out in their favour. It’s like Bello Watawalle who lost his seat to the WKH\ IRUJHW WKDW FU\LQJ ÀUH LQ D PDUNHWSODFH opposition PDP is still gnashing his teeth.

There were also upsets of Okada riders blows no one any good.

Looking at the outcome of the 2023 in Kaduna and Delta States winning presidential election which returned the All the House of Representatives seats and Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate, unknown candidates putting a stop to the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner, long checkered ride of some legislators.

The other interesting scenarios of heavyweight politicians of the ruling APC losing their states to the opposition make WKH HOHFWLRQ D UHÁHFWLRQ RI WKH SHRSOH·V wishes. President Muhammadu Buhari lost his state Katsina to PDP in the presidential election. The President-Elect, Tinubu, also lost Lagos State. So also is the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Simon Lalong, who also could not deliver Nasarawa and Plateau States.

Although the total number of voters came to 25 per cent as opposed to the 35 per cent of registered voters who took part it is anomalous not to accept that he got the LQ WKH HOHFWLRQ LW RQO\ UHÁHFWV VRPH nod of a wider section of Nigerian people. slide in voter apathy which has nothing to +LV YRWHV UHÁHFW KLV JUHDWHU VXSSRUW EDVH do with the outcome of the results of the DFFHSWDELOLW\ DQG YDOLGDWLRQ E\ WKH GLͿHUHQW presidential election. With the number of geopolitical zones except for the southeast registered voters rising to 93 million and the which opted to lock itself against poaching youth constituting more than 70 per cent, it by other contestants besides their son, Peter was the general belief that the 2023 general Obi who contested on the platform of the election will witness unprecedented Labour Party (LP). Even there, the APC turnouts of voters. But this didn’t happen, garnered seven of the total 15 senatorial raising suspicion that the voters’ register seats and a considerable number of seats in may have been padded with fake names. the House of Representatives to up its ante. Although INEC needs to resolve the many In the history of the country’s general cases of registered voters who are yet to election, there has been none as competitive receive their PVCs, the commission also where the three leading candidates were does have a big task to ensure that it further almost edge to edge, winning 12 states cleans up the register not only of these fake apiece. Tinubu, also a former Lagos State names but also of minors who were seen Governor, defeated 17 other candidates voting in some parts of the country.

The opposition needs to be wary of who took part in the election, scoring a total of 8,794,726 votes, the highest of its antics to de-market the presidential DOO WKH FDQGLGDWHV WKXV PHHWLQJ WKH ÀUVW election results and bring our democracy constitutional requirement to be declared into disrepute, particularly before Western the winner. He also scored over 25 per cent countries, who have been severally of the votes cast in 30 states, more than the indicted on schemes to truncate democratic experiments in Africa and assassinate 25 states constitutionally required.

INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood political leaders who do not do their Yakubu, who declared the results said Atiku biddings. What really does the US or Britain Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party have to teach having been indicted in these (PDP) came second in the election with a schemes? From Sylvanus Olympio, Kwame total of 6,984,520 votes. Peter Obi of the Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, and Abdel Labour Party (LP) came third in the election 1DVHHU WR 0XDPDU *KDGGDÀ WKH :HVW with a total of 6,101,533 votes while Rabiu has always cut down forthright leaders in Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian People’s Africa. They should therefore be mindful Party (NNPP) came fourth with 1,496,687 not to be willing pawns in the political votes. The votes of the other political parties chess game to undermine democracy in put together is 666,298. Only the top four the world’s most populous Black Country. candidates won the presidential election Rather than join the unwholesome clamour in at least one state. Tinubu, Atiku and Obi for the rather unconstitutional interim won in 12 states while Kwankwaso won government, they should embrace the only in Kano.

ROLYH EUDQFK RͿHUHG E\ 7LQXEX ZKR KDV Although there were some skirmishes not only promised to form a government E\ VRPH PLVFUHDQWV ZKLFK DͿHFWHG WKH of national unity but also massively drive turnout of voters in some polling units, GHYHORSPHQW DFURVV WKH GLͿHUHQW VHFWRUV LQ LW ZDV QRW VX΀FLHQW WR VXEVWDQWLDOO\ order to tremendously impact the lives of undermine the electoral process. The gale the people. of losses by several sitting Governors who angled for senate seats also points to Ogbona the validity of the election. As at the last is a Development Consultant based in Lagos.

The Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai holds lessons for Nigeria, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

WHEN WOMEN WIN: NIGERIA’S UNPLUGGED FORCE The United Arab Emirates’ Dubai provided we have asked that they can speak but the backdrop for a gathering of a select group be quiet, that even when they stand, they of inimitable women of Black descent. The better not stand too tall. That even when excellence in display was a perfect match, some they appear, they better not be seen. That of the best minds out of Africa and its diaspora they are free to be great, but within the with Dubai serving as a poignant canvas of walls of home. That they can be driven but what could be. If development followed the not enough to drive men away. We have David and Goliath model, where if you picked largely domesticated our force of nature the best individual in each country to go one- and instead unleashed our barest minimum on-one against one another, Africa would be to the rest of the world. By maintaining a the cap of the pyramid. Because women to system that moderates our women’s ability women and men to men, we can challenge to attain their full human expression, we the rest of the world and come out tops. Sadly are in essence undermining our collective WKRXJK IRU $IULFD DQG VSHFLÀFDOO\ 1LJHULD quest for development. development largely depends on many We have a systemic problem designed to moving parts aligning to achieve a common reserve tokens for women and young people purpose. While the rest of the world recognizes – woman leader here, youth leader there. the enormous value of female participation in We have heard successive governments society, Nigeria has yet to fully leverage its own make the right statements on ensuring human potential. respectful representation for both genders There is no better representation of this and young people. Clearly, statements do failing than our tendency to treat women as an not change systemic problems, if they did, afterthought in our pursuit of development. we wouldn’t be dealing with the dearth of representation of both groups across WKH GLͿHUHQW OHYHOV RI RXU JRYHUQPHQW Platforms like Elect-HER are advancing a new design to ensure better representation for women via election and appointments.

The work that Ibijoke Faborode and her colleagues are doing will require the right laws to bring these ideals to fruition. This is not an agenda in the interest of women, it is an agenda in the interest of our race. :H·G QHHG D JHQGHU EDVHG D΀UPDWLYH action. Not the type that’d say, ‘at least 35 per cent women’, but one that’d ensure both genders are represented by at least a certain percentage, say 35 to 40 percent.

Whilst compromises may be permitted on this quest, none of it should treat the process as a favour for women. I remember If one needed yet another argument on why refusing to join one of those advocacy that is such a great failure on our part, the just projects because whilst it intended to concluded meeting of some of the world’s push for more women in parliament, it PRVW LQÁXHQWLDO DQG VXFFHVVIXO ZRPHQ DW 7KH was going to do that by asking for more International Woman Leadership Conference - seats. I believe women can and should #TIWLC2023 - in the UAE city of Dubai closed be represented within the current design the debate. Extraordinary women of Black and numbers. We do not need to expand descent shone like stars bestriding the Arabian government to make it inclusive of women desert and Nigerian women helped to provide and young people. We just need to design a the initial spark. The icons in attendance from system that automatically ensures the best across the Black race – from Africa to the people across both genders and age groups United States, South America, Canada and the are well represented. Until then, we’d stay &DULEEHDQ ,VODQGV ² UHÁHFWHG WKH FRQYHQLQJ stuck with these tokens and the extremely power of the Dubai government. At least, slow progress it delivers. If we crave that is what you would understandably think discontinuous change, we must break the until you learn the whole experience was norm. conceptualized, nurtured and developed in For an event full of highlights, a telling Nigeria by Mrs. Ibukun Awosika. one at the TIWLC 2023 was the health In essence, what you would have FRPSRQHQW ZKHUH 'U =DLQDE 6KLQNDÀ understandably ascribed to the soft power of Bagudu mentioned that the HPV vaccine, the Dubai government and its ability to attract that for many years eluded women in the best brains was entirely made in Nigeria Nigeria because of its limited availability, by a Nigerian woman, except that Dubai was now going to be added to Nigeria’s provided the platform for it to thrive. It did routine immunization schedule from because even with its Nigeria ban in place, the September 2023. This is on the back of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce worked with work she and others have put in over the the organisers to ensure visas for about 300 years. At times, it takes wearing the shoes Nigerian delegates who comprised about half to know where and how they hurt. This of the total delegates. It takes a government is a reminder that policy and agenda for that knows that a crying person can still see, to development are more likely to miss the adopt some pragmatism when it comes to its mark if boards and committees continue interest. to be dominated by men. We’ve got a great Women of Black descent are the beau idéal group to select from, this Dubai meeting of Black Excellence – the evidence speaks for was yet another proof of it. I hope the next itself. If our collective continues to stay short of administration breaks from the norm on WKH H΀FLHQF\ DQG H[FHOOHQFH UHTXLUHG WR EXLOG this front. societies that work, we should seek the lost opportunity embedded in the greatness of our Omojuwa own women. is chief strategist, Alpha Reach and author, Through the ages and years of indoctrination, Digital Wealth Book

22 4

T H I S D AY

THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

ADDRESSING CHILDBIRTH COMPLICATIONS Primary healthcare in Nigeria should be strengthened

R

eports that no fewer than 82,000 Nigerian women are lost yearly to pregnancy-related complications should concern health authorities in the country. Accordingto the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) Chief of Health in Nigeria, Eduardo Celades, the new death rate arising from pregnancy-related FRPSOLFDWLRQV LV WZLFH WKH ÀJXUH UHOHDVHG E\ WKH Federal Ministry of Health, just in March 2022. “In the last few months and weeks, we got new data. The UHSRUW LV WHOOLQJ XV WKDW VWLOO WKH QXPEHU RI ZRPHQ dying from pregnancy-related causes is very high,” said Celades. $YDLODEOH UHSRUWV LQGLFDWH FOHDUO\ WKDW WKHUH LV D OLQN EHWZHHQ poverty and this health challenge, especially considering that they happen mostly in lowincome countries and in the rural areas. Huge QXPEHU RI VWLOOELUWKV LV DWWULEXWDEOH WR ÀYH main causes including FKLOGELUWK FRPSOLFDWLRQV maternal infections in pregnancy, maternal GLVRUGHUV HVSHFLDOO\ SUH HFODPSVLD DQG GLDEHWHV IHWDO JURZWK UHVWULFWLRQ DQG FRQJHQLWDO DEQRUPDOLWLHV Unfortunately, many of the rural communities lack cottage hospitals and medical facilities that will address these challenges. Where they exist, there is VKRUWDJH RI PDQSRZHU REVROHWH PHGLFDO HTXLSPHQW and skeletal services that worsen the situation. For instance, many a time, pregnant women have had to die in the process of commuting from their homes to a medical facility. :KLOH DERXW PLOOLRQ WKLUG WULPHVWHU VWLOOELUWKV occur every year worldwide, it says a lot that DQ HVWLPDWHG PLOOLRQ VWLOOELUWKV RFFXU LQ countries including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, China, %DQJODGHVK 'HPRFUDWLF 5HSXEOLF RI WKH &RQJR Ethiopia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and United 5HSXEOLF RI 7DQ]DQLD :KDW VKRXOG HYHQ EH RI JUHDWHU concern to the health authorities in our country is WKDW WZR WKLUGV RI WKRVH VWLOOELUWKV KDSSHQ LQ UXUDO

DUHDV ZKHUH VNLOOHG ELUWK DWWHQGDQWV LQ SDUWLFXODU PLGZLYHV DQG SK\VLFLDQV DUH QRW DOZD\V DYDLODEOH IRU HVVHQWLDO FDUH GXULQJ FKLOGELUWK DQG IRU REVWHWULF emergencies, including caesarean sections.

It is very much evident that the Universal Health &RYHUDJH 8+& KDV IDLOHG DE\VPDOO\ WR WDFNOH WKH FKDOOHQJH RI VWLOO ELUWKV DQG RWKHU KLFFXSV DVVRFLDWHG with pregnant women and infants. In a recent case, D ZRPDQ JDYH ELUWK WR D EDE\ LQVLGH D WULF\FOH popularly known as ‘Keke NAPEP’. Were it not for WKH LQWHUYHQWLRQ RI VRPH SDVVHUV E\ WKH SUHJQDQF\ ZRXOG SUREDEO\ KDYH HQGHG LQ VWLOO ELUWK +RZHYHU ZH PXVW SXW WKH EODPH RQ VWDWH JRYHUQPHQWV DQG WKH ODFN RI DWWHQWLRQ E\ PDQ\ of them to primary health care system. It is even worse that most of them have rendered prostrate the local government administration in their states, leaving healthcare delivery at that level comatose. The solution WKHUHIRUH JRHV EH\RQG mere formulation of SROLFLHV E\ WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW LQ $EXMD 7KHUH VKRXOG EH D IUDPHZRUN ZKHUH VWDWHV DQG ORFDO JRYHUQPHQWV DUH KHOG DFFRXQWDEOH IRU PDWHUQDO FKLOG health care services in their domains.

Research, according to Innocent Ujah, a former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, has revealed that the fundamental reason for the high child death rate in the country ZDV WKH QRQ XWLOLVDWLRQ RI DQWHQDWDO VHUYLFHV E\ PDQ\ of the pregnant women. “We also know that what NLOOV WKH PRWKHU DOVR NLOOV WKH EDE\ KHQFH WKH KLJK UDWH RI VWLOOELUWKV LQ 1LJHULD µ VDLG 8MDK 7KLV LV ZK\ the National Primary Health Care Development $JHQF\ 13+&'$ VKRXOG EH VWUHQJWKHQHG LQ VXFK D PDQQHU WKDW HQDEOHV LW WR FROODERUDWH HͿHFWLYHO\ ZLWK WKH VWDWHV 7KHUH LV DOVR D QHHG WR JR EH\RQG UKHWRULF DQG SURPLVHV WR DFWLRQDEOH SODQV WR DGGUHVV all the existing gaps in the primary health sector.

We must end the agony and tears of mothers who FDUU\ SUHJQDQF\ IRU QLQH PRQWKV RQO\ IRU WKHLU EDELHV WR EH GHDG RQ GHOLYHU\

Two-thirds of stillbirths happen in rural areas where skilled birth attendants, in particular midwives and physicians, are not always available for essential care during childbirth T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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

LETTERS AVOIDING THE RWANDAN ROULETTE 2Q $SULO WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV ZLOO REVHUYH WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 'D\ RI 5HÁHFWLRQ RQ WKH *HQRFLGH DJDLQVW WKH 7XWVL LQ Rwanda.

The lessons from the genocide remain that ethnicity and hate VKRXOG QHYHU EH DOORZHG WR GLFWDWH QDWLRQDO GLVFRXUVH $V WHQVLRQ ERLOHG RYHU DIWHU WKH GHFODUDWLRQ RI %ROD $KPHG 7LQXEX DV 1LJHULD·V SUHVLGHQW HOHFW DQG WKH VXEVHTXHQW EDWWOH for the Lagos State governorship, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign CounFLO $3& 3&& VDLG KH ZDV D <RUXED PDQ EHIRUH D 1LJHULDQ LQ one of his tweets.

If it was something said in the heat of passion, people say PXFK ZRUVH ZKHQ WKH\ DUH DQJU\ KH ZDV QRW DORQH LQ PDNing such ethnically charged comments in recent times. But such VHHPLQJO\ LQQRFXRXV DQG REYLRXV VWDWHPHQWV FDQ NLQGOH WKH WLQGHUER[ WKDW LV 1LJHULD·V RYHUUDWHG GLYHUVLW\ Even leaving the likes of Onanuga aside, a country of at least GLͿHUHQW HWKQLF JURXSV ZDV DOZD\V JRLQJ WR VWUXJJOH ([SHrience has shown that in multiethnic resource-rich states like NiJHULD ZKHQ NH\ SOD\HUV LQ WKH SROLWLFV RI SDWURQDJH JHW EDFNHG LQWR D FRUQHU WKH\ ZHDSRQL]H HWKQLFLW\ RIWHQ WXUQLQJ WKHLU

EURWKHUV LQWR WKH EXWFKHUV RI RWKHU SHRSOH 7KH OHVVRQV KDYH D painful provenance. :LWKLQ GD\V LQ SHRSOH ZHUH NLOOHG LQ 5ZDQda when ethnic irredentists of the majority Hutu ethnic group proceeded on a slaughter fest against the minority Tutsis. The world watched for over three months as people who had lived as one in one of Africa’s most aesthetically pleasing countries EHFDPH NLOOHU VWUDQJHUV RYHUQLJKW 7KH 81 UHPHPEHUV RQH RI WKH EORRGLHVW VSRWV RQ KXPDQLW\·V page in modern history as a way to ensure that it does not hapSHQ DJDLQ ,W LV LPSRUWDQW IRU FRXQWULHV WR DOZD\V UHPHPEHU WKH cost of ethnic aggravation. African countries especially have to watch it. As does Nigeria. Those who make decisions for Nigeria need to consciously favour inclusion and avoid the exclusion WKDW EUHHGV ELWWHUQHVV DQG YLROHQFH 7KH HOHFWLRQV RI )HEUXDU\ DQG 0DUFK VKRZHG D FRXQWU\ KRUULEO\ GLYLGHG DORQJ GDQJHURXV HWKQLF OLQHV 9RWHUV LQ NH\ SDUWV RI WKH FRXQWU\ DQG VWDWHV ZHUH RQO\ DEOH WR VHH DV IDU DV WKH candidates that represented their ethnic groups, and no more.

Competence, character, and compassion were cast aside as ethQLF UKHWRULFLDQV DQG WKHLU WKHRULHV EHFDPH GRPLQDQW ,Q WKH

QHDU IXWXUH ZKHQ QRW LI EDG JRYHUQDQFH VHWV LQ WKRVH ZKRVH FKRLFHV ZHUH FUDIWHG RQO\ E\ WKHLU QDUURZ FRQVLGHUDWLRQ DUH SUHdicted to complain the loudest.

As learnt from the Rwandan Genocide, ethnicism presents a clear and present danger to Nigeria with its multiple ethnic groups and religions, which often support ethnic militias in their campaigns of hate and violence. Even the terrorists terrorL]LQJ WKH 1RUWK KDYH EHHQ VKRZQ WR VXEVFULEH WR WKH +DXVD YHUsus Fulani division. In the Southeast, the Indigenous People of %LDIUD ,32% PRYHPHQW GHVFULEHV LWV PLVVLRQ LQ XQDEDVKHGO\ ethnic terms. Some unscrupulous Nigerian politicians have also made a political career out of stoking ethnic tension in Nigeria.

When they go on the campaign trail they are content to remind people of their ethnicities, whip up hate and manipulate voters.

It takes very little time for ethnic tension to turn deadly as played out in Rwanda. In 100 days that seemed like an eternity, DOPRVW DOO WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH 7XWVL HWKQLF JURXS ZHUH HOLPLQDWHG E\ PLOLWLD IURP WKH +XWX HWKQLF JURXS Ike Willie-Nwobu, Coordinator/President International Federation on Ageing-Nigeria (IFAN)

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

A P R I L

S & P INDEX

6 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.55%

INDEX LEVEL

612.93%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.22%

N461.46/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

10.80%

1-DAY

0.30%

YEAR TO DATE

0.22%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

11.65%

MONTH-TO-DATE

1.44%

How Foreign Airlines Partly Repatriated $802m Trapped Funds from Nigeria

Chinedu Eze Despite claims in some quarters that foreign airlines may soon shutdown operation in Nigeria as a result of ‘trapped funds,’ it has emerged that that many of the airlines have since repatriated their funds from Nigeria.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), had recently said Nigerian government could hamper air connectivity over the nonrepatriation of funds by foreign airlines, which would affect the nation’s economic growth and overall development.

However, it was learnt that many of the airlines have since

collected their funds.

THISDAY investigation also revealed that many of the airlines have circumvented the process that stipulated they sell their tickets in Naira and opened their foreign currency window for Nigerian travellers to buy tickets.

Besides, the airlines are making a kill with Nigerian passengers, selling tickets at price, which is twice the cost of tickets in Ghana for the same destinations.

According to industry experts.

Nigerians pay the highest fares for international travel in the African continent.

The Group Managing Director and CEO, Finchglow

Holdings Limited and President, Association of African Aviation Training Organisation of Nigeria (AATON), Bankole Bernard, told THISDAY that foreign airlines cannot stop operating to Nigeria because they are making unprecedented profits from the Nigerian route more than they have ever made in the past.

“In all ramifications foreign airlines are making so much money from Nigeria now. Their flights are full and they are selling tickets from outside Nigeria. They have upped the exchange rate to N521 per dollar. No foreign airline will leave Nigeria,” he said.

Bernard explained that why Emirates is still not coming to

Nigeria was because besides the fact that the airline’s revenue is still trapped in Nigeria, there is diplomatic row between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria, which has not really been fully resolved.

He disclosed that in spite of that Nigerians are still getting UAE visa and hosting events in Dubai noting that UAE was hamstrung in a way because the authorities did not want to give visa to certain categories of Nigerians but the rich who would come and spend money in the country, “and it is difficult for them to delineate that in their visa conditions.”

“UAE had diplomatic row with Nigeria, which has not

really been settled. But they are still giving Nigerians visa. A lot of Nigerians are still making their way to UAE. The other day a Chairman of a major bank in Nigeria organised a meeting in Dubai. Many of the airlines are getting their money from the so-called trapped fund. Some airlines bided at higher rate and were paid. So, the trapped fund has drastically reduced.

In Ghana you pay $3000 for a destination but in Nigeria you pay $6000 for the same destination. Why we are not complaining is because business is governed by demand and supply. More Nigerians travel than Ghanaians so tickets are in higher demand in Nigeria,”

Bernard who was former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), said.

Industry expert and the General Secretary, Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), suggested that foreign airlines should be allowed to pay for their services in local currency to aviation agencies, handling companies and fuel marketers.

“They should be allowed by responsible authorities to pay service fees in naira to the services providers and not again in dollars. However, in this situation, the dollar Continued on page 26

PENCOM Scores Edo High on Implementation of Contributory Pension Scheme The National Pension Commission (PENCOM) has ranked Edo State among the top 9 States in Nigeria that remitted employees’ and employers’ pensions in 2022.

PENCOM disclosed this in a report where it assessed the status of implementation of the

Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in states across Nigeria as at December 21, 2022.

The top performing States, according to PENCOM, are Edo, Anambra, Benue, Delta, Ekiti and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Others are; Kaduna, Lagos,

Ondo and Osun States.

On Edo, PENCOM said the state government enacted the Edo State Contributory Pension Scheme Law in 2010 and that implementation of the CPS commenced in February 2017 with the amendment law passed in 2017

According to PENCOM, “The State Government established the Edo State Pension Bureau to oversee the implementation of the CPS in Edo State. It has registered the State’s employees with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). However, three self-funded agencies and

18 LGCs are yet to commence registration of their employees.

“The State government is remitting 10 per cent employer and 8 per cent employee pension contributions and has conducted an actuarial valuation to determine the employee’s accrued pension rights. It has

a valid Group Life Insurance Policy.”

The commission added that the State has opened a Retirement Benefits Bond Redemptions Fund Account with a PFA and is funding the Accrued Pension Rights of the State public service employees.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 ^13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

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

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

Yield

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

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

3.01

NTB 11May-23

3.23

3.01 2.21 3.20

3.27

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

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

Yield

January 6, 0.00 2023

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

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

Discount Yield

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.

.

. .

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

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FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

NCS, FOUC Intercepted Pangolin Scales, Hard Drugs, Others Worth N2bn The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ’C’ has announced that it intercepted 5 sacks of pangolin scales, hard drugs and other contraband worth N2.75 billion.

FOUC said it also recovered the sum of N61.467 million from demand notices raised based on some infractions discovered, making a cumulative sum of N2.81 billion within the months under review.

The Zone added that it also arrested13 suspects in connection with the seizures within the period under review.

The Acting Comptroller, FOUC, DC Kayode Kolade, said this while addressing newsmen during his maiden press conference in Owerri, on Wednesday.

Kolade who assumed office on the 25th January said that the seizures were among his significant achievements.

He listed other seized contraband to include; 398 sacks of cannabis sativa popularly known as Indian hemp weighing 8,756kg and 2,308 compressed parcels of same Indian hemp 1kg each totaling 2,308kg.

Others were: 26 cartons of CMC Cough Syrup with codeine 100mg containing 2,600 bottles; 3 units of exotic vehicles all bulletproof; 931 jumbo bales of second hand clothing; 484 bags of smuggled rice; 31 cartons of various medicaments including 4

rolls of ZH tramadol containing 40 packs; 32 jerry cans of PMS (25litres each) and 540 pieces of used pneumatic tyres.

He said that the successes so far recorded were in line with his management mandate which includes: blockage of all revenue leakages, trade facilitation and intensification of anti-smuggling operations at various entry points: Seaports, land borders, and Airport within the Unit’s areas of jurisdiction in the south/ south-South/East zone.

“After reviewing and rejigging our operational modalities based on the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the unit lived up to its responsibility by intercepting various contrabands with a duty paid value (DPV) of N2.757 billion between January 25 to March 25th 2023 making it my two month score card. Similarly, based on our intervention we recovered the sum of N61.467 million from demand notices raised based on some infractions discovered, making a cumulative sum of N2.819 billion within the months under review.

“The DPV was derived from our detained and seized goods which include: five sacks of pangolin scales weighing 413.1kilograme, 398 sacks of cannabis sativa popularly known as Indian hemp weighing 8,756kg and 2,308 compressed parcels of same Indian hemp 1kg each

totaling 2,308kg, 26 cartons of CMC Cough Syrup with codeine 100mg containing 2,600 bottles, 3 units of exotic vehicles all bulletproof, 931 jumbo bales of second hand clothing, 484 bags of smuggled rice, 31 cartons of various medicaments including 4 rolls of ZH tramadol containing 40 packs, 540 pieces of used pneumatic tyres and 32 jerry cans of PMS (25litres each) “Remarkably, the five sacks of pangolin scales weighing 413.1kilograme and the 11,064kg of the Indian hemp are the highest if not arguably the first seizure of such endangered species and hard drugs in the history of Federal Operations Unit Zone C. Effort towards combatting the illicit trade on endangered species is to ensure that such animals don’t go into extinction. Hence, Nigeria, a signatory to CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) categorizes the scales under absolute prohibition making its importation or trade illegal globally, “he said.

He however attributed the sterling feat to the leadership style of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts in recognizing commitment, dedication, and hard work.

BASL Warns against Criminal Acts at MMA2 Terminal Chinedu Eze Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Ikeja Lagos, has issued a stern warning against fraudulent and deceptive intentions, theft and other unlawful activities anywhere around the airport terminal, stating that anyone caught in the act would certainly be made to face the consequences of their actions.

In a statement on Thursday, its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Oluwatosin Onalaja, said that sophisticated surveillance systems and other security measures are put on 24 hours guard to detect and deter any acts of criminalities at the MMA2 Terminal.

According to him, this warning had become necessary because of security and safety exigency, with reference to the event within the MMA2 terminal, which otherwise would have created panic, had

it not been nibbed in the bud.

Onalaja said part of the recent success story of BASL’s security surveillance system and its impenetrable Aviation Security (AvSec) team, is about the detection and arrest of a fraudulent passenger that claimed to have lost his luggage and made aggressive demands for compensation until he was exposed.

After arriving on an Ibom Air flight from Abuja, he raised an alarm that his checked-in luggage was missing deceitfully not declaring that he had fraudulently removed the baggage tag to try to beat the system.Due to his persistence, the airline requested a review of the CCTV footage of that day from BASL to ascertain what really happened.

From the CCTV footage, it was discovered that his alleged missing bag was actually his checked-in bag.

The footage showed him picking up the bag from the conveyor belt with a bag tag on it and taking it to the

restroom where he removed the checked in tag from the bag. He then went straight to the Ibom Air counter where he raised the false alarm. When it was established that there was no missing bag, the case was reported to MMA2’s Aviation Security and Police.

He maintained his innocence until he was confronted with the CCTV footage, at which point he broke down and confessed to the crime. He was charged to court where he pleaded guilty, showed remorse for his actions and promised not to repeat them again. He was convicted with an option of a fine.

BASL Head of Aviation Security, Monica Oguta, also stated that the safety and security of air travellers and other stakeholders is the priority of BASL, and therefore they have committed vast resources towards the maintenance of modern security surveillance systems, assuring all travellers of a safe and peaceful experience at the terminal.

NCAA Appoints Zilcotech to Monitor Illegal High Structures The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appointed Zilcotech International limited as a consultant for the monitoring of illegal erection of high structures nationwide.

This is in line with section 35(h) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022; and parts of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2015.

NCAA letter to the industry read in part: “We are confident that this collaboration will be beneficial to all stakeholders and the public at large as it concerns the enhancement of safety within the navigable airspace of Nigeria.”

It is expected that concerned stakeholders would cooperate with the consultant in the interest of safer skies and

all payments accruing to the Authority on account of the attendant services are to be made directly to NCAA and not to the Consultant, the authority stated.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority said it would continue to ensure strict compliance to Safety Regulations adding that violations would be viewed seriously.

A I R WATCH FG Intensifies Efforts to Boost Exports of Agri-produce

Chinned Eze Last year, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) set up a committee to boost exports through air freighting with emphasis on increasing the export of agri-produce, which is in high demand in many parts of the world.

The objective is to make Nigeria number one exporter of perishables and other exports in Africa.

The Aviacargo Roadmap Committee was the offshoot of the Chinet Aviacargo conference held.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu was inspired by the deliberations at the conference and he decided to set up the committee and made the organiser of the conference, Ambassador Ikechi Uko the coordinator of the committee.

On Monday this week, the committee went on facility tour of the cargo terminal of the Mortala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the aim of the tour was to ascertain from major cargo handing companies, the volume of exports and the challenge they face in export of products and farm produce.

They visited Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and the operating headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the cargo terminal.

The coordinator of the committee, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, during the tour explained that the Aviacargo Roamap Committee was set up by the Managing Director of FAAN and disclosed that despite Nigeria’s current population and huge imports, the country remains number five in terms of cargo exports by African countries; yet, Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa with the highest population on the continent. He insisted that Nigeria must strive to become number one in cargo export in the next three years.

Uko explained that the committee has done a lot of work inside by carrying out research and brainstorming on the issues germane to the objective of the committee but has now decided to come out to further the work of the committee.

“We want to grow Nigeria’s export in a way that our growth rate will surpass other countries, starting from the short term (one month), mid-term (six months) and long term (three years),” Uko said.

In his welcome speech, the Group Managing Director and CEO of NAHCO Plc, Indranil Gupta, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s increasing its volume of agriproduce within the shortest available time and spoke emphatically on the need for Nigeria to target Africa as huge potential market.

“In terms of potential and in terms of perspective from the importers the importers, Nigeria has a huge potential. But in terms of requirement, all of us are impacted by the current account deficit and the imbalance between import and export.

And the fact that exports are heavily dependent on petrol chemical. Nigeria needs to look within to see what we can export to the larger global consumer base but also within Africa. The very key one is within Africa. If we just look at our neighbourhood, the Francophone countries, almost all of them are 99 per cent dependent on imports and imports which are primarily done from Europe and America.

“And a lot of those imports which are about 40 per cent to 50 per cent are being created in Nigeria in excess. So, Nigerian economy, Nigerian manufacturers have a lot to contribute to the immediate neighbourhood and the larger continent as well. We have to enable and expose

the manufacturers, the growers, the farmers to this opportunity. And once they are aware of this opportunity, we need to extend the function of the state and industry to get together to create the right policies and right infrastructure, which will then enable this trade to happen,” he said.

Gupta stressed that Nigeria should take advantage of all the policies made to enhance trade in Africa, including that of ECOWAS, African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and others.

“So, in terms of those policies, they are available. What we now should look at in terms of Nigeria’s Federal Government, we should look at micro policies, what can enable or what can incentivize the industry to fill up those gaps.

This is a gap no doubt. The gap is 1 is to 9 in terms of import. Lets say manufactured products in Nigeria and exported outside, be it agro products, perishables, cashew, etc, have been severely exploited. But there are others which are not that well organized. For example, yam, Ugu leaves, Sheabutter. I know 65 per cent of oil consumption is done from Sheabutter, which originates from Nigeria. But how much of that is sent out through Nigeria’s export terminals?

And how much of that is moved through other means into neighbouring countries and exported from there, is something which will give us an idea as to where we need to work in terms of policy and infrastructure creation,” he added.

He said NAHCO was doing a lot of work with Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) under the guidance of FAAN, remarking that the Managing Director of FAAN was right in saying that the committee should draw up an action plan which has a list of items to be done in one month, a quarter, and six months, adding, ‘that is the way to go.

“What we need to put together now are some of the key things that have major impact on export. And two things I can think of are: the functioning of customs 24/7. I know it is a big thing to look at because it is a nationwide impact but it is a policy. So that is something which can help a lot, especially when we are trying to push perishables. And any amount of shelf life that can be saved by way of reducing time in processing, it will be a big help. The second is, uptake of technology. We have seen in the finance world, how technology has helped Nigeria bridge the problems that we have had in the past. I think technology can be a big up spin in this. As an industry, we need to look at how we can embrace technology and help ourselves. So, if I want to sum up what I want to say, I am very, very optimistic and very, very hopeful about the potential of Nigeria. The potential is there for everyone to see. Nigeria has the largest economy, the largest consumer base. The manufacturing and agric industries are progressing and they have the potential to fill up the gap in almost all of the African countries, be it Francophone or Anglophone. It is just about creating the enabling environment and it should be there. So, the aviacargo committee is a good initiative, it is a great initiative and I completely support it,” Gupta further said.

Also the Managing Director of SAHCO Plc, Basil Agboarumi, said there was money in air cargo but the system needs improvements and expressed confidence that the Committee would bring the desired change in the plan to boost exports from Nigeria, adding that Nigeria has huge potential to export more farm produce and manufactured products for the highly sought after foreign exchange.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

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BUSINESS FEATURE

Free Eye Surgeries: Nigerians Celebrate FCMB,Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Oluchi Chibuzo

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ver 20,000 visually impaired Nigerians have successfully undergone free corrective surgeries. Their power of sight was restored via the Priceless Gift of Sight initiative of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in partnership with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF). Altogether, more than 350,000 Nigerians in Cross River, Ogun, Kebbi, Imo, Abuja, Katsina, and Adamawa, among other states, have benefitted from free testing, optical services, surgeries, free glasses, and eye disease management through the initiative.

Showering encomiums on FCMB and TCF, Stephen Oyedokun, a beneficiary of the free eye surgery, said, “For many years, I have been using glasses. But suddenly, in April 2021, I felt my eyesight dwindling, and I could not see things well. The situation was becoming worse and affected everything I was doing. I then heard about the Priceless Gift of Sight programme.

After visiting the hospital for assessment, I went through the surgery successfully. Everything was free. Today, I have my eyes and life back. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate FCMB and Tulsi Chanrai Foundation for moving people from darkness to light.”

Another beneficiary, Helen Simon, expressed gratitude to FCMB for restoring her sight and the opportunity to move forward with her life.

The trader revealed that she suffered from a severe eye defect and was losing hope until a neighbour informed her about the Priceless Gift of Sight programme.

She said, “Initially, I doubted the programme.

It was unreal for organisations to carry out free eye surgery for people. So, I went elsewhere for treatment, but the problem worsened. It did not get better. I returned to my neighbour, who directed me to the Tulsi Chanrai Hospital, where they examined me and recommended surgery. I had successful eye surgery, and my joy is now limitless. I thought they would ask for a payment, but to my surprise, everything was free. We were given food, bed, and drugs for free. It was later I learnt that it was a Bank called FCMB that sponsored our surgery and everything. I don’t know how to thank FCMB, but I know God will reward the Bank more.”

Edun FCMB initiated the priceless Gift of Sight in 2009. The Bank aimed to lessen the prevalence of avoidable blindness and unnecessary visual impairment in Nigeria’s rural and peri-urban communities. First City Monument Bank’s implementing partner is the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, a foremost non-governmental organisation enhancing the availability and affordability of health care services in remote areas of Nigeria.

TCF’s three focus areas are restoring sight, ensuring access to primary health care, and providing safe drinking water.

Administrator of TCF Eye Hospital in Abuja, Arun Blasi, said, “We have worked with FCMB for fourteen years.

It has been a very healthy relationship, benefitting thousands of people. With the Bank’s support, we have performed 20,000

successful eye surgeries and reached over 30,000 outpatients. We thank First City Monument Bank for its support over the years and request that the Bank continue to work with us to turn around the lives of people for the better.”

According to Blasi, the foundation visits communities across Nigeria for eyesight screening outreach programmes. It transports those discovered to have eye defects and admits them for two to three days for further tests and surgery. During this period, the Foundation provides all their medical needs, including feeding.

After the surgery and monitoring, they are discharged and transported back home. The entire cycle is completed without any cost to the patients.

FCMB Group Chief Executive, Ladi Balogun said blindness is a disability that often causes loss of income and extreme poverty. Simply because it restricts mobility, begets social isolation, poor mental health, and limited access to information.

He called for improved advocacy and the need to make eye care an integral part of universal health coverage.

Indeed, about 90 per cent of all blind people are in the world’s poorest countries, indicating how needless blindness inhibits social and economic improvement. A recent Unite for Sight Foundation report concludes that poverty exacerbates blindness, and blindness exacerbates poverty. Blindness robs most of its victims of productive powers. As a result, they will likely be unable to make ends meet for themselves and their families, fuelling poverty.

Managing Director of FCMB, Yemisi Edun disclosed that over one million blind adults live in Nigeria. She said the need to prevent more from going blind because they cannot access eye care birthed the Priceless Gift of Sight, which has flattened the curve.

She said, “We are pleased that the Priceless Gift of Sight is bridging the gap, preventing avoidable blindness, and restoring the sight of disadvantaged and lower-income Nigerians. We have received lots of positive feedback from beneficiaries. I thank Tulsi Chanrai Foundation for partnering with us to help thousands of Nigerians regain sight and lead productive lives.”

In Nigeria, blindness is one of the most neglected health challenges despite its link to a downward spiral into aggravated poverty. The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes the visual impairment of one person affects four other persons who spend the productive times of their lives as caregivers for blind persons. So, they cannot live quality lives because they must care for a blind family member.

Therefore, there is a need for urgent intervention from healthcare stakeholders, development partners and well-meaning private sector operators willing to emulate First City Monument Bank’s strides. In addition, healthcare stakeholders must put up programmes to tackle the challenge of blindness in the country.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Will Arik Air Return to Arumemi-Ikhide?

Six years after the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria took over the management of Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air, the court has ordered that the agency should give account of the period it operated the airline, a development that may lead to the return of the airline to its founder, writes Chinedu Eze contradiction, government is not a good businessman. Government should limit its role as a regulator. Whenever government tries to get involved in the business there is bound to be complications. It is more of an issue of passion that keeps airlines afloat. So if you as a lender or you as a government decides to take over and airline, there are bound to be complications because you cannot run it the way the person who has set it up will run it and therefore what I would have expected; maybe a better way would have been government to work with the owner to resolve issues with the owner instead of outright take-over. It is not too late to go back to the table for renegotiation; a receivership is not a liquidation; a receiver manager should review the loan. If it is paid back the asset goes back to the owner. But if it realized that the fortunes of the business are getting worse under receivership, it is good to have further renegotiation on that.”

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n Wednesday, the founder of Arik Air, Sir Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, made his first appearance in the airline premises, located at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after six years that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took over the management of Arik Air in receivership.

During the visit, Arumemi-Ikhide along with his team, held a brief meeting with the management team of Arik Air under AMCON receivership.

Last week Friday, Justice Ambrose Lewis Alagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos gave AMCON 14 days to render Arik Air’s accounts since 2017 take-over and insisted that the attempt by the federal government agency to transfer the assets of Arik Air Limited to NG Eagle Airlines (third defendant) and Super Bravo Limited (fifth defendant) was not in the best interest of Arik Air. The Court granted some of the prayers of the plaintiffs, Sir Johnson Arumemi- Ikhide and his wife, Mary Arumemi Ikhide, ordering the defendants (AMCON) to render accounts and/or deliver returns to the Corporate Affairs Commission covering the entire period of receivership over Arik Air Limited within 14 days of making the order.

The court also ruled that the transfer of Arik Air Limited assets to NG Eagle Limited, Super Bravo Limited (fifth defendant) was done in bad faith and a violation of Omokhide’s fiduciary duty to Arik Air Limited as a whole imposed by section 553 of CAMA 2020.

The founder of Arik Air, Johnson Arumemi Ikhide, and his wife, Mary Arumemi Ikhide (Plaintiffs) had filed upon the originating motion summon dated December 14, 2021 prayed the court that the duty imposed on the first defendant (Kamilu Alaba Omokhide) by section 553 of the CAMA 202O to act in the best interest of Arik Air Limited as a whole includes the duty to act in the best of the plaintiffs (Arumemi and Mary Ikhide) as members of Arik Air Limited.

The plaintiffs claimed that the transfer of Arik Air Limited assets to NG Eagle (third defendant) and to Super Bravo Limited (fifth defendant) “was done in bad faith and a violation of Omokhide’s (first defendant) the fiduciary duty to Arik Air Limited as imposed by section 553 of the CAMA 2020”.

The plantiffs also sought a declaration that Omokhide, the Receiver/Manager appointed

by AMCON is liable for any losses suffered by Arik Air Limited and its members as a result of the transfer of Arik’s assets to NG Eagle Limited.

The Arumemi Ikhide’s further sought a declaration that by virtue of section 533(1) of the CAMA 2020, Omokhide is an agent of AMCON, stating that the second defendant AMCON is vicariously liable for the acts of Omokhide.

The plaintiffs noted and sought a declaration that in spite of the appointment of Omokhide as Receiver/Manager of Arik Air Limited, the organs of Arik Air Limited, including directors and shareholders subsist.

Other declarations by the plaintiffs are that the directors and shareholders of Arik Air Limited, including the plaintiff (Arumemi-Ikhide and Mary Ikhide), still have rights and powers regarding Arik Air Limited; setting aside the transfer of Arik\ assets and a perpetual injunction restraining Omokhide to the fifth defendant from further transferring the airline’s assets

NG EAGLE

to NG Eagle.

AMCON REACTS

Reacting to the judgment, AMCON said it would appeal the judgment, stating that the judgment clearly and without equivocation, affirmed that AMCON was competent and empowered to appoint the Receiver/Manager of Arik, that the appointment by AMCON was proper, and that the continued operations of Arik are not affected.

“Put simply: the judgment does not affect the operations of Arik or the powers of the Receiver/Manager to superintend the affairs of Arik” the statement said.

AMCON also said the judgement did not rule against the appointment of the Receiver/Manager of Arik or “grant all the prayers of the Plaintiffs”. The Court did hold that the Receiver/Manager was obligated to act in the best interests of Arik and other creditors – a point that AMCON, and the Receiver/Manager have never disputed.

“In any event, AMCON and the Receiver/ Manager are dissatisfied with certain parts of the judgment relating to AMCON’s dealings in specific transactions concerning limited assets. We are exercising our constitutional rights to appeal, in respect of these.

“The public should bear in mind that the issues under appeal have no bearing on the continued operation of Arik as a company in Receivership – as the Court has already affirmed the Receivership”, the statement also said.

Industry stakeholders however, blamed AMCON for lack of accountability and noted that the government agency, which projected that it would stay about two years to recover its monies owed it by Arik Air has stayed for over six years without any timeline when it would hand over the company to the original owner.

UNJUSTIFIED TAKEOVER

Former Executive Director of AMCON, Abba Jega, in a recent television interview, said the decision for AMCON to fully take over the Arik Air might not have been the best decision. He also said that it is difficult for government agency to successfully operate an airline, which is a special kind of business, which owners sustain their

operation because of the passion they have for the business; not just the money, noting that money alone could not guarantee the success of an airline.

According to Jega, “Airline business is a special kind of business, except the owners have a passion for it and is also very honest. Money alone does not solve the problem of airline business. Problems that are managerial and have to do with human resources, money cannot solve them.

It is not as if CBN did not intervene in some of these cases. But CBN did change the rules at the time Arik Air and some other debtors took some facilities from the banks that were not cash. They were guarantees, but CBN changed its risk profile. CBN realised that there are some transactions that were not cash but had tendencies to crystalise into cash and the could destabilise the banking industry.

Perhaps with the benefits of hindsight what should have happened with those guarantees is that when they were being taken over from the banks they should have been sterilized but that was not done so they became binding on the airlines to the extend they felt the airlines would not be able to pay the loans and they took over the airlines. They were special cases and I think with the benefits of hindsight some of the guarantees should not have been converted into cash as loans.

“What I am going to say now is my opinion. The belief in the design of AMCON at the beginning was that after saving the banking industry, every businessman that has bad debt with AMCON should be given an opportunity to work their way out of the loans, including giving them extra financial support to do so. What I suspect that might have happened was that the time reached when a new government realized that it would not continue to go that way and therefore became impatience with some of those businesses and they put them in receivership, but in the original design any business that is sincere and has good business plan should be allowed to work his way out. But I think there is element of perhaps, impatience. That was why some drastic action was taken on some of the businesses.”

Jega further said: “Without fear of

A day before the court decision, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to NG Eagle dated September 21, 2021 with AOC number NGE/ AOC/09-21/001 almost one and half years after NG Eagle carried out demonstration for the AOC and few months the airline was sold to a new operator, House of 5As

by AMCON, a hitherto local aircraft leasing company.

NG Eagle was registered by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria and ceded about five aircraft owned by Arik Air, which is under the receivership of the federal government agency, to the new airline.

After obtaining its Air Transport Licence (ATL), NCAA did not give NG Eagle AOC after it allegedly met the requirements and was expecting the certificate to start operation in 2021, but NCAA on Thursday last week surreptitiously issued AOC to NG Eagle under a new ownership. It was learnt that the initial plan under AMCON was to cede eight airplanes owned by Arik Air to NG Eagle. Four were taken to the Ethiopian Airlines maintenance facility in Addis Aba for change of livery, while the fifth was to be ferried there also when the process was stopped.

When THISDAY spoke to the General Manager, Public Affairs of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, he said was not aware that NCAA gave AOC to NG Eagle.

“I am not aware AOC was given to NG Eagle. I am in Abuja. There is nothing like that to my knowledge,” he said.

“What was done with NG Eagle was conflict of interest as the court noted. They moved Arik Air asset to NG Eagle. That was asset stripping. In fact, the entire Arik Air compound is a crime scene. By that judgement the sale of NG Eagle has been nullified. They wanted to use it to offload Arik Air assets,” another stakeholder told THISDAY. Many industry observers are aghast at the issuance of AOC to NG Eagle, which was contrary to the decision of the National Assembly in 2021 that AOC should not be given to the airline and there is no indication that that decision was vacated before NCAA issued AOC to NG Eagle.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

HOW FOREIGN AIRLINES PARTLY REPATRIATED $802M TRAPPED FUNDS FROM NIGERIA will never go down. What really is the reason why the services providers are not made to account for the dollars they earn from the foreign airlines? About $2 billion annually from FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) (PSC (passenger service charge) $100/pax, landing /parking), NCAA (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority) ($20/passenger security fees), NAMA (Nigeria Airspace Management Agency) $500/flight(enroute charges)), fuel marketers earn over one billion dollars at $1 a litre and the ground handling service providers, etc. Total of these is

more than $3 billion annually; yet they still want shares of the CBN earned forex from other commercial sources,” Ojikutu said.

However, the Head of Business Development, Zenith Travels and the spokesman of Aviation Round Table (ART), Olu Ohunayo, said foreign airlines operating into Nigeria have access to three rates now, which include the parallel market, the CBN and the IEA window. He said they get these new rates in conjunction with the CBN. “So, I think that once they have left the official rate, there is the possibility it will be

moving closer to the parallel market rate, though not recognized in international business but that is what I am looking at now. And if it keeps moving, then they probably may not have any reason to have issues with remittance.

Now they are probably collecting their money in the dollar equivalent. But in the rate before the official rate, you cannot use naira to deal with some transactions because that rate is far lower than the parallel market. So you need to get that official rate from CBN for you to make use of the funds. For now, if they are moving towards

the parallel rate now, they can now transact using their country and other businesses to get their naira out,” he said.

Ohunayo also stated that foreign airlines are not leaving except those that have issues like Emirates, which cannot pay for its service in Nigeria with naira and became stuck with bringing forex from their own country, which the government might not approve.

“It is such airlines that will be the one that will pull out.

But for those who have their services operating in Nigeria, and who have their payment in naira, and also with the

movement of the IEA rate now towards the parallel market rate, I doubt if anyone of them will leave.

“Again, there is a government coming in and they would probably want to wait and watch the government. I know they will all give the government a minimum of about six months to see what line they want to toe. So you can be sure that between now and the end of the year, we probably will not have any airline withdrawing anymore,” he further said.

On the high fares Nigerians pay for their flights, Ohunayo

said that the fares should not be described as outrageous because the fares are not outrageous.

“It is one of the fares on their portal and that is what they have released. For fares to sell, there must be demand, and the only way you can lower the pressure on demand is to increase supply. So if the supply is not coming from international airlines then we should add supply from the domestic airlines.

That is the way to beat it.

But I encourage other African airlines to operate some of those flights out of Lagos and Abuja,” he added.

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, FRID FR IDAY AY, APRIL APRI RIL L 7, 7, 2023 202 023 3

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

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WEEKLY W EEKLY MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

AÑULI ANIEBO OLA-OLANIY:

Challenging Norms, Attitudes that Stifle Representation of Young Women

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COVER

Añuli Aniebo Ola-Olaniyi: Challenging Norms, Attitudes that Stifle Representation of Young Women Añuli Aniebo Ola-Olaniyi is the founder and Executive Director of HEIR Women Development and HEIR Women Hub. Both organisations focus on raising girls and young women to take up leadership positions and become decision-makers. With a degree in Psychology, BSc, from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Middlesex University UK, Ola-Olaniyi is a certified Project Manager with over a decade of work experience in Fortune 500 companies and currently studying for a Master’s degree in Gender Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, SOAS, UK. Author of a self-help book titled, “More Than Just Pretty”, she recently directed and launched a documentary titled “The realities of leadership for Young women”, exploring barriers for women in leadership. She hosts Instagram Live talks with opinion leaders about social issues that focus on young women in leadership and women’s inclusion in decision-making. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she shares her fulfilment in giving back to the community, producing and sharing knowledge as well as participating in forward-thinking discourse What experiences have shaped your passion for raising female leaders? y encounter growing up with parents who believed in leadership has helped shape my mindset from the onset however, my engagement with some aspects of Christianity as a young adult stifles the belief that a woman can be more if she wants to. Some of the teachings transcribed by some don’t necessarily encourage women to position themselves for great things other than what a few have normalised. Some human beings use the platform of some churches to indoctrinate women to be less achieving and less productive than men. I have experienced being taught by a “pastor” to literally have no dreams or aspirations of my own but ensure the man’s dream is my responsibility to make happen. Talk about pressure!

It would have been better to say ‘men and women are entitled to dream big and all should dream and ensure you support each other to achieve your individual and collective dreams and purpose’ (laughing) but only very few platforms of authority will say the truth.

Now we have some inclusive conversations coming to light and the emphasis on women being economically empowered has been buzzing. Some of these platforms forget that women funded Jesus’s ministry and the celebrated entrepreneur was the Proverbs 31 Woman who we have all been “instructed” to be like but not “supported and empowered” to become, even Madam Dorcas’s philanthropy made her be raised from death due to the people’s request and Queen Esther saved her Nation. So, I am seeing selfishness and lack of truth in such teachings that disempower girls and young women and also some narratives that need to be expelled from our thought processes. That’s the main foundation for me. The root causes of our mindset need to be confronted and addressed and doing this drives my need to provide real-time information for myself and to females, so they can make better decisions for themselves as they journey to fulfill a purpose - whatever that looks like for them.

M

As a certified project manager, how has your experience shaped your personality to achieve your purpose?

Growing up, I interned in my mother’s many businesses, overseeing some aspects, managing some, and working with staff as well to serve customers. New ideas that my parents had, always engaged me and my siblings and so the drive to begin an idea or project and run with it was part of my journey. Now I studied Psychology as my first degree, Human Resource Management for my first Masters before I even knew there was a discipline called Project Management.

I remember I used to be asked how I was going to adapt and transition to the Project Management environment with my experience, knowledge, and skills and I say that having an understanding of people through psychology and the vital importance of humans to any project through Human Resource Management, the field of Project Management will have added value with me on board. Of course, as with many steps in life, I did do an internship In Project Management, took and passed the certification courses and was thankfully allowed to work in this field. My father instilled discipline in me and my siblings and I learned how to work within the allocated time, resources, be accountable for any tasks assigned.

Project Management help refine and increase skills from an industry point of view that reinforces we work with systems

and people to deliver on those projects. There’s no project management without people management.

I believe in making and sustaining an impact that is evident and measurable and that’s one of many outputs of this field for me. As I continue my journey in doing a second Masters in Gender Studies, I see the many opportunities to engage in projects that are progressive and impact-changing to ensure that development does what it is intended to do. My personality is to be intentional and that’s what Project Management has also taught and still teaching me as I keep refining this skill.

Your profile X-rayed your expertise working in various multinationals and having certifications across gender-based systems,

would you mind telling us those features that determine your success stories?

I can probably speak to many features that catapulted pockets of gratitude in my journey but would like to emphasis that “success” is a relative term.

The awakening of one to see an area or need or an idea is in itself, success. My need to dive deeper into the terrain or “Gender” is to understand what’s beneath the surface of this terminology so that I can better position my mind to deliver positive antecedents of Development in our Nation.

The ‘will’ or ‘drive’ to rise above tokenism and mediocrity to think critically and analytically challenges me to engage in behaviour that can bring about productiveness.

So my many certifications (and counting) are from the quest to be one of the very best in this space with a new voice that speaks to issues from a new, nonrhetorical lens. Deciding to do a second Masters in Gender Studies in one of the World’s most prestigious institutions for this course is a success for me because that decision, as you would probably imagine, took and still takes time, focus, energy, grit and a mindset that’s resolute to bring the desired impact for our Nation’s Gender Inclusive Agenda. My parents always taught and showed us what it means to be determined once you clock what it is you are meant to be delivered. This is not to say that I don’t experience situations that are challenging, rough, painful, betrayal or rejection, I do however like my Dad would always say, “take your time, cry and be sad about it, throw a pity party if you like but watch your timeline, remember your drive and release that negative energy, then come back with all the stones (lessons learned, criticisms, good opinions) and start to re-build”. Dad always had something profound to get me re-aligned. Now that’s one human being that features in my success stories.

As the Founder of HEIR Women Hub, what has been the key impact.

My team and I at HEIR Women Hub have been privileged to undertake impact-driven initiatives under our thematic areas which cut across inclusivity for young women in leadership spaces. We speak to and challenge norms and attitudes that stifle the representation of young women at various intersections of society.

For over six years, we have engaged in conversations around policy, education, social economic development, economic empowerment, employability skills, workplace, and career workshops, engaging with duty bearers to create visibility on structural and systemic violence that sustain conditional biases.

So all we do is intentional and impactdriven, all are very key to our purpose.

Our most recent globally funded project is on the enhancement of leadership capacity for young women with a lens into understanding the barriers to leadership positions in Nigeria and setting the stage for young women to ‘take on the baton’ of decision-making roles. Before this, we curated a documentary titled ‘The Impact of Leadership on Young Women”, where we spoke and interviewed thought leaders and decision-makers on the dimensions of barriers and challenges women face in our Nation when it comes to leadership,

we worked on a project called the prevalence of sexual harassment at workplaces, also globally funded, where we identified the root causes of workplace sexual harassment and it impacts on young women and brought to light, data to back up the research. The engagements my team and I have had on the output of all our projects enable us to engage with stakeholders that cut across society where policy changes can be made. We got endorsements from the National Orientation Agency, ICPC, engagements with the Ministry of Labour, NLC, FCT SGBV, and the good people of the Media.

We have now engaged in a follow on project, funded by our organisation, HEIR Women Hub, to do an added project to understand the knowledge, orientation, mindset and reactions of a survey sample of 200 men and boys about workplace sexual harassment. We are analysing our data and teasing out the responses now and will make that available to stakeholders and the media. The output from this project will give us an understanding of where we need to adequately engage these issues from an inclusivity perspective. I also need to say here that, from inception six years ago, till now, all the projects we deploy are key. Supporting SMEs owned and run by young women is ongoing for me, re-educating on the need to be self-enabled to deliver on your goals and purpose is vital and so I also teach secondary school students in leadership and life skills to give them an enabling platform, early in their journey to fulfill a purpose.

What is your take on gender inclusiveness and how are you driving this through your organisation?

Inclusivity engages everyone. It’s a state of being conscious that no one is excluded and in the context of gender, when we discuss or engage on this topic, we are looking at either what excludes and why or, who should be included and why?. HEIR Women Hub, engagement is on the need to include young women across abilities in leadership and decision-making roles.

Now as gender is just not women, we engage men in the conversation to bring about a more diverse audience into the reality young women face in our society from education to financial literacy and independence to career access and human rights.

My understanding is that historically, there was no gendering in our society. Colonisation “civilised” our society and placed domestication of labour upon us and I see it as a major disenfranchisement of women and men. I say that because masculine norms are a Western concept imbibed in us through the platform of religion. These masculine norms have and still create pressure for men and women where one of the norms emphasis is on provision- men must provide- then women must reproduce. Where there is a challenge to provide or reproduce, pressure sets in and mental health, depression and suicide become the outcome of societal pressures experienced by men and women. Now imagine a world where there is an inclusive conversation about these two examples. Young women are encouraged from when they are girls, to be financially literate and economically empowered. Or a world where young men are encouraged from when they are boys, to have a support and partnership mindset rather than a dominating one, our society will be better for it.

Gender inclusivity works for us all. We have all been socialised into very violent structures and systems and we all need to be re-educated to unlearn what has kept us in a “developing” state to what can categorise us as “developed”.

Me and my team, I work to ensure all members of society are on the agenda.

For example, our project about the prevalence of sexual harassment at workplaces confirmed a disturbing trend of young women of all abilities being harassed at workplaces. Now, we have completed and analyzed a follow on research we conducted for men.

This is to show us what the gap may be. Perhaps, answer the question and provide us with targeted methods to reduce and eradicate sexual harassment in workplaces. That’s inclusive in my opinion. I will ensure we make the findings available to the good people of the Media.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ ͰͮͰͱ

NEWS

Izabella Abia-OkonBecomes IWS’ 66th President Stories by Mary Nnah Women’s International Society (IWS) Nigeria, the nation’s oldest indigenous charity organisation, has appointed Hungarian-born Mrs. Izabella Abia-Okon as its 66th President.

Mrs. Abia-Okon, a director at the Nigerian-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, Ikoyi, Lagos, brings to the table, over 30 years of leadership experience serving in various capacities and organisations, with a wealth of wisdom in managing a business set-up involving Hungary and Nigeria; to develop an awareness of Hungary and its vast English university programmes.

The prestigious position of IWS Nigeria’s President this year affords IWS charity programmes the benefit of more international presence and support.

The Investiture held recently was chaired by Prince (Dr.) Senator Lanre Tejuoso, longtime business partner of Mrs. Abia-Okon. also Nigeria IWS inaugurated a 20-woman strong Executive Committee

Sabistation Media and RankBank.org have released a list of the top 50 most inspiring authors as selected by a special board. The board consisted of literary experts and enthusiasts who carefully curated the list based on the authors’ ability to inspire readers through their works. According to Ediale Kingsley, some of these authors bring a certain literary energy to their works, while others like Sefi Atta’s Everything Good Will Come and Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah, are books that seem to have lives of their own.

Regardless of status, genre, or category, the selected authors have one thing in common - they are either pushing an inspiring lifestyle or their works and books are inspiring.

“We have carefully selected these authors because we believe that their works have the power to inspire readers to become better versions of themselves”, said, Rank Bank Director, Rev. Dr. Mike Osunbor.

The list, which is in no particular order, includes renowned authors such as Wole Soyinka, Ngozi Odocha PhD., Chimamanda Adichie, and many other promising authors ready to take the global stage.

The list showcases the diversity and richness of African literature and encourages readers to explore the works of these inspiring authors. Whether you are looking for inspiration in your personal life or your professional endeavors with something for everyone on this list.

Izabella Abia-Okon for the 2023/24 service year.

The ceremony was well attended by members, prospective members and Trustees of IWS Nigeria

headed by the still-bubbling 95-year-old Chief (Mrs.) Funke Arthur-Worrey, a former president of the association.

Abia-Okon is married, with

two adult children, to Dr. David Abia-Okon, a medical doctor from Akwa-Ibom State whom she met in Hungary as a student.

UNICCON Group Launches Smartafri Labs to Drive Africa’s Inclusion in Blockchain Tech The UNICCON Group of Companies recently launched its blockchain technology, SmartAfri Labs, to drive the inclusion of Africans and adoption of the specialised technology in the region.

Speaking during the unveiling, the Chairman of UNICCON Group, Dr. Chuks Ekwueme, shared insightful statistics to illustrate the poor inclusion and adoption of the blockchain ecosystem in Africa.

“Africa has less than a 5 percent stake in the projected $1.1 trillion the industry promises.

We have created technology and platforms to drive inclusion by up to 25 percent by the year 2025. “ Our VR headsets for example are more affordable, and will not exclude poor Africans from using the technology. This is inclusion. It is erroneous to view blockchain technology as being crypto.

It is much more than that, and that notion should be vacated.

“We have built this platform,

L-R: Group General Manager, UNICCON Group, Chris Ebosie; HR, UNICCON Group, David Sado; Representative of NITDA, Blessing Daniel; Chairman, UNICCON Group, Chuks Ekwueme; Representative of Nigeria Computer Society, Hauwa Yahaya; M&E Manager, UNICCON Group, Tolulope Bankole; Investment Analyst, Adaverse, Johnpaul Nwobodo; Drones, Strategy, & Public Relations Consultant, Ronald Ajiboye and General Manager, UNICCON Group, Kehinde Ake during UNICCON Group launch of its blockchain technology, SmartAfri Labs, recently in Abuja

which is a fusion of Web 2.0 and 3.0 and we are keen on being key participants in the 4IR. There is a huge market in our NFT marketplace as Nigerians and Africans from the creative and other industries can tap into it to generate wealth and

add to the GDP.” The novel product, which is the first African blockchain technology, consists of SmartAfri Chain (blockchain node), NFT Marketplace (Create and sell NFTs), SmartAfri Verse (Metaverse), SmartAfri eMar-

ket (fusion of 2.0 and 3.0) and UNICCON VR(locally made and subsidized headsets). The project seeks to increase stakes for Africans, encourage more developers to get into the niche, and overall, drive massive inclusion.

Binance Collaborates Showmax to Lord Chosen Holds 2-day Special Incentivise Crypto Adoption in Africa Easter Programme Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, has announced its collaboration with Showmax, Africa’s original video streaming service to further promote crypto adoption on the continent, by offering the first 500 new enrollees a onemonth subscription on the SVOD platform for Easter.

To qualify for this offer, users must sign up, complete their KYC verification and make a transaction worth at least $10 or it’s equivalent on either Binance P2P or Binance Fiat. Users are then to confirm their participation by filling out this form.

Speaking on the campaign, the Marketing Lead, Binance West Africa, Emmanuel Ebanehita, expressed immense satisfaction, citing that the collaboration could not have come at a better time.

He said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Showmax to provide an incredible opportunity for our new users to be active participants in Web3.

This promotion comes at a

SABISTATION MEDIA, RANKBANK. ORG ANNOUNCE LIST OF TOP 50 INSPIRING AUTHORS

time when many Africans are eagerly embracing the underlying technology behind crypto. It is also a testament to our commitment to providing accessible and convenient platforms for individuals to engage in the digital economy.”

The promotion is available to users in Nigeria and winners will be announced within seven days after the promotion ends on Binance Africa’s Twitter, as well as the Binance Nigeria and the Binance West Africa Telegram groups. This will be followed by an email outreach to the winners within two weeks after the campaign ends.

Also speaking about the alliance, General Manager, Showmax Nigeria, Opeoluwa Filani said: “We are excited about our partnership with Binance which will see more people have access to the world-class entertainment content on the Showmax service. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to make premium content more readily available and accessible.”

A two-day Ester programme titled, God’s Covenant of Peace and Blessing organised

by The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Church has been scheduled to hold on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April 2023 at The Chosen Revival Ground, Along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, by Ijesha, Bus Stop, Lagos from 8 am daily.

The programme, according to the General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, is divinely designed to bring afresh in the mind of people the significance of Easter which symbolises the victory of Jesus Christ over death and by extension the victory over hopelessness and misery.

“It is at Easter that we are reminded of how God sent His son to die as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind and thus rescued them from the inevitable eternal destruction.

By His death and resurrection, the covenant of peace and blessings which mankind originally had with God at creation was restored.”

“So, the concept of Easter is inextricably tied to peace, hope and blessing, and these are the intangible chords that help people to get beyond the sad and sordid situations that might bog them down and give them a sense of hopelessness.”

“Easter, therefore, brings that optimism that no matter how difficult or how challenging a situation or condition may be, knowing about the resurrection will remind you that if Jesus could defeat death, then all things are possible.

It also suggests that as bad as the prevailing situation might appear, there is the expectation that things will get better if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour”, Muoka noted.

He advised Nigerians to use the opportunity avail by the occasion of this year ’s Easter to promote peace and love in the country, as this is the only way we can acknowledge and appreciate what Jesus has done for humanity”, adding,

NIGERIAN ACTIVIST CONFERRED WITH DOCTORATE DEGREE

BY IGPCM Precious Ugwuzor A Nigerian, Mr. Tunji Ajibola, has been conferred with the Professional Doctorate Fellow of the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management (IGPCM).

The formal induction will hold on April 8, 2023. The event will have other personalities from different walks of life who have been commended for their good work of maintaining peace in Africa.

Ajibola, a law tutor, is the chief executive officer and lead consultant at Learned Partners P ro f e s s i o n a l Services. He is also the founder of PAA Youth Development Foundation.

Ajibola, remarking on the honour bestowed on him, said, more than ever before, the global community needed more scholars in peace and conflict management.

He was conferred with Ajibola a doctorate in global peace and conflict management. He was also certified as a global peace ambassador.

The IGPCM considered his academic standing and practical works in nation building, peacekeeping and youth development.

Ajibola, a prolific writer, has many published works on nation building and youth development to his credit.

He stated that, in every form of human co-existence, problems were inevitable. Therefore, “Our expertise as erudite scholars and peace ambassadors become instruments for fixing this problem.”

Stakeholders, he said, should avoid situations that may lead to a breakdown of law and order.

Ajibola used the opportunity to preach peace to all Nigerians, especially politicians involved in the just-concluded general election in Nigeria, to be servants of the people and fulfill their campaign promises.

As a doctorate fellow of the IGPCM, Ajibola made a commitment to continue to work with the institute in the area of peace, education, research and everything to do with the advancement of the institute, as well as promoting peace in Nigeria and the global community, saying, “We all need peace and orderly society in order to achieve our dreams and aspirations as global citizen”.

ThePAAFoundation(PrinceAdetunjiAjibolaYouthDevelopment Foundation) is a youth development organization that he founded over17yearsagoasanundergraduateorganizingweeklyseminars for secondary school students and other young adults. He said, “Our operational name then was Future Minders International and then, later, Young People Life Skills Training Series Nigeria.

“In 2022, the youth-led initiatives became formally incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“As always, my advice for young people is to see themselves as key stakeholders in nation building. Politicians always rely on young people to do their bidding.

“Young People should resist all the temptation to be used as agents of violence. Electoral violence could lead to social disorder. Everyone will be affected, if that happens. Young People should rather use their strength and vitality for the greatest good of everyone.”

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͵˜ 2023

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) receiving Certificate of Return from Senator Osita Izunaso (left), representing Orlu senatorial district of Imo State, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ...recently PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed (right), presenting a souvenir to the Lead Economist of the World Bank Youth Employment and Skills Development Team, Elena Glinskaya (left), when she led other members of her team on a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate headquarters in Abuja…recently

L-R: Finance Manager, BIC Nigeria, Adewale Adeyemo; Head Teacher for Local Government Primary School 1 and Inclusive Unit, Mrs. Oke Abigail Bolanle; Inclusive Head Teacher for Local Government Primary School 1 and Inclusive Unit, Mrs. Busayo Oluranti Jibefun; Business Development Manager, Head of Commercials, BIC Nigeria, Adeyemi Ojo; and Trade and Marketing Manager, BIC Nigeria, Patrick Bello, during the presentation of essential writing material and stationery to the Local Government Primary School 1 and Inclusive Unit, Igando in Lagos…recently

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olusola Olusade, and the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, during a meeting with the Senate Committee on FCT in Abuja…recently PHOTO JULIUS ATOI

L-R: Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; and cleric, Revd Bunmi Jenyo, during the visit of governor to Ila Orangun in Osun State…recently

Senator representing Lagos West, Solomon Adeola (right), presenting a laptop computer to one of the beneficiaries of his empowerment programme, a teacher at Tomiar Community Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, Lagos, Ayodele Samuel, during the graduation and empowerment of 480 graduands in ICT (teachers 255 and students 225) in Lagos West, Lagos…recently

L-R: Vice Principal, Girl’s Senior Secondary Grammar School (GSSGS), Ikoyi, Mr. Ola Isibor; student of GSSGS, Miss Salami Aminat; Head, Strategy and Transformation, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Funke Shobanjo; Principal of GSSGS, Mrs. Omotoye Omotoye; Chief Financial Officer, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Olamide Adeosun; and student of GSSGS, Miss Mary Omezi, during the bank’s CSR outreach to commemorate Financial Literacy Day held in Ikoyi, Lagos…recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

31

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 05Apr-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 196.71 197.86 4.02% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 10.63% Nigeria International Debt Fund 332.39 332.39 7.46% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 107.39 108.49 1.85% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.54% Anchoria Equity Fund 154.05 155.45 6.28% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.25 1.25 1.56% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 23.02 23.72 4.92% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 540.95 557.26 3.78% ARM Ethical Fund 46.24 47.63 2.49% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.14 1.14 1.39% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 1.79% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.30% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.62% 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 96.4 96.4 1.37% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,130.62 1,130.62 0.37% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.03 1.03 2.20% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.41% Paramount Equity Fund 20.01 20.38 4.64% Women's Investment Fund 152.99 155.21 3.34% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 102.37 102.37 12.16% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.98% 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 9.24% Cordros Milestone Fund 142.99 143.91 3.85% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 108.03 108.03 9.54% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 104.83 104.83 6.26% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 114.73 114.73 6.05% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 9.72% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.23 1.24 2.64% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.39 1.39 -1.46% Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 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 EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.83% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.10 1.10 10.29% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.13 1.13 19.98% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 106.25 106.25 4.63% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1515.71 1515.71 11.91% FBN Balanced Fund 209.31 210.84 4.81% FBN Halal Fund 126.77 126.77 12.51% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.79% FBN Dollar Fund 122.40 122.40 6.96% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 175.33 177.62 5.87% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 106.72 106.72 9.62% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.01% Legacy Debt Fund 3.54 3.54 -11.58% Legacy Equity Fund 2.12 2.17 22.13% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.28 1.28 6.10% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

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

Bid Price 4,408.80 3,785.90 100.00

Offer Price 4,436.64 3,785.90 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 18.34% 7.64% 11.25%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.15 1.15 5.58% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 103.10 103.10 9.94% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.32% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT 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 The Frontier Fund 132.78 135.94 5.62% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 11.02% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,836.55 3,862.51 13.10% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 247.76 247.76 5.17% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.50 1.52 19.84% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 337.83 337.83 7.89% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 278.74 281.53 19.22% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.12% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,873.13 13,025.66 17.89% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.39 1.39 7.52% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 122.94 122.94 5.16% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 117.63 117.63 10.58% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,675.92 4,675.92 9.91% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,423.22 3,464.39 23.10% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,392.68 4,408.92 15.38% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.04 1.06 8.64% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.57 1.60 14.64% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.27 1.29 9.21% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.13 1.13 10.51% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.99 1.99 7.30% United Capital Eurobond Fund 127.30 127.30 6.05% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.55% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.57 14.71 5.08% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.57 16.73 4.81% Zenith Income Fund 23.98 23.98 1.79% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.81% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.43 4.53 10.30% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.95 7.05 18.71% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 19.16 19.36 8.28% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.08% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 24.47 24.67 22.32% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 141.70 143.70 -10.12% REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

115.40 53.52 101.31 9.95

1.31% 4.74% -12.87%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

16.97 137.62 109.42 17.40 16.40

17.07 139.99 111.28 17.50 16.50

9.65% 7.83% 9.42% -3.54% 3.23%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.75

0.00%

Fund Name

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

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

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

32

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

‘Investor Education, Stakeholder Collaboration Needed to Develop Derivatives Market’ Kayode Tokede The Divisional Head, Capital Market, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr Jude Chiemeka has said that more investor education and stakeholder collaboration is needed for the Exchange Traded Derivatives Markets in Africa to experience increased growth.

Chiemeka made the remark at the Capacity Building Workshop of the CFA Society, South Africa held virtually with the theme, “Building and Scaling Derivatives Markets in Africa.”

He said, “Enabling the

development of the derivatives markets on the African continent requires more investor education and capacity building. Our markets are still in the nascent stages and investors need to be aware of the risks and opportunities that are inherent to derivatives.

“Stakeholder engagement and collaboration is also needed to catalyse growth. At NGX, we have organised various capacity building sessions in partnership with major stakeholders in the capital market to educate investors on the intricacies of Exchange Traded Derivatives

market. We also continue to drive conversations and engage regularly through forums and other marketplace development initiatives.”

While making his presentation, Chiemeka further explained that the Exchange Traded Derivatives market of NGX which took off in April 2022 as West Africa’s first ETDs market launched with the NGX30 and NGX Pension Index Futures contracts and currently has three accredited trading license holders and two clearing members actively participating.

RIF Trust Lists Top Five Residency, Citizenship-by-Investment Programmes Sunday Ehigiator RIF Trust, a leading Residency and Citizenship by Investment Company has released its top five residencies and citizenship by investment programmes for the year 2023 In a statement, the company listed St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme, St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme, Portugal Golden Visa, Spain Golden Visa, and Malta Permanent Residence Programme, as the top five programmes available for investors in 2023.

According to the state, “There are several options available to investors who are seeking to diversify their residency and citizenship portfolio and explore greater visa-free mobility abroad.

The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment programme offers citizenship through a financial contribution to the country’s economic development. The minimum contribution is

$100,000 for a single applicant with options to invest in real estate or government bonds.

“Becoming a citizen of St Lucia provides access to its thriving economy, excellent education and healthcare systems, and stunning natural beauty, as well as visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and the European Schengen Area.

St Lucia is known for its lush rainforests, sparkling beaches, and unique cultural heritage, making it a great place to live and do business. Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme, established in 1984, is one of the longest-running programmes of its kind and offers citizenship through a financial contribution to the country’s economic development.”

It added, “The minimum contribution is $125,000 for a limited time for a single applicant, with options including real estate.

Becoming a citizen of Saint Kitts & Nevis provides access to its stable economy, excellent educa-

tion and healthcare systems, and stunning natural beauty, as well as visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK and the European Schengen Area.

The Portugal Golden Visa programme offers residency in Portugal through a minimum investment in real estate of €280,000. The visa is valid for six years through renewals and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship and gives holders visa-free travel access to all 27 European Schengen countries.

“The Spain Golden Visa programme offers residency in Spain through a minimum investment in real estate of €500,000. The visa is valid for 10 years and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship and gives holders visa-free travel access to the European Schengen countries.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers nonEU citizens the chance to obtain permanent residency in Malta starting from a minimum capital outlay of €100,000.”

NEPCTrains 100 Farmers on Yam Export in Nasarawa Igbawase Ukumba ÓØ ËÐÓË The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Wednesday trained about 100 yam farmers in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on yam exporting techniques.

Coordinator of Lafia Smart Office of the NEPC, Amina Abdullahi Tumba, declared the One-day Sensitisation Training Workshop opened at Agyaragu, the headquarters of Jenkwe Development Area.

Speaking at the training, the Lafia Office NEPC Coordinator, said the training was tagged at farmers in Nasarawa State to enable the state lead in yam production in the country, maintaining

that the state has comparative advantage and good climate for the produce.

Tumba then appealed to the participants to put the lesson learned during the training into practice to improve on their yam production techniques.

In a paper presentation, an agricultural expert, William Akaamaa, called on farmers in the state to always consult experts in order to boost yam production that would be acceptable in the International Market.

On his part, State Director of NAFDAC, Babatunji Omoyeri, who spoke on the importance of marketing

agricultural products to the international community, said farmers should assure they follow all export regulations to avoid rejection of their yams by the buyers when exporting.

In a remark, State Commissioner of Agriculture and Water Resources, Nuhu Ibrahim Oshafu, thanked the NEPC for the sensitisation training workshop which focused on yam farmers in the state.

He assured organisers of the programme of the state government’s readiness to partner with NEPC to encourage agricultural good practice not only on yam production, but also other crops cultivated in the state.

Firms Organise LeadershipTraining for Insurance Directors in London Risk Analyst Consultant UK, a sister company to Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers Nigeria in collaboration with Chartered Insurance Institute of London will organise second edition of the Insurance Leadership training programme for Board of Directors and Senior Executives working in the insurance industry in Africa.

According to the organisers, the first training which was recently concluded in February 2023, was a huge success and quite impactful for the participants, leading to

a demand for the program to be brought back in order for other leaders in the industry to participate.

In a statement signed by the Managing Consultant Dr. Funmi Babington-Ashaye, she urged eligible participants which include members of board of directors of insurance companies to attend the upcoming training that would be held between May 8th 2023 to 12th May, 2023 at the Iconic Fenchurch Building in London.

According to her the train-

ing will comprise of interactive modules, discussions, exercises, group work and visits to interesting places in London such as Bank of England, Lloyds of London and London Guildhall.

She said Letter of invitations would be issued to attendees in need to support their visa application and certificate of attendance at the completion of the course.

She further said participants would also be entitled to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of 30 credits after the course.

L-R: Non- Executive Director, Berger Paints Nigeria (BPN) PLC, Adekunle Olowokande; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alaba Fagun; Chairman, Abi Ayida; Independent Non-Executive Director, Erejuwa Gbadebo and Non-Executive Director, Ogechi Iheanacho during unveiling of the new logo of Berger Paints in Lagos...recently

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

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

33

T H I S D AY ˾FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

MARKET NEWS

Olusola: Transcorp Hotels to Deepen Investment as Foremost Hospitality Brand in Africa KayodeTokede Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Hotel, Mrs. Dupe Olusola has said the company in 2023 aimed at deepening its holdings as the foremost hospitality brand in Africa through innovation and technology.

Speaking on AriseTV recently, she said that the company has over 5,000 listings of hotels and accommodation apartments across 30 states in Nigeria.

She disclosed that the company is excited about 3,500 to 5,000-capacity event centre expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2024.

“This is actually to be located in Abuja. We want to continue to expand our footprint. We are expanding to Lagos and this is going to be a phenomenal five-star hotel that offers accommodation as well as event space, among others,” she said.

On the result and accounts for the period ended December 31,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

2022, she said the performance was fantastic and it comes on the back heel of the determination and dedication of her team and board of directors.

According to her, “The board and management also supported in ensuring that we achieved these numbers. We had to be innovative, invest in technology and stepped outside the box, and diversify the business segments that we have.

“We enrich it with the

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

introduction of leisure, offering different experiences to all our guests. It has been a lot of hard work. The team has been so committed and consistent in ensuring that we constantly innovating and introducing new things. It is about us sustaining these figures and that is the reason we are doing so much more.

“We checked our eyes on the bottom line. We were so focused on driving revenue

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

but not losing sight of actually delivering exceptional customer experience to all our guests. We did not comprise about giving our customers exceptional experiences.

“It was about innovation, offering new value and experiences. All our outlets were key in the revenue drive of Transcorp Hotels. It was not about the rooms but the added value. We also ensure we kept an eye on the cost and run the business

AS O F

efficiently.”

Transcorp Hotels reported profit before tax (PBT) of N4.5 billion in its financial results for full year 2022, representing an increase of 172 per cent increase year-on-year from N1.7billion reported 2021.

The hospitality subsidiary of Transcorp Group also reported a 47 per cent growth in revenue to N31.4 billion in 2022 from N21.4 billion the previous year and a N2.6 billion profit after tax.

0 6 / 0 4 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

UNVEILING OF CONFIRM COLLABO BETWEEN SEVEN UP AND EAT 'N' GO AFRICA...

L-R; General Manager Sales, Seven Up Bottling Company, Assad Khamis; Marketing Manager, Domino’s Pizza, Mariam Busari; Managing Director/CEO, Seven Up Bottling Company, Ziad Maalouf; Group CEO, Eat’N’Go Africa, Patrick McMicheal; General Manager, Marketing, Seven Up Bottling Company, Segun Ogunleye; and Group Marketing Director, Eat ’N’ Go Africa, Adeeko Olusola at the unveiling of Confirm Collabo between Seven Up Bottling Company and Eat ’N’ Go Africa held in Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Armed Police Take over Labour Party’s National Headquarters Party’s NWC appoints Apapa acting national chairman I remain in charge, says Abure NLC threatens to storm court in support of embattled LP chair Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Some armed policemen in two patrol vans, yesterday, took over the national headquarters of the Labour Party in Abuja to provide a smooth take over of the party affairs by the factional body of its National Working Committee (NWC).

This is as some members of the NWC announced replacement of the

suspended chairman of the party, Julius Abure, with the National Vice Chairman (South), Lamidi Bashir Apapa, appointed in acting capacity.

But Abure told THISDAY in a telephone conversation that he remained the national chairman of the party, given Wednesday’s Benin High Court order restraining the party from taking further action against him and other national officers of the party He expressed disappointment

Lawmakers Investigate NCC's Failure to Provide Network Services Amid Funds Availability Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at plenary yesterday, resolved to investigate the failure and inability of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide wide spread availability and usage of mobile telecommunications networks services throughout the country in spite of availability of Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

Consequently, the House set up an ad-hoc committee chaired by Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) to carry out the investigation which would cover total accruals into and the utilisation of USPF by NCC since inception of the fund.

This was sequel to the amendment and adoption of a motion moved

by Hon. Sergius Ogun (PDP, Edo).

Moving the motion, Ogun said in Section 4 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2004, the NCC was saddled with the responsibility of facilitating investments in and entry into the Nigerian market for provision and supply of communication services, equipment and facilities.

He said the House was aware that in the wake of the rapid expansions of the Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) in Nigeria, most of the mobile telecommunication network operators were reluctant to move to the rural areas owing to the business considerations.

He said, "Also cognisant that a community reading of the provisions of sections 114 and 118 of the Nigerian Communications Act shows that the structure, governance, administration

and control of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) shall be as determined (or domiciled in) the NCC. Also aware that the Nigerian Communications Act, Cap N97, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, empowers the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to receive two and half percent (2.5%) of the annual turnover of the mobile telecommunication network operators as annual license renewal fee.

"Further aware that the NCC is expected to utilise the funds generated from the contributions of mobile telecommunication network operators, for implementing Universal Access Strategy and programme in accordance with Federal Government’s policy thereon (as enshrined in section 4 of the Act).

“NCC on its own, decided to contribute 40 per cent of the fund generated from the 2.5 per cent annual turnover from mobile telecommunication network operators translating to one per cent of the annual turnover of the operators to the USPF, a practice common throughout Africa.

"Also, informed that the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), is to be used to build infrastructure in the underserved and unserved areas of Nigeria, which can subsequently be made available to the mobile telecommunication network operators, who will in turn utilise such infrastructure in serving the areas that are hitherto underserved and unserved.

Continued online

that the security agencies had turned themselves to willing tools to perpetuate illegality.

Relatedly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NL) has said it would mobilise workers to attend the proceedings of the court handling the case against Abure and other leaders of the Labour Party.

However, speaking after an emergency meeting held at the party's secretariat, Apapa said the NWC members acted on the judgement of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, which restrained Abure from parading himself as the national chairman of the Party.

Aside Abure, the court also restrained three other officials of the party over alleged forgery after executive members of his ward in Edo State led by the Ward's Chairman, Martins Osigbemhe, had in a press conference, last week, in Abuja, announced the suspension of the LP national chairman over allegations of scandals, forgery, perjury, mismanagement of funds, and anti-party activities, among others.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, also ordered that the originating processes of the court be served on the restrained officials – Abure, the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim; the National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara; and the National Organising Secretary, Clement Ojukwu.

The judge held that the ex parte application for interim injunction

restraining the "four officials by aggrieved members of the party before the court had merit and granted same" Apapa, therefore, disclosed further that NWC had earlier reviewed the suspension of party members and exco that have earlier been suspended by the party leadership, adding that they have no reason to continue to manage the affairs of the party under such circumstances.

The three other officials restrained were replaced by Alh. Saleh Lawal, acting national secretary; Rowland Daramola, acting treasurer, and Prince Reuben Favour, acting organising secretary.

He said: "The NWC equally reviewed that recently there are some cases of suspensions that were badly handled. And this National Working Committee meeting has reviewed them, and the suspension all over are hereby reviewed and the officers are reinstated.

"With effect from now, the socalled officers whom the court had barred should not parade themselves as officers of the party until cases against them are treated or handled by the party."

When asked if his group was sponsored by the APC, Apapa denied the allegation that the party has been invaded by the ruling party, saying the current leadership was committed to the ideals of the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Abure had in statement released by the party secretariat, raised the

alarm that the APC was using thugs and a detachment of the Nigerian Police Force to invade the party's headquarters in Abuja.

“Though I was out of town, information has it that the agenda of the invaders was to inaugurate an illegitimate executive, which has been chosen for them by their sponsors. This incident is coming days after a similar invasion in our Imo state Secretariat, which up till now is still being occupied by the agents of the Imo State government.

"Only yesterday, our Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi through the Presidential Campaign Council alerted Nigerians of plot to hound him out of the country over APC's covert plot in collaboration with some security agents to frame him up allegedly on matters bothering on treason.

"Labour Party is only a political party which is contesting for power.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having conducted election ranked us third, a position we have rejected and have approached the Tribunal to contest. That is our only offence.

"We, therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his party, the APC to order and also rein them in from using unorthodox means to suffocate political structures in Nigeria," he said.

Further speaking with THISDAY in a telephone chat, Abure accused the court and the police of being used to undermine the gains of democracy.

Meanwhile, the NLC while urging the court to review its decision, because the affected national officers of LP remained the authentic executives of the party, it condemned the exparte order to suspend them all.

A statement signed by the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, stated he was alarmed by the decision of Justice Muazu to suspend the embattled officers on unfounded/ unproven and highly speculative and malicious allegations of corruption, perjury and forgery by elements whose interest in the party could best be described as doubtful or dubious.

"The court order according to Justice Hamza Muazu is to subsist pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction," he said.

NLC president said he viewed the development "with great suspicion which cannot be far from the intent to weaken the party from within or distract it from its fight to reclaim its victories at the polls,” and therefore, threatened to mobilise members to back the LP officials.

"At the next adjourned date we are going to be in court in our numbers to listen to the Judge. In light of this, we urge the courts to exercise utmost caution in entertaining frivolous suits and spurious prayers from mercenary party members as they are capable of compromising the integrity of the courts.”

Obaseki Approves Automatic Employment of First Class Graduates of Edo Origins in All Nigerian Universities Requests list of potential candidates from varsities Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the automatic employment of first class graduates of Edo origin in all Nigerian universities into the state's civil and public service.

The approval was conveyed by the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., who applauded the governor for the gesture, which he described as

pace-setting and a worthy move that would equip the Edo State Civil and Public Service with the best brains to engender the vision of making Edo the best place to live and work by 2050.

He noted that the gesture was initially extended to the Best Graduating Students of the Edo State University, Uzairue during its 3rd Convocation Ceremony but was later extended to the University of Benin and Ambrose

Alli University, Ekpoma.

Okungbowa said the names of 15 First Class graduates and the Best Graduating Students from the universities have since been forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for further action.

He called on Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities to “forward the names and particulars of First Class students, who are Edo indigenes, to the Edo State Government for the

purpose.”

Recall that Edo State has the record of being the highest-paying state government among Nigerian States, as Governor Obaseki had raised the minimum wage in the state to N40,000.

The State runs an e-governance system that has automated work processes even as the work environment has been remodeled to fast-track a smart and ICT-driven work culture.

35

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

LAUNCH OF NEW R-JOLAD PLUS FACILITY...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, AFYA Care, Tosin Runsewe; Director, R-Jolad, Mrs. Tinu Oladipo; founder, Dr. Funsho Oladipo; Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Chairman, R-Jolad Hospital, Babajide Ogundare; Chairman, AfYacare, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru and Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, at the official launch of the new R-Jolad Plus facility in Lagos... yesterday.

ETOP UKUTT

46 Killed in Fresh Attack on Benue Community George Okoh in Makurdi For the second time in 24 hours, gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen militia have, again attacked Umuogidi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue State, this time killing 46 persons including a policeman.

As at the time of filing this report, the police said eight dead bodies had been recovered including that of a police officer.

THISDAY gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday evening, March 4, 2023.

Recalled that three persons were killed in the same community on Tuesday, March 3, 2023, with the latest killing making it 49 in 24 hours.

A source from the community told newsmen that while the villagers were burying the three persons killed earlier, the gunmen invaded the village again and started shooting repeatedly.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area,, Bako Ejeh, who confirmed the attack on Thursday, lamented that he lost his 32-year-old son, nephew, and brother-in-law to the Wednesday attack.

According to Ejeh, “You know that these herders killed three people on Tuesday, and they (herders) came back yesterday (Wednesday) at about 4:15 pm

and killed 46 people, including my son, who was 32 years we just buried him and some other persons are still missing.

“Among the people killed was my immediate younger sister’s husband and her second son, who was almost 38 years old.

“The herdsmen came back and invaded the village again at about 4:15 pm yesterday and 46 persons including my own son.

“We just buried his copse and some other people are still missing.

We don’t know their whereabouts.

“My immediate younger sister, same mother and father, they killed her husband, killed her second son of about 38 years old.”

The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Matters, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) also confirmed the attack saying 46 person have been recovered and more could have been killed as some members of the community have not been found.

Hemba said: “Yes that is what happened. I can confirm to you that there was an attack in Umogidi and as at this morning, the causality figure from those who were seen physically from what I was told were 46 so far and other people are still missing so the figure could rise higher than that.

“The unfortunate thing is the local government chairman is

Presidential Tribunal: Frank Urges Live Transmission of Proceedings Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) to transmit its proceedings live.

Frank, in a statement yesterday said this has become necessary to ensure transparency and openness in the conduct of the tribunal.

He said the move would make Nigerians feel a sense of belonging by keeping them abreast of the progress or otherwise of hearings of the petitions as critical stakeholders.

Frank also urged the PEPT to urgently commence sitting without further delay to ensure accelerated hearing of the case and speedily conclude the case within time statutorily allotted before inauguration on May 29, 2023.

He noted that in Kenya, the Supreme Court concluded hearing

of an election petition case and gave judgement in two weeks, adding that he believed that the judiciary in Nigeria could also save time and earn the trust of Nigerians by working to terminate the case and give its judgement before the inauguration date.

Frank called on the Tribunal, especially the Justices of the Appeal Court and Supreme Court, to put Nigeria first before personal interest.

“We know as it stands, the All Progressives Congress is buying time with delay tactics so as to frustrate the case till after inauguration. This is geared towards allowing the APC to use incumbency powers to influence the judgement of the court. The people want the proceedings to be transmitted live. They must listen to the call of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) by doing the case differently for the first time," he said.

from that community and his 33-year-old son is also a victim.

It’s a very tragic and painful incident.”

The Special Adviser noted that he would be visiting the area in company of the state Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, to ascertain the level of damage in the community.

While stating that the herdsmen have consistently attacked that axis from Apa and Agatu LGAs in the last one month without provocations, Hemba said, “Sometimes they cause a lot of destructions, damages to property and even to farmers in the area.”

He noted that the place is a bit calm at the moment as Police have been deployed and soldiers sent there to assist.

“I spoke to the Brigade Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade, he sent soldiers and they are there. So the security situation, for now, is calm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police command has also confirmed the attack saying eight persons have been killed.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, in a message said “Attack on Umogidi community confirmed.

“Eight corpses recovered including a police officer. More police teams have been deployed to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.”

Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma tribe, Ochi’Idoma HRM Dr John Odogbo in a letter he personally signed has summoned

a meeting of Idoma sons and daughters over the escalating herders attacks in the Idoma-speaking Benue South District.

In the invitation letter, the monarch who pointed out the failure of the government to protect the lives and property of the people in the face of the ceaseless attacks said: “We must rise to the occasion by taking our destiny in our hands since there is a visible failure on government’s part to protect our lives and property.”

He also noted in the invitation letter that, “the Idoma nation in the last few months has been invaded by an influx of ravaging marauders, who are going about killing our people in their homes and farms with a demonstrated intention to sack our people out of their ancestral

motherlands.

“As of today, communities in Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, and Otukpo have been ruined, and our wives, mothers, and sisters have had their horrid taste of this.

“Our fathers and young men have suffered extinction in the most gruesome manners. Just yesterday, a beaded chief of our gracious kingdom was forcefully evicted from amongst us by these marauding herdsmen.

“These people have stolen our peace and murdered our sleep, but our spirit must remain unsubdued!

“This premeditated onslaught is going on in almost every nook and cranny of Benue State, albeit unabated. As it stands, it is either we go to the mountain or the mountain comes to us.”

APC Expels Chime, Others, Suspends Onyeama, Nnamani for Anti-party Gideon Arinze in Enugu The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, has expelled a former governor of the state, Sullivan Chime, and the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu for alleged anti-party activities.

The party has also suspended a former president of the Senate, Ken Nnamani and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.

The party had set up a fiveman disciplinary Committee to look into petitions and reports of fact-finding committees that investigated allegations of antiparty activities leveled against members of the party in the state after which the State Executive Committee (SEC) forwarded all

the petitions and fact-finding reports to the State Disciplinary Committee for investigation and recommendation of appropriate sanctions.

Rising from the State Executive Council meeting at the zonal secretariat of the party in Enugu on Thursday, secretary of the party in the state, Robert Ngwu said the extended SEC, including the Local Government Chairmen and LGA Secretaries of the Party had ratified the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee and unanimously moved for the immediate expulsion and suspension of erring members.

Ugwu announced that Chime openly supported candidates from rival parties, made derogatory statements about the party's

leadership and actively worked against the party's interest during the 2023 general election, hence the decision to expel him from the party in line with its constitution.

On Okechukwu's expulsion, Ugwu said, "He made statements that were in direct contravention of the party's policies and ideology and based on the evidence gathered, it was clear that Mr. Osita Okechukwu engaged in activities that were detrimental to the party's interests,".

He said that Nnamani was suspended because he has a history of anti-party activities as he has consistently campaigned against APC candidates, including the governorship candidate of the party and other candidates during the last general election.

"The various decisions we reached at the extended SEC have been transmitted to the southeast zonal executive committee for onward transmission to the National Executive Committee," he said.

In his address, state chairman of the party, Ugochukwu Agballah, said as individuals, Nnamani and others had the right to choose who they want to support but for being members of the party, they were held by its constitution, hence they must be punished for violating the laws.

Also expelled from the party is a former Speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Eugene Odoh, Ozor Joe Mammel and Maduka Arum, who was the House of Representatives candidate of the party in 2019 for Enugu North.

Oshiomhole is Strong Voice for Workers, Says NLC Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has praised its former President, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole for what it described as his vibrant contributions to the promotion of workers’ welfare in the country.

It said the history of the trade union movement in Nigeria cannot be complete without remembering the exploits and contributions of Oshiomhole.

In a congratulatory message, signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero to mark Oshiomhole's 71 years birthday, the Congress said the former Edo State governor,

former President, former General Secretary of the Textile Union, past national Chairman of the All Progressive Congress of Nigeria (APC) and currently a Senator-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oshiomhole had paid his dues.

"The month of April, especially the 4th day reminds all of us at the NLC of the robust and vibrant leadership that was his eight-year tenure in the Congress.

"His past legacy and continuing imprints endure with us both as workers in Nigeria and as trade unions at all levels.

His birthday therefore brings

to the fore his contributions to our various engagements with the social partners through the various social dialogue mechanisms both locally and internationally," it said.

The NLC said Oshiomhole had truly represented the movement vigorously and brilliantly, “in these various capacities and we are sure that he will continue to be our voice and that of the people in the 10th Senate.”

"The NLC uses this opportunity to wish one of our great leaders who continues to demonstrate his love for Nigerian workers and Nigerian people

a happy birthday and more glorious and fruitful years ahead.

"While we wish him well, we urge him to see in this year’s celebration an opportunity to deepen his service to Nigerian workers and people.

“Our voices which he expressly champions need to resonate at the National Assembly to expand and deepen our engagement with the nation’s governance framework.

"As we celebrate this milestone which the age of 71 signifies, Congress extends its hands of fellowship to him and pledges to stand by him in his life’s journey," it said.

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NEWS

HONOUR FOR OGUN STATE'S HEAD OF SERVICE...

L-R: New Ogun State Head of Service, Kolawole Peter Fagbohun; Member, House of Representatives-elect, Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Afolabi Afuape, and Chairman, Ifo Local Government Council, Mrs. Kikelomo Delano, at a reception in honour of Fagbohun as the Number One civil servant in Ogun State… recently

APC Govs Vow Not to Interfere in 10th N’Assembly Leadership Poll Lukman: Contestants bribing NWC members with sugar, rice Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of the governors elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, have declared that they would not interfere in the election of the principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

This is as the National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the party, Dr. Salihu Lukman, has alleged that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling party were already being bribed with sugar and bags of rice by aspirants contesting for leadership positions of the tenth National Assembly.

However, Chairman of the governors’ forum and governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, stated this while fielding questions from journalists after at the end of meeting held in Abuja, which

ended in the early hours of yesterday.

He said their decision to stay out of the National Assembly leadership election was based on the assumption that the new and old members were intelligent enough to understand the expectations of Nigerians from the ruling party.

Bagudu said, “We believe that our members in the 10th National Assembly are people with wealth of experience that will bring it to bear in choosing the new leadership. Many of them, including the freshers will be mindful of the party, its manifesto and the expectations of Nigeria from our party.

“They know the importance of working with other stakeholders within and outside the party. So, they will exercise their rights of choosing leaders in a way that will make Nigeria a better country

and make our polity more stable.”

Bearing his mind on the zoning arrangements in the election of the National Assembly leadership, Bagudu said the forum believed that members of the party in the two Chambers have the wisdom to make choices of the leaders that would be reflective of consultations within the party and outside the party for the benefit of Nigeria.

"We also reviewed developments in the polity, particularly the incidents of

The National Population Commission (NPC) has restated its commitment to conduct a world class census through the use of digital technology that would provide evidence-based demographic data.

The Federal Commissioner, representing Katsina State in the commission, Bala Almu-Banye, gave the assurance Thursday, during the inauguration of a 24-member state census publicity committee in the state.

He said, "The vision of the 2023 census is to produce not only accurate, reliable and acceptable census data, but also an inclusive and user-friendly data that will be used by all segments of the society for development planning and critical programme interventions.

"Therefore, as part of this commitment, the commission will deploy full digital technology in the conduct of the census and it

will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the result of the census is acceptable to Nigerians and the quality of the data to be generated meets international best standards."

Inaugurating the 24-member committee, the state deputy governor, Mannir Yakubu, admonished its members to take into cognizance the imperative of census to national building and economic development.

Yakubu, who is also the chairman of the committee, added that for Nigeria to develop, there was a need for accurate population data of its citizens for effective national planning, resources sharing and development.

Meanwhile the NPC, has commenced a 4-day refresher training for 750 field workers in preparation for the commencement of the 2023 census in Bauchi State.

Continues online

that those aspiring for positions in the National Assembly were reaching out to members of the NWC unethically and was of the opinion that those who were engaged in unethical practices should be disqualified to serve as a deterrent to others.

The party chieftain noted that the leadership of the party has not taken any decision on the zoning of leadership positions in the 10th Assembly, but confirmed that internal discussions were ongoing in that regard.

It’s an aberration, treasonable, Says Nnamani Military authority links cash availability to resurgence in kidnapping Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ),

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

but the system says those who otherwise feel disenchanted should pursue the judicial option.

“It is the same thing with Nigeria. All the elections since the emergence of Shehu Shagari has been disputed by one participant or the other. So, we felt that Nigerians are wiser and expect the political actors to be considerate of the wider interest.

And since democracy has won, we must move on."

Meanwhile, Lukman, during a media interaction, lamented

DHQ: Interim Govt Plot Unconstitutional, Mischievous, Illegal

described the alleged 2023 Census: NPC Vows to Conduct yesterday, plot by some politicians to install interim national government Evidence-based Demographic Data anin the country as "mischievous,

Conducts refresher training for 750 field workers in Bauchi

few days ago, which we have issued statement condemning the treasonable call for Interim government.

“We made it clear that Nigeria democracy has prospered and despite all challenges we are still beckon of light of many countries.

We have seen elections that have been contested even in the socalled advanced democracy in US with differences.

“Bush and Al Gore, Hillary Clinton and Trump with one disagreement and acrimonies

illegal and unconstitutional."

This is as a former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, has berated the proponents of Interim National Government, describing it as treasonable and an affront to the sensibility of Nigerians.

In another breath, the DHQ has linked the recent spike in kidnapping in some parts of the country to the reflow of cash into the financial system.

However, on the push for interim government, the military high command has said the military as a reputable institution would not support illegality and would act in accordance with the constitution of the country.

At a media briefing in Abuja, Director, Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, said the call by some aggrieved persons in the country for an interim government after the just concluded general election was abhorrent.

Danmadami, who said elections were held, concluded and a new president elected, described those calling for an interim government

as "mischievous and nothing more."

Briefing the media on military operations conducted in the last two weeks across the country, he said such calls remained unconstitutional.

“On the issue of the interim national government, I don’t know why people are bringing up this issue. It is rather unfortunate. The election has been conducted and INEC, who is mandated has announced the president-elect.

“It is not our responsibility to speak on that issue but I know that several calls have been made from the presidency that there is nothing like an interim national government, so, I think people are just trying to be mischievous. It is unconstitutional and all of us know about it," he said.

He affirmed that “the constitution does not provide for an interim national government and that is the point that the presidency has been hammering and so that is the stand. It is not our stand, because that is what the constitution says. It is unconstitutional. So, anything that is unconstitutional as far as I am concerned, is not applicable."

On his part, Nnamani, the Senator for Enugu East, in a statement in Abuja, stated that the ING remained an absurdity and had no place in the modern day democratic rule, adding that

those behind the plot were enemies of Nigeria.

"The presidential election has been conducted and a winner has been declared. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023. ING is a needless distraction.

"Asiwaju will be sworn in on May 29, 2023 and he will hit the ground running. He will not deviate from his avowed commitment to the programmes of social protection, national transformation and restructuring,” parts of the statement read.

He expressed optimism that a Tinubu led administration would address critical infrastructure development, youth unemployment, give priority to budget enhancements needed to address complex issues in the health, education, social service sectors, including potable drinking water and environmental sanitation.

Nnamani, who also said Tinubu’s administration would rejuvenate International recognitions and awareness that would attract other nations to invest in Nigeria and consequently, turn the nation's economy around, therefore, enjoined Nigerians across the divide to support the incoming administration, which he hoped would be a government

of national unity, where no section of Nigeria would be marginalised or shortchanged in the scheme of things.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has said the recent spike in kidnapping in some parts of the country, was occasioned by the resurgence of cash flow in the financial system.

Two students of the Federal University, Gusau, were kidnapped last weekend at an off campus while Kaduna State government confirmed that 10 students from Government Day Secondary School in Awon, Kachia Local Government Area of the state were abducted.

But the security agencies had since launched a manhunt for the criminals.

Danmadami said the reflow of cash in the system had sparked a flurry of kidnapping activities, and that the "cash squeeze" led to a lull in kidnapping as the nonavailability of cash in the system made the business unattractive.

He said the military was, however, working round the clock to contain terrorism.

"We are faced with the problem.

We are not resting. The military is not resting on its oars. The military is still working round the clock to ensure security in the country," he said even as he sought the cooperation of the populace in arresting the trend.

FRIDAY APRIL 7, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS HOLDS CHRISM MASS…

L-R: Very Rev. Monsignor Francis Ishola Ogunmodede; Rev. Fr. Paul Walter; Very Rev. Monsignor John Aniagu; Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; Very Rev. Monsignor Bernard Ayodele Okodua, and Very Rev. Monsignor Gabriel Osu, during the 2023 Chrism Mass by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos…yesterday

Troops Decimate 21 Terrorists, 974 Surrender in North-east Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The military high command yesterday said that troops killed 21 insurgents while 974 terrorists and their family members surrendered to the troops in the North-east.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, said troops

in the past two weeks, while conducting both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the various theatres of operations, recorded significant outcomes.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-east zone of the country sustained the offensive operation to curb the activities of terror groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of

‘APC in Severe Pain over Labour’s Support for Adeleke’ Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sympathised with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state over its ‘pronounced agony’ on the no-love lost between the state Governor, Ademola Ademola’s government and workers, warning that no amount of cheap rhetoric will wash away the ignoble records of the erstwhile ruling party’s in term of the welfare of workers in the state.

The PDP in a statement signed by its state Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, yesterday, said the APC failed woefully in the latest attempt to pose as a friend of the workers, pointing out that the issue of the promotion arrears was one of the messes created by the party that Adeleke is working to clear.

Akindele maintained Governor Adeleke is committed to paying the promotion arrears to workers as promised, explaining that the delay has nothing to do with the administration as revealed by labour leaders in a viral communication to workers.

According to him, “Is it not funny, or perhaps, absurd that the APC is now posing as an advocate for workers? This was the same party that made workers go through hell in the years it was in the helms of affairs in the state out of deliberate wickedness.

“The mistake the APC made was to think workers in the state have short memory and will fall for its cheap antics going by their terrible experience while it was in charge. If the APC was this concerned about workers, the question is, why exactly did the welfare of workers suffer so badly under its watch?

Highest Bill Sponsor, Abass, to Declare for House Speakership JulietAkojeinAbuja

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, who has sponsored the highest number of bills in the current Assembly is set to declare for Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

Hon Abass, who represents Zaria Federal constituency of Kaduna state of North West is the Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport.

Tajudeen Abass, who is leading the bill sponsorship chart with 78 bills in the 9th Assembly will be formally making known his intention to vie for the position of speaker very soon.

In the 8th Assembly (2015-2019)), Abass came third with 43 bills and 13 motions and with 20 of his bills assented to so far.

Abass is the lawmaker with the highest number of bills, which have been assented to by

the president and that it is alleged that his governor, Mallam Ahmed El-Rufai of Kaduna state is seriously backing his aspiration.

A source close to the lawmaker said:”I want to confirm to you that Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass will soon be making his intention to contest for speaker. known to everyone.

He is the best lawmaker in terms of lawmaking in the National Assembly.

“Remember, the primary function of legislators is lawmaking and Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abass has sponsored 78 bills, which is the highest in this Assembly. In the 8th House, he came third with 43 bills and 13 motions.”

The source further said; “This is the man for the job and Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai is solidly behind his aspiration because Hon. Abass is a good product and Kaduna state is offering the nation the best to lead the House of Representatives “

West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“Troops equally neutralised 21 terrorists, captured nine suspected terrorists, arrested 11 suspected terrorists logistic suppliers and collaborators, apprehended

two terrorists and rescued 54 terrorist escapees while a total of 974 terrorists comprising 77 adult males, 364 adult females and 533 children surrendered to troops at different locations within

the joint areas of operation,” he said.

Danmadami revealed that all recovered items and apprehended suspects were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

He said the surrendering terrorists and members of the their families were profiled and given medical attention while the insurgents and members of their families were also profiled for further action.

‘Why Ex-senate President, Wayas, Yet to be Buried’ Son accusedarrangements of hoarding corpses with a London-based informed. The state governor, of N50 million. It was gathered that

JosephUshigiale

Contrary to the widely held belief that the remains of the late former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas have been abandoned in a London hospital, fresh facts have emerged indicating that the Cross River State government and other influential men of goodwill had concluded

undertaker, Slaters International Funeral Directors Limited as far back as February 14, 2022 for the burial.

According to information available to THISDAY, when the late former Senate President and his wife passed in London, the state government was immediately

Ben Ayade immediately set up a committee headed by former Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi to oversee the burial activities.

To facilitate the committee’s work, Ayade was said to have approved and immediately released N200 million to the committee with a promise to release another tranche

the committee released N100 million to a sub-committee vested with the task of repatriating the remains of Wayas and his wife and headed by the former Director General, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dave Ashang to liaise with the family to achieve the purpose.

Delta Guber: Gbagi Asks Tribunal to Nullify Oborevwori’s Election The Delta state governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 poll, Kenneth Gbagi has asked the state Election Petition Tribunal to nullify the declaration of Sherrif Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship poll.

In the petition filed in Asaba, the State capital, on April 6, 2023, Gbagi contended that as at the time of the election, Oborevwori was not qualified to run for the office of governor and also did not meet the requirement to be elected and returned by majority of lawful votes.

Joined in the suit as co-defendants are INEC, PDP, All Progressives

Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and all other governorship candidates in the state and their party.

According to the petition, Gbagi contended that aside Oborevwori, other candidates including OmoAgege and Great Ogboru were also not qualified to run for the office of governor in the state.

In his argument against Oborevwori’s declaration as governor-elect by INEC, Gbagi contended that Oborevwori in an attempt to meet the constitutional requirements of eligibility for the 2023 governorship election, presented a fake Declaration of Age/Affidavit in support of personal particulars in Form C.F. 001.

Rivers APC Calls for Release of Abducted Official, INEC Documents

TheAll Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State under the aegis of the State Publicity Secretary and Spokesman for the 2023 Campaign Council has called for the immediate release of Dr. Godswill Dike and release of all certified NEC documents that would enable the party table its appeal before the Rivers state election tribunal.

According to a statement made

available to THISDAY by the APC state publicity Secretary in Rivers state and the Spokesman, Rivers APC 2023 Campaign Council, Darlington Nwauju, and Sogbeye Eli respectively said that they had just been informed about the abduction of Dr. Godswill Dike, a lawyer, member of the party and brother of the State Legal Adviser, Barr. Azubuike Dike, right inside

the Rivers State Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

They said that Dr. Godswill Dike was invited to the Commission to take delivery of the certified true copies of the INEC documents that they applied for in pursuant to the provisions of Section 74 of the Electoral Act 2022.

According to the statement, “Acting apparently on a tip-off, Edison Ehie and Samuel Nwasonike, aided by the surge of the PDP mob outside the premises swooped on him inside the INEC office shortly after Dr. Godswill Dike signed for the documents and sped away with him to the StateAssembly residential Quarters behind the INEC State Headquarters.

Oyebanji: Ekiti NAF Base ‘ll boost Economy, Tourism, Security Gbenga SodeindeinAdoEkiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, yesterday performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Nigeria Air Force base at the Ekiti Agro Allied International Airport.

Speaking at the ceremony at the

site of the base in in Igbemo –Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the project was aimed at developing a new frontier of economic activities, strengthening security architecture and tourism development in the state, adding that as a land locked state, there was urgent need to open and connect the economy to the rest of the world.

While noting that the state was

already driving towards establishing an aviation economy by taking advantage of its geography as a state and nearness to the political and commercial capitals of the nation, the governor added that without aviation and security infrastructure, the state’s ambition to grow tourism infrastructure and prosperity agenda for the people would remain a mirage.

Governor Oyebanji posited that the turning of the sod was in fulfilment of the strategic vision of expanding security architecture and air military presence in the state, recalling that one of the reasons the state opted for the airport with the capacity to land any aircraft including military, was to ensure adequate and effective security of the people.

AbdulRazaq Lauds FG for Approving Four Major Roads in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has lauded the federal government for approving the rehabilitation of four major roads in the state during the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

The FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja had last Wednesday granted approvals to BUA Group for the rehabilitation of four major roads in the state.

The roads are KosubosuKaiama-Bode Saadu (130km); Bacita-Shonga-Lafiagi (83km);

Eiyenkorin-Afon-Offa-Odo Ottin (49km); and Okuta-Bukuro Road, which connects to the Benin Republic (32km). All the roads are 294km.

The state Governor, AbdulRazaq, made the commendation in Ilorin yesterday in a statement, saying: “The roads

will be constructed under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (Executive Order 7).

“Upon completion, these projects will revolutionise road travels within Kwara and neighbouring states, with huge potential for development and food security.”

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IG Decorates DIG Egbetokun, 24 AIGs, 33 CPs with New Ranks Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, yesterday decorated newly promoted senior police officers with their new ranks amidst cheers from family members, friends, and professional colleagues.

The decoration followed recent promotion approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to deserving officers with the requisite experience, years of dedicated service and academic records.

A total of 58 senior police officers were decorated including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Olukayode Egbetokun, who was until his promotion the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Abuja; 24 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police including AIGs Frank Mba;

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I formerly known and addressed as MRS. FATIMA SAMAILA ABDULONE now wish to be known and addressed as MISS FATIMA MOHAMMED ABDUL-ONE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that the bearer of the names below, OKOROIWU CHRISTIAN C and OKOROIWU CHINENYEZE C is one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOROIWU CHRISTIAN CHINENYEZE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Matthew Akinyosola; Jonathan Towuru; Abiodun Alabi; Akande Sikiru; Abimbola Shokoya; Yekini Ayoku; Olofu Adejoh; Aliyu Garba; Idrisu Dabban; and Yusuf Usman. Others include: Haladu Ros-Amson; Babaita Ishola; Alexander Wannang; Ari Muhammed; Mamman Sanda; Sadiq Abubakar; Benjamin Okolo; Oyediran Oyeyemi; Babaji Sunday; Arungwa Udo; Yusuf

Chiromawa.

The police high command also decorated 33 Commissioners of Police.

The IG charged the newly promoted senior officers to internalise and uphold the tenets of the presidential police reform agenda while emphasising respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law as enshrined in the constitution.

Varsity Students Protest Killing of Colleague Over N1,000 in Ondo

Fidelis David inAkure

Students of the Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, yesterday protested over the death of their colleague who was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected cultists following argument over N1,000.

THISDAY gathered that the incident happened off-campus, while the house of the suspect, who stabbed the student to death, had been reportedly set ablaze by the irate students.

Details of the incident were still sketchy as of the time of filling this report. But sources said the students accused some indigenes of the community as being responsible for the killing.

Witnesses said some students of the institution took to the streets to

protest the incident but intervention of the police and school authorities averted a crises between the students and the indigenous.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get full details.

She said: “The student was confirmed dead at the hospital where he was rushed to. An indigene had an issue with a student and one thing led to the other, and he stabbed the student which resulted to the student’s death.

“Students took to the street to protest, corpse taken to the morgue by police, while on it some people mobilise to the suspects mother’s house to set it ablaze, police and the people are there to put off the fire,” she said.

El-Rufai Commends Wike, Rivers People for Supporting Tinubu’s Presidency Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai, has commended governor Nyesom Wike and the people of Rivers State for supporting the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Southerner as presidentelect in the 2023 presidential election.

The Kaduna governor, who made the commendation yesterday, when he performed the inauguration of Eneka-Igbo Etche Link Road, in Rivers, pointed out that though himself and governor Wike mighy be from different political parties, they shared a few things in common because

they are Nigerians and believe in one Nigeria.

He said: “I want on behalf of our presidential candidate and our party to thank you and the good people of Rivers state for making the right choice in voting for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It is the first time since the Fourth Republic started in 1999 that PDP was unable to get 25 per cent in Rivers state.

“It shows that the people of Rivers can differentiate and they know when to vote for quality and they voted quality over political sentiments. We want to thank you for providing that leadership governor Wike.”

ECOWAS Commission Launches Unified Identity Number for Regional Integration SegunJames

As part of efforts for regional inclusion and identification of citizens of members states, the ECOWAS Commission has launched the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) programme.

The WURI is a multi-phase programme financed by the World Bank and implemented by governments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Togo, and the ECOWAS Commission, with the overall

Programme Development Objective (PrDO) was signed yesterday in Lagos.

The first phase of the recognised proof of unique identity that facilitates their access to services has already been implemented by the government of Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea.

According to the Commission, specifically aims to foster regional dialogues and cooperation for cross-border mutual movement and recognition of foundational identity systems for access to services.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Why Do People Overlook Quran’s Miracles? (II) By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity Dealing wisely with the Qur’an The Qur’an reiterates that it is guidance. Such is perhaps its most prominent epithet. However, the Qur’an concurrently brings to light that its guidance is not monolithic. It is multidimensional and contains infinite treasures for different categories of people. It has surprises in store for everyone. So, it affirms that it is a guidance for the god-fearing (those conscious of Allah) (al-Baqarah, 2), for humanity as a whole (al-Baqarah, 185), for a people who believe (al-A’raf, 52), for those who submit (who are Muslims) (al-Nahl, 89), for the doers of good (Luqman, 3), and for a people who are certain in faith (Jathiyah, 20).

It follows that there cannot be a single or just a few rigid and uniform methods for dealing with the Qur’an. Approaches to it should be as diverse and flexible as demanded by its content and aims.

For example, a method meant for a Muslim should not be identical to the one meant for a non-Muslim; nor should a method meant for a nominal Muslim should be like the one feasible for a Muslim who is confident in faith and is the doer of good. Likewise, methods developed for Jews should not be intended for Christians, and vice versa; nor should those meant for either Jews or Christians be used to deal with hard-core atheists and skeptics.

This is the implication of the Qur’anic injunction to invite to the path of Allah “with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His path, and who receive guidance” (al-Nahl, 125).

This is logical in that the capacities, needs, and expectations of people are not the same. Everyone is to get what he needs, hopes for, and can grasp.

For the Qur’an to inspire and guide, people need to know where exactly they currently stand, where they want to go, and why. People need to know who they are and if they are pleased with themselves. They need to take stock of their lives: their achievements, failures, and future prospects. In short, they need to re-examine – and if necessary, put on the line – their entire worldviews and behavioral models.

Moreover, for the Qur’an to be a source of light, proof, authoritative reminder, glad tidings, etc., people should first feel that they need such things. They should get rid of – or at least start to question seriously - their loads of accumulated errors, delusions, and preconceived notions. Their eyes and ears should be opened, and their minds awakened. However, all that is extremely hard.

To do that, people should be critical of everything, mostly of themselves. They should question everything.

That is the only way they can identify shortcomings in their current ways, and at the same time, draw closer to the universe of the Qur’an. The supreme fairness of the Qur’an is its insistence that all the God-given faculties be applied for repudiating falsehood and accepting truth. Anything short of that tactic, the Qur’an is not ready to entertain.

The Qur’an is not disposed to accepting any form of ideological shortcuts, misappropriation, and mediocrity. Just as it wants falsehood and error to be rejected only rationally, the Qur’an likewise wants truth and guidance to be accepted only rationally too. The Qur’an and Muslims should not hesitate to engage anybody, and at all levels, in constructive discussions and debates.

While being constantly on the offensive, instead of the defensive, the Qur’an and Muslims have nothing to hide or fear. Their case is impeccably open and honest. Nothing but goodness for humanity and the world is intended thereby. Their calling is all-inclusive and global, so should their current civilizational predilections and strategies be too.

People’s life mission - whomever they may be should be but one of truth-seeking and truth-following.

That should be their obsessions, their raison d’etre.

That is the only way people can strike out some unusable ideas, plus experiences, in their preoccupied minds and anxious souls and create a space in them for the rays of the Qur’anic message to enter and start operating.

People need to be cogently brought to the threshold of the Qur’an, forming thus an initial impartial rapport with it. From there, the Qur’an itself will take over, hand in hand, with the rational, emotional, and spiritual states of people. Locked in a causal liaison, as the former gets more intensive and more profound, the latter in turn becomes more advanced and more expressive.

In that respect, the more a person wants from the Qur’an and his relationship with it, the more he will get, and the more he tries to see, the more wonders he will be able to uncover and appreciate.

Without a doubt, it is an understatement to say that the sky is the limit in this mutually formed and mutually nurtured relationship. There is no limit to such a blissful journey.

Contextualization and Gradation This contextualization as well as gradation pertaining

to the relationship with the Qur’an - with the subtle interplay between the revelation, reason, emotions, and overall circumstances - are crucial. Insisting from the outset merely that the Qur’an is the Word of God, that it was revealed to humankind through the final Messenger, that it leads to Jannah (Paradise) in the Hereafter, etc., is bound to receive little attention. That is so because many people do not believe in God, do not accept Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as the final Messenger, and do not care about the Hereafter and its terms. All the talk, therefore, will fall on deaf ears. Preaching must be adjusted to the nature and levels of people’s understanding.

Surely, as long as people are bogged down with their run-of-the-mill life concerns rooted in myriads of misconceptions and fallacies, there can be no progress whatsoever insofar as search for truth, and ennobling people’s existential callings are concerned. The situation is akin to a computer whose memory is full. If a new file is about to be saved, there will always be a popping warning message to the effect that memory is full, so for a new file to be saved, some old files need to be deleted. There is also an idiom to the effect that a person stuffed with substandard food cannot be excited by anything anymore, including the most excellent and most nutritious food. He needs but to get hungry again.

In other words, while inviting people to the Qur’an, they and their situations must be carefully and utterly studied. They must be properly diagnosed, taking every aspect into consideration. No feature is too small to be overlooked. Only then can Qur’anic prescriptions be put forth, which will be pertinent, practical, and matter of fact. Only then can they be truly valuable, and can the Qur’an, in its capacity as guidance and healing, start performing miracles.

This also means that for the Qur’an to influence and guide life, it ought to be rendered operational in life. It ought to be workable in the vicissitudes of time and space. It needs to strike a fine balance between its being divine and its becoming “down-to-earth.”

In passing, one of the ultimate miracles of the Qur’an is just that: a seamless transition from the heavenly to the terrestrial realm via the heart of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and from the world of perfection, infinity, inimitability, and timelessness to the world of polar opposites, perfectly fulfilling the demands of both universes.

The Qur’an’s ultimate miracle manifests itself in originating in transcendence, settling and functioning in temporality (the linear progression of past, present, and future), and rising as such above everything and leading to the highest stations in the spiritual kingdom. Its worldly purpose is to serve as a link between the two dimensions of the otherworldliness, ensuring a smooth procession to the latter.

Failing to understand certain nuances of this truth may lead to some extreme and even dangerous standpoints. Like what happened in the 9th century, unprecedented doctrinal disputes raged throughout the intellectual centers of the Muslim world. At the core of the disputes stood the wrangle of whether the Qur’an as the Word of God is created or otherwise.

That, in consequence, led to the all-pervading mihnah (test or ordeal), which shook Islamic civilization to its foundations.

The Qur’an furthermore says about itself: “None shall touch it save the purified (clean) ones. A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds” (al-Waqi’ah, 79). This means that no impure and undesired elements, neither in the metaphysical nor in the physical world, can have any affiliation whatsoever with the Qur’an, much less get into its substance and contaminate it. This message is universal. It also covers the subjects of how people conceptualize, deal with, and propagate the phenomenon of the Qur’an. The physical, spiritual, intellectual, and moral forms of purity (cleanliness) are implied thus.

It goes without saying that using the wrong methods with the Qur’an will inevitably backfire, sooner or later. Wrong prescriptions may yet kill.

A medicine is a life-saver for a person but could be a killer for another. The Qur’an is not to be forced and imposed but rather coveted and relished. It is not to be a burden, but a blessing and mercy. A deep love relationship is to develop between the Qur’an and the soul, as they both belong to the same dominion.

Yet another implication of dealing wisely with the Qur’an is that one should know where and when to draw a line. It is Allah who guides, not people, and “however hard you try, most people will not believe” (Yusuf, 103). The sinners and criminals will not believe in it (the Qur’an) until they see the painful punishment” (al-Shu’ara’, 201). At any rate, the mandates of reason and moral principles are not to be compromised under any circumstances.

Allah advises the Prophet: “Then maybe you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this message (Qur’an)” (al-Kahf, 6).

“You are not a watcher (controller or warder) over them” (al-Ghashiyah, 22).

39

FRIDAY, AP Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

‘Wild Dogs’ Pull Down Super Eagles in April FIFA Rankings

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria’s 0-1 home defeat against Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 AFCON qualifier in Abuja last month has had a telling effect on the senior national team as the Super Eagles dropped five spots to 40th in the April rankings released by FIFA yesterday.

Eagles were ranked 35th when they lost that game at the Moshood Abiola Stadium to the Wild Dogs of GuineaBissau. Although Nigeria won the reversed fixture 48 hours later in Bissau, the cumulative points

dropped in the first leg ensured that Eagles are no longer in the Top 5 bracket of African football.

Nigeria dropped to sixth in the continent.

It is a steady decline that started last year when the three-time African champions moved from 32nd to 35th in October and now 40th.

At the continental level, Morocco’s semi final feat at the last World Cup in Qatar has fired the Atlas Lions to the top of the African standing. Morocco’s excellent run in the Grade A friendlies against Brazil and Peru have seen

the North African country leapfrog Senegal to the Number 1 spot.

Carthage Eagles of Tunisia are third while Algeria and Egypt complete the Top 5 of African standings.

Meanwhile, six years after last topping the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, Argentina (1st, plus 1) are once again at the summit of world football.

Recent friendly wins against Panama (2-0) and Curaçao (7-0) helped the world champions dethrone Brazil (3rd, minus 2), who paid a high price for defeat in their friendly against

Morocco (2-1).

Not only did the Seleçao surrender top spot, but they also saw France (2nd, plus 1) move ahead of them.

Les Bleus’ ascent to second is down to back-to-back wins in UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying against the Netherlands (4-0) and Republic of Ireland (1-0).

Outside the leading trio, there were no other movers among the Top 10. Belgium (4th, -) remain just outside the podium places, closely followed by England (5th).

Lampard on ‘Second Missionary’ Journey to Chelsea Frank Lampard p insisted y yesterday y that he will "focus on the job in hand" after being named Chelsea's caretaker manager, rather than trying to land the role full-time.

Lampard has completed a surprise return to Chelsea for the rest of the season, replacing the sacked Graham Potter.

Lampard The club cllub b said L ampard p will take charge while they carry out an "exhaustive process" to find a permanent boss.

"I want to do the best possible role I can and after that we will see what happens," the 44-year-old said.

"I am not getting anywhere

Shaibu Urges Full Implementation of Edo State Sports Commission Law Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Government has taken a positive step towards the implementation of the law establishing the Edo State Sports Commission in the 18 Local Government Councils.

Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said it will encourage the development of sports at the grassroots.

He therefore directed the concerned stakeholders to spring into action.

The Edo State sports loving Deputy Governor at a meeting with members of State’s Sports Commission led by its Chairman, Yusuf Alli, the 18 Local Government Councils' Laison Officers and Heads of Local Government Administration, (HOLGAS) emphasised the need for urgent implementation of the state sports programme in pursuit of the set target as directed by the state government for the sports commission to produce 10,000 athletes within a space of five years.

Shaibu charged the State Sports Commission and the Heads of Administration of the 18 Local Government councils to ensure immediate establishment of Sports Committee in each of the local government area.

According to the Deputy Governor, "the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has mandated the Edo State Sports Commission to produce 10,000 athletes, cutting across all sports in the 37 sports in Edo within the next five years.

He however clarified that Edo state will prioritize 17 sports.

In his remark, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Yusuf Ali, noted that the Commission recently received commendations from FIFA's representatives who

were on inspection tour of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. He pointed out that the solid infrastructure on ground at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium makes CAF and FIFA to consider Benin for their events.

The Edo State Sports Commission Law was enacted on 18th of August,2021 and the sports Commission inaugurated on March 11, 2022 with Yusuf Alli as its Executive Chairman.

ahead of myself." mys y elf." l Lampard, who has been out Lampard of a job since he was dismissed

by Everton in January, previously managed Chelsea from July 2019 until he was sacked in January 2021.

His first game will be away to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday before a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Lampard was a player at Stamford Bridge when interim boss Roberto di Matteo led the club to Champions League glory as a caretaker before earning the job on a full-time basis.

Asked if he could follow a similar path, the former midfielder said: "It won't be my decision so again I don't want to jump forward to that.

"I understand I will get asked that question a lot. I have my eyes wide open. The important thing for me is to park that and focus on the job in hand."

Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League, 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, despite having spent more than £550million on new players this season.

Frank Lampard...reappointed as Chelsea’s caretaker coach until end of season

Mbappe Rejects ‘Kylian Saint-Germain’Tag Not happy 2023/24 season ticket video promo plays down Messi, Neymar Paris Saint-Germain have angered Kylian Mbappe with the Frenchman unimpressed by the club using him as their poster boy to sell season tickets for the 2023/24 season.

The French captain slammed his own club in a statement on Instagram, arguing that he has been made too prominent in their season ticket promo - admitting that he was not informed of the content and disagrees with the video.

Mbappe is placed front and centre in the advert, featuring an interview with him, along with match action and clips of supporters.

In fact, there is barely room for any of his teammates, with fellow superstar players Lionel Messi and Neymar not included in the advert.

In his statement, the 24-yearold objected to having his image used in this way, and insisted that the club is not 'Kylian Saint-Germain.'

'I have just taken part in the viewing of the club's renewal

campaign for the 23/24 season,' he wrote on his Instagram.

'At no time was I informed

of the content of the interview with my interlocutor. It looked like a basic interview at a club

Kylian Mbappe...snubs 2023/24 PSG season ticket video

marketing day. I disagree with this posted video.

'That's why I fight for individual image rights. PSG is a big club and a big family, but it is certainly not Kylian Saint Germain.'

The 75-second clip sees Mbappe featured heavily, either with his words, face, or highlights of his time at the club so far.

An intimate interview with Mbappe opens the clip, the words from which continue throughout the video as viewers are shown shots of fans, youngsters and ground-staff at the Parc des Princes.

There has been heavy speculation over whether Messi and Neymar will still be at the Parc des Princes next season.

French media reported earlier this week that Argentine World Cup winner Messi is prepared to quit PSG this summer.

Mbappe became Les Parisiens' all-time top scorer earlier in the 2022-23 campaign,

and has extended his record in the French capital to 202 in just 251 games.

The 24-year-old was rewarded for his efforts at the club last May, despite seemingly being set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.

He was handed a mega deal at PSG taking his wages to a reported £4million-a-month, extending his stay until 2025, but reports suggest he is once again unhappy at the club.

As a result, officials at the Parc des Princes will be keen to allay any concerns the player has over their most recent promotional video.

One of the key issues that he currently has is a reported dislike for playing as a lone striker through the middle.

However, with only Hugo Ekitike likely to start ahead of Neymar, Messi and Mbappe - and even then with all three stars fit it is unlikely either would be dropped - he remains Christophe Galtier's regular choice up top.

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MISSILE Mohammed to Afenifere “There were days when Afenifere sneezes and the whole country will catch a cold.

It is not the same thing right now. When Afenifere talks and you begin to ask yourself, which Afenifere? You know what that means.”

–Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, berating the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, for still being pained by the defeat suffered by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

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EBUN-OLUADEGBORUWA GUEST COLUMNIST

The Aberrance of Interim Government L

ast year, some leaders of thought advocated for military rule in Nigeria, apparently due to a sense of frustration with the seeming collapse of civilian authority. Nigerians flatly rejected that call without apology. We have gone too far in the journey of democracy to even think of any other option. Any form of military governance in Nigeria is gone and gone for good. And this is why commendation must go to our gallant officers in the military and all our security personnel who are daily sacrificing their lives to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria in the lawful discharge of their constitutional roles. It would seem that those who muted the suggestion of military takeover saw ahead of the 2023 general elections, notwithstanding the fact that their poisoned option would have led us to greater doom.

From the reports of election observers, over 100 persons died in connection with the 2023 elections, some others were brutalized, intimidated, harassed and browbeaten into hiding and denied their right of choice. The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) witnessed an uncommon upsurge in litigation arising from election disputes such that it has now budgeted about N3B as legal fees for this purpose. This probably must have led to the emergence of the new apostles of dictatorship who are now canvassing for an interim government.

These advocates are campaigning for fascism in simple terms. Their reason may be due to the deep-seated frustrations occasioned by the seeming cluelessness of civilian leadership since 1999, when we returned to democratic rule. Some of the people rooting for interim government are well advanced, knowledgeable and indeed well-grounded in democratic ethos that it challenges one’s sense of rationality to determine how they got to this point. When the practitioners of law and advocates of due process, sit down to preach anarchy and disorder, when those who have profited from the rule of law and democracy disown the very process that made them, when those who have suffered the brunt of dictatorship most now transform themselves into its mouthpiece, then we should get scared as a nation, knowing that something serious is evidently and ominously amiss. I had prayed that a time like this would never come to pass in Nigeria, but here we are, faced with the campaigners of interim government, who do so with all sense of conviction, desecrating the hallowed altar of the rule of law and constitutional democracy. As stated earlier, this call may have been birthed by some of the ugly events that characterized the 2023 elections. Should this be a reason to canvas anarchy and dictatorship? I think not.

Those calling for an interim government want all lawfully-elected representatives of the people to abdicate power in order to allow unelected people take over the reins of government. I then began to ask some questions. Are the interim government advocates not aware of section 1 (2) of the Constitution that says thus: “the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of

Obi

persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.” So, where did they get this idea of Nigeria under unelected leaders? What do we do with the Constitution? Suspend it and destroy the entity called Nigeria? What will be the foundation for the legitimacy of the selective contraption that they want to impose upon us? Are they not aware that section 3 (1) of the same Constitution states that “there shall be thirty-six States in Nigeria”? How did we get here really? Have the proponents of interim government not read section 2 (2) of the Constitution that: “Nigeria shall be a Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory”? For this idea to have sprang up at all, then surely our civilian leaders must have messed up the political atmosphere so badly that they don’t deserve to be trusted with power again. We must blame the politicians, as they have had close to three decades to put their houses in order since the military was chased out of

power in 1999. Things have gotten worse since then, as we are more divided now than we ever were, we are more concerned about our ethnic loyalties than ever before and we have more religious tendencies than it used to be. We can’t even talk about how corruption has eaten so deep into our national life, such that nowadays, snakes do swallow cash and septic tanks have become storage places for dollars. The rate of youth unemployment is higher than before, inflation is climbing at an alarming rate and basic infrastructure practically does not exist, in confirmation of any form of leadership.

Our collective experiences with the various military regimes of the past have been very bitter, comprising inconsistent policies, wanton illegality, monumental corruption, arbitrary legislations, unbridled nepotism and sectional allegiances. They should serve as warnings to us on the futility of any undemocratic arrangement. Perhaps the most dangerous feature of interim government is the imposition of a unitary government, which in itself will halt the progress of Nigeria beyond comprehension. We will also most likely contend with the abrogation of the rights of citizens, arbitrary arrests and detentions, mysterious assassinations here and there and uncertainty in governance. We surely cannot return to that inglorious era, as we all firmly believe now that the worst civilian rule is better off than the best interim contraption.

The call for interim government has however led us to think very deeply, as to the collective value of civilian government to the people of Nigeria since 1999. We have only raised petty bourgeoises, jet owners, electoral bandits and political godfathers who have all found retirement in politics and are very unwilling to let go. They live a lifestyle that they can only sustain with public funds. This is the present tragedy of our nation; namely that we love democracy and its system of governance but we have not gained much from it, because our leaders have bluntly refused to play the game according to the rules. It is unfortunate that we will keep lamenting in this manner and sooner than later, another election cycle will come and go and we will still be singing

Are the interim government advocates not aware of Section 1 (2) of the Constitution that says thus: the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. So, where did they get this idea of Nigeria under unelected leaders? What do we do with the Constitution? Suspend it and destroy the entity called Nigeria? What will be the foundation for the legitimacy of the selective contraption that they want to impose upon us?

the old songs in Babylon. But we must keep enduring it, until it gets better to give us the dividends that we truly deserve. As for interim government in Nigeria, let us perish the thought! That era has ended for good.

No Legal Opinion of Peter Obi as Labour Party Candidate

In July 2022, I wrote three different opinions on the candidates of the Labour Party, All Progressives Congress and the Peoples’ Democratic Party. This was long before the 2023 general election. After the election however, I have not discussed the fate or chances of any particular politician. This is due partly to the fact that a process was instituted, concluded and there are different cases in the various Election Petition Tribunals challenging the process. I have however been inundated with a scripted WhatsApp post, wherein it was alleged that I stated that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi does not qualify to claim membership of the Labour Party.

That is not my opinion and I am not the author of that post. It is what we all call it: FAKE NEWS. I humbly urge you all to please disregard it.

I am not a member of any political party, I am not involved in the prosecution or defence of any election petition and I have no interest in partisan politics, at least for now. Thus, it is not in my place to determine or pronounce on who can be or cannot be a member of any political party. Like other Nigerians, I am bound by and will accept the outcome of any and all lawful engagements by all concerned for the ventilation of grievances.

I cannot fathom what those who circulated this false narrative seek to profit from it but it is ungodly to sit down and concoct a legal opinion and then ascribe it to someone else.

I am a lover of peace and I believe in due process of law. To the extent that elections have been conducted and results declared from which winners have emerged, the next process for all who are aggrieved is to follow the procedure stipulated by law for challenging the process. I join other well-meaning Nigerians to appeal for peace, I encourage those who are in court to challenge the results of elections to be steadfast and committed to the process already activated and I urge the judiciary to dispense justice without ill-will or affection to all those who seek electoral justice.

It is to our credit as a nation that we have had an unbroken process of leadership change since 1999 and that process cannot be discarded at this stage of our national development.

Having said that, it must be emphasised that those who are entrusted with the responsibility of midwifing the transition process must do so in strict compliance with the enabling laws and also provide equal opportunities for all persons who are engaged in the transition process. We must continue to operate and correct the system until we attain perfection.

Interim government? Perish thought!

•Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), writes from Lagos

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