THURSDAY 13TH APRIL 2023

Again, IMF Urges Nigeria to Increase Tax, Reduce Borrowing Canvasses targeted subsidies for health, education sectors Nume Ekeghe and Ugo Aliogo in Washington DC The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its advice to Nigeria to step up efforts to bring

more people into the tax net, increase taxes, and reduce the country’s debt burden. These suggestions emerged from sidelines of the on-going IMF/ World Bank Spring meetings in Washington DC.

IMF also restated the need for Nigeria to phase out its controversial petrol subsidy and redirect such funding to targeted subsidies on critical development drivers, like health and education. The recom-

mendation was contained in IMF’s latest Fiscal Monitor, titled, “On the path to Policy Normalisation,” which was released yesterday.

The fund noted that Nigeria’s debt was projected to continue

to rise.

Speaking with THISDAY, on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring meetings, Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department, IMF, Paulo Medas, said, “In general, what

we are saying about Nigeria is the need for a medium-term plan to reduce debt vulnerabilities over time and it is because Nigeria has very Continued on page 10

With 5.5% Stake, Femi Otedola Emerges Transcorp’s Largest Individual Shareholder... Page 8 Thursday 13 April, 2023 Vol 28. No 10228. Price: N250

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FG Drags Seplat's CEO, Others to Court over Alleged Breach of Immigration Law... Page 42

Labour Party: Obi’s Traducers Trailed Him to UK, Bent on Implicating Him London immigration reveals former Anambra governor being impersonated Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council has accused

political opponents of plotting to frame the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by impersonating him.

Spokesperson of the Obi-Datti Media Office, Diran Onifade, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

Onifade said Obi, who was in

the United Kingdom to celebrate Easter, was harassed by London immigration officials and placed on detention, but for the spontaneous

reaction of Nigerians at Heathrow Airport. He explained that on arrival at the Heathrow Airport in London from Nigeria, on Good

Friday, April 7, the former Anambra State governor joined the queue Continued on page 10

Tinubu: US Court Order of $460,000 Forfeiture against Me Not Enforceable Says order was never registered in any Nigerian court APC joins INEC, urges panel to dismiss Atiku, PDP’s petitions President-elect’s media team meets foreign press in US, dismisses rigging claims Alex Enumah in Abuja The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, told the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) it lacked necessary jurisdiction to enforce a purported decision of a United States District court that ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $460,000 in some US bank accounts linked to him in 1993.

Tinubu, who stated this in his response to the petition filed by the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against his victory at the February 25 presidential election, further hinged his argument on the fact that the said US court order was never registered in any Nigerian court.

This is as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in calling for the dismissal of the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the February Continued on page 10

SPRING MEETINGS OF THE IMF/WORLD BANK GROUP IN DC...

L-R: Governor, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Dr. Patrick Njoroge; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), CBN, Dr. Kingsley Obiora, on the sidelines of the G24 Meetings during the ongoing Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group holding in Washington D.C... Tuesday

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

NEWS

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING...

L-R: Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite; Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, and Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Senator Gbemisola PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI Saraki, at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday

FG Okays N41.873bn for Third Mainland Bridge Repairs, Procurement of 337 Vehicles for Customs, Others

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government has approved contracts worth N41.872 billion for the immediate repairs of the third mainland bridge in Lagos, the Enugu-Anambra road as well as procurement of 337 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Customs Service.

A breakdown of the approval secured at yesterday's meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the State House, Abuja, included N23.328 billion okayed for the two memoranda presented by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for the augmentation for a road between Enugu and Anambra states, and repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Briefing newsmen after the weekly FEC meeting, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Raji Fasola, explained that the work on the Third Mainland Bridge, which he said would cost N6.28 billion, would be dealing with surface failings that are now becoming obvious, which were not there when the last repairs were done on the bridge.

He said: “The first was with regard to contract cost revision by way of augmentation for the old Enugu/Onitsha Road, from Okpi Junction, all the way to Udioji to Anambra border in Enugu state.

“The augmentation was in the sum of N17,050,000,000, which revised the contract to N48,996,488,925 Naira with an additional completion time of 42 months.

“The second contract was a fresh contract for the maintenance of the pavement of the Third Mainland Bridge and this was approved in the sum of N6,278,063,585.58 for a period of 24 months. This is in consonance with the Executive Order 11 signed by Mr. President for the continued maintenance of public infrastructure.

“Now, some of you might ask, I was asked before that, okay, we did some work on Third Mainland Bridge before, why were there potholes now on it? So, this contract is in response to the potholes that have become manifest on the entire pavement of the deck of the bridge, spanning 11 kilometers and the interchanges at Adeniji Adele, Adekunle, and Gbagada ramps that all link the bridge.

“This is for the resurfacing and all of that. Those who are familiar with the bridge will recall that all of these failings were not this manifest on the bridge at the time we were doing the work we were doing.

“The work that we did concentrated largely on the sub-structure of the bridge, the piles, the underwater piles, the pile caps, and also the replacement of the expansion joint and the bearings.

“These are maintenance works that are critical to the structural integrity of the bridge. What we're dealing with now is different. It is the driving surface and the aesthetics, some of the rails that have been stolen, some of the planes that are misaligned at ramps that lead you on and off the bridge.

So, this is the work that is being done now. So, all the experience of avoiding potholes on the bridge, this award of contract will tackle that,” he explained.

Asked if there were plans for security fittings like cameras for the bridge, the Minister stressed that the current arrangement only allowed for patrols, but noted that for the Ministry of Works and Housing to take over the security of the bridge

and other such federal facilities, there needs to be a realignment of operations of federal parastatals.

Also briefing newsmen, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, disclosed that Council approved three memoranda, amounting to a total sum of N18,544,797,176 for works and purchase of operational vehicles for the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to him, the work, has to do with the restructuring of the auditorium of the Service’s headquarters, as well as the purchase of 337 operational vehicles, 337 units aimed at easing work environment and to protect the personnel, motivate them and to allow them to do their job efficiently, especially across very

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Street Children Parliament has warned that the continued neglect of the country’s over 20 million out-of-school children would make them soft targets for criminals to

recruit as child soldiers, bandits and criminals that will constitute threat to society.

The Speaker of the parliament, Saifulai Karim Usman, issued the warning yesterday in Abuja, at the commemoration of International

Hails Saudi Arabia for using modern technology to teach Islam

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday stressed that the spread of true knowledge of the religion of Islam was the most important task now facing Muslims globally.

He, however, lauded the Saudi government for deploying latest technological tools in presenting the core of Islam, its lofty purposes, and qualitative teachings.

Speaking after an extensive tour of the International Fair and

Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilisation in Madinah city, as part of his engagement in the Holy City, the president, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, the president said the Muslim community needs a system that is futuristic, bringing knowledge and education in a new system that would make for a good understanding of the very features of the religion.

He said: “It is necessary to have a

vehicles for customs. One was for 177 vehicles; these are Toyota Coaster, Toyota Hiace (mid-roof), Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo, total of N9,378,829,942.75, for this set of 177 vehicles.

“For the other one where we had a set 160 vehicles. These are Toyota Hiluxes and also Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo, that's 160 vehicles at a total sum of N7,908,354,685.75 and against, its inclusive of 7.5% VAT.” On his part, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed that FEC approved the Metallurgical Bill 2023, which, according to him, is like the other half of the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Policy 2023, which was also approved by Council last week.

Nigeria’s 20 Million Out-of- School Children a Time Bomb, Group Warns

Buhari Canvasses Future Global Education on Islam Deji Elumoye in Abuja

difficult terrains.

His words: “The first one had to do with the provision of additional seats in the auditorium at the customs headquarters in order to increase the sitting capacity so that it can be used for large events, seminars and meetings.

“The makeup of these items are provision and installation of audiovisual system, conference hall, finishing, ground… , provision and installation of acoustic paneling and door for the auditorium, and then partitioning and doors. Inclusive of this is additional seats at the auditorium, at the total cost of N1,257,612,549.76. This is inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT. “The other two memos had to do with provision of operational

better understanding of the religion, away from its misconstrued teachings and perceptions as a way to achieving global peace, harmony and progress.”

Buhari praised the Saudi authorities for their efforts to take the world to the established roots of Islamic civilisation, adding however that a more concerted international effort is needed. According to him, the Museum, “seeks to preserve and present Islam in its true and pure image, and in its noble and elevated

teachings, and that it is a message of mercy, love, justice, peace, and moderation, through cultural exhibitions and museums where the beauty of buildings and the majesty of meanings are combined.

“It also seeks to provide a comprehensive cultural overview of the Prophet, his noble manners, great morals, and flexible teachings, in a distinct scientific and researchbased approach, using the latest technologies, and the most advanced and creative presentation tools.”

Day for Street Children organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and Young Ambassadors Against Drug Abuse Initiative (YADDA).

In his speech read by his representative, Esther Nwankwo, Usman said a situation where a good number of children were out of school and roaming the streets would put the country at the risk of insecurity.

He called on authorities to mitigate the consequences authorities by enforcing the laws on the protection of children in Nigeria and Africa and ensuring that quality and affordable education with qualified teachers are provided for out of school children.

He lauded the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for improving the plight of the vulnerable children through different programmes like the Alternate School Programme (ASP) to cater for the street children and the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme under the National

Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

In her remarks, the Head Special Duties Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Nadia MuhammedSoso, said every year, organisations and individuals around the world celebrate the International Day for Street Children, in recognition of the humanity, dignity and defiance of street-connected children in the face of unimaginable hardships.

She lamented that millions of vulnerable children rely on the streets for survival and sustenance adding the children are owed the care, protection, and above all, respect due to all children.

“Just like all children, street children have rights enshrined in The Child Rights Convention, which has near universal ratification and support.

“In 2017, the United Nations have specifically acknowledged these children's rights in a document called the General Comment (No.21) on Children in Street Situations,” Muhammed-Sosa said.

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STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION BETWEEN PSC AND POLICE...

L-R: Former Police IGs, Suleiman Abba; Sunday Ehindero; IG, Usman Baba, Former IGs, Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo and Chairman of Police Service Commission and Former IG, Solomon Arase, after a meeting called by the PSC Chairman to deliberate on how to strengthen collaboration between PSC and the Police in Abuja... yesterday

South-West, South-South States Top N5.33tn Domestic Debt Chart Rivers yet to update debt profile since 2021 Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja With a total sum of N1.58 trillion (N1,581,504,485,760.87), the six states of the South-West are topping the list of geo-political zones in the country with the highest domestic debt burden.

The 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) piled a total of N5.33 trillion (N5,337,751,456,173.93) domestic

debt as of December 31, 2022, based on the latest debt data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The domestic debt data report is usually generated from the signed-off submissions received from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. The South-West is trailed by the South-South region with a debt burden of N1, 203 trillion

(N1, 203,189577,899.87) and North-East with N681.833 billion (N681,833,793,907.342).

North-Central is next with N660.340 billion (N660, 340, 372, 536.300 while the South-East with the least number of states in the country (five) has a debt burden of N553.774 billion (N553, 774, 975,135.49).

Incidentally, the North-West with the highest number of states

(seven) only piled a total of N576 billion debt, slightly higher than the South-East with only five states.

Based on the latest domestic debt figures published by the DMO, Lagos State retained its number one spot as the most indebted sub-national government with a total of N807.208 billion (N807,208,634,237.88) followed

United States’ Acceptance of Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies Excite Okonjo-Iweala The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has expressed delight over the United States' formal acceptance of the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

According to a statement from the global trade body yesterday, the United States deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on April 11, making it the fourth WTO member, and the first among the large fishing nations, to do so.

Okonjo-Iweala who received the instrument from US Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, in Washington, DC, pointed out that the formal acceptance by the United States marked a pivotal moment for the approaching entry into force of the landmark agreement for ocean sustainability.

Acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are needed for the Agreement to come into effect.

Okonjo-Iweala added: "I am delighted and grateful to receive the United States' formal acceptance of the WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This strong show of support by the United States for the WTO's work toward ocean sustainability marks a pivotal increase in momentum among the membership to ensure this landmark agreement enters into force.

“US leadership is vital to the WTO and to multilateralism. I look forward to continuing to work with the United States to ensure that the WTO responds to the needs of people and the planet."

Also, Tai said: "The United States has been a leader in protecting our shared environment from harmful and unsustainable practices, including our oceans and marine resources—and those whose livelihoods depend on them.”

"We are proud to be among the first WTO members to accept this agreement, which is the first ever multilateral trade agreement with environmental sustainability at its core. It will help improve the lives of fishers and workers here in the United States and elsewhere, and we look forward to building on this agreement with other WTO members."

Adopted by consensus at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva from 12th to 17th June, 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies sets new binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks.

“In addition, the agreement recognises the needs of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) and establishes a Fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help

them implement the obligations.

“The agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, bans support for fishing overfished stocks, and ends subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas.

“Members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiations on outstanding issues, with a view to making recommendations by MC13 for additional provisions that would further enhance the disciplines of the agreement,” the statement added.

by Delta with N304.245 billion (N304,245,915,945.65) and Ogun State with N270.450 billion (N270,450,024,234.79).

What stands out was that some of the states recorded a significant increase in their debt burden.

For instance, Delta's domestic debt which stood at N272,612,510,528.95 in the previous quarter (September 2022) jumped to N304,245,915,945.65 by December 2022.

Despite not updating its debt profile for over one year, Rivers State with a debt burden of N225,505,011,357 was fourth on the scale while Akwa Ibom with N219,265,319,660.24 was fifth, followed by Imo State with N204,224,291,725.13.

Jigawa retained its position as the least indebted state domestically with a burden of N43,952,167,579.02, followed by Kebbi State with N61,310,171,246.00 and Katsina State with N62,374,809,154.32.

Ebonyi State which for many

years was the second or third least-indebted state afterJigawa lost the position with a burden of N76,496,806,095.94.

It was also yet to be ascertained what the debt profile of Rivers State will look like when it finally updates its debt data report.

Its debt burden of over N225,505 billion was of September 30, 2021.

This meant that the state's debt profile of N225.505 billion recently published by the DMO is about a year and three months behind the updated figures provided by 33 other states and the FCT. In the same vein, Katsina State with a debt profile of over N62,374 billion last provided an update to the DMO as of September 30, 2022, same asTaraba with over 87,959 billion burden.

Incidentally, the governors of the three states---Rivers, Katsina and Taraba, which are yet to provide an updated debt profile are leaving office on May 29, 2023, one clear month before the DMO publishes the next public debt data in June.

US Consulate, Ingressive for Good Collaborate to Premiere Tech Documentary on African Youth A new documentary film by leading edtech non-profit, Ingressive for Good, ‘Finding Tech: Against All Odds,’ will have its premiere screening in partnership with the United States Consulate on April 20, at Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement yesterday, explained that the film highlights the personal journeys of youths in Nigeria who had faced and surmounted hurdles in their lives as a result of lack of access to resources, opportunities, and finance.

“It zooms in on the transformational journey of some young Africans who found tech after their dreams were dashed. It is a tale of dreams, struggles, access, and hope.

"Finding Tech" follows the lives of several individuals who

have turned to technology to solve real-world problems in their communities and organisations.

“The film showcases their struggles, triumphs, and the impact of their work on society, from leveraging skills in design, data, software development, and more. In addition, the documentary highlights the limitless potential of technology to improve lives.

"We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Consulate to bring this important film to the public," said the film's producer and Co-founder of Ingressive for Good, Blessing Abeng.

"The stories in 'Finding Tech' showcase how individuals, who have accessed scholarships to build tech skills through Ingressive for Good, are leveraging their skills

to make a real difference in their communities through the power of technology."

The premiere screening would feature a panel discussion with the film's director and several individuals featured in the film.

The panel would discuss the impact of technology on society and how individuals can leverage technology to drive positive change.

"We are excited to showcase the power of technology and its role in creating a better future for all," Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate General in Lagos, Joseph Kruzich said.

"We are really inspired by the work Ingressive for Good is doing in the country and the continent at large. Watching this film was

inspiring, and we hope it will inspire the next generation of tech innovators and problem solvers."

Since 2020, Ingressive for Good has been on a mission to increase the earning power of African youth by empowering them with tech skills, resources, and opportunities.

The ed-tech has trained over 132,000 African youths in tech and placed thousands in jobs. The documentary shines a light on some of their program beneficiaries and their journey so far.

"Finding Tech" is a timely and important documentary highlighting the importance of tech and creativity in today's world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in technology, social change, and the potential for individuals to impact society positively.

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SOYINKA TOASTS LOUIS ODION @ 50...

L-R: Mr. Andrew Odion; Mrs. Kehinde Odion; Celebrant and Special Assistant to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. Louis Odion; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Chairman, Editorial Board, Nation Newspaper, Mr. Sam Omatseye; Editor-In-Chief, Leadership Newspaper, and The Ombudsman, THISDAY Newspaper/Arise News Channel, Mr. Kayode Komolafe, at luncheon hosted by Soyinka to honour Odion who turned 50 years, held in Lagos…recently

With 5.5% Stake, Femi Otedola Emerges Transcorp’s Largest Individual Shareholder Kayode Tokede Billionaire businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola has emerged largest single individual shareholder in Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp), a publicly traded diversified conglomerate chaired

by Mr. Tony Elumelu.

A top stockbroker at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), disclosed to THISDAY that the billionaire now owns about 2.245 billion shares, representing 5.52per cent of the company.

According to the audited result and accounts for period ended December 31, 2022, Elumelu, who is the chairman of Transcrop Corporation owned 273,104,041 issued share capital in the diversified conglomerate.

He also held 293,983,193 shares indirectly through HH Capital Limited and 273,545,722 shares are held indirectly through Heirs Holdings Limited.

Dr. Stanley Lawson, a NonExecutive Director of Transcrop Corporation owned 122,790,102 direct issued share capital, while Mrs. Owen Omogiafo, the President had 12,634,188 interest in the diversified conglomerate.

The only other shareholder with over five per cent ownership of the company is UBA Nominees which owns about 9.25per cent of the company as of 2022 from 9.26 per cent reported in 2021.

“As at December 31, 2022, only

UBA Nominees Limited-Trading, held five per cent or more of the issued and fully paid shares of 50 kobo of the Company,” according to the 2022 audited result and accounts posted on the NGX. No other shareholder held above five per cent according to records. The company also has about 39.65 billion out of its 40.65 billion outstanding shares on a free float. In fact, 1,695 people own about 89per cent of the company’s shares.

Transcorp is currently controlled by billionaire investor, Elumelu who took over control of the company in 2012. Since then the company has gone on to acquire a power generation company and branched into the oil and gas sectors of the economy.

Femi Otedola also acquired significant control of FBN Holdings early last year when he announced he had acquired shareholdings above the five per cent threshold.

That also immediately triggered a bidding war for the stock.

However, unlike FBN Holdings, Transcorp has a single majority shareholder with control of the company.

Otedola also owns close to 90per cent stake in Geregu Power Plc which it listed on the Exchange last year. It is unclear if the latest acquisition is aimed at doubling down his investment in the power sector.

Transnational Corporation released its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2022, with N134.7billion revenue, an increase of 21 per cent from

N111.2billion reported in 2021.

The group reported N30.3billion profit before tax in 2022, representing an increase of eight per cent from N27.9billion

in 2021.

The Board of Directors of Transcrop Corporation had approved the payment of N2.03billion dividend (2021:N812.96million),

being 5 kobo per share on the outstanding ordinary shares of 40,647,990,293 shares of 50 kobo each for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Oyebanji: Census Figure Will Aid Planning, Policies’ Execution Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called for concerted efforts at ensuring a successful and hitch free 2023 National Population and Housing Census in the state.

Oyebanji, who made the call yesterday, while inaugurating the state’s publicity, logistics and security committees for the exercise.

He pointed out that the outcome would aid planning, policy making, execution of government programmes and policies aimed at improving the lives of the citizens.

The inauguration took place at the conference hall of the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti.

Speaking further, the governor said the purpose of the committees was to sensitise and mobilise citizens of the state for the exercise which would take place throughout the country next month.

He noted that the exercise was

coming when Ekiti State had just developed a 30-year development plan, adding that a successful census would help his administration in terms of economic planning and developmental programmes, security of lives and property, infrastructural development, quality health care delivery, among others.

Oyebanji said the exercise would also help in equitable resource allocation as the objective of the exercise was aimed at determining the population size, distribution of density, establishment of demographical data, employment status and standard of living.

While expressing his readiness to work with the National Population Commission in ensuring a smooth and successful exercise, the governor charged the committee members to ensure that all communities and houses in Ekiti State are well covered.

He also charged local government administrators to assist the enumera-

tors to reach difficult terrains in the drive to ensure that all Ekiti residents were captured in the exercise to have a desired result.

“It is my pleasure today to inaugurate a joint committee comprising officials of the State and National Population Commission to sensitise and mobilised citizens in the state for the national and housing census exercise which is taken place throughout the country next month.

“We must therefore take upcoming census seriously as it will aid our planning, policy making and the delivery and execution of our programmes.

“My government is ready to work with the National Population Commission to ensure we have a smooth and successful 2023 national population and housing census,” the governor affirmed.

Earlier, the NPC’s Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti

State, Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, thanked the governor for providing necessary support and logistics for the success of the exercise in the state.

Ajayi, said necessary measures were being put in place to ensure successful exercise in the state with an assurance that the programme would meet global best standard.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said the committees, which comprised traditional rulers, local government chairmen, religious leaders among others would be expected to collaborate in the drive to achieve greater effectiveness.

Adebayo charged the people of the state to corporate with the officials of the commission, adding that a successful population exercise would help determine political strength, standard of living and economic capacity of each community.

Ekiti Lawyers, NBA Storm NSCDC Office over Assault on Colleague, Seek Redress Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti Members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ekiti State Branch, has taken their grievances to the State Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over an alleged assault on its member by an officer of the security outfit on April 5, 2023.

According to the NBA Chairman, Ikere Ekiti branch, Dr. Michael Afolayan, one David Omotuase (the erring officer) assaulted Deji Aina by slapping him over a trivial matter.

The lawyer was said to have visited Ado-Ekiti Division Office on April 5, to represent a client who was locked up at the station overnight.

Aina was said to have introduced himself as a lawyer, but was rebuffed by the said officer which eventually resulted into the assault.

Ekiti NBA noted that the erring officer had also assaulted lawyers in the state on three instances before the recent case.

An Ekiti State-based legal practitioner, Aina, who was allegedly assaulted by Mr. David

Omotuase, the Divisional Officer, NSCDC, Ado Ekiti Division, had written a petition to the National Office of the NBA. In the petition titled, “My Encounter with Mr. David Omotuase, the Divisional Officer, NSCDC, Ado Ekiti Division on the 5th April, 2023,” the Chairman Youth Lawyers Forum, Ikere Ekiti Branch, had alleged that the NSCDC man brutalised him while he went to address a case with one of his clients at Ado Division of the office.

The petition read in part: “On the 5th April,2023 at about 2.30pm,

I went to see my client who was invited by the men of the NSCDC, Post Office Division. On getting there, I met an officer who directed me to the office where my client was.

"On getting there, I met two officers including Mr. David Omotuase, the complainants and my client. I greeted Mr. David Omotuase who challenged me by asking me who directed me to his office, I quickly responded that one of his officers did. He further asked me who l am and I introduced myself as a counsel representing my client

who is already before the officers.

"Mr. David Omotuase responded that I should get out of his office and go and wait for my client in court. I responded I have every right to represent my client in his office being a public office.

In a very rude and harsh voice, he shouted at me that I should leave his office.”

"I was almost stepping out when he cursed me that ‘ti o ba jade ni office mi, Ori e a buru nisiyi….wa sise se…meaning, if you don't get out right now you will be dealth with. I immediately turned back

and told him he cannot address me in such manner and that I take exception to those rude words.”

The Body therefore requested for the immediate removal of David Omotuase and tasked the Command to bring him into justice within their administrative competence.

In his response, the state NSCDC Commandant, John Fayemi, described the action of the erring officer as against the ethics of the force, while appealing to the Body to be calm, as administrative punishment will be initiated on him.

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Insecurity: FG to Install N495bn Baggage Scanners in Six Railway Stations Okays 10-year concession towing services for Lekki sea port, Dangote jetty Deji Elumoye in Abuja Apparently concerned about the need to minimise the risk of attacks on Nigeria's railway services, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday rose from its weekly meeting at the State House, Abuja, with an approval of a N495 million contract for the procurement and installation of scanners in six train stations between Abuja and Kano railway corridor.

Specifically, the baggage scanners would be installed at the railway stations in Kubwa, Idu, Jere, Rigassa, Kaduna and Kano.

Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, who made this known to journalists after the Council’s meeting, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also put the cost of

the of the contract at N495 million.

He stressed that the devices were necessary because of the need to enhance security of lives and property in the nation’s railway facilities, adding that, "the scanners cost N495 million" According to him: “The Federal Ministry of Transportation had two memos today, which I presented on behalf of the ministry and it had to do with one, the provision of scanners at all railway stations all over the country.

“You’ll all agree with me that in view of the process of security of lives and property, such equipment has to be installed at our railway stations.

“Since we’re starting railway revolution, we are trying to put in place a lot of things with the railways. We don't want people

to come and damage all that the government has been trying to put in place in that sector.

“So, today there was a memo before Council for the provision of baggage scanners at railway stations and I'm happy to inform you that the Council agreed with us and has approved that contract for scanners to be installed at railway stations so that when people get there and have goods, then they can pass through the scanners and they can be sure that there's nothing that can destroy, that can cause violence or inflict danger or bring lives and property at stake," he said.

The Minister further stated that the Council approved another memorandum for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), with respect to the provision of towing services

for the new Lekki Deep Seaport and the Dangote Jetty in Lagos.

According to him, FEC approved a 10-year concession to a marine services company to provide towing services at the two locations, in order to ease operations at the ports.

He said: “The second one had to do with the provision of towing services. You will recall that the Lekki Deep Seaport was commissioned by the President a couple of months back and so because one of the statutory responsibilities of the NPA is the provision of marine services, being the regulatory agency in that sector and so because of the new Lekki Deep Support and the Dangote Jetty, the need has arisen for a company that can carry out towing services so that it will make a lot of things easier in the ports, like ship

berthing will be easier, discharge of goods and will be a lot easier.

“So the Federal Executive Council also agreed with us and has given a 10-year concession to that company, Messrs Arcuff to carry out two-way services at Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Jetty.”

The Council also approved a new policy on Agricultural Extension Service, aimed at making the practice of agriculture in the country really technology-driven and aid the drive at food and nutrition security in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, in his postFEC briefing also disclosed that the ministry had recruited more than 100,000 Extension Service Agents in 2022.

Responding to a reporter's

question, Abubakar emphasised that there was no food shortage in the country, assuring that the ministry would continue to support the small holder farmers that produce about 70 per cent of the nation’s food production.

“We presented a memo today on Agricultural Extension Service in the country and the purpose is really to have a good working extension service policy.

“Of course, you know we do conduct researches and today the age of technology innovations, how do we get this research information to the farmers? It is done through extension service.

We have Extension Service agents, which the ministry recruits from time to time. Last year, we recruited way over 100,000 Extension Service agents”, he said.

T I N U B U : U S C O U RT O R D E R O F $ 4 6 0 , 0 0 0 F O R F E I T U R E A G A I N ST M E N OT E N F O R C E A B L E 25 presidential election.

The party, in a Preliminary Objection to the petition, also claimed that the tribunal had no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the petition on the grounds that it lacked necessary facts or particulars as required by law.

At the same time, some representatives of Tinubu, yesterday, told a cross-section of journalists in the United States that the claim in some quarters that the 2023 general election was the “worst” in Nigeria’s political history was totally unfounded.

Obi and LP had in their petition argued that Tinubu was not qualified to contest the presidential election, owing to the forfeiture of the said funds in accounts linked to him and as such be disqualified and all votes accrued to him in the election be declared as wasted votes.

But in the reply filed on his behalf and the Vice President-elect by their team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Tinubu amongst others argued that the decision of the US District Court could not be enforced since it was neither registered nor domesticated in any court in Nigeria.

While pointing out that the judgment delivered on October 4, 1993, was not rendered by a court or

tribunal created pursuant to Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, he claimed that the decision "was not in respect of any cause of action or offence created by an Act of the National Assembly or law of a state, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of a law in Nigeria or written law in Nigeria.

"This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to enforce the purported decision of the US district court as sought and alleged under by the petition, the said decision having not been registered in any trial court or domesticated in any court in Nigeria."

Besides, the second and third respondents, argued that Tinubu was not a party or defendant in the said case No 93C-4483.

"The 2nd respondent was/is not one of the listed parties in the decision of the United States district court in case No 93C-4483 delivered on October 4, 1993 as reproduced in paragraph 28 of the petition.

In addition, Tinubu said the petitioners did not disclose a reasonable cause of action cognizable under Sections 131, 134 and 137 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 134 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

LABOUR PARTY: OBI’S TRADUCERS TRAILED HIM TO UK, BENT ON IMPLICATING HIM for the necessary airport protocols.

“Obi was accosted by immigration officials, who handed him a detention note and told him to step aside,” the statement added.

Onifade said it was strange, especially for a man, who lived in the UK for decades, to be subjected to interrogation and detention for a long time.

The statement added, "The immigration officials, who were also taken aback at the reaction of the people, were forced to reveal that Obi was being questioned for a duplication offense, meaning that someone has been impersonating him in London.

"The high implication of the offense is that the impersonator could be committing all kinds of weighty crimes and other dubious acts and it would be recorded in Obi’s name.

"Since the impersonator is still at large, the scenario is unimaginable, as Obi could be implicated in a series of forbidden acts and even be framed in a manner that could be a huge embarrassment to him, his family, his party, the Obidient Movement, and, indeed, Nigeria, where he currently and indisputably remains the conscience of the people."

Onifade said since Obi vowed to pursue his case at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, he had become the subject of attack from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, since he was "told to go to court if he feels strongly about the election,

which all international monitors chorused were flawed, and full of imperfections, and he accepted, there have been severe attacks on him from all corners.

"Even the federal government, who directed him to go to court even dispatched the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammad, to the United States to attempt at de-marketing him and accused him of treason.

"Obi’s telephone line was also bugged when they were possibly looking for information to portray him badly before a section of the country who had voted for him massively.

"As if they were not getting the desired results of denting his image, and possibly placing the traducers under a heavier conscience load, they tried to persuade him to leave the country and go take a rest.

"It’s also not impossible that those urging him to leave the country may have planted the impersonators ostensibly to tar the Eagle’s immaculate appearance.

"Finally, let it be known that in the face of the flurry of unwarranted attacks and cogs being placed in the wheel of rescuing our dear country, Obi strongly believes that a new Nigeria is possible, where the people will be able to live in a secure and productive country they will all be proud to own.

Meanwhile, the former Anambra State governor is back in the country and has continued his charity work, visiting health and educational institutions, making donations, and bagging awards.”

The respondents pointed out that the case of the petitioners as pleaded has not disclosed any disqualifying factor as prescribed by Section 137 in that Tinubu was not under death sentence imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or any jurisdiction at all.

"The 2nd respondent is not currently under a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria.”

In addition, it is the case of Tinubu and Shettima that the case not presented within a period of less than 10 years before the date of the election as stipulated by the Constitution adversely affected their case.

Besides, the respondents argued that the case was not a case of criminal forfeiture cognizant under 18 USC 982, which deals with criminal forfeiture, but rather a civil case for civil forfeiture under 18 USC 981, which the US instituted as a civil plaintiff against identified properties (not persons) as defendants.

Tinubu also argued that the final orders of judge John Nordberg were made pursuant to a settlement agreement (in the mold of a consent judgment) under the court's civil jurisdiction in 18 USC 981.

In asking the court to dismiss the petition they submitted, he argued that the grounds contained therein and all the pleadings in support of same were academic and unable to confer any benefit on the petitioners.

Responding to the request for disqualification of Tinubu on account of alleged unlawful nomination of his running mate, the respondents submitted that the petitioners not being members of the APC lacked the locus standi to query the nomination of candidates on the platform of the APC. In addition, they said the case of Obi and LP has become statute barred, having failed to challenge the said nomination of the second respondent within 14 days of the date and events specifically pleaded in the petition.

"All issues which relates to Tinubu and Shettima qualification are pre-election issues in respect of which the Court of Appeal, sitting as the tribunal does not have jurisdiction to entertain.

"Allegation of double nomination of an associate/running mate as made in the petition is not a cognizable basis for disqualification of the winner of a presidential election under the 1999 Constitution," they submitted.

APC Joins INEC, Urges Tribunal to Dismiss Atiku, PDP’s Petitions

In its reply to the petition by Atiku and PDP, the APC through its lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, submitted that the "petitioners' paragraph 146 in support of Ground 4 on non-qualification is vague, bare and meaningless as having the constitutional threshold is not part of the requirement to contest an election."

On the issue of non-compliance, the APC argued that the failure of the petitioners to plead with specificity the particulars in terms of names, codes and/or polling units where the alleged malpractices, non-compliance, irregularities, took place is a fundamental violation of the Electoral Act, 2022, which fact renders the petition incompetent and an abuse of court process.

"Petition as presently constituted is devoid of necessary particulars/ information to support allegation of corrupt practices, violence and non – compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act. The petition discloses no reasonable cause of action, having regard to the paucity of the facts pleaded to be relied upon in proof of each of the 4 grounds

on which the petition is premised," the APC submitted.

On the controversy surrounding the deployment of the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Result Viewing Portal (iRev), the APC observed that there was no provision in the operative law governing the conduct of elections in Nigeria that made it mandatory for presiding officers to electronically transmit/transfer results from the polling units directly to INEC's collation system.

It added also that there was no provision that made it mandatory for the presiding officer to use the BVAS to upload a scanned copy of the Form EC8A to the iRev in real time, insisting too that Tinubu needed not obtain 25 per cent of the votes cast in the FCT to be declared winner of the election.

The party subsequently urged the tribunal to dismiss Atiku and PDP's petitions for being incompetent and lacking merit.

In its earlier reply to the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi's petition, the APC had Monday urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition for being a waste of court's precious time.

While Obi and LP in their petition Continued on page 12

A G A I N , I M F U R G E S N I G E R I A TO I N C R E A S E TA X , R E D U C E B O R R O W I N G low tax revenues. So, that makes it more vulnerable to these types of shocks and tightening global conditions.

“What we advocate is raising taxes, which is going to create space, not only to manage debt, but also to spend on other priorities. And the other part of what we are saying is that Nigeria has not benefited as much from the windfall of the oil prices in the past because a lot of it has been spent on these untargeted energy subsidies.

“So, by shifting to more targeted subsidies, you can reduce the fiscal deficit, and you can use that resources on other priorities that actually can promote higher growth in the future such as education, and health, and reduce the deficit.

Having more targeted energy subsidies actually can be very beneficial both for fiscal, debt dynamics, and growth.”

Medas said emphasis should be on improving tax compliance and tax bracket, insisting that Nigeria’s tax revenue is one of the lowest in the world.

“Nigeria should broaden tax space, improve tax compliance.

Nigeria has one of the lowest tax revenues in the world as a share of GDP. So, there's a lot of room for increasing the tax base and improving tax compliance,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in the Fiscal Monitor report, IMF noted that low-income developing countries had been hit by several shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the

cost-of-living and food security crises, which have taken their toll on public finances.

The report said, “Fiscal deficits in low-income developing countries, at an average 4.2 per cent of GDP in 2022, showed moderate improvements relative to the worst of the pandemic.

“Primary spending remained stable at 16.9 per cent of GDP, just below its 2021 level, on average, as countries increased fuel subsidies and social spending to respond to rising energy and food import prices.”

It stated further, “The increase in spending was larger among commodity exporters Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and oil exporters Nigeria, Yemen, with the latter group benefitting from more fiscal space, thanks to high energy prices.

“In non-oil commodity exporters, the average fiscal deficit rose by 0.6 percentage points in 2022, reversing the improvement in 2021, as both primary spending and debt service payments increased.”

The report also said, “In some low-income developing countries, debt is projected to continue rising.

Nigeria and some have asked for debt relief under the Group of Twenty (G20) Common Framework (Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia.”

Director, Fiscal Affairs Department at IMF, Vitor Gaspar, speaking on the global perspective, noted that the near-term outlook was complex, amid high inflation, tightening financing conditions,

and elevated debt. Gaspar urged policymakers to prioritise keeping fiscal policy consistent with central bank policies to promote price and financial stability.

Gaspar said, “Many countries will need a tight fiscal stance to support the on-going disinflation process, especially if high inflation proves more persistent.

“Tighter fiscal policy would allow central banks to increase interest rates by less than they otherwise would, which would help contain borrowing costs for governments and keep financial vulnerabilities in check.

“Tighter fiscal policies require better-targeted safety nets to protect the most vulnerable households, including addressing food insecurity while containing overall spending growth, as governments are likely to confront social pressures to compensate for past increases in the cost of living.

“Risks are high, however, and policymakers will need to be ready to respond quickly. If financial turbulence morphs into a systemic crisis, fiscal policy may need to intervene swiftly to facilitate resolution. If economic activity weakens substantially and unemployment rises, governments should allow automatic stabilisers to work for example, allow deficits to rise as unemployment benefits increase or tax revenues fall, especially if inflation pressures are under control and fiscal space is available.”

He added that reducing debt vulnerabilities and rebuilding fiscal

buffers over time was an overriding priority.

Gaspar stated, “Despite the envisaged gradual fiscal tightening in the coming years, we project global public debt will rise, driven by some large advanced and emerging market economies.

“More generally, concerns with debt vulnerabilities have intensified in many countries. In low-income developing economies, higher borrowing costs are also weighing on public finances, with 39 countries already in or near debt distress.

“Countries should step up efforts to develop credible risk-based fiscal frameworks that reduce debt vulnerabilities over time and build up the necessary room to handle future shocks.

“The enhanced fiscal frameworks can combine strengthened institutions with revamped fiscal rules.

Medium-term fiscal plans should include credible policy commitment to achieving debt sustainability—that is, announce specific spending and revenue measures or reforms—while allowing for flexibility to adjust to shocks.

“Low-income countries face particularly severe challenges.

Revamped efforts to increase revenue are critical to restoring fiscal sustainability, dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

“Despite multiple waves of tax reforms, revenues remain stubbornly insufficient, below levels that enable the state to play its role in sustainable and inclusive development.

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NEWS

'THE ICONIC' BOOK LAUNCH...

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Hakeem Bamgbola; former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (rtd);the representative of the Ooni of Ife, HRM, Oba Olalekan Anthony Fasesin; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun; Director Iyaloja General Initiative Network/ representative Iyaloja General, PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN Folashade Ogungboye; and Board Member, (LSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan; at the Book launch " The Iconic” held in Lagos…. yesterday

LP Leadership Crisis: TUC Declares Support for Abure, Warns Others to Steer Clear Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) yesterday said it has decided to align fully with the Labour Party (LP) under the leadership of Mr. Julius Abure following the crisis that erupted in the party.

TUC which along with the sister labour centre, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), are major stakeholders in LP.

Crisis recently erupted in LP when the national chairman was allegedly suspended by his ward in Edo State and subsequently followed by two contradicting court injunctions, one ordering Abure and his party executives to step aside and another ordering that he remains in charge until the case would be decided.

However, in a statement jointly signed by TUC President, Festus Osifoh and General Secretary, Nuhu

Toro, the union said the Abure-led executive has its support to continue in office.

It said the use of intimidation, violence and non-democratic means to settle scores by some persons was unacceptable It said it has been monitoring and following up closely with some sad developments within the party.

"After carefully monitoring the situation, further consultations, and

review of the multiple court orders, we are aligning fully with the Labour Party under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure.

"Furthermore, we call on the teeming supporters of our party to give the National Chairman all the required support to deliver on its mandate until a national convention is held where new officers will be elected or the current ones returned," it said.

TUC expressed worry that

TINUBU: US COURT ORDER OF $460,000 FORFEITURE AGAINST ME NOT ENFORCEABLE had on the one hand prayed the tribunal to nullify Tinubu's election on the grounds of alleged irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws, they had on the other sought Tinubu's disqualification following alleged conviction and forfeiture in the United States.

Obi and LP had insisted that Tinubu, "at the time of the election not qualified to contest for election to the office of President as he was fined the sum of $460,000.00 (Four-Hundred and Sixty Thousand United States Dollars) for an offence involving dishonesty, namely narcotics trafficking imposed by the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, in Case No: 93C 4483".

But the APC in its response to Obi and LP, denied the allegation, stating that Tinubu "was never at any point in time fined the sum of $460,000.00 (Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars) for an offence involving dishonesty or any other offence in: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ---- PLAINTIFF V. FUNDS IN ACCOUNT 263226700 held by FIRST HERITAGE BANK IN THE NAME OF BOLA TINUBU, Funds in accounts 39483134, 39483396, 4650279566, 00400220, 39936404, 39936383 HELD BY CITI BANK. The APC submitted further that Tinubu was never made a party in the said Case No: 93C4483 between UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v.

FUNDS IN ACCOUNT 263226700 held by FIRST HERITAGE BANK IN THE NAME OF BOLA TINUBU & 2 ORS. "The said Case No: 93C4483 between United States of America v. Fund in Account 263226700 held

by First Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu is not a criminal case/matter that could have resulted in a criminal conviction. Rather, it was a civil forfeiture proceeding against the funds in various accounts opened in the name of Bola Tinubu with First Heritage Bank, and City Bank N.A.

"The purported decision of the United State District Court Northern district of Illinois, Eastern division in the said case is not a fine but decree of forfeiture of the amount of $460,000 to the United State pursuant to the settlement of claim by the parties to the case. The said decision is not against the 2nd Respondent but against the funds in the various account opened in the name of Bola Tinubu with First Heritage Bank and City Bank N.A. "The compromise terms that led to the forfeiture was preceded by express admission on record that 2nd Respondent did not admit the commission of any drug, drug-related or illicit conduct of dishonesty or fraud that fits into any of the grounds of disqualification to contest for office of president of Nigeria at the 25th February, 2023 general election," the party claimed.

Arguing further, the APC asserted that as far back as February 2003, it was a matter of public record and common knowledge that, the Federal Government of Nigeria, vide the office of Inspector General of Police, inquired from the Government of United States of America about the criminal record or law enforcement interest of any sort in their jurisdiction regarding the 2nd Respondent through the American Consulate in Nigeria.

According to the APC, the outcome of the inquiry yielded a clean bill of health that unequivocally and unreservedly cleared Tinubu of any criminal record, interest or association in the United States of America as of February 4, 2003.

Besides, the Respondent stated that the "impleaded decision of the US court is not a decision by a competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria; and same has been falsely, mischievously paraded by 2nd Respondent’s political adversaries like the petitioners, detractors and haters to scandalise, demonise and de-market him to the Nigerian electorate at the February 25, 2023 general election

with a view to delegitimising his well-earned victory at the polls, despite all legitimate and factchecked denials and rebuttals as exemplified by the official report from the United States affirming his innocence and exonerating him from the touted drug connection and criminal conviction.

"The Respondent states further that in any event, the said decree of forfeiture was made by Judge John A Nordberg in the said Case No: 93C4483 on October 4, 1993, a period of 29 years before the February 25, 2023, when the said presidential election was duly conducted by the 1st Respondent,” it explained.

In addition, the APC observed that the release from forfeiture of other monies in the account the subject of the proceedings in Case No: 93C4483; in excess of one million dollars and for the benefit of the named beneficiary K.O Tinubu though not the account holder, less forfeited sum of $460,000.00 (Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand

United States Dollars) is a manifest affirmation that the case was not a criminal trial and the fund forfeited was not a fine imposed as a punishment for criminal conviction of any person, let alone the 2nd Respondent.

"The disqualification factors as stipulated by the Constitution only conceives of a conviction sentence or fine involving dishonesty or fraud or contravention of the Code of Conduct as found by a Court of law of competent jurisdiction or Tribunal in Nigeria.

"The order made by the American Court was an order of forfeiture of funds in some named accounts as opposed to a fine, which may be disqualifying ground/factor to run/ contest for the office of president under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that there is a world of difference between fine and forfeiture as both terms connote different things,” it said.

Continued on page 44

in the past few weeks, internal disagreements in the Labour Party, have spilled into the public space.

It said while it believed that the unique success recorded by the party in the recent general elections may have fueled the contestations, the affairs of the party needs to be well-ordered so as to ensure discipline within the ranks of its members.

The statement added: "There have been multiple court orders, employment of non-democratic means to seize the party secretariat and the use of state institutions to intimidate opponents, all of which are strange to time-tested labour traditions.

"Some of these disagreements maybe a fall out of the party’s spectacular performance in the 2023

Turkish President, Erdogan, Greets Tinubu on Poll Victory Adedayo Akinwale Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, has congratulated the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on his electoral victory at the February 25 presidential poll.

In his congratulatory letter, Erdogan, who described Tinubu as a brother, called for mutual cooperation and partnership that would further the friendly relationship between Turkey and Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday by the office of the President-elect

MultiChoice Says GOtv Channels to Be Renumbered for Better Viewing Experience MultiChoice, an entertainment company in Nigeria has announced that it would be renumbering channels on the GOtv platform to improve the viewing experience of its customers.

It explained in a statement that the renumbering of the GOtv channels would group similar channels together to make it easier for viewers to find and watch their favorite shows.

“GOtv is embarking on this journey to optimise its channel numbering system and make it easier for customers to find their preferred programs and movies.

“The aim is to improve the overall entertainment experience for GOtv viewers by making it easier to discover new content

and keep up with their favorite programs,” it explained.

Speaking on the objective of the renumbering, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, Dr. Busola Tejumola, stated that the goal of MultiChoice was to provide the best family entertainment experience to viewers.

“The new channel numbering system will make it easier for customers to find their favorite programs and discover new content, while also allowing for new channels to be added without too much disruption,” Tejumola added.

The improved GOtv channel numbering approach would include blocks for flagship channels, popular local channels, movies

general elections and its creation of a desired third force to drive the development of the country.

"While this is understandable, the success of the party has to be well managed to ensure that people elected into executive and legislative positions at state and federal levels deliver on its promises to the electorate.

"LP needs to be a well-ordered party so that it can ensure discipline both within the ranks of those elected on its platform and its general membership.

"Therefore, while contestations, agitations and internal struggles are acceptable, non-constitutional means and a resort to violence and intimidation are alien to Labour and civilized culture and will not be tolerated."

and telenovelas. This would help customers find the channels they want without excessive scrolling.

“After the channel renumbering, Africa Magic Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo will air on GOtv channels 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Africa Magic Epic, Family, and Urban are now housed on channels 6, 7, and 8, respectively.

“Sports channels have also been relocated. SS Blitz, SS Football, and SS La Liga are now on channels 60, 61, and 62, while channels 80 to 86 now feature all kids' channels including JimJam, Nick Junior, Disney Junior, PBS Kids, and more.

Movie channels M-Net Movies 4, Movie Room, and TNT Africa have been reassigned to channels 50, 51, and 52 respectively.

and signed by Tunde Rahman, Erdogan underscored the importance of Nigeria as the "strongest nation in the African continent," while also wishing Tinubu a successful tenure of office that would usher in progress for the people of Nigeria.

Erdogan expressed his heartfelt wishes for the health and happiness of Tinubu as well as, the wellbeing and prosperity of the friendly people of Nigeria.

"On behalf of the Turkish nation and my own, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of your election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the elections held on February 25, 2023.

"I believe that as our strategic partner, Nigeria, under your leadership, will continue its course to a prosperous future. Türkiye attaches great importance to improving its relations with Nigeria, as the strongest nation in the African continent.

"With this understanding, I have no doubt that with our joint efforts we will develop the friendly relations and the growing close cooperation between our countries to the mutual benefit of our people," he said.

President Xi Jinping of China, United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, President of France, Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, were so faramong the global leaders that have since sent goodwill messages to Tinubu.

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POLITICS

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

Faleye: Buhari’s Govt Sanitized Nation’s Electoral Process Public policy analyst and member of the All Progressives Congress, Oluwaseun Faleye, in this interview speaks on the just concluded general elections in the country and the fallout from the entire process. Udora Orizu brings excerpts:

T

voters’ turnout in the South East was 20.26% and the South-South was 18.72%. Who had the motive and muscle to suppress votes in those places? It was the Labour Party and the reports we got was that indeed our party members were threatened and intimidated across those two regions. But the fact was that the main cause of the low numbers was voters’ apathy and the reason is clear to me.

When the currency swap exercise was done weeks leading to the election, our candidate then and now the President-elect raised his voice in solidarity with Nigerians that the policy will impoverish Nigerians, negatively affect businesses and hinder the elections in a negative way.

The opposition parties led by their presidential candidates were happy to impoverish Nigerians and Nigerian businesses especially small business owners on the altar of their self-interest but we stood firm on the side of Nigerians.

And we saw what happened, people had no money to feed, transport or do businesses.

How did we expect those people to be enthused to come out to vote? How did we expect those that spent hours queuing to enter banks and collect their money from ATMs to be so encouraged to go and queue the following morning to vote? They were angry and hungry.

They stayed away and we can only have the opposition parties to blame for that as well as misguided elements in the Central Bank of Nigeria that left their remit of economic management to be dabbling in politics. How about the allegation of violence. The opposition and some observers claim that the general election was marred with violence.

he general election has come and gone, given all that has transpired what would you say is your overall assessment of the 2023 poll?

Speaking generally, the electoral process has been largely successful. Despite the negative attention on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I would commend them for running a largely successful and credible process. You have to understand that first and foremost, elections are a logistic nightmare, and like all logistic-based processes with a lot of human interactions you are bound to have some shortcomings.

Those shortcomings are what sometimes explain late arrivals of electoral materials, INEC’s regular or ad-hoc staff, which are mainly usually caused by human elements within the process. But we all saw the genuine desire of INEC to address those challenges in order not to leave people disenfranchised and that is a good thing which should be commended.

I am also aware that in some areas in Nigeria, for instance in Victoria Garden City, in Lagos State, INEC identified these logistic issues and conducted elections till early hours of the morning during the Presidential Elections and the next day during the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

But how do you then explain the controversy that has been generated by the issue with BVAS and its usage during this election?

Let us be clear. BVAS has brought tremendous transparency and fairness to our electoral process. We must also be clear that BVAS usage was largely successful during this election.

First is to of course understand the purport of the usage of BVAS, which is to function as an accreditation tool that is able to undertake both biometrics capture, facial recognition and transmission of election results from polling units towards ensuring that the right people are voting and we eliminate the problem of multiple voting that has plagued our elections in the past.

BVAS also has the added capability, with its inbuilt camera, to take the pictures of the results sheets (EC8A) and send it to the IReV. All of these functions it was able to perform and that will explain, to some degree, the numbers that came from certain places that hitherto brought out numbers that were more than accredited or registered voters.

So the technology worked. From our research and this can be independently verified for those interested in the truth and the facts, BVAS functionality rate for the 2023 election was 88%.

It means that BVAS worked without any issue whatsoever in 88% of the entire 176,606 polling units across Nigeria. In 9% of polling units, it malfunctioned and was fixed and another 2% it malfunctioned and it was replaced.

In essence there was nowhere that voting took place without BVAS and well-meaning persons will agree with me that 88% functionality rate within the context of this election was a success. Importantly is that it eliminated multiple voting, ballot stuffing and other electoral malpractices that had hitherto marred our election from 1999.

And people must not forget where we are coming from. We need to cast our mind back to the elections of 2003, 2007, 2011 and other presidential elections conducted by PDP and how they perpetrated electoral malpractices by multiple voting, voters’ suppression, vote buying, violence and other electoral malpractices.

This party, the APC, led by President Buhari is responsible for sanitizing the electoral process that has allowed the most popular candidates to win elections and allowing the will of the people to prevail across the country.

You will see from the analysis of the results that emerged across the country that incumbent Governors were defeated by the opposition parties in some States. That could never have happened in the past during the PDP era.

Have we quickly forgotten? Indeed, during

Faleye

these general elections, the APC did not win the majority votes in 13 States where it had sitting Governors. It is only through the reforms and technology introduced by this party that made that possible. It is this party that reformed the Electoral Act that has made the process better and we should be applauded for it.

Talking about voters’ suppression, and violence during elections there has been a lot of allegations that there was voters’ suppression during this process particularly in Lagos and the opposition seems to be convinced that this is the reason that a lot of numbers that were ascribed to them by various polling companies and their support base did not materialize during the just concluded elections. How do you respond to this?

Sometimes we need to focus on the numbers rather than the noise.

It is important for people to also see through the veil of the opposition as a set of people with an agenda to scuttle a credible process because they were beaten at the polls so they will make all sorts of allegation concerning the legitimacy of the victory of APC.

The fact is that those numbers did not exist and if they existed, they existed only in the imagination of their hired pollsters designed to hoodwink Nigerians to think they had a path of victory.

Voters’ turnout in Nigeria has always been a challenge and this election was even worse.

Hardly have we ever achieved 50% turnout of registered voters in Nigeria since we began to keep records. In 2015, the turnout was 43.65%, in 2019 it was 34.75% and in the last election it was abysmally 26.87%.

A detailed look at the numbers will tell us that voters’ apathy was all across the country so why is it that it is in Lagos that Voters’ suppression is being alleged?

Only 12 States including the FCT recorded voters’ turnout of 30% and above. Rivers did 14%, Lagos had 17.55%, Bayelsa had 18.11%, Abia had 16.97%, Imo came with 18.95%, Ebonyi was 19.86%. All disappointing figures given the expectations of Nigerians. As a matter of fact, the North Central region was the only region that recorded an above 30% average.

Every other region had less than 30%.

And that explains the numbers, it is just general apathy and when we tell people that voting is not done on social media that you need to get the voters out on election day they thought we were joking.

If there was any suppression of voters, we knew where it happened. Go and look at the places where the Labour candidate won with over 99%, which was funny by the way, the

This party, the APC, led by President Buhari is responsible for sanitizing the electoral process that has allowed the most popular candidates to win elections and allowing the will of the people to prevail across the country. You will see from the analysis of the results that emerged across the country that incumbent Governors were defeated by the opposition parties in some States. That could never have happened in the past during the PDP era.

What do we need do to eliminate violence from our electoral process?

All parties must continue to do their part in eliminating violence in our electoral process, and I believe it is an important element of our voters’ education and enlightenment responsibilities as stakeholders. I have had cause to tell people to really interrogate the numbers before we paint the entire election with a violent brush and taint an otherwise very peaceful process.

One exercise I urge you to undertake is to speak to 20 random people that you know voted at this last general election and ask them what their voting and overall experience was like in voting in their polling unit. Please ensure that they are not telling you any experience gleaned from social media or other platforms, just their own specific experiences at their own polling unit and then collate the result.

You will see that their stories of electoral violence and other misconducts are overblown to discredit the process. Which is a shame really because if we do not own a credible process, we will be unable to learn from it and build upon that success.

If we analyze the history of violence in our elections from 1965, we will see that the 2023 general election is the least violent in our history. And the records are there for us to interrogate for those who care about these things. As a matter of fact, electoral violence, voters’ intimidation, harassment and assault were only reported in about 5% of the total polling units which points to a downward trend given what we used to experience in the past.

It is important to state that every live does matter, we do not condone violence in any form and will continue to play the critical role in bringing the numbers down.

In the course of the 2023 general elections leading to the voting day, 13 people were killed in 36 incidents across Nigeria. This number can be increased to 28 if we take into account all media reports of violence and deaths during that period, so let us regrettably say 28 lives were lost.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2023

POLITICS

Media as Agenda Setter for Elected Political Office Holders Isaac Olusesi writes about the conscious need for the press to set agenda for elected political office holders at both federal and state levels ahead of the May 29, 2023 hand over date.

N

ow that the 2023 general elections in Nigeria are over, talking matter–of–factly, the candidates who won at the polls as declared by the election umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have tall and wide responsibilities with obligations to the constituents. And that’s better dispensed beyond the range of partisan considerations to avoid compounding image problems for the political parties on which platform they were elected.

Any crippling contradictions from the aggrieved candidates and interest groups, partisan factions and fractions or intra oppositions should be resolved judicially in favour of who actually won, translated to victory to people’s power.

The strength of the elected political leaders lies in the reputation of apolitical representation calm, just, kind and utilitarian - with major stake in the survival of Nigeria as a conglomeration of electoral constituencies with the constituents who have become more desperate for good leadership.

The constituents are wont now to get out of the bankruptcy of unprofitable representation of the past. That developing matrix or condition will give popularity and spread to the newly elected political leaders as rare, selfless species in noble self-sacrifice, exemplary patriotism and populist empowerment who have the resolve and sagacity to get things done for the constituents.

The new leaders know that the welfare of the people is the real reason to be in politics and are ready to represent the people very well for they are part of the people and are accountable to the people with passionate integrity.

To be otherwise, adhering to self-credo and sideline postures could be a huge negative for the elected leaders as that would turn them to political gamblers who soonest get all permutations exhausted, and to the rescue from imminent electoral disaster at the recall polls, that’s the next general elections.

The next polls will force them back to their constituents to render stewardship account and have their mandate renewed for another term, if they do so well today.

Nigerian democracy can no longer be said to be on trial after decades of successful leadership successions on course.

Tinubu

Buhari

Rather, it is the politicians who have not professionalized the craft of politics and politicking to get divested of the toga of weird and odd partisanship that make acute enchantment of bad politics ironically attractive to them.

While practically, quality public interest politics is sacrificed in the process by the day when that ought not to be.

The call by a section of the political class for the annulment of the results of a particular stream of the 2023 general elections, the presidential poll, is less than being honest.

The elections were not crisis ridden, after all; not ones built on the quicksands of any devastating faults and riddled with any serious socio- political upsets or escalated into fiercely violent disputes. Neither did the elections get the body politic polarized or dismembered to cast forlornness, hopelessness on the homogeneity or oneness of our nation.

I put my foot down with all rage against the call and I ask, in what name is the call being made if not in the name of the eerie, spooky and bizarre partisanship in consort with some international interference in the internal affairs of Nigerian sovereign

state contrary to the United Nations Charter of Non-Interference?

So much of laborious efforts goes into making the elected political leaders. The aspirants to political offices, made to swallow hook, line and sinker the impression that they would win or their candidacy would count, take on the trouble to have themselves presented to the political parties for consideration for nomination and get registered with INEC as official candidates for elections.

Quite a lot more. The constituents, of voting age, have to get registered as voters, listen to the candidates at campaigns, line up for hours, almost unending, out there under the sun scorch or water drenching from rain to collect Permanent Voter’s Card. And under similar conditions akin to harshness of weather, the voters cast their votes for choice candidates.

Yet, with impunity, the voters, on the election day are robbed of monetary WelfareAppreciation Allowance (WAPPALL) for breakfast, lunch and transportation back to their respective destinations of kilometers of roads, near and far. The voters, left to no emotional care or monitor were additionally tasked to wait behind and ‘ _shine, shine_ ‘ their eyes on vote counting, but with the eyes already made blurred by politicians’ self centeredness and false pretences.

From the reports across Nigeria, the dare-devil thieving politicians had good money in several millions of naira handed them by the topmost leaderships of political parties as largesse for

transfer to the voters on the election day.

Money transfer, the voters’ welfare package called WAPPALL, unofficially, across political parties during the last the general elections, is a cousin to the nation’s cashless policy of the time.

The monetary largesse, privately pocketed by politicians, did not get to the electors as politicians defaulted. And in the aftermath of the election results, the sensibility of the defeated political parties’ leaders ceased to respond very well to conversations on the election outcome, going by the social media reports.

Sanity should impel the political class to concede defeat and accept the outcome of the elections, and not by taking certain steps surreptitiously, secretly to frustrate the winners from doing effectively in office.

From Oriade state constituency of Osun State, Hon Babatunde Desmond Ojo’s concession to the election outcome that didn’t favour him, barely 24hours after the poll results were officially released, speaks to the compelling post -poll cooperation. Desmond, too unknown to me, gets my kudos for his witty sportsmanship. And timely, of course, yes. Unlike many Nigerians of his ranking in politics, he’s said to be polite and suaver.

Acknowledgement or admission of poll results by election candidates collapses the climax of the complex political confrontation, attacks and counter attacks reached, particularly on the election day and shortly after the election results are announced.

The political dynamics of concession to defeat, marked by the interplay of voice protests in intensity and impact between the political leaders and cadres of the defeated political parties as are happening to the polity today tend to pose challenges to the legitimacy of the political system.

In the circumstances of the challenges, an euphemism for troubles, to the election outcome and long way off, Nigerian press has a huge role in the next republic, come May 29, 2023.

-Olusesi writes from Osogbo, Osun state capital.

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

Ovuakporie: Oborevwori’s Victory Confirms Okowa’s Good Performance in Delta Former secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and foundation member of the party, Mr Nick Ovuakporie, in February, 2023, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party pledging to add electoral value to the new party by working for its success during the last general election in the state. In a brief chat with newsmen during the celebration of the victory of the PDP in the recent gubernatorial election at the Government House, Asaba, Ovuakporie, said the victory is a confirmation of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s good governance and expressed the belief that his incoming successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, will sustain the legacy of developmental politics. Omon-Julius Onabu brings excerpt of the interview.

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he whole state is awash with the celebration of the victory of the PDP candidate in the 2023 governorship poll in Delta State. What do you say about the events culminating in the thanksgiving scenario across the state?

Thank you very much. Over time, I have never had any atom of fear that the PDP candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori will emerge as the governor of Delta State, because whatever happens in the physical has already occurred in, or has spiritual interpretation.

God has divined him to be the successor of our ever-focused Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. And, owing to the antecedent of the incumbent government in terms of development, there was no doubt as to the party’s victory in the elections.

Oborevwori’s victory is only a confirmation of excellence, confirmation of good works of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. It’s an affirmation of developmental politics, not politics of selfishness or greed. The victory is a confirmation of the positive change, which is not synonymous to the change as explained by the APC (All Progressives Congress) administration at the centre but that has really not benefited Nigerians obviously.

development of the state. It also signals the beginning of the end of the APC in Delta State.

However, I’d rather see this enthronement through the ballot as a will of God for Delta State; and, I believe it’s a stepping stone to rescuing Nigeria from the shackles of misrule.

Today, everybody is facing an almost similar challenge; everybody is suffering, both the rich and the poor; and, that is not anything to celebrate.

Nevertheless, the victory of Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and the PDP indeed, is a confirmation of what God is set to do for Nigeria as a whole.

Ovuakporie

You described the APC as a crisis-ridden party when you joined the PDP barely a month ago. What does this victory mean to the PDP? I want to say that the victory of the PDP and Rt Hon Oborevwori will sustain the tempo of governance, impactful leadership and equitable

What is your message especially to the youths?

My message to the youths is that they should keep faith. They’ve spoken very loudly and they have enthroned their own administration, an administration that will not disappoint them.

I am very convinced that this administration is a youth-based administration that will go very far in addressing their challenges. Those things that have miiitated against their aspirations this government, no doubt, will address those issues carefully.

What precisely is your message to the

governor-elect?

My message to the governor-elect is simple.

It’s that he should stay focused as he has always promised; and, I verily believe that he has very clear agenda on blueprints that are peoplecentered. And, for him to have encapsulated those visions in his manifesto, I’m sure he knows what to do to further take this state to the next level.

What’s your message to those who lost out, by way of not winning the election?

I feel pity for them, especially those who jumped ship a night before the elections. However, it’s tantamount to mass or gross betrayal especially seeing people who Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has impacted their lives, people who were hitherto brought out from nowhere, brought out from abject poverty and empowered through good governance and other forms of democratic dividends, betraying the governor at the dying minute by way of jumping ships.

Going the way they did, having benefited so much from the government they collectively put together is very disappointing. And, even though I feel pity for them, I only feel pity because their actions were misplaced, and I urge them to purge themselves by way of seeking forgiveness from God.”

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FEATURES

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

Abby Kesington: I Want My Poetry to Outlive Me For Houston-based poet Abby Kesington, some of her major literary influences are Noble Laureate, Wole Soyinka; global phenomenon, Maya Angelou; and Chilean poet -diplomat, Pablo Neruda. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s emerging poets in Houston, Texas, Kesington has featured at poetry events and is working on her first collection of poetry. Her poems usually focus on anxieties, freedom, women rights, poverty, and climate change. In this interview, she speaks about her literary influences, what poetry means to her, poetry of old and modern poetry and so on. Excerpts:

T

I think the goal is to have the reader or audience appreciate your work.

Poetry is a form of art that is blessed with an advantage to have the words perform before an audience. Now reading the poem aloud sometimes lend credence to the work and it is very much left to the audience at that point.

here appears to be a burden of tradition for many Nigerian poets to write poetry that tends towards the socially committed poetry, some sort of 'art in the shadows of protest'. How much of this burden applies to your poetry?

Poetry is an expression of the experiences of the poet. Now because of the social economic climate or should I say injustice, many of the poems from Nigeria seem to take on the narrative of protest. However, my poems are a kind of protest against social differences and the seeming injustice of race, gender, age and abuse, not necessarily in the Nigerian sense.

What inspired the poem Finish Line, which you are performing soon at the Color Story 2023 in Houston?

I wrote that poem on a very challenging day. When it seemed all hope was lost. I was battling a monster anxiety and the words came. I was able to put things in perspective and sustained my sanity.

While writing poetry do you have in mind that you might have to perform your poems at one time? Do you write poetry with an ear for the page? Which of these comes easily to you – poetry for the page or poetry for the stage?

Well, when I started, it never crossed my mind that I will ever read it on stage. It was a form of therapy to just let out those words buzzing in my head. So I think poetry for the page comes easier for me but I’m very much open to new opportunities of poetry on stage.

Some literary critics tend to dismiss spoken word/performance poetry as not poetry, mainly because it tends to focus more on the performance/delivery than

What does poetry mean to you?

Poetry means a form of expression. Beyond the art is the poet’s experiences all morphed into words.

A window to the poets mind and sometimes heart.

Abby Kesington on the poem. How would you react to this?

Did you find poetry or did poetry find you?

Wow!!! Poetry found me actually.

It found me at the doldrums of life, when all hope was lost and I didn’t have anything to live for. It gave me renewed hope in humanity. A

renewed sense of self. Don’t get me wrong, I still fight my inner demons.

What poets were important to you when you first started writing poetry?

I honestly didn’t attach any importance to anyone poet. Like I mentioned, poetry found me. It was a form of therapy.

Do you prefer the poetry of old or the modern type?

Well, I lean more to the modern form of poetry, however with some sentiments for the old sonnet. I like the modern forms because the poet is not boxed into a form. You have the freedom of expression. Juxtaposition of prose and poetry, Imagery and concepts that push the norm. I like that very much.

Where do you want poetry to take you?

Posterity. I want it to outlive me. For generations to come to read my works and see that I identify with issues like anxieties, freedom, women rights, poverty, and climate change.

Who are your poetic influences?

This one is a tough one. I think I have some poems inspired by Nigeria’s Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. I also am very inspired by the late American poet Maya Angelou. And the Chilean poet, late Pablo Neruda, for his many romantic poems.

Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu: A Trajectory of Resilience at 50 A staunch believer in the mantra education as a potent tool for social reconstruction, financial empowerment and self actualisation, Mbisiogu is the brain behind the Blue Diamond Group that has interests in Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Custom cleaning and merchandising, amongst others with operations in China, Dubai, Holland, Nigeria and several other countries. Born April 15, 1973, without the proverbial silver spoon, Mbisiogu's life remains the classical grass-to-grace story. As he turns 50 he takes us on a journey of his early days, challenges as he rises on the ladder of success, breakthroughs, life lessons and much more. Tosin Clegg brings excerpts

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hat does it feels like to be fifty?

I know one or two of my friends that had one illness or the other who are no longer alive and when I look at few of my friends that are left and some of them it’s the way God wants it but if I’m privileged to clock 50 which is a golden jubilee. I think I should appreciate God for that. I am super excited. I am excited because looking back at what I have passed through in life. I can’t believe that I can be alive today because there was a time, I was admitted in the hospital, from a private hospital to LUTH. And in these hospitals I was taken to the emergency wards. That was in year 2006 and at that time, I felt the lord was about to take me.

I am happy that the Lord saved me from that sickness. That was 17 years ago and I am alive today. I am also happy that God brought me this far.

There are so many things to be thankful for. Can you share some of them?

Let me start from my upbringing in life as I am from a very poor family, the poorest family from Umechuma, Ideato South LG. When I left the village for Lagos, we had four rooms. Out of those 4 rooms, my mum borrowed money from the group she belongs to and put up two rooms. My parents stayed in one room and I with my siblings stayed in another. As at the time I left the village to Lagos a lot was happening back at home but today the Lord has been so kind that the boy that lived in that condition has so much now.

There was someone called Sunday who was the one who brought me from the village to Lagos to serve Josiah Okenonu who

Mbisiogu I stayed with and served for 7 years.

And to the Glory of God I served him faithfully during that time and he was so happy. When he was about to settle me, he called the whole community and rained Blessings on me.

He killed a cow to celebrate my freedom and enumerated the blessings he acquired through me. After this he gave me 50,000 Naira which I started with at Tejuosho Market and when I started there is something I decided within myself that since I came from a very poor family that if I must survive I must have policies guiding me which I deployed through my relationship with God and this sharpened my life.

My life was exceptional so people began to identify with me. Some people started giving me goods on credits while some

raised money for me. But when I started having problems in my business and I decided to move to Dubai to search for greener pastures but first I went to Antigua where I was duped but my first time going to Dubai I was deported.

Tried the second time and I got deported but with all these I did not give up but my mum, a religious woman invited me back home and I went. My parents went to their farm and got yams for me to sell of which we got 30,000 Naira and I took the money to Lagos. Some of the guys still found favour in me and asked me what I saw in Dubai of which I shared with them and we formed a partnership where we partnered.

Then during my trip I met a man, Azeez who wanted to do business with me and he gave me credit for three months which was 2000 dollars of which I paid back and another 5000 dollars which I paid back in a month and half also after then he increased it to 40,000 dollars.

Not too long after he opened his warehouse for me to be dealing since I had built trust and integrity. There is a book I’m writing now called, Integrity the greatest asset.

Along the line my mother I loved so much felt sick. And she had to do a surgery and I spent almost all the money I had because I love that woman too much. She called me Uzowanne among all the kids she believed this son of hers would go far in life. She was always pampering me and if death was coming my mum would like to present herself in other to save me. So all she does for me still rings in my memory so I spent all the money I had. We tried everything we could be but we eventually lost her.

But I learnt a few things from her as we live in a community where they cultivate yam and my mum will use a lorry called 911 to carry yams and share to the villagers. So, I

2009, I started sharing between 100 to 300 bags of rice every year regardless of how challenging it became or the price of rice as at that time. I dropped out in year two while I was in secondary school.

Which was when I was asked to come to Lagos. I came from a very port family and I set up a target having a script for myself for what I want to become. Something happened that my wife was shocked after she stumbled into my wardrobe and saw my diary where I listed several things and does things I listed only which I listed to be done from 45-50 years of age.

My wife started crying when she realised all I had achieved before 40 as I listed them with years in which I wanted to get them done.

After itemising them I now asked myself what would be the impediment to not make me achieve this goal in life and since I didn’t finish my secondary school I decided to go back to school. I knew it was something I had to go back to to succeed.

Later on after many years, I took JAMB , got admission at University of Lagos and studied Business Administration. There I also started planning to relocate my business to China.

One of my target is that between 33 to 35 years, I would own my business abroad. In all these nobody helped me become without God using them as an instrument.

While I was in China I was more vocal from Jonathan, Okonji Iweala, Peter Obi all of them know Festus as a vocal person. Anywhere that there is government function if the hotel is 1000 dollars and government is there, that’s where you would see me as I want to mingle with these people.

That’s how I became so close to them and I started organising forums and the biggest one I did I had 24 governors in attendance.

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T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, ͯͱ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

#THISISNIGERIA –Yemi Adamolekun

When Impunity Is Expected & Endorsed ….

C

ompetence, character, capacity (the 3Cs) or competence, character, capacity, courage and compassion (the 5Cs) started gaining currency in 2019. By 2022, even incumbent politicians were using the words to describe themselves. Hmm ….

However, it would seem that we want those things on one hand; but on the other hand, we say that politics is “dirty” and “dangerous” and we should just leave the space to “them”. Who are they? It would seem that they are those who run for political office but don’t understand the concept of servant leadership. They believe that with the sheer weight of their financial resources; co-optation of the state apparatus for wealth acquisition and use of violence, they are able to manipulate an ill-educated and poor population; as well as an indifferent “educated elit” to believe that “they” are more powerful than “we” are.

Citizens are the most powerful group of stakeholders in a democracy. Our Constitution captures it quite clearly in Section 14(1) and (2): The Government and the People 1) The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.

(2) It is hereby, accordingly, declared that (a) sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority; (b) the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government; and (c) the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Section 14(2)(a) is clear - sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority.

We have the power. The Office of the Citizen is the highest office in Nigeria and until citizens understand that power and occupy their office, those we elect will continue to abuse us while we “honor” them by virtue of the office they occupy.

Agunze Chib Ikokwu wrote the piece below as his reflections on the trials and tribulations of Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State.

Nigeria is an interesting country. Ironically, it tends to emulate some biblical story variants without bothering to appreciate the ending of the narratives as it concerns Isaac and Jesus.

Isaac was a test of faith that had a reprieve at the zenith of the test. Jesus, fully aware of His mission, almost caved in but left it to the will of His Father. That trust earned Him the reprieve. He rose up on the third day after crucifixion.

The Nigerian political demagogues on the other hand, aim for the jugular to the excitement of their transactional followers and willing hands at every thing that debases the enthronement of good governance, accountability and societal egalitarianism. Our system recognises the qualities, indices and virtues a well meaning political actor should possess to be able to initiate a positive change in our clime but would rather excoriate any possessor of such on the altar of primitive sentiments and narcissistic tendencies. The end result is that the best materials never volunteer themselves for political services in Nigeria.

Based on the plank of material comfort and self fulfilment, Tonye would have no reason to lend himself to the shenanigans of field politics moreso, as to be found in

Rivers State. His desire to change the lives of his people for the better and by extension, those of other Nigerians whose economic umbilical cord is tied to that of Rivers State must be the gravitas underpinning his cause.

To observe Tonye these past four years and more pointedly, in the last one year is to simply doff my hat to a man with a grit that most people will never ever credit him with. Absolutely clear headed, he has conducted himself with the sort of stoicism that has rattled his traducers. His blueprint for Rivers State remains unparalleled. His motivation and desire to serve as a servant leader is unquestionable. Appreciative of the minefields inherent in the politics of his State, he has conducted himself to date with absolute decorum and unflappable dignity inherent in his pedigree.

Without constituting a nuisance on anybody, Tonye has carried a financial and stress burden that can only best be imagined. Surrounded by fifth columnists and all shades of moles, he and his wife Sylvia have maintained a calm demeanour whilst dealing and accommodating all

parties irrespective of end results. Last minute Judases are still carrying out their nefarious roles but their Akeldama is in the proximity.

There is something noble about being true to oneself and heritage. I saw it whilst Tonye was facing the Ijaw elders; I followed it whilst he was traversing the twenty three LGA's of Rivers State; I witnessed it whilst he visited and addressed all the major commercial associations and town unions; I monitored his endless relationship with the downtrodden and his age old philanthropism to the indigent beings; I felt his honest calling to his faith and levelling out with his fellow christian adherents; I tracked his self improvement whilst at National Institute for Policy and Strategic (NIPSS) Kuru and Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University and finally, his consistent, convincing delivery of his vision for Rivers State whether on his many Radio and Tv shows or at the Autograph Event Centre, PH. They were all manifest enough to prove that Tonye was not only a Governorship material but a Presidential one as the case may be. Time will tell.

Nigeria requires a deep analysis of the sort of governance structure that would work for her. The current pseudo attempt at the democratic system is simply driving her citizens into the Hobbesian State of Nature.

We shall continue to pray for the likes of Tonye whose political travails are not unlike those of my friend Dr Alex Otti of Abia State. The comfort to it all is that out of the entire tommy rot that symbolises INEC and the shady politicians in cahoots, there will appear in the horizon, a Professor Nnenna Oti. To Tonye, I say, God is with you. Aluta Continua.

It is clear that until Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities and use that knowledge to hold government accountable, Nigeria will continue to be unjust and we’ll continue to feel voiceless and powerless. tA:FNJ "EBNPMFLVO JT UIF &YFDVUJWF %JSFDUPS PG &OPVHI JT &OPVHI /JHFSJB &J& /JHFSJB 4IF IBT BO .4D JO %FWFMPQNFOU 4UVEJFT GSPN UIF -POEPO 4DIPPM PG &DPOPNJDT -4& BOE BO .#" GSPN 0YGPSE 6OJWFSTJUZ T 4BJE #VTJOFTT 4DIPPM

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Thursday April 13, 2023 Vol 27. No 10227

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

WHY OTTI CANNOT AFFORD TO FAIL

See page 25

WHO SUCCEEDS GBAJABIAMILA AS SPEAKER? Wase is the best choice, reckons DANLADI IBRAHIM

See page 25

EDITORIAL

RISING VIOLENCE IN HOMES

26

Why must the forthcoming headcount be conducted now? MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE asks

The Federal Government is very serious. Or so it hopes to be perceived. There are decisions and steps it has taken recently which indicate that it might be keen on leaving behind lasting legacies, after all. The upcoming population census is one of them. If the National Population Commission (NPC) puts its act WRJHWKHU DQG JHQHUDWHV FUHGLEOH À JXUHV QRW even the most vicious critics of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would deny it the right to claim a truly momentous achievement. That is, if the NPC does. But, will it? The odds against a successful prosecution of this critical assignment at this time certainly outweigh whatever ardent optimists and believers in the ability of our public institutions to deliver trustworthy results think.

Let’s interrogate one aspect of the timing a bit. The last census was held in 2006 towards the end of former President Olusegun 2EDVDQMR·V VHFRQG WHUP LQ R΀ FH 'HVLJQHG WR hold every 10 years, 2016 waited for its own turn but it was not to be. Buhari was then trying to form the government and settle into KLV À UVW WHUP 7KH PRXQWLQJ LQVHFXULW\ KH KDG inherited from former President Goodluck Jonathan just couldn’t go away, a burden he has borne for the larger part of his closing tenure. Government revenues took a sharp slide. In vexatious ways, these reasons have persisted and do not show signs of abating soon. The headcount dates have been changed several times; the last one occasioned by the postponement of the governorship and houses of assembly polls last month.

It’s now too late to even suggest another shift, perhaps. Next Monday, by NPC’s timetable, the numbering of buildings and listing of households will commence throughout the federation. From April 25 to 30, the census enumerators and supervisors will be trained to face the delicate tasks ahead. Actual HQXPHUDWLRQ LV ELOOHG IRU WKH À UVW ZHHN RI 0D\ 7KLV R΀ FLDO VFKHGXOH PD\ ZHOO EH KRZ IDU WKH commission can go in attempting to portray itself as an agency on a crucial, committed mission. Not that it hasn’t done appreciable things, though. Some 885, 000 persons are said to have been positioned through trainings to handle the various stages of the programme.

One of its strongest points is the involvement of digital technology. Very smart, it appears, and touted to secure the trust of Nigerians, showcase NPC as a pragmatic institution and WKH GHYLFHV DV FDSDEOH RI \LHOGLQJ YHULÀ DEOH accurate results. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite images have also been mobilised to achieve digital mapping another edge over previous attempts.

Ordinarily, any country as large as Nigeria ought to be used to lavishly employing relevant technical applications that track and cover its entire geographical space to drastically reduce errors in timelines and data collection. Apart from enhancing the deployment of resources, WKH\ FRXOG HTXDOO\ HQJHQGHU FRQÀ GHQFH LQ WKH process. Ultimately, the outcomes can become

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THIS LAST-MINUTE NATIONAL CENSUS

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EMEKA ALEX DURU canvasses good governance in Abia State

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HDVLO\ DFFHSWDEOH 6DWLVÀ HG E\ PDMRULW\ RI the citizens, many of whom have lived with population-related anger, prejudices and questions over the years without compelling answers. Respectable to the numerous governments and organisations within and outside Nigeria that need reliable related data for planning and projection purposes. And, of course, they stand a chance of being endorsed by the United Nations which had counselled that, beginning from 2020, countries should embrace, at the level of policy, the digitalisation of their censuses. If there’s any time the nation needs dependable statistics about its people and houses, it is now. One estimate by the United Nations Population Agency (UNFPA), shows 216 million people in Nigeria. But for KRZ ORQJ VKDOO ZH GHSHQG RQ À JXUHV IURP foreign or multinational bodies for something as basic as the number of those who live within our own borders? So, the rationale for the exercise is not in doubt, hopefully.

However, unless NPC moves fast in the GLUHFWLRQ RI ZLQQLQJ WKH SHRSOH·V FRQÀ GHQFH and convincing the other key stakeholders about its readiness to stage a census that can defeat the formidable odds against it, it should immediately arrange sellable excuses for its likely, eventual failures. A year ago, precisely on April 21, 2022, my piece on this page titled, “Wrong Timing for National Census”, was based on what I saw as government’s LQVHQVLWLYLW\ LQ À [LQJ WKH GDWHV IRU WKH FHQVXV between the general election and May 29, 2023 when the current administration would hand over power to the in-coming one. It reads in part: “As cogent and urgent as the grounds for the exercise are, the present socio-political climate in the country poses a credible threat to its success, unless we are bent on embarking on our trademark wasteful programmes. Much has been presented and argued at numerous fora about the unprecedented heights of distrust, anxiety, agitations, divisions and insecurity that exist at the moment. Regional, ethnic and religious lines that have existed in Nigeria for long are becoming increasingly wider.

“Incidentally, these are the same elements that endanger the elections. Unless a miracle occurs, which is very unlikely, we will continue to grapple with these well-entrenched features

pre, during and post 2023 general election. It, therefore, does not make sense for both of them to be run close to each other. The two projects are potentially combustible in the nation today, sadly. Just like mixing petrol with gas. In the face of the unfortunate realities of contemporary Nigeria, this is not alarmist. Our security institutions are clearly XQGHU VWDͿ HG LOO PRWLYDWHG SRRUO\ HTXLSSHG and over-burdened. And they are expected to play strategic roles in the conduct of these prime assignments.” With all modesty, many of those words have come true. Yes, physical VHFXULW\ KDVQ·W EHHQ VLJQLÀ FDQWO\ EUHDFKHG LQ a broad sense. But it can’t be denied that the February 25 federal elections and the March 18 state version have left the nation in a somewhat sombre state.

Some of the winners have had to celebrate with restraint, not out of magnanimity but because of the uncertainty that comes with the likelihood of having their victories upturned at the tribunals and courts. The present subdued mood in the country, unprecedented in pre-handover periods, is framed largely by the outcome of the presidential election.

While the two top contenders, the Peoples’ 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ 3'3 DQG /DERXU 3DUW\ (LP), are legally challenging the result, their members and sympathisers have built trenches in the media and elsewhere and are digging in daily, helping to further foul an DOUHDG\ WR[LF DWPRVSKHUH 'LYLVLRQV DPRQJ Nigerians along primordial lines have now been deepened, unfortunately. The elections have also produced more mistrust and an ebbing sense of nationalism in our land.

Surely, this prevailing context isn’t the kind that can midwife a census that we can all trust.

The disenchantment of a large portion of the citizenry with the establishment is not exactly surprising. In recent times, Nigerians have been serially disappointed by ill-conceived JRYHUQPHQW SROLFLHV DQG R΀ FLDOV ZKR IDLO WR exhibit truthfulness, competence and genuine HPSDWK\ ZLWK WKH VXͿ HULQJ PDVVHV 7KH presidential poll, in particular, which was tall on technology-based promises but very lean and short on delivery, stands out in the assembly of sore spots for many people. And coming only shortly before the census doesn’t help. If the interest, motivation and attitude of the people are important variables in the 2023 Housing and Population Census, no real success should be expected.

If so, why the rush? We’ve been told that the government only bears one quarter of the whopping budget of N869billion for the operation. What manner of good news is that?

And the fact that there’s partnership with UNFPA and European Union won’t even assuage the apprehension of Nigerians who’re waiting helplessly to witness yet another underperforming and annoying venture.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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EMEKA ALEX DURU canvasses good governance in Abia State

Wase is the best choice, reckons DANLADI IBRAHIM

WHY OTTI CANNOT AFFORD TO FAIL

WHO SUCCEEDS GBAJABIAMILA AS SPEAKER?

For Abia State governor-elect, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, there is no time for unrestrained celebrations. The journey ahead is rough and the road, rocky. While the Abia electorate and indeed, the entire South East erupted in jubilation over his announcement by the ,QGHSHQGHQW 1DWLRQDO (OHFWRUDO &RPPLVVLRQ ,1(& DV WKH ZLQQHU RI WKH 0DUFK JRYHUQRUVKLS HOHFWLRQ , UDWKHU HPSDWKL]HG with him. He has enormous expectations to contend with.

The last time the people emptied into the streets in such manner, was in 2011, when

Rochas Okorocha was elected governor RI QHLJKERXULQJ ,PR 6WDWH 2NRURFKD·V coming was seen as marking the end of OHWKDUJ\ LQ ,PR DQG FRPPHQFHPHQW RI D genuine attempt at reinventing the state.

But eight years down the line, many in the crowd that sang and danced in the hope of a new beginning, were in tears – in fact, in pains that the state had gone back several decades in governance and human capital development. May this not be the case with Otti!

Otti is not a politician, in Nigeria’s grossly abused sense of the word. He is a technocrat and an accidental politician. Such incidental occurrences who just happened in their VWDWHV HQGHG XS SHUIRUPLQJ FUHGLWDEO\ ,Q Lagos, Babatunde Raji Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stands as DQ LQVWDQFH ,Q $QDPEUD &KULV 1JLJH D medical doctor; Peter Obi, boardroom genius and Labour Party Presidential candidate; and Willie Obiano, an accountant, gave good DFFRXQWV RI WKHLU GD\V LQ R΀FH 7KH\ DUH all professionals and bureaucrats who had DWWDLQHG ORIW\ KHLJKWV LQ WKHLU ÀHOGV EHIRUH going into politics.

Otti has a lot to gain from them. He is an economist. Good enough, he has laid out his SULRULWLHV EHIRUH WLPH ,Q ZKHQ KH PDGH KLV ÀUVW DWWHPSW IRU WKH JRYHUQRUVKLS RQ the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and was coasting home to victory before the odious Obingwa rigging PDFKLQH NQRFNHG KLP RͿ KH KDG PDUVKDOOHG out his agenda for the state. +H KDG LGHQWLÀHG VHUYLFH WR $ELD DV the force driving his aspiration and not an exercise in personal enrichment. He said; “Those having the assumption that politicians go to Government Houses to enrich their pockets must have a rethink.

0LQH LV GLͿHUHQW EHFDXVH , KDYH VWUDWHJLHV that would take the state to another level”.

The other day in Abuja, while picking his &HUWLÀFDWH RI 5HWXUQ &R5 IURP ,1(& KH acknowledged that the expectations from the people have put huge responsibility on KLP DQG GHFODUHG ´, ZRQ·W IDLO $ELDQV ZKR have waited for opportunity like this for a new dawn”. Those are nice words that the people want to hear from a leader and hold

KLP DFFRXQWDEOH IRU ,W LV EHOLHYHG WKDW WKH governor-elect will always recollect these promises and focus his mind on them. He needs to, because developments in the State, present paradoxes of sorts. Abia, prides itself as God’s own state, apparently in line with the vision of its founding fathers. To complement this, it is blessed with enormous human and material resources. But absence of dedicated leadership has remained its major drawback.

Perhaps, at no time in the creation of the state, has this leadership failure become more manifest as in the last 16 years. From the previous administrations that virtually held Abia on the jugular to the current era that is characterized by ineptitude, the state has literally been bleeding. Past and present leaders of the state, are people of hazy characters, who attained their positions of leadership under questionable circumstances. The result is that Abia, as LWV QHLJKERXULQJ ,PR LQFLGHQWDOO\ WKH two oil-producing states in the South East, has been reduced to object of mockery by commentators. For a state that is blessed with sons and daughters of immense capabilities and credentials, something better should be expected.

2WWL FDQQRW DͿRUG WR IDLO $ELD +H PD\ not have all the answers to the gigantic problems confronting the state. But he needs to make a good start and should be seen to be doing so. Strategic locations and cities LQ WKH VWDWH VXFK DV 8PXDKLD $ED 2KDÀD $ELULED $URFKXNZX DQG 8NZD 1GRNL D[LV PXVW EH EURXJKW EDFN WR OLIH 2KDÀD $EULELD $URFKXNZX DQG 8NZD 1GRNL ÁDQNV SRVVHVV HQRUPRXV WRXULVP SRWHQWLDO that can boost the economy of the state, if properly harnessed. The slave routes of the OHJHQGDU\ /RQJ -XMX ,ELQX 8NSDEL VKULQH can be reactivated and turned to historical sites. The Azumini Blue River at the Ndoki end, can serve as major attraction to visitors.

Repositioning Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, is an agenda Otti must have FORVH WR KLV KHDUW ,W SDLQV WKDW $ED WKH ROG Mecca of manufacturing in the Southern part of Nigeria has been left in ruins to the point that most of the business folks in it have long exited to other parts of the country. Growing XS , NQHZ $ED VX΀FLHQWO\ )URP 9LFWRULD /DJRV DQG ,EHUH 6WUHHWV DOO LQ 1JZD 5RDG through to Cameroon Road, where we lived at various points, it was easy for us, young ODGV WR UXQ URXQGV XS WKH RWKHU ÁDQNV RI WKH city as St. Michaels, Obohia, Ohanku, School, Jubilee, Faulks, Asa, Hospital, Faulks and Port Harcourt Roads. There were very good networks of roads and other social amenities, including security, needed for businesses to WKULYH 6PDOO 6FDOH ,QGXVWULHV HTXDOO\ VSUDQJ up at virtually every compound in the city, aside the big ones as Aba Textile Mills, Aba *ODVV )DFWRU\ DQG &HUDPLF ,QGXVWU\ DOO providing jobs to the residents. Today, Aba is a nightmare; literally a wasteland, lacking KHURHV DQG PRGHOV ,Q SODFH RI JRRG URDGV and streets, swamps and craters have taken over. The city is in ruins.

Otti needs to fold his sleeves and roll up his pants for the work ahead. Aba must be rescued and revived. There is no volume RI HͿRUWV RU UHVRXUFHV VSHQW LQ UHFRYHULQJ Aba that can be termed a waste. Properly harnessed, the wealth of the city can even PDNH WKH UHYHQXH SURÀOH RI $ELD WKH HQY\ RI other states.

Duru is the Editor, TheNiche Newspapers, Lagos

On Tuesday, 13th June, 2023, the 10th at the National Assembly. Other notable National Assembly will be inaugurated. This bills passed under this leadership of the will follow its formal proclamation by Asiwaju House of Representatives include the Bola Ahmed Tinubu, exactly two weeks Police Service Commission Act (Repeal after he is sworn in as the 16th President of and Re-enactment) Bill, the Electric the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Expectedly, Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) therefore, attention has shifted from the post- %LOO DQG WKH 'HHS 2ͿVKRUH DQG ,QODQG election hullabaloos to the inauguration of Basin Production Sharing Contracts the 10th National Assembly, being the most $FW $PHQGPHQW %LOO ,W DOVR SDVVHG DQ strategic of the tripodal governance structure aggregation of bills to reform the aviation in our democratic setting. The parliament is sector and clean up Nigeria’s airports to the bastion of democracy. And expectedly, too, ensure that such critical national assets are competition for the leadership positions in both H΀FLHQWO\ DGPLQLVWHUHG LQ OLQH ZLWK WKH the Senate and the House of Representatives expectations of Nigerians. is becoming intense. At least, half a dozen ,Q WKH DUHD RI FULWLFDO LQWHUYHQWLRQV senators have indicated interest in becoming Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry that it president of the Senate, while nine members- was the House’s intervention that helped elect have thrown their proverbial hats in the to resolve the seeming intractable impasse jockeying over who becomes Speaker of the EHWZHHQ WKH $FDGHPLF 6WDͿ 8QLRQ RI lower arm.

8QLYHUVLWLHV $688 DQG WKH IHGHUDO ,W LV WKXV LPSHUDWLYH DW WKLV MXQFWXUH IRU XV government, which kept students at home DV D QDWLRQ WR UHÁHFW GHHSO\ RQ WKH TXDOLW\ RI IRU PRUH WKDQ HLJKW PRQWKV 6LJQLÀFDQWO\ the House pushed for inclusion of the sum of N170 billion in the 2023 Budget to provide a level of increment in the welfare package of university lecturers.

This is aside the inclusion of an additional N300 billion in revitalisation funds in the Budget, to improve the infrastructure and operations of federal universities.

Now, the current Speaker, Hon. Gbajabiamila, has been “excluded” from the contest for the same position in the 10th Assembly, by virtue of the emergence of the First Citizen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also from the South West geopolitical zone. ,W LV RQO\ QDWXUDO WKHUHIRUH WKDW :DVH on whose shoulder the famed anchor of stability of the Ninth House has been resting, should emerge as the next speaker. the leadership to emerge for our parliament, And this proposition is based primarily being the bastion of our democratic journey. As on the character, competence and capacity the popular saying goes, “better parliament, RI +RQ $KPHG ,GULV :DVH ZKR ZLOO EH D stronger democracy”. ÀIWK WHUPHU E\ WKH WLPH WKH WK $VVHPEO\ Nigeria’s House of Representatives, the most is inaugurated. He is the most experienced vibrant of the two arms of our parliament, has of all the nine aspirants currently eyeing XQGRXEWHGO\ LPSURYHG VLJQLÀFDQWO\ ,W KDV the seat of speaker. With 16 years’ cognate nudged higher in the past four years towards experience in the parliament holding meeting the yearnings and aspirations of key positions, Wase stands miles ahead citizens. Equally, the Green Chamber, as it is RI KLV FRPSHWLWRUV ,Q KLV IRXU WHUPV DV D often described, is quite stable and progressive. legislator, he held chairmanship of certain This transformation of the House of key committees, and sponsored at least a 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV LV QRW DQ DFFLGHQW ,W LV WKH UHVXOW dozen bills.

RI FRQVFLHQWLRXV HͿRUWV RI PDQ\ PHPEHUV As Chair of the Federal Character of the Ninth House, but most especially the Committee, for instance, the current deputy Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as well speaker paid no attention to “connections” as his trusted and dependable deputy, Hon. E\ HQVXULQJ WKDW 1LJHULDQV IURP GLͿHUHQW $KPHG ,GULV :DVH ethnic and religious backgrounds get Keen observers of the trajectory of the Ninth employed in ministries, departments and House of Representatives have acknowledged agencies of the federal government, strictly its vivacity in championing noble causes in a based on merit. This endeared Wase to manner that is a clear departure from what many children of less-privileged Nigerians.

REWDLQHG LQ WKH SDVW 8QGHU WKH *EDMDELDPLOD As the Chair of the House Committee Wase stewardship, Nigerians witnessed of the Whole, he was key to the passage consequential legislative interventions in RI FULWLFDO ELOOV VXFK DV WKH 3,% DQG WKH numerous strategic spheres of public life. amendments to the new Companies and ,W LV HTXDOO\ RQ UHFRUG WKDW WKLV OHDGHUVKLS Allied Matters Act (CAMA), which has initiated several essential reforms that lay the already been noted to be easing doing foundation for future growth and prosperity of business in Nigeria.

RXU FRXQWU\ )RU ZDQW RI VSDFH , ZLOO KLJKOLJKW His other legislative interventions are only a few of such legislative interventions and equally remarkable. One such is the bill reform initiatives. he proposed that saw the creation of ,W LV WR WKH FUHGLW RI WKH QLQWK SDUOLDPHQW additional National Orthopaedic Hospitals that the annual budget process of the federal in three of the nation’s six geopolitical zones government was reformed, and returned to (Jos, Northcentral), Benin, Southsouth) and WKH -DQXDU\ 'HFHPEHU ÀVFDO FDOHQGDU $JDLQ Taraba (Northeast). this very parliament made history in passing WKH 3HWUROHXP ,QGXVWU\ %LOO QRZ DQ $FW D Ibrahim seeming insurmountable task, given the 20writes from Lokogoma, Kabusa District, year rough course of that piece of legislation Federal Capital Territory

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EDITORIAL

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

RISING VIOLENCE IN HOMES The stakeholders should do more to stem domestic violence

L

ast September, the Lagos State Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, drew the attention of Nigerians to a social problem hardly ever discussed. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), according to Onigbanjo, received over 4,800 cases within a period of 10 months (Sept 2021 to July 2022). “Further analysis of cases under the year in review revealed that at least 60% of survivors that reported to the Agency, H[SHULHQFHG GRPHVWLF YLROHQFH LQ WKH ÀUVW ÀYH years of their marriage”, Onigbanio disclosed.

“However, 50% of the reports were made after10 years of the subsistence of the marriage.

Various factors which contributed to delay in reporting include ÀQDQFLDO GHSHQGHQFH on the abuser, wanting to remain in the abusive relationship because of their children as well as other socio-cultural factors”.

While we commend Lagos State for establishing an institution to deal with the challenge, it is important that other states also begin to deal with what has become an epidemic with serious social implications. Assault and battery, even WKRXJK VHULRXV RͿHQFHV LQ RXU ODZ ERRNV DUH hardly ever perceived as crimes by many of our law enforcement agencies, unless the acts ultimately culminate in death. In some instances, the police are extremely insensitive when dealing with the sexual abuse of minors, adding to the trauma of the survivors and their families.

Besides, a pattern where survivors of sexual violence become targets of intimidation with the aid of law enforcement agents, according to the Nigeria Feminist Forum, is unconscionable and unacceptable. It is indeed imperative that the DXWKRULWLHV PDNH PRUH HͿRUWV WR XQGHUVWDQG WKH underlying causes and dynamics of this growing

violence, if only to redeem the stability of the family unit, and consequently, the larger society.

From physical and verbal abuse to rape and even murder, it is evident that the authorities are not doing enough to stem the tide of domestic violence which manifests itself in many forms in the society. While spousal abuse cuts across both sexes, women are predominantly the victims in our country. Yet abused women rarely report the violence they endure, for fear of being stigmatised by the society. Besides, the patriarchal interpretations within our various faiths preach endurance. Inevitably, the victim and the abuser (where summoned) are usually DGYLVHG WR JR KRPH DQG ÀQG D ZD\ WR VHWWOH WKHLU GLͿHUHQFHV UDWKHU WKDQ PDNH SXEOLF WKH LQMXU\ or the violence within.

The fear of being RVWUDFL]HG WKH ODFN RI PDWHULDO DQG ÀQDQFLDO resources and the JHQHUDO ODFN RI V\PSDWK\ and support from the public have contributed immensely to the growth of domestic violence in many Nigerian homes. Curbing these tragic incidents is therefore a collective responsibility.

It is also the duty of governments, at all levels, to protect the most vulnerable by supporting the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and wherewithal, including safe houses, wherein abused children and women can be securely accommodated, counselled and enabled to UHJDLQ VRPH FRQÀGHQFH DQG VHOI UHVSHFW Ultimately, it behoves all Nigerians to remain diligent and cast away the complacency that has hitherto been the bane of the victims of abuse in our midst. Ignoring the subtle signals of YLROHQFH LQÁLFWHG RQ RXU ZRPHQ DQG FKLOGUHQ can only lead to disruption in our families and in our society. If we therefore fail to act or report, we are all complicit.

Ignoring the subtle signals of violence inflicted on our women and children can only lead to disruption in our families and in our society T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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

LETTERS WHO WILL SAVE THE POLICE? Continued from the backpage When you multiply that number for 36 governors and add WKRVH DOORFDWHG WR RWKHU HOHFWHG DQG DSSRLQWHG SROLWLFDO R΀FH holders at federal and state levels, you get a picture of the number of policemen performing ‘mai guard’ duties. And we have QRW LQFOXGHG WKRVH VHUYLQJ EDQNHUV EXVLQHVVPHQ RI DOO KXHV WKH LGOH ULFK DQG HYHQ ¶SURIHVVRUV· LQ XQLGHQWLÀHG XQLYHUVLWLHV The very idea of using our police personnel as a private army undermines their integrity and self-worth. We need to put an end to this abuse. No case has brought home the illegal use for which many of our policemen are deployed betWHU WKDQ WKH VW -XQH VKRRWLQJ DW D SROLWLFDO UDOO\ LQ (NLWL 6WDWH E\ D SROLFHPDQ ´DWWDFKHG WR 30) ,NHMD /DJRV 6WDWH where he was posted on guard duties”. Although the politician who conspired and removed the said policeman from where he was posted by his squadron commander was said to have been arrested by the police, the fact that nobody has been brought to trial over the incident is telling. Till today, noERG\ NQRZV WKH SROLWLFLDQ FRQFHUQHG DQG WKH FDVH KDV ¶HQWHUHG voicemail’ as they say.

To refresh the memory of readers on that sordid episode, the

(NLWL 6WDWH 3ROLFH &RPPDQG UHYHDOHG DW WKH WLPH WKDW WKH PRbile policeman who accidentally shot Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally was on ´LOOHJDO GXW\µ $FFRUGLQJ WR &DOHE &KXNZXHPHND D 'HSXW\ Superintendent of Police (DSP), the accused policeman was SURFXUHG IURP /DJRV WR (NLWL 6WDWH E\ DQ XQQDPHG SROLWLFLDQ ´+H LV DWWDFKHG WR 30) ,NHMD /DJRV 6WDWH ZKHUH KH ZDV SRVWHG RQ EDQN JXDUG GXWLHV VRPHZKHUH LQ ,NHMD 7KH SROLFHPDQ FDPH RQ LOOHJDO GXW\ WR (NLWL 6WDWH $ SROLWLFLDQ ZKR FRQspired and removed the said policeman from where he was SRVWHG E\ KLV 6TXDGURQ &RPPDQGHU DQG FDPH WR $GR (NLWL ZLWK KLP IRU DQ XQR΀FLDO UHDVRQ KDV DOVR EHHQ DUUHVWHG µ Who is this politician? What has happened to the arrested policeman? These were questions left hanging while the case was quietly swept under the carpet. In fact, many believe that the response by police authorities to the current case was spurred not by any sense of outrage but rather due to social media interest. That is not good for the police. For the institution to regain public trust, they must begin to deal with the issue that concerns the dignity and welfare of their own personnel. When police personnel begin to perform domestic

chores for husbands, wives and concubines of government ofÀFLDOV FRXQFLO FKDLUPHQ WUDGLWLRQDO UXOHUV FHOHEULWLHV KLJK QHW worth individuals, etc., it impacts negatively on the image of this critical institution.

Given the current period of national security emergency, the PLVXVH RI SROLFH R΀FHUV DQG RWKHU VHFXULW\ RXWÀWV VKRXOG QRW be allowed to continue. With a police force of approximately 350,000 serving a projected population of about 218 million, Nigeria is far from the United Nations recommended ratio of one policeman to 400 citizens. So, this issue needs to be addressed. Maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities are the primary responsibilities of the Police. They FDQQRW SOD\ VXFK UROHV HͿHFWLYHO\ LI PRVW RI WKHLU SHUVRQQHO DUH running errands, including for those with no visible means of livelihood.

ENDNOTE: I have nothing more to add!

Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

27

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

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

08056356325

A P R I L

S & P INDEX

1 2 , 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%

Number Porting Drops in Three Consecutive Months from 2,829 in December to 2,021 in February 2023

Emma Okonji Nigeria is beginning to experience a steady drop in the volume of inward porting of telephone numbers across networks, otherwise known as number portability, according to the recent statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Industry stakeholders, including telecoms operators, who attributed the recent drop in porting activities to the stability of networks and improved telecoms services in the last three months, said the number would continue to drop if the networks continue to remain stable.

In telecoms parlance, incoming (inward) porting means the number of numbers that ported from another service provider’s network into a service provider’s own network.

According to the statistics, which THISDAY obtained from NCC’s website, the total number of inward porting as at December 2022, was 2,829, but the figure dropped to 2,581 in January 2023, with a further drop to 2,021 in February 2023.

Before December 2022, number portability figures were fluctuating by rising and dropping at different months, depending on the stability of the networks within the period.

For instance, the NCC’s statistics

showed that in April 2022, the total number of inward porting was 1,357, but increased to as high as 3,679 in May 2022, before dropping again to 2,935 in June 2022. In July, the figure dropped again to 2,602, with a further drop to 2,389 in August 2022, and rose again to 2,934 in September 2022. In October 2022, the figure dropped 2,790, with a further drop to 2,299 in November and rose again to 2,829 in December 2022.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, who attributed the fluctuations in number portability between April and December 2022 to unstable network at

that time, however said the networks were becoming a lot more stable, hence the steady drop in the number of porting, since there would be no need for telecoms subscribers to engage in number porting, when the networks are relatively stable.

According to Adebayo, “subscribers port from one network to another in search of stable network and better quality of service, but if the quality of service is good and the networks are relatively stable, subscribers will want to remain with a particular network, without thinking of porting to other networks.”

President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS),

Deolu Ogunbanjo, told THISDAY that subscribers would always port from one network to another because they need better service quality. He however said subscribers would also want to remain with a particular network without porting, if the network maintains satisfactory service delivery to its customers.

The NCC’s statistics however showed that MTN had continued to maintain the lead in the highest number of inward porting into its network in the last one year.

According to the statistics, MTN had a total of 2,040 inward porting in September 2022, while Globacom had 442, Airtel 285 and 9mobile had 167. From October to December 2022, MTN maintained

the lead in the number of inward porting, having recorded 1,925, 1,680 and 1,812 respectively.

Within the same period, Globacom recorded 363, 263 and 749 inward porting respectively, while Airtel recorded 347, 239 and 154 inward porting respectively. 9mobile also recorded 155, 117 and 114 inward porting respectively within the same period.

In January 2023, MTN, again, maintained the lead with 1,688 inward porting, followed by Airtel with 538 inward porting and Globacom with 229 inward porting, while 9mobile had 126 inward porting. In February 2023, Continued on page 28

Offensive Advert: ARCON Backs CAN, Sanctions Peak Milk Raheem Akingbolu Exactly a year after the Easter day advert published by Sterling Bank Plc generated furore as a result of its assumed misrepresentation of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, another corporate body, FrieslandCampina Wamco, owners of the Peak Milk brand, has been marked out for sanction by the apex advertising regulatory body in the country, the Advertising Regulatory

Council of Nigeria (ARCON) for releasing to the public a creative material that was not vetted by it.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had on Monday condemned the makers of Peak Milk, over an offensive Easter advert that was said to have sparked outrage among Christians in the country.

In line with its regulatory mandate to ensure responsible advertising through strict adherence

to the advertising Code of Practice, ARCON has announced that it would punish the diary company, as well as other unnamed offenders over what it considers “exposure of incendiary and provocative Easter advertisements.”

According to a statement signed

by ARCON’s Director-General, and made available to THISDAY, the council noted with concern, the series of advertisements exposed during the recent Easter celebration

by advertisers, media owners and advertising agencies.

ARCON said the advertisements were not only provocative, insensitive, offensive, incendiary but were also not submitted nor vetted by the Advertising Standards Panel in accordance with the provisions of section 53(1] of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No.23 of 2022.

According to the statement, a number of advertisements were

observed during the Easter Celebration by the Council to be unpleasant, and demeaning to the Christian faith.

The Council said it would take necessary actions to ensure that the rights, sensitivities and religious beliefs of any sect, or group of people are not ridiculed, disparaged, or exploited for commercial gains or otherwise.

“Advertisers, advertisement agencies and media owners

are strongly advised to desist from exposing any form of advertisement without obtaining the prior approval of the Standards Panel. Violators will be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” the statement partly read.

In the controversial advert, the company used the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Continued on page 28

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

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

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

Yield

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

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

3.01

NTB 11May-23

3.23

3.01 2.21 3.20

3.27

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

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

Yield

6, 0.00 January 2023

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

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

Discount Yield

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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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THURSDAY, APRIL 13, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

BRAND

Between Academia and Marketing Professionals in Advertising Raheem Akingbolu takes a look at how synergy between the academia and marketing professionals can refocus the practice of communication and advertising in the country

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he relationship between the ‘Town’ and the ‘Gown’ has been considered as a factor that can contribute to the growth of the society positively through their knowledge and attendant contributions. The ‘Town’ and the ‘Gown’ relationship can be positive and mutually beneficial with the university contributing to the economic and cultural life of the town, and the town providing support and resources to the university.

Interestingly, this was why the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in conjunction with the marketing communication industry sectoral groups, recently organised the maiden edition of Advertising Industry Colloquium in Lagos to bridge the gap between academics and marketing practitioners.

ADVERTISING COLLOQUIUM The colloquium according to the Registrar and Director General of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, was organised after realising the wide gap between the ‘Town’ and the Gown’ which made it extremely imperative to bridge the knowledge gap and reset advertising profession on a strong footing to accommodate young professionals coming from the nation’s tertiary institutions across the country.

According to Fadolapo, the knowledge gap between the theory and the practical is wide and as the regulator of the industry in terms of business and practice there is an urgent need for us to bridge the gap.

He said: “Consequently, ARCON set up a committee with specific assignments. Firstly, in terms of knowledge depth in the industry, how do we integrate the professionals and the academic in such a way that we will break the knowledge gap. We are also looking at the situation where we have academic journals on advertising education in collaboration with the professionals to see how we can develop the practice of advertising,” The chairman of the Advertising Industry Colloquium and Academic Journal Committee of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Rotimi Olatunji, a Professor of Public Relations and Advertising, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, LASU said, the colloquium was organised to provide the forum for academics and students of Mass Communication, Advertising and other components of integrated marketing communication (IMC) to interact with professionals in advertising/other components of IMC; media practitioners, policy makers and regulatory agencies.

According to him, “the main objective of the colloquium is to deepen knowledge and provide insights into required skill for success in advertising education and practice in contemporary era of globalisation through interaction between the Town and the Gown for the examination of current and topical issues in Marketing Communications in Nigeria.”

The Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who was represented by the Director of Public Communication in the ministry, Sanni Baba, said the importance of integrated marketing communication professionals and the academia cannot be underestimated by any economy that genuinely seeks to develop. The minister said he is particularly delighted by the progress the Council (ARCON) is making to ensure that the business of advertising is professionally practiced.

The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture would be pleased to work with the council and other stakeholders in advancing the course of the industry and will be delighted to receive

innovative ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism based on the wealth of experience to move the industry forward.

EXPERTS’ OPINIONS President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, (NIMN), Mr. Idorenyen Enanq, while delivering his paper on the theme of the Colloquium; “Changing Trends in Advertising Education and Practice in the Era of Globalisation: The Nigerian Perspective,” said the ‘Town’ and the ‘Gown’ have a duty of fashioning out a process of returning the practice of marketing communication to the basis which is marketing, pointing out that marketing is the basis of brand building.

“Marketing is business and business is marketing and the industry needs to refocus,” he stated.

Idorenyen called on stakeholders to make marketing as the foundation of integrated communications, while some speakers argued that for the industry to move forward, there must be understanding among the stakeholders.

President of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas Group, Steve Babaeko said: “For the industry to survive, we need collaboration and cooperation by bringing the Town and the Gown together.”

Vice President of Media Independent Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) and managing director and chief executive officer of PHD Nigeria, Dozie Okafor, said what is required of anybody who desires positive change in integrated Marketing Communication is to invest in oneself for further learning in the era of digitalisation.

Also speaking, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate, who looked at the ‘Critical Review of Contemporary Integrated Marketing Communication Education in Nigeria: An Insiders Perspective’, said that the Association of Communication Scholars Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), remained eager to welcome any reforms that would improve communication and advertising.

APPRAISAL There was a broad consensus at the colloquium to improve and refocus the teaching and practice of the communication and advertising industry in the country especially now that global digitalization is disrupting the industry.

Overall, the ‘Town’ and ‘Gown’ relationship is a complex and evolving one, shaped by a range of social, economic, and cultural factors. It requires ongoing communication and negotiation between both parties to ensure a positive and productive relationship that will bring meaningful development to the industry.

For Idorenyen, the guest speaker at the event, “organisers should focus on the success in the next few years and for the industry to make the colloquium work we must look at the fundamentals and make sure that the school curriculum reflects what we want to achieve.”

Marketing Director of Jotna Group, manufacturers of LaCasera, Emmanuel Agu, said: “It is a changing landscape in today’s world, as it is evident that digital has revolutionalised advertising.”

He added: “Interestingly, advertising agencies have to work deeper and continue to employ other strategies to make them perform optimally to the present-day request.

Stakeholders believe there should be synergy between the academia who operate on a longer timeline, with research and publication often taking months or even years and the advertising professionals that work on shorter timelines to meet immediate business needs.

Experts admitted that to bridge this gap, it is important for both groups to communicate and collaborate more effectively.

The experts believe that advertising professionals can benefit from learning more about the research and theories behind advertising, while academics can benefit from gaining a better understanding of the practical challenges and constraints faced by advertising professionals.

These, they say, will create more opportunities for both groups to work together on research projects and share insights and best practices.

Experts are also of the opinion that it is important to create more opportunities for communication and collaboration.

“This could include establishing industryacademia partnerships to enable professionals to share knowledge, organizing joint workshops or seminars to foster dialogue between academics and industry professionals, and creating opportunities for professionals to participate in academic research projects. Additionally, Nigerian universities and academic institutions could prioritize funding and resources for research and training related to advertising to help close the knowledge gap between academia and the industry in this aspect, “the experts stated.

OFFENSIVE ADVERT: ARCON BACKS CAN, SANCTIONS PEAK MILK Friday, a move CAN described as “totally unacceptable” to the Christian population.

The General Secretary of CAN, Barrister Joseph Daramola, warned the company to retract the advert, tender an apology to Christians or face legal action and boycott of their products by Christians.

“We find this advert to be insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable. Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians all over the world, a day we commemorate the death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was crucified on

the cross for our sins. It is not a day to be used for crass commercial purposes,” he said.

Barely 24 hours after CAN issued the statement; the management of the company tendered its apology and acknowledged the sensitivity of the social media post considering the sobriety of the season.

In an apology letter which was addressed to the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, by Mr. Ore Famurewa, Executive Director (Corporate Affairs) of the company, the Easter post was not intended to cause any offense.

“We acknowledge the sensitivity of the social media post considering the sobriety of the season. It was neither intended to make light of the significance of the season nor to inordinately exploit the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus Christ” the statement reads.

But while stressing the need to align advertising and marketing communication messages to the cultural and religious nuances of the people, ARCON stated that the agency will act in accordance with the dictates of the law to serve as a deterrent to other brand owners.

Reacting to the apology tendered, the ARCON Boss said: “The apology is an afterthought. The first issue is that the advertisement was neither submitted nor approved for exposure by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), the statutory Panel charged with the responsibility of ensuring that advertisements conform with the prevailing laws of the Federation as well as the code of ethics of Advertising in Nigeria.

“Second issue is that even where materials are exempted from vetting, that material must

comply with minimum standards of practice. So, the material crossed the path of religious sensitivity.

The material was not vetted so we will definitely issue sanctions.”

Exactly this period last year, a similar controversial creative was posted by Sterling Bank on its social media platforms, which alluded that Jesus Christ arose like “Agege Bread.”

Experts believe that the furore generated by the two controversial creatives has brought to the fore the banana peel that often confronts the business of creatives

anywhere in the world. In the said Sterling Bank’s copy, which was published in major dailies on Sunday April 17, 2022, the bank had likened the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread’, a popular brand of bread that is very common in Agege, a suburb of Lagos.

As expected, many adherents of the Christian faith saw the copy as not just being offensive and insensitive; they also felt it was a denigration of the status of Jesus Christ, the symbol of the Christian faith all over the world.

NUMBER PORTING DROPS IN THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS FROM 2,829 IN DECEMBER TO 2,021 IN FEBRUARY 2023 MTN also maintained the lead with 1,522 inward porting, followed by Airtel with 284 inward porting and Globacom with 138 inward

porting, while 9mobile had 77 inward porting.

Industry stakeholders have attributed MTN’s lead in the

number of inward porting to its large size and market share. As at February 2023, MTN had a total subscriber number of 92.7 million

with a market share value of 40.87 per cent, followed by Globacom with subscriber number of 60.8 million, and a market share value

of 26.78 per cent. Airtel, which is closely ranked next to Globacom, had a total subscriber number of 60.3 million, with a market share

value of 26.58 per cent. 9mobile had a total subscriber number of 13.1 million, with a market share value of 5.76 per cent.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

29

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Adebimpe: AACN Investors Conference Will Set Agenda for Incoming Administration 2023 is projected to be another defining year for Nigeria, especially its economic landscape, against the backdrop of the general elections that brings on board a new administration. President, Association of Asset Custodians of Nigeria (AACN), Mr. Abiodun Adebimpe, explained in this interview that the 2023 AACN Nigerian Investors Conference would provide a veritable platform for a comprehensive review of the country’s economy and setting the agenda for the new government. Excerpts!

The stage is set for the 2023 Nigerian Investors Conference on May 17. Let’s start by asking what feedback can you share with us from the 2022 edition of the conference? he event was a huge success. In arriving at this evaluation, I have considered the major thrust of the annual conference which is to present the Nigerian economy to the world by way of spotlighting its fundamentals and potential.

The cardinal objective is to provide critical insights with which investors can make informed decisions, in order for them to invest in the country ultimately. So, to ensure a successful outing, we assembled a team of seasoned economic experts drawn from various sectors of the economy, the intention being to provide all-around insight into the Nigerian economy.

Mr. Gbolahan Taiwo, Chief Economist for Africa at JP Morgan who spoke on the topic, “Macroeconomic update – Nigeria,” presented a comprehensive overview of the Nigerian economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, Mr. Bola Onadele, the Managing Director/CEO of FMDQ Holdings Plc, dissected the topic, “How to prepare Nigeria for the derivatives markets. What are the upsides?” On his part, JaloHaruna-Waziri, the CEO of the Central Securities Clearing System Plc spoke on “CSD role in Future Market Development”. There were also presentations Adebimpe by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the in several other sectors, including ICT. The effect Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the Central Bank of though is a colossal change in the environment and Nigeria (CBN), all connected to the country’s economic atmosphere that poses an existential threat to the fundamentals. The participation of Mrs. Saratu Umar earth and humanity. This consequently prompted was like an icing on the cake. a steady shift to renewable energy and the green More than anything, it represented a major signal economy, with several countries setting targets for in building confidence in the country and economy. the elimination of emissions. We cannot ignore As the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian these evolving developments because they also Investment Promotion Council, her words had the impact our own economy and businesses. Nigeria weight of government, which has sole responsibility cannot be left out of the global shift. While the of shaping and implementing economic direction and economic base has remained largely the same, policies. She provided firm assurances to everyone its organization has taken on a new foundation keen on participating meaningfully in the economy. that is digitally-driven. Now, virtually every She spoke elaborately on steps being taken to sustain sector of the economy operates on a template the Ease of Doing Business in the country, protection of that prioritizes innovation, technology and AI. investments and building a burgeoning capital market.

Inevitably, digitalization has become the major These are signs that investors crave to see, and upon catalyst for the continuous change in the way which they reach favorable decisions. the entire economy works. So, we are saying that Nigeria is now structured in a way that it still It is remarkable that you have used London offers bountiful opportunities to a typical investor. as the venue for this conference several times, apparently for some strategic reasons! I guess Talking about the COVID-19 that ravaged this is in order to provide a convenient avenue the global economy from which it is yet to to reach investors from across the world! recover fully, what new fundamentals about Your guess is right to a large extent. The Nigerian the Nigerian economy will you be marketing Investors Conference is targeted at the global audience, against the fallout of the aforesaid pandemic? especially portfolio investors with an appetite for frontier Looks like you are recycling the above question and emerging markets. The overarching objective remains in other words. Let me put it this way. At the the promotion of Nigeria’s economic potential and height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we lived opportunities. As you know, London has for several in a VUCA environment – volatile, uncertain, decades been reputed as the globally-acclaimed financial complex and ambiguous environment. Things center, alongside New York and Hong Kong, among have clearly not remained the same though others. So, it is only natural to hold the event where the Nigerian environment has stabilized to a there is a considerable presence of the targeted audience considerable extent. A new normal has emerged with ease of accessibility across mainland Europe. and the world has moved on. Nonetheless, we We may consider other venues in the future depending need to be mindful of developments elsewhere on global dynamics and our core objectives. Do also as part of a global environment. remember that the last two editions of the conference The world has embraced a new normal based were held in Nigeria, though they were done virtually on adaptations from the COVID-19 experience. In due to the devastating pandemic at the time. our own case, it was on account of the epidemic that we deferred the annual investor’s conference This year’s event has the theme, “Nigeria’s in 2020, but in 2021 and 2022 we responded by Economy: Emerging Opportunities in a New organizing it virtually and both turned out very Structure”! Can you help us unlock the rationale successfully with almost all the benefits of physical behind this theme, especially the part referring events. Participation was high and the sessions to a new structure? were very robust and insightful. Addressing your The 2023 general elections in Nigeria are, all things question directly, I will say that with our very being equal, expected to emplace a new administration at young demography, pandemic or no pandemic, the Federal level as well as many states across the country. climate change or not, Nigeria remains the toast It is expected to be sworn into office just two weeks after of discerning investors. Imagine a country of over our conference. The transition comes with new realities.

200 million people with a median age of 18.1 years!

In the economic space, virtually everyone understands What fundamentals could be more compelling? the challenges facing the country. These are issues that No doubt that we have our issues. Nonetheless, I the new administration must face squarely. For us, we strongly believe that our wide infrastructural gaps hope to see a more market-friendly government that across various sectors also present opportunities. we expect with inherent opportunities. Secondly, there Healthcare, education, entertainment media and is a new economic structure now emerging which has technology, and agriculture are actually some of been propelled by the pandemic: electronic transactions, the gainers. Endless economic opportunities exist digital assets etc. in Nigeria, especially in those sectors that service Essentially, the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the youth directly. We just need to fix some of the global economy left in its wake a new approach our issues, which are well-known, to unlock these to economic and business management. This is often opportunities. In a nutshell, while we acknowledge described as the new normal. This simply means the that the Nigerian economy is not completely deepening of technological solutions and innovations insulated from macroeconomic shocks such as across the board. Transactions or activities, which hitherto the one triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic or required physical intervention or application, are now climate change, we, however, emphasize that it has done virtually or hybrid of in-person and virtually. adapted to evolving changes in the macroeconomic Another salient factor that has also engendered a space, with its fundamentals remaining very strong. paradigm shift in macroeconomic management is climate The vital anchors of socio-economic development change. Emissions, which were initially attributed to are abundant in the country. Ranging from natural the exploration of fossils, have been discovered to occur

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resources to human capacity, the country is blessed.

When you juxtapose such essentials as arable land, petroleum, sunlight, energetic young people, population size, and solid minerals, among others, you will realize that Nigeria is an investor’s haven.

The country’s status as Africa’s biggest economy is not a matter of political sloganeering, it’s a reality backed by factual indicators. For instance, the size of our capital market is roughly 15% of the GDP while in South Africa, the capital market is about 300% of the size of the GDP. That’s a huge growth potential.

Can you give us a heads-up about prominent personalities being expected at the event?

Like in previous editions, we expect to have a large contingent of participants drawn from across the globe and from various sectors of the economy. We expect senior representations from the CBN, the SEC, the FMDQ, the DMO, PAPPS, NGX, and CSCS, among others.

At the moment, we are working on obtaining final confirmations from our distinguished speakers and attendees. We are happy to share this with you once they become available. In any case, the event will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions by highly experienced subject matter experts and thought leaders in relevant industries and would be an opportunity for investors and other stakeholders to engage and share experiences for mutual benefit. In 12 years of existence, our association has contributed in no small measure towards the growth and development of the Nigerian financial markets, primarily using the instrumentality of thought leadership and market advocacy through engagements with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Financial Market Dealers Association to facilitate a more efficient and investor-friendly electronic Certificate of Capital Importation (CCI) processes; collaboration with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) to initiate the appointment of Custodians to safeguard investor interests such as in registered Collective Investment Schemes etc. and joint development of operational guidelines and other prerequisites for Securities Lending in the Nigerian Capital Market with the then Nigerian Stock Exchange now NGX, and the Central Securities Clearing System, among others. We are determined to maintain the reputation of the event as a veritable platform to for promoting Nigeria as a top investment destination in Africa by presenting a compelling case for the benefits of free market economics and developing strategies and insights that can be used as building blocks for the robust economic development of the country.

Can you paint a picture of the current trajectory of the bank custody industry in Nigeria?

I can confidently tell you that the custody industry is firmly on the path of full recovery from the COVID-19 inflicted disruption and other shocks. As I said before, lessons learned from the pandemic have necessitated the development and application of new templates for business survival and growth. Our business thrives on the basis of the confidence that investors have in the safety of their assets. In an inclement economic environment, there is usually capital flight and disinvestment, which naturally affects the custody industry. But we are seeing a steady upswing in confidence levels arising from stability in the operating environment and a high level of faith in the incoming government. We remain hopeful that the industry will ultimately and recover to the pre-pandemic levels to continue its important role.

We must also take into account new developments in the industry in general. With the steady evolution of such innovations as blockchain, DLs, AIs, virtual currencies, fin-techs and so on, I see an industry that will be completely different from what we have now. It’s evolving. It’s mind-blowing! I personally think that what has happened to the media space may happen to the banking industry as well. I see a democratized industry where banking services are being offered by non-traditional banking entities as it’s already happening in other parts of the world. There’s no way Nigeria won’t play catch up. The CBN has released the guideline for open banking and payment service banks (PSB’s) and fin-techs are becoming major players in the industry. Most securities transactions are now done electronically. Therefore, custodians leverage best-in-class technological platforms to provide efficient services to our clients. Long gone are the days when things were run off spreadsheets. We use core platforms that can be integrated through

API’s and/or SFTP’s with other market and client platforms. Aside from SWIFT which is a member-owned cooperative that provides safe and secure financial transactions for its members, custodians now integrate with key market infrastructures like CSDs through APIs. Just to mention a few.

Back to an issue you mentioned earlier on, Nigeria is currently going through a transition that will hopefully usher in a new government in May. Your event precedes the inauguration of a new president by two weeks. With the capital market in mind, what sort of agenda would you set for the new administration?

A lot of the nation’s challenges are obvious to everyone. My view is that the government should undertake a holistic review of the economy and associated sectors and subsequently come up with purposeful reforms and policies that will put the country on a stronger economic footing. We as capital market professionals will be pleased to partner with the new government in this regard. During the electioneering campaigns, the president-elect, like other candidates crafted and issued an economic blueprint to guide their actions in government. Now is the time to refine such frameworks in order to develop targeted templates to address each sector.

This is the time to have a crack economic team made up of seasoned experts who would devise dispassionate solutions to our micro and macroeconomic challenges. Several issues have been on the front burner for quite a while. Now is the time to find solutions to them.

These include FX scarcity, petrol scarcity and subsidy, dysfunctional refineries, multiple taxation, soaring inflation and food prices, decaying infrastructure, rising debt, poverty and unemployment, among others. The incoming government clearly has their work cut out for them. Perhaps, the most threatening issue currently is insecurity in the country. It requires focused attention to deal with. The capital market is not isolated from the general economy; it’s part of the ecosystem. Whatever impacts the economy positively will also reflect on the capital market and vice versa.

The key ingredients for the growth and development of a capital market are stability and economic policies.

This is an industry that requires investor confidence to thrive. Whenever there is uncertainty around these factors, investment flight results and the building blocks of capital creation are lost.

The government has frequently promoted the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria. This goal can be further broadened by generally eliminating factors that encumber investment, whether by foreign or local investors. In this case, the role of proactive regulation and supervision is imperative. Incentives and other forms of motivation are essential to attract listings into the secondary market.

The challenge of multiple exchange rates should also be dealt with. This factor is instrumental in attracting foreign investors.

You are now in the third year of your tenure as AACN President. How would you describe the journey so far?

The journey has not been easy, I must admit. This is essentially due to factors beyond our control. But this is not surprising since we exist in an ever-changing world. You will recall that our team came on board in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, a major task was to keep safe and carry all members along. At the industry level, we all faced the same challenges, leading to declines in the volume of activities. But curiously it also became a unifying factor for everyone. Thankfully, that is behind us now. Like the famous saying that a tree does not make a forest, I and the current team that constitute the Executive Committee have been pooling together in pursuit of the noble goals of our association.

Teamwork has been a major mantra of our stewardship. Of course, we do have some very clear advocacy issues – current and new ones, to pursue in line with AACN’s broad objectives as stated in our constitution. The fact that we were able to hold the annual conference in the last two years, despite several daunting challenges, is a clear indicator of our commitment to the goals of the association, as well as our dedication to supporting Nigeria’s developmental aspirations. We remain firmly committed to our pledge to promote portfolio investments in Nigeria, especially at this difficult time when the country is recovering from the devastating global disruption inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic challenges.

We would continue to explore ways of supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian financial market by collaborating with relevant stakeholders as well as the Federal Government. Yes, the pursuit of our organizational goals remains a sacrosanct.

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BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Transforming Gaming Activities with National Lottery The National Lottery Nigeria, with its exciting and affordable games, is set to transform gaming activities in the country, writes Emma Okonji

A

lthough there are several gaming companies in the country, the commencement of operation by the National Lottery Nigeria (NLN), will transform gaming activities in Nigeria and a game changer in the gaming industry.

Operated by Systems and Gaming Nigeria Limited and regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), the National Lottery will lead to transformational changes.

Giving insight to how the expected transformational gaming industry will look like, while announcing the commencement of its operations during a media briefing in Abuja last month, the Managing Director of the NLN, Olayiwola Onafowokan, said: “The economic benefits of the National Lottery Nigeria are numerous. Apart from providing a valuable source of revenue for the government, it will also create jobs and encourage entrepreneurship through its various initiatives.”

He further said: “Many Nigerians will get a chance to step into fortune and change their lives forever. A percentage of the proceeds from ticket sales will also be allocated to various charitable causes, helping to make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians.”

COMPARISON An assessment of other climes, including the UK, showed that a national lottery, such as the NLN, can be beneficial and impactful. It can positively change winners’ lives while contributing significantly to socio-economic development. For instance, the National Lottery UK has created over 5,000 millionaires and raised above £40 billion for good causes. As of the year ending March 31, 2022, its funds went to areas including health, education, environment and charitable causes (40 per cent). Sports got 20 per cent, Arts 20 per cent and Heritage another 20 per cent. The NLN offering games, including the Naija Mega Jackpot with N45 million starting prize, the 6/49 lotto and other instant

games where Nigerians can win up to N50,000 every hour, is modelling itself after the British fashion. It is not about profit making but giving back to society. It will boost national development and facilitate infrastructure development, which will go a long way in further empowering Nigerians. “Earnings from the lottery will be a boom for critical projects, including road construction, building and equipping hospitals, schools and others for the benefit of Nigerians, Onafowokan said. According to him, “Our operations provide access to affordable and fun gaming experiences, allowing more people to win whooping amounts of money in prizes. Additionally, we are introducing initiatives such as the

‘Good Causes Foundation’, which will help to facilitate development in various areas in the country and create more entrepreneurship and job opportunities for Nigerians. The National Lottery Nigeria will increase revenue for the government to fund other vital projects.”

LOTTERY CHALLENGES In a 2017 publication titled: ‘The Nigeria Gaming Industry,’ PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), noted that though the industry thrived, benefited from the large and youthful population, improved internet penetration, and increased access to internet-enabled devices, it had some challenges. These include regulation, taxation, cyber–security, foreign

exchange issues, the negative impact of gaming and ineffective management structures and poor corporate governance.

The report expatiated on the last challenge to include ineffective management structures and poor corporate governance.

According to the report, “Some operators within the gaming industry lack inadequate structures to support the model of the business. A number of the companies that make up the gaming space evolved from the old pool culture and these businesses were managed with limited financial knowledge depending on the clientele base.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Our Mandate Does Not Cover Monitoring HouseAfrica Launches of Social Media Contents, Says NCC Real Estate Authentication Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said its mandate does not include regulating the contents of the social media networks that many stakeholders have complained about.

The Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, gave the clarification in Abuja when he represented the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, during a recent visit of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), to the NCC. The Executive Secretary of NCSCN, Blessing Akinsolotu, who led the delegation, sought

the intervention of the NCC on what he described as the worrisome and misleading content of social media platforms.

“We know that NCC, as the regulator of the telecoms industry, has greater role to play in helping to curb the spread of fake news and incendiary contents that Internet users put on social media platforms. Therefore, we want NCC to partner with us in this regard,” Akinsolotu stated.

According to Akinlosotu, the situation demands immediate intervention of key stakeholders to ensure that the content of the social media and the Internet are credible and enhance

national social cohesion.

In his response, Muoka informed the organisation that commission’s mandate does not extend to controlling the content of such media platforms.

According to Muoka, the major role of the telecom regulator is to facilitate the deployment of telecom infrastructure that provides different types of telecommunications services, including improving broadband that enhances robust Internet experience, and ensuring fair competition as well as the protecting of telecom consumers.

Muoka said the mandate includes making services available, accessible and

affordable for Nigerians who may leverage such access to engage in digital social mediation for the benefit of the individual, businesses, and the nation’s socioeconomic growth.

In the performance of its functions, Muoka said the commission promotes collaboration and partnerships with different stakeholders such as NCSCN, in creating awareness and promoting access to different categories of consumers in the country.

According to him, the commission looks forward to furthering collaboration with NCSCN in its efforts to align with the aspirations of users of telecommunications services across the country.

Report: 93% of Organisations Struggles to Execute Essential Security Operation Tasks Emma Okonji Sophos, a global leader in innovating and delivering cybersecurity as a service, has released a new survey report, titled: “The State of Cybersecurity 2023: The Business Impact of Adversaries on Defenders,” which found that, globally, 93 per cent of organisations finds the execution of some essential security operation tasks, such as threat hunting,

challenging.

The challenges, according to the report, also include understanding how an attack happened, with 75 per cent of respondents stating they have challenges identifying the root cause of an incident.

This, the report said, could make proper remediation difficult, leaving organisations’ vulnerable to repetitive and/ or multiple attacks, by the same or different adversaries, especially since 71 per cent

of those surveyed also reported challenges with timely remediation.

In addition, 71 per cent said they have challenges understanding which signals/ alerts to investigate, and the same percent reported challenges prioritizing investigations.

Analysing the report, the Field CTO, Commercial at Sophos, John Shier, said: “Only one fifth of respondents considered vulnerabilities

and remote services a top cybersecurity risk for 2023, yet the ground truth is that these are routinely exploited

by Active Adversaries. This cascade of operational issues means that these organisations aren’t seeing the full picture and are potentially acting on incorrect information.

There’s nothing worse than being confidently wrong.

Having external audits and monitoring helps eliminate blind spots.”

Digital Platform Oluchi Chibuzor HouseAfrica, a proptech startup, has launched its innovative digital site, Sytemap.com that allows for instant land and real estate property authentication to detect fraud in the industry.

The digital transaction tool enables the firm to provide estate digitalisation and transparency transaction tools thereby enhancing confidence and eliminating fraud in land and real estate transactions across Africa.

The COO and Cofounder, House Africa, Ndifreke Ikpoku, who disclosed this in Lagos, recently, said the team members were inspired to build this after one of their Co-founders, Nnamdi Uba, was defrauded in a Land deal.

Commenting on the innovative site, the Managing Director of

Leadway Properties, Amaka Udeh, said: “HouseAfrica mission aligns with ours especially as it ensures our clients enjoy the value of their real estate investments.”

Also speaking, the Founding Partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, said: “HouseAfrica is helping to create and digitize private land registries. I always thought it was only the public land registries that were slow, inefficient and murky until I heard about the experience of a friend who had to pay two different sets of people to buy land within a private estate. I’m super excited about how by helping private landowners and estates digitise their land records they can start to help create transparency and value that should hopefully soon inspire government land registries to follow suit.”

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, APRIL 13 , 2023

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Using Art to Promote Quality Maternal Healthcare for Women In this report, Sunday Ehigiator writes that the second edition of the Nigerian Health Watch, NHW, ‘Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala’ recently held in Abuja with the theme, ‘Elevating Women’s Voices for Quality Maternal Healthcare‘, was focused on using art to draw gainer attention for quality maternal healthcare in Nigeria

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ver time, art has been used to record history, shape culture, cultivate imagination, and encourage individual and social transformation.

This is strongly tied to the power of art to captivate the mind and graphically control it to better understand reality.

This is the advantage art brings on board when using it to promote maternal healthcare for women.

Maternal Mortality in Nigeria According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Nigeria is 814 (per 100,000 live births). The lifetime risk of a Nigerian woman dying during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum or post-abortion is 1 in 22 women; this is in contrast to the lifetime risk in developed countries estimated at 1 in 4900.

According to MSD for Mothers, “A woman’s perception of the care she receives is an integral part of her clinical experience and therefore, an important consideration in improving the quality of maternity care. Maternity care that focuses on women’s needs and treats women respectfully is likely to lead to greater satisfaction as well as better and more equitable health outcomes.”

Current evidence suggests that the high maternal and neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria is linked to the three forms of maternal delay proposed

by Thaddeus and Marine.

These barriers include delay in the decision to seek maternal health care, delay in locating and arriving at a medical facility, and delay in receiving skilled pregnancy care when the woman gets to the health facility.

Despite efforts targeted at addressing maternal deaths across national and sub-national levels, the maternal mortality ratio has remained high in Nigeria in the last two decades, with the country currently accounting for about 20 per cent of global maternal deaths.

While improving the overall quality of healthcare is crucial to addressing the high maternal deaths, some country-specific issues need to be explored.

Solutions To address the challenges associated with the three delays which prevent women from receiving adequate timely maternal health care as earlier stated, there is a need to improve access to Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA) especially through better quality Primary Health Care (PHC), improve quality of care provided within tertiary health facilities, while also making access to quality healthcare affordable, accessible and available.

Additionally, the WHO associated the high prevalence of maternal death in Nigeria with inequalities in access to health services as women in resource-poor settings are least likely to receive adequate, timely and affordable health services by skilled personnel compared to their counterparts in more developed countries.

Needless to say that awareness of MMR in the country and how it can be better addressed, precedes the listed solutions, hence the reason why NHW decides to draw the public’s awareness to the need for quality maternal healthcare for women, using the ‘Womanhood Art Gala’.

The Womanhood Art Gala The Nigeria Health Watch Womanhood Art Gala was organised as part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Month in March 2023.

The theme acknowledges that women’s perspectives, insights, needs and experiences are frequently overlooked in decision-making, policy design and implementation.

The art gala was aimed at advocating for maternal health programmes and services that incorporate and centre women’s experiences and perspectives to improve the quality of maternal care.

Nigeria Health Watch held its first #HealthMeetsArt, Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala in 2021, where it used creative art to raise awareness and motivate stakeholders to take action on maternal health and other gender-related issues.

The gala allowed art lovers and interested stakeholders from around the world to interact with the artwork while also considering the need to improve maternal healthcare in Nigeria.

The art gala was organised with support from the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) curated art pieces from selected female artists and showcased same at the event.

Elevating Women’s Voices Speaking at the event, The Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu,

L-R: Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia, Ms Maricel Romero Cantillo; Kebbi State First Lady, and CEO, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu; Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu; and the Director, ProHealth International, Dr Iko Ibanga, at the Nigerian Health Watch’s, ‘2023 Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala’, recently held in Abuja

We must remind mothers that they are so powerful; they can change the world. When we have the opportunity, we must create opportunities for other women to speak up, and take them to their rightful position. At the FMoH, we mentor young women said women’s voices were important because ultimately a woman knew her needs and the experiences she had had.

She noted that women’s perspectives and experiences before, during and after childbirth provided critical insights on how to strengthen maternity care and design systems that worked for all women.

According to her, “The experiences a woman has been close to, and anything about maternal care is a journey. It is a nine-month journey the woman goes through. Throughout those nine months, there are many issues the woman may face.

“And at every step of her journey when she accesses healthcare in the home or community, listening to her voice and her needs can be very important because that is the only way to address them.”

Ihekweazu added that art was used to elevate women’s voices for maternal health because it can be used to express different issues, “Traditionally, when we talk about maternal health or healthcare, we sit in conferences and meetings, but with art, it is a physical expression. So, to a woman, it means many things, and there are many things we can experience from that single piece.

“According to SDGs’ target for 2030, we shouldn’t have more than 70 women dying from childbirth. But currently, according to NDHS, it is 512.”

Government and CSO Role Also speaking, the First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), Dr Zainab ShinkafiBagudu, said interventions from government, partners and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had helped to improve maternal health indices in Kebbi State.

She said that the state leveraged the existence of community development committees to influence decisions and social behaviour, noting that this had made a huge difference in the maternal indices in the state.

According to her, “We have a lot of maternal health issues in Nigeria but through interventions, we are not doing so badly, we are improving some of our indices.

“We are using community development programmes with partners to bring change for women. The maternal health clinics offer

an improved opportunity to get cervical cancer screening. The outcomes we are seeing are enormous. Leveraging this can impact our cervical control programme.”

FG’s Commitment Similarly, the Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Dr Ngozi Azodoh, said, “Women’s voices are important. I believe that women are powerful; we just need to remind them.

“We must remind mothers that they are so powerful; they can change the world. When we have the opportunity, we must create opportunities for other women to speak up, and take them to their rightful position. At the FMoH, we mentor young women.

“As a mother and wife, your platform is endless. Women are the neck that turns the head. As sisters, we stand in the gap all the time. Let us remind ourselves how powerful we are and can be.”

The Power of Voice Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller, said, “The power of what you are seeing today is that of voices. I hope that the power of the arts and voices can be seen. Today will be a reminder of how many women die giving birth. I hope that we will bear that in mind and lend our voices to save our sisters, friends, mothers etc.”

Celebrating Womanhood The Country Director of PLAN International Nigeria, Dr Charles Usie, noted that “We want to celebrate womanhood in a very special way.

In the office, our first assignment is to ensure that our lives reflect women’s empowerment.

“For us is a connection that influences our everyday lives. Women’s issues are not a good thing to talk about but the right thing. We believe the issues women go through should be a thing of priority. Women should earn more in the allowance we pay for food contingencies.

“I believe in a world where women will earn more than men and have more days for maternity leave.”

MSD for Mothers Commitment Also speaking, Nigeria Director, MSD for Mothers, Iyadunni Olubode, said, “We’ve

committed to ending preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria.

“This is not only because of the country’s high burden of maternal mortality but also because we are optimistic about the tremendous potential of Nigeria’s local private health sector, which serves more than 60 per cent of the population, to help solve the problem and sustain gains in women’s health for years to come.”

She said formal channels to integrate women’s perspectives and preferences would fortify and sustain efforts to improve quality throughout the continuum of maternity care.

“To every woman receiving care, your opinion counts. What you have to say matters; you must use your voice.”

The White Ribbon Alliance The White Ribbon Alliance enumerated five reasons why women’s voices matter when it comes to reproductive and maternal healthcare.

Providing more insight on the alliance, the Director, Advocacy and Programs, at White Ribbon Alliance, Kristy Kade, said, “At White Ribbon Alliance, we push for women’s perspectives to be included in the design of new health programs and policies and the strengthening of existing services.

“Here are the top five reasons White Ribbon Alliance believes women’s and girls’ voices can transform healthcare for the better.

“First, when women and girls have a voice, progress accelerates. Nobody knows the challenges or the solutions better than the people using the services meant for them, so involving them from the outset is a no-brainer.

“Secondly, quality means different things to different people. In a community without running water, the top priority for women might be that all clinics are equipped with clean water and proper sanitation and hygiene.

In another mired in the ongoing conflict, it may be a safe place to give birth and care for an infant.

“Thirdly, the global health community has made tremendous progress when it comes to women’s and girls’ health, but we are starting to see that progress stall, even slide backwards in some countries. The missing piece is hearing from women and girls themselves. Now is the time to accelerate our efforts; to do that we must put women at the centre.

“Fourthly, if we are to create truly sustainable, effective reproductive and maternal healthcare programs and policies for women and girls, they must be grounded in what matters most to those we are creating programs and policies for, until that happens, policies will not be enforced and services will go unused.

“And lastly, when women receive quality healthcare, they tell their sisters, daughters, friends and neighbours. Quality health services are born from involving those they are meant for. It’s not enough to encourage women and girls to seek care from trained midwives, health clinics or hospitals, the care they receive must meet their needs.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ AY, APRIL13 , 2023

NEWS

FERTILITY

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

Kukah: Calls for Increase VAT on Sweetened Beverages Life Cervical Incompetence (Part 2) and Death Decision Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah has described the advocacy campaign for an increase in the Value Added Tax (TAX) on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) to reduce the consumption among Nigerians as a life and death decision due to its health implications.

Kukah stated this Tuesday in Abuja when the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) took the campaign against sweetened beverages to his office.

He said the decision to avoid sweetened beverages was about personal survival because most Nigerians are killing themselves because of ignorance.

The clergy noted that sweetened beverages are dangerous and injurious to the health of individuals.

His words: “These are things that we are killing ourselves by the virtue of our ignorance. It is a campaign that I think all of us must sign on into.

Government is not a family, government is everybody, we have people at the leadership but this is about our own personal survival. So I

think everybody must listen to what is being said. The things that are dangerous and injurious to our health.

“For those of us that have gotten used to taking all of these beverages, it is going to be a difficult decision. But it is a life and death decision. So whatever needs to be done to help out people stay alive, I think all of us must sign on to it.”

As for the increase in taxation, Kukah stressed that those who are involved in this campaign must have thought through some of the issues, saying all they could do is to support the campaign.

He added: “Perhaps, the more taxes you impose on some of these things, the more likely it is that people might pull back. But again you have to find a way of closing the window of the fake people–you can then begin to get fake Coca-cola or Fanta or whatever.

“The drive is one thing, the ban is another. In the final analysis, people do more when they are convinced, as opposed to those kinds of other measures. Yes I think it’s a commendable thing if the resources that come from the taxes are used for better things. But

of what benefit will the taxes be if the people lose their lives. That is why I’m saying the biggest challenge is to encourage ourselves now that we are aware of the consequences of this.”

The Bishop admitted that he was also guilty of taking sweetened beverages but assured that he was more committed now more than ever to quit.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CAPPA, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the organisation was engaging opinion moulders and respected individuals to join the campaign.

He said the campaign to increase VAT on SSB to N20 per litre started last year, but lamented that the increase has been suspended in the 2023 budget.

Oluwafemi noted that his organisation was planning the National Conference in Abuja to build a public movement for thw advocacy.

He said government should not only collect these taxes, but it must also plough back the taxes to the health system.

He said diabetes and obesity are on the increase in Nigeria as a result of sweetened beverages.

NAPTIP ArrestsMembers of NotoriousSextortion CultPerpetrating GruesomeActsWithinFCT r%( EFDSJFT JODSFNFOUBM DBTFT PG TFYUPSUJPO JO UIF '$5 BOE JUT FOWJSPOT Rebecca Ejifoma The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested members of a notorious cult known for perpetrating gruesome acts of sextortion, terrorising young girls and others in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

Their arrest was said to have followed an intense surveillance and undercover operation ordered by the Director General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, in response to several complaints by victims and other stakeholders.

As contained in a press statement the Press Officer, Vincent Adekoya issued, “It would be recalled that the agency has recently been inundated by a series of complaints from victims of sextortion who have been blackmailed with a plea for assistance”.

The statement also noted that it is sexual exploitation as it is where the perpetrator uses coercion and threats to compel the victim to produce sexual images or videos engaging

in sexual acts and this act is punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as re-enacted).

Speaking on the development at the NAPTIP Headquarters, Abuja, Waziri-Azi expressed grave concerns about the incremental cases of sextortion perpetrated by mostly young men against young girls within the FCT and called for increased vigilance among parents and stakeholders.

“After the criminals have one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content, or they threaten violence to get the victim to produce more images.

“The shame, fear, and confusion victims feel when caught in this cycle often prevent them from asking for help or reporting the abuse,” he added.

The DG further implored young girls to be aware of this trend and protect themselves by reporting all cases of sextortion to NAPTIP. He emphasised: “Do not be afraid to speak up. Do not be gaslighted

into thinking it was your fault. It is a crime and a crime against you. Report all perpetrators.

“If you do not report, you are emboldening these criminals, and what happened to you will happen to someone else’’.

He warned against paying or sharing more of their sexual images with men, adding that their webcam or recording devices can be activated remotely.

“As such, never have your phone or other electronic camera devices pointed at you while undressing or in a position, you would not want to share with the world. Be smart and stay safe,” he said.

Waziri-Azi also enjoined parents to support their children if they report cases of sextortion to them. “Do not revile them. A lapse in judgment should not lead to condemnation.

“If you or someone you know is a sextortion victim, you can help stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Save all conversations, chats, or messages between yourself and the perpetrator.”

L

ast week, we started a topic on Cervical Incompetence. We defined and discussed the causes, signs and symptoms of cervical incompetence.

This week, we will conclude with its diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment.

DIAGNOSIS OF CERVICAL INCOMPETENCE Diagnostic procedures typically include the following steps: t 1BUJFOU )JTUPSZ If the patient has had one or more miscarriages or extremely premature births (usually before week 28 of pregnancy) with no or minimal symptoms, this is an important indicator of cervical incompetence. Clinicians should also inquire about other risk factors for incompetent cervix. t 1IZTJDBM FYBN A pelvic examination is performed during the second or third trimester to check for an incompetent cervix, which may reveal a partial opening of the cervix (dilation) with shortening and thinning of the vaginal part of the cervix (effacement), indicating a weak cervix. t 5SBOTWBHJOBM VMUSBTPVOE TDBO The Clinician may order serial transvaginal ultrasound studies (TVS) for anyone who has risk factors for cervical incompetence, Transvaginal ultrasounds may be used to monitor cervical length and determine if the cervix is shortening or opening.

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL INCOMPETENCE There is much that may be done to support a healthy, full-term pregnancy, even though cervical incompetence may not be prevented.

Such as: t 4FFL SFHVMBS QSFOBUBM DBSF Prenatal visits may help the clinician monitor your health as well as the health of the baby. Mention any signs or symptoms that may be cause for concern, even if they appear trivial or insignificant. t &BU B IFBMUIZ EJFU You may require more folic acid, calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients during pregnancy. A daily prenatal vitamin, ideally beginning a few months before conception, may help fill any nutritional gaps. t (BJO XFJHIU XJTFMZ Gaining the appropriate amount of weight may benefit the baby’s health. For women who were healthy before pregnancy, a weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kilograms) is often recommended. t "WPJE SJTLZ TVCTUBODFT CFIBWJPS Quit smoking if you do. Both alcohol and illegal drugs must be discouraged. Furthermore, before taking any medications or supplements, including those available over-the-counter, obtain a clinician’s order. r 4UBZ BDUJWF BOE IFBMUIZ CZ JODPSQPSBUJOH moderate exercise into your pregnancy care. r *G ZPV IBWF BO JODPNQFUFOU DFSWJY UIF clinician may advise you to limit sexual activity or certain physical activities in pregnancy MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF CERVICAL INCOMPETENCE The goal of treating and managing incompetent cervix is to assist pregnant women remain pregnant for as long as possible. The following are some treatments or approaches to managing an incompetent cervix: 1 1SPHFTUFSPOF TVQQMFNFOUBUJPO Progesterone is a pregnancy hormone that helps to prevent premature contractions and birth, as well as a variety of other benefits to the growing baby. Progesterone therapy may benefit patients with incompetent cervixes. It may

reduce the risk of premature birth by one-third.

Most patients with a history of spontaneous birth before 37 weeks of gestation or those who conceived by assisted reproductive methods such as IVF are advised to take progesterone supplements. It may be administered orally or intravenously. Injections are administered as recommended by the fertility specialist based on clinical review.

2. 3FQFBUFE VMUSBTPVOET If the patient has a history of premature birth or a history that may increase the risk of cervical incompetence, the clinician may begin careful monitoring the length of the cervix by continuing ultrasound scans every two weeks from week 16 to week 24 of pregnancy. Cervical cerclage may be recommended if the cervix begins to open or becomes shorter than a certain length. $FSWJDBM $FSDMBHF This is a type of surgery that may aid in the reinforcement of cervical muscle and the prevention of premature birth.

A strong suture is sewn in and around the cervix during cerclage, which helps it remain closed under the weight of the baby. The cervix is usually closed through the vaginal canal during surgery (transvaginal cerclage).

Another method is to perform the cerclage through an abdominal incision (transabdominal cerclage). Transabdominal cerclage is typically reserved for patients who are unable to have a transvaginal cerclage (for example, those who have previously had a surgical removal of the uterine cervix or who have previously failed transvaginal cerclage.

Cervical cerclage eligibility may be determined by the following factors: r " IJTUPSZ PG DFSWJDBM JODPNQFUFODF (typically, these patients would have a cerclage placed between approximately 13 and 14 weeks of pregnancy) r 1IZTJDBM FYBNJOBUJPO GJOEJOHT (advanced dilation of the cervix without pain, and no signs of placental abruption of or intraamniotic infection) r 1SFNBUVSF CJSUI IJTUPSZ DPNCJOFE with certain ultrasonographic findings Cervical cerclage are only performed in the second trimester, before the fetus is viable (able to live outside the womb).

This means that the surgery should usually take place before the baby is 24 weeks old.

Cerclage is extremely effective in extending pregnancy when cervical incompetence exists .

A cerclage should be removed around 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, just before labor begins. It may be necessary to remove it earlier if there is premature labor or the water breaks. Cerclage is not recommended in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), placental abruption, a 4cm dilated cervix, increased cervix irritation, infection, or preterm labor.

CONCLUSION It may be difficult to learn that you have an incompetent cervix, which will cause you to be anxious about the pregnancy and terrified of the future. Every expecting mother wishes for her child to be born on time and in good health. The goal of every pregnancy is to have the baby at full term, but complications may occur that you are not prepared for. When you give birth prematurely, you may have the impression that you did something to cause the premature birth or that you could have done more to prevent it.If feeling guilty, talk to your partner and loved ones, as well as your clinician. Concentrate your energy on caring for and getting to know your child.

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, APRIL 13 , 2023

34

HEALTH

Cece Yara, WARIF Partner for Child Foundation Educates IDPs Women on Menstrual Hygiene, Sexual Abuse Response in Lagos Distributes Sanitary Pads Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

L-R: Jaiyeola Ayanbadejo, UNFPA; Abiola Oshinfowokan, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development; Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, COO, Cece Yara Foundation; Denis Onoise, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF; Aniekan Makanjuola, Centre Manager, WARIF; Adetutu Ajibodu, CEO Cece Yara Foundation; Dr. Babajide Martins, DPP, Lagos Ministry of Justice; Yetunde Ajayi, Principal Officer, Lagos State OPD, at the launch of the WARIF Satellite Clinic at Cece YaraDevelopment; Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, COO, Cece Yara Foundation; Denis Onoise, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF; Aniekan Makanjuola, Centre Manager, WARIF; Adetutu Ajibodu, CEO Cece Yara Foundation; Dr. Babajide Martins, DPP, Lagos Ministry of Justice; Yetunde Ajayi, Principal Officer, Lagos State OPD, at the launch of the WARIF Satellite Clinic at Cece Yara Rebecca Ejifoma The Cece Yara Foundation has unveiled the WARIF Satellite Clinic at Cece Yara after it struck a strategic partnership with the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) to actively respond to cases of child sexual abuse in Lagos State.

This partnership is hinged on the need to prevent survivors of sexual abuse from moving from one child protection agency to another and thereby preventing the re-traumatisation of children who have experienced abuse.

The Chief Executive Officer of Cece Yara Foundation, Adetutu Ajibodu said the clinic is to enhance service delivery for both organisations while maintaining our focus as a one-stop response centre for children who have experienced

child sexual abuse.

“We recognised the importance of partnering with a reputable organisation whose core values are in alignment with our own.

“We have known WARIF to be dependable co-labourers in this delicate field of keeping women and children protected from sexual violence, it was therefore a pleasure to collaborate with them on this project,” she added.

According to Ajibodu, WARIF Satellite Clinic at Cece Yara will give easy access to medical treatment and evaluation aimed at adducing evidence to corroborate or otherwise any allegation of child sexual abuse at no cost”.

Ajibodu pledged continuous partnership with WARIF for technical support to train more medical personnel in specialised sexual assault response, use of

rape kits, proper documentation of medical reports, and preservation of evidence. It is also to give expert testimony in court and collaboration with other Sexual Assault and Referral Centres (SARCs) to sustain the operation of the clinic. This is to address the plans for sustainability and the future goals of the collaboration between WARIF and Cece Yara.

The Centre Manager at WARIF, Dr Aniekan Makanjuola, noted that the collaboration with Cece Yara and the launch of the clinic would ensure that women and children who are survivors of gender-based violence have access to medical care, forensic examinations, counselling, and social welfare in the state.

“The WARIF Satellite Clinic located at CeCe Yara is a strategic implementation to offer full holistic medical services.

Beneficiaries at the facility will

have access to resources and personnel from both WARIF and CeCe Yara.

“This collective approach will help achieve the vision of a society free of rape, child abuse, and gender-based violence. WARIF would continue to collaborate with CeCe Yara and other likeminded organisations to ensure that we achieve this,” Makanjuola emphasised.

Cece Yara Foundation is a childcentered non-profit organisation established in 2016 to prevent child sexual abuse and to provide access to care, information, protection, and emergency intervention for children who have experienced sexual abuse or who are at risk.

WARIF, on the other hand, is a non-profit organisation incorporated in 2016 in response to the high incidence of sexual violence, rape and human trafficking occurring amongst young girls and women across Nigeria.

NLNG Donates 120 Beds, Reconstructs LUTH GynaecologyWard for QualityMaternal,ChildCare Rebecca Ejifoma Providing comprehensive quality healthcare for pregnancy and childbirth, infrastructure and system upgrades for qualitative healthcare services is one of the four pillars of the Corporate Social Responsibility intervention of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) in line with its Hospital Support Programme (HSP) across the country.

Hence, the NLNG donated 120 beds to the Obstetric and Gynaecology Ward Block C at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

It reconstructed, upgraded, equipped and fully reactivated the five floors of the ward.

Others include associated furniture like an overfed table, bedside locker, mattress, and pillows with Macintosh to support prenatal and postnatal services at LUTH. A waiting room, nurses’ station, private wards, consulting rooms, doctors’ and nurses’ call rooms, and other administrative offices/rooms with associated furniture.

The MD/CEO of NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, represented by the GM, of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh said, “Since

the HSP commenced last year, Nigeria LNG Limited has helped re-shaping our health sector for a better and more responsive approach to healthcare delivery.

“This, no doubt, is the road to making Nigeria a destination for world-class healthcare delivery.”

While noting that the ward, a four-storey structure, was in a moribund state, the MD added that the facilities were fully upgraded to boast a first-rate Obstetrics and Gynecology consulting centre anywhere in the world.

He recalled: “Last year under the NLNG HSP, we commissioned a modern maternity ward at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and a rehabilitated Intensive- Care Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. These facilities have all started delivering services to patients and other users.

“This Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward of LUTH is the third in phase one of our HSP being commissioned.

The remaining three projects in phase one at Calabar, Yenegoa and Kano, have been completed and will soon be commissioned.”

With the new ward set to increase the capacity of LUTH in

admitting and managing more patients’ ailments, Mshelbila is certain that this paves the way for the dispensation of an efficient healthcare delivery system.

He also commended the authorities of LUTH for collaborating very effectively with the NLNG project team in delivering the project within the timeline and on budget.

“The HSP came on board due to shortfalls witnessed in our health sector during COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020,” he said.

Owing to the Covid-19 experience, Mshelbila admitted that the Board of NLNG approved the investment of $6m for the uplifting of specific health facilities in 12 tertiary health institutions across six geo-political zones in the country.

The hospitals are divided into two phases. Phase one is made up of six institutions and they are Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH; the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Abuja; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin.

Others are Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Yenagoa, and

University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

The second phase of the programme which commenced at the beginning of this year are Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos; The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

Work in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi will commence next year.

Speaking also, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, represented by the Minister of State for Health, Ekumankama Joseph Nkama, noted that NLNG has proven to be a reliable partner in the sustainable development of the healthcare system in the country.

He emphasised: “This project has complimented the efforts of the Federal Government in improving the quality of healthcare in LUTH. “It is important to note that Block C was built about 60 years ago and has not undergone any major renovation since then. The Federal Government and the Ministry of Health are grateful to NLNG for this wonderful gesture.”

The Okoroafor Chinaza Ogechi (OCO) foundation has embarked on the sensitisation of women in Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) and market in Abuja on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the training of a girl child. The Founder, Chinasa Okoroafor, while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja during the sensitization program at IDPs camp at Area 1, assured that the programme would be held twice in a year.

She also explained that there are plans to extend the program to other states of the federation, as she continues to propagate the gospel of good menstrual hygiene.

Okorafor stated: “We are here on an outreach program education on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the importance of training the girl child.

“We are here to educate the women on the importance of having good menstrual hygiene, because most of these women find it difficult to buy pads which are very expensive in the market and most of them use clothes which is unhealthy for them.

“So we are here to talk to them for them to understand that there is a very good importance of having a good measure of hygiene in order to avoid infections; to avoid deadly diseases and all that and also the importance of training your child.”

Okoroafor explained that the outreach programme would also be extended to schools, markets, and other different places.

Hypertension:VarsityDon SuesforAdoptionofNational Policies,Counseling Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The need for the adoption of national policies and programmes that would intensify comprehensive health education and counseling for communities and the public in the control of hypertension has been stressed.

This is even as the development and improvement in the healthcare delivery system in order to address the control of hypertension in the country was also harped on.

Professor Godfrey Bolade Samuel Iyalomhe, made the call while delivering the 99th Inaugural Lecture of the Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma, titled “Combating the Hypertension Scourge, Promoting Wellness and Longevity: My Odyssey”.

He described prehypertension as a state where the Blood Pressure (BP) is slightly higher than normal, either in systolic or diastolic (a warning sign of hypertension or heart disease), while hypertension or High Blood Pressure (BP) is a sustained condition in which the force of the blood against the wall of the arteries is too high.

Iyalomhe, a Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, opined that hypertension kills 10 millions of people yearly worldwide, noting that blacks are more prone to develop the disease at an early age owing to their genetic or socioeconomic factors.

“Many people who have hypertension are not aware, because, there is no symptoms even as it damages the body “Hypertension is often more severe in blacks with increased target organ injury and complications. It is the commonest non-communicable disease in Nigeria and a silent killer”, he stated.

ClergyHarpsonNeedfor FunctionalPHCsacrossRural Communities Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The pastor-in-charge of the City of David, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Gbolade Okenla has called on the federal government to establish functional primary healthcare centres across communities to help reduce the time for accessing medicare and save lives.

Okenla made the call during the foundation-laying of a new primary healthcare centre being built by the church for residents of Daki Biu community of Jabi, Abuja as part of the church’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

Okenla said the provision of such facilities will give healthcare access to citizens with minor ailments and reduce the stress on secondary and tertiary health facilities as only serious ailments could be referred there.

“There are a lot of pregnant women and people with minor diseases that shouldn’t lead to death but the lack of N500, N1000, or even N2000 to move out of the community is causing people to die,” he said.

“We are coming today to have a free medical outreach as part of our Christian Social Responsibility and to let the people know that even though the government might have neglected them, we have not forgotten them; so, we have come to show compassion, love and to let them know that we know they exist and we care about them.”

35

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

FOCUS Ebenezer Onyeagwu: The Helmsman Taking Zenith Bank Above The Summit Obinna Chima It was a grand occasion characterised by a flurry of activities. The decorous audience was exquisitely dressed. There was excitement in the air as their admiration of the man of honour reached a climax.

For many years, many great Nigerians have walked this aisle of glory. Amidst the graceful grins and gleeful greetings, everyone looked up to welcome the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, at his conferment of a doctorate by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

His unassuming bespectacled visage belies his ingenuity, dexterity and sublime vivacity. Inspiring in silence and action, Onyeagwu is a sure-footed leader of men with a sense of corporate clairvoyance.

He makes today’s Zenith Bank ticks, illustrated by the bank’s financial performance, agile organisation, enduring conducive corporate culture and cordial stakeholders relations. Futuristic in thought and approach, Onyeagwu, as a transformational leader, is committed to Zenith Bank’s vision that promotes re-engineering and innovation.

Since assuming the Zenith Bank’s mantle of leader on June 1, 2019, Onyeagwu’s myriad exploits have solidified his sterling leadership qualities.

He does not waver. Onyeagwu always wins for the good of humanity, corporate sustainability, and the profitability that ensures prosperity. The media-shy Zenith Bank CEO remains a deep thinker and goal-oriented strategist devoted to the art of deepening success and widening opportunities.

Onyeagwu has not faltered.

Little wonder, he was recently awarded a doctorate in Business Administration by UNN. The award, which was in recognition of his immense achievements as the GMD and CEO of Zenith Bank and his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and the African continent, was conferred on him during the 50th convocation ceremony of the university. Speaking during the ceremony, the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe, congratulated Onyeagwu for distinguishing himself in his career and for his service to humanity, which made him worthy to receive the prestigious Doctorate Degree from Nigeria’s first indigenous university.

In his acceptance speech, Onyeagwu expressed his gratitude to UNN for finding him a worthy recipient of the honorary doctoral degree in Business Administration of one of the leading universities in Nigeria, considering the rigorous selection process of awardees by the institution.

He said, “For me to have been considered and to have passed through the meticulous selection process makes it more dignifying because I have no connection with the university.”

Noting that the award represented a validation of the outstanding corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance that Zenith Bank was recording, Onyeagwu dedicated the award to the board and management of Zenith, especially the founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, “who has remained a mentor, a leader and a source of inspiration to everyone at the bank and beyond; the staff, for being the shoulder and proverbial base of the pyramid upon which his achievements and success as CEO of the leading financial institution in Nigeria rest; the bank’s customers for their unflinching loyalty to the brand; and to his family for their unceasing love and support.”

Presenting the citation of Onyeagwu to the assemblage at the 50th convocation for the conferment of the doctorate in Business Administration, the orator of the university, Dr Ikenna Onwuegbuna, noted that the Zenith Bank CEO “is an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, the University of Oxford, England and Salford Business School, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, Delta State University, Abraka.”

He added, “Also, he is an alumnus of Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School of Columbia University, and the Harvard Business School of Harvard University in the United States.”

Beyond academics, Onyeagwu’s leadership at Zenith has continued to reflect on the bank’s financial performance, and he is not about to slow down anytime soon. For instance, Zenith Bank’s recently released full-year 2022 results showed an impressive double-digit growth of 24 per cent in gross earnings, from N765.6 billion reported in the previous year to N945.5 billion in 2022 despite the persistent challenging macroeconomic environment and headwinds.

According to the audited financial results for the 2022 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the double-digit growth in gross earnings was driven by a 26 per cent year-on-year growth in interest income from N427.6 billion to N540.2 billion and a 23 per cent year-on-year growth in non-interest income from N309 billion to N381 billion.

Ebenezer Onyeagwu Profit before tax also grew by two per cent from N280.4 billion to N284.7 billion in the current year. The increase in profit before tax was due to the significant growth in all the income lines.

It also showed that impairments grew 107 per cent from N59.9 billion to N124.2 billion, while interest expense grew 63 per cent year-on-year from N106.8 billion to N173.5 billion, respectively.

The bank explained that the impairment growth, which also resulted in an increase in the cost of risk (from 1.9 per cent in 2021 to 3.3 per cent in the current year), was due to the impact of Ghana’s sovereign debt restructuring programme.

The growth in interest expense increased the cost of funds from 1.5 per cent in 2021 to 1.9 per cent in 2022 due to hikes in interest rates globally. Similarly, Zenith Bank’s customer deposits increased by 39 per cent, growing from N6.47 trillion in the previous year to N8.98 trillion in the current year. The growth in customer deposits came from all products and deposit segments (corporate and retail), thus consolidating the bank’s market leadership and indicating customers’ trust.

The continued elevated yield environment positively impacted the bank’s net interest margin (NIM), which grew from 6.7 per cent to 7.2 per cent due to an effective repricing of interest-bearing assets. Its operating expenses grew by 17 per cent year-on-year, but growth remains below the inflation rate. Its total assets increased by 30 per cent, growing from N9.45 trillion in 2021 to N12.29 trillion, mainly driven by growth in customer deposits.

With the steady and continued recovery in economic activities, the group grew its gross loans

by 20 per cent, from N3.5 trillion in 2021 to N4.1 trillion in 2022, which increased its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio modestly from 4.2 per cent to 4.3 per cent year-on-year. The capital adequacy ratio decreased from 21 per cent to 19 per cent, while the liquidity ratio improved from 71.2 per cent to 75 per cent. Both prudential ratios are well above regulatory thresholds.

In 2023, the group intends to expand its frontiers as it also reorganises into a holding company structure, adding new verticals to its businesses and growing in all its chosen markets, both locally and internationally. As a testament to its commitment to shareholders, the bank announced a proposed final dividend payout of N2.90 per share, bringing the total dividend to N3.20 per share.

In addition, Zenith Bank under Onyeagwu recently emerged as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Magazine’s Best Banks Awards 2022, retaining the award for a third consecutive year. The bank was among other banks from 36 countries in Africa, recognised as the prestigious Global Finance and announced its 29th Annual Best Bank Awards Winners. The bank places a premium on its core business strategy anchored on people, technology and service to create value for its numerous clientele.

With a team of dedicated professionals, the bank leverages its robust information and communication technology infrastructure to provide cutting-edge solutions and products through its network of branches and electronic/digital channels, reaching for higher heights under Onyeagwu’s transformational leadership. Thus, Zenith Bank

has been well-positioned to continue meeting all its customers’ expectations and maintain its leadership position in the industry.

Onyeagwu, the Zenith Bank honcho, is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and the Institute of Credit Administrators (ICA). He is a senior associate member of the Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (RIMAN). He is the chairman of the Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers, Nigeria, Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited and Zenith Nominees Limited.

He is also on the board of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, FMDQ Holdings Plc and Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). He is also a member of the International Monetary Conference (IMC), the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, member of the African Trade Gateway Advisory Council of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). He also served on the board of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited, Zenith General Insurance, Zenith Securities Limited, Zenith Assets Management Company, Zenith Medicare Limited, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Onyeagwu’s track record of excellence has also seen him win several individual awards, including the Bank CEO of the Year (2019) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020, 2021 and 2022) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) by SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) by Leadership Newspaper.

36

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

ANLCASeeksPeaceasTransportMinisterIntervenetoSettleFive-yearDispute Gilbert Ekugbe The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have stated that it is open to any fresh move aimed at settling the crisis that had disrupted the association’s operations for the past five years.

This is as the Minister of Transportation, Mu’ azu Sambo has summoned all parties and players in the ANLCA crisis for a meeting in Abuja today.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, three of the Board of Trustees (BOT) members, Chief Earnest Elochukwu, a former President of ANLCA, Chief Dennis Okafor, and Mr Dayo Azeez, said the association is demanding for peace based on justice, equity and fair play adding that ANLCA is ready to shift grounds only if the mediator, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) is able to come clean.

Elochukwu however, alleged that CRFFN’s actions in the ANLCA crisis was fraudulent, a travesty of justice and unacceptable.

“Our demand is that we want peace in ANLCA, but peace based on justice, equity and fair play. We are ready to shift grounds, but only in a situation when the mediator comes clean.

When an injustice is done and being perpetuated and reinforced, will it bring about any peace? If you are trying to mediate, you have to hear from both sides and as regard the CRFFN Board, we do not know yet what it is all about, but eventually after the meeting with the Minister of Transportation would be a pathway to achieving peace in ANLCA, we have no doubt than to key into and work from there, so for anyone to say we agreed and backed out is a lie because we were not consulted,” Elochukwu said.

“There should be justice

to the approach in process of mediation, because we want ANLCA to survive, because our association provides the platform for many stakeholders to benefit from and we have always survived,” he averred.

He further stated that whatever must be done to bring sanity to the association must be done in line with the constitution of ANLCA, saying that the association was established mainly to create value for its members and the country at large.

The BOT members also alleged that the Acting President of the association, Dr Kayode Farinto, last week held a closed door NEC meeting without consent of the board where the exco decided to extend their tenure by three months.

Also speaking, a member of the BOT, Mr Dayo Azeez, said that he was comfortable with the arrangements of CRFFN until he realized that the Council was biased.

Court Orders Cross River Water Board to Pay ANNGOOD N78. 3m A Cross Rivers State High Court sitting in Calabar has ordered the Cross Rivers Water Board L i m i t e d t o pay the sum of N78 3 million as unpaid balance owed ANNGOOD G l oba l Investment Nigeria Limited for the supply of 100 tonnes of Alumi n i u m S ul p h a t e , 40 t o n n es of H y d r a t e Lime and 600 drums of Calcium Hydrocloride to t he bo a rd .

ANNGOOD Global Investment Nigeria Limited h a d d r a g g e d t h e C ro s s R i v e r s Wa t e r B o a r d Limited and the State

Attorney General to court, seeking a declaration that the “willful neglect and refusal of the water board to pay the sum of N88.3 million for the supply of the items as a breach of contract between the claimant and the defendants.

The items, according to the claimant were supplied to the defendants “vide Local Purchase Order (LPO) No. 030 dated 24th day of April, 2020.”

The claimant, in the Suit No HC/163/2021 also sought the payment of the sum of N20 million as damages it suffered as a result

of the breach of contract b y the de fe ndants .

Delivering his judgment, presiding judge of the court, Ukpai Ibitham noted that the defendants were in breach of their contract with the claimant”. He however, noted that the defendants had in the “course of the undefended proceedings” paid the sum of N10 million into the claimant’s account.

The court also ordered the defendants to pay the sum of N100, 000 as general damages suffered by the claimant resulting from the breach of contract.

Honeywell Group Advocates Equity for Women in Workplaces Honeywell Group Limited has emphasised on the need for organisations to embrace equity and inclusion among its workforce, while also also providing an improved safe space for women in workplaces.

This was the crux of a special interview that hosted five executives from leading Nigerian investment holding company, HGL to discuss critical issues facing women in the workplace in Africa, including equity and inclusion.

Besides, a recent study revealed that women received higher job-performance ratings but lower ratings for ‘potential’.

According to the study, women also received fewer promotions despite outperforming their male counterparts.

The Senior Adviser, Government Relations, Oluwayemisi Busari; Chief Financial Officer, Kemi Adeoye; Head, Governance and Sustainability, Yewande Giwa; General Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji; and Head of Corporate Services, Tomi Otudeko shared their experience, leadership tips and how the company has been

deliberate about championing equity while providing an inclusive and safe space for women in its workplace.

Earlier, in celebration of Women’s Day, the company had also released a video of its women discussing the theme of the global day.

Speaking on the importance of embracing equity and inclusion among its workforce, Busari stated that inclusion in the workplace is non-negotiable.

She said: “It is very important that an environment that takes up so much of our time allows and encourages equity. There must be a conscious effort to ensure that workers are given fair and equitable opportunities based on their unique needs.

This includes increased participation in efforts that support female engagement in the industry.”

On her part, Abolaji, stated that the Group has remained intentional about ensuring women were well represented across the different cadres of the organisation.

She said: “At HGL, we have about 60 per cent female representation in executive

leadership, and we make a deliberate effort to provide an inclusive and safe space for women. From positions of management down the different levels of our organisation, we ensure that women are given the support required to upskill, grow and reach their full potential. It is important for us to provide a safe environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive and is flexible enough to accommodate their unique needs.”

Also speaking, Otudeko reiterated that leaders play a critical role in enabling an environment that will embrace equity in the workplace.

In her words: “Leaders can create and embrace equity in the workplace by first creating a more diverse space, understanding the importance of equity, and promoting it and bridging the wage gap. It is important to be proactive in addressing inequities in the workplace, such as pay disparities, under-representation of certain groups in leadership positions, and taking action to address any instances of bias or discrimination that are identified.”

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).

37

T H I S D AY ˾THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Close Flat on Mixed Investors’ Sentiment Kayode Tokede Activity on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) stock market yesterday closed flat over investors mixed sentiments trading as the All-Share Index settled at 51,953.41 basis points.

The All Share Index (ASI) closed at 51,953.41 basis points, slightly higher than 51,952.99 basis points

closed the previous day.

Also, market capitalisation recorded N28.300 billion.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 17 stocks gained relative to 11 losers.

Skyway Aviation Handling Company recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N5.50, per share.

Associated Bus Company

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

followed with a gain of 9.68 per cent to close at 34 kobo and Berger Paints up by 8.57 per cent to close at N7.60, per share.

International Breweries rose by 7.41 per cent to close at N4.35, while Multiverse Mining and Exploration gained 4.17 per cent to close at N2.50, per share.

On the other hand, Royal Exchange led the losers’

chart by 10 per cent to close at 54 kobo, per share.

Champion Breweries followed with a decline of 9.84 per cent to close at N4.58, while Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) declined by 7.53 per cent to close at 86 kobo, per share.

Mutual Benefits Assurance declined 5.88 per cent to close at 32 kobo, while Nigerian Exchange Group

S E C U R I T I E S

T R A D E D

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

shed 4.23 per cent to close at N24.90, per share.

Also, the total volume traded declined by 85.2 per cent to 255.161 million units, valued at N1.787 billion, and exchanged in 3,890 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) topped the activity chart with 117.529 million shares valued at N163.057 million.

A S O F

Fidelity Bank followed with 38.031 million shares worth N200.387 million, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 19.816 million shares valued at N169.194 million.

Zenith Bank traded 11.385 million shares valued at N290.036 million, while Royal Exchange transacted 5.933 million shares worth N3.263 million.

1 2 / 0 4 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

38

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, April 13, 2023

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ /ŶĚĞdž ůŽƐĞƐ &ůĂƚ

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ Ϯ͕ϯϯϱ͘ϴϲ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ŝŶĚĞdž ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚĞƐƉŝƚĞ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ /Ed Z t ;нϳ͘ϰйͿ͕

E'^h' Z ;нϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ dZ E^ KZW ;нϯ͘ϳйͿ͘ ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭ͘ϲй ŽĨ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

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

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

2335.86

ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

0.00%

26.0%

ROE

133.6%

ROA

23.7%

P/E

5.1%

4.8x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.8x

8.4%

14.8%

DƵƚĞĚ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƌƐĞ͙ ^/ ĐůŽƐĞƐ ŇĂƚ dŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŚĂůƚĞĚ ŝƚƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƐƉƌŝŶƚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ E'yͲ ^/ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƫƐŚ Ăƚ ϱϭ͕ϵϱϯ͘ϰϭ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚĞƐƉŝƚĞ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ /Ed Z t ;нϳ͘ϰйͿ͕ E'^h' Z ;нϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ h E ;нϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ zd

ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƐƚĞĂĚŝĞĚ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϰй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂͲ ƟŽŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ ʬϮϯϬ͘ϴŵ ƚŽ ʬϮϴ͘ϯƚŶ͘ DĞĂŶͲ ǁŚŝůĞ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ƐůŽǁĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ϴϱ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϲϮ͘ϳй ƚŽ Ϯϱϱ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ ʬϭ͘ϴďŶ͕ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ WŽƐŝƟǀĞ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ ƉƵƌǀŝĞǁ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ĂƐ ϯ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭ ůŽƐƚ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƐŝĚĞ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ͕ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ͕ ĂŶĚ /ŶͲ

ĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ ϯϭďƉƐ͕ ϭϵďƉƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ϭďƉ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ // K ;нϯ͘ϱйͿ͕ E'^h' Z ;нϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ hd/y ;нϯ͘ϲйͿ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ h ;Ͳϭ͘ϮйͿ

ĂŶĚ ^^ KZW ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ ǁĞŝŐŚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĚŽǁŶ ϵďƉƐ͘ KƵƚůŽŽŬ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘Ϭϲdž ĨƌŽŵ ͲϬ͘ϯϰdž ŝŶ ƚŚĞ

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

SKYA VN

5.50

10.0%

A B CTRA NS

0.34

9.7%

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

T R A N SC OR P

117.5

3.7%

F ID ELIT YB K

38.0

0.0%

19.8

-1.2%

B ER GER

7.60

8.6%

IN T B R EW

4.35

7.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

11.4

0.0%

5.9

-10.0%

M ULT IVER SE

2.50

4.2%

R OYA LEX

UN IT YB N K

0.53

3.9%

GT C O

5.6

0.0%

M B EN EF IT

5.3

-5.9%

A C C ESSC OR P

4.1

-0.6%

J A P A ULGOLD

3.8

0.0%

M A N SA R D

3.7

0.0%

T R A N SC OR P

1.40

3.7%

C UT IX

2.30

3.6%

A IIC O

0.59

LA SA C O

3.5%

1.20

2.6%

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

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er R OYA LEX

P ric e 0.54 4.58

P ric e C hg % -10.0%

ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ

C H A M P ION C WG

0.86

-7.5%

ŚƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶƐ ĂŵŝĚ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘

M B EN EF IT

0.32

-5.9%

ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ tĞƐƚ ĨƌŝĐĂ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ

T ic k er

UB A

ƉƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ ϭϭ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϳϵ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ

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

T o p 10 G a in e r s

-9.8%

N GXGR OUP

24.90

-4.2%

C OUR T VILLE

0.45

-2.2%

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

Z EN IT H B A N K

290.0

0.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

200.4

0.0%

UB A

169.2

-1.2%

T R A N SC OR P

163.1

3.7%

M TNN

161.3

0.0%

GT C O

136.8

0.0%

123.5

0.0%

UB A

8.45

-1.2%

SEP LA T

FB NH

11.00

-0.9%

A IR T ELA F R I

108.2

0.0%

62.2

0.0%

42.8

0.0%

UC A P

11.50

-0.9%

D A N GC EM

A C C ESSC OR P

8.70

-0.6%

WA P C O

ƌŽŬĞƌĂŐĞ

ƐƐĞƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ

ĚĞĚŽLJŝŶ ůůĞŶ ͮ ĂĂůůĞŶΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ZŽďĞƌƚ KŵŽƚƵŶĚĞ ͮ ƌŽŵŽƚƵŶĚĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ďŝŽĚƵŶ <ĞƌŝƉĞ ͮ <ĞƌŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

dĂŝǁŽ KŐƵŶĚŝƉĞ ͮ ƚŽŐƵŶĚŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ŚƌŝƐƚŽƉŚĞƌ KŵŽŚ ͮ ĐŽŵŽŚΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ĂŵŝůĂƌĞ ƐŝŵŝLJƵ ͮ ĚĂƐŝŵŝLJƵΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

39

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 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 11Apr-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 194.36 195.51 2.78% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 10.62% Nigeria International Debt Fund 332.91 332.91 7.62% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 107.50 108.60 1.96% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.33% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.85 3.91 12.07% 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 6.60% Anchoria Equity Fund 152.87 154.25 5.46% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.25 1.25 1.60% 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 22.80 23.49 3.89% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 536.35 552.52 2.90% ARM Ethical Fund 45.70 47.08 1.30% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.14 1.14 1.47% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 1.85% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.12% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.68% 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 95.59 95.59 0.52% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,132.74 1,132.74 0.56% 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 2.87% Women's Investment Fund 152.99 155.21 1.17% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 102.45 102.45 12.37% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.00% 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 9.16% Cordros Milestone Fund 142.85 143.76 3.75% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 108.19 108.19 9.55% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 104.93 104.93 6.28% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 114.85 114.85 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 9.45% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.16 1.16 -3.43% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.39 1.39 -1.65% 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 100.00 100.00 9.34% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 10.46% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,133.93 1,141.50 2.59% EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1518.61 1518.61 11.90% FBN Balanced Fund 208.41 209.82 4.36% FBN Halal Fund 127.02 127.02 12.53% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% FBN Dollar Fund 122.55 122.55 6.97% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 174.78 177.06 5.54% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 106.90 106.90 9.58% 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 7.91% Legacy Debt Fund 3.54 3.54 -11.58% Legacy Equity Fund 2.05 2.09 17.86% 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 4,376.40 3,790.56 100.00

Offer Price 4,403.71 3,790.56 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 14.47% 7.64% 12.61%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.15 1.15 5.57% 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) 101.43 101.43 9.97% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.29% 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 131.05 134.14 4.25% 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 3,824.21 3,849.88 12.74% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 248.01 248.01 5.28% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.49 1.51 19.05% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 338.19 338.19 8.00% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 275.44 278.16 17.80% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.14% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,763.77 12,914.35 16.88% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.39 1.39 7.63% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 123.07 123.07 5.27% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 117.81 117.81 10.75% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,683.46 4,683.46 10.09% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,397.67 3,438.37 22.18% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,386.37 4,402.41 15.21% 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 1.03 1.05 8.16% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.55 1.58 13.44% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.26 1.29 8.78% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.14 1.14 11.12% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.99 1.99 7.30% United Capital Eurobond Fund 127.43 127.43 6.07% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.74% 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 14.55 14.68 4.90% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.52 16.68 4.52% Zenith Income Fund 24.00 24.00 1.89% 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 4.42 4.52 10.01% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.92 7.02 18.33% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 18.81 19.01 6.32% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.84% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 24.31 24.51 21.56% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 141.90 143.90 -9.99% 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

16.97 135.85 107.46 17.40 16.40

17.07 138.19 109.29 17.50 16.50

9.65% 6.45% 7.46% -3.65% 2.10%

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.

40

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERVIEW Roger Delves: Myriad of Opportunities Exists for Prepared Leaders Amid Challenges Roger Delves, an associate dean and professor of Practice at Ashridge Executive Education, Hult International Business School. Delves, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and educated at the University of Oxford, shares insights in this interview on TEXEM, UK’s ‘Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile Periods’ executive development programme. It is scheduled to take place virtually, from April 15 – May 6, 2023, featuring world-renowned, apart from Delves, Ambassador Charles Crawford, Prof Paul Griffith and Prof Rodria Laline. Excerpts: Can you tell us about yourself? ’m a professor of leadership and management practice with experience that dates back over 44 years in international advertising (my first career) and (since 1996) in management development and education. I have worked in several top business schools, written books and chapters and countless articles on leadership and management.

I have been on the board of an impactful MNE at the age of 30, and I have helped thousands of organisations to win. I am an alumnus of Oxford, and I have developed self-awareness from an early age and have been blessed to have studied with some of the world leaders, some of whom are still making a positive difference in many spheres of life.

I have taught for almost 30 years. I have always believed that participants must be engaged if they are to learn, and to be engaged, they must be constantly rewarded. So I intend to create a constantly rewarding experience that will engage participants to maximise their learning experience.

I will also leverage TEXEM’s tested and proven methodology, making learning fun, memorable and impactful on this programme. The TEXEM methodology comprises games, group discussion, role play and a gamified experience.

I

What will you be doing in TEXEM UK’s April 2023 programme, ‘Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile Periods’?

I’ll be delivering an interactive workshop that looks at how leaders who are well-versed in thinking and acting strategically will be well-placed to make an impact throughout periods of turbulence and change. This TEXEM programme will help challenge assumptions, offer fresh insights and inspire leaders to aspire to do more with less, inspire their team to develop innovative solutions and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Tell us about your professional experiences and how will you apply this in assisting the global, African leader in developing the requisite skill sets to handle the present leadership challenges they are facing?

I have spent many years in senior leadership roles, including roles on boards and advisory boards and as an advisor, mentor and coach to board directors and C-suite executives. I have taught in Europe, Africa, America, Australia, India, China and many other parts of Asia, both teaching Masters level students and teaching in the company and open courses. I have taught thousands of executives literally through several different crises, including the Falklands War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Credit Crunch,

What possible experience should executives look forward to during TEXEM’s forthcoming programme titled ‘Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile Periods’, which holds between April 15 to May 6 2023 for the African Leader?

A relevant, purposeful, engaging, interactive and rewarding experience under the benign eye of a very experienced practitioner and with the directorship of the impactful TEXEM’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre.

the Austerity Years, the Covid Crisis and now the Ukraine War and its consequences, alongside the growing threats of climate change crisis, the everincreasing influence of China as a world power and so on. I am well versed in sharing best practices of lessons across diverse contexts, which will benefit all leaders. My approach entails helping leaders to develop the capacity to turn challenges into opportunities.

Do you have any doubts about the result of this programme, given that it is an entirely virtual programme?

The results of the programme will be very positive and beneficial. We are living in a digital world, and many of the stakeholders that we engage, we do this virtually. Moreso, for the busy executive, it is easier for them to spend an average of one hour studying every day and three hours every weekend than to travel for four weeks. Furthermore, the content of this TEXEM programme is useful, pertinent and applicable. I am confident that if participants apply themselves diligently to the content and with TEXEM’s engaging customer support, I believe they will achieve results with which they will be delighted.

How do you intend to carry out the task of delivering the purpose of TEXEM UK’s April 2023 programme?

Why do executives need to plan to attend TEXEM UK’s April 2023 programme, ‘Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile

Professor Roger Delves

Periods’?

Executives should participate in the TEXEM forthcoming programme because it will be an excellent opportunity to network and learn how to unlock scarce value in these turbulent times. The TEXEM methodology is also another reason that participants should attend as this assures quality, and this programme will help leaders and their organisations to shore up their core competence and capabilities to thrive.

What will the programme cover?

The programme will help executives see better and understand their approaches to addressing their contemporary strategic leadership issues. To help them understand better that despite the plethora of challenges, there is a myriad of opportunities for prepared leaders. The programme will also equip them with actionable frameworks to help them make better decisions, inspire their team to act agilely and position their organisation for success.

How is the programme structured?

The TEXEM, UK ‘Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile Periods’, is a combination of self-paced study and live sessions. Participants will study for an average of one hour every day between April 15 to May 6, and there will be live sessions every Saturday for four weeks. The experience has been gamified such that participants will get points ranked on a league table for every article read, video watched, and comment made. The top 5 on the league table will be recognised each weekend when we have the live sessions via zoom, during which different faculty will deliver. For example, each live session on Saturday will have Prof Rodria Laline, founding director of Harvard Maximise Your Board programme, Prof Paul Griffith, the world’s first professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket, Ambassador Charles Crawford and I will deliver. For more information, email exec@ texem.co.uk or register at https://texem.co.uk/ strategic-leadership-for-enduring-impact-duringvolatile-periods.

NEWS

Tinubu’s Presidency: My Life in Danger, Says Ex-Lagos Deputy Governor, Ojikutu The first female democraticallyelected Deputy Governor in Nigeria, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, has raised an alarm that her life is under threat over the election of former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President-elect.

The former Deputy Governor under Sir Michael Otedola between 1992 to 1993 also declared that she had commenced the process of renouncing her Nigerian citizenship as she had promised to do if Tinubu emerged the President.

Speaking with journalists at her residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, the former number two citizen of the state said her problem with Tinubu started over 20 years ago when she opposed his governorship ambition.

She said since then, all efforts to reach a truce with him has proved abortive.

She recalled that there was a reconciliatory move attempted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo which also failed.

According to her, with the impending inauguration of Tinubu on May 29, her life is in danger.

She said, “I came out before the election to say that if former Governor Bola Tinubu won the election, I, Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu,

will renounce the citizenship of this nation and I have my reasons.

“When he won, people called me and said he had won, that he would not do anything bad to me but I know this man and I have known him for over 20 years now, I know what he has done to me personally.

“So calling this press conference is also to show that I am personally endangered by the current situation.

I am endangered, I have been ostracized, humiliated in places where I should be honoured because of his (Tinubu) not being at peace with me.

“The last thing before the election was when it came to me that he was saying that am I still alive?

When somebody mentioned my issue to him, I understand, he said, ‘Is she still around?’ What does that mean?

“What does he mean? I am alive, hale and hearty. Have they planned my death? Why should anybody be asking if I am still alive? Up till today since I raised that issue since January, none of his associates I have talked to has gotten back to me and this is giving me a personal concern. Am I safe?

And there are many people like that in my category.’

“People have been saying that people do not like former governor Bola Tinubu but nobody has bothered to ask what of the people that Bola Tinubu does not like? It is a two-way thing.”

Ojikutu, a one-time member of the PDP who served at a time as a Federal Commissioner of the

Federal Character Commission (FCC), disclosed that she once challenged Tinubu about how Lagos indigenes were being marginalised in his appointment and three months after he revoked the certificate of occupancy of her land at Victoria Island.

She stated that she supported

the Labour Party (LP) residential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, because of her conviction that it was the turn of the South-East to produce the next President.

According to her, people cannot be talking of one Nigeria and at the same time denying a geopolitical zone the opportunity to have a shot

in the number one seat.

Besides, she stated that she saw in Obi the readiness to tackle the rots in Nigeria and tackle the endemic corruption, youth unemployment, among others bedeviling the country, saying no sane Nigerian would vote for APC or the PDP in the election.

Insider-Driven Fraud Biggest Challenge Facing Nigeria’s Finance Industry, Experts Say Oluchi Chibuzor Experts at the Prembly’s breakfast Compliance dialogue meeting have identified insider-driven fraud as the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s financial industry.

The event brought together experts from across the industry to discuss challenges and opportunities facing fintech companies as they navigate the regulatory landscape in Nigeria.

Making his presentation, the Director, Risk Management Department & Chief Risk Officer, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Blaise Ijebor,

said regulation and compliance were necessary given global trends in other to position the nations’s financial sector.

He explained that issues around compliance are not negotiable in the financial sector considering the rate at which technology was disrupting the sector.

He acknowledged that no fintech operators should think compliance was not necessary.

He maintained that, “the new people who are coming into the market today don’t play by the rules and I can tell you this, the biggest problem with fraud today

is insider-fraud.”

According to him, “So, we just have to come up with new ways to guide those working in high-tech areas and you are going to see new rules around climate change, environmental and social justice, the cost of compliance- because compliance is going to be more inclusive.

“If you have a great idea, bring it and we will put the ideas in a sandbox; we will operate it for you for a few months, see how it operates and the risk involved.

We decide whether you need a licence or not and what type of

licence and regulation you need.

“Because a lot of the ideas you are bringing now are not in our regulations, we did not foresee them and so this sandbox is a great tool for us to work together.”

Also sharing his ideas, the Head, Broker Dealer Regulation, NGX, Olufemi Shobanjo, said they would continue to work with relevant regulators to synchronise compliance.

According to him, “By way of regulation we interact with the SEC and the investing public to explain our ideas, changes and rules we are bringing.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

41

GAMINGWEEK

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

How Israel Adesanya Broke ‘Drake Curse’…Again Win or lose, Canadian rapper Aubrey Drake, better known as Drake, puts his money where his mouth is. More so that he has the resources to support his gambling habit, writes Iyke Bede

I

n the betting world, getting backed by Canadian rapper Drake (born Aubrey Drake) in a bet signifies a sort of bad omen. If Drake endorses you in a wager to win, it is most likely you will lose. This trend dates back to when he lost a bet of $60,000 to fellow musician French Montana at a basketball game during the 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend.

His loss, however, has never deterred his hunger to back his favourites. Perhaps it might be that he could afford to bear the losses that slowly chip away at his $250 million fortune or that he has a vengeful spirit to claim victory.

These days, Drake no longer wagers games in sporting games geographically limited to the Americas. He’s become voracious and stakes in the big leagues that attract the eyeballs of international audiences - the Grand Prix, UFC, and the World Cup. The change in taste for placing bigger stakes also mirrors his career trajectory, having conquered digital sales with his multi-platinum albums and simultaneously landed multiple tracks in the Billboard 100 top 10 in the same week.

Sadly, this luck has failed to reflect in his wins.

Just last year, Drake won millions from the UFC and other platforms. However, his losses are resounding, drowning out any chirps of those wins.

From 2022 to 2023, he lost more millions in what most people now term the ‘Drake Curse’.

Last October, the 36-year-old Grammy winner staked over $800,000 in a double bet that Barcelona would annihilate Real Madrid and Arsenal would bombard Leeds out of the UEFA tournament. Arsenal triumphed, but Barcelona suffered a 3-1 loss. If things had gone Drake’s way, the staked game would have earned him a win of $3.9 million.

By December, Kylian Mbappe

Adesanya gave Drake a good run for his money at the Qatar 2022 World Cup after scoring two goals within a minute’s frame to level out Argentina’s lead of 2-0, thus smashing all of Drakes hope to cart away a win of £2.3 million on an £818,710 stake.

Although Argentina eventually won, crowning Messi with another milestone in his career, Drake lost on a technicality of betting that Argentina would win inside regulation time.

Earlier in May 2022, Drake felt lucky and decided to place his first-ever F1 bet on Charles Leclerc to the tune of £186,000.

His luck ran smoothly for 27 laps at the Spanish Grand Prix with Leclerc in the lead. It was almost certain he’d win until his Ferrari ran out of power, sending him to retire from the race, costing Drake the sum

Drake of £470,000 in winnings.

Coming into the new year, the ‘HYFR’ rapper suffered another huge loss when he placed a bet that Jake Paul would defeat Tommy Furry by knockout during their grudge

match that was staged in Saudi Arabia.

“F***! This is Drake’s fault!

Drake, bro, why did you do this to me?” Paul jokingly referenced the ‘Curse’ after losing by a split decision in

How Modern Day’s Biggest Gambling Loser, Harry Kakavas, Fought a Casino Gambling researchers often dwell on the biggest wealth losers in gambling. While mythologies and historical scripts provide some insights into gambling losers in history, it is difficult to determine who has lost the most in gambling in the modern day, as gambling losses are often kept private and not publicly disclosed

or documented. Additionally, the amount of money lost in gambling can vary greatly depending on the individual’s financial situation and the type of gambling they engage in today.

However, some notable cases have been of individuals who have lost significant amounts of money through gambling. One famous

F O R E C AST Real Madrid, PSG Look to Return to Winning Ways as Cityzens Set to Continue Title Fight Davidson Abraham Saturday will be filled with a lot of action across the top European Leagues. In England, Aston Villa will host Newcastle in a game in which any of the sides can come out on top. This game has been tipped to produce at least two goals. Still, in the premier league, Manchester City and Tottenham are expected to beat Leicester and Bournemouth, respectively, while the inconsistent Chelsea will host the stubborn Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Both sides have a real shot at winning this one, and it could also end in a draw; anyhow, it is likely to produce a minimum

of two goals.

Real Madrid and PSG are set to beat Cadiz and Lens, respectively.

However, it must be pointed out that Real Madrid’s game is much easier than PSG’s game as they face 14th Placed Cadiz compared to Lens, who are second in Ligue 1. Napoli and Bayern Munich, who both sit at the summit of their respective leagues, are expected to beat Verona and Hoffenheim, respectively. FC Porto and Ajax are likely to routinely pick up all three points against Santa Clara and Emmen in their respective leagues, while Fenerbahce have been tipped to dispatch Ankaragucu in the Turkish Super League easily.

favour of Furry. The match cost Drake £335,000 and denied him his wins of £1.2 million.

To be sure, Drake and The Last Stylebender have had a long-standing relationship in their history of the UFC.

In July of 2022, Drake put a call through to Adesanya to inform him of his ‘light million’ bet on his match against Jared Cannonier at UFC 276. Adesanya won the middleweight championship.

But the ‘Drake Curse’ returned during UFC 281 when he wagered a staggering £1.7 million on Adesanya to win against Alex Pereira at Madison Square Garden, Adesanya suffered a technical knockout.

It was a bad outing for Drake, yet he doubled down on his bet on the Nigerian martial artist at UFC 287 that went down days ago.

With $500,000, Drake wagered Adesanya’s victory against Pereira for an $885,000 win. He went further to risk $400,000 on Adesanya knocking out Pereira. The stake had a potential win of $1.84 million, bringing the total winnings to $2.7 million. Drake won both bets, ending his losing streak so far.

Although the outcome of Drake’s future victories and defeats remains uncertain, what is certain is his unwavering dedication to constantly push the boundaries, demonstrate unwavering loyalty to his favourites, and inspire discussions such as these.

So, let’s raise a toast to him for now!.

DATE

FIXTURE

SAT 15/04/2023 Aston Villa Vs Newcastle SAT 15/04/2023 Tottenham Vs Bournemouth SAT 15/04/2023 Man City Vs Leicester SAT 15/04/2023 Cadiz Vs Real Madrid SAT 15/04/2023 Napoli Vs Verona SAT 15/04/2023 Bayern Vs Hoffenheim SAT 15/04/2023 PSG Vs Lens Over SAT 15/04/2023 Fenerbahce Vs Ankaragucu SAT 15/04/2023 Porto Vs Santa Clara SAT 15/04/2023 Chelsea Vs Brighton SUN 16/04/2023 Ajax Vs Emmen

BETTING TIPS Over 1.5 1 1 2 1 1 1.5 1 1 Over 1.5 1

example is Harry Kakavas, an Australian real estate tycoon who lost over $1.5 billion in high-stakes gambling at the Crown Casino in Melbourne.

Another example is Terrance Watanabe, a businessman who lost over $200 million in Las Vegas casinos over the course of a year.

Kakavas later sued the Crown Casino in a famous Australian legal case (Kakavas v Crown Melbourne Ltd) for gambling losses at the Crown Casino in Melbourne between 2005 and 2006. Kakavas claimed that the casino had taken advantage of his gambling addiction and lured him into losing a significant amount of money.

The court found that Kakavas was a seasoned and experienced gambler

who understood the risks involved and voluntarily participated in high-stakes gambling at the casino.

The court also noted that Crown Melbourne Ltd had implemented measures to assist problem gamblers, such as self-exclusion programs and responsible gambling messaging.

The case is significant because it established that Australian casinos have a duty of care to their patrons but that this duty does not extend to preventing patrons from gambling or protecting them from the risks of gambling. It also highlights the importance of responsible gambling measures and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own gambling behaviour. r $PVSUFTZ 5FBN( (

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324 Iyke Bede ikennabede@gmail.com | 0703 044 7714 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

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

42

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

WHY I WANT A SECOND TERM...

L-R: Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, APC State Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere at the party office when the Governor declared his interest to run for second term …. yesterday

FG Drags Seplat's CEO, Others to Court over Alleged Breach of Immigration Law Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government has instituted legal action against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown as well as the oil firm, for allegedly breaching the extant provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015.

Sued alongside the CEO was the Board Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, the Independent NonExecutive Directors (INED) Dr. Charles Okeahalam, Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Mr. Rabiu Bello, Ms Emma Fitzgerald, and Company Secretary/Legal Counsel, Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa.

In the suit filed before the Federal High Court on April 6, the defendants were accused of allowing Brown to accept employment as the CEO of Seplat Energy without the statutory approval of the Controller-General of Immigration, conspiring among yourselves to allow Brown take over business as CEO of Seplat Energy without the consent of the Minister of Interior, allowing him, a non-Nigerian to accept employment as CEO of Seplat after withdrawal of his visa, resident, and work permits, and for refusing to apply for the Comptroller-General of Immigration’s approval before employing Brown both as Chief Finance Officer and CEO, contrary to the provisions of the Immigration 2015.

The four-count charge read: “That you on or before the 9th day of

March, 2023 at Seplat Energy Plc Head Office 16 A Temple Road Ikoyi Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, did conspire among yourselves to allow Mr. Roger Brown accept employment as CEO at Seplat Energy Plc without the consent of the Comptroller General of Immigration, contrary to Section 36 (1)(a) and 71 of the Immigration Act 2015 and punishable under Section 36 (2) and Section 71 (a) of the Immigration Act 2015.

“That you did conspire among yourselves to allow Mr Roger Brown take over business as Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy PLC without the consent of the Minister of Interior, contrary to Section 36 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 36 (2) and Section 105 of the Immigration Act 2015.

“That you, on or before the 9th day of March, 2023 at Seplat Energy PLC Head Office 16 A Temple Road, Ikoyi Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, you as director, secretary, members of board of directors of Seplat Energy PLC as the case may be, did instigate, encourage, connive, by neglect on your part, allow Mr. Roger Thompson Brown, a nonNigerian to accept employment as Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc even after withdrawal of his immigration documents, contrary Sections 36, 71 and 105 of the Immigration Act 2015 and punishable under Sections 36(2)

105(1) of the Immigration Act 2015.

“That you did refuse to make an application to the ComptrollerGeneral of Immigration for his permission before employing Mr. Roger Thompson Brown both as Chief Finance Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, contrary to Section 38(1) of the Immigration Act 2015 and punishable under Section 38(5) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

Although court sources said the defendants have been served, arraignment date is yet to be fixed.

The lawsuit is marked: FHC/

AB/CR/149/2023.

The federal government had on March 3, revoked the visa, Resident Permit, and Work Permit of Seplat’s CEO, Roger Brown, over alleged racist practices, discrimination against Nigerian employees at Seplat, favouring of expatriate workers, and breach of good governance codes.

It also alleged that Brown refused to honour investigations invitations by the Ministry in the course of its investigation.

The letter to Seplat entitled, “Withdrawal of Work Permit,

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has concluded plan to inaugurate a 132/33kv electricity sub-station being constructed by the Commission in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Speaking on the project, NDDC’s Executive Director Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, assured that the project would be completed in the next three months.

The NDDC Executive Director Projects, who spoke during inspection of the project, noted that the electricity sub-station would boost economic activities in Ondo State and improve their living standards.

Ogunmola, stressed that the NDDC was committed to providing electricity to oil-producing communi-

ties in Ondo South Senatorial District that had been without electricity for the past 15 years, adding that the speedy completion of the sub-station would help achieve that goal and move the people from darkness to light.

He added: “We are committed to lighting up the seven local government areas and the oilproducing communities in Ondo South Senatorial District.

“Access to electricity is essential for economic development and improving the quality of life. The lack of electricity has hindered growth and development in many communities in the Niger Delta region.

“Therefore, NDDC’s efforts to provide electricity to these communities will have a significant impact on their lives and contribute to the

“Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Mr. Roger Thomson Brown’s entry or stay in Nigeria.”

However, in a swift reaction, Seplat Energy, had in a statement signed by the Board Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, said: “On March 8, 2023, the Board of Seplat Energy unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Mr. Brown, who continues to discharge his duties and responsibilities as CEO from the Seplat UK office.”

Supplementary Election: Labour Party Candidate in Imo Urges INEC to Live Up to Expectations Accuses APC of plotting to Manipulate Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Poll Amby Uneze in Owerri The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been advised to live up to expectations in the supplementary election for Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency holding on Saturday.

The Labour Party candidate for supplementary election in Mbaitoli/ Ikeduru Federal Constituency of Imo State, Uche Ogbuagu, who

gave the advice, said the Commission would be held totally responsible for any lapses that would prevent free, fair and credible supplementary election.

Ogbuagu, alleged that the reports he gathered indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had concluded plans to rig the election with connivance of security agencies and intimidation.

Disclosing this yesterday, during

NDDC Set to Inaugurate Electricity Project in Ondo Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr. Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc,” also read in part: “Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Mr. Roger Brown was in possession of CERPAC that was not based on validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior resulting to the violation of relevant Immigration Laws and Regulations.

“As a result of these, the Honourable Minister has determined that Mr. Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to national interest.

overall development of the region.

“This is part of NDDC’s mandate to provide infrastructure and development projects in the Niger Delta region. The Commission is committed to fulfilling this mandate by completing all on-going projects.”

Ogunmola said the NDDC was also working towards diversifying the region’s economy from being oil-dependent to other sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

He added: “The provision of electricity will stimulate economic activities in the region, attract investment and create job opportunities.

This is a step towards achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty in the region.”

Speaking further on the project, Mr Benson Obayelu, who spoke

for the contracting firm, said the scope of the contract included the evacuation of light from Omotosho with a step-down at Ireje through a 132KV double circuit line with two 30/40MVA transformers at Okitipupa.

According to him, the transmission lines run through Ireje with 145 electricity towers that are standing on concrete foundations. Obayelu said that almost all materials needed for the project were already on-site at Okitipupa.

The NDDC Director for Ondo State Office, Mr. Salami Olaniyi Okogie, observed that several communities across five local government areas in the oil production belt of Ondo state were eagerly waiting for the lights to be turned on in their localities.

a press conference at his country home at Akabo community in the Ikeduru Local Government Area, Ogbuagu, further alleged that the APC candidate, Akarachi Amadi and his father, Charles Amadi, had perfected plans to manipulate the election.

He said he had evidences of how the APC members had concluded plans to use thugs as well as the dreaded Ebubeagu unconventional security outfit to rig the election.

Ogbuagu said the petitions he had earlier sent to the police and Department of Security Services had not been attended to after about one month.

According to him, only a transparent election would be accepted by the people of the federal constituency.

He said, “It is very appalling that a reign of terror was unleashed on the innocent indigenes of the two Local Government Councils of Mbaitoli and Ikeduru, by a self-acclaimed 'Operational Leader' Charles Amadi and his cohorts.

"Such brazen show of force was championed by their Ebubeagu group in concert with other cult groups in their pay roll.

“While their evil plans keep failing, they have continued unabated with their desperate satanic plots to eliminate me and family, to frame me up with everything possible at their disposal, including but not

limited to conniving with armed cultists and bandits, prison escapees, to plant guns in my house and raising false alarm for my arrest and conviction over a crime that I know nothing about.

“But God has been exposing them even through those they contracted for such heinous plots.

"Some of the expositions made by the cohorts of this operational leader were, smartly captured in video and pictorial modes and we have them as in controvertible proof.

“From the video excerpts, you will see and hear from those, who have either been bribed to kill me, kidnap me and or frame me up.

“But as God may have it, they came on their own volition to make very startling revelations. One of such person was a guy who was used to distribute all manner of guns to the youths of Mbaike for election thuggery of February 25, 2023, but when they failed in the election, they pounced on him to recover both their arms/monies paid to him and his boys.”

In his reaction, the spokesperson for the APC candidate, Darlington Irobi, also accused the LP candidate and his people for being the ones trying to rig the election.

He said his principal and all APC members and supporters were busy campaigning ahead of this weekend’s primary election.

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NEWS

SUPPORT FOR SOUTH EAST SENATE PRESIDENT...

L-R: North West Zonal Coordinator/National Secretary, APC Support Group (ASG), Peter Okafor; Head of Media, Suleiman Abdulmalik and National Coordinator, Dele Fulani, briefing journalists after PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN presenting a letter to the APC National Chairman for consideration and adoption of South East Senate President in the 10th Assembly in Abuja ... yesterday.

Another High-rise Building Collapses in Ikoyi, Many Trapped Segun James Barely two years after the collapse of a 21-storey high-rise nearby Gerard Road, Ikoyi,Lagos State, another seven-storey building under construction, collapsed yesterday in Banana Island, also in Ikoyi, around past 3.oo pm.

The building is said to have caved-in by itself. No confirmation of any casualty yet at presstime.

A source said while it was uncetain what triggered the collapse, concreting was ongoing on the sixth floor before the collapse.

Tthe number of people trapped in the rubble could not be ascer-

tained, also, at the time of filing this report.

Spokesperson for the Lagos Fire Service and Rescue Service, Amodu Shakiri, confirmed the incident.

According to him, “We got a call around 3:58 pm. We are currently trying to ascertain the claim that

no one was under the rubble Acting Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, also confirmed the development.

“We are on our way there, so, there is no information for now.

However, I will give you an update

No Decision Yet on 10th National Assembly Leadership, Says Basiru Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has said the National Working Committee and National Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had yet to zone the leadership positions for the 10th National Assembly.

Basiru, who is representing Osun Central in the Senate and spoke on Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily, said the zoning arrangements would be perfected after the ongoing Ramadan fast.

Some members-elect in the Senate, had already expressed interest in the presiding officers positions.

They included Senator Sani Musa (North Central), Orji Kalu (South East), Jibrin Barau (North West), Godswill Akpabio (South South), Dave Umahi (South East), Ahmad Lawan (North East), Ali Ndume (North East), Abdulaziz Yari (North West), and Osita Izunaso (South East), among others.

At least, nine federal lawmakers had also joined the race for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

They were Aliyu Betara (North East); Aminu Sani Jaji (North West); Idris Wase (North

Central); Benjamin Kalu (South East); Ado Doguwa (North West); Yusuf Gagdi (North Central); Princess Mariam Onuoha (South East); Makki Abubakar Yalleman (North West); and Abdulraheem Olawuyi (North Central).

Bashiru explained that any of the Senators-elect was competent to be presiding officers over the National Assembly.

He clarified that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had not taken any decision on particular geopolitical zone that would produce the next Senate President.

“I am not aware that the NWC of our party has taken a position on the issue of zoning and where the zoning will be done. I am not aware that the NEC of our party has taken any decision but party leaders will be making a lot of permutations to ensure a seamless relationship between the executive and the legislative arms,” he said.

Bashiru added that the president-elect would act like a stateman on the matter taking into consideration, the diversity and heterogeneity of the Nigerian society.

According to him, “The leadership of the party as well as the members of the 10th Assembly will have to look at so many

variables. For instance, arguments may be canvassed like the religious argument that the President is a Muslim, the Vice-President is a Muslim, will it not be reasonable to have a Christian as the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

"You cannot wish away such argument particularly, when you see the divisive nature that politics has taken in recent time in Nigeria,” he said, adding that

the APC has not been unfair to the South East geopolitical zone.

The Senate Spokesperson, however, hinted that the APC leadership would take a decision on zoning the leadership of the 10th National Assembly at the end of the Ramadan fast.

“I believe that our party will ultimately take a decision on the zoning, possibly after Ramadan and certainly before June, when the next Assembly will be convoked,” he said.

later,” he said.

A terse statement by NEMA, however, said workers were

Poverty Eradication: Only N50bn Out of Approved N400bn Expended

By FG, States, Says Nasarawa Gov Deji Elumoye in Abuja Only N50 billion out of the N400 billion approved in 2022 for the reduction of poverty and growth enhancement in the country had been expended by both the federal and state governments.

This was disclosed to newsmen yesterday, by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Cochairman of the Steering Committee on National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, after a meeting of the committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja.

Sule, who spoke in company of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba and Agriculture, Mohammed

Benue: Open Grazing Law Stands Despite Suspending Livestock Guards’ Operations George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Government, has disclosed that the state’s law against open grazing still stood even as it had suspended activities of the implementing agents, the Benue Livestock guards.

Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Terver Akase, yesterday, said it had become pertinent to clarify the misconceptions in some sections of the media regarding the decision of the Benue State Security Council to suspend operations of the state Livestock Guards for two weeks.

According to Akase, "The suspension of the Livestock Guards is only a grace period, which became necessary to allow for reduction in the influx of cattle into the state.

"Majority of the pastoralists, who came into the state said after the February 25 and March 18, 2023 elections, they were told that a new government was in place in Benue State and the ban on open grazing of cattle had been lifted paving the way for them to move into the state without hindrance.

"As Governor Samuel Ortom stated while briefing the press at

trapped in the building and that its officials were already mobilising a response team to the scene.

the end of the State Security Council meeting, Tuesday, 11th April, 2023, the action is part of measures to ensure that all those, who invaded the state with cattle leave so that Benue people would have peace and go about their legitimate and lawful businesses."

According to him, the enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was still in full force, and that anyone, who flouted the law at the expiration of the two weeks grace period would be apprehended and prosecuted.

Abubakar, also said the project was a national project and not restricted to states.

The meeting of the Steering Committee on National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in June, 2021.

According to the governor, "in July 2022, we did the same steering committee being chaired by the Vice President sat down and reviewed a presentation by the Technical Working Group, which is chaired by the Minister of state budget and planning, as well as myself as the co-chair.

"So we presented the approval of the N400 billion and the distribution of how it will be spent. So today we just came to review the implementation, and the update of the spending so far and also approval for this year spending for the same committee. So that's really what just happened."

Commenting on how much had been disbursed and the level of implementation now that the present administration was winding down, the co-chairman said, "it's not a governor thing but a national project where Mr. President, based on the advice, recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee and the office of the SGF make a recommendation for this particular committee to reform.

So it's a national thing is not for any particular state.

"Now, based on that, and the recommendation that was made, and for what we received from the chairman of the Technical Working Group, over N50 billion has been spent so far.

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NEWS

PROMOTED!!...

L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police Mr Adamu Dankwara, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Jattau Police Station Mr Joseph Otoagua and Deputy Governor of Edo State Mr Philip Shuaibu, during the decoration of Mr Otoagua with his new rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), in Benin... yesterday

Atiku to CCB: Halt Keyamo's Interrogation of Graft Allegations against Me Threatens he may be forced to activate judicial process against agency Ex-vp campaign mocks Wike, says he’s suffering from anger demon Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential poll, Atiku Abubakar, has asked the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), to halt its planned Interrogation of the Minister of State for Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, over corruption allegations made against him.

He however, warned that if the agency persisted in its enterprise of investigating an already subjudice matter currently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction, he would be left with no alternative than to activate a judicial process against it.

This is as the PDP Presidential Campaign Director of Strategic Communication, Dele Momodu, yesterday, mocked the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike that almost one year after losing the party's presidential primary election, he has remained inconsolable and sulking endlessly.

The CCB had last month written to Keyamo to appear before it later this month to throw more light over the fraud allegations.

The Bureau in the invitation letter to Keyamo stated that the "invitation is to enable you adopt the aforementioned petition and to provide any additional information that may be material to this investigation. You are requested to come along with one Michael Achimugu, to assist with enquiries regarding the attachments to your petition.”

But in his reaction, Atiku claimed that invitation amounted to an "Attempt to overreach" in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023, between Keyamo and himself, ICPC and EFCC. Atiku, in a letter to the bureau dated April 7, claimed that any deliberation on the issue would amount to contempt of court since parties had already joined issues in the suit.

Lawyers to Atiku led by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who signed the letter, expressed surprise that

Diri, Anyanwu Emerge PDP Guber Candidates for Bayelsa, Imo Kogi PDP primary holds April 15 Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, and the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, have emerged the PDP governorship candidate for the November 11 Bayelsa and Imo States governorship elections.

This followed the PDP primaries held yesterday in Yenogoa state secretariat and in Imo State along the Okigwe Road in Owerri, the Imo State capital, THISDAY gathered.

This is part of the off-cycle governorship elections expected to hold in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States on November 11, 2023.

According to the State Organising Secretary of the PDP, Lawrence Biado, the seven-man electoral panel constituted by the National Working Committee headed by Kenneth Okon,was present to monitor the primary in Imo. A former governor of the state,

Emeka Ihedioha, was conspicuously absent after he pulled out of the PDP governorship race, weeks ago.

Anyanwu is expected to challenge the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In January 2020, the Supreme Court sacked Ihedioha as the governor of Imo State after barely seven months in office.

In Yenogoa, however, Diri, who was the only governorship candidate, polled 305 votes to clinch the ticket The election was conducted by the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, whodeclared Diri as the consensus candidate.

The Kogi state governorship primary is slated for this Saturday, April 15.

Over nine governorship aspirants including Senator Dino Melaye were contesting to become the standard bearer of the party in the election slated for November 11 2023.

Keyamo reportedly responded to the invitation of the bureau purportedly to shed more light on his complaints to the Bureau, which far preceded and formed the very basis of his pending suit, as aforesaid.

"Our reasons are obvious: it is highly inappropriate for a party to a suit to take any extra-judicial steps, or to embark on any course of action that is either tantamount to, or calculated to undermine the authority and integrity of the court, which is dominus litis over the proceedings.

"Such behavior is as condemnable

as it is unacceptable. It is strongly frowned upon, by courts of law, as it has the potential of over-reaching the court, the other party (our client) and foisting on the court, a fait accompli. In fact, it smacks of contempt of court, albeit ex facie curiae," Ozekhome said.

The senior lawyer further observed that the Supreme Court had severally deprecated and condemned such actions in several of its judgments.

“Once a dispute has arisen between a person and the government or authority and the dispute has been brought before the court,

thereby invoking the judicial powers of the state, it is the duty of the government to allow the law to take its course or allow the legal and judicial process run its full course.

“The courts expect the utmost respect of the law from the government itself, which rules by the law…

In the area where the rule of the law operates, the rule of self-help by force is abandoned.

"For the foregoing reasons, we urge the Bureau to refrain from interfering in the subject matter of Mr. Keyamo’s petition since he has himself voluntarily submitted it to a competent court of law for

adjudication.

"Accordingly, kindly advise and direct him to pursue his pending litigation against our client to its logical conclusion. We assure you we are eagerly waiting for him there.

"Where however you persist in your enterprise of investigating this subjudice matter currently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction, we shall be left with no alternative than to activate the judicial process against your good self," he said.

Continues online

TINUBU: US COURT ORDER OF $460,000 FORFEITURE AGAINST ME NOT ENFORCEABLE

Tinubu's Media Team Dismisses Claim Election Worst in History

Meanwhile, some representatives of Tinubu, yesterday, told a cross section of journalists in the United States of America that the claim in some quarters that the 2023 general election was the “worst” in Nigeria’s political history was totally unfounded.

The representatives, who included the Chief Spokesperson of the Tinubu campaign and Minister of State for Labour, Mr Festus Keyamo; Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare and Assistant Principal Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngalale, made the assertion at a parley held with the international media, at the National Press Center, Washington DC, USA. Keyamo, in a text titled: The Presidential Election 2023: Separating the Facts from Fictions, stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did everything to ensure that the general election was free, fair, transparent and credible, adding that the international observers, who came to the country to monitor the polls all attested to the credibility of the election.

Keyamo noted that Buhari created a level playing field for all contestants through the passage of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of various technology to enhance the quality of the election.

Besides, Keyamo noted that, "There was also complete non-

interference in the political process by state institutions. There were no reports of deployment of security agents or state apparati in support of the candidate of the ruling party."

The Chief Spokesperson also claimed that contrary to the false outcry by the opposition, the main technological device, Bi-modal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), did not fail on the election day, adding that "the portal that the opposition made so much noise about, IREV, is just a viewing portal, which has nothing to do with accreditation or verification of voters or even the counting or recording of votes.

"Whilst we hold no brief for the Electoral Commission, it sufficiently explained to Nigerians the next day that the delay in uploading the results to the viewing portal was as a result of a technical glitch.

And since the results have since been uploaded eventually, none of the parties have produced their own copies of the result sheets obtained at various polling units that substantially contradicts the results released and announced by the Electoral Commission.

"Even in their election petitions presently before the Court, no such alternative figures have been provided. So, what is all the fuss about?” Keyamo asked, pointing out that the opposition candidates had since gone to collect their Certificates of Return for the various seats they won, wondering why they did not reject the outcome of those elections too and reject their Certificate of Return?

While further asserting the

credibility of the general election, Keyamo told the gathering that it was only Tinubu, who met the constitutional requirements "especially that of the spread (he scored 25 per cent and above in 29 states), even though all the three top candidates won 12 states each.

"The candidate of the PDP scored 25% and above in just 21 states, falling short of the 24 states required and the candidate of the Labour Party scored 25% and above in 15 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, making it 16 states. There was just no pathway to victory for these candidates, who did not have the requisite national acceptability. So, how tenable is the claim of rigging the elections?

We see none," he added.

Keyamo argued that the elections were so credible that it threw up some upsets in some otherwise settled demography.

"For the first time, 20 sitting governors lost their states, mostly those of the ruling party. Seven governors, who sought elections into the senate failed to scale through. This has never happened in the history of Nigeria.

In addition, the president-elect lost his home state (Lagos State); the sitting President lost his home state (Katsina State); the Director-General of the Campaign lost his home state (Plateau State); the ruling party chairman lost his home State (Nassarawa State); the Chairman of the ruling party’s Governor Forum lost his home state (Kebbi State) and the ruling party lost some of its traditional strong holds like Yobe State, Kaduna State and Kano State.

All these go to show that it was a

keenly contested election and one of the most credible in our history.

"The reports of some irregularities and violence in some polling units could not have affected the overall outcome of the elections too. There are 176,974 polling units in Nigeria and infractions and violence were recorded in less than one per cent of these units. How could these have affected the overall results of the elections?

"Whilst we look forward to an era, when there would be no single casualty during elections in Nigeria, however, the statistics show that 2023 recorded the lowest casualty rates ever. During the 1964/65 elections, about 200 deaths were recorded as a result of election violence; 1993 election recorded 100 deaths; 1999 election recorded 80 deaths; 2003 polls recorded 100 deaths and 2007 polls recorded 300 deaths. The 2011 polls recorded 800 deaths, the 2015 polls recorded 100 deaths and the 2019 polls recorded 150 deaths.

"However, the 2023 polls recorded no more than 28 deaths as a result of election violence. So, the claim that this is the worst election so far is totally unfounded," he stated.

He however, urged aggrieved parties that have already gone to court to have faith in the country's judicial system and desist from spreading false tales about the election across the world, adding that arrangements for the handover ceremonies were in full gear.

"The president-elect will take his oath of office as President of Nigeria on May 29th, 2023. You are all invited," he concluded.

THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

NEWS

CAPITAL MARKET COMMITTEE MEETING…

L-R: Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Ibrahim Boyi; Executive Commissioner, Operations, Mr. Dayo Obisan, Director General, Mr. Lamido Yuguda; Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, Mr Reginald Karawusa, and Director, Director General’s Office, Mr. Daiyabu Kurfi, during the first quarter 2023 virtual Capital Market Committee Meeting in Abuja… yesterday

Wike Begged Me to Convince Atiku to Announce Him as Vice Presidential Candidate, Melaye Alleges Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Senator Dino Melaye has replied Governor Nyesom Wike on his recent comments that the chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not have the tenacity to win the Kogi State governorship election slated for November 15, this year.

Melaye explained that that it was because of his capacity that made Wike to fully support his governorship ambition in 2019.

The former representative of Kogi West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, disclosed how governor Wike allegedly begged him to convince the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to announce him as his running mate.

Wike, while responding to responding to questions on a media chat held in Port Harcourt, alleged that the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum recently called him and expressed concern about attempt to manipulate the Kogi State governorship primary in favour of Melaye.

The Rivers state governor, however, mentioned that Melaye is a joker and does not have the

tenacity to win such seat in Kogi.

He added PDP was doomed to lose the election if it makes Melaye the standard bearer of the governorship election in the state.

Reacting, Melaye explained how Wike tried to allegedly manipulate him and other members of the party to get the vice presidential candidate ticket. He said the Rivers state governor called him 19 times in two hours but he frankly declined even with so much promises.

Melaye said: “I want Nigerians to know that Wike was my biggest supporter when I ran for Governorship in 2019. Wike was my biggest supporter financially, and even otherwise. Apart from funding me to a tune of hundreds of dollars, he provided his private jet to drop me in Kogi on the day of the primary.

“His jet dropped me at Kogi from Port Harcourt on the day of the primary, that is to show the level of intensity of his support and belief in me in 2019.

“So the man who saw competence, who saw capacity and even invested his money on me in that project, today, in 2023 is saying that am not qualified.

The only explanation to that is

Osun APC: Insolvency Responsible for Adeleke’s Failure to Pay Promotion Arrears with March Salaries

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor, Ademola Adeleke of using lies and diversionary tactics to run the affairs of the state.

It further said what is currently going on in the state was a pointer to the fact that the state government workers appear to have been unwittingly sweet-talked by Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) into believing in his leadership.

Adeleke had blamed miscalculation by salary officers for the failure of his administration to pay with the March salaries, the promotions arrears of the government workers effected by his predecessor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, as earlier promised by the governor.

However, in his response, the Osun State Acting Chairman of the APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal,

in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo, yesterday, stated that the excuse given by Adeleke for his inability to implement the cash backing of the workers’ promotion arrears was not genuine as it was a mere diversionary tactics to further deceive the labour.

According to Lawal, “as a responsible and responsive opposition party, we make bold to say that it was not true that there were miscalculations by salary officers.

“The fact remains that the prodigal administration of Adeleke has exhausted everything in the kitty. The workers have entered a proverbial one chance vehicle.

“It was reliably gathered that the computation was done and correctly done. When it was collated with the March salaries, the governor discovered that they had less fund to underwrite it.

psychotic disorderliness, the only explanation to that is mental fatigue. Because you cannot fund a project few years ago, to the extent that your money, your material resources, he was calling on the day of the primaries to know the development.

“So, the same champion you

saw few years ago, today because I have refused to work in alliance to your myopic agenda; because I have refused to collaborate your intellectual stagnancy, you now say that the same person you sponsored years ago, today is no longer qualified to be governor.

“I am more qualified to be

governor than Nyesom Wike. If somebody like Yahaya Bello and Wike can become governor, then you are saying the intellectually mobile fine boy Dino cannot be governor, how?.”

Insisting that the outburst was because he allegedly declined the plea to work for the governor

on his ambition for VP, Melaye said: “But I want to tell you that Wike is a pretentious character, is a lier and he has no integrity.

Wike was calling me when Atiku Abubakar was about announcing his running mate. I have records, I have printed it out and I am waiting for him.

Benue Open Grazing Law Still Stands, Says Ortom George Okoh in Makurdi

The Benue State Government has disclosed that the Benue law against open Grazing still stands even as it has suspended the activities of the implementing agents, the Benue Livestock Guards.

The state government through the Special Adviser on Media Mr. Terver Akase yesterday said It had become pertinent

to clarify the misconceptions in some sections of the media regarding the decision of the Benue State Security Council to suspend operations of the state Livestock Guards for two weeks.

According to Akase “The suspension of the Livestock Guards is only a grace period which became necessary to allow for reduction in the influx of cattle into the State.”

“Majority of the pastoralists who came into the state said that after the February 25 and March 18, 2023 elections, they were told that a new government was in place in Benue State and the ban on open grazing of cattle had been lifted paving the way for them to move into the state without hindrance.”

“As Governor Samuel Ortom stated while briefing the press at the end of the State Security

Council meeting Tuesday, 11th April, 2023, the action is part of measures to ensure that all those who invaded the state with cattle leave so that Benue people would have peace and go about their legitimate and lawful businesses.”

He said the enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law is still in full force.

Coalition Writes Adamu, Demands Zoning of Senate President to South-east

Adedayo AkinwaleinAbuja

The Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has appealed to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to consider the adoption of Senate President of South-east extraction in the 10th Assembly based on character and competence.

In a letter dated 12th April, 2023, signed by Mazi Peter Okorafor and addressed to the National Chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, the coalition said the

country’s national polity had been overheated with pre and post-election agitations bothering on ethnic and religious sentiments over the allotment of principal offices of the various tiers of government.

It said for a smooth democratic process, there was a need for the protection of nascent democracy which was hinged on the principle of Federal Character as provided in the constitution, which recognises and promotes inclusivity of all groups in the country into public offices.

The coalition added that by compliance with this provision, the peaceful co-existence and national security was guaranteed, which was the bedrock of progress and development of our nation.

It argued that without being subservient to primordial argument of state, tribal, religious, regional considerations, emphasis should be placed on character profile, experience, capacity and competence on who should superintend over any arm of government especially the Senate

of the 10th Assembly.

The coalition stressed that for the 10th Assembly, the aforementioned should be the yardstick in determining who becomes the senate president.

“As members of the NWC, paramount amongst your reasons for preference on who becomes the Senate President, should be commitment to party, loyalty to party, capacity for performance and track record of service in party administration,” it added.

Delta South Senatorial: Diden Drags INEC Before Tribunal Alex Enumah inAbuja The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Diden has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal in Asaba, Delta State over the Delta South senatorial district election.

Specifically, Honourable Diden and his party, the PDP, in their petition marked EPT/DT/SEN/ 01/2023, are asking the tribunal

to void INEC’s declaration of candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Ewomazino Thomas Joel-Onowakpo as Senator-elect.

They predicated their request on the grounds that Joel-Onowakpo, “was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election” and the his election “was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

In the petition dated and filed on March 17, 2023 by their team

of lawyers led by Chief Ayo Asala, SAN, the petitioners amongst others are seeking an order of the tribunal, “collating the results of the election conducted in Warri South Local Government Area to the lawful votes recorded in favour of the parties and declare the winner of the election based on the collation.”

Prof. Anthony Peretimina, Returning Officer for Delta South Senatorial Election had last month announced the APC’s candidate as winner of the Delta South Senatorial poll having scored a

total of 49, 955 votes cast at the election.

The returning officer had also announced PDP’s candidate as 1st runners up having polled a total of 47, 656 votes cast at the election.

But, the petitioners faulted the Returning Officer for not complying with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the extant Regulations, Guidelines and Manual for Election Officials in the collation and declaration of the final results in the senatorial district.

EFCC Arrests 11 Alleged Internet Fraudsters in Maiduguri The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Jere and Maiduguri Local Government Areas of Borno.

Its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement

yesterday in Abuja.

He said the suspects who were arrested included Olatunji Sherif, Bright Felix, Jude Magaji, Jonah Jondi, Ojobaro Abdullahi, Jerry Zizighi and Micah Joseph.

Others are: Mari Ayuba, Ibrahim

Abdullahi, Adam Abiodun and Victor Chinonso Okolieaboh.

Uwujaren said they were arrested in a sting operation following credible intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.

“Items recovered at their

residence included one Mercedes Benz GLK 350, a Toyota Corolla saloon car, smartphones, MTN 4G Wi-Fi and power banks.

“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” he said.

THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

46

NEWSXTRA

NEW SAMSUNG FLAGSHIP BRAND STORE OPENS…

L-R: Mobile Experience Group Head, Samsung West Africa, Joy Tim-Ayoola; Managing Director, Samsung West Africa, Dongkyun Lee; Founder and Chairman, Rifugio Communications, Dr. Kayode Thomas, and Mobile Experience Business Manager, Samsung West Africa, Nathan Lee, during the Samsung Flagship Brand Store grand opening in Oniru, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

FG to Partner Stakeholders in Decongestion of Custodial Facilities Michael Olugbode inAbuja Federal government has expressed its readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders to decongest correctional facilities in Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, made the disclosure during a round-table conversation with Prisoner Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA) and representatives of donors participating development agencies yesterday in Abuja.

Aregbesola said that correctional

centres in the country are highly congested with inmates awaiting trials, those on death rolls, those unable to pay debt and fines and some on minor offences.

According to the minister, the people in jail houses as first offenders are less than 20%.

He noted that “correctional service has no power over inmates.

Whoever the judiciary asked them to keep, they keep. Our role is for safe custody of the inmates and also to advise the government.”

Aregbesola appreciated the

stakeholders for their support and implored them to collaborate with the federal government by contributing not only financially but technically and intellectually in order to decongest the custodial

centers.

He said that most of the inmates currently in custody are those who committed state offences, which the president has no right to release, revealing that

the president has approved a bill that moves Correctional Service to concurrent list.

In his opening remark the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, who was represented

by Director Legal Services, commended the minister for his passion and efforts in the decongestion of custodial facilities in the country, which would be his legacy after his tenure.

Uzodimma Formally Declares Bid for Second Term The hearts of APC faithful in Imo State and beyond were on Wednesday satiated when Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State yesterday formally informed the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) of his acceptance to run for a second term in office.

Earlier in the year at a stakeholders meeting held in

Owerri and chaired by erudite banker and technocrat, Dr. Pascal Dozie, leaders from Imo State beckoned on Governor Uzodimma to go for a second term based on what they said were verifiable achievements in his first term.

Addressing the APC members comprising the State Working Committee,

Local Government and Ward Representatives at the party Headquarters on Okigwe road, Owerri, the Governor congratulated the members for their unity of purpose and commitment and enjoined them to put hands together and make the Party very strong.

He told them that all their past mistakes have been

forgiven even as he reminded them that “loyalty is key to the Party,” and “that is Politics.”

Governor Uzodimma told the excited party members that Nigerians have taken a decision in favour of APC, hence the reason they voted to elect a President of APC extraction in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A coalition of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri Support Groups has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct free, fair and credible re-run governorship election scheduled for April 15.

Mr Abdulrahaman Bobboi, spokesperson for the coalition made the call while presenting their letter to Fintiri and INEC

in Yola on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC had declared the governorship election in Adamawa on March 18 inconclusive.

Bobboi said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had a margin of 30,000 votes ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate who came second in

the election.

“PDP is expecting more votes during the re-run election.

“We are hopeful for a win, because the main result indicates that PDP is leading in the election, because of Fintiri’s good leadership in the last four years”, he said.

“Therefore, we are calling on INEC to conduct free, fair and credible re-run election in the

affected polling units,” he said.

He assured Fintiri of the group’s continuous support to ensure victory by protecting their votes during the re-run election.

“In Adamawa, PDP won two of the three senatorial seats, won seven out of eight seats for House of Representatives and 15 seats of House of Assembly members out of 25.

AbdulRazaq Forwards KWSIEC Nominees to Assembly for Screening Adamawa Re-run: Group Urges INEC on Free, Fair Election

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday forwarded nominees for screening and confirmation as chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) to the state House of Assembly.

This is contained in a message from the governor and addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu, yesterday in Ilorin.

The message was read before the state lawmakers during yesterday’s plenary.

The nominees are Okala Baba from Ilorin West as chairman; Fredric Sabi Abel Baruten, Hassan Taiye Salam

Oyun, Gbadeyan Gbadura Yomi Ekiti, Ndama Al-Hassan Edu, Saka Baliqees Kehinde Ilorin South, and Abdullahi Jenat Amdat, Ilorin East would serve as members of the commission.

Abdulrazaq said their nominations is in accordance with Section 1(9,2) sub-Section 1 to 5 of the Constitution having qualified with necessary skills and experience to carry out the duties of their respective positions.

The Speaker, therefore, directed the nominees to appear before the House for screening on Thursday) at 10 a.m.

He charged them to submit 35 copies of their credentials to office of the Clerk before close of work yesterday.

Court Bars Katsina PDP Caretaker Committee from Running Party Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis in Katsina State has taken a new dimension as the Lawal Uli-led faction has secured a court order restraining the newly inaugurated caretaker committee from running the affairs of the party.

Briefing journalists at the PDP secretariat yesterday on the court order, Uli said the interlocutory injunction had restrained the Chairman of the caretaker Committee, Dr. Abdulrahman Usman, and other members of the committee from spearheading the party’s affairs in the state.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP had on March 22, 2023, dissolved the Katsina State Executive Committee, and appointed a

19-member caretaker committee chaired by Usman.

But Uli explained that they filed a suit with number: KTH/33/2023 at the state High Court challenging the formation of the committee with a motion on notice with number: KTH/477M/2023, seeking an order restraining Usman and others from parading themselves as caretaker committee of the PDP in the state.

Uli, who displayed a copy of the court order before journalists, said: “We obtained the court order for the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction dated April 6, 2023, restraining Dr. Abdulrahman Usman and others from parading themselves as caretaker committee of the PDP in Katsina State pending the hearing and determination of the instant suit.

APC Makes U-Turn, Adopts Direct Primary for Kogi Governorship AdedayoAkinwale TheAll Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted the direct mode of primary for the conduct of the governorship primary election in Kogi State on Saturday.

The ruling party had initially announced indirect primary based on the request of the State Working Committee (SWC), but later reversed

itself following protests by aspirants and party stakeholders.

The party stakeholders and aspirants had faulted the delegates list forwarded to the party’s national headquarters, alleging that the process for compiling the list was questionable.

However, the party in a letter dated 6th April, 2023 and signed by the Acting National Chairman,

Senator Abubakar Kyari informed the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as the 17 aspirants of its decision to adopt the direct mode of primary.

It read: “We refer to our earlier letter dated 25th January, 2023, with reference no: APC/NHDQ/ INEC/19/023/191 wherein we notified the Commission of the mode of primary election for

the conduct of the Gubernatorial Primary Election in Kogi State.

“However, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reviewed the modalities for the conduct of the gubernatorial primary election in Kogi State and has therefore resorted to adopt the direct mode of primary election instead of the indirect Mode as earlier communicated.

‘PDP’s Victory in A’Ibom, A ‘Thank You Gift’ to Emmanuel’ Okon Bassey in Uyo

A cleric of the African Church of Nigeria, Reverend Richard Peters, has stated that the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State was the people’s way of showing gratitude to the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for the

achievement recorded in office.

He stressed that if the people were not happy with the governor and the services rendered during his tenure, they would have rejected him by voting out his party and his potential successor, Pastor Umo Eno, as witnessed in some other states in the country during the 2023 elections.

At a press conference in Uyo yesterday, the clergyman, who doubles as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, stressed that the 2023 elections in the state was an indication that the only way to gain the votes of the masses was through performance in office irrespective of criticisms.

He noted how some of the state governor’s proposed projects were criticised such as the 21 Storey Dakkadda building, Ibom Airline, and others.

According to Peters, “The outcome of the election is nothing but a show of happiness to Governor Emmanuel’s administration.”

BEDC Laments N11bn Monthly Invoice, Solicits Cooperation of Electricity Consumers AdibeEmenyonuinBeninCity The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc, (BEDC), Deolu Ijose, yesterday appealed for the cooperation of electricity consumers in its franchise states to meet their demands as it gets invoice of about N11 billion monthly.

Ijose, who disclosed this while

commemorating his assumption of office at the headquarters of the company in Benin City, Edo State, said the company was really keen on giving its best to its franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo respectively, saying its effectiveness was being hindered by acute funds due to energy theft.

He said: “The bottom line is that, we need funding, we need money

to be able to put these infrastructure in place.

“What do I mean by money? You will say that is our responsibility to put all these things in place, but at the same time, we must collaborate with the citizens and plead with them also because BEDC is not a social service anymore, it is not NEPA anymore.”

According to him, “On monthly

basis, BEDC must go out to buy energy from an institution we call NBET, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Limited.

“That is where we buy energy and I get invoice every month to the tune of about N11 billion.

“That is the bill I get every month and what do we collect?

We practically collect may be 50 or 60 per cent of that.

47

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

AC Milan, Real Madrid Close to Last Four as Napoli, Chelsea Fall C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E Femi Solaja with agency report Ismael Bennacer's first-half goal gave AC Milan a slender advantage over Napoli in the first leg of their all-Italian Champions League quarter-final last night at San Siro.

The Algeria midfielder struck home from the edge of the area after Braham Diaz broke superbly on the halfway line.

Napoli had Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sent off in the second half and were well held by an organised Milan.

Milan also came close to a second goal when Simon Kjaer's header bounced off the underside of the bar.

Napoli, in the Champions League last eight for the first time, were straight out of the traps, demonstrating a belief that comes from being 16 points clear at the top of Serie A. Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had their best chance of the game in the opening minute after a poor clearance fell at his

feet, but his effort from eight yards out was blocked on the line.

Napoli, the highest scorers in the competition this season, continued to push, with former Fulham midfielder Anguissa and Piotr Zielinski having efforts tipped over the bar.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have it all to do if they are to advance to the Champions League semi-finals after losing 2-0 to holders Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema's tap-in - his 90th goal in the competition - gave Real boss Carlo Ancelotti the perfect start against his former club.

Real Madrid struggled to add to their lead before Ben Chilwell was shown a straight red card in the 59th minute for fouling Rodrygo as the Brazil forward threatened to go clean through on goal.

Chelsea produced a battling performance but Real scored what could be a decisive second goal when substitute Marco Asensio finished well after the visitors were caught out following a short corner.

Golfers Jostle for WCGC Honour on Lakowe Course

Ismael Bennacer (right) earned AC Milan a vital UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg advantage against Napoli at the San Siro...last night

Monimichelle Boss, Egbe, Tells FG Facilities Can Be Fixed in Eight Months The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe, has offered to fix both the Abuja and Lagos national stadiums in eight months if given the opportunity.

Egbe said to do this, his company would not need a humongous amount of money as currently being brandished in official and unofficial quarters.

The Bayelsa State- born stadium construction expert said it was regrettable that the country was not tapping the full potentials of the technical expertise of his company which has its corporate headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“When it comes to this stadium construction business, I can tell you we are one of the best not just in Nigeria but Africa. I can beat my chest to say that and the jobs we have done across the country attests to that.

“In Monimichelle, we don’t cut corners. We are very professional in our approach to our jobs. This is why I am always close to tears when I see the state of our national

ABUJA/LAGOS STADIUMS stadiums in Abuja and Lagos. Truth be told, we can actually fix the playing turfs, tartan tracks, seats, scoreboards, Public address system and all the auxiliary works that give a stadium the pass mark from FIFA and CAF for high profile games of both stadiums in eight months.

“And we are capable of doing this with something far far more less than the figures I see being bandied around. The job we did

at the Lakowe Course is just the right thing as it exposes the national contenders to an atmosphere that prepares them for what the global stage will be offering, save for the weather.”

The 2023 World Corporate Golf Challenge is a team event run by Falcon Golf Nigeria and features four players representing a corporate organization, vying for a space to represent Nigeria at the global event.

The winners will be the team with the best Stableford score over 36 holes.

Other expectational feats at the event would also be rewarded at the two days championship including best individual honours, in Stableford, net and gross categories.

The event will also honour women golfers, veteran players, and guests in different capacities.

Lakowe Lakes Golf Course is a par 72 course nestled in a residential estate that offers short-let facility to golfers and other guests as well.

PwC U17 Tournament is WBF Champion 'Esepor' Returns as Akpata: Pathway to National Team in Future GOtv Boxing Night 28 Holds on May 1 London-based Nigerian boxer and World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental featherweight champion, Taiwo "Esepor" Agbaje, will make a ring return in Nigeria when he fights Tanzania's Twalib

Ten Hag: Man Utd Play Better Football with Martial on the Pitch Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that his side play their best football when Anthony Martial is playing.

Striker Martial, 27, has only played 17 games this season after a string of injuries, including a hip issue that saw him miss almost three months.

He returned off the bench to score against Everton on Saturdayand Ten Hag said he can start against Sevilla in the Europa League this evening.

"I see how he contributes to

at the Onikan waterfront (MJA Arena) is there for everybody to see,” Egbe boasted.

He noted that the end users ...players and coaches from different parts of Africa including the FIFA President and CAF President have given Monimichelle kudos after attending the opening ceremony of the FIFA/CAF Dr Aisha Buhari International invitational tournament for six of the best African female

teams at the MJA Arena.

Enyimba international stadium hybrid synthetic pitch is another Monimichelle signature pitch that is being celebrated in Africa, constructed by Monimichelle.

The Abuja national stadium turf has been dubbed as a disaster by CAF even after being refurbished by the sports ministry courtesy of a deal brokered with Dangote.

The Lagos national stadium on its part has not been able to host any game several months after it was adopted by Adebutu Kessington.

Nigeria’s premier golf facility, Lakowe Lakes Golf Course, would play host to World Corporate Golf Challenge from Friday, April 14 to Sunday, April 16, 2023, in Lagos.

The Golf Manager, at the facility, Femi Olagbenro, said yesterday that his team was ready and the course was in perfect shape to receive the golfers for the second time.

He expressed excitement in partnering the franchise holder, Falcon Golf Nigeria in executing a successful event.

“Our goal is to continually keep the facility in the best shape possible, which continues to put us in a good position for golfers looking to have the best golfing experience,” he noted.

Olagbenro added that the World Corporate Golf Challenge was a top amateur franchise event that players look forward to, where eventual winners represent the country for the global title.

“So hosting the Nigeria finals

EUROPA LEAGUE this team," said Ten Hag. "I just point to the stats.

The stats are telling you that the moment he is on the pitch, then the time he needs for a goal is really less (than others).

"When he is in the team - I refer to games against Man City, against Liverpool when he's in the team - we play our best football and have our best results."

Tuwa at GOtv Boxing Night 28 on May 1.

This was disclosed in a statement by the event organisers, Flykite Productions, on Tuesday.

The ten-round challenge is one of the seven bouts scheduled for the event set to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Esepor, the knockout specialist, remains undefeated in his fifteen bouts. His biggest victory came at GOtv Boxing Night 27, where he won the WBF title in December, following his seventh-round knockout of Richard Taruc Pumicpic of the Philippines.

Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona, said the event will be another showcase of local and international boxing talents.

“GOtv Boxing Night has been providing excitement for the fans and this edition won’t be an exception. We’ve got interesting local and international bouts lined

up for the night. We assure the fans of another exciting showpiece come May 1,” Alumona said.

The event will also feature an eight-round national lightweight challenge fight between Azeez Ayobami and Tosin Osaigbovo.

Also set for the night is an eight-round national super featherweight challenge contest between Samuel Moses and Michael Adesodun.

In the other bouts, cruiserweight boxer, Godwin Ambrose will face crack boxer, Stephen Kadima, in what promises to be an explosive national cruiserweight challenge duel, while Dolapo Omole will battle Gbolahan Mojeed, in an eightround featherweight bout.

Lightweight boxers, Emmanuel Abimbola and Prince Lion Nwoye will slug it out.

GOtv Boxing Night 28 is sponsored by GOtv and will be broadcast live on DStv channel 209 and GOtv Channel 34.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, has said that the NCF/PwC National Under-17 Championships was a pathway for talents to feature at the national team.

A total of 168 players from the six geopolitical zones will be participating at the event beginning today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Cricket Oval, Abuja.

Akpata, who was represented by Secretary General of the federation, Taiwo Oriss, yesterday at a press briefing ahead of the fourth edition of the tournament, said the partnership between both organizations has brought lots of development to the Nigerian cricket community.

“It is great for us having an organization like PwC partnering with us for over four years.

“This tournament is a pathway for players to be selected at the national team level.

“We have seen lots of players, who have been impressive at the event feature for the country in the short existence of the championship.

“The competition also affords us

the opportunity of getting kids off the street and giving them hope through the game of cricket,” Akpata said.

On his part, Tolu Adeleke, a Partner at PwC said the organization has been pleased with the initiative so far and reiterated support to the NCF. “We are excited and pleased to be here again. We have been doing this for the past four years and even before this, we were actually part of cricket developments in Nigeria, focusing on young talents especially when we started with “Naija Kids cricket competition” about five years ago.

“The values of the International Cricket Council (ICC) aligns with that of PwC. The values of integrity, working together, care etc and that is what the kids have exhibited in this competition over the years.

“We are proud with the crop of talents groomed so far and their achievements and as long as we see this positive impact, we will continue to support this laudable initiative," Adeleke said.

Thursday, April 13, 2023

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MISSILE

Obinna Ogba to Iyorchia Ayu “The national chairman lost his polling booth, ward, Local government area and state and the same thing applied to all the conspirators who offered tickets to whoever understood their language”-- Ebonyi Central Senator, saying the PDP deservedly lost the 2023 general election because of the mismanagement of its primaries at all levels by the Ayu-led National Working Committee.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Who Will Save the Police?

F

ollowing a viral video in which police escorts attached to a prominent Kanobased musician, Dauda Adamu Kahutu Rarara were shooting bullets into the air like village hunters, authorities in Abuja have waded in. “The NPF has condemned the unprofessionalism and act of indiscipline displayed by the policemen caught in the video that is trending where some policemen were seen firing shots to rob the ego and hype a musician in Kano city”, according to a statement by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

“The police officers have been identified and arrested. They will be brought to the force headquarters for an interview and necessary disciplinary action. Such an act is unpoliced and cannot be condoned.”

Whatever “unpoliced” may mean, it is unfortunate that this misuse of police officers persists. And that is because those who should protect the dignity of their rank and file have commercialised personnel deployment. Today, a Force that is constitutionally responsible for law and order has become one in which its rank and file are deployed to run errands for whoever can pay for their services. The two orderlies of Rarara may face disciplinary action but that amounts to treating symptoms rather than the disease. I don’t know of any other country where such high numbers of police personnel are deployed on guard duties.

If we scratch the surface, we may discover that the mutual distrust and barely disguised animosity between the police and ordinary citizens they serve is traceable to low self-esteem and suspicion that their worth and work are not appreciated. Yet, those whose duty it is to enhance their dignity are the very people who turn their men and officers into servants of the high and mighty of our society.

In a recent story, ‘Insecurity: Worries over growing number of police escorts attached to VIPs’, The Guardian newspaper raised serious issues about police personnel attached to private businessmen, political appointees, actresses and even their children, noting that this security protection is at the expense of citizens and has become a public nuisance.

“In traffic situations, ‘the big man or woman’, or their children and nannies, could be seen seated in the vehicles behind. Trucks in quasimilitary motorcade trail them. Inside are police officers, on secondment to these Very Important Persons (VIPs). At traffic bottlenecks, these officers, armed with AK-47 rifles slap bonnets of nearby cars, dishing orders to other road users: ‘Move. Clear. Give way’”, according to the report which detailed the ugly scenes many of us experience or witness daily on Nigerian roads.

For years, despite security challenges that plague the nation, the status symbol in Nigeria is to go about with as many police orderlies as possible. And you don’t even need to hold public office to enjoy such indulgence.

Foremost stand-up comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, aka Ali Baba, once shared his experience: “I spent three hours today directing traffic on Alfred Rewane Road (Ikoyi, Lagos). The drivers obeyed until three gun trotting policemen jumped down from two escort vehicles... to do their priority traffic control. I told one of the officers to take it easy because if I had not been there helping with the traffic, they wouldn’t have made it this far. ‘Oga dey hurry’, one said. I walked up to the vehicle and asked oga to wind down. But another set of three armed policemen alighted from the escort Prado Jeep by which time the gun brandishing officers had made way for

Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba

deal with it, we will never resolve our security challenges. Besides, police personnel are the ones paying the supreme price for serving these big men and women. In a recent piece, ‘Bulletproof Saviour’, I alluded to the five people, among them two policemen, who lost their lives when gunmen ambushed the convoy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Two additional police officers were also injured. A month later, it was the convoy of a popular Christian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, that was attacked by gunmen. Seven people, including three police officers, were killed. At about the same period, the lives of four policemen were gruesomely terminated when the convoy of a former Imo Governor, Ikedi Ohakim was attacked by gunmen in the state. In each of the three incidents, and many similar others that claimed police personnel, the target of the attacks and members of their families escaped because they were being driven in bulletproof vehicles. Meanwhile, their police escorts are condemned to some ramshackle Toyota Hilux vehicles.

If there is anything that the Rarara video shows, it is that there is a crisis of mission in the police. We can only hope that the next administration will deal with it. And for emphasis, I am rerunning the August 2022 column to insist that our policemen must stay true to their role as law enforcers, not Maiguards!

our very important personality…10 security details attached to one man! Anyway, what do I know? Shebi I am just a comedian.”

In my August 2022 column, ‘Police Orderly, Not Maiguard’, I raised this same issue. A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) sent me a note after reading it. “Segun, your column this morning is only for the record, it will not correct the ills. It is a self-inflicted malaise as you rightly pointed out. No IGP, I repeat, no IGP can stop it because none has the balls. We all saw on television the recent burial of the Queen (of England). How many dignitaries did you see with orderlies? And everything went perfectly. The weekend is almost here, go to any socials, you will see the nauseating abuse of police personnel. I have over the years confronted the high echelon of the Force on it. All I am always told is ‘Oga, don’t worry, we are working on it’.

Notwithstanding my statutory entitlements regarding orderlies and aides as a retired AIG, I have refused to activate the entitlements.

Let them serve the public instead. Segun, I feel both angry and frustrated by what is happening in the police...”

Like the retired AIG, I too am angry and frustrated. I cannot count the number of columns I have written on this vexatious issue as well as on the need for improved welfare package for the police. But even if I am beginning to sound like a broken gramophone, I will continue to harp on the fact that unless we

=============================== As the principal custodian of peace, order and security in a constitutional democracy, no institution is arguably more important than the police. But so abused is this law enforcement authority in Nigeria that most of their personnel have been reduced to playing guard duties for members of the business and political elite. It therefore came as no surprise when the Police Force Headquarters announced last week that one ‘Professor and human rights activist’ as well as her housemaid, brutally assaulted a policewoman “due to the refusal of the orderly to breach professional ethics by carrying out menial and domestic chores at her house.”

While the said professor and accomplice have been charged to court, I am surprised that the police could publicly express outrage over a self-inflicted problem they have refused to deal with. We must recall that more than a decade ago on 5th April 2012 in Calabar, Cross River State, the then Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, warned police orderlies to cease carrying handbags belonging to politicians and others for whom they provide security. In explaining that the duty of an orderly was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their principal and not to run demeaning errands, Abubakar said, “So, VIPs should take note that when we give them orderlies, they are not supposed to be turned into house boys and house girls.”

Pushing the responsibility to accord dignity

Maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities are the primary responsibilities of the Police.

They cannot play such roles effectively if most of their personnel are running errands, including for those with no visible means of livelihood.

to those being served presupposes a lack of professionalism on the part of their personnel, but police authorities can also not feign ignorance about the abuse to which those personnel are being subjected. And the reputational damage such inflicts on the Police Force. From holding plates of food at parties for fat cats who cannot dish their own meals, to carrying bags at airports, it is as if many of these law enforcement agents have been deployed to run errands for our big men and women. Some orderlies even shine shoes for their principals in the public. And by refusing to streamline the list of those entitled to police/security protection, all manner of people, including renowned ‘419’ fraudsters and kidnappers, go about with police personnel in a status-obsessed society.

I am delighted that the Police Service Commission (PSC) understands where the problem lies by calling for a review of the operations of the Special Protection Unit (SPU).

“The commission frowns at the abuse of police orderlies by Nigerians who now use them as status symbols or convert them to house helps who clean, cook or do menial jobs”, said the PSC in a statement by their spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, who condemned the attack on the policewoman. “With the security problems ravaging the nation, there is an urgent need to free many police officers loitering in private houses and following big men around.”

That precisely is the point. Statutorily, only the president, vice-president, governors, local council chairmen, legislative principal officers in the states and at federal level, magistrates and judges are entitled to police protection.

But this privilege has over the years been extended to just about anybody who can pay, leaving ever fewer personnel for real police work. Such is the level of degeneration that many go about with contingents of policemen in Toyota Hilux vehicles that have become part of the convoy of every prominent person in Nigeria. To worsen matters, the number of policemen deployed to serve political office holders is mind boggling.

In April 2017, following a public altercation between the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and then Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, the Force Headquarters released a statement, apparently oblivious of its implication. Responding to the claim by the governor that the IGP had marked him out for execution, then police spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood gave the number of police personnel attached to Wike as 221. The same number serves each of the other 35 governors, according to Jimoh. Highlights he provided were beyond scandalous. “The breakdown is as follows: One ADC (SPO); one CSO (SPO); one Unit Commander (Special Protection Unit) SPO; one Escort Commander (SPO); one Camp Commander (Counter Terrorism Unit) SPO; one Admin officer (SPO) to administer the Police Personnel, 54 Inspectors of Police; 136 Police Sergeants and 24 police corporals,” said Jimoh who concluded the statement with this self-indicting line: “Obviously, the total number of 221 police personnel attached to His Excellency, Mr Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, is more than the strength of some Police Area Command formations in some states of Nigeria.”

I found it quite shocking at the time that the police would publicly admit allocating 221 of their personnel to protect one man in a nation so challenged by insecurity.

Continued on page 26

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