WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

W’Bank Raises GDP Growth Forecast for Nigeria to 1.8% Obinna Chima in Lagos and Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The World Bank has increased Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for 2021 to 1.8 per cent, higher than the 1.1 per cent it had estimated for the

country earlier this year. The Washington-based institution, in its June 2021 Global Economic Prospect released yesterday, also forecast the GDP growth to hit 2.1 per cent for the country in 2022, compared with the 1.8 per cent it had predicted for

Nigeria in the earlier report released in January. Nigeria recorded a GDP growth rate of 0.51 per cent (year-on-year) in the first quarter of 2021, (Q1 2021) compared with the 0.11 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2020, according

to figures the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released last month. But the World Bank hinged its positive prediction for Nigeria on the expectation that crude oil prices would remain high as well as the government effecting structural

reforms and flexible exchange rate management. It said: “Growth in Nigeria is expected to resume at 1.8 per cent in 2021 and edge up to 2.1 per cent next year, assuming higher oil prices, structural oil sector reforms, and market-based flexible

exchange rate management.” The report stated that output in Sub-Saharan Africa shrank at an estimated 2.4 per cent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a milder-than-expected recession. Continued on page 48

Kyari Calls for Transparency in IOCs’ Operations... Page 8 Wednesday 9 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9557. Price: N250

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Suspension to Remain Indeﬁnitely Until Twitter Shows Remorse, Says FG NBC to license OTT House probes legality of stoppage, summons information minister Despite ordering violators' prosecution, Malami accesses Twitter, deactivates account Trump lauds Nigeria over Twitter's suspension Ezeobi Chiemelie in Lagos, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The suspension of the operation of American microblogging company, Twitter, in Nigeria by the federal government is to remain indefinitely until the

company shows remorse, a top federal government official told THISDAY yesterday. According to him, since the suspension of Twitter's operations in Nigeria last Friday, the company has not reached out to the federal government for dialogue. Continued on page 48

Govs’ Insistence Threatens Resolution of Judicial, Parliamentary Workers’ Strike FG directs workers to resume work or face sanctions Chuks Okocha and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The insistence of state governors to rely on the 45day window provided in their agreement with the judicial and parliamentary workers for the implementation of

its terms may prolong the ongoing strike by the workers, THISDAY has learnt. This is coming as the federal government has directed members of the striking Judiciary Staff Continued on page 49

GATHERING OF OIL CHIEFTAINS... L-R: Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari, at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit, in Abuja…yesterday

Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, Sultan, Others Meet Tomorrow over State of the Nation... Page 5

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NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, Sultan, Others Meet Tomorrow over State of the Nation

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and others will meet tomorrow in Abuja on the state of the nation. The meeting, which will be held under the auspices of Interfaith Initiatives for Peace, was convened to discuss “pressing issues” in the country. The group is jointly led by Obasanjo, Sultan, Abdulsalami, and Onaiyekan. According to a letter addressed to President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, sighted by TheCable, issues such as national unity, security, peace, integration, economic revitalisation and development will be discussed at the meeting. “I am pleased to invite you on behalf of Interfaith Initiatives for Peace jointly led by the Sultan of Sokoto, his eminence Mohammad

Sa’ad Abubakar and his eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, national peace committee chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Socio-cultural Consultative Committee convened by me and all these bodies called Committee of Goodness of Nigeria (CJN) to an exploratory meeting on pressing issues of national unity, security, peace, integration, economic revitalisation and development, women and youth welfare and general progress,” the letter said. Obasanjo had recently expressed worry over the state of the nation and blamed bad leadership for the nation’s woes. The former president, while receiving a book titled, ‘The Man, The General and The President,’ written by Femmy Carrena, had said in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, that even though the country was destined to be a land flowing with milk and honey, bad leadership had made it unachievable The former president had also on Sunday asked Nigerians to beseech God for a solution to the security

crisis plaguing the country. “We seem to have been overwhelmed and unsure

of how to handle the crisis in our land. But nothing is too difficult for God to do.

That is why we are here. “We have some challenges. These are beyond what we

can handle. We have to cry out to God to help us,” he had said.

FOR SAFER NATION... President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Mongonu, (rtd), at a meeting of the Security Council, in Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

FG: Global Terrorism, Armed Struggle in Sahel, Threats to Nigeria Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday attributed the unending violence in Nigeria to rising global terrorism and armed struggle in the Sahel region, which constituted a threat to Nigeria. Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Dingiyadi, said at a summit with the theme: "Strengthening Interagency Collaboration and Organisational Effectiveness for the Federal Ministry of

Police Affairs and Related Agencies" in Abuja that the situation threatened the internal security of the nation. The summit was jointly organised by the Federal Republic of Germany, the Ministry of Police Affairs and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). The minister spoke just as the Resident Representative of German Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Dr. Vladimir Kreck, said only collaboration of security

agencies in Nigeria would resolve the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria. The minister said the spread of global terrorism and arms struggle in the Sahel region had spilled into the country, thereby threatening the peace of the nation. "This changing crime pattern arising from upscale in global terrorism, increasing arms struggle in the Sahel region stimulate threats to national security and compromise the ideal nation-state as

postulated in the 1948 treaty of Westphalia, which emphasised sovereignty, territorialism and the ability of government to protect the state of its citizens", he stated. In his presentation, Country Representative of KAS, Dr. Vladimir Kreck, said the German Foundation, in association with the German ruling party, the Christian Democratic Union, recently conducted a review of the legal provisions of the various security agencies with Nigerian

experts. "This review showed, among others, that ineffective joint approaches to curb crime and terrorism as well as inter-agency rivalry have been caused by overlapping or conflicting mandates. "To solve this problem, we have commenced strategic engagement with the executive and National Assembly to discuss reforms that can create a more effective security apparatus in Nigeria", he added.

Proffering solutions to the security situation in the country, he said: "Considering the present security challenges in Nigeria and the overstretching of security agencies in Nigeria, it becomes clear that neither the armed forces nor the police or any other security agency alone will be able to bring security and peace to the country. Only joint, collaborative approaches will bring the prospects of success."

Senate Panel Indicts 59 MDAs Queried in Auditor General’s Report Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has indicted 59 out of 114 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) queried by the Office of Auditor General of the Federation in its 2015 report.

The Senate, after the conclusion of the first part of the 2015 Office of Auditor General Report, slated the report for consideration yesterday in the Order Paper, but later deferred the consideration till further notice. According to the report,

59 MDAs had their queries sustained with recommendations for consideration and approval of the Senate. In the summary of the report cited by THISDAY, 46 agencies were cleared by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Mathew

Urhoghide. In considering the report, the committee invited all the MDAs queried, out of which 84 made submissions and appeared before the committee to defend the queries raised against them. The report revealed that 21

MDAs sent written responses to the committee but did not appear before the hearing while seven MDAs made submissions but did not appear before the committee. The report stated that two of the MDAs reported to the committee that either

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) or both were in possession of the original copies of their documents; and therefore, they could not respond or appear before the committee.

Buhari Urges House to Confirm Yahaya as COAS Wants teachers’ retirement age raised Udora Orizu in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives, urging it to confirm the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Yahaya replaced the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Attahiru Ibrahim, who recently died in a plane crash in Kaduna.

Buhari also sent an executive bill to the House seeking to increase the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years. The president's requests were contained in separate letters, read yesterday by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the plenary. In the letter, he said Yahaya’s appointment was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18

subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act 2004. The letter read in part: ''In compliance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby forward for confirmation by the House of Representatives, the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria. His CV is herewith attached. It is my hope that the House of Representatives will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.'' The speaker referred the request for the confirmation to the Committees on Defence and Army. For the bill, the president said the decision to increase the retirement age and service

years of teachers was pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He said the bill would provide for a harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria. The letter reads: ''Transmission of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration. Pursuant to Section 58 subsection 2 of

the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith the harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 for consideration by the House. The harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria bill 2021 seeks to increase the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years, and also increase the possible years of service from 35 to 40 years.''

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NEWS

Kyari Calls for Transparency in IOCs’ Operations Gas flare reduced by 53%, says NLNG Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, yesterday called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to be more accountable to Nigerians and not just to their shareholders and companies. Kyari said at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja that although oil companies plying their trade in the country were responsible to their home companies, they must also strive to incorporate the interest of the government and its people. He added that shareholders expect companies to deliver value, which is reflected in the dividends that they are able to deliver and beyond that, they expect that chief executives should act responsibly. According to him, acting responsibly means recognising that there are citizens of that country that have different expectations. He stated that as CEOs, balancing between financial accounts, rendering dividends at the end of the year, and also meeting the other obligations, sometimes could be in conflict. He added that there is a delicate balance that national oil companies play which affects their relationship with their partners. He said: "For instance, my partners here, we will expect that they operate responsibly, that they are transparent to all of us, not just to the shareholders of the external nature, but also to us and even to Nigerians. “And as you do this, they will expect you to produce at the least of costs that is possible, because what that means is that there'll be more tax revenues and also

probably better margins for the national oil company. “So, these complications affect relationships between executives of national oil companies and international oil companies or even local companies that have to do business with them.” According to him, as the oil transition approaches, new opportunities must be seized, including in Nigeria where it revolves around gas. He pledged to carry

the NNPC’s partners in the oil and gas business and strive to align the interest of all parties, doing what is reasonable for all stakeholders. Managing Director of the Nigerian LNG, Mr. Tony Attah, said energy demand would grow by more than 30 per cent, while the world’s population would rise by two billion by 2050. He added that the world is now talking about

decarbonisation, which is about sustainability, and that the environment must be preserved for generations unborn. According to him, the company has been a receptacle for gas to be aggregated upstream and has done a lot beyond the monetisation of the product, with massive reduction in operational gas flaring by more than 65 per cent, way down to 12 per cent.

He stated that Nigeria has been largely heavy on the export business that people have criticised the operations of the NLNG, stressing that today, NLNG is a leader in terms of LPG. “Last year we delivered more than 370,000 tonnes, which is an almost 40 per cent of the one billion tonnes that was consumed for the first time in terms of LPG. We then went to the board to say we’ve met our targets,

let's go to 500,000 tonnes. “Essentially, bringing cleaner energy into the country is a big deal for us, because we have data that more than 100,000 people actually die on an annual basis in Nigeria as a result of indoor inhalation of exhaust waste,” he said. Attah said the company had contributed over $8 billion in taxes and expending over $130 billion in just the purchase of gas.

REPORTING BACK TO FAYEMI... L-R: Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapounda; Chairman, Ekiti State Commission of Inquiry on Lands and Related Matters, Justice Adekunle Adeleye; Committee Secretary, Mrs. Tosin Odudu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, during the presentation of the commission’s report, in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday

Nigeria to Drive Africa’s Telecoms’ Growth, Says Report Dike Onwuamaeze A report by Moody’s Investors Service has said that Nigeria holds the key to the growth of telecom’s sector in in the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Moody’s, in the report that was released on Monday, tipped Nigeria to lead the sector’s growth in Africa because of its large population and relatively low internet and mobile phone penetrations compared to its population. It also estimated that mobile subscribers in SSA would increase by 150 million over the next five years, with most of the growth coming from markets with large populations and low penetration rates. The report, which was titled: “Sector In-Depth: Telecommunications-Africa,” stated that African telecoms would benefit from strong growth but are faced with increasing sovereign risks. It added that growth

would “be highest in the SSA countries with large populations and relatively low mobile penetration rates such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Kenya. “We expect the strong growth of the telecommunications sector in many SSA countries to continue over the next three to five years. This will be supported by the region's young and fast-growing population, relatively low mobile and even lower internet penetration rates and growing adoption of smartphones.” Moody’s hinged its strong growth outlook for the telecoms sector in SSA on the sector’s sustained growth in revenue since 2018 by its largest mobile network operators (MNOs) like the MTN Group Limited, the Vodacom and the Airtel Africa Plc, which contrasted high-income countries where the mobile phone market has been saturated in terms

of subscribers that made network operators' earnings to be stagnating. The report also expected that demand for telecom services would be broadened as the large under-banked population in Africa would be targeted by mobile network operators with mobile money solutions that add another source of revenue growth and customer loyalty. It said: “The convergence of payment services integrates telecommunication services deeper into people's lives, which will in turn increase mobile and data subscription rates.” The report also anticipated increased investment in upgrading telecom’s infrastructure to 4G technology to accommodate increasing traffic and meet demand for higher speeds. It said: “Telecom companies are investing in network capacity and speed to absorb growing demand. Operators are planning capital spending of $37 billion over the

next five years, according to GSMA. Operators are prioritising investments over other uses of capital and are reducing dividends and rationalising portfolios. “For international telecom companies, investments in Africa provide growth opportunities in contrast to stagnating earnings in their mature home markets. The Vodafone Group Plc, the Orange and Emirates Telecommunications Group (Etisalat) have invested in Sub-Saharan Africa to diversify away from their mature domestic markets. For these operators, revenue from SSA represents a modest 11 per cent to 14 per cent of total revenue but generally accounts for most of the growth.” The Moody’s stated that although mobile phone penetration has grown rapidly in SSA since 2011, the region still remained among the lowest globally. It said the SSA had 477 million mobile subscribers

as of 2019, according to the GSMA, accounting for 43 per cent of the population, which is still low compared with global penetration rates and subscribers typically hold more than one SIM card. The report added that internet usage by only 25 per cent of the population of SSA would increase with the introduction of 4G enabled smartphones. It said: “Internet adoption and usage will increase rapidly over the next three to five years as operators roll out networks and upgrade technologies. In addition, 4G-enabled smartphones will become increasingly affordable through the rollout of devices costing less than $100 and via financing partnerships between telecom operators, local banks and global technology companies, including Google. “We estimate that unique mobile subscribers in SSA will increase by 150 million over the next five years, with most of the growth

to come from markets with large populations and low penetration rates. Data usage will grow even faster as existing subscribers upgrade to smartphones and become data customers and as existing data customers consume more data on more advanced devices. “This is credit positive for MTN, the largest operator by mobile subscribers in Nigeria and Uganda; for Bharti Airtel through its majority ownership of Airtel Africa, the second-largest operator in Nigeria, Uganda, DRC and third-largest operator in Tanzania; for Vodafone through its majority ownership of Vodacom, the largest operator in DRC and Tanzania; and for Orange as the third-largest operator in DRC. It will also be a credit positive for Africell, which acquired a licence to enter Angola in 2021. Ethiopia is a closed market but in May 2021 awarded an operating license to a consortium led by Safaricom and Vodacom.”

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021

COMMENT

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

SANWO-OLU: A CATALYST LEADING THE PACK Olusina Thorpe writes that the Lagos State governor is doing remarkably well

‘

Voices From the Trench: An Anthology of Poems by the Soldiers of the Nigeria Army’, during the Nigerian Civil War, is a fascinating collection of poems. Late General Mamman Vasta was one of the editors of the collection. A non-commissioned officer made a vital contribution in the collection. It partly goes thus: “If you cannot be a building, be a room. But make sure you are the best room in that building”. This implies that wherever you find yourself, do the little you can to be a change agent. One of my major takeaways from the two years in office of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is that positive change is possible where impactful leadership is available. What the governor and his team have accomplished within two years is a pointer to this. In spite of fundamental challenges such as COVID-19, EndSARS violence, and dwindling revenue among others, the Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to break barriers in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to Lagosians. In transportation, the government has ingeniously created an opportunity for the development of the three major modes of transportation–rail, road and the waterways. Considering the government’s level of investment in rail transportation, it will certainly not be long before rail becomes effective in the state. Rolling stock for the Blue Line, which comes from Mile 2 to Marina, has been ordered, while progress is equally being made on the Red Line such that in two years’ time, Lagosians will be moving on the Red Line, which will traverse from Agbado to Marina, moving more than one million commuters daily. In road transportation, the government has completed and commissioned strategic roads such as the Tedi-Muwo Road and Link Bridge, Lagos-Ogun boundary roads in Alimosho and Agbado-Oke–Odo, the 1.4 km dual carriage Pen-Cinema Bridge Agege and access roads and Oniru Network of roads, among others. It has also reconfigured six Junction/Roundabouts under our Traffic Management Intervention Plan (TMIP). This is in addition to completing the 13.68 kilometers Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor. It has equally completed and commissioned 31 networks of roads in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Over 350 inner roads have similarly been rehabilitated by the Public Work Corporation, while 90 palliatives and 261 sectional rehabilitations were done on vital roads across the state. Currently work is ongoing at the Lekki Regional Roads, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Agric-Isawo Road, Ikorodu, Bola Tinubu-Igbogbo-Imota Road, Ijede Road, Ikorodu (Phase 1), Oba Sekumade Road, Ipakodo, Ikorodu and Itamaga to Ewu Elepe town, among others. Also, over 600 buses have been commissioned in the course of two years. Another 100 high-capacity buses had just been added to the fleet, while the First and Last Mile (FLM) busses scheme was recently launched with 500 busses. Likewise, the Lagos Ride, also known as the Lagos Taxi, was recently unveiled. The first set of 1000 will be arriving soon, while a small assembly plant is being built to ensure the sustainability of the scheme. The long-term goal is to have 5000 taxis in the fleet. The third component of transportation being developed is the

ONE OF THE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM THE TWO YEARS IN OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR, MR. BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU, IS THAT POSITIVE CHANGE IS POSSIBLE WHERE IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP IS AVAILABLE

waterways. Some 15 terminals are being built concurrently in different parts of the state such as Liverpool, Ebute-Ero, Ibeshe, Okun Ajah and Badagry among others. Seven new ferries have also been added to the existing fleet of 12 by LAGFERRY, thus making the waterways a viable option for commuters For effective synergy, the government is working on a single payment system in the transportation master plan where a single card can take commuters on a bus, rail and road. The effects of COVID-19 were both negative and positive. The pandemic gave the state a learning experience about improving infrastructure in the health sector. Not only has more doctors and nurses being recruited, infrastructure is also being improved in the state’s secondary health facilities. Presently, about six secondary health facilities are being built, while four Mother and Child Centres (MCCs) have been delivered in Badagry, Igando, Eti-Osa and Epe. Also, a brand new 500-bed capacity Mental Wellness Rehabilitation Hospital is being built in Ketu Ejirin, while the construction of the biggest Children Hospital in Africa, the Massey Street’s Hospital, is also on course. Isolo, Ebute-Meta, Harvey Road and Epe General Hospitals are equally undergoing extensive renovation concurrently. On the environment, waste management and conversion are being properly handled. Two landfill sites are being shut down to give way for extensive renovation. Also, 100 compactor trucks are ready to be launched before the end of this month, while 40,000 waste bins would be given out to residents to use in front of their various houses. This is in addition to massive dredging of canals across the state. In the education sector, 1,097 projects are ongoing in various parts of the state. Recently, Mr. Governor commissioned four schools on the same day in different areas of the metropolis. Over 500 new classrooms have been improved, while over 2000 hostel accommodations have been constructed in boarding schools. Over 100,000 new benches and tables have been handed over to public schools. At the moment, three brand new schools are being built in Elemoro. To beef up teaching personnel, about 1,500 new teachers were recruited, while over 15,000 others were trained through the Eko Excel programme on 21st century modes of teaching and learning. The government is working on using technology as a strong enabler for the public schools. Over 80 schools are to benefit from ongoing 3000km PPP metropolitan fibre optics grid being planted across the state. Very soon, 100 fibers will be available to enhance internet capability. The optic fibers would go round all schools, hospitals and public buildings across the state. This will make the internet and data available. Infrastructure is also being developed at the grassroots, with the 377 ward projects, while 14 housing schemes have been completed and commissioned. In order to enhance food security, a five-year road map for agriculture development was recently unveiled, while 100 hectares of land has been set aside for farming. Thorpe (mnipr) is Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

NIGERIA AS A FAILED STATE

Nigeria manifests many symptoms of a failed state, argues Sonnie Ekwowusi

fter initially taunting Nigeria as a weak state or a falling State confronted with doom and existential threats, the international community has now affirmed that Buhari’s Nigeria has cascaded into the abyss as a full-fledged failed state. At present, Nigeria exhibits the major symptoms or features of a failed state; erosion of authority of the government to make collective decisions; incapacity of President Buhari to defend as well as secure the borders of Nigeria from internal and external violation in consonant with sections 1 (2) and 2(1) of the 1999 Constitution; suppression of freedom of expression such as banning the use of Twitter in Nigeria and threats to prosecute Nigerians using Twitter; inability of President Buhari, pursuant to section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, to protect lives and property of the citizenry and to suppress internal insurrection, banditry, secession threats, murder, anarchy, tension, fear, suspicion, disorderliness, hatred and chaos everywhere in Nigeria. The impression one gets wittingly or unwittingly on listening to Mr. President is that he is confused or that he has lost control of the state of affairs in Nigeria. It is sad that like Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Central African Republic and Myanmar, Nigeria has become a full-fledged failed state. Nigeria can no longer guarantee the safety of her citizens. Nigeria is unsafe. Nigeria has weak rule of law. Foreign investors are scared stiff coming to Nigeria. Foreign investors already in Nigeria are contemplating quitting. Many young Nigerians are fleeing. The Central Bank policies are erratic as much as they constitute a barrier to investment in Nigeria. Nigeria borders are porous. Boko Haram insurgents,

bandits and all sorts of gunmen are infiltrating Nigeria through her porous borders. All failed states harbor violence, internal rebellion and insurrection and different forms of violent internal strife. At present, Nigeria harbours different forms of internal insurrection. It is obvious that the Buhari government is incapable of providing peace and stability to the people of Nigeria. In the past the mass killing, banditry, kidnapping, assassination and internal insurrection were restricted to only North Eastern Nigeria. Now the whole country is engulfed with violent killings, insurrections and mayhem. For example, hardly any day passes these days without some Nigerians in different parts of the country being killed or mowed down or abducted or willfully assassinated. We have lost count of the serial abduction of school children. In fact parents whose children are in boarding houses in secondary schools are contemplating withdrawing them from there to save them from being abducted. The latest at the time of writing was the abduction of over 200 school children of Islamiyya School at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. This testifies that Nigeria is a failed state. How can abductors abduct over 200 students from a school without any security personnel or onlookers noticing it and raising an alarm? Besides, how can abductors abduct over 200 school pupils at a go? With trailers, trucks or what? Mind you, this is not the first time we are witnessing such a mass abduction of school children. On February 26 2021 barely nine days after abduction occurred in Niger State, 317 girls were abducted from a government girls’ secondary school in the Jangebe area, Zamfara State. On April 20 2021, about 22 students and staff

of Greenfield University were abducted. Five of the students and a staff were killed by the abductors. But the most tragic of them all depicting Nigeria as a failed state is the on-going extra-judicial killings and gross human rights abuses being perpetuated in South Eastern Nigeria by the Nigeria police and Nigerian army. Under the guise of conducting house-to-house raids to smoke out IPOB and ESN members from their hideouts in the South-East, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police, abandoning the Rules of Engagement (ROE), have been killing and injuring unarmed civilians in the South-East. It is amazing that anti-Igbo sentiment and Igbo hatred are yet to fizzle out 51 years after the civil war. You can see how Igbo are continuously being made the scapegoat of the simmering Nigerian political crises. For example, rebels, killers, abductors, arsonists, secessionists and doomsayers abound in different parts of the country. In the North they are freely killing Nigerian and destroying public facilities for years under the watch of the Nigerian army. The Fulani herdsmen have been freely going about killing and maiming their victims. The Nigerian army does not crush them. Miyetti Allah, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others have been inciting the citizens and making utterances that verge on treasonable felony. They get away with them. They are untouchable. Igbo are the targets. You can see how they are taking advantage of the recent violent killings and destruction of public facilities in Igbo land to re-enact or fan the embers of pre-civil war Igbo prejudice towards the Igbo people. President Buhari has just reminded the Igbos that they were massacred during the civil war. Sad. Meanwhile fully-armed Nigerian soldiers are being dispatched to Igbo land to crush the people there. I have nothing against bringing Igbo arsonists, violent

brewers, public property destroyers and trouble makers to justice. But what is detestable is the maligning of the entire Igbo race. Why the name-calling? Why continuously harbor hatred against the Igbos? Why contemptuously label Igbos as secessionists when there are secessionists across the ethnic groups in Nigeria? Why kill or maim unarmed innocent Igbo civilians? Must the truth offend? After 51 years, why can’t they forgive the Igbos? It is unfortunate that President Buhari has squandered the confidence and trust reposed in him by his admirers. The last six years of his reign as civilian President have been six years eaten by locusts. It is difficult to pinpoint one singular achievement of the Buhari government. The government came to power on the mantra of fighting corruption. Now, six years on, it is obvious to all and sundry that the Buhari government itself is corruption writ large. Perhaps one achievement of this government in the last six years is to drag Nigeria into the membership of failed states. Imagine the most populous and most richly endowed African country joining insignificant countries such as Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Somalia, South Sudan and Myanmar as a full-fledged failed state. Buhari’s Nigeria has failed on all fronts - politically, economically, socially, culturally, intellectually and morally. Consequently in the media, beer parlours, pulpits, lecture rooms, market places, stadia and other fora, Nigerians soberly ask the following questions: What does the future hold for us and our children under Buhari? Where is hope? And President Buhari is not helping matters. He is unrepentant. He is violating the right to freedom of expression of Nigerians. His managers should properly advise him if he cares to listen to them.

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021

EDITORIAL INSECURITY AND THE SOUTHEAST The political leadership should look at the issues that may be driving violence in the Southeast

has raised many perplexing questions. Who did it, and why? Sadly, the handling of the case by the police is even more baffling. Within hours of his murder, the police, typical of their lazy reports, came waving a flag that they had traced and “neutralised” all the culprits. How could the police treat this murder, which inflamed passions across the country in such a cavalier manner? How did they establish the motives of the people they summarily executed as the killers? And why the reference to ‘onions from northern Nigeria’ in their statement? It will pay the nation more if the police do not muddle up the case. The nation has lost count of many highprofile murder cases where the killers are never apprehended. The Gulak case has just increased the number.

ore details about the losses to the persistent security crisis in the Southeast states in the last few months were laid bare Tuesday. The Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Imo State, Brigadier Gen Raymond Utsala said that the hoodlums masquerading as “unknown gunmen” have killed at least 174 security operatives and civilians. In speciﬁc details, the military and police lost 159 personnel, while the civil defence lost 15 ofﬁcers. These are aside dozens of others that were summarily executed, including on the street. Overall, the security picture in the Southeast is messy, confused, and troubling.

The rising violence on persons, public and private facilities is raising tension with fears of reprisal killings in other parts of the country if the situation was not quickly brought under control. In the last few weeks, facilities belonging to the Independent National ElecWHILE THERE IS AN toral Commission IMMEDIATE NEED TO ARREST (INEC), security THE SLIDE INTO ANARCHY agencies, in addition IN THE REGION AND to private property, OTHER PLACES, SECURITY have been attacked and destroyed by AGENCIES SHOULD NOT these “unknown ESCALATE TENSIONS gunmen.” No BY INDISCRIMINATELY ARRESTING YOUTHS IN THE state in the zone is immune - from ZONE Abia to Anambra to Ebonyi, Enugu to Imo and sometimes extending to the neighbouring states of Rivers and Delta in the South-south. Last week, the chief provost of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Okiemute Mrere was killed on the Owerri- Port Harcourt highway. But perhaps no killing has heightened the sense of danger more than that of the late political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak. He was waylaid, ﬁshed out of the vehicle he was riding in and brutally killed on his way to catch a ﬂight in Owerri, Imo State. The gruesome murder of Gulak

Letters to the Editor

H T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY 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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, 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 HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

owever, all critical stakeholders in the Southeast must work together to contain the rising insecurity in the area. In the wake of the upsurge in crisis, the five governors hurriedly met and announced formation of ‘Ebube Agu’, a regional security outfit. But reports are indicative that the existing ones are not well provided for. The chairman of the Southeast Joint Security Committee, Brigadier General Obi Umahi (rtd) resigned few days ago reportedly for lack of attention to the organisation. The committee was not only starved of funds, it operated for two years without an office.

Beyond issuing threats that are in themselves becoming a problem as could be glimpsed from the current brouhaha with Twitter, President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to come out with any winning strategy to deal with the situation in the Southeast. While there is an immediate need to arrest the slide into anarchy in the region and other places, security agencies should not escalate tensions by indiscriminately arresting youths in the zone in the name of hunting down the “unknown gunmen.” While a combined technique of intelligence, law enforcement and special operations may help in containing the resurgence of criminality in the country, the political leadership may also look at the issues that drive violence in the Southeast.

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

EL-ZAKZAKY: 2000 DAYS AFTER

way from freedom, away from their family and away from justice; the ailing leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and his wife have now clocked 2000 days in illegal detention.

Under the pretense of mounting road block on the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) the Sheikh was attacked in his residence - several kilometers away from the position of the ‘alleged road blockage’ where hundreds of defenseless citizens were killed in cold blood. The Sheikh and his wife were shot at a very close range, thereby sustaining serious injuries of varying degrees, before being dragged over the dead bodies of their three biological children who were extrajudicially killed before their eyes. The couple, arrested since December 2015, have been in the custody of State Security Services and held incommunicado, before being moved to Kaduna correctional facility despite their deteriorating health condition. The Sheikh is still suffering from various life-threatening health conditions. For instance, he reportedly suffered from a stroke the aftermath of which he still feels till date. The story is not different for his wife Zeenah Ibraheem, who is now reportedly confined to wheelchair as she can no longer walk. All these were as a result of the refusal to offer adequate medical attention to the couple in the detention facilities (in both DSS custody

and KDCP). It could be recalled that in 2019, they were flown abroad to seek medical attention, but had to abort the trip without being treated. In truth, there is no justification, whatsoever, for the continued detention of the Sheikh and his wife. It is a clear violation of their every right as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria; the right to life, right to personal liberty, right to dignity of human person, etc. There have been numerous calls from clergymen and people of conscience, well-meaning Nigerians, international human right organizations, and peace-loving individuals across the globe; peaceful protests within and outside the country urging the Nigerian government to release the Sheikh and his wife. It could also be recalled that In December 2016 a Federal High court sitting in Abuja ruled that the detention of the Sheikh and his wife is “illegal and unconstitutional” and therefore ordered their release immediately and unconditionally, failure which, according to the learned judge Gabriel Kolawole, would be a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The Nigerian government, however, refused to comply with the court order till now. It chooses the law to obey. Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife ought to have been released as per the order of a competent court of land. Najeeb Maigatari wrote from Jigawa State via Maigatari313@ gmail.com

A SURE BET

ur local casino has a Pre-commitment card which is designed to help problem gamblers manage their losses by setting a daily limit to their spending. The problem is that there is no set limit to the limit they can set, and the most common value is reported to be $1 million a day. The median value is $50,000 a day which is more than some people’s yearly salary. I have no problem with occasional gambling, a few bets on the horses or a lotto ticket but I avoid casinos. The idea of a $1million a day limit is a sad joke rather than a useful tool to help problem gamblers and doesn’t seem to reflect many casinos claims that they are good corporate citizens. As long as we have Casinos, and other betting options, we will have problem gamblers and that’s a sure bet. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Will PDP in Anambra Implode? Inﬁghting has cost the Anambra chapter of Peoples Democratic Party the governorship seat of Anambra State for years. As zoning controversy rears its head in the party, David-Chyddy Eleke asks if the party will be able to unite to clinch the seat after its primary election

Azubogu

Ezeemo

Okonkwo

Maduka

to all and relying on the delegates of the party to choose for it a candidate they think can win the main election. But, in what looks forcing the PDP to recant its position on zoning, 12 aspirants of the party, who hail from southern senatorial zone have formed an alliance, insisting that one of them must be given the party’s ticket if the party must win the governorship election in November. The aspirants, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Dr Godwin Maduka, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, Chuma Nzeribe, Hon Chris Azubogu, Mrs Chidi Onyemelukwe, Walter Okeke, Ifedi Okwenna, Winston Udeh, Johnny Maduafokwa, Ugochukwu Uba and Emeka Etiaba in a meeting they held recently advised PDP to consider one of them for the ticket of the party. They cited the party’s constitution; article 7(2)C as providing for zoning of positions for the sake of fairness and equity. To further strengthen the argument, one of the aspirants, Mr Valentine Ozigbo in a press conference he addressed via zoom reiterated the position. He said: “Let me tell you, if PDP fields someone outside the southern zone, then they will not be in the election. I know that the next governor of this state will be from the south. Anyone that is not from the zone that is in the race may be doing so for another reason. “Of course you know that some people are contesting election to make money or for other reasons that are best known to them. If someone outside the 12 of us from the zone wins the PDP primary election, what it simply means is that PDP is not in the race.” Ozigbo stated that already, the odds favour him to pick the ticket of the party,

saying: “There is already a survey that has just been conducted by an Abuja based consulting firm, Eagle Badger, which was commissioned by a Washington DC based On Governmental Organisation (NGO), Council on African World Affairs, USA, which scored our chances high. The zoning issue is not for me because surveys that have been held favour me, whether there is zoning or not. But let me tell you, we need to get things right in PDP, for the sake of equity, fairness and justice.” Another aspirant, Dr Godwin Maduka, a Harvard University-trained medical doctor and pain specialist during a press conference re-choed it too. He insists that PDP should be considered not to be in the race if it chooses its candidate from another senatorial zone, other than the south. Though Maduka stated that he was not contesting for the governorship position on the strength of where he comes from, but the ideas he has for the state, he said that choosing someone from the zone will help the party win. He also spoke particularly about himself, describing himself as the best aspirant of the party, and one who has the capacity to win victory for the party. “I’m not in the race because of zoning, but PDP has to field someone from the south if they have to win. I know what I am losing by being here for the governorship race. If Anambra wants development, then they should vote for me. I’m a triple professor, a holder of four doctorate degrees, so you do not think I’m here to joke,” Maduka said. Already, the alliance by the 12 aspirants has started unsettling the peace in the party as some of the aspirants have kicked

against it. A former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife in a statement he signed disagreed with 12 governorship aspirants. Ezeife who has never hidden his support for Senator Uche Ekwunife queried the reason for excluding Ekwunife from the list of aspirants who hail from the southern zone. Though Ekwunife is from the southern zone, she is married to a man from the central zone and also represents the Central senatorial zone in the senate, just as she has previously represented Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia federal constituency, which is in the central zone. Ezeife described the communiqué by 12 PDP aspirants, as one made in bad faith. He said, “I am in possession of a communique signed by 12 PDP aspirants who are of southern origin. They based their communiqué on the provisions of PDP Constitution, Article 7, They made special appeal to PDP about zoning. This is very good. I am an apostle of zoning too even though PDP in their wisdom decided not to zone the governorship seat in Anambra State. “However, I did not see the name of my daughter, distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, on the list of those who signed the communiqué, or have the signatories began a discriminatory process against her? Uche Ekwunife is from Igbo-Ukwu in the Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra South Senatorial District. I believe that Uche Ekwunife has the constitutional rights as any Anambrarian to vie for the position of governor, either from Central or South Senatorial District. It’s her right, I strongly believe.” A source within the party said the resolution by the 12 aspirants was capable of causing infighting among members, thereby truncating the chances of the party in the November election. The source said the 12 aspirants were working towards arm-twisting the party into accepting to zone the ticket to the southern senatorial zone, just as other parties have done. “They may reject the primary election result if someone outside the 12 of them wins, and that would be the beginning of PDP’s trouble in the forthcoming election,” the source said. True to this source, the 12 aspirants have a large followership base, and may decide to work against the party if anyone from the four other aspirants from the other zones wins the primary election. A lot would therefore depend on the leaders of the party to see a way to pacify the 12 southern aspirants if no one among them wins, especially as the four aspirants of the party from other zones are also known to be powerful politicians who may win the love of delegates at the primary election. The PDP in Anambra has scheduled its primary on June 26 for the 16 aspirants who picked its forms.

hough the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been out of power for close to 16 years in Anambra State, members of the party believe it is still strong and standing in good stead. Three times, the party has lost the opportunity of returning to the Anambra State government house since it was removed through the court in 2006, and all three attempts were truncated by infighting among members, resulting from the choice of governorship candidate for the party. In 2010, a very stiff contest between Hon Tony Nwoye and Prof Chukwuma Soludo led the national leadership of the party to settle for Soludo, who was freshly out of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as its candidate. Other top guns in the party who were deeply opposed to Soludo’s aspiration ensured he lost at the main election, as Mr Peter Obi, then governor won a reelection. In 2014, Nwoye made it by becoming the candidate of the party, but he was again opposed by some members of his party, leading to his loss in the main election. Also in 2017, Mr Oseloka Obaze who won the party’s ticket was not supported by some members of the party who were unhappy, over his choice as candidate. Many felt Obaze was single-handedly picked by former governor, Mr Peter Obi, who many protested was still new in the party as at that time. They fought Obaze’s candidature, causing incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano to win reelection. Another opportunity for the party to win over the state will again come in November, but already, the choice of candidate and which zone he or she should come from is causing a row. Anambra has an unwritten rule about the zoning of the governorship seat, among the three senatorial zones of the state, but it has severally been violated by politicians. While the southern zone took one term of four years through Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 1999 to 2003, the central senatorial zone took the next turn through Dr Chris Ngige and Mr Peter Obi, spending a total of eleven years. On leaving office, Obi insisted on ensuring that someone from the northern zone succeeded him. Chief Willie Obiano who succeeded Obi will on March 17, 2022 conclude his eight-year term. Even with the unwritten rule, most politicians in the state from zones not favoured by the zoning formula have always contested the governorship election, each time there is an election, thereby questioning the efficacy of the rule. To continue with the unwritten rule, the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has zoned its governorship ticket to the southern zone for the coming election, but the PDP insists that doing so will be undemocratic, thereby opening its doors

The alliance by the 12 aspirants has started unsettling the peace in the party as some of the aspirants have kicked against it. A former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife in a statement he signed disagreed with 12 governorship aspirants. Ezeife who has never hidden his support for Senator Uche Ekwunife queried the reason for excluding Ekwunife from the list of aspirants who hail from the southern zone. Though Ekwunife is from the southern zone, she is married to a man from the central zone and also represents the Central senatorial zone in the senate, just as she has previously represented Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukoﬁa federal constituency, which is in the central zone

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021

POLITICS

Mixed Reactions Greet Okowa’s New Political Appointees

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Omon-Julius Onabu write that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has made a deft move that caught many of political and opponents by surprise

Okowa

midst apparent distraction from some leading politicians who previously served as members of the Delta State executive Council, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has cautioned those holding political appointments in his government against all forms of complacency or dereliction of duty because of their vested interest in activities towards the 2023 general election in the country. Unabashed political activities in the state have become heightened in recent times, leading to growing suspicion between politicians loyal to Okowa and others who have queued behind Chief James Ibori, a former governor of the state. In a veiled reference to why he dissolved the state executive council and numerous senior political appointees, Okowa stressed that they should ratther redouble their efforts to contribute to the administration to enable it deliver on the governor’s electoral promises and to climax that by finishing strongly. The governor gave the charge at the Government House Asaba, while swearing in the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah as well as eight special advisers whose appointment was announced last week. He cautioned appointees against abandoning their duties for politics of 2023, saying getting obsessed with 2023 politics could easily make them to lose track that could lead to negligence and dereliction of duty. Rumours of the dissolution of the Delta State executive Council had been in the air since the beginning of the year. After a long waiting period and when many were convinced that Okowa had decided to work with the same team till the end of his tenure, he sacked the cabinet I a surprise move that caught them completely unawares. Okowa said, “It is inevitable that politics will be played but, as much as possible, political appointees should endeavour to stick to their responsibilities and get a firm grip of the job at hand, he pointed out. “At the end of this tenure, we shall all have reason to celebrate the legacy of a Stronger Delta, standing on the tripod of prosperity, peace and progress,” Okowa said. However, the governor noted that he remained irrevocably committed to his administration’s avowed determination to finish strong in the interest of Deltans. While congratulating the new SSG and the Special Advisers on their appointment, he noted that Ukah had been an integral part of his administration’s S.M.A.R.T, now Stronger Delta Agenda, having served as Commissioner in two state ministries since the beginning of his administration in 2015. Okowa said, “He (Ukah), therefore, brings to the office of the SSG, a working knowledge of our policies and programmes and is well grounded to see to their effective implementation in his current position.

“But beyond that, the new SSG possesses an unpretentious mien, humble outlook, and bubbly personality that I believe will serve him well in this new assignment. “I have always said that the office of the SSG requires a person who is able to marry policy – where the administration wants to go - and politics – how it mobilizes resources, personnel and the necessary support for the agenda of government. “The SSG must not only have the capacity and competence to drive the administration’s policies and programmes, he must also be a consensus-builder and adept at managing various persuasions and handling conflicts, internal and external. “Hence, it is required of any SSG to be broad-minded, accessible and flexible, with a good sense of fairness and justice.” The governor added that he was proud of the job Ukah did in the two years he spent at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the various committees that he had headed in the six years of his administration. While expressing optimism that the SSG would continue in the same spirit of sacrifice, hard work and dedication, the governor admitted that there was no doubting the fact that the new office will present its own kind of challenge. Nevertheless, Okowa said “I have always been impressed by Ukah’s willingness to learn and ability to adjust quickly to situations. It is, therefore, my expectation that he will justify the confidence reposed on him with this appointment.” He charged the Special Advisers to discharge their duties in accordance with section 196 (Sub-section 1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “All of you are well acquainted with the key policy thrusts of this administration, hence, I expect you to work with a greater sense of urgency, unflagging enthusiasm, more creativity and innovative strategies to enable us successfully execute our policies and programmes for the greater good of all,” he added. Responding on behalf of the new appointees, the SSG, thanked Okowa for the honour done them, and assuring that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them in discharging the statutory responsibilities. Those inaugurated at the ceremony alongside the SSG included Dr Kingsley Emu as Chief Economic Adviser; Mr Omimi Esquire as Political Adviser; Chief Isaac Anwuzia as Political Adviser; Emmanuel Okoro as Special Adviser; Kelly Penawou as Special Adviser; Chief Andy Asawota as Special Adviser; Chief Edwin Uzor as Special Adviser and Chief Godwin Ogadi as Special Adviser. But some critics have argued that even the new appointees are also neck deep in the politics of the state. Top politicians and their followers in Delta State are sharply divided between those who want a return to the zoning formula to decide the governor of the state and those who believe the contest should be open to all Deltans who are qualified and feel sufficiently persuaded to run for the office. An informed source said, “What the governor has done is an attempt to checkmate those he suspects may hinder his plan to handpick a successor. This governor fought his predecessor to a standstill over the issue of a successor. We do not think he should try to serve others thesame dessert he rejected.” The thinking in some quarters is that Governor Okowa may be weighing a lot of options over reconstituting the Delta State executive council. The choice of the SSG, a seasoned administrator and tactical politician could mean that the governor wants to maintain a lean team, till the end of his administration, that will report to him directly and help his quest to finish strong. Another conjecture is that he will appoint new members of an executive council to serve between eight and 12 weeks to his exit as governor.

L-R: Mrs Amaka Tamuno, the Woman Leader of the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Organisation in Awka South 1, Rt. Hon. Eucharia Azodo, ﬁrst woman Speaker of the Anambra State of House Assembly, Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party frontrunner in the Anambra gubernatorial race, and Chief Okey Okpala, a member of the Anambra PDP Executive Committee, at a townhall meeting with PDP delegates from the 326

L- R: Hon. Uyime ldem, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam in the House of Representatives; Pastor Godwin Inyieng, Chairman Ukanafun Local Govt.; Mr. Moses Ekpo, Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom State, ; Elder Demas Udom, Chairman, Ukanafun Economic Development Summit Planning Committee, and Mrs Charity Ido, member representing Ukanafun in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, during the recently held Ukanafun Economic Development Summit in Ikot Akpa Nkuk, headquarters of Ukanafun local government areat

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry representing Governor Nyesom Wike (left) with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State at the opening of the National Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Media, Insecurity and National Unity at the Obi Wali International Conference, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

L-R: Representative, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mrs. Olajumoke Adeniyi; Director, Baba Pupa Clinic, Epe, Mr. Abass Yaya; Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Monsurat Adeleke and Director, Araba Ni Baba Maternity Home, Lagos Island, Chief Jokotifa Ajanaku at the Sensitization of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on the Prevention of Mother - To- Child - Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and Universal Precautions organized by LSACA at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

FEATURES

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

Restrategising to Entrench Longevity in Entrepreneurship Charles Ajunwa writes that participants at the just concluded Aba Business and Leadership Summit identified and proffered solutions to problems militating against the growth of businesses in Aba, the commercial centre of Abia State

L-R Obi, Ikpeazu, Maduka and Nnaji, at the Buiness and Leadership Summit held in Aba

Made-in-Aba products on display at the summit

need to build entrepreneurs for sustainability, maintaining that creative ways of doing business like use of technology should be applied in family businesses to keep them afloat from one generation to another. Utomi, Founder of Centre for Value in Leadership and a professor at Lagos Business School while acknowledging his passion for Aba entrepreneurship, said he was encouraged by the works of former Premier of Eastern Region, late Dr. Michael Okpara. According to him, ACCIMA had a duty to drive development in Aba, which he insisted would ensure trans-generational transfer of skills. “We must be innovative on how you handle businesses. Business owners need to understand the nuances of business and their priority. If Barth Nnaji completes the Geometric power project in Aba, the city in the next five years will explode.” Prof. Barth Nnaji, a celebrated engineer, innovator and Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power, the largest independent power project in Nigeria, said as part of his vision to light up the whole of Aba and environs, he has so far invested over half a billion dollars to his Geometric Power Plant located in Aba, adding that business owners should be properly mentored and trained. Nnaji, who was of the view that business owners should be properly mentored and trained, insisted on following due process in running any business. “We need to think about structure, corporate governance, and think about bringing high quality people to manage any business. When you are bringing investors into your business, they will look at your purse with appropriate accounting and audit. People should be properly mentored and trained, everything I do goes through proper process.” President/Founder of the Cosharis Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, who gave a moving presentation about his growing up, said though his education stopped at Form three he took to apprenticeship at a very young age to improve on his God-given talents. He called on young people to change their mental attitude to life, noting that every problem is a business. Maduka, who is a Forbes-listed businessman, disclosed that he started business with only N200, adding that nothing on the face of the earth would change a man with the right mental attitude. “Young people should have vision for their lives and for where they want to go. My mother discovered my entrepreneurial capabilities. The young generation has been spoiled and none of them want to take responsibility. Please, don’t cancel the partnership. Apprenticeship is another thing that helped me. Every problem is a business. Successful people are between the ages of 12 and 28. Many people are occupied with things that are not profitable with their mind. If we build a strong economic force, we will not be depending on the government so much.

ith a population of over two million, Aba, the commercial centre of Abia State is renowned globally for its comparative advantage in textiles, palm oil, pharmaceuticals, plastics, cement, cosmetics and famous for its handicrafts, making it the second largest market in Nigeria after the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State. Regrettably, 10 to 30 years down the line, many of these businesses Aba used to be known for have become shadow of themselves especially with the demise of their founders. Worried by this development, the Abia State government in conjunction with Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), recently organised a one-day Aba Business and Leadership Summit with the theme: ‘Transferring Tested and Proven Business Models to the Next Generation’ with a view of identifying the problems hindering the growth of businesses and proffering solutions to their growth. Not even the early morning rain could stop the young start ups and other participants from making their way to the main auditorium of Aba Sports Club, venue of the summit which was filled to capacity. Setting the Agenda Setting the tune for the summit, Director General of the Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency (ASMQMA), Mr. Sam Hart, in his welcome address espoused that Aba was a test case and model for progressive development. Mr. Hart attributed the collapse of businesses in Enyimba City to the refusal of businesses to accept entities, nepotism and lack of structure. “Aba is a renowned business and entrepreneurship centre of West Africa, the city is renowned globally. Aba is a test case and model for progressive development. But I know that if you ask anybody in this hall today about the businesses that they used to know 10 years ago, 20 years ago, five years ago, regrettably, that business is a shadow of itself. That phenomenon has to stop and that is why we are here today. With all the technological prowess of Aba, with all the popularity of Aba, why is there no company listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange? He asked. “Governor of Abia State, Dr. Victor Ikpeazu, has done so much in ensuring that Aba regains its pride of place as the preferred business destination East of the Niger through massive infrastructural mitigation of this city. No administration in the history of Abia State has done the infrastructures that Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu executed in Abia State. To put Aba back on the map, he has opened up the city and marketing of the made-in-Aba products which are sold globally. Since he became governor, everything he puts on is made-in-Aba. He is a complete representation of the enterprise of the Abia people.” President, ACCIMA, Sir Lawrence Obetta and

President of Aba Sports Club, Chief Jerry Kalu, in their opening remarks re-echoed the urgent need to train and mentor the young start ups and established businesses in order to ensure sustainability of trans-generational wealth transfer. To this end, Mr. Obeta pledged the readiness of ACCIMA to train more women and young start-ups on the rudiments of doing business, which he said would make them successful in their different ventures. Chief Kalu who started business with only N50 advocated apprenticeship practice for the young start ups which he revealed, helped him to learn a lot of business tricks under his master. Apart from being a successful entrepreneur, Kalu said he has founded, nurtured and sustained many businesses in Aba over decades. Discussants Identify Problems, Proffer Solutions Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who was the keynote speaker, averred that businesses in Aba started to die when children from individual family owned businesses failed to sustain their family businesses especially with demise of their founders. He identified lack of proper mentorship, lack of proper corporate governance as bane to Aba businesses over the years, adding that government programmes and policies killed many businesses. Obi, who is known for prudent management of resources having left behind sustainable projects and a robust economy for Anambra, said 80-90 per cent of all the corporations globally were family owned businesses which he said contributed 70 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Aba footwear which he compared to be of high quality to the ones produced in Vietnam can turn around the economy of Abia State in particular and Nigeria in general. He said Vietnam makes 140 billion annually from exporting footwear. “Aba is known for footwear, clothing and for everything. We didn’t do the right thing that is why we are where we are today. No proper mentorship within the family in sustaining family businesses, no proper corporate governance, no company in Aba is listed on Nigeria Stock Exchange. Businesses do well when subjected to the rigours of proper corporate governance,” Obi said. “Government has a share of the blame too. They don’t have fiscal and monetary policies to support businesses, they are not keen to support businesses, they killed more businesses and even killed what we produced. Ninety per cent of the problem of Nigeria is caused by politicians, government failing to support businesses. No bank today is doing lending, they are doing brokerage. Politicians should swallow their pride and do the right thing because if we fail, society will come back to swallow us.” Prof. Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and management expert, said that there was a

Ikpeazu’s Icing on the Cake Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, who announced plans to establish an Aba Business School, said his decision was informed by the urgent need to preserve the pre-existing entrepreneurial skills and advance the educational capacity of traders, adding that businesses in Aba would only begin to flourish when ordinary traders become trained and certified holders of Diploma certificates. For the seamless transition of the planned Aba Business School, Governor Ikpeazu disclosed that Utomi, Maduka and others would play pivotal roles in the take off of the school. He said Igbo language would be used in teaching the students since many of them have only primary education before they ventured into business. The governor, who dressed in Akwete outfit, indigenous only to Abia State, said with only 20 pounds given to Igbos after the Nigerian Civil War, they went ahead to dominate most sectors of the Nigerian economy, a feat he attributed to their entrepreneurial spirit, doggedness and resilience. Even with the heavy losses incurred by Igbos during the bloody civil war, Ikpeazu disclosed that eighty per cent of houses in Abuja and Lagos and other cities across the country are owned by Igbos. “When oil, which is the uniting factor, fizzles out, what will hold us together? Ikpeazu asked. He implored Igbos to be their brothers’ keeper. To make trans-generational transfer of wealth sustainable, Ikpeazu implored parents to concentrate more on the education of their children instead of placing priority on their children getting quick wealth. He advocated apprenticeship as a condition for going into business, noting that it was a long tested and proven business model. He told the story of Cosmos Maduka who started as an apprentice and later became a billionaire. Apprenticeship system, to Ikpeazu, among other things, teaches procurement, alternatives, packaging and repackaging, times and seasons, storage, warehousing, other peoples’ money, ethics of business, group support, how to save money, corporate social responsibility and personal projects. Ikpeazu who inherited a peaceful and stable state in 2015 from his predecessor, Senator Theodore Orji representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, acknowledged that the youths were desirous of learning good trade. According to him, less than 24 hours after he enrolled for a leather academy in Aba, over 2,000 young people indicated interest in the same academy. He said learning how to make shoes would add to his various educational qualifications which he acquired over the years. The panel session anchored by development expert, Nana Nwachukwu, featured Ide John Udeagbala, Darl Uzu, Mrs. Stella Igbokwe, Arnold Jackson, Ikenna Ogbudimkpa, Daniel Chinagozi and others.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

FEATURES

How Young Professionals can Define, Communicate Purpose Funmilayo Falola

t’s official. A whopping 85 per cent of employees worldwide are actively disengaged from the work they do. The financial implication of this disengagement on organisations is $7 trillion lost in productivity. Workplace disengagement is often caused by a host of factors such as poor pay, bad managers and toxic work cultures. But interestingly, researchers also find that young professionals are mostly productive when the work they do aligns with their purpose. This implies career fulfilment goes beyond a monthly paycheck. It requires making a tangible difference in a world seemingly pregnant with problems waiting to be solved. What’s Your Purpose? Nigeria is currently grappling with a ‘take what you get’ situation in the job market. This is fuelled by the staggering unemployment rate, which Statista projects will hit 32.5 per cent before the close of this year. This dire statistic obviously breeds bankers, architects, communication specialists, financial planners and other professionals practising their craft just to pay the bills. But sooner or later, they are unable to sustain this mismatch, flounder to keep their jobs or resort to an unending cycle of job-hopping. This doesn’t have to be. Civil rights activist, writer and poet Maya Angelou did say, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” I can attest to this on a personal level. My bachelor ’s degree prepared me for a career as a Political Scientist. But I made the switch to Marketing, having found my calling working as a rookie PR executive right out of university. Eighteen years later, I’m still glad I made that switch. I’m a Brand and Marketing Communication Strategist and I love my job. I help tell the story of my organization in impactful ways that resonate with our target audience, converting them to loyal customers. Have you found yours? Defining Your Purpose Purpose is not necessarily the skill set that keeps you employed. After all, it’s possible for anyone to pick up a skill through active or passive learning. You’ll know your purpose when you find it. It feels natural, leaves you unfulfilled until you exploit it, and ultimately enriches other people’s lives. Take the world’s richest man Jeff Bezos, for example. He discovered his purpose twice! While studying for his degree at Princeton in the 80’s, he substituted Physics with Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Years later, he again left his Hedge Fund career on Wall Street to found Amazon in the far-flung e-Commerce industry. We all know how that turned out. Chimamanda Adichie did not start out with a pen. She only discovered her passion for writing one and half years after studying Medicine and Pharmacy. Thereafter, she switched to Communications and Political Science at

Falola

Drexel University in Philadelphia. She has Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah and a MacArthur Fellowship to show for it. Popular businesswoman Folorunso Alakija is number 20 on the list of Africa’s billionaires for 2020. She struck oil wealth as a Joint Venture Partner with Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited. Before that, she left a 12-year career in banking to start her fashion label, Rose of Sharon, which shot her into the limelight as a trustee of fashion and style. This set the stage for her renown as an oil industry magnate. These professionals are drawn from different fields, but their commonality lies in discovering their purpose and using it to make a tangible difference in their respective spheres. Communicating Your Purpose There’s no justifiable excuse for obscurity in this digital age. An estimated 4.66 billion people use the internet. This presents a level playing field for everyone to communicate tons of purpose in a flash and be recognised for it. Nowadays, forward-looking young professionals have little time for idle chit chats on social media when there’s so much value to be communicated. In integrated marketing communications, look and feel, tonality and messaging must be consistent for a brand to stand out from the competition. By the same token, we best communicate our differentiation from the crowd if our likes, shares,

connections and entire digital footprint remain consistent with our purpose. Google’s ‘people card’ helps put your best foot forward in cyberspace. All you need do is sign-in to your Google account, search for ‘edit my people card’ and input relevant information such as your name, profile picture, career summary, website and more. Voila! This information pops up when your name is typed into Google search, helping you begin the process of communicating your purpose. I can’t emphasise enough why every young professional should be visible on LinkedIn. The B2B platform boasts 60.1 per cent of users between 25 and 34 years old for a reason. It’s where one’s purpose can be discovered, nurtured, communicated and celebrated. But, of course, this depends on the quality of connections fostered and the frequency of engagement. Soft reminder: prospective employers or clients often check your digital footprint to confirm your legitimacy for work or business-related engagements. Be sure your digital story aligns with your purpose. Tying it All Together As a relatively young professional, I need tangible benefits to drive my purpose. How relevant is the purpose, really, if it can’t help you actualize your measurable life goals? Brian Tracy says it all. Goal setting “remains one of the first steps you’ll take in your journey toward finding your true calling

and unparalleled success.” Count me in. One of my goals is to tour the world one country at a time during vacations. But to achieve that, I need to keep my spending in check and stay on point with savings and investments. Thankfully, I found my organisation’s digital value proposition a handy tool. ALAT by Wema is designed to help young professionals achieve their personal and financial goals without ridiculous fees, lowinterest rates and other hassles associated with more conventional banking. One of the app’s features I find most captivating is the Savings Goals which gives anybody, irrespective of income, the ability to take control of their earnings if they choose. With this feature, it becomes less hassling to set a goal for your savings, and then depending on your threshold for delayed gratification, see an improvement in your financial stability. Next Steps Every young Nigerian professional has an estimated 60 per cent of the population to contend with in the struggle for differentiation. It’s a tough call to make in a sea of unemployment, business and regulatory hurdles. But the fact is, those who define and communicate their purpose will always stand out. ... Falola is the Head, Marketing, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at Wema Bank.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

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Quick Takes Zagus Power Introduces ‘Zektron’

UNVEILINGNEWICANPRESIDENT

L-R:Registrar/ChiefExecutive,InstituteofCharteredAccountantofNigeria(ICAN), AhmedKumshe;President,ComfortOlajumokeEyitayo;andimmediatepastPresident,Onome JoyAdewuyi,duringtheinvestitureofEyitayoas57thpresidentoftheinstituteinLagos…recently SUNDAYADIGUN

NAICOM Eyes N1.5tn Insurance Sector Premium Ebere Nwoji

INSURANCE

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has said it will embark on a market development drive that will enable it achieve N1.5 trillion annual premium income for the insurance sector. In addition, the industry regulator said it is targeting a 10 per cent insurance penetration as well as 10 per cent insurance density by 2023. Presently, the industry’s annual premium is N520 billion, with penetration less than one per cent while insurance density is less than three per cent. Irked by the poor performance of the sector, the Commission had before now launched a medium term market development plan tagged: ‘Market Development and Restructuring Initiative,’ (MDRI) whose objective was to transform the industry from N200 billion

premium income to a N1 trillion market by 2009. The initiative was also targeted at creating 50,000 jobs through the insurance agency system, fight against fake insurance institutions and enforce compulsory insurance. Though the Commission has not been able to achieve the N1 trillion annual premium income margin, the initiative has brought about a lot of positive changes to the industry, prompting NAICOM to propose to launch second phase of the initiative. Speaking at the 2021 media retreat organised by the Commission for journalists in Lagos, NAICOM’s Head, Corporate Communications and Market Development, Salami Rasaaq, recalled that when the regulator

launched the market development medium term plan in 2009, the target was to grow the approximately 800,000 number of insured Nigerians as at that time to 24 million by 2016, and to further grow the number to 42 million by 2020, while achieving N1 trillion Gross Written Premium. He said currently, NAICOM has grown the number of individuals with insurance policies to 1,034,383; corporate organisation insured by the industry at present stands at 891,128. This brings the total number of both corporate and individuals with insurance cover to 1,925,511 He said insurance penetration as at December 2020, stood at 0.72 per cent while Gross Premium Written stood at N520 billion. At the media retreat with the theme: “National Insurance Commission Corporate Strategic Plan 2020 to 2023: Goals, Objectives

and Key deliverables,” Salami, presented a paper titled: “Market Development Drives of the Commission, Actions and Prospects.” He said the commission had planned to launch the second phase of the market drive and development initiative with the aim of raising the industry’s premium from the current level of N520 billion Gross Written premium to N1.5 trillion Gross Written Premium as well as to increase insurance density to 10 per cent. He said to achieve the above target, the commission had set four strategic themes which centered on increased insurance awareness and education, stakeholders’ grooming/partnership, high impact media productions and social/ digital transformation of the Commission. Continued on page 25

‘Stock Market Resilient to Survive Economic Upheavals Goddy Egene The nation’s stock market will remain resilient to survive the current upheavals in the economy as well as the security challenges, the Chairman, Securities Dealing Houses Association of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, has said. The economy has been experiencing a fragile growth, which is being threatened by the heightened insecurity across the country. However, speaking on the impact of this development on the stock market, Ezeagu said despite the challenges, the market should remain attractive because

CAPITAL MARKET it would come out strong. “The stock market could be said to have become resilient to upheavals in the economy but with the heightened insecurity, we want to believe that the market will survive given that opinion leaders have continually advised the actors to jaw-jaw rather than war-war. We all need to tone down our words and actions for our country to avert catastrophe and ensure that our economy is sustained,” he said. Speaking on the reduction in foreign portfolio investors (FPI),

the ASHON boss said FPIs are highly sensitive investors. “They react to little negatives not to talk of when mainstream media give subtle hints of insecurity in the land by various scary headlines. “The penchant for policy somersaults and arbitrariness of actions by the authorities do not give impetus to the attraction of FPIs,” he said. On the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), he said it was a great delight to securities dealers in the market because it was long expected. “The successful completion of the demutualisation process

was a great delight to securities dealers. It was long expected and our members have eagerly expected this transition and have expectations. We expect to reap the benefits of shareholding in a fledging exchange, one of the best in Africa,” he said. He explained that the demutualisation meant that securities dealing firms had transformed from being dealing members firms to shareholders and/or trading license holders. “We have local investors who are well informed about the changes. But we still need to Continued on page 25

ZagusPowerSystemsLimited,aLagos-basedpowersolutionsprovider has introduced Zektron, aTurkish manufactured brand of Automatic VoltageRegulators(AVR),SmartUninterruptedPowerSupply(UPS) and renewable energy systems to provide power. The solution is geared toward eliminating epileptic power supply in the Nigerian. The Zektron, according to Zagus Power Systems, is aimed at providing the very best of power solutions to organisations in the telecommunications, manufacturing, hospitality, private and government sectors among others in the country. It described Zektron as a globally recognised brand of UPS and cutting-edge distortion-free AVR that gives perfectly stable power output even under severe conditions of unbalanced voltage which prevents businesses from experiencing breakdown in product and service delivery processes. SincetheintroductionofZektroninNigeria,Zektronhasbeendeploying high-end power solution product, tried and tested, to improve power efficiency in homes and businesses in Nigeria which includes UPS, power inverter and batteries as well as renewable energy systems and accessories. The firm ensures that homes and businesses access efficient and regular power supply that is safe, regulated and uninterrupted for effective service and product delivery. TheSalesDirectoratZagusPowerSystemsLimited,KenEzeagu,said inastatementthatthecompanywithoverfiveyears’experienceinthe industry,haswelltrainedengineerswhocarryoutprojectassessment to ascertain the power needs of clients while providing the most valuable recommendations that will meet and surpass such needs.

Leadway Health Partners Lagos, REPPLAW Health insurance provider, Leadway Health is partnering the Lagos State BloodTransfusion Service and REPPLAWBlood Donors Club on a blood donation drive initiative in commemoration of this year’s World Blood Donor Day. The two-day blood donation exercise is scheduled to commence from June 15 to June 16, 2021, at Leadway’s head oﬃce in Lagos. Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Leadway Health, Dr Tokunbo Alli, said the initiativeisinalignmentwiththe2021themeoftheWorldBloodDonor Day: “Give blood and keep the world beating,” to raise awareness of the critical need to provide safe blood through unpaid and voluntary blood donors to the nation’s healthcare system. Alli, stated that research by the World Health Organisation on the Impact of COVID 19 pandemic on blood supply and demand in the WHO African Region posits that the number of blood donations has dropped in 32 countries. According to him, Nigeria recorded a 37.8 per cent decrease in blood donation between June 2019 and June 2020. He said this sad reality calls, “for an immediate response from the government,thenationalhealthauthorities,corporateorganisations, under which Leadway Health and other socially responsible organisationsareprimedandproudtorespondand,mostimportantly, well-meaning individuals towards the wellbeing of every member of the society.” “The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. With this collaboration, we are optimistic that unpaid and voluntary donors will come out in their numbers to donate blood, show care, and contribute to better health which is a key driver for us at Leadway Health”, he said.

Google to Change Advertising Practices

Googlehassaiditwouldmakechangestoitsglobaladvertisingbusiness to ensure it did not abuse its dominance, bowing to antitrust pressure for the first time in a landmark settlement with French authorities. ThedealwiththeFrenchcompetitionwatchdogcouldhelprebalance the power over advertising in favour of publishers, which held sway over the business in the pre-internet era but lost control with the rapid rise of Google and Facebook. According to Reuters, the settlement, announced on Monday and included a fine on of 220 million euros ($268 million), was the first timetheUStechgianthadagreedtomakechangestoitsadsbusiness, which brings in the bulk of its revenue.

“This is about creating a single market for made in Africa goods and services and it will also provide the structure for making that trade happen, provide mechanism for resolving disputes and managing injurious trade practices.” SSA to the President on AfCFTA,

Francis Anatogu

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD NAICOM EYES N1.5TN INSURANCE SECTOR PREMIUM Under its awareness and education theme, Salami, said the Commission was targeting partnerships with government at all levels, including the small, medium businesses’ regulatory agency. He said through the partnership, the Commission and the industry players would be able to promote micro insurance and Takaful insurance while enforcing compulsory insurances across the country. He said partnership with joint stakeholders would see the commission launch joint implementation programme with Police, FRSC, Ministry of Justice, including mobile courts, MDAs at all levels. He said it would also see the Commission launch insurance stakeholders’ forum and town hall meetings, insurance industry thought leadership series and build massive media campaign around such activities. He said under its high impact media productions, the Commission intends to launch a multi-media production/ campaign using both new media and traditional media, massive production and translations in local languages and deploy the media usage across the country. ‘STOCK MARKET RESILIENT TO SURVIVE ECONOMIC UPHEAVALS

guide them to follow the consequential changes that may follow the exchange’s new orientation towards profit making,” he said. Following the demutualisation, the NSE transitioned to Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group with three subsidiaries. At the formal launch of the new entity last month, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group Plc, Mr. Oscar Onyema, had said they had a vision to be the premier exchange hub for Nigerian businesses and for the wider African economy building on the strong reputation and corporate governance the NSE had established over the years. “As we march bravely into the NGX era, we look forward to impact creating partnerships that will unlock value for our stakeholders, whilst improving the state of the Nigerian economy.

NEWS

FMDQ Commends CBN for Restoring Transparency in FX Market Goddy Egene The Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, has hailed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for activating the on-system trading and reporting of foreign exchange (FX) transactions on the FMDQ-advised System. The CBN in line with its desire for a more liquid market, last month, took a remarkable step in increasing transparency by activating the on-system trading and reporting of FX transactions on the FMDQ-advised System. The move was supported by the adoption of NAFEX as the benchmark rate for the public sector foreign currency-denominated transactions. Commenting on this development, Onadele said: “FMDQ is excited at the introduction of market-building initiatives by the CBN to ensure the further development of the FX market, in recognition that a liquid, transparent and credible FX market is a major precursor for increased inflows into the Nigerian financial market. “FMDQ remains committed to institutionalising structures - efficient processes, systems, etc., in collaboration with market stakeholders, to support initiatives

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

the Nigerian FX market. To this end, the FMDQ CEO said the implementation of market initiatives have seen a significant increase in the turnover recorded in the FX market, from an average monthly turnover recorded in January to April 2021 at $1.30 billion, compared to May 2021 with $2.52 billion turnover recorded, whilst the number of executed trades rose from an average monthly number

of 6,733 trades in January to April, to 6,949 trades in May. “The renewed confidence and depth in the FX market will improve the attractiveness of the Nigerian market to foreign portfolio investors and also pave the way for the introduction of new derivatives products on FMDQ’s platform to support hedging of risk exposures by both local and foreign market stakeholders,” he said.

According to him, as Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure (FMI) group and a one-stop platform to commence and end all financial market transactions in a seamless, timely and cost-efficient manner, FMDQ Group remains positioned to collaboratively work with market stakeholders in developing the Nigerian markets through innovative and value-adding solutions.

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING FORUM

L-R: Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Fifth Gear Plus, Niyi Adesanya; Co-Host, Your View, Tope Mark-Odigie; Chief Executive Oﬃcer, HostNowNow, Emmanuel Osubu; and Permanent Board member, Basic Education Quality Assurance, Universal Basic Education Board, Lagos State, Dayo Israel, during the Leverage 3.0 Symposium with theme, ‘Take The Lead’ in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

Linkage Assurance Optimistic about Recapitalisation Ebere Nwoji The Chairman Linkage Assurance, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, has assured the company’s shareholders that the board and management has put in place strategies to ensure that it beat the industry recapitalisation. According to him, given the performance in 2020, and the capitalisation of N2 billion at the Annual General Meeting of the company held recently in Lagos, “we are sure we will deliver the company when the recapitalisation exercise is called

up again.” Fumudoh, who gave the assurance at the 27 the Annual General Meeting of the company held recently in Lagos, also spoke on the future of the company, saying, “As we gradually commence recovery from the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic, we will tread cautiously into the year 2021 in our risk acceptance and operations, in line with our strategic roadmap. “We shall continue the repositioning strategy aimed at transforming your company to that desired position in the Nigerian

insurance market.” Also speaking, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Daniel Braie, while responding to shareholders’ questions, explained that the company will continue to redefine its strategies to ensure better performance and increased value for the shareholders. “We will continue to refine our strategy in line with the political, economic, sociological, and technology changes in the industry, particularly with impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business landscape,” he added. He said the company would

continue to develop innovative products, alternative channels of distribution, and strategic initiatives that would enable the management achieve the corporate goal and objectives. Linkage Assurance in its full year 2020 financial results recorded gross written premium of N8.3 billion, an increase of 28 per cent year-on-year from N6.5 billion in 2019, while total assets also rose by 18 per cent year-on-year in 2020, to N33.9 billion, compared to N28.7 billion in 2019. The company also witnessed significant improvement in other indices, with underwriting profit

growing by 102 per cent, from N0.4 billion in 2019, to N0.8 billion at the end of 2020. Similarly, its profit before tax during the period under review was N2.5 billion, compared to N1.3 billion in 2019. This represented an 89 per cent year-on-year growth, while profit after tax was N2.4 billion, increasing by 65 per cent from N1.5 billion in 2019. Reacting to the performance, shareholders of the company, commended the board and management for the 2020 positive performance despite challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic.

FG Pledges Support for Eko Refinery Peter Uzoho

Group Business Editor

towards delivering a thriving FX market that is well-positioned to support the Nigerian economy.” According to him, addressing the market, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had emphasised the importance of a transparent and credible FX market, and had reiterated the CBN’s commitment to implementing market-enhancing initiatives required to inspire confidence towards sustaining and deepening

The federal government has restated its commitment to assist the management of Eko Petrochemical and Refining Company, a subsidiary of Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, to ensure successful execution of the company’s 20,000 barrels per day modular refinery. It described the project as critical in the nation’s push

for energy self-sufficiency. The refinery sited at the Tomaro Island Port, in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, is estimated to cost over $200 million and has already gulped $20 million so far, according to the company. The project is currently at the financing stage and the company is currently in talk with potential world-class Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)

companies for them to tender for the contract. A delegation from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources that were at the refinery complex on an inspection visit recently, led by the Director, Upstream, Ministry of Petroleum, Mr. Kamoru Busari, said the government was determined to lending its support for the project to come to life. Busari commended the Chairman of Integrated Oil and

Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho (rtd) for leading the company to embark on such high value investment. Busari said: “I want to commend him for this meticulous planning. That’s one. The organisation you have on ground shows that you will succeed because you have the best professionals from which you get advice and you have a good

think-tank. “And with all these, will appreciate what you are doing here; and like I’ve always said, anybody doing business in a legal way should be appreciated by government. May be because I’m an engineer, but when I see somebody trying to do this kind of thing in this country as at this time, I think the best way to encourage him is to appreciate his effort.”

Wabote Urges New OGTAN Leadership to Explore Niche Areas Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, has urged the new leadership of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) to embark on categorisation of members’ capabilities and identify niche areas in the oil and gas industry with high employment opportunities.

A statement by the board, stated that the NCDMB helmsman spoke when he received the new executive of OGTAN led by the President, Chief Sam Onyechi at the board’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He acknowledged that the oil industry trainers’ body recorded significant achievements under the outgone President, Dr. Mayowa Afe and challenged the new leadership on continuous improvements and new goals.

According to him, one of the focus areas should be the categorisation of members according to their capacities and certifications. He said the exercise was a precondition for the board to consider making it mandatory for companies that seek to offer training services in the oil and gas industry to belong to OGTAN. “OGTAN should conduct gap analysis in the industry and come up with the niche areas. It is your competitive advantage.

We want information on those types of trainings where there is 60 percent assurance of jobs in the oil and gas industry,” he said. He explained that NCDMB’s strategy for capacity building was hinged on the 60-20-20 principle, whereby 60 per cent of training programmes and budget is dedicated to skills sets that guarantee employment in the oil industry; 20 percent for the improvement of the skills of persons already employed, and

20 percent to soft skills and other general areas. Earlier in his comments, the new OGTAN president explained that the purpose of the visit was to introduce the new executive of the association to the NCDMB management. He stated that OGTAN has embarked on strategic transformation anchored on categorisation, certification, compliance, collaboration, competence, curriculum, and cost competitiveness.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success

Alim Abubakre You may already be a great leader, guiding a great team, working towards achieving all your organisational goals and beating the ever-growing competition. However, note that leading through a crisis that has turned to be a global pandemic is possibly something you do not have prior experience on how to sail through it. Remember also that dealing with pandemics that disrupt organisational activities was never a topic or part of the syllabus back in school. So, what does this mean? Well, you have to learn how to minimise the effects and turn these challenges into opportunities and win. As a leader, you must be well conversant with the challenges that the COVID 19 pandemic has had on organisations. It doesn’t matter whether you are running a small, medium or large organisation. The effects of the crisis have hit every sector, and everyone has been affected directly or indirectly in many ways. Sadly, many organisations that previously were doing well and scaling the heights of success have come down crumbling. Others are struggling to recover, and some might never exist again. If you are lucky to be still running your organisation, then you need to work harder to bring it back to its past performance level. Under these extraordinary and unprecedented times, you need to learn how to come up with viable strategies, how to keep your team working even if it’s from home, how to keep things going under the new normal and most importantly, how to guide the change process as a leader. You, however, need encouragement and support to be able to do all these activities as a leader. Alone, you might be overwhelmed, but with the guidance and support of experts, things can be pretty easier than you ever thought. To help you improve your leadership qualities and be an effective person as you steer your organisation through the current crisis, TEXEM has organised a program for you. The executive development programme is dubbed: “Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success,” and will go on for a couple of weeks starting June 12th, all the way to August 3rd 2021. As a leading consulting firm that provides learning platforms for executives and organisational leaders in Africa, TEXEM, UK, has lined up prominent and world-renowned scholars, business leaders and iconic professionals to help steer you through the programme. Several activities have been put on the list, and facilitators have confirmed their presence and readiness to guide and coach you to become a more effective leader. You’ll be one when you finally learn and master the art of managing your organisation, your employees, and your general working environment with a focus on the long-term (sustainable) goals in mind. Even when the future seems unpredictable for now, there is a lot that you can do to make sure that your organisation survives the pandemic, recovers and thrives in the future. So what is planned for you during the programme? There is a lot as detailed here: First, you will have an induction on Saturday, June 12th. You will then immediately open up the series of learnings with the hot topic of why it is vital to invest in your leadership quotient facilitated by world-leading faculties. The first week of an average of one hour per day of exciting videos, case studies, activities will run from June 14th to June 18th, designed and delivered by Prof. Roger Delves, culminating in a live session on Saturday, June 19th with Dr Tony Raven. He is a Professor of Practice in Leadership and Associate Dean Ashridge Executive Education at Hult International Business School. He comes with a wealth of experience in leadership. So, expect a lively and well-planned session blended with various learning activities to start you well and prepare you for the forthcoming sessions for the

rest of the weeks. It will set the pace for the rest of the executive development weeks and sessions with him and other facilitators. The topics that will be discussed include: ‘From functional to Operational Leadership: Thriving not Striving’; and ‘My Impact: how to be a leader whom people will follow.’ Week Two will run from Monday, June 21st to June 26th, including a two hour live session delivered by Prof. John Peters. An average of one hour per day of exciting videos, case studies, activities will run from June 14th to June 18th, designed and delivered by Delves. You’ll have an opportunity to hear from and engage with world-renowned Peters, Royal Air Force Fighter, Former Prisoner of War and Previous Chair of Association of MBAs. Together with him, you’ll learn critical insights on the very vital areas of: ‘Ethical Leadership for sustainable success’; ‘How to be emotionally intelligent and why it makes a difference’, and ‘Why being an authentic leader is both effective and successful.’ The third week will run from July 28th to July 3rd. It will be Prof. John Buck’s second live session with you on July 3rd. Throughout the week, through self-study and during the live session, you will have an opportunity to participate in discussions about the following essential areas as an organisational leader: Handling other people; How to resolve conflict and aid optimal performance; Influencing and negotiating for sustainable success; Organisational Politics: what they are and how to manage them Also, Week Four will run from July 5th to July 10th. You will enjoy series of sessions about the hot topic of goals via an average of an hour of self-study and a live session on July 17th. Every organisation has goals, but how many do achieve them both in the short and long term? Well, prepare to hear about and ask questions about: Goal setting and scoring; Leadership for effective and efficient achievement of goals; and Leading high-performance teams. The fifth week of the programme will run from July 12th to July 17th. It will be another session to self-study for an average of an hour every week and engage with, learn with and ask General Nick Parker any questions you may have about motivation during the two-hour live session on July 24th. As a leader, you must be aware of what motivation does when it is done correctly and succeeds in inspiring your workforce to improve their productivity. The topics of the session will be: Motivation and Engagement; the importance of motivation and values for teams; and Team engagement: the secret of successful teams. Also, week six will run from July 19th to July 24th. It will be one of those sessions that seeks to explore all you ever wanted to learn about transformation. You will once again have an opportunity to learn for an hour every day from materials designed by Delves and an illustrious professional on July 24th, during the two-hour live sessions. And it would be a wrap on the July 24th. Beneﬁts As a well-organised programme facilitated by some of the best leadership and sustainable success experts, the programme has many benefits for you. You will get useful tips on how to manage office politics for success, how to resolve conflict, how to build trust for progress, how to transition from functional to successful organisational leadership. Most importantly, upon completion of this programme, you would learn how to implement efficient and effective leadership insights to achieve both your short-term and long-term organisational goals. Without a doubt, you have all the right reasons to attend the programme. You have the option to attend alone or organise your team so that all leaders at various levels in your organisation can attend the programme. It is, in fact, good when your whole leadership team undergoes training as one. It will be easy for you to implement what you learnt as a team, and the impact will be evident quicker than when one person takes charge.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Nyong: Audacity of Enterprise Charles Odibo BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), is a concept developed in the ninety’s business bestseller Built to Last, by legendary Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. A BHAG (pronounced “Bee Hag”) is a powerful way to stimulate progress. A BHAG is clear and compelling, needing little explanation; people get it right away. The authors cited the NASA moon mission of the 1960s and Boeing’s venture into commercial aircraft manufacture in the 50s as some iconic examples of BHAG. The best BHAGs, they insist, require both building for the long term and, “exuding a relentless sense of urgency.” What do we need to do today, with monomaniacal focus, and tomorrow, and the next day, to defy the probabilities and ultimately achieve our BHAG?, they ask. Enter Richard Nyong, CEO of Lekki Gardens Estate; founder of Foreshore Waters Limited; Horizon Estates, Port Harcourt Gardens, Ikoyi Gardens, and Life Camp Paradise, Abuja, amongst many other real estate franchises, who turned 40 on Friday, May 28. This young and audacious real estate czar was totally unknown in corporate Nigeria 10 years ago, but in nine short years he has re-written the template and narrative of the nation’s multi-billion naira property industry, to the adulation of many but scorn of a few, especially competitors, who wonder why it has to be him. Step back and compare Richard’s audacious entry, at 31, with no name recognition into the property market then controlled by government and established corporate giants, with Boeing’s entry in the 50s into the manufacture of commercial aircraft. In 1952, Boeing engineers had the idea to build a large jet aircraft for the commercial market but it virtually had no presence in the commercial market and its earlier commercial attempts had been failures. Boeing was building aircraft primarily for the military and so four-fifths of its business came from one customer—the Air Force. Worse still, its sales force reported that commercial airlines in both the United States and Europe had expressed little interest in the idea of a commercial jet from Boeing and no other aircraft company had proved that there was a commercial market for jet aircraft. But Boeing’s management defied the odds and committed to the audacious goal of establishing itself as a major player in the commercial aircraft

Nyong

industry. It built the jet and called it the 707. And thus Boeing brought the commercial world into the jet age. That was bold and visionary. This is the audacious path young Richard followed. Fresh from the University of Port Harcourt where he studied Economics, he ventured into land sales, identifying good land deals and matching them with buyers as a third-party sales consultant. But he found a higher calling and then moved up the notch to acquiring plots of his own from his commissions. Yet he saw a bigger opportunity in the nation’s housing deficit, and the impediments to home ownership and in 2012 he chose to make an audacious move to fill the gap. The nation’s home ownership market has never been the same ever since. Richard put his Economics training to good use and mined data which showed him a screaming housing deficit of over 17 million as at 2012, when it was estimated that Nigeria will require 700,000 houses annually as compared to the less than 100,000 that was being constructed at the time to effectively cater for its people’s housing needs. With monomaniacal focus he still saw another gap. The payment plans for home ownership which

required prospective home owners to pay in full. So in 2012, he moved from land sales and formed Lekki Gardens with a clear mission of, “Luxury you can afford,” and created very flexible payment plans spanning up to 36 months. Little wonder, between 2012 to date his company has developed and sold over 15,000 housing units across Lagos, Abuja, Ogun and Port Harcourt, and still counting. Today, staggered payment plan for home acquisition is the minimum offering in the industry. With clarity of purpose and sheer consistency, he defined his property development company as one with strong leaning for selling to clients both to close the housing deficit but also with an investment focus. From the set go he desired to become a premier Pan African Property Investment Company focused on finding, owning, developing and selling best real estate investment deals and offerings with emphasis in residential real estate opportunities that can be sold to middle class and the upwardly mobile. Presently, Nyong is also re-defining the luxury home ownership market in upscale locations in Lagos, especially in Banana Island, Ikoyi with his signature 35-storey IME Towers and 28-storey IME Heights, aptly described as the “the pride of Banana Island.” His real estate business is driven by three core essentials – an audacious goal; clear mission; and enduring values The 10-year goal is to be a Pan African Property Investment brand offering first rate, differentiated, multifaceted and sophisticated solutions and offerings; and a mission to make home ownership affordable to all. All of these are anchored on the core values to build a principle based and exemplary corporate leadership. Richard, a true apostle of Martin Luther King’s Jnr. “fierce urgency of now” sums up his BHAG thus: “With captivating marketing campaigns, bold statements and crystal clear results, and a perfect blend of luxury and affordability I made a bold statement in the sector. “l carved a popular brand mantra “affordable luxury” and built over 5,000 housing units of varying house-types (apartments, maisonettes and terraces) within the first few years thereby making homeownership easy and delightful. These immediate successes not only made my organisation famous but also opened the floodgate of real estate investment in Lagos Island as well as in other areas of the country.”

But Richard Nyong is not all about building a multi-billion Naira business empire, but also realises that true wealth lies not in the pocket but in the heart. This he has done consistently but it was made more eloquent in the dark days of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when many families became hard-hit. He quickly recognised the need for the business community and persons of means to better support vulnerable populations in an emergency period like the lockdown. He therefore led his company to touch the lives of communities where the company’s estates were located across Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory. In his words, “consistent with our DNA we activated our robust contribution and response to provide the much needed support to over 1000 families in communities where some of our estates are located in parts of Lagos State, by supplying them essential food materials. “At an average of four persons per household we are actually supporting and touching the lives of over 4000 persons across the communities in this our modest intervention. So whatever it will take for us, within our means, to touch lives at this period, we shall do.” Richard has had his fair share of bumps and upheavals but like all visionary and audacious leaders he did not take his eyes off the ball and has pulled himself up, made amends and has continued on his upward trajectory. If you encounter Richard, three things about him will strike you: he is kind, firm, and a truly amazing person. Richard also fits Albert Einstein’s saying that “the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.” Richard is a man who gives. He gives much to his work, to his maker and his family, religiously setting aside one week day, weekly, away from work, for him and his family to be in God’s presence. In celebration of a remarkable birthday, this great salesman, confidently clothed with the courage of his convictions exemplifies brilliance, and inspires emulation. As he turns 40 may his birthday bless him with everything that puts a gigantic smile on his face and a heart that never stops bursting at its seams with endless happiness. Thank you for decorating the lives of all who have genuinely crossed your path. Happy Birthday. t0EJCP XSPUF JO GSPN -BHPT

FBNInsurance Posts N9.9bn Profit Ebere Nwoji FBNInsurance Limited, a subsidiary of Sanlam Emerging Markets (Pty), said it grew its profit after tax (PAT) by 25 per cent in the year ended December 31,2020, from the N7.9 billion it recorded in 2019 to N9.9 billion. The company, announced this to its shareholders at its 2020 Annual General Meeting held in Lagos recently. FBNInsurance Managing Director, Val Ojumah said, “the net effect in equity was a growth of 22 percent from N19.5 billion to N23.8 billion in 2020. The company declared and approved dividend payment of 70 kobo per share for the year ended 31 December 2020. “It is on record that FBNInsurance Limited has consistently paid dividend to its shareholders yearly in the last seven years.” According to Ojumah, the company, achieved this despite the challenging operating environment in the country, thus closing the year with positive results and made prompt claims payment to customers. He said further analysis of the company’s report showed that the group recorded an improvement in net premium income at eight per cent year-onyear growth from N39.2 billion to N42.5 billion in 2020. “Total assets of the group increased by 47 per cent from

N116 billion to close at N170 billion as at 31 December 2020.” According to him, this growth was driven by the company’s investment strategy supported by the increase in premium written particularly from retail life and annuity. He added that insurance and investment contract liabilities grew by 58 per cent from N88.4 billion to N139.3 billion in 2020. “We remain adaptable and responsive to the unfolding trends, modifying our plans and operations in a manner that would ensure that we achieved our strategic objectives. “2020 was a challenging year due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, but we witnessed an impressive growth along key metrics and across major lines during the financial year,” Ojumah said. Speaking further he said the above performance was in line with the company’s corporate strategy. On the recent divestment made by the company during the year ended 31 December 2020, Ojumah, explained that FBN Holdings, divested its 65 percent equity holding which was acquired by Sanlam Emerging Markets (Pty) Limited on 1st June 2020. According to him, by this divestment, Sanlam Emerging Markets (Pty) Limited now has 100 percent equity in FBN Insurance Limited.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

Alao: SMEs Need Cheap Funding to Grow TheRegionalHead,North,TranskreditFinanceCompanyLimited,asubsidiaryofNorrenbergerFinancialGroup,Mr.Akeem Alao, in this interview speaks on consumer lending and other sundry economic issues. Goddy Egene presents the excerpts:

bedrock of the value propositions, we wish to sell. Our niche is the availability of product mix, transparency of processes, social media interaction, visibility on various awareness platforms and a full-service offering to clients looking for financial support and/ or investment growth.

ow will you assess the business operating environment in the first month of 2021 as it affects the consumer lending industry? The general consumer is usually low on cash based on the yuletide celebrations/ end of the year festivities from the closing month of 2020. The first quarter of the year is always a period of replenishment of one’s financial resources based on the aforementioned activities. There has been an uptake in loan requests based on planned projects, cash deficiency and need to meet urgent cash commitments- school fees, rent, replenishment of provisions et al. However, customers’ access to such financial support will be restricted by capacity and ability to repay, as post Covid-19 implications - rise in inflation and lull in the economy; has reduced customer’s earning power. Generally, how will you rate consumer lending in Nigeria? We believe it is evolving with fintech a prominent feature of the value propositions posited by various lending houses. The 18–45-year demographic especially are in tune with access to various financial options through mobile apps and USSD supported platforms, which is based on the premise of prompt turnaround time, reduction in documentation and ease of accessibility. There is also a growing support for SMES with business loans to support short term goals of these sector, as well as hybrid of investment and loan products which will aid a savings culture and give an avenue for a client to tap into a lending phase as the case arises. Given the rising inﬂation that crossed 18 per cent in March 2021, how is this affecting demand for consumer lending? The effect is twofold. While there is an increase in requests from both the MSME/ retail entities based on need to supplement working commitments, there is a strain on their capacity to repay based on the uncertainty of how their futuristic cash flows will turn out during these uncertain economic times (COVID 19 a major factor) and reduction in regularity of demand from the lower income cadre. Salary earners’ purchasing power is also restricted leading to increased level of borrowing against the same level of remuneration which is being stretched. However, consumer lending houses are pushing strategic ways of managing their pricing to accommodate the market in order not to over burden clientele’s repayment expectations. What are the major challenges operators in the sector are facing and what has been your personal experience? The challenges include customer’s credit history, pricing regime to accommodate reduced earning power, stability of client’s employment status and cannibalisation of products. Due to the Covid 19 influenced economic lull, there was a sporadic increase in job loss and reduction in income, leading to loan defaults and restructure. Operators have started coming up with stronger mitigants and processes which might be too stringent for the market. Based on our own experiences, we have come up with internal measures which will protect both the firm and the clientele such as insurance cover, flexibility of payment mode and availability of longer loan tenors to accommodate the client’s stretched cash flows Cybercrime is also on the rise and operators are investing a lot of capital in IT infrastructure to prevent fraud and loss and income. It is believed that SME

Since when have you been in the business and what value have you added to your clients? We have been in the business for close to a year. The key value proposition to our clientele is cross selling of services vis-à-vis loan creation, loan administration, advisory services (equity and direct investment in a client’s business) and a variety of investment options centred on maximising customer returns, which is aid by continuous technological improvements.

Alao is the engine room of any economy that really wants to grow but one of the major challenges is funding. How can consumer lenders contribute to the growth of SMEs? Access to finance is a key constraint to SME growth, it is one of the most cited obstacles facing SMEs to grow their businesses in emerging markets and developing countries. Accessible and cheap funding is required to increase business which will improve employment, enhance economic growth, and reduce poverty rates. Consumer lenders should ensure an availability of finance options that will be (a) accessible (b) negotiable (c) capacity building (d) offer a myriad of alternative options – purchase of a stake in a firm, finance of acquisition, loan administration etc. How has the advent of Fintech affected the operations of consumer lenders and how do you think traditional lenders who used to render this service, responding to this development? Fintech has pushed consumer lenders to evolve, as the retail/MSME/SME market are inundated with innovations daily tendered to improve access to services with minimum restrictions. Firms in the consumer lending space must employ FinTech, or they enter business regression, with the millennials and the tech savvy generation forming the bulk of potential clientele. What has been the experience of your ﬁrm and what are you doing differently that sets you apart? As a new entrant into the lending space, the experience of the firm has been illuminating as we have learned that interaction and receipt of customer feedback forms the

How do you hope to boost your operations going forward? We are focusing on technology automation. That is to have applications that allow customers to make transactions or obtain information on a self-service basis without requiring employee efforts, to use technology to reduce the time employees spend on finding information; and to use automated business rules and decision models to move work more quickly and efficiently through processes. We are also focusing on process improvement which involves continual performance monitoring by having the right manpower that are professional at the various positions. There will be increased interaction with existing and potential clients (social media, webinars, sponsored symposiums) and corporate social responsibility. How has COVID-19 pandemic impacted

consumer lending generally and what strategies should be in place to minimise the negative impact? The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak is causing a widespread concern and economic hardship for consumers, businesses, and communities around the globe since job losses are on the increase and most cannot meet up to their financial obligations. Every business concern must place emphasis on maximising productivity while limiting cost and health risk e.g delivery services, web-based meetings, work flex schedules for workers etc. Basically, strategies to be put in place by consumer lending firms include: flexibility of products; accessibility to services – web and mobile ; automation of processes; hybrid of products- investing to obtain a loan; seeking cheaper sources of funds to facilitate cheaper pricing (bonds, equity, foreign direct investment); boutique banking- More IT interface, less physical staff and business partnership with SMEs – profit sharing against interest/loan payments. Also transparency and professional service delivery must be top notch. In general terms, what should be done to deepening consumer lending as a way of contributing to the nation’s economy? New products that are consumer friendly should be developed, transparency in our process/service delivery must be improved; Technology must be deepened as soon as possible which offers virtual service options. There should be improvement in turn-around time(TAT), it should be a matter of minutes and not days. There should be support funding/ intervention fund access by finance houses from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BoI) and other government development finance institutions.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

Gashinbaki: Why Nigeria Needs to Build Certified Fraud Examiners’ Capacity The President/Chairman of Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, in this interview speaks on issues surrounding the recent public hearing on the bill for the establishment of the institute which took place last month. Obinna Chima brings the excerpts:

hat is the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners about? The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) has been around for several years and has succeeded in training over 40,000 professionals but yet it felt that is not enough. ANAN being the founder and sole promoter of this institute sees the need to have a specialised arm for forensic accounting. The challenge with fraud is that career criminals are always ahead of the regulator and even ahead of professionals. That is why we always run behind because they understand the system and know the weaknesses in the system. The Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners will uniquely put on the table something different. It is different from any other law ever passed in this country because there is no law passed to build capacity in the area of forensics and fraud examination. Secondly, ANAN has the Nigerian College of Accountancy and that college has been upgraded into a university. What we intend to do now is to create the Nigerian Forensic Academy and once the bill becomes law, we will have the Academy affiliated to the university to build the capacity of the tertiary institutions. The idea is to upgrade it to a regional university in Africa because what we are doing has never been done in Africa. We are combining two great areas - which is the area of fraud examination and forensics being fused under one canopy. Also, because this body is multi-disciplinary, we will have under it diverse professionals: In forensic architecture, criminology, law, sociology, medicine and so on, to deal with various ramification of fraud and that also gives us the scope and competency to deal with the broad diversity of our economy and growing complexities of fraud. What is the institute seeking to do differently? The general public usually thinks that accountants are either fraud examiners or forensic experts. That is not true. As accountants, we are mandated to keep and maintain records in a true and fair manner that is reliable. While the fraud examiner or forensic accountant looks for the minute details of fraud not just accounts, but the diverse ramification of fraud with the aim to ultimately find the evidence that will stand the test of time and nail the suspect. How are you going to combat fraud in the country? Both ANAN and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) train accountants. Being an accountant gives one an advantage, but other disciplines like law, economics, sociology, psychology and so on are also incorporated into the fraud examination exercise. Forensic is also diverse. While we are using forensic accounting to dig out evidence that will stand the test of trial, forensic science is also used to get evidence that they use in convicting criminals. So, I will say while being an accountant is an added advantage, forensic is multi-disciplinary and the reason this bill is necessary. The guarantee of this Chartered Institute to cage fraud and criminality is that this is the global best practice. In the US, the most recognised accounting body is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and of course the globally recognised Associates Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). These are two major bodies and the extent of their scope of work is to maintain records of accounts that ensure reliability and accuracy for all the stakeholders. Therefore, accountants, by doing their job, do not necessarily isolate that entity from fraud because criminals are always ahead of regulators or any system put in place. That is why you need the special skill of a forensic expert to unravel the fraud. What I can guarantee is that this body will significantly reduce the

10 years. How will the Institute build capacity for EFCC, ICPC, Police, among others Regulators and even the people in the forefront of the fight against corruption have not been able to understand that we need to build capacity. For instance, if you notice, by legislation, we have the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and even the police with the prosecuting powers associated with anything that has to do with corruption but we don’t have a single professional body in Nigeria that is chartered and, dedicated for the purposes of fraud examination and forensic accounting. What we have on the other hand is so much money going into prosecution, but what about the training and capacity building of professionals outside that will service both the public and private sector in ensuring that we root out fraud and criminality? That is where we come in.

Gashinbaki quantum of fraud both in the public and private sector. So, what is the cause of the rivalry between your institute and ICAN? It is well known that there is rivalry between ICAN and ANAN. But from the ANAN point of view i would not say that it is rivalry. It is rather that ICAN has consistently towed the line of a monopoly since 1965. They never wanted anybody to be in the space of accounting and we can see for ourselves that healthy competition is very import. With ANAN coming into being about 43 years ago, we have seen that more accountants have been trained. The college (Nigerian College of Accountancy) has been established, now we have the ANAN University and also this institute. It is much more of the approach while ICAN is of the monopolistic point of view of things; ANAN in our own view is looking at professionalism from development point of view. When you get to a certain level as an organisation, there is what we called the maturity level. When you get to that level, it is no longer about training of professionals but about the economy, development of the country and what is it that you can contribute to humanity at that point in time. This is because you would have surpassed looking at those few people that are your members, That is why organisations like the Nigerian Bar Association have strong

The general public usually thinks that accountants are either fraud examiners or forensic experts. That is not true. As accountants, we are mandated to keep and maintain records in a true and fair manner that is reliable

voice because they are in the vanguard of sharpening development; the Nigerian Medical Association and Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). You will agree with me that the line that they are towing about development and is not about who does what at that point in time becaue they must have passed that level. So, for me, we are open to developmental ideas. Surprisingly, even with seeming opposition that ICAN has taken against this institute, you will discover again that we have a lot of ICAN members in the institute and beyond being our members, we also have ICAN members on our board. So, sometimes, it bothers me when you see ICAN talking from both sides of their mouth. I think this is time we should work together and move the profession up. Don’t you think this rivalry is impeding economic growth? Like i said earlier, the view point of ICAN has been monopolistic and it is not about national development. For example, everybody knows today that if the argument that ICAN should be the only body of accountant had stood for example, you wouldn’t have the Nigerian College of accountancy, you wouldn’t have the ANAN University, you wouldn’t even have this institute which are all creations of ANAN. You wouldn’t have a situation today where the majority of senior staff positions in public sector, especially, are ANAN-trained accountants. So, regardless of the fact that they have tried to impede development, I can tell you that Nigerians can see it for themselves that, that path they have towed wouldn’t have taken us anywhere if they had only ICAN. Besides that, we have seen that the development path has yielded result in terms of creating institutions. Over the years, ANAN has trained over 40,000 accountants and much more would come. It is the same thing with the institute, it came into being as a consequence that Nigeria is spending so much money in capital flight paying forensic and fraud examiners from Canada, USA and all over Europe. They are paying them in dollars and pound sterling in millions annually to conduct various assignments just because we don’t have competent-trained professionals in the country that will do that. That is why we floated the institute. The institute did not start today. We have been in existence since

If passed into law, what are the other beneﬁts of this proposed institute? This bill, when passed into law, will deal with banking, insurance, capital market, judiciary and even legislative fraud. Let it be clear: EFCC and ICPC are prosecuting agencies. They have prosecuting powers. The Chartered Institute is not a government agency. First, it is not going to be funded with government’s money. It is going to be funded by subscriptions and activities it will generate from its members. Also, don’t forget that Nigeria has joined the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the implication of that is that money laundering, tax evasion, trade malpractices and all sorts of inter jurisdictional fraud, organised crime will double because we now have a huge market, and so many things will be liberalised. So, if there is anytime, Nigeria should take leadership so that we will become the core epicenter that will incubate professionals not only for the country, but we will export them as intellectual capital. This is the time and we can do that in the area of fraud prevention through this institute. We can do that because Nigeria is one of the biggest victims of fraud. So, this institute is uniquely different from any other body you have currently or any legislation that is being contemplated in the National Assembly. How will the institute assist government recover looted funds? This body is going to assist the government rather than the government assisting it and the reason is very simple. First, the government is overstretched and the three arms of government need their capacity to be built and we are going to do that. Our professionals are going to train judges to understand the depth and technicalities associated with fraud. This is because if they are well trained, it will give them a deeper understanding of emerging trends and therefore they will deliver sound judgment. Also, the legislators will make sound laws and we will help law enforcement agencies build capacity. The importance of this body among the three arms and tiers of government is so germane that we think the charter will perhaps be the greatest gift the ninth assembly will give to this country. Another aspect is the area of recovered loot. We will ensure that recovered loot is properly accounted for. And not just accounted for, they are not re-looted and reapplied. Another thing Nigeria can do and with the voice of a body like ours is to ensure the speedy recovery of loots because some of them are still trapped abroad and these developed countries are still putting in so many technicalities to delay the return of those loot to Africa. One of the things we must do is to ensure the speedy global action for the return of the loot, maybe with the commitment that these loot will be directed towards the SDGs.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

South-east: When Silence is No Longer Golden Ike Chioke

igeria and Nigeria’s friends must speak out on the heightened spate of insecurity in the South-east now before it is too late. What started as a flickering candlelight is quickly snowballing into a huge forest fire. And if we do not act quickly, history will not be kind to all of us who knew the awesome power of speech but chose silence. The situation in the Southeast is worrisome; not just because of our bitter history but because no great society ever stumbles twice over the same stone in their collective march to progress. While Nigeria has weathered the storm in the North-east for years, the threat in the South-east is grounded in a long history of injustice. That is the difference. And we must not gloss over this fact if we want a good understanding of the current problem. Happily, the reality of modern development is that in many interconnected societies, no sub-group ever suffers adversity alone. Misery often seeks new neighbourhoods to occupy. That is why no part of Nigeria can be said to have been completely insulated from the effects of the sustained insurgency and brazen acts of terror in the Northeast in the past decade. Aside from the untold hardships caused by the destruction of lives, livelihoods and physical infrastructure, the very negative sentiments of insurgency has also cost Nigeria and the region even greater losses in local and foreign investment. And no matter how indifferent some Nigerians might feel, we have all been touched in varying degrees by that situation. But a prolonged conflict in the Southeast will cost Nigeria much more. There is no doubt about that. And that is why silence is dangerous now. Indeed, we are in a rare moment in time when only sincere, in-depth, and far-ranging conversations can save the impending storm. This is the time to start the conversations. Our leaders in all spheres of life must begin to talk to one another in a language that will heal the land. Our elected leaders must engage at all levels. The governors from the various regions must wake up to their responsibilities and create robust spaces for meaningful dialogue among themselves. The South must meet the North in a dialogue of logic and reason. The time to show all the wisdom, level-headedness and charisma of statesmen has come. Our governors must rise above pride, prejudice, and personal motivations to meet at the table of unity and peace. They must agree that if Nigeria is to work, every part of the federating unit must be treated with as much weight as the other. The legislators from different regions must commence their own rounds of conversations

Umahi

among themselves. Our political leaders must recognise that as the greatest beneficiaries of present-day Nigeria, they need Nigeria much more than the average Nigerian. All channels of communica-

tions between the custodians of traditional institutions across the regions must be opened and sustained. The Emirs must talk to the Igwes, and the Obas and our religious leaders must seek intelligent pathways to

roundtable discussions across different zones. Those of us who are in business must also create spaces for dialogue across all spheres. If we do not talk to one another, soon enough, we shall be the ones encouraging those who feel cheated by Nigeria to put a gun to her head. I am of the candid view however that the South-east governors have more work to do in the emerging scenario. Since truth is a critical element in pursuit of peace and justice, I think that the South-east governors should withdraw into the Ime Obi with our aggrieved youths for a family meeting. I have followed developments since the current recrudescence of self-determination, and I

have not come across any report of a meeting between our governors and the leaders of the various separatist groups in the region. It is almost safe to assume that there has not been a serious attempt to sit down with them at a roundtable. Democracy thrives on dialogue. Our elected leaders must find a way to engage with different interest groups who have a viewpoint that might affect the wellbeing of society no matter how reactionary they seem. We lay avoidable landmines when we ignore the threat such people represent and allow their grievances to fester into open sores. It is morning yet on creation day though. We can still engage

these people to save the day and give our elders a chance for peaceful retirement and our young ones a chance to chase their dreams. Fellow Nigerians, we all have a responsibility to work towards averting the threatening storm. A war does not always end in victory and defeat. It ends with fractured lives and broken dreams. It ends with disruptions and dislocations. Nobody wins in the end. We will lose families, we will lose friends, we will lose businesses, and the survivors will lose peace of mind. We all end up as losers! t$IJPLF JT BO JOWFTUNFOU CBOLFS BOE $&0 PG "GSJOWFTU 8FTU "GSJDB -JNJUFE

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Africa’s Journey towards Energy Transition, Cleaner Environment

Hamid Ayodeji writes on efforts to achieve cleaner energy in Africa

ver the last decade, the journey to replace fossil fuels with cleaner sustainable energy has been moving at glacial speed, but the COVID-19 pandemic has not only accelerated the trend, it’s made it obvious that we weren’t moving fast enough. The year 2020 was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Countries and companies were rushing to cut carbon emissions, boost clean energy and transform the way we live; even in the most unlikely quarters, the world is getting behind the energy transition. In simple terms, the world energy order, which has been predicated on oil, is fast changing direction. As efforts to combat climate change gather momentum, many of the world’s largest economies have adopted targets for net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. A fundamental question for Africa is, ‘as the pressure mounts for regions, countries, and companies to meet the Paris Agreement targets on eliminating carbon emissions, where does the continent stand?’ Despite net-zero ambitions, the current reality of consumption in Africa is quite different, begging the question: ‘Is Africa getting left behind in an ever-widening ‘energy divide’? At a time like this, commemorating World Environment day matters more than ever, with this year’s theme: ‘Ecosystem Restoration.’ Different sectors and organisations can play a fundamental role in preserving and restoring our ecosystems. Doing so can unlock multiple eco-benefits for the world. It’s important to note that biodiversity preservation goes hand in hand with effective climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), while Africa is home to 17 per cent of the world’s population, it accounts for only four per cent of global power supply investment. Only half of the continent’s population have access to electricity and about 80 per cent of companies operating in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from frequent electricity disruptions. Many countries still rely on fossil fuels for their base-load energy supply. Though renewable energy is a potential game-changer for Africa, given its current needs, it still has a long way to go in terms of realisation. For this reason, while the rest of the world is moving forward with renewables, oil will still be a crucial part of the continent’s energy mix; at least for the next decade. In Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, indigenous oil champions like Oando Plc took on the challenge of the energy transition decades ago. The company understood that there would come a time when fossil fuel would need to be replaced by cleaner energy, just as coal was ousted by oil, hence its early foray into gas and power. At the time, renewables were still relatively new and expensive. However, with the realisation that Africa must be a part of the global energy transition, and recognising the leadership role of gas in that transition, Oando became the first private sector player to invest in gas distribution infrastructure in Nigeria, starting with the ‘Greater Lagos’ area. With over 280km in gas pipeline infrastructure built, the erstwhile midstream business of Oando (now Axella) was able to provide unique energy solutions through its erstwhile subsidiaries; Gaslink Nigeria Limited, whose gas pipeline network spans Ijora through Lagos Island’s Marina axis; the East Horizon Group Company, which operates a natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline traversing Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States; The Central Horizon Group Company, focused on the rehabilitation, operation and expansion of the existing natural gas distribution network in the Greater Port Harcourt City and Trans-Amadi area amongst others. In 2019, the company successfully signed two Gas Supply Agreements (GSA) with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG), for the renewal of gas supply for the existing Trains 1-3 for a term of 10 years and for gas

Tinubu

supply for the impending Train 7 for a term of 20 years. Under the terms of the current agreement, the NAOC Joint Venture (JV) made up of NNPC/NAOC/Oando has a total supply obligation of 850MMScf for Trains 1–6. The JV is specifically responsible for supplying a Daily Contract Quantity (DCQ) of 344.6MMscf/d for Trains 1-3 and 505MMscf/d for Trains 4-6, making the NAOC JV the second-largest gas supplier to NLNG. In addition to the JV’s current supply to trains 1-6 and under the terms of the second agreement, the JV will be responsible for supplying a DCQ of 294.7MMScf/d for Train 7. Train 7 is expected to come on stream in 2024 and will bring the JV’s total supply obligation to 1.1Bcf. The execution of these agreements also effectively monetises ca. 3.3Tcf of gas for the NAOC JV of which 666Bcf will be net to Oando. Today oil and gas companies, from the IOCs to indigenous players like Oando are increasingly diversifying their portfolios to include renewable energy assets. Many of them are at the forefront of developing new technologies to help develop renewable resources. They are also transitioning into ‘energy companies’ and some are even rebranding, with TotalEnergies (formerly Total) being the most evident example.

Different sectors and organisations can play a fundamental role in preserving and restoring our ecosystems. Doing so can unlock multiple ecobeneﬁts for the world

Rather than blindly following in the footsteps of Europe or North Americas, Africa will have to use gas as a necessary bridge from our current oil-powered state to a renewable future. Reiterating the importance of gas in Africa’s energy future, Chief Operating Officer, Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie Irune, in a recent interview with CNN Connecting Africa said: “We see gas playing a huge role in the energy mix moving forward, we see gas as the catapult that will certainly move Africa into an industrialised phase. “Renewables from a cost perspective present a bit of a challenge for the continent; all the same, it’s not taken out of the equation it’s certainly something we’ll continue to look at and invest in but we see gas being the immediate transition. When you have a developing country like Nigeria, gas plays a critical role in moving it from where it is today to a first world country.” For decades, oil price booms and busts have provided shocks to dependent countries like Nigeria, underscoring economic frailties and the urgent need to develop new sectors both in and outside the energy mix to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Outside of the nation’s dependence on crude oil, Nigeria is among the least electrified in the world on a per capita basis, with many businesses and individuals largely forced to generate their own power using costly, polluting diesel generators. A key ingredient to realising Nigeria’s energy transition is a collaboration between the government and the private sector to pursue a shift that is favorable and available to all regardless of their social strata. Collaboration is a crucial strategy in the forward movement of the industry and economy at large. In recognition of the role that public-private partnership has to play in the energy transition, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Adewale Tinubu, said at the presidential flag-off ceremony for the construction of 614km AjaokutaKaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Project that, “We at Oando, have always been firm believers in the African proverb, If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. As a proudly Nigerian company focused on

driving indigenous participation, we have always been proponents of public-private partnerships in accelerating the nation’s goals. “We have aspired to play an integral role in the building out of the National Gas Infrastructure and Pipeline Grid, as evidenced by our efforts in 2009, post the Nigerian Gas Masterplan when we participated in the unrealised Calabar- Ajaokuta- Abuja-Kano (CAAK) line. “We have developed strategic partnerships with both private sector players and the NNPC to bring sustainable solutions to spur the country’s development via our numerous gas development and distribution projects. “We commend the NNPC for spearheading projects that will soften the headwinds occasioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to be active participants in driving the country’s industrialisation and actualisation of the Gas Master Plan, which will undoubtedly create employment opportunities and ultimately generate as well as enhance value for the nation.” In Africa, rising incomes, growing populations and rapid urbanisation will combine to push electricity demand to at least double (or possibly triple or more) by 2040. As the continent with the most developing countries and a huge energy gap, the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy could be nothing short of pivotal in changing the continent’s narrative and future. Clean energy will give rise to a constellation of bilateral trade relationships, protect the environment and people, as well as prepare the continent for the future. Speaking on the importance of gas in Africa’s energy transition, at the Columbia Global Energy Summit recently, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said: “I think gas is really fundamental to anything that would resemble a just transition, especially in developing countries, and gas-rich countries in particular. I think we need to accept that gas really is possibly the most sensible transition fuel that we can find.” The Africa Energy Outlook 2019 has given context to this in its report. It projected that the number of people living in Africa’s cities is expected to increase by 600 million over the next two decades. Africa’s overall population is set to exceed two billion before 2040, accounting for half of the global increase over that period. These profound changes will drive consumer demand and increase pressure for the continent’s economic growth, infrastructure development and, in turn, energy demand, which is projected to rise 60 per cent to around 1,320 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2040, based on current policies and plans. Africa, therefore, has a unique opportunity to pursue sustainable energy development to bridge the gap and act as a lever for a renewable future. According to African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, “The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic offered major opportunities to transform energy production. Recovery must be green and build climate resilience. Recovery must boost green investments.” He spoke in a keynote address at an investment forum, while also noting Africa had the world’s greatest solar generation potential. A renewable future, though decades away, is not out of the picture. Speaking on the green energy outlook for Oando, Dr. Ainojie Irune explained that it’s only sustainable from a business standpoint to look to a renewable future. He said, “The first is the fact that the pandemic has taken away the notion of this heavy oil dependency. We see that many renewable assets were easier to manage through this period; when I say easier, I’m talking from an attention to equipment perspective. It’s only sustainable from a business standpoint to look to a renewable future. It certainly is what we’re focusing on, we’ve pivoted to understand what that space requires but most importantly starting to drive the steps to create the investment in that space.”

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

EDUCATION An Enduring Social Insurance Scheme for Teachers, Merit will Boost Education, Says Provost In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, the Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe, Dr. Nosiru Onibon explained why an enduring social insurance scheme must be institutionalised to further motivate teachers in the country and why emphasis must be placed on merit in the decision of admission of students, employment of teachers and appointment of heads of institutions, so that Nigeria can move forward educationally. Excerpts:

ne of the objectives of your institution is to conduct ressearch with respect to education, to what extent has this been acheived and what impact has it made on the country? Our institution was established about 26 years ago with the sole aim of producing teachers at the basic level of our education system. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria, we are built to produce quality teachers and conduct research into our basic education system in all ramifications in order to improve on that level. The college so far has performed above average to raising such quality educators for Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general. We have found our students not only in the classrooms, but some of them have gone farther after their NCE to obtain additional postgraduate certificate. Some of them are back in the classroom as lecturers, some are in other institutions as lecturers, some are in education establishments as policy makers and policy implementors, among others. The college has performed above average as expected by the founding fathers. TETFund has approved for our college lecturers that do research into various areas of our basic education system in Nigeria. Just last week, I signed for nine of them that are going to take their last tranch of the funding from TETFund. In the last three years that I came on board, I have over 20 various researches sponsored by TETFund to the tune of at least N1.2 million for each of the reseachers. About 15 of them have concluded their research and taken their last tranch. The outcome of their researches have been published in reputable journals. So we are living up to expectations. On their impact on their country, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) last year, approved for our college to participate in training of teachers in primary schools and currently, we are in the third stage of such training for all the teachers in primary schools and early education in Lagos State. UBEC works through the Lagos Education Board, so they have our college and LASU alone. Our impact not only tells in Lagos, but in Nigeria as a whole. So that gives us the recognition by UBEC to do this training for teachers to improve on their quality. Education in Nigeria seems to have been politicised, do you share in this view, and what do you think should be the way forward? Education needs to go through policy process making and implementation. In the analysis of the education policy, we see that there is a degree of politics in it. That is natural, but what is bad is to allow politics to becloud the whole system and that will affect the quality and the general outcome of the education system, for instance on the issue of quota system, catchment area, ethnicity, religion, godfatherism and consideration in students’ admission. I am not in support of closing our eyes to the use of merit instead of quota system. We can allow quota system to a certain degree, for instance researches have shown that certain areas are educationally disadvantaged. If we have such, then the application of quota system may come in. If we have 5,000 candidates to be admitted into a university, we can allocate maybe five or 10 per cent to catchment area because of their disadvantage so that we can balance the education output, quality of education and the number of the people we have educated in the country. In a situation where we just closed our eyes against merit and we are talking about ethnic, religion or godfatherism in admissions and employment of teachers, things will not augur well. I advocate that we should look at merit especially in the area of who heads these institutions either colleges, polytechnics or universities. We should also use merit to employ who teaches in these schools because the level

Dr. Onibon of our education will be determined by the quality of the educators themselves. So that is why I am against the complete politicisation of our education system. As far as am concerned, our policy makers should give merit a place in the decision of admission of students, employment of teachers and appointment of heads of institutions. Education has continued to receive poor allocation from the national budget, where do you think we got it wrong as a nation? We got it wrong as a nation due to the politicisation of our education and all aspects of our lives. We give credence to our lives that we will gain from. The policy makers are pursuing what will satisfy their selfish interest and that is why you find so much of budgetary allocation in areas that the public may not be able to put their searchlight on. If education budget continues to get dwindled, the quality of what we get will be watered down. Not only that the budget is dwindling, the application and implementation of the paltry sum for education is cornered by corrupt officials. If you like, budget 100 per cent for education, if implementators are corrupt, we will still continue to get it wrong. Sometime in this country, we had as low as 10 per cent, assuming it is ultimally applied to education, we will not be where we are today. So if we have low budget, we will need to battle with inadequate infrastructure, inadequate training for existing teachers, inadequate recruitment of quality teachers, inconsistent policy and poor perception as we have today. We have poor perception of teacher education including the teachers themselves. The society perception of teachers is poor and that is why we will not want to advise our children to study education in the higher institution because we don’t see them as people who are very important in the society. Would you attribute that to why teachers are poorly paid in the country? Yes. Add to that is what I call ecology of education which is also very poor. How does the classroom look like? The seats for teachers and students are inadequate, classroom environment is not conducive. If the classrooms are conducive and the teaching apparatus are there, teaching methodology is being improved on, and the teachers have the technological know-how to

deliver what they have to impart the students, you will want to come to the classroom. For instance if I travel abroad, what I deliver for 40 minutes, takes me two hours to deliever here in Nigeria. When you imagine a classroom that is light-proof, soundproofed and you can even take the students out of the classroom via internet because the classroom is internet connected, you can imagine how I am going to perform in such a classroom. Unlike here, you get multitude of students with no seats to sit, some of them hanging around the corridor of the classroom. You can imagine the quality of what such a teacher will deliver. Would you say low self-esteem sometimes ruins the motivation and interest of an individual to venture into the teaching profession? Sure. The perception of the society will bring about low self-esteem because it is the group that the society celebrates that you will want to belong to. The society doesn’t celebrate teachers, so you see that people are reluctant to pursue the teaching profession. My first admission was on education, I rejected that admission because I didn’t want to become a teacher, I was running after law or political science. But today, fate has directed me to be a teacher and I have taken it up and since then, I told myself that I want to be a better teacher. Willingly, it was not like that at the beginning which accounts for over 80 per cent of teachers you find in classrooms today at all levels even as lecturers. Some are still looking elsewhere to run to. As a way of motivating teachers, the Lagos State government in April, rewarded teachers with cars, do you think this factor is enough to motivate individuals into the profession? One of the things that we are doing now and the government has done, even at the federal level, is to improve on the professionalisation of the teaching profession. We are no more in the era where anybody who does not find an alternative, gets into the classroom. If you don’t have teaching qualification, you are not going to be employed. In our college, you must be a professional teacher before you get into our classroom which is being done now. In the last few months, I am beginning to see influx of students with teaching qualification unlike before,

when you look at the statistics, you find out that the number of candidates who want to read education as first choice, was usually very low, but now, it is professionalised. It was okay for the Lagos State government to motivate teachers, but to motivate teachers and other workforce, there is a need for us to institutionalise an enduring social insurance scheme. If you get a job today, in the next few months, you should be able to walk to the bank and take car and housing loan which will be spread over the number of years you will spend in the service, so that in the long run, you would not need to struggle to build your own house. In a situation where a teacher will have to look for land to buy, look for the labourers, buy cement, get carpenters, etc, where does a teacher get such money? We want him motivated and be able to concentrate. In such a situation, we will continue to have people that are not so much committed to that profession. You will find people who say they are teachers, but still engaged in another trade because they want to make ends meet. My argument here, is that to motivate teachers for that matter and other workforce, let us have an enduring social insurance scheme to save the system. For now, teachers resort to cooperatives to be able to buy land and houses for themselves which is not supposed to be. In developed countries, their teachers live very well. If you are a worker, what the banks just need to see is a regular monthly payment which shows that you have a regular income. It is on the income that you can take all the loans you want which will be proportionate. What are the challenges facing teacher education in the country? The first challenge is basically inadequate budgetary allocation, lack of motivation for teachers, poor societal perception, lack of commitment among teachers themselves and attrition in the teaching programme in the universities and colleges of education. All colleges of education especially in the southwest area of Nigeria, are already drowning in the area of not getting students to study at the NCE level. So we had to send our admission committee to different places to canvass for admission. It is as bad as that. Part of the challenges also include: inadequate training in modern teaching methodology and use of technology for the teachers as well as inconsistent policies. like I said, policy making on the paper is not a problem, but the implementation. What is on the paper is fantastic, but do we find that on ground? Above all is the issue of corruption that in itself is a problem. Even the inadequate budgetary allocation is also being hunted by corrupt tendencies and implementators. You are a teacher of Arabic Language, what is your view about what is currently happening in the country regarding ethnic and religious intolerance? It is a complex matter and uncalled for. Intolerance in all ramifications naturally is uncalled for. People resort to sentiments when they cannot get what they feel they desire on the table. For instance, if we do not politicise our system so much, if I apply on merit, I can be given an appointment, then I don’t need to resort to anything. But in our part of the world, if you don’t belong to a particular group, religion or ethnicity, you cannot find your way, so this gives currency into people looking for sentiments to achieve their selfish aim. So if the issue of intolerance comes in, you will find out that the underlining current is that of the quest to want to achieve selfish end. So where you belong to determines what you get now. So the leadership of the country at different levels must take the bull by the horn and act according to the constitution. The issue of intolerance shouldn’t come in because we are all human beings.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

EDUCATION

Experts Task Parents FG Seeks Integration of WASH into on Digital Learning, Tertiary Education Curriculum more Involvement in Children’s Education Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Uchechukwu Nnaike Educational professionals have advised Nigerian parents to embrace digital learning as a means of getting actively involved in their children’s education. This was the major takeout from the May edition of Edtech Monday - an initiative of MasterCard Foundation, in partnership with ccHub, featuring panelists such as the Chief Executive Officer, Gradely, Boye Oshinaga, Founder, Nobelova Gradani PsychoEducational Services, Helen Oshikoya and social entrepreneur, Jadesola Adedeji, moderated by social engineering practitioner, Joyce Daniel. Speaking at the virtual roundtable, tech entrepreneur, Oshinaga noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has further proven how effective and valuable technology can be in aiding learning, not only among pupils, but also parents. He said though it was difficult for parents to adapt to the realities of remote schooling at the initial stage, acceleration in the use of technology in the classroom necessitated the need for them to do so. He however stated that despite the growing shift to digital learning, data availability remains a major issue and can only be tackled if education technology companies forge a common front by seeking the reduction of the amount of data

needed from telecommunication companies, as this will enable them scale the impact, as well as learning outcomes. Also speaking, Adedeji stated that the pandemic has succeeded in shifting a lot of mindsets, including parents’ to explore alternative tools not only to reinforce learning but also to assess the quality of teaching being provided by teachers. While acknowledging that both parents and children are now beneficiaries of this paradigm shift, Adedeji tasked parents to be cautious with their children by ensuring that there are proper safeguarding tools that prevent them from accessing contents detrimental to their learning. On her part, Oshikoya admitted that it has been a difficult task for most parents to strike a balance between finding economic value and attending to their children’s education, and advised parents to continue to be watchful and educate their children on what online content to be exposed to, adding that children with special needs are an example of people who have become victims of abuse. She added that though harsh economic reality in Nigeria has resulted in parents having reduced time to spend with their children, it is important for them to ensure that they are monitoring for a beeter outcome.

Platform Capital Fetes Indigent School Children, Invests in Education Infrastructure Peter Uzoho In commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day, Platform Capital, an investment and advisory firm, with interest in several business areas including technology and manufacturing, has celebrated children in Nigeria especially those from the less-privileged homes. The company through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, Diatom Impact, which focuses on critical areas of development, organised a party tagged ‘Children Fun Day 2021’, at the Froggles Play Zone in Lekki, Lagos, where over 50 school children had fun and big treats. “Today, we are celebrating children. We have about 50 kids here and they are playing, they are dancing, we have treats for them later. We just want to have them enjoy the day because it’s Children’s Day and Diatom Impact and Platform Capital have made a huge investment in children,” the Director of Impact and Research, Diatom Impact, Dr. Anna Bethune said. “We know that children are the future, we know that Africa is the future. So this is where we need to start,” she added. She explained that the children were brought from schools across

The Diatom Impact director

five local government areas of Lagos State and that each school brought 10 children to participate at the party. Bethune said Diatom Impact which is a part of Platform Capital Group works across five areas critical to development in Nigeria and across Africa, including education, entrepreneurship, gender equality, health and quality of life. She noted that the Fun Day party “falls under quality of life for us because this children here are less-privileged, we wanted to make sure that they came and they enjoy all the different things that children with more privileged background will also experience.” She disclosed that Diatom Impact would be spending about $3 million on education alone, adding that the company has earmarked some key projects. One of such projects, according to her, is the ‘Adopt a School’, which “is one of our big projects and it means that we are adopting schools all across Nigeria that need help in infrastructure. “So, we are talking about schools that don’t have boreholes, electricity. We’ve identified some schools already across the six geopolitical zones and we will be adopting them.”

The federal government has stressed that teaching students of tertiary institutions only the basics of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is not enough, adding that there is need to develop a curriculum and engage in capacity building. The minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adams, who said this in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between WaterAid and the National Water Resources Institute, said the challenge is in not teaching the nitty gritty of rural sanitation in schools.

He disclosed that through such updates in tertiary education curriculum, WASH homes in rural areas will also have the opportunity for basic training on how to manage sanitation, adding that Nigeria is doing badly in the subsector. “The challenge is far from just teaching students the basics. It is not enough to teach just the basics. There’s need to go to the nitty gritty. There’s need to develop the idea of developing a curriculum and engage in capacity building,” he said. The Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Ms. Evelyn Mere, said the partnership with NWRI will combine the WASH

expertise of WaterAid and that of the institute to contribute to bridging knowledge and capacity gaps for the delivery of equitable sustainable total sanitation at scale in Nigeria. Mere stated that the stark realities in the society is more than enough indication and a status quo that cannot continue, adding that there is need to take urgent action to accelerate Nigeria’s progress or face a worsening crisis with real effects on human lives. She said apart from developing modules and running certified short courses, the partnership will support and improve sector capacity building for sanitation programme

development. “The partnership will promote learning and capacity building for rural sanitation in Nigeria working through a systems-based approach to embed the principles and approaches to enhance sustainability, equity and scale towards universal access by 2030. “The stark realities around us is more than enough indication that we simply cannot afford to continue with the status quo. We must take urgent action to accelerate Nigeria’s progress or face a worsening crisis with real effects on human lives,” she added.

L-R: The Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf; Director, School of Part-time Studies-Day, Lagos State Polytechnic, Mustapha Okunnu; President, LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje; and Vice-President/ Chairman, Science and Tech Committee, LCCI, Mr. Leye Kupoluyi, at the oﬃcial presentation of 3D printers to tertiary institutions in Lagos State, at LCCI Victoria Island Oﬃce, Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

FCET Provost Harps on Special Curriculum for Vocational Training Oluchi Chibuzor The Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Dr. Wahab Azeez, has stressed the need for the country to develop a special curriculum for vocational training. This he said is imperative considering the significance of vocational skills in the fourth industrial age. Azeez, who stated this in Lagos recently at a programme to commemorate his two years in office, said as one of the foremost technical education institutions in the country, it is imperative for the nation to consider developing a special curriculum for students who are gifted in craft. He therefore called on

the government to consider upgrading the institution to a federal university of technical education to provide a path for school leavers with technical background. “The act that established this college is being amended at the National Assembly; my aspiration is to see that this college is upgraded to the Federal University of Technical Education. We are ready to develop a special curriculum for vocational training that will meet the needs of the nation. “This is to enable us to service the students who are yearning for and want to run degree programmes in technical education, and we are already talking with members of NASS on it.”

The provost stressed the importance of technical education in Nigeria, saying that China is giving preference to it, being the reason for its progress. “In all of these things, TETFund has been of great assistance; our programmes are increasing so we need to expand and create an enabling environment for youths to learn more skills.” Highlighting some of the successes recorded, the provost said: “We have the construction of a two-storey block of classrooms for teaching and offices for use by members of staff, both for academic and non-academic, while our senior staff block will be changed to have inbuilt toilets. “In addition, we have

acquired equipment like multi-media projectors for departments, and also, the first-ever 500 capacity lecture theatre, which the college has never had,” he added. Meanwhile, the Chairman, College of Education Academic Staff Union Staff (COEASU), Ebenezer Oje, who urged the management to intensify efforts at providing internet connectivity for lectures, said the provost has been able to make the union redundant through his interpersonal relationship with the body. “We have an enabling environment to work to the optimum level, because you are given the chance to grow considering the fact that you are capable,” he said.

VC Condemns Rape, Murder of UNILORIN Student Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkaree, has condemned the reported rape and murder of a 300-level student of the institution, Miss Blessing Omowumi Olajide, at a location outside the institution campus. The Director of Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Kunle Akogun,

in a statement issued in Ilorin said, “the university management received the report of the incident with a heavy heart. He said the incident was not only ugly, but also unacceptable and must be condemned by people of good conscience. While sympathising with relations, friends and colleagues of the deceased,

the VC promised that the institution would work with security agencies to get to the root of the matter and expose the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The VC urged students of the university to always be vigilant and conscious of their environment. He also admonished them to be wary of the kind of friends they keep, places

they visit and ensure that they report strange faces or irregular movements in their areas to the school authorities or security agencies in order to preserve their dignity, integrity and safety. He restated the commitment of the university management to ensure the general safety of the students and staff both within and outside the institution.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

EDUCATION

Bridge Pupil Gets Full Scholarship for Outstanding Performance Funmi Ogundare A pupil of Bridge International Academy, Badagry, Master Emmanuel Sefirinmi Avoseh, 10, has received the Supreme-Bridge full scholarship award, which covers his secondary education, following his outstanding performance in both the supreme scholarship entrance examination and subsequent interview process. The Supreme Education Foundation (SEF) scholarship scheme is designed to bridge educational inequalities resulting from geographic and socio-economic differences and give deserving students the opportunity to attend SEF schools which provide quality education in an exciting learning environment.

Avoseh, who currently is in primary six, sat for the supreme scholarship examination with other brilliant pupils across Lagos State before earning the coveted slot. Speaking during the official award presentation ceremony held recently at the Bridge Nigeria’s Support Office, Lagos, the Principal, Supreme Education Foundation Schools, Mr. Iheanyichukwu Akwitti said the scholarship will cover his full boarding, tuition, books, uniforms and other resources during his secondary education at the school. He urged Avoseh to come into the school with his mind open and ready to break all boundaries. According to him, “the SEF school is not just

committed to ensuring that students get the best quality education, but are also supported to excel in their academics, leadership and entrepreneur journey. The principal commended Bridge for its impact on the lives of children and families living in underserved communities and opined that the Supreme-Bridge partnership will hopefully lead to more collaborations and opportunities for more pupils. Emmanuel’s Mother, Mrs. Oluwakemi Avoseh said being a single parent, receiving this scholarship will greatly reduce the financial burden of training four children single-handedly. “I greatly appreciate Supreme Education Foundation School for the generous fi-

nancial support. I also thank Bridge for giving Emmanuel the opportunity to pursue both his educational and extracurricular dreams.” She added that the quality education and support from his teachers has contributed to Emmanuel’s success story. The Managing Director, Bridge Nigeria, Ms. Foyinsola Akinjayeju stated that Bridge believes that a child’s potential should not be limited by his socio-economic status, hence, the support for low income families with access to life changing education and scholarship opportunities. “The scholarship would no doubt go a long way in the life of Emmanuel and his parents, and inspire other pupils who aim to achieve such a feat.”

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

APPLICATION OF STYLES TOYOUR TEACHING Do you dare to be a brand name or are you just a generic? First things first, let’s check out how it works with medications: If you check their packaging, medications sometimes have more than one name. One of these names would be the generic name of the medication while the other name would be its brand name. For example, ibuprofen is the generic name whilst Hedex or Nurofen are two brand names for ibuprofen; sildenafil is a generic name for Viagra (its brand name). Paracetamol, which is extremely popular is the generic name for Panadol, Calpol, Tylenol, Emzor Paracetamol or Dawa Ya Magi etc. Paracetamol has been around for over one hundred years. It is sold in its generic name as well as by brand names. Paracetamol is sold in many countries by a range of manufacturers that each use different brand names. The generic or scientific name of a medication refers to the active ingredient in the medication. This is the official medical name for this medication given by an expert committee. Generic medications are usually cheaper even though they contain the same active ingredients and have the same clinical effects as their brand versions. Generic names do not start with capital letters. A manufacturer, the pharmaceutical company or the distributor of the drug selects and names a drug its brand name. The brand name therefore acts as the trade name of the medication. An easy to pronounce, quick to remember and aesthetic - for recognition name is usually coined as a brand name. The brand version of a medication is just as clinically effective because it contains the active ingredient of the medication. In some people’s experiences, some generic drugs work differently from their brands and vice versa. This may be so if you bear in mind that even though generic and brand drugs have the same active ingredients, they may differ in add ons like: colouring agents, emulsifiers, fillers, preservatives and binders.

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

Dominican Order Unveils College Funmi Ogundare

Some students of Randle Junior Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos during a one-day symposium tagged #Plastic Waste Management, organised by the school and TIGO-NGO, to commensurate this year’s Earth Day... recently

FCET Umunze Council Appoints New Registrar, Bursar, Librarian Uchechukwu Nnaike The seventh Governing Council, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State, has appointed the former Deputy Registrar, Council Affairs, Mrs. Nkah Bessie as the new Registrar of the college. The council also appointed Comrade Ethelbert Echedo as Bursar and Dr. Agada Arome Samson as the new College Librarian. The Provost, Dr. Tessy Okoli recently presented the appointment letters to the three principal officers on behalf of the Chairman, Seventh Governing Council, Hon. Sekav Iyortyom. She commended the outgoing principal officers, Dr. Augustine Udensi (Registrar), Dr. Patrick Omile (Bursar) and Dr. Adolphus Ugwuanyi (Librarian) for serving the

college meritoriously till the end of their tenure in May 2021. The provost said the governing council maintained due process in the conduct of the exercise, adding that the three principal officers emerged from transparent screening and interview sessions. She congratulated the winners on their victory and advised them to justify the confidence reposed in them by placing the interest of the college above pecuniary interests. Mrs. Nkah joined the college in 1996 as a Higher Executive Officer and by dint of hard work, rose to the position of Deputy Registrar in the Council Affairs Unit. She served in various capacities at the Registry Department, including various standing and ad-hoc committees. She holds a M.Sc in Public

Administration (2006) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Public Administration from the Imo State University. She is currently running her PhD programme at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered); member, Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria; and fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria. She is also a member of the prestigious Women in Colleges of Education in Nigeria (WICE). Comrade Echedo joined the college in 1990 and rose to the post of Assistant Deputy Bursar. He was also the Chairman, Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education, FCE(T) Umunze Chapter. He holds M.Sc in Business Administration from the National Open Univer-

sity of Nigeria, and B.Sc Accounting from the Abia State University Uturu. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He was also Chairman, ICAN Awka and District Society. Until his appointment as the Librarian, Dr. Agada was the Deputy College Librarian, Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Masters in Library Science from the same university. He graduated from Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2005. He is a member of Nigerian Library Association, and member, Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria. He has many publications, including theses, textbooks, journals, articles and seminar papers.

The Dominican Order of the Catholic Church, a body renowned for promoting evangelization and social causes particularly in the education sector, has unveiled its ultramodern educational facility, Dominican College, Abuja, as part of efforts to bridge the gap in the access to quality education especially for out-of-school children in the country. The Director, Dominican Vocation Support and Project Coordinator, Rev. Father Stephen Ogbe, who briefed journalists recently in Lagos, said the facility upon completion, will provide succour for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across the country, adding that they will be able to enjoy the same quality education as those from stable backgrounds. “The project, upon completion, will provide quality education for a number of out-of-school children and also help parents understand the value of education. The children from the economically disadvantaged backgrounds will be able to mix with those of the rich background and we will ensure that we build their self-confidence.” He said the order is saddled with the task of raising N250 million for the

completion of an unfinished part of the project, which includes a one-year running cost and the indigent scholarship fund. He appealed to corporate bodies and individuals to support the college by sponsoring as many indigent students as possible. According to him, “there is a breakdown of N40 million for the completion of the physical structures, N120 million operational/ running cost for one year; and N90 million proposed as seed capital for the indigent scholarship fund for the six-year period of studies. “With more donors and sponsors, more children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds will be adequately catered for.” Ogbe expressed concern that more children are out of school due to the growing insecurity in the country and the devastating effect of COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the order decided to situate the college in a remote part of Abuja, which is educationally disadvantaged so as to give them the opportunity to impact lives and build the next generation. The director said the college will be inaugurated in July, while the 2021/2022 academic activities will commence by September 2021.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

Safety, Security Tips for Schools, Measures Govt, Private Education Providers Can Take to Make Schools Safer Kenechukwu Nwosu In these times and season, keeping schools safe and secured cannot be overemphasised. Safety and security in schools create an educationally enabling environment and allows children to look forward to being in an encouraging environment that promotes social and creative learning. When there are obvious security challenges that these little ones identify at the age, children are at risk of not feeling comfortable at school and may stop showing up, or they may remain scared throughout the day. Promoting school safety and security makes teaching and learning effective and creates peaceful space for kids to explore, learn and grow. A day such as Children’s Day May 27 beyond the partying and celebrations should also remind us as a people that the safety and security of children in and around schools is also everyone’s responsibility and a day like this should remind stakeholders in the education sector of their respective roles in promoting school safety and security As every child has the equal rights to access to uninterrupted quality education, doing so in a safe and secured environment is most important. School safety and security affect children, teachers, administrators, parents, communities, stakeholders and government in

a variety of ways. The issue of school safety is a major concern at all levels of government, from local to federal. It has become very imperative that government in collaboration with the security agencies should direct their surveillance on the schools and environment because when a pro actively established safety and security system is put in place, it brings confidence in both parents, teachers, students and communities in general. To achieve this, it is important we should know that education of children in schools is a localised practice and schools are located in local governments and communities, while government owns most public schools and private education providers own the private schools. Having said this, government and private providers should collaborate with security agencies to start looking at having closer surveillance at the school environment, involve more manpower, information and communication technology (including GPS mapping) and preventive strategies. It is also important to have infrastructural evaluation of schools, to know how many schools we have, which schools are more exposed to security challenges, and knowing what provisions these schools have for safety and security. There is also need to know how many children we have per class, per school, per locality

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and how prepared we are in case there is any alarming situation, what do schools do, this goes ahead to bring in the issue of security sensitisation and training in the schools, in which it is important for communities and the youths where the schools are located to be carried along in the planning and implementation of security activities. It is necessary that schools with boarding facilities are properly fenced round with gate, CCTVs installed where possible and properly lit. Building of new schools and renovation of school buildings should have provision for strong windows and doors to create kind of safe rooms which will help school authorities to fortify protection of children in case of any alarming situation before external help will come from outside.

Picking up of children after school hours should be seriously monitored. Only parents or duly assigned students should be allowed to pick students from schools. School buses should be registered with ministries of education and security agencies and they should be closely monitored by security agencies while picking and dropping children. This will help in transmitting information to these buses carrying children in case of security risks suspected or occurring along their routes to halt them before they run into such risk areas while carrying children. School management should also inspect all school buses before take off and drivers’ numbers and ID should be ready for supply to relevant agencies when quickly needed. Where possible, school buses should have

tracking devices installed to help in recovering buses and students in extreme cases. Schools should have different levels of clearance for visitors before they are allowed into school premises, all students, teachers and school non academic workers should always be in possession of their ID cards at all times. Security related courses should be introduced in schools, schools can promote security clubs in schools to build consciousness in students. Students should be encouraged to report any suspicious movements, packages, strange bags or person within the school premises to the school management as soon as possible, phone calls inside the school must be prohibited for all visitors or persons not authorised to use phones during school hours. Teachers should be taught on basic evacuation skills in case of explosions, security alarms or fire outbreak in schools and also teachers should be taught how to conduct the students to keep calm and quiet in times of critical security alarms. Schools’ maps and diagrams should be made available to all teachers for quick evacuation purposes. All schools should have muster points where students can be easily gathered and roll calls taken immediately. For public schools, government should make use of the School Based Management Committee (SBMC), which is made up of communities, the youths, the religious leaders, the traditional

rulers, as well as Parent, Teachers Association (PTA) and other stakeholders to come together and brainstorm with a common focus for opinions, suggestions and inputs aimed at the protection of lives and property in our schools. Schools should take roll calls twice daily that is every morning and then at the closing hours to ensure that no child is missing. Loitering during school hours should be banned completely. There should be strong collaboration of government, school management with vigilante groups, the youths association and local hunters who know the terrains in case of any alarming situation, it is also important for government to make phone numbers available to people within the vicinity of the schools which they can call as soon as they notice security challenge around the schools because time is of the essence in any critical situation. Security situations in schools should be assessed at regular intervals, while local governments and school management should form security and sub-security committees in all schools. Schools should be equipped with first aid, toiletries, flash lights, radios and batteries. Disaster management agencies, fire service providers and emergency management agencies and hospitals should also have their contacts given to school authorities for calls during emergency.

-Nwosu, an educaDOAM Foundation Fetes, tion expert wrote from Umuahia Donates Educational Materials to Pupils, Teachers Regency Alliance Boss Tasks Students on

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) Foundation has distributed educational materials to pupils and teachers of Saints Saviour’s Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Ijoko, Ogun state, in its effort to ensure that every child wins despite their parents’ socio-economic status and also enable them to pursue their dreams. The donation, which was part of activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day, saw over 500 pupils with their teachers receiving the materials sponsored by Rite Foods Limited, Niger Biscuit Co Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, among others. Speaking at the programme recently, the foundation’s Team Lead, Ms. Adaeze Anyanna said the move was to promote education across the country, especially among the less privileged in the society. She stressed that more emphasis has to be placed on children from low income households in the country through strategic

surveys to capture those in need and their rights protected. “We still need to lay more emphasis on children from low income. DOAM from inception has this soft spot for the indigent; so we are very interested in people that are from less privileged homes. We do surveys and ensure that our programmes are tailor-made interventions that will ensure that pupils need what they are given. “We did a study on this school and found out that most of them are from low income families, meaning that most of their parents are either petty traders or security guards and have never been celebrated like this. This school has never seen this kind of programme brought to their school, so we saw the need to make them feel loved and appreciated.” The Educational Programme Coordinator, Ms. Fatima Akinsode said: “we are very conscious about our impacts and have touched over 85,000 lives in the east, west and south region of the country.”

Industry Opportunities Funmi Ogundare The Group Managing Director, Regency Alliance Insurance PLC, Mr. Olubiyi Oladipupo Otegbeye, has admonished students to take advantage of opportunities the insurance industry has to offer, saying that there are immense potential to grow the market as financial literacy increases. Otegbeye, who gave the advice recently at the maiden edition of the town and gown interaction series of the Mass Communication Department, Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos, said the insurance industry in Nigeria is still growing and developing, however, it only contributes 0.7 per cent towards Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “This is very low compared to other markets such as South Africa with penetration levels of around 15 per cent.” In his presentation titled ‘Branding as a Catalyst for

Insurance Penetration in Nigeria’, he said the average premium per capita for Africa was $63.7 in 2018, relative to the world average of $645 and advanced markets at $3579. According to him, “the above numbers indicate the low level of development in the African insurance market, but also the immense potential to grow the market for those willing to take the leap.” He said regulatory developments such as tax reforms and the emergence of new risks may present disruptions to businesses, but also present opportunities for those insurers who can turn these changes to their competitive advantage and reposition their businesses for the future. He advised the students to always plan for the future from the classrooms, saying that what they learn must be applied when they are on the job. “For your career, you must

start right from the classroom. Class works, too are skills. You just need to grow your potential. You have everything it takes to be the best. There is no limit to the knowledge you can get here,” he said. The Brand Manager, Mr. Kayode Tejumola, urged the students willing to pursue a career in the insurance industry or any other sector to consider changing the dynamics a bit if they hope to gain traction in the insurance industry. He called on students to identify role models in the industry they wish to play in their careers as this will help them gain the needed experience. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Afolayan, commended the organisers for putting the event together, adding that the gown should never compete with the town, nor should it be at war with it. He said the main duty of

the academic community is to provide sustainable solutions to the problems of the local industry and the globe. “We are also collaborating with institutions and industries around the world; our focus is to create synergies between us and the real world. This will benefit not just Anchor University, but our students as well from the experience, while we provide need-specific solutions in return,” he said. The VC described branding as one important topic that every business and business manager should understand. “The battle to captivate the public has become deeply tensed as the world goes deeper into the breathtaking advent of the new media. Creativity and innovation are expected of everyone in exhibiting their products and services. However, this will only succeed with a good grab of brand communications and management.”

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

CITYSTRINGS

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Justice as Recipe for Rebuilding the Army Today marks exactly five years since the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Baratai, compulsorily retired 38 senior officers without trial for any wrongdoing. Since then, nothing has been done to look into the case despite court judgments ordering the reinstatement of some of the officers. With a new Chief of Army Staff on the saddle, they are looking forward to seeing him revisit the matter, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

n line with his commitment to sustain the legacy of his immediate predecessor, the late Lt-General Ibrahim Attahiru, the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, has promised to run the army with fairness to ensure that soldiers discharge their responsibilities with professionalism. Yahaya spoke at a meeting with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), Corps Commanders and General Officers Commanding (GOCs), during which he also unveiled his four-point agenda to reinvigorate the army, pledged to provide exemplary leadership and thoroughly follow the existing operating procedures by ensuring that the army “becomes a formidable force for national defence and security". “As your chief of army staff, I hereby restate my commitment to lead you with sincerity, with transparency and accountability at all times. I want to assure you all that I will run the army fairly and justly, giving equal opportunity to all based on individual competencies and character,” Yahaya said. But stakeholders in the security sector who have been following and listening to the comments of the new Army chief since he assumed office, want him to give priority attention to the fairness, justice and equity which he has promised to run the force. The stakeholders who spoke to THISDAY on account of anonymity, said one way Yahaya can fulfill his promise of fairness, justice and equity during his time in office, is to carefully look into the cases of the 38 senior officers who were compulsorily retired on June 9, 2016 under the leadership of Lt-General Tukur Buratai (rtd) without justification. They posited that a review of the retirement of the officers in the interest of justice could be one of the good ways to start his rebuilding plan, adding that when the officers and soldiers know that they won’t be unnecessarily and unjustifiably marked for premature retirement or victimisation, it would boost their morale and confidence and motivate them to put in their very best to defend their fatherland. Nigerians woke up on June 9, 2016 to the shocking news of the compulsorily retired 38 senior officers from the army without justification. At the time the action was taken, they were informed by the then army spokesman, Brig. Gen S.K. Usman, that the officers were compulsorily retired on “disciplinary grounds, serious offences”. Even the then Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen Mansur Dan-Alli (rtd) and Buratai himself, corroborated Usman’s statement, alleging further that due process and fair hearing were granted to all the 38 officers, implying that they were found guilty by a competent legal procedure. Specifically, Buratai the then COAS said: “It took us painstaking procedure to ensure we did not pick innocent ones. We started with one inquiry from One Division GOC to the other. After that, we subjected it to legal review. After the legal review, we forwarded our recommendations to higher authorities for consideration. So, it took us time; we have our own process also; our administrative process dovetailing into legal review and so on.” However, it did not take long for Nigerians to know that none of the 38 officers was found guilty of any offence, and were never charged, tried or found guilty, let alone even appear before any court martial. Several of the officers who felt the Army breached its extant rules and regulations in carrying out the retirements took their grievances to courts to clear their names. This was after they had appealed

Chief of Army Staﬀ, Major General Farouk Yahaya to President Muhammadu Buhari for his intervention and reinstatement, but no response from the presidency or the army. Six of the officers have since won their cases in courts which ordered their reinstatements into the Force. The officers who got judgments against the Army are: Maj Gen Ijioma, Cols Hassan and Suleiman as well as Lt Cols Arigbe, Dazang and Mohammed. In the first half of last year alone, the army lost four of these cases. Added to these six, are another two officers who obtained National Assembly resolutions ordering their reinstatements representing some 20 per cent of the 38 officers. Some of the officers, who are still in their 40s, are hoping that the army authorities would carefully examine their case in the interest of justice because they still have a lot to offer the country in military service. Curiously, Buratai refused to comply with both the court judgments and the resolutions. This has led to serious questions about the Army’s desire to adhere to the rule of law and provide justice for these officers. For instance, in delivering his judgment on February 5, 2020 in Col M. A. Sulaiman v Nigerian Army and others, Justice Sanusi Kado corroborated the officers’ arguments by stating that: “The compulsory retirement of the claimant (Col MA Sulaiman), is hereby declared null and void and of no effect whatsoever, as it was not done in line with the extant rules and regulations.” This has been the pattern in the cases that have been concluded. In fact, in a society where the rule of law is supreme and strictly adhered to, the plethora of losses the Nigerian Army has suffered would have caused a judicial review of the retirements. But this has not been the case as sources close to army authorities revealed that the former COAS and the others may have bluntly sworn “with their last blood” never to revisit the retirements while they remained at the helm of affairs of the Army as that would

be an admission that they lied against the 38 officers. Many observers have since questioned Buratai for his action. Firstly, what manner of due process was followed by the supposedly highly professional Nigerian Army that made the 38 senior officers to be retired without being found guilty of an offence? When and where were all the officers charged, tried, and found guilty? Is there any evidence of the dates and times the Court Martials sat? Were the officers granted fair hearing? What were the status of the appeals of the officers to Mr. President? When will the Nigerian Army comply with the rule of law and obey the court orders and judgments? The above questions are significant because in January 2016 the army leadership under then COAS Buratai, reinstated Maj-Gen Ahmadu Mohammed after his appeal was reviewed by Mr. President. Mohammed, it would be recalled was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division in 2014 when his troops mutinied and fired at his vehicle. The soldiers accused him of dereliction of duty and sending them to the battlefield with minimal logistic supports thereby leading to many deaths. The former GOC who is from Kano State, did not appeal his retirement within 30 days as stipulated by the conditions of service but in September 2015 after nine months, which according to Defence sources, was already a breach of the appeal process, but this was ignored because the army headed by Buratai had an interest to ensure fairness and justice was served. Mohmmmed instead, waited for the outcome of the 2015 general election as well as the removal of the previous service chiefs. As soon as President Buhari and Buratai came onboard, he was pronto, reinstated. In Wing Commander Mshelia v. NAF & ANOR (2014) the Court of Appeal held: “The Armed Forces as a body, is

supposed to be exemplary, in discipline, the world over. To violate the law and retire a member of that body in consequence is not an exhibition of discipline or exemplary conduct. To refuse to act in accordance with Section 178 of the Armed Forces Act 2004, and to continue to keep the appellant in suspense, is an abuse of office, calculated at denying the appellant the right to seek redress in a court of law, and that is why the Public Officers Protection was invoked. The law does not give reprieve in such a situation. No one will be allowed on the one hand, to act in breach of the law in a high-handed manner, and on the other hand, seek the protection of the law. The courts will not open their doors to such unlawful acts and dereliction of duty, a duty imposed by law… As earlier opined, the Public Officers Protection Act is meant to shield public officers and bodies, lawfully and conscientiously carrying out their duties, within the scope of their authority, from attack. It is not meant to be used as a sword by public officers acting without good faith and in flagrant disobedience of the law, to attack and maim others, more so when those others, are members of the same family, engaged in the service and defence of our country.” Despite this "locus classicus" judgment of the Court of Appeal, and the series of legal losses sustained by the army, the illegal and unjust retirements of the 38 senior military officers was not reviewed under the Buratai-led army. This is why the stakeholders are urging both the Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor and the new COAS, General Yahaya to ensure that justice is served on the retired officers. They appealed to them not emulate the former service chiefs, in order for them to make a difference in their time and comply with the court judgments in the interest of fairness, justice and equity. “Some of these officers are still in the their 40s and still have a lot to offer this country. These are men who were forced out of military service in their prime. They are finding it difficult to cope with premature retirement because they were not prepared to retire at the time they did. Generals Irabor and Yahaya have to do something to save their careers. “The first step to rebuilding the Army under General Yahaya is to ensure that it is not an Army of anything goes. He has to undo many things. He has to correct so many injustices". “Don’t forget that in 1993, the outgoing Chief of Army Staff, General Salihu Ibrahim, after reviewing the injustices in army during his time, said it was an ‘Army of anything goes.’ That was the Army Buratai bequeathed. That is what we want General Yahaya to correct.” “Injustice is injustice, if the officers were not granted fair hearing and found guilty by a competent military court as they are legally entitled as Nigerian Army officers. And these same retired officers took the pains to prove their innocence after spending several years in the lengthy judicial process to obtain valid court judgments, ordering their reinstatements. Then what is preventing the army from obeying the courts and the law,” asked a former military lawyer who wished to remain anonymous. “It all reeks of Injustice,” he further added. Analysts believe that for a long time to come, the unjust compulsory retirements of the 38 officers in the army will remain one of the several unresolved issues on his table requiring his urgent intervention in the interest of fairness, justice and equity, for the army to move forward.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ, 2021

CRIME&SECURITY

Ekhomu Charges INEC to Ramp up Security at its Facilities Stories by Chiemelie Ezeobi

ecurity expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide effective security countermeasures at its facilities. According to him, and the effective security measures are those that will protect the facilities and safeguard the people as well as the mission of the election umpire. He also urged INEC to conduct robust vulnerability assessments of its facilities so that observable and exploitable loopholes can be identified and addressed with appropriate physical security systems including electronic, personnel and structural measures. In a release issued in Lagos on, Dr. Ekhomu, who is President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), also condemned the vandalism and torching of INEC facilities and assets throughout the country. He said that it was not in the interest of INEC to play “victim” or engage in “blame game”, adding that as a crucial institution in Nigeria’s nascent democratic practice, INEC should aggressively protect its mission, people, physical assets and information. He said the fact that about 42 offices of INEC have been attacked in 14 states shows that the election agency has a huge reputation problem, adding that INEC facilities have been attacked in the East, West and North. “Boko Haram bombings of INEC facilities in Suleja, Niger State and in Maiduguri in 2011 were pre-cursor events to intentional targeting of INEC” he added. He argued that protesters, insurgents and terrorists were borrowing from the “Boko Haram play book” to attack

Dr. Ekhomu

INEC facilities. He said: “Clearly these insurgents are contesting the legitimacy of our governments -- national and subnational. So, in their minds, attacking INEC – a major symbol of Nigerian democracy and sovereignty will help them achieve their aims." Dr. Ekhomu who is the first chartered

security professional in West Africa said robust physical security measures were needed in each INEC facility with intrusion detection systems, video surveillance systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems complete with on-site water storage, etc. Ekhomu said each INEC state headquarters office should have good

structural security systems such as perimeter fencing with anti-personnel barrier atop; reinforced concrete walls; Class 350 Safes; Special vaults whose doors will be tool resistant and torch resistant (TRTL) and explosives resistant (TRTX) to safeguard important devices such as card readers. Ekhomu advised INEC to appoint a national security director charged with the design and implementation of a pro-active and cost-effective security program for the agency. He advised against the usual practice of appointing a retired military or police officer to such a position as he/she might not have the requisite high-level skills. He said that Nigeria now has a crop of retired military/police officers who are credentialed and can render the required services. He said: “I know of at least ten retired two-star generals from the Nigerian military who have received professional security certification such as CPP, CPO, PSP. We have reached a point in our national history where what you know should matter.” Ekhomu further advised INEC to utilise local vigilance personnel, private security operatives and others to protect their facilities. This is just as he appealed to aggrieved youths to stop burning INEC facilities as any fire loss is a loss to the nation, urging them to see INEC as the vehicle of societal change and development as the vote is the only true power of the people. In the same vein, he urged INEC to competently protect its on-line data since it has opted for on-line voter registration, adding that without adequate security countermeasures, the online platform would be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data manipulation.

Coy Petitions National Assembly over Alleged Forceful Takeover by AMCON

uru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited has petitioned the National Assembly over what it described as forceful takeover of its multibillion naira Lagos- based property by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). The tussle between the company and AMCON was over a business deal that went awry in over a decade as the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc facilitated its loan procurement amounting to billions of naira. With hands in the hospitality sector and landed properties, the company owns, Best Western Lagos Hotel, Ikeja; Opebi Hotel projects, Ikeja; Government Reservation Area( GRA) Land, Lagos State and Ikeja GRA Town Houses. In an effort to regain the control of its business and operations, the company petitioned the National Assembly for its intervention. Issuing a stern warning to any persons, group or their agents seeking to takeover its properties over the failed business deal to steer clear, they vowed that any erring person will face litigation. The company claimed that it started with an initial staff strength of over 2,000 Nigerians before it witnessed a downturn resulting to staff rationalisation, leaving 250 employees, following its loan repayment challenges with the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc. Appealing to its creditor bank to look into its loan repayments effort, the company wrote a letter to AMCON, titled: "Re: The Matter of Loan account of Suru Worldwide Nigeria Ventures Limited with Oceanic Bank International plc” since the bank was sold to AMCON. The letter reads in part, “We write in respect of Suru Worldwide Ventures

Nigeria Limited ("The Company" ) loan accounts with Oceanic Bank International Plc (“The Bank”), which we understand has been sold to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON ) as a non- performing loan. "The bank / customer relationship between the bank and the company, commenced in August 2017, with the bank issuing a total of N10.204 billion loan facilities of the company from a total of approved loan facilities of N13bn from the said period till date." According to the Managing Director of Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited, Edward Akinlade and Company Secretary, Ayodeji Adewunmi, in a joint statement to AMCON, “the classification of the loan accounts with bank has non-performing, is considered objectionable by the company, as the said classification is due to no omission on negligence on our part, but owed to the bank’s breach of its agreement by the disbursement of funds on the facility as agreed and stalling the various projects which were mostly 95 per cent completed as at August 14, 2019. “Considering this position and the desire of AMCON to see genuine business flourish, we hereby appeal for the bellow stated measures aimed at protecting the interests of all parties. “ In a frantic but desired effort to remain in business, the firm had petitioned the National Assembly’s ‘Committee on Public Petitions’ over the illegal seizure of Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited by AMCON asking it among others things, to wade into the matter. According to the company in its petition to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, dated

August 1, 2019, it stated among other requests that , “AMCON is acting upon an illegally and fraudulently obtained order of the Federal High Court in Suit No: ‘FHC/ LCS/1059/ 2016 on 30/5/ 17 (without joining the owner of the property nor serving them), invaded their premises, at Allen Avenue, a five- Star Hotel, chasing away lodgers, including foreign tourists and diplomats." However despite efforts made by Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited for the peaceful resolution of the matter in the overall interest of Nigeria, the company said it was miffed by a letter from a solicitor acting on behalf of Infrastructural Development and Energy company Limited (IDECO), saying, “We write to inform you that having purchased the property at No: 12 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, GRA, Ikeja (Property) from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), our client is your new landlord. Pursuant to this, our client has instructed us to inform you that it wishes to set up a meeting with you so as to ascertain the status of your tenancy.” Meanwhile, Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited, through its lawyer, Layi Babatunde (SAN), is praying that by a letter, dated September 2,2020 , that "our client's property, situated, lying at No:12 Reverend Ogunbiyi street, GRA,Ikeja Lagos State ( hereinafter called “the Property) subject matter of suit No: FHC/L/CS/1059/2016 ,now on appeal to the Supreme Court under Appeals No: SC/1098/2019 (at the instance of AMCON, however did not disclose in the said letter, to whom the property was purportedly sold and for what amounts it was sold, thereby leaving those vital issues and information to conjecture.

The situation no doubt, speaks about this purported sale transaction. He said; "We have since drawn the attention of AMCON to the subsisting judgment in Appeals No: CA/L/86/18 SURU WORLDWIDE VENTURE NIGERIA LIMITED & ANOR v AMCON & ORS. Wherein the court of Appeals Lagos Division allowed our client Appeals and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria rendered in AMCON’s favour in suit No: FHC/L/ CS/450/11 BETWEEN SURU WORLDWIDE VENTURE NIGERIA LIMITED V ECO Bank Plc & AMCON wherein the Honorable court dismissed AMCON’s counter Claims for alleged indebtedness of our client to AMCON, AMCON has appealed the judgment to the court of Appeals No: CA/L/630/ 18 which appeal is still pending. "Furthermore, in suit No: ‘’FHC / L/CS/218/2014 BETWEEN; AMCON V SURU WORLDWIDE VENTURE NIGERIA LIMITED", the Honourable court also dismissed AMCON’s claims for the same alleged indebtedness of our clients. "It is therefore baffling, that despite this state of affairs, AMCON could bring itself to act in such flagrant breach of the law, disregard for subsisting judgment and utter contempt of pending proceeding. " AMCON ‘s conduct, no doubt, constitutes a frontal affront to due process which cannot be ignored. "It is most regrettable, that AMCON being a product of legislation and therefore law, will act in a ways totally at variance with the rule of law and good corporate citizenship, suggesting that they do not believe in their own pending appeal not due process."

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Sangster: Nigeria Must Remain Competitive Despite Global Energy Shift Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Managing Director of Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Sangster, has stressed that Nigeria must remain competitive in the global energy market, despite the shifting focus on renewable sources of fuels. Speaking at the opening of the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, the Total Nigeria boss declared that the current transition to carbon free sources of energy would continue and urged the country to see the opportunities in the ongoing global development. The Chairman of the Oil Producers’ Trade Section (OPTS), the umbrella body of major international and indigenous oil companies, stated

that as the world progressively starts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, all stakeholders must work to ensure that the country remains attractive for investment. Sangster pointed out that the world was starting to see signs of a resurgence of global economic growth, explaining that this will present Nigeria with new opportunities to develop its abundant natural resources. He added that 2020 accelerated momentum towards the energy transition and how there was substantial global reduction in demand for fossil fuels, saying that, “it’s clear to me that this trend will continue”. “So, I think this really is a perfect opportunity for all the key actors, government regulators, national companies, private

companies and all the suppliers to the industry to work together to ensure that Nigeria is competitive in the international landscape, and as an attractive destination for investment. “It’s our hope, and indeed it’s our expectation that this will help to identify and proffer solutions towards ensuring the sustained development of Nigeria’s resources, particularly gas. “This is the decade of gas. And I think, this would consequently boost investor confidence and attract investment to grow the industry for the benefit of all stakeholders and all Nigerians. So, the OPTS remains committed as a trusted partner of the government and all stakeholders in the industry to move the industry forward,” he said.

NCDMB Approves Four Firms for Barites Supply Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has approved four firms for the supply of Barites required for any drilling project or contract in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The four Barites processors are Nishan industries Limited located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Delta Prospectors Limited in Lafia, Nasarawa State; Ana Industries Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Baker Hughes Company Limited at Onne, Port, Rivers State. The NCDMB released the list in its, “Public Notice on Procurement of Barites for Oil and Gas Projects,” signed by the

Executive Secretary, Mr. Simbi Wabote. According to the Board, all project promoters in the Nigerian oil and gas industry are to ensure that Barites required for any project shall be procured only from the approved Nigerian Barites processing companies with Category A Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC). It listed 10 other companies that, “have also been identified and shall be upgraded to Category A NCEC, as soon as they meet the requirements of the Guideline for the Utilization of Locally Produced Barite and Drilling Fluids in Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.” It further informed operators, contractors, service companies and

other stakeholders of the availability of in-country processed barites that meet the specifications of the oil and gas industry. It added that NCDMB is, “mandated to develop capacity of the local supply chain through Direct Capacity Development Interventions or support to investors to set up facilities and has a key responsibility to ensure that these investors are protected in line with the intents of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.” The policy intervention by the Board to encourage such investments is to mandate stakeholders to prioritise the utilisation of manufacturing facilities in the procurement of Barites, the public notice added.

ACCI Seeks Greater Partnership among Power Sector Stakeholders James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË The President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar has called for closer working relationship among power sector stakeholders to address the many challenges of the sector. Abubakar, had during an advocacy visit to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC), noted that lack of cooperation among stakeholders was affecting programme implementation especially with respect to the national mass metering programme. He called on the commission to redouble efforts towards reach-

ing out to electricity consumers, pointing out the urgent need to deepen trust between the public and the commission. While presenting the report of ACCI Webinar on mass metering programme, Abubakar lauded the great job the commission is doing in the regulatory sector but called for more communication with public and other stakeholders. In a statement issued by Media/Strategy Officer, ACCI, Mrs. Olayemi John-Mensah, the ACCI president said: “As a business association, we note the difficult task of creating a balance between rights of consumers and the rights of power firms. We know your

challenges but the public is like Oliver twist. “We must not relent in our outreach to the public while also holding the power firms accountable”. Responding, however, the Chairman of NERC, Mr. Sanusi Garuba, noted the recommendations contained in the webinar report and pledged that the commission would study it for action. He said ACCI had acted well by taking keen interest in public policy issues and also commended the chamber for the hosting of the webinars as an invaluable contribution and support for national governance.

DPR Denies Hiring PR Firm for 50th Anniversary Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said it is not celebrating any 50 years anniversary and has not commissioned any media company to do a publication in that regard. The DPR made this known in a statement issued by its Head,

Public Affairs, Mr. Paul Osu made available to journalists. “The DPR’s attention has been drawn to the activities of a company named, Brooklands New Media. “The company has been soliciting for materials, profiles and advert placements from companies for a purported

commemorative special publication celebrating 50 years of the DPR. “We wish to inform the general public that DPR is not celebrating any 50 years anniversary and we have not commissioned Brooklands New Media to do a publication in that regard,” the statement noted.

Sangster

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $70.14 a barrel on Monday, compared with $70.21 the previous Friday, 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), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ 2021

NGX Index Rises 0.5% as Dangote Cement, Okomu Lift Market Goddy Egene Gains recorded by Dangote Cement Plc, Okumo Oil Palm Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc helped the local bourse to appreciate yesterday, thereby reversing losses of the previous day. Consequently, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited AllShare Index (ASI) rose 0.5 per cent to close at 38,881.70, while market capitalisation added

N101.8 billion to be at N20.3 trillion. The market had opened for the week on Monday on a negative note after recovering last week. However, the bulls regained controlled yesterday. Highest capitalised stock, Dangote Cement Plc was among the 15 price gains, chalking up 2.2 per cent, hence the positive close. But the price gainers’ chart was led by Okomu Oil Palm Plc with 10 per cent, trailed by Learn Africa Plc with

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

9.0 per cent, while Champion Breweries Plc and Unilever Nigeria Plc and Cornerstone Insurance Plc with 3.5 per cent. Conversely, CWG Plc led price losers with 9.4 per cent, followed by Regency Insurance Plc with 8.1 per cent. FTN Cocoa Processors Plc and Veristas Kapital Assurance Plc shed 7.6 per cent among others. Meanwhile, trading activity strengthened as volume and value traded rose by 3.7 per cent and 6.0 per cent to 218.5

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

million shares and N1.6 billion respectively. The most traded stocks by volume were Courtville Business Solutions Plc (35.8 million shares), Fidelity Bank Plc (26.6 million shares), and Zenith Bank Plc (15.3 milloion shares) while Zenith Bank Plc (N349.3 million), Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (N291.3 million), and Dangote Cement Plc (N107.8 million) led by value. In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Industrial Goods Index led the gainers, up 1.1 per cent,

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

followed by the NSE Consumer Goods Index and NSE Oil & Gas Index rose by 0.6 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively. Conversely, the NSE Insurance Index led the laggards, down 1.0 per cent, while the NSE Banking Index shed 0.05 per cent. Analysts at Cordros Securities had said the market would remain bullish this week. “We expect alpha-seeking investors to continue rotating their portfolio towards equities amid moderation

O F

in the uptick of yields in the fixed income (FI) market. We expect market performance to be dominated by the bulls, as positioning by early birds in dividend-paying stocks ahead of H1-2021 dividend declarations should outweigh profit-taking activities. We reiterate the need for positioning in only fundamentally sound stocks as the weak macro environment remains a significant headwind for corporate earnings,” they had said.

0 8 / 0 6 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021

09 June 2021 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Rose 24bps The dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞǆ ƌŽƐĞ ϮϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ϭ͕ϲϵϴ͘ϰϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁĂƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďǇ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ GUARANTY (+0.4%), DANGCEM (+2.3%), and FLOUR-

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

MILL ;нϮ͘ϱйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůǇ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϱ͘ϲй of the index.

Ticker

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,698.40

0.24%

837.00

0.0%

32.2%

74.00

0.0%

11.2%

-4.3%

28.40

0.4%

8.6%

-12.2%

Local Bourse Reverses Losses... ASI up 0.5%

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc

dŽĚĂǇ͕ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƌĞǀĞƌƐĞĚ ǇĞƐƚĞƌĚĂǇΖƐ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ

3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC

back

buying

interests

DANGCEM

(+2.3%),

OKOMUOIL (+10.0%) and DANGSUGAR ;нϮ͘ϵйͿ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůůShare index increased by 0.5% to 38,881.70 points. ConseƋƵĞŶƚůǇ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ -3.4% ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝͲ ƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďǇ േϭϬϭ͘ϴďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϯƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚǇ strengthened ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ by 3.7% and 6.0% to 218.5m ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ േϭ͘ϲďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďǇ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ COURTVILLE (35.8m units), FIDELITY (26.6m units), and ZENITH ;ϭϱ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ZENITH

;േϯϰϵ͘ϯŵͿ͕

GUARANTY

;േϮϵϭ͘ϯŵͿ͕

ĂŶĚ

DANGCEM ;േϭϬϳ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďǇ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

as 3 ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϯ indices gained. The Insurance index ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘Ϭй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ on MANSARD (-2.3%) and REGALINS (-ϴ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ Banking and AFR-ICT indices ůŽƐƚ ϱďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭďƉ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ACCESS (-0.6%), FBNH (0.7%), and CWG (-ϵ͘ϰйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϭй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ

back MILL

buying

(+2.5%), UNILEVER

interests

(+3.9%), ETERNA

FLOUR(+2.6%),

and OANDO (+0.3%).

CA (+9.0%) and CHAMPION ;нϰ͘ϳйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ CWG (-9.4%), REGALINS (-8.2%), and VERITASKAP (-7.7%) ůĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝͲ pate ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽƵƌƐĞ ǁŽƵůĚ ĞǆƚĞŶĚ ŝƚƐ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌͲ ŵĂŶĐĞ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďǇ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ͘

69.8%

15.4%

3.6%

-1.7%

10.0%

3.5%

0.6x

5.7%

13.7%

-4.3%

19.1%

11.2%

35.5x

6.7x

2.5%

2.8%

-12.2%

26.6%

4.3%

4.1x

1.0x

10.6%

24.4%

2.1%

6.5%

-7.7%

23.1%

2.9%

3.1x

0.7x

13.1%

32.4%

5.8%

-8.1%

32.0%

15.5%

12.6x

4.0x

7.1%

7.9%

165.00

0.0%

4.9%

-2.9%

97.1%

11.4%

14.7x

13.3x

5.7%

6.8%

1,400.00

0.0%

3.8%

-7.0%

104.8%

17.8%

28.3x

37.9x

4.3%

3.5%

20.15

-0.5%

3.3%

-4.3%

8.8%

6.2%

10.1x

0.9x

5.0%

9.9%

8.10

-0.6%

2.8%

-4.1%

16.4%

1.4%

2.5x

0.4x

9.9%

40.6%

0.0%

2.3%

-17.9%

0.3x

7.3%

2.6%

2.1%

11.1%

1.1%

3.9x

0.3x

6.2%

59.05

0.0%

2.3%

5.4%

4.5%

1.8%

64.0x

2.9x

1.6%

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 14 International Brew eries PLC

46.00

0.0%

2.2%

4.4%

20.7%

2.9%

7.0x

1.4x

8.7%

14.3%

5.35

0.0%

1.5%

-10.1%

-15.5%

-3.4%

15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

29.20

2.5%

1.2%

12.3%

680.00

0.0%

1.8%

69.0%

17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

0.0%

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc

28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 29 United Capital PLC 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 Total Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

1.6%

0.9%

7.4%

3.2%

39.9x

-8.8%

0.8x

4.8%

0.6x

6.0%

2.5%

10.0%

1.0%

16.6%

24.6%

16.0%

12.9x

2.9x

6.6%

7.8%

2.25

-0.4%

0.7%

-10.7%

11.4%

1.1%

2.2x

0.2x

9.8%

44.6%

13.9%

5.00

-1.0%

0.6%

-16.7%

0.6%

0.0%

66.6x

0.2x

17.50

2.9%

0.6%

-0.6%

25.5%

12.6%

7.2x

1.7x

8.6%

3.15

0.0%

0.5%

-5.4%

4.8%

29.3%

1.62

0.0%

0.3%

-20.6%

9.2%

0.9%

4.0x

0.3x

3.1%

25.0%

13.50

0.0%

0.4%

-6.9%

18.4%

5.8%

7.8x

2.9x

2.9%

12.8%

0.87

0.0%

0.4%

-3.3%

-1.3%

-0.3%

0.5x

1.1%

-2.4%

75.90

0.0%

0.3%

7.0%

17.9%

7.3%

2.4x

2.7%

12.10

3.9%

0.2%

-12.9%

-6.2%

-4.1%

14.4x

1.1x

5.60

1.8%

0.2%

5.7%

-1.6%

0.3%

27.4%

35.5%

4.2%

29.00

0.0%

0.3%

52.6%

-17.8%

-9.0%

5.95

0.0%

0.2%

1.7%

25.0%

7.8%

3.0x

0.7x

1.12

0.0%

0.2%

-0.9%

20.5%

3.3%

3.1x

0.2x

145.00

0.0%

0.2%

11.5%

19.10

0.0%

0.2%

8.4%

8.3%

1.1%

8.4x

-17.4%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

37 Oando PLC 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC

2.99

0.3%

0.1%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

54.00

0.0%

0.1%

3.57

0.0%

-0.8%

1.5%

3.4x

6.00

0.57

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

69.0% -100.0%

0.9x

25.7%

106.15

35 Wema Bank PLC 36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

1.8% 4.6x

1.5x

11.7%

0.9x 9.2%

33.0% 32.5%

21.9x

4.3%

4.6%

0.6x

2.1%

11.9% 33.9%

8.0%

0.5%

2.9x

0.4x

7.0%

7.4%

0.9%

6.0x

0.6x

4.6%

-19.2%

14.5%

2.6%

1.3x

0.2x

0.0%

-28.7%

-7.6%

-2.5%

9.3%

6.4%

-0.8%

-10.6%

-5.5%

16.6% 77.7%

1.9x 7.8x

21.8% -22.4%

-17.4%

-19.2%

6.9% -5.7%

-100.0%

-16.8%

0.7x

2.1%

0.6x

12.9% -22.5%

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

T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

OKOM UOIL

106.15

10.0%

C OUR T VILLE

35.8

-4.8%

LEA R N A F R C A

1.09

9.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

26.6

-0.4%

C H A M P ION

2.00

4.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

15.3

-0.2%

UN ILEVER

12.10

3.9%

M A N SA R D

13.9

-3.4%

C OR N ER ST

0.58

3.6%

VER IT A SKA P

12.8

-7.7%

2.9%

GUA R A N T Y

10.3

0.4%

17.50

T ic k er

8.00

2.6%

WA P IC

7.7

-1.7%

29.20

2.5%

R EGA LIN S

6.2

-8.2%

D A N GC EM

225.00

2.3%

R OYA LEX

6.0

-3.9%

VIT A F OA M

11.50

2.2%

H ON YF LOUR

5.4

0.0%

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

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er C WG

P ric e 1.25

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

-9.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

349.3

-0.2%

P ric e C hg %

R EGA LIN S

0.45

-8.2%

GUA R A N T Y

291.3

0.4%

VER IT A SKA P

0.24

-7.7%

D A N GC EM

107.8

2.3%

F T N C OC OA

0.36

-7.7%

N EST LE

89.1

0.0%

C A VER T ON

1.80

-5.3%

OKOM UOIL

65.8

10.0%

C OUR T VILLE

0.20

-4.8%

SEP LA T

64.0

0.0%

R OYA LEX

0.74

-3.9%

F ID ELIT YB K

60.2

-0.4%

M A N SA R D

0.84

-3.4%

WA P C O

57.8

-0.5%

-2.7%

ST A N B IC

45.1

0.0%

-1.9%

A IR T ELA F R I

37.8

0.0%

NA HCO J A P A ULGOLD

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

15.7%

0.0%

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϵǆ from 0.5x in

17 stocks ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ OKOMUOIL (+10.0%), LEARNAFRI-

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

7.10

F LOUR M ILL

ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ

5.2x

P/BV

7.30

ET ER N A

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ as measured by market breadth

P/E

2.3%

10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

D A N GSUGA R

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

ROA

-0.2%

8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC

in DANGCEM ;нϮ͘ϯйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ ďǇ Ϭ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ

ROE

22.90

26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC

Across sectors under our coverage, performance was mixed

Price Change Index to Date

225.00

23 Sterling Bank PLC 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

Mixed Sector Performance

Price Previous Current Change Price YTD Weighting Change

Current Price

2.20 0.53

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ 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 07Jun-2021, 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 153.35 154.87 -5.21% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.09% Nigeria International Debt Fund 305.82 305.82 -23.78% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.62 111.62 -0.43% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A 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 5.01% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.26 3.32 -9.37% info@anchoriaam.com 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 3.03% Anchoria Equity Fund 129.03 130.46 -2.99% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -20.05% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.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 18.93 19.50 4.36% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund 37.18 38.30 10.30% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -11.21% ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.43% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.52 104.52 2.76% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 129.65 130.30 2.65% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.79% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 -21.89% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.01 2.05 -23.43% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.84% Paramount Equity Fund 15.87 16.15 -0.81% Women's Investment Fund 132.09 133.47 -0.80% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.67% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 115.71 116.47 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.71 106.71 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.71% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.18 -3.14% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.37 1.37 -13.81% 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 3.08% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 3.08% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,161.24 1,169.18 -3.02% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,373.80 1,373.80 10.42% FBN Balanced Fund 185.56 186.74 -1.13% FBN Halal Fund 109.77 109.77 6.76% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.59% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.17 125.17 3.44% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.87 154.94 1.12% 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 N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund

N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.24% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.73 2.79 18.82% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.41 149.85 -3.86% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.22 1.26 29.59% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.27% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.36 1.38 0.00% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,140.52 1,140.52 3.26% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.84 10.88 3.48% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.50% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.68 7.18% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.38 12.44 2.07% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.73% PACAM Equity Fund 1.58 1.59 0.02% PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.95 112.56 0.91% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 128.83 131.80 8.81% 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 1.01 1.01 3.05% 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 3,131.42 3,156.19 -2.63% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.07 230.07 2.32% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.18 1.19 0.42% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 301.73 301.73 2.40% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 216.37 219.03 -0.99% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.70% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,171.46 10,297.82 -3.16% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.41% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.95 113.95 2.58% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.35 101.35 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 -1.41% United Capital Bond Fund 1.94 1.94 2.82% United Capital Equity Fund 0.91 0.93 4.75% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.83% United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.89 120.89 3.25% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.11 1.02% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.20% 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 Equity Fund 12.17 12.28 2.55% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.59 13.71 11.28% Zenith Income Fund 24.10 24.10 0.52% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.55%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

123.46 51.40

2.25% -1.91%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.60 123.87 97.20 16.93 17.46

12.70 123.87 98.95 17.03 17.56

-4.65% 1.75% -2.22% -

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.64 5.56 16.91 1.00 18.96 161.52

3.68 5.64 17.01 1.00 19.16 163.52

-3.45% -2.18% 3.44% 3.85% -7.56% -26.22%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.52

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE FORTY-EIGHT SUSPENSION TO REMAIN INDEFINITELY UNTIL TWITTER SHOWS REMORSE, SAYS FG However, the House of Representatives has waded into the dispute as it mandated its Committees on Communication, Justice, Information and Culture, and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the circumstances leading to the suspension of operations of Twitter in Nigeria and the legality of the action. It also summoned the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to shed light on the matter. But despite the suspension and the order by the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), to prosecute violators of the suspension directive, many prominent Nigerians and some organisations have remained active on the microblogging site. Notwithstanding his order, Malami yesterday logged on to Twitter, using Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass the blockade by telecoms companies that have blocked access to the site, to deactivate his account. THISDAY also learnt that contrary to the impression given to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth-Leonard, that Twitter was already holding talks with the federal government, the source said no discussion was going on. Beth-Leonard had led heads of the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and Ireland missions to a meeting with the Minister Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, on Monday in Abuja, where she said she was glad to learn that Twitter was negotiating with the Nigerian government. But the source said: "As we speak, there has been no communication between Twitter and the federal government, and until the company does the needful, its operations will remain suspended indefinitely." The source said the federal government suspended Twitter because it had persistently made its platform available for the propagation of activities of persons who want to destabilise the country. He said when the federal government complained, Twitter said the propagandists had not violated its rules. "For instance, the federal

government approached Twitter to remove a tweet by Nnamdi Kanu but the company responded that the material did not offend its rules," he said. He stated that even after that, Kanu used Twitter to ask his followers to kill Nigerian soldiers and police personnel and they obeyed. He added: "If that is not offensive, what is?" According to him, over the top (OTT) companies operate in Nigeria without registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and paying tax on the billions they make in the country. This, he said, would no longer happen as henceforth, the OTTs would now have to register as Nigerian companies and would be expected to comply with the terms of their registration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). "Anyone of them that is not registered would not be allowed to operate. Anyone that abuses the terms of its registration would have its licence withdrawn," he added.

House Investigates Legality of Suspension, Summons Information Minister The House of Representatives has mandated its various committees to probe the circumstances of the decision by the federal government to suspend the operations of Twitter in Nigeria and the legality of the suspension. The House also summoned the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to appear before it and explain the reasons for the action. The directives were contained in an address delivered by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the resumption of plenary yesterday. Gbajabiamila said the lawmakers were aware that the suspension of Twitter had generated a fierce debate, adding that the House has since the announcement been inundated with comments about the decision, requests for intervention and criticism. He stated that the House recognised that Twitter, like other social media networks, is an important tool for communication and commerce

in Nigeria, particularly among the younger generation who have used these networks for enterprise and innovation. He, however, said the House also recognised that as social media has been a tool for good, it could also be a tool for bad actors, hence the government has a legitimate interest in ensuring that these platforms are not used to commit vile actions against individuals and the state. According to him, it's the proper role of the legislature in circumstances like this to unravel the issues until they develop an understanding of the why and the how of executive decisions. Gbajabiamila added that the legislature must ensure that regulatory and enforcement actions by the government are in accordance with the laws, due process followed and the outcomes of regulatory decisions do not result in adverse consequences for the country and its people. He gave the committees 10 days to conclude the assignment and report back to the House for further legislative action. He said: ''We listen to the agitation of the people, but we also hear from the government so that from the abundance of information, we reach the level of awareness that allows us to discharge our role dispassionately. It is in service of our obligations under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our moral duty to the Nigerian people.'' The speaker also decried the spate of killings across the country. He said the attacks called for coordinated and targeted action by government at all levels to address the menace and save the nation.

PDP House Members Stage Walkout at Plenary However, a mild drama ensued yesterday when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House staged a walkout at the plenary after Gbajabiamila ruled out of order, their prayer calling on the federal government to reverse the suspension of Twitter

operations in the country. Gbajabiamila, in his address, had apparently preempted the opposition lawmakers when he mandated the various committees to probe the circumstances of the decision by the federal government to suspend the operations of Twitter in Nigeria. But the leader of the PDP caucus, Hon. Kingsely Chinda, raised a point of order, citing section 39 of the constitution, section 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human and Peoples Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights and commended the steps taken so far by the speaker. He added that while he agreed with the submission of the leadership of the House, the House should urge the executive arm to reverse the suspension, while the committees continue their assignment within the stipulated 10 days. He said: “While I agree with the submission of the leadership of this House completely, I will only want to add that for the breach of our fundamental human rights, particularly the right to fair hearing, right to freedom of speech and expression, we should urge the executive arm in the interim to reverse the ban pending our interaction with the executive.” But the speaker ruled him out of order, saying that since the matter has been referred to committees already, it was wrong for it to be revived again. He said: “Let me quickly refer you to Order 9, Rule 1 Sub Rule 6 of our rules, which states that it shall be out of order to reconsider any specific question upon which the House has come to a conclusion during the current session except upon a substantive motion for rescission. “This matter has already been sent to the committees to look at the issues you are talking about and will report to us within 10 days. Even if you had brought a motion here, it would have been referred to a committee. We are not even sure if your motion would not have been killed. This day, we have saved the day. So you are ruled out of order.” Chinda, however, insisted on being heard, but the

House Leader, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, and Chief Whip, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Mongunu, asked him to be guided. It was at this point that a visibly angry Chinda and some other members of the caucus walked out of the plenary. The opposition lawmakers later addressed the press on their grievances, saying that the members would continue to tweet in disregard of the suspension and are ready to be jailed. However, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, later raised a point of order, alleging that there was an earlier plan by some members to disrupt the business of the House if their demands were not granted.

Suspension Unprofessional, Ill-advised, Says Catholic Church The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has described the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria as ill-advised. In a statement yesterday by the Secretary of CSN, Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh, the church said the action was condemnable. "While the Catholic Church is not against regulations of media use, she abhors when such action is selective or used as tool for suppressing the people. "This is one decision that will further paint this government in darker pigments as anti-people and anti-democratic," he said. Umoh stated that as a mark of the futility of such actions, even some people in the government are reported to have still used the facility after the suspension, while many Nigerians resorted to the use of VPN and remote proxy options.

Despite Ordering Violators’ Prosecution, Malami Accesses Twitter, Deactivates Account Meanwhile, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice , Mr. Abubakar Malami, yesterday deactivated his account. Malami posted the screenshot of his deactivated account, which showed a VPN symbol, on his Facebook page.

He, however, did not state how he was able to access his Twitter account since all telecommunication companies had blocked access to Twitter through their networks, forcing Nigerians to download VPN. His Facebook post attracted varied reactions from his followers, with,l some Nigerians, mostly supporters of the government, praising him for compliance with the directive. But another follower, Masta Pee, who wrote: "How did he deactivated his account without logging in to Twitter?" He was followed by Roy Ekwueme who wrote: "This is an evidence that you logged in Twitter today via VPN to deactivate your account, which is punishable under your unlawful law. "Let's see how you will prosecute others without throwing yourself in jail.” Akintunde Babatunde said: "How are you able to deactivate Twitter without VPN? You should be arrested."

Trump Lauds Nigeria over Twitter's Suspension Former President Donald Trump has praised Nigeria for banning “evil” Twitter and encouraged other countries to do the same in the name of “free and open speech.” A report on the website of DAILY BEAST, a news publication based in the United States, yesterday quoted Trump, who himself was banned by the platform for incendiary rhetoric, as saying in a statement that “more countries should ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech—all voices should be heard. Who are they to dictate good when they themselves are evil?” “Perhaps I should have done it while I was president,” he added. Trump also appeared to confuse Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. “Zuckerberg kept calling me and coming to the White House for dinner telling me how great I was. 2024?” he wrote. The praise comes after it was announced earlier this month that Trump’s Facebook and Instagram would remain banned until early 2023.

W’BANK RAISES GDP GROWTH FORECAST FOR NIGERIA TO 1.8% It added that growth in the region has gradually resumed this year, which it stated was a reflection of positive spillovers from strengthening global economic activity, including higher oil and metal prices, and some progress in containing COVID-19, especially in Western and Central Africa. “The pandemic has contributed to wider budget deficits and a spike in government debt, heightening the risk of debt distress in some countries. Activity in the three largest economies—Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa— has partially recovered. “Many industrial and agricultural commodity exporting countries experienced deep contractions last year. In tourism reliant countries, international arrivals have been at a near-halt, and tourism is likely to remain slow until wider vaccination permits safe reopening to international travel. “Despite improvement, COVID-19 has continued to have adverse impacts on health, schooling, investment, and economic growth,” it stated. According to the report, in

some countries such as Angola and Nigeria, accommodative monetary and fiscal policies, currency depreciations, and rising food and energy prices “have stoked inflation.” “Elsewhere (Kenya, South Africa), subdued demand has kept inflation in check,” it added. According to the report, foreign direct investments in the region have been resilient, recouping about nine-tenths of their pre-pandemic levels, and workers’ remittances to the region have held up better than expected. “Growth is forecast to resume to 2.8 per cent this year and firm to 3.3 per cent in 2022, underpinned by stronger external demand, mainly from China and the United States, higher commodity prices, and containment of COVID-19. “Procurement and logistical challenges are expected to continue hobble the pace of vaccination despite the provision of vaccines by COVAX. Policy uncertainty and the lingering effects of the pandemic are expected to delay major investments in infrastructure

and extractives and to weigh on the recovery (Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Kenya). “Per capita income levels in 2022 are expected to be four per cent lower on average than in 2019. Conditions in the region’s fragile and conflict-affected countries are expected to be particularly challenging; their average output level in 2022 is forecast to be 5.3 per cent below its size in 2019,” it said. It stated that while some countries (Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa) are presently upgrading national vaccine distribution systems, procurement and logistical hurdles in many other countries could slow vaccinations. It, however, warned that an oil price drop could dent revenues for some oil exporters. “Food insecurity remains a key risk as food prices have risen by more than 20 percent early this year in Angola, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Flood and drought could also destroy crops, exacerbate food price inflation, and further weigh on household consumption. “Rising conflicts could

weaken recoveries. A sudden rise in sovereign borrowing costs could instigate financial pressures in some countries and high debt burdens and fiscal pressures could become more acute. “At the same time, the pace of vaccinations could surpass expectations, restoring consumer and business confidence and strengthening the recovery. A stronger-than-expected rally in metal and oil prices could boost revenues,” it stated. The global economy was expected to expand by 5.6 per cent in 2021, the fastest post-recession pace in 80 years, largely on strong rebounds from a few major economies. The projected expansion would make 2021 the fastest year of growth since 1973’s 6.6 per cent. However, many emerging market and developing economies continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, the World Bank said. According to the 189-country anti-poverty agency, the world economy, which shrank 3.5 per cent last year as the COVID-19

pandemic disrupted trade, forced businesses to close and people to stay at home, will grow 5.6 per cent this year, up from the 4.1 per cent it forecast in January. But the World Bank noted that despite the recovery, global output will be about 2 per cent below pre-pandemic projections by the end of this year. Per capita income losses will also not be unwound by 2022 for about two-thirds of emerging market and developing economies. Among low-income economies, where vaccination has lagged, the effects of the pandemic have reversed poverty reduction gains and aggravated insecurity and other long-standing challenges. Commenting on the report, World Bank Group President, Mr. David Malpass, said: “While there are welcome signs of global recovery, the pandemic continues to inflict poverty and inequality on people in developing countries around the world. “Globally coordinated efforts are essential to accelerate vaccine distribution and debt relief,

particularly for low-income countries. As the health crisis eases, policymakers will need to address the pandemic’s lasting effects and take steps to spur green, resilient, and inclusive growth while safeguarding macroeconomic stability."

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN MORISON 0.11 1.13 CONOIL 1.80 20.50 VERITASKAP 0.02 0.26 AFRIPRUD 0.45 6.35 ROYALEXCH 0.05 0.77 TOP LOSERS NGN JULI 0.15 1.36 CWG 0.15 1.38 JAPAULGOLD 0.05 0.54 HONEYWELL 0.07 1.16 FCMB 0.15 3.15 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 Volume: 210.752 million shares Value: N1.499 billion Deals: 3,958 As at yesterday 8/6/2021 See details on Page 41

% 9.7 9.6 8.3 7.6 6.9 % 9.9 9.8 8.4 5.6 4.5

WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Kidnappers of Tegina Pupils Reduce Ransom to N150m

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The bandits who abducted 156 pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina town of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State 10 days ago have reduced the ransom they earlier demanded to N150 million. The criminals had initially asked for a N110 million ransom, which was later hiked to N200 million before reducing it to N150 million. THISDAY gathered that the parents of the pupils and some good Samaritans were also able to raise N11.6 million, which they reportedly took to the bandits, but the money was allegedly rejected. The Headmaster of the school, Alhaji Abubakar Alhassan, confirmed the new development, saying both the parents and the school authorities are confused on the next step to take. "We are pleading with the federal and state governments to come to the assistance of these parents. "Only the government can afford the amount they are demanding," he stated. Alhassan, however, said the bandits allowed him to speak to one of the victims, who told him that "they are all fine." The headmaster said the girl, a fairly elderly one among the victims, who was also a teacher, said they were being fed with one groundnut cake (Kulikuli) daily.

He said only the Chairman of Rafi LGA, Mr. Ismaila Modibo, had visited the parents and the school during which he (Modibo) assured them that "the government

will do something." Meanwhile, as part of measures to improve security in the state, the state Governor, Abubakar Bello, has directed the profiling of new residents

in the state. He said: "Traditional and religious institutions should work in cooperation with the local government council chairmen to profile all new

residents in their domains." In his message during the commencement of the sale of fertiliser and 2021 planting season in Minna, the state capital, yesterday,

Bello said the government would continue to strive towards mitigating security challenges in the state and its repercussions on agriculture and food security.

FORGING ALLIANCE... L-R: Group Managing Directo, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Khaled El Dokani; Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Prince Adebode Adeﬁoye, during a visit by Lafarge Africa Plc to the Ministry of Works and Housing, in Abuja... recently

GOVS’ INSISTENCE THREATENS RESOLUTION OF JUDICIAL, PARLIAMENTARY WORKERS’ STRIKE Union of Nigeria(JUSUN) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria(PASAN) to urgently reopen all the courts and the state Houses of Assembly so that the May 20, 2021 Memorandum of Action (MoA), signed by all parties on June 4, can take effect. However, the National Executive Committees (NECs) of the two unions will hold emergency meetings today to decide on the next line of action. The federal government had three weeks ago brokered an agreement between the governors and the workers to end their 10-week-old strike. Under the agreement, the governors were given 45-day window, with effect from the date of the agreement, to implement its terms. However, while the representatives of the workers promptly signed the agreement under the supervision of the Minister of Employment, Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, the representatives of the governors only endorsed the document last Friday. But one of the conditions given by the workers to call off the strike was that while the agreement is being implemented, the governors should first release their May statutory allocations directly to them immediately after the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), held last month. THISDAY, however,

gathered that after signing the agreements, the governors have not released the allocations due to the judiciary and the legislative arms of government. A source told THISDAY that the delay in releasing the allocations to the two arms of government in line with their financial autonomy status provided by the constitution was due to the inability of the states to immediately set up a State Allocation Accounts Committee (SAAC) and the State Houses of Assembly Services Commission in their respective states. The setting up of SAAC and State Houses of Assembly Services Commission was also part of the agreement reached between the striking workers and the governors. The source said the inability to set up these bodies immediately was the major reason stalling the release of funds to both arms of government. While the workers have demanded the immediate release of the allocations for them to call off the strike, the source stated that the governors are utilising the 45-day window provided in the agreement to implement the terms, including the release of the funds. He added that some states have not set up SAAC and the State Assembly Services Commission for the various commissioners of finance and the representatives of the Conference of Speakers of State Assembly.

He said: "The governors are desirous of releasing the funds to the states' judiciaries and the legislatures, but these organs have to be set up first to become the avenue to moderate the disbursements of the funds like it is done with the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). "The governors were given a 45-day deadline to set up these organs to enable implementation. Therefore, it is after the expiration of this 45 days that one can say that the governors don't want to honour the agreement with the judicial and the legislative workers. "For now, all processes are in motion and the necessary organs would be set up to ensure proper implementation as per the agreement." He added: "Every state will have to set up the SAAC and the State Assembly Services Commission. It is here the details of what every state has to pay to the legislature and the judiciary is to be worked out based on the agreed percentage. "The mode of payment is based on a percentage of the revenue generated by each state and not based on the total budget of the state. “Who will receive necessary funds without the SAAC? So, let the proper thing be done. The governors are within the terms of the agreement reached."

FG Directs Workers to Resume Work or

Face Sanctions Meanwhile, the federal government has directed members of the striking JUSUN and the PASAN to reopen all the courts and the state Houses of Assembly so that the May 20, 2021 Memorandum of Action, signed by all parties on June 4, can take effect. The government said it might invoke sections of the Trade Disputes Acts if the strike continued. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, decried the situation where the courts and the state Houses of Assembly are still shut for no cogent reasons. He said going by the provisions of the May 20 Memorandum of Action, states had 45 days implementation window. The statement, signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Charles Akpan, said: “The federal government has sadly noted that the MOA between all the stakeholders involved in the JUSUN/ PASAN strike, mainly JUSUN/PASAN, Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Implementation Committee is yet to take effect because of non-compliance by parties. “We note that the strike has not been called off as of noon, today, June 8, 2021, leading to courts and various state Houses of Assembly still remaining

under lock and key contrary to the promise made by the two unions at a further dialogue, which was attended by the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). “Unfortunately, all federal courts have remained closed notwithstanding the fact that the federal level of government operates a financial autonomy for the judiciary through the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the National Assembly through the statutory transfer lines.” Ngige, however, said that he had advised all governors that have consulted with their heads of judiciaries and legislatures to go ahead and credit the accounts of judiciaries and legislatures before fine-tuning the laws. The statement added that many governors are desirous that the state Houses of Assembly be opened so that they can enact the laws meant to give effect to the autonomy as enshrined in the MOA. “We are worried and therefore wish to appeal for the last time to all parties involved in the signed agreement to abide by its spirit and letters, by firstly re-opening all the courts and the state Houses of Assembly so that all other ingredients in the MOA can be given full compliance by all parties concerned. “This much was agreed to between JUSUN/ PASSAN and the governors' forum at the last meeting on Friday, June 4, 2021," he said.

The minister added that with the courts closed , the police and other security agencies cannot prosecute criminals. The statement said that the ministry would not be happy to be pushed into invoking sections of the Trade Disputes Acts capable of eroding all the gains made so far in the negotiations since May 6, 2021.

Workers Hold Emergency Meeting Today THISDAY gathered that the NECs of both unions will meet separately today in Abuja to reconsider issues that led to the over two-month- old industrial action. It was learnt that the NEC meetings would be held to get the views of members of the two unions on whether or not to suspend the strike. Deputy President of JUSUN, Mr. Emmanuel Abisoye, told THISDAY yesterday that the NEC meeting would review the progress made so far in the agitation for financial autonomy for state judiciaries and legislatures. Reacting to the threat by Ngige, Abisoye said the union had not done any wrong to warrant any threat from the government. According to him, it is the state governors who have failed to implement the provisions of the Memorandum of Action that such threat should be directed at.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

House Condemns Alleged Killing of 180 People in Benue, Oyo by Herdsmen Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has condemned the killings of 130 people when gunmen believed

to be Fulani mercenaries who invaded Izzi Communities in Ekile and Ijigban Wards in Ado LGA, Benue State. The House also condemned the invasion of lgangan town

SANs Call for Calm over Security Challenges in South-east Seek Abdulsalami, Jonathan, Bakare, others’ intervention Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A group, the Concerned Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) of South-east extraction yesterday called for a truce over the security challenges that have recently beset that part of the country. In a statement signed on behalf of the group by Chief Nnoruka Udechukwu (SAN), it noted with regret the recent killings and destruction of private and public properties, including those of the police and other institutions of state by unknown persons. The senior lawyers condemned unequivocally the acts of arson and the taking of human lives in the process, stressing that these acts of violence are not supported and cannot be supported by the people of the region. While commiserating with the families of law enforcement officers, other public servants and private individuals who have lost their loved ones as a result of the recent carnage, the senior advocates insisted that people from that region are peace-loving, law abiding and development-oriented. The concerned South-east SANs also requested former leaders, including Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Emeka Anyaoku , Pastor Tunde Bakare, Col. Dangiwa Umar (rtd) to jointly, with other well-meaning Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones intervene quickly in the matter. The group noted that the recent carnage is not representative of the aspirations of the people of the South-east, just as is the case with the other geo-political zones of the country where there have

been security challenges. “It is indeed worrisome that the persons or group of people responsible for the mayhem; where they are from and what their objectives are remain unknown. It is equally worrisome that the management of the crisis unfortunately exhibits double standards with regard to the response of federal security agencies in South-east vis-à-vis other similarly afflicted zones. “In order to find an immediate resolution and stop further degeneration of the security situation, the concerned southeast SANs hereby call for a truce and immediate cessation of hostilities on all sides to allow for a consideration of the underlying issues and grievances which have led to the recent rise in ethnic or tribal nationalism not only in the southeast but in other parts of the country,” the group advised. The senior lawyers called on those who are destroying public and private properties, especially facilities of law enforcement agencies in the South-east zone to immediately discontinue their actions in order to forestall the slide into a total breakdown of law and order in the zone. They urged all persons in the South-east to remain lawabiding while calling on the law enforcement agencies to respect the sanctity of life and avoid indiscriminate arrests. The lawyers called on all parties to embrace dialogue and diplomacy as a means of resolving the myriad of growing disaffections across the entire country in the interest of peace and unity in the country.

NSCDC: 62,000 Schools Nationwide Open to Attacks Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, yesterday raised the alarm that out of the over 81,000 schools in the country, over 62,000 are susceptible to attacks. He has also disclosed that the agency had concluded a vulnerability survey on schools across the nation. According to him, the survey was to enable the corps to devise strategies in order to secure schools nationwide. From the survey, Audi revealed that there are over 81,000 schools in the country out of which over 62,000 are susceptible to attacks, adding that most of the schools are government-owned.

He spoke at the maiden commandant general’s conference during which he rolled out operational vehicles and inaugurated 200 housing units for junior and intermediate officers in Abuja. Audi said the corps’ female squad had been established to secure school environments to protect children who had become targets of attacks by bandits and kidnappers “As part of the achievements of the corps from March 1 till date, we have carried out vulnerability survey of all schools in the country to enable us to work out strategies to effectively secure our school environment as part of efforts towards achieving the Safe School Initiative of the Federal Government.

in Oyo State in the wee hours of 6th June 2021, by armed bandits which resulted in the deaths of over 50 defenceless indigenes of the town. The House condemned the callous killings at the resumed plenary yesterday presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Moving the motion, Hon. Ajibola Muraina, expressed serious concern over the invasion by suspected armed bandits, of lgangan Town, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State, at the wee hours of Saturday, June 5, 2021. He noted with dismay that the

assailants, in their large numbers, invaded the town around 11pm on motorcycles and allegedly opened fire, without any provocation on innocent, defenceless and harmless indigenes. Muraina noted that as a result of this attack on lgangan town, it was alleged that over 50 harmless indigenes of the town were killed in cold blood, while about 90 others sustained life threatening injuries. Also, the House has condemned the killing of 130 people when gunmen believed to be Fulani mercenaries invaded Izzi communities in Ekile and Ijigban Wards in Ado LGA, Benue State.

Moving the motion of urgent importance at the plenary yesterday, Hon. Francis Agbo, said the communities invaded are Ndobasi, Ataloga, Odoke, Ndigwe, Ekpufu,all in Ekile Ward, while many Izzi people werealsomurderedinObakotorvillage, in Ijigban Ward. The lawmaker said the gunmen were believed to have carried out this heinous crime to avenge the killing of one of their own, a prominent Fulani herder known as Alhaji Isa Musa in Ataloga. Agbo noted that Musa was reportedly killed by four IPOB/ ESN members, while returning from the popular Ndobasi Market

in Ekile Ward in February, this year, adding that IPOB publicly claimed responsibility for the act. He stressed that the Benue State government promptly arrested the culprits and handed them over to the police and they have since been prosecuted and convicted. Agbo added: “A total number of 130 people were murdered by the Fulani Gunmen and have since been buried while several people are still receiving treatment in the neighboring hospitals. The multi-billion Ndobasi market was razed down and I wept profusely at sighting the carnage unleashed on my beloved people.”

ALL EYES ON HIGHER RETURNS…

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadri; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Karl Toriola; Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah; and Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Muhammad K. Ahmad, during MTN Nigeria’s 2021 Annual General Meeting in Lagos …yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Buhari Meets with Service Chiefs, Others Uzodimma rallies support against insecurity Deji Elumoye in Abuja Apparently worried over the worsening insecurity in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday held emergency security meeting to review the security reports across the country. The meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was attended by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Ministers of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (retd.); Minister of Foreign

Affairs, Geoffery Onyema; and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.). Others, who attended were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo; Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; the DirectorGeneral, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufa’I; and the Director-General of the Department

of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, among others. However, journalists were not briefed at the end of the meeting. In a related development, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, yesterday rallied the support of all stakeholders to tackle insecurity, saying that him alone cannot resolve the challenges of insecurity in his state. Uzodimma, who briefed Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, said: “In Imo State as I speak to you, only

me cannot restore security; only me cannot guarantee security. “I have to work with traditional rulers; I have to work with opinion leaders. I have to work with the youth leaders to be able to deploy a community kind of security programme, to be able to resist what is going on today,” he explained. Uzodimma accused past political office holders of not speaking up against the escalating violence in the state.

FG: Malami to Decide on Prosecution of Adeboye, Kumuyi, Others over Twitter Use Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday disclosed that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), will decide whether or not to prosecute the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the Founder and General Superintendent

of Deeper Christian Life Ministry Worldwide, Pastor William Kumuyi; as well as other violators of the Twitter suspension. The information minister revealed this known on Monday evening during an interview with BBC News Africa. This is coming as over 25 civil society organisations in Nigeria, yesterday condemned the gederal government’s suspension of Twitter, saying the measure is

unconstitutional. Adeboye had in a tweet on Monday, said his church is present in over 170 countries, adding that tweeting is in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Kumuyi had also tweeted that his church has branches across over 100 countries and five continents, stressing that it can tweet from anywhere in the world.

When the information minister was confronted with the actions of Adeboye and Kumuyi, which violated the suspension order, Mohammed said: “The Attorney-General has made it clear that if an ybody v i o l a t e s t h e re g u l a t i o n that such a person will b e p ro s e c u t e d a n d t h i s i s n o t about any particular person. It is in the realm of the Attorney-General to decide who or who not to prosecute.”

MTN, Others Lose Three Million Subscribers Emma Okonji MTN, Airtel, Globacom and other telecommunication companies lost more than three million subscribers in the month of April 2021, according to a report released yesterday by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The industry report showed that subscriber base fell from 192,413,613

in March to 188,705,734 in April. According to NCC, Globacom was the biggest loser for the month of April, with about 2 million subscribers lost. NCC also revealed that MTN lost about one million. Both Airtel and 9mobile lost less than 500,000 subscribers together. MTN’s subscribers dropped from 75,927,231 in March to 74,819,864

in April. Globacom dropped from 52,918,718 in March to 50,598,855 in April. 9mobile dropped from 12,850,383 in March to 12,779,155 in April. Airtel dropped from 50,384,950 in March to 50,177,408 in April. Broadband penetration dropped from 41.18 per cent in March to 40.66 per cent in April. This was because telcos lost more than one million data subscribers in the month of

April. No porting services were recorded for the month as has been the case since January. In December 2020, the sale and registration of new SIM cards was banned by the Federal Government and a December 30 deadline for people to link their National Identity Number with their SIM cards was set. This has since been moved to June 30, 2021.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

NiMet: Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Others to Experience Severe Dry Spell in June Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), yesterday predicated severe dry spell in Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Kebbi, Kastina, Niger and some parts of Borno states. This is even as it hinted that the South-east and South-south states will experience normal rainfall apart from Cross River

State that will experience belownormal rainfall. Speaking at the headquarters of the agency in Abuja, the NiMet Director- General, Professor Mansur Bako Matazu said states like Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau and the FCT will experience mild dry spell. He stated that for July and August, the dry spell would have improved and the affected states

will experience above-normal rainfall. Speaking on the implications of the predictions, Matazu informed that farmers would have to follow NiMet advice and plant

appropriate seedlings, according to the predictions. According to him, dry spell is not absence of rain but a period when rain ceases to fall for 10 days or two weeks within a period of

normal rainfall. “Farmers must apply proper planning where drought resistant seeds are planted within the period. “It is also important that the

farmers follow all the advice and precautionary measures that NiMet offer from time to time in order to mitigate the impact of this temporary dry spell”, Matazu advises

NNPC Hails NGE President on Re-election Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has congratulated the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Mustapha Isa, on his re-election as the head of the guild. Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, in a congratulatory letter he personally signed, stated that Isa’s re-election did not come to him as a surprise. “Your integrity, dedication, work ethics and outstanding contributions to the guild and

indeed the journalism profession have proven you worthy for another tenure and we pray it continues to take you to greater heights,” the GMD stated. Isa was re-elected as president of the guild at the 2021 Biennial Convention of the NGE which held in Kano last week. Elected along with him were THISDAY Editor, Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, who is to serve as vice president (West) of the organisation, while the media company’s Abuja Bureau Chief and Nation’s Capital Editor, Mr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, was picked as the General Secretary.

Makinde: Devolution of Power Only Solution to Nigeria’s Challenges Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday said fiscal federalism and devolution of powers remained the only ways to save Nigeria from the edge of imminent crises. The governor, who maintained that true federalism is the future of democracy in the country, insisted that Nigeria must devolve powers to the federating units, especially the powers to control natural resources and the state security architecture, in order for it to avoid the path of destruction. Makinde stated these at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan yesterday during his keynote address at the maiden ‘Governor Seyi Makinde National Democracy Summit’ At the summit, with the theme: ‘The Future of Democracy in Nigeria’, the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, was represented by the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye; former

Governor of Edo State, Prof. Osariemen Osunbor and the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, among others, spoke on the imperative of federalism. Makinde said: “As we continue to deliberate on the future of democracy in Nigeria, let us remember that true federalism is the way forward. Restructuring the Nigerian state, and giving the federating units more powers is the route to economic prosperity. “We are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but our federalism exists only in name. Students of political history will tell you that what we have been practising is in fact a unitary system of government - where more powers are concentrated at the central government. “There is so much power at the centre, and another thing that our political theorists will tell you is that by nature, a unitary system of government is better suited for small countries, maybe countries with flat ethnic nationalities.

Barkindo Gets Oil Industry Award Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, has received the International Petroleum Diplomacy Person of the Year 2020 Award at the ongoing Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) Speaking during the award, Barkindo said it was a testimony to the fact that that he was not mistaken when he decided to join the industry, noting that he was deeply humbled and honoured to be bestowed with the award.

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources; the supervising Minister of State, Mr. Timipre Sylva; the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, as well as the organisers and sponsors of NIPS, titans of industry and everyone involved in the event. “I interpret this award as a recognition of the teamwork, dedication and selflessness of a remarkable group of countries: namely, the Declaration of Cooperation (DOC) strategic partners.

WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNER...

L-R: Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Mr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; Technical Adviser to the Governor, Ms. Bola Adigun; Chairman, Choice International, China/President,China-Africa Business Council of Nigeria, Ms. Diana Chen; Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Commissioner for Finance/Coordinating Commissioner for Economy, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; and Vice Chairman, Choice International/President, Del-York Group, Mr. Linus Idahosa when Chen and her team visited Uzodimma at the Government House, Owerri... recently

Akeredolu Inaugurates another Batch of 503 Amotekun Operatives JamesSowoleinAkure Determined to strengthen the operation of the State Security Network Agency initiative, Amotekun, in a bid to tackle insecurity in Ondo State, the state Governor, Mr. Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, yesterday inaugurated another batch of personnel into the Amotekun Corps. The governor also said the initiative is also suitable since crime was a local issue that should be addressed with a home-grown approach.

Inaugurating the newly recruited 503 personnel of Amotekun at the passing-out parade ceremony in Akure, the state capital, the governor called for the support of all the stakeholders in the fight against insecurity in the state. Akeredolu, who also inaugurated new 20 patrol vehicles and the official headquarters of the corps at Alagbaka, Akure, commended the leadership of the state security outfit for its efforts in ameliorating the security challenges in the state,

promising to always provide the right leadership for the agency to thrive. According to him, “The Amotekun Corps initiative is a baby of necessity conceived as a home-grown approach to solving the plethora of security challenges that have put the people on the edge. “It has further reinforced our long-time view that state and community-based policing is the panacea to the country’s security challenges.

“Let me reassure the good people of Ondo State that our administration will leave no stone unturned as far as the implementation of our ‘Redeemed Agenda’ is concerned. “The sixth goal of the agenda, which is ‘maintenance of law and order for adequate security’ is the reason we are here today. I enjoin all the good people of the state to lend their cooperation in terms of providing credible intelligence and financial support towards the success of this initiative.

Sanwo-Olu Unveils Lagos Action Plan to Battle Climate Change Challenges Segun James The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled the state Climate Change Action Plan to develop a strategy to combat the challenges of climate change in the state. Speaking at the commencement of the two-day Lagos State eighth Climate Change Summit held in Victoria Island, the governor said the document reflects the targets and goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, adding that

the state has a rich assemblage of projects being undertaken to address the climate change and fast-track the attainment of zero carbon goal. Sanwo-Olu stressed that public transport reform is planned to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, by providing efficient alternatives in the form of low-emission buses and rail transport, adding that owners of private vehicles are encouraged to shift to low-emission versions as well.

He explained that composting, recycling, waste-to-energy initiatives are just a few of the strategies the government is focusing on improving the quality of waste management. The governor added that there are significant opportunities to roll out off-grid solar systems for public schools, hospitals and other government facilities in the energy sector. Sanwo-Olu also urged individual homes to move from fossil fuel generators to solar systems,

saying multiple seeminglymodest interventions successfully implemented across a wide variety of sectors will add up to substantial positive impact in terms of climate change adaptation and mitigation. According to him, “It has, therefore, become imperative that we address the pertinent issue of climate change because of its pivotal impact on key economic areas like agriculture, health, sustainable socio-economic development, as well as enduring peace and security in our society.”

Political Leaders Urge Buhari to Address Challenges of Insecurity Chuks Okocha in Abuja Leaders of the National Conservative Forum (NcFront) yesterday urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to take urgent steps to stem the dangerous tide of insecurity and tension in the country before they degenerate into full blown civil war and the irreversible corporate collapse of Nigeria. Specifically, they called on former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to call a

meeting of former presidents, head of state, and their vice-presidents to rally round President Buhari “at this dark hour of Nigeria.” Also, the political leaders, who met yesterday in Abuja, said former presidents should use their experience and wisdom to assist Buhari to stabilise Nigeria as the country needs them now to show leadership once again. They also called on great men and women who have manned the three arms of government to once more come out to rescue the country, as they humbly requested

President Buhari to convoke a Council of State meeting to further widen the scope “because this is not a time to apportion blames,” stating that it is time for conflict resolutions and engagements to avert possible disaster. Reading the communique of their meeting, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and former Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who was also a former Minister of Defence, Dr. Olu Agunloye, supported by Pat Utomi, Ghali Naabba,

Buba Galadima, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Chief Ralph Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Kingsley Moghalu, Oby Ezekwesili among other leaders of NcFront, called on the federal government to also stem the tide of widespread insecurity in the country. According to Agunloye, “Nigerians have the responsibility to protect Nigeria from collapse, and create a platform to bring all warring parties to a peace table.”

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

South-east Journalists Allege Indiscriminate Killing of Innocent Citizens by Security Operatives Seek Buhari’s intervention Ejiofor Alike IZUNWANNE, an association of senior journalists from the Southeast geopolitical zone, has raised the alarm over the indiscriminate shooting of innocent citizens by security agents deployed to the

zone to restore peace. It called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review his shoot-on-sight order, which, according to the group, gave security agents the licence to kill vulnerable and helpless innocent civilians in the South-east and

Insecurity: House Urges FG to Provide Security, Safety Measures in Schools Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to work out appropriate modalities for the provision of basic security and safety measures to protect schools in Nigeria. The House urged the need to deploy modern technology in the provision of basic security measures in schools. Its Committees on Basic Education and Services, Tertiary Education and Services and Legislative Compliance were mandated to ensure compliance. These resolutions followed a motion on the need to Increase Security around Schools across the Country by Hon. Benjamin B. Mzondu and Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere. The House noted the increasing insecurity in Nigeria which has become a worrisome development

irrespective of one’s class, religion or ethnicity. It noted that since December 2020, hundreds of teachers, students and pupils have been abducted from schools across the Country. The House recalled the abduction of nearly 300 students from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangegbe in Zamfara State on 26 February 2021 and 27 boys and their teachers from a school in Kagara, Niger State which happened in the space of 10 days. It expressed worries over the weak or non-existent security infrastructure in most schools across the country leaves the children vulnerable to attacks and other negative influences, hence the need to provide primary resistance against intruders, and protect the school facilities.

South-south geo-political zones. The association condemned in strong terms, the wanton violence that has engulfed the two geo-political zones of the country, and called for the return of peace in the area. In a press statement jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of the association, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu and Mr. Ngwuoke Ngwuoke, the senior journalists urged Buhari to review his “shooton-sight” order and stop “security operatives from

taking advantage of the order to engage in indiscriminate shootings and mowing down of the lives of many vulnerable, helpless and innocent people.” The association argued that “such approach can never bring peace but would rather compound issues, lead to intimidation, suppression and coercion”, believing that “There are better other possible and legal ways available to government to responsibly bring about peace and tranquility in the

zones than the present path which the security forces are taking”. IZUNWANNE also condemned in very strong terms the attack on government agencies and assets, as well as the killing of security personnel by gunmen in the zones. “Our association also roundly condemns the attendant indiscriminate killing of innocent persons in the guise of going after the arsonists and destroyers of public facilities in the area”, the statement further

TECHNOLOGY ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (NCC), Mr. Ubale Maska; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (NCC), Mr. Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Spectrum Administration (NCC), Mr. Oluwatoyin Asaju during the inauguration of 3.5GHz Auction Committee for the Licensing of 5G Spectrum in Nigeria at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja ...yesterday

2023: APC Elders Endorse Senate Passes Bill to Unbundle NIPOST Giving a highlight of the NIPOST accounts of the federation for the Deji Elumoye in Abuja Akande for Governor year ended of December 31, 2015, bill, Tinubu said sub-clause (1)(a) The elders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 10 local government councils in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State has endorsed Professor Adeolu Akande as their choice candidate for the governorship ticket of Oyo State in 2023. The elders made the resolution in Ilero, Kajola Local Government Area after a stakeholders meeting presided over by Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi. The meeting also resolved not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the forthcoming congress of the party. The meeting argued that Oyo North Senatorial zone has produced the Chairman of the party for the past 10 years in the person of Chief Akin Oke. The meeting resolved that it is the turn of other Senatorial zones to produce the Chairman of the party.

The meeting, which also had former Commissioners, former House of Assembly members, former local government chairmen and former party officials, commended the members of the party for trooping out in large numbers to register in the last party membership exercise. The elders advised members of the party to brace up for the forthcoming congress of the party at a date yet to be announced by the national headquarters of the party. They also advised party members in the zone to welcome gubernatorial aspirants from other zone, adding however that they should politely inform them of the resolution of the zone to produce the next governor of Oyo State. The elders also resolved to reach out to other zones of the state to solicit their support for their candidate.

Fintiri Consoles Family of Gyella The Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri took time of his tight schedule to condole with the family of the late Dr. Yaro Gyella, a former Secretary to the Government of Adamawa State, who died on Friday at the age of 74. Fintiri, who was at Gwarinpa family home of the late former SSG in Abuja, was received by family members, Senator Mohammed Mana and Professor Barkindo, a retired federal Permanent Secretary and bosom friend of the deceased. The governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Hunwashi Wonosikou, described

his death as shocking and painful, particularly at this period when Adamawa State and, indeed, Nigeria needed his experience and expertise. He noted that the tenure of Gyella Yaro as SSG witnessed tremendous achievements and developments in the State. Describing him as an astute academic and technocrat, Fintiri prayed that Allah grant the deceased Aljanna Firdaus and give the family, friends and associates fortitude to bear the loss. Fintiri was accompanied by the Yobe State PDP Governorship candidate in the last election, Alhaji Bello Iliya Damagun and his aides.

contained. The senior journalists also described as unacceptable, “The situation in Owerri where security agents indiscriminately go after mass arrests of youths in churches and their families” and demanded an immediate stop to it. “We support a UNITED Nigeria, where equity, justice and fair play are the principles that should govern the coexistence of all peoples of the country”, the statement emphasised.

The Senate yesterday passed the Nigerian Postal Service (NPS) (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill 2021, which seeks to unbundle the agency to ensure efficiency in service delivery. Also passed during the plenary was a bill to enact the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act to establish the Medical and Dental Professions in Nigeria. It also received the 2015 annual report of the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF) on the

presented by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts The passage of both bills was sequel to the clause-by-clause consideration of the two separate reports by the Senate Committees on Communications; and Health (Secondary and Tertiary). The reports were considered after being laid by the Communications Committee Chairperson, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and her counterpart in Health Committee, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe.

under clause 3 which deals with the establishment and membership of the Governing Board of the Public Postal Operator was amended to give the governing board power to formulate policies and adopt strategies for the overall development of the postal sector. She added that sub-clause (1) (b) was deleted as the board cannot borrow or raise funds for the entity while sub-clause (1)(c) was amended to align with existing legislation.

According to the senator, clause 5(2) was also inserted to specify the minimum qualifications for the appointment of the PostmasterGeneral. Tinubu further said clause 8, which deals with the Application of Pensions Act, was amended to align with the Pension Act while clause 10, which provides for the Exclusive Powers of the Public Postal Operator, was amended to enable the Public Postal Operator to accredit digital or e-certificate as appropriate.

Group Urges FG to Curb Insecurity, Seek Dialogue Sunday Okobi A non-for-profit social justice organisation in Nigeria, NALT Club, International, has expressed deep concerned about the general insecurity and uprising in the various parts of the country and the ensuing attack and counter attacks on civilians, security operatives, as well as the destruction of government and citizens properties.

It urged the federal government to adequately train and equip the Nigerian Police to enable them handle law enforcement in Nigeria so that the armed forces can focus on external threat to the country’s sovereignty. NALT, in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by its National and International Communication Directors, Nwaeze, Okeoma and Okenna Nnamchi respectively, lamented

the present situation in Nigeria and its implication for national unity, development, and stability. The group expressed its condolences to the families of those that have lost loved ones and their valuable property to the violent clashes in the country. The statement noted that NALT is deeply concerned about the ripple effects the violent situation has generated across Nigeria, and its implication for the 2023 political

transition. It therefore used this medium to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately take steps to ensure that the civil law enforcement agencies perform their statutory duties of protecting lives and property of Nigerians within the national and international laws of engagement, “have due respect for human rights and sanctity of human lives while pursuing dialogue with aggrieved parties.”

Sylva Debunks Alleged Rift with Akpabio over NDDC Board The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva has said that there is no rift between him and the Minister of Nigeria Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio over the constitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The media aide to the petroleum minister, Mr. Julius Bokoru said in a statement issued yesterday that those concocting the

rift were enemies of progress and therefore urged the general public to discountenance the rumour. The media aide also discountenanced the story that Sylva was also attempting to truncate the chances of certain individuals from being Managing Director of the region’s apex interventionist body. “Sylva has maintained excellent relations with Senator Akpabio through the years. The duo

consider themselves brothers and comrades in the quest of building a more prosperous Niger Delta and a stronger Nigeria”. Bokoru said “Sylva is currently hosting the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) and while he has the development of the Niger Delta at heart, he is not fixated on who becomes who in the formation of the NDDC board. He rather hopes and prays that for the

sake of the development of the region, competent, committed, compassionate and patriotic people get appointed”. He said “Sylva will continue building harmony amongst Niger Delta leaders, the Honourable Minister will attract even more develoment to the region as he is doing and will keep working towards a more peaceful South-South region”.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

W’Bank Opposes Vaccine Intellectual Property Waiver WTO resumes talks Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report World Bank President, Mr. David Malpass, said yesterday that the bank does not support waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, noting that he was concerned that it would hamper innovation in the pharmaceuticals sector. His comments on the subject, made during a call with reporters

on World Bank economic forecasts, came as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), negotiations over the proposed waiver resumed in Geneva. Asked whether he backs a WTO vaccine IP waiver, which India, South Africa and other emerging market countrie needed to expand vaccine access, Malpass said the bank would not support the call. “We don’t support that, for the reason that it would run the

risk of reducing the innovation and the Research & Development in that sector,” Reuters reported him as saying. The comment puts Malpass, a Donald Trump administration’s nominee, at odds with the Joe Biden’s government, which is supporting text-based WTO negotiations for vaccine intellectual property rights, led by US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai. Major vaccine makers and the pharmaceutical industries

have opposed the waiver from the WTO’s agreement on TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), arguing that it would stifle innovation and do little to effectively increase vaccine supplies constrained by trade barriers, shortages of components and a lack of manufacturing capabilities. Malpass reiterated his calls for wealthy countries to quickly donate their excess vaccine doses to the developing world as quickly

as possible. The World Bank said its global growth forecasts, raised to 5.6 per cent for 2021 and 4.3 per cent for 2022, could be higher if vaccinations can be accelerated in developing countries. In Geneva, negotiations were proceeding yesterday and Wednesday (today) over revised waiver proposals from India and South Africa that remained far broader than the narrow vaccineonly waiver favoured by Tai.

“It seems to be they are still far apart. Their positions have not fundamentally changed,” a Geneva-based trade official told the news medium. WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a proponent of the waiver, had recently said that even intellectual property waiver alone will not be enough to narrow the huge COVID-19 vaccine supply gap between rich and poor countries.

Senate, CAN Mourn TB Joshua Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Senate yesterday expressed condolences to the family of the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TB Joshua. The Senate observed oneminute silence to honour Joshua. It also sent a condolence message to the family of the deceased who died in Lagos last Saturday. This was sequel to the adoption of Order 43 of the Senate Rules, under which the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, drew the attention of his colleagues to the demise of the Prophet. On his part, the President of CAN, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, in a message described him as “one of the foremost Nigerian charismatic pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist who devoted his entire lifetime to the propagation of the gospel.” “The news of the demise of your darling husband, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, who was until his transition at the age of Fifty-Seven (57) was the leader and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations came to us amidst great shock and sorrow “We are particularly sad because the deceased showed no trace of illness prior to his demise after an Evening Church

Service on Saturday 5th June 2021. We commiserate with you, the children and the entire members of SCOAN on this irreparable loss. “Prophet T.B Joshua was one of the foremost Nigerian charismatic pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist who devoted his entire lifetime to the propagation of the gospel and ministering to the needs of the downtrodden. He was renowned for his philosophical simplicity and humility. His death is not only a loss to the family and the church, but to Nigeria and the world at large “There are indeed no exact words of comfort at a moment like this, but we humbly enjoin you to take solace in the Will of the Almighty God, who works in us both to do and work according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). “We know that Our Lord Jesus Christ in whom there is all-sufficiency, and whom you have been serving wholeheartedly will make all grace abound unto you at this trying moment (2 Corinthians 9:8). “On behalf of all members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we commiserate with you, and the entire family on this loss. It is our prayer that the Almighty God grant Prophet TB Joshua an eternal rest in his creator, and may God’s perpetual light continue to shine on his path (Amen). Once again, please accept our heartfelt condolence.”

SERAP Drags Buhari to ECOWAS Court over Twitter Ban Udora Orizu in Abuja Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 176 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuitagainstPresidentMuhammadu Buhari over the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria,andcriminalisationofNigerians still using Twitter. Following the deletion of Buhari’s ‘civil war’ tweet by the micro blogging platform, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed last week announced the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria. The government has alsothreatened to arrest and prosecute anyone using Twitter in the country, while the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has asked all broadcast stations to suspend the patronage of Twitter. In the suit No ECW/CCJ/ APP/23/21 filed before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice inAbuja, SERAP and the concerned Nigerians are seeking an order of interim injunction restraining the federal government from implementing its suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, and subjecting anyone,

including media houses, broadcast stations using Twitter in Nigeria, to harassment, intimidation, arrest and criminal prosecution, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. In the suit filed by solicitor to SERAP, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the plaintiffs said that the suspension has seriously undermined the ability of Nigerians and other people in the country to freely express themselves in a democracy, and undermined the ability of journalists, media houses and broadcast stations to freely carry out their professional duties. The plaintiffs are therefore asking the ECOWAS Court for the following reliefs, ‘’A declaration that the action of the Defendant and its agents in suspending the operation of Twitter or any other social media and microblogging application without an order of a competent court of jurisdiction is unlawful, inconsistent and incompatible with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

POLITICAL RACE HOTS UP…

L-R: Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, Mr. Ojinnaka Christopher; APC governorship aspirant, Anambra State, Mr. John Bosco; APC member, Chief Iwuejina Igbokwe; and Director General, John Bosco Campaign Organisation, Mr. Frank Ndibe, during the submission of interest and nomination forms at APC national secretariat in Abuja…yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

FayemiVows to Recover over N1bn Housing Debt for Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has promised to recover into the government treasury over N1billon debt owed the state government by some of the beneficiaries of the state housing estates before the expiration of his tenure. The governor also restated the commitment of his government to reverse the impunity that has

characterised land administration in the state. Fayemi disclosed these yesterday in Ado- Ekiti when he received the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Land and related matters in the state. Apparently miffed by the level of corruption, poor record keeping and lack of transparency that characterised the allocation of lands in the state, the governor directed the immediate constitution

of ministerial committee to advise the government on how to reform its apparatus in charge of land administration. He said the commitment of his administration to eradicate unlawful land transaction was to achieve an effective land administration to enhance government’s efforts in achieving poverty reduction and promoting economic growth. The governor, who disclosed

that the government had been informed of the existence of vast undeveloped parcels of land and lack of record of ownership or evidence of payment for some property in the state housing estates, ordered the committee on recovery of money owed the state government to present a formal report on it to enable the government take necessary action.

FCT Requires N2.6bn to Fix 25,000 Vandalised Assets Amaechi wants death sentence for railway track vandals Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, has stated that the FCT Administration would require N2.6 billion to replace 25,462 assets that were vandalised in the territory. He disclosed this yesterday at the Town Hall meeting on the

protection of public infrastructure organised in Abuja by the Ministry of Information and Culture. Bello made the revelation just as the Minister of Transportion, Rotimi Amaechi, said the National Assembly should consider the call by the public to enact a law making the vandalisation of railway track punishable by death.

The FCT minister said findings few weeks ago revealed that 400 foul water manholes covers, 582 storm water covers and 23,210 gully pot covers were vandalised in the territory. Other vandalised assets, according to him, included 467 water board inspection chamber covers, 47 fire hydrant covers, and 756 telecommunications

duct covers. The minister lamented that the public assets destruction constituted a serious health and security challenges to the FCT, noting in particular, the vandalisation of water board inspection chamber covers had adverse effect on water supply in the territory.

Establish Truth, Reconciliation Commission, Moghalu Tells Buhari Emameh Gabriel in Abuja A presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has called on President Muhammedu Buhari to, as a matter of national emergency, establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as first step to stabilise Nigeria and begin the process of national healing and reconciliation.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor made the call at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, where he hinted that insecurity and nationhood of Nigeria were evident in President Buhari’s recent controversial remarks about the security crisis in the South-east region in the context of the 1967-1970 civil war. He said the president could

start with a declaration of May 30 as a national holiday to honour the millions of lives lost in the Nigerian civil war, as currently mark “unofficially by many Nigerians as Biafra Remembrance Day. Moghalu warned that regardless of the current phase of turbulence in the country today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no reason

not to conduct election in 2023, as already been widely speculated in some quarters. The economist, who expressed regret that the current leadership of the country has failed to approach the present crises in the country in its peculiar nature, said he cannot rule out the fact that there are political motives behind the current security crisis in the country.

FG Enrolls 500,000 N-Power Applicants Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has selected 500,000 persons for the N-Power Batch C1 programme. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq gave

this disclosure yesterday while giving update on the National Social Investment Management System (NASIMS). She said by third week of last month, over 1.8 million Nigerians successfully updated their records and took the compulsory online test.

According to the minister, the second batch of another 500,000 will subsequently be made in line with the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to engage 1,000,000 beneficiaries under the Batch C. She added that the 550,000

short-listed applicants were being individually contacted via their e-mail addresses provided and were advised to check and then immediately log on to the NASIMS selfservice portal and enrol their biometric data to qualify for final selection.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ THISDAY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Falcons Land in America for Summer Series Nine-time African champions Super Falcons have arrived in the United States of America for this year’s Summer Series– a Four- Nation Tournament

also involving hosts USA, Jamaica and Portugal’s ‘A’ Women Teams. A contingent of Nigeriabased technical crew and nine

Super Eagles, Indomitable Lions Play Tame Draw in Vienna Rematch Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s Super Eagles battled the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to a tame goalless draw in Austria yesterday. The game was the second of the two-match arrangement made to keep both teams busy ahead of the World Cup qualifiers starting in September. After Eagles conceded a 1-0 defeat in the first game last Friday, most football aficionados had hoped for a revival from Coach Gernot Rohr and his wards. But that was not to be as Tuesday evening spectacle, streamed live, failed to produce the expected spark. Although the backline appeared better than even when team Vice Captain William Troost-Ekong marshaled the area, Rohr must be troubled that his strikers, who had scored goals after goals across Europe this past season, could not deliver for him in two games. And so the jinx of Nigeria not scoring in four matches in Austria continued. Super Eagles were without

more than a dozen of their top stars and last-minute injuries to goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and winger Peter Olayinka meant they had to again make changes to the starting XI for Tuesday. Cameroon thought they had gone ahead in first half stoppage time, when they put the ball into the net, but the referee chalked off the effort for offside. The Indomitable Lions were better organised in defence and chose to play the possession football at almost a walking pace. The Nigerian senior team on the other hand, were more purposeful as they tried to get to goal the quickest route possible, but the final ball always seemed to let them down. Alex Iwobi ought to have put Nigeria ahead in the 52nd minute, but his shot after a flowing attacking move missed the mark. Cameroon also had two big chances, first in the 66th minute but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye somehow blocked it, before they had a free header inside the box in the 77th minute which was not utilized.

18 Schools for PwCChess4ChangeGrand Slam Eighteen schools in Lagos will vie for laurels as this year’s edition of the PwCChess4ChangeGrand Slam which started at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday. Curtains will be drawn on the three-day tourney on Thursday where such gifts items like laptops and other mouth-watering prizes would be dished out to the students. The schools, according to MediaVision Limited, who are the organisers of the tournament, were drawn across four educational districts in the state. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Segun Omodunni who represented the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education congratulated all the qualified students in this edition of PwCChess4Change Grands Slam tournament who had

undergone three-month intensive chess tutelage and mini challenge competitions that qualified them. He added; “PwCChess4Change is a game introduced to Lagos State Schools by MediaVission in 2014 with just six schools in the pilot edition and currently extended to eighteen schools. “It is note worthy to mention that the objectives of the programme are gradually being achieved. These include among others, improvement of strategic and critical thinking skill amongst students in Lagos State. Our students have been benefiting by participating in the game and it has really enhanced their circle thinking ability and promote their academic excellence as they prepare strategically.”

CEO and Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc.,Herbert Wigwe (centre) presenting the N10m Cheque to UNICEF officials during the closing ceremony of the 2021 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament at Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club in Kaduna ....at the weekend

home-based professionals flew aboard a Delta Airlines’ flight on the long haul from Lagos to Atlanta and arrived in the capital of the State of Georgia on Tuesday morning. They were aboard another flight from Atlanta to Houston, in the State of Texas, hours after. The team’s Head Coach, Randy Waldrum, an American, and a number of overseas-based players are expected to join up with the squad in Houston ahead of

Nigeria’s first match of the series against Jamaica at the BBVA Stadium on Thursday. Three days later, the Falcons, one of only seven teams to have featured in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition was launched 30 years ago, will tackle Portugal at the same BBVA. Their last match is against the USA squad, four-time winners of the FIFA World Cup and four-time winners

of the Olympic football gold, at the Q2 Stadium on 16th June. Matches will be played at the BBVA Stadium in Houston and at the brandnew, $240million Q2 Stadium in Austin built by the newest club in the Major League Soccer, Austin FC. Both cities are in the State of Texas and the clash between the Super Falcons and the US Women A team will be the first-ever football match at the state-of-the-art

Q2. The USA is the only one of the four teams in the Summer Seriesthat will compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The match against Nigeria will mark the first time the USA has ever faced the Super Falconsoutside of a world championship and it will be just the thirdever friendly against an African country for the Americans, with the previous two coming against South Africa.

Super Falcons in a group photograph with oﬃcials on arriving in Austin, Texas...yesterday morning

Lulu, Ojo-Oba, Uchegbulam Canvass Flawless Autonomy for NFF Former chieftains of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Sani Lulu Abdullahi, Bolaji Ojo-Oba and Amanze Uchegbulam have called for unrestrained autonomy in the day-to-day administration of domestic football in the country to deepen its development. Speaking against the backdrop of their trial following the disputed Super Eagles funding for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 as well as subsequent clearance for non-corruption and acquittal after eight years of litigation, the trio affirmed their exoneration

should be documented for posterity. “June 9 is like June 12to us; I mean me as well as Lulu, OjoOba and late Taiwo Ogunjobi,” Uchegbulam who was 1st Vice President under the Lulu-led NFF board, explained. “Every June 9is a day of victory for us and it’s about time we allow Nigerians and indeed the world to know that we were tried for no just cause because throughout the trial, no question regarding supposedly lost money and erroneously fed the public was asked. “We were discharged

and acquitted with no case submission after wrongly dragged before the court for almost ten years by petulant officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development led by the former DirectorGeneral of National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Patrick Ekeji.” Lulu noted that his tenure as the custodian of the game between 2006 and 2010 should go down as the best for its fiscal propriety even so after the ninepoint corruption charges against the quartet were quashed by the court.

“With all modesty, our tenure at the NFF was the best in recent and I make bold to say that,” Lulu noted. “We inherited a debt of N300m from the Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima-led board but apart from clearing the debts; we left an impressive N2.8b in the coffers of NFF at the time we were forcefully removed from office on July 2010.” Ojo-Oba who was the then NFF Secretary General noted that the ordeal they went through after the 2010 World Cup can be described as nothing but sheer wickedness.

Access Bank Donates N10m to UNICEF as Fifth Chukker Wins Charity Shield The prestigious Access Bank/ UNICEF Charity Shield international polo tournament came to a climax at the weekend with the presentation of N10 million donation to UNICEF by its sole sponsors, Access Bank Plc. The donation was presented at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club in Kaduna by the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc., Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe in support of UNICEF campaign against HIV/AIDS pandemic among Nigerian children. Wigwe who led other top

officials of the bank to the grand finale, expressed delight that the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield is archiving its main objective of reaching out to the less privileged children in the society. Wigwe disclosed that the bank is maintaining its yearly donation ofN10m in supporting UNICEF towards its projects for orphans and vulnerable children. In addition to that, the bank is continually seeking avenues through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children

“We have been working in Kaduna, in collaboration with Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort and UNICEF to elevate quality of lives. “We need to do a lot more in support of these orphans and vulnerable children to enable them to look forward to a better tomorrow,” the Access bank boss added. UNICEF Education Officer who received the donation alongside UNICEF’s Planning and Managing Specialist Shola Olanipekun, , thanked Access Bank Plc for the gesture, pointing out that through

the donation, UNICEF would be able to provide care and support services to orphans and vulnerable children in the areas under in Nigeria. The cheque presentation was witnessed by the Emir of Zazzau, HRH Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and Director General of Nigeria Immigration Services, Ahmed Babaki Didi, and teachers and pupils of Maraban Jos Primary School, among others.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾ THISDAY

WednesdaySports

Joshua to Fight Ukrainian Usyk in September at Spurs Stadium Anthony Joshua has been confirmed to fight Oleksandr Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September. Joshua was preparing for a title unification bout against Tyson Furyin Saudi Arabia on August 14 but Fury was then ordered to face Deontay Wilderfor a third time. That left Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn scrambling for an opponent for Joshua with mandatory challenger Usyk the obvious option. The Ukranian is 18-0, and was considered one of the pound-forpound best fighters in the world when he fought at cruiserweight, beating the likes of Tony Bellew and Mairis Briedis. He moved up to heavyweight at the end of 2019 defeating Chazz Witherspoon before cementing his position as WBO mandatory challenger with a win over Derek Chisora last Halloween. A deal was close to being reached for Usyk to fight Joe

Joyce for an interim title while Fury and Joshua completed their two-fight deal - but Usyk will instead face Joshua at the home of Spurs, reports Sky Sports News. Joshua last fought in December when he stoped Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round after a dominant performance, having taken a year out after retaining his titles against Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia. He had planned to fight last summer, but coronavirusrestrictions delayed the fight by six months. Usyk and Joshua both won gold at the London Olympics in 2012, with the Ukranian winning at heavyweight while Joshua took the super-heavyweight honours. In 2018, Usyk unified the cruiserweight division by defeating Tony Bellew after winning three of the four titles during the World Boxing Super Series. Meanwhile, Joshua looked back at his aggressive best against Pulev in December - dropping his

opponent down multiple times before a brutal knockout to the delight of his home fans. He had looked lacklustre in his

safe performance against Andy Ruiz Jr their rematch the year prior having been stopped by the American earlier in the year

at Madison Square Garden in his US debut. It is now expected that should Fury beat Wilder in

their trilogy on July 24 - and Joshua deals with Usyk - there will be a unification bout in December.

EURO 2020... EURO 2020....EURO 2020....

Poland Snatch Draw with Iceland in Warm-up Poland twice came from behind to salvage an unconvincing 2-2 home draw with Iceland on Tuesday and left their manager Paulo Sousa with plenty to ponder after their final dress rehearsal for the European Championship. Poland substitute Karol Swiderski spared his side’s blushes with an 88th minute equaliser after Piotr Zielinski had first pulled them level in the 34th. Albert Gudmundsson fired Iceland into a 26th-minute lead and Brynjar Bjarnason restored the visitors’ advantage in the 47th. Iceland were pegged back early on and took the lead out of the blue when Gudmundsson tucked the ball away at the near post with a clever back-heel after Gudmundur Thorarinsson swung in a corner past a static Polish defence.

Zielinski equalised with a clinical finish before the break, sweeping the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box after a flowing move started by their record scorer Robert Lewandowski. But more slack defending cost the Poles again as they failed to clear a Thorarinsson cross from the left and centre back Bjarnason blasted an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net from 12 metres. With time running out for Poland, Swiderski levelled shortly after coming on for Lewandowski as he chested down a cross from the right and scrambled home a low shot from close range. Poland open their Euro 2020 Group E campaign against Slovakia in St Petersburg on Monday and meet Sweden at the same venue on 23 June after facing Spain in Seville on 19 June.

Confident Foden Hopes to Recreate ‘Gazza’ Magic Phil Foden is aiming to channel the magic of Paul Gascoigne at Euro 96 in the Euro 2020 campaign -- and has started by dyeing his hair to match the former England midfielder. Foden, 21, won the Professional Footballers’ Association young player of the year award after his breakout season at Manchester City, in which he became a regular as Pep Guardiola’s men sealed a third Premier League title in four years. Despite a stellar season he faces a similar battle to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s line-up for Sunday’s Group D opener against Croatia at Wembley. Southgate has an embarrassment of riches to choose from, with Foden, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho vying for places alongside captain Harry Kane in attack. “The quality is very high.

We’ve got a lot of players who can play at the highest level as we’ve seen this year,” Foden said on Tuesday. “We’ve also got experience with the likes of Harry Kane and (Jordan) Henderson. We have a great balance, we look really strong in this tournament and why not? We could win it.” Foden’s new eye-catching blond hair mirrors Gascoigne’s trademark style 25 years ago.

Phil Folden...aiming to recreate ‘Gazza Magic’ at Euro 2020

Anthony Joshua has been confirmed to fight Oleksandr Usyk in September

Chelsea Goalkeeper, Kepa, Added to Spain’s Squad Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been added to Spain’s training squad as they prepare for any potential fall-out from captain Sergio Busquets’s positive Covid-19 test ahead of the European Championship. After Busquets tested positive, the remaining 23 players went into isolation along with the coaching staff, meaning an under-21 side led by age-group coach Luis de

la Fuente faced Lithuania yesterday in what was supposed to be the nation’s final warm-up game before the Euros. On Monday, Spain boss Luis Enrique called up Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo), Pablo Fornals (West Ham) and Raul Albiol as potential cover should there be an outbreak. Arrizabalaga and the five

others will train in what Spain are calling a “parallel bubble” away from the main Euros squad with a view to them being added should the need occur. The Spanish FA also confirmed on Monday that all the players and staff who are currently isolating tested negative, but will continue to train alone ahead of next Monday’s Group E opener against Sweden in Seville.

Kepa Arrizabalaga... gets Spain invite for Euro 2020

Onuachu Thrilled Winning the Ebony Shoe Award in Belgium Nigeria international striker Paul Onuachu said yesterday that he is proud to win the Ebony Shoe, which is awarded to Belgium’s best African player or player of African descent. It completes a hat-trick of awards for the 26-Year-old,who had already won the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year and top scorer’s awards for 2020-21 season. The Genk striker becomes the first Nigerian to win the award in 25 years and comes after he scored 33 goals to emerge as the top African goal scorer in Europe this season. “It doesn’t happen to every footballer and I feel proud, honoured and delighted to win this special award as a Nigerian and significantly as a professional from Africa,” Onuachu told BBC Sport Africa. “To pick up three awards in a season is unbelievable and I thank God, my teammates and all the fans of Genk and Nigeria for the incredible support. “I thank the organisers of the Ebony shoe award for their consistent and relentless support to African players in Belgium because this prize will continue to motivate us to do more.” Onuachu won the prize ahead of Angola’s Clinton Mata (Club Brugge) and Belgian Théo Bongonda (Genk),

who is of DR Congo descent. He also paid tribute to the players who he beat to the award, including the Anderlecht duo of Lukas Nmecha and Albert Sambi Lokonga - who finished fourth and fifth. “They are fantastic players too and they all made an important impacts for their clubs. It shows Africans are making a great mark here in Belgium,” he added. Onuachu becomes the first Nigerian to win the Ebony Shoe since Celestine Babayaro’s success in 1996 while he was playing for Anderlecht. Nigerians dominated the award’s infancy with Daniel Amokachi of Club Brugge

winning the maiden edition in 1992 and again in 1994, RFC Liège Victor Ikpeba (1993) and Eendracht Aalst’s Godwin Okpara (1995) followed suit before Babayaro’s success. Expectedly Onuachu has been linked with several clubs in Europe, but the striker who joined Genk from Danish club Midtjyllandin summer 2019 had confirmed wining the top awards in Belgium will keep him motivated for the future. As well as scoring goals at club level he has also ended a two-year struggle in front of goal at international level. In March 2019, Onuachu scored Nigeria’s fastest ever international goalagainst Egypt

Paul Onuachu...proud to have won the Ebony Shoe

on his full debut, which helped the Super Eagles to their first victory over the Pharaohs in 29 years. He then had to wait two years for his second goal, and this time he scrambled in Nigeria’s winner deep into injury time as they beat Benin 1-0 in Porto Novo to celebrate qualification to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Three days later, he scored his third goal international goal in 10 appearances and helped Nigeria coast to a 3-0 win over Lesothoas the three-time African Champions wrapped up their Nations Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten and top of Group L.

Wednesday June 9, 2021

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Ortom to APC

“From the North-east, North-central, North-west, South-south, South-east and Southwest, everyone is faced with security challenges. Without security, there can be no meaningful development except in PDP-controlled states. I want to challenge the APC in this country because they have failed. Economically, security wise, socially and politically, the APC government is in deﬁcit” – Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, criticising the ruling government on issues affecting the country.

years

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Constitution as Panacea?

former governor said on television the other day that a new constitution for Nigeria would be the panacea to all the socio-economic and political ills afflicting the country.

Really? One point that seems to be missing in the current upsurge of activities to review the 1999 Constitution (or make a fresh constitution as it is being posited in some quarters) is that whatever shape the constitution finally takes cannot be the only solution to Nigeria’s multi-dimensional problems. Yes, the constitution should be reviewed for the Nigerian federalism to function better. But no constitution is ever a panacea. Neither is there a perfect constitution that would never require reviews and amendments depending on the realities of different periods. Not enough attention is being paid to why periodic attempts have failed to review the constitution or write a new one in the last 22 years. There is the lack of clarity of purpose in respect of the exercise. Hence while some drafts of a new constitution are being put together outside the legislature, the 1963 Republican Constitution is the preferable option in some quarters. To be sure, some crucial items have been distilled from the discussions. These include devolution of power, state police and the fate of the local government. The proponents of restructuring have sustained solid arguments in respect of these items for years now. In fact, if a reviewed constitution could incorporate the enduring propositions of the formidable camp of the reststructurenista (as Professor Biodun Jeyifo once described the public intellectuals who have vigorously argued the case for restructuring), then a lot of progress must have been made in the nation’s constitutional development. However, past efforts at reviewing the constitution might have failed because the scopes of the exercises were too wide and the focus was lost in the process. Practically every problem has been traced to the constitution.

Femi Falana

Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba This, however, is not the reality. Consequently, the proposed changes to the constitution are replete with contradictions. Making a synthesis at the end of the day would not be an easy task. Take a sample. There is the position that local governments should be as autonomous as state governments are autonomous of the federal government. The counter-view is that in a federation the shape and content of local governments should be the business of the respective states. In another breadth, while some have advocated a return to the pre-1967 regionalism, some others are still hankering for the creation of more states. Advocates of a return to regionalism say that big regions as federating units would be strong drivers of development. According to the lobby for regionalism, multiple states are not strong enough as federating units in relating to the federal governments. The history of how four regions had to be broken into 12 states in 1967 amid a crisis does not seem to matter anymore. At the other polar end, the enthusiasts of the creation of more states and local government areas insist that is the veritable way of bringing development to the people. Yet reverting to the parliamentary system of government is the preference in some well-informed quarters. The national mood in 1979 when the nation opted from the American-style presidential

system of government was quite different from today. The dominant idea at the time was to have an executive president who would not only be a national symbol, but also a chief executive officer with sufficient power to give leadership. The context was that it was just barely a decade that the civil war ended. Although an intangible thing, unity was a national priority by the consensus of the political elite in the 1970s. The hope 42 years ago was for a unity president and not a sectional one. The mood today is markedly different as the constitution is being discussed. Besides, some of the issues that have come up in the discussions are issues of governance and the character of those in charge at different tiers of government. The issues are not necessarily constitutional matters. Without prejudice to the merits of both sides of the arguments on the local government autonomy, the virtual disappearance of governance at the local government level cannot be solely explained by the ambiguity in the constitutional provisions on local government. After all, the 1999 Constitution clearly defines the duties of the local governments. For example, it is remarkable that in Chapter I Section 7 (3) the constitution provides for establishment of Economic Planning Board to be responsible for the economic planning and development of the local government area. The state House of Assembly is expected to put in place the board. Instead of this constructive approach, some state governors simply hijack the funds of the local governments. In terms of responsibility for security, the local government is hardly mentioned. So when pupils are kidnapped in a primary school, the local government chairman is never asked questions about what happened in his area. Even the colonial District Officer (D.O.) had a security duty to perform. The decay in the governance structures and processes is more pronounced at the local government level because it is generally the weakest tier in terms of organisation. Similarly, questions regarding bolstering the capacity of governance are wrongly posed as

geo-political questions. Policing is a good example. The police are of Nigeria and not only of the federal government. In the discussions, state governors are presented as a helpless lot in matters of the Nigeria Police Force. Yet, the constitution provides for the Nigeria Police Council of which the 36 state governors are members. In fact, governors constitute the overwhelming majority in the council. The council has the duty of “organisation and administration” of the police. The council met last Friday to ratify the appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba. Among the problems of the police are underfunding, neglect of the welfare of the policemen and policewomen and lack of equipment. Now, there is no guarantee that the proposed state police would not suffer the same fate unless the states become more prosperous. A state that cannot pay primary school teachers, doctors and nurses may not be able to pay and kit policemen and policewomen. The viability of most of the states is being called into question. Yet the same states are expected to run an efficient state police. If state police are constitutionally created today , some states may not be in position to put the provisions into effect. Perhaps, only a few states with the means would be able to properly run state police. Hence, merely changing the constitution to create state police may not solve the fundamental problems of policing especially at the community level. In the socio-economic realm, there should be no illusion that the poverty and social injustice that define the socio-economic structure of Nigeria will be automatically tackled by a reviewed constitution or a brand new document. It requires a people-centred economic management to improve the conditions of the poor majority. All told, the constitution will only solve some of Nigeria’s problems only when the people are made the subject and the object of governance. Already the 1999 Constitution puts it in Chapter II Section 14 (2b) like this : “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government…”

For Thomas Sankara

I was in Benin last Saturday to participate in the public lecture organised by the Nigerian Youth Democratic Party. I returned to Lagos later in the evening to a programme to honour the memory of Comrade Thomas Sankara rather belatedly. It is commendable that some comrades who partook of the memorable event. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and I were invited by President Thomas Sankara to visit Burkina Faso for a week in July 1987. As my passport was then in the illegal custody of the State Security Service I could not make the trip. But Fela did and brought back fond memories of the unfolding revolutionary developments in Burkina Fasso. In particular, he attested to Sankara’s complete break with the colonial past and total repudiation of the pro-imperialist route to development. Upon his return to Nigeria Fela decided to compose a song in honour of the most progressive soldier to have presided over the affairs of any country in Africa. Shortly thereafter, the SSS released my passport as a result of the suit which I had filed at the Federal High Court for the enforcement of my freedom of movement. I contacted Comrade Sankara who directed the Burkinabe embassy in Lagos to reschedule my visit to December 12-19, 1987. But unfortunately, he was assassinated in

October 1987 by imperialism and its local lackeys led by Captain Blaize Campaore. Thus, I was denied the opportunity to meet Sankara in person. In paying tribute to the Comrade I decided to team up with the human rights community in Burkina to bring Campaore to justice for culpable homicide. It is interesting to note that in his desperate search for cheap popularity upon assumption of office as a military Head of State, Mr. Campaore invited Fela for a concert in Ouagadougou sometime in December 1987. I was opposed to the concert but Fela assured me that Campaore would live to regret the dubious invitation. In line with the terms of the contract, Fela and his Egypt Band travelled to Burkina for the concert. To watch Fela perform the Ouagadougou stadium was packed full of people including government officials. Campaore had wanted to attend the concert but was advised to stay away for “security reasons” at the eleventh hour. After entertaining the crowd with some of his old records Fela sang his “Underground System”, which he had dedicated to President Sankara. The stadium almost collapsed when he sang inter alia: “Where is SANKARA story O jare Yes O One Afrikan leader dey today Yes O Him name na President SANKARA Yes O This is the only leader wey e dey Yes O Wey no dey fear to talk the truth Yes O

Him name na President SANKARA Yes O Him be only leader wey e dey Yes O Him say Africa unity Yes O One African Government for All Yes O All the other leaders wey dem dey Yes O Na only dem pocket wey dem know Underground system in their lifes Yes O One Afrikan leader dey today Yes O All African people dem like the man Yes Hin name na President SANKARA Yes O Where is SANKARA story O jare Yes O All African people dem like the man Yes Him name na President SANKARA Yes ... As I dey write this song for am O Yeye O Dem go kill Sankara Yeye O If dem kill SANKARA nko Dem shoot him today e no go possible tomorrow If dem kill SANKARA nko the blood go dey for dem head o Dem shoot him today e no go possible tomorrow...” There was pandemonium in the stadium. Government officials quickly disappeared while a band of armed gendarmes mounted the state to stop Fela from concluding the song, ordered him and the band out of the stadium. They were taken to the hotel to check out and leave the country. The plane which had brought them from Lagos was on ground at the airport for the return journey.

But to the utter dismay of Fela and his band members the plane took off from Ouagadougou but dropped them them at the Cotonou airport in Benin Republic and returned to Burkina on the directive of Captain Campaore. Thus, Fela was compelled to hire buses which brought him and his band members to Lagos by road as there was no flight. Upon his return to Lagos, Fela rushed to the studio to record the “Underground System” song and released it. For several years thereafter, the record was very popular in the Francophone countries apart from Burkina where it was banned by the Campaore regime. It is unfortunate that Sankara was eliminated by forces that were opposed to the revolution in Burkina and its spill over effect in several African countries that were then littered with putative dictators. But to the eternal regret of the enemies of Africa they did not succeed in destroying Sankara’s legacies. Hence, Sankara’s precious life and times are celebrated from time to time. It is interesting to note that while the memory of Sankara was being honoured across the globe Campaore and other culprits have been charged before a military tribunal in Ouagadougou for the brutal murder of the great African leader. t.S 'BMBOB JT B 4FOJPS "EWPDBUF PG /JHFSJB

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