THURSDAY 9TH JUNE 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Nigeria’s Public Debt Climbs by N2.04trn in Q1 to N41.6trn FGN's domestic debt service gulped N668,685bn in three Months W’Bank slashes global growth forecast to 2.9% Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Nigeria’s total public debt stock, comprising the debt obligations of the federal government, states and the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) rose from N39.56 trillion in December 2021 to N41.60 trillion ($100.07 billion) in the first three months of 2022 (January to March), the Debt Management Office (DMO) revealed yesterday.

In addition, the domestic debt service obligations of the federal government stood at N668,685, 710,112.98 in the first three months of 2022. According to the DMO, with

the increase in the country’s debt profile, its total public debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) now stands at 23.27 per cent, as against 22.43 per cent December 31, 2021. The DMO, in a statement posted

on its website explained: "The amount represented the domestic and external debt stocks of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory. The comparative

figures for December 31, 2021, were N39.56 trillion or $95.78 billion.” The total public debt stock, the agency said, included new domestic Continued on page 48

NCDMB to Sanction IOCs, Others for Flouting Local Content Capacity Development Provisions…Page 10 Thursday 9 June, 2022 Vol 27. No 9921. Price: N250

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In 2023, It's Straight Fight Between Tinubu, Atiku... Page 5

How North Kept Its Word, Pulled Off a Coup Olawale Olaleye The tension that characterised the lead up to the APC presidential primary and the eventual denouement, have made it difficult to gloss over certain takeaways from the

event. For starters, nothing was certain till the time the show started proper and the fluidity of events ushering in the exercise, had created apprehension across the board with everyone on tenterhooks. This was

understandable since APC is the ruling party. Thus, while the fear that the north was not ready to relinquish power was palpable and creating avoidable backlash, the seeming unpredictability of President

Muhammadu Buhari, had further compounded the situation, as much as the perceived hypocrisy of the APC National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, became a worry to contend with. But the north proved it was

credible after all, and closed the deal on its honour. This, ironically, was contrary to assumptions about alleged northern predilection for ethnic politics within the context of national growth and development. In 1993, when the late MKO

Abiola, ran against a prominent northern son, Bashir Tofa, the north recognised the contributions of Abiola to their growth as a people and that of the nation in general and Continued on page 48

Tinubu's Search for Running Mate Begins, Who Are the Likely Contenders? Olawale Olaleye The emergence, yesterday, of a former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was the first and most important leg in the journey to next year’s presidential bout. That, of course, ushers in the second leg and sets a new challenge for the ruling party, which is the search for a suitable running mate, whose combination could help the party to victory in the 2023 elections. And, since the choice of a running mate is as critical as the candidate itself, to the outcome of a presidential election, it is expected that certain factors would be put into consideration, too, in settling for anyone at all. However, to guide the APC in the choice of its running mate to Tinubu are a few factors, including capacity, education, experience, exposure, political networth, ethnicity and religion. While the APC is certain to go to the north Continued on page 48

Kashim Ibrahim-Imam

Bagudu

El Rufai

Ganduje

Lalong

Ibrahim-Imam

Zulum

Badaru

Mustapha

PDP Governors Meet Atiku Over Choice of Running Mate... Page 50

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

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

BEHOLD THE CANDIDATE... L-R: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; President Muhammadu Buhari; winner of the APC Presidential Primaries, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi; Chairman, Election Management Committee and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi during the APC National Convention/Presidential Primaries at the Eagle Square, Abuja... yesterday

In 2023, It's Straight Fight Between Tinubu, Atiku Buhari assures Tinubu of support Lawan can easily lick his wound, says presidential candidate Shames those building ruling party’s coffin, warns opposition party to step aside Osinbajo, Adamu, Atiku, Afenifere, others congratulate ex-Lagos gov You’re no match for our standard bearer, PDP mocks APC’s choice

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja; James Sowole in Abeokuta, Fidelis David in Akure, Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Without disregard for other political parties and their candidates, the 2023 presidential election is going to be a straight fight between Senator Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This followed their emergence as the standard bearers of their respective parties two weeks apart. A total number of 2,322 were initially scheduled to vote for the presidential candidate of the APC, but 2,032 were accredited and voted for the aspirants. The ruling party had 23 presidential aspirants, while nine aspirants stepped down for their choice cocontestants, some withdrew from the race before the commencement of the primary election. Those that stepped down for Tinubu were the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio; former Governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru; senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice and Uju Ohanenye. But the youngest presidential aspirant, Nicolas Felix, stepped down for the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. In all, however, 14 presidential aspirants contested the presidential

primary election of the APC. At the end of the voting exercise, the Co-chair of the Election Management Committee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, declared Tinubu as the winner of the election. Tinubu scored a total of 1,271 votes to defeat his closest rival, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 316 votes, while Osinbajo scored 235 votes. Senator Rochas Okorocha scored zero votes; Governor Yahaya Bello scored 47 votes, and Mr. Tein Jack-Rich scored zero votes. Also, a former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, scored one vote; Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, scored 152 votes; Cross Rivers State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, scored 37 votes; Chief Ikobasi Mokelu had zero vote; former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba scored one vote; Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, scored 38 votes; Pastor Tunde Bakare, scored zero vote, while Sani Yerima, scored four votes. A total of 13 votes were voided. The presidential candidate, however, told the Senate President, Lawan, that he was a little upset that he competed against him, but added that he could easily lick his wound now. This was as prominent Nigerians, including Osinbajo, National Chairman of APC, Abdulahi Adamu; Atiku, Afenifere and governors of the party, among others, had started congratulating the former Lagos governor. However, the leadership of the PDP has mocked Tinubu and his party, saying the person the APC settled for was no match for their candidate, Atiku. Delivering his speech, Tinubu described the victory as historic and also thanked God for being able

to witness it, even as he promised to build an unbreakable team that would move Nigeria forward. Tinubu said: "Today is another historic day and it is thanks to God almighty that you are living healthy to witness it, to be part of it, to be your calling, to be your arrangement. We all, not only as a party, it has gone beyond partisan idea now. “It is yours as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You put it together and you have even been gracious and humble from the beginning. We are very grateful to you. “The vice-president, a very good and supportive pillar, a good assistant to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, we thank you for this steady and good support to our president. "To you, the legislature, the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, I would have been a little upset, because you competed with me, but that is over now since you can easily lick your wounds. It doesn't take away from thanking you from the past cooperation and cool-headedness to build our country. “You have helped in steering the ship of the nation and with your colleagues in the Senate, history is written and will be kind to you. "And to my brother, Hakeem Gbajabiamila, the sparkling speaker, I credit you. The Gbajabiamilas of Lagos have been part of the history of this country and you will not be forgotten. "To the chairman of our party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, it appeared some weeks back that some newspapers and many people were ready to write the obituary of this party. We put together and pulled ourselves as a cat with nine lives. We thatched the roof, steady the pillars

and became master builders. You came on and worked hard with the collaboration of others and here we are. "Shame on those who were already building the coffin of APC. Shame on them. Our party is alive. They said we won't be able to do the convention, but here we are.” He added: “We will tell Poverty Development Party, they call themselves PDP, 16 years of failures of wastefulness. We say step aside, be buried and leave the way for us. We will repair our country. We are progressives, we are nation builders. We are not destroyers. We are confident that this nation is back on track." Tinubu, who also spoke about the growing wave of killings in the country, said, "We are not the barbaric, blind human beings they think we are. They are setting us against one another. When you were born, you didn't hear from the womb whether you would be a male or female, Christian or Muslim. You were born to your parents and adopted their religions and you continued. "The Bible taught us to love your neighbour as you love yourself. It did not say kill your neighbour. It is in the two holy books. Goodness for goodness. Learn to accept mistakes, not from gunshots or the destruction of lives and property, because the life you take you cannot bring back, the hate you spill cannot cure your hunger. We must build a new society and learn to think a new way of life." He commended the delegates for the confidence they reposed in him, saying he would prove that their choice was a wise one, adding that they had moved the party and country towards its best future. "I commend my fellow aspirants. It is a difficult thing to run

for president. The stiff and bold competition you offered made our party stronger and made me better. I must say a special word of thanks to the seven aspirants: Badaru Abubakar, Ibikunle Amosun, Ajayi Borrofice, Dimeji Bankole, Godswill Akpabio, Kayode Fayemi, and Uju Kennedy, who chose to step down their personal ambitions for the good of the party and the unity of our purpose," he said. The presidential candidate said now that the competition was now over, he bore no grudges or grievances to those who did not support him, saying, “have nothing to fear.” According to him, "Let us each agree to join hands in defeating the PDP and beating back our common foes of poverty, terror and violence. We now have a date with destiny in February 2023. Let us win so Nigeria can become the nation it is intended to be. "Now, permit me to address the nation. Yes, we face serious problems. But I believe that we have it within us to reach our finest destiny. With help from God, we shall make this nation better for the generations to come.”

Buhari Congratulates Tinubu, Assures Him of Unwavering Support

The president, in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, described the former Lagos State governor as the right candidate for Nigeria’s aspiration to move to greater heights. He was also quick to ask the leadership and members of the APC to unite behind Tinubu who he said would safeguard and improve on the current democratic achievement and legacy. The statement added: "Having emerged victorious he has our full

and unwavering support. "Now our party must unite behind our candidate to achieve victory at the 2023 elections so that our government will continue to secure our communities, grow our economy and continue the fight against corruption. "During the primaries, there were factions and disagreements amongst the contestants and now that the process has ended we must build a united front in our party. "In this way, the APC will remain the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. Now it is time to put the process behind us. "Because what we can all agree is that the APC remains the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. But the way to demonstrate that we can get on with this job is to unite. “The movement we created in 2013 is beyond individuals. Together, we made history by becoming the first party in our country’s history to unseat a party in power and propel our candidate into the Presidency through a peaceful democratic transfer of power. "We strongly believe that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will safeguard and improve on this democratic achievement and legacy. He is the right candidate for Nigeria’s aspiration because he is the APC’s candidate and under the continued stewardship of our party. Nigeria can achieve greatness and fulfill its destiny in Africa and the world.”

Osinbajo Campaign Organisation Congratulate Tinubu

The Spokesman of Prof Yemi Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, Mr. Continued on page 52

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WINNERS & LOSERS

From APC’s ‘Super Tuesday’, the Winners and the Losers T uesday’s presidential nomination primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ended yesterday with winners and losers as expected. But while everyone was quick to moving on and rallying the party ahead of next year’s election, it does not change the fact that there was a winner and many losers. Olawale Olaleye writes.

THE WINNERS… Bola Tinubu: A former governor of Lagos State, not a few people gave Tinubu a chance and the grounds for their opposition to his lifelong ambition were largely justified. But Tinubu was not distracted. He kept faith, eyes on the ball and pulled it off. He is the number one winner being the direct beneficiary of the election.

Northern APC Governors: At a point, when the confusion trailing the primary election got to a head, the northern governors of the party, led by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, came together and insisted that power must go back to the South. Their position, though not easy, they stood tall to be counted on the side justice and equity. They refused to let promoters of the consensus contraption have their way and stood their ground in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness. They won. Lalong as the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, worked discreetly with Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and Chairman of All Progressives Governor Forum, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu to frustrate the consensus idea. They are all heroes and winners.

Tinubu and wife, Remi

APC NWC Members: Drawn from different parts of the country, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC, an organ, which also doubles as the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, with a term certain, rebuffed all attempts by a section of the leadership of the party to impose its self-serving decision on the party. And they held their ground. They won a just cause.

Those Who Stepped Down: The road to APC’s Super Tuesday was not an easy one for the ruling party. Unfortunately, some of the underhand intrigues that sculpted its path, had also threatened the possibility of power going to south. But, from nowhere, some of the aspirants just showed up and started stepping down for Tinubu, a development, which immediately separated the men from the boys and paved the way to victory for Tinubu.

Oluwarotim Akeredolu: Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is one governor in the South-west, who does not take prisoners. He also does not condone poor attitudinal disposition and detests injustice. Thus, when the National Chairman of the party, Abdulahi Adamu, reportedly announced the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as the consensus candidate of the party, he was quick to fire back, saying, Adamu was on a frolic of his own. He was right after all, because the idea died the way it came and a southern candidate emerged. He won too.

The Convention Organisers: For all that it was worth, the organisers of the convention were by all standards winners, for organising such an entertaining show. From the moment the exercise kicked off till the time the winner was announced, there was no dull moment. This presupposes, however, that the organisers did their best, despite some of the hitches recorded.

Tinubu and President Buhari

THE LOSERS… Muhammadu Buhari: A few days to the APC Special Convention, President Muhammadu Buhari, met with governors of the party and pleaded with them to let him choose his successor. He said this in the spirit of reciprocity as they were wont to do in their states. Unfortunately, Buhari’s position only complicated things with no defining follow-up to show presence. This left the party more confused until things assumed shape of their own. As

president and leader of the party, who, habitually, is not hands-on, he lost out at the primary.

Abdullahi Adamu: Since his election as the National Chairman of the party, Tuesday’s presidential primary was Adamu’s first major test and he failed exceptionally in living above boards or acting as father to all, a position that naturally fits his age bracket. But indication that he was not honest about equity and fair-play, started to emerge, when he kept denying that the party had any understanding

on zoning. This, he further took a notch up, when in the heat of the confusion, he hinted Ahmad Lawan as the consensus candidate. Everyone fought back and he lost. He is the grand patron of the losers.

The Co-contestants In all, there were 23 aspirants, who sought to contest the party’s presidential ticket. With time, two withdrew from the race (Ken Nnamani and Abubakar Badaru), while seven stepped down and the remaining 14 went to the polls. Therefore, the 13 others, who slugged it out with Tinubu are the natural losers and should be recognised as such. It was a trashing!

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS FOR A RESOUNDING VICTORY... APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (left) being congratulated by the defeated Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, moments before the oﬃcial declaration of results of the primary which PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI . Tinubu won, held at Eagles Square, Abuja… yesterday

Shell to Receive Two Final Bids for Proposed Sale of Nigeria Oilfields This Week Set to retain deepwater , gas production operations Seplat, Sahara Group withdraw non-binding offers Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Shell Plc is set to receive two final offers this week for its onshore oil and gas fields in Nigeria, a Bloomberg report has said, quoting people with knowledge of the matter. Nigerian companies Heirs Oil and Gas Ltd., and ND Western Ltd. are competing to buy Shell’s 30 per cent interest in the joint venture, which operates assets in the Niger Delta and nearby offshore areas. Bids are due June 10, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Energy consultant Wood Mackenzie Ltd. last year valued Shell’s stake at $2.3 billion, assuming a long-term oil price of $50 a barrel. But with Brent now trading at about $121,

the stake likely is worth significantly more. Shell, Heirs and ND Western declined to comment, the report said. Shell announced its intention last year to sell the stake, saying its long-term energy transition strategy was incompatible with Nigerian operations prone to spills and theft. Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden told shareholders in May that a significant increase in sabotage in recent years had resulted in a state of near-lawlessness that the company couldn’t control. “In the end, we have to concede that this is beyond what we can do,” he said. But a recent THISDAY report indicated that the planned divestments by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) go beyond just the issues in

the country’s Niger Delta. A number of Nigerians believe that Shell especially is leaving the region in a “mess” after the devastation of the environment for over 60 years and has no plan for cleaning it up or embarking on decommissioning and is now moving towards the deep offshore terrain. According to a recent McKenzie document, 19 Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) are expected to be put up for sale by the oil giant in onshore locations and shallow waters in the company’s eastern and western operations in the Niger Delta. Secretary General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Capt. Bassey Henshaw earlier on, told THISDAY that it was not against Shell leaving the region, but it

must remediate the Niger Delta environment. “The oil companies must clean up the environment they have degraded over the years as well as pay compensation before any talk about leaving their onshore and shallow water operations in the region,” he insisted. “We do not dispute the fact that they can go green or whatever, but there has to be some closure. You have a business running and there are issues emanating from those businesses. You do not wake up and say you are going green. All the issues have to be fixed and resolved. “We cannot hold then ransom if they want to leave, but they have to have a closure of the previous

business they have done, the degradation of the environment, the oil spillages and all,” he said. Nigeria’s crude production has fallen 25 per cent in last decade Data compiled by Bloomberg with potential future costs related to litigation and environmental liabilities likely to affect the stake’s valuation, two of the people said. Two other local companies, Seplat Energy Plc and Sahara Group Ltd., Bloomberg said, put non-binding offers for Shell’s assets earlier this year, but the people said they no longer were in the running. The firms didn’t respond to requests for comment. While Shell is retaining its deepwater oil assets and its large liquefied natural-gas presence, it’s

Obaseki Bans Unionism in State-owned Higher Institutions ASUU tackles governor Edo to build 20 technical colleges, pledges more investment in technical, vocational education Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki yesterday suspended all union activities in state institutions of higher learning following protest by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, over the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The decision which was made after the State Executive Council meeting at Government House Benin City takes effect immediately. In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, named the affected unions to include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and all allied unions operating across all state-owned tertiary institutions. According to the statement, “By this notice, academic activities are to resume in all state-owned institutions and all cadre of staff are directed to report to their duty posts immediately. “Students across all state-owned tertiary institutions are expected to resume for lectures as necessary

measures have been taken to ensure resumption of academic and non-academic activities.” He added: “Management of the affected institutions have been mandated to pay all outstanding salaries immediately. “The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, is hereby directed to implement a no-workno-pay policy, declare vacant and advertise the position of any staff that refuses to resume work in line with this directive.” However, responding to the ban on union activities in state-owned tertiary institutions, the Chairman, ASUU chapter, Dr. Cyril Onogbosele, said the state government has no powers to ban its activities because the union wasn’t registered with the state government. In a statement, Onogbosele said: We have seen the release banning the activities of union in the state institution including ASUU. The Academic Staff Union of Universities is a legal trade union and we have rights of association and activities in the eye of the law, so on what bases is the banning union activities because student protested the union is on strike." He said the union had been on strike and that the school

management was duly notified on the industrial action over the 17 months salary owed the union. "So is he saying, we don't have the right to say pay us and go on strike, what is illegal in the activity that we have carried out? Is strike not recognised by law using to pressurise employer to address the issues? he queried. According to him, in the eye of the law, the state government cannot stop ASSU as a union which is a chapter of the national body duly registered with a license. "These are the views of the union and the action is condemnable. If there are issues he should resolve it with the union and not banning the union activities because you don't want to resolved the issues" he said. Meanwhile, Obaseki, has said his government would sustain investment in technical and vocational education to drive the state’s industrial growth. The governor, according to a statement, gave the assurance when he received members of the Benin College Old Students' Association Worldwide, led by the President, Rev. Friday Emuze, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City. Obaseki disclosed that his

government plans to build about 20 technical colleges, with one in each local council of the state to cater for the manpower to drive Edo’s industrial growth, ensuring the creation of employment opportunities and attainment of self-sufficiency. Heeding the group’s request for the Government Science and Technical College, Benin to revert to its original name, the Benin Technical College, the governor said, “You are right, there was really

no need to change the name. I am going to have conversations with the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe, and make a strong adjustment. “I am convinced that we should restore the school to its original name. I am also glad about how you are going to mark your anniversary by giving awards to the students and supporting students in sporting activities. By the way, we have plans to build mini stadia in that location to encourage sports.”

not the only energy giant turning its back on Nigerian onshore and shallow water fields. Exxon Mobil Corp. agreed in February to sell its shallow-water unit to Seplat for about $1.3 billion, and France’s TotalEnergies SE wants to offload its 10 per cent interest in the same joint venture Shell is divesting from. Meanwhile, the premium for Nigeria’s high-grade Bonny Light oil has surged this month to $4 a barrel, up from $2.50 a year ago, a separate Bloomberg report has stated. Oil refiners are paying record premiums for the high-quality crude oil they use to produce diesel and petrol, a sign of strong demand in the physical oil market that calls into question claims that soaring oil prices are being driven by speculators. They are paying up to $5-$6 a barrel on top of current record prices to secure high-grade oil, traders said, double the level of a year ago, it said, with the mark-ups four times higher than the 2000-2008 average. The movement in prices paid for physical barrels of oil has gone largely undetected outside the refinery industry because financial markets pay almost exclusive attention to the price of oil futures traded in London and New York. The fact that refiners are willing to pay a higher price for physical supplies than the futures benchmark lends weight to the argument that speculators are not the cause of record oil prices, it added.

UBA Redeems $500m 5-year Eurobond The United Bank for Africa (UBA) yesterday redeemed its debut $500 million 5-year Eurobond notes with maturity date of June 8, 2022. Issued in 2017, the five-year bond was offered at a coupon rate of 7.75%, and raised to support the bank’s business in key sectors of the economy. According to a statement yesterday, as part of UBA’s liability management strategies, in November 2021, the bank repurchased $310.9 million of the notes through a cash tender offer. Upon maturity of the Eurobond,

the outstanding portion of $189.1 million and the coupon of $7.3 million were redeemed by the bank. "The development is a testament to UBA’s robust and prudent liquidity management strategies, coupled with a very strong and diversified asset and liability management process. “This, in spite of macroeconomic headwinds underpinned by FX illiquidity, double-digit inflation and currency devaluation," the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Kennedy Uzoka said. “Our huge customer base, diversified geographical spread

and uncommon multiple decades of proven track record, continue to spotlight UBA as the preferred destination for investors, individuals and businesses alike,” added. With presence in 20 African countries, including Nigeria, as well established operations in France, the United Kingdom (UK) and the only sub-Saharan African bank with a deposit-taking licence in the United States of America (USA), UBA is a renowned financial institution providing banking and financial services to over 33 million customers across the globe.

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

NATIONAL CONVENTION AND PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY OF NNPP... L-R: Presidential candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ankali; Buba Galadima and former member House of Representatives, PHOTO: AYO AJAYI Abdulmumin Jibrin, during the National Convention and presidential primary of NNPP in Abuja...yesterday

NCDMB to Sanction IOCs, Others for Flouting Local Content Capacity Development Provisions Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has vowed to sanction companies that default or fail to comply with the human capacity development provisions in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. A statement by the organisation yesterday quoted the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, as having made the comment while delivering a keynote address at the second edition of the virtual stakeholders’ workshop for human capacity development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Tagged: "Human Capacity Development: The Pillar for Nigeria’s industrialization,” the NCDMB chief executive warned that the board would enforce periodic forensic audit for compliance to such programmes. He added that companies found violating the NOGICD Act 2010 and the ministerial regulations in executing cost intensive capacity development initiatives as mandated by the Act would be sanctioned.

“It has come to the attention of the board that some operating companies and services companies are reluctant to implement the HCD programmes as directed by the board. “Most of the companies are testing the mettle of the board and I want to use this opportunity to inform erring companies that the board will mete appropriate sanctions to them as prescribed by the Act,” he maintained. He added that the board has the mandate to ensure that the industry derives maximum benefits from huge investments and also make sure that beneficiaries of the training programmes find gainful employment in the industry. Stressing the importance of human capacity development, Wabote said with rapid advancement in technologies used in the oil and gas industry, the industry would continue to be manned by foreigners and expats. “This will be the case if we do not keep pace with the spate of technological development by developing the human capabilities required for the challenges of modern industrial technologies.

“It is with a view to developing the Nigerian workforce capable of leading and advancing technological developments in the oil and Gas industry and supporting the attainment of Nigerian Local Content aspirations that the proponents of the NOGICD Act deemed it necessary to include clauses that mandate employment and training in the Act,” he said. Wabote commended efforts of some operating companies and services companies that comply with the directives of the board, noting that the future of the industry will be at risk without

adequate investment in human capacity development. However, he reiterated that Nigeria is leading Africa in human capacity development in the oil and gas industry despite the challenges. “I can proudly say that we have the skilled workforce to lead and sustain the development of oil fields in Africa for the foreseeable future. All the major and serious oil and gas operating and service companies have Nigerians in very senior leadership positions and we are beginning to export our workforce across the world”, he added.

The Chairman, Independent National Electroal Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu yesterday visited the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao to solicit the support of the Service in deploying personnel and airlifting election materials to areas affected by insecurity across the country. He said on February 25th and March 11, 2023, the Commission would deploy personnel and materials to about 190,000 voting and collation locations nationwide for 1,491 executive and legislative offices across Nigeria. He said the activities must take place simultaneously, stretching over 923,768km2 within a space of six voting hours (8.30am – 2.30pm) involving a projected population of 90 million voters. Yakubu made these known in his speech during visit to Amao

in his office in Abuja. “The INEC Chairman noted that, in keeping with the long tradition of collaboration with the Commission, the Air Force served on the Electoral Logistics Committee ahead of the 2019 General Election. “Beyond logistics support, the Air Force has also deployed its assets to provide security during off-cycle elections, especially in areas of difficult terrain. “The neutrality and professionalism of the Air Force are immensely appreciated by the Commission. No doubt, our collaboration has been of tremendous benefit to the electoral process and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. “Election constitutes the most extensive mobilisation and complex logistics operations that could happen in a country in peacetime. “On 25th February and 11thMarch 2023, the Commission will deploy personnel and materials to about 190,000 voting

Technical Vocational Educational Systems (TVETS) policy across the country and equipping them with modern tools and machines. This year’s edition of the workshop, NCDMB stated was aimed at revamping training and development in the oil and gas industry in a post COVID-19 world while raising compliance with the new HCD Learning & Development Plan. It also sought to improve employability of trainees as well as adopt technology to accelerate the quality and speed of training development.

Appeal Court Upholds Conviction of Former Finbank MD, Nwosu, Director Alex Enumah in Abuja The Court of Appeal, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, yesterday upheld the conviction and subsequent sentencing of two former executives of Finbank Plc. The appellate court in two

judgments held that the lower court was right in handing down the sentencing on the defendants having found them guilty of corruption charges. The judgments were in respect of appeals number: CA/LAG/ CR/496/2021 and CA/LAG/

2023 Poll: INEC Boss Visits Chief of Air Staff, Solicits Support to Airlift Election Materials to Remote Areas Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Wabote further revealed that that the board has trained over 13,000 work force in different skill areas and over 5,000 are gainfully employed in the industry. He mentioned that various capacity development initiatives had been executed by the board, including upgrading and commissioned dilapidated facilities in vocational and tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers States. According to him, the trainings also include those involving the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers in secondary schools and promoted

and collation locations nationwide for 1,491 executive and legislative offices across Nigeria. “These activities must take place simultaneously, stretching over 923,768km2 within a space of six voting hours (8.30am – 2.30pm) involving a projected population of 90 million voters. “In handling such a huge national assignment, the Commission cannot do it alone as national asset must be mobilised,” he said. According to him, it was in realisation of these that the law empowers the Commission to seek the support of the security agencies in general and the Armed Forces in particular in delivering materials for election and the protection of election officials. Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 specifically provides as follows: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and for the purpose of securing the vote, the Commission shall be responsible for

requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in the manner determined by the Commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies; “Provided that the Commission shall only request for the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces for the purpose of securing the distribution and delivery of election materials and protection of election officials.” In his response, Amao commended INEC, adding that there had been serious advancement and improvement of electoral processes in Nigeria since Yakubu took over leadership. He promised to give INEC necessary NAF support and coordination in airlifting all the election materials, logistics including staff coming up in Nigeria to any parts of remote areas of any State to ensure hitch free, inclusive and fair election.

CR/497/2021, brought by former Managing Director of Finbank Plc, Mr. Okey Nwosu and a Director, Mr. Dayo Famoroti respectively. Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos State High Court had on January 5, 2021, found them guilty of corruption allegations and subsequent sentenced them to three years imprisonment. However, Nwosu and Famoroti, dissatisfied had approached the Court of Appeal to challenge their conviction and subsequent sentencing. Delivering judgment in their appeals yesterday, the three- man panel led by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-mensem, resolved the appeal against the appellants and upheld the conviction entered by Justice Okunnu. While the three years sentencing was upheld by the three- man panel which had Justices Jimi Bada and Mohammed Sirajo as members, they however, reduced the restitution order made from N18 billion to N10 billion on the grounds that the bank (Finbank) had recovered about N8 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) had arraigned Nwosu, Famuroti, Agnes Ebubedike and Danjuma Ocholi on a 26-count amended charge bordering on stealing and illegal conversion to the tune of N10,934,704,402.

They were said to have perpetrated the fraud while they were directors of Finbank. They had pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by the anti-graft agency. At the end of trial however, the Judge found the defendants guilty and sentenced the first and second defendants, Nwosu and Famoroti, to three years imprisonment each. The Judge also sentenced the third defendant, Ocholi, to 12 months imprisonment and slammed a six- month community service on the fourth defendant, Ebubedike. The case had, suffered a setback as the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the trial court up to the Supreme Court. While the court maintained its jurisdiction to try the defendants, the ex-Finbank boss approached the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal which in November 2013, struck out the charge against the banker. The appellate court ruled that the Lagos High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the charges because they emanated from capital market transactions, which should be handled by the Federal High Court. Following the appeal court ruling, Famoroti, Danjuma Ocholi and Ebubedike approached the Lagos High Court to dismiss the charges preferred against them.

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022

POLITICS

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

Adeleke: Political Parties Are Producing Candidates Who Are Not Ready for a New Level of Governance

Major Adebayo Adeleke, a retired seasoned combat veteran of the United States Army with 20 years of service. In this interview with Sunday Okobi, the Nigerian-US citizen, who serves as the president and CEO of Adebayo Adeleke LLC (AA LLC), an organisation that provides advisory and training services in supply chain management, governmental services, and leadership, talks about the political and socio-economic evolution of modern Nigeria

understanding of the Western or Eastern way of doing things alone cannot help you lead Nigeria or any African country. Africa has its institutional landscape, and it is vital to understand it. A lot of the youths live in urban centres. They’ve never attended ward meetings and don’t know what local government offices look like. How can you successfully reach and understand different communities in the rural areas without these basics?

s a global citizen who has contributed greatly to conflict prevention, management, and resolution, are you worried that Nigeria is apparently in perpetual conflict, especially as the general election draws closer? Globally, institutions have contributed to conflict prevention. We can go far back to cite the example of the Oyo Empire when the Oyomesi provided institutions both on the legal, and political side for the Alaafin. There’s always an institution behind every style of government. Weak institutions get attacked. Nigeria is a prime example of a country with weak institutions. Our democratic institutions are weak. The government only asserts itself as necessary. I always tell someone if you want to see if the Nigerian government exists, try to mess with them or meddle with their power. This is very selective, and when an institution selects how and who to fight, there’s a problem. Since its inception, Nigeria has not enjoyed a stretch of peace. This perpetual conflict will be never-ending until there is a well-defined institution and democratic structure. As a Nigerian who retired from the United States Army as a Major, and rose to the top of his career, how did you get to that enviable height? Briefly tell us about your journey so far. It’s been a journey. I was born in Ilesha, Nigeria, and for some who are not familiar, Ilesha is an ancient city in the South-Western part of Nigeria. I grew up and spent most of my formative years in Ile-Ife, Osun State. I spent a few years at the Adventist Seminary of West Africa, which became Babcock University in the late 90s before joining the United States military. Before joining the US military, my father worked in the United States, but he returned to help rebuild a hospital in Ile-Ife. As the situation in Nigeria grew dire, he traveled back to the US in the early 90s and came back for the rest of us. This was my first trip to the United States. I came back to Nigeria and tried to comply with my father’s intention for us to complete our education in Nigeria. I could not finish at the Adventist Seminary of West Africa but later completed my studies during my career in the United States military. I was inspired to join the military while watching baseball. I saw an ad from the US military during a baseball break that said ‘be all you can be’. I saw this ad, joined, and found a cause greater than myself. I discovered a group of people willing to fight for a country, and this is the greatest education I have ever had and has made me into the man I am today. My military training triggered some attributes embedded in me. It showed me a world I hadn’t seen before. I traveled around the world, worked in different locations, and enjoyed different cultures. People have always asked me: ‘why did you choose to be an officer?’ The story begins. I had always wanted to be an officer, but In 2005, I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, (I was still a Sergeant then ). Every time we passed through the gate at the Kadena Air Force Base, I saw how people saluted the officers in front of me. Going through the gate and seeing the salute made that dream more daring. I had completed most of my requirements by the time I arrived in Okinawa, Japan, but the salute at the gate made me proceed with vigor. I became an officer and got commissioned

Do you think that zoning and rotational arrangements are the best way forward for Nigeria? Where do competence and capability come into play? I understand why they are doing it. Nigeria is not a monolithic environment. So you want to diversify to make it inclusive. However, the idea of zoning and rotation has led Nigeria to where it is today. If Nigeria wants to be a country, it has to shed that regionalization idea to become one; else regions should go their separate ways. It is better to bring the best leader out. This leader should be able to discern that he should surround himself with people from different parts. I know that a more progressive part of the country will produce more leaders, and that can cause some people to feel disenfranchised and marginalized, so there has to be a balance. If everyone is developing equally, however, that won’t be a problem. Adeleke

later in 2005 after spending seven years in the military, and the rest is history. It has been 20 colorful years in the military. It consisted of ups and downs; many travels...being deployed to different parts of the world, and experiencing different cultures. I retired in 2018 to pursue other areas in consulting, supply chain, and leadership, and to engage the world as a different man and from a different perspective. So what is your general impression of what is happening in the polity as the 2023 election approaches? Or what has been your impression of the process? Are you impressed with the quality of aspirants from the two major political parties? I think it’s becoming a selection process rather than an election process. It is made for the rich. If

you cannot raise a particular amount of money, then you can’t contest. This is especially sad because the economy is poverty-ridden, and people who have what it takes to lead in different jurisdictions may not be able to because the democratic process is expensive. There should be an institutional structure to give everyone a chance to fight and dog it out for the common interest of people and the common good. The candidates we are seeing have been in the political eye for the last 20 to 30 years, and it’s unfortunate. I also don’t think they are ready for the new level of governance. Nigeria needs a progressive and visionary leader. Unfortunately, none of these aspirants look like this person. In all the dynamics you have looked at, how ready are the youths to participate in the process? How can Nigeria move forward? How should Nigerians get involved to ensure we get the right leaders? Nigerian youths are intelligent and equally capable. They have the potential but require guidance. Going to school and having the

The economy is poverty-ridden, and people who have what it takes to lead in diﬀerent jurisdictions may not be able to because the democratic process is expensive. There should be an institutional structure to give everyone a chance to ﬁght for the common interest of people and the common good. The candidates we are seeing have been in the political eye for the last 20 to 30 years, and it’s unfortunate. I also don’t think they are ready for the new level of governance. Nigeria needs a progressive and visionary leader. Unfortunately, none of these aspirants look like this person

Millions of Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North, the IPOB scourge in the South-east region; bandits in the Northwest, and the people from these regions will most likely not be in their electoral districts in 2023. What can be done to prevent these people from being politically disenfranchised by circumstances beyond their control? It all boils down to institutions and accountability. Currently, it seems like people are getting displaced, and nobody seems to care. It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Nigeria, and everybody has to fight for themselves. Yet, if we don’t take care of the disenfranchised, they can become resentful and come after us. That creates another set of problems. A lot of the extremism and terrorism we are witnessing today is as a result of neglect. The solution is to re-integrate, protect and support displaced citizens so they can engage and be part of Nigeria as a construct. This re-integration must avoid cultural dissonance. The National Assembly has passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. One of the provisions allows INEC to transmit election results electronically. Do you think that that will reduce practices like vote-buying, and ballot box snatching among other electoral vices? Ideally, it should, but how can we have that when there’s no power or network coverage in most voting booths? How do we also deal with cyber security and other electronic challenges? Until these institutions are well enshrined, I don’t see this amendment happening. Implementing the bill without fixing the issues will only create more problems. Voting can be challenged, and once the electoral commission cannot give good authority that all votes were properly protected, the process will drag. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022

POLITICS

Edevbie: Okowa is My Friend and Political Leader In Delta State and across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Olorogun David Edevbie is a household name, undoubtedly. He’s a three-time Commissioner for Finance in Delta State and Principal Secretary to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The Urohobo High Chief was the immediate past Chief of Staﬀ to the Delta State Governor. The cerebral technocrat believes that with his wide-range of experience in the private and public sectors he can make government to be reﬂective of the people being governed for the betterment of the people. He spoke with Sylvester Idowu. Excerpts:

ll over Delta State and beyond, you are noted as a top class technocrat and development economist, what is, however, unknown to a few people is the driving force behind your ambition? I believe the word ‘ambition’ is a bit too personal and does not accurately reflect my inner most resolve. I simply want to make Delta State a better place to live. I am driven by the collective aspiration of most inhabitants to take our beloved Delta State quickly to greater development heights and make life more abundant and meaningful for everyone. I am in a way trying to ‘donate’ myself as the channel through which to give effect to the yearning of Deltans to join the rest of humanity as a new world order beckons. Most Deltans home and in the diaspora are aware of the resources available to the state and are fed up with the current situation. They rightly feel that I should be the torchbearer to lead our people into the realms of greater economic prosperity. And, I am ready for that! My participation in the governorship race is, therefore, driven by a desire to render service to the good people of Delta State. It is a compelling and inspiring call to service.

How do you explain your transition from being a technocrat to a politician? I have observed that the word “technocrat” means different things to different people. Suffice to note that a technocrat is essentially defined as a person who has. technical knowledge as well as some political power. A technocrat is a person who applies modern, transnational knowledge to developing societies. Such a person is concerned with the application of problemsolving analytical skills to the perplexing question of development. In addition to implementing change, an equally important contribution is often creating awareness amongst his/her people of the potential directions of change. Politics, especially in Nigeria’s First Republic, was mainly the preserve of intellectuals and our top political leaders were technocrats educated in England or other foreign countries. They developed policies that were designed to make Nigeria a world power in a few decades. This was also mostly the case in the Second Republic, but things took a different turn for the worse after that. Today, sadly, our best and brightest flee the country or go into the private sector for well-paid jobs as a result the current quality of service delivery in politics and in the public sector leaves a lot to be desired. I am still essentially a technocrat. However, over time it has become abundantly clear to me that to implement the kind of changes we all desire in this country, one must not only possess political power, one must control it from the top. Hence my reluctant but necessary metamorphosis to be a politician. My transition from being a technocrat to politician dates to 1999 when I was appointed as the Commissioner for Finance in Delta State. I served Delta State twice consecutively in that position. I later served as Director of Finance and Strategy of the President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua Campaign Organisation in 2006 and 2007 and worked with politicians from all over Nigeria. After that I became Principal Secretary to the President as a replacement for the Chief of Staff. In this capacity, I not only initiated policies and supervised implementation, but was largely in charge of the day-to-day running of the Presidency. And, of course, the Presidency is panNigerian, and I had to work with politi-

Edevbie

cians, technocrats, and other people to drive the system. Outside the foregoing, I tried my hands at practical politics in 2014 when I participated in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) primaries. It was a step by necessary learning process for me. I went on to serve as Finance Commissioner for the third time and subsequently as Chief of Staff to the current Governor of Delta State. I am now consulting and campaigning to be the next Governor of Delta State. Your popular mantra is “Modernise Delta”. It has even become a sing-song in all the nooks and crannies of Delta State. What is this all about?

The slogan or mantra as you call it “Modernise Delta” is a product of development thinking that seeks to leapfrog Delta State into an Industrial Revolution and make it a power player in the new world order. Mine is a forward-looking development agenda and is the result of critical engagements involving business, government and civil society leaders, academics, technology pioneers and young people within Delta State, Nigeria, Africa and beyond. The “Modernise Delta” agenda is, therefore, the product of the enlightened wisdom of many who not only understand the development problems of developing economies, but can also proffer solutions. In crafting the “Modernise Delta” vision, we took cognisance of our contemporary world, where it is now and where it is headed. We then took a critical look at what the development problems of Delta State are. What we discovered was not peculiar to our state. They are the symptoms of

Politics, especially in Nigeria’s First Republic, was mainly the preserve of intellectuals and our top political leaders were technocrats educated in England or other foreign countries. They developed policies that were designed to make Nigeria a world power in a few decades. This was also mostly the case in the Second Republic, but things took a different turn for the worse after that. Today, sadly, our best and brightest flee the country or go into the private sector for well-paid jobs as a result the current quality of service delivery in politics

underdevelopment in Nigeria and Africa. The problems range from epileptic power supply to insecurity, low industrialisation, infrastructure deficit, poor healthcare and education, high unemployment rate, low per capita productivity, poverty to parochialism and other ills. Then there is the poor spread and restricted access to ICT, especially the internet. Having identified the problems, we set out in search of solutions. The solutions gave birth to the “Modernise Delta” agenda. The agenda is focused on five key development goals of energy, security, job and wealth creation, social infrastructure, and public sector reforms. If you permit, I can briefly elaborate on what we intend to do. We will invest in energy to make it affordable and available. This will easily accelerate industrialisation, productivity, and development. We have devised strategies to confront and eradicate insecurity. We have strategies for collaboration, intelligence gathering, community and neighbourhood participation, and use of technology such as drones and CCTV. Tackling insecurity will create an enabling environment for investment and industrialisation and boost productivity. This is tied to job and wealth creation enabled by agriculture, industrialisation, and creative industries. Our comparative advantages in all of these are comparable to none in Africa. Our social infrastructure will embrace ICT and, especially mainstreaming us on the internet global highway. We will focus on inter- modal transportation. Education and healthcare, sports and recreation, housing and urban and rural development will be part of our social infrastructure package. Quite significantly are public sector reforms that will ensure that we have a government that reflects the people being governed and proactively interfaces with the private sector. We are set for a new Delta ready to take its rightful place in Nigeria and the world. In less than four years, our “Modernise Delta” agenda will take Delta State to the world and bring the world to Delta State. What is your relationship with the incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa? Suffice it to say that our relationship is very cordial. He is my friend and political leader. And, over the years we have supported each other in several ways. I worked with him as a colleague for approximately five years and subsequently for him for about six years initially as Finance Commissioner and later as Chief of Staff. I know that he reposes a lot of confidence in me as he once said and I quote, ‘Olorogun David Edevbie is a technocrat with charming and urbane disposition in the discharge of his responsibilities as Chief of Staff Government House and there wouldn’t have been a better choice’. On another occasion, Governor Okowa had said: ‘Olorogun David Edevbie has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance. You have provided sound and relevant professional advice for the government at different times, and, we thank you for always being there for us. Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Deltans and Nigerians. You have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently as it is in developed and organised climes’. I don’t think anybody can ask for a better testimonial than these. And, I hold them very dearly to my heart.

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FEATURES

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

UBA's Clear Mandate for Social Intervention

With a clear-cut mandate for social intervention, United Bank for Africa Plc, recently empowered some of its teeming customers by rewarding their loyalty with millions in its Super Savers Promo, Precious Ugwuzor reports

or United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, its purpose-built foundation has a clear mandate for social intervention in the communities and countries in which the bank operates. In one of such interventions, the bank recently rewarded customers in a life transforming draw where customers won millions of naira and other cash prizes. The reward to loyal customers not only impacted them considerably, but also transformed their lives. SUPER SAVERS DRAW Thus, in its just concluded Super Savers Promo Draw, the Africa Global Bank rewarded its customers with N16.6m in cash prizes. The computerised draw held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre at the UBA Head Office on Friday, was witnessed by members of the press as well as representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). UBA’s Head, Personal Banking, Ogechi Altraide, who congratulated all the winners after the draw, said the bank is all about putting smiles on the faces of its customers, while encouraging them to cultivate the culture of savings. She said; “At UBA, we are all about encouraging our customers to imbibe the savings culture, to be able to achieve their dreams, while putting away something for the future. This time around, we have given away huge prizes as can be seen today; with the aim of appreciating our customers who believe in us and have trusted the bank with their funds.” Altraide encouraged customers who did not win this time to get set for the next draws which will be announced shortly. “If you didn’t win today, there are more opportunities for winning; as UBA has monthly; quarterly and even targeted draws; and so, I advise new customers to quickly key in by dialling *919*20 to be qualified to participate,” she stated. BUMPER HARVEST A breakdown of the prizes comprised 12 new millionaires who won a total of N13.2million; 1 person got N500,000; 20 Bumper Account holders smiled home with N100,000 each totalling N2million; 10 Savings Account customers were lucky to win N1million totalling N10million; and five NextGen customers will get N15,000 per person every month for a year, totalling N900,000. For the Bumper account draw, Elisha Zari Yusuf, a UBA Bumper account holder, emerged winner of the N2m prize; Naomi Ogoma Aba, another loyal customer of the bank won N1.2m; while Veronica Misimawu Logbo, was rewarded with N500,000 at the draws. The 20 winners of N100,000 each were: Oluchukwu Philomena Aliuna; Olewu Stella Chinyere; Sola Friday Bamidele; Sarafadeen Emitomo Sunkanmi; Jamila Usman; Rabiu Ibrahim Mahammed; Fine Ughelli; Anietie Sunday Akaninyi; Gloria Folake Oteji; Rabiu Ahmed Imam; Prestige Chukwuemeka Chima; Ifeanyi Okechukwu; Titilayo Mufutiat Leyeni; Aminat Abisola Adenusi; Nasir Umar Ismail; Musa Salisu; Chibueze Emeka; Ali Isla; Onireti Babatunde Charles and Ayoola Daniel Oyemomilara. In the case of the UBA Savings account holders, the following customers got lucky and were thankful to the bank for what some of them described as 'a life changing opportunity'. They are: Thecular Uchechi Ibekwere; Gabriel Okeke; Yemi C Adeniran; Adeniran Rauf Akinade; Samuel Mercy Kumpes; Isah Shuaibu; Adewale M Olayiwola; Kingsley C Nnaka; Anene Dubem and Ugbede Z Muhammed, with each of them winning N1million In addition, each of the following five NextGen account holders; Ramotu Momodu; Oluwatomiwa Abigeal Ogunsanu; Iliyasu Abdullahi Abdullahi Ibrahim; Emediong Ime Asuquo and Esther Benjamin were winners of N15,000 monthly stipend for a period of 12 months. HAPPY CUSTOMERS As expected, the winners were very happy at the news of their win. When contacted over the phone, one of the winners, Emediong Asuquo, expressed gratitude to the bank for the prize, adding that she was very excited. “I am very happy, thank you UBA for this amazing gift. This is very thoughtful coming

UBA GMD, Kenny Uzoka from the bank at this time, and would go a long way in impacting my life positively. I can only pray that the bank continues to soar," she said.

the years. It will also offer fresh opportunities for potential and intending customers to join the growing number of UBA millionaires and lucky winners who have in the past benefitted from various promos held by the bank. "Indeed, there is something for everyone in the Super Savers Draw and it goes without saying that UBA prioritises not only the financial wellbeing, growth and ultimate success of customers but also places them at the very heart of its business which is why the bank keeps making more and more of its customers millionaires.

Our customers are special to us, and this is another opportunity to prove just that. “Without a doubt, UBA prioritises not only the financial well-being, growth and ultimate success of customers but also places them at the very heart of its business which is why the bank keeps making more and more of its customers millionaires”. Essentially, UBA Super Savers Draw is a promo organised by the bank through a series of transparent draws, which sees hundreds of its Savings Account holders, rewarded with huge prizes after a transparent draw. So far, since UBA commenced the promo in 2020, about 300 winners have emerged from the initiative that continues to reward loyalty and encourage customers to cultivate a savings habit.

"Indeed, there is something for everyone in the Super Savers Draw and it goes without saying that UBA prioritises not only the financial wellbeing, growth and ultimate success of customers but also places them at the very heart of its business which is why the bank keeps making more and more of its customers millionaires. Our customers are special to us, and this is another opportunity to prove just that"

ABOUT UBA United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading PanAfrican financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-five (25) million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London and Paris, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.. Essentially, at UBA, the welfare of its teeming customers and their financial freedom is at the center of everything they do, which is why they are making millionaires, either by supporting their businesses (customers), or by rewarding them for saving.

MODALITIES Ahead of the draws, Altraide had explained the modalities. According to her, the Super Savers Draw is open to account holders of the bank from the six geographical zones in Nigeria and has something big for everyone, adding that the "aim is to appreciate loyal customers of the bank, who have cultivated a savings culture and stayed loyal to the bank over

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Suki: History in Pursuit of Serendipity Azogor Ideba

t 29, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. (Suki) was nominated as Commissioner for Finance by His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Benedict Ayade, Governor of Cross River State. He became renowned for being the youngest commissioner in the country. It is perhaps, no longer news that on May 28th, 2022, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. emerged the All-Progressives Congress Southern Cross River State Senatorial Candidate for the 2023 general election after pulling a stunning total of 347 votes out of 351 votes cast in the primary election. What is rather fascinating is the making and remaking of history, best described as ‘history in pursuit of serendipity’. Apparently, at 36, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. today, is the youngest senatorial candidate of a political party in Africa. Besides American Jon Ossolf who became a senator at 35 and Barbados Khaleel Kothdiwala who was appointed a senator at 18, Suki at 37 next year, would be the youngest 21st century senator in Africa and one of the youngest in the world when he finally wins the Cross River South senatorial seat in 2023. With a dossier of quality, credibility and goodwill, becoming a senator at the age of 37 is a feat many political pundits believe Suki would tactfully achieve, thus, remaking history. All over the world, the parameters are beginning to change. There are young people today, who if given opportunities will handle issues realistically and would provide effective leadership. On the other hand, there are adults, who can’t be entrusted with responsibility however small. The largely warped notion that wisdom, decency and other good virtues reside only with the old is not only deceptive but also archaic. In fact, wisdom resides in the brain and not in the beards. Opportunity has been the clog in the wheels of manifestation. Thus, underpinning the popular saying: “ability is nothing without opportunity”. Today, we have reached the twilight of youth relegation and stigmatic rejection in politics, governance and national development. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Suki) hails from Odukpani local government area in Cross River. In addition to his portfolio as Commissioner for Finance, he was concurrently saddled with the additional responsibility of serving as the Managing Director of Nigeria's Premier Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort from February 2016 to April 2017. Between 2018 and 2019, he also doubled as Commissioner for Transport & Marine Services, superintending over two sensitive ministries at the time. His performance as Commissioner for finance was phenomenal. Even with the distressed condition of the state’s revenue, his shrewd administrative knowhow and adept understanding of the system and its challenges had greatly contributed to bringing financial stability to the state through several models of innovative thinking. From every indication, Suki has proven his mettle. He has been able to distinguish himself in work, service and character; epitomizing integrity, tenacity, sagacity and capacity. Indeed, he has built for himself a pedigree that attracts admiration from friends and associates; a character that offers inspiration and hope both to the old and young generations; an embodiment of the genuine wishes and aspirations of the people. Millions, even beyond Cross River, argue that young and cerebral, with a rich and vast network of local and international contacts, and institutional alliances, is best suited for the senatorial seat of Cross River South in 2023. With such assets, at his disposal, the south would surely enjoy quality representation and ‘dividends of democracy’. Suki has an incredibly stable emotion; not agitated by class or affluence but imbued with the milk of kindness which makes humanity the centre of his strives and efforts. His compassion for the people is unparalleled. Same would be his proclivity at the Senate; the best that would happen to the people of Cross River southern senatorial district in 2023, when elected. Harvard trained, with a string of degrees in Economics, Banking & Finance, Business Administration, Oil & Gas amongst others, he is well-read, smart, savvy and vibrant. Our quality of life depends on the quality of our leaders. Suki is competent, equipped

Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. (Suki) .... with his teeming supporters

and ready to serve. He is the man next door and an all-in-one recipe for effective representation. Asuquo Ekpenyong was born on August 25. He attended Kings College, Lagos from where he proceeded to the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He immediately capped it with a Master’s Degree in International Banking and Financial Services earning the only Distinction of his graduating year at the University of Reading, thereafter, he attended the prestigious Harvard Business School. Upon his return to Nigeria in 2009, he

started Iquasu Limited, which today has become the biggest indigenous logistics services provider in the State, serving major industries in the Country which include Lafarge Africa Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals etc. Driven by his passion to teach and eager to share his knowledge, he joined the Faculty of Management Sciences at the University of Calabar as a Lecturer in the Department of Banking and Finance in 2010. Over subsequent years, he served as the Managing Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria licenced Chamley Bureau De Change Limited and as the

"From every indication, Suki has proven his mettle. He has been able to distinguish himself in work, service and character; epitomizing integrity, tenacity, sagacity and capacity. Indeed, he has built for himself a pedigree that attracts admiration from friends and associates; a character that offers inspiration and hope both to the old and young generations; an embodiment of the genuine wishes and aspirations of the people"

Finance Director of Pearland Energy Limited. In 2013, he was appointed a member of the Board of Directors of Ekondo Microfinance Bank Limited and has served on several critical Board Committees including the Credit, Establishment, Audit, Finance and General Purposes Committees. He has also attended several courses and holds certificates from Howard University in the United States and from the University of Pretoria in South Africa among many others. He was appointed to serve as the Honourable Commissioner for Finance by His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Sir. Ben Ayade, the Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria in November 2015 and holds the position till date. From February 2016 to April 2017, he was saddled with a concurrent responsibility by His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State when he was also appointed as the Managing Director of the premier Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. Subsequently, he was detailed to concurrently superintend over the State Ministry of Transportation in 2018 and served on the Debt Review and Special Projects Committee in 2019. A loyal and dependable Party Member, he is a Member of the APC National Youth Lobby Group as well as the Chairman Mobilisation and Finance Committees, Cross River State APC Youth Lobby Group. Asuquo Ekpenyong is a devout Christian. He is happily married to Netanela and a father of two children, Minika & Asuquo Jr. Let’s remake history together. t*EFCB XSPUF JO GSPN $SPTT 3JWFS 4UBUF

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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ITU: Global Internet Potential Largely Untapped, Over 2.9bn People Still Unconnected to Internet

Emma Okonji The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies, has raised the concern over the untapped global internet potential, insisting that over one third of the global population, which is about 2.9 billion people do not have access to internet, and still largely offline. ITU raised the concern in its latest Global Connectivity Report 2022, explaining that the immense potential of the internet for social and economic good remains largely

untapped despite 30 years of steady growth. The report, which was launched to coincide with the opening of ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, argues that while easy, affordable access to fast broadband is near-ubiquitous in most rich-world nations, vast swaths of humanity remain excluded from the immense possibilities offered by the online experience, stunting economic development and deepening global inequalities. “While the number of internet users surged from just a few million

in the early 1990s to almost five billion today, about 2.9 billion people, which is around one third of global population, still remain totally offline, and many hundreds of millions more struggle with expensive, poor-quality access that does little to materially improve their lives,” the report said. The report advocates for putting ‘universal and meaningful connectivity’ – defined as the possibility of a safe, satisfying, enriching, productive, and affordable online experience for everyone – at the centre of global development. It also evaluates how close the world is to achieving that universal

and meaningful connectivity, using the connectivity targets for 2030 recently released by ITU and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. The cost of broadband subscriptions and digital devices remains a major barrier to connectivity, the report confirms, adding that while internet access has become progressively cheaper in richer countries, getting online is still prohibitively expensive in many in low- and lower-middle-income economies. The report said although the cost of broadband, especially mobile

broadband, fell significantly over the past decade, the majority of lowand middle-income economies still fall short of the global affordability target of two per cent or less of gross national income per capita set by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. Analysing the report, ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, said: “Equitable access to digital technologies isn’t just a moral responsibility, it’s essential for global prosperity and sustainability. We need to create the right conditions, including promoting environments conducive to investment, to break

cycles of exclusion and bring digital transformation to all.” While the COVID-related surge in demand for internet access brought some 800 million additional people online, it also dramatically increased the cost of digital exclusion, with those unable to connect abruptly shut out of employment, schooling, access to health advice, financial services, and much more, Zhao said. The Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, who produced the report, said: Continued on page 26

Tier-1 Banks Witnessed Hike in CIR on Inflationary Pressure, Others Nume Ekeghe Against the backdrop of inflationary pressure, Tier-1 banks operating in Nigeria reported a hike in Costto-Income Ratio (CIR) in 2021, to underline the harsh operating environment. But Access Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc reported a drop in CIR while other Tier-1 banks, Guaranty Trust Holding Plc (GTCO), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), and Zenith Bank Plc reported a hike last year.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2021 at 15.63 per cent from 16.47 per cent reported in January 2021. The bureau had disclosed that the country’s inflation rate hits an all-time high in March 2021 to 18.17 per cent, while all items (12 Months Avg. Change) closed 2021 at 16.73 per cent. The ratio gives a clear view of how efficiently a bank is being run -the lower the ratio, the more profitable the bank.

Changes in the ratio also highlight potential problems - if the ratio rises from one period to the next, it means that costs are rising at a higher rate than income. As gathered by THISDAY, GTCO at 42.28 per cent reported the lowest CIR in 2021 financial year amid hike in operating expenses and drop in operating income, while UBA reported highest CIR among considered Tier-1 banks to 62.70 per cent in 2021 from 61.80 per cent reported in 2020. GTCO, thus, reported 38.24 per

cent CIR in 2020 financial year to undermine how operating expenses impacted on banks’ operations. GTCO reported operating expenses (OPEX) of N162.3 billion in 2021, an increase of 10.1 per cent from N147.4billion in 2020, while operating income dropped marginally by 0.5 per cent to N383.8billion in 2021 from N385.5billion in 2020. The increase in OPEX, according to the group, was due to the impact of rising headline inflation and exchange rate movement at the

official market, which precipitated an increase in general, prices of goods and services. The group in a presentation to analysts/investors explained: “OPEX growth of 10.1per cent was below headline inflation which closed at 15.63 per cent in December 2021. Operating cost was largely impacted by increased Regulatory Costs-27.3per cent growth in AMCON expenses and 21.5per cent increase in Depreciation Expenses. “Overall, Cost to Income Ratio

(closed at 42.3 per cent in 2021 from 38.2per cent in 2020 which is above our 35per cent guidance owing to pressure on revenue which outweighed the gains from cost-efficiency.” The Group stated that it remained committed to effectively managing its cost despite inflationary and revenue pressures in order to remain within 2022 guidance. According to findings, Zenith Bank closed 2021 with 50.80 per Continued on page 26

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THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

L-R: Co-Founder, Mwungano ESG,Sophie Masipa; Founder Gina Din Group, Gina Din; Head of Content, BellaNaija Style, Mary EDORO; CEO, Kepler, Nathalie Munyampenda; and Founder and Creative Director, Africa Soft PowerProject (ASP), Nkiru Balonwu, at the 2022 ASP ‘Africa Month’ Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda… recently

Advertising Revenue Under Threat as Kaduna, Lagos Record Outdoor Demolition Raheem Akingbolu The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Group (HASG), a sectoral body made up of integrated marketing communications professionals and advertisers, have called on the government of Lagos State and Kaduna State respectively, to stop wanton destruction of Out-of-Home Advertising platforms in the two states. In a joint press briefing in Lagos, the group, which comprises Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), OAAN, Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Experiential Marketers’ Association of Nigeria

(EXMAN) and Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) called in response to the recent plan by the Lagos government to concession seven major roads in the state and the demolition of billboards in Kaduna State through its agency, Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUDA). The group said the crises are capable of crippling the Outdoor advertising industry, which will result in increased unemployment and consequently lead to a decline in government revenue generation through taxes if the issues are not addressed on time.

Speaking at the event, OAAN President, Emmanuel Ajufo, said his association received seven (7) days’ notice and when conversations were still ongoing, the agency started demolishing their billboards. The decision according to the state is due to its urban renewal policy to replace all existing static billboards in the state metropolis with LightEmitting Diode (LED) platforms. He said some of his members operating in the state are now battling debt and health-related issues emanating from the threats and losses. “But while discussions were still ongoing between OAAN and KASUPDA, the state rolled out the

bulldozers and other instruments of destruction and pulled down billboards’ structures, prevented the owners from recovering them, and sold them off to those who trade in scraps. “We have since found out that the whole essence is to allow some favoured business owners, close to the corridors of power in Kaduna State to install their LED platforms in those areas, and have the monopoly of practicing there. This is another form of franchising, and HASG reject it,” Ajufo said. Meanwhile, he said the planned concessions of some major roads in Lagos to bidders would bring about monopoly and increase in

the cost of engaging Out-of-Home media platforms by advertisers and therefore should be reconsidered. In response, ADVAN President, Osamede Uwubanmwen, said if the cost of placing adverts on some of these billboards becomes so high, its members would move their advertising budgets to other media platforms to reach their target audience and it might further affect the OOH industry. Experts had forecast that the industry will generate a lot of revenue this year especially due to political campaigns and brand campaigns but the new development that might not be visible in Lagos and Kaduna.

The HASG in its statement points out that “LASAA’s plan to concession seven (7) of the major roads in the state to bidders, and the successful ones to own and operate franchises on such roads for a period of 10 years, is no doubt a grave danger, and the HASG is calling on the government of Governor Sanwo-Olu to prevail on the Agency to shelf it. The HASG is of the informed opinion that such exercise will not stimulate the growth of the advertising industry, but can only, at best, lead to monopoly, which will ultimately lead to increase in the cost of engaging Out-of-Home media platforms by advertisers.

Experts Decry Increase in Global Cyberattacks, Ransomware in 12 Months Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie Cybersecurity experts who gathered at the recent Thales Media Day 2022 Cybersecurity virtual conference, have expressed fears over the growing rate of global cyberattacks and ransomware, which they said have doubled to over 150 per cent in the last 12 months. “Over the past 12 months, the number of cyberattacks and ransomware has exploded to over 150 per cent and the types of threats are constantly evolving. Therefore, it is now essential to improve our knowledge and understanding of cyberattacks in order to fight effectively and collectively against

this threat. Since 2019, the costs of cybercrime on the global economy have more than doubled, and the globe needs to act fast to nip it in the bud,” the online conference organisers said. Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, to build a confident future crucial for the development of global societies. Speaking on the theme: ‘The New Features of Cybersecurity Landscape’ one of the speakers,

Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

enterprise IT systems, potentially offering cybercriminals new ways to breach their data by finding weak links in the supply chain and gaining access to the information systems of major companies and state institutions.” The event is an opportunity for Thales to confirm its ambitions in the areas of cybersecurity and data protection. By improving cybersecurity, we believe the Thales Group will be making a direct contribution to achieving its purpose of building a future we can all trust, and to delivering on the promise of a safer, greener,

more inclusive world, Caine said. During the various panel sessions, panelists discussed how to ensure cyber sovereignty; Technology to protect space systems; How cybersecurity will enable citizens to act securely in their daily lives; How enterprises can protect both customers and employees data; and How cybersecurity can shape a sustainable mobility. The VP, Cyber Defence Solutions at Thales, PierreYves Jolivet, who discussed extensively how to ensure cyber sovereignty, said: “Since few

years, and in the continuity of the Digital Europe plan, Europe has made evolve its posture regarding strategic autonomy in the field of data protection and cybersecurity, thus moving now to an assumed European cybersecurity sovereignty concept.” Other panelists like the VP, Cybersecurity Technologies and Solutions CTS, Thales, Pierre Jeanne, and the Digital Economy Project Manager, Marie-Liane Lekpeli, explained that many initiatives were now being launched or being studied to address global cyberattacks.

Nigerian Startup Deploys School Solution in 8 African Countries Emma Okonji

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Patrice Caine, said: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, societies have witnessed a major surge in malicious cyber activity. We may not always be immediately aware of this vulnerability, but it represents a real risk to our economies, our democracies and our daily lives. The increase in cyberattacks is almost directly proportional to the speed of our digital transformation. The more connected the world becomes, the greater its surface of attack will be. For greater speed and efficiency, a growing number of companies are connecting their suppliers to their

Nigerian EdTech startup, Edves has deployed its school management solution across eight African countries, where it is currently being used by 1,300 schools. Co-founder and CEO of Edves, Dimeji Falana, disclosed this at the 2022 Edves Catalyst programme held in Lagos recently. The African countries where the solution has been deployed,

include: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Founded in 2016, the company’s portal allows school owners to know school fee defaulters and set reminders, educators to generate annual reports of students, and parents to track student performance, enabling teachers, administrators, and parents to reduce paper works in schools and streamline school processes.

Falana said the solution was developed with Africa’s growing population in mind and the rising need for education. “We decided to build the technology that will power schools so that as population increases, we’ll be able to have a system to manage learning delivery, administration, academics. “There are schools that can actually manage maybe 100 students with pen and paper.

By the time it gets to several 100 students, the technology will be there to help to manage finance, to manage attendance, homework, lesson notes, and everything, and we are doing this with a vision of reimagining the education system generally and making learning simple,” Falana said. Meanwhile, education experts at the Edves Catalyst conference have called for a review of

Nigeria’s education curriculum. While noting that the country has been running its education based on an old and obsolete curriculum, they said the country now needs a curriculum that would include the teaching of Information Technology from primary school. Generally, they said Africa has been left behind in terms of the disruptions taking place in the education sector globally.

TIER-1 BANKS WITNESSED HIKE IN CIR ON INFLATIONARY PRESSURE, OTHERS cent cost-to-income ratio from N50 per cent reported in 2020, citing inflationary pressures, exchange rate movement and heightened

regulatory costs. Notably, FBN Holdings reported a drop in its CIR to 56.40 per cent in 2021 from 66.80 per cent

in 2020, while Access Holdings also reported drop in its CIR to 58.80per cent in 2021 from 63.40per cent in 2020.

Speaking on its cost profile, the GMD, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe explained that operating cost was up 14 per

cent and closed at about N371 billion compared to N326 billion in the previous year, which is below the inflation rate.

ITU: GLOBAL INTERNET POTENTIAL LARGELY UNTAPPED, OVER 2.9BN PEOPLE STILL UNCONNECTED TO INTERNET “Universal, meaningful connectivity has become the global imperative for our decade. It’s no longer just about linking people – the catalytic role of connectivity will also be absolutely critical to our success in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” The Missing Link’ report,

published in 1984 by the Independent Commission for World-Wide Telecommunications Development set up by ITU, identified a clear correlation between access to telecommunications and socioeconomic development and urged all countries to make connectivity

a priority. Nearly 40 years on, that ‘missing link’ still persists, but has morphed to multiple digital divides such as: The Income Divide; The UrbanRural Divide; The Gender Divide; The Generation Divide and The Education Divide. The report noted that the

biggest challenges in connecting the unconnected were no longer related to network coverage, but rather to uptake and use. “With just five per cent of the global population still physically out of reach of a mobile broadband signal, the ‘coverage gap’ is now dwarfed

by the ‘usage gap’, some 32 per cent of people who are within range of a mobile broadband network and could theoretically connect still remain offline, due to prohibitive costs, lack of access to a device, or lack of awareness, skills, or ability to find useful content,” the report added.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY JUNEJune 9, 2022 Thursday 9, 2022 Vol 27. No 9923 TR

See page 28 ATIKU AND PDP’S BURDEN OF PROOF TO THE SOUTHEAST PAUL MUMEH urges Atiku to look at the South-east for the vice -presidential slot See page 28 EMILY AIG-IMOUKHUEDE: ONE YEAR AFTER ETIM ETIM memorialises Emily AigImoukhuede, pastor and woman of substance See page 29 QUELLING THE SPREAD OF MONKEYPOX Good personal hygiene is of utmost importance, writes KAYODE SOLOMON OJEWALE See page 29 EDITORIAL THE GROWING POPULATION QUESTION

See page 30

& RE A S O

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

WHY ATIKU, TINUBU SHOULD EMBRACE SOUTH-EAST There is need to end the politics of exclusion, writes FREDRICK NWABUFO

UT H

MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE pays tribute to Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto State

THE AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL EXAMPLE On March 22, 2022, His Excellency, Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was a guest on a live programme at Channels Television. His host, Seun Okinbaloye, asked him a question: “How do you speak to your brother, Atiku Abubakar (presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in next year’s general election and former Vice President of Nigeria? Tambuwal’s response was spontaneous: “He is my uncle, not my brother. I have a lot of respect for him.” That was a silent masterstroke which portrayed the governor as a man of humility, courtesy and character. In the creative or performing arts, that statement would have been called foreshadowing which occurs when a hint about a future action or event takes place much earlier. Something is instantly planted in the consciousness of the reader, viewer or listener which elicits expectation. But what happened at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, weeks later did not appear to be a prepared or anticipated script. “I have come to the conclusion, to the glory of God Almighty, seeing millions RI 1LJHULDQV VXͿHULQJ DQG WKH QHHG IRU us to close ranks in the party and, as one of the leaders in this party, I have come to a patriotic conclusion to step down my aspiration.” That declaration by Governor Tambuwal, made while throwing his weight behind the eventual winner of the PDP presidential primary, has since been praised by most party insiders and watchers and criticised by very few others who have dismissed the former Speaker of the House of Representatives as a betrayer, whatever that means in the current scheme of things. The now popular pronouncement of Tambuwal by the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, as the “hero of the convention” has equally been well received by many and sneered at by some. 7KLV GLͿHUHQFH LQ UHDFWLRQV VKRXOG EH VHHQ as a sign of life in the political space. It is important, however, that for optimal political development to be achieved, situations must be assessed on their individual merits. What would make a man who had travelled across the country and had secured large support and following that could easily have translated to electoral fortunes step out at that prime time, even as a top contender, to hand to someone else all he had laboured for? As he later explained to his supporters, “What we have done is for the good of our party and the country. I appreciate everyone of you that prayed for me and our party. The VDFULÀFH WKDW , KDYH PDGH RQ \RXU EHKDOI is aimed at strengthening our party, our democracy, and; by the grace of God, soft landing our polity. This is in consonance with the teachings of our leaders and the examples they have given to us in the past, WKDW ZH PXVW FRQWLQXH WR PDNH VDFULÀFH

for the good of all of us and our country.” How else can you weigh the wholesale surrendering of his chances? Even if one should not beat his chest and claim to know the whole motives of politicians - why, when and how they take their decisions - a look at the outcomes and probable consequences of the actions can help in drawing reasonable conclusions. Tambuwal had behind him 100 percent of six out of the seven states in the North West; good support in the North East especially Taraba, Gombe, Borno and Yobe; and strong backing in 16 southern states. Imo and Anambra States were his strongholds in the South East, with appreciable inroads into Enugu and Abia States. In the South South zone, he had secured substantial endorsements in Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Delta States. His loyalty was also present in the South West particularly in Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Ondo. The former presidential aspirant was actually on course to score at least 247 delegate votes. The game changer was the unexpected manipulation of the lists of delegates from Kano and Edo States. That left Tambuwal with about 185 delegates. At that point, Abubakar could only boast of about 170. Therein lies a critical VLJQLÀFDQFH RI WKH WDFWLFDO PRYH E\ WKH strongman from the seat of the Caliphate. Tambuwal’s assistance to Abubakar came from the front, not behind. Compared WR WKH EHQHÀFLDU\ RI KLV JHVWXUH KH KDG the superior strength of the moment. Yet, without resorting to blackmail, making bogus demands and some other base antics associated with the Nigerian political class, and not minding his rich pedigree, he dropped his own ambition for a much older person, in this case, a veteran aspirant and candidate on the nation’s political scene. If WKLV LV QRW VDFULÀFH ZKDW WKHQ LV" 7KH IDFW that Tambuwal did not make that move unilaterally also further accentuated his mystique. A team player that he was, in the

hours leading to that decisive minute, the PDQ ZKRVH ÀUVW OHJLVODWLYH RXWLQJ ZDV DV a member of the House of Representatives in 2003, engaged in extensive consultations with his associates and partners. Equally remarkable is the fact that of all the northern DVSLUDQWV ZKR ZHUH VSHFLÀFDOO\ DVNHG E\ revered elders from the region to make room for Abubakar, only Tambuwal whose voting potential was unmistakably the strongest among the lot agreed to do so. Anyone propelled principally by personal objectives would surely have fought the battle to the end, no matter how bitter. It makes a lot of sense, therefore, to take Tambuwal’s explanation at its face value. Having been out of power for two terms, WKH 3'3 FDQQRW DͿRUG WR EH OHG LQ ZKDWHYHU capacity by people with narrow, self-centred goals. Truth is, if Atiku Abubakar had stepped down for Tambuwal, the latter would also have won. By not insisting on that, the younger man did not only exhibit deference to seniority but also a sharp political intelligence. $UJXDEO\ WKH ORQJHVW VWDQGLQJ R΀FH seeker at the presidential level, Abubakar’s odyssey cannot just be ignored. Starting from 1993 when he ran against the late Chief Moshood Abiola for the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the present time, and moving frequently from one party to the other - a normal feature in our politics, by the way - he has garnered enough networks to withstand the advantages that go with the incumbency of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s polls. All things in place, with the right steps and mobilisation, the expectations of Tambuwal and his co-travellers in the PDP project will not be in vain. Most Nigerians cannot wait anymore for a government that can turn around what appears to be a certain downward movement of everything they have hoped for. At 56 years old, Tambuwal who will most likely be in the Senate next year after a successful eight-year stewardship in Government House, Sokoto, apparently has plenty of goodwill, insight, vision and YLJRXU RQ KLV VLGH 2QH PDMRU GHÀFLW RI RXU democracy is the inability of the legislature to properly assert itself in virtually all the states. The overbearing disposition of governors is largely responsible for that. Having someone with such proven records of excellence at both legislative and executive arms step up to the highest position in the land in the future could signal a new and much desired dawn. His footsteps already validate that optimistic outlook. Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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T H I S D AY

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022

PAUL MUMEH urges Atiku to look at the South-east for the vice -presidential slot

There is need to end the politics of exclusion, writes FREDRICK NWABUFO

WHY ATIKU, TINUBU SHOULD EMBRACE SOUTH-EAST It has been seven years of attrition, hatebartering and exhausting recriminations. A new epoch is on the horizon, but the psychological mutilations from these years of anger may shape up to be the frustrations of the next administration. Nigeria needs healing. The country needs a healer to mend the sectional cleaving and to nurse it back to health. It needs a carpenter to rebuild the ruptured foundations and to restore hope DQG FRQÀGHQFH LQ JRYHUQPHQW ,W QHHGV D XQLÀHU ERWK LQ GHHG DQG PDQQHU Providence has come for Bola Tinubu – with a basketful of beautiful promises. Against vigorous high-level conspiracy, he prevailed to become the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). For what it is worth, Jagaban has shown an uncanny ability to build

consensus and mobilise consciences towards a cause. Jagaban’s victory is deserving. He has watered many seeds which have EXUJHRQHG +H KDV QXUVHG PDQ\ ÁHGJLQJ political careers to maturity. He has created opportunities for many who were without a compass. He has invested his life and resources in building people. And he gave oxygen to the APC, machinating the deracination of an incumbent president at a time everyone thought it was impossible. %XW FDQ 7LQXEX EH WKDW XQLÀHU RI D sundered Nigeria needs? What are his antecedents as regards respect for diversity and sensitivity to inclusion? As governor of Lagos, Tinubu had a diverse cabinet; in fact, he is reputed to be one of the few governors who appointed non-natives, including Igbo citizens, to their cabinet at the time -- when bringing non-indigenes into state cabinets or government positions was unstylish. However, Tinubu’s very obvious circumvention of the south-east during his tour of states for APC delegates’ support ahead of the presidential primary election is stoking concerns and fears of a reprise of the current policy of exclusion against the region if he becomes president. Jagaban is also reported to have made scathing comments about the Igbo in the past, and he is accused of being a tribesman – and not a statesman. Tinubu must understand the enormity of the R΀FH KH LV VHHNLQJ DQG VKRXOG EHJLQ now as presidential candidate to show the prospects of unifying a diverged country. The reality is, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari mismanaged Nigeria’s diversity. Buhari made no pretension about his insular intentions when he infamously declared, ‘’those who gave me 97 percent votes cannot honestly be treated the same way

DV WKRVH ZKR JDYH PH ÀYH SHUFHQW YRWHV·· shortly after winning the 2015 presidential election. Nigerians and the south-east do not want a rehearsal of this deliberate policy of exclusion. Tinubu showed his expansiveness as Lagos governor. He was generous and amiable towards Igbo citizens and their businesses in the state. Jagaban should reconnect to his innate nationalist if in any way experiences of the past years sullied his trust in divergent humanity. There is a strong feeling of disconnection by the Igbo from the rest of Nigeria. And rightly so. With the return of democracy LQ WKH VRXWK ZHVW KHOG WKH R΀FH RI the president for eight years, and with the coming of Buhari and a deputy from the south-west, the zone will have held the

vice-presidential position for eight years by 2023. By the same token, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar became presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the demand for an orbiting in the current geography of power. So, the feelings of exclusion by the Igbo are not out of place. Like Ogbonnaya Onu and Hope Uzodimma (both APC leaders from the south-east) said, justice has not been done to the Igbo. It was by the sheer emotional burden of this fact that some of them worked for a return of the APC presidential ticket to the north. The permutation was, if the north returns to central power in 2023; the region can only do eight years, and the power pendulum swings back to the south, preferably to the south-east. But if it goes to the south-west in 2023, it could take 16 or more years for the south-east to produce Nigeria’s president. It is important that the presidential candidates of these two leading political parties begin now to show prospects of inclusion and of sensitivity to diversity in their dispositions, plans and policy paradigms. It is important that they show there will be no perpetuation of the present exclusivist proclivities which deepen national strife and insecurity. The two leading candidates – Atiku and Tinubu --- should reach out to the south-east, their traditional rulers, political leaders and everyday citizens with genuine intentions and plans of bringing them into one composite fold where all Nigerians can exist under justice, equity, peace and harmony. No one should be excluded. Also, the south-east should by now have learnt from the perils of political naivety and unrequited loyalty. Nwabufo is a writer and journalist

ATIKU AND PDP’S BURDEN OF PROOF TO THE SOUTH-EAST It is an incontrovertible fact that the Southeast geopolitical political zone otherwise called the Igbo extraction of Nigeria is the “weeping child” of the Nigerian political arrangements. This is because the zone has not been favoured in terms of attaining the plum position of president or vice president since the enthronement of democracy in 1999. The persistent cry of marginalisation against the South-east zone was further aggravated by the present regime of All Progressives Congress (APC) of Muhammadu Buhari when the Igbo are almost out of political reckoning without any visible appointments into key government positions. However, as the 2023 elections gather momentum, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC have a window of opportunity to reintegrate the South-east geopolitical zone into the mainstream and end the real or imaginary exclusion from the scheme of things. From 1999 to 2007, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South-west) was the president while Atiku Abubakar (North-east) was the vice president. The late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (Northwest) was the President of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. His illness and subsequent death changed the political equation when his Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him. From the political arithmetic since 1999, the South has had a slot in Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Buhari from North-west have had the slot in the presidency. So in 2023 when power is expected to return to the South, it is ordinarily taken for granted that power should be micro zoned to the South-east as the only zone that is yet have a shot at the presidency. But that seems not feasible immediately as the PDP has given the slot to Atiku; a northerner and APC elected Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a South-westerner. While it is certain from the victory of Tinubu that the APC would look to the North for its vice-presidential candidate, many believe that the PDP has the avenue to remedy the situation by narrowing the choice of his running mate to the South-east geopolitical zone for equity and justice. This is because the zone has been loyal to the PDP since 1999, and has always voted for the party in all presidential elections. Besides, many believe that the additional case for a vice president of South-east extraction in 2023 is a pragmatic one founded on the fact that of all the ethnic groups in Nigeria, the South-easterners have invested most in the Nigerian project as they live and invest in virtually every nook and cranny of Nigeria, championing small and medium scale enterprises–the engine of growth in any economy. They also posited that ceding the vice presidency to the South-east region will guarantee equity and justice as well as promote political inclusion. Apart from having HPLQHQWO\ TXDOLÀHG DVSLUDQWV WKH SHRSOH RI WKH zone have made enormous contributions to the overall development of the country. Election of a South-east indigene in 2023 will further cement the nation’s unity and harmonious national existence. Currently, there are an array of eminently TXDOLÀHG SHUVRQV ZDLWLQJ LQ WKH ZLQJV IRU the running mate to Atiku. Top on the list is the cerebral former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani. An astute politician and administrator par excellence, Senator Nnamani brought intellectualism to governance and elevated the infrastructure of the coal city state. He was the one that changed the political narrative in Enugu State when he introduced the Ebeano political family. That Ebeano family is now a movement that

dictates the pace of politics in the state. Till date, the Ebeano political family produces successive state governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, state assembly, local government chairmen and councillors. No one makes it in politics in Enugu except the Ebeano family. The current situation unarguably needs an Nnamani that is intelligent, savvy, urbane and properly educated to help navigate through the murky political waters of today. Senator Nnamani is reputed for building the permanent structure of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the Nigerian Law School, Agbani, Air Force Secondary School and elevated

the urban and rural roads in all parts of the state. Interestingly, Atiku as the then Vice President commissioned most of the projects executed by Nnamani administration. So an Nnamani with Atiku ZLOO EH QHHGHG FRPELQDWLRQ WR À[ 1LJHULD Nnamani has the presence of mind, character, energy and intellect to add value to Atiku as presidential candidate. He has a twin advantage of having cognate legislative and executive experiences which put him in a better stead ahead of his contemporaries. Like political analyst and Law lecturer Dr. Sam Amadi puts it, Senator Nnamani is the right and SURSHU SHUVRQ WR KROG WKH R΀FH RI WKH YLFH president. Besides, Enugu State unlike some states in the South-east has remain consistent and faithful with PDP since 1999. With local and international exposure, Nnamani is needed asset and a bridge between the old and the new. Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim (Ebonyi State) and former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha (Imo State) are also being mentioned for the vice-presidential slot to Atiku. They both have legislative experience but not executive. Senator Nnamani has the twin advantages of legislative and executive experiences. For 2023, it’s like a cry from the political wilderness for the South-east to be given slot of the vice president otherwise, their exclusion will give credence that it is deliberate exclusion or marginalisation of the zone. If the forthcoming arrangement fails to accommodate South-east in terms of the vice-presidential slot, the Igbo would have been out of political arrangements for 16 years thus making it a total of 40 years out of political reckoning since 1999. No leader or nation would accept or tolerate the exclusion of its component part. Mumeh writes from Abuja

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022

Good personal hygiene is of utmost importance, writes KAYODE SOLOMON OJEWALE

ETIM ETIM memorialises Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, pastor and woman of substance

EMILY AIG-IMOUKHUEDE: ONE YEAR AFTER It’s one year since Pastor (Mrs) Emily AigImoukhuede went to be with her father in Heaven at the age of 79. She died in Surrey, England on June 8, 2021, four months shy of her 80th birthday. She was buried in Lagos on July 16 last year. Pastor Emily is the wife of Frank Abiodun Aig-Imoukhuede OON, and mother of Prof Erekpitan Ola Adisa, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CON, Oluwakemi Balogun and Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede. Uncle Frank I recall, was Federal Director of Culture in the federal bureaucracy in the ‘70s who helped in the building of National Arts Theatre, Lagos and the hosting of FESTAC ’77.

Nigerians would still remember the solemn grandeur that characterized her funeral obsequies. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Aliko Dangote were among dignitaries who personally attended the events. It’s amazing how time ÁLHV 7KHUH ZHUH FRQGROHQFH PHVVDJHV from the big and the mighty: President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Osinbajo; President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd); Gen. Yakubu Gowon; AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Adeshina and many governors, politicians and private sector leaders. 7R FRPPHPRUDWH WKH ÀUVW DQQLYHUVDU\ of her transition, the immediate family gathered at her graveside in Lagos for a small, family-only memorial service in Lagos. They prayed, sang hymns, read %LEOH YHUVHV DQG UHÁHFWHG RQ WKHLU EHDXWLIXO mother whose personality is so vividly captured in the poem “A beautiful Mother’’, written by Amy Finley, an American writer. ¶·<RXU ORYH \RXU VDFULÀFH \RXU VPLOH <RX OHIW D OHJDF\ LQ HYHQ LQ VPDOOHVW WKLQJV <RX JDYH VR PXFK RI \RXUVHOI <RX ZHUH D OLJKW D EHDFRQ D ÀUH %XUQLQJ EULJKW WKURXJK WKH \HDUV <RX SXW \RXU EXUGHQV RQ WKH VKHOI *LYLQJ \RXU KHDUW VR IUHHO\ DQG EHDXWLIXOO\ <RX EURXJKW ODXJKWHU OHDUQLQJ DQG MR\ ,QWR PRPHQWV ODUJH DQG VPDOO <RXU KHDUW ZDV \RXU WUXH ZHDOWK $ EHDXWLIXO PRWKHU LQVLGH DQG RXW·· In the year after her passing, the children are striving to keep her legacy aloft just as many others have immortalized her. Chrisland University, Abeokuta has

named its Girls Hostel after her. Wellspring 8QLYHUVLW\ %HQLQ LV SODQQLQJ DQ R΀FLDO ceremony in September to name its library complex after her. Access Bank has also named its Cape Town Polo Tournament after her. Pastor Emily’s passion was to cater for the weak, vulnerable and women. The foundation she established, The Dreamland Foundation for Economic Empowerment, is now the responsibility of the of the immediate family she left behind. Its mission has been to empower prison inmates and ex-inmates to live a viable life and contribute positively to society. Pastor Emily was inspired to establish it after engaging with many prisoners through her Correspondence Bible School (Believers Life in Christ Ministries). She found out, to her chagrin, that many inmates became more hardened in prisons after getting in touch with tougher criminals, and end up being arrested shortly after serving their time. The Dreamland Foundation was therefore established to reform and turn them to better and productive citizens. ‘’It was after she passed that I realized her charitable work was impacting thousands of lives on DQ DQQXDO EDVLV EH\RQG ÀQDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV LW·V KHU VHOÁHVV VDFULÀFH WKDW PDGH WKH GLͿHUHQFH :H DUH GRLQJ DOO ZH FDQ WR NHHS the dream alive’’, Aigboje told this writer recently. Pastor Emily was a quintessential servant of the Lord and leader of people who served the country in many capacities. Among her many national assignments, she was the Secretary of State for States and Local Government (equivalent of Minister of State IRU ,QWHUJRYHUQPHQWDO $ͿDLUV WRGD\ LQ WKH short-lived Interim National Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan. Before then, she was the National President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) between 1988 and 1993. The family will always cherish her fond memories and remember her for her fervent prayers for her children, family and country and the OHJDF\ RI VHOÁHVV VHUYLFH DQG NLQGQHVV VKH left behind. Pastor Emily was particularly concerned with the welfare of the needy, women and children and she spared no HͿRUWV DQG UHVRXUFHV LQ DWWHQGLQJ WR WKHP Her ability to make friends and relate with people from all nooks and crannies of the country, ethnic backgrounds and social strata portrayed the essential elements of her humanness. Her home was open to all, especially during her days in NCWS. Among her favourite pastimes, she was DQ DUW DÀFLRQDGR ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR KHU ZRUN as the curator of National Museum, she established a private art gallery in Lagos soon after the civil war, one of the nation’s ÀUVW SULYDWH JDOOHULHV DQG WKLV VHUYHG DV D veritable exhibition ground for budding and experienced artists from across the country. The gallery also provided her own children with early acquaintance with creative works and birthed their relationships with many art connoisseurs like Prof. Ben Enwonwu. I am not therefore surprised that Aigboje has loaned part of his vast private collection to the recently launched Coronation Art Gallery, in Lagos, having been exposed early in life to these pieces imaginative creations. Pastor Emily’s life should be an inspiration to young girls and women who continue to ÀQG PHDQLQJ LQ OLIH Etim LV D -RXUQDOLVW

QUELLING THE SPREAD OF MONKEYPOX disease. The post by NCDC, which highlighted some symptoms of the illness, read in parts, “…After about one to three days of fever, the rash erupts, beginning on the face and then spreading to the body with the face and palms/soles being mostly DͿHFWHG 7KH\ FDQ DOVR RFFXU LQ DQG DURXQG the genitals which is why contact during VH[ LV RQH PRGH RI WUDQVPLVVLRQ µ ,W PXVW EH noted that, when monkeypox virus infects persons with any underlying ailments or VXͿHULQJ IURP VRPH GLVHDVHV LW EHFRPHV deadlier in such patients as their immune systems would not be able to handle such infections. According to NCDC, “Measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus include: avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus, both sick or dead animals in areas where monkeypox cases have occurred; avoiding contact with any material that has been in contact with a sick animal; thoroughly cooking any animal that might have come The symptoms of into contact with an infected animal; handling them with standard precautions monkeypox are similar to and observing monkeypox symptoms for that of smallpox infection. 30 days and washing with soap and water DIWHU FRQWDFW ZLWK LQIHFWHG DQLPDOV µ They include fever, skin rash Everyone has their role to play by (which looks like blisters), personally and regularly adhering to headache, backache, swollen good hygiene practices such as regular hand-washing as one of the preventive lymph nodes (glands), measures. Others include avoiding contact with animals and persons suspected to chills and unusual tiredness be infected with monkeypox. Wearing among others a mask, our new normal since Covid-19 outbreak, is another good preventive measure to stay safe from monkeypox infection. These preventive measures are someone to know if they have monkeypox. Few days ago, the federal government imperative in combatting this pox disease banned the sales and consumption of bush because the monkeypox virus gets into the meats in order to prevent the spread of body through the mucus membranes (nose, Monkeypox pathogen. The announcement mouth and eyes), respiratory tracts and of the ban was made through the Ministry damaged skin. It is expected that governments at all of Agriculture and Rural Development IROORZLQJ WKH R΀FLDO FRQÀUPDWLRQ RI levels step up their surveillance to prevent Monkeypox in Nigeria by the Nigeria Centre an outbreak as there is great chance of easy for Disease Control (NCDC) on 29th May, spread in rural areas if the dwellers are not 2QH SHUVRQ KDG EHHQ FRQÀUPHG GHDG well enlightened on what the disease is about with 21 others infected with the virus as at and hence, they will remain uninformed or ill-informed on safety measures to take. The the date mentioned above. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abubakar awareness campaign should not be limited Mohammed, issued a statement urging to platforms where only the educated class hunters and dealers of bush meats to stop can access; rather it should be taken to the business. In the words of the Agriculture primary health centres, markets and farms Minister, “Hunters and dealers of ‘bushmeat’ where the less educated and less privileged must desist from the practice to prevent any may be located. Intensifying public possibility of ‘spillover’ of the pathogen in awareness at the grassroots would provide Nigeria. Transport of wild animals and their good knowledge on disease mitigation, products within and across borders should control and prevention and this in turn be suspended/restricted. Silos, stores and saves lives. 9Sadly, since there is no proven safe other agricultural storage facilities must institute active rodent control measures to treatment for monkeypox at the moment, prevent contacts and possible contamination it means there is also no cure, so the onus RI 0RQNH\SR[ YLUXV ZLWK IRRGVWXͿ µ 'U to keep safe lies individually on each of us. Abubakar ordered the operators of zoos, For prevention of outbreak of monkeypox, parks, conservation and recreational centres the smallpox vaccine and antivirals can be who keep non-human primates in their used. It is also important that Nigerians go domains to ensure strict compliance with for medical tests when they feel symptoms biosecurity protocols in order to prevent of malaria because monkeypox shares same human contacts. He then advised fellow symptoms too. In order to forestall a global health crisis, compatriots to report any pox-like lesions seen on humans or animals to the nearest as Covid-19 did, the warning signs and omens of monkeypox outbreak must not human or veterinary clinics. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control go unheeded as it becomes obligatory for (NCDC), in a post on its website revealed everyone to be on red alert! recently that sexual intercourse is also a Ojewale mode of transmission of the monkeypox LV RI WKH 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV DQG (QOLJKWHQPHQW Monkeypox is an infectious viral zoonotic (transmitted to humans from animals) disease that is caused by infection with monkey pox virus. The virus is transmitted to humans from infected animals, most commonly rodents. There is also the possibility of human-tohuman transmission of the disease when a person comes into contact with another person who is infected with the virus. One can also contract monkeypox if they come in contact with materials contaminated with the virus that causes this disease. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to that of smallpox infection. They include fever, skin rash (which looks like blisters), headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes (glands), chills and unusual tiredness among others. These symptoms may last two to three weeks as the period of manifestation. This means that the incubation period (infection to manifestation of symptoms) is about 14 to 21 days – that is how long it takes for

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T H I S D AY

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

THE GROWING POPULATION QUESTION The UNICEF report is another wake-up call

Of course, we are mindful of the fact that some hat Nigeria is today among the fastest people may dismiss population growth issue as mere growing countries of the world in Western propaganda aimed at keeping developing terms of population is no longer in countries from having large population. They could doubt. Ordinarily this should be a plus also point to China and India as countries with for us but with the way things are, it huge populations harvesting their “demographic is not. Experts therefore warn of the dividends”. Yet, the fact being ignored is that dire consequences of this uncontrolled population China for decades controlled its population with its growth. The prognosis is that there may come a time RQH FKLOG SHU FRXSOH SROLF\ ZKLOH WKH ,QGLDQ VWDWH when food and other necessary provisions may be encourages some form of family planning. In any GL΀FXOW IRU WKH HYHU LQFUHDVLQJ QXPEHU RI SHRSOH case, an idle (and largely illiterate population) such Available statistics indicate that we may already be as we breed in Nigeria can only be a disaster waiting grappling with that reality. to happen. Currently, Nigeria However, we are not ranks 7th on the list of to religious oblivious countries by population practices and beliefs that with a density of 193 There is no doubt that a sustainable society is the one with frown at any talk of over persons per kilometre population and therefore while 51 per cent of that moderate population growth that enables its members to achieve a regard any suggestion population is urban, and that hints at birth control the media age is 17.8 high quality of life as heresy. But it is a years. According to the simple economic fact that United Nations, by the population growth that is year 2050, three of the 10 QRW PDWFKHG ZLWK FRPPHQVXUDWH VRFLR HFRQRPLF most populous countries in the world will be in Africa development can only breed chaos. On a positive with more than a quarter of them in Nigeria. Against T H I S D AY note, however, we also understand that at a time EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU the background that uncontrolled population growth when the population of many countries in Europe DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA is already stretching the few infrastructure facilities MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO and Asia is ageing, Nigeria’s young population in the country and contributing in large measure DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU could be a demographic advantage but only if to the poor standards of living, there is indeed an CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI the policymakers can design appropriate policies urgent need to address the dire consequences of this EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN that will improve the productive capacities of our MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI uncontrolled population growth. THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE people and put our people to work. To the extent Indeed, Nigeria has a lot to worry about concerning that there is no such thing, then there is the need a population that continues to bulge exponentially, to worry. at a period the nation is ranked among the There is no doubt that a sustainable society is poorest people in the world. We are saddled with T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D the one with moderate population growth that EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA high incidence of unemployment, predominant GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, enables its members to achieve a high quality SURGXFWLRQ RI SULPDU\ JRRGV RYHU ÀQLVKHG SURGXFWV ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI of life in ways that are ecologically sustainable. aging public infrastructure, opaque system of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, Unless policymakers begin now to focus their government as well as the activities of criminals ANTHONY OGEDENGBE attention on how to avert this ticking time bomb who are pushing people from rural communities. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI the consequences could be devastating and SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH 7KH KLJK UDWH RI RXW RI VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ DQG SRRU ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI YHU\ GL΀FXOW WR UHYHUVH :H KRSH WKDW FULWLFDO output in the education sector also contribute CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI stakeholders will see the recent UNICEF report as negatively to deepening this problem as the nation DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO DQRWKHU ZDNH XS FDOO RQ WKH QHHG WR FRPH XS ZLWK churns out a crop of uncompetitive youth in a new TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com strategies on population control in Nigeria. world driven by technology, skills, and knowledge.

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LETTERS OAU: FORGING AHEAD IN A NEW DIMENSION Every step towards progress comes with various SDLQV VSDQQLQJ VDFULÀFHV KDUG ZRUN FULWLFLVPV DQ tagonisms and societal limitations, amongst others. This births the maxim “No pain, no gain”. Obviously, Obafemi Awolowo University is set to reap the fruits of a new phase of gains and we can connect dots of the tensions surrounding the appointment of the new ea gle. It would not be possible for Great Ife to become the Nigerian version of the most cherished Harvard Uni versity which some envisioned if the basic rules guid ing a higher institution of learning are not adhered to. And, I must commend the Governing Council of the institution for upholding the principle of fairness and justice as regards the appointment of whom the suc cessor of Prof. Ogunbodede (whose tenure expires this month) is. Right now, the clamour should be to call on WKH YLFH FKDQFHOORU WR EXLOG WKH VFKRRO WR D VWDQGDUG WKDW Harvard University itself would be jealous of. Had the Governing Council chickened out in the face of the interrupting drama that surrounded the outcome of the selection, a perennial injury would have

been stamped on the image of the university and on the ZHLJKW RI WKH FHUWLÀFDWHV RI ERWK WKH SUHVHQW VWXGHQWV and the alumni both home and in the diaspora. The appointment of Prof. Simeon Adebayo Banire DV WKH WK VXEVWDQWLYH YLFH FKDQFHOORU RI WKH XQLYHUVLW\ has once again helped emphasize transparent selection process informed by objectivity in appointing universi ty administrators and I do hope this would serve as a standard for other higher institutions of learning across the country. 3URI %DQLUH DV PXFK DV , NQRZ LV QRW MXVW TXDOLÀHG LQ academics and administration but also in character and deeds. He is someone who does not have any apparent stain on his character. And with this recent call to serve, LW LV P\ XWPRVW EHOLHI WKDW KH ZLOO LQÁXHQFH SROLFLHV DQG minister to the intellectual health of the ivory tower in maintaining the image of the university and positively setting it on the global map among the comity of varsi ties. The tasks are enormous as the university system in Nigeria is fast losing its global stature. Kazeem Olalekan Israel (GANI), Ibadan

APC GUINEA CORN AND BUHARI’S RAIN Continued from the backpage The fact that he was once an appointee of Tinubu should never have counted against him. Could he (and some of his pompous aides) have handled the situation better? Certainly yes. But those who are writing tales of how Osinbajo EHFDPH WKLV RU WKDW PLVV WKH SRLQW $W GLͿHUHQW times, Osinbajo was recommended for public of ÀFHV LQ ZKLFK KLV OR\DOW\ VKRXOG EH WR WKH SHRSOH Tinubu is a student of power so he must under stand that Osinbajo has not done anything wrong by contesting the primaries. But it is important that the duo mend their relationship while their supporters, especially in Yorubaland, should be called to order. The overwhelming nature of Tinubu’s victory indicates that he has wider ac ceptability across Nigeria. That should be hum bling enough as he prepares for what promises to be a titanic election battle with his longtime friend and associate, Atiku Abubakar. But it is President Buhari who should be concerned about his place

in history. The fact that an incumbent African president would allow the matter of his succession to drift out of his reach and control as we witnessed be fore and during the APC primaries is a curious phenomenon. It means that President Buhari is either an objective and impartial democrat or a VHOÀVK SROLWLFDO LQWURYHUW (LWKHU ZD\ WKH KDQGOLQJ of the APC transition nomination is one act of po litical tardiness that is likely to haunt Buhari’s re tirement days in Daura. If Tinubu wins the 2023 presidential election, he will not likely forget how KDUG KH KDG WR ÀJKW WR JHW WKH $3& WLFNHW ,I RQ the other hand, Atiku carries the day, Buhari’s en tire legacy will go up in smoke. Good leadership, President Buhari must un derstand, entails a keen awareness of the operat ing environment and the subtle but often unsaid shifts in perception to which those who occupy positions of trust must be sensitive. Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Addressing Global Energy, Environmental Crisis Ugo Aliogo examines the economic and environmental effects of the global energy crisis on Nigeria, which experts have identified as rising diesel prices, illegal bunkering, illegal refining, deforestation, among others

he 2021–2022 global energy crisis is the most recent in a series of cyclical energy shortages experienced over the last 50 years. The energy crisis has had its impacts on the economy and environment. Some of the impacts include increase in green house gas emission, environmental degradation for wood, global warming, air pollution and other loss of biodiversity. The European gas prices are at record levels, pushing electricity prices up 200 per cent. In Spain, electricity prices have tripled, and the government announced measures to cap energy prices. France and Italy have pledged payments to help the poorest households.

ENERGY CRISIS IN AFRICA

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa is one of the regions mostly affected by climate change, even though it contributed a mere 4 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2019. The 2021 Global Climate Risk Index hinted that half of the 10 countries most affected by extreme weather in 2019 are located in Africa. The report also noted that Africa is endowed with significant fossil-fuel resources, including oil and gas that it exports worldwide, therefore, any disruption in global energy markets will undoubtedly impact Africa. Income does not translate. Reports revealed that in Nigeria, rising international natural gas prices caused the price of cooking gas to increase by more than 100% in 2021, making it too expensive for some households, as a result, many households fall back on firewood and charcoal, which they envisage as cheaper alternatives. The report stated that the use of chemicals and fuel in factories resulted in increased air and water pollution and an increased use of fossil fuels, adding that the process of harvesting the fuels from the ground, such as mining and refining also led to environmental pollution. Research has revealed that 90 per cent of West Africa’s Forest cover has been lost in the last 100 years. It also added that Nigeria loses about 350,000 hectares of land every year to desertification. 63.83 per cent (15 states) of total land is affected by desertification. It also noted that the annual rate

of deforestation in Nigeria is 3.5 per cent, approximately 350,000-400,000 hectares per year.

THE ROLE OF THE NGOS

The energy crisis and environmental sustainability have become issues of grave concern not just to countries, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but to faith-based organisations. The argument is that all hands must be on deck in the search for answers to these problems facing the earth. Environmentalists have also argued that mankind has not been fair in his treatment of nature and environment. It has also been observed that the current patterns of production and consumption are not sustainable and responsible for the complex problems facing the environment. There is also an appreciable loss of biodiversity and a climate change that is already clearly showing disastrous effects on our lives. As part of contributing its quota to addressing the problem, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos recently organised a conference with the theme: “Listening and Journeying Together: Energy Crisis and Sustainable Lifestyle for Church

and State.” The conference was another response by the Church to the call of Pope Francis which he made seven years ago when he released his encyclical Laudato SI’ On Care of Our Common Home. Speaking at the conference, the Archbishop of Lagos, Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, stated that climate change has manifested itself in varied and unprecedented ways; the heatwaves that have led to uncontrolled forest fires devastating huge swathes of land; desertification; rising sea levels leading to destructive floods and landslides; chemical and technological pollution leading to depletion of biodiversity and destruction of the ecosystem. He stated that the world is faced with the results of our collective and individual lifestyles and habits that lead to depletion of species of animals and plants and the pollution of the earth, turning it to what the Pope calls a pile of filth. “All of these and more have impacts on us not only as individuals but also as an interconnected people of the world such that we cannot but hear and feel the cry of the

extremely poor who are forced to migrate but their land cannot sustain them or because of conflicts that arise from the effects of climate change on their environment,” he said. The Archbishop further explained that the pollution of the environment resulting in the lack of portable water, loss of income and the resultant susceptibility to diseases have made the cry of the poor louder and more widespread with the attendant ill health due to diseases. He argued that the global COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to standstill, has revealed that the whole world is interdependent more than it is probably thought, therefore noted that there is a need to cooperate and collaborate effectively in dealing with the issues of sustainability of the earth, “and addressing the grinding poverty in our world including the provision of healthcare facilities.” He remarked that as the COVID 19 crisis begin to alleviate, the world was faced with other crises which also have local and global dimensions such as the energy crisis and looming food crisis, which he stated that the impact of these crises would be huge and unimaginable if we do not take necessary steps now.

BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE

As part of the efforts of the Lagos State Government to contribute its quota to addressing the energy crisis and promoting environmental sustainability, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, speaking at the conference said in the Ministry of Health, all the new designs for clinics, hospitals and medical facilities according to State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were to reduce the carbon footprints in the buildings. He also stated that the state buildings are supposed to become low carbon footprints by using less energy at least 50 percent, adding that the new hospitals are all designed to be cool, naturally ventilated, naturally lightened and attention to infection and prevention control. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Rising Trends of Cyberattacks in Nigeria Emma Okonji examines the increasing number of cyber threats across the world, with particular focus on Nigeria, where the challenges of securing a remote workforce and protecting organisations’ data have become more challenging than ever, a development that has been predicted to worsen this year in Nigeria

any may not know that Nigeria has continued to experience unprecedented cyber-attacks on commercial and individual platforms since 2021. Global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, Kaspersky, reported that Nigeria had 16.7 million cyberattacks in just six months, from January – June 2021, making the country, alongside Ethiopia, the countries with the highest increase of cyber-attacks on the continent compared to the pre-COVID year. Ahead of 2022, Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria warned that the country would witness an escalation in cyberattacks and cybercrime from what was witnessed in 2021. It also noted that the threat landscape would evolve and expand at a pace in the year ahead. With the escalation in cyberattacks and cybercrime, the Country Head of HP Nigeria, a technology company, Mr. Emmanuel Asika, said Nigeria should expect to see ransomware gangs continue putting lives at risk, the weaponization of firmware exploits and much more. With this threat landscape, he pointed out key cybersecurity trends that organizations needed to be prepared for in 2022. According to Asika, a continued commoditization of software supply chain attacks could result in more high-profile victims being targeted. According to him, “The Kaseya breach – which impacted over 1,500 companies – demonstrated how supply chain attacks can be monetized. As a result, supply chain threats will likely rise over the next year, and we will see the continued commoditization of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used to conduct such attacks.” He added that those threat actors would search for weak links in software supply chains and target software being used widely. Both Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and high-profile victims may be targeted, he said. “The Kaseya attack should be a wake-up call to all ISVs that even if their customer base doesn’t consist of enterprise and government customers, they can still be caught in the crosshairs of attackers looking to exploit their customers. Now that this blueprint is in place, we could see these types of attack become more widespread in the year ahead,” Asika further said.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that 2022 is expected to witness an escalation in cyberattacks and cybercrime from what was seen in 2021. According to them, trends show that there will be a spike in Ransomware and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams and deep fakes this year. Asika agrees, pointing out that ransomware gangs could put lives at risk and engage in ‘pile-ons’.

CYBERATTACKS IN 2022

Given the increasing rate of cybercrime in Nigeria, Asika warned that the rate may likely escalate in the remaining months of 2022. “Ransomware will continue to be a major risk in 2022, with victims potentially being hit more than once. The method will be akin to ‘social media pile-ons’ – once an organization is shown to be ‘soft’ or to have paid a ransom, others will pile on to get their share of the action. In some instances, threat actors will hit a company multiple times – doubling or even tripling extortion rackets. Ransomware operators will almost certainly

intensify how they pressure victims into paying ransoms. Beyond data leak websites, attackers will use increasingly varied extortion methods, such as contacting customers and business associates of victim organizations,” Asika warned. According to him, threat actors could also focus on hitting certain industries with a higher likelihood of payment, for example, healthcare firms and those in energy and resources. He believes thatattackers may well target high-risk devices, such as critical medical support systems and their supporting infrastructure, where the risk of significant harm will be highest, and therefore a payout will come quickly. Asika further stated that small businesses are usually the most hit in Nigeria, as many of them don’t have the resources to put into cybersecurity, which makes them an easy target for hacking. Others include healthcare, government agencies, financial institutions, energy, and utility companies.

THREAT REPORTS

The recent Check Point Research Threat Intelligence Report for Nigeria revealed that

the number of attacks experienced per business each week is 2,308 across all industry sectors collectively. It was also shown in the per-industry analysis that this figure is still higher for firms in the finance and banking sector. He further predicted that the weaponization of firmware attacks will lower the bar for entry. According to him, firmware provides a fertile opportunity for attackers looking to gain long-term persistence or perform destructive attacks. Regrettably, he noted, firmware security is frequently neglected by organizations, with much lower levels of patching observed. “In the last year, we have seen attackers performing reconnaissance of firmware configurations, likely as a prelude to exploiting them in future attacks. Previously these types of attacks were only used by Nation-State actors. In the next 12-months, we can expect to see the TTPs for targeting firmware trickle down, opening the door for sophisticated cybercrime groups to weaponize threats and create a blueprint to monetize attacks,” the HP Nigeria boss said. Asika expressed the belief that the lack of visibility and control over firmware security will exacerbate this issue. He advised that industries such as healthcare, where these attacks could be more probable, should start thinking about the risks posed by low-level malware and exploits. “This is not welcome for a country like Nigeria, which remains one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to cyber-attacks. Last year, during the ENDSARS protest, several government and corporate websites came down in a series of cyberattacks claimed by the popular hacker group, Anonymous,” Asika said. Perhaps more worrisome is the opportunity for more attacks on users, especially in this era of hybrid work, as occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The shift to hybrid work will continue to create problems for organizational security. The volume of unmanaged and insecure devices has created a wider attack surface. Threat actors could start to target the homes and personal networks of top executives, or even government officials, as these networks are easier to compromise than traditional enterprise environments. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NCCTakesTelecom Consumer Awareness to Nasarawa State

Emma Okonji

In continuation of its commitment to enlighten consumers of telecom services, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken its consumer enlightenment programme to communities in Nasarawa State to sensitise them about their rights, obligations and privileges. Also, the engagement was organised to enlighten telecom consumers on consumer-centric initiatives put in place by the Commission, which consumers can leverage to improve on their telecom usage experience. Speaking at the event, which

took place in Keffi, Nassarawa State recently, the NCC’s Director, Zonal Operations, Amina Shehu, said the engagement was in line with NCC’s mandate to constantly educate the consumers on telecom service-related issues bordering on improving their quality of service experience. Addressing the participants on behalf of Shehu, an Assistant Director in the department, Usman Abubakar, said the Commission had developed a series of engagement programmes to keep telecom consumers informed of developments in the

telecoms sector towards protecting consumers from any unwholesome practices. Thus, participants at the sensitisation programme were enlightened on many subjects including Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration, consumer complaints redress process arising from illegal deductions, illegal sales of improperly-registered cards, among others. According to Abubakar, the Commission had recently directed all subscribers to ensure the integration of their SIMs with their National Identification Numbers (NIN), otherwise, their mobile lines will be blocked.

OPPO Launches Reno7 Series with Portrait Photography Features Emma Okonji OPPO recently launched its Reno7 series, the first smartphone series to specialise in portrait photography. The OPPO Reno series has paved the way for a new generation of smart portrait capabilities with its revolutionary portrait technology and chip-level AI algorithms. With the recent launch of the new Reno7 series, OPPO has taken this portrait-focused experience to the next level, which is a combination of professional hardware and algorithms that enable users worldwide to create gorgeous portrait

images with just the click of a button. Given details of the features of the smartphone during the launch in Lagos, Marketing Director, OPPO Nigeria, Iris Cao, said: “Through its extensive research into sensor technology, OPPO has been constantly searching for innovative ways to increase the light sensitivity of the sensor to deliver the highest quality images. One such approach to this is the adoption of an Red, Green, Blue, and White (RGBW) pixel design. In fact, OPPO was already using RGBW sensor designs as far back as 2015 on the OPPO R7

Plus, through which it was able to increase light sensitivity by as much as 32 per cent.” Marketing a Manager, OPPO Nigeria, Jennifer Okorhi, said: “Following three years spent developing and refining the RGBW technology, and the tireless efforts of over three hundred OPPO imaging engineers, OPPO finally achieved the breakthrough it was searching for, acquiring 87 patents in the process. The new RGBW pixel arrangement developed by OPPO’s Imaging Research and Development team, overlays white sub-pixels onto the existing red, green, and blue pixels.”

Govt Commends Nigerian Breweries for Donating Police Station in Kaduna As part of its contribution towards strengthening the security infrastructure in Kaduna State, Nigeria’s foremost brewer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, recently donated an ultra- modern police station to the Nigerian Police. Located in Kudenda, Kaduna State, the police station has a waiting area, five administrative offices and two cells for males and females amongst other features and facilities contained in a modern divisional police station. Receiving the donation on

behalf of the police force, the Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, CP Yekini Ayoku expressed his happiness that the new station is now operational, and replaces the old, rented apartment that had been used as a police station in the community since 1997. Also speaking at the handover, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Prof Kabir Mato who represented Governor Nasir El-Rufai, commended the company for its continuous

support of government’s drive for befitting infrastructure in the state. He urged other companies to emulate NB Plc by supporting the government through PPP initiatives such as this. Representing Nigerian Breweries at the occasion, the Corporate Affairs Manager North, Mr. Kabiru Kassim, commended the Kaduna State Government for fostering a mutually beneficial partnership, which has enabled Nigerian Breweries to thrive since its Kaduna brewery commenced operations in 1963.

Sendy Partners Google to Empower MSMEs in Nigeria Emma Okonji Sendy, a tech company that builds fulfillment infrastructure for e-commerce and consumer brands has joined with Google in an initiative aimed at empowering Africa’s small and medium businesses. The bootcamp program, dubbed Google Hustle Academy, seeks to provide MSMEs across Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa with expert training on business strategy and development, digital marketing, and financial planning. The participants will also have access to key industry leaders and master classes on business to help create opportunities, boost business growth and job creation across the region. Through the program,

Sendy will provide fulfillment and logistics support for the participating businesses. It will also offer one-on-one mentorship so as to enable the participants learn, and build capacity to operate successful businesses. Speaking about the initiative, Founder and CEO, Sendy, Mesh Alloys, said: “The Google Hustle Academy is a noble idea that clearly speaks to our mission and aligns to our purpose. We recognize the significant role played by small and medium businesses in the economy. We are also aware of the vast challenges they face. We want to empower them by enabling them to trade efficiently and effectively. Through this partnership with Google, we hope to unlock their potential so that they can learn and seize existing opportunities

to build sustainable businesses.” The program also seeks to empower MSMEs to learn how to identify new markets, access funding opportunities and pitch for success. Head of Brand and Reputation, Google SSA, Mojolaoluwa AderemiMakinde, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Sendy to give much-needed assistance to MSMEs. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are the backbone of the global economy, accounting for the majority of businesses in almost every region. They employ over 50 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to the region’s GDP. Through the Hustle Academy we will provide them with training to assist them in packaging their businesses and obtaining the necessary funds to take them to the next level.”

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Lee Engineering’s Renewed Commitment to Nigeria’s Infrastructural Devt Peter Uzoho

s the global community, especially Europe struggles with the challenges posed by the war between Russia and Ukraine, some economic experts have expressed the view that African nations with strategic industrialisation drive are at an advantage to actualise their dream. However, the provision of infrastructure remains pivotal to facilitate the concept. In Nigeria, the government and the private sector seem to be working towards closing the infrastructural gap in every aspect of the economy. Driven by the conviction that the much-needed industrial revolution must be anchored on the provision of necessary infrastructure, some indigenous entrepreneurs have committed themselves to pioneer various spectrums of such development. The Lee Engineering Group, founded by Dr. Leemon Ikpea, is one of those championing this noble quest for Nigeria’s industrialisation. But the unique selling point of the company is the belief that transformation only takes place by active participation. So, instead of the usual stuff of being merely a marketing agent, selling European products for quick returns, it has chosen to bring the chicken home to roost. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry are aware that Lee Engineering Group has committed resources to the establishment of a steel products fabrication factory, located in Warri, Delta State. The factory is programmed for commissioning this year, and that some indigenous engineers have been trained to man the fabrication equipment. However, not much is known about the face behind the strategic transition of both the technological know-how and the skill acquisition bid to sustain the initiative. Indeed, the move towards pioneering local fabrication of industrial tools and equipment in the oil and gas industry where the Lee Engineering Group was birthed dates back to 2009, when Dr. Ikpea incorporated Lee international Services Srl Italy and appointed Dr. Dott Giuseppe Paone, a former lecturer at University of Milan (Italy) as the Area Manager, business development, procurement, project management, Europe and Africa. Precisely, Lee International Services S.r.L. was incorporated in March 2009 as Lee Engineering & Construction Co Ltd subsidiary with the prime aim to provide international services, training and technology development transfer, highly skilled manpower provision, engineering designs, project management and international consultancies.

Ikp e a Thus, the choice of Paone, someone with a passion for business management in the oil and gas industry since 2006 can be said to be putting a round peg in a round hole. Addressing journalists in Warri, recently, Paone who is on the ground assessment visit said, the fabrication factory will contribute enormously to the economic and industrial transformation of Nigeria. Speaking on the economic benefits of the factory he said, “The first impact will be on employment. The second will be on the economy itself because, instead of importing from foreign countries, Nigeria will become more independent. Those who will produce the spare parts needed for petrochemicals and refineries will be available at workshops in Nigeria, just as we have here at Lee Engineering. These parts could have been sourced somewhere else, outside of Nigeria. So you only import raw materials, then you produce the needed parts here. That increases the wealth of the nation.” Relating the present situation to the industrial development experience of his home country, Italy, he said, “In the early 60s, Italy (after the Second World War), was destroyed. “I read in the books and my grandfather also used to tell me that Italy became like today’s

Ukraine - destroyed. “The U.S came with funds and we started rebuilding. The development was rapid in the 60s. We started industrialisation from carbon steel, stainless steel, and petrochemicals. “Today, what I see now in Nigeria is the same. You are experiencing the Italian 60s. So you are developing so much because, from 2011, you have been the leading economy in Africa. “Nigeria is the 5th-largest exporter of crude oil globally. It is the biggest economy in Africa. The first country In Africa in terms of development is Ghana, but the country is small. Nigeria is far bigger. So you are progressing so much, with many middle-class citizens here. “When I came here, I noticed a lot of factories. The middle class requests moderate houses, and also a lot of services.” Paone who agreed that the Warri fabrication workshop or factory was initiated by the Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, Dr. Ikpea said the concept was to complement the activities the company was already carrying out in the oil and gas industry. According to him, most of the machines and tools used in setting up the factory were bought from Italian suppliers. Emphasising the critical role the factory will play in the nation’s quest for industrial development, Paone said although the goal is to produce pressure vessels and heat exchangers meant for low, mid to high pressure for use in the oil and gas industry, the same machine can fabricate other industrial tools and equipment using carbon or stainless steel as material. “Talking about stainless steel, I’ll give you an example. In the food industry, we need to transport things like milk, beer, and beverages with trucks. You will notice that, behind the trucks, there are tools and caps. So we built the machines that can enable these tanks to be used for the transportation of beverages. “We are not focusing on only oil and gas. Why do we want to do this? We know, from industry experience in Europe, that in developing countries like Nigeria, those goods are consumed by the middle class. So the demand for these goods will increase. Their needs will also increase. We want to be leaders in their supply.” To ensure the perfect and smooth running of the factory, Paone stressed that Lee Engineering is committed to training the local manpower. In

this regard, over 30 people have been sent out for training in handling the machine in Italy. He, however, regretted the impact of the global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the personnel trained could not deploy their skills immediately as a result. But he added that the Italian partners have continued to send personnel to Nigeria regularly to refresh the trainees. Stressing the need for retraining and plans to ensure a smooth transition, he said, “when people are trained, they start working. And, for this phase, we may organise and supervise the beginning because the startup is the most delicate for the company. The beginning will be supervised by people who have done that for decades, who know exactly what to be avoided, what should be done, and what not to be done for safety reasons. After this supervision, the workshop will become, day by day, more independent and better in terms of production.” According to Paone, the Lee Engineering Fabrication Factory is set to commence a test run this month. Speaking on what the process entails, Paone said, “Commissioning activities involve properly installing and fine-tuning machines. If there are instruments like flow meters and others, you will check that they are balanced and are working because the water condition here is different. “At the end of the commissioning, you make a startup. It’s like buying a vehicle, you turn it on. If it goes on well, it means that all the preparatory activities for the startup were successful. For the vehicle or car, you will check to be sure that everything is in order before you start, won’t you? The startup is the moment when the key to the machine is being delivered to Lee Engineering because it is in perfect working condition. Processes may be different from machine to machine, but the aim is simply to make the machine work.” Paone is not ignorant of the role of funds in the actualisation of a huge project like this. He however commended Engr. Ikpea for sponsorship of the factory, but noted that the government can fast track the industrial revolution by facilitating access to multinational development funds for development purposes. “We invest so much into this project as a company. Of course, at the moment, all the funding comes from Chief Leemon Ikpea, the Chairman/CEO of Lee Engineering. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Impact of Domain Name Adoption on Digital Economy The recent crash in the cost of .ng domain name by NiRA, coupled with the enforcement of the use of .ng as the official communication channel for all MDAs by the federal government, are all geared towards populating .ng domain name in Nigeria, writes Emma Okonji

he Federal Executive Council (FEC), this year, approved the National Policy on the Nigerian Government Second-Level Domains during its meeting on the 16th of February, 2022 and thus barred its workers from the use of generic domains, with a bid to enforce the use of .ng domain name across all MDAs of government. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) followed up with the directive by recently inaugurating a 14-man enforcement committee to monitor the policy implementation across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) both at the state and federal levels. However, the February 2022 declaration is not the first by the FEC, leaving many people astonished as to why, after six years , the Nigeria government is still advocating for compliance regarding the local .ng domain name. Should it be regarded as ignorance or sheer sabotage that a diplomat for example, would issue a call card which contains a .com, or .co.uk, email address? It may very well be that Nigeria’s top public officials are not aware of the use of gov.ng in their ministries. One is left wondering how long it will be, to obtain full compliance to the new policy. It is surprising that a country with 141,971,560 active internet users in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, has less than 200,000 .ng domains to both local and international owners. The statistics baffles many Nigerians, especially when compared with the number of .co.za domains, which is the domain name for South Africa that has been pushed out to the world, and it is in full use in South Africa and in many other African countries. Most analysts have raised questions as to why many Nigerians have refused to use .ng domains. Who is to blame? Is it that Nigerians are thinking that the. ng is not good enough or they just do not understand its importance to national brand? Nigerians probably need some sort of government policies to make it somewhat compulsory for individuals and businesses to adopt the use of .ng domain name. One of the analysts who is a registrar of .ng domain name, said: “If you try to convince some people to switch to .ng, a vast majority of the people would give all sorts of reasons why they do not use .ng

name system identifies Nigeria-related websites and is currently available for registration in the following variants, .com.ng, .ng, .org.ng, .net.ng and so on, with a few of them being restricted to Nigerian entities such as .gov.ng, .edu.ng, .sch.ng and so on. “For instance, Nigerian businesses registering .ng domain names have the immediate benefit of being ranked first on search engines when an online search is conducted. Using it and maintaining a good search engine optimisation for the website will, over time, lead to an increase in local traffic.” The registrar added: “A strong online presence is essential. Your prospective customer will likely conduct a web search when looking for your product or service, and a website that is relatively easy to find and navigate will greatly increase your chances of making a sale, which .ng provides. Nigeria as a Nation is blessed with this unique domain string known as .ng and we should be proud of this gift of nature. However, we should not stop at appreciating it but owning at least one of the many variants.” and many of these reasons are simply based on assumptions or hearsay and not facts. According to the registrar, “It is important to stress that the foundation of any sustainable development especially in the knowledge economy, is the enactment and enforcement of policies. Imagine, if we had a policy that states that every registered company in Nigeria must use .ng domain nam. We know this is not an impossible feat, after all the UK and a few other countries are enforcing such policies whether covertly or overtly. “Therefore, the recent moves by the FEC must be effectively implemented especially in support of the digital economy drives. The journey towards economic diversification requires everybody’s commitment to the development of a robust digital economy and in this case, demands the use of the Nigerian Second Level Domain by all government-owned websites and official emails. “The private sector is not left out either. Many Nigerian business platforms still struggle with the indulgence of .ng, not aware of the immense

benefit it will offer to boost their business outlook both local and international.”

THE BENEFITS

Addressing the many benefits of the adoption and use of .ng domain name, most analysts are of the view that .ng domain name, which is Nigeria’s identity in the cyberspace, will enhance global visibility of local businesses and at the same time, deepen local content development in Nigeria. First, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names and maintains the database of names registered in Nigeria. It has shown commitment towards this cause by the recent reduction in the price of .ng domain name registration by over 40 per cent, and the media efforts to inform the general public. Another registrar who highlighted the benefits of .ng domain name, said: “The benefits are numerous but let us consider a few of them. The .ng is the internet country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria. Nigeria’s domain

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The ever increasing foreign exchange rate has hiked the cost of hosting services with multi-tenant cloud computing, using the Virtual Private Server (VPS) and the same goes for .com domain names, but analysts are of the view that using the .ng range of domains will contribute to saving the scarce forex (FX). A lot of developers used to be happy paying for their Virtual Private Server but not anymore because of the high cost of VPS, occasioned by high foreign exchange rate. Google, a global brand with local presence in Nigeria, owns both .com.ng as well as .ng, an example of a forward looking global company that plays local to gain the attention of millions of people in any market where it operates. Google would rather serve every online searcher with results using google.com. ng when they search for stuff within Nigeria. Even when searches done from outside of Nigeria, in a place like Ghana, using the same device, Google will still provide the results via google.com.ng NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Experts Canvass for Fresh Marketing Strategy to Connect Consumers Raheem Akingbolu Marketing and marketing communications experts have urged marketers to rethink and put the customer at the centre of their strategy, and think beyond the four Ps of marketing if they want to remain relevant. They made this charge at the maiden edition of The Marketing Conclave, a thought-leadership conference organised by First Katalyst Marketing, a leading Below-the-line agency, to commemorate its 10th anniversary in Nigeria.

The event had all the crème de la crème in the marketing industry who gathered to celebrate with First Katalyst Marketing as well as shared insight, forecast and proffered solutions on some of the challenges facing the industry. The Managing Director of the agency, Soji Odedina, said the story of the agency started from a humble beginning and has evolved into a household name having offices in other African markets. He added that The Marketing Conclave is its agency’s gift to the industry and would become an annual event.

“The Marketing Conclave is our 10th-anniversary gift to the marketing community in Africa. As a platform, it is designed to bring practitioners together to discuss matters arising concerning theory and practice,” He thanked all the stakeholders that stood behind the agency since it commenced operations a decade ago and used the occasion to introduce the company’s new Chairman, Tsola Barrow to the audience. Dean of Lagos Business School and keynote speaker of the event, Professor Chris Ogbechie, while

speaking on the theme, “Marketing for the Future”, said: “Marketing drives every economy of the world, and Covid has forced many businesses to change their business model, adding that if businesses don’t innovate, they will seize to exist.” He added that today consumers and other stakeholders expect companies to do more than just offer products and services. “Consumers are more sophisticated and now expect companies to lead with purpose, by deeply embedding social and environmental impact.”

The Nest Partners WIPO to Launch Tech Innovation Support Centre Emma Okonji The Nest, a technology innovation hub located in Yaba, Lagos, in collaboration with World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, has launched Technology Innovation Support Centre (TISC) in Nigeria, to support technology startups and entrepreneurs, while promoting global research in a digital era. Co-founder, The Nest, Mr. Oluwajoba Oloba, explained that the TISC centre would help Nigerian startups and entrepreneurs to make use of the best technology tools and resources to scale up their businesses. “If a startup is developing a solution that will address specific challenges, the startup needs to know if other startups have already developed that solution and whether such product has been registered and patented within the tech ecosystem. These are some of the advantages that people will get if they are registered with TISC in Nigeria,” Oloba said. Speaking at the launch through video conferencing, the IP Information Officer, TISC Development Section at WIPO, Dr. Elangi Ituku Botoy, said Science

and Technology have removed physical barriers among nations, thus making it possible for people to interact from different parts of the world. “Brazil, China, Argentina, among other world countries, have effectively used technology to drive innovation across various sectors of their economies, and I encourage Nigeria to do same, because Nigeria has the population of vibrant youths that can use technology to drive innovation and scale up their businesses. We need Intellectual Property (IP) strategy and Nigerian government must be willing and ready to support the TISC initiative, that is designed to promote technology innovation. Nigeria needs the digital skills to tap into the benefits of Technology Innovation Support Centre and it is for this reason and many more that WIPO is launching TISC in Nigeria for free, in collaboration with The Nest Innovation Hub,” Botoy said. Head, Startups at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs. Ireayo Oladunjoye, said the launch of Technology Innovation Support Centre in Lagos, would further help in creating jobs and wealth in the state and in the country.

Vi t a e L o n d o n t o Enter Nigeria Market with Niche Offer Vitae London, a high-end watch brand, has concluded an arrangement to enter the Nigerian market in the last quarter of the year with a niche offer. This was disclosed by the chief executive officer and head designer, William Adoasi, a British-Ghanaian while speaking to media yesterday in Ikoyi, Lagos. According to him, the decision to launch Vitae London in the Nigerian market is based L-R: Head, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Erhumu Bayagbon; Environmental Consultant, on the strategic position Nigeria Chidebere Emmanuel and CSR lead, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie, during the commemoration of World Environment holds as the biggest economy and the most populous nation Day 2022, to create awareness for responsible disposal of electronic waste, which held in Lagos… recently in Africa. He added that the end goal of entry into Nigeria is to “build a sub-brand of Vitae Africa and Dangote Cement Plc. and ongoing transformation reveal the restructuring of the Nigerian London expansion enough to Nosa Alekhuogie He was appointed Administrator the opportunities ahead, especially Government Ministries, Agencies, be floated on the Nigerian Stock Tizeti Network Limited, West of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and in a digital economy. Tizeti has a and Commissions and the reduction Exchange. Africa’s pioneer solar-based internet helped transform the Nigerian Stock deserved reputation for its innovative of the cost of governance. The Chief Executive Officer of service provider has announced the Exchange as well as the Central products and disruptive approach, appointment of Emmanuel Ikazoboh Securities Clearing System (CSCS), and I look forward to serving as its Tizeti, Kendall Ananyi, said: “Tizeti and was responsible for restructuring Board Chairman”, Ikazoboh said. continues to grow at a fast pace, and as its Board Chairman. Ikazoboh has held previous roles expanding our board will provide Emmanuel Ikazoboh is the the management, equities market, immediate past Group Chairman of stock brokerage processes, and as the Chairman/CEO of Deloitte the guidance our leadership team Ecobank Transnational Incorporated corporate governance structure of West and Central Africa; Managing needs to continue to grow the (ETI), Chairman of ARM Pensions both entities to create an enviable Partner for Deloitte Cote d’Ivoire company to fulfill its mission of (Ivory Coast), and Client Service being Africa’s top provider of Internet Managers Limited (Pensions Stock Exchange in Africa. “Tizeti’s growing market share Director for Deloitte Africa. He and Voice. It also helps to increase Emma Okonji Fund Administrators), and is the International Vice Chairman at in the unlimited internet market in also served as Partner of Deloitte corporate governance and diversity, International Institute for Sustainable Nigeria provides huge opportunities and Touche in Dartford UK and improve corporate decision making The Nigerian Communications Development, Canada. He is an to tackle digital exclusion for millions brings an international perspective and strategy at our company, and Commission (NCC) has solicited the independent/Non-Executive Director in the region. The company’s to Tizeti’s business. He is a Member position Tizeti firmly for the digital support of telecom consumers in complementing the Commission’s for Nampak Packaging Limited South impact over the last nine years of the Presidential Committee for economy.” important efforts to ensure improved telecoms service delivery in their communities. The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, long promotion went live on and huge turnout of walk-in Konga’s 10th Anniversary, several Prof. Umar Danbatta, made the Nosa Alekhuogie Wednesday, June 1, 2022. There customers for the Mid-Year incentives have been extended appeal at the second edition of the to customers of the e-commerce Village Square Dialogue (VSD), The maiden edition of the Konga has also been a huge spike in Shopping Festival. Among the product categories giant, including Treasure Hunts, one of the Commission’s consumer Mid-Year Shopping Festival, an order counts on the platform, with annual promotion by Nigeria’s shoppers eager to take advantage grabbing the attention of shoppers Flash Sales, Anniversary Deals, outreach programmes. leading e-commerce giant, which of the deluge of special offers on Konga’s platforms are assorted Store-only deals and free delivery The dialogue took place in kicked off last week, is witnessing and deals rolled out by Konga. items from Computing, Home for Konga Prime shoppers. Danbatta Local Government massive interest among shoppers In addition, feedback reveals & Kitchen, Mobile, FMCG and Shoppers have equally enjoyed an Area, Kano State recently with a that the traffic is not limited to Electronics, among others. exciting offer of an additional 10 focus on, ‘Protection of Telecom across the country. Since the commencement of the per cent discount off all purchases Infrastructure for Improved Quality Checks reveal that the Konga online shoppers. Konga retail website has received significantly stores across Nigeria have all Mid-Year Shopping Festival, which made using their Access Bank of Service: The Role of Residents.’ increased visits since the month- recorded increased footfalls coincides with the celebration of debit cards or OPay virtual cards. While addressing telecom

Tizeti Names Ikazoboh as Chairman, Appoints New Board Members

Born and raised on a south London Council Estate, William Adoasi who founded high-end watch brand Vitae London in 2016 said 5 per cent of every lucrative Vitae London purchased is helping to transform the lives of children in Africa to have access to sound education. “Education is key to overcoming poverty yet over 20 per cent of children in sub-Sahara Africa are out of primary school education. We combine fashion and compassion to combat this challenge in Africa. We have been able to support over 5,000 children’s education with the provision of scholarship and school uniforms,” Adoasi added.

NCC Urges Communities to Protect Telecom Infrastructure, Solicits Support

Shoppers Storm Konga for Mid-year Shopping Festival

consumers and traditional rulers at the forum, Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, said to ensure improved telecom service delivery, a community must protect telecom infrastructure in its vicinity by allowing the installations of equipment and maintenance or repairs on sites by technical staff of service providers. Danbatta also enjoined members of respective communities to guard against destruction of telecoms infrastructure, through prompt notification of service providers of any ongoing road construction activities by companies or government agencies to avoid service disruption that may arise from damaged infrastructure.

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ,JUNE 9, 2022

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Chiemelie Ezeobi ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Giving Back to Society through Seplat ‘Eye Can See’ Programme The Eye Can See initiative is the signature Corporate Social Responsibility health programme of Seplat Energy designed to provide quality eye care for people in its host communities. The aim is to prevent and reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses and treat other eye-related problems. Chiamaka Ozulumba reports that the initiative has so far had 86,226 patients screened, 38,555 glasses dispensed and 3,757 eye surgeries performed successfully

Beneﬁciaries of Seplat Eye Can See Health Initiative

he palace of the Benin Monarch on Tuesday and Wednesday May 24 and 25, 2022, in Benin City became a beehive of activities as members of the public comprising all age-grades and strata trooped into the palace to benefit as Seplat Energy Plc, a leading indigenous energy company kicked off its 2022 “Eye Can See” health programme, a Seplat/NPDC Joint Venture (JV) initiative to render free eye care services to members of its host communities and in turn improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people and Africa at large. The Eye Can See initiative is the signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) health programme of Seplat Energy designed to provide quality eye care for people in Seplat’s host communities, prevent and reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses and treat other eye-related problems. Seplat Eye Can See, a flag-ship CSR healthcare programme, the initiative of Seplat Energy, commenced 12 years ago and has so far had 86,226 patients screened, 38,555 glasses dispensed and 3,757 eye surgeries performed successfully. In Africa, almost 6 million people are affected by glaucoma while 0.5 million are already blind. The top priority for most Ministries of health are HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria so eye care is relatively tiny, with limited resources. Dr. Amel Meddeb-Ouertani, Executive Vice-President, Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology, while explaining on why we need to come together to tackle glaucoma especially in Africa, in her publication, ‘Glaucoma Challenges in Africa’ said that Africa is the poorest region in the world: ½ of the population live on less than 1 $/ day. Millions of people don’t have access to health care in general and less than 25% currently have regular access to eye care services. In such a context and abject poverty, the prime concern for many is survival and seeking health care is a decision of last resort. Ophthalmic health care can’t be dissociated from health care in general or from economic growth. Healthy people are more productive, contribute more to the society and are more concerned about their well-being. Amel Meddeb-Ouertani mentioned that Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, particularly in Africa. In the article published and dated 12th March 2020, following the gathering of some notable experts at the Kampala meeting on Public health Control of Vision loss for Glaucoma, stated that “Glaucoma is the emergent priority for all eye health interventions”, and listed the following 5 main Challenges related to early detection, diagnosis and management of glaucoma in the Middle East-Africa region: Adequate Infrastructure: Need to ensure that training institutions, tertiary eye units and all high-volume eye units are accordingly equipped. Affordability & availability of Anti-Glaucoma Drugs: Need to set a national strategy for their

procurement and distribution. Availability of skilled personnel: Need to Identify, support, re-train and recruit personnel. Identify & support training institutions and the deployment of eye care teams from primary to tertiary levels Patients’ continuous education Need to develop a culturally sensitive IEC strategy -Target patients at risk Professional organizations, ophthalmological societies, advocacy organizations , civil societies, and NGO’S must use all means to influence the Ministries of health. They need to advocate to the technology and pharmaceutical companies to develop and distribute affordable equipment and drugs especially for African populations. Africa can’t afford the high price of medicine. (WTO) TRIPS agreement contains important flexibilities that can be used to access medicines (like compulsory license allowing local production of patent protected medicines). Pharmaceutical companies can support by developing differential pricing offers for drugs, whereby medicines are sold close to the cost of manufacture. Donors should develop incentives for research and development in health that meet Africa’s need. In the long-term viable markets must developed. The cost of Ophthalmic health care is a big issue that requires much effort for poor countries. It can’t be resolved without worldwide human solidarity. Thus, a Global Initiative involving all partners can make a real difference and such giant initiative has been undertaken by Seplat Energy Plc and sustained over the years with its Eye Can See programme.The 2022 opening ceremony of the programme was held at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City, Edo state on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. The free eye medicare that started the previous day, is being extended to rural communities in Edo and Delta states clustered in 13 centers in the subsequent days and weeks up to June 13 and 14, 2022. The Ongoing mind-blowing surgical operations on patients with different types of visual impairments are being successfully carried out, as the patients with serious cases that turned early for the exercise had successful surgeries and have regained their visions

clearly again. Other medications and glasses are being given to people that are coming for the free healthcare. It was a moment of outburst of joy from the patients when the plaster was removed from the eyes that were operated on and their visions and sights were perfectly restored as proven by a test. Many people that came for the free eye medicare were taken through a carefully arranged process; starting from the profiling point through the vital signs, test for blood sugar, before examination of their eyes and the prescription of appropriate medications by the numerous eye specialists that were on ground to attend to beneficiaries before they were given medicine and glasses. Speaking at the opening event, Seplat Energy Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, disclosed that the programme is targeted at men, women and children with various eye problems. She noted that Seplat intends to provide free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities, prevent and reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses and treat other related eye problems, educate patients on ways to care for their eyes and how to detect Glaucoma, educate patients on lifestyle change to reduce the rates of Hypertension & Diabetes. Dr. Nwachuku, who was represented by Otokhine Emmanuel, Seplat Energy’s Western Assets Base Manager, said this was a flagship programme of Seplat in its quest to bringing smiles on the faces of the people in its host communities. She said, “This is our flagship health CSR programme and it is meant to deliver quality healthcare to people within the areas we operate. Usually, every year, we execute this programme in various centres across Edo State and Delta State, amongst other locations. We are committed to delivering health care to people, making a difference in the lives of people within the areas where we operate and that is why you will see us do programmes like this.” “We also have educational improvement programmes such as the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programmes (STEP); PEARLS

“Seplat Eye Can See, a flag-ship CSR healthcare programme, the initiative of Seplat Energy, commenced 12 years ago and has so far had 86,226 patients screened, 38,555 glasses dispensed and 3,757 eye surgeries performed successfully”

Quiz for secondary school students; we have our rested Safe Motherhood programme, which is geared towards supporting pregnant women and mothers. We also have community development projects where we carry out development of our communities such as construction of roads, construction of hospitals and even funding of those hospitals, and ensuring that our communities get the right support. She also encouraged participants to kindly inform their relations and loved ones in Seplat Western locations to access the programme at the centre’s closest to them, adding that Seplat is ever committed to its hosts communities. The Edo State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, represented by Dr. Stephenson Ojefo, said the state government aligned with Seplat Energy in providing quality healthcare delivery to its citizens, maintaining that few weeks ago, the state government partnered with the Association of Nigerians Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) in carrying out free medical surgeries on its citizens; of which the Seplat Energy Eye Can See Programme is a consolidation of the agenda. Prof. Akoria said the state government was ever ready to providing Seplat the enabling environment to thrive in the state just as she said the state will always ask for more from them. The Assistant Director, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Delta State, Mr. Jude Mordi, who represented the Secretary to the State Government, while commending Seplat for its impact in the society, said it has stood out among its peers in the past 12 years in rendering free eye surgeries and screenings to its host communities just as he called on other companies to emulate Seplat. For Mr. John Onyekama, Manager, External Affairs, NPDC, who represented company’s Managing Director, Ali Muhammad Zarah, said the company and its partner (Seplat Energy) have been carrying out its job in its host communities without hindrances and thus giving back to the society is a welcome development. Expressing her appreciation to the organisers of the event after the free eye surgery, Madam Okao Ekogiawere Omorogbe, a beneficiary, said that she was happy that she could see very well with her eyes again. The aged woman thanked Seplat/NPDC for the initiative, the Oba of Benin Ewuare II for making his palace available and the state government for providing the enabling environment for the exercise to take place. Similarly, another beneficiary, Prince Victor Ehue, said if he had gone to the hospital to carry out the eye surgery, he would have spent hundreds of thousands in naira for the operation, adding that Seplat Energy/NPDC has done it for him for free. Seplat Energy Eye Can See is indeed one that is urgently needed and a call for emulation by other corporate entities who have the health interest of the communities where they operate at heart.

T H I S D AY ˾ ,JUNE 9, 2022

NEWS

FERTILITY

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

Group Urges FG to Enforce Smoke-free Public Places Policy Sexual Dysfunction In Male (Part 2) Adedayo Akinwale ÓØ ÌßÔË 5IF $PSQPSBUF "DDPVOUBCJMJUZ BOE 1VCMJD 1BSUJDJQBUJPO "GSJDB $"11" IBT DBMMFE on the federal government UP FOGPSDF TNPLF GSFF QVCMJD places policy as part of effort to curtail the health hazard DBVTFE CZ UPCBDDP It lamented that 80 per cent of over 8 million people that die every year due to UPCBDDP VTF BOE FYQPTVSF to secondhand smoke in MPX BOE NJEEMF JODPNF DPVOUSJFT VOEFS XIJDI /JHFSJB is categorised. The Executive Director of UIF (SPVQ .S "LJOCPEF 0MVXBGFNJ NBEF UIF DBMM while addressing a press conference on Monday in "CVKB 8PSME /P 5PCBDDP %BZ 8/5% He said from cultivation which involves the use of pesticides that are harmful UP UPCBDDP HSPXFST UP UIF DVUUJOH BOE CVSOJOH PG USFFT GPS UPCBDDP DVSJOH XIJDI MFBET UP EFGPSFTUBUJPO PG BCPVU million hectares of land are destroyed each year and the use of large quantities of water UP DVMUJWBUF UPCBDDP UIF IFBMUI of man and the ecosystem is negatively impacted, and climate resilience reduced. 0MVXBGFNJ OPUFE UIBU in the manufacturing of DJHBSFUUFT UPCBDDP DPNQBOJFT BSF CFMJFWFE UP DPOUSJCVUF NFHBUPOT PG DBSCPO EJPYJEF equivalent to Greenhouse gases. )JT XPSET i%JTUVSCJOHMZ CFDBVTF PG TUSJOHFOU MBXT JO UIF (MPCBM /PSUI NPTU PG UIF UPCBDDP DPSQPSBUJPOT IBWF SFMPDBUFE UP MPX BOE NJEEMF JODPNF DPVOUSJFT MJLF /JHFSJB “As these companies con tinue their active marketing of lethal products in Africa, so do they also concentrate

BCPVU PG UPCBDDP QSP duction in the same region XIJDI OPX CFBST UIF IJHIFTU FOWJSPONFOUBM CVSEFOT “80 per cent of over 8 million people that die every ZFBS EVF UP UPCBDDP VTF BOE exposure to secondhand TNPLF JO MPX BOE NJEEMF income countries under which /JHFSJB JT DBUFHPSJ[FEu 0MVXBGFNJ TUSFTTFE UIBU BT /JHFSJB KPJOT UIF HMPCBM community in commemorating UIF 8/5% UIF /JHFSJBO HPWFSONFOU BOE UIF QVCMJD health community should SFWJTJU UIF TUBUVT PG UPCBDDP control in the country, es pecially the enforcement PG UIF TNPLF GSFF QVCMJD places policy contained in UIF /BUJPOBM 5PCBDDP $POUSPM /5$ "DU He explained that the JOEPPS QVCMJD QMBDFT where smoking was restricted listed in the 4FDPOE 4DIFEVMF PG UIF "DU include; healthcare facilities, primary and secondary education facilities, shops, police stations and prisons, higher education facilities, transport facilities, theaters, cinemas, and stadiums among others. The executive director noted that unfortunately, 4FDUJPO PG UIF "DU provides for designated TNPLJOH BSFBT UP CF DSFBUFE where there are “sufficient OVNCFS PG SPPNTu XIFSF TNPLJOH XBT QSPIJCJUFE He pointed out that the provision falls short of UIF PCMJHBUJPOT PG QBSUJFT implementing Article 8 of UIF 8)0 '$5$ PO QSPWJE ing effective protection GSPN QVCMJD BOE XPSLQMBDF FYQPTVSF UP UPCBDDP TNPLF 0MVXBGFNJ BEEFE i#FDBVTF PG UIF MBDVOB JO UIF "DU /J gerians, including children are daily exposed to secondhand

TNPLF JO NBOZ JOEPPS QVCMJD TQBDFT OPO TNPLFST XPSLJOH JO CBST BOE SFTUBVSBOUT XIFSF cigarettes, shisha and other UPCBDDP QSPEVDUT BSF CSB[FOMZ displayed and consumed are BMTP WJDUJNT u )F TBJE BT /JHFSJBOT DPO tend with the environmental JNQBDUT PG UPCBDDP UIFZ BMTP grapple with the invasion of the media and entertainment TQBDF CZ UIF UPCBDDP JOEVTUSZ which actively promotes and glamourizes smoking JO DPOUFOU XBUDIFE CZ CPUI adults and children. 0MVXBGFNJ OPUFE UIBU UIF TDSFFOJOH PG /JHFSJBO NPWJFT CZ $"11" JO PVU PG XIJDI IBE UPCBDDP footage/paraphernalia in UIF CBDLHSPVOE GVSUIFS reinforces convictions that UIF UPCBDDP JOEVTUSZ BMTP has a stranglehold on the creative arts industry. *O UIF MJHIU PG UIF BCPWF $"11" DBMMFE PO UIF HPW FSONFOU UP i3FJOWJHPSBUF the enforcement of the TNPLF GSFF QVCMJD QMBDFT QPMJDZ &OGPSDF UIF CBO PO 5PCBDDP "EWFSUJTJOH 1SPNPUJPO BOE 4QPOTPSTIJQT 5"14 CBO BT JU QFSUBJOT to the entertainment and movies sector. i1SPNPUF JOUFS BHFODZ DPMMBCPSBUJPO BOE TZOFSHZ in the enforcement of the CBO PO 5"14 BOE UIF TNPLF GSFF QVCMJD QMBDFT policy. Initiate or strengthen TDIFNFT UP NBLF UPCBDDP NBOVGBDUVSFST SFTQPOTJCMF for the environmental and FDPOPNJD DPTUT PG UPCBDDP QSPEVDU XBTUF u It also urged the govern ment to provide support to UPCBDDP GBSNFST UP TXJUDI UP BMUFSOBUJWF NPSF WJBCMF BOE TVTUBJOBCMF MJWFMJIPPET to reduce the environmental JNQBDU PG UPCBDDP HSPXJOH curing, and manufacturing.

Nordica Fibroid Centre Celebrates 100 Successful Non Invasive Surgery for Women Rebecca Ejifoma /PSEJDB 'JCSPJE $BSF $FOUSF JO -BHPT IBT DFMFCSBUFE UIF TVDDFTTGVM USFBUNFOU PG XPNFO XJUI VUFSJOF àCSPJET and adenomyosis through OPO JOWBTJWF TVSHFSJFT called the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology. The Medical Director/ $&0 /PSEJDB 'JCSPJET $BSF $FOUSF %S "CBZPNJ Ajayi, told newsmen during a virtual interview to mark the milestone. 4JODF +VMZ MBTU ZFBS the facility opened, Ajayi narrated that the women were relieved of uterine GJCSPJE BOE BEFOPNZPTJT CPUI DPNNPO HZOBFDPMPHJDBM DPOEJUJPOT BNPOH /JHFSJBO XPNFO BU UIF /PSEJDB 'J CSPJE $BSF $FOUSF -BHPT the first HIFU centre in West Africa and the third in Africa after Egypt and 4PVUI "GSJDB i XPNFO IBWF IBE the opportunity to get rid PG àCSPJET BOE BEFOPNZPTJT that may have defined their

MJWFT CFGPSF UIFZ EJE UIF QSPDFEVSF u IF SFDPVOUFE Ajayi said from the facil ity in Lekki, that they have treated women from all walks of life from across the country. “We are delighted every time a woman walks into our GBDJMJUZ XJUI àCSPJET BOE PS adenomyosis and she leaves a few hours later devoid of UIF UPSNFOU PG IFS BJMNFOU u says the MD. For Ajayi, the relief they see on the faces of those women delights them that the investment they have made JO UIJT BSFB PG VUFSJOF àCSPJE NBOBHFNFOU JT CSJOHJOH succour to the women folk who would ordinarily have CFFO TDBSFE PG PQFO TVSHFSZ and may have decided to live with the pain, discomfort, CMPPE MPTT Ajayi emphasised: “We have saved many women from the SJTL PG CMPPE USBOTGVTJPO anaesthesia and loss of NBO IPVST BU XPSL “The HIFU treatment is done with a special Magnetic 3FTPOBODF *NBHJOH .3* B machine that produces sound

waves focused on one small TFDUJPO PG UIF àCSPJE u In HIFU, he explained fur ther, the rays are focused on a predetermined small section PG UIF àCSPJE TVSSPVOEJOH tissues are not affected. 5IF /PSEJDB .% PVUMJOFE UIBU UIF UI TFSWJDF TIPXT their commitment to working tirelessly to help more women access the HIFU technology UP EFBM XJUI àCSPJET According to medical experts, 70 to 80 per cent of women will develop VUFSJOF àCSPJET CZ UIF BHF PG 3FTFBSDI BMTP TIPXT UIBU BCPVU TFWFO JO FWFSZ CMBDL BSF BGGFDUFE CZ àCSPJET )FODF UIF /PSEJDB 'JCSPJE Care Centre continues in its quest to save more women GSPN VUFSJOF àCSPJET JO /JHFSJB BOE 8FTU "GSJDB among others through the HIFU technology. Ajayi added: “It is a call for us to reach out to more XPNFO MJWJOH JO /JHFSJB BOE UIF 8FTU "GSJDBO TVC SFHJPO to take advantage of HIFU and improve the quality of UIFJS MJWFT u

ast week, we started a topic on sexual dysfunction in male. We discussed on erectile dysfunction and its causes. This week, we will conclude with its symptoms, effects in fertility, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION Erectile dysfunction symptoms may include persistent: r 5SPVCMF HFUUJOH BO FSFDUJPO r 5SPVCMF LFFQJOH BO FSFDUJPO r 3FEVDFE TFYVBM EFTJSF EFFECT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN FERTILITY *OGFSUJMJUZ DBO CF BGGFDUFE CZ JOBCJMJUZ UP NBJOUBJO an erection during intercourse in two ways: sex BOE NFOUBMJUZ 8JUIPVU UIF BCJMJUZ UP SFNBJO àSN UIF BDU PG QFOFUSBUJPO BOE DIJMECJSUI XJMM CF EJGàDVMU 5IBU JT UIF NPSF PCWJPVT SFBTPO CVU &% BMTP DBVTFT SFMBUJPOTIJQ QSPCMFNT XIJDI DBO have an impact on fertility. Failure to conceive within the timeframe that the couple has set for themselves can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and panic. These emotions can have an effect on the hormones that women produce when UIFZ PWVMBUF MPXFSJOH UIFJS DIBODFT PG CFDPNJOH pregnant. The same is true for men, as stress can reduce sperm count. This is why treating ED QSJPS UP USZJOH UP DPODFJWF JT DSJUJDBM CFDBVTF JU will prevent future challenges. DIAGNOSIS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION A physical exam and medical history are often all that is required for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment. However *G ZPV IBWF DISPOJD IFBMUI QSPCMFNT PS UIF EPDUPS suspects that an underlying condition is at work, you may require additional tests or a consultation with a specialist doctor( Urologist). Tests for underlying conditions may include: r 1IZTJDBM FYBN 5IJT NBZ JODMVEF B thorough examination of the penis and testicles, as well as a test of the nerves for sensation. r #MPPE UFTUT #MPPE TBNQMF NBZ CF TFOU UP B MBC UP CF UFTUFE GPS TJHOT PG IFBSU EJTFBTF EJBCFUFT MPX UFTUPTUFSPOF MFWFMT BOE PUIFS IFBMUI issues. r 6SJOF UFTUT VSJOBMZTJT 6SJOF UFTUT NBZ BMTP CF VTFE UP EFUFDU EJBCFUFT BOE PUIFS underlying health conditions. r 6MUSBTPVOE 5IJT UFTU JT VTVBMMZ QFSGPSNFE CZ B TQFDJBMJTU " XBOE MJLF EFWJDF USBOTEVDFS JT IFME PWFS UIF CMPPE WFTTFMT UIBU TVQQMZ UIF QFOJT It generates a video image that the doctor can use UP EFUFSNJOF JG ZPV IBWF CMPPE áPX JTTVFT 5IJT test is sometimes performed in conjunction with a medication injected into the penis to increase CMPPE áPX BOE QSPEVDF BO FSFDUJPO r 1TZDIPMPHJDBM FYBN 5IF EPDUPS NBZ ask questions to screen for depression or other psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. PREVENTION Making healthy lifestyle choices and managing BOZ FYJTUJOH IFBMUI DPOEJUJPOT BSF UIF CFTU XBZT to prevent erectile dysfunction such as: r .BOBHJOHEJBCFUFT IFBSU EJTFBTF BOE other chronic health conditions. r 7JTJU UIF DMJOJD GPS SFHVMBS DIFDLVQT BOE medical screening tests. r 4UPQ TNPLJOH MJNJU PS BWPJE BMDPIPM consumption, and avoid using illegal drugs. r 5BLF TUFQT UP SFEVDF TUSFTT r 4FFL USFBUNFOU GPS BOYJFUZ EFQSFTTJPO or other mental health issues.

53&"5.&/5 The first thing the doctor will do is ensure that you are receiving appropriate treatment for BOZ NFEJDBM DPOEJUJPOT UIBU NBZ CF DBVTJOH PS worsening your erectile dysfunction. 5IFSF NBZ CF TFWFSBM USFBUNFOU PQUJPOT depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction, as well as any underlying health conditions. The clinician will explain the SJTLT BOE CFOFàUT PG FBDI USFBUNFOU BOE XJMM take your preferences into account. r 0SBMNFEJDBUJPOT &SFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO drugs for men are effective. These medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemi DBM QSPEVDFE CZ UIF CPEZ UIBU SFMBYFT QFOJMF NVTDMFT 5IJT JODSFBTFT CMPPE áPX BMMPXJOH ZPV UP PCUBJO BO FSFDUJPO JO SFTQPOTF UP TFYVBM stimulation. r 5FTUPTUFSPOF SFQMBDFNFOU 4PNF QFPQMF TVGGFS GSPN FSFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO XIJDI NBZ CF MBSHFMZ DBVTFE CZ MPX UFTUPTUFSPOF MFWFMT *O UIJT DBTF UFTUPTUFSPOF SFQMBDFNFOU UIFSBQZ NBZ CF QSFTDSJCFE BT UIF àSTU TUFQ PS HJWFO JO DPOKVODUJPO with other treatments. r 1FOJT QVNQT " QFOJT QVNQ WBDVVN FSFDUJPO EFWJDF JT B IPMMPX UVCF UIBU DPOUBJOT B IBOE PS CBUUFSZ QPXFSFE QVNQ 5IJT UVCF JT placed over the penis, and the pump is used UP TVDL UIF BJS PVU PG UIF UVCF 5IJT QSPEVDFT B WBDVVN XIJDI ESBXT CMPPE JOUP UIF QFOJT When you get an erection, you wrap a tension SJOH BSPVOE UIF CBTF PG UIF QFOJT UP LFFQ UIF CMPPE JO BOE UIF FSFDUJPO àSN 5IF WBDVVN device is then removed. Typically, the erection lasts long enough for a couple to have sex. r 1FOJMF JNQMBOUT 5IJT QSPDFEVSF FOUBJMT TVSHJDBMMZ JNQMBOUJOH EFWJDFT PO CPUI TJEFT PG UIF QFOJT 5IFTF JNQMBOUT BSF NBEF PG JOáBUBCMF PS NBMMFBCMF CFOEBCMF SPET :PV DBO DPOUSPM when and how long you have an erection with UIF JOáBUBCMF EFWJDFT 5IF NBMMFBCMF SPET TVQ QPSU UIFQFOJT XIJMF BMMPXJOH JU UP CFOE 1FOJMF implants are usually not recommended unless BMM PUIFS PQUJPOT IBWF CFFO FYIBVTUFE r &YFSDJTF &YFSDJTF QBSUJDVMBSMZ NPEFSBUF UP WJHPSPVT BFSPCJD BDUJWJUZ IBT CFFO TIPXO JO recent studies to improve erectile dysfunction. 3FHVMBS MFTT TUSFOVPVT FYFSDJTF NBZ SFEVDF UIF risk of erectile dysfunction. Increasing level of activity may also help to lower risk. r 1TZDIPMPHJDBM DPVOTFMJOH 8IFO FSFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO JT DBVTFE CZ TUSFTT BOYJFUZ PS depression, or if the condition is causing stress and relationship tension, the doctor may advise you or your partner to see a psychologist or counselor. CONCLUSION Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not an exciting topic for many men to discuss. Men who have performance issues during sexual intercourse BSF VTVBMMZ FNCBSSBTTFE BTIBNFE BOE FWFO depressed. However, health concerns like this TIPVME CF EJTDVTTFE XJUI B USVTUFE QIZTJDJBO CFDBVTF UIJT JTTVF BGGFDUT OPU POMZ UIF QFSTPO FYQFSJFODJOH UIF QSPCMFN CVU BMTP UIFJS SPNBOUJD partner. Erectile dysfunction affects couples’ mental health and makes it difficult for them to conceive in addition to the physical aspect of OPU CFJOH BCMF UP NBJOUBJO BO FSFDUJPO EVSJOH JOUFSDPVSTF JT WFSZ XPSSJTPNF *U JT BEWJTBCMF ZPV DPNNVOJDBUF PQFOMZ BOE IPOFTUMZ BCPVU ZPVS DPOEJUJPO 5SFBUNFOU DBO CF NPSF TVDDFTTGVM when involving your partner in most cases.

T H I S D AY ˾ , JUNE 9, 2022

NEWS

Experts Encourage Parents to Vaccinate Children Under Five against Measles ˾ ÓÍÕÝ ÙÐÐ ×ÏËÝÖÏÝ ÍË×ÚËÓÑØ ÓØ ßØÏ ËÍÜÙÝÝ ËÑÙÝ ÞËÞÏ Rebecca Ejifoma

Participants at the CS-SUNN Capacity Building Training

CS-SUNN Organises Capacity Building of Journalists for Improved Nutrition Reportage Igbawase Ukumba ÓØ ËʨË The Civil Society-Scalling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), last week in Abuja, organised a three-day capacity building of journalists for improved nutrition reportage and visibility. The CS-SUNN’s three-day media capacity building was aimed at improving the understanding of the media on the impact of malnutrition, media’s capacity for effective nutrition reporting and securing media’s commitment to writing nutrition stories based on agreed nutrition themes. In a communique issued at the end of the capacity building

training, participants called on governments at all levels to address the issue of inadequate funding as a major driver of malnutrition and improve investments for nutrition programmes. They also advocated for a move from emergency treatment of malnutrition to preventive and provision of routine nutritional services. The communique read: “Journalists should be creative and innovative in their reportage of nutrition issues. The media should drive discussions around nutrition with all relevant stakeholders. “Journalists should link nutrition reportage with relevant

sectors. Stories from media practitioners on nutrition should be compelling and solutions based with in-depth research.” The communique urged the media not to concentrate on health pages and programs alone, but to look into other non-health related issues and link nutrition to them. “Journalists should explore collaborative story development, cross border reporting with adequate scientific research and data analysis for greater development impact. “They should develop skills to monitor, track, analyse and report budgetary allocations for

nutrition,” the communique added. The communique also encouraged Journalists to embark on field investigations on related community-based related interventions such as Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Centres, etc and translate findings from the field to stories. Participants at the capacity building training were drawn from media platforms from five states of Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna and Kano, including Abuja where CS-SUNN is currently implementing the Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS).

To save children under five from measles and preventable deaths, health experts have encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their children aged zero months to five years get vaccinated. The experts also assured parents that the vaccine is effective, safe, and free, hence, the Lagos State government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organisation will carry out measles vaccination campaign from June 17 this year. As noted at the Media Orientation on Measles Vaccination Campaign in Lagos, the vaccination campaign, which will last for three weeks, is in two phases. Areas to benefit from the phase one are Agege, Ajeromi, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Surulere for the phase one. Phase two will be held in Ifako-Ijaiye, Apapa, Ikeja, Oshodi-Isolo, Ojo, Epe. Kosofe, Shomolu, Etinosa, and Mushin. “We will be vaccinating children in nursery and primary schools. Children from nine months old to five years will be given the measles vaccine. “Children age six months to five years will also have the opportunity to get vitamin A supplement which is just a capsule that will be opened and dropped into their mouth,” says the Mrs Owojuyigbe, Director, Health Education and Health Promotion Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health. She also listed the importance of Vitamin A including improving sight and preventing blindness in children and may reduce mortality rate from numerous diseases in children. The director, however, cautioned that what fuels measles is densely populated areas, poorly ventilated environments, sharing eating utensils, kissing and sharing towels. According to Owojuyigbe, if a child has reduced immunity he’s susceptible to measles, which is highly contagious. “We’ll have teams of technical officers and others like nurses and community health workers trained to give injections.” During her presentation, the Social and Behavioural Change Communication Consultant for UNICEF, Amina Yahaya, mentioned that even though the vaccine is safe and cost-effective, there were more than 140,000 measles deaths globally in 2018, mostly among children under five. Measles vaccination, she said, resulted in a 73 per cent drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2018 worldwide Citing a data in 2018, Yahaya said about 86 per cent of the world’s children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services — up from 72 per cent in 2000. “During year 2000 and 2018, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 23.2 million deaths, making the measles vaccine one of the best buys in public health,” the consultant recallled.

Physicians Encourage Food Handlers on Proper Storage, Better Hygiene Healthcare Firm Recommends Energy against Food Poisoning Medicine for Healthy Living

˾ ÓÑÒÖÓÑÒÞ ØÏÏÎÝ ÐÙÜ ÜÏÖÏàËØÞ ÐÙÙÎ ÚÙÖÓÍÓÏÝ Rebecca Ejifoma To reduce the spate of diseases and death from food poisoning in the country while also ensuring food safety, public health physicians have harped on the need for proper food storage, better health and screening of food handlers nationwide. The physicians made the resolve at the official flag-off of Comprehensive Health Advocacy and Screening of Food Handlers/ Consumers from selected Local Government Areas in Lagos state by the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). The Director-General of NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako, in his remarks, enjoined cooks and food handlers across the country to religiously practise good personal hygiene and food preparation to curtail the spread of diseases. According to Salako, food could be a way of introducing diseases and infections to the human body; hence, food must be safe for consumption. He emphasised: “Food is very important both for animals and humans. Without food, survival is very difficult. Also, food could be a way of introducing diseases and infections to the human body. So we talk about food

safety and food security. And we know that there are quite a number of foodborne diseases.” He, however, bemoaned that some of the diseases that are ravaging Nigeria and the leading causes of deaths also come from the food people eat. “Maybe not directly from the food itself,” he pointed out, “but the contaminated food that we eat, we believe that we need to look in that direction to reduce illness due to food contamination and also death due to food contamination.” To do this effectively, the DG noted that they have categorised the food handlers into the restaurants, the bukas, and the roadside food sellers among others. While outlining that many of the food handlers may not have been trained in the area of food safety, Salako insisted that there was need for relevant policies on food safety. The NIMR boss, therefore, implored food handlers to maintain good hygiene at all times by embracing regular hand washing before and after cooking. Accordingly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 600 million – almost one in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food while

420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs). It also outlined that children under five years of age carry 40 per cent of the foodborne disease burden, with 125,000 deaths every year. Consequently, WHO cautioned that foodborne diseases impede socioeconomic development by straining health care systems and harming national economies, tourism and trade. With this, a Molecular Biology expert at NIMR, Prof Stella Smith, acknowledged that food safety is one of the most significant public health issues globally. She also insisted that since the majority of Nigerians consume foods out of their homes, over 200 diseases are caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances such as heavy metals. The expert said: “They can result from several forms of environmental contamination including pollution in water, soil or air as well as unsafe food storage and processing.” Smith further listed lack of storage facilities, lack of regulation, lack of power, non availability of space, and food contamination as food safety challenges.

She, therefore, recommended proper storage of food as a critical part of maintaining high catering standards, while improper handling, processing and storage of food result in food contamination. To ensure safe food within the value chain, Smith maintained that all stakeholders including policymakers (government), food vendors, farmers, researchers, and industry among others must be involved. The Director of Central Research Laboratory, NIMR, Dr Bamidele Iwalokun said food vendors or handlers in Nigeria are also contributing to the problem of Antibiotic Resistance. “Poor food hygiene practices are a threat to food safety and food security.” Meanwhile, Iwalokun expressed that the threats could be stopped along the food supply chain with food vendors playing a key role. “Adding to the threat posed by foodborne pathogens is antibiotic resistance. Food-borne pathogens remain an important threat to food safety and public health in Nigeria. “Food vendors/food handlers can contribute to the menace of food-borne pathogens as sources of their spread through poor food hygiene and safety practices.”

˾ ÏÍÕÙØÝ ÙØ ÓÑÏÜÓËØÝ ÞÙ ÍÙ×Ï ÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏ ÓÞÝ ÏØÏÜÑã ÜÙÙ× ÓØ ËÑÙÝ ÐÙÜ ÐÜÏÏ Rebecca Ejifoma A health care firm, Lilong International Nigeria Limited, has recommended the use of the biotech research for infrared energy spectrum for preventive and curative health care. The energy medicine is said to prevent and cure ailments including diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections among others. At the first anniversary held in Lagos, the Country Manager in Nigeria for Lilong International, Mr. Hao Wangjun, described the firm as a biotechnology company strong in research, development and biotech research. “Over the years, we have tailored our research within the scope of what we call energy medicine. “Energy medicine has been with us but what Lilong has brought to Nigeria is this concern called the far infrared energy spectrum project,” says Wangjun. According to the manager, this captures the far infrared spectrum of the sun within the white spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation coming from the sun, which is put in the energy room. “Essentially”, he continued, far infrared contains amazing health benefits for mankind. After so much research has gone into this, they discovered that this is not only safe, it has great health benefits. Wangjun emphasised also that their concept revolves around three major issues: microcirculation, resonance effect and the thermal effect. Reacting to its anniversary, Pharm. Adebayo Temenu, a lead member in the firm, said it was celebrated to appreciate Lilong customers and partners in Nigeria over the last one year. Temenu highlighted: “Our experience centre in Lagos is open and available free of charge. People can come to enjoy the far infrared energy spectrum without paying a dime.”

T H I S D AY ˾ , JUNE 9, 2022

HEALTH

Lupus Haven Foundation Relieves Rivers Community of Health Challenges Worried about the rising cases of lupus in the country, a group under the aegis of Lupus Haven Foundation, embarked on a health awareness campaign in communities in the Rivers State. Blessing Ibunge reports that residents and indigenes of Oyigbo and part of Port Harcourt Local GovernmentAreas benefited from the awareness and free medical care

Diﬀerent sections of the healthcare delivery at the medical outreach by Lupus Haven Foundation in Rivers State

ver 350 persons benefited from the free healthcare delivery by a non governmental organisation, Lupus Haven Foundation in communities in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The group in its two days free medical outreach had a free blood pressure test, blood sugar test, malaria treatments with distribution of free medicines and free eye test was conducted with prescription glasses for about 225 beneficiaries in Oyigbo. At Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, about 100 persons benefited from free liver and kidney tests by Lupus Haven, even as the group continued the medical outreach and public enlightenment on health. The group also sensitised the public on Lupus disease. A Medical Doctor and Rheumatologist, Dr. Tralagba Uchechukwu, at the event expressed worries over increasing cases of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, (SLE), as she sought increased awareness for early detection. Lupus, according to the expert, is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the body tissues; such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Speaking at the Lupus Awareness Programme organised by Lupus Haven Foundation in Port Harcourt, Ucheckukwu said symptoms include extreme fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, swollen face, rash, fever others, adding that these symptoms can periodically get worse, warning that if it’s not detected early could lead to death. The medical expert who is a Senior Resident Doctor, Rheumatology Unit at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, said the disease was not a death sentence, regretting that many lupus patients have ignorantly ended up in spiritual homes, instead of seeking medical help. “Lupus is a condition that the cause is not known but it occurs more in women of children bearing age between ages 18 and 45 years. “Lupus is not like malaria that can be cured, it can only be managed because it is in the blood. There are no drugs that can completely eradicate

Victim of Lupus Disease and daughter of the founder of the organisation, Ijeoma Ozigbu, attending to patients at the free medical outreach in Rivers

it, drugs can only keep it under control. With correct treatment, people living with lupus can still go ahead to live a normal life. “Lupus is genetic; however there are factors that can trigger it, such as infections, the environment, and too much exposure to sunlight. It tends to flare up when a woman is pregnant hence those diagnosed must work together with their Rheumatologist. “We have a lot of cases in Nigeria, in Rivers state, we have seen over 30 cases in the last one year. So it’s no longer a rare disease, rather it’s under-recognised and undiagnosed. “It is not contagious; however, patients diagnosed with lupus will have to be on drugs for a long time. People need to know about this condition. People should be able to say I have lupus, and the average person will be able to understand just like malaria.” Founder of Lupus Haven and Parent of lupus patient, Mrs Pat Ozigbu, said she began the foundation after her daughter’s friend died of lupus. She also revealed that her daughter was diagnosed of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus On why the foundation was established Mrs Ozigbu said, “My daughter suffered the disease and in the process of treatment, we discovered that most Nigerians, including medical Doctors, personnel were not aware of it and the cost of treatment is very high, we decided to open the foundation to touch lives of Nigerians who are suffering the disease. “However, since Lupus is not the only disease that is affecting and killing Nigerians, we decided to expand the goodwill to reach people that are suffering other ailments, including the most common and equal deadly ones like malaria, typhoid, highland pressure, diabetes as well as eye, sight related cases, among others. Speaking further on the origin of the group, she said, “The foundation began on December 14, 2019 (3years ago)”. Stressing that anybody can come down with Lupus disease at any time of life and that it does not have any age bracket, she

added that her daughter on whose behalf the foundation was set, noticed it when she was 20 years old, but it was diagnosed when she was 25 years old. “And because most people do not know about the disease, when the foundation was set up, we started with Lupus awareness walk round major streets and roads in Port Harcourt in 2019. By then, there were no Lupus disease doctors in the entire Rivers State, they used to be in Lagos and Abuja, but luckily now, a few doctors are now in Port Harcourt.” She revealed “After the awareness walk in 2019, in 2020 we went to Buguma in AsariToru Local Government Area of Rivers, twice for free medical outreach, and twice in Port Harcourt City LGA last year (2021) and now we are here in a community in Oyibo LGA for the first leg in this year, another one will be held during my Lupus Survivor daughter in the month of December in another part of the state. “As part of this year’s outreach, free kidney and liver function tests were carried for those that needed it to crown the exercise for the month of May”. Asked the choice of the period for the outreach Ozigbo said, “month of May is declared Lupus month, it is a period set aside globally to create awareness of the disease, while December is the birth month of the person affected with the disease. “Rather than celebrate her special day quietly or loudly with friends and family members alone, she uses the period to make people know about the disease and to touch lives, preaching the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. Asked the number of persons they expected to reach out to in the medical event she said “Today, we intended to see about 150 patients, but on our record, the number of persons, including children who have registered is about 350, and more people are still coming, we are prepared and ready from them, including our eye section, we have enough consumables

for everyone that will come.” she assured. Also, a lupus patient and daughter of the founder of the group, Miss Ijeoma Ozigbu, who was diagnosed of lupus eight years ago, advised people living with the disease to speak out so as to get the necessary medical support, regretted that in 2022 alone, four people have died of lupus. “In Nigeria we have a group (people with lupus) and the number keeps increasing. This year alone about four people have died of lupus, one of them was diagnosed late, and her family couldn’t afford to treat her. “Pregnancy makes it worse, I lost a friend a few years ago to lupus and that’s why my mom and I decided to start this foundation. She was pregnant, lupus affected her brain, she had an aneurysm and died.” Beneficiaries of the free medical care and sensitisation programme, appreciated the gesture by the foundation. Chief Ezekiel Iwela, who represented the Eze Oha Oyigbo (Oyigbo traditional leaders), told THISDAY “We are here to benefit from this free health medical by Lupus Haven Foundation. Members of my community are here. “Most of my people that came got their treatment and ran back to continue with their businesses. We want to thank them for assisting the community in tackling our different health challenges. We have a good community relationship with the organisation and it has benefitted us more”. The 64 year old Iwela revealed that “I had an eye check and at the end I was given a free glass”. Another beneficiary, Josephine Osoka, 73, said “Ill health brought me to this place so that the doctor can see me and direct his nurses on how to take care of me”. A young mother, who benefitted from the outreach alongside her children, revealed “They took care of my blood pressure challenge, treating my children malaria which they diagnosed during a health examination. “I appreciate God so much for bringing Lupus Haven Foundation to us because I know the monetary value if I should go to the hospital with my children. We were also educated on the disease’ Lupus”.

Biomedical Donates Deworming Drugs to Moro LG Public Schools A leading pharmaceutical company, Biomedical Limited has donated free deworming medicine to cater for hundreds of primary school pupils in Moro Local Government area of Kwara State. In an initiative which was flagged off last week at the presidential lodge in partnership with the Kwara State government, the company visited a couple of schools in the local government with the medicines. One of the schools visited was LGEA Primary School, Shao where several pupils were administered the oral suspension

drugs by the facilitator and the school teachers. Mrs. Adaara Bilkis, the headmistress of the school was full of praise for the initiative, which she said shows that the company cares about the well-being of the pupils in her school. She said, “On behalf of the management, we appreciate the Biomedical Limited who are here this morning to give our pupils free drugs. May God continue to elevate the company beyond their imaginations. This shows that they care about the well-being of our pupils.” Adaara however urged other

companies to emulate the Biomedical Limited in contributing their quota to the betterment of the society. “I want to urge other companies to take lessons from Biomedical Limited to contribute their quota to the betterment of the society, once again we’re very grateful, this will improve the health of our pupils a lot.” She said. In the same vein, the headboy of the school, Miracle Isaiah also expressed his happiness and gratitude on the gesture of the company saying that, “I want to thank the company greatly

for finding our school worthy, we are so happy.” Another pupil, Saadu Ramat also thanked the company, saying that, “ we are so happy and we say a big thank you to the company for the drugs”. A community leader, Kolawole Alade simply said, “ we are grateful to the company, this shows that they meant well for our children, I pray Almighty God repay them back in folds, we’re really happy.” Samuel Akanbi, another community member of Shao just like others, thanked the company for the donation, noting that, “we’re

so happy to receive the drugs and we say thank you to the company for the donation.” Speaking at the point of donation, the marketing manager of Biomedical Limited, Pharm. Watson Olojo who led the team, described the gesture as a contribution to the state which has been their host community over the years. He said, “this is a continuation of the flag off, a partnership with the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the state government, this is our contribution to the state, for the fact that Kwara State

is our host community, this is our corporate social responsibility programme.” Mohammed Abdulkareem Alabi, Education secretary of Moro Local Government Area said that , “ this is a welcome development and we really appreciate. This is a great effort by Biomedical Limited, however we want them to bring more so that it can circulate round our 155 primary schools here in Moro Local Government Area.” Another school that played host to the crew is LGEA primary school, Tepatan community of Moro Local Government Area.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JUNE 9, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

‘PPP in Renewable Energy Will Address Africa’s Energy Crisis’ Kasim Sumaina ÓØ ÌßÔË A leading indigenous firm in clean and renewable energy, JRB Solar Investment Limited, has advocated for the partnership between state-owned enterprises and private organisations in renewable energy development in order to quickly address Africa’s energy crisis The Chief Executive Officer of JRB Solar Investment Limited, Mr Jimoh Rauf Badamosi, speaking at the inaugural Nigeria-Africa Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit in Abuja, stated that sustainable energy remains the key for Africa’s socioeconomic development and warned that African Government’s must look seriously in that direction. He noted that Nigeria is home to some of the world’s best potential for clean, renewable energy which could be used to enhance productivity, create jobs and “improve the quality of life for our growing population.” According to him, JRB Solar Investment Limited has in the

past years installed huge megawatts of electricity through solar energy to power homes, rural communities and organisations in different parts of Nigeria adding that the company is working to triple the number across Africa in the coming years. “The reality on ground is that the private sector is currently the driving force behind much of the renewable energy projects in Africa. However, partnership between State-owned enterprises and private organisations will be a catalysing factor that will transform our energy sector “For us in JRB Solar Investment Limited, we are interested in a partnership with the Government of Nigeria which would enable us generate power through solar energy systems to support the national grid. The sun shines on every roof and it is only fair and sensible to let it address our energy needs.” Badamosi further said that more and more indigenous private renewable energy companies are springing up in Nigeria and indeed Africa, many

of which are capable of handling big projects. He therefore advocated for workable partnership between state-owned enterprises and private organisations to transform the energy sector. “I therefore urge our governments to put these companies into consideration when contracting for renewable energy projects. Having such confidence in indigenous renewable energy companies will further ensure the quicker socioeconomic transformation of the continent. On our part as a private enterprise, JRB Solar remains fully committed to supporting this collective effort with data, technical knowledge, products, services and advisory capabilities. “he said The summit was initiated to discover solutions, exhibit technologies and products that will lead to the growth and industrialization of Africa in a more climate friendly manner while also encouraging the development of financing of green energy projects.

EveryNanny Provides Vetted Nannies for New Moms EveryNanny, a foremost caregiver and recruitment agency in Nigeria, has launched a programme tagged: “Gift A Nanny” to provide vetted professionals to new moms for a period of one to six months. The agency, which is a onestop caregiver platform that was created to help families with stress-free parenting, elder care, housekeeping, and office cleaning services, has verified and trusted service providers registered to help those who require it. In a statement, Team Lead with EveryNanny, Adaobi Ugha said potential users should visit the agency’s website to browse the list of professional caregivers. She said visitors to the website may select a nanny and the duration of time they want to have the

nanny in employment based on budget, skill requirements, accommodation preferences, and more. According to her, vetted professionals listed on the website include babysitters, housekeepers, live-in nannies, and live-out nannies. She described the babysitter as a caregiver who looks after a child or children on an hourly basis only and is usually much younger in age. She explained that the housekeeper performs a variety of household services for an individual or a family, including general maintenance, while the live-in nanny lives in the employer’s home permanently and is expected to undertake all nursery duties only. According to her, a live-out nanny is a temporary

nanny who does not live in the home but works on agreed-upon days and times. She added that the service targets both women in Nigeria and the Diaspora. It also targets expatriates, families with children, and affluent and successful young urban professionals, among others. According to Adaobi, EveryNanny was founded to promote stress-free parenting because the agency understands the importance of finding the right caregivers for children because they are God’s precious gifts, and it is critical for people who want to provide care and support to new moms to be able to relieve some of the stress that comes with having a newborn baby.

Peak 456 Celebrates Children’s Day With Free Breakfast Nigeria’s leading children’s dairy brand, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk, celebrated this year’s Children Day on Friday, May 27th, serving 4–6-year-olds free nutritious breakfasts and gifts. The free meals served by FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak 456 Growing Up Milk, to children in the select age bracket at events held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa was in continuation of efforts to offer better nutrition to every Nigerian child. The children had lots of fun, and nutritious meals served with Peak 456 Growing up Milk at the event. In addition to the breakfast meals, they also got free sachets of Peak 456 Growing Up Milk plus other gifts, courtesy of

the brand and its promise of providing ‘Better Nutrition for Every Child.’ Explaining the initiative, the Marketing Manager Specialized Nutrition, Akon Imoh, said that the company made Children’s Day special with nutritious and age-appropriate meals for children. “Peak 456 Growing Up Milk is for children aged 4-6 years, and since this is a special day for children, we want to share the joy of the occasion with them. They deserve this and a lot more, but this is just us demonstrating our care and affection. Studies have shown that serving them nutritious and age-appropriate breakfast meals would help improve their attention span and memory necessary for learning,”

Imoh said. Child nutritionists have highlighted the importance of eating breakfast. Furthermore, research has shown that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more active and creative, have better hand-to-eye coordination and miss fewer school days. “Peak 456 Growing Up Milk is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of children 4-6 years old to help them grow up strong and smart. It is the first milk of its kind in Nigeria. FrieslandCampina WAMCO believes that every child has the right to better nutrition. Hence, making age-appropriate nutrition accessible to every Nigerian child starting from breakfast,” Imoh said.

Touchdown Travels Unveils New Identity Touchdown Travels, a leader in the travel management industry in Nigeria, has announced that it has strategically rebranded to better communicate the best of what the company represents, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and value proposition. Speaking on the new identity

of the company, Olufunso Ekundayo, the Chief Operating Officer of Touchdown Travels, said “ for over twenty-eight years, we have provided travel solutions and facilitated seamless travel experiences. However, with this rebrand comes an even better experience for clients. As we forge into

the future, excellent customer service delivery through optimized processes would be at the heart of everything we do, he added.” Touchdown Travel is a technology-driven travel management company dedicated to providing travelers with the best possible services.

L-R: Chief Operating Oﬃcer, Touchdown Travels, Olufunso Ekundayo; Agency Manager, Touchdown Travels, Tajudeen Balogun; Head of Human Resources, Touchdown Travels, Ronke Akamoh and Head of Finance, Touchdown Travels, Joseph Olasehinde during the unveiling of the new identity of Touchdown Travels in Lagos... recently

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 ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $118.84 a barrel on Friday, compared with $116.50 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Stock Market Down 0.14% on Sell-off in FBN Holdings, 17 Others Kayode Tokede Trading activities in the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday depreciated by 0.14 per cent, following investors sell-off in FBN Holdings (FBNH) and 17 others stocks.

In summary, the NGX AllShare Index (ASI) declined by 76.90 basis points or 0.14 per cent to close at 53,193.98 basis points from 53,270.88 basis

points it opened for trading. Similarly, the overall market capitalization value lost N42 billion to close at N28.677 trillion from N28.719trillion it close for trading the previous day. Consequently, the stock market in its Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date gains moderated to 0.4per cent and 24.5per cent, respectively. Sectoral performance was mixed as the Insurance index

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

depreciated by 1.8per cent and Banking Index down by 0.9per cent, while the Industrial Goods and Oil & Gas indices closed flat. The Consumer Goods index added 0.1 per cent, the sole gainer yesterday. Market breadth closed negative as 18 stocks lost relative to 16 gainers. Caverton Offshore Support Group recorded the highest price gain of 7.34 per cent to close at N1.17, per share.

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

FTN Cocoa processors followed with a gain 5.88 per cent to close at 36 kobo, while Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) gained 5.69 per cent to close at N1.30, per share. Cutix appreciated by 4.98 per cent to close at N2.74, while Linkage Assurance gained 3.70 per cent to close at 56 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Champion Breweries led the

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

losers’ chart by 9.79 per cent to close at N3.50, per share. Cornerstone Insurance followed with a decline of 9.68 per cent to close at 56 kobo, while eTranzact International shed 9.67 per cent to close at N2.71, per share. NEM Insurance shed 8.33 per cent to close at N3.85, while Japaul Gold and Ventures depreciated by 6.25 per cent to close at 30 kobo, per share. Meanwhile the total volume

O F

of trades rose slightly by 6.11 per cent to 248.959 million units, valued at N1.861 billion, and exchanged in 4,265 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transcorp topped the activity chart with 103.558 million shares valued at N131.251 million. Fidelity Bank followed with 24.810 million shares worth N80.206 million, while FBNH traded 12.518 million shares valued at N130.627 million.

0 8 / 0 6 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, June 9, 2022

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THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

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3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

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1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

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5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC 10 Access Holdings PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

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13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 SEPLAT Energy PLC

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15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC

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ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚŝƉƉĞĚ ϯϮ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ʬϭ͘ϵďŶ͘ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďǇ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

DŝǆĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

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

-0.22%

ROE

ROA

P/E

34.7% 149.8%

1,766.00

0.0%

45.5%

240.00

0.0%

74.25

0.0%

22.40

0.0%

5.2x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

0.8x

6.2%

17.7%

84.9%

18.2%

6.2%

1.2%

8.0%

21.8%

105.6%

13.9%

15.2x

18.7x

5.5%

6.1%

10.7%

23.3%

12.1%

27.9x

6.3x

3.9%

3.6%

4.5%

-13.8%

19.8%

3.2%

3.7x

0.7x

13.4%

27.1% 33.9%

6.6%

23.40

0.0%

4.4%

-7.0%

20.6%

2.6%

2.9x

0.6x

13.3%

277.00

0.0%

3.8%

7.8%

37.7%

16.4%

12.5x

4.6x

7.7%

8.0%

1,400.00

0.0%

2.5%

-10.1%

112.8%

16.1%

24.3x

28.3x

3.6%

4.1%

10.30

-5.5%

2.5%

-9.6%

20.1%

1.9%

2.2x

0.4x

3.4%

45.0%

27.50

0.4%

3.0%

14.8%

15.5%

11.1%

7.5x

1.1x

7.3%

13.4%

9.80

-1.5%

2.3%

5.4%

17.9%

1.6%

2.1x

0.3x

7.1%

46.7%

7.80

-0.6%

1.7%

-3.1%

15.6%

1.4%

2.2x

0.3x

12.8%

44.7%

33.50

-1.5%

1.2%

-6.9%

15.6%

2.1%

7.1x

1.1x

9.0%

14.1%

63.70

0.0%

1.6%

27.4%

10.5%

3.9%

27.4x

2.8x

2.6%

3.6%

1,289.50

0.0%

2.5%

98.4%

7.5%

3.6%

13.3x

1.0x

3.2%

7.5%

11.20

-2.2%

1.4%

28.7%

18.4%

1.0%

2.4x

0.4x

6.0%

41.7%

7.10

0.7%

1.3%

43.4%

-9.9%

-3.4%

193.50

0.0%

1.2%

36.3%

43.6%

25.5%

10.1x

4.2x

4.1%

9.9%

35.00

0.0%

1.0%

23.5%

15.9%

4.5%

5.4x

0.8x

6.1%

18.7% 39.9%

1.4x

-7.5%

3.30

-3.5%

0.6%

29.4%

13.3%

1.2%

2.5x

0.3x

10.6%

2.07

0.0%

0.4%

-10.8%

2.9%

0.9%

19.8x

0.6x

12.1%

5.1%

16.25

0.6%

0.4%

-6.6%

16.7%

6.6%

8.7x

1.4x

6.2%

11.5%

10.7%

1.1%

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC 24 Guinness Nigeria PLC

ǁĂƐ ŵŝǆĞĚ ĂƐ Ϯ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϯ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ Kŝů

25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 Presco PLC

162.00

0.0%

0.4%

84.5%

7.6x

4.5x

4.0%

13.2%

Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ ĂŶĚ /ŶͲ

27 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 28 AIICO Insurance PLC

12.85

0.0%

0.2%

-2.7%

18.5%

5.7%

12.9x

2.3x

3.1%

7.7%

0.67

1.5%

0.2%

-4.3%

21.1%

3.6%

27.2x

0.6x

3.0%

3.7%

ĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ ϭϯďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϯďƉƐ ƌĞͲ ŝŶĚĞǆ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ

29 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 30 Custodian and Allied Insurance

234.50

0.0%

0.2%

5.7%

1.7x

7.9%

7.00

0.0%

0.2%

-11.4%

19.5%

5.5%

4.1x

0.8x

7.1%

24.3%

Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ hE/> s Z

31 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 32 Unilever Nigeria PLC

22.50

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

50.3%

19.0%

4.2x

2.1x

6.7%

23.9%

14.90

2.8%

0.1%

2.8%

8.8%

5.4%

29.1x

1.3x

3.4%

ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ ;нϮ͘ϴйͿ͕ W ;нϯ͘ϮйͿ͕ t W K ;нϬ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ hd/y

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

26.90

0.0%

0.2%

20.4%

18.1%

2.3%

6.0x

0.8x

9.3%

16.7%

6.50

0.0%

0.1%

10.2%

6.1%

0.7%

10.2x

0.7x

9.8%

6.00

0.0%

0.1%

35.7%

14.5%

2.6%

2.6x

0.4x

38.7%

3.29

0.0%

356.9%

15.6%

0.9%

12.2x

1.7x

7.4%

8.2%

3.85

-8.3%

0.1%

-14.4%

22.3%

12.9%

4.0x

0.8x

5.7%

25.1%

1.9x

0.3x

6.5%

52.3%

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞǆ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d

ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕

hE/> s Z

;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕

>/E< ^^hZ

;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

;нϱ͘ϬйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ

35 Oando PLC 36 Wema Bank PLC

ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭϳϲďƉƐ͕ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďǇ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ

37 NEM Insurance PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC

E D ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ KZE Z^d ;Ͳϵ͘ϳйͿ͘ >ŝŬĞǁŝƐĞ͕ ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ

ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďǇ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϴϲďƉƐ Ğƌ͕ ϭďƉ ƵƉ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ϭ͘ϴй ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďǇ ƐĞůůŽīƐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ŝŶ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ ĂŶĚ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ d/ ;Ͳ

Ϯ͘ϮйͿ͕ &/ >/dz ;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ dZ E d ;Ͳϵ͘ϳйͿ͘ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ KƵƚůŽŽŬ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲǆ

ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ͲϬ͘Ϭϯǆ ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘Ϭϭǆ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯǆ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ĂƐ ϭϱ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ ϭϴ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ < Z ϳϴ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ tĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ

ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ƚŽ ƉĞƌƐŝƐƚ ŝŶ ƚŽĚĂǇ͛Ɛ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͘

^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂǇ͕ ǁĞ ĞǆƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝǆĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ

ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůǇ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘

0.4%

8.7%

0.4%

35.9%

90.50

0.0%

0.7%

132.1%

1.30

5.7%

0.4%

35.4%

17.8%

8.1%

1.54

0.0%

0.1%

2.0%

9.9%

0.9%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

-17.7%

-4.1%

6.25

0.0%

16.2%

13.5x

0.3x

6.0%

3.4x

11.2%

2.2x

0.5%

0.5x

1.5%

1.8x 1.1%

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

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

1.17

7.3%

T R A N SC OR P

103.6

5.7%

F T N C OC OA

0.36

5.9%

F ID ELIT YB K

24.8

-3.5%

T R A N SC OR P

1.30

5.7%

FB NH

12.5

-5.5%

C UT IX

2.74

5.0%

J A P A ULGOLD

10.3

-6.3%

LIN KA SSUR E

0.56

3.7%

CHA M S

7.8

0.0%

13.00

3.2%

UB A

7.0

-0.6%

UN ILEVER

14.90

2.8%

A C C ESSC OR P

6.1

-1.5%

UA C N

11.05

1.8%

N GXGR OUP

5.2

0.0%

A IIC O

0.67

1.5%

ST ER LN B A N K

4.8

0.0%

GLA XOSM IT H

7.30

1.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

4.6

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 H A M P ION

P ric e 3.50

7.4%

-9.5%

1.0x

C A VER T ON

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

-9.8%

P R ESC O

212.1

0.0%

131.3

5.7%

C OR N ER ST

0.56

-9.7%

T R A N SC OR P

ET R A N Z A C T

2.71

-9.7%

FB NH

130.6

-5.5%

N EM

3.85

-8.3%

N GXGR OUP

130.3

0.0%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.30

-6.2%

M TNN

124.0

0.0%

C OUR T VILLE

0.51

-5.6%

Z EN IT H B A N K

106.9

0.0%

10.30

-5.5%

F LOUR M ILL

103.8

0.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.90

-5.3%

GT C O

100.1

0.0%

LEA R N A F R C A

2.25

-5.1%

WA P C O

98.3

0.4%

UN IT YB N K

0.47

-4.1%

F ID ELIT YB K

80.2

-3.5%

FB NH

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

0.0% 0.7%

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

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

3.25 13.45

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

Damilare Asimiyu | dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 7-June-2022, unless otherwise stated.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund 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 8.21% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.76 3.83 6.26% 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 4.64% Anchoria Equity Fund 150.20 151.91 7.86% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.20 1.20 4.53% info@anchoriaam.com 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 22.41 23.09 10.49% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 518.10 533.72 14.84% ARM Ethical Fund 43.47 44.79 11.60% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.06 1.07 -1.79% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.04 2.70% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.26% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.61 105.61 8.48% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,112.89 1,112.89 11.29% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.12 2.12 7.53% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.38 2.43 20.63% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalﬁf@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,011.30 1,011.30 4.03% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.05 1.05 3.75% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.90% Paramount Equity Fund 20.56 20.93 17.87% Women's Investment Fund 153.97 155.93 8.45% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.48% Cordros Milestone Fund 135.58 136.44 9.07% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.70 109.70 5.11% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.98% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 8.12% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.07 1.07 17.52% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 102.55 102.55 4.48% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1459.52 1459.52 10.43% FBN Balanced Fund 195.04 196.44 11.29% FBN Halal Fund 120.19 120.19 9.24% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.17% FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) 124.03 124.03 5.49% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 168.10 170.30 10.48% 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 Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,231.03 3,562.39 100.00

4,293.36 3,562.39 100.00

20.12% 6.26% 5.10%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.10 1.10 3.84% 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 4.16% Vantage Balanced Fund 3.09 3.13 14.47% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.63 140.63 2.63% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.34 1.38 12.58% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 4.11% 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 1.58 1.61 11.51% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,166.29 1,166.29 4.05% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.74 12.80 16.37% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.04% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 102.15 102.15 7.59% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.14% 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 1.69 1.72 7.50% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.80 11.82 5.54% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 5.44% PACAM Equity Fund 1.54 1.55 7.98% PACAM EuroBond Fund 114.71 117.64 0.78% 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 130.85 134.11 9.68% 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 1.04 1.04 8.51% 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 3,742.37 3,785.11 -0.81% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 239.05 239.05 0.08% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.49 1.52 -0.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 320.69 320.70 0.12% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 275.07 278.83 -0.54% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.67% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,471.39 12,643.08 -1.43% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.32 1.32 0.11% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.57 118.57 0.08% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 109.63 109.63 0.15% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.07 1.09 15.11% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.51 1.53 10.63% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.22 1.24 11.98% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.11 1.11 3.19% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 2.01 2.01 2.86% United Capital Eurobond Fund 125.27 125.27 2.40% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.37% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.10 14.24 6.94% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.28 16.46 11.42% Zenith Income Fund 22.67 22.67 3.25% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.26% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.19 4.29 4.36% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.40 6.50 9.47% Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund 19.61 19.81 10.85% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.07% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 21.86 22.06 9.32% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 152.50 154.50 -3.32%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

116.80 51.75

3.19% 1.76%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

15.42 148.27 117.53 17.20 16.50

15.52 151.86 120.05 17.20 16.50

10.20% -1.84% -1.14% 24.14% 12.28%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.55

12.10%

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

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.

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

OGIAME AT THE BRAMPTON CANADA... L-R: Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown; His Majesty, the Olu of Warri Kingdom Ogiame Atuwatse III, and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III during the presentation of Key to the city of Brampton to Ogiame at the Brampton Canada to drive foreign direct investment (FDI)... recently

Access Bank to Acquire Kenya’s Sidian Bank in N15bn Deal Kayode Tokede

Access Corporation Plc yesterday announced that its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Access Bank Plc has entered into a binding agreement with Centum Investment Company Plc for the acquisition of the entire 83.4per cent equity stake held by the latter in Sidian

Bank Limited. The Company Secretary, Access Bank, Mr. Sunday Ekwochi, in a statement posted on the website of the Nigerian Exchange Limited, revealed that the purchase consideration was approximately up to N15 billion or $37 million, representing a price to book multiple of 1.1x based on the audited March 31,

2022, shareholders’ equity of Sidian. According to the statement, Sidian was expected to merge with Access Bank’s subsidiary in Kenya - Access Bank Kenya - to create a stronger banking institution better positioned to serve Kenya market. Commenting on the transaction, the Group Chief Executive, Access

Corporation, Mr. Herbert Wigwe explained that: “The growth transaction being implemented in Kenya represents the relentless focus and execution of our strategic objectives within our banking subsidiary even as we grow the other businesses within Access Corporation’s core segments. “The acquisition of Sidian is a

significant step-up in scale and potential for Access Bank in Kenya which represents the largest market and trade corridor in East Africa. “The significant increase in scale and customer base presents us with enormous opportunities to support growth in the various ecosystems we are building in our trade and payment business.

PIA: Olu of Warri Mulls Plan to Incorporate Host Communities’ Trust into His Global Devt Plan Peter Uzoho

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III has announced the plan of his kingdom to incorporate the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) into the global development master plan of his oil-rich communities in Delta State. He disclosed the plan would be characterised by bold transparency and international best practices in their community development initiatives. The monarch made the disclosure at the Iwereland Petroleum Communities Summit on the implementation of the Host Communities’ Development Trust in oil producing Itsekiri communities under the PIA 2021, which he hosted. His speech was sent to THISDAY yesterday. Section 235 of the PIA provides for the incorporation of Host Communities Development Trust by the Settlors (the oil and gas companies) for the benefit of the host communities. The Act placed the responsibility to set up the HCDT and appoint the Board of Trustees (BoTs) on the companies in consultation with the host communities, while Section 247 of the Act requires the BoT to set up a management committee to handle the general administration of the fund. Delivering his keynote address, entitled: "A New Dawn," Ogiame said his kingdom's master plan would also include issues of tenure and governance, maintaining that the plan would provide the matrixes for contracting processes, and standards for operations of the trust fund and

the host communities in consonance with the PIA. He said the HCDT provided by the PIA proposes to advance and propagate educational development for the benefit of members of the host communities within the scope of funds available to the BoTs for such purposes. "A study of the Act reveals that it proposes to advance and propagate educational development for the benefit of members of the host communities within the scope of funds available to the Board of Trustees for such purposes. This is where we look to incorporate our global development master plan "This plan shall be characterised by bold transparency and international best practices in our community development initiatives, to which we invite the collaboration of our partners. The master plan will also include issues of tenure and governance, and provide the matrixes for contracting processes, and standards for operations of the trust fund, the host communities in consonance with the Act," the monarch said. He noted that the driving spirit and recurring theme of the PIA was inclusion and the support of local initiatives for the security of the host communities. Ogiame observed that the Act has resulted in equal access to not only opportunities, but resources, as would otherwise have been the case where some are marginalised or out rightly excluded from the wealth that belongs to us all. According to him, "We intend that The lwereland Global Masterplan will be so well put together, that all arms of government and intervention agencies become fully committed to

being a part of that plan. We will discourage idleness and a sense of entitlement, while encouraging competence and all that brings added value to the effort." He added that by making inclusion total, "we shall rally our lwereland diaspora sons and daughters to the plan, by employing the vehicles of a global roadshow, designed to guide them to remit talent and finance back home to invest. "It requires savviness in economics, finance and management to achieve this goal. With this and other merit based criteria, we will find that convergence of competence and integrity of character to make Iwereland flourish." He mentioned that the primary purpose of the PIA was to assist in any developmental purpose, deemed beneficial to the host communities,

as may be determined by members of the boards, who must invest part of the available funds for and on behalf of the host communities. This crucial role, Ogiame explained, demanded an equilibrium of high performance and trustworthiness, as the parameters for effective operational excellence of the boards. However, regretting that Nigeria had recorded 60 years of terrible wastage and mismanagement of the nation's oil resources, he said the real blessing and wealth were about to become manifest with the advent of the PIA. The king described the PIA as one of such opportunities and a very crucial chapter in stewarding their commonwealth in terms of community entitlements that derive from the development of oil and gas operations in lwereland.

Ogiame pointed out that the PIA was essentially an instrument designed to cure the appetites of individuals who have become used to appropriating the commonwealth to themselves or mismanaging the wealth to the detriment of the destiny of the people. He stressed that the purpose of the summit was to promote awareness and enjoin the people to participate actively and wisely in choosing their representation in the activation of the all-important Act. "As a natural leader, we must speak the truth and set the right foundations as we move to rebuild with this new opportunity. “Many seemingly justifiable factors have led to us holding on to counter-productive sentiments. It is time to heal and move on from this self-limiting and self-destructive holding pattern.

The economies of scale that derive therefrom will continue to drive and enhance contributions to all stakeholders”. Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna said: “This transaction builds on our earlier acquisition of the former Transnational Bank Plc (now Access Bank Kenya) and underscores our resolve to strengthen our presence in Kenya, a key African market that fits into our strategic focus for geographic earnings growth and diversification. “The acquisition and intended subsequent merger will create a strong and competitive balance sheet for Access Bank in Kenya, positioning us to be well placed to promote regional trade finance and other cross border banking services in the East African Community (EAC) and broader COMESA region. “The proposed combination with Access Bank Kenya would undoubtedly propel Access Bank into a strong contender in the Kenya market with enhanced capacity to play a more impactful role in the growth of its economy while delivering increased profitability for our shareholders.” The transaction is however subject to regulatory approvals in Kenya and Nigeria. If it goes through, it would be the second acquisition in Kenya for Access Bank, which acquired Transnational Bank, now called Access Bank Kenya, in 2020.

NBS: 871 Persons Died in Road Accidents in Q1 James Emejo in Abuja

Road traffic crashes claimed the lives of 871 persons in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2022), according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This, however, indicated a decline of 1.91 per cent compared to the 888 deaths which occurred by road in Q4 2021. The NBS stated this in its Road Transport Data for Q1 2022 which was posted on its website yesterday. Total road traffic crashes were 3,345, showing a decrease of 1.82 per cent from 3,407 in Q4 2021. The report further showed that

serious cases in Q1 were higher with 2,100 compared to fatal and minor cases with 871 and 374 respectively. Nevertheless, serious cases of crashes were lower by 4.50 per cent in Q1 2022 relative to Q4 2021 it recorded 2,199 crashes. In addition, minor cases rose from 320 in Q4 2021 to 374 in Q1 2022, the NBS added. It said in terms of sex distribution of persons killed in road traffic crashes, 1,487 males (adult and child) were killed in Q1 2022, accounting for 81.00 per cent of 1,834 persons killed in total. On the other hand, females

(adult and child) killed stood at 347 (19.00 per cent) of the total persons killed. "Looking at injuries sustained, more males (adult and child) were injured compared to females (adult and child) during the period of review. "In Q1 2022, 7,842 males (adult and child) were injured, accounting for 76.18 per cent of 10,294 injured in total. "The number of vehicles involved in road traffic crashes was 5,316 in Q1 2022, lower compared to Q4 2021 which recorded 5,323. This indicated a decline of 0.13 per cent in Q1 2022," the statistical agency

explained. In addition, commercial vehicles were mostly affected with 3,635, compared to private, government and diplomatic vehicles which recorded 1,648, 55 and 1 respectively. On a zonal basis, the NorthCentral recorded the highest number of crashes in Q1 2022 with 1,095, followed by the South-West with 887. The NBS stated that "In terms of casualties, the North-Central recorded the highest with 3,582, followed by the North West with 2,713, while the South East recorded the least with 711."

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FORTY-EIGHT NIGERIA’S PUBLIC DEBT CLIMBS BY N2.04TRN IN Q1 TO N41.6TRN borrowing by the FGN to partly finance the deficit in the 2022 Appropriation Act, the $1.25 billion Eurobond issued in March 2022 and disbursements by multilateral and bilateral lenders. According to data posted by the DMO, the federal government’s total domestic debt as at March 31, 2022, stood at N20.144 trillion (N20,144,027,724,703). In the same vein, the federal government’s domestic debt service of N668,685 billion for the review period was for Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs), Federal Government Bonds, FGN Savings Bond, and FGN Sukuk Rentals. A breakdown of the debt service obligations showed that N188,364,772,069.17 was paid out in January, N103,883,183,876.20 in February and N376,437,754,167.61 in March. Federal government bonds accounted for the lion share of N630,535,774,886.21 followed by NTBs with N29,642,197,193.31 and FGN Sukuk Rentals N8,167, 315,066.60. Similarly, FGN Savings Bond took the rear with N340,422,964.8 million. Total debt service for NTBs in January was

N3,220,890,038.78, while February and March were N7,23, 906,633.90 and N19, 189,400,520.63. For Federal Government Bonds, a total debt service of N185,026,886,879.94 was paid in January, N96,527,951,065.07 in February, and N348,980,936,941.20 in March. Also, the DMO data showed that FGN Savings Bond gulped debt service of N116,995,150.45 in January, N123, 326,177.23 in February and N100,101, 637.18. There was no debt service pay out for FGN Sukuk Rentals in January and February, but in March, a total of N8,167, 315,066.60 was paid. Meanwhile, Nigeria's external debt stock as at March 31, 2022 stood at $39,969.19 billion. This comprised debts for multilateral and bilateral creditors as well as commercial loans. Nigeria owes the largest chunk of $18,957.22 billion to multilateral creditors, including the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank, European Development Fund Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Out of the $18,957.22 billion owed multilateral agencies, $12,229.43 billion and $486.10 million respectively to the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)- two members of the World Bank Group. It is also indebted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the tune of $3,395.08 billion and $4 495.87 billion to bilateral creditors, including China Exim Bank $3,667.65 billion), Agency Francaise Development of France ($567.89 million) and KfW of Germany ($164.04 million), among others. Nigeria's second external debt obligation were commercial loans, standing in excess of $15.918 billion. This included Eurobonds and Diaspora Bond. Meanwhile, the World Bank Group has slashed its global growth forecast to 2.9 per cent for 2022, 1.2 percentage points lower than the 4.1 per cent it had predicted in January. In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, the bank warned that the world economy could slip into a period of stagflation reminiscent of the 1970s.

According to the report, against the challenging backdrop of higher inflation, weaker growth, tighter financial conditions, and limited fiscal policy space, governments across the world would need to reprioritise spending toward targeted relief for vulnerable populations. Stagflation occurs when there is a steep rise in inflation rate, slow economic growth rate, and unemployment remains steadily high. The June Global Economic Prospects predicted growth in Sub-Saharan Africa to moderate to 3.7 per cent in 2022 and rise to 3.8 per cent in 2023. The report noted that the RussiaUkraine war was compounding the damage from the COVID-19, leading to higher inflation and tighter financial conditions. "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has magnified the slowdown in the global economy, which is entering what could become a protracted period of feeble growth and elevated inflation. "This raises the risk of stagflation, with potentially harmful consequences for middle- and low-income economies alike.

ALL FOR THE CONVENTION... Senator Ibikunle Amosun, President Muhammadu Buhari, his Wife, First Lady, Aisha, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, at the convention ground, Eagles Square... yesterday

TINUBU'S SEARCH FOR RUNNING MATE BEGINS, WHO ARE THE LIKELY CONTENDERS? for its pick, the part of the north it chooses to pull the lucky one from is equally germane to several other considerations as much as religion, which is a chief factor in the north. Ironically, Tinubu, a Muslim southerner, is surrounded majorly by more Muslim northerners than their Christian brothers. In other words, the APC ticket appears to lean more to a Muslim-Muslim pairing than a Muslim-Christian blend. Yet, none of the options is cast in stone, as it were. Thus, given the importance of this choice and how it could impact the election, what are the options before the APC? There are many of them, but a few readily come to mind. They are the Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai; Kano State Governor, Abdulahi Ganduje; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida Mustapha and Malam Kashim Ibrahim-Imam.

Atiku Bagudu The Kebbi State governor is the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum and has been in the thick of events in the party, helping to moderate situations and proffering solutions to even the most difficult situations. From the North West zone, Bagudu is a loyal ally of the president, who is urbane and well-spoken. He is also popular amongst his peers, having chaired their elite group well for some time. He is a strong contender to the office, although a Muslim like Tinubu.

Nasir El-Rufai Controversial, but principled and

outspoken governor of Kaduna State, was about the first northern governor to speak in support of power shift to south and he sustained his position to the very end. Interestingly, Kaduna is a very crucial north central state, whose votes could help put the party in good stead. With an El-rufai, another Muslim on the ticket, it could as much strengthen the place of the party and at the same time stand in its way.

Abdulahi Ganduje Governor of the North West Kano State, Ganduje, has always been in contention, indeed, advantaged by his state, which churns out very good votes, enough to determine any election. Ganduje, a Muslim, becomes more important in the equation, because aside giving some good votes, he could also help to neutralise the Kwankwasiyya influence in the state. Kwankwasiyya is a political movement led by a former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso influence, who is also contesting the presidential election on the platform of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Simon Lalong A strong ally of former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the Plateau State governor, could be a compensation for the Amaechi group, given their influence as evident in Amaechi’s emergence as the first runner up at the election. Besides, as the Chairman, Northern APC governors, Lalong has been critical to practically all that went down before and at the convention, which culminated in Tinubu’s emergence. He is, however, a Christian, which provides a good balance to the

ticket, especially, coming also from North Central. But will the north accept him?

Boss Mustapha Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mustapha, is today about the most visible functionary in the presidency, working closely with the president and helping to navigate practically all the sensitive and not-so-sensitive assignments. With capacity and deep knowledge about the workings of the government of the day, particularly the presidency, no one sits better as a choice for running mate than Mustapha. What more, the cerebral and cosmopolitan Mustapha, is a Christian from Adamawa State, North East, the same place as the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and which he has since held down for the party as a promising strong hold.

Kashim Ibrahim-Imam A former PDP governorship candidate in 2003 and 2007 in Borno State, Ibrahim-Imam, is a noted confidant of the APC presidential candidate, and one believed to have held different positions in trust for him, with a relationship spanning over 40 years. A devout Muslim from Boko Haram-ravaged Borno, Ibrahim-Imam, could easily reap from the quiet effort, albeit on all sides, to give the North East some sense of belonging by putting them on the presidential ticket. A retired banker, accounting and finance expert, Ibrahim-Imam is a consummate politician, former President of Kings College Old Boys Association, KCOBA, who is grounded in pension funds management. Although urbane, cosmopolitan and well liked by friends and associates, he too remains a product of Muslim-Muslim combination,

which raises concerns for the ticket. But if Tinubu is looking for someone he can trust, then of course, Kashim fits the bill.

Abubakar Badaru Current Governor of Jigawa State, Badaru, is another force among the governors with promising political career. Urbane, reserved and sound, he has both the academic and political aptitudes for the job, seen largely by his colleagues as a thinker and worthy ally to network with. He, like Bagudu of Kebbi, has been involved in the affairs of the party at the highest level and had done so much to help stabilise it at the highest level. His joining the presidential race was not an accident, likewise his withdrawal and standing down for Tinubu, was allegedly strategic on his part. Yet another Muslim from the North West, he fits the bill, no doubt, save for the same reservation that applies to the others.

Babagana Zulum The Borno State Governor is one state chief executive, who had been marked early in the race for presidency as suitable for running mate. The debate about his choice became so debated that he issued a statement, dismissing the idea. Instead, Zulum stated he he would rather return to Borno and finish off what he started. Curiously, his name wouldn’t stop popping up, because of his stellar performance in his state and also because he has also become sellable over the years. A candidate of the academia, who is neck-deep in practical politics of development, Zulum is arguably an asset to the ticket, even though he is a Muslim. He is young and seen as a breath of fresh air in the murky waters of politics.

"Global growth is expected to slump from 5.7 per cent in 2021 to 2.9 per cent in 2022— significantly lower than 4.1 per cent that was anticipated in January. "It is expected to hover around that pace over 2023-24, as the war in Ukraine disrupts activity, investment, and trade in the near term, pentup demand fades, and fiscal and monetary policy accommodation is withdrawn," the report stated. As a result of the damage from the pandemic and the war, it stressed that the level of per capita income in developing economies this year would be nearly five per cent below its pre-pandemic trend. Commenting, the World Bank President, David Malpass said: “The war in Ukraine, lockdowns in China, supply-chain disruptions, and the risk of stagflation are hammering growth. For many countries, recession will be hard to avoid. “Markets look forward, so it is urgent to encourage production and avoid trade restrictions. Changes in fiscal, monetary, climate and debt policy are needed to counter capital misallocation and inequality.” The June Global Economic Prospects report offers the first systematic assessment of how current global economic conditions compare with the stagflation of the 1970s — with a particular emphasis on how stagflation could affect emerging market and developing economies. The report observed that recovery from the stagflation of the 1970s required steep increases in interest rates in major advanced economies, which played a prominent role in triggering a string of financial crises in emerging market and developing economies. According to the Director of the World Bank’s Prospects Group, Ayhan Kose, “Developing economies will have to balance the need to ensure fiscal sustainability with the need to mitigate the effects of today’s overlapping crises on their poorest citizens. “Communicating monetary policy decisions clearly, leveraging credible monetary policy frameworks, and protecting central bank independence can effectively anchor inflation expectations and reduce the amount of policy tightening required to achieve the desired effects on inflation and activity.” The report noted that current global economic situation resembles the 1970s in three key aspects: persistent supply-side disturbances fueling inflation, preceded by a protracted period of highly accommodative monetary policy in major advanced economies, prospects for weakening growth, and vulnerabilities that emerging market and developing economies face with respect to the monetary policy tightening that would be needed to rein in inflation. However, it pointed out that the ongoing episode also differs from the 1970s in multiple dimensions: the dollar is strong, a sharp contrast

with its severe weakness in the 1970s; the percentage increases in commodity prices are smaller; and the balance sheets of major financial institutions are generally strong. It added that more important was that, unlike the 1970s, central banks in advanced economies and many developing economies now have clear mandates for price stability, and had over the past three decades, established a credible track record of achieving their inflation targets. The report projected that global inflation was expected to moderate next year, but would likely remain above inflation targets in many economies. It stressed that if inflation remained elevated, a repeat of the resolution of the earlier stagflation episode could translate into a sharp global downturn along with financial crises in some emerging market and developing economies. The report also offered fresh insights on how the Russia-Ukraine war’s effects on energy markets are clouding the global growth outlook. It said: "The war in Ukraine has led to a surge in prices across a wide range of energy-related commodities. Higher energy prices will lower real incomes, raise production costs, tighten financial conditions, and constrain macroeconomic policy especially in energy-importing countries. "Growth in advanced economies is projected to sharply decelerate from 5.1 percent in 2021 to 2.6 per cent in 2022—1.2 percentage point below projections in January. “Growth is expected to further moderate to 2.2 percent in 2023, largely reflecting the further unwinding of the fiscal and monetary policy support provided during the pandemic. “Among emerging market and developing economies (EMDES), growth is also projected to fall from 6.6 per cent in 2021 to 3.4 percent in 2022—well below the annual average of 4.8 per cent over 2011-2019. “Also, the negative spillovers from the war will more than offset any near-term boost to some commodity exporters from higher energy prices, the report said, adding that forecasts for 2022 growth have been revised down in nearly 70 per cent of EMDEs, including most commodity importing countries as well as four-fifths of low-income countries,” it added. The report highlighted the need for decisive global and national policy action to avert the worst consequences of the war in Ukraine for the global economy. This, it stated would involve global efforts to limit the harm to those affected by the war, to cushion the blow from surging oil and food prices, to speed up debt relief, and to expand vaccinations in low-income countries. It would also involve vigorous supply responses at the national level while keeping global commodity markets functioning well.

HOW NORTH KEPT ITS WORD, PULLED OFF A COUP promised to go with him. They did not disappoint Abiola and voted for him en mass. They kept to their words. Sadly, the military junta of President Ibrahim Babangida stopped Hope ’93, Abiola’s dream, a development that created chaos in the country for about five years. But, when the opportunity to make up came, the north did and conceded to south what they thought was south’s. A few years after, there was a situation in the country, when a sitting president, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, died in office. But before he died, his long period of sickness had crated power vacuum, which almost set the country on fire. Again, although with constitutional compulsion, the north cooperated and supported Yar’Adua’s deputy, Goodluck Jonathan to step in. In the election that followed in 2011, when they thought their turn in power had been unduly cut short and insisted another northerner must run to replace Yar’Adua, they later shared the understanding of some prominent Nigerians, pandering to

the mood of the nation and allowed Jonathan, a minority from Ijaw, in South-south zone, to run and he did win with staggering votes. The apparent logjam at the Tuesday APC presidential primary was again, about north and south as well as their right and turn in power. The south insisted there was an understanding that power would come to it after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years, when they consummated the merger in 2013. Yet, there were fears that the north was reluctant to letting go. This heightened tension, and compounded the road to reconciliation until the north showed up with its dignity intact by taking a position that supported the idea that power must shift back to the south. Therefore, contrary to what might have become a widely held belief that the north is rigid, when it comes to politics and largely ethnicised considerations, instances such as these are sincere reminder that such postulations are unfounded, but concocted about the north to suit certain narrow narratives.

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

SHELL 2022 CEO LEADERSHIP FORUM... L-R: Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Deep-water Business, Mrs. Elohor Aiboni; Chief Operating Oﬃcer, Future Concerns Safety Center, Mrs. Eunice Ekwenugo; Group Managing Director, Dr. Anthony Oguike, and Managing Director/Country Chair, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, during the Shell 2022 CEO Leadership Forum held in Port Harcourt.... yesterday

2023: Labour Party Disowns Factional Presidential Candidate as Ezenwafor Emerges James Sowole in Abeokuta and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Labour Party (LP) yesterday disowned a former aspirant of the party, Samson Uchenna, who a group claimed to be a presidential candidate of the party. Also, another faction of LP in Abuja yesterday elected Chief Diga Ezenwafor as it presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections. But LP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Abayomi Arabambi, in a statement, made available to journalists in Abeokuta, stressed that, "Labour Party has no Factional

Candidate." The party declared that Mr. Peter Obi remains its sole presidential standard bearer. The declaration, was sequel to the activities of a group, @PDP Vanguard_ Labour Party, which had named Uchenna as factional candidate. Arabambi, who described the activities of the group as criminal, said Obi remains the sole presidential candidate of Labour Party. Arabambi said: "Labour Party here states categorically that this Samson Uchenna is not in any way our party presidential candidate, he is an aspirant on the platform of

Labour Party who withdrew his nomination to support Mr. Peter Obi, voluntarily. "The National Chairman has therefore directed that Labour Party debunks this unsavory and mischievous misrepresentation of the 2023 Presidential Candidacy of the LP by the @PDPVanguard.” It pointed out that Obi emerged in a transparently free, democratically credible, free and fair presidential primary held on May 30th, 2022, in Asaba. The statement added: "For the avoidance of doubt, LP wishes to commend the sportsmanship of

Sampson Uchenna Charles who was one of the four Presidential aspirants that voluntarily stepped down there by paving the way for the Peter Obi as the sole aspirant culminating in his emergence as the Labour Party's sole 2023 presidential candidate. "We in LP are aware that this is a mere rubbish being pushed by the jinxed opposition with the knowledge and acknowledged bias for nauseating and baseless internet misinformation. It is highly unethical and despicable.” Meanwhile, another faction of LP in Abuja yesterday elected Ezenwafor as it presidential candidate.

Akeredolu Makes U-turn, Says 40 People Died in Ondo Church Attack Declares govt will provide land for mass burial Fidelis David in Akure Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday put the number of persons that died following gunmen attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State last Sunday at 40, higher than the 22 he had announced the previous day. Akeredolu had on Tuesday night during a statewide broadcast to the people of the state disclosed that 80 persons were involved in the Sunday attack. He had also said 22 people lost their lives to the horrific attack while 56 survivors were on admission at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, St Louis Hospital, Owo and the Owo General Hospital as well as some private hospitals and two have been discharged. However, yesterday, Akeredolu while playing host to a team of Catholic Bishops from the Southwest led by Most Reverend Leke Abegunrin, in Owo, noted that 127 persons were involved in the attack, while 61 survivors were still on admission in different hospitals. He also disclosed that 26 persons have been discharged while 40 persons died. The governor added that the new figure followed the harmonisation of the reports from the various hospitals including the private ones, urged the people to discountenance the figures earlier rolled out. Also, Akeredolu assured that the

state government would provide land in a good environment for mass burial of the victims of the Owo terror attack. He said: "What we witnessed in Owo on that Sunday, I have been looking for a word to describe it, but I'm not too sure I can find one because it is indescribable. There is no word to describe it. “If you say horrific, dastardly, horrendous, all those ones are common words and we use them for many things. "But I have been looking for a better word to use because we have witnessed barbaric elements, animals in human skin. If they are human, they would not have done what they did. May be there are areas where they will do such a thing and they would not be worried. But here, we are worried because it is not something we are used to. Human life means a lot to us. "That is why one is moved. We will have a Memorial Park here where those who died in the attack will be buried. My Bishop sir, we will find a good place as a Memorial Park. It will also be my suggestion that even if there are people who have retrieved their family or members of their family, we must still have a symbolic grave there for them. And it will be there forever, it is not something we can forget and we should never forget it.” On the latest figures, the governor said, "the medical team led by

the Commissioner for Health has sent figure to us, and it is slightly different. What I put out during my address on the broadcast to the state was wrong and we must accept it. "The figure I have now shows that 127 persons were involved, and that the number of death now is 40. On admission receiving treatment we have 61; 26 have been discharged. Those are the figures we have now from the commissioner for Health. So, government is not hiding anything.” The Catholic Bishop of Ondo, Jude Arogundade, said the visit was to comfort one another and

also inform the governor about the plan to organise a befitting burial for the lost souls. He said: "We are gathered here to comfort one another, it has been very difficult and painful not just because the incident happened in Owo, but in Ondo Diocese. We are preparing for the funeral of the people who died at the incident "You have always taken the Catholic Church so highly in everything, that is the kind of person you are because you love God and respect him and you are a man of your word, you are the kind of leader we look up to in Yoruba land and Nigeria."

Ezenwafor was the LP former Chairman in Anambra State, and erstwhile aide to former governors Chinwoke Mbandinuju and Willie Obiano. His emergence was said to have taken place at the convention of the party held at the Garki area of Abuja. A former deputy national chairman of the LP, who is leading the faction of the party, Calistus Uju Okafor, superintendent over the convention where Ezenwafor emerged as the flagbearer. Addressing the national delegates after his emergence, Ezenwafor said, "I am on a rescue mission to free Nigerian from social, economic and political crises currently bedeviling it." He said having understudied two former governors in Anambra State and being the chairman of the party in the state, Ezenwafor said he had what it takes to lead the country to economic freedom. "We are not after experiences in the executive office because those who were there before and had requisite experiences had failed us,” he added. He also said he had a brighter chance of defeating the presidential candidates of other political parties being a young man with energy and vigour. Also speaking in his capacity as the acting National Chairman, Okafor said the party had earlier in the week, successfully concluded the national and houses of assembly primaries. He said Ezenwafor's name as well as the lists of other candidates that had emerged so far, would be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, on Friday.

He reiterated the readiness of his faction's national working committee to open discussions with Obi, who had emerged as the candidate of the Julius Abure-led faction of the party. Okafor insisted that he had nothing against the person of Obi, but maintained that the former governor was in the faction of the party whose leadership was allegedly not recognised by the LP's constitution. He said, "I am fighting for Justice. There's nowhere in our constitution that says Abure, in his capacity as the acting national secretary can take over the national chairmanship position when we have the deputy national chairman and six zonal vice chairmen. "We don't have anything against Peter Obi but he should know he should know that the leader of the faction he belongs to, is an acting national secretary while, I Calistus Uju Okafor remained the acting national chairman. The court will soon remove them. I am very open to any discussion for the right thing to be done." Okafor, a factional leader of the party, is currently in Court to challenge the legality of the leadership of Akingbade Oyelakin, whom he said "represents persons wrongfully and unlawfully parading themselves as members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of Labour Party". He had also joined INEC as a co-defendant. Others sued by Okafor included Abure and Umar Farouq who emerged as the national chairman and the secretary of the party, respectively, at a national executive committee meeting of the party held in Benin, Edo State, in March 2021.

Otedola Sells N9.28bn Shares of FBN Holdings Kayode Tokede FBN Holdings Plc has announced that its largest, single shareholder, Mr. Femi Otedola has sold about N9.28 billion worth of the holding company’s shares on the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The five transactions worth a total volume of 834.94 million was reported by FBN Holdings as part of its insider dealing notification on the NGX. Insider dealing notification, is a mandatory filing required to be disclosed whenever a significant shareholder is selling shares on

the Exchange. According to the series of filings posted on the bourse, Otedola and his entities sold about 834,939,764.00 units, representing about 30 per cent of his shareholdings in the bank holding company. The sold shares also reduced his shareholding from about 7.57 per cent to about 5.24per cent, thus 2.3per cent of the bank shares have been sold in a matter of 3-day. The Acting company secretary, FBN Holdings, Mr. Adewale Arogundade in a notification on the Exchange disclosed that Shetland Global (Company Related to a significant shareholder) sold

174,939,764 at N11.14 shares of FBN Holdings on June 6, 2022 valued at N1.95billion. Others are: Wells Property & Investment company sold 120,000,000.00 at N11.1 valued at N1.33billion; Prime Rose Global Concept sold 170,000,000.00 at N11.14 valued at N1.89billion; Prime Rose Global Concept sold 170,000,000.00 at N11.14 valued at N1.89billion and Femi Otedola sold 200,000,000 shares at N11.1 valued at N2.22 billion. FBN Holdings share price has been hovering around the N11 and N12 range since Otedola was declared the majority shareholder

this year. The Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd, Mr. Ambrose Omordion said the billionaire might have wanted to divest into another business line that required fresh capital. According to him, “He had bought some stocks around N78.00, while some were brought around N13.00 per share. I think the billionaire has seen another opportunity and he decided to sale those shares. Mind you, he is not selling all the shares.” The share price of FBN Holdings closed at N10.30 per share yesterday.

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

NB MANAGEMENT TEAM'S VISIT TO THE OJORA OF IJORA... L-R: Supply Chain Director, Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, Martin Kochl; Corporate Aﬀairs Director, Sade Morgan; Ojora of Ijora, Lagos, HRM Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire and Managing Director, NB Plc, PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN Hans Essaadi; during a visit by the NB management team to the traditional ruler in Lagos .... yesterday

PDP Governors Meet Atiku over Choice of Running Mate Chuks Okocha in Abuja As part of consultations to enable him choose his running mate, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar yesterday met with all the party's elected governors in Abuja. Atiku had on Monday met with the members of the party's Board of Trustees in Abuja on same issue. THISDAY gathered that the consultation was to ensure that the person to be chosen as his running mate was acceptable to all stakeholders of the party. The party almost ran into crisis in 2019, when Peter Obi was chosen as a running mate without much consultations. In all the meetings so far, like the meeting with the PDP governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were in attendance. At the end of the first leg of the meeting, the former vice president was excused out of the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, who is also the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal who

addressed journalists confirmed that the meeting was part of consultation to choose a running mate. He said: "It is true that the meeting is partly to strategise on a running mate," but refused to give further details. It was learnt that three governors of the party have indicated interest

in becoming running mate to Atiku. A governor who spoke on condition of anonymity told THISDAY that, “Of course you know that the governors of Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom have indicated interest, but it is left for the presidential standard bearer to make his mind on the three governors.

"But there is the suggestion that the south-east should be considered and that the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi should be considered. But as I said, it all depends on the presidential candidate "The idea of a running mate from the south-east is to give

The Nigerian Police Force and a new generation bank failed to upturn a judgment entered against them on alleged brutality of a journalist and publisher of FreshNEWS Online Media, Mr. Desmond Utomwen. This followed the dismissal of their appeal against the 2012 judgment of Justice Peter Kekemeke of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which had found them guilty of violating the rights of the journalist as well as inhuman and degrading treatment, right to own moveable and immoveable property and subsequently slammed them a whopping sum of N100 million damages. The Appeal Court on Tuesday, in a judgment delivered by Justice Godswill Amadi, affirmed the

to unite the party and strategise on how to make it formidable for the general election next year and the two off season governorship election in Ekiti and Osun. All the PDP governors and members of the PDP National Working Committee were in attendance

UNICEF Faults Nigeria’s 2022 Education Budget, Says it Ought to Be N1.14trn Kuni Tyessi in Katsina The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has argued that Nigeria’s education budget for 2022 should have been N1.14 trillion, an equivalent of 8.4 per cent of the country’s total annual budget and not 5.4 per cent. In reference to a THISDAY report that had quoted President Muhammadu Buhari, UNICEF faulted the federal government over its resolve to increase the budget by 50 percent, saying with the dwindling allocation, the sector would suffer more in school enrolment and in the retention of school children.

The Senior Education Manager, UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Michael Banda, who disclosed this in Katsina, during a media dialogue on Girls' Education Project (GEP), said without adequate investment in the education sector, health and other sectors were bound to suffer. Lamenting the lackluster attitude of the government towards funding education, Banda said just when it was concluded that 2021 budget was the worse in 10 years after 2011, that of 2022 was recorded to have a saddening decimal. Emphasising that one out of five out-of-school children in the world was a Nigerian, Banda reiterated

that both individuals and the countries benefit from investment in education. "In 2021, education budget was 5.6 percent. To the ratio of 50 per cent which was promised, 5.6 per cent becomes an equivalent of 2.8 per cent. "So in the face of 50 per cent which was promised by the federal government, education budget in 2021 was estimated to be 6.7 percent. "In 2022, in the face of 50 per cent increase, we expected it to be 8.4 percent which is an equivalent of N1.14 trillion. But unfortunately, it was 5.4 percent.

Brutality: Police, Bank Lose Appeal as Court Awards Payment of N20m to Journalist Alex Enumah in Abuja

the geo-political zone a sense of belonging because, the zone lost out also in the presidential nomination of the APC." Speaking further, the chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Tambuwal said that the party's governors reviewed the last presidential nomination and discussed plans

verdict of the lower court, adding that the appellants did not state anything in the appeal to dispute the facts on which the lower court based its judgment. He, however, reduced the monetary compensation from N100 million to N20 million. Utomwen, a former staff of TheNEWS Magazine had dragged the bank and the police to court over his molestation at the Area 3, Garki Abuja branch of GTB on 11th December, 2009. The journalist had gone to the bank to cover a protest by some Nigerians over allegations that officials of GTBank were involved in fraudulent withdrawals of large amounts via the bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATM). However, policemen attached to the bank and bank officials had

descended on him, beat him till he became unconscious and then seized his identity card, N2,000, camera, and digital recorder. The journalist was subsequently detained at the Garki police station for several hours during which he was denied access to medical treatment. The reporter consequently filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit in court, wherein judgment was given in his favour. But the police and the bank had appealed the judgment asking the appellate court to set aside the decision of N100 million compensation entered against them. Delivering judgment, the appellate court commended the lower court for a great job in evaluating the evidence and arriving at the correct findings and conclusion

on the breach of the fundamental human rights of the first respondent (Desmond Utomwen) by the police at the behest and active instigation of the bank. Utomwen’s lawyer Ugochukwu Ezekiel told journalists that the ruling was another strong warning to law enforcement agencies to desist from violating the human rights of Nigerians. Ugochukwu however said he may appeal the reduction of the N100 million awarded to the journalist by the FCT High Court to N20 by the Appeal Court. Also, Utomwen, who is a cofounder of Centre Against Brutality and Safety of Journalists in Africa (CABSOJA) said the judgment of the Court of Appeal was another affirmation of the rights of journalists to do their work without being molested.

"In 2022, the headquarters of the federal ministry of education was allotted N65.3 billion, UBEC which supervises Education at primary and secondary levels get N77.6 billion. The remaining N599.6b was shared across 21 commissions and agencies under the federal ministry of education with an average of N28.5 billion per institution. "In 2021, the education budget

was the lowest in 10 years. Out of N13.08 trillion budgeted for the year 2021, N742.5 billion was allotted to the entire education sector. That is just 5.6 percent, the lowest of allocation since 2011. In the breakdown, N573.7 billion was for personnel cost, N35.4 billion for overhead cost, while N177.3 billion was dedicated for capital expenditure."

APC Presidential Primary: Nwajiuba Urges Supporters Not to Be Despondent, Disappointed Chuks Okocha in Abuja Minister of State for Education, Chief Emeka Nwajiuba yesterday commended and appreciated all those who through personal services, prayers, financial gifts, donations and other means, encouraged him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary. He urged them not to be despondent or disappointed over the outcome of the presidential nomination election. In a statement he signed, Nwajiuba also thanked his family, who have endured his incessant derision of their preference for a less public and risky, lifestyle. "I thank all my friends, wellwishers and even those who may not wish us all that well, but have played their parts in the national discourse. "I would urge that no one should be despondent or disappointed. My approach to the Nigeria presidency, is hinged on being able to present a progressive vision of an inclusive, united and focused brand of energy to transform Nigeria into a wholesome economic power house, whose citizens will be

better secured to live more fulfilling. "I choose to take the tedious path of following the law, meeting requirements and staying disciplined, in other to sell a paradigm of same. "I appreciate all the sacrifices of time, resources and emotions that have been invested by so many persons, young and old, near and afar in this tedious path." According to Nwajiuba, "I and almost all other aspirants agreed to a consensus approach to the selection of our candidate, to effectively maintain the outlook of a progressive family, away from an all for money by highest bidder image, which had already been assigned to another political party. "I and other aspirants now of the south-east, wrote the leadership of our party to appreciate the commitment to move the presidential ticket to the south and requested a further deepening to the south-east to reflect our primary reason for seeking the office, which remains, ‘to build a more united and inclusive secured and prosperous nation.’ “This much has been captured in the communique to south-east aspirants issued on 22nd May.

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK AGM... L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Eddie Efekoha; Chairman, Obinna Ekezie, and Company Secretary, Rukevwe Falana, during the company’s 27th annual PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN general meeting held in Lagos ... yesterday

Terrorists Kill 32 in Kaduna Communities John Shiklam in Kaduna

Terrorists have reportedly killed 32 people in an attack on four communities in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The incident, according to the President of the Adara Development Association (ADA), Awemi Maisamari, occurred on Sunday. He said the affected communities included Ungwan Gamu, Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Maikori villages. He said the decomposed corpses of the corpses of those killed were recovered in bushes yesterday. Maisamari said, “The attack started around 12noon (on Sunday) and lasted until around

6pm unchallenged by the state. The terrorists were said to have burnt houses in Maikori village while the ECWA church in Dogo Noma was also razed. Maisamari alleged that the attacks were, “carried out by Fulani terrorists who were riding on many motorcycles.” He said, “Each motorcycle carried people armed with AK47. When the villagers mobilised to repel them at Maikori village, they couldn’t withstand their fire power. “There was no way unarmed villagers could face the terrorists who were well armed,” Maisamari said. According to him, many of those killed were women and children.

Pharmacy Council Shuts Down over 25,000 Drug Shops in Nigeria Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) yesterday disclosed that it has so far sealed over 25,000 illegal premises used for the manufacturing of medicine across the country. While presenting his scorecard at a ceremony held in Abuja yesterday, the Registrar, Elijah Mohammed, said the pharmacy outlets were closed down due to several infractions ranging from poor hygiene and environment of operation. Mohammed said: "The illegal premises sealed up across the country within the period under review were about 25,000. Their offences range from poor documentation, poor hygienic environment and practices, non- regularisation of their papers and other inappropriate behaviours in their various shops and premises." On the development of the pharmacy profession, Mohammed also said before he assumed office as the Registrar of the PCN, there were 17 faculties of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences but that it was increased to 24 faculties. He said, “altogether we are going to have up to 30 faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences by the end of the year.” Mohammed who gave further insights of activities undertaken and milestones achieved during his two terms in office said his

administration worked with Council members, stakeholders and staff of PCN to put in place, "a pharmacy practice that is generational in thought, actions and deeds; and ultimately promote the tenets of the profession to meet the needs of the patient." He also said he set out on a mission to create societal change agents in the pharmacy profession by repositioning the Council Registry for effective service delivery, institutionalisation of Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) in Nigeria and transformation of career professionals into Intellectual The Chairman of the Governing Council of PCN, Prof. Ahmed Tijiani Mora, described the outgoing Registrar as a wonderful personality who had contributed immensely to the growth of the profession. In the same vein, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, extolled the qualities of Mohammed whom he said used his humble disposition to achieve significant milestone during his tenure. Also the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye praised the efforts of PCN under the leadership of the outgoing Registrar in helping to achieve the feat of attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 by the medicine regulatory body.

He added that the burial of some of the victims which took place Monday was disrupted as the terrorists were sighted in nearby bushes. Maisamari said, “Many people are still missing and some of them

are believed to have been abducted by the assailants. “So far, no contacts have been made. The attack has caused serious panic leading to the displacement of thousands of people in the area. “Most of the displaced persons,

especially women and children are still relocating to places like Katul Crossing, Kachia, Idon and Maraban Kajuru. “The attack has compounded the already very bad humanitarian situation in Kajuru LGA because

Kutura Station and other neighbouring villages were similarly destroyed and displaced on April 8, 2022. “We are calling on government and other people of conscience to come to the aid of our displaced and dehumanised people.”

Rights Group Accuses INEC of Charging Anambra Electorates for PVC Registration Electoral body denies allegation

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of charging electorates in Anambra to get them registered in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for Permanent Voter's Card (PVC). The group made the allegation in statement signed by its board of trustees chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi and three others, stating that INEC officials were charging between N2,000 to N5,000 from each registrant. But debunking the allegation, the Anambra State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji said, the CVR exercise was free of charge. In the statement by the group titled: ‘INEC, Others Must Avoid Pushing Nigeria’s Millions of Revolutionary Voters into Street Revolution,' the group said INEC was playing pranks with voters’ registration in Igbo and

Christian areas and forcing massive disenfranchisement of the people. Part of the statement read: “INEC and other critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s present electoral process must avoid pushing tens of millions of impoverished, disenchanted, suppressed and frustrated Nigerian youths and eligible voters into moving from ‘ballot revolution’ to ‘street revolution’ in the forthcoming 2023 general elections. "INEC and other critical stakeholders including leading political players and their parties must therefore come clean by doing the needful so as to avoid setting the country ablaze. "Unlike in the past such as in 2011 and 2019 when some leading northern political players hid under radical religion(s) to organise and sponsor post-election mayhems targeted majorly at members of the Igbo ethnic nationality and their trado-Judeo-Christian faith; INEC and other critical stakeholders in the country’s electoral process must inexcusably get it right this time around and in 2023 to avoid the

explosion of post-election tsunami of unquenchable proportions across the country." Umeagbalasi said through the alleged conspiracy of INEC, millions of eligible voters of old Eastern Nigeria and Midwest resident in north-central states of Plateau, Benue, Niger, FCT, Kogi and Nasarawa; North-east states of Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe; Northwest States of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi and South-west states of Lagos and Ogun were denied and were still being denied demographic or registration and voting centre accessibility for them to be captured as voters and allowed to vote during elections. The group said: "Checks from various registration centers across the country especially in the Igbo south-east and south-south as well as Igbo and Christian held areas in the north and south-west have continued to indicate that the Commission is at it again by playing pranks on the ongoing voters’ registration. "Apart from massive disen-

2022 Hajj: Max Air Begins Airlift of Nigerian Pilgrims Today Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Max Air, one the airlines selected for the airlifting the Nigerian Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for 2022 Hajj Operation has concluded arrangements to commence the airlift of pilgrims from today. According to a statement by Mr. Ibrahim Dahiru, made available to THISDAY in Kano, it stated that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has allocated 16, 000

Pilgrims from 13 states of the federation to the airline for the 2022 Hajj Operation. The states included Adamawa Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Jigawa, Katsina, Benue, Plateau, Borno and Nasarawa. Max Air is using two Boeing 747-400 aircraft for the 2022 Hajj Airlift. All technical crew and ground staff have been mobilised for the airlift of the pilgrims.

“Max Air will position its aircraft in the early hours of Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno state for the airlift of the first batch of Nigerian Pilgrims to the holy land. “Since 2007 Max Air has taken the lead in the airlift of Nigerian Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. It also involved airlifting the pilgrims from African countries including charter and rescue operations in other parts of the world,” it added.

franchisement through shrinking constituency delineation exercise in recent past, especially in Igbo and Christian populated areas in the north and the south-west, acute shortage of registration machines and manpower especially in the named areas have been reported in the ongoing exercise with less than 22 days to go. "Long queues of massive prospective voters involving hundreds of thousands, if not in their millions have dotted most of the registration centres in the south-east, south-south and Igbo/Christian held areas of the south-west and the north. "Reverse is found to be the contrary in the Muslim held areas of the country where PVCs are issued to their owners including children of underage and illegal aliens by proxies including through village Heads. "In several places monitored in Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Idemmili North, Ogbaru and Aguata in Anambra State, for instance, a price tag of between N2,000 and N5,000 is additionally imposed for getting to be registered. “These are some of the commission’s undoing in its ongoing electoral midwifery capable of pushing millions of Nigerian youths/revolutionary voters from ‘Ballot Revolution’ to ‘Street Revolution’. "These, INEC must desist from continuing to do and must have them frontally redressed and put to an end to before it is too late." However, Orji said the CVR exercise was free of charge, adding that the commission would be ready to work with the public to fish out and discipline any of its staff engaged in extortion or any other form of misconduct during the exercise.

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS IN 2023, IT'S STRAIGHT FIGHT BETWEEN TINUBU, ATIKU Richard Akinnola, has congratulated Tinubu. Akinnola in his Facebook page, congratulated Tinubu saying there must be a winner in any contest “Congratulations, Asiwaju Tinubu, the presumed winner of the primaries. In any contest, there must be a winner. However, I’m very proud of my choice of support in the person of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. “I have no iota of regret over my support for him. It was a privilege to play a pivotal role for him during the process. I would gladly do it over and over again. It’s a matter of conviction. “And for all our supporters and other volunteers who worked assiduously, day and night on the PYO project, God bless you all. I’m so proud of all of you. “As l often say, God rules in the affairs of men and He has a purpose for what just happened. “Understandably, many of you are dispirited and downcast but do not let your heart be troubled. There must be a reason God allowed this. It may not be manifest to us now but later as He is all knowing.”

Adamu Eats Humble Pie, Congratulates Tinubu

The National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdulahi Adamu has congratulated Tinubu. Adamu recently vowed to punish Tinubu for disrespecting Buhari. But in a congratulatory letter dated June 08, 2022, he said Tinubu's victory vindicated the ruling party's nationalistic outlook and patriotic posture. He said: "I present to Your Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my compliments and those of the members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, in the best of traditions. "I write on behalf of the entire membership of the All Progressives Congress to congratulate Your Excellency on the sterling victory that you recorded at the just concluded Special National Convention to emerge as the Presidential Candidate of our great Party. "Your victory has vindicated our party's nationalistic outlook and patriotic posture as the Party of choice for every Nigerian. I am pleased that the party spoke with one voice when the delegates voted overwhelmingly to nominate you as our presidential candidate."

Tinubu Has Capacity to Lead Nigeria, Says Fayemi

Fayemi, has congratulated Tinubu over his emergence as APC presidential candidate. Fayemi also congratulated the party leadership and the convention planning committee for the successful conduct of the special convention and presidential primary, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari for

superintending over a free, fair, and credible process as national leader of the party. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi said Tinubu’s emergence represented the collective wish of the vast majority of members of the APC, adding that the former Lagos State Governor had proven his dedication and competence to lead the country at such an important time in history. He added: "It is a great moment for our party. I congratulate Asiwaju Tinubu for the well deserved victory and the leadership of the party as well as the convention committee members for a great job. "Collectively, we shall move from this convention venue with greater determination to strengthen the party and work assiduously for the success of the party in the 2023 elections."

Lawan, Omo-Agege Congratulate Tinubu

Lawan and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie OmoAgege have congratulated Tinubu on his election as presidential standard bearer of the APC. Lawan, who ran against Tinubu in the presidential primary, in a congratulatory letter personally signed by him, said the emergence of Tinubu reassured his party of winning the 2023 presidential poll. According to him, the outcome of the election process had shown that Tinubu was the popular choice of his party. "I am elated and proud that the Presidential primary was manifestly free and fair, and conducted within our APC Family under a most convivial atmosphere. "The success of the event again demonstrates the capacity of our great party to run its internal affairs smoothly and devoid of rancor,” he added. On his part, Senator Omo-Agege, the standard bearer of APC in the 2023 governorship election in Delta State, expressed optimism that Tinubu would emerge victorious in next year's presidential election. He particularly lauded Buhari and the governing APC for giving all aspirants a level-playing field. In a statement by his campaign Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Ima Niboro, Omo-Agege, commended the 2022 APC Special Convention Committee for successfully conducting the primary, even as he showered glowing tributes on APC Northern Governors for setting the pace by zoning the Presidency to the South. While calling on Tinubu to be magnanimous in victory, Omo-Agege stressed the need for all presidential aspirants to join hands with the APC Presidential candidate and the party in ensuring victory. "Not everyone gave APC a

chance to conduct a free, fair, credible presidential primary. With the undercurrents in the buildup, some had predicted that our great party would go into extinction after this convention. "But with the transparent process that saw the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as our party standard bearer, I am confident more than ever before that this is the beginning of even greater tidings for our party,” he said.

Gbajabiamila, Wase Congratulate Tinubu

Gbajabiamila and his Deputy Ahmed Wase have also congratulated Tinubu. The Speaker in his statement said he was elated that his political mentor won the APC ticket, saying that it was a well-deserved one considering Tinubu’s years of working for the entrenchment and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria. While describing Tinubu as a dogged fighter who stood his ground to compete in the presidential primary in a democratic manner, he said with the victory, APC has a good chance of retaining power in 2023, He equally urged other aspirants at the just concluded primary to join hands and support the party's presidential candidate. "I commend the Asiwaju's doggedness, determination, resilience and tenacity in pursuing his ambition without indulging in any activity that would affect other aspirants and the image of the party. "This is a victory for APC, a victory for its members and indeed a victory for Nigeria and its democracy," he added. On his part, Wase described the process that led to the emergence of Tinubu as one of the most transparent in the country. The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that the outcome of the primaries would be one that would inspire hope, harness the potential and lead to prosperity. He said, "Your emergence in a transparent process is a testament to the fact that the APC is now more united and stronger and has sent a strong message about our resolve to bring about the desired national transformation needed to turn around the fortunes of our beloved country Nigeria.”

Atiku Congratulates Tinubu

Like Tinubu did when he emerged as the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku yesterday congratulated the APC presidential candidate. In his verified Twitter handle. Atiku wrote: "Congratulations, @ officialABAT, on your emergence as your party's presidential candidate. It has been a hard-fought contest, but that you prevailed confirms your tenacity."

Akeredolu Congratulates Tinubu, Lauds Buhari, APC Leaders

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has hailed the outcome of the special convention for presidential primary of the APC. Governor Akeredolu, particularly lauded the emergence of Tinubu as the standard bearer of the party for the 2023 general election. In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, the governor said: "I congratulate our great party on the conduct of a successful primary election. I am particularly happy that our party displayed total commitment to the ethos of democracy and embraced the path of fairness and equity. “The contest was a brotherly scramble. The aspirants, and leaders of our great party must now leverage on our political strength to build the party and reposition it for even greater victory.”

Abiodun Hails Tinubu's Emergence as Presidential Candidate

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Ahmed Tinubu, on clinching the presidential ticket of the party. Abiodun, in a statement, issued by him in Abeokuta, said the emergence of Tinubu was a good omen for the party and the country as a whole. According to him, the victory showed that Tinubu was widely beloved and accepted within the country’s entire political spectrum and showed his level of deep interactions and acceptance not only within the ruling APC but across Nigeria. He said: “This victory indicates that Tinubu as a candidate is good for Nigeria, as it will foster unity, love and understanding amongst Nigerians. “His electoral victory cut across all the six geopolitical zones; he had an impact in all the zones. He is the candidate to beat in the 2023 elections.”

Ganduje Congratulates Tinubu, Hails Buhari

Also, Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has congratulated Tinubu over his victory at the APC presidential primary election. In a congratulatory message he personally signed and made available to THISDAY in Kano, he said the emergence of Tinubu as standard bearer would be a victory for the Nigeria project. He said Tinubu has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that would consolidate and continue to ensure the country's democratic

N3bn Tramadol: Lawyer's Petition Stalls Arraignment of Suspected Billionaire Drug Baron, Ukatu, Two Others Wale Igbintade The scheduled arraignment of suspected billionaire drug baron, Chief Afam Ukatu named in a N3 billion tramadol deal suffered a setback yesterday before a Federal High Court in Lagos. Ukatu was to be arraigned alongside Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before Justice Nicholas Oweibo. They were to be arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful importation of narcotic drugs without lawful authority. However, the defendants could not be arraigned following a petition written by Ukatu's lead counsel, Mr. Victor Opara, SAN to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requesting for transfer of the suit to another judge. When the matter came up, the prosecutor, Mr. Jerry Aernan, informed the court that the

defendants were not produced in court because of a petition written to the Chief Judge for the transfer of the case. He said: "Essentially this matter was adjourned till today for arraignment of the defendants today but they were not produce in court because I came across a petition written to the chief Judge for the transfer of this case. "I want to state that I disassociate myself from such petition. The chief judge has acted on the petition and transfer this matter to Justice Peter Lifu." Addressing the court, one of the defendants' lawyers, Benson Ndakara, expressed surprise about the development. Ndakara who said he was shocked by the petition added that there were two matters involving the defendants which were before the court namely: the Fundamental Rights Enforcement suit filed by the defendants and the Criminal charge filed against the defendants by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

"I am very surprised that a senior lawyer like Victor Opara can write a petition on a matter that he never featured in. I am not aware of such letter, therefore I have written a letter dated 8th of June distancing myself from this embarrassing action of the writer of that petition seeking the transfer of the case out of this court", Ndakara stated. Justice Owoibo in his reaction stated that he has received a letter from the Chief Judge transfering the suit to another court. Justice Oweibo held that, "The Chief Judge normally send such latter to us for our response, which is not the case here but surprisingly I just saw letter of transfer of the case from my Court." Ukatu, who is the Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies was arrested after months of surveillance and evading arrest by anti-narcotic operatives on board a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos

airport, Ikeja on Wednesday, April 13. According to NDLEA, investigations revealed that the suspect had been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of tramadol hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit. He was said to own pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria as well as operating 103 bank accounts, most of which were allegedly used to launder money. Ukatu came under watch after five cartons of tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on May 4, 2021, when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja Lagos. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was said to be over N3 billion.

gains. Ganduje commended Buhari for providing the enabling environment that produced the standard flagbearer, the National Working Committee, the delegates and all other organ and structure of the party across the federation for the collective efforts in ensuring the success of the convention. The governor also hailed other aspirants for their remarkable sportsmanship which they displayed throughout the painstaking consultation period up to the convention and particularly Osinbajo, who submitted themselves to transparent democratic exercise.

Amosun Salutes Tinubu

Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun Central in the Senate, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has congratulated winner of the presidential primaries of the APC. In a statement released in Abuja, Amosun described Tinubu as a tested democrat who would bring his experience to bear on the governance of the country. He expressed the conviction that with his (Tinubu) sterling record as governor of Lagos State, he was convinced that he would offer a leadership that would not only consolidate democracy gains in the country but that which would also offer better life to Nigerians.

Amaechi Congratulates Tinubu

The Amaechi Presidential Media has congratulated Ahmed Tinubu on his victory and emergence as the presidential candidate of the Party. “We acknowledge that his victory follows a highly charged contest, which as expected, could only produce one winner. “It is, therefore, our hope that following the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our party's presidential candidate, all aspirants will now close ranks and work hard to ensure our party's victory at the 2023 presidential election,” a statement by its chairman, Kingsley Wenenda Wali added.

Afenifere: Picking Southerner as Presidential Candidate is Delightful

The pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday said the choice of a southerner as the presidential candidate of the APC was delightful. The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, in a statement issued in Ibadan, said it was a known fact that the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum, of which Afenifere is a key member had been in the forefront of those advocating that power must shift to the Southern part of Nigeria come 2023. He said for power to move to the south there must be southern candidate or candidates, noting that, that was why the forum was strident in its calls on the political parties to field southern candidates in the forthcoming presidential election. He maintained that by electing Tinubu to fly its flag, the APC met the minimum condition of fielding a southern candidate. He however added that a return to true federalism through the restructuring of the country had been an article of faith for the group for a long time.

Tinubu, a Dogged Fighter, Says Daniel

A former Governor of Ogun State and Senatorial Candidate of the APC in the Ogun East Senatorial District, Mr. Gbenga Daniel has described Tinubu as a dogged fighter who knows his onions and would go to lengths to achieving his strategic objectives. Daniel stated this in his congratulatory message to the APC standard bearer. He said “The Bola Tinubu that I know is a strategic thinker, a great planner and a well organised personality, which are the attributes that have worked for him not only in politics but also in his business and social relationships. “In the last two decades Bola Tinubu’s political trajectory has shown that the the sky may be the starting point for him, and

this he has clearly demonstrated with the energy he puts behind his campaign and the eventual victory as the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress which has proven Bookmakers wrong in all ramifications.”

Kwara Governor Lauds Tinubu’s Emergence Presidential Candidate

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Tinubu on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC. A statement issued in Ilorin, yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor described the emergence of Tinubu as truly deserving, saying the ballot represented a resounding vote of confidence by the largest majority of party faithfuls and leaders in his capacity to lead the party to another victory. The statement added: “It was a moment to speak to the direction the party must take to consolidate on its own wins, build on the many successes of President Muhammadu Buhari, and raise a dynamic successor team that is able to take up the challenges of nation-building and development in a peculiar age of changing metrics of governance and collective security.”

Daﬁnone Hails Tinubu''s Emergence as Presidential Candidate

A renowned Chartered Accountant and APC, Delta Central Senatorial Candidate, Chief Ede Dafinone has congratulated Tinubu. Dafinone in a statement personally signed and issued yesterday, also congratulated the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Delta State’s APC governorship candidate and other APC candidates across the state, urging them to build a strong force to take over Delta come 2023. He said the former Lagos State Governor, “has the capacity to take Nigeria to the next level.” The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group chairman also congratulated other aspirants for their maturity before and during the exercise.

You are No Match for Atiku, PDP Mocks Tinubu The PDP yesterday mocked Tinubu for clinching the presidential ticket of the APC. In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said, "Our party also sympathises with Asiwaju for embarking on a journey to nowhere as he is no match for PDP’s more popular, more competent and more prepared presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar the unifier and the people’s choice, who defeated President Buhari fair and square in the 2019 presidential election. "Asiwaju will soon realise that Nigeria is not one of his acquired estates or fiefdoms and that the Nigerian people are not his political string-puppets and retinue of lackeys, from whom he bought the APC presidential ticket. "Asiwaju will also soon realise that Nigerians hold him responsible for his self-confessed role in installing the failed Buhari-led administration that subjugated the people, brought excruciating economic hardship, acute poverty, bloodletting, terrorism, mass killings, promoted disunity, tribalism and nepotism, lawlessness, massive treasury looting and unpardonable life-discounting experiences to our country." The PDP added: "His failure to express empathy for the victims of violence, kidnapping, mass killings and acts of terrorism, especially the recent gruesome attack in a sacred place of worship, St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State serves as a foretaste of the big cover up and harrowing experience that Nigerians will face, God forbid, should Asiwaju emerge as President in 2023. "From Asiwaju’s egotistic outbursts before and after the APC manipulative National Convention, it is crystal clear that his life-long dream of clinching the APC Presidential ticket is not for the wellbeing of Nigerians but out of desperation to lay hands on the keys to the nation’s treasury."

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Ekiti 2022: Don’t Allow Criminals to Hack Your Server, Oni Urges INEC Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti As the June 18 governorship poll in Ekiti State approaches, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Segun Oni, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to guard its server from being hacked by criminal and desperate politicians. The Ekiti Build Back Better (EBBB), who spoke on behalf of Oni, said he has uncovered alleged criminal, immoral and unethical plan by politicians to hack into INEC’s server. Oni said this was being allegedly done in connivance with some compromised staff of INEC to hack the systems of the commission in a bid to change the election result. The EBBB spokesman, Idowu Adelusi, in a statement in Ado Ekiti, yesterday quoted Oni to have said: “This is in clear view of the inevitable fact that the SDP candidate, Segun Oni, is in a distant lead in all the nooks and crannies of the state.” To this end, the group said it was informing the INEC to take the necessary precautions

to avert its system from being hacked by threatened politicians. These politicians had already hired computer experts very skillful in hacking into systems to illegally break into the INEC computer systems.

“They intended to impersonate legitimate INEC staff who have access to the data and manipulate the election results transmitted electronically from the polling units directly to collation system in favour

of the APC. “Residents, ethnic groups, the old and the youth as well as people of all classes, religions and creeds follow Oni have been supporting. We challenge every fair-minded observer to

conduct a survey across Ekiti to confirm or refute the stated assertion. “We invite ECOWAS, AU and the EU communities to conduct a pre-election survey to authenticate or prove this

view otherwise. This is what troubles the APC at the state and national levels. It wants to win the election at all costs, as it is sourcing and procuring any means available to rig the election.

THE WINNERS…

L-R: General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info, Femi Obong-Daniels; Second Runner-up, Qoowiyyah Wuraola Salam; Winner, Esther Bewaji; First Runner-up, Hameed Olanrewaju; Group Head of Marketing, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info, Olubukola Chidi, at the presentation of awards for the third edition of the “I Beg To Differ” student debate competition in Lagos...recently

Red Cross Raises the Yoruba Obas Condemn Owo Massacre, Task FG on Security Alarm over Hunger in North-west, North-central Bennett Oghifo

Michael Olugbode inAbuja

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has raised an alarm that a good number of people in the Northwest and North-central region of the country are in dire situation without knowing where their next meal will come from The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende was quoted in the statement issued yesterday by Chima Nwankwo and Aduratomi Bolade, of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) respectively to have said: “The situation is critical and is one that needs immediate

attention. Millions are being affected, particularly women, the elderly, and vulnerable children. A good number of them are now in a situation where they do not know where their next meal will come from, and this is something that concerns us greatly.” Kende further said: “We are grateful to our funding partners; The American Red Cross, British Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross and Netherlands Red Cross who have gone ahead to provide much needed resources to allow us reach the most vulnerable people in 7 states, however more support is still required as the funding gap is still huge viz-a-viz the needs.”

Lafia Residents Lament Abandoned Road Project Ward Head of the Area, Mr. Shia’u, said Igbawase UkumbainLafia Residents of Angwan Shai’u Area of Lafia, Nasarawa State, yesterday expressed concern over the inability of the state government to start their road project after demolishing 65 of their houses five years ago. Findings had it that the demolition of the houses on water ways was done by the immediate past governor and senator representing Nasarawa South at the National Assembly, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. Narrating the agony that the inhabitants of the area have been passing through since the demolition of their houses in March 20, 2017, the

that flood has been the major problem they have been facing, adding that it has killed about six children so far. Shia’u said that the 65 houses were demolished about five years ago, adding that each time it rains, locals usually watch their property being washed away by the flood. His said: “Each time the cloud gathers, we use to be in fear of what will happen. We lost six children to flood in the area.” The residents of the Angwan Shai’u,, therefore called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to come to their aid by constructing the road and fixing the bridge to avert future occurrence.

Yoruba Obas’ Forum has condemned the terror attack last Sunday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State which left many worshippers dead and several others injured. The monarchs, under the forum are drawn from the South-west - Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun - and Yoruba speaking areas of Kwara and Kogi states. In a press statement yesterday

signed by Oba Samuel Adeoye, Edema 1,The Molokun of Atijere Kingdom of Ondo State, the traditional rulers, while condoling the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, Ogunoye III and his people, as well as the government and people of the state, described the incident as unfortunate and worrisome. The royal fathers, who bemoaned the gruesome killings of the innocent worshippers, commiserated with the church and families of the victims. “This is one killing too many.

The sanctity of human life has become meaningless with the sordid ways people are cheaply being slaughtered like fowls in our country on a daily basis. It’s increasingly becoming scary by the day,” said the royal fathers. The traditional rulers called on the federal government and other stakeholders to make the security of lives of the people a top priority, lamenting the incessancy of such ugly developments. The Obas said it was high time a lasting solution was found to

inhumane and inglorious acts across the country. They contended that the government should not only fish out the perpetrators of the evil deed but also ensure that they were brought to justice. This, the forum maintained, would reassure citizens that there was hope for the recovery of Nigeria from its current calamitous situation, warning that the development if left unattended to, would continue to send wrong signals to the outside world, especially investors.

Catholic Priest Killed in Captivity Given Symbolic Burial

John Shiklam in Kaduna

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aketeh, who was killed in captivity by terrorists was yesterday given a symbolic burial in Kaduna as his corpse could not be recovered. Speaking at the funeral, the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew

Man-Oso Ndagoso said: “This is the first time I am presiding over a funeral mass without the corpse. We hope that one day we would be able to see even if it is his bones.” The funeral took place amidst tears by family, friends and members of the St. John’s Catholic Church, Kudenda, where the deceased was the presiding priest.

Aketeh was abducted at hisSt John’s Catholic Church Kudenda residence, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, on March 8, 2022 and was later killed by the terrorists while in captivity. Man-Oso Ndagoso said: “Bandits are terrorising Nigerians with impunity. Does our government really care about our pains?

Something is happening, they have failed us. Nigeria is a country where citizens are treated unequally because of religion and ethnicity. Vices have become a value in our country”. He called on the government to recruit young men who are willing to fight insecurity in order to defend the country.

Tambuwal Denies Abandoning Medical Student in Russia Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has debunked a claim by a Sokoto State indigene and a medical student that the state government and state scholarship board have abandoned him in Russia. Tambuwal, while briefing newsmen in government house , Sokoto said contrary to reports trending online that a medical

student of Sokoto state, Usman Yahaya, is languishing in jail, far away in Russia the claim is false and a scam. Yahaya claimed he has been suspended by the Irkutsk State Medical University (ISMU) and detained at a Russian immigration camp at Angarsk Irkutsk, by authorities of the European nation’s Immigration. However, Tambuwal blamed the development on arm chair journalists, whose stock in trade

is to feast on lies without proper investigation. Tambuwal said: “I wonder how someone who claimed he is in jail could be sending out series of recorded videos and some so called journalists will believe such. “Those so-called journalists never go beyond the four walls of their cocoon to verify source of such videos. At least, the Nigerian embassy in Russia is there for them to do their

checks and balances.” Shedding more lights, former Chairman of Sokoto state scholarship board, Hassan Mohammed Rabah, confirmed that, Yahaya had a five-year scholarship to study medicine in a Sudan University, from 2014 - 2019. He explained that but, after a year in Sudan, Yahaya, came up with an application to transfer his studies from Sudan to Russia.

The group disclosed that the discuss with the party presidential candidates is amongst activities for its 2022 International Colloquium. Accordingly, they stated that the discuss will focus on the current state of the socio-political and economic situation of Nigeria with the overall aim of changing the prevailing negative narratives of the country ahead of the new

political dispensation. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Chairman of the Forum Planning Committee, Stanford Tasie explained that the church craves for visionary leaders, who are not interested in the next election, but are concerned about the next generation. Tasie disclosed that about 2,000 eminent Nigerians are expected to be at the event,

where the three presidential candidates would tell the citizens what their manifestos are for the future generation. He declared that the church would not remain silent and watch bad governance ravage the country. “The colloquium is a convocation of God’s people to discuss national issues, discuss nation building, economic and comprehensive development.

LAUTECH ASUU Vows to Continue with Strike 2023: Religious Group to Engage Presidential Candidates on their Plans for Nigeria

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), yesterday vowed to continue with the strike embarked upon by the union in order to reap the benefits of the struggle that include infrastructure development. The union in a release jointly

signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Prof. Biodun Olaniran and Prof. Toyin Abegunrin, respectively, after its congress, while reacting to the threat by the threat of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, to stop payment of subvention until the lecturers returned to classroom, said its members have resolved to forge ahead with the strike and pursue it to a logical conclusion which “is imminent.”

Blessing Ibunge in PortHarcourt

Men’s league of the Christ Church, Port Harcourt, has concluded plans to engage presidential candidates of three political parties: All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to tell Nigerians their visions and passion for the country ahead of the 2023 general election.

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Police Confirm Killings in Adamawa Communal Clash

Daji Sani inYola

The Adamawa State Police Command yesterday confirmed four dead, two undergoing treatment in the recently communal clash between the Lunguda and Waja triibes in Lafiya town of Lamurde Local Government Areas of the state. Making the disclosure, the Spokesman of the command, Superintendent of Police, (SP) Sulieman Nguroge, made the confirmation. Nguroge was decorated from Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP) to Superintendent of Police along side 104 other officers. He said no arrest was made for now because the police has adopted a strategy to swiftly response to quell crisis from escalating to other neighboring villages. Nguroge said the situation was under control as normalcy has returned to the affected areas. He said the police have deployed an investigation team to investigate and made arrest where necessary. “The police want to make sure that innocent people are not arrested and also the police

have called on all stakeholders involved to discuss modalities to permanently put the lingering crisis to an end, “ he said. However, the state command also paraded 15 suspected criminals arrested for alleged Kidnapping, homicide, trespass

and theft, rape and other offences. The Chief Superintendent of Police ( CSP) and OC in charge of Crack Squad of the state command , Ahmed Danjuma Gombi said among the suspects paraded is one Mr John Jika, who was arrested in the female hostel of College of

Nursing in Yola. He said the suspect used to disguise himself wearing female dresses, explaining he normally go into the female hostel to steal laptops and phones. According to Gombi, Jika was caught with one laptop and six

iPhones while trying to escape. “The police have been trailing him for some time now. We also discovered that it is syndicate and we will soon track others members of his syndicate,” he said. Gombi said while Mr Albert. Vallamu arrested in Lamurde

for alleged rape, he confessed to the police. According to the victim, while he attempted to rape his victim who was carrying a two years old baby in her back she refused him penetration , so he has to kill her and her baby.

FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING…

L-R: Partner, KPMG and Board Member, LEAP Africa; Mr.Tola Adeyemi; Head of Strategy, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and Board Member, LEAP Africa, Mr. Sadiq Usman; Winner, Shortfilm competition on Countering Trafficking in Persons (CTIP), Peregrino Andrea Adeola; Lydia Odeh of Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Project, and Chief Operating Officer, LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni , at the CTIP short film premiere in Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT

Bayelsa Waste Contractor Convert Marwa Seeks Drug Test for Youth Corps Members Road to Dump Site, Groups Allege Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Ijaw Youth Council (lYC) and the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) have expressed concerns over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on a road linking Gbaraiin communities to the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa. The heap of refuse which is blocking the road that links some of the communities in Gbarain is being carried out by a waste management contractor who allegedly converted the road to its dump site.

THISDAY learnt that the said road constructed by Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC) had been serving as access road linking communities such as Nedugo, Agbia, Ogboloma, Okolobiri and others to Yenagoa through the Etegwe-Amassoma expressway. According to THISDAY checks, Shell constructed the road some decades ago to link its Etelebu Gas Plant located behind Ogboloma community, and had since then been serving as an important access road to the adjoining communities.

Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has requested for drug test to be carried out on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members before they are allowed into the orientation

camps for the mandatory one year national service. Marwa, who had in the past made similar demands on political aspirants and intending married couples, made the latest demand yesterday when he hosted the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen. Mohammed Fadah, who led his management

team on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. The NDLEA chief, while hosting the NYSC DG, painted a picture of Nigeria’s drug problem with facts and figures from the 2018 national drug survey, and called for collective efforts to change the narrative. According to him, “There

is the need for drug test for our Youth Corps members as they report to the orientation camps. Once they know there’ll be drug test at the camps, they will abstain from it. The whole essence is to help get to those who test positive early. This is part of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.”

‘Only Regionalism Can Save Nigeria from Further Descent’ UgoAliogo Yoruba diaspora organisation,Yoruba One Voice (YOV) has insisted that the only solution to the myriads of problems facing Nigeria is to embrace regionalism as the best option to accommodate the yearnings of other ethnic nationalities, or review the country existence through renegotiation. The group, who disclosed this

yesterday in a communiqué issued during their annual conference held virtually, maintained that the present situation in the country depends on the will of the people to put their destinies in their own hands, insisting that the apex Yoruba group would not fall for the bumpy traps of detractors in its determination to seek liberation of Yoruba race. The group, while condoling the government of the people of

Ondo State and the government over the Sunday’s killings of scores of worshippers of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, blamed the federal government for failing to secure the country. They lamented that the attack on the Church, where about 75 people lost their lives, the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State and that of a Catholic Church priest in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja are

nothing, but signs of imminent war in Yoruba land. They urged all Yoruba sons and daughters, at home and in Diaspora to get themselves prepared for imminent war. In his address, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, who is also the global convener of the group, stated that the multifaceted problems affecting Nigeria can only be solved through regionalism.

titled: ‘Youth Vote Count Mega Concert’, which will be held next Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), is part of the move to encourage Nigerian youths to show more interest in the electioneering process in 2023 general election. At a press briefing held yesterday to usher in the concert, the EU Representative, Miss Laolu Olawunmi, disclosed that the international body was worried

about the low turnout of youths on election day, which explains the reason for the involvement of the EU in the project, pointing out that it was designed to increase youth participation in the voting process in the country. She recalled that in 2019, the EU took the campaign of youth voting on election day to schools, saying the message was also extended to those who were not in school,

and that no youth was exempted in the campaign. Meanwhile, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, at the event assured electorate that the commission had improved the way election was conducted, adding that their vote would count as, according to him, the elections would be credible.

‘Non-implementation of Transborder Initiative Hinders Peace in Warring Communities’ EU, INEC, Others Partner on Youth Participation in Electoral Process National Boundary Commission Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Government has insisted that lack of implementation of trans-border initiative was responsible for skirmishes being experienced in some parts of the country. Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Uyo the state capital, yesterday, the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, posited that the inability of the federal government to implement the trans-border initiative encouraged by the

(NBC) was hindering peace process among conflicting communities across the country. According to the deputy governor, the trans-border initiative was lofty idea from the NBC to assist in peace deals among warring areas, especially in the border communities. He maintained that the trans-border cooperation initiative was a novel idea evolved by the NBC to checkmate boarder hostilities and promote inter-border peace and understanding.

Umeh: We ‘ll Make Labour Party Formidable, Just Like We Made APGA David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Senatorial candidate of Labour Party (LP), Senator Victor Umeh has vowed to work with the presidential candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi to build the LP. Umeh said just as he worked with the former Governor of Anambra State to build APGA when many people who reveling around the party today were nowhere near it, both of them and other stakeholders would

ensure that the LP becomes a formidable party. The former senator who spoke with THISDAY in an interview said: “This APGA you are seeing today, which some people are reveling around it, I and Mr. Peter Obi took it from nothing and made it formidable. “Even when he (Obi) left, I stayed behind to fight and defend the party up to the governorship election last year. So I don’t know what informed the people in authority to hatch a plot against me and I feel I don’t deserve it.”

Sunday Okobi

The European Union(EU) in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other organisations has begun a scheme to encourage Nigerian youths to get more involved in the electoral process in the country. These bodies disclosed that a musical concert for the youth

2023: Ogun PDP Aspirant’s Supporters Protest Imposition of Candidate James Sowole in Abeokuta Supporters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP), aspirant for the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Korede Daodu, yesterday stormed the party’s state secretariat in Abeokuta, alleging imposition of candidate on the constituency, even when primary did not hold

in the area. Specifically, the protesters alleged that they had been to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja and had discovered, that the name of Mr. Mustapha Adekunle had been submitted, as the candidate for the Federal Constituency without holding primary. The protesters, who stormed the PDP’s secretariat with placards

of various inscriptions, stated that the imposition of an unpopular aspirant, if not corrected, would spell room for the party in the area. They conde mned, the party’s leadership for allegedly allowing the practice, challenging them, how they got the name of the candidate, that was submitted to the National Secretariat, in Abuja. Some of the placards carried

by the protesters, read: “There Was No Primary Election in Ado -Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; We Say No To Imposition of Candidate in Ado- Odo/It’s Federal Constituency; 2023 Is Our Hope, No Imposition in AdoO Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; We Say No To Doggery; We Shall Resist Imposition With Our Vote” among others.

2023: Otti Wins Labour Party Guber Ticket for Abia Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State Labour Party (LP) yesterday elected a former bank chief and renowned economist, Mr. Alex Otti, as its governorship candidate for the 2023 general election. Otti, who joined LP last month following his dissatisfaction with

the goings-on in his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was returned unopposed at the party’s primaries held in Umuahia to elect governorship and National Assembly candidates. The Returning Officer, Innocent Okeke, who is also the Labour Party’s national vice-chairman, Southeast, said Otti polled a

total of 454 affirmative votes to emerge the standard bearer of the workers’ party. With Labour Party’s 2023 governorship ticket, Otti is now set to contest the governorship seat for the third consecutive time since 2015. The former bank chief in his acceptance speech said he felt elated to be given the privilege to

bear the banner of Labour Party, adding that his desire to put Abia State on the path of development remains unquenchable. He declared that “a movement has started,” which would defy any obstacle to free Abia State from the hands of “the unconscionable cabal” that has wrecked the state and stagnated its growth over the years.

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Eagles Must Beat Sierra Leone to Show Supremacy, Says Peseiro Ahmed Musa downplays effect of playing in empty stadium Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Santos Peseiro, has tasked the Super Eagles to show they are better than Sierra Leone in the Africa Cup 2023 qualifier. The Portuguese threw the challenge yesterday when he addressed the media at an open parley in Abuja ahead of today’s AFCON 2023 Group A qualifying clash with Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. He spoke when offering insights into the tactical nous the Eagles will employ against their fellow West Africans in this their first Group A clash. The coach insisted that even if the Eagles are better than the Sierra Leoneans, he challenged them to prove that by winning the fixture convincingly. “Our team is better than Sierra Leone, that’s all I can tell you. But we need to show that which is what football is all about. You can create 20 opportunities in a match but you need to score, while your opponent can create just one chance, score and win the match. We need to show

A F C O N 2 0 2 3 Q UA L I F I E R all we have done in training in the match on Thursday by focusing on our dynamics, approach and tactics,” Peseiro said. The former coach of Venezuela, who lost his first two friendly games against Mexico and Ecuador said he accepted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) offer to handle the national team because he has confidence in the Super Eagles. The coach, who said he preferred attacking with two strikers and high-pressure formation, said he would need more time to train the players in order for them to know one and other. “I want to improve our team. We can improve the team in three years with good organisation and tactics. We need to develop the programme to improve the players. We need to build different ideas and bring a system that they are comfortable with,” he said. Also speaking yesterday, Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa, downplayed the effect of today’s match being played without spectators as a

punishment for pitch invasion by the crowd after the World Cup qualifier against Ghana on March 26. The Fatih Karagumruk of Turkey striker said that playing against Sierra Leone in a stadium without spectators would not deter the team because the players were used to that as they played in empty

stadiums in their respective leagues for almost one and a half years during COVID-19 lockdown. “That is not a new thing. It is the price we have to pay for not going to the World Cup. Even though we are going to play in an empty stadium, we have to ginger our fans to restore confidence in the national team. We have to do everything within our best to try and win the game on Thursday,” Musa said. He conceded that the match

Victor Osimhen hoping to lead Super Eagles goal feasts against Sierra Leone this evening

Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare (right) formally welcoming Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, to Nigeria during the gaﬀer's visit to the Sports Ministry in Abuja... yesterday

...Dare Charges Peseiro to Blend Eagles with Home-based Players The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, yesterday charged the new Head Coach of Super Eagles, José Santos Peseiro, to make the squad a blend of the very best of professional players based at home and abroad. Dare insisted that the Ministry will assist in the rebuilding process by providing a conducive environment for the Portuguese to use his best efforts and endeavor to restore the confidence of football-loving Nigerians and the Government in the team. At a brief but colourful ceremony in Abuja, where the NFF formally presented Peseiro to the Government of Nigeria through the Sports Ministry, Dare told the gaffer in no uncertain terms that Nigerians want their National Teams to win every game, even though this is an impossibility in sport. “Whenever the team does not win, it must be clearly seen to have demonstrated high-level commitment, fervor, consistency and discipline on and off the pitch. The Minister then told Peseiro

to ensure a solid win for the Super Eagles against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Abuja today in a Match-day 1 encounter of the qualification series for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals to be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire. Earlier, NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko, who stood in for President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, thanked the Minister and the Sports Ministry for support and guidance during the process that produced the Coach. Peseiro, on his part, thanked the Government and people of Nigeria for the opportunity to tinker the Super Eagles, and said he is fully committed to the objective of winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next year summer. “I have always loved the Nigeria team, ever since I watched them play at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. It is a team with solid pedigree. Presently, we have both quality and quantity of players and it is always a good situation for any team.”

against Sierra Leone will be difficult because the visitors will ooze confidence in Abuja having forced the Eagles to a 4-4 draw in a World Cup qualifier in Benin by coming back from 4-1 to tie the game. He also described the appointment of Peseiro as a game changer saying the Portuguese believed in the capacity of the team to win the Africa Cup of Nations. “With the kind of players that we have right now, it is just concentra-

tion that we need and someone that believes in us. I want Nigerians to still believe in the players. The coach has said his target is to win the Nations Cup. It is left for the players to prove what he said we can do. With the kind of training I saw in the last two days, I know the Super Eagles will be different from the Super Eagles you saw in the past. Under this manager, a lot of things will change,” Musa assured Nigerians.

L-R: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidozie Awaziem and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho at training ahead of today's game in Abuja

African Athletics Championships: Ekevwo Races into 100m Final Reigning African Games 100m champion, Raymond Ekevwo, moved closer to ending Nigeria's 12-year wait for the blue ribband gold after qualifying for today’s final as the 22nd African Athletics Championship got off to a bright start. Ekevwo did not however make the final without breaking loads of sweat as he could only finish third in the third semifinal heat, thereby missing one of the two automatic slots for the final. The 23-year-old's 10.15s run was however among the three fastest times achieved by those who missed the automatic qualification slots. Kenya's reigning African record holder, Ferdinand Omanyala who recovered from an injury he coppped last week in the international athletics circuit

led the way once again with his 10.07s performance with defending champion, South Africa's Akani Simbine the second fastest qualifier for Thursday's final.

Ekevwo will now need to run faster than the 9.96s he ran three years ago that fetched him the African Games gold to stand a chance of making the podium. Two other Nigerians in the

sprint event did not make it to the final. Nichilas Mabilo failed to get past the first round heat while Seye Ogunlewe exited at the semifinal stage, finishing fourth (10.29) in the first semifinal heat.

Golf: Oboh Makes ShopRite LPGA Classic Cut Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Nigeria’s only professional golfer on the Ladies European Tour, Georgia Oboh, has made the cut into the main tournament at ShopRite LPGA Classic billed to tee off tomorrow at the 6,155 yards long Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club Bay Course, Galloway New Jersey. The 20-year-old Oboh fired two over par 73 over the Bay Course to trail the winner of

the qualifying tournament, American Vicky Hurst into the main event. They will be joined by 21 other projected qualifiers for the 54-hole stroke play tournament. After dropping shots on the second and third holes, Oboh held her nerves, zipping in four birdies on the back nine to ease into the main round of the tournament. The ShopRite LPGA Classic is a women’s professional golf

tournament on the LPGA Tour in Galloway, New Jersey near Atlantic City that carries a purse of $1,750,000. The tournament took place annually from 1986 through 2006 and returned to the tour schedule in 2010 at the par 71 Bay Course at the Dolce Seaview Resort. Melissa Rose Reid from England won the 2020 ShopRite LPGA Classic with a tournament record of –19 under par.

GOtv Boxing Night 25: Kadima Thanks Sponsors for N1m Cash Prize Stephen Kadima, the latest winner of the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night, has thanked the sponsors, GOtv Nigeria, for the N1million cash prize attached to the award and support for boxing in the country. Kadima, who made his

professional debut at GOtv Boxing Night 25 in Ibadan on Saturday, boxing was adjudged the best boxer of the event by a panel of sports journalists after he defeated his opponent Michael “Emirate” Godwin. He described his victory at the event as the biggest moment of his life and thanked the sponsors

for making the GOtv Boxing Night a platform for identifying and developing talented boxers from across the country. “I'm happy to have won the best boxer prize and the N1million attached to it. I thank GOtv for making this happen. I'm so excited. I'm more excited by their support for boxing and

boxers. They have assisted the growth of the sport for a long time. Though, Saturday was the first time I participated at GOtv Boxing Night, I had been watching it and I thank the sponsors," he said. GOtv Boxing Night featured seven bouts across weight divisions.

Thursday, June 9, 2022

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Bola Tinubu to Nigerians “I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be. I claim not to be special nor great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what are special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself”—APC presidential candidate, addressing delegates at the convention Tuesday night.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

APC Guinea Corn and Buhari’s Rain Y oruba people warn that one should be wary of planting guinea corn with rainfall that comes from certain individuals. The message is that a promise made by that person can never be relied upon. This is the lesson many of those who aspired for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket failed to heed. At the end, each of them wasted not only the N100 million posted for the party’s nomination form but also their time and other campaign expenses. From a former president of the country to the sitting vice president to the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and numerous serving ministers, jostling for the APC ticket was an elaborate scheme. And if you asked close supporters of these eminent personalities what was propelling their ambition, the quick response would be that they were encouraged to run by President Muhammadu Buhari or some shadowy people around him. The scam is now effectively over. Yesterday morning, after 24 hours of drama during which the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, failed in his brazen attempt to play the Sani Abacha script, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged the party’s presidential flagbearer. But with APC, that may just be the close of a chapter rather than the end of the book. I nonetheless congratulate Tinubu who fought a long war of attrition and prevailed despite all the kitchen sinks thrown along his way over the past three years. It is a remarkable feat. I know many APC big wigs who swore that Tinubu would never be the APC presidential flagbearer. Fortunately for Tinubu, the nomination of the APC presidential candidate was not left to the machinations of some power mongers or to likes or dislikes on Twitter! For more than two decades, Tinubu has been building a formidable political structure. And when it mattered most on Tuesday night, this paid off for him. Like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Tinubu is a man who has been around. He is also someone with whom I have had extensive interactions, beginning in 1992 when he first contested for senate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Records of his stewardship in Lagos are also readily available for interrogation. So, in the weeks and months ahead, Tinubu will engage my attention along with other presidential candidates. But he is not the issue for today. At his inauguration seven years ago, President Buhari said rather memorably: “I belong to everybody, and I belong to nobody.” The line may have been crafted by an inspired speech writer, but it goes to the make-up of Buhari. He has always been for himself. When asked last year about his successor, he said: “That is not my problem.” But to the surprise of many Nigerians in January this year, Buhari indicated that he actually had someone in mind. Responding to a question regarding his likely successor, the president said: “No, I will not tell you, because he may

Buhari be eliminated if I mention his name.” That perhaps explains why, in the build-up to the APC primaries, almost every APC aspirant sought his endorsement. One by one, they trooped to the Villa. He encouraged them. And every single one believed he was the anointed. I had warned a few of the aspirants not to bank on the president and I had my reason. In the 2011 presidential election, Buhari ran on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). While he lost the presidential election to the then incumbent Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP, his party won overwhelmingly in 12 of the 19 Northern States. His CPC defeated the PDP in all seven Northwest states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara and four of the six Northeast states of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe, losing only in Adamawa and Taraba states. In the six North Central states, Buhari was defeated by Jonathan in five (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau and Nasarawa) winning only in Niger. So one would have expected Buhari’s CPC to do well in the gubernatorial election in the 12 states where he won decisively in the presidential election. That was not what happened two weeks later. CPC lost all the 12 states and only won the gubernatorial election in Nasarawa where Buhari had earlier been defeated by Jonathan, essentially because of some internal contradictions within the PDP in that state. What happened? The moment Buhari lost the presidential election, he literally walked away, oblivious to the fact that there were other elections. Had he stood firm and campaigned for the CPC

gubernatorial candidates, his party would have swept those 12 states. It is against the foregoing background that I was surprised when President Buhari last week Tuesday met with APC governors, asking that he be allowed to pick his successor. I was certain he was pushed into the idea so I waited to see how it would all play out. “In keeping with the established internal policies of the party and as we approach the convention in a few days, I wish to solicit the reciprocity and support of the governors and other stakeholders in picking my successor, who would fly the flag of our party for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023,” the president read from a prepared text at the meeting which was also attended by the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu. Ordinarily, you don’t expect a press statement on such occasion. If the president had a candidate to sell, he would call a few of the influential governors and ask them to market such person for him. Expectedly, exactly a week later, the president disowned Adamu (who announced the name of senate president Ahmad Lawan) and declared that he had anointed no candidate for the party. That was after the APC Northern governors had seized the moment to zone the presidency to the South to save the day for the president and their party. Had they not done that, Adamu would have imposed on the party a man who ended up securing less than eight percent of the votes at the national convention in the name of a dubious ‘consensus’. And the president would probably have done nothing afterwards. Nobody has perhaps done a better disquisition of President Buhari than international development specialist, Dr Hussaini Abdu. His trending short treatise on WhatsApp (I confirmed the authorship from him) is on the bane of leadership in Nigeria, using Buhari as a case study. The president, according to Abdu, “loves himself so much that he will never stake his neck for anybody. Those who know

Buhari, even before his election, will tell you this. People can go behind him, around him, drop his name etc. to get things for themselves. If you succeed so, be it. If you fail, he disowns you.” Flowing from the foregoing, Abdu argues that in leadership recruitment, it is important to always pay “attention to critical details like social background, psychological make-up, personality type and how these contribute to shaping their approach to leadership,” while highlighting how President Buhari avoids conflicts he is expected to manage and hardly makes strategic decisions. “It is therefore a wild goose chase to expect Buhari to determine the presidential flag bearer for APC in the 2023 elections. He will not, because he has never done that for anybody, not a Councilor, not a LGA Chairman, not a Governor, not even a party Chairman.” He concluded: “APC is currently in a leadership mess because Buhari is not a big decision maker, he avoids decisions, or at best, get others to do it for him.” While I will come back to examine Tinubu and other presidential candidates that have emerged from the primaries, let me say something about an issue that came up during this entire exercise. I did not believe that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo should have thrown his hat into the ring. That is because I could not see any path to victory for him in the APC primaries. And I never bought into the cold calculation by his supporters that he would secure the endorsement of the president. It was never going to happen. Besides, considering what we have seen during the primaries, such endorsement even if given might not have made any difference. However, I fail to understand why some people would imagine that it was wrong (or treacherous) of Osinbajo to seek the presidential ticket of his party. Any vice president or deputy governor or deputy anything who says he/ she has no ambition for the number one job is either a fool or a fraud. Osinbajo is neither. Continued on page 30

Blood on the Altar

n Tuesday, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo confirmed that 38 persons were killed in Sunday’s attack by gunmen at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, the hometown of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN. Scores of other injured parishioners are currently in hospital. While I join in commiserating with the families of the deceased as we pray for the injured, I hope the security agencies will bring all the culprits to book. The greater work will be how to heal this grieving community after what has just happened. The tragedy in Owo reminds us once again of that famous play by the 20th century British playwright and social critic, T. S. Eliot. In writing ‘Murder in the Cathedral’, which tells the story of the assassination in 1170 AD of Archbishop Thomas Beckett by loyalists of Henry II, Eliot was said to have drawn heavily from the

account of a clerk who witnessed the tragic event in Canterbury Cathedral and recorded it for posterity. Although the play dwells largely on a confrontation between the Church and State at the time, I have always believed that it also contains embedded lessons which speak to contemporary times in Nigeria. Before Owo, we had witnessed several of such tragedies in different theatres across the country. We cannot claim not to the reason why. The weakening state capacity, and leadership ineptitude amid declining resources, has facilitated the emergence of dangerous non-state actors who seem determined to drive our country on the path of anarchy. We should not allow them. But when the authorities fail to assure hurting people that they can get justice for heinous crimes, they leave room for these criminal gangs to peddle their trade. To our collective shame!

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