THURSDAY 22TH JUNE 2023

RMAFC Defends Recommendation for 114% Increase of President, Others’ Salaries

Insists salary of Nigeria's president one of the lowest in the world

yesterday advanced reason for its recommendation for an upward review of political office holders in the country.

The commission had recommended

a 114 per cent increase in the salaries of elected public officials, including President Bola Tinubu, his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, federal and state legislators, governors, as

well as judicial officers. This, however requires approval from the president and other cabinet members and thereafter it would be sent to the National Assembly through

an executive bill for passage.

The move is however meeting strong condemnations from the public, who expected the new administration to cut cost in order

to tackle the country’s low revenue and other economic challenges. But the commission argued that the

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Sanwo-Olu Launches N5bn Forward Contracts for Paddy Supplies as Eko Rice Hits Market... Page 6

Egbetokun Takes Over as 22nd IG, Pledges Intelligence-led Policing

Navy denies alleged handover stalemate, new CNS takes over Friday Abbas: Appointment of NSA, service chiefs, others in nation's interest

Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun,

yesterday, assumed duty as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police, with a pledge to emplace intelligence-led policing and run a transparent as well as accountable leadership.

This was as the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, debunked reports that the former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, refused to hand over to his successor, Rear

Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, saying the new CNS would assume office tomorrow, Friday. At the same time, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon.

Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the new National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Service Chiefs and the acting Comptroller General of Customs,

among others, on their appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying their choices were in nation’s

Alake: Tinubu'll Push for DFI With World Leaders in France

President to meet US, France, other counterparts on summit sidelines Shettima canvasses stronger relations with British govt UK lauds nation's ongoing economic reforms Envoy clarifies visa restrictions, says not applicable only to Nigerian students

Continued on page 10 Deji

President Bola Tinubu, will among other things, push for foreign direct investments in his scheduled meetings at the ongoing New Global Financing Pact Summit in Paris, France, his

Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, has said. In another breath, Vice President Kashim Shettima, has called for

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Young Innovators, Funders to Prioritise Equity in Benefit Distribution... Page 10

Bill Gates Charges

TAKING BRIEFING...

De-Risking Capital, Key to Scaling up Development Finance, Adesina Tells OPEC

Ugo Aliogo with agency report

The President, African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called for new ways of project preparation and de-risking in order to mobilise private sector investment for sustainable development.

The AfBD chief cited the Africa Investment Forum initiated by the bank and seven partners, as a leading continental platform that is aggregating bankable projects to reduce fragmentation and make it easier to attract institutional investments.

Adesina, who stated this yesterday, at the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund’s forum in Vienna, the Austrian capital, said the AfDB and its partners were also creating opportunities for the private sector to invest in agriculture through special agro-industrial processing zones, which are being established across the continent.

"We have got where the private sector is. We have got

US$ 145 trillion of assets under management (and) by 2026 it's going to be there… but the issue here is that we need new ways of aggregation to prepare the projects, to de-risk the projects and lower the transaction cost for those deploying capital.

"It [the Africa Investment Forum] has become today the premier investment platform to do anything on investment in Africa, and in the last four years, we have been able to leverage about US$ 142 billion of investment interest into energy, water and sanitation, infrastructure, and transport corridors,” Adesina said.

Adesina said the bank was bringing in private capital into agriculture that would create opportunities for the private sector “to go into rural areas close to where the farmers are producing, adding that they can buy, process, package food, and export food and have a greater competitiveness for various value chains.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank

Group, Muhammad Al Jasser, cited the Desert-to-Power flagship renewable energy initiative led by the African Development Bank as a great pioneering project.

Al Jasser said the Islamic Development Bank was fully committed to financing green projects while balancing it with support for poverty reduction.

Chief Executive Officer, Agence

Française de Développement, Rémy Rioux, called for a consensus in redefining development finance. He said: “We need a new narrative. We need to work on a framework to finance what nobody is financing – the most vulnerable communities. This is our core mandate, and we must be allowed to allocate part of the precious concessional resources

to mobilise, to lower emissions, to go the private way.”

Rioux said he looked forward to this week’s summit for a New Global Financing Pact to pin down a roadmap for easing the debt burden of low-income countries, while freeing up more funds for climate financing. The Paris discussions would include the reallocation of Inter-

national Monetary Fund special drawings rights (SDRs), Rioux said, acknowledging Adesina’s advocacy for the African Development Bank to be the conduit for redeploying the SDRs to Africa.

Global development financiers attending the event have pledged a strong commitment to remodel their investments to support green projects at scale.

BUA Foods Pledges to Maintain Rice Prices Across Nigeria

Restates commitment to supporting local farmers for food security

In a remarkable display of commitment to the Nigerian agricultural sector and the economy, BUA Foods has informed distributors of its rice products that it would maintain prices of its BUA Rice to support efforts at making rice more affordable in Nigeria. According to a statement from the company yesterday, this was due

to the strong sales potential from the company’s newly upgraded 200,000tonnes per annum rice mill in Kano using locally sourced rice paddy.

According to the company, the decision to maintain prices was as a result of the little reliance on forex for rice production.

Prior to the BUA Foods business

integration which saw its listing in 2022, the BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, had stated that BUA’s goal would be to focus areas where raw materials can be sourced locally across all its business areas including rice in order to promote food security in Nigeria and support the government in National development.

Edo, FAO Partner on $3m Deal on Forest Conservation, Biodiversity

Trains MDAs on data collection, tracking, restates role in achieving SDGs

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, said the government was partnering with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and three other States in the country on biodiversity and forest conservation.

Obaseki, who said this while briefing journalists in Benin City, said the project was worth $3 million.

The governor said the government was taking deliberate steps to tackle deforestation and forest degradation and enhance the conservation and development of the State’s forest assets.

According to Obaseki, “The forestry sector is attracting a lot of Investors both locally and internationally, and development partners have been quite kind to us by opening their doors and we are working with them especially in the areas of plantation establishment.

“The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) wrote to us a

couple of months ago to be part of a project for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of lowland forests. The project is between Edo State and three other States and is worth slightly over $3 million.”

While urging for increased collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard the environment, ensuring sustainable practices to preserve the ecosystem and prevent the loss of biodiversity, Obaseki said the state’s forest resources could boost its economy if properly harnessed and conserved.

He stated, “We were exporting timbers in the time past before the advent of crude oil resulted in the loss of the culture of sustainability. So, if we are to progress, develop, and diversify our economy, then we must go back to those things that made us great before.”

The governor reassured, “We will intensify actions at conserving our

forests. We are working with our security forces and other stakeholders to smoke out all those people who are not supposed to be in our forest.”

Meanwhile, Edo State government has organised one-day training for officials of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on administrative data collection for tracking and reporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state.

The participants who were expected to become desk officers for SDGs across MDAs in the state would help in the collation of accurate, reliable, and current data to make reports that would help make informed decisions towards the realisation of SDGs in Edo State.

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, SDGs/Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Ifueko Alufohai, said the workshop had been put in

place to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of SGDs 2030 Agenda as well as strengthen and develop capacity for effective data gathering and reporting of the implementation of the SDGs.

Alufohai, represented by the SDGs Programme Coordinator, Samuel Osahon Ojomo said, “For the SDGs to achieve its set goals, we must be able to measure progress and report back to the citizens and the global community.

“The workshop is on advocacy for SDGs and training on administrative data collection for tracking and reporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Edo state.

“The process of tracking growth is fundamental to us as effectively tracking administrative data that possesses an element of integrity. It’s in this regard we employ your partnership in the provision of relevant and accurate data, cooperation

with the data collation team, and partnership with the SDGs project support units to make the data collation process and creation of SDGs report seamless and productive.

“I urge all participants to take full advantage of this workshop to acquire new knowledge and information needed to translate the agenda into action as we drive the implementation of the SDGs in Edo State.”

While welcoming participants, Managing Director of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, thanked Obaseki for establishing the training center which is now instrumental for the training and retraining of civil and public servants across Edo State.

“We are excited that this programme is happening as SDGs Goal Number Four, which is quality education, has been embraced by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration since coming into office in 2016.”

According to a key distributor in Kano, “distributors were excited by this development and were sure that BUA Foods in its usual fashion would crash the rice prices further as it had consistently done with its other food products like flour, sugar, and pasta.”

“By prioritising local agricultural resources, BUA Foods is not only supporting Nigerian farmers but also contributing to the nation's self-sufficiency in rice and sugar production through backward integration.

“BUA Foods steadfast commitment to its vision has gained recognition and appreciation from stakeholders across the industry. The company's efforts to bolster the Nigerian agricultural sector have garnered praise, positioning BUA Foods as a leader in the drive towards sustainable food production.

“The upgraded rice mill and parboiling plant will further enhance BUA Foods’ rice production capacity, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for its high-quality rice products whilst remaining committed to delivering excellence and ensuring that consumers have access to top-notch rice that is locally produced.

“As BUA Foods continues to make significant strides in advancing the Nigerian rice industry, the company remains focused on building strong relationships with farmers, empowering local communities, and contributing to the overall development of the nation's agricultural landscape,” the statement added.

President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives comprehensive briefing from members of his delegation ahead of his participation at a New Global Financing Pact summit holding in Paris… yesterday

Sanwo-Olu Launches N5bn Forward Contracts for Paddy Supplies as Eko Rice Hits Market

Commodities exchange lists, trades Lagos’ rice at N33,000 per 50kg bag State projects 2.5million units in annual rice sales

James

Rice produced from the Lagos State-owned 32-metric tonnes per hour Imota Rice Mill in Ikorodu has now hit the market, with the listing of the commodity for trade in Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE).

This was followed by a formal launch of N5 billion Eko Rice Forward Contract Programme by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the floor of the commodities exchange market, UAC Building in Marina, Lagos, yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to promote agriculture and enhance food security in Lagos.

A statement yesterday, explained that the forward contract, which was a joint initiative of the Government-

owned Lagos State Rice Company (LASRICO) and Commodities Tradenet Limited, was the first series of N30 billion Private Commodity Notes Issuance Programme facilitated by Lagos State Government to ensure undisrupted paddy supply, enhance quality management, transaction efficiency and transparency.

Forward Contract for Eko Rice became the first to be listed and traded in Nigeria’s commodities exchange ecosystem.

The private listing of the Lagos rice excited commodity brokers, farmers and investors in the commodities market, as first 5,000 contracts issued on the exchange floor were traded at the value of N195 million.

The offer for 50kg of Eko Rice opened on June 13 at the rate of N33,000 per Note, with the commod-

ity being expected to be traded till next Monday, June 26, 2023. Tenor of the Note is 60 days.

According to the statement, commodity brokers said the encouraging performance recorded by Eko Rice at first trading in the Commodities Exchange was due to its well-cleaned grains and high-grade texture, which positioned the crop for fair competition with imported rice in the market.

Eko Rice is laboratory-tested to have less than two per cent impurity and 14 per cent moisture content.

Sanwo-Olu said the Eko Rice Contract Programme was a gamechanger launched with the objective to make Lagos a hub for agricultural production and processing in the country.

Rice, the governor noted, remains

a regular staple consumed by over 80 per cent of Lagos population, stressing that the Forward Contract was a key goal in the food security plan of the Government to guarantee availability of the commodity at affordable price.

He said: “The N5 billion Series of N30 billion Eko Rice Contracts Programme being launched today is part of our efforts to ensure a sustainable supply of rice paddy for the smooth running of Lagos Rice Mill in Imota. The exchange market is a public-private partnership programme that will provide a platform for farmers, processors, and traders to buy and sell rice contracts at a fair price.

“The programme will also provide a guarantee for the quality and quantity of rice produced, which will enhance the confidence of buyers

S&P: Nigeria, Others Planning Comeback after OPEC-induced Cut on Their Oil Output

Members reassess strategy, ministers to coordinate tactics

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

After being practically strong-armed into accepting lower oil production baselines, during their last meeting in Vienna, Nigeria and other African members of the Organisation of Petroleum Organisation (OPEC) are preparing to fight for their market share within the Saudi-dominated group, S&P Global, has reported.

Nigerians were bewildered on June 4, when news emerged that the country’s delegation had agreed a cut to production for next year from the current quota of 1.742 million barrels per day, to 1.38 million barrels per day.

“Furthermore, Nigeria, Congo and Angola have agreed that the highest production volumes of the last six months (November 2022 – April 2023) be used as the basis for the determination of their 2024 production quota,” the delegation added.

The quota restriction came despite Nigeria banking on the sector to revamp the economy and new efforts to ramp up production, with the new government’s directive to all stakeholders to ensure optimum performance of the sector in the coming months.

But quoting people familiar with the situation, the S&P report stated that the African delegations plan to come better prepared for future talks with pre-agreed strategies and a unified front.

According to S&P, quoting people familiar with the situation, Nigeria and other African nations were taking a page from their Middle East counterparts, who typically align their positions before contentious negotiations through pre-meeting consultations.

“OPEC's sub-Saharan African members -- Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo -- have seen their influence in the bloc shrink in recent years as crude production has slipped well below their quotas, and now find themselves crowded out by the Saudi-Russia axis of power, following the creation of the OPEC+ coalition in 2019. Sudan and South Sudan are non-OPEC members of the coalition.

“The strategising follows a fraught OPEC+ meeting June 4 that saw the Angolan delegation storm out and Nigeria voice objections amid squabbles over production baselines, which are used to set quotas, according to sources in the room,” S&P stated.

Speaking to S&P Global on condition of anonymity, multiple African delegates said Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of OPEC, had pushed for quota reductions based on contested production figures.

"They were using December to April, which was our worst time," said one delegate.

In the end, African countries

saw their 2024 baselines chopped significantly, while the UAE will have the opportunity to increase oil production.

Nigeria's quota, for instance, was reduced from 1.742 million bpd to 1.380 million bpd, while Angola's was cut from 1.455 million bpd to 1.280 million bpd. Tiny Equatorial Guinea's had its own almost halved.

In May, Nigeria and Angola produced 1.43 million and 1.11 million bpd, respectively, according to the latest Platts OPEC+ survey by S&P Global Commodity Insights.

In a move that one source said was, "triggered" by African members, countries have been given until November to demonstrate a higher level of production that could reset their baselines higher. The figures will come from secondary sources, including S&P Global.

"You can ignore it," one African delegate said of the 2024 production quotas. The continent's producers insist there is momentum in their upstream sectors post-pandemic.

"It's not a done deal. The quotas are going to be reviewed again," said another.

As a result, a third delegate was categorical that African members had "absolutely not" lost out in the deal, although delegates conceded the new 2024 quotas send a message to investors.

"The looming quota cut is the stick, but the five-six-month runway is the

carrot (or compromise); it's basically telling affected African producers we will let you produce as much as you physically can, just show us how much that is," said Research Director at S&P Global, Karim Fawaz, "Framed that way, is not necessarily an unreasonable ask," he noted.

and sellers in the market.

“Leveraging the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange is a critical component of our plan to create a transparent and efficient market for the trading of agricultural commodities and derivatives. The Exchange has the potential to transform the agriculture sector by providing a reliable and efficient market for farmers, processors, and traders.”

To ensure the supply chain is not disrupted, Sanwo-Olu said the State government embarked on the development of rice value chain through capacity building for farmers, and provision of inputs and infrastructure in rice production centres across Lagos. This effort, the governor said, had scaled up local paddy production by 63.5 per cent, while creating over 2,620 direct and indirect jobs.

Sanwo-Olu said the intervention had also stimulated economic activities and facilitated improved livelihood in rice producing communities.

He said the Lagos-owned Imota Rice Mill required 200,000 tonnes of paddy yearly, stressing that the Commodities Exchange would create a steady market for the 2.5 million bags of 50kg rice that would be turned out from the mill annually.

“Today’s Bell Ringing is to herald the listing of rice paddy contracts for the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota for open transactions. This highlights the opportunities available in rice processing and other value chains of the Lagos Agricultural sector.

“It will draw attention of local and foreign investors to the Lagos Rice

Mill forwards contract, and project the role of the Capital Market in driving development in Lagos commodities ecosystem.

“We are committed to expanding the programme to cover other commodities, such as cassava, maize, and vegetables,” Sanwo-Olu said.

LCFE Managing Director, Mr. Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, said rice was among the 13 crops approved by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for trading at the commodities exchange market, stressing that the listing of Eko Rice was a watershed moment in the capital market.

Akeredolu-Ale said collaboration with the Lagos State government would drive paddy supply to the Imota Rice Mill, integrate stakeholders in rice value chain across the country and standardise of head rice and paddy rice in Lagos.

He said: “LCFE will provide an opportunity for investment in the rice value chain through the creation, onboarding and listing of commodities instruments for paddy aggregation and trading, while also providing opportunities for rice distributors and stakeholders to trade on the Exchange through capital market operators.

“There is no credit risk associated with the issuer of the Notes, as the underlying commodity assures return on investment.”

Sanwo-Olu tolled the open bell, signifying the formal commencement of trading of the contracts for the commodity. The Governor was joined by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other top government functionaries.

of Boards: Ogbuku Retains Position as NDDC Boss

Dissolution

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has directed the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to continue to man the affairs of the Commission until a new board would be constituted by the president.

This directive was contained in a letter dated June 21, 2023, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, and addressed to the NDDC Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

The letter stated; “Following the termination of the Boards of Federal Government Parastatals

by the President on June 19, 2023, with the exception of Councils and Commissions listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 152 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I write to inform you of this directive.

“Consequently, you are to oversee the affairs of the NDDC until a new board is constituted by the President and Commanderin Chief of the Armed Forces.

“All official correspondences requiring the attention of the President should be routed through the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, who will further liaise with the Office of

the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for necessary action.”

Belgore further directed that the MD should give weekly reports of financial and procurement activities for onward transmission to the office of the Secretary General of the Federation.

He said: “You are required to provide weekly report on your financial and procurement activities for onward transmission to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation".

Tinubu had on Monday approved the dissolution of Boards of federal government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions and Government -owned Companies.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria , Richard Montgomeny ( L ) with Vice President Kashim Shettim during the courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa , Abuja …..yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Segun

ICPC Recovered N454bn Assets in Four Years

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered N454, 805 billion worth of seized assets as it battled graft in the country in the last four years.

ICPC's Deputy Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Jude Okoye, made the disclosure at a media training in Abuja.

“The commission has also recorded 90 convictions within the period. The convictions were recorded in 4,737 investigated cases by the commission, with many pending in various courts," he said.

He affirmed that through constituency and executive project tracking initiatives, the commission

was able to track 3,422 projects.

While giving a breakdown of the recovered loot, Okoye said, “N9,341 billion was cash recovery in ICPC account and N67, 236 billion from ICPC intervention investigation, while N257, 492 billion were funds restrained through final forfeiture.”

He explained that the sum of N2,865 billion was recovered from constituency and executive project tracking initiatives CEPTI and other assets.

Another N45, 280 billion, he said, were from CEPTI completed projects on return of contractors.

He further asserted that ICPC had recovered N26,573 billion from cash restrained through budget

UK Net Debt Passes 100% of GDP First Time Since 1961

Britain's public sector net debt surpassed 100 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in May as borrowing came in higher than expected, Reuters quoted the Office for National Statistics, (ONS) to have revealed.

Public sector net debt, excluding that of state-controlled banks, hit 2.567 trillion pounds ($3.28 trillion), equivalent to 100.1 per cent of GDP.

That represented the first time

that debt stood above 100 per cent of GDP since 1961, although it was temporarily recorded as passing that threshold during the COVID-19 pandemic before being revised lower.

The ONS said government borrowing in May, stood at 20.045 billion pounds.

A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to public sector net borrowing, excluding state-owned banks, of 19.5 billion pounds.

tracking.

Okoye, therefore, called for the support of all Nigerians in the war against corruption and expressed the commitment of

ICPC to continue to collaborate with government agencies and development partners in the fight against corruption. Speaking earlier on the essence of

the capacity building, the Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, said the training would strengthen the capacity of journalists in reporting the fight against graft in the

country objectively. He stated that, “fake news and biased reporting threaten all of us. They threaten stability, professional competencies, and our livelihoods."

EBID Signs $30m Credit Line with Access Bank

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has signed a credit line of $30 million with Access Bank Ghana, to boost the agricultural business and related sectors, including processing, infrastructure, transport, and women-owned businesses in the West African country.

The bank also signed two other separate finance agreements with two companies - Baraka and Societe Niangadou Distribution Compagnie (NDC).

A statement from the bank sub-regional bank read that: “On the side lines of the 30th Annual Meetings of the Afreximbank, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, has signed three separate finance agreements with three companies namely Baraka, Societe Niangadou Distribution Compagnie (NDC)

and Access Bank Plc on Tuesday June 20, 2023, in Accra, Ghana.”

According to the statement, the first agreement entailed an extension of facility amounting to EUR 10 million, aimed at increasing Baraka's capacity to finance the supply of petroleum products to marketers and mining companies in the Republic of Mali. This follows a previous agreement in 2022, where EBID extended a facility of EUR 7 million to Baraka SBP for the acquisition of 47 tanker trucks, expanding the company's fleet to meet the growing demands of the Malian economy.

“The second agreement focuses on enabling Societe NDC SAU to expand its interventions in the energy sector of Mali as a petroleum product supplier.

“It provides a revolving facility of EUR 10 million for the importation and marketing of petroleum products,” it added.

The statement noted that the

Afenifere Lauds Tinubu on Change of Service Chiefs

Says moves should salvage country, reset it

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended President Bola Tinubu on the recent changes being effected in the agencies of government responsible for security in Nigeria.

The organisation has described the move by the president as a step in the right direction that would salvage and reset the country adroitly.

Afenfere’s position was contained in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.

Afenifere decried the damage caused to the nation by insecurity, which he said presented the nation as one at war.

"This war is not only physical; it is also psychological and attitudinal. It has resulted in millions of Nigerians living in a condition that is not only debilitating but elicits pity,” it stated.

Afenifere asserted that the

undesirable situation was wellcaptured by President Tinubu while hosting the 36 state governors in his maiden meeting with them on June 7, 2023 in Abuja, stating that poverty was written boldly on the faces of Nigerians, which propelled the president to challenge the governors and declared that, “Our position is to eliminate poverty.”

Drawing a relationship between change in the leadership of security agencies and poverty, Ajayi submitted that the spate of insecurity has led to the untimely deaths of thousands, imperiled hundreds of thousands of lives and destroyed businesses running into billions if not trillions of naira, and thus aggravating the poverty indices in the country.

“Incidentally, the president actually said poverty and insecurity were priority areas for his administration and he would do all that is required to address them. He gave this assurance while having a

conversation with European Council President, Mr. Charles Michel on June 7, Wednesday, 2023," it said.

Afenifere recalled that circa 2024/2025, three states namely Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, were under siege. Many others such as Niger, Sokoto, Nassarawa, Benue, Plateau, Katsina also came under serious attacks in subsequent years leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people who were forced to be living in what is called Internally Displaced Peoples’ camps, and became refugees in their own country with a future that was uncertain.

The Yoruba group recounted how banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and attacks of herders on farmers as well as killings by what was termed UGM (unknown gunmen) became the order of the day, adding that, in due course, killing for rituals especially in the southern part of the country was soon to be added

to the despicable bargain.

“Several efforts were made and resources running into trillions spent, yet the menace ‘refused’ to go away. The expectation that the coming of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired army general, would stem the tide on taking over from former President Goodluck Jonathan turned to be an unmet expectation as security breaches got worsened under him (Buhari).

"Calls on him to rejig the security architecture went on deaf ears. Feeble efforts made and a few changes in personnel were too little to make desirable impacts,” it said.

Afenifere admitted that change of personnel was not enough to see a dramatic turnaround in the country’s architecture, was however emphatic that “doing so was a critical step in order to effect fundamental changes in what is presently operating."

two agreements demonstrate EBID's commitment to supporting projects in both the private and public sectors in Mali, with a cumulative commitment of 275 billion FCFA.

“The third agreement involves a credit line of $30 million to Access Bank Plc in Ghana, dedicated to on-lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural business and related sectors, including processing, infrastructure, transport, and women-owned businesses.”

President of EBID, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, emphasised that the signing of the agreements aligned with the bank's strategic orientation to invest in the growth poles of ECOWAS member- states. He highlighted Mali as a landlocked, non-oil-producing country heavily dependent on fuel transported by tankers from neighboring countries.

Donkor stressed the importance of ensuring a consistent supply of petroleum products to support key economic activities, particularly in sectors such as industry and mining. He urged all stakeholders to utilize these facilities effectively to foster the transformation of ECOWAS communities.

According to the statement, representatives from each company, included Mr. Sadio Bathily, Managing Director of Baraka; Mr. Mamadou Niangadou, Chief Executive Officer of Societe NDC SAU of Mali, and Mr. Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director of Access Bank

Ghana, expressed their appreciation and commitment to utilising the financing to drive growth, enhance operations, and contribute to the development of their respective sectors.

The statement added that: “The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development remains dedicated to its mandate of promoting economic and social development in the ECOWAS region through strategic investments and partnerships.

“These agreements signify EBID's ongoing efforts to provide financial solutions that spur private sector development and contribute to the sustainable growth of the region.”

ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is a leading regional investment and development bank, owned by the 15 ECOWAS Member States, namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Based in Lomé, Togolese Republic, the Bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. EBID intervenes through long, medium, and short-term loans, equity participation, lines of credit, refinancing, financial engineering operations, and related services.

Naira Depreciates at I&E FX Window, Parallel Market

Nume Ekeghe

The naira depreciated yesterday on the Investors and Exporters’ (I&E) FX window to N763/$1, lower than the N756/$1 it closed on Tuesday. This indicated a N7 depreciation for the naira. Also on the parallel market, the naira also depreciated to N765/$1 which was a N10

depreciation compared with the rate it closed on Tuesday.

However, at the I & E FX Window, the highest spot rate recorded during the day was N815/$1, which was a low, since the inception of the managed float while the lowest recorded exchange rate for yesterday was N4765/$1. In addition, on the I&E window, the daily turnover reached a total of $96 million.

IBPLC 46TH AGM...

L-R: Finance Director, International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), David Tomlinson; Managing Director, Carlos Coutino; Chairman, Board of Directors, Nnaemeka Achebe; Company Secretary, Ayokunle Ayoko, Independent Non-Executive Director, Olutoyin M. Odulate, and Non-Executive Director, Andrew Whiting, at the IBPLC 46th AGM held in Lagos....yesterday

Bill Gates Charges Young Innovators, Funders to Prioritise Equity in Benefit Distribution

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Bill Gates, has urged young innovators and funders to prioritise equity in distribution of proceeds and benefits of science and innovation.

Gates, who said this yesterday, at a forum with students and young innovators from Nigeria and across Africa, spoke on, 'The Power of Youth in Science and Innovation' and how it could accelerate positive change and contribute to a brighter future for Africa.

Themed 'Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation', the hybrid event was co-hosted by the Lagos Business School and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), in partnership with Africa.com and Channels Television with support from Centre for Com-

munication and Social Impact (CCSI).

In his speech, Gates said: "I am a huge believer in the power of science and innovation to help people lead long, healthy lives.

“But one of the big lessons I have learned is that the benefits don’t automatically reach everyone.

“To do that, the people creating new breakthroughs, the people funding them, and the people getting them into the world all need to prioritise equity.”

Noting that progress had not been equally distributed, he highlighted examples such as poor digital access for many Nigerians and inconsistent availability of health services, education, and employment – especially for women.

This is because in Nigeria, the gender gap in employment has increased 25 per cent in the last five years where men are twice as

likely as women to have mobile money accounts, he said.

Gates, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time since 2018, also commended Nigerian youth and many Nigerian partners whom the Gates Foundation had worked with for more than a decade.

These included scientists who are scaling up new interventions that save mothers and babies, researchers who are helping smallholder farmers thrive in the face of climate change and grow more nutritious foods, and companies that are expanding access to digital financial tools.

“When it comes to making the world a better place talented young people are the world’s most important asset,” Gates said.

“Nigeria has one of the biggest youth populations in the world, and it’s growing fast. That represents a lot of potential skills and passion

ALAKE: TINUBU'LL PUSH FOR DFI WITH WORLD LEADERS IN FRANCE

stronger relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) given the long standing historical antecedents, business activities and shared interests between the two countries.

Shettima made the call yesterday while receiving in audience, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery at the State House, Abuja.

Montgomery, on his part, lauded the long standing relationship and cooperation with Nigeria especially in areas of trade and investment, security and defence, digital technol-

ogy, education and also commended the new administration’s proactive economic policies especially the reforms.

He also spoke on the visa restrictions for dependents, saying such restrictions were not exclusive to Nigeria, which constitutes over 10% of the visitors coming into the country.

Already, no fewer than three world leaders and some global financial institutions had indicated interest in discussing partnership with the Nigerian president at the summit in Paris.

This is in view of Nigeria's

economy showing signs of improvement, following some of the recent policy steps taken to restructure the system by the new government.

Tinubu had arrived in Paris, France, Tuesday evening to participate in the New Global Financial Pact Summit, holding at Palais Brongniart from June 22 to 23, 2023.

Speaking on the president's itinerary after he had received briefings from members of his delegation, Alake, said the president would be pushing for foreign direct investments in the scheduled meetings, among other things.

EGBETOKUN TAKES OVER AS 22ND IG, PLEDGES INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING

interest.

Egbetokun, who was appointed the chief law enforcement officer of the federation by Tinubu on Monday, was handed over the mantle of leadership by his predecessor, Usman Ali Baba.

Pledging to emplace intelligenceled policing and run a transparent and accountable leadership, the new police helmsman also promised to offset six months salary arrears owed police constables within one month.

The handing and taking over of leadership between the former and new police chief was held in a brief but colourful ceremony at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The event climaxed with the symbolic handover of the Nigerian national and police flags.

Egbetokun thanked Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, saying, “it is a commitment, a calling to make a difference in the shared mission to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of everyone that lives in our great country. I thank Mr President for my appointment and confidence reposed in me to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Police Force.

"We will work with the rank and file. Together, we will build a police force the nation will be proud. Accountability will be the hallmark of my administration. I will work to regain the confidence of Nigerians in our internal investigative system and ensure the highest standards of professionalism.

"I will sustain and review some aspects of community policing and emplace intelligence-led policing.

NPF under my leadership will strive for transparency and accountability," he said.

He assures the people that the police under his leadership, would strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability in order to rebuild public trust, restore confidence "in our law enforcement institutions, and create a Nigeria, where every citizen feels safe, protected, and respected."

He further assured Nigerians that his administration would unveil new tactics to release the great capacity of the Nigeria Police to secure the nation, build lasting peace and deliver on the vision of the president for a thriving and prosperous Nigeria.

Navy Denies Alleged

Handover Stalemate

The Nigerian Navy, yesterday, debunked reports that the former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has refused to hand over to his successor, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla.

A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adetotun Ayo-Vaughan, said the alleged development was untrue.

According to him, the Navy, like other military arms, was following the traditional procedure for handover of the mantle of leadership.

He said contrary to reports on the matter, the handover ceremony has been scheduled to tomorrow, Friday.

"The attention of the Naval Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious publication by some online media and others alleging the refusal of the outgoing Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral AZ Gambo to hand over to the incoming Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla.

"The media reports are totally lies, misleading and capable of spreading falsehood to unsuspecting members of the public. It is, therefore, necessary to put the record straight. Suffice it to state that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian Navy from inception is procedural.

“Upon the announcement of the change of the ‘Watch on Deck’, the outgoing CNS is expected to give detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign," he explained further.

It said the programme of events leading to the formal handing and taking over ceremony has kicked off, to culminate at a public ceremony on Friday,' June 23, 2023 in line with age-long naval tradition.

"Instructively, it is pertinent to mention that sister services are also due to hand over as they have set aside specific dates for their handing and taking over ceremonies. Members of the public are therefore advised to discountenance the malicious publication and erroneous information as a figment of the reporter’s imagination," he said.

Abbas: Appointment of NSA, Service Chiefs, Others in Nigeria's Interest

Speaker of the House of

to solve big problems," he added.

Going down memory lane he said: "Ever since I was a teenager, writing computer code on a terminal at my high school, and later at Microsoft, I have loved the feeling of innovating to make something a little better for people—or a lot better.

I’m sure you know this feeling too.

"There’s going to be a lot of opportunity for you to continue to make a difference in the world, because of the unprecedented potential of new technologies.

"Even though Nigerians are still facing many of the challenges I talked about five years ago—and you’re having to contend with economic instability and security threats—I have a lot of faith that your generation will persevere and improve lives throughout Nigeria and beyond.

"When it comes to making the world a better place, talented young

According to him, leaders from the United States of America, France, Switzerland and others had already indicated interest to meet with the Nigerian president, especially after government’s policy on the unification of the Naira exchange rate, the domiciliary account restrictions removal, which will unlock the huge potentials for investment, create jobs and capital flows, thereby enhancing investor confidence in the economy.

people are a powerful asset.

"Nigeria has one of the biggest youth populations in the world, and it’s growing fast. That represents a lot of potential skills and passion to solve big problems.

"Yesterday I met some impressive Nigerians whom the Gates Foundation has been partnering with for years. These scientists are improving seeds, fertilizer, and biopesticides so farmers can thrive in the face of climate change and grow crops free of toxins.

"And I met with a researcher scaling up an effective way to reduce anemia in pregnant women."

Therefore, for young people to shine like this, he said they needed support, starting with a great education.

"In this capacity, Nigeria has a strong foundation, with some of the best educational and research

dollars into the financial system.

institutions across the continent. In Africa, Nigeria is a hub for venture capital and financial technology.

"There are also many exciting innovations in the global pipeline that are going to improve lives here in Nigeria. They’re going to prevent infectious diseases, provide life-saving interventions for mothers and babies, make food more nutritious, and give women more convenient contraception options.

"Down the road, artificial intelligence will be applied in ways that will bring quality health care and education to more people," he added.

Gates’ remarks were followed by a Q&A session with the audience and in his responses, he emphasised ways he sees Nigeria’s youth collaborating across sectors and encouraging the country’s leaders to follow through on commitments to make life in Nigeria better for everyone.

further explained.

Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has congratulated the new National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu, Ribadu, the Service Chiefs and the acting Comptroller General of Customs on their appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying their choices were in nation’s interest.

Abbas, in a statement, said the appointments of Malam Ribadu as NSA; Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. T. A. Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admirral E. A. Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff; AVM H. B. Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff; DIG Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector-General of Police were in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The speaker said he believed the appointments, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, would rejuvenate the security architecture in the country.

He said other appointments made by the president, such as that of Mr. Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, among others, would make the institutions work better.

Abbas lauded Tinubu for taking the bold decision, which he said would make the current administration begin on a sound footing, and therefore urged the appointees to bring their experience of many years to bear in their new assignments so as to turn things around in the security system.

Alake further said, “The essence of this trip is to network as much as feasible and as much as is practicable. The president wants to network with international finance corporations and institutions, countries that are well heeled that would facilitate or that could facilitate direct foreign investment into Nigeria.

“Don't forget that Mr. President has taken some very bold steps in the area of economy, in the area of social engineering in the last three weeks, and particularly, with reference to the unification of the multiple exchange rates, which has caused very positive multiplier effects.

"However, in the short term, we have noticed and expected that there will be a slight spike in the demand and then that would affect the value of the naira viz-viz the dollar.

“So, apart from the immediate, short and long term positive effects of that unification policy, there could be a need for an injection of direct foreign exchange into the economy to shore up the value of the naira while market forces stabilise and in the short run or medium term, there is going to be when the effects of this policy begin to mature.

“For instance, you can now spend your money in your domiciliary account. The domiciliary account restrictions have been liberalised. So there's no more restriction. Once there's money in your account, you can spend it anywhere in the world.

"Now, that is going to build confidence in the foreign exchange system of Nigeria, which means people abroad can begin to bring in their money into the economy, even those at home, who have hoarded their dollars for fear of restrictions and all that will now be more encouraged to bring the

“However, with all of these, you still need a direct foreign injection of foreign exchange to build or complement the domestic policies. That is the essence of this meeting and is a global summit and there are several heads of state of developed societies that Mr. President's policies in the last three weeks really have encouraged these foreign nations and investors to become more interested in the affairs of Nigeria in shoring up the economy of Nigeria.

“So, a lot of them are quite interested so many of them have even indicated interest to meet with Mr. President in this trip. Just upstairs now, we were having a meeting with the president structuring some of these meetings with heads of state.

"At the last count about three, four different heads of state of developed countries have indicated willingness to meet with him, have a chat with him and explore areas of cooperation on the economy, on agriculture, on other areas that are salient to the development of Nigeria's economy. That is generally the essence of this meeting," he said.

Asked the number of countries that have shown interest in having a pact with Nigeria, the special adviser said, “Quite a number of them, the US, France itself, Switzerland and one or two others that I can’t readily recall now. There are so many institutions, international financial institutions that are also willing to see him.

"Some of them we are structuring either for tomorrow or Friday to meet with him and his team, and then consolidate some of the issues and provide more encouraging rhetoric for those people to come in and invest in Nigeria.

“Don't forget that in the recent past, a lot of international investors exited Nigeria, because of the restrictive currency policies that we had, which stifled business. But now that these are being liberalised, and they’re freed to market forces, in the short run, we will need very comprehensive and robust direct foreign investment into the country.

“So we are very, very hopeful, that some of these meetings we are going to have will come to fruition and will bear very positive fruits and yield results for Nigeria," he

Shettima Canvasses Stronger Relations With UK

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, given the long standing historical antecedents, business activities and shared interests between the two countries.

Shettima made the call on Wednesday while receiving in audience, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, at the State House, Abuja.

The vice-president commended the long standing assistance and support of the UK government to Nigeria and expressed hope for a more robust business relations.

“I will urge you to facilitate the setting up of the Nigeria-UK Binational Commission; that Binational Commission can be the driver for accelerating enhance business relationship between our two countries.

“We need to ramp up the trade between our two nations, taking into cognizance our proximity. There is no nation that we are close to than the UK and our trade represents less than five per cent of the volume of our import and export,” he said.

Commenting on the issue of the economy, Shettima said, “Most definitely, we are going to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish in this country.”

He underscored the need for economic reforms in order to position the country’s economy for growth especially the removal of fuel subsidy, saying, “This is just the beginning because it was fait accompli to withdraw the fuel subsidy. We either get rid of the fuel subsidy or the fuel subsidy gets rid of the Nigerian nation.”

Shettima observed that, “In 2012, we spent $10bn on fuel subsidy alone. Last month, we were purportedly consuming 67 million litres per day, but after the removal of the subsidy it drops to 41 million bpd, nearly 40% off. So, the whole subsidy regime was opaque, ridden with a lot of inconsistency.”

Continued on page 44

RMAFC DEFENDS RECOMMENDATION FOR 114% INCREASE OF PRESIDENT, OTHERS’ SALARIES increment was long overdue, adding that the last time the affected public officials’ salaries were increased was 16 years ago.

Speaking on ARISE News Channel last night, a Federal Commissioner of the RMAFC, Mr. Hassan Usman, noted that elected officials as well as the populace were all confronted with the same economy situation.

The RMAFC is saddled with the responsibility of determining the appropriate remuneration for political office holders, including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators and the holders of the offices as mentioned in Sections 84

and 124 of this Constitution.

However, as a result of the recommendation, the commission has called on the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly to hasten efforts on the amendment of relevant laws to give room for upward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial and public officers.

According to the commissioner, "The consumer price index is for everybody; private and the public", adding that the scenario formed part of their consideration for the increment.

While pointing out that the commission could not fold their hands and watch, "until when the sacrificial lamb is dead or killed", Usman argued

that the salary of Nigeria's President is one of the lowest when compared and with all the other presidents, adding that the annual salary of the president falls around N7 million.

He, however, clarified that the increment was on only the basic salary of the public officials.

"We didn't increase the allowances all what we did was increase the basic salary and then of course the allowances are there the way they are, they are only commensurately percentages of the basic salary," he said.

He further explained that the reviews are in four volumes, involving the federal government and the Federal Capital Territory on

one hand and the governors, state legislators as well as local governments on the other.

"Volume one entails the review of the federal government and the FCT , volume two for the state government and the local government, volume three is for the judiciary from top to bottom and volume four; is for the legislature, from the federal legislature to the state and even local government council.

"The volumes are there, we have submitted them, they are just recommendations. We have submitted to the office of Mr President and he is going to take them to the National

Continued on page 44

Buhari’s Legacy on Elections and Lessons for Tinubu

Former President Buhari’s ascendancy to office of the President was partly attributed to electoral reforms introduced by Mahmud Jega-led INEC between 2010 and 2015. These reforms include a fairly credible voter register, Smart Card Reader for electronic voter accreditation and a truly independent electoral commission.

The former President attested to the centrality of these reforms in defining his electoral fortune in the 2015 elections.

In his words, “When the time He (God) had set for me came, He used technology to bring me in,”. His testimony underscores the power of electoral technology in deepening electoral integrity.

Buhari’s recognition of the value of the electoral reforms is undisputed. However, his commitment to credible elections and electoral reforms leaves a sour taste and deserves further interrogation.

Two general elections held under his tenure. First, the 2019 general election where he was re-elected and the 2023 transitional elections.

Both elections were enmeshed in controversies and legal contests. Throughout his tenure, Buhari was vocal about leaving a legacy of credible elections, possibly because of the legitimizing benefit of maintaining that posture, but some of his actions proved otherwise.

In fact, the constitutive elements of the much-mouthed legacy of credible elections were unknown to the public. No doubt, the former President deserves accolades for his contributions to electoral reforms.

However, he bequeathed a litany of bad precedents whose negative effects will have lasting impact on election landscape.

Commendable lasting legacies

Legacy of non-interference with off-cycle governorship election

14 off-cycle governorship elections held between 2015 – 2023. President Buhari ensured the traditional tactic of deploying ‘federal might’ to influence governorship elections was reduced to barest minimum. He is believed to have resisted pressures from his party men to interfere in four elections his party lost in Edo 2020, Anambra 2017, 2021; and Osun 2022.

Former President Buhari stands out as one President who proactively extended his congratulations to winners of elections from the opposition party against the preferences of his party.

When the Inspector General of Police (IGP) withdrew security aides from former governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano, during the 2017 Anambra governorship elections, the President ordered the IGP to reinstate the aides.

Some of President Buhari’s predecessors may not have extended the same grace to Governor Obiano given their antecedents.

Legacy of an improved electoral legal framework

Credit must go to the former President for assenting to the 2022 Electoral Act after several years of intense advocacy, intrigues and controversies.

In addition, he gave assent to landmark constitutional amendment bills related to elections such as the bill to increase the timeframe for bye-elections from seven days to 21 days, grounds for de-registration of parties, time for the determination of pre-election matters, age reduction bill popularly known as the Not Too Young To Run law and “restriction on tenure of president and governors”

The 2022 Electoral Act is touted as the best piece of election law in Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

The Act guarantees timely release of election funding to INEC and permits INEC to deploy electoral technology for elections, among other changes, which renewed citizens faith in the electoral process.

INEC’s deregistration of 74 political parties in 2020 for failure to meet requirements imposed by the amended constitution improved election logistics greatly.

37 young people between age 25 and 29 have been elected into the National and State legislatures between 2018 and 2023 as a result of the Not Too Young To Run Act.

Retrogressive legacies

Legacy of withheld assent to electoral bills

Former President Buhari will go down in history as the President with the highest record of withheld assent to electoral bills. He declined assent to

electoral bills five record times before signing the 2022 Electoral Act on 25 February 2022.

The reform process that produced the 2022 Electoral Act commenced in 2015 shortly after the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly.

The 8th National Assembly passed amendments to the Electoral Act but the amendments suffered an ill-fate as former President Buhari declined assent to the electoral bill four times, citing drafting issues, assault on INEC constitutional powers, and late passage of the bill as reasons for withholding assent.

These reasons though plausible were a smokescreen for a deeper political agenda. In December 2021, he declined assent to the electoral bill due to the restriction on political parties to adopt only direct primaries for nominating candidates.

Legacy of late appointments into INEC

To deliver credible elections, electoral institutions must be fully staffed with competent personnel. This underscores the importance of early recruitment and appointment of these individuals to facilitate effective planning for elections.

Ideally, appointments into INEC should be structured in a manner that it aligns with the electoral calendar to allow for seamless transition and adequate time for newly appointed commissioners to settle into new roles, plan and effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Buhari’s late appointments into INEC leaves a legacy of misalignment in the tenure of commissioners and the electoral calendar. As it stands, the 2027 general election will be managed largely by greenhorns who will have limited or no time to understand the dynamics of election administration.

The tenure of the current INEC Chairman ends by the first week of December 2025 leaving us with 918 days to the 2027 elections. Similarly, five current National Commissioners will end their term by October 2026 and over 19 states will be staffed by new Resident Electoral Commissioners just three months to the 2027

elections. These transitions will impact INEC’s strategic planning, and operational capabilities.

Legacy of brazen assault on INEC’s independence

In recent history, no President has attacked INEC’s independence with tenacity, audacity and brazenness like former President Buhari. Most of his appointments into INEC failed the constitutional test of non-partisanship and unquestionable character.

His most controversial appointment was the appointment of his partisan media aide as INEC National Commissioner. Although the appointment encountered stiff resistance from the public, the President defied ethics, morality and constitutional fidelity and insisted on pulling through with the appointment.

As President, he appointed a former member of his party who contested elections in 2015 as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) including the REC who committed electoral coup in Adamawa state during the 2023 election.

All the RECs suspended by INEC for incompetence, and election manipulation were appointed by former President Buhari despite petitions against their appointment. INEC’s financial independence was also attacked under Buhari’s administration.

INEC received 60% of the funding for the 2019 elections barely six months to the elections which impeded the commission’s ability to deliver an election free of operational lapses.

As a remedy, the 9th National Assembly introduced a clause in the 2022 Electoral Act that makes it mandatory for the executive to release election funding to INEC at least one year before a general election.

Buhari’s legacy is etched on the annals of Nigeria’s election history.

There are key attributes that President Tinubu should emulate from his predecessor as he builds his own legacy. Creating a conducive environment for competitive elections will enhance Nigeria’s democratic credentials and put him in the class of statesmen.

Timely appointment of competent INEC commissioners with impeccable character will deepen the Commission’s independence and effectiveness.

Partisan considerations should be eschewed when making appointments into INEC to rebuild the broken public trust.

The forthcoming November 11 governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states is a litmus test for the Tinubu administration. Will he sustain the legacy of non-interference or will he return the country to the dark days of influencing election outcomes from the villa? Time will tell. For now, he has the daunting task of redeeming Nigeria’s electoral process from Buhari’s legacy of a weak electoral governance architecture, and heightened distrust in the electoral process.

-Itodo writes from Abuja

There are key attributes that President Tinubu should emulate from his predecessor as he builds his own legacy. Creating a conducive environment for competitive elections will enhance Nigeria’s democratic credentials and put him in the class of statesmen. Timely appointment of competent INEC commissioners with impeccable character will deepen the Commission’s independence and effectiveness. Partisan considerations should be eschewed when making appointments into INEC to rebuild the broken public trust.

Samson Itodo writes that President Bola Tinubu, should learn from the mistakes made by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, in his bid to bequeath a lasting electoral legacy to the nation.

Buhari Tinubu

Vice Admiral Gambo and his Magic Wand in Projecting Navy Sports

For the Nigerian Navy, it's been a season of many firsts, especially in the area of sports under the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, CFR. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that from polo to the Armed Forces Paintball Combat Competition, Volleyball to other sports, the naval team has been topping the charts

For the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, sporting activities are the bedrock of naval operations. To buttress this, the service has succeeded in identifying many talented athletes that keeps representing the country in various international tournaments.

Also, such sporting activities and physical training is the foundation of the daily mental and physical routine for service ashore and at sea. It is for this reason and the benefits derivable from participation in sports that the Nigerian Navy pays particular attention to daily routine and programmed periodic sports engagements.

Concurring, the Chief of Administration, Naval Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, also once affirmed that due to the benefits inherent in sports activities, the Nigerian Navy's involvement in such periodic engagements like the Nigerian Navy Games, avail them the opportunity to identify and develop talents that will represent the nation in national and international competitions. Essentially, the games serve as the hub of producing sports talents for the Nigerian Navy and the nation.

Already, the NN participates in National Sports Federations, which are organised sporting events by releasing its athletes to participate representing various states and over the years, the navy has sponsored competitions at the national level around the country, such as the CNS National Open Swimming Championship, and the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria organised CNS U-17 Football Championship.

Toping the National Volleyball Division One League

Recently, the Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team, Spikers Club made the navy and nation proud as they topped the National Volleyball Division One League.

With the win, the male team maintained its long-term winning streak as the winner of the first phase of the National Volleyball Division 1 League in Owerri, Imo State.

Speaking during the competition, the representative of the CNS, Chairman Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Volleyball Association, Commodore Aliyu Pindar, said the remarkable performance of the CNS Spikers team can be attributed to the immense support of Vice Admiral Gambo, which has enabled the team to participate and gain exposure across Africa.

Summarily, the male team won the Kontagora Championship in March 2023, while the female team came second in the tournament in which 37 teams in Nigeria participated. In addition, the team won the Most Valuable Player for male and Best Setter male at Kontagora.

In May 2023, the female team was nominated by the NVBF to represent Nigeria at the Africa Women Volleyball Championship in Kelibia,

Tunisia as the only volleyball club that represented Nigeria at the championship.

Just as it was the first appearance of CNS Spikers Volleyball Club in such international championship, they also broke the 38 years’ jinx of Armed Forces of Nigeria volleyball teams not representing the nation at international championships.

Smashing through the Elite World of Polo

In January 2023, the Nigerian Navy Polo Team 2 won the OB Lulu Briggs Cup Port Harcourt. It was a big win for for a team that was just introduced to the game of polo by the Nigerian Army’s 21 Guards Brigade Polo Club in 2021 under Vice Admiral Gambo's watch.

For the navy, its incursion into the elite world of polo, was a needed training regime. According to the CNS, horsemanship and the ability to control horses is a necessary skill that will make it easier for the officers to manage situations and handle machineries perfectly.

Unlike individual sports, the game of polo highlights the impor-

tance of building strong communication, developing leadership skills and team work among the players. Thus, these attributes are quite instructive regarding the development of camaraderie needed to foster synergy and team work among personnel.

Win at Paintball Combat Competition

Barely four months ago, the Nigerian Navy won the first ever Paintball Combat Competition, beating the Nigerian Army at the event organised to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRD).

The participating teams comprised the DHQ, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force. On completion of the novelty final, the NN won the competition.

Sponsorship of Football Tournaments

But beyond the new incursion into some sporting activities like volleyball, paintball and polo, the Nigerian Navy also sponsored the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Boys and Girls football competitions, respectively.

Even as the Nigerian Navy under the able and astute leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, CFR, had pledged to continually support and contribute to the development of sports in the country for the overall good of our great nation, it is expected that as he hands over the baton on Friday, the incoming CNS, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, would continue from where he stopped and take naval sports to greater heights.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo at the commissioning of the navy's sports centre in Lagos

The male and female CNS Spikers Volleyball team

Sporting activities are the bedrock of naval operations. To buttress this, the service has succeeded in identifying many talented athletes that keeps representing the country in various international tournaments

The NN Polo team with their cup

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THE DSS OPERATES WITHIN ITS MANDATE

The attack on the security agency is unfortunate, argues PETER AFUNANYA

See page 27

COLLECTIVELY STABBING OUR SUFFERING MOTHERLAND

O. JASON OSAI reckons that the nation’s hope for a better tomorrow is a collective responsibility

See page 27

EDITORIAL

WHEN ‘THE NETWORK CANNOT BE REACHED’

The recently signed legislation to facilitate lending for higher education pursuits can succeed if properly executed, writes MONDAY

PHILIPS EKPE

THE STUDENT LOAN LAW THIS TIME

If the Tinubu administration really intends to make lasting impact on our chances of becoming genuinely competitive in this ever-evolving world, here is its chance. Beyond what could appear as an eagerness to impress an anxious populace, it must mobilise every necessary tool towards actualising this project

THE DSS OPERATES WITHIN ITS MANDATE

used their platforms to express varied views about the modus operandi of the Service

Similarly, on 14th June 2023, Punch

It did not seem that the editorials which it for its public statements or actions on various subject matters of national security concern were, by any means, an accident or a coincidence. It looked every inch planted or organised. It is a hatchet job or so it seemed. The judgement that the Service is excessively public or ubiquitous missed the point. The papers manifested predictable bias and patterns.

Relatedly, some respected legal personalities namely, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, opined that the Service operates outside its mandate especially with regard to the that this matter has become sub-judice constrains the Service from making further statements about it. The celebration of the news of a court order to allow his Lawyers and family access to him is quite unnecessary. He was never denied access. Ever since he was taken into custody, his family has continually accessed him. Same with medical going to act on the prompting of the Court is not correct. This is by the way.

of democracy as preferred political culture has nonetheless forced such agencies to communicate often with the Public. You can see why the public statements can never be out of place. Without public consciousness and support, countering threats may remain a herculean task for security agencies. oversight are basic principles which make it an obligation for these agencies to operate openly even when some of their activities and other advanced democracies. This level of openness does not vitiate the expected secrecy or in any way compromise their operations.

Nigeria Independence came with strong feeling of excitement and happiness. Euphorically, we celebrated in expectation of the great socioeconomic transformation associated with the concept of self rule. Enthusiastically and collectively, we sang the National Anthem inter alia thus:“Nigerians all, are proud to serve our sovereign motherland”. As we sang, the portraits of our heroes, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa and Obafemi Awolowo and a host of others were engraved in our minds as of our emancipation from colonialism to nationalism. They were our Knights in Shining Profusely perspiring under the scorching same as across the mosaic landscape of Nigeria on October 1, 1960, we proudly waved our Green-White-Green while tenaciously clutching our beaker with our fragile pre-teen a drink of water from the water pot with the rather beautiful and unbreakable beakers.

naira exchanges for N800; one liter of petrol sells for more than N500; one 50kg bag of rice sells for N40,000; one bag of cement has gone from N800 to N5000; a standard loaf of bread from N300 to N1000; cooking gas has shot from $9.7bn to $98.6bn. In all, public servants, including professors, have been shoved below poverty line.

The fact remains that 63 years after independence, Nigerians from all works of life across the ethnocultural and religious hedgerows, viciously stab at the ribcage of Nigeria, our Motherland, which is systematically striving to sink the ship of state. In stead of leaders who are patriotic and purpose driven, what we have are bleeders who plant conduit pipes in the heart and other vital organs of the national treasury with the sole intent of savagely dealing the economy a mortal blow.

Bureaucrats and technocrats have all turned to rats that encourage snakes and elephants to swallow billions of Naira. Professors and lecturers (my professional colleagues) shameless and boldly demand (including the ignominious “horizontal installments”) from hapless and helpless students for grades. Also, the judicial service delivery system has been brazenly compromised thereby discoloring the erstwhile adored wig of the bench and bar.

Or will that be accepted

Back to the subject under discourse. While it may be fair to admit that the news media and aforementioned personalities are entitled to their opinions, measured ignorance predominantly played out in their security threats are evolving and so do the approaches to managing them. Instructively, the security landscape in Nigeria, like many other countries, has become increasingly complex and dynamic. The periodic issuance of press statements to educate or carry citizens and residents along has undoubtedly become part of strategies to manage national security challenges. Extensive research would have revealed to the critics that the world intelligence Services deploy similar tactics including occasional statements and advisories. The CIA includes demographic information on its website to provide the public with valuable insights and data about various populations so to enhance outside its mandate?

The need for the agencies to be responsive, transparent and apprise taxpayers has become the global norm in national security and intelligence management. It is called tenets of security and intelligence governance expect that agencies remain transparent, accountable and compliant to democracy. World over, Intelligence Services operate in ways and means not too discernable to the uninitiated. But the institutionalisation

Regarding the matter concerning the claims of a rivalry. It is important to note that comparing the 30th May, 2023 incident at 15 Awolowo Road, Lagos to the barricade of National Assembly in 2018 is inaccurate in the nature and context of the two events. While it is essential to emphasize interagency relations and cooperation, it would be unfair to generalise and imply that the Service is in rivalry and power struggle with the Commission. Each agency operates within its distinct mandate and context. Meanwhile, the editorials accurately as an intelligence organisation in detecting, preventing and neutralising threats against Nigeria. They commended the Service for its commitment to the security of the country as well as the many feats it had accomplished in the course of discharging its duties. Thank you indeed. It has to be understood that the Service is not only an intelligence organisation. It is also a law enforcement agency. It is a security and policy advisory organ. Its establishment law expects it to prevent. To prevent unarguably means to enforce. Should the Service seek media endorsement or permission before deploying operatives and equipment to conduct its job? Should it rather play to the gallery? Characteristic of intelligence be completely explained or understood particularly to those who do not need to know.

and operations are known and their veils of secrecy uncovered, there are thousand undercover personnel and actions that have no business going public. It is expected to remain so. With its broad mandate and legal authority to investigate crimes of national its rights to initiate an inquiry into any relevant matter.

Dr. Afunanya, fsi,

Even without our knowing the essence and actual import and impact of the celebration, it was a blissful moment.

Sadly, bordering on tragic, a realistic contemporary rehash of that portion of the “Nigerians all are proud to stab and starve our piece.

A recent statement credited to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State holds thus: religion, members of the elite are united in preserving their advantages over the masses. because they are burdened by poverty. We [the elite] have taken away from them their dignity, self-esteem, pride and self-worth so that they cannot even organize”.

a candid admission that it is the elites that have kept “the common man” wretched and “in hell” are feverishly outdoing each other in building private Taj Mahals, which are trophy houses melancholy for their successors. Everyday Nigerians see the ruling elite quarreling and game intended to fool the public: in reality they are quite united in quietly sharing the loot from the treasury and delivering little or nothing to their various constituencies. They have a stake in keeping the citizens exactly as they are -poor, weak, confused and, therefore,

pushing aside the darkness and revealing the entire landscape for one brief moment. Truth is, Nigerians are now conscious of this fact. Today, the dollar, which was inferior to the

On the streets and highways, structural violence is epitomized by the policemen who have turned checkpoints into tollgates some of which are located in multiples of the social hierarchy, market men and women, transporters, oil marketers and everyone in the service sector is seeking ways and means of exploiting everyone.

The following two anecdotes illustrate how pervasive the act of “stabbing our story of Singer Nigeria Ltd. (SNL). Not too long ago, Singer had factories where they manufactured television sets, radios, refrigerators, standing fans, etc., in Nigeria. Interestingly, the company had a peculiar marketing strategy that encouraged and supported marketers. They sold to their a formidable sales network towards greater apply as wholesalers using fake business names and addresses. Soon thereafter, they packed the products and disappeared into thin air. Resultantly, SNL became insolvent and closed all her factories in Nigeria in 1996 thereby elongating the already nervous unemployment line.

Second is the case of Cocoa Industries Limited, Ikeja; it was similar to the experience of Singer. As the company was at the verge of closing shop completely,

colluded with their drivers and security men in loading products without proper documentation; the products were then locations and no proceeds were remitted to the company.” He furthered that “of all the more than 150 companies owned by the conglomerate, none was functioning any more.

Osai PhD, DSSRS, is a Professor of Development Studies, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, ozomogoosai@gmail.com

The attack on the security agency is unfortunate, argues PETER AFUNANYA

COLLECTIVELY STABBING OUR SUFFERING MOTHERLAND

O. JASON OSAI reckons that the nation’s hope for a better tomorrow is a collective responsibility

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

WHEN ‘THE NETWORK CANNOT BE REACHED’

The regulator should be alive to its responsibility

It is unfortunate that Nigerians have continued to experience poor service quality from the telcos despite spending trillions of Naira annually on airtime. Since these industrial glitches have subsisted even with repeated promises to address them by the operators, we urge the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to be more alive to their regulatory responsibility of enforcing compliance in the sector. The NCC should also address some challenges which the telcos have highlighted as being responsible for the regime of poor service quality, especially in the rural areas of the country.

The mobile telecommunications sector has grown to become a very important contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector has expanded the broadband, internet penetration and most importantly, subscriber base in the country. Recent market are over 172 million mobile subscribers on all the networks in Nigeria, accounting for a penetration rate of 87 per cent of the population. Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors, subscribers are experiencing poor service quality. Nigeria is being ranked poorly on all global indices regarding telecoms services at a time the companies are raking MTN declared N2 trillion in revenue and posted an irtel Nigeria also

N864.9 billion.

Key among the subscribers’ complaints are network, data roll over challenges, illegal credit deductions and uncompleted calls. The drop in service quality has been attributed to the fact that some of the mobile network operators have failed to meet the

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

LETTERS

Continued from backpage

the four major key performance indicators: dropped congestion rate.

Operators have always blamed poor infrastructure in the country characterised by inadequate power generation and supply as one of the reasons for the atrocious quality recorded in the sector. They have at and repairs leading to cable cuts, vandalism of equipment, and other security issues. They also cite multiple taxation, cost of maintaining equipment, etc., as huge responsibilities. But all these are no excuses as they are normal business risks. In any case, if all these problems have not prevented them from making huge be excuses for poor service delivery?

We task NCC to continue to collaborate with the relevant agencies to ensure adequate security for telecoms facilities and engage stakeholders on the need to protect telecommunications infrastructure. The sector will continue to grapple with poor service delivery if criminal elements are not stopped from tampering with telecoms infrastructure across the country. We also call on the federal government to urgently address the challenge of low broadband penetration.

should be clear: It is not just about increasing subscriber numbers but that there should be a commensurate increase in the quality of service they provide. Making a simple voice call has become a problem and holding a brief conversation has become even more problematic. The current level of frustration characterised by high rate of dropped calls, high rate of call attempts, call interference, loss of audio and recurrent down times, have therefore become unacceptable. Nigerians are tired of constant promises from the stable of operators on what they plan to do on the improvement of quality on their networks. They want concrete action.

TINUBU AND THE BUHARI ‘ERROR’

dent. Someone dropped the ball by allowing Dokubo use of the media room where he sat under the coat of arms to disparage the

the misuse of the ethnic group, of ethnic sentiments against other ethnic groups in a sterile competition.”

that he has been appointed the EFCC Chairman. With the In dependent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Chairman,

Even the most implacable of critics agree that President Tinubu has started well. He has been bold and decisive in policy choic es. But the tough decisions he has taken on the economic front of the petroleum industry has already tripled the pump price of gasoline with dire consequences for the poor. Even without a substantive Governor for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), there is already a convergence of exchange rates that might make many Nigerians think twice before sending their children to school abroad. With indications of more market reforms coming, helpful for the Tinubu administration to keep scoring own goals. It all began with the platform given former Delta Niger mili

handle such visitors without attracting embarrassment for the president. But the challenge at hand goes beyond one man be president can do to himself, or allow those around him do to him, is to be seen as an ethnic champion. In the appointments to come, President Tinubu will do well to make strategic conces sions while giving comfort to people from other zones outside the Southwest.

it is necessarily a negative factor. It is not. What we must distin guish between is ethnicity that promotes harmony in diversity and ethnocentrism which hinders growth and development. The late writer and environmentalist, Ken Saro Wiwa made a clear distinction between the two in his 1989 lecture, ‘Ethnicity and National Development’ at the University of Ibadan. “Eth nicity is the fact of the ethnic group. It poses no danger to the nation,” Saro Wiwa argued. “Ethnocentrism is the danger; it is

To the extent that this misuse can come in words as well as deeds, the commitment of President Tinubu to the pursuit of equity in a plural society such as ours must never be in doubt. Beyond giving emotional satisfaction and a sense of belonging, equity is good for social capital and national cohesion. Besides, Tinubu should learn from his predecessor. The main charge against President Buhari (who appeared disinterested in provid ing leadership throughout his stewardship) was that he chose to build a modern nation on the foundation of primordial tribal instincts. I do not believe that is what President Tinubu seeks to achieve. That is why his handlers should avoid creating a cli mate of ethnic suspicion in a toxic political season such as we are in Nigeria today.

In making critical appointments, I hope the president will be

I shall be watching!

Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja

Key among the subscribers’ complaints are connection failures, poor data service, fluctuating network, data roll over challenges, illegal credit deductions and uncompleted calls

RATES AS AT JUNE 21,2023

How IoTs, AI, Bloockchain Are Driving Digital Revolution Across Sectors of Global Economy

Emma Okonji

Emerging technologies like Big Data, Internet of Things (IoTs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain among others, have continued to drive digital revolution across various sectors of the global economy, leading to convergence of media with Information and Communications Technology (ICT), according to experts’ views.

The experts who spoke as guest lecturers at the ongoing Media Innovation Programme (MIP-2) at the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, were of the view that the digital

revolution, occasioned by emerging technologies, is fueling ICT and Media convergence and at the same time, driving innovation in the media space.

One of the guest lecturers, Dr. Pius Onobhayedo, said technology has evolved from the old days of transistors to the current days of computers and smartphones that are driving innovation and efficiency in the media space.

Speaking about internet revolution and its impact on media, Onobhayedo said the internet brought about convergence and innovation in the media, thus making media practitioners to be more innovative and multi-tasking

in their daily activities of news reporting.

“Digital revolution has triggered convergence of web of people, web of knowledge and web of service, and all these are largely driving by data connectivity from 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies that come with lower latency and high connectivity speed,” Onobhayedo said.

He therefore stressed the need for increased bandwidth and additional broadband rollout across the country to speed up connectivity in today’s era of digital convergence.

Citing the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-

2025, which targets 70 per cent broadband penetration across Nigeria by 2025, Onobhayedo expressed the possibility of meeting such target, adding that it will deepen convergence in the media space and other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Addressing the impact of Blockchain technology on technology convergence, Onobhayedo explained that Blockchain technology has opened vista of opportunities for technology growth and convergence. He described the Blockchain technology as a database of transaction records linked as blocks that is driving digital transformation across globe.

Another guest lecturer, Dr. Ijeoma Onyeator, who spoke about ‘Sensationalism, Fake News and New Media Tools’, said although convergence propelled development in the media space, it is however contending with fake news that is almost tearing the media apart. She advised media practitioners to use the right tool to verify credible sources of news to avoid misleading the general public.

Addressing innovation in the media space and how to build an innovative media platform, the Founder and CEO of Afia Tv, Mr. Emeka Mba, said innovation remained key in any media business, be it print, online or

broadcast, in order to gain the right market share. Mba who was a former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), also stressed the need for government regulation of the media in such a way that it will not hamper digital revolution.

The Founder of uduX, a video streaming company, Mr. Chidi Okeke, stressed on the need for media practitioners to understand how to monitise their contents.

“As a technology company uduX will continue to strive to monitise digital contents on mobile phones, even though it has been extremely difficult to do so across the African continent,” Okeke said.

IXPN: Lack of Collaboration Triggered Infrastructure Duplication, High Cost of Internet Service

Emma Okonji

Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the platform enabling direct interconnectivity of networks within Nigeria, has raised concern over the current duplication of infrastructure and the high cost of internet service in the country, and blamed the situation on lack of collaboration among operators.

The Chief Executive Officer of

IXPN, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, who raised the concern at a recent workshop organised by IXPN and Africa Data Centres (ADC) in collaboration with Workonline Communications, said there could be lots of benefits associated with collaboration among operators, peering in carrier and cloudneutral data centres and the hosting of content locally in Nigeria, if operators could collaborate among themselves.

He therefore advised operators on the need to collaborate.

According to Rudman, there is a lack of collaboration between the various operators in the ecosystem, which has led to duplication of infrastructure and ultimately, high cost of services for the end-users.

“There are lots of fragmentations in the industry. Despite the Nigerian Communications Commission’s framework for

infrastructure sharing, industry players do not collaborate and that is why we have duplication of several infrastructure that are supposed to be shared,” Rudman told Journalists on the sideline of the forum.

He noted that if industry players collaborate, it would bring down operational cost and capital expenditure. Speaking on what peering in a carrier and cloudneutral data centres will bring

to the industry and the Nigerian economy in general, Rudman who is the immediate past president of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), said peering between Internet Exchange Point and a carrier/cloud-neutral data centres would enhance connections for citizens and organisations alike, and would also help the economy to thrive.

“Peering through internet exchanges, addresses the challenges

MARKET DATA AS AT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023

of traffic by ensuring the shortest possible route is used to reach a given destination. It keeps traffic as local as possible, which improves performance and enables faster connections between networks, facilitating high-speed data transfer, lower latency, increased bandwidth and improved fault tolerance,” Rudman said.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

9mobile Restates Commitment to Drive Innovative Solutions

Emma Okonji

Nigeria’s innovative and youthfriendly telecommunications company, 9mobile, has unveiled new brand ambassadors that will further promote the brand’s visibility to the youth population and other segment of customers.

MTN, Microsoft Partner to Enhance Business Operations with Cloud Technology

Emma Okonji

MTN, in partnership with Microsoft, is redefining business operation models with the Microsoft cloud technology that is designed to explore ways in which technology is transforming business operations in both private and public sectors.

At a breakfast meeting in Lagos last week where the Microsoft Cloud technology was presented to C-level executives, the Chief Operating Officer at MTN Nigeria, Mr. Hassan Jiva, who spoke on the theme: ‘The Cloud AdvantageUnlocking Opportunities for Large Corporate and Public Sector’, said cloud technology has continued to evolve the business landscape and has become a necessity for

businesses and organisations that strive to remain competitive and resilient in today’s digital transformation era.

“The partnership with Microsoft is to present opportunities offered by cloud technology to drive business growth and resilience that will accelerate digital transformation,” Jiva said.

The Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, in her speech, said: “Today the world is witnessing the era of unprecedented digital transformation, where organisations and business must innovate and adapt to technology, using the power of cloud technology that has become the backbone of modern business operations that is revolutionising

the way data is generated, stored and analysed. As MTN, combining our infrastructure with Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies, will help provide a robust foundation for the digital acceleration needs and initiatives of businesses.”

The Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at MTN Nigeria, Mr. Chika Ekeji, who presented the keynote paper, said MTN has outlined its Ambition 2025 platform strategies to serve organisations better, both in the private and public sectors. He listed the strategies to include: Mobile money, Enterprise service, Network as-a-service, among others.

According to him, cloud technology will enable enterprise

businesses run analytical business and create products that will drive customer satisfaction.

Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, said: “Our partnership with MTN is one of the ways that we are bringing the Microsoft vision to life, which is to empower every person and business to achieve success. It takes partnership such as this to be able to scale and reach out to our customers. The partnership is about driving efficiency in businesses through digital transformation. Driving efficiency with cloud technology, takes a deliberate process of change to make it happen. One of the technologies that bring about transformational change and efficiency in business is the cloud technology.”

Africa Digital Economy Forum Set to Drive Digital Inclusion

Nosa Alekhuogie

The Africa Digital Economy Forum (ADEF), a digital transformation advocacy platform, is set to drive and deepen digital inclusion in Africa with the launch of its Shelter4Digital Initiative (S4G).

To this end, the forum has signed a partnership with the Lagos State government to bring the S4G campaign to life across schools in the state.

With the mantra, “No one Should

Be Left Behind,” the initiative is aimed at creating awareness, deepening digitalisation, and driving digital inclusion among African youths and SMEs across the continent.

Commenting on the initiative, the ADEF Founder and CEO, Mr. Akin Naphtal, said S4G Project was created to support and create awareness of the importance of technology to aid social development and drive digital impact.

“Digital Inclusion can only be

achieved when activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are in place. Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology, this is what has birthed the Shelter 4 Digital

Campaign (S4G),” Naphtal explained. “We made our first stop at a Community School with a special needs unit in the Agege local government area, where we started by training the teachers, before moving to training the children. Our instructor started with scratch programming with the children, teaching them how to create digital stories, make animations and designs. Tutoring the children has been an amazing experience, as they do not let their disabilities define them.

FG, DSN, Microsoft Train 150 Developers on Responsible AI

Emma Okonji

Data Science Nigeria (DSN), in partnership with Microsoft and the federal government though the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, last week in Lagos, trained 150 software developers and tech enthusiast on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The participants were trained in two batches at the Microsoft

Head Office in Lagos, and they went through hands-on training on how to effectively use AI tools on the Microsoft Azure platform.

Speaking to newsmen during the training, Lead, Delivery and Performance at DSN, Mr. Aanu Oyeniran, said the training was in line with the Digital Skills Nigeria project, designed to train Nigerians on digital skills.

“The project is aimed at providing

digital skills to Nigerian youths to make them digital savvy and ready to take up digital skilled jobs. Today’s training is about helping developers to effectively use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in developing specific solutions.,” Oyeniran further said.

Data Scientist, Mastercard Foundation, Mr. Olalekan Akinsande, also emphasised the need for Responsible AI.

According to him, “Today the

9mobile said the unveiling was a further commitment on its part to drive innovative solutions that would enhance customers’ experience in all its products lines. The three brand ambassadors that were unveiled recently in Lagos, include: Daniel Benson, popularly known as ‘BNXN’, Beauty Tukura, and Franklyn Ikemefune, popularly known ‘Samo Agbero’/’Vaderthewildcard’. The brand ambassadors’ uniqueness, youthfulness, talent, innovation, and ability to relate to a broad audience, align with 9mobile’s commitment to encouraging people to realise their hopes and aspirations.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Juergen Peschel, said: “We are here to announce the next milestone of our ongoing transformation at 9mobile. The 9mobile brand represents youthfulness and innovation in Nigeria’s telecommunications market. Through our product and services, we deliver this

great promise to our customers across all fields of lifestyle, entertainment, business, education, and sports because we believe every customer is unique and different. Today, we are unveiling our new brand ambassadors to reinforce the uniqueness of the 9mobile brand, and all three brand ambassadors are role models in their respective fields of lifestyle.

“Our new brand ambassadors are talented individuals who exercise great influence in their respective communities, and they also represent the passion and commitment that the 9mobile brand upholds. I cannot wait to see how they start performing to inspire others to join 9mobile.”

BNXN, while expressing his excitement, said: “I am honoured to be associated with 9mobile, a brand that represents excellence and innovation. Together, we will inspire and entertain, pushing boundaries and making a positive impact.”

Beauty shared her enthusiasm and said: “The opportunity to become an ambassador for 9mobile is a fantastic way for me to engage with my audience on a deeper level. I am excited to demonstrate the countless opportunities that result from the fusion of fashion and technology.

YouTube Celebrates 2023 Black Voices Fund Initiative

Emma Okonji

YouTube has reaffirmed its commitment to amplify Black voices in Africa with a two-day event in Nairobi, Kenya to celebrate the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund grantees and allow them to connect, network and collaborate with other creators.

YouTube plays an essential role in the discovery and development of African culture and the fund takes this a step further by equipping up-andcoming Black creators, artists, songwriters and producers with the resources to succeed on its platform.

world is talking about the concept of Responsible AI. It is about making sure that the data we use is not biased and must perform in a most responsible way that will not mislead people. AI is causing a lot of disruption, both positive and negative, but the positive side of AI outweighs the negative side. AI will not take away jobs, but would rather create digital jobs that are in line with emerging technologies.”

Over 100 Black creators from around the world took part in the celebrations in Kenya, which also highlighted the impact that the YouTube Black Voices Fund has had since its launch. Created in 2020 with the purpose of investing in talent and presenting fresh narratives that emphasise the intellectual power and authenticity of Black voices, the programme has helped over 500 creators and artists grow their channels and their audiences.

The #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund has been an opportunity to both celebrate and cultivate Black artistry around the world and forms part of the platform’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative ecosystem.

Speaking on the initiative, YouTube Managing Director of Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi, said: “When we announced the $100 million fund to amplify Black and African voices and perspectives on our platform, we wanted to create a space where Black people can share their own stories, in their own voices, with the world. The fund has, in many ways, created opportunities to amplify, celebrate and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience.”

Nigerian creator Osereme Egbor of Styleby Reme, said: “Being a part of the BVF programme Class of 2023 has literally changed my life. I moved from creating content in a room that I used to share with my sister, to getting my own space.

L-R; General Manager, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Thomas Adams; Director General Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Wale-Smatt Oyerinde; Corporate Affairs & Communications Director JTI Vivian Ikem; Asst. Director Corporate Affairs, NECA , Adebola Akinwande and People and Culture Director, JTI, Innocent Obinwanne during JTI’s courtesy visit to NECA in Lagos… yesterday

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Protecting Water Systems

The UN General Assembly, 10 years ago, adopted a resolution recognizing that clean water and sanitation are basic human rights. Not everyone is one the same page as there are moves to commodify water on Wall Street, This, expert ssid, directly threatens human rights and puts billions of people in crisis. Water is a living cycle that connects biosphere and atmosphere. Forests, rivers and oceans are interwoven by the water cycle, keeping life on this planet in a state of constant regeneration, renewal and recycling.

The report with focus on water stated that sustainability and justice are part of the same ecological process, and everyone is a citizen of the earth. It added that everyone should participate in the water cycle, “and our bodies carry water, and make us all participants in the endless movement, flow and distribution of life across the planet.”

The report further revealed that when the powerful and dominant economic forces of society take more than their earth share, ecosystems, plants, animals, women, indigenous communities and minority groups are deprived of their share of water for life and livelihoods, leaving entire communities to carry the heavy burden of water poverty.

The report hinted that women in communities across the world fetch and carry water on a daily basis. Extraction and pollution of local water systems increase their burden.

The report revealed that the the World Bank has sought to impose privatisation of water on the global South as part of their structural adjustment programmes since the 1990s, adding that one of the most infamous tales of corporate greed concerning water occurred in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in what are now known as the Cochabamba Water Wars.

It explained that in the semi desert region of the high Andes, water sources are vulnerable and precious, noting that in 1999 the World Bank recommended privatisation and a monopoly over Cochabamba’s municipal supply through a concession to International Water, a subsidiary of the US-owned Bechtel Corporation.

The report averred that in October 1999, the first water bill was passed granting the privatization of Cochabamba’s water, adding that privatization led to such high prices that people in this deprived region of Bolivia found themselves spending up to 20 percent of their monthly wages on water bills.

According to the report, “Privatization led to such high prices that people in this deprived region of Bolivia found themselves spending up to 20 per cent of their monthly wages on water bills. In January 2000, a citizens’ alliance called Coodinadora de Defensa del Agua y de la Vida (Coalition in Defence of Water and Life) was formed. The alliance shut down the city for four days through mass mobilization. A Cochabamba Declaration was subsequently issued. “Protests continued until the privatization law was annulled in April 2000. Contracts were terminated, and new water resource laws were drafted following citizens’ participation.

“In January 2000, a citizens’ alliance called Coodinadora de Defensa del Agua y de la Vida (Coalition in Defence of Water and Life) was formed. The alliance shut down the city for four days through mass mobilization. A Cochabamba Declaration was subsequently issued. Protests continued until the privatization law was annulled in April 2000. Contracts were terminated, and new water resource laws were drafted following citizens’ participation.

“Back in India, the World Bank imposed a water privatization project in the city of Delhi in 2001, only months after the Cochabamba Declaration. The consultants appointed for this project were PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers). Waters from the sacred River Ganga were to be privatized and sent to the Suez-Degrémont water plant at Sonia Vihar. A water democracy movement soon came together to connect the people displaced by the Tehri dam and farmers whose fields are irrigated by the Ganga canal in the slums of Delhi.

“The examples from Bolivia and India are not isolated ones, and that the unjust privatization

of water in water-stressed countries is a global pattern of grotesque proportions, as the case studies of Chile, Georgia, Iran and Libya in this report clearly illustrate. The Cochabamba Water Wars of 2000, and the Delhi Water Rallies of 2001, are far from over. In fact, the struggle to secure water justice for communities, especially those belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples, has intensified all around the world.

“Thus, according to a recent UN report on the state of the world’s water, ‘over the last few decades, the water crisis has deepened on a planetary scale. 75 per cent of available freshwater is now used for chemical- and water-intensive agriculture, which also leaves rivers and lakes polluted with nitrates and pesticides.’ Phosphorus pollution generated by intensive agriculture and run-off has led to major environmental crises in water systems across the world – Lake Erie in the United States and the River Wye in the United Kingdom being two iconic examples of destruction due to industrial agriculture.”

UN REPORT

A recent UN report on the state of the world’s water, ‘over the last few decades, posited that the water crisis has deepened on a planetary scale, noting that 75 percent of available freshwater is now used for chemical- and water-intensive agriculture, which also leaves rivers and lakes polluted with nitrates and pesticides.’

The report said phosphorus pollution generated by intensive agriculture and run-off has led to major environmental crises in water systems across the world – Lake Erie in the United States and the River Wye in the United Kingdom being two iconic examples of destruction due to industrial agriculture.

The report further remarked that more than 5 billion people could suffer water shortages by 2050 due to climate change, increased demands and polluted supplies.

It stated, “In the name of the Green Revolution or mass production of foods to satisfy global markets and consumption, lands once known to be abundant in water are being transformed into areas of critical water stress. Punjab, the land of five rivers, is one of many examples of this. Globalization has led to the export of water from the global South, further intensifying the water crisis worldwide.”

The report remarked that Lake Chad in Central Africa has shrunk greatly as 80 per cent of the water that recharges the lake is being diverted to irrigate commercial crops.

It noted that the consequence is growing water conflicts, as the Niger case study in this report vividly shows, pointing out that operating across the four countries that share the lake, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, Boko Haram is an example of how the destruction of water sources can directly or indirectly cause the breakdown of civil society and the rise of violent extremism.

In his remarks, the former Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), As Luc Gnacadja, stated, “The depletion of Lake Chad has helped create the conditions for conflict. In much of northern Nigeria, Muslim herders are in competition with Christian farmers for dwindling water supplies. The so-called religious fight is about access to vital resources. It is not just about Boko Haram. In the Sahel belt, you will see almost the same challenge in Mali and in Sudan. Furthermore, men who were or would have been gainfully employed as farmers, fishermen, fish sellers and pastoralists have now been conscripted into Boko Haram, with many of them participating in the deadly night raids of the terrorist groups.”

OGONI OIL POLLUTION CRISIS

Once a culturally rich and biodiverse region, Ogoniland is now refer to as one of the most ecologically degraded places on earth.

Ugo Aliogo examines a report by Minority and Indigenous Trends which stated that water justice cannot be attained unless the communities that protect water systems from the threats of extractivism, overuse and pollution are prioritised in the international arena

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Global Call to Action Towards Improving Maternal and Newborn Survival

Global health experts, including the Nigeria Health Watch, NHW, recently at the biennial International Maternal Newborn Health Conference, IMNHC, held in Cape Town, South Africa, issued an urgent call

action towards improving maternal and newborn survival. Sunday Ehigiator reports

According to a new report from the United Nations (UN), global progress in reducing deaths of pregnant women, mothers and babies has flatlined for eight years due to decreasing investments in maternal and newborn health.

The report shows that over 4.5 million women and babies die every year during pregnancy, childbirth or the first weeks after birth. This is equivalent to one death happening every seven seconds, mostly from preventable or treatable causes if proper care was available.

And according to the Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at the WHO, Dr Anshu Banerjee, “Pregnant women and newborns continue to die at unacceptably high rates worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created further setbacks to providing them with the healthcare they need.

“If we wish to see different results, we must do things differently. More and smarter investments in primary healthcare are needed now so that every woman and baby, no matter where they live, have the best chance of health and survival.”

The UN Report

The report, titled, ‘Improving Maternal and Newborn Health and Survival and Reducing Stillbirth’, assesses the latest data on these deaths which have similar risk factors and causes, and tracks the provision of critical health services.

Overall, the report shows that progress in improving survival has stagnated since 2015, with around 290,000 maternal deaths each year, 1.9 million stillbirths (babies who die after 28 weeks of pregnancy), and a staggering 2.3 million newborn deaths, which are deaths in the first month of life.

Impact of Covid-19 and Other Vices

The Covid-19 pandemic, rising poverty, and worsening humanitarian crises have intensified pressures on stretched health systems.

Since 2018, more than three-quarters of all conflict-affected and Sub-Saharan African countries report declining funding for maternal and newborn health.

According to the latest WHO survey on the pandemic’s impacts on essential health services, around a quarter of countries still report ongoing disruptions to vital pregnancy and postnatal care and services for sick children. Just one in 10 countries, of more than 100 surveyed, was reported to have sufficient funds to implement their current maternity plans.And according to UNICEF Director of Health, Steven Lauwerier, “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, babies, children and women who were already exposed to threats to their well-being, especially those living in fragile countries and emergencies, are facing the heaviest consequences of decreased spending and efforts on providing quality and accessible healthcare.”

Funding Shortfalls

No doubt, the Covid-19 pandemic, rising poverty, and worsening humanitarian crises have caused funding shortfall shortfalls globally, thereby leading to underinvestment in the sector. Underinvestment in primary healthcare can

to

in environments where a lot of women and families are not empowered.”

The conference was hosted by the Government of South Africa and AlignMNH – a global initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and partnership with UNFPA, UNICEF, and World Bank.

Approximately 1,700 delegates from 96 countries, including 28 official country delegations participated in more than 200 sessions focused on accelerating progress and fostering solutions for maternal newborn health.

Need to Invest in the Team and System

Speaking at the conference, USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr Atul Gawande, stressed the need for countries to invest in the teams who deliver care and in the system.

According to him, “To save lives, we must strengthen the quality of care, not just by investing in individuals and their skills and commodities. But by also investing in the teams who deliver care and the systems in which they deliver it.”

The E-MOTIVE

Many emerging solutions to the multi-faceted problems presented were on display at the Technical Marketplace, including innovations in mobile imaging, AI-powered ultrasounds, and new clinical interventions.

One such promising intervention called EMOTIVE released new results from a study that found accurate measures of blood loss using a simple, low-cost blood measurement drape, and applying comprehensive WHO-recommended treatments, resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in bleeding, which means women were far less likely to die.

Mother and Child

devastate survival prospects. For instance, while prematurity is now the leading cause of all under-five deaths globally, less than a third of countries report having sufficient newborn care units to treat small and sick babies.

Meanwhile, around two-thirds of emergency childbirth facilities in sub-Saharan Africa are not considered fully functional, meaning they lack essential resources like medicines and supplies, water, electricity or staffing for 24-hour care.

Impact of Funding Shortfall

In the worst-affected countries in SubSaharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia, the regions with the greatest burden of newborn and maternal deaths, fewer than 60 per cent of women receive just four, of WHO’s recommended eight, antenatal checks.

“The death of any woman or young girl during pregnancy or childbirth is a serious violation of their human rights,” said, Director of the Technical Division at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Julitta Onabanjo.

“It also reflects the urgent need to scale up access to quality sexual and reproductive health services as part of universal health coverage and primary health care, especially in communities where maternal mortality rates have stagnated

or even risen during recent years.

“We must take a human rights and gender transformative approach to address maternal and newborn mortality and we must stamp out the underlying factors which give rise to poor maternal health outcomes like socio-economic inequalities, discrimination, poverty and injustice.”

Call to Action

It was against this backdrop that global health experts, including the Nigeria Health Watch, convened in Cape Town, to drive urgent action for the health of mothers and newborns by leading with evidence, sharing effective implementation strategies, reviewing joint progress, and nurturing collaboration and innovation.

Attendees heard directly from impacted countries, communities, and women about how the current plateau in progress affects real lives.

According to Chief of Health Services for the Ministry of Health Malawi and AlignMNH Steering Committee Co-chair, Dr. Queen Dube, she said the “call is about accountability, and this is something that we all must take responsibility over. We work

“What got us here is not going to necessarily get us there. We have to continue to evolve systems and health services,” said Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Deputy Director of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Dr Jeffrey Smith.

“That’s why this conference is so important–because this community needs to continue to learn and evolve as we reduce mortality.”

If current trends persist, more than 60 countries are not set to meet the maternal, newborn and stillborn mortality reduction targets in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.

Coming together at IMNHC 2023, and every two years thereafter, will mark important milestones at our current midpoint of the SDGs.

About IMNHC 2023

The International Maternal Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) was powered by AlignMNH and the Government of South Africa, in collaboration with BMGF, UNFPA, UNICEF, USAID and World Bank, and includes the leadership of Governments from around the globe and additional support from partners.

The IMNHC is in support of working collectively to achieve the goals of the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) and Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM). The World Health Organisation has provided technical guidance in support of the conference.

Kelina Hospital Celebrates 250th Non-invasive Prostate Surgeries in Nigeria at 15

Rebecca Ejifoma

Kelina Hospital, a surgical health facility, is raising the bar in the nation’s healthcare system. Just at its 15th anniversary, the clinic is basking in the moment of recording 250 successful prostate surgeries using the advanced and non-invasive Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) procedure to reduce kidney damage, kidney failures and other life-threatening complications.

The Chief Medical Director of Kelina Hospital, Dr Celsus Undie, remarked on this during a media parley in Victoria Island Lagos.

According to the CMD, they have successfully carried out 250 HoLEP surgeries for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a non-cancerous prostate gland enlargement that can obstruct urine, cause damage to the kidney, and other life-threatening complications.

While noting that the HoLEP procedure is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, Undie said that benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate, is an age-associated condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged, not cancerous.

His words: “The enlarged prostate may block or slow the passage of urine from the urethra, thereby causing damage to the kidney, kidney failure, bladder

stones or other complications.”

He explained that about 20 per cent of men would develop benign prostatic hyperplasia in their 50s while increasing to 70 per cent by the time they reach 70 years of age.

Although Undie insisted that HoLEP is the most common surgery done in the facility, he said that the type of prostates seen in Nigeria is enormous. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is not the best procedure for them.

According to the CMD, TURP cannot remove enough prostate, and the patients may need to return to the theatre in the future and also have to be on a catheter for longer times after the procedure.

He, however, described TURP as a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate. At the same time, HoLEP is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a laser to remove tissue blocking urine flow through the prostate.

Accordingly, Undie highlighted that the American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology recommend HoLEP as the best for prostates over 80 to 100 grams in size.

He also conceded that performing 250 HoLEP surgeries for patients with prostate problems without giving blood to more than a handful of them was a big deal.

The renowned Urological surgeon emphasised: “One of those prostates measured 550 grams in size. Nothing apart from HoLEP or open surgery can handle that. But we did it safely with HoLEP.

“Most surgeries do not require a blood transfusion, unlike conventional surgeries, which might require several pints of blood for the same procedure.”

Thus, he lamented how Nigerians travel overseas for surgeries that could be done locally, saying it was a waste of foreign exchange and a disservice to Nigerian specialists as well as an unwise move.

“Aside from urological and general surgery procedures,

which are the hospital’s main focus, Undie said they receive patients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and knee replacement surgery (Orthopaedics), among others. While counting their successes, Undie listed the hospital’s over 5,000 surgical operations in 15 years without a single patient dying in its theatre since inception. “It is a big deal,” he expressed.

He narrated: “In 2012, the Federal Government of Nigeria recognised our efforts by awarding us a Pioneer Status in Minimally Invasive Surgery. In 2015, we started aiming for infection-free surgery using Plasma Sterilisation for our endoscopes.

Foundation Sets Up Menstrual Waste Disposal System in School

Mary Nnah

In commemoration of this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, The Healthy African Girl Foundation, THAG, recently organised an outreach to Government Abuja, providing menstrual waste disposal system and menstrual hygiene support to 1800 girls.

The waste disposal system consisted of an incinerator, sanitary waste disposal bins and a menstrual health station set up in the school clinic.

Also donated were THAG dignity kits which consisted of feminine hygiene kits containing sanitary pads for the students, IEC materials (posters on Menstrual Health Education) to the school and copies of “My Book of Period

The outreach which featured a book reading session of “My

authored by Dr Chinekwu Oreh, Convener, The Healthy African Girl Foundation, also had an interactive session on sexual and reproductive health, as well as self-leadership with the students.

Oreh said: “This intervention was so critical because awareness needs to be raised on not only menstrual hygiene but the psychosocial implications of puberty and menstruation to adolescent

period poverty and proper menstrual waste disposal were critical issues affecting the development of young girls and more attention should be paid to this.

Oreh explained that the intervention was one of several other initiatives of THAG.

Postpartum Endometritis (Part 1)

“Other initiatives of the foundation include the Give the Girl a Voice Advocacy competition which is a peerled intervention on advocacy for the girl child by the girl child; InspireHer— an online media initiative to inspire girls to be the best versions of themselves; THAG Leadership, Character and Enterprise (LCE) Bootcamp for females; and the Awareness for Adolescent Girl

Present at the outreach was the representative of the FCT

The Healthy African Girl Foundation is a nonprofit organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission with the vision to empower adolescent girls and young women to take charge of their all-around health to maximise their potential in line with Goal 5.

The Endometrium is the tissue that lines the womb. It is the mucous membrane that thickens in anticipation of a possible pregnancy. If fertilization occurs and embryo is implanted, the lining stays in place,if not, the endometrium thins and sheds as a menstrual period.

Endometritis is a term used to describe endometrial inflammation (swelling of the lining of the womb), which is caused by an infection. It may occur during the postpartum period (after the birth of a baby) as an infection may have been introduced during or after labor and delivery. After childbirth, the uterine lining (endometrium) becomes inflamed, which is what postpartum endometritis is. It is a peculiar infection that frequently develops in the first few weeks following delivery.

CAUSES OF POSTPARTUM ENDOMETRISIS

Foundation Sets Up Menstrual Waste

Rotary Club of Maryland Donates

Maternity Kits to 60 Pregnant Women

Rebecca Ejifoma

For the Rotary Club of Maryland, a significant increase in saving mother and child from pregnancy and childbirth related complications is a cause worthy of pursuing.

Recently, the club donated maternity kits to 60 pregnant women and nursing mothers at the Primary Healthcare Centre

For its theme, “Maternal & club mapped out plans and activities for mothers, pregnant women and children in their efforts to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country.

The 21st Hope President of the Rotary Club of Maryland, District 9110, Rotarian Rissy Taiwo remarked on the essence of the donation.

As part of their aim to improve the health of these women, the president said, “Today, we catered for 50 women. Luckily for us, we got 60 pregnant women.

“We have taken down the list of the women that could not get anything because what we brought was 50. We’ll be coming back to give to the

According to Taiwo, the gesture would go a long way because many pregnant women sometimes cannot afford some

of these necessities. “It’s like encouraging them to do what

Rotary Club of Maryland distributed maternity kits, including mosquito-treated nets, to curb the scourge of malaria affecting mother and child and accounts for 11 per cent of maternal deaths and 25 per cent of infant deaths in Nigeria, according to the federal government.

The president outlined:

“We have a cab that will help them with their breast milk. We have folic acid, which assists with the blood formation and then hand wash kits which will prepare them to be hygienic when preparing anything for

On his part, the Chairman of the Kosofe Local Government Area, Moyosore Ogunlewe, commended the team for their widow’s mite.

Ogunlewe, represented Health, Abayomi Elugbede, admitted that the club had brought smiles to the faces of pregnant women.

He, therefore, urged other organisations to emulate the Rotary Club of Maryland to assist the government in making Nigeria a better nation, especially reaching out to pregnant women and nursing mothers.

In the words of the Chartered Vice President of Rotary E-Club of Maryland, Joyce Idowu, the club is about service and is set to bring succour to the distressed.

of the Rotary Club of Maryland. We’ve just been chartered this month.

“When I say online club, we have members from all over the world. For example, my chartered president is based in the UK, while I’m

We have some in America. I’m here to represent the whole body. Rotary is about service, and when you say E-Club, there are quite a number of us that maybe meeting physically may be challenging.

Also speaking, the Chair of the Committee on Maternal & Child Health, Rotary Club of Maryland, Dr Ibitomilayo Omololu, said the beneficiaries of the empowerment had been trained on how to use the pregnancy kits.

Beyond the training, these pregnant women can now visit the health centre for guidance whenever they are in doubt.

Omololu highlighted: “Rotary Club of Maryland can also, in the future, come back here to build upon what we have done on other aspects of health. We are always available to do more. We are available for

Prolonged Rupture of The Membranes (PROM):The condition known as prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs when a woman’s amniotic sac (the membrane that surrounds the fetus that is filled with fluid) ruptures or breaks prior to the start of labor and the amniotic fluid leaks over a protracted length of time. The rupturing of the membranes typically happens during the active stage of labor, indicating the beginning of delivery. However, prolonged rupture of membranes is when the amniotic sac ruptures before the start of labor and the amniotic fluid leakage continues for a long time (often longer than 18 to 24 hours).Early membrane rupture opens the door for bacteria from the cervix or vagina to enter the uterus, resulting in infection.

Prolonged Labor:The longer the labor, the more exposure the uterus and birth canal have to possible bacteria, which increases the chance of infection. When the cervix opens during labor to let the baby pass through, germs can also enter the uterus through this opening.

Chorioamnionitis: An infection known as chorioamnionitis during pregnancy affects the fetal membranes (chorion and amnion) as well as the amniotic fluid. During labor and delivery, the bacteria that caused this infection may move to the uterine cavity, resulting in endometrial infection.

Cesarean Delivery:The baby is born via incision in the mother’s belly and Womb during a Caesarean delivery, sometimes referred to as a C-section. Despite the fact that C-sections are typically regarded as safe, they do have a higher risk of some problems than vaginal deliveries. The uterus is accessed during a C-section through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. Bacterial contamination at the surgical site is still a potential even when thorough sterile procedures are followed. During the process, bacteria from the skin or the surrounding area may enter the uterus, raising the risk of infection.

Retention or Manual Removal of Placental Fragments in the Uterus: After delivery, placental pieces that are still in the uterus provide a risk of infection. These retained fragments can get

colonized by bacteria from the vagina or the environment, which can cause an infection in the uterine cavity.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH): Prolonged and uncontrolled bleeding brought on by PPH can raise the risk of infection by fostering the growth of bacteria. In addition, treatments for PPH that involve manual placenta removal or intensive uterine manipulation may spread bacteria to the uterus, increasing the risk of postpartum endometritis.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV):A bacterial imbalance in the vagina known as bacterial vaginosis is characterized by an increase in certain bacteria and a decrease in helpful bacteria. It may result in symptoms like a fishy odor, itching, and discomfort. It may also result in abnormal vaginal discharge. Though treatable but if ignored, BV can result in consequences including postpartum endometritis or an elevated risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or other infections after childbirth. The normal balance of bacteria in the vagina can be upset by BV, which makes it simpler for dangerous germs to enter the uterus and cause infection. The immune system in the vagina may also be weakened by BV, rendering it more vulnerable to bacterial colonization and subsequent infection.

Obesity:A known risk factor for needing a cesarean section is obesity. Contrary to vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery carries a higher risk of postpartum endometritis, mostly because of the possibility of increased bacterial contamination during the surgical process. Obese people may experience problems with wound healing, including uterine lining healing following childbirth. The surroundings may become more prone to infection as a result of this delayed healing.

SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM ENDOMETRISIS

The symptoms of postpartum endometritis may include:

100.4°F or 38°C) after delivery is one of the telltale indications of postpartum endometritis. This is a common symptom of postpartum endometritis in women. The pain could be intermittent or can be constant.

Postpartum endometritis frequently causes an odd discharge from the vagina. Pus may be present in the discharge, which may also have a strong, unpleasant smell. may develop exhaustion, generalized body aches, and chills.

can result in nausea and a loss of appetite.

or an increased heart rate, may occasionally be observed in patients with Endometritis with postpartum endometritis may experience heavier or protracted postpartum bleeding than usual

FCT-IRS Warns MDAs, Contractors on Remittance of Withholding Tax

Olawale Ajimotokan

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has tasked Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as contractors in the FCT to ensure that Withholding Tax (WHT) due to the service is remitted accordingly. In a circular released on Sunday, the Service fumed that withholding taxes due to it were wrongly paid to tax authority other than FCT-IRS hence the need to educate the general public especially concerned organisations and contractors in the FCT.

The circular was signed FCT-IRS Head, Corporate Communications, Mustapha Sumaila.

It explained that it is necessary for a taxpayer to understand the tax jurisdiction rule; WHT for limited liability companies is remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) while

WHT for enterprises and Individual contractors goes to the State IRS such as the FCT-IRS, if the transaction is done in the FCT.

The service observed instances where the wrong tax jurisdiction was entered on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform by the MDA desk officers.

It said error could lead to contractors suffering the loss of WHT credit and the relevant tax authority experiencing revenue loss in addition to the beneficiary of the WHT being denied the WHT credit.

“To prevent such losses, we urge all MDA desk officers to ensure accurate data entry at the point of initiation. We also wish to draw the attention of enterprises and individual contractors in the FCT to this issue and caution them of the potential consequences,” Sumaila said.

The FCT-IRS threatened that it would not grant Tax Clearance Certificate on WHT credit that was wrongly sent to another tax jurisdiction by the GIFMIS platform.

“We advise all taxpayers to liaise closely with their respective MDA desk officers to ensure the correct tax jurisdiction is selected during WHT remittance.

“Our aim is to ensure a seamless tax administration system that supports compliance, promotes ease of doing business, and upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.”

It will be recalled that the FCTIRS took over the administration, collection, and accounting of taxes in the FCT in 2018. Prior to this, FIRS was responsible for these functions. With the advent of GIFMIS, payment for contracts and the deduction and remittance of the WHT for both companies, enterprises, and individuals is done using the GIFMIS platform.

FGSL Clears First Container at Lekki Free Port Terminal

Leading indigenous shipping and logistics company, Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited (FGSL), has announced that it achieved a significant milestone by clearing the first container at the Lekki Free Port Terminal.

The cargo, owned by CMA CGM, arrived at the BASF West Africa-controlled Terminal and was cleared for delivery by the FGSL team, representing a milestone in the development of the port.

Speaking on the feat, the CEO of FGSL, Eric Opah noted: “We want to thank the authorities and everyone that contributed to making this a success. Clearing the first container at Lekki Free Port Terminal is a testament to our commitment to providing our clients with efficient and reliable shipping and logistics services. We would also like to reassure our clients, partners, and prospects that we are always

L-R: Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products, FirstBank, Mr. Chuma Ezirim; Director General/CEO, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, (SMEDAN),Dr Olawale Fasanya and Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank,Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu (representing the Bank’s CEO) during the signing of the MoU between FirstBank and SMEDAN to strengthen support systems on access to finance to MSMEs across the country....recently

available to assist with your business needs, including effectively managing regulatory and other operational requirements.”

He added, This achievement marks a significant milestone for FGSL, as the company underscores its ability to provide exceptional shipping and logistics services in Nigeria as it has done with other projects, such as the inward clearance of the EGINA FPSO.”

Ekiti State Partners Innovate UK KTN Global Alliance Africa

Ugo Aliogo

Ekiti State Government is set to partner Innovate UK KTN Global Alliance Africa, to launch Innovate Ekiti, a new platform to connect the region’s innovators to the world.

According to a statement, Ekiti State has traditionally relied on agriculture as its main economic driver, while adding that approximately three-quarters of its 3.3 million residents are employed in this sector.

The statement also noted that with unemployment reaching up to 32 per cent and recognizing the potential of youth innovation to unlock $433 million for the

local economy, local leaders are now turning to innovation as a new catalyst for socio-economic growth.

The statement stated that to mark the launch of Innovate Ekiti, Global Alliance Africa would be hosting an event on 22 June, adding that attendees would be introduced to the platform and given an opportunity to learn more about the exciting opportunities emerging within the Ekiti State ecosystem.

The statement remarked that to establish itself as a new hotbed for globally-minded innovators, the state is looking to national and international organisations as important partners

for channelling knowledge, resources and opportunities into its budding ecosystem, as such, the Ekiti ecosystem partnered with Global Alliance Africa, a project of Innovate UK KTN, in 2021, together, they launched the Ekiti Innovation Action Plan - a strategic roadmap to guide the region’s course towards becoming Nigeria’s next innovation capital.

The Special Adviser on Governance, Reforms and Innovation to the State Government, said there are still significant issues around infrastructure, funding, talent, and awareness that need to be addressed.

Providus Bank Partners GEN Nigeria to Deepen Entrepreneurship

Raheem Akingbolu

Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), has announced a strategic partnership with Providus Bank Nigeria to deepen the entrepreneurship skills of Nigerians and drive growth in the economy.

According to the partners, the partnership would give budding entrepreneurs access to finance, capacity building, networking opportunity and ecosystem development.

At a media briefing in Lagos, Managing Director, GEN Nigeria, Dr. Olawale Anifowose said, “this partnership basically means that the work we are doing at the Global

Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Nigeria can be scaled. For the better part of our activities of GEN Nigeria, we only focus on 3 or 4 states but with this partnership, we are able to scale it to 20 locations and that is very significant for us because we want to make the resources and reach more accessible for Nigerians.”

According to Anifowose, under this partnership, GEN Nigeria and Providus Bank will collaborate on various activities including; entrepreneurship programs that would promote talent, innovation, and access to vital resources and mentorship.

He also pointed out that there would be financial sup-

port, courtesy Providus Bank to boost the entrepreneurship initiatives and enable the organization to scale its impact and reach a wider network of entrepreneurs across the country.

According to him, this support will include grants, investment opportunities, and access to financial services tailored for entrepreneurs. Other benefits he mentioned include; capacity building and ecosystem development which will focus on strengthening and expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria by fostering collaborations among stakeholders including startups, investors, and policymakers.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 16 JUNE, 2023

CIS Awards Aig-Imoukhuede With Honorary Fellow as Coronation Group Obtains CMHC Licence

Kayode Tokede

Following his milestone achievements in the financial sector, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) yesterday awarded the Chairman of Coronation Group Limited, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede with Honorary Fellow of the institute.

The investiture that took place on the floor of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in

Lagos witnessed dignitaries from the banking sector and capital market key stakeholders.

Aig-Imoukhuede in his acceptance speech expressed that he is deeply honoured to be recognized by the institute, stressing that collaboration among key capital market stakeholders have significantly contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria’s financial markets.

He stated that, “As partners, we have instituted practices and standards that have strengthened

our markets and built trust in the minds of investors both local and foreign.

“Today I acknowledge that for many years, despite my not being one of you by qualification, you have regarded me as a member of your fraternity. This spirit of partnership collaboration must be extended by you to others, particularly the Financial Market Dealers Association and other key stakeholders in our financial markets.”

He expressed that operators of a nation’s capital market are properly resourced in terms of skill, capacity and conduct, maintaining that nothing can stop its citizens from leaving the tarmac and developing from 3rd world to 1st world.

Speaking earlier, the President & Chairman of Council, CIS, Mr. Oluwole Adeosun, said “Today, we are here gathered to celebrate an Icon of the Nigerian corporate community as ninth Honorary Fellow of

the institute.

“Aig-Imoukhuede as a one of the President of the NGX was exceedingly passionate about the demutualisation of the entity when it was a non-profit known as the Nigerian Exchange Limited,” Adeosun said.

However, the Founder and Chairman, Coronation Group at the Closing Bell Ceremony hosted in his honour announced that Coronation Group Limited has obtained

a Capital Market Holding Company (CMHC) licence from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

With this pioneering step, Coronation has transitioned to a licensed group structure, solidifying its position as an investment management powerhouse in the African region. This regulatory recognition represents a significant milestone in the Group’s mission to democratize access to wealth creation for Africans, harnessing the power of ecosystems.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/21/23

Thursday, June 22, 2023

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

1AirtelAfricaPLC1,289.000.0%29.2%-21.2%-21.2%18.6%6.2%2.6% 2BUAFoodsPLC135.750.0%14.7%108.8%108.8%45.4%17.7%21.8x9.0x3.3%4.6% 3MTNNigeriaCommunicationsPLC265.000.0%7.9%23.3%23.3%91.7%13.2%14.9x12.4x5.9%6.7% 4GuarantyTrustHoldingCoPLC32.00-0.9%5.7%39.1%39.1%19.7%3.0%4.9x1.0x9.6%20.3% 5ZenithBankPLC31.75-0.8%5.3%32.3%32.3%16.7%2.0%4.3x0.7x10.1%23.2% 6DangoteCementPLC287.500.1%3.5%10.2%10.2%34.8%14.7%12.8x4.2x6.9%7.8% 7FBNHoldingsPlc16.000.3%3.2%46.8%46.8%16.1%1.5%3.8x0.6x3.1%26.5% 8LafargeAfricaPLC29.101.0%6.2%21.3%212.9%12.3%9.1%9.2x1.1x6.9%10.9% 9NestleNigeriaPLC1,250.000.0%2.0%13.6%13.6%110.1%12.8%21.0x21.3x5.3%4.8% 10AccessHoldingsPLC14.900.3%3.0%75.3%75.3%13.9%1.2%3.0x0.4x17.4%33.4% 11SEPLATEnergyPLC1,360.000.0%1.9%28.8%23.6%5.7%2.8%10.8x0.6x3.5%9.3% 12UnitedBankforAfricaPLC11.45-0.4%2.2%50.7%50.7%20.4%1.7%2.2x0.4x9.6%45.1% 13EcobankTransnationalInc15.450.3%1.7%45.8%45.8%19.1%1.0%1.9x0.4x3.3%53.7% 14NigerianBreweriesPLC43.800.2%1.2%6.8%6.8%-6.3%-1.9%2.1x3.1%-3.1% 15StanbicIBTCHoldingsPLC54.002.0%1.7%61.4%61.4%22.4%2.9%7.0x1.6x6.5%14.2% 16OkomuOilPalmPLC227.000.0%1.3%37.6%37.6%47.7%23.5%13.3x6.4x5.3%7.5% 17FidelityBankPLC7.000.0%1.2%60.9%60.9%16.7%1.4%3.8x0.6x5.7%26.2% 18InternationalBreweriesPLC5.200.0%0.8%10.6%10.6%-19.2%-5.2%1.2x-17.7% 19FlourMillsofNigeriaPLC34.20-2.1%0.8%20.4%20.4%11.4%2.5%6.7x0.7x15.0% 20GuinnessNigeriaPLC77.700.0%0.5%12.1%12.1%7.3%2.9%27.3x2.1x9.2%3.7% 21FCMBGroupPlc5.00-2.0%0.5%29.9%29.9%12.7%1.3%2.8x0.3x5.0%35.4% 22UnitedCapitalPLC14.651.0%0.4%4.6%4.6%38.7%1.6%9.0x3.3x10.2%11.1% 23BUACementPlc90.004.7%0.3%-7.9%-7.9%25.0%12.6%30.2x7.4x3.3% 24AXAMansardInsurancePLC4.220.7%0.7%111.0%111.0%13.3%3.4%7.7x1.3x7.1%12.9% 25PrescoPLC178.000.5%0.4%29.5%29.5%53.4%13.5%9.2x4.2x1.1%10.9% 26DangoteSugarRefineryPLC24.000.0%0.5%49.5%49.5%36.5%12.3%5.0x1.7x6.2%20.1% 27PZCussonsNigeriaPLC18.90-2.1%0.5%66.5%66.5%29.0%8.7%6.4x1.9x5.4%15.7% 28TransnationalCorpofNigeria3.25-1.8%0.8%187.6%187.6%6.4%1.5%19.6x1.2x1.5%5.1% 29WemaBankPLC4.82-3.4%0.2%23.6%23.6%17.2%1.0%3.7x0.7x6.2%27.1% 30TotalEnergiesMarketingNigeri336.700.0%0.3%74.5%74.5%34.8%5.8%7.0x2.4x7.4%14.2% 31UnionBankofNigeriaPLC7.450.0%0.2%16.4%16.4%15.8%1.6%6.1x0.7x16.5% 32CustodianandAlliedInsurance7.102.9%0.1%19.3%19.3%18.0%5.4%3.9x0.7x9.2%25.6% 33JaizBankPLC1.53-10.0%0.2%66.3%66.3%27.5%2.0%7.1x1.8x32.7%14.1% 34JuliusBergerNigeriaPLC31.000.0%0.1%26.5%26.5%11.2%1.3%7.7x0.8x8.2%13.0% 35UnileverNigeriaPLC15.100.0%0.1%30.2%30.2%7.8%4.2%16.3x1.2x1.6%6.1% 36OandoPLC5.510.0%0.1%40.6%40.6%3.2%1.8x55.2% 37SterlingFinancialHoldingsCo2.77-4.2%0.1% 38ChampionBreweriesPLC4.186.1%0.0%-24.0%-24.0%9.0%6.1%35.0x3.0x2.9% 39NotoreChemicalIndustriesLtd62.500.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%-27.3%-6.4%1.5x-16.5% 40TranscorpHotelsPlc16.009.6%0.1%156.0%156.0%3.5%1.9%72.3x2.6x0.8%1.4%

TickerPricePriceChg%

AFROMEDIA0.2210.0%

ETRANZACT5.889.9%

FTNCOCOA1.789.9%

NEIMETH1.789.9%

UNITYBNK1.359.8%

TRANSCOHOT16.009.6%

VERITASKAP0.239.5%

CONOIL86.509.5%

GOLDBREW1.399.4%

COURTVILLE0.589.4%

TickerPricePriceChg%

JAIZBANK1.53-10.0%

MEYER2.19-9.9%

IKEJAHOTEL3.20-9.9%

TANTALIZER0.20-9.1%

CADBURY17.10-9.0%

INTENEGINS1.45-8.2%

NNFM12.90-7.2%

PRESTIGE0.46-6.1%

UNIVINSURE0.23-4.2%

OMATEK0.27-3.6%

TickerVolumePriceChg%

UNIVINSURE141.3-4.2%

GTCO44.9-0.9%

JAPAULGOLD37.78.6%

UBA31.7-0.4%

ACCESSCORP27.40.3%

TRANSCORP24.6-1.8%

FTNCOCOA20.69.9%

JAIZBANK20.3-10.0%

FIDELITYBK20.30.0%

VERITASKAP16.39.5%

TickerValuePriceChg%

GTCO1440.4-0.9%

DANGCEM479.90.1%

ZENITHBANK471.7-0.8%

ACCESSCORP409.20.3%

UBA362.0-0.4%

MTNN360.50.0%

FBNH181.70.3%

PRESCO180.30.5%

FIDELITYBK141.60.0%

AIRTELAFRI141.10.0%

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 20June-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

FUND

LAGOS

OF 5 BILLION SERIES 1 OF THE 30 BILLION EKO RICE CONTRACTS...

ITF, USSEC Sign MoU to Train Agro Professionals on Protein Production

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would enhance capacity building and workforce training for early-to-mid career protein professionals and enterprises in Nigeria.

The MoU, which was achieved through the Soybean Excellence Centre (SEC), an initiative of the USSEC, would enable Nigeria to invest in capacity-building and workforce training initiatives to

meet the future demands in soybean production.

A statement issued after the signing of the MoU yesterday, at Ikeja, Lagos State, stated that the partnership between the USSEC's SEC and the Industrial ITF Nigeria would be funded in part by the board of USSEC and would mark a significant milestone in the SEC's efforts to expand its training curriculum to current and potential trainees throughout Nigeria across agri training centers.

It noted that the SEC and the ITF would aim at providing essential training and education to

professionals in the protein industry, by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and growth in Nigeria's agricultural sector while supporting the needs of protein enterprises to access world-class curricula.

Speaking on the MoU, the Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, Mr. Joseph N. Ari, who was represented by the Director, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, ITF, Mrs. Lami Dakwak, said that, “this strategic partnership between ITF and USSEC in a curriculum-based skills training program through its

Soy Excellence Center allows us to access world-class learning platforms and resources.

“The focus on soybean farming, poultry, and aquaculture helps us address food security issues, promote good nutrition, and prepare our people to take on the challenges of trade and commerce.

“This partnership also delivers solutions to balance Nigeria’s current job creation, employability, and empowerment needs for Nigerian youths while building capacity in the agricultural and protein value chain. This partnership is vital to our vision of a vibrant and rising

WHO Urges FG to Implement Presidential Health Reform Report

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised the federal government to adopt the recommendations of the Presidential Health Reform Committee report and implement them.

This, it noted would help the country achieve the target of Universal Health Coverage.

It stated that engaging communities should be part of a comprehensive strategy to reorient health systems to meet the expectations and needs of populations.

In his speech delivered at the Universal Health Coverage 2023 Forum: Health Policy Dialogue held in Abuja, yesterday, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said the six components of the recommendations by the health reform committee should indeed be a good starting point to ‘get it right from the outset’.

Molumbo said WHO actively participated in the health sector reform programme whose aim was to move Nigeria closer to its Universal Health Coverage aspirations.

However, the WHO Scribe said: "Commitment of the incoming administration to adopt recommendations in this Presidential

Health Reform Committee report articulated in 6 components is indeed a good starting point to get it right from the outset".

Highlighting the six components of the health reform report, Molumbo said one of them which was health governance, leadership and institutional reforms is a critical building block without which Nigeria cannot make progress towards universal health coverage.

Molumbo said the second point was undertaking the health infrastructure upgrades, pharmaceutical supply chain and research development to improve the standards and quality of healthcare delivery across the country.

According to the WHO Director, another aspect was the health service delivery and redesigning service delivery to maximise outcomes, optimise quality and ensure right-place services by competent providers.

He also said pandemic preparedness and response with strong collaboration, capabilities and governance would enhance the ability for public health in Nigeria to respond to the challenges that lie ahead.

The fifth aspect of the reform Molumbo pointed out was the health financing systems reforms, a foundational strategy for the scale up

of the universal healthcare coverage (UHC) aspirations of Nigeria.

Molumbo further said the committee’s recommendation on human resources for health reforms would ensure a competent, equitably distributed, motivated, and supported health workforce to progress towards universal health coverage.

"Implementation of these components will see the health system

strengthened to meet present day challenges including reorientation of PHC for improved service delivery, improved preparedness and response to pandemics and other health emergencies, and rethinking of solutions to the huge challenge of ensuring adequate, skilled and well distributed health care workers in the midst of rising migration of the critical professionals," he said.

Nigeria.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of USSEC, Mr. Jim Sutter, said: “USSEC’s Soy Excellence Center (SEC) programming leverages the knowledge of the U.S. Soy industry. We are proud to collaborate with the ITF and industry to help advance the Nigerian protein industry, delivering a world-class training curriculum to empower trainees with relevant skills and help promote local economic growth.”

According to USSEC’s Country Team Lead for Nigeria, Dr. Michael David, “the SEC's commitment to excellence in training and development, coupled with the support of our partners, signals its dedication to driving sustainable growth and prosperity in Nigeria.

“Through collaborative efforts and the implementation of comprehensive training programs, we envision a future where skilled protein professionals contribute significantly to ensure the country's economic development.”

Commenting on the partnership between the ITF and the USSEC, USSEC’s Regional Director, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Kevin Roepke, added that the historic agreement was emblematic of the power of public-private partnerships.

Roepke said: “By leveraging the SEC’s outreach, USSEC and

ITF can further achieve greater nutritional security by creating value for Nigeria’s protein sectors.

“As 45 per cent of Nigeria’s population consumes well below global protein recommendations, USSEC is confident this partnership will help be a catalyst to grow Nigeria’s animal protein industries.”

The SECs, according to the statement, was dedicated to fostering a sustainable and thriving protein industry in Nigeria through comprehensive capacity-building and workforce training initiatives.

It said: “With nearly 160 participants undergoing primary and intermediary courses in poultry and feed milling courses in just this year, and with the active participation of nearly 360 protein professionals in our bespoke digital community, the SECs are democratising access to our excellent and learned course advisors, other like-minded protein professionals in Nigeria and around the world.

“This access to knowledge anytime, anywhere, digitally is crucial to scaling the vision and commitment of this MoU in support of a rising Nigerian population.”

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is focused on building preference, improving the value, and enabling market access for the use of U.S. soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 82 countries across the world.

FCTA, Six Area Councils Delegate Tax Collection Role to FCT-IRS

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the six Area Councils have assigned the statutory duties and obligation of revenue collection to the FCT-IRS as part of the move to harmonise revenue and improve the ease of doing business in the FCT.

The recommendation was made by the FCT Joint Revenue Committee instituted by the immediate past FCT Minister, Malam Muhammed Musa Bello and chaired by the Chairman of FCT IRS, Haruna Abdulahi.

While briefing the press yesterday, on the resolutions reached at the stakeholders’ retreat held in Akure, on harmonisation of

revenue, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Adesola Olusade, said they also agreed on the phasing out of technical partners from direct collection of revenues by the Area Councils. The elimination of the technical partners would curb double taxation and stamp out gangsters from the process of revenue of tax collection.

“Business premises are invaded oftentimes by ‘hoodlums’ allegedly canvassing for revenue collection. Residents are charged the same revenue by two or at times multiple authorities. These are indeed unsalutary,” Olusade said.

He said since 2021, the FCT Administration has resumed active engagement with the

six Area Councils, Secretariats, Departments and Agencies of FCT Administration involved in revenue collection and the FCT-IRS being the core stakeholders with the view to achieving a harmonised revenue collection outcome.

He said by this resolution the FCT- IRS would now serve as the single revenue entity to collect tax on several revenue heads including shops and kiosk levy, water permit, park and pay, street parking, market taxes, hotel consumption, vehicular radio license fee, mobile advert for vehicles , ground rents and gaming and betting.

The permanent secretary also added that the FCTA had agreed to delegate duties and obligations for revenues heads

where it had statutory collection responsibilities to the FCT-IRS as the single revenue entity for collection of environmental fee, waste management charges, sewage connections, outdoor advertisement, mobile advert and signages and telecommunication masts.

The FCT IRS Chairman, Abdulahi stressed the commitment of the service to work hand-in-hand with the stakeholders to create a brighter future for businesses, investors and stakeholders alike. He said the collaboration would promote active engagement between government, the private sector and civil society organisations to ensure that all stakeholders’ voices are heard and considered in decision-making process.

LAUNCH

L-R: Chairman, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu; LCFE Managing Director/CEO, Mr Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide SanwoOlu; his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and former Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative), Dr Rotimi Fashola, during the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange launch of 5 Billion Series 1 of the 30 Billion EKO RICE Contracts Programmes, at the UAC Building, Marina, ... yesterday

Dike Onwuamaeze

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY...

FG Orders Compulsory 2023 Promotion Exams for Doctors, Policemen, Teachers in Public Service

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has approved the conduct of year 2023 compulsory confirmation/promotion examina-

tions for newly employed doctors, engineers, police men/para-military officers, teachers, administrative officers and Foreign Affairs officers and other professionals in the Federal Public Service.

This was contained in a circular Ref. No. HCSF/MDO/MP/754/S. II/116 dated June 20, 2023, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary Career Management Office, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, on

Fubara Tasks NLNG on Timely Delivery of East-West Road

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the management of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to ensure timely delivery of its planned extension of the Bodo-Bonny road project to the section of the East-West Road in Ogoni axis.

Fubara, also tasked the company not to delay any further in ending the associated sufferings of Rivers people on the East-West road.

The governor, who gave the charge yesterday, when he received the management of NLNG, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said the state government was desirous of supporting the company on the project.

He maintained that his administration was working hard to sustain the prevailing security enjoyed to make the state safer and also create a more business-friendly environment

that would boost the confidence of investors.

Fubara recalled how the effective collaboration between NLNG and the state government had resulted in the facilitation and establishment of a renal dialysis centre at the Rivers State Teaching Hospital.

He, however, urged the management of NLNG to "increase your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to host communities by engaging more youths in your ongoing Train 7 Project with permanent employment and supply of materials."

Earlier, the Managing Director of NLNG Limited, Dr Philip Mshelbila, said the visit was to identify and pledge their support to the Fubara administration while also exploring avenues to expand areas of collaboration, which would boost both the state’s economy and their operational opportunities.

He said the 38km road from Bodo to Bonny Island, currently undergoing construction by the company in collaboration with

behalf of the HoS.

According to the circular, the examination scheduled to take place on September 22, 2023, and to be conducted by the Career Management Office of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was a statutory requirement for the career progression of all staff in the public service.

Ogunbiyi, said any officer who fails to pass the examinations after three consecutive attempts shall be required to resign or withdraw from the service in accordance with Public Service Rules 060203 and 060204

“The Permanent Secretary/ Head of Extra-Ministerial Office

shall ensure strict compliance and enforcement. (1) 060204 "An officer who fails to take the Confirmation Examination after three years of his/her first appointment shall be required to resign from Service," the circular said.

The circular also added that unless specially exempted by government all administrative officers, foreign officers, police officers and other professionals in Federal Public Service are required to pass the examination as prescribed in Chapter 6 of the Public Service Rules within two years of taking up appointment.

The categories of officers eligible to sit for the examinations include,

administrative officers/professionals (doctors, engineers, teachers, nurses among others) appointed directly into the Federal Public Service on first appointment;

Ogunbiyi said the registration for the examination that will be by Computer Based Test (CBT) will be done online with it countersigned by the candidate’s Head of Department. The letter of first appointment supporting the candidate's application should also be uploaded while filling the online form. The non-refundable examination fee is N5,000 payable by each candidate as cost of materials and the online registration of candidates will close on August 31, 2023.

N'Assembly Will Give Tinubu, Legislative Support to Resuscitate Moribund Firms, Says Akpabio

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerians that with the cooperation of the National Assembly, the President Bola Tinubu- led federal government would implement policies that would promote the speedy resuscitation of moribund industries across the nation.

Akpabio, who is representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, gave the assurance when he visited his predecessor in office, Senator Chris Ekpenyong.

The nation's industrial sector in Nigeria has not fared well in the last few decades because, most if not

all the firms had gone moribund.

Some of the moribund firms are the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, Textile Industries, Nigeria Paper Mill, Nigeria Sugar Company and many others that had the capacity to engage more than two million youths.

The development had in turn, brought about increased unemployment leaving youths vulnerable to criminal elements who are available to recruit them to fester vices including insecurity.

But Akpabio said the 10th Senate as currently constituted would be ready to do all within its powers to support the resuscitation of these industries.

He said, "with the way the

president has been exercising his mandate in the last 20 days, I am very confident that hitherto moribund and abandoned industries across the country would be given due attention.

"We should be able to revamp them so as to provide jobs and business opportunities for our teeming youths. "We would pass the relevant laws that would make the industries come alive for the benefit of unemployed youth and the economic growth of our country."

The chairman of the National Assembly, during the visit, was reacting to demands by the former deputy governor of Akwa

State that urgent actions be taken on the

LandWey Announces Delay in Completion of Its Residential Projects in Lagos

LandWey Investment Limited, one of Nigeria's leading residential developers, has announced delays in the delivery of its residential projects in Lagos, Nigeria.

The developer, known for its commitment to delivering quality housing solutions, explained in a statement yesterday, that it encountered unforeseen hurdles that have caused delays in the completion of some of its ambitious residential projects due to challenges posed by the country's fluctuating economic factors.

The company, in the statement noted that it had initially set, "an optimistic timeline for the completion

of the projects, but various economic factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst others, have hindered their progress."

The real estate firm further noted that despite these setbacks, it has demonstrated commendable transparency and has been in constant communication with its valued clients throughout the process.

According to the statement, "With an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, LandWey has proactively offered different options for those who are unable to wait for the revised delivery timelines. By providing alternative solutions, the

company has shown its dedication to meeting the needs and expectations of its clients.

"The first phase of the projects have already been successfully delivered, showcasing LandWey's ability to fulfil its promises. Currently, the second and third phases are in progress, and LandWey remains determined to complete them in a timely manner.

"We understand the concerns of our clients and deeply regret any inconvenience caused by the delays.

"We want to assure our clients that we are doing everything in our power to mitigate the impact of the economic fluctuations and

expedite the completion of the remaining phases.

"LandWey's approach to open and transparent communication has helped foster trust and understanding between the company and its clients. Regular updates have been provided, keeping stakeholders wellinformed of the progress made and the challenges faced along the way.”

It added: "While economic fluctuations are beyond the control of any organisation, LandWey's resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction shines through in their proactive measures and constant engagement.

“Our efforts to address the delays

head-on and provide alternative options demonstrate our unwavering dedication to our clients.

"As LandWey continues to forge ahead with its residential projects, we remain optimistic about overcoming the current challenges, as the Nigerian economy stabilises and external factors become more favorable.

“With this determination, and our track record of successful project deliveries and ongoing commitment to excellence, LandWey is poised to emerge from this period of delays, delivering value to its clientele and making significant contributions to Nigeria's real estate sector."

several abandoned industries in the country.

Akpabio, also used the occasion to thank Ekpeyong for his contributions and support during his campaign which led to his emergence as the President of the 10th Senate.

He said, "I am here today to thank you on behalf of the Stability Group for the support you gave to us during our consultations for the office of the President of the 10th Senate.

"Not minding the fact that you are a Peoples Democratic Party member, you rose in support of my aspiration despite our political differences.

"Your support went a long way into ensuring victory for us. Politics is over, we have put behind us all, our differences and this is the time to work for the people.

"I am an apostle of politics without bitterness. I have put behind me, all that happened in the past because we need to run an all-inclusive administration where the interest of Nigerians would be paramount in whatever actions we take."

Ekpenyong, commended the Senate President and his colleagues for the visit.

He said, "I am a fulfilled and happy man today because the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district has produced the number three citizen of this country. Let us put behind our political differences and work for our people and Nigeria.

"I congratulate you on your well-deserved victory. It is a dream come true and I am happy this is happening in my life time."

Ibom

L-R: Director, External affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe; Esere of Benin Kingdom representing the Oba of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; Director New Energy, Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon; Director External Affairs and Sustainability (outgoing), Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, and Deputy Manager Community Relations, NNPC E&P Limited, Ajakaye Emily Ladi, at the launch of the Seplat JV ‘Eye Can See’ programme at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, Edo State … recently

the federal government would be completed by the first quarter of next year with a plan to connect it to the East/West road.

SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN UPDC PLC AND PREMIUM SWISS HOSPITALITY...

Parties to Adopt Final Addresses July 14 as APM Closes Case against Tinubu

PDP's petition stalls, Obi calls additional witnesses, more exhibits INEC, Tinubu, APC seek to interrogate expert witness today

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC), yesterday, fixed July 14, for all parties to adopt their written addresses in the petition filed by the Allied People's Movement (APM) against the declaration of Senator Bola Tinubu as winner of the February 25 presidential election.

The court fixed the date shortly after the close of the petitioners case and the end of cross examination of its sole witness.

However, hearing in the petition of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, slated for yesterday could not go on due to time constraint.

But candidate of the Labour

Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, called in three additional witnesses as well as tendered additional documents, as part of efforts at proving allegations of irregularities, corrupt practices and non-compliance with the electoral guidelines for the February 25 presidential election.

APM, in its petition numbered: CA/PEPC/04/2023, claimed that Tinubu ought not to be on the ballot over alleged double nomination of his then running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and one Kabir Masari, who was initially nominated as a "place holder" Vice President nominee.

Specifically, the APM is contending that the withdrawal of Kabiru Masari, who was initially nominated as the vice presidential candidate of the

APC invalidated Tinubu’s candidacy in view of Section 131(c) and 142 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The party argued that there was a three-week gap between the period that Masari, who is listed as the 5th respondent in the petition, expressed his intention to withdraw, the actual withdrawal of his nomination, and the time Tinubu replaced him with Shettima.

It further argued that Tinubu’s candidature had elapsed as at the time he nominated Shettima as Masari’s replacement, adding that, at the time Tinubu announced Shettima as running mate, he was no longer in a position, constitutionally, to nominate a running mate.

APM at the hearing, tendered

Court Voids Gusau's Impeachment as Zamfara Deputy Governor

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Abuja division of the Federal High Court (FHC), yesterday, voided the impeachment of Mr Mahdi Gusau as the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State.

The court, in a judgment held that the impeachment was illegal, unlawful, null and void and consequently set aside all the steps and actions taken by the House of Assembly, former Governor Bello Matawalle and the state’s Chief Judge.

According to the judgment, it was wrong of the respondents to carry on with the purported impeachment of Gusau while the matter was still pending in court, and consequently, ordered that Gusau be restored as Deputy Governor of Zamfara State.

“Once parties have turned their dispute over to the court for determination, the right to resort to self-help ends. So, It is not permissible for one of the parties to take any step of complete helplessness, or which may give the impression that the court is being used as a mere subterfuge, to tie the result of litigation and the appropriate order of court before acting further,” he said.

Matawalle, the three state’s senators, members of House of Representatives and that of House of Assembly had all defected from

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 29, 2021.

Following their defection, the PDP and Gusau, then deputy governor, who did not cross-carpet along with them, had in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/650/2021, asked the court to declare their seats vacant, having abandoned the party through which they got into the positions of power.

But the court had on July 19, 2021, restrained the House of Assembly from proceeding with its planned impeachment of Gusau as deputy governor.

The court gave the order following an ex-parte application brought by the PDP lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, in which he canvassed that the House

of Assembly, Matawalle and others were planning to impeach Gusau, who refused to defect to APC.

Despite the order of the court, Gusau was impeached by the House of Assembly, after receiving the report of the investigative panel constituted by the chief judge, Kulu Aliyu.

The plaintiffs, however, filed a motion on notice seeking an order restoring the status quo of Gusau, wholly to the position as at July 8, 2021, when the suit was commenced, irrespective of the merits as might be ultimately decided in the case, and in particular, setting aside all the steps taken by the defendants in furtherance of the purported impeachment proceedings.

several exhibits through its sole witness, Aisha Abubakar, who was led in evidence by the lead counsel of the APM, Mr Gideon Idiagbonya.

Shortly after adopting her witness statement on oath, the witness, who is the Assistant Welfare Officer of the APM, was led to tender documents which included Declaration of results sheet Form EC8E; Notice of withdrawal of Kabiru Masari as Vice Presidential candidate of APC; Kashim Shettima’s Notice of withdrawal as Borno Central Senatorial candidate of APC (Form EC11C); letter of voluntary withdrawal written to APC by Shettima as Senatorial candidate of APC for Borno Central Senatorial District; Affidavit in support of personal particulars for nominations of Shettima as Vice Presidential candidate of APC (Form EC9); Affidavit of personal particulars for nominations of Ibrahim Kabiru Masari as Vice Presidential candidate of APC (Form EC9); and Affidavit in support of personal particulars for nominations of Lawal Kaka Shehu as Borno Central Senatorial candidate of APC.

The remaining documents tendered by the APM were through a subpoenaed staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); a Deputy Director, Legal Drafting, Joan Molle Arabs, a Certified True Copies of an online temporary acknowledgment of Kashim Shettima’s profile of Thursday July 14, 2022 and an online temporary acknowledgment of Lawal Kaka Shehu’s profile of Friday, July 15, 2022. All the tendered documents were admitted as exhibits by the court.

Meanwhile, the respondents who took turn to cross examine the witness, announced after the petitioners closed their case that they would not be calling on any

witness in defence of the election

but would rather rely on the May 26, 2023 judgment of the Supreme Court, which according to them has put to rest every thing surrounding the nomination of the Vice President.

Following the closure of the APM's case, the court gave the petitioner ten days within which to file and serve its final written address and gave the respondents seven days to file and serve their final written addresses in the petition.

It fixed July 14, 2023 for adoption of final written addresses of parties in the petition.

But hearing in the petition of the candidate of the PDP, Atiku, could not go on yesterday due to time constraint.

The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five member panel had Tuesday adjourned to yesterday morning for continuation of trial in the joint petition of Atiku and PDP against the declaration of Tinubu as President.

However, by the time the panel concluded the case of the APM, there was little time left to take up the case of Atiku.

Consequently, the court adjourned further hearing of Atiku and PDP’s petition till June 22, adding that the court could still take them on Friday if they were not done by Thursday.

Although the petitioners ought to have ended their case on Tuesday in line with the three weeks time allotted them by the court, the date has been extended to Friday due to some days the court did not sit.

Obi Calls Additional Witnesses, Tenders More Exhibits

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, called in three additional

Kashamu's Son Youngest Lawmaker in Ogun Assembly

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Scion of the late politician in Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu, Abdulrasheed Kashamu, has emerged the youngest member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the 10th House, inaugurated on Tuesday, June 20.

The young Kashamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Ijebu North State

Constituency 1, took his oath of office into the Ogun 10th Assembly along with 25 others.

Abdulrasheed promised to operate an open-door policy to all, regardless of party affiliations in order to ensure good representation of the people of Ijebu Igbo.

"We are entrepreneurial in Ijebu North, and creating more jobs will be my primary focus by supporting artisans, market traders,

farmers, businesses, particularly the youth and women, with easily accessible loans and skill acquisition programmes," he said.

Abdulrasheed graduated from Brunel University, London, where he bagged his B.Sc in International Business and Management, and also received his Master of Science (M. Sc) degree in International Financial Management from the University of Surrey. He graduated with Merit in 2018.

Shortly after signing the oath of office, Abdulrasheed met with Governor Dapo Abiodun as they exchanged pleasantries. He also thanked his constituents, who turned out in Abeokuta in their numbers to show their support.

“I feel overwhelmed with the love I received from our people. I want to appreciate everyone who came all the way for their show of love, commitment and undiluted loyalty,” he said.

witnesses as well as tendered additional documents.

Amongst those who testified was a Cyber Security Expert, Dr Chibuike Ugwuoke.

But because his statement on oath was served on the respondents few moments to the commencement of yesterday's proceedings, the respondents demanded the court's permission to study the document so as to properly cross examined the witness.

After adopting his statement as his evidence in the petition, Ugwuoke was then led to tender some documents in support of his evidence.

Amongst the documents he tendered were a metal data for the polling units results and a press release by INEC 's Festus Okoye on November 11, 2022, Titled: Alleged Plot to Abandon Electronic Transmission of Results to IReV Portal.

Although all the respondents objected to the witness' statement and the admissibility of the documents, the panel however admitted them as exhibits while its ruling in the objection would be delivered alongside the final judgment.

The two other witnesses, Mr Sunday Onoja Oloko and Kafas Iyah, in their separate testimonies, told the Presidential Election Petition Court ( PREPEC) that but for the failure of real time transmission of the presidential election results from the polling units to the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portals, everything went successfully during the February 25 presidential election.

The additional three has brought the total witnesses of the Labour Party to 10, while it tendered some documents duly certified by INEC, including the total number of registered voters and PVCs in 32 states of the federation.

The documents were however, objected to by all the respondents, and they have reserved their responses until the final written address stage.

Also tendered is a CTC of Certificate of Compliance in respect of Edo State. INEC did not object to it but Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the All Progressives Congress (APC) objected to the document and reserved their responses.

CTCs of supplementary IReV reports in respect of three local government areas (LGAs) of Benue, two (LGAs) of Cross River, 12 LGAs of Lagos and one of Gombe were also tendered and admitted as exhibits.

Hearing continues today.

L-R: Premium Swiss Hospitality (PSH) Financial Controller, Mr. Korede Balogun; Legal Adviser, Mr. Chuks Nwokeji; Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Samuel Okeniyan; President/Founder, PSH, Mr. Shousha Moshen; UPDC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Odunayo Ojo; UPDC Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Ms. Folake Kalaro; General Manager Festival Hotel Conference Centre & Spa, Mr. Yemi Dada; PR Africa International President/Founder, Mr. Adedapo Adelegan, at the signing of a management MoU between UPDC Plc and Premium Swiss Hospitality at the Festival Hotel Conference Centre & Spa, ... yesterday

DAN AKPOVWA CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S GRADUATION...

Dorothy Akpovwa, middle, a Computer Science graduate from New York University, New York, with her Parents,

during the University's Commencement Ceremony in New York recently

Again, 15 Killed, Houses, Churches Burnt as Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

At least, 15 persons have been killed and several others injured Tuesday night, in fresh attacks on Bwai and Chisu communities of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attackers didn’t spare residential and church buildings as several of them were touched.

THISDAY gathered that the villagers had gone to bed when the assailants swooped on the

Assembly for the federal government and FCT and those for the states would be legislated upon by the state houses of assembly", he added.

Earlier, the RMAFC had revealed that it recommended a 114 per cent increase in the salaries of elected politicians, including the president, vice president, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders.

RMAFC Chairman, Muhammadu Shehu, represented by a federal commissioner, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, disclosed this during the presentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

The RMAFC boss said the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages became effective from January 1, 2023, adding that the move was in accordance with the provision of paragraph 32(d) of part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution of the federal government (as amended).

He said the last remuneration review was conducted in 2007, noting that it culminated in the, “certain political, public and judicial office holders (salaries and allowances, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2008.”

Shehu said, “It empowers the revenue mobilisation, allocation and fiscal commission to determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders, including the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, ministers, commissioners, special advisers, legislators and the holders of the offices mentioned in sections 84 and 124 of the constitution of the federal government.

“Sixteen years after the last review, it is imperative that the remuneration packages for the categories of the

communities and took advantage of the absence of security personnel to set their homes and farms ablaze.

A resident of one of the communities, Mr. Bamshak Ishaya, lamented the wreak on the communities, and blamed Fulani militias whom he said had not seized to wage war on the local communities, since Governor Caleb Mutfwang took over the leadership of the state.

He said, “Some people were killed by Fulani militias at a community leader's house in an attack

office holders mentioned in relevant sections of the 1999 constitution (as amended) should be reviewed.

“Pursuant to the above, your excellency may please recall that on Wednesday, 1st February, 2023, the commission held a one-day zonal public hearing on the review of the remuneration package simultaneously in all the six geo-political zones of the country. The aim of the exercise was to harvest inputs/ideas from a broad spectrum of stakeholders.”

He said the commission had objectively and subjectively reviewed the salary packages in the reports, adding that it adheres to the rules of equity and fairness, risk and responsibilities, national order of precedence among others.

“The subjective criteria reflected the various expression by stakeholders through memoranda received, opinion expressed during the zonal public hearings and responses to question- naires administered.

“The objectives of the criteria were obtained from analysis of macro-economic variables particularly the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” he noted.

The chairman added that the commission was also guided by some principles, including equity and fairness; risk and responsibilities; national order of precedence; motivation and tenure of office.

Shehu said that having considered the impact of the review on the economy, the remuneration of the political, public and judicial office holders in the country was adjusted, “upward by 114 per cent.”

The chairman explained that with respect to the judicial office holders, the commission considered the introduction of three new allowances.

at Chisu village on Tuesday night at about 11:00 pm. We are aware that they have been waging war against Mangu Local Government Area since our Governor came on board. But we are praying for him to get the wisdom to tackle these mindless killings that have become the order of the day in our state.”

He said Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) Church building at Bwai, along Mangu-Bokkos road was completely razed down, adding that cars and tricycles were not spared.

Ishaya also said the people of Chisu community heard sporadic gunshots and ran to the residence of their community leader, but unfortunately, the house had been

Still on economic reforms, Shettima noted that the previous multiple exchange rate regime with a lot of corruption brought about the proliferation of so many schemes.

“So, obviously, we have no option but to collapse the exchange rate regimes into one. In the coming weeks and months, we are going to make more pronouncements on how to reposition the Nigerian economy and make it vibrant for business,” he said.

Emphasizing the role of the private sector in driving economic growth, the vice-president, citing the example of Lagos, said, “Lagos is booming fundamentally because of the private sector but not because of government; the government just created the avenue for businesses to thrive.”

On efforts to find a lasting solution to the security challenges in the country, Shettima stated that there was need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches towards addressing the problems.

According to him, “Unless we want to engage in an endless war of attrition, you have to find a kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to our problems. Yes, we have to strengthen our security architecture, so that we can be a stronger bargaining position with the insurrectionist, Boko Haram terrorists and kidnappers.”

He added that as part of the efforts of the Tinubu administration towards addressing on-going security problems, government would soon roll out different socio-economic intervention

set on fire, and 11 persons burnt. “We picked their remains this morning, while search is still ongoing to recover bodies of others that may have been killed in nearby bushes as they tried to escape.”

At Bwai, aside Churches and houses, he said their market square was burnt, and a woman, who slept over in her shop was burnt too.

“We are not sure if there are others that are yet to be discovered,” he added.

The Interim Management Committee Chairman of Mangu LGA, Mr. Markus Artu, confirmed the incident to journalists on the phone, but added that information at his disposal was still sketchy.

“I am gathering the pieces,

programmes and initiatives in the North East and North West that would facilitate empowerment and social inclusion of the vulnerable groups in the regions.

“So, I can assure you that we will pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to our challenges,” he said.

Montgomery, while commended the new administration’s proactive economic policies especially the reforms, lauded the long standing relationship and cooperation with Nigeria especially, in areas of trade and investment, security and defence, digital technology, and education.

The envoy expressed the readiness of the UK government to partner the federal government closely to achieve overall development of the country.

Speaking with newsmen after the visit, the High Commissioner applauded the ongoing economic reforms being carried out by the administration of Tinubu, and commended Nigeria for its economic decisions, including subsidy removal and exchange rate reform.

Highlighting the positive impact these reforms have had on the investment climate and their global recognition, Montgomery canvassed for actions to mitigate the impact of challenges like inflation and unemployment in the country.

He said: "I think we already have a good economic dialogue, but I think there is a great potential to do more. As I discussed with His Excellency, the big economic decisions being taken by this govern-

I am going on an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, we have conflicting reports coming, the security agencies said there was an attempt to attack but it was repelled. But some villagers are telling different stories. I heard that they attempted to burn a Church but it was repelled. I don't have the facts,” Artu said.

The Member representing Mangu South Constituency in the State Assembly, Mr. Bala Fwangje also confirmed the incident saying, "At about 11 pm last night, we got a call that herdsmen attacked Chisu and Bwai. This morning we heard that about 15 persons were killed, houses destroyed, and property burnt. I am yet to get the full

ment are really important and are being noticed around the world: the removal of subsidy; the exchange rate reform, all of that create a much better investment environment.

“I was in London last week. I was briefing my ministers, but I was also talking to British business in finance, banking and investment sectors. They are all responding very positively to these first decisions.

"We know that there are tough times that are going on at the moment, inflation and unemployment. The Vice President and I also touched on some of the measures that might be possible to cushion the blow of some of these economic pressures.

"But I think the big issue is that these reforms help put Nigeria on a higher growth path; they will attract more investments and the United Kingdom and the city of London see Nigeria as a big opportunity going forward. I will be doing my part to try to boost those, enhance trade and investment."

The envoy also said issues of common interest between Nigeria and the United Kingdom were discussed at the meeting.

"We discussed our long standing partnership between the UK and Nigeria. We have many areas of shared interest, including a good history of development cooperation; some excellent trade and investment arrangements and we have also have some good cooperation on security and defence.

"As many of you were seeing from recent talks, we also had good talks on home affairs and justice

details.”

Appealing for calm in a solidarity message, the governor told citizens of the state to exercise restraint, exhibit tolerance and forgiveness as his government is determined to tame the menace.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor also implored traditional and community leaders to commence confidence-building among citizens as that would help unite the people against their common enemies, even as he charged security personnel in the state to step up their game against the criminal elements that would not allow peace to reign.

and we have great people-to-people links that means education, health, and we also discussed a number of issues to do with on how we can improve our relationships in the future."

Asked about UK's recent student visas and restrictions on dependents, Montgomery explained that though the issue was not discussed at the meeting but stressed that such restrictions were not exclusive to Nigeria, which constitutes over 10% of the visitors coming to the country.

His words: "Nigerian visitors constitute over 10 per cent of the people coming to London and the UK. on the issue of students’ visas, I will also like to provide the contest; that the number of Nigerian students coming to the UK has increased fivefold in the last three years. It is a fantastic success story for our universities and we are really delighted that so many Nigerians are coming to the UK.

"The issue about restrictions of people bringing dependents; that is not just for Nigeria but many parts of the world; many more students are trying to bring their dependents with them, and I think there are two issues here: the first is, it is not always possible to find housing services to meet all the needs of all our existing students population.

"Secondly, I think reasonable people will accept that we have to manage our visitor numbers and that we have to manage migration in and out of the UK, just as the Nigerian government does for your own borders."

Mrs. Doris Akpovwa and Dan Akpovwa, Publisher of The Abuja Inquirer Newspaper,

ALAKE: TINUBU'LL PUSH FOR DFI WITH WORLD LEADERS IN FRANCE

RMAFC DEFENDS RECOMMENDATION FOR 114% INCREASE OF PRESIDENT, OTHERS’ SALARIES

PRIVATE SECTOR HEALTH ALLIANCE CONFERENCE…

L-R: Chairman, Platform Capital, Dr.Akintoye Akindele; Director, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Dr. Titilayo Fowokan; Consul-General of the Netherlands Embassy in Lagos, Mr. Michel Deelen; Managing Director/CEO, PSHAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, Head, Sustainability, Access Holding Plc,Mrs. Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan; and former Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Christopher Bode, at the PSHAN annual conference in Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Ondo Varsity Workers Protest Alleged Mass Dismissal of Colleagues

Fidelis David in Akure

Workers of the Ondo Stateowned Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, on yesterday shut the school over an alleged dismissal of over 35 of their colleagues.

The workers, who shut the school’s main gate, vowed to

paralyse all academic and nonacademic activities in the school until their sacked colleagues are recalled to duty.

According to them, the sacked colleagues were duly employed, issued appointment letters, did all documentations and had worked in the school for over six months before the University Council Chairman, Professor Adesomoju, ordered

Abiodun Hails Appointment of Egbetokun as Acting IG

JamesSowoleinAbeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IG) Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

Egbetokun’s appointment in acting capacity, pending approval by the Senate, was announced on Monday, alongside those of other Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller of Customs (CG).

Egbetokun, an indigene of Ogun State, was a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), prior to

his elevation to replace IG Usman Alkali Baba.

Abiodun, in a statement from the Governor’s Office, said the elevation of Egbetokun and others were well deserved as they possessed the competence to excel in their new positions.

The governor said that the appointment of Egbetokun is an honour to Ogun State, adding that the new IG, having worked in various commands, formations and departments of the police across the country, would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the job.

Alia Laments High Unemployment Rate in Benue

George Okoh inMakurdi

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth

Iormem Alia, has declared that the high unemployment rate in Benue State is among the major challenges currently confronting his administration.

Governor Alia made this known yesterday when he delivered a speech at the Implementation Support Mission Meeting of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS), at Benue Hotels, Makurdi.

their dismissal on Tuesday. Speaking on the development, the Chairman, Joint Action Committee of OAUSTECH, Mr. Dayo Temola, said: “We

woke to a shocking news that over 22 members of staff have been sacked after a meeting of the university’s governing council held yesterday, June 20,

2023. It is trite to say that when this news had earlier filtered, it was debunked by university’s management/ council until yesterday.

“We, therefore, reiterate that the basis for justification of these mass sack by the council is not tenable and will neither be tolerated nor accepted.”

Involve Youths in Nation Building, Church Urges Political Leaders

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The General Authority and President of the Africa West Area Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Elder Gifford Nielsen, has urged political leaders to evolve policies that would encourage

youths’ active involvement in nation building.

Nielson, accompanied by his wife, Sister Wendy, stated this yesterday during the Strengthening Families Conference organised by the Church in Abuja. He also stressed the need to

formulate policies that support marriage, parenthood and family life.

The cleric said this was necessary because policies that support marriage, parenthood and family life would make it possible for all Africans to reap the benefits of a generation of

youths.

He added that the answer to the world’s problems remained a family based on godly principles. Nielsen said Africa was home to the world’s largest youth population, with about 60 per cent of the continent’s people being below 25 years of age.

Gombe Gov Constitutes Advisory Council on Governance

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has constituted a Governor’s Advisory Council to assist in developing and implementing policy initiatives. The policy initiatives,

according to the state government, are aimed at promoting economic growth, combating poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic challenges facing the state.

A statement by the Director General, Press Affairs, Gombe

Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, noted that a number of eminent sons and daughters of the state are to serve as members of the Council.

The Council is chaired by Prof Idris Mohammed, a veteran academic and health policy expert with extensive

experience spanning decades in Nigeria and overseas.

“Additionally, Professor Mohammed has been actively engaged in harnessing the vast potential that Gombe State possesses, especially in the fields of health care and higher education,” Misislli stated.

Imansuangbon, Obaseki’s Ex-Commissioner, Ogbemudia, Others Join Labour Party

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, was yesterday received as a member of the

Alia blamed the high rate of unemployment in the state partly on the nature and scope of educational curriculum, which failed to address the needs of students in a world outside the school system.

He said that without skills and talent to be self-employed, the youth could easily fall prey to the temptations and vices that surround them, adding that instead of being useful assets to our development efforts, many young men and women have become clogs in the society’s wheel of progress.

TRCN, JAMB Deepen Collaboration to Boost Service Delivery

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, (TRCN) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) are exploring ways to strengthen their collaborations in a manner that would boost quality service delivery to Nigerians.

The move, which was announced in a statement by the Registrar of TRCN, Professor Josiah Ajiboye, is in the spirit of inter-agency partnership within the Federal Ministry of Education.

Yesterday, Ajiboye, who was joined the Registrar of JAMB, Prof

essor Ishaq Oloyede, to inspect the new Computer Based Test, (CBT), facilities built by JAMB in Kaduna metropolis.

Ajiboye said that the new CBT Centre was recently commissioned by the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Nasir El Rufai.

He noted that the visit, which was at the instance of the JAMB’s registrar, was aimed at forging stronger partnership between TRCN and JAMB and would enable TRCN to use the new facilities for its professional qualifying examinations and digital training programmes.

Labour Party (LP) in the state. Also received into the party fold is the former Edo Commissioner for Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Andrew Emwanta and former Education Executive during Adams Oshiomhole administration, daughter of late

Dr. Samuel Ogbemidia, Mrs. Amen Ogbemudia-Uhumwangho, and others.

At the party’s secretariat, Chairman of LP, Kelly Ogbaloi, while receiving Imansuangbon and others, gave them the party cards, signifying they have joined the

party in the state, haven formalised joining the party at their various ward and local government levels. Speaking on behalf of others, Imansuangbon said they joined LP to release the average Edo electorate from the clutches of poverty and new godfather.

Otti Sanitises Market Leaderships to Streamline Revenue Generation

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, has taken steps to streamline revenue inflow to the state government from markets by appointing new management committees for markets in Umuahia and Aba.

Markets constitute a major source of internally generated revenue (IGR) for Abia State government and market leaders are critical in revenue collection.

Aba, the commercial hub, tops the revenue baskets with 13 markets, some of which have acquired international status like Ariaria, while Umuahia followed

behind with four markets.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Dr. Chimezie

Ukaegbu, announced in a statement that the new management committees have been put in place for the 17 markets in Aba and Umuahia.

The new management

committees were initially scheduled for inauguration today (Thursday) in Umuahia. But Ukaegbu, barely 24 hours before the inauguration, issued a statement that stated that “the planned inauguration is hereby suspended,” adding that “a new date will be announced in due course.”

Assembly Crisis: FHC Refutes Restraining Balarabe as Nasarawa Speaker

Igbawase Ukumba inLafia

A Federal High Court (FHC) sitting in Abuja, yesterday, refuted reports that it has restrained Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, as speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. Hon Daniel Ogah Ogazi and other 12 members-elect have filed

an ex-parte motion at the Abuja Federal High Court marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/809/2023.

While sitting on the case yesterday, the presiding judge, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, said that the Abuja Federal High Court did not grant any order that restrained Balarabe and his Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kudu, as reported

in some sections of the media.

Justice Egwuatu, therefore, emphasised on the need to maintain peace and order in Nasarawa State.

Meanwhile, the court was informed by Mr. Matthew Bukaar (SAN), who stood in for the speaker; the clerk and deputy clerk of the Nasarawa

State House of Assembly, and I. M. Dikko (SAN), who also stood for the deputy speaker and other members of the state assembly sued as defendants in the case that the state was peaceful and the legislative activities of Speaker Balarabe were peacefully going on for the good of the peace loving people of Nasarawa State.

Oando Foundation Promotes Environmental Education in Lagos

Yetunde Bello

In furtherance of its commitment to promoting environmental education and sustainable action for pupils in target schools and their host communities in Lagos State, the Foundation

Oando Foundation has extended the scope of the third phase of the Clean Our World (COW) Project in partnership with the Japanese Chemical Company, Sumitomo Chemical .

It is estimated that Nigeria generates over 32 million tons

of solid waste annually of which over 30 per cent is plastic. According to the Foundation, education is an essential element of the global response to environmental sustainability with direct benefits in behavioural change, as well as improvement

in learner achievements.

It noted that when environmental education is integrated into the curriculum, pupils are more enthusiastic and engaged in learning, which improves learner achievement in core academic areas.

Bendel Insurance Beat Rangers Again to Lift Federation Cup

Bayelsa Queens retain trophy after shoutouts with Rivers Angels

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Bendel Insurance’s 28 years of trophy drought ended yesterday as the Benin Arsenal defeated old rivals, Rangers International FC of Enugu 1-0 in a pulsating final of this year’s Federation Cup at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

It was a fitting reward for their hard work this season, ending the abridged NPFL unbeaten in 18 matches before the Super 6 playoffs.

The victory also gives the Insurance ticket to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup competition.

Unlike what happened 45 years ago when Bendel Insurance defeated Rangers 3-0 at the National Stadium in Lagos to lift the former Challenge Cup trophy, it was a marginal lone goal scored from the spot yesterday.

The win was relief for the Benin City team who had a brilliant unbeaten run in the abridged league only to fall flat in the Super 6 playoffs.

Imade Osarenkhoe scored the only goal of the game from the

2023 Edition of Abeokuta 10km Race Planned to Celebrate Alake’s 80th

Femi Solaja

Organisers of the annual Abeokuta 10km Race have announced a major shift of this year’s edition to September 9th 2023 as part of the activities to mark the 80th birthday celebration of Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Chief Bukola Olopade, explained at a press conference yesterday that the 3rd edition will be a special one to

the Egba land.

“This edition will be special in many ways and like in the previous two editions, it will be a great opportunity to showcase the hospitality and advancement of the people to the world and luckily, the advancement of this project has the support of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has helped in the advancement of youth empowerment in the last four year and have bountiful plans for the next four years to be greater,” he remarked.

Birthday

The 3rd edition of the race which is sponsored by Lotus Bank will hold on 3rd of September and it will mark a week-long activity to mark the 80th birthday of the Alake of Egba land.

He added that the finish point of the race will be at the front of Alake's Palace. “Incidentally, it is also facing the Abeokuta branch office of Lotus Bank.

"I am proud to also add that top executives of most of our sponsors like 7Up, Kenyan Airways, Cash Token, etc, are all indigenes of Egba land.

Nigeria Set for African Beach Games in Hammamet, Tunis

Tony Nezianya

Nigeria is set to participate in 11 events at the highly-anticipated 2nd African Beach Games, set to take place in Hammamet, Tunisia.

The Games will run from June 22 to June 30, 2023, and serve as a crucial qualification phase for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, scheduled for August 4 to Aug. 12, 2023.

Not less than 11 events would be on offer, where athletes will showcase the talents and athleticism.

Nigerian athletes will join the rest of the world to compete for honours on the beautiful beaches of Tunisia.

The events cover a wide range of sports, ensuring a diverse and exciting competition for both participants and spectators alike.

First on the list is the highenergy sport of Beach Volleyball, where Nigeria will be represented by a skilled team of 12 players. Following closely is Beach Handball, with a talented squad of 10 players ready to showcase their exceptional skills on the sand.

In addition to these dynamic

team sports, Nigeria will also compete in individual events. Air Badminton will see three players from Nigeria demonstrating their agility, quick reflexes, and finesse.

In Kata Karate, a solitary athlete will represent the country, displaying his mastery of this traditional martial art.

The open water will provide an exhilarating challenge for Nigerian athletes participating in Open Water Swimming. The country will have four determined swimmers diving into the waves, seeking to conquer the demanding nature of the sport.

"This edition is being staged by the Egba people to the international community. There will be fanfare at the finish point after the race,” stressed the former Ogun State sports commissioner.

Group Head, Lotus Bank, Foladimi Brodie-Mends, stated that it was important to use the Abeokuta Road Race to help youth in the state and to further expand the tentacles of the bank.

Alake of Egba, Oba Aremu Gbadebo commended the organisers, Nilayo Sports and the title sponsor, Lotus Bank for maintaining high standards in the state.

Project manager of the event, Seyi Johnson of Nilayo stated that 42 foreign runners have already indicated interest to be at the event.

He explained that the September 9 race will start at 7am depending on the weather situation.

The first prize for foreign runners is $5,000 while the second and third placed finishers will take home $3,000 and $2, 000 respectively the fourth $1,500 and fifth $1,000.

For the Nigerian category, N2m is for the winner of the Race while the runners up will smile home with N1million. There is a consolation prize of N500,000 and N300,000 for the fourth and fifth placed finishers.

Nigeria Rugby Team Departs for Mauritius, Partners Buga Win

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Rugby team on Tuesday departed Nigeria for the pre-Olympic qualification in Mauritius through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This is as the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation has formed a long-term partnership with Buga Win Company for the sponsorship of rugby sporting events in the country and beyond.

President of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Demola Are; Chairman of Buga Win Company, Mr. Ayodele Omogbeyin and Managing Director of Buga Win, Otunba Charles Farimoye, respectively were at the international airport to bid the team well.

In his remarks at the airport with journalists, Dr Demola Are stressed that the male team christened the Black Stallions made up of 12 players would participate in the

pre-Olympic tournament, which would hold in Mauritius, hoping that the team would perform very well to further aid their qualification for the Olympics.

According to Dr Are, nine of the 12 players that would represent Nigeria at the tournament are from the United Kingdom, one from the United States, while the other two players are from Nigeria.

Are who is also the Chairman, Marketing Committee, Nigeria

Olympic Committee, expressed delight with the partnership with Buga Win, saying that it was geared towards improving the image of the sport in Nigeria.

He regretted that the ban slammed on Nigeria by the World Rugby Council in 2021 slowed down the progress of the sport in Nigeria, but expressed the joy that lifting the ban of the team by the council would further increase its awareness among Nigerians.

spot for Insurance after Rangers star, Chinemerem Ugwueze, was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Despite giving the penalty, the centre referee for the day, Adebimpe Quadry, also awarded a yellow card to the player who already had a yellow card during the game leading to his sending off.

Rangers returned for the second half and had so many opportunities to restore parity despite playing with a man down. The game however ended in Insurance favour as the players and their fans danced to celebrate their return to the continent to represent the country in this year's CAF Confederation Cup. The last time they played in the continent was in 1994 when they won the then newly introduced CAF Cup and won it.

In the women’s section, Bayelsa Queens retained their Federation Cup trophy they won two years ago (there was no final played last year) as they defeated Rivers United 4-2 on penalties after the regulation time ended goalless.

Dangote Pulls Out of French Club Purchase

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s quest to own the French club, Valeciennes has fall through own to circumstances that the business magnate will not want to agree to.

Dangote, a renowned serial entrepreneur and now the second wealthiest individual on the continent in Africa, has chosen to withdraw his interest in acquiring the club.

According to reports on soccernet. ng, it indicated that Dangote had displayed a strong desire to become the owner of the club some months ago but latest reports from Jeune Afrique indicate that the Nigerian tycoon has ultimately abandoned his ambitious project.

This decision has opened the door for Danish company, Sport Republic, which now finds itself in pole position to secure the purchase.

Confirming the shift in the

landscape, Valenciennes’ management revealed yesterday that they are currently engaged in exclusive negotiations with Sport Republic. The Danish sports investment firm, based in London, holds majority stakes in two other clubs—English side FC Southampton (80%) and Turkish outfit Göztepe Izmir (70%).

While Valenciennes, despite a recent defeat on the final day against Saint-Étienne, secured their place in Ligue 2, they have yet to taste success in the top division.

Nonetheless, the club has triumphed in Ligue 2 on two occasions and claimed titles in the Championnat National and the Championnat de France amateur in 2005 and 1998, respectively.

Notably, in 1951, Valenciennes made their first and only appearance in the Coupe de France final.

Arsenal Agree Havertz Deal with Chelsea

Arsenal have agreed a deal with Chelsea worth around £65m for Germany international forward Kai Havertz.

It is understood the clubs have made an agreement in principle that will allow the player to discuss personal terms and have a medical.

The fee for Havertz, who scored nine goals in 47 games for the Blues last season, could rise with add-ons.

Havertz, 24, joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a deal worth about £71m.

He also scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City. Havertz is set to move across London as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Arsenal team following qualification for the Champions League.

City: Kovacic IN, Gundogan OUT

Manchester City's imminent signing of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan's departureare the first changes to the squad which landed last season's Treble - but are unlikely to be the last.

The 29-year-old Croatia international - who will arrive for an initial fee of £25m,potentially rising to £30m - looked like he would boost City's options in the heart of midfield.

But just hours later, the news came out that German midfielder Gundogan would be joining Barcelonathis summer on a free transfer - making the reasons for Kovacic's signing a lot clearer.

Kovacic played 69 passes per 90 minutes last season - the fifth-highest total in the Premier League among central midfielders who played regularly.

Bendel Insurance players celebrating defeating Rangers International of Enugu FC 1-0 to win their third Federation Cup yesterday in Asaba

Didier Drogba to Footballers

“When your career is coming to an end, it is very difficult. You stop waking up to go to training, nobody is there to clean your boots, nobody is there to carry your bags and there is no manager behind you saying, ‘come on, you have to perform today’. If you are not strong enough here [points to his head], and you are not smart, you will go down”

—CoteD’IvoireInternationalandAfricanfootballlegendonsportingcareer.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Tinubu and the Buhari ‘Error’

Whether you voted for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) in the recent presidential election. Or have spent your political life fighting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you are Yoruba by ethnic affiliation, you are likely to be made to bear vicarious responsibility for any failings of government for as long as Tinubu remains president of Nigeria. But you will of course not share in the success. Given how many Nigerians are wired, every wrong choice Tinubu makes will be attributed to “your brother”, no matter how much you try to distance yourself. It is therefore important for some of us to warn our ‘Baba’ in Aso Rock not to play ‘Amunibuni’. It is a warning that his predecessor refused to heed, to his eternal damnation.

On Monday, two statements emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume. Since the dissolution of the boards of federal government agencies has gone without much attention, we can choose to ignore that one. The first is on the retirement of Service Chiefs and Comptroller General of Customs as well as the appointment of their replacements. Two new special advisers and two senior special assistants were also appointed. These appointments total thirteen. But the statement also added a list of ten military postings within the Villa as part of the appointments. Such announcement has no precedent. In another world, I worked at the Villa for three years and I never heard about officers (Lieutenant, Captain, Major etc.) holding junior command positions at the Villa because they are to work under the radar. From my findings, not only has the announcement of the officers compromised Villa security, but it has also created a problem for their career in the military. And in a nation where the first question people ask is where the appointee hails from, it is no surprise that some are already counting how many Yoruba persons were on the list of 23 names.

Of the several columns I wrote on the lack of sensitivity in critical appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari, one stands out. I used a Yoruba word, ‘Amunibuni’, to situate my intervention. “That making strategic concessions is beyond this administration is an embarrassment, even for many northerners. That is because they are also aware that the appointments being cornered by a tiny clique is not to promote any ‘Northern agenda’ (whatever that may mean) but rather in pursuit of the personal interest by those who nominate these individuals. This explains why they go for their in-laws, kinsmen, friends and the like. Yet nepotism in critical appointments engenders collective insults in the manner of ‘Abunibuni’”.

I then explained the real meaning of the word: “Yoruba loses its flavour when you translate into English, but ‘Amunibuni’ is better explained in the complete idiom: ‘Amunibuni ewure ibiye. Ibiye f’oju otun, ewure re fo t’osi’. Crudely interpreted, it means if a goat is blind on the left eye and its owner is blind on the right eye, any discussion about the goat would always bring into focus the condition of the owner. As one scholar expanded on the idiom, the real message is in the ambiguity that could come from describing the goat as ‘ ran olójú kan’ which could be interpreted either as a ‘one-eyed goat’ or ‘the goat of a one-eyed person’. Both definitions are correct, but the latter brings the owner into the conversation. Today, any discussion about killings by ‘herdsmen’ brings attention to the inequity in the distribution of opportunities in Abuja by President Buhari. The result is that when you encounter cows on the highway, you look at the poor herder just trying to eke out a living and you blame him for all the problems of Nigeria!”

Even when he did nothing to improve the material condition of the average Fulani man, the damage President Buhari did to people of that ethnic stock in eight years was enormous. And as a Yoruba man, I wouldn’t want President Tinubu to do that to me. I am aware that there are thousands of appointments still to make and most of these things ultimately even out. But signalling is also important, especially by a new administration. That is why presidential handlers need to be circumspect lest they attract insults to Yoruba people

who have always advocated for a peaceful and secure Nigeria that works for all citizens and where there is equity and justice in the distribution of opportunities. Now to the appointments in the security sector. The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa is from Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State, though born in Sokoto (both in the Northwest). The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla is from Enugu State (Southeast). The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar is from Kano (Northwest). The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Parker Akomaye Undiandeye is

from Cross River State (Southsouth). And the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja is from the Southwest. After General Alani Ipoade Akinrinade who was Chief of Army Staff more than 43 years ago (and only for six months between October 1979 and April 1980), Lagbaja becomes the only other Yorubaman to head the army. And there have been 27 of them before him, with the longest serving being a certain Tukur Yusuf Buratai for whom Nigerians nearly carried placards before Buhari replaced him after five years and eight months!

For the first time in the history of our military, apart from the CDS who is of the 38th Regular Course, other service chiefs are members of the 39th Regular Course who were commissioned in 1992. That should bring comradery and help in information sharing, a problem in recent years. Their appointments also meet the criteria of ethno-religious balancing. In fact, appointing a Christian northerner as CDS and a Muslim southerner as CoAS shatters the myth of ‘Christian South and Muslim North’ with which Nigeria is usually described by the international media. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu, also comes

to the office with law enforcement training as a retired police officer and experience as founding chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is from Adamawa State (Northeast). I have heard from those who should know that the appointment of service chiefs ticks all the right boxes: Professional competence, ethno-religious balancing, and the right character. But there are also whispering campaigns in Abuja about growing lopsidedness in the distribution of other opportunities. The appointment of Mr Adewale Bashir Adeniyi as acting Comptroller General of Customs finally ends the regime of Hameed Alli who was so contemptuous of the institution on which he was imposed by President Buhari that he considered wearing its (Customs) uniform beneath him. I have heard eulogies about Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the acting Inspector General of Police. But whatever argument we may make about the merit of those appointments, there is no part of this country where we cannot find competent people.

Continued on page 28

Mother’s Night in Mbutu Mbaise

With the tone already set by her son-in-law, Dr Paddy Njoku, who described the late Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha as a quintessential mother, it was no surprise that the former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Hon Austin Opara, would also use the occasion to pay tribute to resilient motherhood in a patriarchal society. At the end, what came out from most of the tributes is the sacrifice many of our mothers made in raising their children into successful men and women against all odds.

The burial last weekend of Emeka Ihedioha’s mother in Mbutu Mbaise, Imo State, attracted several important personalities. The church service was a collection of who-is-who in Nigeria: From former and current governors to National Assembly members and captains of industry. But it was the service of songs at Emeka’s country home last Thursday night that I found quite revealing. Having travelled on the flight that conveyed the corpse to Imo earlier that morning, I witnessed some of the cultural/traditional rites before the service of songs. Presided by the Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Dr Henry Ndukuba, it was a solemn affair. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Mr Osita Chidoka, Chief Charles Ugwu, Mr Olisa Metuh, Hon. Emeka Nwajuiba and several others.

After eulogizing the late Dame Ihedioha whom he credited with always treating all Emeka’s friends like her children, Opara then drew a parallel between her and his own mother. “My mother was married for 13 years without a child. Within the family, there was a saying that if they had used the money expended on marrying my mother to buy a goat, there would have been many goats in the house. You can then imagine the trauma when she gave birth after 13 years and the child fell from the hands of the nurse and died” recounted Opara who added that he was

the first surviving child of his mother who went on to have four others before dying at 96.

Earlier in his tribute, Njoku recalled that the late Dame Ihedioha “had 15 pregnancies, 13 births and raised 11 of them up to the graduate level.” But more significantly, “she was mocked for having five female children in succession”. That was before she had Emeka (and later, Obinna).

With Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo combining the role of Master of Ceremony with that of Chief

of Protocol (and both so brilliantly) and event planner, Ms Henrietta Okonma making sure everybody was well taken care of, the outing of the Ihedioha matriarch was a worthy celebration of life. But personally, the highlight of the day was the long conversation I had with the urbane and highly cerebral Igwe of Orlu, Dr Patrick Acholonu, son of the late retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Pat Achonolu. With Emeka (whom he came to honour) busy, former Cross River State Governor, Mr Liyel Imoke (who chaired the burial committee) and I played ‘host’ to the lively Igwe for most of the day. Back to the service of songs. Imoke, Tambuwal, Opara and others

testified to the peculiar nature of the late Dame Ihedioha who took all the friends of Emeka like her own children. It was a point I also testified to when conscripted by Emeka to give testimony. In the short tribute I wrote for her 90th birthday last August, I referenced an Ndigbo adage, “Nne bu nne. Ezi-nne bu Ezi-nne” (A mother is a mother. A good mother is a good mother).

For the late Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, there cannot be a more fitting tribute!

Tinubu should learn from his predecessor. The main charge against President Buhari was that he chose to build a modern nation on the foundation of primordial tribal instincts. I do not believe that is what President Tinubu seeks to achieve. That is why his handlers should avoid creating a climate of ethnic suspicion in a toxic political season such as we are in Nigeria today.

Ribadu

Ihedioha performing the dust to dust at mother’s burial