Says use of lethal military force was jettisoned to avoid potential casualties Assures of safe release of remaining 31 abductees remainingAccordingabductees.tohim: "It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have Continued on page 5 Opposition, FG Set to Implement 5 Per Cent Hike Data, Voice on page 5 them Nigeria trial in UK Abubakar Malami, disclosed the government’s position yesterday during a media briefing on a wide range of issues at the State House, Abuja.Malami declared that there was no basis for agitation by the NGF concerning deductions from the Paris BUHARI MEETS RELATIVES OF KADUNA TRAIN VICTIMS...
Relatives of some of the Kaduna train victims, during a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI
Accuses
Buhari: Why We Didn't Use Maximum Force to Free Kaduna Train Attack Victims on page 5
Despite
on
Guards Killed in Gunfight with Terrorists Buried... Page 5
Calls... Page 8 Continued
won't interfere with Ekweremadu's
The federal government has formally reacted to complaints by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) about the contentious $418 million Paris Club refund, saying the governors’ reservations are groundless. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,
Peter Uzoho Since 1960 when Nigeria attained independence till date, Africa's most populous nation has not generated up to 6000 megawatts (mw) of electricity, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has said. The Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, ANED, an umbrella body of power distribution companies (Discos), Mr. Sunday Oduntan, disclosed this in Lagos at a one-day workshop for energy reporters and civil society groups. The workshop centred on the topic: “Building Consumer Awareness and Strengthening the Customer Service Capacity Of Electricity Distribution Companies”, and was organised by ANED in partnership with McArthurOduntan,Foundation.whostated that Nigeria would require 200,000mw of power generation to meet the electricity need of its 200 million citizens, added that going by international standards, 1,000mw was needed to serve one million people.OfNigeria's 13,000mw of installed generation capacity, only 3,500mw to 5,000MW was available for transmission to the finalWithconsumers.28generating plants connected to the national power Nigeria Yet to Generate Up to 6000mw Electricity Since Independence Says country needs 200,000mw to meet power needs of its 200 million population PDP, APC Presidential
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Continued
Malami: Governors’ Complaint Over$418m Paris Club Refund Baseless
of indemnifying payment to consultants Puts loots recovered from external jurisdiction in 14 months at N3.2bn Says government has secured conviction of 1,000 terrorists Declares
Obi:
Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday explained why his administration decided not to use maximum force to free the victims of the Kaduna-bound train abducted by terrorists about five months ago, saying the military jettisoned use of lethal force so that innocent souls would not be killed. He, however, gave an assurance that the remaining 31 victims still in the custody of the terrorists would be rescued to join their kiths and kins before long. The president, who spoke at the State House, Abuja, while meeting with representatives of victims of Kaduna train abduction, stated that in the immediate aftermath of the incident, several actions had been taken by government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in theHecountry.alsoexplained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the
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DISCOS:
Borrowed Over $500bn in 20 Years... Page 44 Five
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to Paris Club was, indeed, a liability created by the governors’ forum in their own right. "How do I mean? The governors’ forum, comprising all the governors, sat, commonly agreed on the engagement of consultants to provide certain services for them relating to the recovery of the Paris Club. So, it was the governors’ forum under the federal government in the first place that engaged the consultants. "Secondly, when, eventually, successes were recorded associated with the refund, the governors collectively and individually presented a request to the federal government for the fund. And among the components of the claim presented for the consideration of the federal government was a component related to the payment of these consultants that are now constituting the subject of contention. "So, the implication of that is that the governors in their own right recognised the consultants, recognised their claim and presented such claim to the federal government. "Thirdly, when the claims were eventually processed and paid to the governors’ forum, they, indeed, on their own, without the intervention of the federal government, took steps to make part payments to the consultants, acknowledging their liability over same. "And then, fourthly, when eventually they made such payments, at a point they took a decision to stop the payment, the consultants instituted an action in court against the governors’ forum. And what happened in court? They submitted to consent judgement. They asked and urged the court to allow them settleTheout-of-court.”ministerfurther said the court granted the governors an opportunity to settle out-of-court. “They committed to terms of settlement in writing, they signed the terms of settlement, agreeing and conceding that such payments be made to the consultants,” Malami said.He added, "And then, fifthly, thereafter, the federal government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was requested to comply with the judgement and effect"Thepayment.president passed all the requests of the governors to the Office of the Attorney General for consideration. I suggested to the president on the face value of the judgement and the undertones associated with the consultancy services, it was my opinion, the same treatment we meted to P&ID, that let us subject this claim, the consent judgement, to investigation by the agencies of the government. "Mr. president approved, I directed the EFCC and DSS to look into these claims and report back to the office of the Attorney General. And these agencies reported and concluded that there was no problem, undertone associated with it and that the government may continue to sanction the payment. Now, that was the background. "Even at that, we took further steps after receiving these reports from the EFCC, among others, to demand for indemnity from the governors. The governors, as a forum, incurred the liability and submitted to consent judgement. We have subjected these claims to investigation and we have a report.” He explained that the governors individually and collectively provided the desired indemnity to the Office of the Attorney General, conceding, agreeing and submitting that the payment should be made. "Yes, and that was the ground and the basis on which we eventually took a decision by advising the president that the payment should be made,” Malami said. He explained, "And then along the line, there was a change of leadership of the governors’ forum. "And all the noise making that is now being generated arising from the governors forum is not only unjustified, but, indeed, a clear case of absence of defense." He also said, "One other point of interest you may wish to note is the fact that the new leadership of the governors’ forum instituted an action, even when the federal government was, indeed, acting on the basis of the judgement of the Supreme Court. "They now embarked on a fresh legal suit, challenging the payment, challenging the previous agreement, challenging the indemnity and the court dismissed the application. Their case was dismissed by the Federal High"So,Court.thatis the foundation and I'm happy to report, one, that the judgement and contention was a judgement that was obtained long before the Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, came into office, long before the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came into office. "It was a product of their own doing and they had it submitted to judicial proceeding, judgement was entered against them. "They have committed to the payment of the money, they have on their own, indeed, effected part payment. I close my case and I will not like to answer any further question on that."
Five Presidential Guards Killed in Gunfight with Terrorists Buried Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The remains of the five gallant presidential guards killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Bwari were buried yesterday in Abuja. A statement by the Brigade of Guards disclosed the remains of Capt Attah Samuel and four other soldiers killed by insurgents during a clearance operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were laid to rest at the Guards Brigade Cemetery, Maitama, Abuja. Until their demise, the soldiers served with 7 Guards Battalion, Lungi Barracks Maitama and 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada in the FCT, respectively. While reading the funeral oration of the deceased, the Commanding Officers of 7 Guards Battalion, Lt Col Salim Yusuf Hassan and Commanding Officer, 176 Guards Battalion, Lt Col Joshuah Kolawale Adisa, described the late captain and soldiers as thoroughbred infantrymen committed to their duties in defence of Nigeria and whose services would be greatly missed.The duo prayed to God to console the families left behind by the deceased, stressing that while the brigade and the Nigerian Army mourned, the families should take solace in the fact that they fought a justThefight.high point of the event was the presentation of accoutrements by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen James Alilu Ataguba, to the next of kin of the deceased personnel and the lowering of the remains of the fallen heroes. There was also the rendition of the last post and gun salute. The burial process started with a wake and funeral service held in honour of the fallen heroes at St John's Military Church (Protestant) before the final interment at the Guards Brigade Cemetery Maitama Abuja. The ceremony was witnessed by senior army officers, commanding officers, brigade staff officers, Bwari Area Council Chairman, Hon John Gabaya, family members, and the barracks community.
5 THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 PAGE FIVE BUHARI:
received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity. ‘‘This option has indeed been considered and evaluated. However, the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimise potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded." Buhari assured the representatives of the train victims that the federal government was doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives. While condoling with the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones, the president said since the, “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements on March 28, 2022, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.Hesaid: ‘‘I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.''Myprimary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt."
Commenting on his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the president expressed delight, saying: "judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately. ‘‘In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralised by the military, and number of hostages freed. These efforts will not stop, or reduce. ‘‘We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country. ‘‘Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand.’’Buharialso used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day. According to him: ‘‘It is clear that their actions saved many lives and by making the ultimate sacrifice, they must be recognised for their bravery.’’Buhariadded that he had never doubted the ability or confidence of those who have presented themselves to defend the country and the Kaduna train incident had reinforced the belief and faith of the nation in this special group of ‘‘INigerians.alsowould like to use this opportunity to say that we are cognisant of events that have unsettled our citizens in various parts of our nation and in the capital.‘‘Iwould like to comfort those who were traumatised by these tragic events and pledge that our response is to protect all Nigerians wherever they are. ‘‘My dear country men and women, we thank God that none of the released prisoners died due to the severe trauma they passed through in the hands of the terrorists, showing that the efforts of government in securing their release were not in vain as government continues to do its best to secure the release of the remaining abductees and ensure the overall security of all citizens in the Speakingcountry.’’earlier, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack, updating them of all the efforts the government is making to ensure safe return of their loved ones. He described the audience with the president as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives, and proof that government is not resting on its oars. On his part, a representative of the victims of the train abduction, Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, appealed to the federal government to assist the families with the release of their remaining loved ones still in Hecaptivity.said:‘‘Please we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations. We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding. Please, Mr. President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones."
Malami said the federal government had so far secured more than 1,000 convictions for terrorism-related court cases in the last one and a half years. According to him, the federal government has also won 312 convictions in various other criminal cases during the period underMalamireview.said, “The ministry has so far secured over 1,000 convictions on terrorism. Convictions have also been secured in 45 cases by the Complex Casework Group (CCG), maritime unit, and the special task force on electricity offenses and across the 13 zonal offices of the ministry." He noted that the ministry, through the CCG unit, was coordinating the next phase of terrorism related trials in collaboration with the federal high court, the Legal Aid Council, and the Defence Headquarters. Malami further stated that the Ministry of Justice had successfully processed over 350 Mutual Legal Assistance and 50 extradition requests, including extradition proceedings against suspended DCP Abba Kyari from the United States of America. “My office filed extradition proceedings against the suspended DCP Abba Kyari in line with an MLA request from the USA,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the present administration had recovered over N3.2 billion (£6,324,627.66) in stolen monies from various jurisdictions globally. He, however, disclosed that the recovered foreign loots had been judiciously expended on executing key infrastructure projects across the country, including the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, among others.Healso noted that the Justice Ministry had supported the federal government in various infrastructurefunding agreements, adding that the country currently grapples with a N329 billion funding gap. Meanwhile, the minister said the government would not interfere in the on-going trial of former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in London, United Kingdom.According to him, the Nigerian government has the tradition of not interfering in judicial matters, whether local or international. Ekweremadu is undergoing trial over allegation of organ harvest in the United Kingdom court. Asked about the level of intervention by the federal government in the case involving the senator representing Enugu West in the National Assembly as regards his trial in the UK, Malami said, “It has never been the tradition of Nigerian government to interfere on anything judicial, local or international. And that stands the position of the government. “I have stated in the course of my presentation that there has been in existence a mutual legal assistance requests and collaboration between Nigeria and other countries across the“So,world.tothis end, I want to state that we will address request if there is such a request, both on the part of Senator Ekweremadu. “I can remember very well, there was a request, which was passed through my office but sealed and meant for delivery to the crime agency in the UK at the instance of the distinguished senator, which request I was not in a position to comment on because what relates to my office was a simple transmission. “In view of the fact that the transmission of international documents is a function of a department central authority unit in the Office of the Attorney General and on the request of Senator Ekweremadu, an agency of government was asked to respond to certain inquiries, they did, and under seal, they presented their default which was transmitted to UK“Soaccordingly.theimplication of what I'm trying to state in essence is we have mutual legal assistance, understanding with the UK, and whichever of the agencies, either the senator as an accused or suspect, or indeed the agencies in the UK, make any request for international support we will respond accordingly. “But as far as interest to the federal government is concerned, it is not a matter over which we can develop any interest. Perhaps maybe, if there are interests, there are interests that should be rooted in law. “For example, relating to the child in contention, you know, we have Child Rights among others. “For example. If there is an allegation of breach, we may possibly consider looking at it from that perspective.“Incaseof consular services, there is need for Senator Ekweremadu to be accorded one, in view of the fact that he is Nigerian, and the request is made, we'll look at it on its merits. So, what I'm saying, in essence, is not about meddlesome interloper, or perhaps maybe just coming into a scene relating to issues that borders on crime. “As you are likely aware, a number of Nigerians were before now convicted across the globe. And then a number of foreigners were equally convicted of recent in Nigeria, and over time. “So, it is about issues that border on crime. If, indeed, a crime allegation is an issue, the jurisdiction determines what happens, both in terms of request and in terms of support and not for the Nigerian government to simply because you are a high-profile personality we jump into that arena.” WHY WE DIDN'T USE MAXIMUM FORCE TO FREE KADUNA TRAIN ATTACK VICTIMS GOVERNORS’ COMPLAINT OVER $418M PARIS CLUB REFUND BASELESS
MALAMI:
DISCOS: NIGERIA YET TO GENERATE UP TO 6000MW ELECTRICITY SINCE INDEPENDENCE grid, many suffer from recurrent challenges such as maintenance and repair requirements, trips, faults and leakages that make them unavailable for evacuation to the national grid sometimes. Also, gas supply shortages caused by the inability of generation companies to pay for gas, sub-optimal gas pricing, as well as the vandalisation of gas transportation facilities leading to shutdown of gas plants were among the many impediments to power generation in the country. "Since 1960, the country has not generated up to 6,000mw of electricity thus creating a huge gap in service delivery in the system. "There are 28 power generation companies in Nigeria which comprise three hydro powered stations and 25 thermal stations currently operating below capacity and collectively generating an average of about 4,000 megawatts," OduntanExpressingsaid. dissatisfaction with the performance of the government-controlled and centralised Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which has been notorious for witnessing unending collapse of its grid with attendant nation-wide blackout, the ANED spokesman advised the federal government to hand over TCN to capable private people that can operate and manage it better. Noting that TCN has contributed to the poor performance of the sector, he warned that failure to privatise the company would keep Nigeria perpetually experiencing power supply disruptions with attendant negative impact on homes and businesses. Oduntan also criticised TCN for not having Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) since all these years of its operations, arguing that that was the reason it was hard for the company to discover faults seamlessly and in real-time from its office without someone physically reporting faults on its networks to it SCADA is a digitalised system that enables prompt and more efficient monitoring of all activities on the networks and resolves issues detected on time. He, however, exonerated the Discos for their inability to pay for electricity purchased from the Gencos, blaming that on what he described as energy dumping and in most cases inadequate supply to meet customer requirements. He said the non-implementation of cost-reflective tariff in the power sector was a major impediment to the development of the sector and achieving steady power supply to customers nation-wide. Arguing that achieving 24 hour power supply in the country was possible and had been tested and proven, Oduntan cited the ongoing premium power arrangement between some Discos and some franchise areas, like Ikeja GRA and Magodo in Lagos, where residents are enjoying steady power supply because of their readiness to pay the right price for electricity.
Club refund paid to consultants the governors hired. Malami also revealed that the federal government secured more than 1,000 convictions for terrorismrelated court cases in the last 18 months.Commenting on the controversy surrounding the fund, the minister reminded the governors that they created the liability whose payment, he said, they had also indemnified. According to him, when the NGF made a request for the refund, one of the components was the settlement of the consultants whose services were engaged by the 36 state governors. Malami recounted that when the Paris Club refund was paid to the states, the governors initially made part payment to the consultants. He said the governors later decided to stop payment while asking for an out-of-court settlement. He said the development resulted in an appeal in the form of a request to the president to facilitate payment to the consultants, a request that was consequently transmitted to the Office of the AGF for legal advice. The AGF noted that after subjecting the request to critical checks, it was discovered that there was no element of fraud involved. He revealed that the indemnity of the governors was also sought and received, which culminated in the decision to make the payment. Malami stated, "On the issue of Paris Club, you mentioned that there exists a presidential directive that payments should not be made and then in breach of that position. I think you need to be informed, first, as to the antecedents, prevailing circumstances and how the liability arose. But one thing I'm happy to state, which I want to reiterate, having stated same earlier, is the fact that the Office of the Attorney General and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari have not, indeed, incurred any major judgement debt for the period of seven years it has been on. "Now, coming to the antecedents, background of the Paris Club. The liability or judgement debts related
Firms’ Revenues
Falana: Nigerians Should Stop Officeholders from Seeking Medical Treatment Abroad holders must die here," said Falana. He explained that since Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s knee surgery took place in the country a few weeks ago, officeholders should be compelled to do the same.Speaking about citizens' preparedness for the 2023 polls, Falana said, "The business of next year is not a joke. The people must challenge their parties to address the various issues the country is facing. Questions should be asked on health issues, the ASUU strike, insecurity, and the economy. Their position on all these issues and how they plan to end them for good."The human rights lawyer also urged the Chief of Defence Staff to live up to his promise that the 2023 general election must hold. He lamented that this promise has become necessary given that so many Nigerian communities are under the control of bandits and that the security agencies seemed helpless.
NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT
Nigerian
only half of the month because of major planned maintenance that began in May. The Central Asian country could see further disruptions this month, as production from its highest producing crude oil field, Tengiz, will be reduced because of planned maintenance. A gas leak at a processing plant at Kashagan was also reported in early Meanwhile,August.Libya, which is exempt from an OPEC+ quota due to its internal instability, kept output flat in July at 650,000 bpd as the producer managed to resolve its oil blockades and shutdowns by mid-month. Production is now hovering above 1 million bpd after a force majeure at its major oil terminals and fields was lifted. New management took over at state-owned National Oil Corporation July 14, after its long-serving chairman, Mustafa Sanalla, was sacked and replaced by ex-central bank governor Farhat Bengdara.Theoverall OPEC+ production increase was a welcome supply boost to a global economy suffering from sky-high inflation, with a potential recession looming in the months ahead. August will see the alliance hike quotas by another 648,000 bpd although, as with July, how much of the increase can be fulfilled remains a major question. Amid this backdrop, OPEC+ agreed at its August 3 meeting to raise September quotas by only 100,000 bpd over August, with officials citing concerns over coronavirus cases and other economic headwinds, along with an expected seasonal easing of demand.Platts Analytics said this "modest" increase underscores the minimal level of global spare capacity.
S&P: Once Again, Nigeria Leads Africa’s Underperformance as OPEC's Output Gap Grows
Report : Five Leading Oil Hit H1, 2022 ON 2023 CENSUS...
6 THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 NEWS
N625bn in
Segun James Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has called on Nigeria to ensure that officeholders stop seeking medical care abroad to make them develop health facilities in Falana,Nigeria.who said this at the First Mohammed Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture and Book Presentation, insisted that if officeholders were mandated to have their medicals in Nigeria, they would be compelled to provide adequate health facilities for the Speakingpeople.onthe theme 'Nigerian Masses and The Election', Falana said Nigerians should take the 2023 general elections seriously. He stated that medical tourism by public officeholders is responsible for their disdain for the facility they provide for the"Enoughpeople. of health tourism. Anybody who holds public office must be treated in Nigeria for any health challenge. Public office
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria led other African countries in their perennial oil production underperformance in July, a new S&P Global report has found. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) African members, collectively fell severely short of their quotas last month, continuing a longstanding trend.Nigeria and Angola, the two biggest producers in the continent, were 569,000 bpd and 332,000 bpd below their July targets, the survey found.But the firm was quoting secondary sources, as against the over 700,000 bpd reported days ago by THISDAY, quoting figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Nigeria has had to deal with a barrage of security, operational, and technical problems at its key oil infrastructure since last year, while Angolan production is also facing technical issues, aggravated by a lack of upstream investment andHowever,incentives.OPEC and its nine allies posted their highest monthly crude oil production rise in five months in July, led by gains in Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan, according to the S&P insights. The OPEC+ alliance hiked output by a hefty 490,000 bpd from June—although that was still short of the 648,000 bpd promised when the group agreed to accelerate their quota increases for July and August to help meet risingOPECdemand.produced 29.08 million bpd, up 250,000 bpd from June, as almost all of its Middle Eastern members posted steady gains. Meanwhile, OPEC's nine allies averaged 13.50 million bpd, a rise of 240,000 bpd, boosted by a recovery in Kazakh and Russian output.Asa whole, the entire OPEC+ coalition pumped 42.58 million bpd, its most since March, the month after Russia invaded Ukraine.Butwith many members struggling to even maintain output, the gap between OPEC+ production and its quotas grew to 2.80 million bpd—more than what Kuwait, the alliance's fifth biggest member, pumped in July. As a result, quota compliance ballooned to a record high of 222.9 per cent in the month, according to S&P Global calculations. More than half of OPEC+ members have seen their production hit by sanctions, geopolitical instability, unplanned outages, scheduled maintenance, and technical issues. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who together hold virtually all of the world's spare production capacity, added a total of 280,000 bpd to the market in July, the surveySaudifound.Arabia boosted output by 220,000 bpd, supported by a significant rise in exports along with an increase in crude burn for power generation. The OPEC kingpin pumped 10.77 million bpd, its highest in more than two years, but this was still slightly short of its July quota of 10.83 million bpd. UAE, which is now OPEC's third-largest oil producer, increased output to 3.14 million bpd, a 60,000 bpd monthly rise. Meanwhile, Iraq and Kuwait added 70,000 bpd and 50,000 bpd, respectively, in July, the report found. Russia's output recovery continued, albeit at a slower pace. The sanctions-hit country pumped 9.80 million bpd in July compared to 9.75 million bpd in June and 9.29 million bpd in May. The July figure was still more than 300,000 b/d short of pre-invasion levels, as western sanctions have hampered its wellhead production. Crude exports fell steadily in July, but Russian refining runs were up sharply on robust domestic demand.Fellow non-OPEC producer Kazakhstan saw its output rebound to 1.39 million bpd, an increase of 170,000 bpd from June. Kazakhstan's second biggest oil field, Kashagan, was offline for Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Five leading oil and gas companies in Nigeria raked in about N625.075 billion as revenue in the half year of 2022, as against N444.254 billion in the same period last year, a report by Nairametrics research hasTheindicated.information, it said, was contained in the half year financial statements of the companies which saw the companies’ revenues rising by 40.7 per cent compared to half year 2021. It noted that Oando Plc was excluded because it had yet to release its half-year results at the time of the report. Conoil Plc reported a decline of 16.83 per cent in revenue during the half year but reported revenue of N56.248 billion during the period as against N67.638 billion representing a drop of 16.83 per cent.Also, Ardova Plc posted revenue of N126.650 billion for the first half of the year 2022 from N86.770 billion in 2021, accounting for an increase of 45.96 per cent as the firm also grew revenue occasioned by the rising cost of fuel on the back of the Russia-Ukraine war. The company is the 76th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) over the past three month. On its part, Total Energy Plc leveraged the higher oil prices to gain a 38.12 per cent increase in revenue during the review period. The company recorded a revenue of N209.014 billion in half year 2022 from N151.333 billion in 2021, accounting for an increase of 38.12 per cent. The growth in revenue reported by Total Energies Marketing Nigeria was driven by higher product prices and demand from consumers in the half year of 2022, it said.Thecompany commenced the year with a share price of N221.90 and has since gained 5.68 per cent on that price valuation, ranking it 48th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. In addition, Seplat Energy Plc sustained a positive trajectory during the half year ended June 30, 2022, with 82 per cent growth in revenue. The company reported a revenue of N219.203 billion in its half-year 2022 revenue from N120.444 billion a year ago, taking advantage of the global rise in oil and gas due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and operational headwinds in the first half of the year. The oil firm started the year with a share price of N650.00 and has since gained 120 per cent on that price valuation, ranking it fifth on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. It projected that listed upstream oil and gas firms will continue to be profitable due to increased cost reduction initiatives. Following financial and operational headwinds in the first half of the year, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, a provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria also reported a 22.74 per cent drop in revenue for the first half of the year 2022 to N13.960 billion as against N18.069 billion in 2021. The Offshore Support firm began the year with a share price of N1.72 but has since lost 36.6 per cent off that price valuation, ranking it 154th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance, the report said.
L-R: Ooni of Ife HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and traditional Council and Tor Tiv, HRH James Ayatse; Chairman National Population Commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman Senate Committee on Population and National Identity, Sen Shahabi Yau; Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong and Minister of Finance and Budget and National Planning, Ahmed Zainab, at the opening ceremony of the National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on the 2023 Population and House Census held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI
FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022 • THISDAY 7
made the disclosure on the five per cent excise duty during a stakeholders’ meeting, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator. It pointed out that at the meeting, Ahmed, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Tax Policy, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Musa Umar, noted: “The five per cent excise duty has been in the Finance Act 2020, but has never been implemented.“Henceforth, the five per cent excise duty will be collected by telecom operators and payment made to the federal government on a monthly basis, on or before 21st of every month.”
Rivers State Host Communities Hail New NLNG Global MoU Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Other heads of agencies copied in the circular are Accountant-General of the Federation, ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council. "Others are the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission."Reinforcingher position, Ahmed said with the aforementioned reference, it therefore, meant that all stakeholders had by that singular provision been aware of the Act. According to her, the excise duty on telecommunication services provided in Nigeria introduced through the Finance Act, 2020 with statutory enactment on January 1, 2021 is yet to be implemented tillShedate.added that this was considering the need to ensure reasonable transition period before the implementation of the new tax, as well as providing clarity to all stakeholders on implementation modalities. Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Despite opposition by various stakeholders, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, the federal government has declared its readiness to implement the five per cent hike in tariff on data and voiceOwingcalls.to this, it has directed telecommunications operators to henceforth effect the new tariff and remit to the government before the 21st of every month. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed who gave the directive yesterday, also faulted her Communications and Digital Economy counterpart for claiming ignorance of the new tariff hike. In a statement issued by her Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, the finance minister announced that the government would commence the implementation of the new tax regime on all voice calls, short message services (SMSs) and data services, in addition to the existing 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) paid for goods and services across all sectors of the economy. The statement said the minister
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday said the state’s economy has recorded positive gains in the last three years of hisOwingadministration.tothis, he said the number of active companies in the state has increased from just 41 in 2019, to 77 in 2022, representing an 87.8 per cent increase. AbdulRazaq who spoke in Ilorin, at at the Annual General Meeting and inauguration of the secretariat of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ilorin chapter, said the increase could be attributed to efforts of his administration to bring inclusive growth to Kwara and make life more worth living for his people. Quoting a data from the Kwara Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, the Governor however commended the business community for their strategic partnership with the government. AbdulRazaq said the growth in the number of functional firms has had positive impacts on the standards of living of the people of the state. The government, according to him, has digitalised many of its processes to improve land administration and other business transactions with positive outcomes for industrial growth in the state, AbdulRazaqAbdulRazaqsaid.explained, "From just 41 firms in 2019 to 77 in 2022, the percentage of functional companies in Kwara has grown by at least 87.8 per cent over the last three years. "From just four skeletal flights in 2019, we now have some 12 flights every day to and from the state capital, Ilorin. Notwithstanding the national economic challenges, I’m impressed by the resilience and consistent growth of the Kwara economy."AsofJuly 19, 2022, we had just 15 C of O waiting for printing, with just 46 R of O and 15 Assignments also awaiting printing. "We have ensured that the government's processes are done expeditiously. We are similarly working on other proposals to improve the business climate in Kwara."AbdulRazaq said rising inflation and security challenges in the country were surmountable with everybody playing their roles, reiterating his administration's resolve to continue to assist the business community in the State. He said the government's commitment was evident in its ease of doing business policy and infrastructural development across the state, as well as its efforts to minimise communal conflicts and strengthen security of lives and properties.Inhisremarks, the National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engr Mansur Ahmed, who described MAN as the backbone of economic development and sustainable growth, appreciated the efforts of the AbdulRazaq administration to improve the business climate in Kwara State. He said, "I have no doubt that (Your Excellency is) aware of the position and significance of the manufacturing sector in our economy."Iamaware that you have indeed done a lot for the past three years to improve the environment for investors and particularly those in the manufacturing sector. I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for "Manufacturingthis. sector is the backbone of any economy. Because tax FG Set to Implement 5 Per Cent Hike on Data, Voice Calls
Reacting to Pantami's recent position that he was not carried along on the new tariff regime, Ahmed said her counterpart could not claim ignorance of the policy. She said it was worth noting that there was a circular indicating the planned hike, which was addressed to the communication minister and other relevant ministries and agencies of government via a circular referenced No. F. 17417/ VI/286 dated March 1, 2022, and titled “Approval for Implementation of the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments." The statement added: "Against the comments by Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, concerning the five per cent excise duty hike on telecoms services, it is worth noting that there was a circular stating the planned hike which was addressed to the communication minister and other relevant ministries and agencies of "Thegovernment.circular referenced No. F. 17417/VI/286 dated 1st March 2022, and titled “Approval for Implementation of the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments” was addressed to different Ministers, including Honourable Minister, Communications and Digital Economy and other heads of government agencies. "The circular was addressed to The Secretary to The Government of The Federation, Attorney-General of The Federation, Ministers of Industry, Trade an Investment, Agriculture and Rural development, Mines and Steel and Development.
L-R: First Secretary (Economic) Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Choi, Jung Won; Director General/Commercial Attache, Seungwoo Lee; Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim, Chang Ki; Wife of Korean Ambassador, Mrs. Young-chae; Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Young-chae; Managing Director, ARISE News Channel, Ms. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu; Managing Director, THISDAY Newspapers, Eniola Bello and Deputy Managing Director, ARISE News Channel, Emmanuel Efeni when the Korean Embassy officials embarked on a cultural exchange visit to the ARISE and THISDAY Media Group in Lagos... yesterday it is a sector that provides and sustains wealth creation. "It is a sector that provides jobs on a continuous and sustainable basis and it is a sector that drives capacity building and improves economic resilience."
"Others are Ministers of Health, Aviation, Information And Culture, Budget And National Planning.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Host Communities of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Gas Transmission System (GTS) facilities and Corporate Head Office (CHO) in Rivers State have applauded the company over the cordial relationship they have had with them while they continue to operate in their areas. Noting the years of friendly and happy relationship, the communities said the new Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMoU) was a new paradigm towards community development. The commendation was made yesterday in Port Harcourt, at the Nigeria LNG launch of GMoU phase two, involving six new clusters (Abua, Egi, Ekpeye, Kalabari, Ogba and Okrika communities).Inhisremarks, Member, Rivers State House of Assembly and Committee Chairman on Environment, Hon. Christian Ahiakwo, stated that NLNG has built, "a system that will encourage gender inclusive, reduce suspicion, community unity and cause development." He said cluster members should be retained to understand their roles and attract sustained community development. He added that, "This is a new paradigm towards community development."Onhispart,the communities’ representative, Chief O. Martins expressed joy over the years of peaceful relationship with the NLNG and urged the company for more community benefits. He said: "Let the GMoU allow the communities to directly manage their resources, especially those hosting the natural gas andEarlier,pipelines."inhis opening speech, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Mr. Andy Odeh, explained that the GMoU was a model for sustainable community development in which communities are grouped in clusters and are empowered to take ownership to drive their development.Hesaid the company's previous GMOU with three communities, (Ubeta, Rumuji and Ogbumnuabali), “who are hosts to our GTS facilities and CHO respectively, have been yielding excellent results in those Accordingcommunities.”toOdeh: "The decision to take up this model of relationship is based on the yearnings and observed developmental deficits in our GTS“Thecommunities.needto bridge the infrastructural gaps to alleviate poverty and unemployment whilst building community capacity to drive their affairs necessitated this novel approach for CSR activities. "The GMOU framework has already been adopted by IOCs such as SPDC, Chevron and Total E&P, for managing relations with their respective host communities and it has proven fruitful over the"Whileyears.it may seem NLNG is late to the game, we believe our GMOU model will benefit from learnings from the experiences of these IOCs, and therefore, it is assured successful outcomes. "This GMOU will enable us to achieve the twin objectives of human and infrastructural capacity development in our host“Thiscommunities.isbecause each community cluster will take a leadership role to drive its own development by selecting, reviewing and executing its projects based on its identified needs. Of course, this will be in line with identified CSR pillars of NLNG.which are Education, Health, Empowerment and Infrastructures.”Headded:"Communities will not be left to navigate this new terrain alone. Support will be provided by NLNG and other key stakeholders, including the government and technical partners like our mentoring NGOs and the GMOU's Technical Adviser who are all present with us today", Odeh explained.
AbdulRazaq: Number of Active Companies in Kwara Has Grown by 87.8% Since I Assumed Office Finance Minister faults Pantami on new
MAN's Chairman for Kwara/ Kogi States branch, Mr. Bioku Rahman, in his welcome address, appreciated the government for its giant strides and for creating an enabling atmosphere to grow businesses through the creation of Ease of Doing Business Council and other business-friendly policies in the state.
Despite Opposition,
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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has continued to put smiles on the faces of the people and ensuring that they are now sleeping with their two eyes closed amid rapid developments in the Gateway State. This was evident on Wednesday, when the governor received teachers who paid him a thank-you-visit. The governor, who assured that his administration would not use and dump the interns, charged them to be diligent and committed to duty, saying, out of the 5,000 interns shortlisted, 2,000 have been absorbed, while plans are on to engage between 1,000 to 1,500 in the coming days.The governor reiterated that his govern ment would continue to prioritise the education sector, saying the process for the employment of teachers was based on the principle of transparency and equity. Just a day before, Governor Abiodun had inaugurated the Igan Road in Ago-Iwoye, where he got the blessings of the monarchs of Ijebu extraction, to continue in office. Leading other monarchs, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, said: “You have worked assiduously these past three years and three months and you have justified why you deserve a second term in office”. Oba Adetona spoke through his repre sentative, the Dagburewa of Idowa, Oba Yunusa Adekoya, at the inauguration of Igan Road in Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu North Local Government Area. “The message is clear. You have done very well by fulfilling the promises made to us in 2019. 2023 is sure and our people will vote overwhelmingly for you”, he assured the governor.Alsoendorsing the governor for another term, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba AbdulRasak Adenugba, said though he’s not a politician, the people of the ancient town “have come to tell me that it is Dapo Abiodun they want and not anyone else. You have restored confidence in government and for keeping the promises made to us during the electioneering campaign”, he stated. Apart from the people within the state, Governor Abiodun had been collaborat ing with his neighbouring colleagues; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, as he recently inaugurated separate joint commissions with the duo in Abeokuta. This was aimed at forging a common alli ance, which will enable them jointly tackle issues bordering on security, sanitation, transportation, waste management, water supply, land use planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, urban renewal and social re-engineering. While the security meeting with Makinde was organised to find lasting solutions to the security challenges facing Ogun and Oyo states, the parley with Sanwo-olu bordered on a wider alliance, making it the first time a formal, structured and legislation-backed framework of engage ment was put in place. Governors Abiodun and Makinde had used the occasion to set up a Joint Border Security Task Force with membership drawn from various security agencies in the two states, insisting that they have absolute commitments to the security of lives and property within the two states. Not quite long after, the Lagos State Governor set to work, and now, it is official; the Lagos Blue and Red rail lines will com mence operation between the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. But that is not the last line. Further thinning out the borderlines between Lagos and Ogun States are two viable options besides road: rail or water. Already confirmed is that the 31-kilometer Red line passengers’ rail service from Oyingbo in to serve the economic needs of Lagos and Ogun as the commercial nerve and indus trial hub of the nation respectively.”
Introspecting on the initiative, Nnamdi Maduakor, a writer, investor and entre preneur, wondered why contiguous states in the other parts of the country could not launch similar development projects.
Applauding the Ogun-Lagos collaborative framework, he said: “the states –Ogun and Lagos- are positioning to form a thriving economic block that can stand and negotiate its own economic path with the Nigerian federation and other states of the country, and even with other nations. “After all, States like California in the United States of America do go out to negotiate economic interests with other countries and foreign corporations, despite being a part of the United States.”
Lagos State will navigate through Lagos mainland, Ikeja in Lagos West and berth at Agbado station in Ogun State. Also, in incubation is another rail line, the Blue passenger train that transverse from Apapa to Okokomaiko, but plans are afloat to stretch its services from the University town of Ojoo to the Nation’s industrial hub at Agbara industrial estate in Ogun State. “The need to have a parallel line with other stations for the benefit of the people has led to agreeing on another line that will go from Okokomaiko to Agbara. What this means is that goods and services can move seamlessly from Apapa on a rail to Agbara”, enthused Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo. “Ogun state”, he quipped, “intends to latch on to the initiative to extend Redline train services beyond Agbado to other parts of the state such as Ijoko and Kajola, among others,” adding that “the two states are already taking advantage of the significant investment of the Federal Government through the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) along the Lagos/Ibadan standard gauge railway infrastructure to ensure transportation is effective and efficient O ver time, industrialization, scientific causedresourcesdiscoverybreakthroughs,ofmineralandthelikeshaveanincreasedshiftof
Kunle Somorin writes about the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State since assuming office over three years ago
The Diri Douye-led government of Bayelsa is one that clearly recorgnises the important role of agriculture in soci etal development and one can see from the strides taken by the administration that it is laser focused on maximizing the limited land resources that Bayelsa state has.Owing to it’s terrain, one would believe that agric development would not be a top priority of the leadership of a state like Bayelsa. Thankfully this isn’t the case as it is clear that the government is making huge strides to improve the agricultural sector in the state by invest ing finance, providing empowerment to stake holders, encouraging self sustain ability and wealth creation even in rural areas.The government is consistently empowering farmers with financial aids and operating land policies that tends to support agricultural development. Scientific and reserch help is given to farmers to help boost production both on a subsistence and commercial scale. Clear evidence of the potentials of wealth creation and economic development that agricultue offers was on display in the Made-in-Bayelsa Agric Produce Exhibi tion, which held at the Peace Park, Ovom, Yenagoa, not long ago. The exhibition was a clear showcase of the Government’s believe in the potentials
Abiodun’s Giant Strides in Ogun
Interestingly, as far back as 2005, a Com mittee on Redeployment of Lagos Megacity Region Plan, has been conceived under the leadership of the emeritus professor of urban planning and physical develop ment, Akin Mabogunje, who passed on last weekend, to facilitate the kind of cooperation finally achieved by Ogun and Lagos 16 yearsContinuinglater. Maduakor, said: “A close look at the concentration of industries in Nigeria clearly shows that Lagos and Ogun States are in a league of their own. Data on Foreign Direct Investment into the country confirms this fact in numbers. The governments of these states know this, and are both actively trying to widen that gap between them and the others, thus positioning themselves as the most preferred location for industries in the country.
-Somorin writes from Abeokuta, Ogun state NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com Group Politics r Email: deji.elumoye08033025611@thisdaylive.comSMSONLY
-Dr Benson writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa state
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com of the sector and an effort to make people see what the State is endowed with. This is of course accompanied by a solemn declaration of continuous support to achieve the aim of a vibrant Agric sector in the state. On display was various farm produce and raw materi als essential for the production of many things useful in many other industries even in the agric sector where they came from. I believe this expo was deliberately done to consolidate efforts to woo private sector involvement in the agric sector to boost production and enrich the supply chain, at the same time encouraging wealth creation and food security. Keeping in line with one of the fundamental sustainable devel opment goals (SDG’s) of the the United Nations.Obviously fish farming tends to be popular in these parts, stakeholders were educated on the availability of various raw materials readily available for fish feed production and indeed livestock production. Extensive infor mation was given on sourcing out this materials and thier applications to get required results.
Konbowei Benson writes about steps taken by Governor Douye Diri to transform the agricultural and educational sectors on Bayelsa State Agriculture and Education Take a Leap in Bayelsa
DEJI ELUMOYE
18 THISDAY FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022
Edito
attention from the original source of live lihood man came to know from creation. Being the oldest sector of mankind’s sustainance, governments with very sensitive leaders at the helm are wise enough to recorgnise the irreplaceable role agriculture plays in the sustainance and survival of mankind. Yearly, every region of the world sees an increase in population and with it diverse new challenges. It is therefore ex pedient that conscious effort and innovations are put in place to ensure sustained development of the agricultural sector
DearInReadersthefirst week of April 2022, the League of Airport and Aviation Nigeria’sCorrespondents(LAAC),aviationmedia umbrella body saddled with the responsibility of ensuring effective media coverage and practice in the aviation industry unveiled its annual conference slated for the last week of July 2022 and themed it around the topics and sunset airports and their consequential economic and safety. The major concerns of those aviation reporters were around the effects of dwindling space of operation for aviation operators, reduced and delayed flights for passengers, increase in cost for all. By the day of the LAAC conference (28th July 2022), some aviation staff had joined the general strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress and two of the biggest and most recognised Nigerian airlines had stopped their flights. First it was Aero Contractors and two days later as if affected by a contagious virus, it was the turn of Dana Air. The dreadful question is which airline is next? Aero Contractors was forced to fold the wings of its scheduled flights due to exorbitant and unsustainable expenditures they had to incur in order to operate their scheduled flights and lack of equipment needed for their processes. Dana Air was forced to quit the field operation over poor liquidity by the apex regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). In both cases, the results are stranded angry and, in some cases violent passengers, that have to deal with disrupted plans and the challenges of looking for replacement flights at prices way higher than what they initially budgeted and paid, on the side we have frustrated airline staff faced with uncertainty about their professional lives. As one can easily imagine, many meetings and conferences of intending passengers were cancelled. Aviation analysts, operators and particularly regulators like to say and even repeat that what matters to them more than any other thing in the industry is safety. As if to prove the point most aviation forums and agencies prefix or a suffix their names, deliberations and description with the term “safety”. In the name of safety, airlines are grounded and operations suspended by the regulator and one cannot in conscience and based on general and commonsensical thinking fault the intention and reasoning of the regulators when they justify their disruptive decisions along the lines of “better grounded than risky”. It is easy to retort that the road to hell is paved with good intentions but that will be a banter of wits. The deep and hurting reality is that we have an aviation crisis and emergency in our hands in this country. It is a crisis because high cost of flights and shutting down of airlines in a country as big as ours in the times we live in looks very bad and it is leading to serious disruptions. It is an emergency because we cannot afford to let the situation play out itself and we cannot be patient and wait for long term solutions. We need to act swiftly and decisively to deal with this situation so that this very bad situation we have at hand does not turn into an unmanageable disaster. Decisive actions in this case will require a total rethink and resetting of the way we conceive and manage our aviation manners. There is a prevailing idea in the general public and amongst too many leaders of thought, opinion moulders and indeed policy makers that aviation is a sector that services the elites or the privileged, this is however an anachronistic misconception that needs to be deliberately and assertively corrected. Those who know and can need to find the clarity of mind and courage of voice to explain to the rest of the society that in the times we live in and with the size and structure of Nigeria, aviation has become and will remain a basic and essential infrastructure. With such conception in mind, the role of regulators in the sector will be radically modified. At the moment, our aviation regulators seem to come alive and are felt by many only when they disrupt, we seem to know they are there only after they have grounded or suspended. The regulator of a basic and essential service should be and must be seen to be committed to the delivery of services not its suspension, regardless of how noble their intentions are. NCAA should be known for what it is doing to help airlines fly and we should all be educated to know that they are doing so because of the general good not as a favour to a company, private or public it does not matter. For the sake of consumers and citizens, aviation regulators should be working like a clearing house on ensuring that stranded passengers of delayed and cancelled flights can fly with the next available flights just as debit and credit card holders issued by one bank can easily withdraw money from the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of any available bank. Whilst “safety” is a recurrent theme in aviation discussion, a closer look will readily reveal that finance is a sine qua non element of existence and survival in the aviation sector. To make matters worse, in aviation it is not just any money, it has to be foreign currency. The government through the presiding ministry and its regulating agencies in collaboration with the ministry of finance needs to champion the case of aviation to make forex available, affordable and accessible to aviation operators. Clearly, it is not enough to have aviation funds from government banks or aviation desks in commercial banks anymore, in line with rethinking and resting our aviation manners, it is time we think of activating an aviation bank that will raise and mange funds and offer niche financial products for the aviation industry.
I t was an unusual turn and twist in history for the extraodinarily talented marketing guru. This provocatively partisan political man and real estate businessman is almost equally liked/ loved as he is disliked/hated, at least, in the U.S. He is seen by his millions of his passionate supporters as an icon fit to check the excesses of the permissive secularist liberals. And, to those “left wing” liberals, he is a hypocritical, double-speaking, false conservative!Iknowthat Trump is a very divi sive man who embodies all manner of controversies. The leader of a movement is frankly loquacious and sometimes petty. To use a very familiar, simple characterization: Trump talks too much! Ironically, on Wednesday August 10, 2022, the same man who is the immediate former President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, invoked the Fifth Amend ment during his deposition under oath as part of the New York attorney general’s civil investigation into the Trump Organization’s finances/ business.Trumpshowed up for his longdelayed, court-ordered deposition that Wednesday morning for New York Attorney General Letitia James’ inquiry into his Manhattan-based real estate and golf resort empire. As a man who never miss an op portunity to attack his “opponents” and “enemies”, Trump released a statement about Letitia James, an African-American. He claimed that James “literally campaigned on prosecuting Donald Trump even before she knew anything about me.”
EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA
On August 8, agents of the FBI searched Trump’s home and office at his luxury Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. They, reportedly, left with some documents. As FBI agents residence,ex-PresidentsearchedTrump’shesaid“Thesearedarktimesforournation”
Time to Rethink and Reset
POLITICS 19THISDAY FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022
Aviation Anthony Kila proffers solution to the problems facing the nation’s aviation sector which has resulted in the grounding of two local airlines
On August 8, agents of the FBI searched Trump’s home and office at his luxury Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. They, reportedly, left with some documents. As FBI agents searched exPresident Trump’s residence, he said “These are dark times for our nation” USAfricaonline.com reported that Trump, a Republican, is facing vari ous issues from the US Congress, US Justice Department and some States regarding alleged actions and insur rections which sought to overturn a legitimate, constitutional election (of President Joe Biden, a Democrat). Biden defeated Trump. There are other complicated finan cial matters he is being investigated for — especially in New York. Significantly and sensibly, on Wednesday August 10, 2022, Trump chose not to be the old, familiar motor-mouth who will reply to even a casual comment by a city dogcatcher! -Dr Nwangwu, is Founder & Pub lisher of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com, and established USAfrica in 1992 in Houston. Follow him @Chido247 Regardless of his preferred option, the State of New York has stated that its “Attorney General James will pursue the facts and the law wherever they may lead.”
-Prof Kila is Centre Director at CIAPS Lagos.
In August 2022, he’s singing a different tune. Here: “I once asked, ‘If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?’ Now I know the answer to that question. When your family, your company and all the people in your orbit have become the targets of an unfounded, politically motivated Witch Hunt supported by lawyers, prosecutors and the Fake News Media, you have noRegardlesschoice.” of his preferred option, the State of New York has stated that its “Attorney General James will pursue the facts and the law wher ever they may lead.”
On this delicate issue of pleading the 5th amendment and refusing to answer in order to invoke his right against self-incrimination, you may recall that in September, 2016 dur ing his campaign fight with Hillary Clinton (former First Lady and former Secretary of State), he raised criminal and dubious intent against Clinton’s aides who, at the time, in voked the Fifth Amendment during Republican-led probes into Clinton’s use of a private email server. Trump who later emerged winner of the election, famously said at the time “The mob takes the Fifth. If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?”
Mobsters, Trump and invoking the 5th Amendment Chido Nwangwu writes about the civil investigation of former US President Donald Trump’s businesses by New York Attorney General
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by 100% Business class to hit N12m later August NCAA increases TRL to $10,000 Continued on page 23 Continued on page 23 THISDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
By hiking the fares, Bankole said the airlines would not like their money to be tied down so they have to increase the fares so that at least they could earn good revenue. “The airlines don’t want a situation whereby their money will be tied down, so they make it more expensive,” Bernard said. On the increase in charges by FAAN and NCAA, he said the industry had been struggling to survive so it is not the time government agencies should be increasing charges. “This is wrong because we are trying to salvage the industry. This increase in charges will frustrate the local market. We need to look into this issue critically. Government should support the local operators,” he said.
THISDAY learnt that so far there are no indications that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Aviation have started doing anything on repatriating foreign airlines blocked funds, which is projected to be over $600 million by now and the major reasons for this is because dollars are not available. The Finchglow Holdings boss also told THISDAY that travel agencies oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com08056356325
Port:
Presidential Taskforce
MARKET DATA AS AT THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022 BILLS MATURITY countDis- Yield (%)Change Updated Time NTB 13-Oct22 9.009.16 0.00August 3, 2022 NTB Nov-2210- 3.903.94 0.00August 3, 2022 NTB 26-Jan23 7.507.78 0.00August 3, 2022 NTB 9-Feb23 7.307.59 0.00August 3, 2022 NTB 9-Mar23 5.455.63 0.00August 3, 2022 BONDS DESCRIPTIONPriceYield (%)Change TimeUpdated ^14.20 MAR-202414- 104.8710.81 0.00 3,August2022 13.53 MAR-202523- 104.68 11.41 0.00 3,August2022 ^12.50 JAN-202622- 102.07 11.75 0.04 3,August2022 ^16.2884 MAR-202717- 115.19 11.91 0.00 3,August2022 ^13.98 FEB-202823- 107.92 11.98 0.00 3,August2022 OTC FX FUTURES (MONTH)TENORCONTRACT Contract ($/₦)RateCurrent Updated Time 1 NGUS AUG 31 2022 433.54 August 3, 2022 2 NGUS SEP 28 2022 435.39 August 3, 2022 3 NGUS OCT 26 2022 437.24 August 3, 2022 4 NGUS NOV 30 2022 439.09 August 3, 2022 5 NGUS DEC 28 2022 440.94 August 3, 2022 MATURITYDiscountYieldCPSChange(%) Updated Time SIBP CP 27-OCT-22III 15.1215.14 -0.03August 3, 2022 DLMG CP 11-NOV-22IV 17.2417.98 0.06August 3, 2022 FDHP CP 17-MAR-23III 11.2511.57 0.06August 3, 2022 VHPL CP 1-APR-23III 10.4410.71 0.06August 3, 2022 RATES AS AT AUGUST 11,2022 MONEY MARKETREPOS & P INDEX S & P INDEXEXCHANGE RATE OPR 11.25% CALL 10.25% INDEX LEVEL 613.31% 1/4 TO DATE -0.85%N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 11.50% 1-MONTH 9.56% 1-DAY 0.16% YEAR TO DATE 7.64%*AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 10.52% MONTH-TO-DATE 0.44%
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Non-state Actors
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Lufthansa, Emirates,
The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings and former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, told THISDAY that the foreign airlines had to up the cost of their tickets in order to make up for the blocked funds and as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicted in June, the airlines would continue to hike the price of the ticket until many Nigerians would not be able to afford the fares. THISDAY gathered that although the fares are high in Naira but could be cheaper in dollars, but because it is illegal, the airlines cannot issue notice that tickets should be bought in dollars.
Oluchi Chibuzor Stakeholders in the maritime industry have decried the activities of nonstate actors along the Apapa port corridor in undermining the effort of the Enlarged Presidential Port Standing Task Team (PSTT). Speaking at a meeting with key stakeholders in the industry, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’s Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime pointed out the need for the country to maintain port efficiency in the face of the drive for more revenue generation. Jime stressed that the gathering provides an avenue for all relevant stakeholders to share their opinions on making the port more efficient. He encouraged PSTT and relevant stakeholder in the industry to support efforts that would improve efficiency in line with the ease of doing business demanded by the federalAccordinggovernment.tohim,“Nigeria cannot afford to compromise on efficiency within its ports even in the face of revenue generation. When there is efficiency then revenue will go up. To reiterate what I stated on those occasions, the idea behind “Operation Free the Ports’ Corridors” was essentially to rid the ports and Ports Corridors of inefficiencies and corrupt practices in order to enhance the ease-of-doing business. “As announced during the flagoff ceremony of the second phase, the area of coverage stretched from Apapa - Tin-Can Coconut - Berger Yard - Mile 2-Orile-Ijora axis and back to Apapa which is a distance of about 15.6km. “The first phase of the exercise which covered a distance of 2.6 km from the Lagos Port Complex Gate Apapa to Ijora was adjudged to be a success by many industry players and commuters that used the road daily. Following the encouragement of what was achieved and in commitment to the mandate, the task team launched the second phase on June 24th, 2022.” He maintained that before the flag-off of the first and second phases of Operation Free the Ports’ Corridors, “these roads were littered with shanties and trucks parked indiscriminately thereby causing untold hardships to other commuters and creating opportunity Chinedu Eze Following high cost of aviation fuel, astronomical charges recently introduced aviation agencies, international airlines have increased airfares by 100 per cent, a development that has adversely affected domestic and international flight services in the country. The airlines include major international carriers like Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, among others. A breakdown of the new fares showed that travellers would now pay a whooping N1 million for economy ticket and business class ticket from N4 million. As indicated in the airlines websites, business class could go as high as over N12 million for a round trip in later August while economy could go for over N3 million. In the same vein, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has increased its landing and parking charges, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria (NCAA) has also increased charges for all organizations in the aviation industry, which it regulates, including allied services like aviation handling companies, catering, ticketing, cleaning services, fuel suppliers and also schedule operators and charter services. For example, Air Transport Renewal Licence has been increased from N4 million to N7 million ($10,000). On domestic flight operation, airfares have continued to go up, as aviation fuel price has not abated and with fewer aircraft in operations, industry insiders predict that high demand and few seats would trigger further increase in fares.
Activities
Apapa Stakeholders Decry of Against Charges Stifle Flight Operations as KLM, Others Increase Airfares
WATCHAIR AIR WATCH
AIB-N Boss Commends Improved Safety in Nigeria’s Airspace Qatar Aviation Services Joins Environmental Management System
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THISDAY
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Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Flip4, Z Fold4 Smartphones in Nigeria
Chinedu Eze Participants are billed to attend the 2022 edition of Chinet Aviation and Cargo conference, which will focus on six broad areas. The areas of focus incude: The role of cargo airports in the growth of aviacargo and exports in Nigeria; Development of a national aviacargo master plan for Nigeria; The role of insurance in the growth of aviation and cargo in Nigeria; The role of insurance regulation in growing aviation and cargo in Nigeria; The impact of accident investigation on the growth of aviation and cargo in Nigeria, and Financing exports, aviation and cargo business in Nigeria.Theorganiser of the conference, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, said one to the biggest obstacles to the growth of exports from Nigeria, was logistics. “Nigerian exports arrive the markets more expensive than competitors because of logistics cost and associated charges. The second edition of Chinet will hold on the 7th and 8th of September 2022 in Lagos. This year’s event with the theme: “The Role of Insurance and Regulation in Growing Exports, Aviation and Cargo Business in Nigeria”, is expected to build on the successes recorded at the last event and also address the challenges thrown up during the last conference,” he said. Uko noted that the federal government, through the Ministry of Aviation, has designated some cargo airports for concessioning in recognition of the lack of viability of these airports presently. He recalled that last year at Chinet, Ogun State Commissioner of Finance presented the business plan for Ogun Cargo Airport and it is being built. “This is a big success story from last year. It is expected that the session on airports will give all the other cargo airports in Nigeria an opportunity to make presentations on their capacities and inherent viability prospects for the airports. In 2022 over six new cargo airports have opened or about to open across the country most owned by states. What is the enterprise plans for these airports? How will they grow Aviacargo using their business plan? “Cargo airports were built with no warehouses and facilities for cargo. The staccato development of cargo airports has led to the demand for a National Aviacargo Master Plan either by the Federal Government or by the state and regional airports in order to increase the uptake of Aviacargo in Nigeria. The Aviacargo industry in Nigeria is almost non- existent or at the lowest stage of development. This is according to stakeholders as Nigeria still brings in more tonnes in a week than it exports in a month. Almost all domestic cargoes are road bound. There is a need to change the scenario by integrating the airports to the markets,” he also said.
Chinedu Eze There is no doubt that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has contributed immensely in safe flight operation in Nigeria. Industry observers say the federal government has shown a lot of commitment in the continuous investment in the agency, ensuring that it upgrades its facilities and equipment to meet the critical changes in aviation development as it concerns aeronautical services.Theagency, which also depends on its earnings to fund many of its activities, has also upped the exploitation of revenue sources, especially over fliers from international carriers. This explains why NAMA has been deeply involved in development projects like the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) maintenance support services agreement, Total VHF Coverage project, Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) automation project, renovation of control tower and replacement of Voice Communication and Control System (VCCS) console, procurement and installation of solar energy, installation of Satellite Communication, World Geodetic Survey (WGS-84), Instrument Landing System (ILS), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICA0) flight plan and manyThereothers.are indications that a lot of changes happen in airspace development so there are a lot of advancement in that sub-sector and any country that does not want to be left behind must speed to meet up with the new development and advancements, all aimed at enhancing safety and making it easier for airspace managers to do their work with greater efficiency. Recently at the 26 League of Aviation and Airport Correspondent (LAAC) seminar held in Lagos, the acting Managing Director of the agency, Matthew Lawrence Pwajok, spoke on the latest projects being handled by the agency. “Our basic attention or focus at the moment had been to complete some very critical projects that are very, very essential for safety, for enhancing capacity and efficiency of the system. These projects include, the Safe Tower. The Safe Tower was done in 2007 and the system needed it to be upgraded. So we are embarking on the software and the hardware upgrade of this safe Tower Project, which provides an automated air traffic management system for Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt. It is a very critical project to expand the ATM (Air Traffic Management) capacity and enhance the efficiency of the air traffic management system. “The other project is the Total Radar Coverage upgrade. You are also aware that was commissioned in 2010 and over 10 years of using the same system, we are upgrading it to the latest version called the Top Sky System. And that project will provide for enhancement of the efficiency in the capacity and the effectiveness of the total radar coverage in Nigeria in nine radar locations nationwide,” he said. Pwajok explained that the project was also very key, not only to safety, but also security of the nation. “And we also have navigational systems we are installing. At the moment we have done over 10 airports with instrument landing systems category two, and we have done instrument landing system category three in Lagos and Abuja. We are currently doing Katsina, Port Harcourt and Kano with instrument landing system CAT3. The other project is the AIS automation that has been ongoing for a long time. We are hoping to complete at least by the end of the year. It is the automation of the information management system for 24 airports and also NAMA headquarters,” he said. The NAMA boss said that all federal and state government owned airports in the country have approach and landing navigational aids, as well as Satellite Based Performance Based Navigation procedures that can enable aircraft operate at any time of the day into these airports. In other words, NAMA facilities are ready for flight operations to many airports in the country at anytime; so it provides 24 hours aeronautical equipment services to these airports.“Allairports in Nigeria have instrument landing facilities for approach and landing, meaning they are operating based on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and not based on Visual Flight Rules (VFR) where they pilots are required to visually approach and land within Sunrise to Sunset time. Apart from one or two private aerodromes, all federal and state government owned airports managed by NAMA are equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS), except where they are temporarily unserviceable or the Runway and Approach lights are unserviceable, but nevertheless you cannot refer to them as sunrise or sunset airports,” he explained. Pwajok said in a bid to tackle visibility issues in some airports during adverse weather, the agency commenced the implementation of Category III ILS in Abuja and Lagos airports while those of Katsina, Kano and Port Harcourt were being installed and would be ready before the end of 2022. He noted that despite the high cost of diesel, the agency had always granted extended services to airlines, which made such requests and will continue to do so. He reiterated that NAMA is a 100 per cent selffunded government agency providing air navigation services at federal, state and private airports in Nigeria at increasing cost and is also required to remit 25 per cent of her gross revenue to the federation account, stating that it is uneconomical for the agency to operate beyond 12 hours daily at a domestic airport just for a single flight. He therefore assured airline operators that NAMA has and would always grant extension of operational hours when the need arises. He however assured that the agency in collaboration with sister agencies, would be willing to extend the operational hours of busy airports like Enugu and Benin. NAMA funds most of its projects from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), but the federal government bankrolls many of the safety critical projects like Category 3 ILS, TRACON and WGS-84.
Aviation Conference on Insurance, Finance in Cargo Freighting Holds
The Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N), Mr. Akin Olateru, has said Nigeria had the best aviation safety record in the world in the last six years because the agency and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been very efficient. Olateru made this known in an interview during the 26 annual League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) held in Lagos recently. He said the country lost three lives to helicopter accident in the last six years. “I don’t know how many countries in the world that can boast of such a record. How did that happen? It is not by luck or accident. It is because the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is doing their job and the Accident Investigation Bureau doing their job, investigating incidents and issuing the right safety recommendations to prevent recurrence and at the end of the day, it is about everyone doing what they are supposed to do,” he Olaterusaid.further said the agency’s safety recommendations after releasing accident and incidents reports, have been adhered to by the NCAA and others to whom they are meant for. Most of the safety recommendations that we have come up with after we release our reports have been implemented. “Those issued to the aircraft manufacturer have been implemented, some to the regulator and some to the airport and some to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and some to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). We have a system in place where we follow up and we have worked with the NCAA where we monitor those safety recommendations,” he added. The commissioner further disclosed that the agency was investigating some serious aircraft incidents, which he said would be released soon, adding that domestic carriers were safe despite the challenges of getting aviation fuel and foreign exchange. “All the airlines in Nigeria are safe. I know that there are challenges right now like the challenges of aviation fuel, foreign exchange and others. It is something that the government is doing something about. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Minister met recently to discuss the way forward and it is something that the government is doing something about. I believe that with time, those challenges will be gone,” he said.
Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), the subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, has announced its partnership with International Air Transport Association (IATA) to become the first ground handler globally to join the new expansion of the IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA) for ground service providers. The IEnvA programme for ground service provides a framework for achieving environmental sustainability across all ground operations.Taking advantage of the knowledge and experience garnered from the airline programme, ground service providers can rely on its definitive guidance to reduce their impact on the environment, and improving health and safety for both employees and the community, while maintaining operational efficiency. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “I am proud to lead the efforts to create a sustainable aviation industry. Environmental sustainability awareness across the entire organisation is critical to the success of Qatar Airways Group. Through IEnvA, Qatar Aviation Services will be able to demonstrate the value of environmental compliance and ensure sustainability in its IATA’soperations.”DirectorGeneral, Mr. Willie Walsh, said: “We’re delighted to count Qatar Aviation Services as the first ground handler to join the newly extended IATA’s IEnvA programme. Sustainability is a critical challenge for our industry. By taking proactive steps to measure their impacts and address them throughout their operations with IEnvA, QAS and Qatar Airways Group will back their sustainability achievements with the most comprehensive global standard environmental certification available in the industry.” The airline said Qatar Aviation Services, managed by the Senior Vice President, Mr. Mehmet Murat Nursel, was committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations, playing an instrumental role in helping Hamad International Airport gain its world-class standing as environmental leader amongst airports globally. It noted that through its participation, it aims to meet and exceed the highest environmental standards while preparing for future expansion strategies. The IEnvA programme is an Environmental Management System initially offered to airlines, which demonstrates equivalency to the ISO 14001: 2015 environmental management systems standard. It provides a structured approach to managing the environment, as well as reporting and mitigating environmental impacts. As a result, organisations are able to more formally incorporate sustainability and environmental compliance strategies into their operations.
Enhancing Aeronautical Services in Nigeria’s Airspace
BUSINESSWORLD
Emma Okonji Samsung Nigeria announced the next generation of groundbreaking foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 in Nigeria, and has also opened their pre-order sales. Both devices feature customisable form factors, tailored experiences, and upgraded performance. Now in its fourth generation, Galaxy Z series continues to break from convention to deliver new, impactful interactions that enhance everyday life. Speaking at a press conference shortly after the global launch on Wednesday, the Managing Director, Samsung Nigeria, Charlie Lee, said: “Samsung Galaxy foldables are built on the foundation of our openness philosophy, enabling new possibilities with complete customization both inside and out. Created in collaboration with our world-class partners, the next foldable devices offer unparalleled mobile experiences that meet the needs of our most dynamic users. “Through our unwavering focus and industry leadership, excitement for the foldables continues to grow. We’ve successfully transformed this category from a radical project to a mainstream device lineup enjoyed by millions worldwide.” Speaking on the features of Galaxy Z Flip4, Lee said it was designed to enhance our users’ favorite features, making it the ultimate tool for self-expression. Pwajok
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CHARGES STIFLE FLIGHT OPERATIONS AS KLM, LUFTHANSA, EMIRATES, OTHERS INCREASE AIRFARES BY 100% and airlines are yet to feel the impact of the increase in fares because this is summer, noting that after this period ticket sales for international flights would“Becausenosedive.itis summer, we are not feeling the impact of the hike in fares, but it is really affecting everybody. By the time we get off season, things will change,” he said. On the increase in charges by aviation agencies, THISDAY learnt that the federal government has charged government agencies to embark on cost recovery of all the monies expended in different sectors of the economy. In the aviation sector, it includes the money spent on COVID-19 to stymie the spread. Industry insider, however, told THISDAY that it was a subtle way to direct these agencies to increase revenue because the country is broke and there is emphasis on taxation.“Inthe aviation industry, when airlines are increasing their fares somebody asked, how about the aviation agencies? Now the agencies have increased their charges, which are expected. Truth is that Nigeria is broke so it needs all the money it can get. Some of the agencies are paying their 25 per cent remittances to the federal government so how can they get this money without increasing their charges at these austere“Governmenttimes? agencies have been charged to embark on cost recovery to increase their revenue base. It is seen as a way to recover money that was spent on COVID-19. There is going to be more taxation because the country is broke,” the official toldOnTHISDAY.thehigh fares by foreign airlines, travel expert, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY the fares have been in the system of the airlines but they were offering promotional fares before now, but due to the economic situation and the reality of the blocked funds they have to push out the fares. “They are charging it now because by the time they will collect the money it would have lost value, so they have to charge the highest fares available. This problem has now become global. There is general increase in fares. We have new fuel taxes and so on,” he said. On the impact of the new fares on travel, Uko said: “The people who are travelling are still travelling. So far, the planes are still full. This is summer; many have made plans to join their families. Those who have medical issues must travel, students who are going back to school, must travel. Flights from Lagos are having good capacity, but what will happen after this season, we cannot say. Will they be able to hold on during the low season? I doubt that,” he said.
BUSINESSWORLD AVIATION THISDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
How International Carriers Circumvent Nigerian Airlines with Visa Restriction
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
But the many Nigerians who travel to South Africa are go-getters who fly largely economy class and with loyalty to their own carrier would like to patronise Air Peace. These are the people that are stopped by visa restrictions. “They use visa restriction, airport protocol (immigration and flight scheduling) to make you uncompetitive. Now, a lot of people who booked Air Peace flights are moving their passengers to South Africa Airways. Nigeria loses again. Nigeria has no cooperate products to export; just our Dangote and human resources. Any other thing we export they dictate against our own benefit. So what Nigeria should do is to protect her citizens. Like what happened in Namibia. When Namibian authorities beat up Nigerian woman, Nigeria stopped issuing visa to Namibians and that was what killed Air Namibia flight to Nigeria,” the expert said. PUNITIVE MEASURES
RECIPROCITY Senior official of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) told THISDAY that the federal government should be notified of the antics of South African embassy because “visa policy is based on reciprocity.”
The expert was also of the view that since what Nigeria largely exports is its human resources; the federal government should take decisive action to protect that “product.”
“It is unfortunate because we even give them visa on arrival here and they don’t give to us. It is very difficult to get South Africa visa. They have not been given us visa for a long time. Like Canada, they can hold back your passport as long as possible without answering you. I learnt that some Nigerians go to Ghana to obtain their visa but they went to Ghana to stop it. So it is the duty of Nigeria to also block them. The unfairness is terrible,” he said. This could be described as familiar terrain because in 2012 there was diplomatic face-off between the federal government of Nigeria and South Africa following the deportation from South Africa of 125 Nigerians, including a Senator. Arik Air and South African Airways flights were deported on arrival in Johannesburg, allegedly because they were carrying fake yellow fever vaccine cards. This action, which was described as a “harsh and unfriendly treatment” by most Nigerians, sparked off some retaliatory actions by Nigerian government. In apparent retaliation to the treatment, 28 South Africans who arrived Nigeria the following Monday were deported back to South Africa and the federal government threatened to go tough on South African companies operating in Nigeria.
On Monday Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace reported that it would suspend its flight service to Johannesburg due to high cost of aviation fuel and the inability of Nigerians to secure visa to South Africa. The airline explained in a statement that due to the turbulent times the aviation industry was experiencing with Jet A1 fuel increases, scarcity of forex and a delay in visa issuance for South African travel passengers, it had to stop the service. Over the years Nigeria always have stormy relationship with South Africa in terms of visa. Even when the country’s tourism board spends huge money marketing tourism destinations in Nigeria, Nigerians always face hiccups obtaining visa to that country.
APAPA PORT: STAKEHOLDERS DECRY ACTIVITIES OF NON-STATE ACTORS AGAINST PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE for extortions and other forms of corrupt practices by both state and non-stateSpeaking,actors.”theCoordinator, PSTT, Mr. Moses Fadipe, maintained that the activities of both state actors and non-state actors has become a challenge in the course of making the Apapa corridor efficient for ease of doing business. “We are working with the federal ministry of Works to enforce the non-tolerance of non-state actors along the nation’s port. We have the challenge with state actors; these are our colleagues who for one reason or the other found themselves on the road. The non-state actors are the local government officials and the activities of the Lagos State Parks and Management Committee. We would like the Lagos State government to look into their activities within the port corridors. We also want the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to look into the activities of their officers who operate as Custom Police around the port, “he said. Reacting, a Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olayinka Shakiru, commended the task force team for improving ease of doing business in the Apapa corridors.Commending also, the President, Association of Marine Trucks Owner, Remi Ogungbemi, affirmed that despite the challenges faced by the task force, they have remained different from the previous task force set up to enforce free port. Responding, the Deputy Comptroller, Federal Operation Units, Zone A, Ikeja, NSC, Bola Joko, said the service is always ready to support the PSTT, “So, if any of our officers are found wanting they should always call us.”
Recently the Chairman/CEO of Nigerian in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri confirmed in a television interview that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has put restrictions on visa issuance; that any male Nigerian from 30 years or below would find it very difficult to obtain visa because of the illicit activities young Nigerians engaged in the Emirates in the past. She cited the issue of ATM Machine and engagement in cult activities by some Nigerians. This obnoxious acts, she noted, damage the image of Nigeria abroad and this makes it difficult for Nigerians to obtain visa, including highly skilled and highly disciplined Nigerians who are the majority that travel abroad to earn a living. So what Nigeria should do is to punish anyone who damages the image of Nigeria abroad by disciplining the person whenever he returns to Nigeria. This would show that Nigeria as a government does not support the nefarious activities of its citizens. “We should also check the excesses of Nigerians who travel abroad to damage our image by committing crimes by punishing them even when they are caught, tried and imprisoned over there. We should have it as national policy that when they come back to Nigeria, we throw them back into jail. This way we make them know that we cannot tolerate their criminal activities when they travel abroad and that will also make these countries know we don’t indulge our citizens who break the law outside our country,” the expert told THISDAYTHISDAY.alsolearnt from an official of Arik Air, which operated to South Africa for years; that one of the key issues South Africa embassy use to deny Nigerians visa is the compulsory vaccinations against yellow fever (international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis). The official alleged that Port Health issues expired batch of the vaccination and this is rejected at the South Africa embassy. Although the embassy would not complain about this but when such issue arises it would deny the applicant visa. A journalist who had had similar experience told THISDAY that his passport was taken from VSF Global (the agency that provides visa service in Nigeria for many countries) and taken to South AfricaWhenembassy.hegotthere after his passport had been kept there for two months, he was informed that his vaccination card was not okay; that he had to update the vaccination. “I just made enquiries and gathered that the batch of vaccination, which Port Health offers may have expired or does not meet the latest requirements, so they always query it at the South Africa embassy. They say even when the batch expires they still issue it. When we were operating to South Africa, we had to buy new vaccine for the Port Health. We were directed to destroy existing ones and we bought a new batch. Of course, it was believed that it was government that bought is, but we did,” the official said. However, Port Health had denied that they administer expired vaccine to Nigerians. An official of Port Health in Lagos said that all vaccines meet standard regulations and none has been compromised in any way. “Let them not use that as an excuse. They don’t like giving Nigerians visa; yet they like making money from Nigeria,” the official told THISDAY.
Over the years, Nigerian airlines have failed to successfully operate international routes. Many international carriers, who describe the Nigerian routes as very lucrative, deploy many strategies, including visa denial, to shortchange Nigerian carriers, but Nigerians are the enablers of this perfidy, writes Chinedu Eze
The latest issue concerning visa, THISDAY learnt, has to do with South Africa Airways. The national carrier started operation to Lagos, one of its lucrative international routes, last year and has been operating direct flight between the two countries with Air Peace. Air Peace started flights to Johannesburg in December 2020. With difficulty in obtaining visa to South Africa, many Nigerians who booked flights with Air Peace would not be able to travel and that is the dilemma they face THISDAYcurrently.learnt that Air Peace approached South Africa embassy in Nigeria and pleaded that they should relax their restrictions, but the embassy had not responded. An insider and tourism expert told THISDAY that while South African companies in Nigeria might have risen to 300, most of them monopolies, more Nigerians travel to South Africa because what Nigeria exports are human resources (it is reported that two Nigerian medical doctors leave for the UK everyday). So there are more Nigerians that travel to South Africa than South Africans that travel to Nigeria. Since South Africa Airways started operating to Nigeria, most South Africans travel with the airline and many of them, being top officials of these blue chip companies in Nigeria travel business class. So even without high load factor at the back of the cabin, the airline earns good revenue from the operations.
1THISDAY FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 202224 Friday August 12, 2022 Vol 27. No 9984 www.thisdaylive.com opinion@thisdaylive.com BETWEEN GRIEVANCE AND ORGANISATIONAL INDISCIPLINE
contracts. Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from thisdaylive.combolaji.adebiyi@ No doubt, as the governor, Wike wields a lot of influence and could sway substantial votes in one direction or the other. However, he would be mistaken if he thought he could take the people for granted. His capacity to control the people would depend on his relevance to their political aspirations
HOW DARE, ONYALI BROUGHT JOY FOR NIGERIANS For the administration,Buhari there is still enough time to deliver a cycle of sowing, tending and harvesting, writes CHARLES IYOR WHAT IS PETER OBI REALLY UP TO? JESUTEGA ONOKPASA argues that the chances of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate are slim EDITORIAL THE SHAME OF OPEN DEFECATION See page 25 See page 25
T U S N See page 26
Some reactions to a political disappointment could amount to anti-party activities, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI
There are sowers and tenders in every community and the right engagement will put the economy back on track, on its way to the rightful place in the comity of nations. –The Birmingham Commonwealth games, show what is possible
The distribution parties are on-going in the following locations; · 774 local governments, · 36 state governments, · One Federal capital territory, · One Federal government, The struggle to get the limited seats on these tables, means that the use of tongue tribe and creed, has taken-on new heights of deft manipulation. Such is the depraved stranglehold of the exponents of that approach that an otherwise poor nation continues to but not demonstrably) ref; Dr. OkonjoIweala, suggesting we save for the rainy day.For this administration, it is not all over as there is still enough time to deliver a cycle of sowing, tending and harvesting.Forthat to happen, the paradigm shift must start now to hopefully realize The Presidency must look at governance from the perspectives of That is the only way to restore a system, so badly broken, observers are no longer sure, if we are going or coming. There are sowers and tenders in every community and the right engagement will put the economy back on track, on its way to the rightful place in the comity of nations. –The Birmingham Commonwealth games, show what is possible.Theconversation needs to start now, to reverse the following; the rot and waste of over 60% of agricultural output; the continuous downward slide of the currency;thedearth of skilled manpower needed for production and construction; the indulgence of the Treasury by the CBN; the blackmail of the CBN by the Treasury; the idle, laissez faire conduct of elected the local governments, running without clear guidelines from the Treasury, on asset management and investments; the poor streamlining of the usage of foreign reserves, in critical imports; the suboptimal use of multilateral agencies and the foreign service; the failure to provide dependable continental leadership; the re-establishment of civil service cadres to policyThereinterpreters.aresomeareas of success, but the lack of a coordinating/communications handle makes the look too incomplete. On an itemized basis; There needs to be at least 10 national centres of produce storage and aggregation; the currency situation needs a national emergency team to support the Central Bank; the skilled manpower across the country; the indulgence of the Treasury by the CBN has become obvious in the amounts of money available for graft in the Treasury and impactMDAs.intheir communities. This has to change.Local governments need to be reinvigorated by a treasury communities’ act for asset management and investment. The import/export processes, must use global brokers and call for occasional reviews by the trade desks of missions. There needs to be regular reviews of all multi-lateral agency engagements for These are little changes that can to the governance outlook of the administration.Theadministration should put to good use its many adversities. Iyore is Partner, DNA Capital, DarenthEnglandKent,
WHAT IS PETER OBI REALLY UP TO?
JESUTEGA ONOKPASA argues that the chances of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate are slim 25 a social media sensation and personality cult phenomenon of what is really nothing but a one-man show. I cannot imagine what he is trying to achieve for being such an intelligent man, he surely must have done the math and seen he is going nowhere! If he truly believes in making Nigeria better, he should align himself with the man who clearly bested him as governor of a state, quite apart from being a political leader per excellence. Peter Obi cannot make it to Aso Rock but Bola Tinubu can. Whatever Obi can claim he did in President, Tinubu did much better in Lagos. While Obi failed spectacularly as a politician, Tinubu has emerged as arguably the most successful political operative in the entire history of this country! They should be able to work together for a better Nigeria. It is the turn of the South to produce the President of this country, a turn Atiku Abubarkar, the man who stabbed the Igbos in the back and frustrated Obi out of PDP, is trying to steal. Funny enough, Tinubu can go it alone. Unfortunately, there is simply no electoral path to victory for Peter Obi and all he is about to achieve is to waste the votes of his fellow tribesmen from Igbo land and the few people from elsewhere who have come to identify with what is little more than a smoke and mirrors campaign to be President of a country that does not take him seriously. Onokpasa, writes from Warri President but I cannot see how he can become President nor how he could possibly succeed in the role if such an astonishing political miracle were to occur. Obi simply does not know how to work with people and has never been able to assert himself as a political leader. How, for instance, is Peter Obi supposed of Nigerian politics when he failed so woefully in politically establishing himself in Anambra, just one of its 36 states?This is a man who could not command the loyalty of a handful of state legislators while presiding over a state with only 21 local government areas. Peter Obi was in fact so miserably pathetic as a politician that he is arguably the most undermined Governor in the entire history of this country! Not only was meaningful degree of dominance over the political terrain of the state over which he was governor, Obi is perhaps the only governor that has been truly independently impeached by a state legislature since 1999! The impeachments of others such as Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa, Joshua Dariye of Plateau, or, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti were instigated by President Olusegun Obasanjo and orchestrated by Nuhu Ribadu, then head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In Obi’s case, he was removed by a legislature that had completely come to despise him, with the full backing of a political class that consistently had nothing but total contempt for him!
For the Buhari administration, there is still enough time to deliver a cycle of sowing, tending and harvesting, writes CHARLES IYORE
3THISDAY FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022
NIGERIA AND THE CORN ECONOMY
I would be the very last person to insinuate that Peter Obi did not do good things as Governor of Anambra - that would be a lie from the pit of Hell, itself. But as a politician, he was a complete failure, indeed one so utterly woefully unable to build up any political goodwill, while being entirely incompetent in constructing any lasting political rendered perhaps the most irrelevant former governor who handed over to a preferred successor! Obi is unfortunately a conceited man who thinks he knows it all and can do it all, a psycho-social him to cultivate lasting friendships or accumulate dependable political capital. If Obi were, by some stupendous miracle to become President, he would the National Assembly in his Labour Party, and even at that, probably half of them would still be persons who neither like nor respect him. It is certainly not a man who could not take charge of small Anambra that should be expected to be able to steer the ship of the entire Nigerian state with any degree of stability or assurance of reliability. Peter Obi has no politician of any note from his South-east region behind him neither any political leader of any electoral value from any other geopolitical zone standing with him. Indeed, his rather quixotic foray into the current presidential race is entirely Our economy has been taken hostage by managers bent on consuming the national seed corn. Those who expect a harvest know they have to sow the seed corn and tend assiduously to get a good harvest. All our natural resources are seed corn, provided by God, for the common good. The trend, however, since political independence in 1960 has been one of consuming the seed corn with progressive impunity. between economies that do well and those that don’t is how they use their seed harvests,corn. in the period under review, leaders have developed a nervous disposition to inadequacy, which has fueled the desire to share the seed corn.
These questions have remained relevant to this day. However, they have recently become overshadowed by questions of religion, especially since Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, chose another Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.
EDITORIAL
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the APC has gone from on its platform in 2015 and 2019 has been shocking. The party ans have groaned under the scorching incompetence of those it promoted during the last elections, at all levels. When in June, it chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become its can didate at the elections, a host of questions immediately stared it
In the wake of the uproar which has followed the decision of many Christians as well as a handful of Muslims, have kicked against the decision which they argue compromises the deli cate religious balance of the country. However, those in favour of the ticket have argued that it is time religious considerations are ditched in favour of compe tence when determining power equations in the country and deciding who occupies what position. That time may yet come, but until it does. If Christians all over the country have been up in arms ria returned to democracy in 1999, it is because a lot has happened in the country to show that Nigeria is not yet ripe for a same-faith ticket, and will not be for a very long time. The uproar against the religious complexion of the ticket which Lalong has now been tasked with selling to Nigerians has not been helped by the fact that since assumption of of never really been able to shake of allegations of religious bigot decades ago. As Christian communities in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the North continue to be targeted for annihilation, a virulent brand of Islamist extremism is to blame. Many of the principal actors in the ruling APC have also not helped their cause with their emergency posturing that religion should not matter.Inthe past, many of them had by their words and actions given themselves away as those who would put their religion before anything else. So, for Lalong, the journey begins. Opinions about how he has performed so far as a two-term Governor of Plateau State remain divided, but for many, a promising start petered out a long time ago, and it will be with more than just a whimper of Kene Obiezu, Twitter: @kenobiezu LEAP DARK
THE SHAME OF OPEN DEFECATION
EDITORS
SIMON LALONG’S
4 THISDAY FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022
The authorities could do more to prevent unnecessary deaths
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
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Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer. Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
In November 2018, President Buhari declared a state of emergency in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector and launched a national campaign tagged “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet to jump-start the country’s journey towards becoming open defecation-free by 2025.” But almost four years later, reports are suggestive that bushes and bodies of water as convenience. According to the recently released 2021 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping, about 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation. The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, said slow progress being made in improving water and sanitation services was due to population expansion, low commitments from states and impact of COVID-19. “About a quarter of the population still depend on unimproved and surface water supply for their daily water needs, access to sanitation indicators across the country shows a slight improvement, though open defecation is still prevalent,” he said. But the cost of this unhealthy living conditions - of not having access to toilets - is expensive. Lack of toilets and inadequate sanitation has been today, many of them fatal, particularly to children. According to the joint UNICEF and the World Health Organisation report, lack of toilets remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children. The report said that diarrhea, a disease often associated with poor sanitary condition, and respiratory infections resulting from poor hygiene, annually. Every year, over 100,000 mothers in Nigeria reportedly lose a child to diarrhoeal diseases caused by a lack of adequate sanitation and clean water. Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria indeed emphasised the importance of adequate and safe sanitation and proper hand hygiene practices as “it helps prevent illnesses that impact families’ livelihoods, and more importantly, take the lives of far too many children.” Sanitation has been a major challenge in the country. The evidence is everywhere. The country shame, and without putting into consideration the impact of their action on the health of others. In many rural communities, people still build houses without provision for toilets, or as the case may be, latrines where waste can be emptied without others coming in contact with it. In the urban centres, the issue is pervasive. In many of our so-called modern cities, many people use the outdoors as bathrooms and toilets. Many walkways and nearby bushes in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city and Africa’s version of modernity, reek of urine and decaying faecal matters. Some university communities also spread intense odour as many students, in the absence of clean toilets in the hostels, use any available space as convenience. Against the background of reports that majority of the public primary and secondary schools in Nigeria have no toilet facilities with pupils and students having to defecate in the open, this emblem of shame deserves urgent attention. As the world therefore marks the 2022 international youth day, the authorities must work towards removing this social impediment against young Nigerians. Ban Ki –moon, former United Nations secretary general, once declared, sanitation as “a vital tool for improving the lives of millions of the poorest people.” Indeed, potable water and improved sanitation and diseases. We therefore call on governments, at every level, to invest more in this “cheap” commodity – by providing public toilets, and even more, by creating awareness on while people should use the toilet. It will be worth it, because it will save lives.
Letters to the Editor LETTERS
Many walkways and nearby bushes in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city and Africa’s version of modernity, reek of urine and decaying faecal matters
T H I S D AY SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
IN THE
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
For Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, the fact that the Pope has not dispatched a cardinal or two all the way from the Vatican to remonstrate with him over the his choice as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation can only mean that the hierarchy of the Catholic Church of which he is member has no objection to the religious composition of the ticket which in his new role he would attempt to sell to Nigerians. But if he has indeed been a lifelong Catholic as he claimed in his address to State House correspondents after recently meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa, he would know that for the Catholic church where he is a Knight, silence is as weighty as any word, and the church is universal because it does not discriminate.
EDITOR
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Sir, what is your view on the Maritime Seminar for judges which the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) organised in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI)? What gladdens all of us in the industry is the resumption of the seminar. There was concern when it was not done for three – four years. We are back again. That is very important. Secondly, the frontier of the seminar has been expanded with a number of resource persons from all over the world – not restricted to Nigeria. That is also pleasing. We have five countries here representing. It is a good step and you have seen the attendance of judges, the Supreme Court judges, judges from Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and from the states. So, I think the fire has been ignited and we cannot go anywhere but forward. Over the years we have had this seminar, how has it helped in adjudication and fast delivery of maritime cases? It is faster now. Cases linger in courts for a very long time because neither the judges nor even the advocates have knowledge of the maritime law which is technical. But now, we have trained over a thousand judges. Everyone has an elementary or rudimentary knowledge of laws or principles of Admiralty law. So far, now judges or shippers or parties don’t complain of cases delay in courts and that is pleasing. You heard the Chief Justice say that as much that the seminar is updating the knowledge of judges for action on judgment so that they understand what they are ruling on and also speedy judgment. Are there peculiar issues raised in the seminar that you think government needs to address urgently? Yes. Government can address port operations for example. Despite all the efforts government should set up a high-powered Commission to look at forensic audit of port operations so that we identify the parties, we see their responsibilities and we enforce them. There is need for us to domesticate certain international conventions like the liability of terminal operators so that everybody will know who are the parties who you can sue, what are their obligations, rights of parties involved in port operations. Port operation is critical to the economy of this country. You can have a fine port, you can have a big deep seaport, but unless its operations are first technologically driven, they are modern, they are fast, they are efficient, then you have ports that are mere relics. It is important government sets up a high powered commission to come out with the ways we can entrench and protect the rights of everybody, including terminal operators, shippers, the role of freight forwarders, the role of customs. I think we need to advance the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and provide sanctions or actions arising from non-observance. It is not just enough for you to say this is the SOPs of an agency or party, no, you have to make sure that the SOPs are enforced. What is your view on the call by participants that the seminar should be organized every year instead of every two years? You see the NSC has sacrificed so much and you can see the event. It is better every year. Now, this one is the most beautiful. It is better than the ones we used to have when I was there. That is the spirit of the new administration and everybody is so happy because of the standard. But then there are financial outlays and I see no reason why NSC should not seek for sponsorship of the event from rich operators. NSC is no more cargo centric. It is for the shipping companies as much as they are for cargo owners, freight forwarders, terminal operators and so on. And I think NSC with that sponsorship should be able to make it yearly. The more frequency of the occurrence of this seminar is very important. I support it, it should be done but because of budgetary concern NSC will have funding problem. But I think it will be creative to make it yearly. The essence of the seminar is to improve on the maritime industry, but other agencies are shying away from this and if they are not here to know what is going on, it will affect what the seminar is going to achieve, do you agree with this? I alluded to that on the first day of the seminar. But I think it is going to be addressed. There is a meeting of Chief Executives of Maritime agencies and to be fair the DG of NIMASA wants to collaborate with NSC so that this will be one seminar. Others will follow suit. Because as you said it is important what they do. I think they (agencies) will make it in an agenda to come and collaborate with the NSC. NSC may be the coordinator. So you are saying all those in the industry should be part of the sponsorship of the seminar? Yes. You are right again. It is an industry thing and all in the industry should come together and make it as maritime or transportation seminar for judges. It would appear that the responsibilities of the NSC have increased but without enough funds or increase of funds for execution of such responsibilities, as the former ES of the NSC, what is your view on this? The responsibilities have increased. The primary source of funds for the NSC has been the Port Development Levy, which is really an administrative arrangement. If you look at the law setting the NSC it is Port Development Levy. Now the Port Development Levy was 1 percent. We were able to push it to 2 percent but it is still not sufficient for added responsibilities. NSC now has its hands in every activity in and outside the ports. I think there should be more creative funding. But what is needed is the passage of the NTC Bill into law which has totality of bringing out the multiple or multi-sectoral agencies to deal with, drive maritime issues in these ports. If we have NTC, the issue of economic regulation will be advanced which means it will look at competition, which is lacking. Have you seen advertisement from ports… like come to my terminal. So something is wrong. There should be intra-terminal competition like what happens in the telecommunications sector, where there is such advertisement. Everyday you open the TV or Newspapers, you see one advertisement or the other which means a spill over. The TVs are good, earning money from that, the newspapers too. The port industry is bigger than this communication industry. That is what is surprising. I am not saying that there is collusion in that but then it is not competitive, but competition is a hallmark of economic regulation which means the consumer is the king. You remember how much you bought your old sim card several years ago when the GSM came up, about N20,000 or N30,000. But now they give you sim free because competition has driven prices to a reasonable level. That is a key issue that the NSC should look at. Look at the competition. I am happy all the agencies are making progress in the maritime industry. We don’t have issues of piracy even now. NIMASA has done a lot to see that this is tackled. And they are just bringing the infrastructure for the maritime security issue. NIMASA is doing what it is supposed to do. So, I think the cost of shipping to Nigeria will goConsequentlydown. we will not have such charges like war risk clauses and all that because security is getting better. The NPA, you see what they are doing, the eco-management system is reducing dramatically the bad traffic situation. NPA is having tremendous improvement. NIWA is driving the private sector for carriage of goods in the waterways on barges. We have the NRC with so much responsibility and you can see what they have been doing. CRFFN is going back to the basic, taking the freight forwarders to training instead of this long time flight of fancy… Look at Maritime Academy of Nigeria; foreigners will next year start coming to have their seafarers training. NITT, you see the quality of what they are doing now. Before it was just dry something, no link to the economy. But now they are issuing certification and if you don’t have certificate, your professionalism is in question. All our agencies are doing well. I think the Ministry of Transport should be commended.
BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW 27THISDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 Bello
Bello: FG Should Set Up Commission to Audit Port Operations
Taking about having a $7bn industry, how possible and soon can this be?. I think it is an evolution in the sense that port reform was the right step to take. The NPA has given cargo clearance to the terminal operators. They have increased efficiency. The port reform has really helped but then we need to also step up. We cannot be in the same place at the same time after so many years. We got to move on. No parking, no waiting, just move on, make a change. This is important. But we need that Commission, a Special Presidential Commission to be set up immediately to look at all the something, sift and say this is it. When you were in office CEO of NSC, the Council spearheaded the war against illegal charges by multinational shipping lines with the involvement of members of the African Shippers’ Council, to what extent did this bring succor to Nigerian shippers? It was a great thing. It was not only NSC but everybody came together to protest. Of course, that is what is expected of Shippers Council to do. NSC cannot exist without stakeholders. It is the most stakeholders’ sensitive agency of the government because when you have stakeholders you cannot now be wrong. The contribution from everybody, from all aspects, from the providers of shipping services and consumers, even pharmaceutical industries, manufacturers associations, NACCIMA at that time even stevedores were all involved. These stakeholders confer authority and respect to the Shippers Council. What is happening in NSC is an advancement. Things are being done which we were not able to do and you can see from the little time Mr Jime is on the saddle, he is concerned about achievement. His power of persuasion, you heard the speeches he made. I mean nobody could do it better than he did. It is good we support him and make sure that these goals are achieved. In this Interview, the former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Hassan Bello, opined that for the nation’s ports to be as efficient as what obtains in other maritime nations, the federal government should set up a High Powered Commission to carry out forensic audit to unveil roles, rights of operators/ stakeholders, including their Standard Operating Procedures and provide sanctions or actions arising from non-observance.
Bello also spoke on other maritime industry issues. Excerpts:
ExxonMobil-Seplat Deal: When a Regulator Misinterprets the Law
“But NUPRC referencing to Section 95 of the PIA as guiding ministerial consent is wrong because the PIA does not apply to the MPNU assets, which are OML assets. OMLs are still guided by the Petroleum Act (PA), and the MPNU’s OML assets are yet to be converted to PIA regime and Buhari exercised the powers of the Minister under the PA. Section 303 (1) of the PIA unambiguously provides that the PIA does not apply to unconverted OPLs and OMLs until the OPLs and OMLs come up for renewal.”
MISINTERPRETING THE LAW Surprisingly, hardly had the President’s ink dried than the NUPRC openly countermand his assent in a bizarre move that has discomfited global business community and set tongues wagging.Ininsisting that the earlier veto by the NNPC remained, Buhari’s consent notwithstanding, NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, cited provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which he claomed, conferred on the Commission powers of sole regulator of the upstream subsector. “As it were, the issue at stake is purely a regulatory matter and the Commission had earlier communicated the decline of Ministerial assent to ExxonMobil in this regard. As such, the Commission further affirms that the status quo remains. The Commission is committed to ensuring predictable and conducive regulatory environment at all times in the Nigerian upstream sector.“Let me just put it simply, as a Commission, we work strictly in line with the position of the law, and basically we don’t react on the basis of news making the rounds, but we work strictly in line with the law. And by virtue of the provisions of the petroleum industry act, under section 95, subsection 10, 14 and 15, the commission’s powers in these regards are clearly stated. “So, regarding the issue, my clarification will just be an affirmation that the position of the Commission stands in respect of the decline of the assets (sale), without prejudice to any other“So,position.theposition of the Commission as the authority involved in the regulation of the upstream, which had earlier been communicated to Mobil, stands. As far as the commission is concerned, nothing has changed. The status quo remains as far as we are concerned,” heButinsisted.NUPRC referencing to Section 95 of the PIA as guiding ministerial consent is wrong because the PIA does not apply to the MPNU assets, which are OML assets. OMLs are still guided by the Petroleum Act (PA), and the MPNU’s OML assets are yet to be converted to PIA regime and Buhari exercised the powers of the Minister under the PA. Section 303 (1) of the PIA unambiguously provides that the PIA does not apply to unconverted OPLs and OMLs until the OPLs and OMLs come up for Evenrenewal.atthat,whereas Section 95 (15) of the PIA 2021, which NUPRC gleefully quotes provides that “A holder of a petroleum exploration licence shall not assign, novate or transfer his licence or any right, power or interest without prior written consent of the commission”, Section 95 (8) expressly provides that “Where the consent of the minister is granted in respect of the application for a transfer, the Commission shall promptly record the transfer in the appropriate register.” So, industry stakeholders are understandably at a loss as to where NUPRC derives its powers to override the Minister’s consent.
Article 19.4 of the JOA provides: “Subject to sub-clauses 19.1 and 19.2, if any Party has received an offer from a third Party, which it desires to accept, for the assignment or transfer of its participating hereunder (the “Transferring Party”), it shall give the other Party prior right and option in writing to purchase such Participating Interest as provided in sub-clauses 19. 4.1 to 19 .4.2”. Sub-clause 19. 4.1 states: “The Transferring Party shall first give notices to the other Party, specifying therein the name and address of the aforementioned third Party and the terms and conditions (including monetary and other consideration) of the proposed assignment and transfer”. Also, sub-clause 19 .4.2 provides: “Upon receipt of the notice referred to in Sub-clause 19. 2.1, the other Party may within thirty (30) days thereafter, request in writing the assignment and transfer of such Participating Interests to it, in which event the assignment or transfer shall be made to it on the same or equivalent terms”. However, the JOA, in Article 1 (24), defines Participating Interest as “the undivided percentage interest from time to time held by the parties in the concession (s), the joint property and rights and obligations under this agreement…” The question is: did NUPRC or NNPC make any efforts to ascertain from the Presidency the reasons Buhari overruled them on the matter? This becomes pertinent as findings show that the Attorney General of the Federal and the Legal Department of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (NUPRC’s and NNPC’s supervising ministry) were of the view that the transaction followed the law and consequently advised the President to consent to the deal, as manifestly, MPNU’s Participating Interest in the respective OMLs and the JOA were not offered for sale. The deal was for the acquisition of shares owned by third parties that are shareholders in MPNU. It is either the NNPC and NUPRC do not understand the law or they are being mischievous with the law, for It is a given in law that the shareholders of a company are distinct from the company, just as the company is a distinct or separate person in the eyes of the law?
PRECEDENTS, IMPLICATIONS TO NIGERIA Meanwhile, precedence and propriety do not support the NNPC and NUPRC’s position and actions. They are also worried about its grave implications to Nigeria’s already gloomy investment environment.
PLAYING NNPC’S SCRIPT Obviously NUPRC is acting NNPC’s scripts. It is recalled that the NNPC had in a May 2022 letter to ExxonMobil by its Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, said the transaction could not be consummated as it wanted to exercise its right of first refusal in the June 28, 1990 Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) with ExxonMobil. To make good its threat, the NNPC in July dragged ExxonMobil to a Federal high Court in Abuja, asking the Court to order that a dispute had occurred between the parties over pre-emption rights, or to order them to take the matter to arbitration, quoting a statement from Seplat. It obtained an order of interim injunction baring ExxonMobil “from completing any divestment”. However, a cursory look at the JOA in question shows that right of first refusal applied only to divestment of Participating Interest, not in a case where a company wants to sale its shares to a third party.
As the controversy rages, Nigerians on social media have wondered why NUPRC and NNPC fiddles when the industry is going south under their watch. Oil theft has worsened to 400,000 barrels per day. Fuel consumption per day has spiked from about 30 million litres per day in 2015 to a bogus 100 million litres amid long cues and sometimes adulterated supplies. Resource-gobbling subsidy has virtually rendered Nigeria bankrupt. NNPC’s has been unable to remit a dime to the Federation Account for months. Yet both NNPC and NUPRC have been so preoccupied with scuttling a deal they should actually promote and find it difficult to encourage prolific indigenous oil and gas firms to boast Nigeria’s sagging production.Itishightime Mr. President calls them to order and salvage the ExxonMobil-Seplat transaction to save the nation further pains, embarrassments and loss of investors’ confidence.
On Tuesday, an oil and gas industry analyst and publisher of Africa Oil and Gas Report, Toyin Akinosho, decried the impropriety of NUPRC’s public spat with the Presidency, saying it was needless, spoke of poor organisation, and was definitely sending wrong signals to the investment world. “ExxonMobil simply wants to leave the shallow waters; and other companies have left. So, there have been precedents in terms of how companies have left by handing over their entire shareholding in that particular country. “ExxonMobil is not selling its segment in the OMLs. They are basically selling MPNU the way Ashaland sold Ashland, the way ConocoPhillips sold its entire shares to Oando, the same way Eland Oil and Gas sold to Seplat and this same government approved it. “As far as I know, the President Buhari has signed off on ExxonMobil-Seplat transaction, the Attorney General has signed off on it. So, when NUPRC says it is not in compliance with Nigerian laws, I really don’t understand where that is coming from”, he stated. In May, an Energy Law expert, Bloomfield, Ayodele Oni, warned that truncating the ExxonMobil-Seplat deal could cause the likes of TotalEnergies looking to also divest some of its assets to be discouraged from going into negotiations.Likewise, the Group Chairman/CEO at International Energy Services Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe, had warned that, “the cancellation will give the wrong signal to the international community”.
Josiah Adewale To say that the mixed news coming from the federal government of Nigeria over President Muhammadu Buhari’s consent to the acquisition of the entire ExxonMobil, Delaware, USA’s shares in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) by Seplat Energy Offshores Limited, a whollyowned subsidiary of Seplat Energy Plc., is a serious cause for worry for the global business community is to state obvious. Nigeria is probably the only country in the world that could allow this game by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Plc. (NNPC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) over a $1.3 billion transaction, which also includes up to $300 million contingent consideration. A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina, said the approval was predicated on the deal’s extensive benefits to the Nigerian energy sector. It read: “In his capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources, and in consonance with the country’s drive for Foreign Direct Investment in the energy sector, President Muhammadu Buhari has consented to the acquisition of Exxon Mobil shares in the United States of America by Seplat Energy Offshore Limited. “ExxonMobil had entered into a landmark Sale and Purchase Agreement with Seplat Energy to acquire the entire share capital of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil Corporation, Mobil Development Nigeria Inc., and Mobil Exploration Nigeria Inc., both registered in Delaware, USA. “Considering the extensive benefits of the transaction to the Nigerian Energy sector and the larger economy, President Buhari has given Ministerial Consent to the deal. The President, in commitment to investment drive in light of the Petroleum Industry Act, granted consent to the Share Sales Agreement, as requested by the parties to the transaction, and directed that the approval be conveyed to all the parties involved.“ExxonMobil/Seplat are expected to carry out operatorship of all the oil mining licenses in the related shallow water assets towards production optimisation to support Nigeria’s OPEC quota in the short term as well as ensure accelerated development and monetisation of the gas resources in the assets for the Nigerian economy.“President Buhari also directed that all environmental and abandonment liabilities be adequately mitigated by ExxonMobil and Seplat”.
CHASING RATS WHILE THE HOUSE BURNS
BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE 28 FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THISDAY
This Weekend Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI 07010510430chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 NEWS Africa Fashion Week Nigeria Holds Casting for Models See page 31 ART WEEKEND A Blast from the Past at Tinubu SeeSquarepage 33 ETRENDS Remembering Biyi Bandele: Odugbemi, Amuta on His SeeLegacypage 32 POLSCOPE Awaiting Campaign Fires See page 34 WEEKLY MAGAZINE Charles Obi Nnanna: Creating Wealth from Waste
COVER THISDAY30 “At KALTANI, we are making recycling easier for the common man. We are positioning recycling collection centers in densely populated city centers and regions to make it easier for everyone to recycle, no matter how big or small the volumes are. We are monetising peoples’ plastic waste and also adequately.”incentivising
What is the best business advice you have ever received? “No Excuses” - “Excuses are tools of the incompetent. They build monuments of nothingness. Those who choose to use them seldom amount to anything.” Actually a poem but it surely does resonate with me, so I refuse to give excuses, I say I do it, I don’t procrastinate, I execute. If I don’t do it, I don’t give excuses, why I couldn’t do it, I man up and I get it done!
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KALTANI describes itself as a cleantech plastic waste recycling company aiming to solve Africa’s growing plastic waste and unemployment crisis. What does it mean to be a clean-tech company? Clean tech speaks to the environment and the sustainable nature of our processes and our technology. It speaks to who we are as a company via the reduction of carbon emissions and pollution in a traceable and transparent way. With our traceable and transparent methodology, we can quantify and qualify our environmental, social, and environmental impact in whatever community we operate in. Our goals are massive, the societal problems we aim to solve won’t be solved overnight but we are committed to staying the course and devising more practical and scalable solutions to solve the problems at hand.
uencompetent.“Excusesumentsofwhochooseomamountallyapoemsresonatefusetogiveoit,Idon’texecute.Ifdon’tgiveouldn’tdondIgetit
When did you first become interested in recycling and plastic waste management?
Nigeria has a problem with the proper disposal or conversion of plastic waste, especially in our urban cities. Are there specific steps you and your team are taking to address this? At KALTANI, we are making recycling easier for the common man. We are positioning recycling collection centers in densely populated city centers and regions to make it easier for everyone to recycle, no matter how big or small the volumes are. We are monetising peoples’ plastic waste and also incentivising adequately. We are working on some more ingenious solutions to encourage more recycling. I believe we know what that is so stay tuned. One of Nigeria’s challenges with waste collection is that the waste is not being separated. Plastic waste has become a severe problem; how are you tackling this? Co-mingled waste is a problem in Nigeria and will continue to be for quite a while until more recycling/ waste management companies can handle waste from the source. Essentially waste management contracts in states in Nigeria and other countries in Africa should be given to proven companies with experience, history, capacity, facilities, trucks, and centers. It should be privatised and made to earn revenue for the states and countries. It should be articulated and used as an employer of labour for the specialised, skilled, and unskilled but this can only be done via a company that has a vision. You recently raised $4 Million in seed funding for Kaltani. Why is plastic waste management so hot right now? What are investors betting on here? Are there economic benefits to plastic waste recycling? Our raise history has been as follows: Pre-seed round - $1,500,000; Seed round - $4,000,000. We will have multiple other rounds after this, Series A, B, and C. Why? Because the problem is a significant one, that requires significant capital, scalable, aggressive, and robust solutions.Sustainability is in, the circular economy is in, multinationals, international organisations, and state and national governments must all be concerned about their carbon footprint today, so everyone is looking for ways to address their footprint. Sadly, there aren’t many investment ready companies, so those that are investment ready must be courted adequately so that real impact can be made and fast. Africa is the last frontier for scalable, high returns businesses but the long view must always be taken into consideration and never the short view. Plastic recycling is a multibillion-dollar industry; the economic benefits are quite considerable. How can Nigeria, like other emerging African markets, build a sustainable plastic waste management strategy? They can do so by working with private African companies that know how to get this done. At KALTANI, we are ready and happy to sit with leaders to establish recycling/ waste management companies that have the potential to solve a bevy of problems for these governments. There is no need re-inventing the wheel, contact us at KALTANI, let’s work together and solve this problem. How do you contribute to local content, empowerment, and capacity building? In every region, we operate and we currently operate in 17 different cities, we hire the locals in each city, and we work with the local chiefs and security too. We won’t go into environments to disrupt; we go into environments to empower. We even offer scholarships to the regions we collect and recycle waste from. Finally, we have foundations that empower women and youth that want to start their own recycling businesses. In a nutshell, you want KALTANI to operate in your state and country. What is the future of the Waste and Recycling business regarding financial and industry growth? The future is bright, the time is now
MARY NNAH, Charles Obi Nnanna: Creating Wealth from Waste
gioenttiehloWetoenchctaehomttssewperan
It’sinalsovastThewayiteconomyandsustainabilityforacircularandwillbethisfordecades.marketisaoneandisgrowingdoubledigits.agoodtimeto be green, what can I say? What is the precise link between plastic waste management and economic empowerment and how does Kaltani promote this? Plastic waste management, solid waste management, and economic empowerment are directly correlated. The more companies like KALTANI succeed the more people, governments, companies, and all stakeholders are empowered economically.developmentally,environmentally,socially,and
mmret,soastelidandrmentrelated.paniesucceedpeople,panies,holderssocially,tally,and e ou have
Ibelieve I became interested in this space when I realised the magnitude of the problem at hand. When you stop to think about it, you realise that in a couple of years we will have more plastic than fish in the ocean, and more and more people will be ingesting microplastics which are known to cause quite serious illnesses. I believe my interest further grew when I recognised how more and more Nigerians and Africans can be empowered and can earn a living from sustainable jobs and how it can be a significant tool to reduce unemployment, and subsequent brain drain from the continent via illegal migration through the Mediterranean.
THISDAYNEWS 31
the market leader, a Business Partner from the South-west region and one of the beneficiaries of the award, Alhaji Mufutau Owolabi, stated that the relationship with Mouka has been cordial, mutually beneficial, and rewarding. He eulogised the company for its immense support
Other dignitaries present at the occasion were Vice Patron of the N-BA, Mr. Philip Hall OBE, who delivered a speech on behalf of former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku CFR; former President of the N-BA, Mr. Tunde Arogunmati; Director of Strategy at FBN Bank UK, Mr. Carl Nordell; Past Vice President of the N-BA, Mrs. Carolyn Hall; and President and Head of Global Network, Let’s Do It, Heidi Solba. over the years. In his remark, Mouka’s Managing Director, Femi Fapohunda, commended the Business Partners for their continued loyalty to the brand. “Mouka’s success story spanning over 63 years would not have been possible without your hard work and dedication. Our ability to maintain the leading position in the sleep industry of Nigeria could not have been possible without you. “We call you partners because you have continued to demonstrate immense commitment to this relationship which has resulted in steady growth and achievement of our business objectives”, FapohundaFurthermore,stated.Mouka’s MD stated that the tricycles would augment the trucks they were presented recently in easing the challenges relating to logistics. With these tricycles, their Business Partners can service smaller orders quickly and cost-effectively.
Speakers and experts have discussed plans to tackle environmental issues that affect development at the maiden Nigeria-British Association (N-BA) executive roundtable. The roundtable, which held in Prince Philip House building in London, the United Kingdom, on July 26, 2022, was organized in partnership with FBN Bank UK, NEM Insurance Plc, Leventis Foundation, Co-Creation Hub, Nobleserve Capital Management, Scib Nigeria and Company. Setting the tone for the occasion with her address themed ‘Nigeria-Britain Association as a Prime Promoter of Friendship for Common Good,’ President of the N-BA, Abimbola Okoya, enunciated some of the initiatives and activities of the association, including the N-BA executive roundtable, which she referred to as some of the many success stories of the N-BA.
During a panel discussion, the COP26 Regional Ambassador for the Middle-East and Africa, Janet Rogan, observed that businesses globally are starting to realize that they are part of the climate solutions to the issues faced in every society and country. We all have to be part of fixing our fragile and stressed communities and societies and getting it better.
L-r:Mouka Business Partner, Ayo Ibidapo; Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka, Dimeji Osingunwa; Brand Ambassador, Mouka, Sola Sobowale and Managing Director, Mouka, Femi Fapohunda; at the 2022 Mouka Business Partners Conference at the continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recently Warrant Officer and the airmen do not have office accommodation so, there is a need to create a place for them to feel more comfortable at Hework.”said requirements had been compiled and sent to the Headquarters, NAF regarding building structures that needed comprehensive renovation and furnishing which was beyond the capacity of Logistics Command. On these he said: “These requirements are currently receiving attention and I am sure that soon, the old part of the structure will be renovated with furnishings. “However, Logistics Command has embarked on some of these projects to forestall likely challenges and to also ensure improved personnel welfare which will necessarily impact on the quality of their performance. “You may have the best technology, facility, system even procedure but if the man is not adequately taken care of, you are not likely to achieve optimal performance from that system.” He stressed that for any system to function adequately, there must be structure at least to ensure that the processes and procedures as well as standards are being maintained. Thus, he urged personnel to change their attitude towards the way they use and maintain public property for such structures to stand the test of time and benefit all and sundry. He further advised personnel to be prudent in the use of resources allocated to them to perform their duties saying that this would go a long way in helping the service. “Being prudent is inline with one of the key drivers of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Isiaka Amao’s vision; prudent management of resources,” Abubakar said. At the handover proper, which held at NAF conference hall in Logistics Command, Ikeja, Lagos, the outgone AOC handed over the insignia of the command and signed the hand over notes, thus signaling a new era led by AVM Shobande.
The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Dimeji Osingunwa, cheered the Business Partners, urging them to do more in the year’s second half. He also presented a new scheme where the Business Partners could win trips to exotic destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Marakesh in Morocco, and Zanzibar in Tanzania upon achievement of their sales target for July to December of 2022. The announcement of the new reward scheme was received with loud applause and excitement. As the propagator of a healthy sleep culture in Nigeria, the brand heritage and product quality have spurred endorsements by the National Association of Orthopedic Manual Therapists (NAOMT) and the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP). According to the President of the NSP, Dr. Nnenna Chigbo, ‘’when you sleep well, your mental and physical health improves. With the Mouka Wellbeing range of orthopaedic mattresses, you sleep better and wake up with a strong body to tackle your day”. In the same vein, the President of NAOMT, Dr. Onigbinde Teslim, remarked: “before our endorsement, Mouka has been a household name in Nigeria, but as scientists, we needed proof. We analysed their processes and products and found Mouka mattresses, especially the Wellbeing range, to be world-class and ideal for back health and generalMouka’swellness”.Brand Ambassador, ‘The King Of Boys’, also known as ‘Toyin Tomato’, Nollywood star Sola Sobowale shared her Mouka Story with the invitees. “My relationship with the brand started before I was born. My parents slept on Mouka and raised us sleeping on Mouka mattresses. A healthy diet, exercise, and quality sleep on Mouka have helped me stay on my game. At my age, I still rock high-heeled shoes, and my back still stands Kakaraka”, she said.
“The willingness to keep on going on and on even when doors are shut in your face; that can-do spirit and never-give-up spirit has sustained the brand. And also have a very beautiful and amazing team. No man is an Island, we couldn’t have done it alone”, she noted. The event will also feature fashion exhibitions and an amazing runway show.
EXPERTS
AFRICA FASHION WEEK NIGERIA HOLDS CASTING FOR MODELS
Logistics Command Gets New AOC, AVM Shobande
AVM Abubakar and his successor, AVM Shobande at the handing and taking over
Mouka Rewards Business Partners Nationwide, Assures Endearing Relationship
Precious Ugwuzor Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Emmanuel Shobande has assumed office as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Nigerian Air ForcePrior(NAF).tothe handing and taking over ceremony, his predecessor AVM Hassan Abubakar had commissioned some projects he undertook as AOC. These projects comprise a block of four rooms, mechanical transport yard and a car park designed to accommodate 40 cars essentially for the service vehicles. Abubakar said over time, personnel in the command had continued to increase without a corresponding increase in facilities and structures to accommodate them, hence the need for the provision of more structures. He said: “I took over as AOC of this Command in January, 2022 and observed a couple of challenges around this problem. “A lot of the offices were dilapidated and in need of furniture and we had over 30 vehicles in our inventory but did not have a structured empty yard to park the“Additionally,vehicles. the Orderly
Stories by Mary Nnah Mouka, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of mattresses, pillows, and other bedding products, has rewarded its loyal business partners with fabulous prizes in recognition of their contribution to the company’s growth trajectory. Gifts such as Tricycles, Air Conditioners, and Television sets were presented to the highly elated Business Partners amidst the glitz and glamour of the African-themed evening. Celebrities, medical practitioners, media, and other professionals attended the fun-filled event at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 6 August Commending2022.
Aspiring models were given the chance to achieve their dreams of becoming renowned international talents during the model casting exercise of Nigeria’s biggest and longest-running festival of African fashion, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) held during the weekend at the iconic Nike Art Gallery, Lagos. According to its founder, Ms. Ronke Ademiluyi this year’s edition of the show scheduled to hold from September 7th-9th at the Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island Lagos, is unique in the sense that two powerful brands - the Lagos Fashion Fair and serial entrepreneur and celebrity stylist, Toyin Lawani who will be handling an exclusive Masterclass, are collaborating with AFWN for the event. The collaboration she stressed will change the face of fashion shows in Nigeria. The model casting exercise, Ademiluyi, noted further, is one of the prerequisites to choosing models for the much-anticipated fashion show. She noted further that part of the criteria for choosing the models was their height, bold look, confidence, and their ability to walk. “We cast models every year whenever we do the Africa Fashion Week because it enables us to give fresh faces in the industry platforms to showcase their themselves. “They use the Africa Fashion Week as a spring ball to leap into the fashion industry - models and designers, stylists, makeup artists and so on. So, our platform was created for emergingSpeakingtalents.”further on the brand, she said she has been able to sustain by the grace of God and the “never-give-up spirit in her.
ROUNDTABLEANDENVIRONMENTALDISCUSSISSUESDEVELOPMENTATN-BA
“The subject of the first executive roundtable event is very topical and timely, considering the extreme heat experienced in the UK recently and the fact that environment issues affect trade and investment between Nigeria and other nations. The goal of the roundtable is to get the eco-system: government, the private sector, NGOs and a few other organizations to work together so as to forge a solution. There will be discussions by Nigerians and Britons on some of the issues that impact climate and how we can collaborate and come up with initiatives that we can follow through. We want to ensure that we have major networking platforms that we can leverage on so as to make a real sustainable impact. “We are also going to celebrate Nigeria Independence Day on October this year. This has become increasingly important because of the rate of migration to the United Kingdom from Nigeria. So, we need to celebrate with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in the diaspora,” she said while commenting on the executive roundtable and other initiatives and events of theInN-BA.hisspeech, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, while commenting on the collaboration between the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom through the Economic Development Forum, gave assurance of Nigerian government’s commitment in the area of standards for market access and the High Commission’s support in assisting potential investors to link them up with their Nigerian counterparts. The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, who joined the event virtually, spoke on the topic, ‘Environmental Issues that affect Investments, Trade and Industry.’ She said that environmental issues consist of air pollution through emissions resulting from the use of old equipment, lack of modernization, water pollution, desertification, industrial waste, solid waste due to poor management of sanitary infrastructure and climate change.
NIGERIA’S JOSHUA KOBIRUO LEADS TOP 10 IN US MUSIC CONCERT, SEEKSEsther Akinsola Nigeria’s Joshua Kobiruo Omoru has emerged in the first position in the preliminary round of the Opening Act Musical Concert in Los Angeles, California in the US. Omoru, who is leading the group of the top 10, eagerly needs a public vote from across the world to emerge victorious at the end of the voting exercise. Soliciting votes, the father of the contestant, Mr Lucky Oghene-Omoru pleaded, “We need your help and support urgently by mobilising your contacts and social medial followership for our son daily to enable him to win theTocompetition”.vote,individuals are requested to click on the link https://theopenact. com/2022/kobiro and vote for Kobiruo daily.“Please help to spread the link to your family, friends and associates and tell them to in turn spread it to their friends and associates,” Omoru said. Kobiruo is from the Orogun area of Delta state in Nigeria but resides in the US.“The young Nigerian earnestly needs the votes and win to move his musical career to the next level. “Your vote will enable him to star as the Opening Act at Audacy’s Annual Concert taking place in Hollywood. This will inevitably pave the way for his
where the likes of Wole Soyinka built his career. There he met with a famous director Danny Boyle, who was back then just a stagehand. He started writing before the age of 12. His film career was notable for works Soyinka’sKing’sassome‘Shuga’the‘HalfAdichie’ssuchasthefilmadaptationofChimamandanovelontheNigerianCivilWarofaYellowSun.’HealsodirectedMTVBaselifestyleTVdramaseriesandworkedwithMoAbuduonEbonyLifeFilmsproductionssuch‘Fifty’andthelatestElesinOba:TheHorseman’,anadaptationofWoleclassic‘DeathandtheKing’s Horseman’. The latter will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.Award-winning screenwriter James Amuta who worked with him in ‘Elesin moreKing’stheHeRifle’,autographedthewithOba:TheKing’sHorseman’isstillgrapplingthenewsofhisdeath.“It’sparticularlysadforme,becauselasttimewesaw,hehand-deliveredancopyofhisbook‘TheKing’sandwantedtoadaptitforthescreen.reachedoutandwantedmetoreadbook.Thiswasafterwehaddone‘TheHorseman.’HewantedtodoalotworkinNigeria,’hesaid.
‘Emir Sanusi’ is Timely Tribute and Intervention
The late Biyi Bandele to premiere on Netflix Muhammadu Sanusi II on stage of ‘Emir Sanusi Iyke Bede Following its outing last year with the double stage play ‘Aremu’, and ‘Awolowo’, the Duke of Shomolu Productions returned last weekend with ‘Emir Sanusi: A Truth in Time’. It is the newest instalment in its series of stage plays celebrating revered and historic Nigerian political figures. The script written by Professor Ahmed Yerima chronicles the stories of two generations of Emirs of Kano and the events leading up to their respective abdication.Inthecrowded Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, the audience is first introduced to a peace-loving community in Kano, showcasing its people, values, and culture, until an unsettling event catapults them into the chaotic house of Dalihu, a former Dogorai (bodyguard) to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi I. Fromtheveryfirstwordshespoke:“what is that smell?” referring to the urine-tainted Zainab, one could decipher the disdain that exists between him and the mother of his only son Shaibu. The ensuing dialogue further reveals an account of child marriage, slavery, and Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF). But as embittered as both parties were, the news of their son’s imminent return who currently serves as Dogorai to the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, unites them.Through the account of these three thespians, the stage play journeys the audience as well as Khalifa Sanusi II to a story spanning decades. Their accounts inconvenientlyhighlightimportantmomentsthelifeofEmirSanusiIasdetailedinhis
Remembering Biyi Bandele: Odugbemi, Amuta on His Legacy
‘Anikulapo’
At its recently held ‘See What’s Next Africa’ content showcase, streaming giant Netflix reiterated its commitment to amplifying African storytellers. This was reflected in the rollout of films and TV series slated for 2022 and 2023 for African audiences. These upcoming titles include the second season of the Pan-African reality TV show ‘Young, Famous and Africa’, ‘Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman’ from EbonyLife Films; ‘Anikulapo’, a Kunle Afolayan film as well as an Akin Omotoso’s film ‘The Brave Ones’. The streamer also highlighted some of its investments in Africa such as the UNESCO and Netflix ‘African folktales, Reimagined’ competition; the Netflix and NFVF Film Fund and the Realness Institute Episodic Lab targeted at emerging filmmakers on the continent. “We believe that Africa is one of the major creative centres for great storytelling that resonates around the world,” said Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix Director of Series inAfrica. “We’re proud to continue creating global opportunities for the talented creatives of this great continent and sharing their authentic stories with our
willvarietyAfricandirectedUnderfilmmakernershipNetflixrelationshipscommitmentmembersinAfricaandaroundtheworld.”Aspartofthecompany’songoingtocreatingsustainablewithAfricanstorytellers,announcedamulti-projectpart-withacclaimedSouthAfricanMandlakayiseWalterDube.thepartnership,Mandla-whoNetflix’sfirstcommissionedfilm‘SilvertonSiege’willdirectaofNetflix-ownedprojectswhichbesharedinduecourse.
andCompetition.hisartsOctoberdeletalesexpeditionstories,regaledofthedeepenedculturallywastheatre,entgenerationsspecialconfoundingbemipicturewhoisfamedformanyliteraryandmotionworks.“Iamstillspeechless,”saidOdug-inarecentchat.“Weliveinverytimesindeed.Hewasatalentandreallyoneofthoseofstorytellerswhosetal-hadthedepthtoexcelinliterature,documentaryandcinema.Heakeensocialobserverwhocreatedinspiringnarrativesthatmeaninginthenuancesofhumanjourney.”Bandelegrewupsurroundedbytaleswar.HisfatherwhowasinthearmythemwithsecondworldwarparticularlythefamousBurmawiththeBritisharmy.Thosewerelikeguidinglight,leadingBan-towriteafictionstory‘BurmaBoy’.BorninKafanchan,KadunaState,on131967,BandelestudiedDramaticattheUniversityofIfeandduringstudieswontheBBCPlaywritingHemovedontoLondonworkedattheRoyalCourtTheatre
Bandele was a notable writer with books such as ‘The Sympathetic Undertaker’. Amuta disclosed that part of his last conlegacybehindbestandhisNollywood.that“standcontributeingOdugbemigreatpassionateteller.account,extrasinto-night,theandsceneauthenticcomesceneworkedofsetwasveryartplanningworldmindssionstheanrespectthoseandespeciallyversationwiththedeceasedincludedbooks.“Wespokeaboutthebooksweloved,fromtheAfricanWritersSerieshowgreatitwouldbetoadaptsomeofstoriesforthescreen.Wehadmutualforeachother’swork.Myfirstbook,anthologyofpoems‘Enigma:BeyondPoet’alsocameupduringthediscus-wehad.Sothereweweretwocreativewhohavecomefromtheliteraryintotheworldoffilm,plottingandonwhatwecoulddotoelevatetheofAfricanstorytelling.Hisdemiseisaseriousblow...becauseIknowwhatheabouttounleashtoglobalaudiences.”Recallingoneoftheirencountersontheof‘BloodSisters’,anotherproductionEbonyLifeFilms,Amutasaid:“Wehadverycloselytoachievetheopeningof‘BloodSisters’.Irememberhehadtome,requestingaveryculturallylocationthatwouldgivethatitsenergyandelementofdanger...hewantedtobeveryambitiouswithwaythescenewascaptured,andthatIsawhowbrillianthismindwashowheincorporatedactualpassersbythescene,integratingthemwithour-andthatscenecamealive.”Abudu,alsoonherofficialInstagrampaidtributetothelatestory-“Biyihadaneyeforastory,wasalwaysabouthiswork,andhadaloveforYorubaculture.”HerstatementechoedsimilarthoughtsofwhohailedBandeleforreturn-toNigeriato“engagelocalstoriesandtotheindustryinNigeria.”Forhim,hisfilmadaptationswilltallasflashpointsinhiscareerwillinspirefuturegenerationsinThat’samanwhounderstoodresponsibilitytogivebacktoNigeriatorepresentherstorieswithglobalpractices.Itisgoodnewsthatheleftsuchabodyofworkthatisaproudforanystoryteller.”
StoriesbyVanessaObioha It was in 2013 at Bogobiri Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos that this reporter had the privilege to interview the late cerebral storyteller Biyi Bandele alongside the then Glitterati editor Nseobong Okon-Ekong. The interview was facilitated by his publicist at the time, Adeoye Bobo Omotayo. Bandele painted the picture of a rock star with his long locs and boots as he sat cross-legged on one of the sofas. We did not hesitate to ask him if people often get that impression of him when they first encountered him. He laughed gently and“Quitesaid: a few people get to think that I’m a musician. But you know, I’m an artist and I live the life. But I still choose to write andAnddirect.”hedid that till he passed on Sunday, August 7 as relayed by his family. By the time the news broke on Monday night, not a few people penned down lovely thoughts and memories about Bandele,
32 E-TRENDS THISDAY …Your weekly entertainment delight NOLLYWOODMUSICSHOWBIZ NETFLIX REITERATES COMMITMENT TO GIVE VOICES TO AFRICAN STORYTELLERSVIVADETERGENTMAKESNANCYISIMEBRANDAMBASSADOR
Mary Nnah Aspira Nigeria Limited, manufacturers and distributors of hygiene/personal care, dental care, and laundry care products in Nigeria, has unveiled Nancy Isime, one of Nigeria’s most versatile actresses and TV hosts, as the new brand ambassador for Viva detergent, a flagship product of Aspira. Viva Detergent is fast becoming a household name since its introduction into the Nigerian market in 2017. The brand has grown to be synonymous with quality, trust, and reliability. Viva detergent is produced using advanced state-of-the-art technology by an experienced team of industry experts at its state-of-the-art facility in Nigeria. Addressing guests after the signing ceremony at their Ikeja, Lagos office, Mr. Santosh Kumar, the Chief Marketing Officer of Aspira Nigeria said that Nancy Isime’s goal-getting persona influenced her brand association with VivaHeDetergent.reiterated, “Viva Detergent has always held on to its promise of providing good quality products at affordable prices. We never compromise on quality and innovation, and Nancy Isime, who aspires to be excellent in everything she does, is a great example of this. We are excited to have her on board with us.” “We chose Nancy to be our ambassador because she is a true example of a woman who has proved her mettle in the entertainment industry,” said Sami Jaafar, managing director of Aspira Nig. Ltd. “She has been a source of inspiration for millions of Nigerian youth, whom she has connected with because of her incredible talent.”
invitation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1956 to the Durbar Festival, and the processes leading to his abdication and subsequent exile.Ina similar vein, critical moments leading to the deposition of Khalifa Sanusi II were explored. Transcending published work at the time these events took place, the play humanises the Emir characters to highlight their impact on society. With little room for histrionics, the three performers managed to engage the audience with sarcasm sprinkled with suspense. While this technique worked most of the time, it sometimes inundated the audience with too much information with the use of long dialogues. Although it is not a deal breaker, it certainly overlooked the younger generation that mainly consumes ‘snackable’ content on social media. Or perhaps this move was a deliberate one that places more emphasis on education rather than entertainment. According to the Executive Director, Joseph Edgar, the aim of the project was to “change the narrative”, a line of thought also toed by the Khalifa who accoladed the production as “a brilliant work of art.” Certainly, the arrival of the stage play is a timely one, especially at a time when history has no place in the national school curriculum. It serves as an alternative to remind Nigerians of the vision of the founding fathers, and how they intended nation-building.Additionally, it will help influence perspectives in the upcoming 2023 general elections. While viewed by a limited number of people, as much as the hall could admit over the two-day period it ran, it surely opens new windows of possibilities to its audience. This effect is felt in the boisterous standing ovation it receives when the curtains fall.
…For pure art enthusiasts A Blast from the Past at Tinubu Square
Second Filler picture: Timothy Undiandeye flanked by Reciprocal Exchange facilitators, Asli Arslanbek and Jennifer Wilbanks of Drexel University Philadelphia at the Mural Site near University of Calabar have been affiliated to the Sankore University in Timbuktu. It was gathered that many Islamic scholars from Timbuktu had visited Katsina and taught Islamic education at the mosque. Damola Adebowale, a cultural activist, archivist and founder, ASIRI Magazine shared the history perspective to the site of the exhibition during his presentation at the Freedom Park, Lagos. He revealed that the Tinubu Square used to be occupied by a customary court and before its demolition, the court was surrounded by Brazilian and Cuban architecture that dominated the look of Lagos Island in the 1930s and 40s. “You stir people’s emotions when you put up certain images,’’ he said. “I displayed one of the pictures here online and someone asked Yinka Olatunbosun Calabar, the cultural hub of Southern Nigeria was the destination for changemakers recently who gathered for the sake of tackling the challenge of gender-based violence (BGV). From July 12-16, 2022, a mix of about 30 participants, comprising GBV survivors, gender right advocates from civil society and public sectors, counsellors, community and youth leaders converged on the Women Development Centre, Calabar to leverage the therapeutic power of the arts in addressing gender-based violence. The concept of self-care was explored, to help GBV practitioners increase their selfawareness, cultivate emotional resilience, enhance social skills, and relieve stress while working with victims and survivors of GBV. The project, dubbed Arts Against Gender-based Violence was facilitated by the Reciprocal Exchange component of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Supported by the US State Department and implemented by IREX, the event was a two-part programme featuring a training session and a mural painting segment.Jennifer Corey and Aslı Arslanbek, the two scholars from Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA were hosted by 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow, Timothy Undiandeye. It featured expressive dance therapy, art therapy, (magazine collage and maskWiththerapy).emphasis on encouraging selfreflection and expressiveness, the training set the tone for having difficult conversations, such as those encountered in GBV programming.Otherartistic tools such as storytelling, beadwork, weaving and carnivals, were highlighted as skills that might be leveraged on by change makers to build more resilient communities. This is founded on the reality that creative arts speak in non-invasive ways that traditional communication may not. The highlight of the project was the painting of the Zero Tolerance Mural for GBV, in collaboration with local artists. The mural is situated at Mary Slessor Avenue, near the Main Gate of University of Calabar. While reflecting on the project, Undiandeye said that the goal is to remove the stigma that is associated with having such difficult conversations that are prone to judgmental remarks.“Butthe arts have power to find common ground, bring down walls, and force crucial conversations that lead to reflection and positive change. Art unites us, regardless of our differences and experiences. I believe that tapping into the therapeutic power of the arts, and exploring the intersections of the arts with other disciplines holds burgeoning power to deliver non-linear solutions for many social problems. The Mandela Washington Fellowship has amplified my voice in using art as a tool for cultural diplomacy,’’ he remarked.
L-R: Brands Promotion Director, Lifemate Furniture, Mr Jasen Wei and Sales Director, Mr Kevin Xie, Hange Family and Executive Producer, The Big Family Dream Show, Oludare Onasanya, AGMB Corporate Communications Executive, Christiana Okwuwasi
33THISDAY ART WEEKEND
Tackling Genderbased ThroughViolencetheArts
if he could ‘like’ the picture twice because it is important to our continuous storytelling. This installation should not be a one-off project. “If you don’t tell your story and then correct your narrative, you’ll be in a place where you won’t be able to defend yourself or your identity.’’Withthe duo of Gisela Kayser and Akinbode Akinbiyi as curators, the on-going outdoor exhibition in Lagos which ends on August 14 is a concentrated take on Nigeria in the early 60s and a peek into Nigeria’s fascinating cultural history. The project which was initiated by Christine Matzke from the University of Bayreuth is supported by Goethe Institut, Lagos, Iwalewa Haus, Auswartiges Amt and Lagos Photo Festival.
F or years, western media had been accused of a condescending representation of Africa. It was common to see visuals of a scrawny-looking African child to tell the story of starvation in Africa or an aerial view of rusty-roofing sheets in shanties to depict communities in Africa. There were only but a few photographers of the colonial and early post-colonial period who told the story of royalty, eclectic cultural life with particular attention to the architectural beauty of Northern Nigeria, now turned terror zones. One of them was the German photographer, NinaTheFischer-Stephan.Founder,Modern Art Film Archiv, Mareike Palmeira introduced the Lagos audience to Fischer-Stephan’s body of works tucked away as archival materials. Anyone who had experienced or heard about the peace that existed in Northern Nigeria would be heartbroken at the current state of affairs. Still, the exhibition titled ‘The Respectful Gaze’ at the Tinubu Square (formerly known as Independence Square) in Lagos allows the viewer to reminisce on the good memories of a beloved nation from the perspective of Fischer-Stephan whose body of work on Nigeria had not been accessible for years. What she chose to capture and the story told through her lens conveyed admiration and respect for African culture. The programme note at the exhibition opening on July 1st gave a brief account into the life and times of this iconic photographer. Fischer-Stephan was born in Munich in 1922 but travelled to Africa in 1959 and was enthralled by what she saw. She and her husband decided to relocate to Nigeria and for 11 years, they lived in Ibadan. Her husband, Klaus Stephan was BR’s Special Correspondent in Nigeria and she travelled with him, taking pictures and documenting the history and art and culture in West Africa. Some of her photographs, stretched out in the form of seventy-four printed 2x2m fabric tarpaulins around Tinubu Square, were captured in Maiduguri, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zaria and Sokoto showcasing royal palaces, mosques, the alluring masterpieces of classical Hausa architecture and an encounter with the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Sir Usman Nagogo. A prominent feature at the exhibition, perhaps, is The Gobarau Minaret - probably dating from the 15th century. The 50 feet-tall minaret, a relic of the Gobarau mosque is an early example of MuslimAccordingarchitecture.tothecurators, the Gobarau mosque was turned into a University, which is believed to
The archival pictures, dredged from the estate of Nina Fischer-Stephan, hold Lagos in complete awe and a tinge of heartbreak when contemplating the past and present day Nigeria at the on-going outdoor exhibition by Modern Art Film Archive. Yinka Olatunbosun r eports
Gobarau Minaret
With Lifemate-AG Mortage TV Show Partnership, Family Dreams Come True Yinka Olatunbosun They called it ‘The Big Family Dream TV Show.’ In 2019, an exciting television content produced by Bafot Studios transformed the reel to reality. Fifty families raced to be part of this family game show towards winning a fully furnished 3-bedroom apartment. Sponsored by AG Mortgage Bank Plc and Lifemate Furniture, the show premiered in MNET’s African Family Magic in October 2019. Bafot Studios, the producers of ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things Nigeria,’ brought the game show ‘The Big Family Dream’ to strengthen family bonds and provide entertainment for theEssentially,people. the show was curated with questions that test financial literacy, and was indeed rigorous right from its audition stage. By the time the show ended, the global pandemic struck. The Hange family emerged as the winner of the first season of the show and moved into the new home in Abuja in 2021. Oludare Onasanya, the Executive Producer, led a ‘thank you visit’ to Lifemate Furniture, Oregun Lagos and the AG Mortgage Bank Plc, recently where the winning family would for the first time meet the sponsors of the life-changing game show. The family was received by the Brands Promotion Director, Lifemate Furniture, Jasen Wei and the company’s Sales Director, Kevin Xie. After expressing their heartfelt appreciation, a large painting was presented as a gift to the company while the Media Manager, Orebayo Ejiemhen expressed the joy of the directors in “Itbrief.ispart of our corporate social responsibility to give back to society. That’s why we are a part of this. When it came to this sponsorship, it was no brainer to us because we care about Nigerian families. I am glad that people appreciate what we do and they send us messages that they enjoy the furniture in their new homes,’’ she remarked.Christiana Okwuwasi, a Corporate Communications Executive at AG Mortgage Bank Plc, revealed that the show is a reflection of the mission and vision of AG Mortgage Plc to provide affordable and livable homes for its customers.
Keyamo in dismissing the controversial issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket explained that given the nature of the Nigerian polity, it was to be expected that a Southern Muslim like Tinubu would pick his running mate from the Muslim stock of the north in order to win election stressing that “if you flip it, you’d get it”. But last Tuesday some protest erupted from the North central zone condemning the choice of Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau State, as the Director General of the Tinubu campaign Organisation, saying the North Central deserves to produce the running mate to the APC candidate. Many see the appointment of Lalong as a deliberate effort to placate the Christian community, which feels neglected and ignored by the choice of Kashim Shettima as the running mate to Tinubu. Lalong has however insisted that he will take the appointment and stressed that the Pope has not condemned what he is doing politically. The protest was further amplified by some Middle Belt Congress youths who have called for the resignation of kashim Shettima , “to avoid the embarrassment of the party in the 2023 election”. It appears, an endless controversy. The fear that the campaigns will degenerate to attacks on individuals and not issues was given when Keyamo offered to nurture and support Senator Dino Melaye, one of the spokespersons of Atiku, in his music and comedy efforts, implying that Dino Melaye was not sufficiently equipped to deal with the more serious issues of a presidential campaign. Dino Melaye, in another interview, had earlier threatened to tear down Keyamo. The PDP, it appears, will be dogged with internal crisis and wrangling for a pretty long time. With the flip-flop reconciliation effort between the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike. This has affected the early constitution of the party’s Campaign Council. Perhaps more troubling for the PDP candidate will be the issues of his integrity quotient as he has been accused severally of unwholesome practices while in government. This, his critics say, caused the distrust between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar, who was his deputy. But Daniel Bwala, one of the spokespersons for the PDP candidate, while appearing on ARISE TV last Wednesday explained that the distrust arose from Atiku’a opposition to the third term plan of former President Obasanjo. As for the digital demography of the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, the mass of supporters has continued to swell. However the rank and file of the supporters which operate like a mob had swooped on Sam Omatseye whose column in The Nation, Obi-tuary drew a lot of flak from the supporters and non-supporters of Peter Obi, especially as he (Obi ) was accused of having a link with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In the same manner, over the weekend, a video of some persons believed to be of the Pyrates Confraternity, were seen singing and dancing to an Emi Lokan song that clearly mocks and denigrates the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Keyamo
Omo-Agege and the Leadership Sceptre in Delta If the occupation of media space is the only measure to test the electoral value and popularity of candidates at the Delta governorship race, then the Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege would be rest assured that his aspiration to govern Delta State has been confirmed and gazetted by the voting public in his state. But it is not. Last week, when the number five citizen of the country celebrated his 59th birthday, he practically had the world at his feet, what with tons of messages in regular and digital media felicitating with him. Like in many states, the contention for the governorship seat is essentially between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Omo-Agege is the unopposed candidate of the APC, while the PDP’s candidate is still a matter of controversy. While the primary election had produced Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who is the current Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, an Abuja High court had knocked him off and declared that Chief David Edevbie is the party’s candidate.Oborevwori is being accused of lacking requisite educational qualifications to run the governorship race. This accusation has thrown the Delta Speaker into the frenzy of struggling to prove that he is not only very qualified, having gone to schools in Nigeria, that he also got several certificates from foreign schools based on short term training programmes he attended. The declaration of Edevbie as the PDP candidate in the state has been challenged in an Appeal Court, which is yet to hear the matter proper. Last week, some youths believed to be supporters of Oborevbori had protested the perceived indifference of the national party leadership in the Delta governorship matter.
Ovie Omo Agege
Professor Wole Soyinka, the founder of the confraternity had expressed disapproval of the video which had gone viral. Similarly, the spokesman of the Bola Tinubu campaign organization, Bayo Onanuga has been forced to issue a statement urging Peter Obi to call his supporters to order, as they are often denigrating other presidential candidates, especially Bola Tinubu. The camp of the Rabiu Kwankwaso’s NNPP has been somewhat quiet and in a state of inertia, after naming its Vice Presidential candidate, Bishop Idahosa, which was seen as a loud answer to the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC. Though a Christian, Idahosa is little known in the political arena in Nigeria, just as his electoral value is yet to be assessed or confirmed. In all, there are clear indications that when the campaigns proper start towards the end of next month, the sparks of fire from the various campaign organisations will surely lighten the political firmament in Nigeria.
Earlier, Edevbie’s supporters had also led a protest calling on Iyrochia Ayu, the national Chairman of the party, to resign as his role in resolving the crisis in the state’s chapter of the party is foggy. While Oborevwori is being backed by the outgoing governor of Delta State and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Edev bie is being backed by the former governor of the state and godfather of the PDP in the state, Chief James Ibori. The aris ing conflict had put a strain in the relationship between Ibori and Okowa.While the infighting of the candidates in the PDP continues, even in the court, Omo-Agege seems to be consolidating on his hold of the voting public in the state.Beside his belief that he has spread enough of his goodwill and influence to every part of the state, using the privileges of his constituency projects, Omo-Agege also believes that the feud in the PDP may end up clearing the PDP off the ballot in the state. He argues that there are provisions in the new Electoral Act that stipulate that any party’s candidate who gets disqualified on account of not fulfilling the basic requirements of a governorship candidate will be barred from the contest as it will not be allowed to replace its candidate.
POLSCOPE Awaiting Campaign Fires
34 THISDAY
It is not certain if that fate will befall the PDP, which had been in control of political power in the state since 1999. Omo-Agege, who had also served as Special Duty Commissioner in the State as well as the Secretary to Government, explains that his structure in the state is all inclusive, just as his projects in every part of the state will certainly push and transmit his influence in the minds of the young and the old in the state. He boasts of having executed or having more ongoing projects in the state, than the state government. His street electrification projects in parts of Delta north, including even some Agbor communities, as well as classroom blocks and road projects in Koko, Escravos, several Urhobo communities, not to mention the markets and sundry empowerment programmes in the state, have gone a long way in endearing him to the hearts of community leaders in the state. The Deputy Senate President noted that in order to ensure that his projects are not mistaken for the State government’s projects, he has specially branded his own projects, including street light schemes. The newly established Federal Polytechnic in Orogun, De lta State may have been the crowning of his efforts to put the people of Orogun on the national map, what with the hundreds of jobs that the Polytechnic is bound to offer the people of the state, both the skilled and unskilled labour work force.
In a short while from now, the 2023 electioneering will kick off in earnest. But ahead of that whistle, we are already being ushered into the prologue lounge of what promises to be a fiery and dirty campaign drama. We can tell from the emerging character and colour of the campaign that there will be a surfeit of entertainment of the Nigerian electorate in the shade of the good, the bad and the ugly. There are eighteen political parties that will be running for the 2023 presidential contest. But attention may just be focused on the quartet of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP--- sounds more like NNPC). No doubt, the campaigns should be issuesdenominated, but the indications that it will include the drawbacks of the various candidates, are already being shown. Perhaps, the one with the heaviest baggage is the APC presidential standard-bearer, Senator Bola Tinubu. Clearly, the concerns on four areas of his profile will draw much flak. They include his age, his educational qualifications, his health and his source of wealth; while the larger issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket will be a major cross that will be borne. His campaign spokesman, Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity is already sweating in his bid to explain and defend these points about his candidate. Early in the week, Keyamo appeared on ARISE News TV station where he struggled (impatiently) to explain away the concerns Nigerians have on his master. He came across with some air of omniscient complex, garnished with arrogance, ready to explain away and even dismiss all the issues about Bola Tinubu and even the APC. When asked about Tinubu’s certificate scandals, he pre-empted the interviewer by saying Toronto State University had written to say Tinubu graduated from that institution with a grade equivalent to First Class. He was asked if Tinubu actually went to Primary and secondary schools, as there has been so much controversy over those stages of the candidate’s education. Without saying Yes or No, Keyamo, although admitted that Tinubu “did not reveal it”, launched into the verbiage of “virtues of great men”, which he said was studying and passing those exams from home and not going to the four walls of a school”, stressing that “in those days, you don’t have to go to school”, adding that “that’s how you know great men”, he enthused. Really? Was there ever a time in our history that people deliberately didn’t have to go to school and chose to read for exams from their homes, if it was not for certain deprivations, especially financial? He cleverly avoided being categorical whether or not Tinubu went to school, choosing to ride roughshod over some other critical questions. But if Tinubu actually went to school, who were his classmates and how old are they? On his age, he repeated that Tinubu is 70 years old, asking the interviewer whether or not she was Tinubu’s parents to argue otherwise. This is against the belief that Tinubu’s eldest daughter, who is the Iyaloja of Lagos is 60 years old. But Keyamo quips that “she is 40-something.” Keyamo cannot be unaware of the recent testimony of Tee Mac, musician and Tinubu’s in-law, who declared that Bola Tinubu is 86 years old. Asked about the security situation confronting the country under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Keyamo in what looks like overshadowing Lai Mohammed in undermining critical issues said the Buhari administration had done so much in combating the security challenges facing the country . His proof of this prowess is that the Maiduguri-based El kanemi Football Club which has been playing its matches in Bauchi because of the insecurity in Maiduguri and the rest of the North east, can now play in Maiduguri.
Dino Melaye
L-R: Deputy Commander, Seaport Operations, Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM), Omolade Faboyede; Director-General, CADAM, Dr. Dokun Adedeji; and Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), during his visit to CADAM Rehabilitation Centre in Epe, Lagos State...recently
L-R: Vice President Administration/ South West Director, Institute of Intrapreneurship Management and Human Resource Development and Professionals (IIHP), Professor Adebayo Obanla; recipient of award and new Fellow of IIHP, Prince Bamigbala Adekola; and South-west Coordinator, IIHP, Dr. Kunle Awotiku, during the seventh Entrepreneur and Security Conference, Awards, Graduation and Induction Conferment ceremony at Ota in Ogun State...recently L-R: Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN); and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, during the centenary birthday prayer for the Baba Adinni of Lagos, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Abou (OFR), held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island...recently
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left), and South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thamsanqa Dennis Mseleku (right), during a courtesy visit to the APC presidential candidate at the presidential campaign office in Abuja...recently
Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins (middle) flanked by the newly ordinated priests, Rev. Lious K. Anyanwu; Rev. Chukwunyere R. Nwabugwu; Rev. Emmanuel O. Fashanu; Rev. Clement E. Idobogbe; Rev. Paul C. Mbah; Rev. Benjamin M. Mkpahu; Rev. Hilary T. Ogunyemi; Rev. Dominic Okafor; and Rev. Anthony O. Olympio, during the priestly ordination and 10th installation anniversary of the Archbishop of Lagos at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos...recently
L-R: Secretary, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Group, Enugu State chapter, Chief Joseph Ugwoke; member, Mrs. Kate Ofor; Convener, Dr. Ben Nwoye, and APC Women Leader, Mrs. Ndidiamaka Onuma, during the inauguration of the group and inaugural meeting in Enugu...recently
IMAGES Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com 35THISDAY DAY AUGUST 12, 2022
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; state Commissioner for Health. Prof. Akin Abayomi; Head of Marketing and Procurement, Shapoorji Pallonji Nigeria Limited, Vikas Kane; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, during an inspection of the on-going construction of the New Massey Children Hospital at Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island...recently
The Managing Director and Deputy Head of EFG Hermes’ Investment Banking division, Maged El Ayouti in a statement said, “We are proud to have carried on our role as trusted partners in our longstanding relationship with MARAKEZ in their EGP 2.25 billion financing transactions over the past two years. “This transaction is a testament to our ability to seamlessly cross-sell products across EFG Hermes, with this transaction seeing the first-time participation of both EFG Hermes Corp-Solutions and aiBANK alongside the Investment Banking division, cementing our positioning as a one-stop-shop for our clients’ ever-evolving financing needs.” Tamer Seif, CEO and Managing Director of aiBANK, commented, “We are extremely delighted to have collaborated with other subsidiaries across EFG Hermes Holding to provide support to MARAKEZ, allowing us to diversify our portfolio and increase our exposure to high quality, income-generating businesses.”
Daikin Opens First Brand Shop in Nigeria
Parthian Partners Issues N10bn Bond Nume Ekeghe Parthian Partners Limited has announced the successful issuance of its debut N10 billion 3-year Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Short-term Bond. The issuance represents the first short-term bond under the FMDQ Securities Exchange short-term bond framework and the first bond by an Interdealer broker in the Nigerian capital market. In a statement, the compant noted that the bond issuance also follows the successful redemption of Parthian’s maiden N20 billion Commercial Paper Issuance in November/December 2021. The fully subscribed bond, issued at coupon rate of 13.50 percent, has been enjoying solid interest from a wide spectrum of institutional investors. According to the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Olayinka Arewa said: “Being Nigeria’s pioneer interdealer broker comes with the arduous responsibility of blazing the trail in providing liquidity in the fixed income market – one which Parthian Partners has embraced, and for which we have constantly sought innovative ways to maintain a high standard. We are the first IDB to issue a bond of this size and we plan on facilitating infrastructure development across the country by investing in FGN Promissory notes and the FGN Bond market. We recognise the efforts of the investor community in ensuring the success of this bond issuance and commit to upholding their confidence in us as we deliver on our strategic growth objectives. ” Also speaking on the transaction, Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Capital, Nigeria, Samuel Sule stated, “Parthian Partners has once again proved its leading position in the interdealer broker segment of our domestic financial markets. We are pleased to act as the Lead Issuing House on the first bond issue from a pure-play interdealer broker in the domestic capital markets and the first short-term bond under the FMDQ Securities Exchange framework. The transaction has broad support from the domestic investor base highlig hting the robust structure of the instrument, credit positioning and positive ratings of the Company. Renaissance Capital remains committed to African capital markets and we look forward to further solving our clients’ needs and deepening our domestic capital markets.”
L-R: Managing Director, Top Pan Printing Company, Hussein Jaffar; TV Host and Actress, Nancy Isime; Managing Director, Imperio Nigeria, Khudor Jaafar; and Chief Marketing Officer, Aspira Nigeria Limited, Santhosh Nair, during the unveiling ceremony of Nancy Isime as Viva brand ambassador in Lagos…recently
Kayode Tokede Daikin has announced the launch of its first Brand Shop in Nigeria, in partnership with ACE Solutions, our authorized Dealer.
Afarmacco Boss Seeks Data-driven Practice to Boost Poultry Farming
BUSINESS/ MONEYGUIDE EFG Hermes Concludes Advisory on EGP 750m Financing Transaction for MARAKEZ MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) JUNE 2022 Money Supply (M3) 48,865,823.53 -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 167,956.2 Money Supply (M2) 48,797,867.32 -- Quasi Money 28,405,330.1 -- Narrow Money (M1) 20,392,537.22 ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,722,785.91 ---- Demand Deposits 17,669,751.32 Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 6,242,394.29 Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 42,623,429.24 -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 57,267,178.05 ---- Credit to Government (Net) 17,996,690.06 ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 39,270,488 --Other Assets Net 5,566,430 Reserve Money (Base Money 11,320,304 --Currency in Circulation 3,259,269.15 --Banks Reserves 11,320,303.72 --Special Intervention Reserves 384,377.56 Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) MonthJune 2022 Inter-Bank Call Rate 11.10 Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 13.00 Treasury Bill Rate 2.45 Savings Deposit Rate 1.38 1 Month Deposit Rate 3.48 3 Months Deposit Rate 4.55 6 Months Deposit Rate 4.97 12 Months Deposit Rate 5.30 Prime Lending rate 12.29 Maximum Lending Rate 27.61 36 THISDAY AUGUST 12, 2022 Kayode Tokede EFG Hermes, has announced that its Investment Banking division successfully closed advisory on the latest EGP 750 million financing over two tranches in a sale and leaseback package for MARAKEZ, one of the largest mixed-use developers in Egypt. The division acted as the sole financial advisor and arranger on the transaction, while EFG Hermes Corp-Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EFG Hermes Holding and one of Egypt’s leading leasing and factoring companies, acted as the leasing partner and EFG Hermes’ recently acquired aiBANK acted as the lender.
Funmi Ogundare The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Afarmacco, Mr. Godfrey Ebetaleye has called on farmers across the country to embrace the use of data to transform the poultry industry saying that the move will go a long way in helping to manage and measure their farm production trends. He added that the move will also maximise the effective practice of the poultry business. Ebetaleye who made this call, reently in Lagos, at the launch of Afarmacco, a web-based app that can help keep data on poultry farming, expressed concern about the lack of tools among poultry farmers saying that it has seriously affected them in making waves in the Accordingindustry.tohim, “the farmer producing egg is still selling egg at the rate they sold when prices were on a lower level, so at the end of the day, they end up incurring losses.” He noted that the app carries an action planner that helps the farmers to keep track of what and when medication should be given to their fowls.”
The Vice President-Sales at Daikin MEA, Tuna Gulenc, in a statement said: “With the new store opening, Daikin aims to respond to the growing needs of the Nigerian market, introducing technologies and products that ensure the best air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency.
“Reports indicate that some air conditioners are not suitable for the Nigerian environment, constituting in health hazards and accidents, resulting from a lack of access to advanced systems and mechanical expertise. “After carefully studying the market landscape and air quality levels in the country, we at Daikin look forward to expanding our expertise to the market and providing high-level air conditioning systems while taking the environment into consideration.”Daikinaimsto build a cleaner environment in the African region by appointing new channel partners in Africa to strive for access to better air quality and energy efficiency, while simultaneously strengthening service and aftermarket support. With a strong localization strategy, Daikin looks forward to focusing on sustainability, IAQ and drive more awareness towards a healthy living environment, while introducing new inverter R32 product solutions – split and mini VRV that offer superior performance while utilizing technology for lower operational costs and environmental impact.
OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, MAY 7
The Managing Director of Ace Business Solutions, Rajesh Hathiramani said: “With the opening of the Daikin brand shop in Abuja, we hope to provide a comfortable, easy, and interactive experience for our customers. “The store features Daikin products that are appropriate for the Nigerian market, as well as the technical expertise to provide the best solution to fulfil a client’s needs.”
CEO of Marakez, Basil Ramzy in the statement said “This collaboration comes within our strategy to join hands with established partners that further consolidate our leading market position and boost our expansion plans in Egypt and beyond it. EFG Hermes is a longstanding partner of MARAKEZ and the current transaction is a testament to our solid financial performance and certainly advances our growth in new directions and landscapes.”
The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
In his remarks, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mr. Olusola Olatunbosun, affirmed that with the App, poultry famers would have the capability of keeping and translating their operations into figures for better management of their farm. The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria in Ogun State, Mr. Idowu Asenuga, commended the efforts of the initiator of the app saying, “the arrival of Afarmacco into the poultry industry is timely and has the potential to change the narrative within the sector.”
MAIN BOARDDEALS
PRICES FOR SECURITIES
Stock Market Depreciates by N33bn on Selloffs in MTN Nigeria, 14 Others fell by 52.2 per cent to 133.591 million shares, worth N2.438 billion, and traded in 4,292 deals.Transactions in the shares of UBA topped the activity chart with 20.453 million shares valued at N143.647 million. Chams followed with 8.978 million shares worth N2.772 million, while Access Holdings traded 8.166 million shares valued at N72.687 million. Japaul Gold & Ventures traded 7.346 million shares valued at N2.860 million, while Jaiz Bank transacted 7.104 million shares worth N6.240Analystsmillion.atGTI Securities Limited said “the Nigerian equity market closed bearish today due to sell-off in bluechip stocks such as MTNN and others. We expect mixed sentiments to continue, as more companies release their second quarter (Q2) results.”
MARKETPRICE QUANTITYTRADED VALUE TRADED(N)
MAIN BOARDDEALS
THISDAY 37
Kayode Tokede The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday depreciated by N33 billion on selloffs in MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) and 14 others. The telecommunication giant depreciated by 0.5 per cent and Stanbic IBTC Holding dropped by 5.6 per cent to drag market capitalisation to a lost of N33billion to close at N26.976trillion from N27.009trillion it opened forAstrading.aresult, the NGX All Share Index (ASI) decreased by 60.87 basis points or 0.12 per cent to close at 50,014.60 basis points from 50,075.47basis points the stock market opened for trading. As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive as 21 stocks gained relative to 15 losers. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N5.83, per share. FCMB Group followed with a gain 9.84 per cent to close at N3.35, while Ikeja Hotel rose 9.43 per cent to close at N1.16, per share. Multiverse Mining and Exploration went up by 9.22 per cent to close at N2.25, while Courteville Business Solutions appreciated by 8.51 per cent to close at 51 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Associated Bus Company led the losers’ chart by 6.67 per cent to close at 28 kobo, per share. Jaiz Bank followed with a decline of 5.56 per cent to close at 85 kobo, while Stanbic IBTC Holdings shed 3.28 per cent to close at N28.05, per share.Caverton Offshore Support Group lost 2.86 per cent to close at N1.02, while UBA shed 2.78 per cent to close at N7.00, perAlso,share.the total volume traded TRADED AS OF 11 /8/2022
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THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 2022 Afrinvest West Africa Limited Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com Brokerage Asset Management Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com Investment Research Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index fell by 14bps atThe1,674.89 points due to sell-pressure on ZENITH (-0.6%), WAPCO (-1.3%), and UBA (-0.7%). These stocks cumulaASI up 11bps as DANGCEM Gains 3.3% (+9.8%), (+0.7%) bolstered the local bourse as the AllShare index rose by 11bps to 39,550.36 points. proved to -1.8% while value The most traded stocks by volume were (11.1m Bearish Sector Performance Across sectors under our coverage, performance was bearish as 4 indices lost, 1 index gained er Insurance indices, down 4.6% and(9.1%), (-3.5%), (-6.4%), and (ing indices fell (-0.8%),by (er, up 1.8% driven by price appreciain (+3.3%). stocks1.6x advanced while 15 stocks declined. MRS (+9.9%), MAYBAKER (+9.8%), and HONYFLOUR (+9.8%) led gainers while ABCTRANS (-8.3%), LASACO (-6.7%), and LIVESTOCK (-4.8%) led losers. Previous day, we expect the earnings season gradually winds up. TickerPricePrice Chg % TickerPricePriceCUTIX2.252.7%AIICO0.563.7%WEMABANK3.586.9%CHAMS0.316.9%UNITYBNK0.467.0%COURTVILLE0.518.5%MULTIVERSE2.259.2%IKEJAHOTEL1.169.4%FCMB3.359.8%NAHCO5.8310.0%Chg % INTBREW5.20-1.0%ACCESSCORP8.85-1.1%UPDC1.06-1.9%STERLNBANK1.47-2.0%NEM4.01-2.4%UBA7.00-2.8%CAVERTON1.02-2.9%STANBIC28.05-3.3%JAIZBANK0.85-5.6%ABCTRANS0.28-6.7% Top 10 Gainers Top 10 Losers TickerVolumePrice Chg % TickerValuePriceFIDELITYBK5.61.7%WEMABANK5.76.9%ZENITHBANK5.8-0.2%MTNN6.1-0.5%GTCO6.4-0.5%JAIZBANK7.1-5.6%JAPAULGOLD7.32.7%ACCESSCORP8.2-1.1%CHAMS9.06.9%UBA20.5-2.8%Chg % PRESCO40.70.0%NESTLE51.10.0%FBNH55.80.5%ACCESSCORP72.7-1.1%WAPCO77.01.3%ZENITHBANK123.5-0.2%GTCO130.8-0.5%UBA143.6-2.8%SEPLAT228.10.0%MTNN1217.5-0.5% Top 10 Trades by Volume Top 10 Trades by Value Ticker CurrentPrice PreviousPriceChange WeightingCurrent ChangePriceYTD IndexChangePricetoDate ROEROAP/EP/BV DivindendYield EarningsYield THISDAY AFRINVEST 402444.88-0.08%31.8%144.5%26.0%4.9%4.8x0.8x6.8%13.7% 1 Airtel Africa PLC 1,905.40 0.0% 49.8%99.5%10.0%19.2%6.7%1.1% 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 200.00 -0.5% 6.9%1.5%-13.0%144.8%14.4%12.0x15.2x6.4%8.3% 3 BUA Cement Plc 58.80 0.0% 4.9%-12.3%-18.2%23.3%12.1%22.1x5.0x4.7%4.5% 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 20.45 -0.5% 4.2%-21.3%-0.2%19.8%3.2%3.4x0.7x14.7%29.7% 5 Zenith Bank PLC 21.40 -0.2% 4.1%-14.9%-1.4%20.6%2.6%2.7x0.5x14.5%37.1% 6 Dangote Cement PLC 265.00 0.0% 3.7%3.1%-3.6%44.2%15.8%13.2x6.0x7.7%7.6% 7 Lafarge Africa PLC 23.50 1.3% 2.6%-1.9%-11.0%15.6%11.1%6.3x0.9x8.5%15.9% 8 FBN Holdings Plc 10.85 0.5% 2.5%-4.8%-6.5%20.5%1.9%2.3x0.4x3.2%43.1% 9 Nestle Nigeria PLC 1,300.00 0.0% 2.4%-16.5%-7.1%178.2%15.1%22.4x35.7x3.8%4.5% 10 SEPLAT Energy PLC 1,430.50 0.0% 2.8%120.1%10.0%9.9%5.1%11.1x1.1x3.3%9.0% 11 Access Holdings PLC 8.85 -1.1% 2.1%-4.8%-4.8%17.9%1.6%1.9x0.3x7.9%51.7% 12 United Bank for Africa PLC 7.00 -2.8% 1.5%-13.0%-6.0%15.6%1.4%2.0x0.3x14.3%49.8% 13 Nigerian Breweries PLC 47.15 0.0% 1.2%-5.7%-19.8%13.4%4.9%16.0x2.1x3.6%6.3% 14 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 216.90 0.0% 1.4%52.7%0.0%52.6%30.4%9.7x4.8x3.6%10.3% 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 10.60 0.0% 1.3%21.8%0.0%20.0%1.1%2.1x0.4x6.3%46.7% 16 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 28.05 -3.3% 1.0%-22.1%-16.4%15.6%2.1%5.9x0.9x10.7%16.9% 17 International Breweries PLC 5.20 -1.0% 1.0%5.1%-17.5%-2.4%-0.9%1.0x-2.4% 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 32.90 0.0% 0.9%16.0%1.2% 0.7x6.6% 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 3.07 1.7% 0.6%20.4%-10.2%13.3%1.2%2.3x0.3x11.6%42.8% 20 Guinness Nigeria PLC 84.00 0.0% 0.6%115.4%-7.2%19.1%8.1%11.7x2.0x8.5%8.5% 21 Presco PLC 158.40 0.0% 0.4%80.4%-4.0%53.7%20.2%7.0x3.7x4.6%14.3% 22 FCMB Group Plc 3.35 9.8% 0.4%12.0%-3.2%12.4%1.2%2.2x0.3x6.0%45.4% 23 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 1.86 0.0% 0.4%-19.8%-7.0%5.7%1.7%9.2x0.5x13.4%10.9% 24 United Capital PLC 12.55 -0.4% 0.4%26.8%-1.6% 6.0x2.8x12.0%16.7% 25 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 16.70 0.0% 0.4%-4.0%2.5%23.2%8.7%6.8x1.5x6.0%14.6% 26 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 1.10 0.0% 0.3%14.6%-10.6%19.0%4.3%2.7x0.4x1.8%37.1% 27 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 10.25 0.0% 0.3%68.0%6.8% 7.8x1.1x2.5%12.8% 28 Cadbury Nigeria PLC 15.40 0.0% 0.2%75.0%-10.7% 8.7x1.9x3.3%11.4% 29 UAC of Nigeria PLC 10.80 1.9% 0.2%13.7%-2.7%3.6%1.6%18.0x0.7x6.0%5.6% 30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 234.50 0.0% 0.2%5.7%0.0% 1.8x 31 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 25.90 0.0% 0.2%15.9%-2.3%19.1%2.1%5.5x0.8x9.7%18.2% 32 Custodian and Allied Insurance 6.80 0.0% 0.2%-13.9%-2.9%18.2%5.2%4.1x0.7x7.3%24.4% 33 Wema Bank PLC 3.58 6.9% 0.2%397.2%12.2%15.7%0.9%9.0x1.9x6.7%11.1% 34 Unilever Nigeria PLC 13.50 0.0% 0.1%-6.9%-8.8%7.2%4.3%42.0x1.2x3.7%2.4% 35 Jaiz Bank PLC 0.85 -5.6% 0.1%51.8%-6.6%20.0%1.5%6.2x1.2x4.7%16.1% 36 Oando PLC 4.90 0.0% 0.1%10.9%-13.6% -21.5%-183.5% 37 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 5.80 -0.9% 0.1%-1.7%-5.7%6.4%0.7%9.3x0.6x10.8% 38 Sterling Bank PLC 1.47 -2.0% 0.1%-2.6%-3.3%10.3%1.0%2.7x0.3x6.8%37.2% 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 62.50 0.0% 0.0%0.0%0.0%-17.7%-4.1%1.8x-1.8% 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc 6.25 0.0% 0.0%16.2%0.0% 1.0x1.1% Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX Friday, August 12, 2022 Damilare Asimiyu | dasimiyu@afrinvest.com Thisday Afrinvest Index down 0.08% The Thisday Afrinvest 40 index fell 0.08% to MTNN (0.5%), GTCO (-0.5%), and ZENITH (0.1% -ASI lower by 0.1% to 50,014.60 units while value traded increased 17.1% to Bearish Sector Performance Across sectors within our purview, -1.0%).performance-1.1%), Outlook breadth, weakened marginally to 0.09x from 0.14x the week. 38
FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022 • THISDAY 39
What should companies resolve to do now? To navigate the future, companies must resolve that strategic thinking and problemsolving are the keys to a successful business and develop a robust capability at all levels.
Does global complexity play any role in all this? There's no doubt that life and business have gotten more complex, even as specific tasks and activities have become more accessible due to information technology. The pace of change is quickening. The global economy is becoming more connected, creating a much larger and more diverse population of customers and suppliers. Global political tensions (e.g. China/ USA, Russia/Ukraine and Europe, UK/ Brexit) and isolationist policies combined with inflationary and low GDP growth economic forces are creating a difficult terrain for all organisations to navigate. Manufacturing and services are increasingly targeted at smaller, specialised markets due to the flexibility that IT provides in these areas. The 3D printing revolution is a perfect example. We know from our knowledge of the patterns of evolution that, in reality, systems tend to become more complex as they evolve, then become simplified again. The problem is how to develop better systems-thinking capability to design your business models, processes, products and services to minimise unnecessary complexity. In Nigeria, challenges with access to power and the very high cost of diesel make the operating context more complex. There are many examples from other contexts of organisations that have successfully managed complexity which we will share during the forthcoming TEXEM, UK’s programme. Lessons from these examples will help shape winning strategies.
What are the best practices for an organisation to be or remain on top of their competition? Creating a sustainable advantage over competitors is at the heart of any winning strategy. The cornerstone of such successful strategies is the ability to resolve a complicated issue that is novel and hard to copy. How do we do this? Firstly we need to understand the external business environment and address questions such as what industry we are in, how attractive it is, and what macro-forces are shaping the industry. Being able to look outside the organisation and sense the significant changes are essential practices. Also, we need to consider our organisational objectives – are they sufficiently ambitious and stretching? Are we communicating these goals effectively in the organisation, and is everybody aligned around them is a second practice to focus on? Do we understand the critical uncertainties in the future and how the situation might evolve? A third good practice is the ability to create plausible future scenarios and determine how the organisation can respond to them.
The London Business School-trained Paul Griffith, the world's first professor of management to lead a team to launch a rocket to space, shares insights into how leaders can build resilient organisations irrespective of adversity and volatility. Prof Paul Griffith, Ambassador Charles Crawford, and John Peters will help deliver the sessions of the programme, slated to hold between August 22 and 25 in Birmingham, UK. He also explains why executives should attend TEXEM UK's forthcoming programme on Building Resilient organisations for sustainable success in this interview any organisation complex. At the same time, the lack of diversity within many large organisational leadership teams leads to a narrow view of an ever-changing and diverse world—contributing to groupthink, stale culture and a tendency to live with the status quo for too long. The problem to be solved is first to define what diversity (and we're not talking about satisfying government statisticians) means in your organisation, then foster the expansion of differing ideas and viewpoints while ensuring a sufficiently cohesive environment that efficiently gets things done.
Griffith
Paul Griffith: How to Build Resilient Organisations Amid Nigeria's Uncertainty
What are the core challenges facing businesses operating in Nigeria and Africa? There are many challenges that Nigeria faces specifically, and I know that there is a lot of overlap with the challenges faced in other countries. One is uncertainty. All human beings, but it seems leaders find significant discomfort in uncertainty. Uncertainty in the global economy, uncertainty in the credit markets, uncertainty in how new regulations will affect business, uncertainty about what competitors are doing, and uncertainty about how new technology will affect their organisations—are just the start of a never-ending list. The bottom line is that uncertainty leads to a shortterm focus. A failure to plan strategically in the long term can destroy value. The forthcoming Nigerian elections have raised the level of uncertainty a notch higher. The TEXEM's upcoming programme on Building Resilience For Sustainable Success In An Age Of Disruption will offer actionable insights on how to address this. Another is innovation. The problem to be solved is becoming more innovative while maintaining a sense of control over the organisation. Organisations could turn challenges into opportunities if they could develop a culture of intrapreneurs and collaboration.Thereisalso the issue of government policy and regulation. A changing regulatory environment is always of concern in specific industries, but uncertain energy, environmental and financial policy complicates the decision-making for nearly all organisations-government or private today. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations and the scarcity of forex required for organisational input make it challenging to make long-term strategic decisions. Also, the Nigerian government's expenditure on oil subsidies means there is less revenue to invest in infrastructure and human capital. The current Academic Staff Union of Universities' strike is a good example. This strike in which able young citizens are idle has immense implications on the nation's long-term competitiveness. Note that social unrest and industrial actions are the new normal even in developed countries. For example, the transport workers in the UK will go on strike next week, and teachers and doctors might soon join the strike too. What is required in these turbulent times are strategic leaders that are authentic, trusted and can negotiate symbiotic outcomes in an era of limited resources. Attend TEXEM's forthcoming programme to learn how to influence sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders strategically. Does the disruption of digital technologies also have to be considered? The pace of technological improvement is running at an exponentially increasing rate. In Nigeria, for example, 99.99% network uptime is a tall order. According to most surveys, broadband penetration is still below 50%, and the enormous informal sector characteristic of developing countries makes banking penetration very low. This offers immense opportunities to organisations that can roll out products and services for those selling agricultural products, some of whom generate huge revenue but are unbanked. While the CBN has done a lot in encouraging banking inclusiveness, this contextual reality also offers more opportunities for the regulators to develop regulations to encourage investment and stability in this area utilising big data. In addition, is the aspect of diversity. A particular subset of human capital planning is often found in our research and is worth mentioning. Diversity brings many challenges, making it far more likely that people disagree, and the lack of agreement makes leading
Why should delegates attend this forthcoming programme on building resilience for sustainable success? Executives will engage in a powerful, engaging, memorable and impactful programme where they can develop strategic capabilities through exposure to fundamental concepts and frameworks and experiential learning processes delivered by world-class faculty. These insights can be applied directly to their organisation for immediate impact. These world-renowned faculties will leverage TEXEM's tested and proven pedagogical methodologies that have helped over four thousand executives and their organisations across different continents to win.
INTERVIEW 40 THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
What about supply chains? Supply chains are vital. Because of uncertainty in demand and the need to stay lean, companies carry smaller inventories than ever. At the same time, supply uncertainty driven by wildly changing commodity prices, an apparent increase in weather-related disruptions, and increasing competition for raw materials make supply chain planning more challenging than ever. This is leading companies to hedge their inventories against the inherently rising cost of supplies.
Finally, what is the value we are creating for our stakeholders? To outperform the competition, we must continuously seek to understand our stakeholders (e.g. customers, regulators and employees) and identify new ways to solve their 'pain points. Should an organisation be more concerned about investing in human capacity than losing human resources? In the 21st Century and the post-Covid world, the focus continues to be on the 'war for talent' – finding and retaining great people to take the organisation forward. New skills – particularly in digital technologies – need to be acquired or developed as well as a mindset that embraces a customer-led approach, an innovative approach to problem-solving, a collaborative working style, a culture of learning and a growth mindset. It is common knowledge that many businesses are profitably reaping from the new order into which the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered us. So what is the solution for organisations struggling to harness the opportunities of the post-pandemic era? Some observations are that strategic leaders have been: First, clear on their organisation's purpose- this has been the 'touchstone' for decision making; able to let go of 'old mental models' and adapt/ pivot to the new reality of the business environment – organisations need to adapt to 21st Century models for success and not spend time 'looking in the rearview mirror'; and embrace a more innovative rather than mechanistic management approach. To learn more on how to develop a strategic leadership quotient in these increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous times, join John Peters, Ambassador Charles Crawford and I on the programme Building, Resilient organisations for sustainable success at Birmingham, UK.
How can an organisation prepare for an unknown tomorrow in the postpandemic age? Leaders operating in the strategic domain need to be curious and constantly exploring the external business environment to spot the 'weak signals' of powerful new forces that will shape the world. Tapping into these weak signals early on allows the organisation to experiment and consider the implications for their organisation - if appropriate, they can scale effectively to take advantage of these new forces ahead of their competition. The forthcoming TEXEM programme on Building resilient organisations for sustainable success in an era of uncertainty will help equip leaders with these requisite skillsets for success.
Buhari noted that the government would appreciate all support from donors, development partners and the international community in order to ensure that the Commission conducts a census that would be transparent, credible and meet national and international standard. “Our administration is convinced that the National Population Commission has the commitment and capacity to deliver to the nation a reliable, credible, acceptable and successful census. We are also satisfied with the deployment of technology by the Commission to ensure the conduct of the first fully digital census in Nigeria as the census methodology will enhance the data quality, inspire the confidence of the Nigerian people and acceptability of the censusBuhariresults.’’saidthe summit would further strengthen collaboration and solicit the cooperation and support of key stakeholders for the successful conduct of the 2023 Census, while appreciating the National Population Commission for organising the summit and wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and successful conduct of the census. WEEKLY BRIEFING...
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
FG: By 2050, Nigeria's Population Projected to Rank Third Worldwide After India, China
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has said it would henceforth ensure that applications emanating from injured or incapacitated workers are processed not later than 10 days.Italso announced plan for a fundamental restructuring of its service compact with the introduction of a toll free, 24-hour Call Centre to boost access and enable prompt feedback from members of the public. It also said that as part of efforts to respond faster and offer effective service to subscribing employees, the NSITF was establishing an electronic feedback system that would ensure that aggrieved subscribers file their complaints and get responses real time. Speaking on yesterday, at the NSITF-SERVICOM Stakeholders’ Forum, the Managing Director, NSITF, Mr. Michael Akabogu said the Fund was striving to restore full confidence of Nigerians to its operations.Heexplained: “To bolster service delivery, the fund will in the next few months unveil a toll free, 24-hour Call Centre, with a catchy, easy-to -remember code to enhance access and prompt feedback.“Thisis a fundamental step intended to tear down the wall between the fund and its numerous publics especially with the issues of complaints on claims, registration and emergencies. It will effectively eliminate cases, where mishaps are not promptly reported for reasons of hours of the day or days of the week, when offices are usually shut.”
NSITF to Pay Claims, Compensations Within 10 Days Wakanow has announced its partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites for the 2022 Prideland edition of the Tropical Christmas Wonderland that takes place annually.Bothorganisations disclosed this during a press conference held at Eko Hotels and Suites onTheyWednesday.pointedout that Wakanow was appointed the official ticketing partner for this year’s edition. The travel agency with spread across Africa and the United Arab Emirates aims to transform the booking experience for clients and the organisers of the event. Speaking on the partnership, Wakanow’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebayo Adedeji said: “We are excited to partner with Eko Hotels and Suites on this year’s edition of the event. We are bringing our expertise in travel and our ability to support Nigerian inbound tourism from all over the world. “Our partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites would help us engage with one of the most passionate client bases in leisure, travel, holiday, and entertainment. To us, this isn’t just a ticketing deal, it’s a true partnership. Together, we will create only the best experiences for the Tropical Christmas Wonderland fans of today and tomorrow.”
On his part, the General Manager, Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou, noted that, “We are glad to bring Wakanow on board to be a part of the Tropical Christmas Wonderland, our new partner did a tremendous job integrating into their ticket sales ecosystem and providing our guests with a frictionless process to purchase packages and passes best-suited for the Prideland Edition.”
Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that Nigeria is projected to be the third most populated nation in the world after India and China by 2050. The president also put the nation's current population at 216 million and sixth most populous nation in the world.
L-R: Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ejodamen Jedy-Agba and the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA), Brigadier-General (rted) Mohammed Buba Marwa at the State House weekly briefing held at the Presidential Villa , Abuja ….yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI Puts nation's present population at 216 Million Harps on need for accuracy in 2023 census
NEWS
41THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
Also announcing the collaboration, Wakanow’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mrs. Adenike Macaulay said, “this partnership for us expresses our desire to ensure that we are at the forefront of activities or events that help us promote the beauty and rich heritage of Africa. “The Prideland Edition perfectly fuses the beauty of African culture while also preaching the gospel of leisure and relaxation.”
Eko Hotels Partners Wakanow on ‘The Pride Land’ Sets up feedback mechanism
On the issue of slow response to claims made by injured workers, the MD said the organisation has a standard practice of responding timely to claims within 14 days. He, however, noted that delays may occur due to lack of prompt report of cases of victims. He said most times the people do not report incidents to the appropriate departments at the NSITF on Regardingtime. the time lag for processing of claims and compensations, Akabogu said the situation has significantly improved.According to him, "over past one year, most of the claims were paid before 14 days.” He also said the NSITF had set a new target of shortening the time frame to about 10 days "SERVICOM department is one of the core areas that is required by the Fund for us to be able to let entire country feel impact of what we are doing," he said. Akabogu said previously, SERVICOM’s operation was not effectively implemented in the organisation, adding that presently, this has improved tremendously. "Right now, if I want to rate our compliance level, it is about 78 per cent. But going forward in the next few months, we will try to establish a Call Centre unit so that we will be able to get feedback from"SoNigerians.wewillbe able to score 100 per cent compliance latest by January,” he added. The MD said that as part of the restructuring that took place at the NSITF, a new General Manager for SERVICOM department, Mr. Nwachukwu Obidiwe was appointed.Akabogu further noted that the programme would be a huge boost to the Fund’s inroads into the bustling informal sector, where regular Nigerians in dire need of the services abound. “Over the past one year, most of the claims were paid before 14 days but now, we want to shorten the time frame to 10 days. SERVICOM department is one of the core areas we need to reinforce to achieve this, so that the entire country will feel the impact of what we are doing.
Speaking at a national stakeholders’ summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, Buhari stressed that due to the rapidly growing nature of the population and large proportion of the youthful population, "Nigeria is projected to be the third most populous country in the World by the year 2050 after India and China. “With a projected population of 216,783,381, Nigeria is the sixth most populous country in the world and the most populous country on the African continent." According to him, deployment of digital technology in the 2023 National Population and Housing Census would ensure effectiveness and more accuracy in the figures. The president said a reliable, credible, acceptable and successful census would help government in planning for development, especially in bolstering the social security programme that targets more vulnerable Nigerians. He said: “The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 16 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last census conducted in 2006 has been rendered out of date for planning purposes. “It has therefore become imperative for the nation to conduct another national census to produce a new set of demographic and socio-economic data that will provide the basis for national planning and sustainable development.“Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development. People are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the national population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes. This, therefore, makes the conduct of census an essential governance activity." Despite Nigeria’s high-ranking position on the global demographic map, the president said its population censuses had been conducted irregularly and at intervals, longer than the United Nations recommended 10 years. “This irregular and long interval of census taking in Nigeria, has denied the nation the huge benefits of comprehensive baseline data for evidence-based decision-making. “Since our assumption of office in 2015, our administration has introduced several poverty reduction and youth empowerment programmes, which are making concrete improvements in the living standards of our people. “There is a need to ensure that further implementation of these programmes will be driven by the 2023 Census data that will improve the implementation of programmes targeting vulnerable populations and ensuring as widespread coverage as possible. “The nation requires a new data set to drive the implementation of the recently launched revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development and other government policies. The 2023 Census data is also needed to tackle the security challenges bedevilling the country as it will give an overview of the population, where we are and who we are,’’ heBuhariadded. called for support of stakeholders, which include state governments, local government councils, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, private sector, media, development partners, donor agencies and the general populace for the successful conduct of the 2023AccordingCensus. to him: “Ordinarily, conducting a population census is a routine national event that is the ultimate responsibility of every national government. Census taking cannot be left to the National Population Commission alone."
Also speaking at the event about the partnership was the Director of Sales and Marketing of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadegbo, who said: “We partnered with Wakanow because of the synergy of purpose and direction that we have. The Tropical Christmas WonderlandPrideland Edition will effectively position as the event that brings everyone together in Nigeria from all over the Pridelandworld.”edition is a fusion of Africa’s rich culture and the magic of Christmas. Since 2019, Eko Hotel tropical wonderland has brought families together to celebrate Christmas and also create an atmosphere of endless fun. This partnership is of utmost importance to Wakanow, as the brand is always looking for new ways to promote the vibrancy of African cultures. This partnership hopes to promote African culture by infusing Africa’s rich culture into every part of the Christmas wonderland celebration.
STATE HOUSE
THISDAY gathered that the NWC of the party had solved that any leadership change at the moment would dislocate the party and put it at disadvantage as the electioneering process was expected to commence nextThemonth.PDP NWC had also thrown their support for the continued stay in office, insisting that they would sink and swim withHowever,him. speaking later with newsmen, Ologunagba said: "The views of Bode George cannot be equated to the views of many members of the party. There are many views and the majority views will carry the day.”
INSPECTION OF GAC MOTORS NIGERIA ASSEMBLY PLANT AT WEMPCO...
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The spokesman of the PDP stressed: "We will adopt the doctrine of necessity where there would be no winners and no losers, but all will be at the benefit of the party at the moment end of the day "We will manage this situation to the extent that the constitution works for the party and the people also working for the party. "We will err on the part of caution because the PDP is organic and a family. There are ongoing consultations and reconciliation and very soon than expected we will come out with the members and leadership of the campaign committee," the PDP spokesman said. He explained that though, the planned National Executive Committee (NEC) did not hold yesterday as planned, the various organs of the party had been meeting.According to him, "the Board of Trustees (BoT), the national caucuses caucus and even the NWC have been meeting. It is expected that a formal meeting of these organs to formalise their decisions would hold." On whether the party would sanction some members of the party for the crisis, Ologunagba said, "this is the essence of democracy and freedom of speech. The party as the largest political party with not bridge the fundamentally and constitutional rights of members. Be rest assured that we come out more a united party and no member will be sanctioned."Aformer Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George had been consistent that Ayu should resign as the National Chairman. He insisted that his replacement should come from the south-west for the balancing of party offices. But reacting to George’s comment, Ologunagba said, "he is an elder of the PDP. We will reconcile everyone. Reconciliations and negotiations are ongoing, as we talk."
NEWS
L-R: Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of CIG Motors in Nigeria, Mrs. Diana Chang; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube, during an inspection of GAC Motors Nigeria Assembly Plant at Wempco Road, Ogba, Ikeja...yesterday
Also speaking on the allegations that the PDP flags have been removed from Rivers State government House, the PDP spokesman said, “I am not aware. It is still an allegation. Wike invested more in this party and cannot go back on his"Wikewords.said that he is a committed party man and declared this to the whole world and declared publicly that as a committed party man he would not leave the party. He is a man of honour and we hold him to his words. I have no reason that he will renege on his word Also speaking further on the call for Ayu to step down, Ologunagba said, "As a party conscious of its constitution, the exigency of the PDP is the unity of Nigeria. If Iyorchia Ayu leaves now, he will still be replaced by the deputy national chairman from the northeast, Ambassador Umar Damagum. So, we are avoiding a constitutional crisis. "The last NEC passed a vote of confidence on Ayu. There are multiple organs that have passed vote of no confidence on Ayu. The NWC is united behind Ayu. " Life is about negotiations and it is about give and take. We are not seeking the sack of Ayu. The overall interest of the party is keen on the survival of the party, the unity of the party. This party is very sensitive will always review its position at the appropriate time," the spokesperson said.
42 THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
Okon Bassey in Uyo Pressure has continued to mount on the Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, to release jailed human rights lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong. On Thursday, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation in Nigeria and Effiong's friends protested the continued incarceration and called for his immediate and unconditional release.Thelawyer was sentenced to 30 days in prison by Obot on July 27 for contempt of court. "We are calling on the CJ to reverse herself. We are demanding the immediate release of Inibehe Effiong, and we are equally calling on lawyers and litigants not to stand and watch. This is a ploy to intimidate lawyers so that they will not be able to speak," comrade Enefaa Georgewil, spokesman for the coalition, told journalists in Uyo.The Coordinator of the Coalition of Friends, Family, Colleagues for Inibehe Effiong, Mr Jonathan Abang-Ugal, stated that the main concern was for the human rights lawyer to be Meanwhile,released.an activist, Mr Ofonime Honesty, has expressed disappointment with the former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko (SAN), whom he claimed had labelled the group as miscreants for demanding the release of Effiong. "I am the convener of the rights group called Citizen Liberation Movement. This is the second protest, and by doing this, we are not bullying the court. We are only asking for the release of Inibehe Effiong," said Honesty. He added, "Peaceful demonstration is enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria. He labelled us as miscreants and even went ahead to threaten that he would slam (an) allegation of contempt of court against us. We wish to tell him that we are not miscreants in this group. I am a journalist. We have lawyers in this group."
James Sowole in Abeokuta Stakeholders which include the traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women, students and political leaders in Ogun West have mobilised support for the electoral victories of the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Tinubu, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Dapo Abiodun and its Senatorial candidate, Solomon Adeola, in the 2023 general election. The stakeholders said victories of Tinubu, Abiodun and Adeola in next year’s elections would guarantee the sustenance of life-changing interventions in education, commerce and socioeconomic developments of the Theyarea.spoke separately at Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government area of Ogun State, at an event, to mark the 53rd Birthday of Adeola at the newly built multimillion pavilion, facilitated by the Lagos West Senator. Adeola, who is the Ogun West Senatorial candidate for the 2023, at the event, donated, four brand new buses for council of baales, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), League of Imam and Alfas, market women andThemen.senator also donated 19 electric transformers to light up 200 communities in the area and 1500 units of school benches and chairs, for selected schools in the Senatorial districts. The event was convened by the Dr. Kunle Salako under the umbrella of a group, West2West4DA Movement, to mark Adeola's 53rd birth day. Various speakers at the event attended by the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, eulogised, Adeola for what he had done for senatorial district even while he was representing Lagos as a senator. The stakeholders, expressed optimism that what they saw
Says party has had Yar'Adua, Ahmadu Ali both from north same period
Pressure Mounts for Release of Jailed Human Rights Lawyer
showed that Adeola would do more for the district, if he wins in They2023.therefore, declared to do all within their powers to ensure that the trio of Tinubu,Abiodun and Adeola, come out victorious in the next general election. Setting the tone for the day, the Chairman of the West2West4D, Salako, noted that Adeola decided to use this year's birthday celebration to further impact on some critical areas of Ogun West and indeed Ogun State socio-economic sectors; education, power distribution and religious and grassroots organisation.Hesaid, "going forward therefore, if we want to continue to enjoy this kind of life changing intervention in multiple folds in Ogun West, we should know what to do. "Let us support the emergence of new federal government of Nigeria in 2023 headed by somebody who knows Ogun West, who have visited Ogun West and who relates with Ogun West. "Let us support a governor in Oke-Mosan who respects Ogun West, who cares about Ogun West and who will not because of politics join to call one of our illustrious son a stranger. Let us support that gubernatorial candidate who will not ask for his own 8 years after 2023 or who is 'just in the race to negotiate for his political future." In his address, the DirectorGeneral, National Productivity Centre, Abuja, Dr. Kashim Akor maintained that the empowerment programme was part of the intervention programmes by the federal government to eradicate crimes among the youths. Akor noted that, the pavilion would serve as recreation centre for the youths, adding that the donation of transformers is just the first phase, while the second phase of the empowerment programme would commence soonest.
We Will Adopt Doctrine of Necessity in Resolving Leadership Crisis, Says PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it would adopt doctrine of necessity in resolving issues surrounding the call by some members of the party for its National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu to step down.According to the party, the crisis would be resolved in such a way that there would be no winner or loser. In an exclusive interview with THISDAY yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, pointed out that there was a time the late President Umaru Yar'adua and Dr. Ahmadu Ali were at the helms of affairs of the party during elections and it was managed to the benefits of the Accordingpart. to the National Publicity Secretary, "following the circumstances of the exist of Audu Ogbeh, he was replaced with Dr. Ahmadu Ali who is from the north central zone and within the same time, late Umaru Yar'adua from northwest emerged as the presidential candidate and later president. Yet, Ahmadu Ali was still the National Chairman. Both of them are from the northwest and north central. “The party handled it, but thereafter, the former National Secretary, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor became the National Chairman after the election. This shows how organic, the PDP is, even to the welfare of the party." Ologunagba stressed that PDP was like Nigeria, explaining that just like doctrine of necessity was introduced when late President Yar adua had health challenge and at a time when everyone thought the country would collapse due to power struggle. He said, " I assure you that the same principles of doctrine of necessity will apply." He explained that with the elections around the corner, it would be too delicate to effect leadership change.
2023: Ogun West Stakeholders Back Tinubu, Dapo, Adeola
families surrender LAUNCH OF THE PRIDE LAND...
in
L-R: General Manager, Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou; Chief Commercial Officer, Wakanow, Mrs. Adenike Macaulay; Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow, Mr. Adebayo Adedeji, and Director of Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels and Suites, Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadegbo, at a press conference to announce the launch of The Pride land Edition of Tropical Christmas Wonderland partnership with Wakanow in Lagos…recently
Deploy additional troops to Plateau communities, says Reps deputy speaker Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuj awith agency report Terrorists are consolidating their grip on communities in Kaduna with a “parallel” government and “permanent operational base” in the North-western state near Nigeria’s capital Abuja, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has told President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Premium Times, El-Rufai warned the president of the terrorists’ consolidation in a late July memo. This was just as Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday that troops killed 85 terrorists in the North-east while 1,755 insurgents had surrendered to troops with their families in the past two weeks. The terrorists belonging to Ansaru al-Musulmina fi Bilad al-Sudan, or Ansaru for short, were believed to have moved to Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State in 2012 when they broke away from Boko AccordingHaram.tointelligence reports and human sources consulted in further reporting for this story, the terrorists that formed Ansaru were responsible for some of the high-profile attacks claimed by Boko Haram before the split. Such attacks included the UN building bombing of August 2011 and the kidnap of some foreigners. According to the sources, Ansaru pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, AQIM, in 2020, and is responsible for many of the high-profile abductions as well as armed attacks on the police in Kaduna State. In 2021, 1,192 people lost their lives in Kaduna State due to banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, violent attacks, and reprisals. In the first six months of 2022, 645 people lost their lives in such circumstances across the state, the government said. In the memo, El-Rufai’s laid bare how the terrorists have infiltrated and dominated communities and formed “a parallel governing authority,” exercising control over social and economic activities and dispensation of justice in the area. He said the terrorists have advanced in their plans to make Kaduna forest areas their “permanent operational base” for the North-west region, citing a “series of intelligence reports.” “Observed movement patterns and intercepted communications of migrating terrorists have shown a clear interest in setting up a base, with the stretches of forest area between Kaduna and Niger states strongly considered,” he wrote. As the political activities towards the 2023 general elections pick up steam, the terrorists, El-Rufai told Buhari, have promulgated a law to ban residents from participating. “The insurgents enacted a law in the District, banning all forms of political activity or campaign ahead of the 2023 elections, especially in Madobiya and Kazage villages,” the governor wrote.TheAnsaru terrorists are known to have an extremist ideological posture against democracy and secular authorities. In 2021, the census enumeration exercise could only hold in two of the 11 wards that form Birnin Gwari due to the threat of armed banditry and terrorism, officials in both the Kaduna State Government and the population commission had told PREMIUM TIMES.Theban on political activities, the governor said, followed a recent wedding ceremony involving the terrorists. “According to actionable intelligence, members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Musulmina Fi’biladis Sudan (aka Ansaru) hibernating in Kuyello district of Birnin Gwari LGA recently conducted a nuptial ceremony during which they married two yet-to-be-identified female residents of Kuyello village,” El-Rufai wrote. “The ceremony was attended by various Ansaru members and witnessed by residents of the area. After the marital rites, insurgents in attendance reportedly conveyed the brides to the dreaded Kuduru forest, in the same District.” In the area of adjudicating disputes, El-Rufai said the terrorists, “fined one Mu’azu Ibrahim, a resident of Kuyello community, the sum of N1 million for selling plots of land without the consent of the owners.”
Herdsmen
Onyeuko affirmed that within the weeks in focus troops neutralised 29 terrorists, arrested 55 and rescued 52 civilians. "Also, troops recovered 128 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions, five bicycles, 12 AK47 rifles, four motorcycles and four mobile phones. Accordingly, all surrendered and items recovered have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.” On operations by naval troops in the Niger Delta region, Onyeuko said there was sustained offensive posture to deny criminals the much needed space for their illegal operation in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States respectively. He said in the process several illegal oil refining sites were discovered and destroyed. They include 37, 68 dugout pits, 188 storage tanks, 33 wooden boats, 16 pumping machines, 1 generator, 1 vehicle, 175 cooking ovens and 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
of
More gains as
decimate 85 terrorists,
Terrorists Creating ‘Parallel’ Govt in Kaduna, El-Rufai Tells Buhari troops arrest 55 in North-east 1,755 insurgents,
In addition, with the government becoming removed from rural communities, leaving them at the mercy of violent criminals, terrorists, El-Rufai suggested, are manning the ungoverned space and extracting revenues from the people. “Multiple reports also exist of bandits and terrorists exacting protection levies and similar taxes from farmers and communities, in return for permission to cultivate their fields,” the governor said. Terrorism researchers say that revenues from taxes and levies forced on ungoverned spaces –created by the failure or limited capacity of the government – are a major source of financing and sustenance for terrorists. El-Rufai, when contacted, said he would not comment on this story because his correspondence was supposed to be confidential communication to the president. In 2016, he wrote a similar confidential letter to the president, warning that the Buhari administration was losing momentum just about a year after coming to power. More Gains as Troops Decimate 85 Terrorists, Arrest 55 in North-east Meanwhile, the DHQ said yesterday that troops killed 85 terrorists in the North-east while 1,755 insurgents surrendered to troops with their families in the past two weeks. It said naval troops recovered 3,750,000 litres of crude oil and 2,019,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) arrested 10 suspected pipeline vandals. At a media briefing in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, (DDMO), Maj Gen Benard Onyeuko, said military operations in the North-east resulted in the killing of over 85 Boko Haram fighters and arrest of many others including bandits and"Consequently,kidnappers. within the week under review a total of 1,755 Boko Haram terrorist members and their families comprising of 280 adult males, 523 adult females and 952 children surrendered to own troops at different location. All surrendered Boko Haram terrorist members and their families were profiled and handed over to relevant“Similarly,authority.theair component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on August 3, 2022 at Degbawa near Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The airstrike led to the neutralisation of a key Islamic State of West Africa Province Commander Alhaji Modu (aka Bem Bem) and his fighters. Information gathered from the locals revealed that 20 terrorists were confirmed dead in the strike at the location where the terrorists converged for a meeting before the strike", he said.
George Okoh in Makurdi and Udora Orizu in Abuja Suspected killer herdsmen on Wednesday attacked Tse Ngojov and Tse Valem Yaweh in the Mbagum community of Tombo council ward, Logo local government area and killed six people.According to a local source, the heavily armed herdsmen came in large numbers, shooting sporadically.''OnAugust 10, 2022, at about 9:00 p.m., armed Fulani herdsmen attacked Tse Ngojov and Tse Valem Yaweh in Mbagum community Tombo council ward Logo LGA and murdered the following persons: Mr Ander John, Vihior Mtomga, Morgan Varem, Saaior Uyoosu, Aondoyima Peter Ason while several others sustained injuries," said a source. Logo council chairperson, Hon Mrs Salome Tor, confirmed the killings."Sixpeople were killed. Twelve people were badly injured, and corpses of deceased persons have been deposited at the Primary Health Care Centre in Ayilamo. People are running helter-skelter, moving from the hinterlands to the Ayilamo town," Tor explained. She added, "I have reported the matter to the security adviser to the governor and sent him pictures of those killed, including the injured. The attack was without provocation, and it occurred at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday." Governor Samuel Ortom has directed the evacuation of the injured to the teaching hospital Makurdi for treatment, according to his special adviser on security, Col. Paul Hemba. The police command in Benue also confirmed the incident. The Commissioner of Police in Benue, Wale Abass, said more details would be made available later. The attack came barely a week after Ortom launched the Benue Community Volunteers Guards. Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase, has urged the Nigerian Army to deploy additional troops in the Wase and Kanam local government areas of Plateau to complement the efforts of the troops, the police and vigilantes on the ground. Speaking when he visited the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Wase expressed confidence that the army would curtail bandits' activities in the local government areas. "I'm here to say thank you and to appreciate your efforts in tackling the insecurity in my area and to also ask for additional troops. Wase is one of the richest areas in terms of mineral resources way back during the colonial era, and you are aware that areas like that have the potential to attract criminals," the deputy speaker noted. "In a community that is struggling to survive, you may find people that are killed by bandits, while others are kidnapped, and most of them have to sell everything they have to rescue their relations." He added, "The primary aim of any government is to protect lives and property. Where life is lost, I think we have failed, whether it is from a constitutional or religious angle. I have lost my blood relations and constituents during attacks. So, I know the pains people go through in this kind of circumstances. I'm willing to support everything that will ensure the protection of lives and property of all Nigerians." According to the commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Salau Ali, the security forces' main challenge is informants."Ourmajor challenge in these areas is the activities of the informants. Anytime our troops go out, as soon as they leave their location, information goes out. So, our troops hardly make any contact with them. That has been a major challenge to our operations," he said. He assured the deputy speaker that the army would provide additional troops and equipment in the affected areas. Kill 6 in Benue, Days After Launch Volunteer Guards
out rightly turned down. The comedian had left the podium and wanted a photograph with Datti but in the process brought out N2,000 from his pocket as part of his support for the "Pleaseparty.take this as my little contribution for your campaign Mr Vice President", he said. However, in his response, Datti turned it down. Datti who was extolled by Obi who described him as one who was not desperate for power till he convinced him to think about Nigeria and the future of his own children, said that, "the is a wind of “Wechange.”arelooking for how to manage government money by following a serious leader (Peter Obi) who knows how to create money. I am following a leader who has nothing to achieve again in this life except to see a peaceful and prosperous nation. "It pains me when a uniform staff of a federal government of Nigeria, in broad daylight will collect money. Each time I see it, my heart breaks. That similar act is as bad as a $20 billion scandal and it happens everyday. We are going to end it. We are going to change it.”
Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has accused the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) of recklessly borrowing and spending over $500 billion in the last 20 years.This was just as he maintained that Nigeria's total annual export revenue was less than $30 billion. Obi also admitted that though some of his statistics might be wrong sometimes, it was not enough to discredit existing facts and figures he presents to Nigerians.Obisaid this yesterday at the first summit of the ObiDatti support groups and the Labour Party at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. The group gathered in Abuja to familiarise with the party's leadership and to further map out strategies for coordination of their national wide directorates. The former Anambra State Governor while speaking at the event also explained how he was able to convince Senator Yusuf Datti to accept the offer to be his running mate. He said: "We have been practicing democracy in the past 23 years. Next year, it would be 24 years. Within this period, governments at all levels in Nigeria have borrowed over N225 trillion. Let me use just N200 trillion because some were borrowed when money was in $100, $150, $190, $200. “So since is about N600 now, I use an average of N400. That means, that if you divide N200 trillion with N400, it would give you approximately $500 billion. He said currently, Nigeria has only 43 million people in its work force of which over one hundred million of others are unemployed. Most of these unemployed persons he said fall within the youth demographic. "If we have taken 20 per cent of the money we borrowed in the last 20 years and shared it to 20 million entrepreneurs in $5000, it would be 100 million jobs and there won't be unemployment in Nigeria. And we are using only 20 per cent of the money. “Five per cent of it would have been $25 billion and $25 billion would have increased our power generation, transmission and distribution from 4000 megawatt to at least 20,000 megawatt. "The list is endless. We are not campaigning yet; we will tell the story when we start campaigning. I am just telling how bad things are. "When I said we are not a producing nation, they argued. They even said the figures were wrong,” said Obi who cited how his statement about the country's exports revenue was misquoted. "Late last month, I made a statement, which you see them using every day; when I said that Nigeria's total export is less than $30 billion, you see where they were writing that it is wrong. "It is not wrong,” he insisted, adding, “Go to the National Bureau of Statistics, last year, total export of Nigeria was N18.9 trillion. As at the date I made that statement, dollar was selling for about N650 to a dollar. Go and divide N650 to a dollar with N18.9 trillion, it will give you about $29 billion. Go and verify it. "I am not saying I am right or wrong here. Wherever I am wrong statistically, I have apologised. But I am saying, in all my statement, in everything I have said, if you put all of them together, I would have gotten 90 per cent of that statistics right. If you score 90 per cent, why are they looking for 10 per cent? asked Obi. Meanwhile vice presidential candidate of Labour Party, has declared that it would be against their principle to collect money from their supporters to fund theirHiscampaign.statementfollowed an offer of cash from one of the party's supporters (name withheld) and comedian at the event to support the party's campaign, which Datti
INAUGURATION OF BRAITWAITE TANK AND BUNK BEDS PROJECTS...
NEWSXTRA 44 THISDAY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
L-R: Executive General Manager, TotalEnergies Country Services/Company Secretary, Mrs. Olubunmi Popoola-Mordi; Baale of Marine Beach, Apapa, Chief Omobolanle Ogunmola; Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire; Executive Director/Secretary General, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Lesley Baxter-Green; and representative of the Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Mr. A Oduyelu, during the inauguration of Braitwaite Tank and Bunk Beds projects built and donated to Federal Fire Service by TotalEnergies Plc at Marine Beach, Apapa, Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN
Udora Orizu in Abuja
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), promoters of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA) have assured industry stakeholders and Nigerians of credibility of the awards process. The assurance was given by the Chairman of the Awards Steering Committee and President of the Silverbird Group, Mr. Guy Murray-Bruce, during an interview on Arise News Channel yesterday. According to Murray-Bruce, TNBA is different, as it involves professionals rewarding professionals.Toensurecredibility, he said the panel of judges for the awards would comprise stellar industry figures, who would infuse the process with the credibility they have earned over the years. “These awards are going to be the most credible, most authentic, and most viewed by people. These awards are for professionals rewarding professionals in the industry. The judges are credible people, who have nothing to gain financially and a lot to lose in terms of their credibility,” Murray-Bruce said.He further stated the award process would be devoid of sponsorship influence, stressing that sponsors only have the opportunity of marketing their products and services to the public.
Lawmakers Invite Emefiele, Nami Over Subsidy Payments
BON Pledges to Deliver Credible Nigeria Broadcasting Awards he gives inaccurate figures sometimes Obi: PDP, APC Borrowed Over $500bn in 20 Years
Agrees
Speaking on other measures in place to ensure credibility, the CEO, Strategic Outcomes Limited, communications consultant to TNBA, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, revealed that some of the award categories would be open to public voting that would be managed by a reputable audit firm. “The awards will be a split rating. We are going to have people vote on the open criteria and a panel of specialists, composed of experts in the industry for the closed criteria. “We are looking at 50 percent votes from people who watch television and listen to radio and another 50 percent from a panel of experts, whose identities will be announced in due course. The panel will comprise industry teachers with vast experience in this“Thearea.public votes will also be weighted, and winners will emerge in areas that include indigenous presentation, best presenter of news, best radio presenter, best TV station, best morning show and other areas. The votes will be sorted by one of the best audit firms in the world,” he said. On the criteria for excellence, Alumona explained that excellence would be determined by broadcasting requirements, as long as it does not contravene the rules.
The House of Representatives has invited the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, to appear before it for questioning over issues in the payment of subsidy on petroleum products from 2013 to Thedate.House ad-hoc committee investigating oil subsidy payments issued the summon following failure of the duo to appear before it at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday.Members of the Committee were angry that the CBN Governor could send a Deputy Director, Hussein Kagara while the FIRS chairman sent his special assistant, Gabriel Ogunjemiluri to the investigative hearing. Moving the motion for the summon, a member of the committee, Hon. Mark said the absence Emefiele and Nami showed they were less concerned about a serious national matter like fuel subsidy payments that gulps the country the trillions of naira in a year. Gbillah said: "N6.7 trillion in less than a year is being expended on subsidy. We could expect that the CBN Governor would come here personally to address such an issue and the FIRS chairman as “Iwell.guess they believe this issue is not important enough for them to be here. So, Mr. chairman in my own opinion, I don't think we should bother hearing any of the representatives of these two agencies that are here today. We would like the CBN Governor and FIRS Chairman to be here in person before this honourable committee of the House to address this critical issue. Another member, Hon. Abdul Ganiyu-Olododo wondered why the FIRS Chairman would send his personal staff to appear before the parliament on such a critical issue and the CBN Governor would be represented by someone who is not even a director, saying it was an insult to Nigerians whom the lawmakers represent.Kagara, had earlier told lawmakers that he could only answer questions relating to technical issues of subsidy payments, when the Chairman of the Adhoc committee, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu sought his competence on the subject matter of the probe. He also said the CBN cannot print the documents requested by the committee because they were too voluminous, adding that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has 200 accounts domiciled with the apex bank. "In one of your requests, you asked us to produce all the accounts of NNPC that are domicile with the CBN, NNPC has close to 200 accounts with CBN and they are voluminous." Ruling, the Committee Chairman said both Emefiele and Nami should before the parliament unfailingly on August 18.
The Katsina State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrest and prosecute the state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dikko Umar Radda for allegedly flouting the Electoral Act. The party alleged that the APC guber candidate has begun his electioneering campaigns in Baure, Zango and Sandamu local governments of the state against the commission’s timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections.Inapetition signed by its Chairman, Hon. Sani Liti and addressed to INEC, the party said the action of Radda and his supporters contravened section 28 (1) of the 2022 amended Electoral Act. The petition letter read in parts: “We write to notify you of the violation of the relevant section of the electoral law and pray that the violators shall be punished according to the provision of the law.
Ugwuanyi Demands Justice in Ishi-Ozalla Communal Crisis
Katsina NNPP Petitions INEC, Demands Arrest of APC Guber Candidate for Flouting Electoral Act ADSTRAT BMC has announced the appointment of Racheal Abiriba-Nwaka, a one-time Senior Executive Consultant of Strategy, Brand Management, and Execution at ADSTRAT BMC, to the management team of the company effective August 1, 2022. She will be holding the dual positions of Chief Operation Officer and Chief Information OfficerADSTRAT(COO/CIO).isoneof Nigeria’s leading creative brand consulting firms, whose interest lies in creating brand experiences that are distinctive, engaging and that resonate deeply with clients’ audience because they are rooted in fundamental emotional truths. As a member of ADSTRAT’s management team, Mrs. AbiribaNwaka will also serve on the company’s strategic planning committee.Shebrings to the company years of experience in providing consulting services for corporate and individual clients in a variety of industries in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.
Rescue Africa from Insecurity, CatholicBishops Beg Foreign Forces
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (C O E A S U) said it has resolved to suspend the nationwide strike action started on June 10. In a communiqué jointly signed by President of COEASU, Smart Olugbeko and General Secretary Ahmed Lawan Bazza said: “While appreciating critical stakeholders for their intervention and dogged commitment to the resolution of the issues, as evident in the enormous progress made at the ongoing renegotiation and the appreciable level of progress made towards the amendment of the Colleges of Education Establishment Act, which is paramount for the development of the COE system, NEC resolved that the nationwide strike action started on 10th June 2022 be suspended for a Cool-off-period of 60 days to give the government the opportunity to perfect the progress made so far into tangible achievements that are acceptable to the Union after which the NEC shall reconvene to re-assess the status of the issues and decide the way forward”. It said the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union met at NCCE, Abuja, on Wednesday, to re-assess the status of issues leading to the three-week rollover of the national strike action that started on 10th June, 2022 and decide the way forward.
College of Education Staff Suspends Strike
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State Government has clarified the news of the receipt of its first 13 per cent oil revenue, as an oil-producing state in the country. There had been news of the receipt of over N100 billion by the state government as its share of the oil derivative, but the state government has said the news of the receipt of the fund is true, but debunked the humongous sum of money. In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, which was made available to THISDAY in Awka, the commissioner said the state received N268million as its first oil derivative fund for July this year. In the statement, Onejeme said: “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn by well-meaning Ndi-Anambra and fellow Nigerians to several false and misleading stories circulating on some social and online media platforms about the 13 percent Oil Mineral Derivation Revenue received by Anambra State. “This statement is deemed necessary in the public interest, in the spirit of full disclosure and in line with our principle of transparency to address the deliberate misinformation and provide Ndi-Anambra and the general public with the correct state of affairs.” He said the receipt of the fund was made possible by several years of work by industry experts in the state, spanning previous administration.
Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Catholic Bishops under the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), has appealed to foreign forces to join the fight against the frightening upsurge of insecurity engulfing the African continent. SECAM bemoaned the rising spate of kidnapping, sectarian war, banditry, herders-farmers’ clashes, terrorism and other unrests in the continent, saying partnering foreign forces will be of immense benefit in halting the orgy of killings of innocent souls. This was part of the resolutions reached after its 19th Assembly Plenary of the episcopal body held recently in Accra, Ghana, with the theme: “Ownership of SECAM: Security and Migration in TheAfrica”.resolution made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, yesterday lamented that several regions of Africa are experiencing unwarranted killings due to poverty and economic deprivation.TheBishops stated that poor handling of the economy and weaponisation of religion for political gains were also responsible for the violence rocking the African nation. The clerics said: “Several regions of our continent are experiencing insecurity due to socio-political instability, violence, poverty, weak health structures, insurgency, terrorism, exploitation of religion for political purposes and lack of respect for environment and good governance.“Thesesituations are causes of anxiety for our people. This is why we are sending a message to all people of goodwill to help put an end to them. “The social and political stakeholders as well as decision makers have a heavy responsibility in the management of our countries. We urge them to continue to do their utmost to fight insecurity for our people and“WeAfrica.also urge foreign forces to get involved in fighting this
Group Chairman, Odua Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (left) handing over Lagos State Government Certificate of Share holding in Odua Investment to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos…recently
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A 32-year-old commercial driver, Idowu Ali, has been remanded in Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State for allegedly assaulting and cutting a twoyear-old boy over domestic issue.Ali, who lives at No 7, Alikali House, Adabata in Ilorin, was dragged before an Ilorin Magistrate Court for offences bordering on criminal trespass, causing grievous harm, and attempted culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 348, 248 and 229 of the Penal code Law.
Anambra Govt Clears Air on Receipt of 13% Oil Derivative
Driver Remanded for AttackingToddler with Cutlass in Kwara
The Police First Information Report (FIR) stated that on June 7, 2022, the suspect attacked family of one Emmanuel Ifeanyi at about 11:15p.m. to cut his two-year-old son, Godwin Ifeanyi, with machete on his left leg and used same cutlass to cut the right thumb of the Accordingcomplainant.topolice report, “On June 14, 2022, at about 14:16hours, the case was transferred from Divisional Police headquarters ‘C’ Division, Oja Oba in Ilorin, Kwara State, to the Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu has directed the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Charles Egumgbe, to address the injustice in IshiOzalla Autonomous Community, Nkanu West local government area, over the Igweship tussle. Ugwuanyi gave the directive when the Ishi-Ozalla delegation visited him at the Government House to complain about “the inhuman, very pathetic, and unjust treatment” meted out to them by a politician and his allies from the community. The governor urged them to “embrace peace, love one another and show love to all” in the Chiefmeantime.MrsMuna Nweke, among the Ishi-Ozalla delegation, said the politician “imposed an Igwe on us while the people of the community have unanimously elected an Igwe, our illustrious son, Don Sylvester Nweke.” “The man he is imposing on us is not our king, and he cannot rule us. We have elected our son (Sylvester Nweke) to rule us. Our son will rule Ishi-Ozalla. Umuedeaniagu is the ancient people of Ozalla that migrated from Okpatu in Ozalla.”
FRIDAY AUGUST 5, 2022 THISDAY 45 NEWS
insecurity and in building lasting peace and security on the African continent”.Theclergymen persuaded African citizens, including church leaders, to coalesce efforts with governments of their countries in building peace, warning that perceiving issue of security as government’s sole responsibility would further spell doom for the populace. The Bishops appealed to leaders to fashion out policies that will discourage irregular immigration by African citizens.
Racheal Abriba-Nwaka Joins ADSTRAT BMC as Chief Operating Officer
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto No fewer than five National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Sokoto State will repeat their service year while three others have their service extended for alleged misconducts.ThestateNYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Nakamba, disclosed this during the passing out of 2021 Batch B Stream 2 corps members yesterday in Sokoto.Nakamba said the affected corps members were sanctioned for various offences ranging from abscondment, absenteeism and others during their service year. He explained that the scheme has zero tolerance for truancy, and will not hesitate to punish any erring corps member. The state coordinator noted that a total of 537 corps members passed out and two corps members received the prestigious Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar awards for their outstanding contributions towards the upliftment of the living standard of their host communities.Hethanked the state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for his love and unparalleled support for the scheme in the state over the years, especially his commitment toward the sustenance of payment of state allowance to corps members.
Nollywood, EFCC Collaborate to Fight against Corruption
The Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is set to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in the fight against corruption. A delegation of relevant guilds and seasoned filmmakers drawn from across the country stated this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa recently.Theteam was led to the commission by, Executive Director/CEO, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFCVB), regulators of Nigerian film industry, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas. In his speech, Thomas said the meeting was meant to strategize on how filmmakers can collaborate with the EFCC and make movies that will publicize its activities in combating financial crimes. He said: “This meeting was well thought out by stakeholders after they observed the Chairman’s commitment, passion and professionalism in the fight against financial crimes in the country. “Therefore, when they approached me with the idea, I did not have to think twice to embrace it. “I have no doubt in my mind that the entertainment landscape will never remain the same after this parley with the stakeholders.
Five NYSC Members to Repeat Service in Sokoto Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
LAGOS SHAREHOLDING CERTIFICATE…
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
agony. Before the Quran was revealed to declare her innocence, the Prophet(pbuh) had asked the people about her. Among those whom he asked was his wife, Zaynab bint Jahsh, may Allah be pleased with her. So, what was her reply? ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “The Messenger of Allah(pbuh) asked Zaynab bint Jahsh, about me. He said: ‘O Zaynab! What have you known or seen (about her)?’ She said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! I guard my hearing and eyesight. By Allah! I knew nothing but good about her.’” ‘Aa’ishah added: “She was the one whose rank was close to mine from among the wives of the Prophet(pbuh) so Allah protected her by (her) prudence.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Such are the believers when they are overwhelmed by jealousy or differences, they are pure-hearted people who seek excuses for each other and distance themselves from ill speech and evil assumptions. They are aware of the size of trouble that an improper word can cause, and that is why it is said: “The believer’s tongue is behind his heart; were it to utter a word, it would pass first through his heart, and if the heart disapproves it, he refrains from saying it, and if the heart approves it, he says it. Unlike the hypocrite, who goes around with evil and likes offense.” This is the behavior that Allah, The Exalted has underlined as He threatens those who accuse people of what they are not guilty of; He Says (what means): {But whoever earns an offense or a sin and then blames it on an innocent [person] has taken upon himself a slander and manifest sin.} [Quran 4:112] The same was said by the noble Messenger (pbuh) as authentically reported in the following Hadeeth: “Three are the signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] In another Hadeeth, he says: “Four traits, whoever possesses them is a hypocrite, and whoever possesses some of them has an element of hypocrisy until he leaves it: the one who, when he is entrusted, betrays the trust; when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks his promise; and when he disputes, he transgresses.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The last trait means that when he gets into a dispute with others, he accuses them of that which they are not guilty of. 2- One must not bind him to what he did not bind himself to. Fairness entails that you do not attribute to him what he did not say or commit him to what he did not commit himself to. You should clear his words of any ambiguity, understand them in the way he meant them, and it would be good if you interpret them in the best way possible. Our guiding light in this regard is the Hadeeth narrated on the authority of Usaamah ibn Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) sent us to Al-Huraqaat (one of the families of the tribe) of Juhaynah. We reached these people in the morning and defeated them. I chased one of their men and when I attacked him, he said: ‘La ilaaha illa Allah’ (there is no God but Allah), but I stabbed him with my spear, killing him. I felt uneasy for having done that, so I told the Prophet(pbuh) about it and he said to me: ‘He said there is no God but Allah and you killed him?!’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! He said so out of fear of the weapon.’ He said: ‘Did you split open his heart to know whether he said it sincerely or not?’ The Prophet(pbuh) kept on repeating this to me until I wished I had embraced Islam only on that day.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] It is an aspect of fairness that we refrain from harboring bad assumptions about others without clear proof; we should rather avoid this even in cases of uncertainty until the situation becomes evident and clear. It is narrated that a man asked the Prophet (pbuh) about giving testimony. So he (pbuh) said to him: “Do you see the sun?” The man said: “Yes.” The Prophet(pbuh) said: “Bear testimony to whatever is as clear as the sun; otherwise, do not.” [Al-Haakim and Al-Bayhaqi, and it is classified as inauthentic by Ibn Hajar and others. Ibn Hazm said that its chain of narration is inauthentic, but its meaning is correct]
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), Asinim Butswat, said the report from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kolo community stated that “the attack was at the head region and his throat was slit too.”
FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022 THISDAY46 NEWSEXTRA
The Good Manners that Should Be Adopted in Dealing with the Opponents: 1- A Muslim should refrain from defaming them or offending them in any way whatsoever, especially if doing this might drag him into saying about them what he has no knowledge of or accusing them of what they are not guilty of. In fact, it is a trait of the believers that they raise themselves above fishing in muddy water and pursuing opportunities to offend the opponents. Here we get a lesson from women. Although it is common in the world of women that they might mix news, repeat rumors, backbite their female opponents and accuse their honor, yet this lofty example reveals to us the refined nature of the Muslim woman as illustrated by the attitude of Zaynab bint Jahsh, may Allah be pleased with her, towards the ordeal of ‘Aa’ishah, The Mother of the Believers, the chaste whom Allah, The Exalted, declared her innocence of what she had been accused of. It was an ordeal for all the Muslims. Here is ‘Aa’ishah, the pure and chaste, being accused regarding the most precious thing she cherished, her honor, though she was the daughter of As-Siddeeq, and was brought up in that pure honorable nest. They discredited her faithfulness, though she was dearly loved and pampered by that big heart (the Prophet, pbuh). They discredited her faith, when she was that Muslim woman who was raised within the haven of Islam ever since the first day she came to life, and later when she was the wife of the Messenger of Allah, pbuh. She was accused regarding her honor, while she was innocent and wary of nothing and expecting nothing of that which was going on. She, however, found nothing to prove her innocence except her hope that Allah would defend her. She was waiting for the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) to have a vision declaring her innocence of what she was accused of. But, for a wisdom that Allah willed, the revelation was forafullmonthwhileshewassufferingsuchdelayed
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS LILIAN CHINWE NWOSU and MISS LILIAN CHINWE VICTOR refer to the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LILIAN CHINWE ONAH PETER. All former documents remain valid. General pub lic please take note. to the church. It was gathered that the assistant pastor of the Church discovered the mutilated corpse of the victim with the head severed from the body while his throat wasThemissing.Youth President of the Elebele community, Famous Egbo, who spoke with journalists, confirmed that the corpse of the victim was discovered at about 5.50a.m.According to him, “When some people saw him, he was already beheaded, and his throat was missing. They suspected that it may be a ritual killing.”
Adhering to Good Manners in Dealing with Opponents (1)
All former documents remain val id. The general public should take note.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has challenged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders responsible for the war against drug abuse and trafficking to start the battle from the home front. The UNODC position was contained in a speech delivered by its representative, Mr William Wu, at a one-day national summit organised by the National Association of Nigeria Drug Monitoring and held at the National Assembly yesterday. Wu said homes remained the best place to fight and curb the drug abuse scourge. He noted Suspected Ritualists Behead Man in a Church in BayelsaOlusegun
To
WORLD ISLAM
OF
Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com
Samuel Suspected ritualists last Wednesday allegedly beheaded a 37-year-old man in a worship centre, Living Faith Church, otherwise known as Winners Chapel located in Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The victim, Anthony Egbo, was a security guard attached Asiodu Calls for EnvironmentManagementSustainableof Ugo Aliogo andIjeoma Okonji As part of efforts to address the challenges of climate change, the President of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Board of Trustees (BoT), Izoma Asiodu, has called for the sustainable management of nature amid the booming population and environmental challenges across the country so that posterity can enjoy a beautiful habitat. Asiodu disclosed this recently at the 20th annual memorial lecture organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in honour of its founder, late Chief S. L. HeEdu.recalled how the NCF was founded as a result of the friendship between late Edu and the Prince of Netherlands, who was the chairman of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF1), which led him to establish something similar in Nigeria. The NCF president expressed delight that NCF has been able to sustain the series of lecture in his honour while giving out doctoral research grants to distinguish scholars and future leaders in environmental conservation. that if there was zero tolerance for drug consumption and abuse by children in all homes, traffickers would not emerge in society. He added that the summit was a proactive step by the stakeholders in curbing crime in “ThisNigeria.summit of fighters against drug abuse and trafficking is very apt and proactive. The homes should be used as starting points for waging war against the menace through responsible parenting for children by parents,” Wu explained. “The act upon which the NDLEA is prosecuting the war against drug abuse and trafficking should be reviewed by making provision for more stringent measures and punishment for the crime.”
By: Islamweb Praise be to Allah and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah. A fair caller to Allah must adhere to good manners while dealing with the opponents and patiently accept their criticism which could very well be unfair. Even if those opponents have disobeyed Allah, The Almighty, in dealing with him, this should in no way be a justification for returning their misdeed with its like. The fairness of Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (ra) made him quite patient even with those who accused him of disbelief (Kufr), considered him as an innovator in the religion, and as a Faasiq (a dissolute person). He aptly said: “I patiently tolerate those who oppose me, and even when they transgress the limits of Allah with me by accusing me of disbelief, dissoluteness, fabricating lies against the religion, or fanaticism of the time of ignorance, still I do not transgress the limits of Allah with them. Rather, I control my words and actions, weigh them with the balance of justice, and commit them to the Book which Allah revealed and made a source of guidance to the people and a judge over that in which they differed. Allah, The Exalted, Says (what means): {Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed.} [Quran 2:213] Allah also Says (what means): {And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger} [Quran 4:59] He further Says (what means): {We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.} [Quran 57:25] This is because the optimal way you recompense someone who disobeyed Allah, The Exalted, concerning your rights is to obey Allah concerning their rights. Allah, The Exalted, Says (what means): {Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.} [Quran 16:128].”
Falana Wants Public Office Holders to End Medical Tourism Now
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Segun James As Nigeria heads for the general election in 2023, a foremost human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, has said that until medical tourism by public office holders is stopped, the infrastructural challenge in government health facilities will not end. Falana, who stated this at the first Mohammed Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture and book presentation, insisted that if every public office holder is forced to have their medicals in Nigeria, they would be forced to provide adequate facilities for theSpeakingpeople. on the theme: ‘Nigerian Masses and The Election’, Falana said the business of the 2023 general election must not be taken as a joke. He advised the people to challenge their various candidates on salient issues, noting that the 2023 general election was beyond religion and ethnicity. He said: “The business of next year elections is not a joke. The people must challenge their parties to address the various issues the country is facing. “Questions should be asked on health issues, ASUU strike, insecurity, and the economy. Their position on all these issues and how they plan to end them forHegood.”said medical tourism by public office holders is responsible for the disdain that they have for the facility they provide for the people. “Enough of health tourism! Anybody who holds public office must be treated in Nigeria for any health challenge. Public office holders must die here,” the lawyer said UN Urges NDLEA to Begin Drug War from Homes Be
I, formerly known and addressed as OLABISI MARUFAH, TITILO LA OLAIDE, wish to be known and addressed as AYOOLA OLAIDE TITILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as AGBOOLA TEMITAYO ADISA, wish to be known and addressed as AGBOOLA TEMITAYO ISA ADISA. All former documents re main valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as AKPAN FLORA SATURDAY, wish to be known and addressed as DIAMOND -FLORA SATUR DAY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MUSLIMAH OLUWAKEMI MALOMO, wish to be known and addressed as MOJEKWU MALOMO-AGBOOLA MUSLIMAH OLUWAKEMI ADEONIYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as OSAHON NGOZI EGHO, wish to be known and addressed as OSAHON NGOZI EGHO SVEDBERG. All former docu ments remain valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as BUKOLA ESTHER AJASA, wish to be known and addressed as BUKOLA ESTHER ADEYIN KA. All former documents remain valid. General public please takeI,note.formerly known and addressed as OSU KENNETH now wish to be known and addressed as OSUH KENNETH OKEZIE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note CHANGE OF NAME I,formerly known and addressed as MISS REBECCA NWACHUK WU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS REBECCA SORBARI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ODAMA ROSE, wish to be known and addressed as IYUNG ODAMA ROSE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as VICTORIA OCHE JOSEPH, wish to be known and addressed as VICTORIA IBRAHIM AHMA DU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.I,formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWATOYIN ESTHER OYELUDE, wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWATOYIN ESTHER AKANBI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as EZUNOBI ADAOBI STELLA, wish to be known and addressed as MOJEKWU ADAOBI STEL LA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.I,formerly known and addressed as OSU OKWUKWE MRS now wish to be known and addressed as KEN-OSUH FAITH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEBUEKE IFEANYI AMADI now wish to be known and addressed as IFEANYICHUKWUONYEBUEKEAUGUSTINE.
Continued
BUK Stallions Knock out Defending Champions UNIMAID Two Boxers to Share N1.5m at GOtv Boxing Night 26
SERENA IN TEARS, ‘EVOLVING AWAY’, GRADUALLY...
2022 FRIDAY, AU THISDAY 47
FRIDAYSPORTS Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com08111813083SMSONLY
"Part of the overall strategy is using the Africa Super League to significantly and fundamentally improve the quality of football on the continent," Motsepe told BBC Sport Africa. The format will see 197 matches played from August to May, which CAF say will lead to a 'Super Bowl-like' final.
An emotional Serena Williams has admitted she is "terrible at goodbyes" following defeat by Belinda Bencic in the second round of the Canadian Open yesterday. The 23-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-2 6-4 in Toronto in her first match since announcing she will be "evolving away"from tennis. The American, 40, received a standing ovation on court and had the full backing of the crowd throughout. "It was a lot of emotions obviously," said Williams. leg ended 1-1 in Maiduguri, a score line that enabled the Stallions to qualify on the away goals rule. Speaking after the match, Coach Ibrahim Isiyaku Ibrahim of the BUK Stallions praised his boys for playing to “Frominstructions.thefirst leg, I noticed that they have good wingers who can dribble and make crosses. So, I instructed my fullbacks to block them effectively while we wear them out in the midfield. We ensured that they were stifled in the midfield and also make going through the wings difficult for them,” Coach Ibrahim revealed of the game plan that earned BUK passage to the quarter finals. In Lagos, AAUA Luminaries from Adekunle Ajasin University could not overturn their 2-0 home loss against LASU Blazers as they lostThe2-1. Akungba Boys showed determination from the start and dominated the first half but they failed to make it count as the half ended 0-0. The Luminaries started from where they stopped in the first half and got the opening goal in the 47th minute through Samuel Oyetola. The goal served as a wake-up call for the Blazers who had to take on more attacking options from their defensive tactics. The change paid off in the 55th minute when Daniel Odufejo capitalised on a mistake from the Luminaries goalkeeper after a corner kick to head in the equaliser.Thematch was eventually settled with a second goal from the Blazers in the 86th minute. StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match Subair Yahya after a sublime move through the midfield released a fierce shot from outside the box that beat Opeyemi Oladele in goal for Luminaries. In other games, UNN Lions from Nsukka played a goalless draw in Port Harcourt to oust UNIPORT Sharks and qualified on a 4-2 goals aggregate.KSUSteelers from Kogi State University Anyigba defeated FUTMINNA Transformers 1-0 and qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time on a 3-2 goals aggregate.
AITEO Cup: Tornadoes, Heartland Clash in S’finals in Ibadan BUK Stallions from the Bayero University Kano have knocked out the defending champions of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) UNIMAID Desert Warriors from this year’s competition. HiFL, organised by Pace Sports with support from StanbicIBTC, Bold, LIRS and Indomie, in its fourth active season has created excitement for collegiate football fans. In a pulsating match played in Kano, the Stallions frustrated all attempts made by the Desert Warriors to score a goal. The first HiFL
LASU Blazers, UNN Lions, KSU Steelers make quarter finals
CAF SUPER LEAGUE
The Chief Executive of Tan zanian club Simba FC, Barbara Gonzalez, agreed with Motsepe's belief that the competition will have a wide-ranging impact. "This is going to change the face of African football as we know it in terms of investment, exposure and marketing overall. "As one of the leading football clubs in the region, we're extremely excited about this." The Super League will have participants from 16 countries, with promotion and relegation planned via play-offs. The addition of the Super League will mean Africa will have three continental club competitions; the Africa Super League, the African Champions League and the CAF Confedera tion Cup.
The main selling point of the Africa Super League, according to Motsepe is the financial rewards it will provide to clubs, member associations and CAF itself. CAF’s 54-member associations will all get a $1million cash award per annum from the Super League kitty, with CAF hoping to earn about $50million which it can dedicate to youth and women's football."Myobjective is to get money for football infrastructure, for players, club owners, stakeholders. We are talking about anything between $250million to $300million every year," Motsepe explained. "If you look at the numbers, we are talking about $2.5million for each of the 24 clubs to use, to help with transport and accommodation but also to buy players."
Duro Ikhazuagbe Enyimba FC of Aba have been selected as the only Nigerian club-side amongst the 24 African teams to bid for the $11.6million (N5.074billion) winners prize money on offer in the inaugural Africa Super League newly introduced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Of the other 23 teams to compete in the first edition of the Super League scheduled to begin in the 2023-24 football season, Egypt and Morocco have the highest numbers of four club sides each with Algeria and South Africa having three teams respectively. Tunisia have two teams with DR Congo, Guinea, Angola, Tanzania, Ghana, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon completing the roster with one team each. Enyimba are the only Nigerian club side to have broken the jinx surrounding the CAF Champions League when they won it first in 2003. They also became the first club in 36 years to retain the trophy in 2004. Thereafter, the People’s Elephant have been unable to repeat the magic.The24 teams include; (EGYPT) 1 Al Ahly, 2 Zamalek, 3 Pyramid, 4 Al Masry; (MOROCCO) 5 Wydad AC, 6 Raja Athletic, 7 RS Berkane; (TUNISIA) 8 Esperance, 9 Etoil Sportive Du Suhel; (SOUTH AFRICA) 10 Orlando Pirates, 11 Kaizer Chiefs, 12 Mamelodi Sundowns; (ALGERIA) 13 JS Kabyile, 14 CR Belouzidad, 15 E.S Setif; (DR CONGO) 16 TP Mazembe, (GUINEA) 17 Horoya AC; (NIGERIA) 18 Enyimba FC; (ANGOLA) 19 Petro de Luanda; (TANZANIA) 20 Simba SC; (GHANA) 21 Asante Kotoko; (SUDAN) 22 Al Hilal; (CÔTE DIVOIRE) 23 Asec Mimosas; and (CAMEROON) 24 Coton Sport. All the clubs were selected based on their FIFA rankings. Speaking at the inauguration of the competition at the General Assembly of the confederation in Tanzania on Wednesday, CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, stressed that the 24-team club tournament to begin in the 2023-24 campaign, has an overall prize fund of $100million with the winner earning $11.6m.
Sports promotions company, Flykite Productions, has introduced an additional cash reward category for boxers participating at GOtv Boxing Night, the boxing show it organises.Theintroduction will see two boxers share the sum of N1.5million in addition to the amounts they stand to earn for participation. The winner of the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer will go home with the traditional cash prize of N1 million, while the runner-up, a new category, will go home with N500,000. Giving reasons for the introduc tion of the new category, Jenkins Alumona, Flykite Productions CEO, said it is to reward boxers for the efforts they put into their craft and further motivate them. “We’re conscious of the fact that boxers train and work hard to reach the level they have and deserve to be rewarded accordingly. It is why we feel that we should widen the opportunity for them to have their efforts rewarded by introducing a cash reward for the second-best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night,” he said. The runner-up prize will debut at GOtv Boxing Night 26 scheduled to hold on 20 Augustat the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The show will see the return of incumbent West African Boxing Union (WABU) featherweight champion, Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje, who is back in Nigeria from the UK; and former national middleweight champion, Abolaji “Afonja Warrior” Rasheed.Itwillfeature eight fights across weight divisions. Agbaje, a fan favorite at GOtv Boxing Night, will fight Ghana’s Emmanuel “Agogo” Mensah in an international featherweight challenge bout. Abolaji “Afonja Warrior” Rasheed, who made two valiant, but failed attempts at the Commonwealth middleweight title, will take on the Abuja-based Jafaru “Tanko” Suleiman in a national super welterweight challenge duel. The lightweight division has three fights lined up, with Prince “Lion Nwoye” fighting Funsho Moshood, Samuel “African Mayweather” Adebayo squaring up against Bartholomew Abuchi, while Ayobami “Latest” Azeez and Sodiq “Golden Boy” Oyakojo will clash. Equally on the bill is Stephen “Freeman” Kadima, winner of the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and N1million at the last edition. He will take on Muritador Monyashau in a cruiserweight bout. The light welterweight category will feature Kabiru “KB Sniper” Salawu against Yusuf Ogunbunmi, while the super bantamweight division will see Tosin “Soja Boy” Osaigbovo duel with Tajudeen Amusa.Theshow will be broadcast live on Supersport in 50 African countries.Giant-killers Heartland FC of Owerri will square up with Niger Tornadoes of Minna in the first semi-final of this year’s AITEO Cup competition. The match will hold at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday, 14th August. Tornadoes, who had bumped Dreams FC, Enyimba FC and Green Beret on their way, walked over Lobi Stars of Makurdi, who failed to show up for their quarter final clash in Jos on Wednesday. Heartland, conquerors of Enugu Rangers on penalty shoot-out, and who also edged Dakkada FC on penalties, saw the back of Katsina United at the Kwara Sports Stadium, Ilorin after another penalty shootout. The Owerri landlords won 4-1 in the shootout after both teams ended it 0-0 in regulation time. Kogi United, who walked over Kano Pillars in Makurdi, were programmed to meet the winner of the clash between Wikki Tourists and Nasarawa United. Both the Solid Miners and the Tourists failed to turn up in Kaduna. On that score, Kogi United are through to next week’s grand finale, to play the winner of the semi-final tie between Niger Tornadoes and Heartland FC. The grand finale of this year’s AITEO Cup competition, for both the men’s and women’s events, will hold at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa on Wednesday, 17th August.
Enyimba, 23 Other African Clubs toVie for N5bn Winners Prize Money
Governor,DouyeDiri,condemningtheWaterResourcesBill,saysit’sdraconian.
TRUTH & REASONFriday August 12, 2022Price: N250 Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com MISSILE Gov Diri to Lawmakers, FG maritime“TheWaterResourcesBillisnotacceptable.Theprovisionsofthebill,ifitbecomeslaw,wouldhavemorenegativeimpactonus,aswearemainlyaenvironment.Havingtakenawayouroilandgasresources,thefederalgovernmentistryingtointroduceaWaterResourcesLawatatimewhenwearestillfightingforafairdeal.Thisbillistantamounttostiflingus” –BayelsaState
or Abdullahi as individuals. It is about the dangers of taking positions that could ultimately undermine the protagonists as well. The greater part of the mayhem in Nigeria today is taking place in the North and the East. The major propagators of violence, murder, plunder and terror are not of Southern Nigerian extraction. Many are even said not to be Nigerians at all. But they are said to be of Fulani stock. Yet their primary victims are “their” people. How? Why? To what end? Where is Bala Mohammed today, with his Ethnocentric Universalism and the lame claim that these are his brothers who should be allowed to roam freely? Where is Sheik Gumi, the negotiator who was urging the federal government to pay “good” bandits to fight the bad ones? To pay good murderers, so they will kill or drive away the “bad” ones among them? Then what? There shall be peace? Created by murderers, so that they very people they need to kill in order to be in business shall live well – and in peace? Hare-brained brilliant ideas, everywhere! In an article titled “So, where is the North”, which appeared on this page on April 2 this year, it was said that we should perhaps wake up the once-vocal and voluble Myetti Allah to answer a few questions about the Nigeria we are now faced with. It was said in that article: “Yes, the leadership and its General Assembly might just rise to the occasion. So, what are they saying today, as the entire northern Nigeria stands devastated, traumatized, vandalized and routinely plundered? Resolute, relentless, redoubtable and unremitting trampling on lives is the norm. Burning of villages and merciless assaults on travelers and road users everywhere. Ungoverned spaces have since become ungovernable spaces. Re-desertification has taken over previously inhabited and cultivated lands. The article continued: “The strength of the criminals all over the country today, some of them Fulani from outside Nigeria, actually comes from the fact that they are unchallenged for now. When the government of Ghana took concrete and firm steps to contain their excesses it became obvious that they had no capacity to do anything. But that is because the Ghanaian State took its own survival seriously. …. Look at Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, and most other northern states and tell us how these places would be in 10 years’ time”. What is facing us today can be captured thus: The final outcome of decades of trying to hide behind a finger. It is the unmasking of shallow thinking and non-strategic engagement under myopic leadership. The IPOB and banditry phenomena now have lives of their own. Soludo is hot on the tail of the unknown gunmen and fake IPOB crusaders. Who is after the bandits? Certainly not the federal government.
Ango Abdullahi the area in 2019, unfortunately after he had all his heads of cattle stolen, was in tatters. In the Yakawada incident, the bandits invaded the village and stormed the residence of the Village Head, killing one person who was on patrol during theSoattack.hereis the scenario in Nigeria today: Village Heads, Emirs in the north and Traditional Rulers in the south, governors, commissioners, local government chairmen, lawmakers, serving and retired judicial, military, security and presidential guards and presidential convoys are all in the line of fire. It is universal vulnerability. It is a comprehensive ‘democratization’ of insecurity, because we diligently sowed the wind. We are reaping the whirlwind. Everywhere! There are no big or small men and women anymore. Remember the titles of two books of the Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard? Maybe not. One is titled “Fear and trembling”. The other is titled “The Sickness Unto Death”.Astory broke in Awka, Anambra State, recently; pointing to the fact that Kidnapping now has both wholesale and retail versions; wherein retail kidnapping is for any stray victim. There is no strict emphasis on very huge sums of money in retail kidnapping. The person involved in the Awka case under reference here was a non-teaching staff of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He was intercepted around Ugwuoba town, chased into the bush where his vehicle got stuck, and then bundled away alongside his co-travelers as booty. Contacts were hastily made with the main victim’s wife, using his phone. Agreement on what to pay was struck in a hurry. The the woman was instructed to get to a certain junction around 10.30pm, where a biker would pick her up, etc. etc. It all panned out well. The man and his co-travelers came back in one piece in less than 20 hours. But here’s the real story. All members of the kidnap team were between their mid and late teens, with one or two of them looking possibly 20/21 years of age. They worked closely with some of the security personnel manning check points on the old road. What led to the chief victim’s desperate desire to conclude everything as quickly as possible was the fact that one his co-travelers who understood the language of the kidnappers overheard them discussing how those who were unable to pay within 24 hours would be handed over the organ harvesting team in Ezeagu, Enugu State to create space for freshly kidnapped victims. Also in the East, no one can now reign in fake IPOB crusaders. Opportunistic criminality is afoot everywhere. A highly respected gentleman of stature lost his life on his way from an engagement in another state within the South East. He was stopped, brought out of his car, declared a saboteur for wearing a caftan, which is not “an Igbo dress”, in “Biafraland”. Then, he was shot. The fact that he wore a caftan made him part of the Igbo problem. Killing him was in aid of the actualization of the state of Biafra! Really? See where we have gotten ourselves? And where is Nnamdi Kanu in all of this? Who now controls the alleged Biafran Forces? A band of five, six or nine young men with guns are now the solution to the problems of the Igbo man in Nigeria. Oh, if only anyone seriously listened when all of this was foreseen and foretold! Recall a piece on this page, on July 29, 2019, titled “Ango Abdullahi’s Tenor and Tenure”. It was predicated on genuine concerns over Professor Ango Abdullahi’s reported public comments on some national issues. The article began thus: “Professor Ango Abdullahi was recently reported to have assured Nigerians, and the world at large, that the Fulani in Nigeria and West Africa can take on all comers, overrun any place and emerge victorious in any battle. But he did not say how the Fulani would develop holistically as a people and become part of a forward-looking, 21st century world that is leaving behind certain modes of living. He also did not say anything about the dangers faced by an elite that seems focused on breeding a younger, “replacement” generation that is not being tooled to follow in the footsteps of the likes of an Ango Abdullahi in education, or that of a Chanchangi, Dantatta and Dangote in entrepreneurship, business and industry”. Lest anyone think that the above comments are motivated by some ill-bred inclination to mock people in their pain, or be insensitive in moments of great misfortune, this article is not about Kanu
OKEY IKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com
No sane parent would like to see his child sick, sad, or in trouble. No parent will sleep well if his child who went out in the morning, and promised to come back by 3pm, still hadn’t come back by 11pm. Every parent will be overjoyed to see a lost, or missing, child sauntering into the house at any hour of the day. Yes, at any hour of the day! The joy of it all will not allow the parent to think, or ask, “where have you been”. It would not be time for reprimands. Only “welcome my dear child” will be appropriate all the way, because that would be the wrong time for precepts and admonitions about staying out late and sundry tenets about propriety.Thatbeing the case, who can imagine the joy of any parent who receives his child back from bandits and kidnappers, in fact from the very jaws of death, in one piece. Yes, the child will come back a bit emaciated, wide-eyed from morbid terror, and unable to coordinate properly for a while after being released from captivity. But that child would be home and in the loving embrace of relations whose presence and love would eventually restore him to some level of normalcy. The safety of being with kith and kin is therapeutic, reassuring and likely to reawaken some measure of faith in humanity, with a strong caveat about “different types of human beings”.Wecan thus imagine the joy of Professor Ango Abdullahi, Convener of the Northern Elders’ Forum, when his dear son was released to him after weeks of uncertainty in the hands of marauders and murderers. What if they had killed the young man? It did not matter to them whose son he was. It did not matter whether he was Fulani, Igbo, Kanuri, English, or Rwandan. All that mattered to the kidnappers was that they had an innocent passenger whom they had cheerfully kidnapped for ransom. Thanks to a train they intercepted on a lonely patch of rail somewhere in the Sahel, they had people they could exchange forOncemoney.kidnapped, the young man we knew to be Prof Ango Abdullahi’s son no longer had a name, or history. He had become something, a living thing, yes, that could be traded for money. Without paying for his release, Ango Abdullahi would most probably have lost his dear son. Fortunately, he got his son back. With contacts and resources from high places, the story ended well. And we all rejoiced with the, no doubt, traumatized elder. Then, barely one month after the release of his son, the same man now had his daughter-in-law and her four children abducted. His son, a Village Head, had his peace of mind and home breached. His personal dignity, like that of the Village Head of Ghandi in Sokoto State whose story was still fresh when I visited Ango, IPOB and Related Issues
