THURSDAY 26TH AUGUST 2021

NNPC Fixes Base Oil Price for 2022 at $57, $61 for 2023 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday projected a medium term base crude oil price scenario of $57 to a barrel for 2022; $61 for 2023 and $62 for 2024.

The Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, made the disclosure in his presentation to the House of Representatives, according to a statement released by the corporation’s spokesman, Mr. Garba Muhammad.

Kyari explained that the assumptions were arrived at

after a careful appraisal of the three-year historical dated Brent oil price average of $59.07 per barrel premised on Platts spot prices.

“Price growth is to be moderated by the lingering concerns over COVID-19, increased energy efficiency, switching due to increased utilisation of gas

and alternatives for electricity generation. These are reflected in the medium term revenue framework,’’ Kyari informed.

On the perennial issue of smuggling of petroleum products, Kyari implored the National Assembly to come to the aid of the corporation in battling the menace.

He noted that the NNPC, based on the directive of the president had mobilised some customs officers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to find workable solutions to the menace.

Also speaking on the propriety of establishing NNPC retail stations in neighbouring countries to curb the challenge of illegal haulage of petroleum products across the border, Kyari said though the NNPC once considered the option, it had to Continued on page 10

Uzodinma Breaks from Southern Governors on Anti-open Grazing... Page 8 Thursday 26 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9635. Price: N250

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Presidency to Ortom: You’re Ethnic Jingoist Fanning Embers of Disunity Says he's a political failure that has changed party five times

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The presidency has reacted to some recent utterances by Governor Samuel Ortom of

Benue State, where he accused President Muhammadu Buhari of making grazing routes a condition for peace. The presidency described the

governor as an ethnic jingoist out to cause disunity among Nigerians. It also accused Ortom of being an ethnic irredentist, who had failed

politically, having moved from one party to another for a record five times.

In a release issued Wednesday by the Senior Special

Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the presidency said it was unfortunate that a fair-weather governor, who

played up ethnicity and sectarianism to achieve his goals, governed Benue State.

Continued on page 10

Buhari: NDA Attack Will Accelerate Total Uprooting of Evil in Polity

Says invasion won't deter military's resolve to end criminality Commiserates with victims’ families DHQ orders probe, denies staff slept on duty FG needs political will to deal with terrorists, says Okowa

Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Ugo Aliogo in Lagos and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said Tuesday's attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, had provided grounds for more urgent measures to rid the country of “vermin” and emancipate the polity. Buhari stated this in a release by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The president declared Continued on page 10

Why Peace Brokered by PDP A DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE...

Elders, Governors L-R: Senior Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the celebrant and former Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, during the special book presentation titled: “For Failed... Page 6 The Good of The Nation” and launch of SDG Challenge Fund in commemoration of Sanusi’s 60th birthday, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos...on Tuesday

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

NEWS

AKEREDOLU, FAYEMI VISIT TINUBU IN LONDON...

L-R: Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN; former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during their visit to Tinubu in London... yesterday

PIA: PENGASSAN Insists on Single Regulator for Oil, Gas Industry Oil recovers from seven-day losing streak

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has insisted that the provision for two regulatory agencies in the oil industry as prescribed by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) would result to wastages and bureaucracy in the sector.

The National President of the union, Mr. Festus Osifo, who spoke on Arise News Channel, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, noted that although there are some novel portions of the legislation which would help draw investment to the sector, the ease of doing business would be impeded by the provision.

Also, Osifo argued that the legislation does not take cognisance of the ongoing energy transition which would require the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to focus on renewable sources of energy.

“Part of the downsides in the Act is the issue of regulators in the industry. We think this is a downside, in an era where we are talking about reducing the cost of governance and the ease of doing business.

“It would be better if we had a one-stop shop on our oil and gas industry. We believe that a single regulator would be the best for the industry because the way it is today, it has introduced wastages,” the labour leader said.

On the energy transition, he explained that during the public hearings by the National Assembly, PENGASSAN had advocated that there must be a deliberate attempt to start developing renewables.

He pointed out that this was because a lot of companies

today are transiting from being just oil and gas companies to energy concerns, stating that as it is, the Nigerian government is not prepared for that major development.

“So, that was our advocacy, which some percentages should be set aside to start developing our renewables, so that the energy transition will not catch up with us, because from the research currently ongoing, it is really difficult for us to predict the future of oil in the next 30 years. So, the time to act is now,” he added.

On the controversial host community fund, he argued that Late President Umar Yar’Adua’s government had in 2008, proposed 10 per cent of oil and gas profit, whereas the new law proposes three per cent of operating expenses in the previous year.

“So, the 10 per cent would have meant that any year that the companies don't make profits, like last year most of the companies operating in this sector actually reported losses, you will get 10 per cent of nothing.

“So, we think that this three per cent as it is today now is already in law. The fact that we have 3 per cent of the operating expenditure of the preceding fiscal year, if it was 3 per cent of profit, we would have said it's bad ,if it was 3 per cent of capital expenditure, it would have been bad.

“But operating expenditure is there because the company must operate, pay salaries, the company must expend some sizeable amounts of their fund on operating expenditure,” he maintained.

However, he said the challenge was to make sure that funds are used judiciously, so as not to have issues like what is currently

happening with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“So, our advocacy is that this amount of money that is to be set aside should be used judiciously for us not to have issues like the ones with the NDDC,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures surged above $71 a barrel on Wednesday, as the market paused

for breath after a nine per cent rally in the first two days of the week, which erased most of the slump from a seven-day losing streak early in the month.

Although concerns over the impact of the coronavirus delta variant on fuel demand persists, there were signs that China is bringing its latest outbreak under control.

Added to that, on the production side, data showed US crude inventories fell by 1.6 million barrels in the latest week while about a quarter of Mexico’s oil production was cut after a fire on an offshore platform operated

by Pemex on Sunday, taking off about 400,000 barrels per day from the market.

Brent crude oil, Nigeria’s

benchmark price for purchases, rose 42 cents to $71.47 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased 6 cents to $67.60 a barrel.

Over the past days, both Brent and WTI have risen around 9 per cent while the rally erased most of the slump from a week-long losing streak on the back of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

Zenith Bank Launches Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, ZIVA Hamid Ayodeji

Zenith Bank Plc has introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Chatbot on WhatsApp named ZIVA (Zenith Intelligent Virtual Assistant), which enables customers to perform financial transactions and enjoy real-time customer service from their mobile phones.

A statement from the bank explained that with this solution, customers would be able to enrol by simply adding the bank's verified WhatsApp mobile number 07040004422 on their mobile devices, agree to the legal terms of use and then initiate a conversation.

This product provides the convenience for the bank’s customers to interact and transact on a 24 hours basis on the encrypted WhatsApp platform, it added.

It further explained that with the capability to respond to chats/ queries anchored on the existing WhatsApp platform, customers would be able to open new accounts, receive instant transaction notifications, check their balances on the go, transfer funds and top up airtime.

They would also be able to

confirm cheques, pay bills, apply for loans, block their accounts, and request mini statements, amongst other banking services.

Commenting on the new banking solution, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said: "The launch of ZIVA is driven by the need for additional secured channels of communication with our customers as we deepen our retail penetration."

Speaking further on the WhatsApp chatbot, Onyeagwu noted that, "since the behavioural pattern of the modern customer dictates that they want to engage with brands over the channel of their choice, it was really important for us as a leading financial services institution and a pioneer of several technological innovations in the financial services industry to implement this solution in order to continue to create value for our teeming customers who incidentally were already using WhatsApp as a primary channel of communication."

It stated that Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offerings, unique customer

experience and sound financial indices.

“The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.

“The bank's commitment to world-class service standards has led to several product innovations, including the "Zenith Timeless Account", which allows Nigerians aged 60 years and above bank for free, the "Zenith Save4me", a high-interest target savings account and the deployment of contactless payments and QR on ATM points, amongst others.

“Zenith Bank places a premium on its core business strategy anchored on People, Technology and Service, to create value for its numerous clientele. With a team of dedicated professionals, the bank leverages its robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to provide cutting-edge solutions and products through its network of branches and electronic/digital channels,” it added.

In recognition of its track record of excellent performance

and commitment to best-in-class service, Zenith Bank was voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, and Best in Corporate Governance 'Financial Services' Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, and Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the "2021 Top 1000 World Banks" Ranking by The Banker Magazine.

The bank was also recognised as Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Retail Bank of the year at the 2020 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards, and Best Company in Promotion of Good Health and Well-Being as well as Best Company in Promotion of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2020.

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NEWS

DIALOGUING FOR A NEW NIGERIA...

L-R: Former member, House of Representatives, Uche Onyeagocha; Leader of the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; chairman of the occasion and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT Spokesman, Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, at the Ripples Nigeria Dialogue in Lagos...yesterday

Why Peace Brokered by PDP Elders, Governors Failed Stakeholders mull options ahead of expanded meetings Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie in Lagos The truce brokered two weeks ago by some elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governors elected on the party’s platform failed largely because some elements in PDP reneged on the gentlemanly agreements believed to have provided some respite from the squabbles, THISDAY has learnt.

It was gathered that one of such agreements was that the current members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the ousted National Chairman, Uche Secondus, would not seek re-election at the next national convention.

But while the meeting that brokered the truce agreed that such a sensitive choice would not be made public, especially since no one was actually coerced into it, some NWC members started to react to the agreement and vowed never to keep their end of the bargain. This development was said to have prompted the court option.

Recall that some personal aides of Secondus and the official spokesperson of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, had dismissed any such understanding, saying it is unconstitutional and can prompt resort to court action.

Although they, too, agreed that the idea was mooted at the meeting, they denied the fact that the Secondus NWC consented to it. They hinted at the possibility of challenging it in court, saying it is against the spirit of the party’s constitution.

It was based on this, especially, that the elders of the party thought the understanding was gentlemanly and not forced on anyone. They allowed stakeholders to embrace other options, but considered the understanding the most effective.

In its continued attempt to reunite and resolve the leadership crisis threatening it, the party has lined up series of meetings of stakeholders. Ologbondiyan disclosed this, saying PDP governors would meet today over the crisis.

Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Cyril Maduabum, had also issued a statement calling for an emergency meeting of the governors. Maduabum’s

statement said, "The chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Rt Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, in consultation with his colleagues, has summoned an emergency meeting of the Forum to hold on Thursday 26th August, 2021 at 5pm.

"The meeting will discuss recent developments in the PDP. The governors enjoined all PDP members and stakeholders to exercise patience as efforts are being made to ensure continued stability of the party in the days ahead."

Yesterday, the acting national chairman of the party, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, was present at his office at the national secretariat in Abuja, while the deputy national chairman (North), Suleiman Nazif, was nowhere near the secretariat complex.

Akinwonmi told THISDAY said that there would be no National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and reiterated that the NWC meetings remained suspended to enable further consultations.

"As you can see, I was here on Tuesday and here again today (Wednesday). I was sick and by the Grace of God, I'm now better," he said.

But speaking on the crisis, Ologbondiyan said an expanded meeting of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) would hold on Friday.

It was gathered that the expanded BoT meeting would take place, instead of the NEC meeting summoned by Nazif.

THISDAY gathered that the idea of an expanded BoT meeting, instead of NEC meeting, was the outcome of a meeting between the chairman of the PDP BoT, Walid Jibrin, and Nazif.

The meeting, THISDAY was told, decided it was better to report the trends in the party to the expanded BoT that first mediated in the crisis and see their reaction.

Besides, the BoT chairman was said to have told the Nazif-led delegation that his group did not form the quorum, as they were only six members, when the NWC quorum should be 12 out of 18 members.

Ologbondiyan, while addressing newsmen, insisted PDP was a united, indivisible and indissoluble

party, adding that the party would resolve its crisis before the weekend. He stated that PDP had the power to reinvent itself and resolve the crisis, explaining that there are no provisions in the PDP constitution empowering a ward to suspend the national chairman.

Ologbondiyan said, "Our constitution is clear that no ward has powers to suspend a national chairman. We all saw the acting national chairman, when he came. He is cognitive. Only a medical doctor can declare anyone incapacitated."

PDP National Secretary, Senator Tsari Umar, also said the PDP was in the process of vacating the court order on the leadership crisis. "We have seen the court order and we are in the process of vacating the order,” Umar said.

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of spike in insecurity in the country, PDP condemned the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that the leader of a Boy Scout would have faired better. The party stated this following Tuesday's invasion of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), by suspected bandits, which led to the death

of two officers and abduction of an officer.

Addressing a news conference at the party's secretariat, Ologbondiyan described Buhari's leadership as incapable of resolving the existential threat occasioned by the violent campaign of bandits and terrorists. He said the invasion of the military academy had exposed the vulnerability of Nigerians to the attack of bandits and sundry criminal elements.

The PDP spokesperson called on members of the National Assembly to cut short their recess and quickly convene at plenary to find ways of making the country safe for Nigerians.

Ologbondiyan stated, "It has never been this bad and it is unthinkable that a military facility such as the NDA would be invaded and officers killed.

A Boy Scout leader would have provided better leadership than the president is currently doing.

At least in those days, leader of the Boy Scout would protect every member and ensure they were safe. Nigerians are not currently having that under Buhari.

"The PDP calls on members of the National Assembly to cut short

their holiday and quickly come together, using their legislative instruments, to protect our country from falling apart."

In another development, a former Minister of Aviation and member of the PDP, Mr. Osita Chidoka, said only the party’s constitution would produce the next national chairman of the party, and not internal politics and wrangling. Chidoka made the assertion yesterday, when he spoke from the United States, during the Morning Show on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

Chidoka reacted to the emergence of two factions in PDP following a court ruling in Rivers State, which restrained Secondus from parading himself as the party’s national chairman.

He said a self-imposed acting national chairman of the party would not do the party any good.

Describing the sudden emergence of the two party chieftains as disturbing and could unsettle the party’s structure, he maintained that only the party’s constitution, if well interpreted and implemented, would produce the next national chairman of the party.

Chidoka said, “The constitution of the party will address all of the internal wrangling within the party. The constitution is clear on who becomes the next party’s national chairman, in the absence of the national chairman.

The two contenders may have their individual views, but the constitution will determine the true position.

“The crisis between the national chairman of a party and the sitting governor of a state, where the national chairman comes from, has been an age-long issue. When former Sam Nwodo was Chairman of PDP, he had crisis with the then Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime, who removed Nwodo from office as PDP chairman, close to the time of a national convention of the party.

“Another example is the crisis between former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, which also consumed the party’s national chairman.

The fight had always been who controls the party and most times, the governors succeed, because they are the major financiers of the party.”

Dreadful Culture of Silence on Sexual Harassment Must Be Broken, Says Mrs. Fayemi Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, yesterday, posited that the dreadful culture of silence about sexual harassment in higher institutions of learning must be broken.

Speaking at the official launch of the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife, she pointed out that tertiary institution needed a policy on sexual harassment and a zero-tolerance culture.

She remarked that leadership of tertiary institutions needed to demonstrate that they were serious about the issue and should not condone a culture of abuse, silence and impunity.

"Where there are policies in place to prevent and deal with sexual harassment, they should be implemented to the fullest

extent possible," she said.

The first lady stressed that as, "OAU launches this document today, I would like to appreciate all the members of the ASH Committee, under the able leadership of Professor Moji Olateju, for their hard work on this document.

“I thank the VC Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede for inviting me to join the ASH Committee.

I accepted the invitation to serve as my punishment for telling the VC that SH and GBV issues are always swept under the carpet, because of the insular practices of tertiary institutions!"

She reminded the university community that policies and procedures were meant to be implemented and not left to gather dust on shelves, saying in the absence of concrete action, impunity would continue to reign.

She remarked that OAU was

one of the greatest universities on the African continent, and should lead by example on this issue as the vice-chancellor has promised the required political will to implement the policy, which she claimed was vital for success.

She posited "Gender mainstreaming teaching and learning need to be strengthened here at OAU. We also need data and analysis of SGBV/SH trends on an ongoing basis. The Center for Gender and Social Policy Studies should therefore strive to be a center for excellence in the study and teaching of GBV and power relations in an evolving world."

She urged that Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee should have a robust Monitoring and Evaluation framework in place so that progress and challenges

could be noted and lessons learnt.

"This policy should be shared with other tertiary institutions around the country as others work towards establishing models of good practice. I am on the Governing Council of Elizade University and we are currently developing our Gender Policy as well as a Sexual Harassment Policy" However, in his remarks, the Vice-chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, said the Senate of the University has approved the revised Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy of the University, the launching and official presentation of the policy to the public slated for April 2020 could not hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that the University intended to launch the policy immediately normal activities resumed.

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Uzodinma Breaks from Southern Governors on Anti-open Grazing Opts for partnership between farmers, herders Says IPOB stay-at-home order ineffective Deji Elumoye in Abuja With just six days to the September 1, 2021 target set by the 17 southern governors for states in the region to enact anti-open grazing legislation, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has become the first governor from the region to go against the agreement reached with his colleagues.

The governor yesterday declared that there is no law forbidding open grazing by cattle rearers in the state.

Uzodinma, who spoke with newsmen yesterday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, argued that though there is presently no anti-grazing law in the state, his government was trying to regulate grazing activities through collaboration between the farmers and herders.

The 17 governors of the southern states had in a meeting held in Lagos on July 5, 2021, urged states in the region to ensure that the legislation against open grazing of cattle was put in place on or before September 1.

Following the governors’ resolution, Delta, Osun, Ondo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Enugu state governments had moved to enact anti-open grazing laws. But before the resolution of the governors, the anti-open grazing law was already operational in Ogun, Abia, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ebonyi states.

But in sharp contrast with the agreement reached by the southern governors, Uzodimma said: "I don’t have any law in

Imo State for anti-grazing. But what we have done is that we are regulating grazing activities in Imo State under a partnership between our farmers and herders.

They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in my office and agreed to work together. And both parties are going about their businesses without interfering or causing any grievance or anger to each other."

He also said the recent sitat-home order given by the Independent People Of Biafra (IPOB) was not carried out in the state, saying people went about their normal businesses.

He further disclosed that the Igbo people are now ready to play national politics by belonging to the party at the centre, saying this would play out with the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

Commenting on the sit-at-home order, he said: “To the extent of what I know on the sit-at-home order, even the people on their own called off the sit-at-home order. In Imo State, it is not being observed. People are doing their businesses.

“Most people in Imo are businessmen and women who depend on their daily activities and income to feed their families.

So, they cannot afford to sit at home idle and allow hunger to ravage the state."

Uzodinma stressed that there is only one government in the state headed by him and that at no time did he ask people not to go about their businesses.

According to him: "I know

Ozekhome Charges Police to Thoroughly Investigate Ataga's Murder Alex Enumah in Abuja Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and rights advocate, Chief Mike Ozekhome yesterday called on the Nigeria Police to carry out a thorough investigation of the gruesome murder of the Chief Executive Officer of SuperTv, Mr. Michael Ataga.

Ozekhome said a thorough investigation was necessary so that justice would not only be served, but the image of Nigeria would be enhanced since the matter has been in the public domain after the arrest and parade of the major suspect, one Miss Chidinma Ojukwu.

The senior lawyer's charge was contained in an open letter he wrote to the Inspector General of Police, dated August 25, 2021.

Part of the letter titled, "The Gruesome and Horrific Murder of Mr Micheal Usifo Ataga: A Clarion Call for Thorough Investigation and Delivery of Justice," reads, "We write this letter to you to request, Not for any special favours, but that you use your good offices to ensure that this murder is thoroughly and professionally investigated, perpetrators prosecuted and justice immediately served in this savage and barbaric murder that cries to the high heavens for redress."

“Consequently, the whole world has been following the unfolding melodrama with keen interest, to know the way and manner that Nigeria’s criminal justice system works and how justice is eventually served to the suspect, the victim and the

society itself,” he said.

Ataga, a 50-year-old married man and father of two, was reportedly killed in a short-let apartment at No 19, Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1,Lagos State on June 15, 2021.

The alleged culprit, Chidinma, 21 years and a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba had on June 24, 2021, during a public parade by the Police in Lagos, admitted to stabbing the late Super TV CEO to death.

Ozekhome, who is leading a team of lawyers on the side of late Ataga's family said there are evidence with which the court have the responsibility to prove that Chidinma did not act alone, stressing that the Police have to be more professional in the investigation.

"This entire murder case has so far been most unprofessionally handled and perhaps deliberately bungled", he said, "But why should this be the case? The Ataga family (our client) has already pointedly accused the Police of deliberately bungling the investigations, so as to allow some major suspects escape justice, or give them soft landing by arraigning them before a Chief Magistrate court and slapping their wrists with lesser offences."

Ozekhome therefore called on the police to carry out a fresh investigation of the murder to unravel the real masterminds and all accomplices, assuring that no stone shall be left unturned in the pursuit of justice for the late Ataga.

in Imo State, there is only one Governor and only the governor can order, working with other members of the government, that people should sit at home and it will be obeyed. I don’t want to sit here and recognise that there is any order outside the government of Imo State because there is a government.

“IPOB is not a government in Imo State. Imo State government has not authorised anything at

all. Workers are going to work and normal business activities are ongoing. And for now, I told you that Imo State is relatively calm."

Speaking as Chairman of the APC campaign Committee for the November 6, 2021 gubernatorial election, Uzodinma stated that the Igbos would the election to confirm their readiness to play national politics and be part of the government at the center.

He said: "You know our

President. You know him (Mr. President), he will only encourage you. He doesn’t interfere. We are in charge of the campaign. I’m the Chairman of the Council.

And the good news is that the political leadership in Igbo land has resolved to be part of the federal government, to participate at the national level, to leave the provincial championship to national championship.

“So, what we have decided to

do is to ensure that we embrace the ruling party, the APC. And we are taking the message to Anambra. And by the grace of God, Anambra people will buy the message and Igbo land will be recovered".

The governor also disclosed that the President has intervened in some ecological problems facing the state as three contracts for the control of erosion would soon be awarded.

BEST HUMANITARIAN GOV… Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (left), presenting the Best Humanitarian Governor award to Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, in Abuja... yesterday

Abiodun Lists Kidnapping, Cultism as Security Challenges Confronting Ogun Calls for synergy between army, Police, DSS Oluchi Chibuzor Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has listed random kidnapping and cultism as the biggest security challenges confronting the state.

Abiodun who made this known yesterday, when he hosted the new Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge Zone 2, Johnson Kokumo, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, equally said Ogun with many federal roads would require huge manpower and equipment to monitor criminal activities on the roads.

The governor lauded the Air Wing of the Police Force for helping in combating criminal activities, especially kidnapping in the state.

He commended the AIG for his initiative to provide security at Kara and under the Long Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Abiodun explained that the Nigerian Army, through its General Officer Commanding (GOC), had pledged to support the state by deploying tracking equipment to track kidnappers, urging men of the Nigeria Police

to work in synergy with the Army to achieve the set objective.

"The biggest issues we have today in Ogun State are that of random kidnapping and cult activities.

"I believe that the cult activities have abated now because of the joint efforts of the Nigeria Police, the State Security Services and the Nigerian Army.

"However, we are still struggling and dealing with issues that relate to kidnapping of contractors, farmers and innocent Ogun State residents.

We sincerely hope that as we go along in our relationship, we will collaborate to ensure that we reduce this incident of kidnapping to absolute zero,” the governor said.

While describing insecurity as an act of sabotage, he said Ogun has been proactive in the area of security by rejigging the State Security Trust Fund, which according to him, had helped in providing patrol vans, communication and other gadgets to enable security agencies carry out their functions effectively.

Abiodun, however, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari

for approving the use of a Nigeria Police helicopter that has been working and providing air surveillance in the state.

He said: "The use of that helicopter greatly assisted us in reducing the response time to kidnap situation and consequently reduced kidnap situations. I understand that the helicopter has been re-assisgned for use somewhere else, it is my hope that AIG, you will use your good office to ensure that the helicopter is redeployed back to Ogun State.

"You will note that Ogun has an unusual amount of federal roads compared to other states.

We have the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu-Ikorodu and the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, all these are federal roads. We find out that 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the stretch of these roads are in Ogun State and it is humanly impossible for the men of the Nigeria Police to patrol all those roads as adequately as they require "But each time we have a distress call on any of those locations, either from Yewa, meaning Imeko, Ipokia, all

the way to Ogun Waterside or Ijebu-Igbo, the helicopter was able to respond swiftly to the distress calls while your men now move in, thereby ensuring that the kidnappers are not able to leave the immediate corridor before the men arrive. I want to use this opportunity to implore that you help us to discuss with your men of the Air Wing to ensure the speedy return of this helicopter".

Speaking earlier, Kokumo said Zone 2 comprising Ogun and Lagos States police commands was planning a joint operation between the two commands to fight criminals, particularly at Kara and Under the Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This, according to him, was to ensure that adequate security is provided for companies, industries and individuals operating along the axis.

The AIG who hinted that he was in the state on a familiarisation visit, noted that the Zone was working on a synergy between the Marine Olive Units of Lagos and Ogun State command to provide security in the coastal areas.

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TEN B u ha r i : N D A Attac k W i l l A cc e l e r at e T ota l Up r ootin g of E v i l in P o l ity that rather than demoralise the country's Armed Forces, the attack would strengthen their determination to make a decisive end to criminality in Nigeria. He urged his critics to desist from politicising the terrible act.

The Defence Headquarters has ordered an intensive probe of the audacious invasion of the strategic military training institution. But it denied stories making the rounds that officers in charge of the Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) at the academy slept on duty while the criminals conducted the assault.

But Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, called on the federal government to muster the political will to deal decisively with bandits, criminals, and kidnappers, regardless of their ethnic group, religion, or status. Okowa spoke yesterday in Lagos while delivering a keynote address at the 2021 Ripples Nigeria Dialogue, with the theme, “Rebuilding Trust in a Divided Nigeria: Advancing the Conversation,” organised by the Ripples Centre for Data and Investigative Journalism.

That was as more groups continued to condemn the development, which they said had grave implications for the country's fight against terror.

Buhari, in the release, said the attack, which resulted in loss of lives and the kidnap of an officer, “came at a time that the military had put insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other types of criminals on the retreat.”

According to him, “The heinous action would accelerate the total uprooting of evil in the polity, which members of the Armed Forces are solidly resolved to accomplish in the shortest possible time.”

While commiserating with the families, who lost loved ones in the attack, and praying God to comfort them, the

president “vowed that the deceased would not die in vain, as the degenerate act would have consequences that will eventually clean the country of vermin, and emancipate the polity from deliberate, targeted and contrived atrocious acts.”

Buhari thanked Nigerians, who valued and appreciated the efforts of the military to root out criminality from the whole country. But he urged those playing hateful politics with the base assault on the military academy to desist from such. The president said rather than resort to recriminations, “this is the time for all patriots and people of goodwill to support and encourage those who are in the vanguard of the battle against wickedness in the land.”

The Defence Headquarters, which said search and rescue operation for the missing personnel was on-going, directed the management of the military institution to constitute a board of inquiry to look into the incident.

A statement signed by the Director, Defence Information (DDI), Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, said the board, whose membership was ordered by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, was not disclosed, but it would ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the security breach.

The board, according to Sawyerr, was also expected to sanction personnel found culpable and make recommendations to prevent a future occurrence.

The statement said, "Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that the NDA authorities, acting on the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, has constituted a board of enquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate cause(s) of the breach of security with a view to sanction any person-

Presidency to Ortom: You’re Ethnic Jingoist Fanning Embers of Disunity

According to the statement, Ortom stirred up hatred by targeting one single ethnic group in Nigeria – using language reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide.

The presidency said, "As was the case in Rwanda, where the then Hutu leaders of the country incited their countrymen against each other, claiming there was a ‘secret Tutsi agenda’ over the Hutu, Ortom claims there is a ‘secret Fulanisation agenda’ over other ethnic groups in his state and in Nigeria. This is a copy of the language of Hutu Power – which falsely, and intentionally, accused the Rwandan Tutsi of plans to dominate the country.

"This wicked talk is aimed at giving cover to his so-called ‘policy’ on the Ranches Establishment Law, which in reality is purely an act of denial of the law, intended to withhold rights and freedoms from one ethnic group alone, whilst inciting race hatred against them amongst all others."

The statement also said, "Governor Samuel Ortom has few political principles.

We can see this from the fact that he has changed political party five times during his undistinguished career. Every

time he feels the wind may be blowing in a certain direction, he follows it.

“Unfortunately, for the good citizens of Benue State, the most dangerous direction he blows in today is that of sectarianism and ethnicity.

“In an attempt to boost his sinking political fortunes, Ortom takes the cheapest and lowest route possible by playing on ethnic themes – and in doing so knowingly causes deaths of innocent Nigerians by inciting farmers against herders, and Christians against Muslims."

It also averred that Ortom was unbefitting to hold public office but took solace in the fact that 2023 was close-by for Benue people to vote right and restore the dignity of the state.

The statement continued, "These are not the actions of a man, who should be trusted with running public services or holding public office. For the governor of a major state in Nigeria to be politically driven by ethnic hatred is a stain on our country.

"The good, and fair-minded people of Benue State deserve more than this, and we look forward to the next elections, when they have an opportunity to restore its greatness."

nel found culpable and also prevent future occurrence.

"Let me also assure that we shall continue to update the general public as events unfold as we are all aware the search and rescue of the abducted officer is still on. Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue with its operations to ensure all those involved in the dastardly act are brought to justice."

Denying reports that personnel on duty at the CCTV monitoring room were asleep, when the bandits attacked the officers' residential quarters, the statement explained, "The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the allegation is untrue and hence challenge the publication to publish forthwith a verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident.

"It is, therefore, imperative to caution the publication to guard against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country.

"It should not consciously or unconsciously collaborate with these unscrupulous elements to spread unverified stories on the unfortunate event that occurred at NDA Kaduna while tarnishing the good image and reputation of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the eyes of the civil populace."

Defence Headquarters noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces was a professional force consisting of highly trained personnel, who were dedicated to their duties of protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.

As the attack on the elite military university continued to elicit shock and anger from Nigerians, the Delta State governor called on the federal government to summon the political will to deal decisively with armed criminality in the country, regardless of the ethnicity, religion or status of the culprits.

He lamented that the war on terror was being seriously undermined by the payment of ransom to criminal elements, saying there is need for the deployment of modern security architecture anchored on technology to win the war against insurgency.

Okowa explained that the herdsmen/farmers conflict was fast becoming the greatest threat to the country’s unity and economic wellbeing, adding that the nomadic Muslim Fulani pastoralists and Christian farmers of various ethnicities have continued to clash resulting in loss of lives as well as economic crops and cattle.

He stated, “This threat to our country’s stability and unity needs to be addressed urgently by our federation. It is my opinion that ranching and cattle colonies with support by the federal government are

a way out of this challenge.

“The federal government must urgently tackle this challenge to reduce the level of insecurity and ensure food security. Criminal herdsmen must be dealt with within our laws and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) need to be resettled in their homes.”

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives also decried the escalating acts of terrorism and banditry across the country, particularly, the invasion of the NDA. In a statement by its leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the caucus lamented that hardly a day passed without the country being jolted by reports of gruesome killings, abductions, arson, and mindless plundering by terrorists and bandits, who now freely operated on highways, schools, and communities.

The lawmakers demanded immediate action by the All Progressives Congress (APC)led federal government to check the ugly trend. They called for forensic investigation into the circumstances that enabled the invasion of the NDA and subsequent killing and abduction of officers.

The caucus also called for investigation into the concerns raised by some groups, including the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), about the handling of insurgents by the authorities.

However, the lawmakers urged troops involved in the fight against terror not to be deterred but to remain firm in their commitment, promising to intensify legislative action that would support genuine effort towards restoring peace in the country.

The statement read in part, “The Minority Caucus notes the heightened attacks on military formations and mindless killings and maiming of innocent Nigerians by bandits and terrorists in various parts of the country, despite the assurances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

“The situation has become extremely horrifying in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Benue, Borno, Niger and other states across our nation, where killers and kidnappers are now having a field day raiding communities and killing our compatriots.

"On yesterday night, 35 Nigerians were reportedly massacred in Yelwan Zangam in Jos, Plateau State, barely a week after innocent travellers were ambushed and brutally murdered in the state.

“Our caucus is distressed that every day, families are deprived of their breadwinners, scores of children are orphaned, wives are turned to widows, husbands turned to widowers, parents are made

to bury their children hacked down in their prime, with others languishing in their captors’ dens and family source of livelihood destroyed."

Similarly, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, condemned the attack on the NDA, describing it as an affront on Nigeria’s security, which is highly unacceptable.

Ojukwu, who expressed shock and disappointment in his reaction to the attack, said in Abuja that the NDA was a pride of the country, where people from other parts of the world came to train.

The NHRC executive secretary stated, "The invasion of the institution with high international repute, where very intelligent military officers are produced is most unfortunate, unexpected and condemnable."

Ojukwu said the attack on the military institution was bad in itself, and worst of all, officers were killed and abducted. He said, "This is the worst form of human rights violation of our time.

“Military officers, like other security personnel, are entitled to carry out their duties in relative safety and security.

They are fathers and mothers of their families, who are entitled to go to work and come back alive."

He called on the military to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to rescue the abducted officer and fish out the abductors to face the wrath of the law, saying, “This will discourage further attacks on other national critical assets and infrastructure.”

Ojukwu commiserated with the families of the gallant men of the Nigerian military, Lieutenant Wulah and Flight Lieutenant Okoronkwo, saying they paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland and their sacrifice would not go in vain.

Condemning the attack, too, the youth wing of the highest Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Wordwide, described the assault as an affront.

National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Damian Okafor, who stated this on Wednesday, while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, noted that the group was solidly behind the position of the southern governors that open grazing be banned across southern Nigeria. Okafor said the attack was an affront on Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that open grazing has triggered conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, resulting in several deaths in states across the country.

He stated, "Igbo youths condemn in its entirety the invasion of NDA, Afaka, where two army officers were shot dead and another abducted.

NNPC Fixes Base Oil Price for 2022 at $57, $61 for 2023

jettison the idea when it became imperative that the measure would be counterproductive.

He explained that smugglers are not looking for officially priced petroleum products. To this end, he said going ahead to establish NNPC retail stations would not yield the desired result since the people who take products across the border are not interested in selling at

the official prevailing prices at approved stations but carry out under the counter deals.

The NNPC GMD also took time to provide detailed explanation on the corporation’s equity shareholding interest in Dangote Refinery, reiterating that the package which was at the instance of NNPC was designed to guarantee national energy security.

He stated that the equity interest was secured after due consideration of the national interest and best possible options.

“We will have a right to 20 per cent of production from this facility. We structured our equity participation on the basis that the refinery must buy at least 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day of our production.

Igbo Youths World Wide calls on the federal government to commence immediate investigation with a view to exposing the perpetrators of this heinous crime against the Nigeria Army and (they should) be made to face the wrath of the law.

"The Igbo youths stand by the unanimous decision of the 17 southern governors made known to the general public through a communiqué on May 11, 2021, resolving to ban open grazing of cattle in their states. We don't want to lose more innocent lives in Igbo Land. Enough of this carnage!

"Whoever that is subscribing for opening grazing in Igbo Land should know that our 17 southern governors are not stupid to have defended their people through that resolve.

That person should know that he/she is the core enemy of Igbo Land and shall be treated as such."

On its part, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) said the invasion of the NDA indicated apparent loss of control, explaining that it is a key indicator of a failed state under the present administration. The group, in a statement issued Wednesday by its spokesperson, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the attack signified a dangerous loss of control of the nation's territory by the government.

It said while effective governments provided core guarantees to citizens in the three inter-related realms of security, economics, and politics, the current administration in Nigeria had assumed the reputation of the most insensitive in the country's history, with the level of waste and impunity exhibited at the recent wedding of the president's son in Kano.

The northern group lamented that the polity had disintegrated to a point, where basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government no longer functioned properly.

CNG stated, "This apparent loss of control by the government has given rise to widespread corruption allegations, and escalating criminality, rampant intervention of non-state actors with the attendant sharp economic decline, proliferation of refugee settlements and the involuntary movement of populations, which are key indicators of state failure.

"The effect of the apparent erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions on such serious matters as national security, despite the more than N5 trillion said to have been invested and another N1 billion put in the purchase of arms, has invariably raised serious questions of credibility and probity against the administration."

This guarantees our market at a period when every country is struggling to find market for their crude oil,’’ he explained.

The release further quoted the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke, as expressing satisfaction with the insider perspective on some issues surrounding the operations of the NNPC and the oil industry.

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NEWS

Confusion, Condemnation as Gunmen Kill Another 35 Persons in Fresh Attack on Jos Community storms govt house with remains of victims in a truck, accuses gov of compromising Lalong re-imposes 24-hour curfew in state capital

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos There was palpable confusion in Jos, Plateau State, yesterday as unknown gunmen again attacked Yelwa-Zangam, a community behind the University of Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state, killing more than 35 persons.

The latest killings reportedly

threw the city of Jos into a state of confusion, as the people of the community threw caution to the wind to ensure their safety, thereby causing tension in the city.

Parents and guardians, it was learnt, hurriedly withdrew their children/wards from schools, even as shops were shut immediately, and shop owners scampered for the safety for fear of escalation of

the already tensed situation.

The community members, it was also learnt, angrily conveyed the remains of the 35 people in a truck to the Government House and deposited them there with the gesture to the state Governor, Simon Lalong, to bury them.

They accused him of compromise and complacency in the face of continuous onslaught on the people

of the state.

As the people became unruly and undermined security agents, the governor consequently and immediately re-imposed the 24-hour curfew on Jos, which had earlier been relaxed this week.

Lalong said the measure was to contain the growing tension arising from the attack on Yelwa Zangam community, where the

BUILDING BRIDGES TO CENTRAL EUROPE...

Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 2019 presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, and Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, H. E. Joanna Tarnawska, at a dinner held by the Nigeria Platform to mark the 60th birthday of HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, in Abuja... recently

Bad Governance, Ethno-religious Conflicts, Bane of Nigeria's Unity, Says Okowa Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday, said bad governance, ethno-religious conflicts and lack of faith in electoral process were major causes of disunity in Nigeria.

Okowa stated this in his keynote address at the 2021 Annual Lecture and Symposium organised by Ripples Centre for Data and Investigative Journalism (RCDIJ) at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The theme of the Dialogue is ``Rebuilding Trust in a Divided Nigeria: Advancing the Conversation’’ The governor stated that bad governance at different levels of government was a major contributory factor to disunity in the country, adding that absence of a shared national vision or aspiration, primordial loyalties and sentiments largely held sway among the citizenry.

He listed indices of bad governance to include tribalism and nepotism, lopsidedness in power sharing, corruption and lack of transparency and accountability, religious bigotry, insecurity, unemployment and poverty.

Okowa called on the National Assembly to take steps in bequeathing to Nigerians a true Constitution that would provide for the overall interests of Nigerians.

"It is not a secret that during elections most people vote along sectional lines, be it religion or ethnicity. Even the war against

corruption is subjected to all manner of scrutiny based on our ethnic affiliations and religious persuasions.

"The sad reality is that we seem to derive more comfort, protection and security from our ethnic identity. The concept of one Nigeria is still just that – a concept.

"Another factor responsible for our current disunity is the lack of political will to devise a constitution that supports true federalism.

"The 1999 Constitution (as amended) centralizes political and economic powers in the Federal Government and emasculates the States by denying them powers to secure their own territories and control their natural resources for the development of their territories and people.

"A situation where the Federal Government takes 52.68 per cent, the 36 States and 774 local government areas that carry most of the burden of development get 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent, respectively, does not augur well for effective grassroots development, inclusive economic growth and social cohesion," he said.

According to the governor, another cause of disunity in Nigeria is the current lack of faith in the electoral process by the electorate, resulting in the massive apathy and self-disenfranchisement prevalent during elections.

"The people feel that their votes

do not count and have, therefore, sunk into disillusionment, resentment and resignation.

"To restore faith in the electoral process, there should be stiff penalties for electoral violence and other malpractices, regardless of which party is culpable.

"Election results should also be transmitted electronically at the point of counting the votes at the poling units to remove the opportunities for later alterations of figures.

"It goes without saying that the refusal by the National Assembly to include a mandatory electronic transmission of election results in

the Electoral Act has deepened the distrust that the public has for politicians and the ruling class," he said.

He averred that governance system at all levels, particularly at the federal level, must be just, fair, equitable and seen to be inclusive, adding that Nigeria could only grow if ethnic, religious and tribal divides dissolve and a pan-Nigeria goal truly desired and pursued by all.

Okowa urged the Federal Government to muster the political will and deal decisively with criminals, regardless of their ethnic groups, religions or status.

people were killed and property destroyed.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press, Simon Macham, the governor stated that the proactive decision (re-imposing the curfew) became necessary following imminent threat to lives and property in Jos North LGA and the need to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

He said the action would also enable security agencies deploy in the area to appropriately maintain security as the search for the attackers of the villagers continued.

Appealing to people, Lalong urged them to cooperate with his government by "abiding by the 24-hour curfew order commencing from 4p.m. yesterday, as security agencies have been mandated to ensure that those who violate the curfew are arrested.

"Also, the 6p.m-to-6a.m. curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs still remains in place until further notice.

Only those on essential duties such as health personnel, journalists, fire service and para-military members and others are exempted from the curfew order, but should move around with their means of identification at all times."

The governor sued for calm, saying he is seriously grieved by the attacks, but urged the equally grieving people to show restraint and allow the government to handle the matter-to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to cause more mayhem and destruction.

Eyewitnesses in the bereaved community said the armed men invaded the community at about 9 p.m. last Tuesday and raided for many hours without any help from security agents; shooting and maiming everyone on sight.

They also burnt houses and destroyed everything in the community,” they said.

The attackers had reportedly destroyed the bridge leading to the community thereby preventing any possible access for help, before launching the attacks on the people.

In the aftermath of the attack, no fewer than 35 bodies were recovered. Houses were burnt with the occupants in them; an entire family was burnt alive in their house, while those who attempted to escape into nearby bushes were shot dead by some of the assailants that laid an ambush. Several persons sustained fatal gunshot wounds and are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Bingham University Teaching Hospital.

Yelwa-Zangam is Dominated by Christian Anaguta Natives

Also confirming the attack on the phone, the Paramount Ruler of the Anaguta, Ujah Johnson Jauro, said:

“It is true! I have been informed that gunmen attacked my people last night, with many casualties.

But we are still investigating the situation to know what really happened.”

Meanwhile, the Special Task Force on Jos crisis, Operation Safe Haven, has said its efforts to rescue the community were impeded by the destruction of the bridge leading into the area by the attackers.

In a statement issued by its spokesman, Major Ishaku Takwa, the military taskforce said: “The troops eventually got to the scene of the attack by navigating through other villages and met some houses already burnt and casualties recorded. Troops are now in pursuit of the killers.”

Condemning the attack, the Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang, described the development as disturbing.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Musa Ashoms, the senator said: “On the night of last Tuesday, terror was visited on Yelwan Zangam of Anaguta community in Jos North, with over 35 persons killed, some of whom were burnt beyond recognition. ”Senator Gyang is gravely disturbed and outraged by the serial and continuing terror attacks on communities in Plateau State with thousands of lives brutally massacred over the years and still continuing.”

The statement added that “the situation on the Plateau is that of a people abandoned to their fate by the federal government.

No sympathy, no empathy, no attention, and no relief to the affected communities. No statement and outcry from the appropriate quarters on the latest massacre at Yelwan Zangam in Jos.” It noted that Gyang is against threats to the life of every Nigerian, adding that: “No citizen should be made to suffer or lose his or her life simply on the basis of ethnicity or religion. It is, therefore, disheartening that the Plateau people are targeted, isolated and deemed good only to be attacked and killed.”

Calling on the government to demonstrate sincerity in securing the lives of all citizens, the lawmaker said all hands must be on deck to ensure necessary and decisive actions are taken to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, as well as ensure that the lives and livelihoods of all law-abiding citizens are protected.

Also condemning the attack, the Senator representing Plateau South in the Senate, Professor Nora Dadu’ut, called on law enforcement agencies to be swift at apprehending the perpetrators.

She described the attack as “man inhumanity to man, adding that: “We must work to ensure lasting peace in the state.”

Set-up Military Base in Crime-prone Areas, Obaseki Urges Army Chief Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has appeal to the Nigeria Army to consider setting up an operating base between Edo North and South, saying that would help the state cover the axis where incidents of crime are experienced.

Obaseki who made the plea when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya at the Government House in Benin City, on Tuesday, noted that the setting up of military base in areas prone to kidnapping and armed robbery along Benin - Auchi Road would

help curb crimes and criminality along that route He also called for increased synergy between the government and security agencies to tackle the proliferation of arms and combat insecurity in the state.

The governor said: “First, l have to commend you and your men for the cooperation that we have continued to enjoy with them.

However, we are still having security challenges, especially the spate of kidnapping on Benin - Auchi axis.

"We have military formations in Edo South, as well as in Auchi and Agenebode, both in Edo North Senatorial District; so that

120 kilometers space between them does not have any military presence, hence it is difficult for them to respond either from the Edo South or North when there is an incident.

“I appeal to the Nigeria Army to consider setting up a forward operating base to close the distance between the Edo North and South, as that will help us cover the axis where we are beginning to experience a lot of incidents.”

Obaseki added: "The 4 Brigade has been very helpful in terms of supporting our community crisis. We also appeal that you support us with a special squad to complement our efforts in

calming the restiveness that we are seeing around communities, largely because of land disputes.

"We have laws in place that will help us deal with these issues, but when these communities find out that there are heavily armed men within their communities, peace will return to the affected areas.

"I want to say that we are very happy with you and will continue to support you by providing some logistics to ensure that you function optimally,” Obaseki assured.

In his response, the army chief disclosed that he was visiting formations and units in the army to interact with officers and men on ground to motivate them.

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COMMENT

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

THE HEMORRHAGING OF AFGHANISTAN The Taliban needs to refresh their thinking. Laptops must replace guns, writes Rajendra Aneja

T

he fear, chaos and literal dissolution of Afghanistan, consequent to the withdrawal of the American troops, has shocked the global conscience and sensibilities. The TV images of Afghans risking their lives, clinging to the wheels of departing aircrafts, in desperate attempts to leave the country, are horrifying. The pictures and reports of women and children wandering, desperate to escape or find some food and water, are outrageous. A gargantuan humanitarian disaster is brewing in Afghanistan, during these Covid-19 times.

The re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan will change the geopolitical paradigms and ecosystem in Asia and Middle East.

Afghanistan will now always be in the news as the emerging hotspot of repression in the world, along with countries like North Korea, Belarus, etc. The Taliban will rule the country imperiously without any elections or public sanction. Despite some tentative reassurances, women will not be permitted to study or work. Erstwhile government and army members could be targeted in vengeance. Religious indoctrination will be the norm.

Free thinking will be penalised.

There is widespread criticism of President Biden on the hasty departure from Afghanistan. It is understandable that the USA after fortifying Afghanistan for 20 years, wanted the Afghans to manage their country.

America had trained an Afghan army of 300,000 and equipped them with modern arms. They were even paying the salaries of the Afghan army.

Over 20 years, America has expended a few trillion dollars in Afghanistan.

Yet the Taliban army of only 75,000 fighters, fell the Afghan government army in a few days, like a pack of cards. The world is shell-shocked.

In the movie Godfather II, Al Pacino predicts after a visit to Cuba, that Fidel’s Castro’s rebels would win. His logic was that government soldiers fight and die in battle because it is their job and they are paid. However, he saw, that the rebels were willing to die for their cause. A similar scenario played out in Afghanistan. The government soldiers fought, since it is their job. They stop fighting, if their President flees. However, the Taliban soldiers fight with passion for a cause; it is not just a job for them.

Perhaps, American troops could have departed from Afghanistan in phases over a two-three-year period, to ensure that the local government and army could manage the situation. This would have given an opportunity to Afghan soldiers to take control, state by state. Anyway, there is no point in crying over spilt milk. The train has already left.

The comparison of the American walk-out from Afghanistan with Vietnam in 1975, is superfluous. When America left Vietnam, the Viet Cong led by Ho Chi Minh, swiftly captured the entire country. Now, after 30 years, Vietnam is an emerging economic power. The Vietnamese put their agony, hurt and pain behind them to build a new future. Vietnam exports the finest garments and electronics components. Vietnamese are industrious and serious. No such hope exists in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan haemorrhages. It will continue to be the playground of

THE TALIBAN LEADERS SHOULD ALSO INTROSPECT TO EVOLVE A CONTEMPORARY GOVERNMENT. IT IS HORRENDOUS PUBLICITY THAT PEOPLE ARE READY TO CLING TO THE BODY OF AN AIRCRAFT, FALL FROM THE SKIES AND DIE, RATHER THAN LIVE IN THE NEW REGIME

superpowers. The USA, Britain and Russia have already burnt their fingers, in managing the Taliban in the past. So, they will prefer to remain in the shadows and try to manoeuvre events, rather than engage directly or militarily. They will heed the warning given by the British Nobel Prize winner, Rudyard Kipling, “When you’re wounded and left on Afghanistan’s plains, and the women come out to cut up what remains, jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains and go to your gawd like a soldier.” The Afghan men and women, are tough fighters.

China will fill the new vacuum in Afghanistan. The Taliban will be mesmerised by Chinese infrastructure promises. The country needs rail links, roads, bridges, airports, electricity and military training. China will pamper the Taliban with these projects’ aka toys. However, knowing the Taliban, they will accept all the infrastructure gifts, but not tolerate any ideological or operational intervention.

India is rightly concerned with the developments in the region. In the past, Afghanistan under the Taliban had become a haven for violent and anti-Western movements like Al Qaeda, etc. “Mujahideen” (guerrilla freedom fighters), could move again from Afghanistan to the Indian borders, near Kashmir, to create new thorns. This could impact India’s development agenda.

Pakistan is gleeful with the reinstatement of the Taliban. This is unfortunate. Pakistan should be focussing on its agenda of developing and enriching its citizens. Economic growth should be the focus of Pakistan.

With the Taliban in power, expect regression, not progress. Taliban does not offer a future. It offers the medieval.

Now, the priority of the world community should be to “damage control” and preserve the lives and livelihoods of the common citizens of Afghanistan, who cannot exit the country. The world must unite to ensure the safety of the Afghans.

The dialogue with the Taliban should continue. Taliban should respect the lives of the locals and refrain from vengeance against former government employees. The key priority should be to supply food, water and medical aid to those who need them. The United Nations can play a major role in ensuring that aid reaches the needy.

The Taliban should facilitate the exit of foreigners and staff of various embassies. Kabul airport resembled a swarming, anarchic bus terminus on 16 August. Flights were suspended. Thousands of foreign staff, waited to be evacuated. Taliban’s cooperation will be essential for the smooth functioning of Kabul airport and departures of foreigners. The world will have to be pragmatic in managing the Taliban.

Aneja was Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of books entitled, “Rural Marketing across Countries and “Business Express”.

He is a Management Consultant

THE VINDICATION OF ATUWATSE II Olusegun Adeniyi writes that Tsola Emiko rightly earned the crown

Continued from the backpage

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ven if we choose to ignore the contradictions in such God-Mammon portfolio, questions must be asked as to whether the faith of this ministerial G.O. is reflected in his stewardship as a public official. What many failed to understand is that to develop our country and uplift our people, we need to burnish our cultural identity while adopting the instruments and methods of scientific civilization.

However, a fuller exploration of the issues will take us to the place of symbols in belief systems; the essential privacy of religion and indeed the tricky point of how all these intersect to sustain public order and social peace. To that extent, the peaceful resolution of the clash between the Olu of Warri’s private Christian belief and the imperatives of his public cultural symbolism as a traditional monarch speaks volumes to the rest of us. Religion as an aspect of culture thrives on symbols and rituals.

Pentecostalism of course rejects the rites of the traditional Christian churches as it is founded on the redemption work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary.

But I remain unconvinced that salvation is also a function of cultural suicide. For me, there is nothing that should preclude a traditional ruler from being a disciple of Christ as well as an authentic symbol of the culture of his people. This is the crux of a debate that is waiting to be inaugurated.

ENDNOTE: I wrote the foregoing eight years ago and the monarch died two years later. In picking his successor, the crown prince was bypassed reportedly on account of where his mother hails from. Meanwhile, the late Atuwatse II ascended the throne in 1987, eight years after the enactment of the edict that placed impediment on any aspiring Olu born by a mother not Bini or Itsekiri. The implication of that law against his crown prince (then just about two years old) could not have been lost on Atuwatse II, a legal practitioner who succeeded his own father.

It was a perfect excuse (if any was needed) for him to marry another wife from Edo or Itsekiri to satisfy the ‘military provision’ on succession. And going

by the way his wife and children responded when the crown prince was denied the throne in 2015, it is also evident they were well grounded in the faith they profess. There was neither desperation nor expression of bitterness. Rather than go to court as it is most often the case on such matters in Nigeria, the children of Atuwatse II rallied behind their uncle who was given the throne. Six years later, Prince Tsola Emiko is now Atuwatse III. While so much song and dance have been made of the 1979 edict and the ‘missing crown’, they do not in any way invalidate the coronation of a new Olu of Warri nor do they detract from his legitimacy.

There is a scene in Eddie Murphy’s timeless movie, ‘Coming to America’ that is instructive. After King Joffe Jaffa of Zamunda had forbidden his crown prince, Akeem, from marrying his American love choice, Queen Eoleon became angry with her husband. In trying to rationalize his decision, King Joffer said, “They could not marry anyway. It is against the tradition.” To this, the Queen replied, “Well, it is a stupid tradition.” The King mused: “Who am I to change it?” The Queen replied: “I thought you were the king.”

That tradition was changed and the crown prince married his American wife.

We may say that is in the realm of fiction, but the reality also is that customs and traditions are not static, even within our environment. They evolve as the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, reminded us in his 2010 autobiography.

Aside unmasking many of the superstitions usually associated with coronation rites, the 87-year-old Ijebu monarch who ascended the throne 62 years ago (in 1959), wrote that “custom or tradition should not be dominating the people but rather, people themselves should be creating the traditions and customs according to their needs.”

That is what the Itsekiri chiefs have proved with the coronation of Atuwatse III which can be seen as a victory for married women in Nigeria who are not only discriminated against outside their ‘state of origin’ but are also often denied certain rights and privileges. And the moment Atuwatse III started the Christian praise worship song, ‘All the glory

must be to our God, for He is worthy of our praise, no man on earth should give glory to himself….’

Following his coronation, I knew the new Olu of Warri is his father’s son and the Itsekiri nation will be the better for it.

I have in recent days had interesting conversations with my host, Professor Jacob Olupona, NNOM, who teaches Indigenous African religions at Harvard Divinity School. A Christian himself, though of the Anglican denomination, Olupona believes that the first response of Atuwatse after coronation should have been to draw strength from his native spirituality and culture, rather than from a Christian song. But he also conceded that it could be how deep faith played a role in this matter for the young monarch. “He probably believes his throne was saved by a Christian God of Justice who brought it back to him after six years. Whether we agree or not, there is a lot of theology there.”

However, Olupona enjoins the monarch not to make the mistake of discarding the myths, worldview, rituals, and values that may provide sacred canopy to his people because they have significant meaning. “Civil religion tradition such as the Warri’s Ogiamen story is not regarded as pagan but a unifying belief system that surpasses individual sectarian religion. Olojo in Ife is an example and so is Osun in Osogbo.”

Meanwhile, we must deal with the issue of discrimination against married women in Nigeria which comes in different forms. There have been situations in which a woman who has lived and worked for decades in the state of her husband suddenly finds that she cannot claim a position rightfully earned. In this particular instance, such denial of rights is being extended to her son. Yet, the notion of ‘indigene/settler’ dichotomy within a palace setting is indefensible and I hope Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will send an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to nullify that repugnant 1979 edict, so that it no longer becomes an issue in future. To progress we must put an end to the warped politics of identity that has practically rendered Nigerian women married to men from states other than theirs practically ‘stateless’.

I do not know any member of the royal family but I have followed their story since I first wrote about the 19th Olu of Warri in 2013. Speaking about his upbringing in a BBC interview, Atuwatse III said he grew up in a very normal household. “My parents ran a modern household with my father watching TV with his children. We lived a regular life except that we could notice palace activities.”

Asked whether his late father trained him for the palace, Atuwatse III said no such thing ever happened. “Some chiefs and family members would say to me, ‘I hope you are watching and taking notes of this and that’ but my father never formally sat me down on my role,” said Atuwatse III. I believe this was deliberate on the part of Atuwase II. He apparently wanted to build in his son the character needed to navigate life without any sense of entitlement about the Itsekiri throne even as a crown prince. He wanted his son to develop a sense of responsibility that would make him earn even what ordinarily should be his. That way, Atuwase II knew his crown prince would be prepared whenever duty called. It has paid off.

When Prince Tsola Emiko was denied in 2015, he wholeheartedly supported his uncle. And when the throne became vacant last December and the selection process started again, he prepared himself for any outcome, including being overlooked. “I didn’t lobby for it; I didn’t manipulate the process but at the end, the same instrument that was used to deny me in 2015 endorsed me almost unanimously this time.”

There can be no better testimonial for Atuwatse III than the one given by Prince Yemi Emiko, a younger sibling to the immediate past Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli. He is also uncle to the incumbent.

Shortly after the choice was announced, Prince Yemi Emiko told reporters: “He (Tsola Emiko) was the most qualified. Stable character, strong mental capacity, clear understanding of the sensitivities of our people, deep, calculated thought processes, and skillful analytical mind on kingdom matters. There was simply no serious competition with him this time around.”

Long may Ogiame Atuwatse III reign!

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

EDITORIAL

THE KILLINGS AT NDA BARRACKS The authorities must do more to secure the nation

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uesday’s dare-devil attack of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) by unknown gunmen who killed two officers on the spot and abducted another (whose remains were later found) has underscored the fact that we are dealing with a far bigger security threat than the authorities can comprehend. Despite the claim by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, this tragedy has also exposed how vulnerable Nigerians have become, regardless of where they are domiciled within the country. The choice of location and victims could not have been an accident. We want to believe that the attack was carefully planned with the intention of daring the federal government and sending some sinister message about the capacity of the perpetrators.

It is more instructive that the NDA is located opposite the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka in Kaduna State where 39 students were abducted by bandits in March this year. That ordinarily should have put the institution on red alert and a state of preparedness. The Arewa IT IS IMPORTANT FOR Consultative Forum ALL THE CRITICAL (ACF) is therefore apt in its reading of how STAKEHOLDERS IN THE “ordinary street banCOUNTRY TO LOOK dits” could invade and BEYOND POLITICS AND desecrate a military RENDER WHATEVER ASSISTANCE THEY CAN IN institution that trains THE BID TO PUT AN END TO our officers and, in the process, “outwit the THE SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE security system and men there, kill officers and take one away to an unknown destination.” That the attack came barely a month after a Nigeria Airforce fighter jet was brought down in Zamfara State makes the situation more serious. Although the pilot of that ill-fated aircraft survived by ejecting to safety, the NDA incident has no such happy ending.

T H I S DAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR 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

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Letters to the Editor

hile we commiserate with the families of the deceased officers, we enjoin the authorities to understand the implication of this attack so that it would not attract the usual tepid response. If gunmen could also cynically invade the NDA like they did to some fortified military barracks in the theatre of the insurgency in the Northeast, it is very telling of the capacity and the boldness they have mustered. Indeed, the ability of criminal gangs to thumb their noses at the federal government in different locations across the country must be seen as a measure of their strength. But this is not the first time they would strike at military targets. We recall also that in November 2012 two suicide bombers successfully attacked St. Andrews Military Protestant Church, Jaji with the first vehicle exploding inside the church premises while the second detonated outside. Eleven people were confirmed dead on the spot, with dozens of others seriously injured.

The attack on military institutions and their personnel is a pointer to the extent the security crisis has degenerated. Almost daily, these criminal gangs given fanciful titles kill and abduct innocent citizens in many of the communities, especially in the northern parts of the country. Aside the thousands of people they kill, several families are today dislocated with countless of our citizens physically and psychologically maimed for life.

For the umpteenth time, we reiterate that the military and security agencies need to step up their game to checkmate the current descent into anarchy. But they also need the support of the larger society for them to succeed. As we have repeatedly pointed out, it is important for all the critical stakeholders in the country to look beyond politics and render whatever assistance they can in the bid to put an end to the spiral of violence, which clearly puts all at risk. But the greater responsibility is with the federal government that must restore law and order to the country. The current culture of impunity will not end until people with criminal tendencies realise that the law can, and will, always catch up with them.

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

OSUN APC, LET REASON PREVAIL

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et me start by making a categorical statement: this intervention is not aimed at apportioning blame to any of the factions, so to say, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) currently at daggers drawn in Osun State. On the contrary, it is intended to be a gentle nudge on all the aggrieved persons from both sides of the disputations towards a viable alternative option of peaceful resolution of thorny issues. It is also aimed at dwelling on why reason must, as a matter of necessity, prevail in Osun politics, especially, among members of the same political family.

Thinking deeply, orun n ya bo, kii se oro enikan’ (The sky is falling, is not a matter limited to a person). Already, the situation is getting out of hand, with the destructive stage for personal enmity being set. In the theory of warfare, the most difficult war to bring to an end is that which is among brothers; in this case, products of the same political womb. July 16, 2022 is just some hours away and the enemy is already waiting at the door, praying earnestly and waiting patiently for the wall to open up.

If APC falls, it will consume everybody, irrespective of where the antagonists or protagonists may have pitched their tent.

If we must confess, stability is the beacon upon which the dream of development is nurtured. In a stable society, people engage in businesses and economic activities without fear or hindrance. Not only that, life is also fairly predictable, which makes short- and long-term planning feasible. Ideas and innovations will flourish in a stable environment and the living standard of an average citizen will improve.

Conversely, unending tales of arrested development, chaos, policy summersault, social disorganisation, and, ultimately, the

state of anomie become the norm when a society is in disarray.

Instability over a period of time leads to the embracement of atavistic social orientation. In a disorganized social system, barbarity, tyranny and wickedness will take the place of peace and space of unity. The elite will be seen as exploiting the masses even as the elite see the masses as leaches that must be tolerated for humanity’s sake. Of course, no government can survive under such a situation. Even, if the government has resources, it will be spent.

Basically, a political party is as good as its structural outlay and organizational discipline. For instance, the founding fathers of politics in Nigeria, the likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello bequeathed ‘the supremacy of the party’ as the Golden Rule to the younger generation of Nigerians. In other words, once the elders and the leaders of the party decided on the course of a particular event, other members should - and would, out of loyalty - get behind the decision. But then, that wouldn’t foreclose the possibility of disagreeing without being disagreeable. Impliedly, people can discuss thorny issues and arrive at reasonable conclusions, which will not only be healthy for our politics but will also be helpful to the polity.

History has shown that, where acrimony and negative insinuations are allowed to thrive, the end-result is always a regrettable disaster. Those with the benefit of hindsight would recall that the famous Action Group (AG), founded by Awolowo as a Centre-left party in Ibadan on March 21, 1951, became polarized immediately the Samuel Ladoke Akintola faction pulled out of the arrangement. In a wink, ‘Egbe Olope’

went on its knees and it never regained its vigor until the military struck in 1966. In fact, that was what prompted most of the unappeased members of the defunct AG to join the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1978, to the disadvantage of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Even, Ogbomoso, Akintola’s hometown, never forgave Awolowo. The tragic truth is that the political animosity between ‘Awo’ and ‘SLA’ (as Akintola was fondly called) has now gravitated into what looks like a generational transfer of hatred.

Alliance for Democracy (AD) was also a vibrant party at the inception of the Fourth Republic. Even when its alliance with the All Nigerians People’s Party (ANPP) lost the presidential election to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999, it remained a bride to be courted for the political gladiators. But, as politics would have it, what held its fabrics together was demystified somewhere along the line; and AD broke into pieces! PDP was also treated to a similar fate in the events leading to the 2015 General Elections; and, the rest, as they always say, is history!

If we may ask: what has Osun APC learnt from Zamfara State (2019); Rivers State (2019); Oyo State (2019); Edo State (2020); and a host of others? Aren’t these sufficient material reasons to show that ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand’? Isn’t it time President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, General Alani Akinrinade as well as relevant organs of the ruling party helped resolve the contradictory tendencies, which are most likely to “embarrass or have adverse effects on the party.”

Abiodun Komolafe wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

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THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

POLITICS

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

Senator Sani Musa

Anti-graft Agencies Have Recovered Over N800 billion Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East holds a conversation with Nseobong Okon-Ekong on his conviction that the All Progressives Congress remains the most disciplined, inclusive and friendly political party trusted by a majority of Nigerians, among other issues of national importance. Excerpts:

Musa

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hat is your assessment of the state of the nation, with particular references to the anti-graft war, economy and national unity that appears to be ebbing away?

If you take a closer look at Nigeria of today, we can agree that things are not the way it used to be anymore. Speaking with every sense of responsibility as a nationalist and a great lover of Nigeria, our country in the last few years has passed through a very challenging period. Within this period, we have recorded some major gains and at the same time we have had to endure a plethora of issues that have constantly put the leadership of this country on their toes – to change policies where necessary and come up with a problem-solving approach in handling these challenges. Corruption is a global phenomenon and it is not limited to Nigeria or Africa. No doubt, any serious nation that hopes to grow its economy and develop every facet of its country must give priority to its anti-graft war. In 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari was elected as the 4th democratic President of Nigeria, he pledged to fight corruption and empower the anti-graft agencies to function effectively without interferences from any quarter. We are all a living witness to the pervasive corruption and impunity that was the hallmark of the last two administration presided over by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the All Progressives Congress (APC) came on board in 2015.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war was endorsed by world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and ever since then, this administration has successfully carried out high profile prosecutions, convicted criminals within

and outside of the political space and secured assets forfeiture.

For the first time, we witnessed the prosecution of judges, government agencies (NNDC, NSIT and EFCC), top military officers and expatriates who are in the business of bribing government officials in Nigeria. As at today, the anti-graft agencies under the present administration had recovered funds in excess of N800 billion and secured more than 1,400 convictions. These recoveries in cash (local and foreign currencies) and assets I believe will help stimulate our economic growth.

You can also see what the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is doing, before now, drug pushers had a filled day trafficking illicit drugs and tarnishing the country’s image abroad. Today, that institution has recorded numerous successes in smoking out these bad eggs and this has drastically improved our image globally.

So, when you look at the records so far and compare with what was

obtained before, you will agree with my opening statement that things are not the way it used to be. The era of lawlessness, impunity, highhandedness and a lack of political willpower to tackle corruption head-on is behind us now.

The government also deserves some commendations on how it is handling state aggressors who are hell bent on breaching public peace, destroying public and private properties and threatening our sovereignty. We must continue to support the government in fostering national unity and eschew every divisive tendency capable of heating the polity and a breakdown of law and order.

How, in your view, can the leadership crisis rocking the ruling APC can be resolved?

Every political party has its own challenges and the APC is not exempted. We have had our share of this crisis before, during and after the 2019 general elections and we have been able to manage

People are now taking advantage of these agitations to perpetrate criminal activities and when the security agencies move in to restore peace what do you think will happen? There will be casualties. Oduduwa nation couldn’t be achieved even when all the conditions were favorable back in the 70s and Biafra was also not achieved in 1967 when perhaps that was the best time to have it. So, why do you think it can be achieved now?

it in our own way. President Muhammadu Buhari is the leader of our party, and he has done the right thing by dissolving the National Working Committee (NWC) and appointing a caretaker committee for the party. Since then, our party has witnessed tremendous growth and the efforts of the caretaker committee is yielding positive results across the states. So, when you talk about leadership crisis, maybe you’re referring to the major opposition party because, despite our internal challenges, the APC remain the most disciplined, inclusive and friendly party trusted by majority of Nigerians. We have witnessed the defection of serving governors, lawmakers and political heavyweights’ to our party alongside their supporters. Some of the aggrieved members that left the party are coming back, court cases instigated against the party have been dropped. So what happened after the 2015 and 2019 elections where we lost Edo state and some of the State House of Assembly, Federal and Senatorial elections due to these issues I mentioned above could have been better managed but we are trying to address all that now.

The APC recorded overwhelming victory at the polls in 2015 and in 2019 respectively, and with the right leadership and structure, we can replicate these feats in subsequent elections. As a loyal party man, I have a strong confidence in the leadership of our great party to do the right thing and set the APC on the right path to continue these innovative reforms that our party needs so badly to break new territories and secure more electoral victories.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

POLITICS

Orji: Why Umahi Reduced Membership of State Execo Commissioner for Information, Ebonyi State, Orji Uchenna Orji, told Ugo Aliogo, that his principal, Governor David Umahi, has the capacity to ensure a hitch-free transition of power to the next governor of the state, who will maintain the tempo and surpass his development strides. Excerpts:

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ome of the news coming out of Ebonyi State is about the issue between the State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi and Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji on who has better control of All Progressive Peoples (APC) since the governor met Ogbuoji as the leader of the party there. In the just-concluded ward congresses, there was an official report that it was peaceful. But we heard that there were some issues largely as a result of the personality clash between the governor and Senator Ogbuoji. What is really going on?

I am not sure that you are very correct on this.

Senator Ogbuoji has been working in tandem with the Governor, who is the leader of the APC in Ebonyi State. The Governor facilitated an all-inclusive and transparent ward congress looking at the different stakeholders across the various wards. The factor that made the election transparent was that one can’t influence what is happening in another ward from their ward.

So contestants were restricted to their wards.

Every stakeholder had to go back to their ward and try their luck. The governor also tried to reconcile all stakeholders such that there was something that looked like a harmonisation, and where this didn’t work as expected, there was an opportunity for hitch-free election. The party at the state level is made up of men and women of integrity who were given instruction by the leader to ensure a very robust and hitch-free congress at the ward level. We have 171 wards in the state and I can assure you categorically we had a very wonderful ward congress.

Senator Ogbuoji believes in the wonderful strides of the governor especially since the time he entered APC. He has been giving the necessary support. The people that would have caused a rift were talked to particularly by the leader of the party on to cue into the business.

In some States such as Yobe, Nassarawa, where the kind of scenario you are trying to paint happened, there was no election at all, it was just ratification. In Ebonyi, was it a ratification or you had an election?

It was an election where there was harmonisation. The voters still queued behind those that were contesting in the various wards. Even where we had 100% consensus, people still queued behind the candidates, in order to be sure. We have a platform whereby whatever you do, you send to the platform and through that process, we were able to know that everyone had the election. We had returning officers that are three-man electoral committee in each ward and we also had a senate electoral committee that came and they supervised the process. So there is no issue about ratification, it is not part of our constitution. An election must be held whether or not there is consensus and that is the provision of the constitution of APC. I will like to find out what your attitude is on the third extension of time for the Buni Committee which was set to perform a specific assignment for six months. Now it appears there is no time again and it can continue like that till the next general election. Are you concerned about it?

I must say that the national caretaker committee of Governor Buni is very legitimate and this is a mandate given by members of the party to restructure. Therefore people who are trying to wag tongues are doing so in vain. I must say that we have great men and women of APC who know the law, so well that they have not breached any provision of the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any extant law, or the constitution of the party because of having the committee.

We must appreciate the wonderful contributions of Gov. Buni. In this period, he has been able to bring onboard very wonderful governance, thereby reducing the number of PDP states in Nigeria and this is a great feat. He is a silent achiever. I wish that the constitution will permit him to be our chairman and we are sure that he will achieve a lot for us. He has never been involved in anything controversial even in the issue of looking for a structure anywhere, unlike what we used to have before he came onboardconfrontation between people at all levels. For

the state governor.

One thing you cannot take out from him is his capacity to work day and night to ensure that he has a peaceful state. Security agencies are working day and night to ensure that there are no criminalities and unprovoked attacks from any source. The Local Government Council Chairmen are trying to toll the line of the governor to replicate what he is doing at the state level at the Local Government level and this has resulted in the calmness we are enjoying.

Orji me, we must give him all the support until such a time that the National Executive Council of the party will decide otherwise.

Another thing coming out of Ebonyi State is the incidence of communal crisis. It appears to be happening too frequently What is the cause?

You are not correct. It was happening when we had during the period of IPOB and EndSARS. But the Governor had to take the bull by the horn and did something different engaging directly with stakeholders in all the communities involved and also through our sensitisation processes and advocacy. Today, we have a very calm situation in every part of Ebonyi state.

Let me state here that our conflict resolution is part of the virtues of the Governor.

When he came onboard, we had a national issue of communal clash in Ebonyi state that Ezza/Ezillo which was going to be a national menace because people who were passing Abakaliki to Cross the River and get to Akwa Ibom were victims of that violence. But the governor came through his ingenuity and engagement processes to talk to the stakeholders. What happened was he ensured the permanent demarcation of the disputed area and today they are living in peace, enjoying social amenities from the governor. When sometime last

year, and part of this year, we had communal clashes, the governor felt he must do something different to address the issue, don’t forget that we are an agrarian state and we believe in agriculture.

Until the governor came onboard, we had no roads and there was no consciousness, agitation and contention about ownership and dominion of land. But when the governor tried to open up all the rural communities, including this recent issue of 189 kilometer railroad that is constructing in concrete pavement, people began to show consciousness. Then the governor had to use both the religious leaders, town union leaders, and traditional rulers to engage to talk to the people. Today, everywhere is calm, if you talk about Enyi-bechire-EnyiEgba, the place is calm, you talk about Aba Omege-Ukawu, which is also peaceful.

You also talk about Effium-Ezza Effium.

The committee on Ezza-Effium and Effium crisis just made a presentation about the remote and immediate causes of the crisis. I can tell you that even before the report was made everywhere was already calm. They realised that never again would they because of ownership of land shed of blood. Even the issue of Fulani attack on some communities in Ebonyi State, it is no longer there, the situation is totally under absolute control because of the engagement and negotiation power of

The governor decided to take reduce the number of the executive councils and part of the reason is that it is becoming clear that some people will like to go into politics and want to contest for one position or the other. Also, wants to go into business having being exposed to business as an Exco member, so the governor feels that those can take their time and go into politics, business, while those who want to get focused, will have to be brought back. That is what happening

The state executive council is fully constituted back now. I know there is no benchmark because you have been in that cabinet, so the governor can choose to work with three or four persons, but it was dissolved and some people are back. What is the composition now?

I don’t know what you mean by being fully constituted. Do you have a benchmark? The governor has the exclusive discretion to constitute the executive council of any number and I know he has exercised that power. Before now, he had over 110 executive council members, which gave Ebonyi the state with the highest number of executives. They are there not as members truly speaking, they are there as watchers. We also call them Exco members because they come to listen, but they are not members under the constitution.

They cannot vote, but they can make up the list of members. They are there in the execute council, and they also make contributions. They seek the leave of Excos to make contributions. Of course, it is not by nomenclature, it is by capacity and intellectual capability, it is the reason why we are seeing a lot of wonderful strides in the state. It is not about being a Commissioner, but it is about having the intellectual capacity. The point I am trying to make is that the governor decided to take reduce the number of the executive councils and part of the reason is that it is becoming clear that some people will like to go into politics and want to contest for one position or the other. ,Others want to go into business, having being exposed to business as an Exco member. So, the governor feels that those can take their time and go into politics or business, while those who want to get focused, will have to be brought back. That is what happening.

Did these people say so expressively?

Did they apply? How does the governor know those that want to go into business and politics?

It is either by interest, directly or indirectly.

That is just the situation. We are looking at 60% of the original 110 that is coming back.

Regarding the issue of zoning for the next governor of Ebonyi State, some groups are of the view that there should be zoning; others are saying there should be no zoning.

You are close to your principal; can you tell us his view on the issue?

We have a charter of equity, even if it is not justifiable. But it is morally justifiable that in Ebonyi State, the first governor came from the North had his eight years. The second governor came from the Central had his eight years. By divine intervention and God’s providence, the third governor came from the South, minority part of the state. Therefore it is only equitable that it goes back to those that have been there before. But whether it is going to the North or Central, it is left between God and the governor, but he is actually looking beyond this to get the best hands.

He is looking at the best hands that will get the support of God and support, the capacity to deliver, because succession is very critical in ensuring sustainability in the programmes of the governor. He is looking at ensuring that equity is made permanent in the polity of Ebonyi state that is why whatever appointment he is giving, he is looking at equality of good governance, so whatever appointment he is giving even at the Local Government level he makes sure that it is zoned equitably. So he believes in zoning.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ 26, 2021

FEATURES

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

Tackling Irregular Migration through Radio Series UNESCO intends to use Conceptualism Wakabout, a radio series on irregular migration, to create awareness about the menace and the dangers associated with it, Michael Olugbode reports

U

nited Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has explained the reason for it collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Corporation and Agate Multimedia Concepts to create a radio drama series “Wakabout.”

Wakabout Series, which has been airing on six radio stations across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, including Bronze 101.5 FM, Benin City, Edo state, every Tuesday at 1:40pm; Caritas 98.7 FM, Enugu at 5:30 pm every Friday; Dala 88.5 FM, Kano at 7:30am every Saturday; Albarka 99.7FM, Bauchi at 8:30am every Saturday; SMA 104.7 (Lagos and Ijebu Ode) at 9:15am every Saturday and Armed Forces Radio 107.7, Abuja, is to dissuade Nigerians from irregular migration.

A press release by the National Information Officer of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun titled: "Curbing The Menace Of Irregular Migration: UNESCO, Italian Agency Reach Out Through WAKABOUT Radio Drama Series", said the drama series has become important to draw the message home that irregular migration is exploitative and can be best described as modern day slavery.

The statement read that migration as a phenomenon takes places for various reasons but it becomes a cause for worry when it takes place in an irregular manner, and this is what has become endemic in modern-day society.

Irregular migration is prompted by desperation and possibly done through illegitimate means, many Nigerians and citizens from other developing countries of the world, in the quest for greener pastures, defy all legal ways to ensure they migrate to countries where they believe they can have new and improved lease of lives, particularly to Europe.

The statement said findings have shown that members of human trafficking syndicates lure people, sometimes, relatives and close acquaintances who have some trust in them to pull them out of harrowing living conditions only for the greener pasture seekers to know, on arrival at their destinations, that they have been deceived.

They therefore end up in slavery and cheap labour. In this process, thousands of women have been lured into sexual exploitation within Italy, Spain and the Netherlands while others have been subjected to involuntary domestic servitude.

The statement regretted that even with the massive and somewhat strategic efforts been made by the conventional media at reporting the cases of the large number Nigerians in this situation in various countries abroad who are yearning to return home, which involves the narration of personal dehumanizing experiences of rescued victims, the phenomenon has been on the increase still.

This increase, many have attributed to the harsh economic situation and the biting living conditions of Nigerians in their homeland; coupled with the unfounded belief that better

The casts that were trained

living conditions are guaranteed outside the shores of Nigeria.

It thus, however, becomes imperative for creation of avenues for information sharing and informed debate on the issue.

This is what informed the initiative of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Corporation to reach out to the public, particularly the low class who are the most vulnerable. It is in employing viable and most effective means of getting the public enlightened and informed that a radio drama series tagged WAKABOUT was birthed.

The issue is far beyond what could be perceived or assumed on the peripheral; there are several underlying issues that catalyse cases of migration and in properly addressing the issue, via whatever medium, the fundamental causes have to be properly understood.

The collaboration of UNESCO and the Italian Agency for Development Corporation thus formed a synergy with Agate Multimedia Concepts, a media and Theatre Production Company, adopting the medium of radio drama to speak to Nigerians particularly on the dangers of irregular migration.

The step started with a two- day workshop with professional actors on diverse issues relating to migration and how their craft, which is drama, can be effectively used in communicating and effecting an enduring

change from the status quo.

Facilitated by consultants who are migration and drama for development experts respectively, the workshop equipped the actors with adequate knowledge on migration and how drama can be used as an eye-opener to prospective victims of irregular migration.

The contents developed, in the form of radio drama scripts, were aimed at empowering people with the right information, raise awareness, create discussions on migration issues, job opportunities for youths, returnees, risks associated with irregular migration and other related matters to have positive effects on achievement, self-confidence and motivation in various studies.

“We always believe that migrating illegally is a norm, so we are made to know that migration does not have to be illegal. The radio drama is focused on explaining the economic and social conditions necessitating the desperate desire to migrate, sensitise the public on the gimmicks of human traffickers in luring unsuspecting victims, unveil the dangers of traveling abroad in search of better life based on beliefs that foreign countries are havens, sensitise the public on the dangers of illegal trans-border migration and reveal the harrowing condition of Nigerians being subjected to slavery and other dehumanising conditions abroad” Said Taiwo Ibikunle, the Director of Agate Multimedia Concepts and Director of the radio drama project.

The 13-week radio content/drama, were produced with some of the themes that

trigger irregular migration and the resultant effects. Speaking on the reason for the choice of radio as the medium of dissemination, the popular Nollywood actor also known as John the Genius said “… not all homes have television.

We discovered that radio is everywhere and easy to penetrate larger audience even more than the screen; that is why we picked that medium; and we decided to make the drama in Pidgin English so as not to have a language barrier. A very large percentage of Nigerians understand and can communicate in pidigin English.”

“The broadcast is factored in a way that listeners can air their opinions on the various subjects bothering on migration ads treated by each of the episodes as the last drama lasts for 1o minutes and the last 10 minutes of the 20 minutes scheduled for broadcast is for analysis of the treated subject and phone-in. This has helped to know how crucial the issue of migration is in our society and the impact this drama is having in terms of informing and enlightening the public vis-à-vis the subject of migration. " In fact, the management of Armed Forces radio 107.7 FM, Abuja had to, on its own, increase the broadcast time to 30 minutes to enable the listeners of the station air their views more, as the calls and reactions of the station’s listeners became overwhelming.

The management of SMA 104.7 FM, Lagos, after the broadcast of the first episode, began to broadcast the drama on its network, linking with its station in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State to on the request of its listeners”, explained the director of the drama.

Cellente Launches Pro Bono Services for MSMEs to Fight Poverty, Unemployment in Nigeria Chiamaka Ozulumba Cellente Limited is a business management consulting firmthat partners with corporate and personal brands across Africa to grow into desirable global brands by working with these firms and individuals in varying phases of the business cycle; usually from ideation to maturation.

The creative business advisory firm aims at stabilising micro and small businesses in their initial stages of development, enabling these business owners, their customers and the economy to flourish in the current economic climate.

When the world is going through a tightening economic strain, compelling MSMEs to either shutdown or charge higher rates and pushing customers to compensate beyond their budget, Cellente introduces a Pro Bono service that helps level the playing field for small business owners to continue to thrive, thereby extending these benefits to their clients.

The Director, Cellente Limited, Victoria Odimba shares how her passion compelled her to start up Cellente to provide business advisory and marketing communication solutions to help businesses and individuals thrive in the business world, especially small business owners who cannot afford the basic business requirements to set the business

Victoria Odimba

going smoothly.

“I have seen too many micro and small businesses go under due to various challenges such as high operating costs, human resources, inadequate knowledge or lack of business strategy, operational skills and capital to

run the business successfully, this is a major concern for me and I knew something had to be done, one MSME at a time.

This led to the birth of the Cellente SME Drive designed to create viable businesses that will drive economic growth.

Cellente aims to partner like minds across various industries to provide financial aid and or products for goods-based businesses and organise regular trainings for these business owners who are unarguably a vital part of the economy and employment, to enhance growth and sustainability.

After a careful review of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the current situation in most African countries, Cellente Limited decided to tackle seven of the 17 SDGs with the aim of taking a stand and joining forces to achieve these goals by 2030.

Despite the significant contribution of SMEs to the Nigerian economy, challenges still persist that hinders the growth and development of the sector. According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have contributed about 48 per cent of the national GDP in the last five years.

With a total number of about 17.4 million, they account for about 50 per cent of industrial jobs and nearly 90 per cent of the manufacturing sector, in terms of number of enterprises.

Though significant growth has been achieved in the MSME sector, there is still much to be done. According to an article on “developing Africa through effective, socially responsible investing”, “there still exists a ‘missing middle’, which finds it hard to access funds due to the category of funding they belong to.”

Other challenges encountered by the sector include lack of skilled manpower, multiplicity of taxes, and high cost of doing business, among others.

Cellente has introduced its SME Drive with the mission of "challenging the status quo" and seeking to reduce the current state of poverty and unemployment to the barest minimum by partnering and empowering small businesses that have proven beyond doubt to be backbone of the economy and eradicating unemployment, to create viable business solutions, increase revenue, enhance growth and sustainability.

If we are to meet the number one Sustainable Development Goal- to Eradicate Poverty by 2030, “more people will need to be financially empowered; via knowledge acquisition and financial support” Victoria Odimba further added.

The marketplace is brimming with highly innovative business ideas offering a myriad of goods and services, and Cellente plans to work with a select number of micro businesses in the coming months to achieve its goal.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

#THISISNIGERIA -Seun Onigbinde

Nigeria’s Revenue Crisis: Growth, Institutions & Human Capital

W

atching Nigeria’s public finances has become an inconvenient chore as the numbers are nothing to cheer about. After several denials, it is comforting to hear public leaders finally accept one fact: Nigeria is facing a revenue crisis. Nigeria planned a revenue of N5.84tn for the 202o budget but was only able to raise N3.42tn, representing 59% performance. For context, the Federal Government revenues were N3.1tn as of 2012, a period with stronger exchange rates but oil prices rode at high levels. If there’s anything scary, it is to see that the FG had revenue of N3.42tn in 2020 and spent around 97% on debt servicing. I have not seen any country's decent financing come up this way, not even the early Obasanjo days that necessitated foreign debt cancellation.

FG's non-oil revenue grew through an increase in its share of non-oil taxes, from N704bn in 2012 to N1.58tn in 2019. Non-oil revenues have become the core of FG’s revenue as oil revenues contributed 41% to total revenue in 2020; in 2012, oil revenues accounted for 56% of FG’s total receipts. The times have changed. However, how big is the revenue of the Federal Government of Nigeria? In dollar terms, FG revenues fell from $19.94bn in 2012 to $8.97bn in 2020, a painful effect of devaluation. At 6%, Nigeria has one of the lowest revenue to GDP in the world, which means it has a relatively huge economy but takes too little revenue for public development.

There have been several efforts to optimise public revenues with voluntary declarations, tax sanctions and review of tax waivers. The Federal Government has even changed the tax institution’s leadership but this has not changed the matrix in a significant way.

What are the things to understand in Nigeria’s revenue challenges?

There must be a clear understanding that you cannot tax zero output. If the 2019 NBS Poverty Report numbers show us that 40% of Nigerians, which represents over 80m Nigerians, are poor, then we have at least 40m able-bodied Nigerians outside the tax

bracket. How unconscionable can it be to tax a person who is trying to get by? The other angle is that most Nigerians living in rural areas are also involved in agriculture, a sector largely untaxed at its production levels. When you add up most Nigerians in semi-urban and urban areas involved in informal trade, it is most obvious to the eye why we might have an outsized population but we have not been able to pick up revenue. It begs the question: don’t we just have human resources and not human capital? A recent SBM Intelligence report counters my argument that 98% of businesses in Nigeria’s informal sector paid their taxes — but to non-state regulated actors. This is the state of things when the social contract does not stand as the thesis for a functional society. Nigeria cannot reap revenues if it chooses not to severe public troughs from gangs and “unions” that have become tools of political expediency.

Nigeria has issues around incentives for raising revenues at all levels. The FG is finding means through the Central Bank’s “ways and means” approach to plug its deficit hole. For example, FG had a revenue of N3.13tn in 2012 and spent a total of N4.13tn, which means its deficit to revenue ratio was 32%; this means for every N100 earned, N33 was borrowed in 2012. In 2020, FG had revenue of N3.42tn but spent N10.07tn, which showed a piece of staggering evidence that for every N100 earned, N193 was borrowed. Lest we forget

that naira has been devalued significantly over the period, which means FG earned more from FX components such as oil and custom duties. How does FG that has nearly the same amount of revenue in 2012 and 2020, spend twice as much in 2020? This is because FG has downed all tools of fiscal practices and resorted to excessive borrowing and a CBN support programme, a luxury that it won’t perpetually have.

In my own view, FG has lost the incentive to rapidly seek revenues as it found the continuous loop of using CBN to patch its fiscal balances. For the states, they are quibbling over the removal of subsidy that keeps shortening their revenues and we have seen encouraging stories on IGR growth. However, the fundamental question is that there has been no review of the tax architecture of Nigeria in years. How does a state take only personal income taxes? Why should Lagos not get benefits for hosting the busiest ports? Why can states that attract businesses to their environment get more from Company Income Taxes, which are still largely distributed along with population?

Is Nigeria pushing the incentive for states to look inwards to get revenues? How is the FG supporting states on this or are FG funding gaps only to close payroll gaps and not to enable productivity?

We cannot talk about gaps in revenues and not appraise the quality of the collecting institutions. Nigeria’s revenue institutions need a revamp and this includes independent

Before Nigeria can find a balance for expanding revenue growth, it must rigorously review and create workable ways to capture its informal system that forms a core part of its economy; improve its institutions to ease the process of tax payments and rework the incentives for the federating units across the country

revenue-generating institutions such as CBN, NIMASA, NCC, NPA, and others. Nigeria is yet to apply rigorous reform that can bring cost-efficiency mechanisms into these institutions.

Nigeria ranks 159 out of 190 countries on the World Bank’s Ease of Paying Taxes Index and this speaks directly to the capacity of institutions.

Before Nigeria can find a balance for expanding revenue growth, it must rigorously review and create workable ways to capture its informal system that forms a core part of its economy; improve its institutions to ease the process of tax payments and rework the incentives for the federating units across the country. I have put these things forward as the low-hanging fruits but these aren’t going to solve the revenue challenge in a significant way. The flaw in the revenue argument is that we are looking at the fruits rather than grooming the trees. Without Nigeria paying attention to cross-sectoral growth—ICT, small manufacturing, entertainment, real estate, agriculture—and supporting productivity, there is no way it would solve the revenue challenge.

Our leadership needs to understand that to earn returns, it would need to invest capital on assets. Human assets would not yield returns until there’s a concerted effort to invest in them.

This is where the human capital question looms again.

Without significant investment in education, digitalisation, health, credit expansion and skill development, Nigeria cannot expect yields on these human assets. The size of revenues to run the state should mainly come from taxes and if Nigeria chooses not to build a country, it would run out of options as shown in oil revenues (FG earned N1.4tn from oil revenues but spent N10.07tn) that no longer meet its expenditure. Nigeria needs to actualise a growth agenda (sub-2% growth with weakening GDP per capita can’t excite the Nigerian economy) and a clear roadmap for human capital development.

Without these, it will continue to romance the low tax-to-GDP numbers without understanding that it has failed at both the short-term and long term work to rewrite its destiny. t 0MVTFVO 0OJHCJOEF JT UIF %JSFDUPS PG #VEH*5 BOE UIF BVUIPS PG 5IF &YJTUFOUJBM 2VFTUJPOT

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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

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Telcos Record Reduction in Mobile Number Portability as Porting Figure Drops from 23,059 to 616 in One Year

Emma Okonji Statistics obtained from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed that telecoms operators (Telcos) in Nigeria have recorded steady reduction in Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the last one year.

Analysis of the telecoms industry regulator numbers showed a deep decline in the number of inward porting of telecoms subscribers to other networks.

According to the NCC numbers, porting reduced from 23,059 in June 2020 to 616 in

June 2021, a space of one year.

Mobile Number Portability, which was introduced by NCC few years after the rollout of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) in 2001, enables subscribers to migrate from one network to another, while retaining the original mobile number of the subscriber on the new network. It was introduced to allow subscribers port to another network, when they are not satisfied with the quality of service offered by their network operator. Subscribers’ who port to another network, are however expected to remain on the new network for a minimum

of 90 days before they are eligible to return to their original network or move to any other network of their choice.

Although several subscribers took the opportunities offered

by Mobile Number Portability to migrate to their network of choice in search of better service quality, while still retaining their original mobile number on the new network, the rate at which subscribers now port to other networks, is gradually reducing.

According to the recent statistics posted on the NCC’s website, a total of 23,059 subscribers ported to other networks in June 2020, but the

figure dropped to 616 in June 2021, one year later.

A breakdown of the 23,059 subscribers that ported in June 2020 showed that 10,964 subscribers ported to 9mobile network in search of better service quality, while 9, 142 subscribers ported to Airtel network in search of better service quality.

Only 2,667 subscribers ported to MTN network, while only 286 subscribers ported to Globacom network, in the month of June 2020.

In July 2020, the number of telecoms subscribers that ported across networks, dropped to 19,469, but in August 2020, the

porting figure picked up to reach 21,385, and dropped again to 19,412 in September 2020.

In October 2020 to December 2020, the total number of subscribers that ported across networks, reduced again from 19,771 to 16,342 and to 4,085 respectively. From January 2021 to May 2021, there was no porting across networks, as all networks recorded zero porting within that period.

Then in June 2001, a total of 616 subscribers, ported across networks. The breakdown of the 616 subscribers that ported in the month of June 2021, showed that Airtel had the highest number

of subscribers that ported to its network, numbering 360, followed by 9mobile 191, and MTN 65, while Globacom did not record any incoming porting to its network in the month June 2021.

Analysing the rate of porting, the President of National Telecoms Subscribers’ Association (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, said the statistics showed that most subscribers still experience poor service quality, hence the need for porting in search of better quality of service.

According to him, “Subscribers Continued on page 26

Minimise Importation through Deliberate Policies to Reduce Pressure on Foreign Reserve, ICAN President Tells FG Ugo Aliogo The National President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo, has advised the federal government to minimise importation of goods and services in order to reduce the pressure on the foreign reserve through deliberate policies.

Eyitayo, who disclosed this in Lagos during the Investiture of the 8th District Chairman; Inauguration of Executive Members and N20 million

fundraising for the building of District’s Secretariat, commended the federal government’s drive in tackling the rising inflation, and appealed for increased commitment.

She stated that the penchant for imported goods and services were also affecting the economy because the government spends more revenue importing foreign goods that put pressure on the foreign exchange.

“In a situation where you have the resources dwindling, and we are not controlling our

cost it is a twin evil because for you to get more enhancements and reduce inflation, you must improve in terms of economic development. But that is difficult to achieve when the cost is rising everyday due to fewer goods which could also be linked to insecurity because farmers are not able to go to farm and produce, or those that are able to produce small cannot come to the market,” she noted.

Eyitayo advised the government to encourage the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

especially by providing the enabling business environment for SMEs to strive.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of ICAN Ikorodu, Mr. Olusola Akinloye, hinted that all efforts would be channeled towards the construction of the proposed permanent secretariat on a piece of land directly opposite the Oriwu Club on Sagamu road.

He also stated that the new Excos was committed to improving the district’s visibility through its website, adding that

plans have been finalised with an IT firm to install a strong web for ease of accessibility and payment by members.

According to Eyitayo, “It is well established that the SMEs are the engine of growth in any economy. But most SMEs don’t have access to sufficient capital to inject into the business, and when they have capital to drive the business, they lack other indices to support the business. I know the efforts on the ease of doing business which is ongoing, but it has to be further strengthened.

Small businesses complain of multiple taxations which is overwhelming, and for businesses to strive, it must be profitable. If SMEs have an enabling business environment, they will be able to bring down the cost of production and consequently reduce price. But if the enabling business environment is tough, then the reverse will be the case for SME businesses.

“You can borrow in the short term. There are borrowings that Continued on page 26

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, A U G U S T 21 51 , 2 0 2 1 ONNDDSS FFGGNN BBO DESCRIPTION 11.668 FGNSB 11.150 15-AUG-2021 11-SEP-2021 10.301 FGNSB 12.364 16-AUG-2021 12-SEP-2021 11.150 FGNSB 12.175 11-SEP-2021 10-OCT-2021 12.364 FGNSB 11.244 12-SEP-2021 16-OCT-2021 12.175 FGNSB 10.296 10-OCT-2021 13-NOV-2021

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MREPCP CPIII XXXI UNCP 2713-AUG-21 AUG-21 UNCPCP CPIIII 27VAAG 27AUG-21 VAAG CP III 27TTNG 31AUG-21 TTNGCP CPI 2-SEPII 31SIBP AUG-21 21 SIBP CP 2-SEPNBRP CPI XIII 21 2-SEP-21

9.02 4.42

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THURSDAY AUGUST 26, ͰͮͰͯ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

A BOOST FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES…

L-R: Deputy Governor, Sokoto State, Alhaji Manir Dan’iya; Director of Government Relations, BUA Group, Alhaji Aliyu Idi Hong; Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Managing Director, ASR Africa Initiative, Ubon Udoh and Group Head, Corporate Communications, BUA, O’tega Ogra during the presentation of a N2.5billion Tertiary Health Systems Support Grant for the construction of a College of Medical Science at the Sokoto State University to the state government in Sokoto… yesterday

Discos: We Have No Hand in Suspension of Eligible Customers’ S c h e m e Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Power Distribution Companies (Discos) in the country yesterday reacted to allegations that they forced the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend trading of electricity under the eligible customer regulation.

The regulation empowers NERC to grant customers using more than two megawatts/hour approval to get their electricity directly from the Generation Companies (Gencos) rather than through the power distributors.

A statement by the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) through its Executive Director, Research and Advocacy,

Mr. Sunday Oduntan explained that the Discos recognise the relevant provisions of the electricity law, 2005 and therefore could not have prevailed on NERC to make the decision.

Rather the Discos argued that what NERC tried to do was to stop the alleged illegalities being embarked by certain elements within the system, noting that with more collaborations to increase efficiencies of the entire value chain, there had been an improvement in the supply of uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians.

“The regulation is therefore a welcome initiative provided that the stakeholders comply

with the laid down procedures and requirements. In response to the insinuation that NERC and the Discos are colluding to frustrate the implementation of the regulation, we wish to state unequivocally that this is untrue,” ANED stated.

The Discos added that stakeholders who have failed to meet the requirements of the regulation were attempting to pass the buck to the electricity distributors.

“In fact, to fault NERC (who have been unduly lenient with them) is undermining the powers of the commission as the regulator of the Nigerian power sector, vested with the requisite authority

to ensure sanity in the Nigerian Electricity Market (NEM),” ANED added.

The Discos stressed that NERC confirmed in their letter to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on the suspension of the bilateral electricity trade that such customers are yet to meet requirements that include requisite energy demand and proof of excess capacity by the Gencos to supply the energy.

In addition, the Discos listed the payment of requisite charges and fees to exit conventional network as well as getting eligible status from the regulator as some of the conditions required by the regulation.

According to the power distributors, the available records indicate that NERC has not approved any application for eligible customer status.

“Despite that, these companies proceeded to arrogate the powers of NERC to themselves by vesting in themselves eligible customer status and continued the unlawful and illegal operations over the years unperturbed.

“The illegal and unlawful operations of these companies and the Gencos involved are a direct cannibalisation of the electricity market and the entire value chain,” ANED said.

It added: “NERC, having duly noticed the damaging impact of

these illegal eligible customers on the electricity market and the entire value chain, had to issue a directive with Ref. No: NERC/REG/ OCFML/APPR/EC/2655/068, dated 7th July, 2021, to TCN to transfer back to the Discos all electricity customers that failed to obtain eligibility status under the regulation.”

ANED also clarified that NERC has not cancelled the regulation as claimed, saying that the directive was simply to stop the illegality that had been perpetrated by those they described as “unscrupulous companies and their supplier generation companies who have gone rogue for four years unchecked.”

US, YALI Hub Move to Enhance Clean, Sustainable Environment in S’West Nigeria Emma Okonji The United States government, through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, has reiterated its commitment to enhance clean and sustainable environment in South-west Nigeria.

The US government, earlier

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

in the year, offered a grant through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, to Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI), to promote clean and sustainable environment in South-west Nigeria, through the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign initiative.

The grant, totaling over $24,000, was used by the YALI Hub to mobilise volunteer groups, who embarked on total evacuation of blocked drainages around the South-west states, including Lagos State, with support from environmental experts from the private and government agencies.

The YALI Hub comprises of

Mandela Washington Fellowship, Regional Leadership Centre and the YALI Online Network.

Speaking at the closing event of the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign project in Lagos recently, the Deputy Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General in Lagos, Jennifer Foltz, said the US government partnered YALI Hub to promote environmental protection and proper waste management in South-west Nigeria.

“The YALI Hub has its expertise and well connected networks of people that manage waste. The Clean Up Nigeria Campaign, which is an initiative of YALI

Hub, was able to mobilise volunteers who partnered with the hub to clean up South-west states, including Lagos State, since January this year. Through the campaign, YALI Hub was able to boost the momentum around young volunteers, who engaged themselves in a clean up exercise in Lagos and the South-west states.

Keeping the environment clean is about safeguarding the health of humans and animals, which will greatly impact on the economy,” Foltz said.

Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency, Moshood Olarenwanjun Oshun, who

commended the initiative of the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign group, said the partnership between the group and the Lagos State government, was a welcomed development that would promote sustainable environment in Lagos State and improve the health conditions of the people of Lagos.

“Lagos State, through its agencies, will continue to support the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign initiative. Each time a group of volunteers clean up any part of Lagos, they contribute towards building a sustainable environment for the state, which is in line with the state government’s initiative.

Flooding has been a major challenge in cities like Lagos, caused by blocked of drainages, which can cause ill-health to people living close to drainages. So the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign initiative, which was extended to South-west Nigeria, where Lagos is located, has helped in no small measure in keeping Lagos clean and safe,” Oshun said.

Coordinator, YALI Hub, Mr. Austin Emmanuel, who commended the US government for the grant, said YALI Hub was inspired by the need to enhance clean and sustainable environment in South-west Nigeria, Lagos inclusive.

MINIMISE IMPORTATION THROUGH DELIBERATE POLICIES TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON FOREIGN RESERVE, ICAN PRESIDENT TELLS FG are targeted at development, but when you borrow to finance

frivolities, you are deepening your debt profile. The issue

with the economy is not the borrowing actually, but what it

is meant for. If the borrowing is channel towards productivity

and development, then it will regenerate itself.”

TELCOS RECORD REDUCTION IN MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY AS PORTING FIGURE DROPS FROM 23,059 TO 616 IN ONE YEAR do not care about brand identity.

What they need is better service quality and they are ready to port to any network that offers better service quality and remain on the network, as long as the network continues to provide the best of telecoms services to their customers.”

Some telecoms subscribers who also spoke to THISDAY said the introduction of Mobile Number

Portability was one of the best things that have empowered telecoms subscribers to exercise their rights in making their choice of network.

They added that MNP would put telecoms operators on their toes to compete among themselves in offering the best of service quality.

They were of the view that telecoms services stabilised across

all networks in the months of January to May 2021; hence it was needless for any subscriber to port to another network within that space of time.

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, however blamed poor service quality on various factors, which he said, were beyond the control of telecoms operators.

He listed some of the factors to include: Delay in granting access to Right of Way (RoW) to telecoms operators for network expansion; multiple taxes; incessant closure of telecoms sites by government agencies; willful destruction of telecoms sites by social miscreants, among others.

“Unless the federal government rises to protect telecoms facilities

in the country and declares telecoms facilities as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), telecoms operators will continue to witness the impunity in the incessant closure of telecoms sites by government agencies, as well as other disruptions in telecoms facilities, which are factors responsible for poor service quality across networks, ”Adebayo said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Charting A Better Path for Refugees Ugo Aliogo examines the efforts of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), development partners, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and policymakers to raise awareness about the rights and obligations of refugees as enshrined in the 1951 Geneva Convention

A

recent report released by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed that in 2020, one in every 95 people on earth fled their home as a result of conflict or persecution (above one percent of the world’s population).

The report also stated that at least 82.4 million people (IDPs and refugees) were forced to flee their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and events seriously disturbing public order, among them are nearly 26.4 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18.

These numbers are quite disturbing judging with the fact most countries have implemented strict border control measures and strengthened immigration laws to ensure that refugees who come through land borders are allowed in the country. For 70 years, the Refugee Convention has been protecting people forced to flee. The convention was drawn up to address the impact of conflict and persecution; it is as relevant today as it was in 1951.

As a frontline agency in addressing the challenges of refugees globally, UNHCR recently organised a symposium to commemorate of 70 years of the 1951 convention on refugees. A core principle of the refugee convention is non-refoulement. The convention asserts that refugees should not be returned to a country where they face threats to their life or freedom. The refugee convention enshrines an ancient, fundamental and universal human right-the right to seek asylum.

The symposium provided an opportunity for policy makers, development partners, and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGO) to chart a course for refugees globally. The discourse brought to the front burner the depressing conditions facing refugees in countries of refuge, what should be done to address these challenges and the rights of refugees.

To set the ball rolling, the Deputy Representative, (Protection) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, (UNHCR), John Mckissick, stated that with the rise of repressive governments across the world, the numbers of refugees were increasing because they have been forced to leave their homes due to persecution, conflict, and human rights violation.

He hinted that the situation doesn’t look good and refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are likely to remain for a longtime.

He lauded Africa countries for ratifying the1951 refugees’ convention and the 1967 protocol, adding that the 1969 Africa Union (AU) provides the protection regimes for refugees so that they are able to enjoy the right to asylum.

According to him, “Receiving refugees is not a difficult task in Africa and countries are receiving refugees. Refugees are forced to flee because of persecution and conflict; neigbouring countries in Africa receive, protect and assist them. I think for the most part, the conventions are being upheld although as we heard today, there are

some isolated cases where the provisions of the convention are violated so it is the job of UNHCR to ensure that countries that ratify the convention are implementing it to the latter of the law.

“In Nigeria, I feel the conversation should not end in implementing the provisions of the convention, but also Nigeria government should implement legislation that protects the rights of refugees. Aside from the isolated cases, for the most part, if Camerounians in Nigeria don’t pose a security threat to the country, they should be given refugees status, if they have documentation, though UNHCR is still registering them. We have not finished the job yet; many of them are in remote communities. We are working with the government to find and register them.

We will ensure that we provide them with the assistance they need so that they can live here and find jobs and get the freedom of movement, health, and education until such a time that is safe for them to go back home.

“It will be good to reverse the national legislation and include all forcibly displaced persons such as IDPs. So technical works need to be done on the revisions of the national act.”

LEGAL RIGHTS

In his remarks, Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana (SAN), explained that Nigeria has a very comprehensive law for the protection of refugees such as the National Commission on Refugees’ Act 2004, noting that the law is a domestication of the United Nation Convention of 1951 as well as the Africa Union (AU) Refugee Convention of 1969.

Falana remarked that Nigeria law is clear on who is a refugee, “and the majority of the refugees in the country are politically victimised people or who fear that their lives are at stake”.

He advised the federal government to show leadership and take care of the 73,000 refugees in the country, adding that majority of those refugees are from Cameroun.

Speaking on the political crisis in Cameroun, Falana hinted that the Nigerian Government cannot pretend that all is well in the Frenchspeaking country, and urged them to intervene.

According to him, “Regarding the crisis in Cameroun, the government of Nigeria cannot pretend that all is well in Cameroun.

There was a judgment delivered in 2006 in which the people of Southern Cameroun sued the government of Nigeria to intervene and they signed terms of settlement that Nigeria was going to take up the crisis in Southern Cameroun at the level of the UN General Assembly. In South Sudan, there is also the violation of human rights and this has led people to flood into Nigeria, so the

government must also act on their behalf in a way that you can have this problem resolved politically and amicably.

“We don’t need to amend the law to accommodate the rights of refugees; once you have entered Nigeria either seeking asylum or as a refugee, you are also entitled to the rights and privileges of a Nigerian.

You cannot be expelled from Nigeria without going through due process. Article 12 of the African Charter states that anybody who enters any African country can be deported without going through due process and that is what is playing out in Benin Republic where our ambassador has already prepared a plane for Igboho to be brought back to Nigeria, but the government of the country has refused, stating that he must be tried in their court of law.”

FG’S POSITION

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, (NCFRMI), Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, lauded the United Nations and the international community, particularly, the States parties to the Convention, for the successes and sustenance of the 1951 Convention on refugees and its 1967 protocol.

She explained that the convention remains the chief regulatory instrument for international refugee protection, adding that without the convention, other regional and national instruments on refugee protection would have been non-existent, “the convention charted the course for others national laws for refugees, to follow.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who represented at the event by her Special Assistant, Stephen Mediayedu, noted that the National Commission for Refugees Establishment Act, and the 1969 OAU Convention, which governs specific aspects of Africa Refugee problems exist today because of the 1951 Convention.

She also stated that in some States that are not a party to the Convention, the commission is playing host to refugees, such as Bangladesh, which hosts over 1 million Rohingya refugees ride on the guiding light of the tenets of the convention.

She further argued that the three traditional durable solutions to the global refugee problems of voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement have recorded milestone successes as countries of origin, “have witnessed successful voluntary returns of displaced citizens from countries of asylum in safety and indignity”.

She posited that some refugees have been uprooted and resettled in many different developed countries to begin a new life, adding that many refugees, especially those in protracted situations have been locally

integrated into the host communities.

According to her, “Under the local solution strategy in Nigeria, the Federal Government has abolished the encampment policy, hence refugees are either in transit settlements like those in Benue and Cross Rivers States or live in the host communities like those in Taraba State.

This is in keeping with the tenets of the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) on burden-sharing.

“There are some challenges with the implementation of the convention by States, but they are not insurmountable. Poor or lack of political will and commitment is one. The deleterious effects of climate change have engendered human movements that would otherwise not have happened. The phenomenon of insurgency, communal clashes, banditry, political instability, and separatist tendencies due to discontent with central Governments in Africa and some Arab countries, are cases in point. Inadequate funding of programmes and projects that would provide durable solutions to refugees and the effects of COVID-19 Pandemic bear mentioning.

“I would like to state that since the NCFRMI was created in 1987 as Nigeria’s agency mandated to coordinate all issues relating to refugees and migration as well as providing succour to internally displaced persons in Nigeria, the Commission has been providing and will continue to provide support and promote initiatives that will impact positively our Persons of Concern (PoCs). Indeed, as of May 2021, Nigeria has been a very friendly and accommodating host to about 71,400 Refugees and 1,600 Asylum-seekers. On almost weekly basis, an average of 300 persons cross over to Nigeria, through unmanned borders points, from the Cameroon, as refugees. A good number of them are unregistered.”

REFUGEES, IDPS AND RETURNEES

The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, in 2020 made a special provision for NCFRMI in the designing of Economic Sustainability Plan so as to ease the implementation of key actions relating to refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

One of the key economic sustainable plans is the commencement of the building of Resettlement Cities (400 units of 2 bedroom flats) in Borno, Edo, Zamfara, Katsina and Kano States (first phase) for Returnees and IDPs towards ensuring durable solution for their shelter needs.

The projects for the establishment of migrants/ refugees resource centers transit camps in critical locations, establishment of learning centers in IDP camps, upgrade and expansion of zonal offices and field offices and establishment of appropriate PoC database have been included in the 2021-2025 Medium Term National Development Plan.

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

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THURSDAY AUGUST 26, ͰͮͰͯ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

MARKETING

Sustaining Creative Ingenuity in Marketing Communications Industry Raheem Akingbolu writes on how various competitive platforms initiated by sectoral bodies in the nation’s marketing communications industry have deepened creativity and prepared Nigerian firms for global recognition

U

ntil about 15 years ago, when the leadership of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, introduced the Lagos Advertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF), to challenge and spur local creative agencies to look out of the box, it was an annual ritual for stakeholders in the industry to play the role of spectators at various global advertising festivals and awards, especially the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

After several efforts by Nigerian agencies to clinch trophies on the international stage, industry leaders thus returned to the drawing board and applied ‘the charity begins at home’ dictum to groom local agencies for international competition.

Over the years, they haven’t only achieved that but have been able to compel agencies in various fields; experiential, out-of-home, public relations and creatives to further impact on brands and businesses through their works. To this end, many agencies have raised the bar and performed creditably well on the foreign stage, including winning and making Nigeria proud at the African Cristal Festival in Marrakech, Morocco and other places.

Speaking on how competition has strengthened the marketing communication industry in recent time, the Group Managing Director

“To win more global awards, we must be original, focused and professional. Much as it is important for us to compete with global campaigns and ideas, we shouldn’t discard our local nuances because each market comes with its culture. So far, we can be sure we are heading there with what is coming out of our market in recent times.” of Brandlife Limited, one of Africa’s leading experiential agencies, Mr. Julius Agenmonmen, said the crave to come out with a marketing solution that would compete within and outside Nigeria has also helped the agency owners to further service their clients.

“Beyond the laurels that normally go with awards, I think the determination to win has also spurred players in the marketing communication industry to come out with problem solving ideas that are fast changing fortunes of businesses in Nigeria,”he said.

Agenmonmen, who spoke to THISDAY after his agency – BrandLife Limited achieved remarkable feats by winning a total of four awards in various categories at the 2021 Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) Awards, held recently in Lagos, noted that the innovations being deplored by Nigerian agencies in recent time,

have shown that Nigerian agencies could perfectly compete amongst other international awards globally.

Speaking on the performance of his company at the award ceremony, Aganmomen described it as a significant feat that would spur the experiential agency to do more for their clients and other future brands they work on.

He said: “These awards are testimony to the agency’s commitment to working with its clients to always deliver value with winning strategies and excellent executions. We are grateful to our clients for trusting us over the years. We dedicate these awards to them. We thank the almighty God for taking us this far” At the event, Brandlife won Gold for ‘Best Trade Activation’ with the flawless and exciting execution of the Gulder Red Night Parties under the Nigerian Breweries beer brand. It also won three other silver awards for

‘Best Event - B2B’ featuring the seamless execution of the HP Elite Dragonfly Launch Event; ‘Best use of Digital in an Event’ for the HP Elite Dragonfly Launch Event; and ‘Best Use of Digital in an Activation’ for the HP Be Free to Create Campaign accompanied the Gold win.

The event was organized by the sectoral trade body for forward-looking experiential marketing communications agencies in Nigeria to promote, encourage and foster unity and growth among key players in the marketing industry.

The EXMAN awards for excellence seeks to reward, honor and celebrate outstanding member agencies and marketing communications professionals who have raised the bar in terms of creativity, strategies and project executions to provide consumers meaningful experiences and impact positively on clients’ businesses.

Speaking on how Nigerian agencies can win more laurels on the global stage, Agenmonmen called for consistency, originality and global best practice.

“To win more global awards, we must be original, focused and professional.

Much as it is important for us to compete with global campaigns and ideas, we shouldn’t discard our local nuances because each market comes with its culture. So far, we can be sure we are heading there with what is coming out of our market in recent times,” he added.

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, ͰͮͰͯ ˾ T H I S D AY

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Crown Interactive Offers N400m Grant to Nigerian Manufacturers Emma Okonji As part of its ongoing ‘Automate and Collaborate’ campaign, Crown Interactive has announced a N400 million value in product and support grant to be offered to 20 medium sized manufacturers, distributors of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) and suppliers of raw materials.

It is offering its supply chain software at no charge for one year to 20 companies in the Nigerian market that meet specified criteria.

The promotion represents a value of N20 million delivered to each firm in terms of the technology offered and support service rendered.

The special offer presents Crown Interactive’s Supply Chain Management solution to the selected firms and

their supply chains. Selected companies will be offered the firm’s suite of Business Support Systems (BSS) free of charge for the first 12 months. Subsequently, it will be available at a monthly fee of N12,000/user but with no obligation on the company to continue to use the service. Other benefits include free software implementation and training as well as export promotions opportunities and access to inventory finance.

The applications within the CICOD BSS can be easily integrated to existing systems within an organisation’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software or operated independently to provide a platform for automating key business processes. Crown Interactive’s solution is designed to address common challenges

relating to the manufacturing supply chain, including customer order, inventory and workflow management and provides a platform for electronic payments and inventory finance.

Commenting on the promotion, Managing Director of Crown Interactive, Wumi Oghoetuoma, said: “We believe that design

thinking and technology have combined to redefine the business landscape and that manufacturers that aspire to succeed cannot afford to be left behind. We look forward to showing selected companies the impact of our supply chain software on their operations. Over a year, we are confident that

these companies will testify of the impact of our solution in terms of lowering costs, building partnerships for future business growth, balancing their product supply with market demand, and enhancing the customer experience.”

The offer is open exclusively to enterprises involved in

manufacturing, key distributors of fast-moving consumer goods, and suppliers of raw materials that are either exporters or have demonstrated an interest in exporting their products.

To apply, the firms must also engage over 50 employees and report an annual turnover of over N100 million.

Globacom Launches TV Streaming Service to Boost Customer Experience Nosa Alekhuogie Globacom has launched its television streaming service on its network, to boost customer experience, while on the move.

The telecoms company said the desire to offer subscribers premium television content for viewers of all ages, informed its decision to launch Glo TV, a firstof-its-kind mobile television app on Android, IOS and the web.

The company’s Head of Web Sales, Ugochukwu Ibe, who spoke at the recent launch in Lagos, explained that the app was designed for watching live linear TV, Video-on-Demand and catch-up content, which will cater to the preferences of Nigerians across different socio-economic groups and offer them an exclusive opportunity to experience best-in-class TV content.

“This exciting product is designed to ensure that access to television programming graduates from computer and television to mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet computers and is available on the go and in real time. It can be considered as part of our 18th anniversary delight to our over 50 million subscribers,” Ibe said.

He also assured subscribers of a delightful experience on Glo TV service, adding that, “we are aware that fast and

reliable internet is required to enjoy mobile TV contents. If the internet is slow, it takes more time to load the video contents and this can be annoying to users. With Globacom’s 4G data powered by Glo 1, subscribers are assured a pleasant streaming experience”.

According to him, “Globacom is a network that is constantly re-inventing itself with innovative yet affordable products and services and promised that it will not rest on its laurels.

“We will continue to enhance the quality of service and data speed, as well as expand network capacity in order to accommodate the new additions to our subscriber base on account of Glo TV and other numerous products and services recently added to our fecund stable.

To guarantee a thrilling experience on Glo TV, we are partnering with numerous content providers to ensure that we constantly offer content that will appeal to all categories of subscribers across social demographics.”

He explained that the app was designed for all customers on its pre-paid and post-paid platforms who own compliant android and iPhone devices and will be required to visit myglotv. com to register and download the Glo TV app free of charge until September 30th, 2021.

MOU WITH MICROSOFT…

L-R: Philanthropies Lead, Nigeria and Ghana, Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; Executive Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye, LGA, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; Co-founder, Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Oladepo; and Assistant Director, Legal officer for Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Agunloye Ayodele, during the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a 3-Year PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE Youth Development between Ifako-Ijaye LGA and Microsoft in Lagos…recently

ASR Africa Donates N2.5bn to Sokoto State University Medical College The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) - brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, yesterday presented a N2.5billion Tertiary Health Infrastructure grant to the Sokoto State Government for the construction of the College of Medical Sciences at the Sokoto State University.

ASR Africa in a statement said the grant will also be deployed to other infrastructure at the School of Nursing, Tambuwal as well as the School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa in the state.

This grant was presented during a ceremony at the Sokoto State Government

house yesterday.

Receiving the proposed designs for the various projects from Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group and ASR Africa said the initiative was proud to complement the work already being done by the Sokoto State government in healthcare delivery at the primary and secondary levels.

Represented by the Chairman of ASR Africa, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong he commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal for his holistic approach and commitment to healthcare development at all levels.

According to him, “ASR Africa is passionate about social impact and development especially in

the areas of health care delivery, education, social development and sustainable infrastructure which are also the pillars of ASR Africa’s vision for African development. We are therefore ready and committed to partner serious governments to make critical interventions and sustainable impact in healthcare and development for the benefit of the people.”

Also speaking, MD/CEO, ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh said Sokoto is one of four states that were announced recently as beneficiaries of the ASR Africa Health Systems Support grant of N2.5billion each per state, “the other states being Kwara, Edo and Ogun States. Kwara State is using their ASR Africa

grant to develop a world-class oncology centre whilst Sokoto is strengthening their Tertiary healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems. We expect to deploy resources to commence work in Sokoto as soon as possible.”

In his response, Tambuwal thanked Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group and initiator of ASR Africa for the grant and noted that “Just as BUA, through its cement holdings, BUA Cement Plc, has become an economic powerhouse for sokoto state, we are also very happy to partner with Alhaji Rabiu and his ASR Africa Initiative on this healthcare development partnership for sustainable impact.

NCC Lauds 9mobile for Promoting Expert Challenges Youths on Digital Digital Skills among Nigerian Youths Innovation, Internet Benefits

Emma Okonji

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has commended 9mobile for driving initiatives that empower Nigerian youths, especially in digital skills acquisition.

Danbatta gave the commendation while delivering a lecture at the launch of the Digital Bichi Emirate Initiative and graduation of the pilot class of the 9mobile sponsored digital skills entrepreneurship program for youths as part of activities to mark the coronation of the Board Chairman of 9mobile, His Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero as the second Emir

of Bichi.

According to him, the programme is in line with key policy documents developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, including the Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2010-2030, and the National Policy on Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector (NPPIC), to promote a digital economy.

Also speaking, the Visioner of the Bichi digital skills programme and Chairman, Board of Directors of EMTS (9mobile), His Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero, the Emir of

Bichi, thanked 9mobile for its support for the youths of the Emirate through its sponsorship of the digital skills programme.

“On behalf of the Bichi Emirate Council and the good people of Bichi, I wish to specially express my profound gratitude to the board and management of 9mobile for the support shown to our people. We therefore hope to receive many more of this kind of gesture in the future,” the Emir said.

The Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, noted that the initiative ties into his administration’s efforts to empower and create meaningful employment for the youths.

Emma Okonji

A tech enthusiast and pioneer promoter of the digital economy, Dr. Bayero Agabi has advised Nigerian youths to shun all forms of internet scams and embrace digital innovations, stressing that there is lot of money to be made legitimately, while leveraging the internet.

Bayero gave the advice while making his opening remarks as the National Coordinator of the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), which organised World Wide Web (WWW) celebration conference in Lagos last week.

According to Bayero, “the internet has proven all over the world to be a legitimate

revenue spinner for individuals, corporate organizations and even governments. Thus, there is really no need to be involved in fraudulent activities while using the Internet.”

He said: “Rather than leverage the power of the internet for fraudulent activities, our youths should learn various online skills available and begin to make real and legitimate money.”

He disclosed that while some young Nigerians were making good money from uploading captivating videos on YouTube, others were involved in coding and some other ICT skills that fetched them regular income even from international organisations.

“As organisations, individuals and societies continue to go digital, we would like to canvass for the responsible use of the internet. Don’t do today what you will not be proud off tomorrow. Use the internet responsibly,” Bayero advised further.

He also warned that as the usage internet grows, there would be specific harmful effects associated with it.

Such effects, according to him included internet addiction, information overload, harm to social relationships, harm to cognitive development, harm to public/private boundaries, harmful effects on knowledge and beliefs and harm to democracy and democratic citizenships.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FG Raises TraderMoni Loan Portfolio by 400% Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has jacked up the loan portfolio of TraderMoni to N50,000 representing a 400 per cent increment.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq disclosed this during the flagging off of the restructured GEEP 2.0 (Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme) in Abuja.

The portfolio, which is for marginalized youth previously used to be N10,000. The FarmerMoni was also increased to N300,000 respectively.

Farouq said the upgrading was aimed at empowering traders, scaling up agroprenuership and ensuring food security.

Aside from the reviewed

loan, the beneficiaries will be provided with a value chain and creation of digital marketplace (E-platform) to enable them to sell their products.

The minister said a digital integration and coordination platform along with strong and centralized monitoring and evaluation system aimed at enhancing loans recovery has also been put in place.

She said GEEP 2.0 is structured to effectively deliver soft loans and skills to a wide range of unbanked and unemployed citizens.

These include persons living with disabilities, marginalised women and unemployed youth among other vulnerable groups in the society.

The GEEP 2.0 is one of the poverty reduction intervention clusters under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) approved by the

ipNX Bags Most Innovative Fibre Optics Provider of the Year Award Nosa Alekhuogie

ipNX, an Information and Communication Technology company, has clinched the most innovative fibre optics provider of the year award at the 17th edition of Titans of Tech Hall Awards, in recognition of its contributions towards boosting the business connectivity and broadband Internet access needs of her customers across the country.

Speaking on the award, Divisional CEO, ipNX Business, Segun Okuneye, said “this award recognition is for the ipNX brand to sustain the quality of service and establish a new bar of operational excellence.”

According to him, “The award is the result of the brand’s efforts and series of strategic investments and deployment of resources across the brand value chain in line with the vision to be the most preferred communications and IT enabler in Africa and beyond. We appreciate this vote of confidence from the general public and industry players and pledge that the ipNX brand will continue to provide desired service

offerings and leadership.

We dedicate this award to our consumers, especially knowing that they are the only reason for our existence in the marketplace.”

Project Director Tech TV, organizers of the awards, Don Pedro Aganbi, said available intelligence revealed that “ipNX is widely acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s fastestgrowing information and communications technology companies, serving a multitude of needs across enterprise, small businesses and residents with innovative, world-class services”.

He further said: “ipNX’s commitment to continually add value to her customers’ operations, strong drive to meet and exceed her customers’ expectations and to always deliver within specified timelines, lends credence to its emerging status as one of the country’s most valuable Broadband and Fibre Optics providers”.

In a related development, ipNX was recognised by Ookla Global SpeedTest Intelligence Report as the fastest and most consistent Fixed Broadband Internet Provider in Nigeria for Q1 and Q2 2021.

JARA Stores Set to Open Second Outlet in Benin Nigeria’s foremost discount retail outlet, JARA stores, has concluded plans to open its second retail store in Benin City, at the Ugbowo axis of Benin City, the Edo State capital.

In a statement, a representative for JARA stores, Ayo Bademosi, said the opening of the new store is in line with the company’s vision to extend the unique shopping experience at its stores to more shoppers in Benin City.

According to her, “We are excited to be opening a new store in Benin City. This will be the second store in Benin in less than two years of commencing operations in Edo State. It is a testament

to the faith that we have in the retail sector in Edo State and our commitment to the partnership with the Edo State Government through the EDPA. “There is no denying that we have had a good run these past few months. We now want to extend our amazing offers to more people in Edo State with the opening of this new store. It is such a delight because the new store will bring our unique offerings to shoppers in the Ugbowo community.”

JARA is a leading discount store in Lagos, Ibadan and Benin, offering Nigerians a unique shopping experience and low prices on quality everyday shopping needs.

federal government in 2016 and in 2019 to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in

2030.

Farouq said TraderMoni will target empowerment

and uplift under-privileged and vulnerable youth like scavengers, market

wheelbarrow boys, orphans and youth with special needs.

PROMOTING POLO…

L - R: Chairman Kano Turf Club, Tajudeen Dantata; Deputy Governor, Kano State, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna; Executive Governor, Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Executive Director, Public Sector, FirstBank, Abdullahi Ibrahim and SSA on sports to the governor, Ibrahim Mu’azzam, presenting trophy and cash prize of N250,000.00 to the winner of Late sir Ahmadu Bello cup, organised during the Kano Northern Derby held in Kano State...recently

THT, Experts Harps on Innovation, Resilient Healthcare Delivery Post COVID-19 Total Health Trust (THT) Limited and health experts have advocated for effective innovation and resilience healthcare delivery Post- COVid-19 as recent pandemic erupted businesses and healthcare delivery across the globe.

On the heels of the PostCOVID-19 pandemic, the company in Lagos at its 2021 Providers’ Forum with a theme, “Creating Impact in Chaos: Healthcare Resilience Lessons Post Covid-19,” had a discussion with health experts on the need for effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Delivery his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Total Health Trust (THT), Godden Kieran noted that: “global economies and businesses emerged from the scourge of the pandemic, innovation and resilience becomes extremely important for growth and sustainability.

“As healthcare providers, you remain at the forefront of this development. The world is depending on the success and resilience of the health sector to breathe light into the darkness, and perhaps, return to

the moments we all shared freely without physical distancing.”

He said the 2021 Providers’ Forum is critical to the company as it helps the company understands key challenges facing health providers across the country.

He added, “These discussions are important to us at THT as they help us understand your challenges and how we can work together with you to make Nigeria Healthier. A healthier Nigeria is good for us all, good for the economy and good for business. Our purpose revolves around this and you, our provider partners, are an integral part of this mission.”

Speaking virtually at the forum, health expert at the Department of Community Health & Primary Health Care College of Medicine University of Lagos, Prof Akin Osibogun called on key stakeholders in the healthcare sector to strengthen the health system for improved performance and response to pandemic.

According to him: “To prevent, detect and respond to biological and other threats to health, a resilient and sustainable health

system is required. A sustainable health system is one built on local capabilities and realisable local potentials such that the community can maintain the system at all stages of its socioeconomic development.”

He hinted that weak health systems make it impossible to attain national health goals and are also a threat to global health security.

In his presentation titled, “Building Back Better: Improving Healthcare Delivery Post-Pandemic In Nigeria,” he challenged key stakeholders to develop a health system that is strong for all times and has capabilities to meet the needs of the present while anticipating and preparing for the future.

He highlighted inadequacy of health human resources management – relative unemployment of health workers even in the presence of poor worker/population ratios; increasing inter-professional rivalry due to unclear job definitions or at times crass opportunism; Insufficient public health financing of basic inputs for service delivery and weak supporting public utilities key

issues facing the sector.

For the country to build blocks of resilient health systems, he highlighted good governance, service delivery, health workforce access to essential medicines, financing and health information system including effective disease surveillance as major conditions.

The head, Provider Management, THT, Dr. Chinyeaka Aguboshim in her presentation titled, “Creating Impact in Chaos”, said the forum offered the company opportunity to interact with providers, generating useful insights from the interaction to help forge better in partnerships.

While speaking on basic lessons for healthcare resilience in chaos, she said: “By healthcare resilience, we mean the ability to healthcare providers to absorb chaos, adapt lessons learnt and re-organise in order to continue delivering needed services in a timely manner.

Speaking from a different perspective, Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychologist, Dr. Otefe Edebi highlighted four key components lessons to learn Post COVID-19

SON Arrests Dealers of Adulterated Engine Oil in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto A team of the Surveillance Investigation and Monitoring (SIM) unit of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) on has uncovered lubricant adulterating syndicate at mini mart along Gidan Mada area of Sokoto State.

The team swooped on the location and arrested a primary suspect who was found at the premise with various litres of Adulterated Mobile and Amasco engine oil.

According to the suspect who refused to give his name, he said he is a manager of Na’ada company a dealer of engine oil.

Speaking to newsmen at the scene, the state coordinator of Standard Organization of Nigeria, Sokoto state Alhaji Jubrin Mohammed represented

by SIM team leader Murtala Muhammad Yusuf described the discovery as shocking stating that it is indeed a wake up call for Nigerians particularly the general public who have responsibility to provide

intelligence information for the Organization for the apprehension of those dealing with substandard products.

“Last time we got a hint that some one is selling adulterated total engine oil, we swung into action and arrested the suspect, “he stated.

He further explained that despite SON’s several arrests in the past deviants Nigerians persist in the act of adulterating engine oil and selling to unsuspecting Nigerians destroying machinery

and engines.

According to him, SON would not relent in the ongoing fight against unscrupulous elements who persist in defrauding Nigerians through their dubious acts.

He however advised dealers and manufacturers to always do the right thing by upholding standards in all their undertakings stressing it will ensure a vibrant economy through the strengthening of business as they adhere to international best practices.

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, ͰͮͰͯ ˾ T H I S D AY

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Buhari, Kagame, Emefiele, Others for CIBN Conference Nume Ekeghe

President Muhammadu Buhari and his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame and an array of other dignitaries are expected to attend the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) annual conference, the CIBN has announced.

The CIBN in a chat with newsmen to announce the event said the 14th Annual Banking and Finance Conference will hold, simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos and virtually September 14 – 15, 2021.

The CIBN added that the

event is been organised through a Consultative Committee, chaired by the Group Managing Director/ CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, body of bank CEOs, and co-chaired by the Managing Director/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun and the Managing Director/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Hassan Usman.

The theme of the Conference, “Economic Recovery, Inclusion and Transformation: The Role of Banking and Finance,” it added, is predicated on the need to reposition the Banking and Finance Industry as a catalyst for economic recovery, inclusive growth, and

transformation, thereby moving the future of Nigeria forward.

“Dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are: His Excellency, Professor Yemi, Osinbajo, GCON, SAN, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State; Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mr. Mohammed Musa, Honorable

Minister, Federal Capital Territory and may others. The Chief Host of the Conference is Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CON, FCIB, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria while the host is Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, FCIB, President and Chairman of Council, CIBN. “His Excellency, President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda will speak on the theme of the Conference and set the tone for the Event,

as the Keynote Speaker. Other confirmed resources persons are: Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, the United Nations / Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group; Professor Benedict Oramah, President, African Export–Import Bank (Afrexim); Mr. Wamkele

Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Ms. Vera Songwe, UN Under-Secretary General/Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa; Honourable (Mrs). Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Diaspora Commission and Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Awosika, Chairman/Independent Non-Executive Director, Access Bank Plc, “CIBN said.

Expo to Showcase Investment in Nigeria’s Potato Value Chain

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Organisers of the international potato value chain and root crops expo and conference, ABG Paulas Resources Limited, which is scheduled to hold on the 14th to 16th September, 2021, in Jos, Plateau State, is set to showcase investment opportunities in Nigeria’s potato value chain.

Indeed, the expo is apt coming at a time when agri-food systems are failing as many nations are seeking ways to develop solutions to drive their agricultural value chains.

According to the organisers, potato is the third most consumed food crop globally coming after rice and wheat, consumed by a billion people worldwide, saying that the expo would be the first international potato value chain expo in Nigeria.

Nigeria remained the fourthlargest producer of potato in Sub-Saharan Africa and the seventh-largest producer in Africa.

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Simon Lalong, has appointed the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, to oversee the hosting of the International Potato Value Chain and Root Crops Expo and Conference that would be held in Jos, the state’s capital.

Lalong said that the expo is in line with the objectives of the agriculture policy of the State.

Lalong stated this when a team from the ABG Paulas Resources Limited team that was led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ambrose Okojie, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, which was used to officially decorate him and Tyoden as chief ambassadors of the expo.

He said the event is scheduled to open up investment opportunities, create jobs for stakeholders and facilitate increased production as well as food and nutrition security, adding that the event has got the participation of Grimme and Pottinger, German and Austrian based companies respectively and others to promote all varieties of potato and root crops production, processing, preservation, packaging and promotion in Plateau State and Nigeria in general towards meeting global best standards and quality.

Similarly, the Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) has declared support to partner the organisers to deliver the international conference on potato value chain and other root crops.

Access Bank Launches Awareness Campaign to Combat e-Banking Fraud Nume Ekeghe As part of its commitment to educate and protect customers from e-banking fraud, Access Bank Plc has launched an awareness campaign aimed at sensitizing customers on measures they can take to protect themselves.

The campaign, themed, “Banks Don’t Ask,” focuses on three key activities that account for most fraud incidents in Nigeria, phishing, SIM card fraud, ATM fraud and POS fraud.

In a statement, ED Retail Banking, Victor Etuokwu, stated: “In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the rate of internet-based and technology-perpetrated fraud”. He added “We want to ensure that our customers are

not only protected but are also aware of the tactics employed by fraudsters. Access Bank will never request for personal banking information such as your 16-digit card number, password, PIN, BVN, CVV or One-Time Password (OTP). So, customers are also advised to never share this information with anyone even if they claim to be from the Bank. ”From all indications, the rates of phishing, SIM card fraud, ATM fraud and POS fraud in the country has tripled in the past few years.

Also, the sophistication with which these activities are carried out has evolved, resulting in unsuspecting customers being highly susceptible to these criminal activities.”

REGENERATOR TRAINING…

L-R: GM, CONLOG Nigeria, Elungile Mzimba; CEO Ikeja Electric Folake Soetan; Head MAP and Supply Chain, MOJEC Meter Asset Management Company Mr. Michael Onuorah; Pearl Uzokwe, Director of Sustainability and Governance, Sahara Group; MD Energy Training Centre (ETC) Ibiene Okeleke at the Sahara Foundation Regenerator Training Program in Lagos State

Millionaires Emerge at Ecobank’s Promo Draw Four customers of Ecobank Nigeria Limited have emerged winners in the recent draw of its super reward scheme.

The customers were Tsoo Alaye, with an Ecobank Microfinance Special Account representing FCT / Northern Region; Badero Modupe Olufunmilayo, with a Personal Flexi Account, representing Lagos Region; Omiwole Damilare Daniel, with an Ecobank Microfinance Special Account, representing Midwest and South West Region; and Hayford Gogo Lawson, with a Personal Savings Account, representing South East and

South South were announced as the grandprize winners of N1million each in the Ecobank Super Rewards Scheme.

The four months campaign had seen a total 800 customers winning N25,000 weekly in batches of fifty per week.

Announcing the winners in a statement, Head Consumer Banking, Ms. Korede DemolaAdeniyi said the scheme was designed by Ecobank to reward customers’ loyalty. She lauded the level of participation and interest generated by the scheme.

She explained that the four millionaires had the highest deposit

and transaction value across the regions of the country within the campaign period.

“We segmented the country into four regions including Lagos, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mid-west/South West and South South/South East regions where one millionaire emerged based on highest deposit and transaction value within the campaign duration. They are today being rewarded with N1 million naira each. The spread of the beneficiaries across customer segments and geographical locations is a clear indication that the bank is accepted all over the country.

“On a weekly basis, 50 customers with the highest deposit and transaction value were rewarded with N25,000 each. In all, 800 customers benefited during the four months campaign period. I use this opportunity to reassure everyone that Ecobank remains committed to maintaining its industry leadership in rewarding its customers. I enjoin those that are yet to open an account with the bank to do so to enjoy its state-of-the-art digital payment and collections platforms, including its products and services.” She stated.

Unity Bank Challenge Produces 30 More Winners A total of thirty members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have won cash prizes and business grants totaling N10 million in the 6th edition of the expanded Unity Bank flagship business plan competition known as Corpreneurship Challenge.

Unity Bank is currently in 10 states of the federation where three winners each emerged from the Batch B Orientation course in the Corpreneuship competition held last week.

The states that the winners emerged included Lagos, Ogun, Benin, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Sokoto, Enugu, Osun and Kwara.

As in the previous editions, the cash prizes included a N200, 000 business grant for third place winners; N300, 000 business grant for second place and a star prize of N500, 000 for the winners.

Some of the winners included Yahaya Muhammad, Alade

Ayinde and Omolola Kehinde in the Kano NYSC camp, while Chiamaka Nweke, Nduke Oduobuk and Victoria Adesope emerged as the winners in the Enugu State camp.

In Lagos, Aliu Haira Abimbola, Uzoechi Ihuoma Augustus and Adesanolu Lukmon Abiodun emerged winners to claim the cash prizes.

One of the winners in Abuja, Ebingha Ogbe John appreciated Unity Bank for the opportunity, which she said, has helped her to showcase her business to the world. “I thank Unity Bank for making my project, Mama’s Ally Crashfish to come alive in this Abuja,” She said.

The initiative continues to attract increasing interest among the corps members, as over 2000 applications were received but only 100 were shortlisted for the pitching sessions where the thirty winners emerged.

The contestants’ business plans which ranged from

software solutions, fashion, fish production, poultry farming, bee farming, retail chains, piggery to beverages were assessed on originality, marketability, future employability potential of the product and knowledge of the business.

Recall that Unity Bank started the Entrepreneurial Development Initiative in 2019, to specifically target corps members, as part of efforts to contribute to job creation in Nigeria. It continues to gain traction, growing bigger and better in grooming corps members having successfully run several editions of the scheme in partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED. The Bank has invested over N80 million in the initiative, which has now produced 58 winners since it was launched.

Speaking during the finale in the FCT NYSC camp, the

Divisional Head, Retail, SME Banking and E-Business Directorate, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade, said the competition has proved to be a great tool for empowering fresh graduates in the country.

“The corpreneurship challenge is a creative entrepreneurial development initiative

by Unity Bank in conjunction with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. It is aimed at driving job creation through entrepreneurship.

“With rising youth unemployment in the country, it is just common sense to consider the entrepreneurship alternative”.

“As the corps members join the labour market after their youth service, not every one of them will get the opportunity for a paid employment. But with what Unity Bank is doing, many of them will get the support they need to start a small business and even become employers of labour”.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare; Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader, Ismail Ahmed; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and APC National Youth member, Sani Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the vice president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…recently

L-R: Philanthropies Lead of Nigeria and Ghana, Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye, Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; Co-founder, Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Oladepo; and Assistant Director, Legal Office, Ifako Ijaiye LGA, Agunloye Ayodele, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a three-year youth development project between Ifako-Ijaye LGA and Microsoft in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

L–R: Film Director, Frederick Atigogo; Managing Director/CEO, Mediabxng, Julius Osumah; Vice President, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Queen Blessing Ebigieson; and Director, Superscreen TV, Ik Osazuwa, at the Inaugural Producers and Directors’ Meet-up organised by Mediabxng in Lagos...recently

L-R: Executive Director/CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib; acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Grill Atkinson; Director, Logistic and Health Commodities, Pry Health, Hajiya Daradara; and Country Lead, AstraZeneca Nigeria, Mr. Morris Nyarko, during the handover of 699,760 AstraZeneca vaccines to the Nigeria Government, donated by United Kingdom Government in Abuja…recently

L-R: Groom’s mother, Mrs. Olubunmi Igbaroola; groom, Dr. Ayoola Igbaroola; bride, Kadijat Abimbola Sarumi Igbaroola; and groom’s father, the Majekobaje of Ilesaland, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, during the their son’s wedding ceremony at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Isokun, Ilesa, Osun State…recently

R-L: Son of the late former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, Alhaji Musa Mantu; former Senator for Kogi Central senatorial district, Tunde Ogeha; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibril; and former Senate President, David Mark, condoling with Alhaji Musa Mantu, during a prayer held for the deceased at the Zone E’ Mosque, Apo in Abuja…recently

L-R: International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Chairperson, Mrs. Ose Akhahon; NTA Zonal Director, Iryn Omorogiuwa; Mrs. Pauline Igbanor; Mr. Nosa Edo-Osagie; and NBA Benin-city branch Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Paula Agbale, during the FIDA proposed building fund-raising dinner and award night, where Igbanor and Edo-Osagie received awards of distinction for their support to FIDA Edo State chapter in Benin-city…recently

A public rally for COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaign tagged: ‘VaccineNoBeBadThing! GoCollectYaOwn’, by the Global Health Advocacy and Innovation Alliance (GLHADIA) at Ikeja, Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Cholera Outbreak in FCT: Appraisal of Efforts to Halt Spread Following the outbreak of cholera in the nation’s capital in May, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has taken some steps to halt the spread of the disease. Adedayo Akinwale writes on the impact of measures taken to check the disease and also reduce fatalities

S

ince May, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has witnessed a frightening outbreak of Cholera which is currently ravaging the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Though the current outbreak is however not limited to the FCT as states like Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Bayelsa and Kaduna are also facing the scourge. A recent report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed that 47,603 suspected cholera cases have been reported in 23 states.

The 23 states where there are suspected cholera cases in 2021 include; Benue, Delta, Zamfara, Gombe, Bayelsa, Kogi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Adamawa, Enugu, Katsina, Borno, Taraba and FCT Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. It affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.

In most cases, the outbreak is usually triggered by poor living conditions and lack of access to potable water supply, in over-crowded communities.

Since the outbreak started in FCT in May, 1,170 suspected cases have been recorded out of which about six per cent have died, which is about 73 of suspected cases as at August 13.

However, all the six Area Councils in the FCT have recorded cases of Cholera in 26 Wards and 120 communities of the FCT, with Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) remaining the most affected area Councils. As of August 13, AMAC has recorded 575 cases, Gwagwalada (346), Bwari (190), Kwali (37), Abaji (12).

Interventions The acting Director, FCT Public Health Department, Dr. Saddiq Abdulraheem told THISDAY that out of the 39 of the 62 wards of the FCT about 120 communities reported at least suspected cases of cholera, the FCT administration has activated its Emergency Operation Centres of cholera with nine pillars. This includes: Surveillance, risk communication, case management and logistics.

He said all these pillars have been active since then and we also constitute about three teams.

The director explained that Cholera as a multi-sectoral disease requires a multi-sectoral approach. Hence, relevant agencies were brought on board such as FCT Water Board, Rural Water Supply Agency (RUWASA), Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Area Council Chairmen and religious and traditional rulers.

He said advocacy has been intensified, while the Disease Surveillance Notification Officers at the Area Councils are working in synergy with the Disease Surveillance Notification Officers of FCT. Abdulraheem said: “The cases of asiatic started in May till date. We have been witnessing it until June when the cases were going up. We did some rapid tests and we confirmed serotypes in the Cholera outbreak - serotype 01 and serotype 0139.

So, the one we have so far is serotype 01 and the number has been steadily increasing. However, from that period till 13th of August, we have had up to 1,170 infections or suspected cases out of which about six per cent have died, that’s about 73 of this number.”

The director added that FCT administration has released funds to procure the necessary consumables, adding that all these are being distributed to all the public health facilities, selected comprehensive primary health centres across the six area councils and targeted communities.

Abdulraheem further explained that communities that have already reported cases had been mapped out and they have been categorized according to the disease burden which guides the distribution of these commodities to each respective facility in Area Councils and Wards.

Strategies He revealed that the FCT administration had

One of the Cholera treatment centres in the FCT, Abuja set up the risk communication desk, adding that the approach is slightly different from other outbreaks like COVID-19.

Abdulraheem added: “You need the factors to mitigate the outbreak. It is a factor of poor hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, lack of access to potable water and individual attitudinal change especially in communities where they are into open defecation. We also started Identifying the gap in the water side.”

The Director said it was against this background that the Public Health Department had a technical meeting with the Water Board, RUWASA and AEPB. He said the needs of the communities have been categorised.

He noted, “Those that don’t have water at all - meaning they get their water source from either Rivers, streams or Mai Ruwa (water vendor). Those that have a borehole but not functional, those that have a borehole that is functional but not adequate. We have taken water samples and done water analysis to also assess the quality of water in these respective areas. Both the microbiological aspect of the chemical analysis of this water is being analysed on a daily basis.

“As we speak, if you compare to COVID-19 deaths to what we are getting from cholera, it tends to be higher in number. However, it is a disease that could be mitigated within a shortest possible time.”

Abdulraheem stated that as part of the strategies adopted by the Public Health Department to contain the outbreak, a number of tests which vary from Rapid Diagnosis Testing to cottura susceptibility have been carried out.

He pointed out that the Rapid Diagnosis Testing (RDT) was conducted to ascertain the disease itself and to know the serotype,

while the Cottura Susceptibility was done at the national reference laboratory under Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to understand the real situation or the type of the germs involved.

“Are we only dealing with cholera? If we are dealing with cholera, what is the sensitivity pattern of the drug? So, these are some of the things we are looking at. And these numbers are increasing on a daily basis because all our Diseases and Surveillance Officers from Area Councils will go and take these samples to the reference laboratory for us to have a clearer picture on issues around the choice of drug and to understand if we are dealing with Vibrio cholerae or other additional bacteria, that is one. The result will also guide us for a long time to take a decision; to also bring on board intervention using vaccination, because you cannot base your vaccination of the public on the RDT test, that is currently where we are,” Abdulraheem explained.

Interventions Outcome The director said the interventions made by the FCT administration have started yielding results. He said people have started cultivating awareness and reporting cases of Cholera. He noted that at the beginning of the outbreak, people were not sure where to go due to lack of understanding and awareness of the disease. He revealed further that the number of cases have stagnated over the last three weeks.

According to him, “Awareness has increased both in the media. Also we have been going with Outside Broadcast Vans to the targeted communities, announcing and sensitising and having meetings with the key stakeholders.

That has yielded positive results. Individuals

Since the outbreak started in FCT in May, 1,170 suspected cases have been recorded out of which about six per cent have died, which is about 73 of suspected cases as at August 13...You need the factors to mitigate the outbreak. It is a factor of poor hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, lack of access to potable water and individual attitudinal change especially in communities where they are into open defecation. We also started Identifying the gap in the water side

now move promptly to the nearest facility and get assistance. Once the intervention is prompt, the mortality goes down and the cases are mitigated.”

Abdulraheem listed some of the communities where the sensitisation and advocacy had been carried out to include; Gwagwa, Jiwa, Kabusa, Karu, Bwari, Dutse, Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Dobi. In Kuje, Jigiri, Robochi, Kwali, Kinlankwa, Kudunwa, Yangoji, Abaji, Kurudi, Gawo, among others.

A nurse at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Dutse who preferred anonymity said the number of cholera cases have reduced. Dutse was one of the communities in FCT where cases of Cholera have been recorded. Though the nurse only restricted her answer to when she was on duty.

According to her, “I can only talk about when am on shift but from last week till now we have not recorded any case. From last week Sunday (August 15) till Saturday (August 21) for children.

For adults, there was a case of a woman we recorded on Saturday (August 14) who has stooped for five times. She was treated and was okay the following day. Unlike before, the number of cases have really reduced.”

Also, the immediate past President of FCT National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Asokoro District Hospital, Dr. Roland Aigbovo, said since the outbreak started in May, high prevalence of death and infection rates were recorded in both AMAC and Bwari Area Councils. He added that though, there were deaths from other Area Councils but the percentage was not as high as in those two. He further said that it was based on this that the FCT administration increased awareness on personal hygiene, adding that people are now cautious of their environment.

Aigbovo noted that people now go to the nearest hospitals whenever a cholera case occurs. Aigbovo however said it is appalling that the seat of power still has open dedication over the places.

He said there was need to tackle the root cause of the cholera .

He added: “Go to Mabushi roundabout, the place is a mess. If you are driving by you just have to wind up your glass because of the scent. Drive along that Kubwa express, you see people in the gutters and tunnels defecating and urinating there with such disregard to the extant laws. I strongly believe that laws should be implemented about this issue of open dedication.”

In tackling the root causes of cholera, the physician said there should be provision of portable water so that people do not have to make use of contaminated water.

“There should be provision of toilet facilities.

Yes! Abuja is a busy place, but even at that you can see a lot of human activities, there should be proper planning. Where you have increased human activities, there should be one or two public facilities like a toilet which people can make use of.”

T H I S D AY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021

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NEWS

Rotary Club of Maryland to Boost Maternal, Child Health, Others with N79m Uchechukwu Nnaike In line with its commitment to an improved maternal and child health, the Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja, recently announced plans to build a maternal and child centre in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos and provide other services in the sector at the cost of N50 million for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year.

The newly installed President, Rotarian Bamidele Onalaja, who announced this during his investiture ceremony in Lagos, said the club will invest a total of N79 million to intervene in maternal and child health and six other areas to cover Rotary International’s seven areas of focus in the current year.

In the area of child and maternal health, he said the club plans to improve access to essential medical services, trained community health leaders and health care providers for mothers and children. It will also provide financial support for career-minded professionals with interest in maternal and child health. Onalaja, the 20th Hope President of the club said in the area of basic education and literacy, his administration intends to build a new block of classroom at the cost of N15 million; increase adult literacy

in communities; work to reduce gender disparity in education; as well as provide financial support for career-minded professionals related to basic education and literacy.

For water hygiene and sanitation, he said the club would construct five boreholes in communities to the tune of N4.2 million.

It will also strengthen the ability of communities to develop, fund and maintain sustainable water and sanitation system; support programmes that enhance communities’ awareness of the benefits of safe water, sanitation system and hygiene; and support studies for career-minded professionals related to water and sanitation.

Other areas of intervention are: disease prevention and control (N3 million); peace building and conflict prevention (N2 million); community economic development (N3.5 million); and supporting the environment (N2 million).

The event, attended by dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was also an avenue to raise funds for the projects.

The president stated that the Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation (CBOF), which he founded, will collaborate with

the club to execute the projects of the 2021-2022 Rotary Year.

According to him, work has commenced on the maternal and child centre and the project would be inaugurated before the end of the current Rotary Year, while the block of classrooms will be ready by September.

He therefore solicited the support of members and other stakeholders, as he promised to work tirelessly to actualise the seven points agenda of Rotary International.

While highlighting the club’s achievements last Rotary Year, the immediate past President, Rotarian Obafemi Obadina said the club was able to execute projects covering the seven areas of focus, despite the COVID-19 challenges. He said at the end of last Rotary Year, the club emerged the second overall best of the Rotary International District 9110.

In his remarks, the District Governor, Rotarian Remi Bello, urged Nigerians to inculcate the spirit of Rotary in everything they do; to see their positions as an opportunity to serve. He also advised the new president not to lose focus, as his projects are in line with the theme of the new Rotary Year, ‘Serve to Change Lives’. So he should stay focused to complete them.

Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic Vaccinates 115 Students, to Revamp PHCs in Lagos Chiamaka Ozulumba The Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic is set to revamp the Lagos Island and Ogba Primary Health Centres after successfully vaccinating about 115 female students with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer.

The club also announced its resolve to upgrade the Tinubu Methodist Primary School. This was made known by its President, Rotarian Mamta Deb Roy recently.

She told newsmen that upon adopting the school, the club is set to renovate the classrooms, library, borehole, provide potable water for the students, donate school bags, books, and stationery among others.

According to the president, the club also focuses on providing medical equipment for the PHCs, thereby improving service

delivery for maternal and child health.

As the female President of Eko Atlantic, Deb Roy confirmed that the club already administered the HPV vaccine to about 115 students at Girls Junior School, Marina, Lagos.

Beneficiaries included students agedd nine to 13. This was in their efforts to prevent cervical cancer.

Other projects lined up for this Change Maker Rotary year include plastic segregation, with the focus of recycling plastics and making Lagos plastic-free in collaboration with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), tree planting to support the environment in collaboration with Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), and free cataract eye surgery camp for over 300

people.

The club will also embark on a Mega Scale Rotary Family Health Camp to touch more than 3000 lives in Badagry, vocational training to empower youth on a sustainable programme, sensitisation on awareness of mental health, free feeding programme, provide support to cerebral palsy home, and setting up of the blood donation camps.

Other projects to be executed, according to the president are: Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic will set up a 10-bed dialysis centre in JV with International Rotary Clubs, empowering golden agers by teaching them to know the basic usage of technology on a day-to-day life, end polio programme, peace and conflict resolution seminars and ‘Project Ominira’ for health & hygiene of girl child below 18 years.

40 Paediatric Surgeons to Benefit from Smile Train, KidsOR Scholarship Sunday Ehigiator Global charities Smile Train, and Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) have revealed plans to support the training and education of 40 paediatric surgeons across Africa in partnership with the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) In a statement jointly signed over the weekend by Smile Train Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, and Africa Director of KidsOR, Rosemary Mugwe,

it was revealed that candidates from South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Liberia and Tanzania are already in session at various training institutions under COSECSA and WACS, with additional candidates expected from Lesotho, Eswatini and Sierra Leone.

The statement revealed that the scholarships, which support recipients for a duration of three to six years, depending on the course of study, would cover the cost of exam registration and fees, transport and visas for the country in which the recipients are training.

Obi noted that “the core of Smile Train’s ‘teach a man to fish’ model is capacity building and sustainably empowering local healthcare professionals in the cleft ecosystem.

“Smile Train is committed to supporting the education and training of medical professionals, and we are excited to expand this work with KidsOR to strengthen the surgical systems and increase access to safe, quality, surgical care in low- and middle-income countries thereby providing consistently available and cultural appropriate care for patients with cleft.”

FERTILITY

Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

Cost Implication: A Major Barrier Preventing Access to Fertility Treatment and Services (Part 2)

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ast week, we started a topic on the cost implications of IVF. We also began to discuss the various reasons for the high cost if IVF in Nigeria and other parts of the world. This week, we will talk about more reasons why IVF is not generally affordable and also explain ways by which couples can afford the IVF fees.

Are there ways to make fertility treatment cheaper or source for fertility treatment fund?

Finding the means to fund your IVF treatment can add a layer of stress which is the last thing you need when you are already struggling with the challenge of infertility. Highly sophisticated Assisted Reproductive Technology requires substantial financial investment and for many, paying for this type of treatment can seem out of reach. At the moment there are no insurance plans tailored towards IVF treatments in Nigeria.

Basically treatment option depends on the cause of infertility. Some patients presenting for infertility may require fertility awareness and education, ovulation monitoring and timed intercourse, induction of ovulation, and intrauterine insemination and may not require IVF. Early presentation: The chances of pregnancy are higher in younger women than in older women. Hence cost of fertility treatment is likely to be cheaper in women aged 25 to 35 years than older ones. Older women may require more cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment to get pregnant, while some women may require the use of donated egg/sperm or even surrogates which usually comes at a more expensive fee.

Several studies have shown that most infertile couple usually present at a much later age, past 37 years when their fertility potential has drastically reduced. Couple presenting at their reproductive peak are more likely to incur less expenses for fertility treatment as compared to couple presenting with reduced fertility potential.

The best recommendation is that couple who have been trying for a baby for 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse should seek medical help. Older women and women with condition that compromise fertility like irregularities in menses or have been diagnosed of Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and other gynaecological abnormality should seek help early when attempting pregnancy and this will likely reduce the cost of fertility treatment.

Cryopreservation/Freezing of gametes: Women undergoing IVF are encouraged to freeze excess embryos. Considering the overall success rate of IVF at first attempt, embryo

freezing is an option to reduce subsequent choice of treatment. Frozen embryo transfer cycle is usually less than half the normal fee for fresh IVF cycle. Couple who freeze their embryos earlier are also less likely to require donor gametes later in life should they want further attempts of IVF cycles thereby keeping cost of treatment fee far cheaper.

Fertility Support Group: Most fertility support groups are charitable organizations, usually offering a chance for couple to meet up and share experience with others who are also trying to conceive. They serve to educate, advocate, support and provide financial aim to members.

Fertility support groups can also help instill the discipline of savings for fertility as planning for fertility treatment is also crucial to the funding of fertility treatment. Lots of this group abounds in our environment.

Some couple make up their mind that fertility treatment is expensive; hence they never get to do anything about their fertility, so information is key.

Fertility Grants: Grants are free money that you do not have to repay. There are several NGO`s that provide fertility grants. Most of them have certain criteria and requirement that must be met to access. Which may often be subsidize or cover for fertility treatment. Fertility grants are not easy to find and qualifications are usually difficult to meet because it is usually free money.

Loans: An option for many couple who wish to spread out the cost of their IVF cycle over a more manageable amount of time. IVF loan seem the most viable for most people. Some financial institution offer medical loans or unsecured personal loans which can be used to pay for fertility treatment and there are companies who specialize in this type of lending. While some are even non-profit which offer interest free loans others may offer loan at a reduced interest rate. Criteria for eligibility include: r (PPE PS FYDFMMFOU DSFEJU TDPSF BOE IJTUPSZ r 4VGàDJFOU JODPNF UP IBOEMF NPOUIMZ QBZNFOU r 7FSJàBCMF FNQMPZNFOU TFMG FNQMPZNFOU SFDPSE Some fertility clinics may offer favourable financing option to their favourable financing option to their patients, whether they want to cover the cost of an IVF cycle or cover expensive fertility medications. Some clinic offer professional discount to certain healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION Educating yourself about the many financial options available to you is very empowering and may be a guide towards access to funds required for treatment.

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T H I S D AY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021

FEATURES

Nordica Launches Non-invasive Fibroid Centre to Boost Fertility in Women Nordica has launched a first-of-its-kind high intensity focused ultrasound Fibroid Care Centre in Lagos State to treat fibroids and boost fertility rate in women across Nigeria and West Africa. Rebecca Ejifoma reports

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or women like Patricia Omoke, Dr. Joy Oluwatobi, Bolaji Olusoji, and Celina Esowe, who lived with multiple fibroids for years, Nordica has given them a breath of fresh air with its newly unveiled noninvasive method of eliminating fibroids- the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).

According to research, fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can develop during a woman’s childbearing years. While the cause of fibroids remains unexplainable, medical experts have warned that risk factors include a family history of fibroids, obesity or early onset of puberty.

Today, Nordica Fibroid Care Centre carries out the HIFU procedure, which requires no body cutting, leaves no scar, and records no loss of blood. Rather it is attributed to quick recovery on the same day of procedure, low complications, and preserves fertility. The fibroid gets melted with the use of high intensity ultrasound waves to generate localised heat to destroy individual fibroid cells. And this is the first of its kind in the entire West Africa.

In the words of 38 years old Omoke, who is among the three beneficiaries of Nordica HIFU, “All I felt about the treatment was pure excitement. It’s a good thing for our generation of those who have fibroids.”

Just like about 20 to 80 per cent of AfricanAmerican women who develop fibroids before age 50 according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Omoke described her journey as anything but fun. “It has been hectic and difficult for me. I was diagnosed with fibroid in 2018. Since then, it has been a problem for me. I was scared of surgery. I never wanted something that would cut me open and the complications and possible deaths that follow.

Omoke, who is a unmarried, explained: “Some people even came up with fibroids years after surgery. So I opted for substitutes. Although there were significant benefits, at the end of the day the fibroid wasn’t dealt with. Until December 2020 when I came across HIFU through the internet while searching for solutions.”

For fear of confusing and contradicting solutions, the medical doctor kept her health status with a few members of her family. “The few instances I made it known to people, they suggested surgery. That was a pressure I didn’t want; having to go through what I didn’t want.”

Now, 27 years old Oluwatobi is a beneficiary. She was diagnosed with fibroid in 2013 which, according to her, brought her life to an excruciating halt. “My life practically came to standstill. I had to resign from work in a private hospital. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t go out or come in at will. I had to organise my life around my cycle.”

Four years after the diagnosis, Oluwatunbi experienced heavy bleeding in 365 days. She narrated to newsmen, “In 2017, I bled everyday.

It was that serious. But then I went into research and had to adjust my diet. Still the symptoms were present during menstruation. I had to come in for surgery.”

“I read online that Nordica was offering HIFU technology. I got in touch with them, paid my bill, and it was worth every dime. It was seamless, no scar, no cut, non-invasive. I went in for surgery on a Tuesday and walked out same day after the procedure” While Omoke and Oluwatobi are two unmarried ladies who lived with this female-killer disease, fibroids is said to trigger infertility in many women. However, Mrs. Olusoji, a widow, was one of the lucky women living with uterine fibroid and has three children already.

Esowe, is a tailor, whose fibroid journey began in 2017. For her, despite her constant use of herbal concoction like a few other women with the same health challenge, she saw no improvement until she stumbled on Nordica HIFU on Facebook.

In the words of the Nordica MD/CEO, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, for quite a number of women, these fibroids have contributed to their inability to conceive babies, thereby affecting their fertility and its attendant challenges emotionally and psychologically.

Hence, the Fibroid Care Centre is the response to the yearnings of a teeming population of women suffering from uterine fibroids. This condition, Ajayi noted, has been known to greatly impact on the quality of life of suf-

L-R: Mrs. Tola Ajayi, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Dr Adedamola Dada, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nordica Fertility Centre, Mr. Adetokunbo Adesanya, and Dr. Omobolade Johnson

Dr. Xia Ning demonstrating how the HIFU machine is used to ablate fibroids and adenomyosis to the guests

ferers resulting in loss of man hours, impact on their homes, careers, jobs and relationships across all spheres of life. “It is a specialist healthcare facility focused on giving Nigerian women best-in-class minimally and non-invasive solutions to their fibroid challenges” For most women suffering from fibroids, Ajayi highlighted acknowledged their fears for open surgery, which was the only option in taking out the fibroid. He expressed, “Today, Nigerians have a choice of our various Endoscopic services or pin-hole surgeries as they are commonly referred to or the new-age non-invasive solution using HIFU”.

In a tour of the HIFU facility, the MD explained that the procedure uses ultrasound rays to literally burn off the fibroids without any invasive method. He hinted that patients can walk in, have the procedure done and, in a few hours return to their normal lives.

On if this new technology is something to spin a positive story for the country, the medical doctor expounded, “Nigeria, by virtue of this new technological acquisition, has joined a unique league of 29 countries in the world where this feat is possible.

HIFU is a scientific breakthrough which is available in 29 counties and about 350 Centres globally.

“On the African continent, HIFU is available in only three countries: South Africa, Egypt and now Nigeria. The HIFU company of Chongqing, China is very optimistic that this relationship between themselves and Nordica will further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and China.”

At the Fibroid Care Centre, their ultimate goal is seeing women live more fulfilled lives despite their challenge with fibroids.

To ensure it brings this dream to reality, “We decided to give three lucky women free treatment and I believe one of them will be sharing her story with us today”.

HIFU procedure, which requires no body cutting, leaves no scar, and records no loss of blood. Rather it is attributed to quick recovery on the same day of procedure, low complications, and preserves fertility

In their quest to make the technology available to medical doctors, the centre also embarked on a free training for gynaecologists, who indicated interest. According to Ajayi, “this is in furtherance of its desire to share knowledge, as it has continuously done through two of our initiatives”.

Speaking at the official launch of the centre, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the HIFU technology as a welcome development that will greatly facilitate the treatment of uterine fibroid management.

Being a normal growth that develops in women’s uteruses, Sanwo-Olu said fibroids sometimes can be large and can cause severe abdominal pain, heavy periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, painful sex and even delay in childbearing, among others.

The first lady, represented by Dr. Omobolade Johnson, further expressed excitement over the many benefits of the technology, which will considerably improve on health indices in the state as well as Nigeria, especially as it concerns screening for fibroids, diagnoses, treatment, care, and support.

Others present at the launch included Mr. Adetokunbo Adesanya (Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nordica Fertility Centre; Mrs. Tola Ajayi (Clinic Manager, Nordica Fertility Centre); Chief Medical Director Federal Medical Centre Ebutte Metta, Dr Adedamola Dada, representating the Minister of State for Health; and the Senior Assistant on health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, representing the state governor.

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T H I S D AY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021

FEATURES

DDH: Carving a Niche in Premium Affordable, Accessible Dental Health Services For two decades, Divine Dental Home, DDH, a leading family dental clinic in Nigeria, has carved a niche in ensuring affordable and accessible dental health services for all. Billed to commemorate its 20 years anniversary on Friday, August 27, the Medical Director, Dr Olukayode Adeyanju, details the journey so far and the unveiling of its absolute exclusive DDH Deluxe in Victoria Island area of Lagos State. Rebecca Ejifoma reports

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he Medical Director of Divine Dental Home (DDH), Dr Olukayode Adeyanju is proud of how far DDH has come in the last two decades. Thanks to its already established arm offices across Lagos State, DDH is marking the anniversary with the opening of a small house for its new arm of clinic, specially designed for the topnotch clients in Victoria Island area of the state. “We have one our head office in VI, then we have another one in Ikorodu, Ketu, then one starting up in Isolo. We are now opening a new arm that will be exclusive for the high earning individuals in VI.” DDH is in the dental industry with the mindset to bring to Nigerians a premium dental care that is affordable and accessible through information and awareness. “So on that background we decided to begin to take our practice hoping for a chain of networks of clinics, which we are prospecting”, he posited.

According to the MD, two key attributes stand DDH out. He listed, “We are customer centric. Everything we do revolves around our patients. So in Nigeria we make our services friendly and our fees quite affordable. We know Nigerians have challenges when it comes to healthcare, so we have extremely warm reception.

That’s why we use the word ‘dental home’ where you feel warmth, care and hospitality.”

DDH services caters to all Nigerians including the middle class and the premium. In the words of Adeyanju, “We look at most people who can afford dental care as people who are a bit informed and educated. Although our primary target audience is the A class, we are now opening an arm for the B and A class also so it cuts across all Nigerians. And now because we have a Nigerian flavour we don’t want to make our services exclusive for privilege.

We are opening locations in neighbourhoods that are not primarily premium like in Isolo, and Ikorodu.”

Despite its services to Nigerians at all levels, the medical director noted that the quality of their services does not drop, as it takes them closer to people in such neighbourhoods. This is as it makes its services a bit lower than what it would charge in Victoria Island, and in Ikeja.

Sharing the list of services DDH offers, Adeyanju described DDH as a conglomerate of specialists. “We have about five different specialists. So it’s not just a clinic but also a specialist hospital, in the sense that we have an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Even if you want to do an operation we have an orthodontist.

We have an implantologist who does braces.

We have a cosmetic dentist, if you want to make your teeth whiter, cleaner and beautify your smile, smile enhancement therapy, smile overall. We also have an endodontist then we have general practitioners. We have several specialists all working together in DDH. For the dentist, the gateway to the body is the mouth, and the mirror to the world is one’s teeth and smile. One for a growing child that won’t lack self esteem, all your education might be in vain if a young growing teenage girl lacks confidence in her smile. “The mirror especially in growing kids is their smile. And we see children growing up with crooked teeth and their mates calling them funny things which makes them see themselves poorly and undermine their potential, that’s one in terms of growing up psychology.”

He, however, said the gum is the most abused part of the human body. “Now in general body health, the gum is the most abused part of the human body. The gum can take so much just like the heart, there are some diseases called non-communicable diseases, that is diseases that don’t shout loud but kill silently. Number one is diabetes, most people have diabetes but don’t know until the extreme stage. Number two is hypertension, most people have high BP but don’t know until the extreme stage.

Adeyanju harped on the grave consequences of gum disease. “Number three is gum disease.

Gum disease is when your gums are infected but the danger is that it doesn’t shout, it doesn’t say I have pain, it doesn’t give headache or ache the tummy. But gum disease has some dangerous complications. It causes bad breath which most people have and they won’t know.

It also causes bleeding gum which most people

Dr Olukayode Adeyanju

We are customer centric. Everything we do revolves around our patients...at DDH, we have core values that have guided us over the years. When everything changes, those values don’t change...number one value in DDH is service, then humility, trustworthiness, and friendliness take for granted. But unfortunately this bleeding gum can affect premature babies in pregnant women.

“If a woman has a very infected gum it will affect the baby, most people who have Corona barely survived they have underlying disease like diabetes, cardiac problems. Once you have covid your body becomes compromised to fight because of this underlying disease. Same thing when you have gum disease and you have underlying cardiac problems, it could result in stroke but unfortunately we don’t have data in Nigeria, so there’s no way we can monitor this, but when you go to developed countries , if you enter a dental clinic it is mandatory they check your gum, your bp because it’s been linked to your life expectancy.”

Speaking to THISDAY, the DDH boss added that when the gum becomes swollen and infected, bad breath becomes the effect.

“Indeed, gum disease affects people globally.

It makes the gum feel swollen, becomes loose and it bleeds when an individual brushes. Then you notice that your teeth begin to feel wider or scattered. All these things don’t affect your life; you still jump around, drive your car, enter your bus, eat your food.

“By the time you know you have a problem is when you occasionally drink something and you feel sharp pain, then you run to the chemist like a typical

Nigerian and the chemist also will give you the wrong diagnosis then by the time you resort to the dental clinic a lot of damage would have been done. So gum disease and dental caries are major dental diseases affecting Nigerians. That is why we recommend that Nigerians, especially the moment you are 30 years and above, see your dentist once yearly and ask for scaling, polishing, and dental checkup.”

While the dental expert conceded that tooth decay is another major problem Nigerians live with after periodontal or gum disease, he emphasised, “Tooth decay is when you have food trapped in between your teeth or when you drink water your teeth is sensitive or when you take something sweet, you feel like picking and it’s painful. But you know the tooth is the strongest tissue in the mouth so usually you will not feel tooth decay until after two or three years of active disease.

So if you have a tooth decay now you won’t know until three years later.”

Meanwhile, Adeyanju recommended everyone visits the dentist twice yearly.

“We encourage Nigerians whenever you drink or eat something sweet and feel sensitive, see your dentist for a checkup.

You should see a dentist at least once a year. Ideally, it’s twice a year but worst case scenario once in a year. You check your teeth, your gums, your soft tissue, your palate and your tongue then the

dentist will help you remove all the plaque and calculus that are trapped in between your teeth and inside your gums.”

As a dental expert, whose dental home boasts of colossal strides in two decades, Adeyanju advised most dental clinics who are starting not to practice based on money.

“At DDH, we have core values that have guided us over the years. When everything changes, those values don’t change. You know we have witnessed several governments. We have witnessed bank closure, but our values remain the same. “Number one value in DDH is service, then humility, trustworthiness, and friendliness.”

DDH is known for corporate social responsibilities (CSR), the MD assured. It carries out its CSR once or twice a year by visiting schools, giving dental talks, distributing toothbrushes, and toothpaste.

Adeyanju chipped in, “Like now, in our 20 years we are trying to get some widows together and tell them the importance of oral care and give them palliatives like rice and other things to support them. Then of course we go to orphanages and give some things to those children and tell them the importance of oral care, too. We believe that CSR is part of our policy in DDH.” Expressing gratitude to God, the expert hinted that DDH is a brand that cuts across Nigeria and is a bit on the moderate side.

“From the beginning our vision is to make sure that we are affordable and accessible yet premium. However, over the years we found out that, by God’s grace, we are having quite a big raise of high net individuals who want to enjoy a bit of privacy.

“We have a few folks who come with their officer, entourage and they want to be private and in our office they really don’t like the idea. In their thirst for something more exclusive we are giving them this special wing for absolute privacy, exclusiveness and want to enjoy the best of trying to save foreign currency so they can come to DDH Deluxe. So it’s like we have a big lounge where you can come in and enjoy your privacy while you get your treatment done.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ 26, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

At N513m, Securities Lending on NGX Hits Historical Record The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has disclosed that value of Securities Lending market increased to N513million as at 20 August 2021.

According to NGX’s most recent report, there has been an uptick in stakeholders’ participation as 2.3 million units of MTN Nigeria valued at N395.6 million was borrowed.

Securities lending is the market practice of transferring shares for a fee from a holder (the lender) to another party (the borrower), with the borrower agreeing to return the securities to the lender either on demand or at the end of the agreed loan term.

It essentially means that the owner of a share can temporarily loan out his shares to someone else and earn an income that they ordinarily would not have enjoyed if the shares were left sitting in their portfolio.

According to NGX data, the volume of units as at 2019 stood at 61,435 valued at N344,555. In 2020, the market grew to 7.38 million units valued at N95.2 million; and as at 20 August 2021, it stands at 6.8 million units valued at N513.1 million.

The report also gave the breakdown of the companies that pledged the shares as Zenith Bank Plc with 77.33 million shares, MTNN with 8.89 million shares, Dangote Sugar with 43 million shares, GTCO with 31.09 million shares and UBA pledging about 45 million shares.

The Head, Trading Business Division at the NGX, Jude Chiemeka had during an interactive session recently said that securities lending presented significant benefits to investors in a bull or bear market.

He said: “Whether you are a speculative investor looking

to make quick gains, or a long-term investor holding stocks, securities lending provides strong potential to deliver benefits to all market players through capital gains and low-risk incremental income. It also plays an important role in the capital market by providing liquidity, which in turn reduces the cost of trading and promotes price discovery.”

The Nigerian Exchange, in a bid to widen the pool of securities available for lending and increase participation, issued guidelines, which became effective on 7 January 2019.

The guidelines were prepared to adequately address stakeholders’ expectations in securities lending transactions and to provide proper education on the procedures and controls involved in securities lending.

CBN Approval Delays GTCO, Stanbic IBTC H1 2021 Audited Results Darasimi Adebisi Guaranty Trust Holdings Company (GTCO) Plc has joined Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc to explain the delay in the release of half year (H1) audited result for the period ended June 30, 2021.

The Company Secretary/ General Counsel, GTCO, Erhi Obebeduo in a statement yesterday said the Holdings company has taken steps to finalise the audited H1 financial statement (AFS) for the period ended June 30, 2021 with the external auditors and some submitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for approval before release of some to the market.

He stated in a statement

that: “The CBN is still in the process of reviewing the AFS and same would be published upon receipt of approval.”

On his part, the Company Secretary, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mr Chidi Okezie in a notice informed Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and its stakeholders said the company was currently seeking approval from the CBN to ensure the release of its audited half year results ended June 30.

The notice read: “This is to inform NGX Regulation Ltd. as well as our esteemed stakeholders that we are experiencing a slight delay in the release of the 2021 half year audited financial statements for Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. “This delay is occasioned

by the fact that we are currently seeking the approval of our primary regulator, the CBN for the half-year audited financial statements, following which the said financial statements will then be released to the market.

“We are working diligently to ensure that our company’s half year results are submitted to the NGX as soon we receive approval from our primary Regulator, the CBN; and this may occur before or shortly after the regulatory due date of August 29, ”it explained.

UBA had last week hinted investing public and management of the NGX that bank’s board at a meeting last week considered and approved the 2021 audited H1 2021 and payment of an interim dividend, subject to the approval of the CBN.

World Remit Raises $292m, Rebrands to Zepz Digital Money Transfer firm, World Remit, now Zeps has has announced that it raised $292 million in new primary Series financing, thus achieved a valuation of $5 billion.

The company in a statement said the round includes new equity investors Farallon Capital among others, as well as backing from existing investors Leapfrog, TCV and Accel.

The funding round, it added, will stir more growth in Nigeria’s technology market which already is projected to create three million jobs in the economy.

The organisation in the statement informed that the fund would enable its invests in customers and

strengthen its technology platform.

It stated further that it foresees a significant growth opportunities in existing markets, thus driving engagement and deeper market penetration, as well as expanding into new markets.

It said the opportunity had enabled it to further extend its platform to offer additional value-added services to its users.

Speaking on the fund, Chief Executive Officer of Zeps, Breon Corcoran said, “ The raise is another important step in the execution of our strategy. Following the acquisition of Sendwave, we have made significant

progress with the integration of the different businesses and are retaining both the Sendwave and WorldRemit brands. In that context we are proud to announce the rebranding of our holding Company to Zepz.

“The additional funds raised enable us to accelerate investment to prosecute our very sizeable growth opportunity whilst further strengthening our highquality investor base and our mission to provide fair, fast, flexible payments for our customers”.

In 2020, Zepz brands enabled over 4.5m monthly transactions on its platform generating almost $10bn of Gross Send Volumes and $338m of revenues.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͱͳ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $69.71 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $67.33 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Stock Market Down on Profit-taking in GTCO, Oando, Zenith Bank Darasimi Adebisi Transaction at the Nigerian equities market yesterday closed in a negative note with 0.03 per cent declined, reversing the rally recorded in the previous trading session.

The market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks, which were: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Guaranty

Trust Bank Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Oando Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and 15 others.

In summary, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) AllShare Index (ASI) dropped by 10.68 basis points, representing a decrease of 0.03 per cent, to close at 39,449.82 basis points from 39,460.68 basis points it closed yesterday. Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value lost N6 billion to close at N20.554

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

trillion from N20.56trillion.

Sectoral performance was broadly negative as the Insurance (-0.5 basis points), Consumer Goods (-0.1 basis points), Banking (-0.1 basis points) and Oil and Gas (-0.1 basis points) indices closed in the red. The Industrial Goods index was flat.

Also, investors’ sentiment as measured by market breadth closed negative, recording 19 gainers as against 17 losers.

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Capital Hotels and Eterna Plc recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N3.19 and N6.82, while Morison Industries followed with a gain 9.74 per cent to close at N1.69, per share. Transcorp Hotels went up by 9.30 per cent to close at N4.70, while UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) appreciated by 9.22 per cent to close at N1.54, per share.

On the other hand, Academy

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Press led the losers’ chart by 9.76 per cent to close at 37 kobo, per share. Pharma Deko Plc followed with a decline of 9.52 per cent to close at N1.71, while Mutual Benefits Assurance declined by 8.57 per cent to close at 32 kobo, per share.

Associated Bus Company shed 7.69 per cent to close at 36 kobo, while Unity Bank depreciated by 6.67 per cent to close at 56 kobo, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume

O F

traded increased by 0.3 per cent to 198.332 million shares, worth N1.056 billion, and traded in 3,336 deals. Transactions in the shares of Sovreign Trust Insurance topped the activity chart with 48.384 million shares valued at N11.167 million.

Mutual Benefits Assurance followed with 27.092 million shares worth N8.707 million, while Jaiz Bank traded 10.905 million shares valued at N6.790 million.

2 5 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • T H I S DAY

41

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 24Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 155.37 156.72 -4.02% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.92% Nigeria International Debt Fund 321.79 321.79 -16.17% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 108.08 108.08 -3.53% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.48% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.30 3.46 -2.89% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.77% Anchoria Equity Fund 139.99 141.67 5.25% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.26% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.64 20.23 8.30% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 432.17 445.20 7.94% ARM Ethical Fund 38.19 39.34 13.29% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.11% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.98 -7.34% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.15% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.85 105.85 4.07% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,028.16 1,028.16 2.82% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.61% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.03 2.03 -8.68% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -7.25% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.58% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.03% Paramount Equity Fund 16.50 16.80 3.16% Women’s Investment Fund 136.51 138.09 2.58% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.48% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.95 118.70 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.01 108.01 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.81% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.21 1.22 0.54% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.39 1.39 -12.07% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 8.39% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.68% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,152.95 1,169.12 0.08% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bonds Fund 1,405.97 1,405.97 11.21% FBN Balanced Fund 191.06 192.39 1.80% FBN Halal Fund 112.04 112.04 8.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.38% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

126.85 155.97

126.85 3.52% 159.28 3.17% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.96 1.59 1.18

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 5.72% 3.96 2.43% 1.62 4.33% 1.18 4.30% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 3,726.18 3,358.16 100.00

Offer Price 3,780.87 3,358.16 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn -0.49% 2.50% 4.13%

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.78% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.68 2.75 -5.99% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.53 152.81 -1.91% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.31 1.05% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.51% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.43 1.45 4.86% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.20 1,146.20 5.56% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.45 11.49 8.69% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.66% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.67 1.69 7.15% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.54 11.53 -5.14% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 5.92% PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.66 4.02% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.88 114.74 2.76% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.71 134.29 8.88% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 10.04% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.90% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.30% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.42% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.17% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.92 119.92 4.77% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.08 3.95% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 6.03% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.87 12.98 8.47% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.23 14.36 16.50% Zenith Income Fund 24.30 24.30 1.33% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.18%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

125.36 51.90

10.94% 2.86%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.36 121.57 96.77 17.46 18.24

13.46 124.61 98.89 17.56 18.34

1.10% 1.11% -2.46%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.90 5.55 17.51 1.00 19.67 156.91

3.94 5.63 17.61 1.00 19.87 158.91

3.31% -2.49% 7.89% 6.32% -4.13% -28.61%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

42

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Doctors’ Strike Untimely, Says Ehanire Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, yesterday said the on-going doctor’s strike is untimely and unnecessary considering the critical health challenges posed by COVID-19, which Nigerians and the entire world are currently facing.

Ehanire, who spoke on ARISE NEWS Night, said some things were critical, which doctors must avoid by calling off the on-going strike.

According to him, “There is cholera outbreak and Nigeria is already witnessing the third wave of COVID-19. These and many others are critical factors that doctors need to address by calling off the strike, in order to save lives of people. This is a wrong time for doctors to go on strike.”

He explained that the federal government had had several meetings with the striking doctors and that some of their demands were purely administrative and some centred around state governments, and that the federal government would not interfere in state matters.

“Their demands that concern the federal government are already been addressed. The federal government has not said it will not pay doctors’ salaries and allowances. What government is doing is to clean up some minor grey

areas like names miss-spelt, names omission and double payment. Once all these are addressed, their monies will be released. We are at risk when doctors think of themselves alone without looking at the dangers around sick people who are not been attended to,” Ehanire said.

He denied not attending some of the meetings with doctors, saying that most times he sends his Minister of State for Health and most times he attends himself.

Ehanire, who said the federal government was worried that Nigerian doctors are leaving the country in their large

numbers in search of better salary and welfare, said such movement was unnecessary and untimely at a critical time when Nigerians needed their services the most. He expressed worries that the doctors leaving the country were trained in Nigeria with tax payers’ money and that it would be unfair

on their part, if they abandon Nigerians, when their services are most needed in the country.

He said government would look into the demands of doctors and treat them accordingly in order to keep the doctors in Nigeria.

He said although the federal government has the right to

hire doctors from outside of Nigeria to replace doctors who are leaving the country, he, however, explained that government had no such plans at the moment. He therefore, advised the doctors not to doubt the sincerity of the federal government in addressing their demands.

CAPACITY BUILDING…

L-R: Board Member, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Mrs. Patience Inyamah; Board Chairman, Senator Oladipo Olujirin; Director General, Dr. Gambo Aliu, and Board Member, Mrs. Manuela Izunwa, during the capacity development, governance and strategic programme for the board members in Abuja…yesterday

Cholera Kills Eight, Falana Wants Govt Officials Banned from Infects 129 in Kogi Seeking Healthcare Abroad Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja No fewer than eight persons have been reportedly dead, while 129 others were seriously infected in several communities following the outbreak of cholera disease in five local government areas of Kogi State.

The Kogi State Government, through its Ministry of Health, yesterday confirmed the outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting suspected to be cholera.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, by the State’s Epidemiologist, Dr Austin Ojotule, on behalf of the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Haruna Audu.

Ojotule explained that seven communities were seriously affected in Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu Local Govermnet Areas (LGAs)

between February and August 2021, with eight deaths from three communities from three of the five LGAs. “It has become very important for us as a ministry to brief the press on the outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting suspected to be cholera in some LGAs of the state in recent time. ‘’So far local governments namely, Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu have been affected between February and August, 2021. ‘’Seven communities were affected in the aforementioned LGAs with 129 cases. ‘’However, we were able to confirm cholera in three of the communities in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa LGAs with 66 persons affected and 8 deaths (CFR=12.12%). These are border communities with hard to reach terrains.

Appeal Court Adjourns Ruling on Ozigbo, Uba Case Nseobong Okon-Ekong The Court of Appeal Enugu Division, yesterday adjourned its ruling on the appeal brought before it by Mr. Valentine Ozigbo and the Peoples Democratic Party against Senator Ugochukwu Uba & two others.

Senator Uba, who had on July 5, emerged as Anambra governorship candidate of the PDP in a parallel primary, instituted a suit against the PDP, its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), wherein he challenged Ozigbo’s candidature for the November 6, 2021 governorship election.

Barely 24 hours after Senator

Uba instituted the suit, Justice O. A. Nwabunike granted an ex parte injunction restraining INEC from carrying out their constitutional duty and also abridged the time within which the Defendants are legally obliged to file their defence from 42 days to only three days in violation of Order 16 Rule 1(2) of the Anambra State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

Despite the apparent hardship created by this strange ex parte order, the judge, on the day of the hearing, being July 16, denied the defendants time to respond to the processes served on them and proceeded with the hearing of the plaintiff’s case and delivering judgement.

Wale Igbintade

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has advocated the need to ban medical tourism for top government officials, “since the federal government has continued to toy with the health of the people.”

In a statement issued by the Lagos-based lawyer yesterday, he lamented that the federal and

state governments spend billions of naira to train medical personnel and other health professionals but allow them to leave the country to serve in other countries where conditions of service are qualitatively better than what is obtained in Nigeria.

Falana also urged the federal government to meet the demands of the resident doctors without any further delay in order to

pave way for the suspension of all forms of hostilities in the health sector.

On the suit filed by the federal government before the National Industrial Court (NIC), which seeks to restrain the doctors from continuing with the strike, Falana noted that the court did not grant the order of interim injunction sought by the government but directed both sides to suspend

all forms of hostilities pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice.

According to the statement, “In view of the intervention of the National Industrial Court in the dispute, the federal government should meet the demands of the resident doctors without any further delay, to pave way for the suspension of all forms of hostilities in the health sector. “

Unlawful Arrest: EFCC Loses Appeal to Businessman Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed an appeal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the judgment of a Federal High Court, which hammered the anti-graft agency

the sum of N50 million over its unlawful detention of a businessman, Mr. Babatunde Morakinyo.

A three-member panel in a unanimous decision held that the abuse of statutory power by the anti-graft agency is oppressive, repressive and condemnable.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, had on March 1, 2021, slammed a sum of N50 million on the EFCC after finding it liable for abuse of power and infringing on the right of Morakinyo.

The trial court also ordered the anti-graft agency to tender a public

apology to the applicant and to be published in two national dailies over the illegal arrest and detention of the businessman.

Dissatisfied, the commission approached the appellate court praying it to set aside the judgment of the trial court on the grounds of alleged miscarriage of justice.

Three Killed as Robbers Attack Bullion Van in Ondo

James Sowole in Akure

Three persons, including a mobile policeman and one civilian, were yesterday shot dead by robber, who attacked a bullion van at Ofosu town on the Benin-OreIjebu Ode Expressway in Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State.

The incident, was the second within two weeks, as dare devil

robbers, had on August 18, attacked another bullion van at Emure Junction, near Owo and injured many persons including a policeman.

The incident, according to a source, occurred at Costain area, few kilometers from Ore Headquarters of Odigbo Local Government.

The source, said the robbers opened fire on the bullion van and

the escort van while on motion.

It was gathered that the van was conveying undisclosed amount of money to a company located at Araromi Obu, when the robbers that laid ambush for the team struck.

As at the time of filling this report, it was not known whether the robbers were successful in carting away money in the van.

When contacted, the Police

Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, Mrs. Funmi Odunlami, confirmed the incident.

Odunlami said: “ Yes, some armed robbers indeed attacked a bullion van at a village very close to Ore. The bullion van was coming from Benin in Edo State, heading to Michelin Robber Company, at Araromi Obu when the incident happened.

Sanwo-Olu Emerges Political Brand Icon of the Year Critical stakeholders will converge on Lagos tomorrow, Friday, August 27, 2021, to mark the 18th anniversary of the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Awards of Excellence and celebrate Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s emergence as Political Brand Icon of the Year.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and

Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso said in a statement that Governor Sanwo-Olu, would receive the award conferred by the Board of “Marketing Edge,” Nigeria’s leading brand and marketing publication, in recognition of his sterling performance in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos as well as his laudable strides in health, education and infrastructure

among others.

According to him, communicating Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emergence as Political Brand Icon of the Year, the Board of “Marketing Edge” said: “It is obvious to the Board that the urban renewal train of your administration is already moving at top speed towards the Smart City destination, which it envisions for

Lagos State, to the admiration of all stakeholders and the applause of even the international community.”

“Marketing Edge” maintained that Sanwo-Olu had remained focused, determined and daring in his promise to move Lagos beyond the common standard of excellence through his administration’s sixpillar development plan, which is driving its projects and policies.

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS XTRA

Gunmen Kidnap Nasarawa Electoral Commission’s Scribe Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Gunmen in the late hours of Tuesday kidnapped the Secretary of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Opu, at his residence in Bakin Rijiya village, an outskirt of Lafia, the Nasarawa State’s capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nasarawa State Police Command, ASP. Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the kidnap yesterday in a statement that was made available to journalists in Lafia.

Nansel added that the secretary of the NASIEC was kidnapped in his residence at Bakin Rijiya village, along Lafia-Shendam Road.

The statement read: “On 24/8/2021, at about 23.45 hrs, unknown gunmen numbering about five abducted one Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Opu, the secretary of the NASIEC in his residence located at Bakin Rijiya village, along Lafia-Shendam Road, Nasarawa State.

“On receipt of the complaints, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adesina Soyemi, immediately

led a detachment of police personnel comprising of personnel of the Anti Kidnapping Unit, Police

Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and other tactical units of the command to the scene.”

Moreover, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department

(SCID) was directed to move to the scene and conduct a comprehensive investigation in order to unveil the faces

of those responsible for the commission of the despicable act, rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators.

QUEST OIL ROUND TABLE…

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Quest Oil and Engineering Services Limited, Mr. Dele Taiwo; Corporate Communications and Branding Manager, Mr. Gerald Moore; Technical Assistant to the CEO, Mrs. Bethel Esamah-Aina; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Goke Dele; General Manager, Business Operations, Dr. Ochuwa George; and Head, Trading and Supply, Mr. Olanrewaju Ogundele, at the Quest Oil and Engineering Services Limited media roundtable in Lagos…yesterday.

ETOP UKUTT

‘Those Calling for Buni’s Anambra Poll: Collect Politicians’ Money, Vote Removal, Ignorant of the Law’ Your Conscience, Ezeife Tells Youth

Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie

Following the on-going crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), where some members of the party are unhappy about the extended and continuous stay of the leadership of its caretaker committee, headed by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, have called for his removal, a former member, Bauchi House of Assembly, Ibrahim Bala Hassan, has said that those calling for his removal are ignorant of the law.

Hassan, who spoke yesterday on the Morning Show of ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, explained that there was nothing wrong in appointing a care taker committee headed by the governor of a state.

According to him, the legal team had trashed this

issue so many times, and have maintained there is no contravention of section 183 of the party’s constitution.

Buni said: “Most people who are on the other side of the table who are saying his leadership is illegal are ignorant of the law by not going into the nitty -gritty of how he emerged and he is operating business.

They need to sit down with lawyers who are not biased to actually explain to them how Governor Buni is still the acting caretaker committee chairman of the party because this is not a paid job, he was asked to come and do it.

“I know there are a lot of diverse legal opinions about this, I am not a lawyer but I know he is doing his best and his team is working to ensure that there is a transition from the caretaker commuter to elected executives of the party.”

A former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has advised youth to vote according to their conscience and not continue to mortgage their future by allowing monetary and other materialism influence their choice of candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

Ezeife, while acknowledging that desperate politicians would go to any length to assume power, assured the youth that no harm could come upon anyone, who voted in line with his conscience, irrespective of whatever shrine they were taken for oath.

He spoke Tuesday evening in Abuja, at a youth summit on

the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

“Take money from all the politicians who are giving you money if they tell you to jump over a coffin as an oath, jump that thing, the only thing that affects you is your conscience.

If you vote according to your conscience, the money you are given, the oath you have taken

are all of no use. The moment you vote according to your conscience, they all expire,” he said.

He commended those who cancelled the sit-at-home order, noting that it was a right step,because it made no sense for the Igbo to join outsiders to inflict more burden on an already marginalised zone.

FG: Nigeria Can Earn from its Brian Drain Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government has said that Nigeria would make huge profits from the migration of Nigerian medical doctors to foreign land.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Sonny Echonu, stated this yesterday during a one-day workshop on national policy in science and

technology education and its implementation guidelines.

Echonu said the issue of brain drain, which is being looked at holistically by the government would be resolved soon.

He, however, said that the current migration of the medical doctors was poorly timed; adding that the federal government is making efforts to tackle the issue is through the establishment of

more medical institutions and improved access to medical services.

Echonu said: “It’s a holistic problem and something that we have to address, not only as a government, but also as a people. The medical field is one of the areas where we have deficit and that is being addressed by the government through the establishment of

new institutions. You can see that there are specialised medical institutions being established.

“Government is also expanding access because if you look at JAMB records medicine is one with the highest applicants where you have over subscriptions of over ten to one.

But the reality is that it takes a lot of investment to train a doctor as in other fields.”

Group Wants Presidency Zoned to North Central Fayemi Promises Completion of 2023: equity fairness and unity of Mr. Abdullahi Jibrin Muregi, the successor of President Laleye Dipo in Minna the country. declared that “we appreciate Muhammadu Buhari come 2023 Ado-Ifaki Dual Carriage Way The group claimed that the fact that our demand is “We believe that our demand The North Central Network

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said his government would soon make moves to ensure speedy completion of Ado-Ifaki dual carriage way to shore up infrastructural development of the capital city.

The governor, who spoke yesterday, during the celebration of this year’s Udiroko Festival, said the new Ado-Iyin dual carriageway is one of the legacy projects of his administration to indigenes and residents of the city.

Fayemi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, also disclosed that work would soon commence on the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road to give respite to users of the

major highway.

The Udiroko festival 2021 was held in a low-key manner in line with COVID-19 regulations and was attended by guests including the Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Prof. Muhammad Abdulazeez.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, used the occasion to pray for peace, prosperity and development of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria and an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fayemi, who congratulated all Ado Ekiti indigenes at home and abroad on the occasion of festival, hailed Oba Adejugbe for being at the forefront of the development of the kingdom and working for the peace of the state.

for Better Nigeria (NCNBN), yesterday asked all the registered political parties in the country to pick their presidential candidates for the 2023 presidential election from any of the states in the north central geo political zone of the country in the spirit of

its request was based on the fact that the north central geo political zone of the country has not produced the president of Nigeria since the country returned to civil rule in 1999.

Addressing a press conference in Minna, Niger State, the Director General of the NCNBN,

coming at a time that leaders of other zones are scheming to produce the president come 2023, but we appeal to their collective consciousness for equity, justice and fairness to drop their ambition and rally round the North Central Zone in its justifiable bid to produce

is not out of place having painstakingly worked for other zones in the past to produce the presidency or to emerge as the Vice President of Nigeria through the large block of votes we always deliver to the winning political party in all elections since 1999.

SON Arrests Dealers of Adulterated Engine Oil in Sokoto

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

A team of the Surveillance Investigation and Monitoring (SIM) unit of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) yesterday uncovered lubricant adulterating syndicate at mini mart along Gidan Mada area of Sokoto State.

The team swooped on the location and arrested a primary suspect who was found at the premises with various litres of adulterated engine oil.

The suspect, who refused to give his name, said that he is a manager of Na’ada, a dealer of engine oil.

Speaking to newsmen at the scene, the Sokoto State

Coordinator of SON, Mr. Jubrin Mohammed, who was represented by the SIM Team Leader, Mr. Murtala Muhammad Yusuf, described the discovery as shocking wake up call for Nigerians to provide intelligence information for the organisation for the apprehension of those dealing with substandard products.

“Last time we got a hint that someone is selling adulterated Total engine oil, we swung into action and arrested the suspect,” he stated.

According to him the SON would not relent in the ongoing fight against unscrupulous elements that persisted in defrauding Nigerians through their dubious acts.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

FRC, FRSC Disagree over Alleged Unremitted N5.1bn to Federation Account Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday disagreed over allegation that the latter is yet to remit N5.1 billion into the Federation Account from 2016 to 2019.

FRC made the allegation in Abuja at the ongoing public hearing on 2022 to 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.

The official of the commission had said that there was no evidence that the FRSC remitted the money, adding that the non-remittance was gotten from audited financial report Countering the allegation, Road Safety’s Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that he was prepared to give evidence of the remittances, while urging the committee to give FRSC the requisite time to reconcile with the FRC. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. James Faleke, questioned the unnecessary expenditure embarked upon

by the Road Safety.

He warns that the lawmakers will expunge unnecessary budgetary provision in order to shore up revenue for the country

to forestall unnecessary borrowing.

Faleke said, “the biggest problem confronting the country was revenue generation. We saw where

agency is spending N3 billion above its income; we saw where they spend money not budgeted for.” Also a member of the committee, Hon. Sada Soli queried FRSC spending

of N152 million on postages between 2019 and 2020 .

Soli further requested for explanation on the N70 million budgetary provision for acquisition of software,

adding that it was uncalled for.

Responding, Oyeyemi noted that there had been no budgetary provision for the production of number plates since inception of the scheme.

REWARDING HARDWORK…

L-R : General Manager, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Mr. Thiru Rajaseker; Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ravindra Singhvi; an awardee of the Engineering Department, Mr. Sadiq Babatunde Raheem; and the General Manager, Human Resources/Admin, Mr. Hassan Salisu, during the second edition of the Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc Employee Motivation and Recognition Award for Excellence held in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Eight Killed as Suspected Ondo Records 1,106 Cases of Tuberculosis in 2021 18 local government areas of Giving the breakdown of the June 2021.

Sowole in Akure the state. cases, he explained that from “So far, from January to June Herdsmen Attack Benue James Aina, who spoke in Akure, January to March, 635 cases 2021, we have had 1,106 cases The National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy the state capital, said as the were recorded, while from of tuberculosis detected, notified Community Control Programme has country was battling with April to June, a total of 471 and placed on treatment across George Okoh in Makurdi Suspected herdsmen last Tuesday night attacked Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing eight persons.

According to a local source, the herdsmen had attacked the busy community market shooting sporadically on anyone in sight.

He revealed that eight people were killed and several others wounded, disclosing that one other person was kidnapped.

According to the source, “It was around 7 p.m. last Tuesday when the herdsmen came straight to the market, where they started shooting and killing people. Some of our people escaped but eight people were killed.

“One person was taken away and we have not heard from

him since then.”

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Guma LGA, Caleb Aba, explained that the herders invaded the community on Yelwata market day.

He added that the people were still in the market when the herders opened fire and killed eight people as well as injured two others.

The council chairman said the attack was unprovoked, adding: “Our people had no problems with the herders before they carried out the attack.

“Yesterday was Yelwata market day, and the people were still in the market around 6p.m. when the herdsmen came and started shooting sporadically. In the end, eight people were killed, two injured, and one person who was abducted is yet to be released till now.”

Flood Alert: Lagos Assures Residents of Preparedness Segun James Following the flash flood alert issued by the Nigeria Metrological Services (NIMET), the Lagos State Government has assured residents of the state that irrespective of the advisory, adequate measures are in place to contain any eventuality.

Addressing journalists at Alausa on the state of preparedness for heavy rainfalls, which will resume in September on the release of water from the Oyan Dam, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, said the capacity of primary and secondary drains have been enhanced through consistent

cleaning and clearing to contain run offs.

He explained that the same level of preparedness is what the state has in store for the advisory by the management of Ogun Osun River Basin Authority on the release of water from the Oyan Dam in September.

According to Bello, “A practical demonstration of our preparedness was the over 10 hours rainfall experienced in Lagos on July 19, which resulted in flooding that submerged some houses and vehicles especially in Marina but which had disappeared the next morning, which was some eight to 10 hours after.”

revealed that the Ondo State has detected a total of 1,106 cases of tuberculosis disease between January and June 2021.

The cases, according to the state Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Oluwafem Aina, were recorded across the

the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight against tuberculosis was also ongoing.

He said the agency had been embarking on series of campaign across the country, adding that cases were reported on quarterly basis.

cases were recorded.

He said: “From the report at our national headquarters, a total of 635 cases of tuberculosis was detected and notified in Ondo State in the 18 local government areas in quarter two of 2021-that is April to

the 18 local government areas of the state.”

He said despite attention being given to COVID-19, the agency has not stopped its sensitisation, especially at the grassroots level, in a bid to eradicate the disease in the state.

EFCC: Court Convicts 27 Fraudsters, Three Others in Rivers Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday convicted 27 fraudsters and three others for perversion of justice.

The trial Judge, Justice A.T. Mohammed, convicted and sentenced to jail the accused persons as was filed by the Benin Zonal Command of the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The convicted internet fraudsters were arraigned separately on one count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretences. They are: Okei Morrison Onome; Ejiro Nwaju; Oki Alex Efe; Omoghene Gift; Collins Odinaka; Onyue Martins Ifeanyi; Azubuike Christian; Achiever Effiong; Adeniyi Michael Femi; Eze John

Paul; Akinayomide James; Adejube Isaac Oluwadunsin; Isaac Phillip; Ibrahim Olalekan Olagoke and Paul Obinna Thomas.

Others are: Damilola Michael; Umoru Mosuru; Dotun Ogunboye Olaleye, Adekunle Joshua, Elliot Igunbor, Ezomo Junior, David Oluwatobi, Ereoman Emmanuel, Oyetunde Victor Temitope, Nurudeen Abiodun Imole and Adeboye Victor. The charge against

one of them reads: “That you Adebuje Isaac Oluwadunsin on the 5th day of August, 2021 at Ondo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one Michelle Orton a (white woman) and citizens of the United States of America in your Samsung S8 and email address cryptohackweb@gmail.com to gain advantage for yourself.

Gombe Gov Explains Relative Peace, Security in Gombe Deji Elumoye in Abuja Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has explained the relative peace and security reigning in the state saying it was a deliberate effort by both people and government to sustain it.

Speaking yesterday with newsmen after meeting

with the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, at the State House, Abuja, Governor Yahaya said the people saw reason on the need to reject ethnic and religious bigotry for the sake of the peace of the state.

His words: “We thank God for helping us as far as the issue of security is concerned.

We are in the midst of the Northeast and we are aware of the challenges in the frontline States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are facing so we’ve tried as much as possible in order to live in peace and harmony.

“This is despite our differences, religious difference, social difference and other

social differences that normally cause friction among the people and we have gotten the understanding of our people and with the support of the security agencies, we have been able to relate well and manage security in Gombe State. We are happy and by the grace of God we shall try to sustain that going forward”.

2022: Osun Teachers Endorse Oyetola for Second Term Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Osun State chapter, yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, “for prioritising workers’ welfare and well-being, particularly the teachers in the state.”

The over 11,000 teachers in the state workforce attributed their solidarity and endorsement of

the governor to his ‘rare passion and love for education, welfare and well-being of teachers in particular, and socioeconomic development of the state in general’.

This is even as the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education the bedrock of the socioeconomic development of the state.

The governor said the

executive members of the NUT are an amalgam of the leaderships of teachers at the primary and secondary levels, the two arms which represent the foundation of education in the state.

The ecstatic teachers wore caps with the inscription: ‘NUT for Oyetola’, and pledged their support to the governor and his administration during the inauguration of the newly-elected

executive members of the NUT in the state held at the Staff Development Centre, Osogbo.

Speaking on behalf of the teachers in the state, the state Chairman of NUT, Adekomi Kabir Adekunle, said their solidarity and endorsement of the governor for second term were informed by the numerous support and honour the administration has accorded the union.

THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS XTRA

Retired Matron Jailed 10 years for Buying Six-year-old Boy in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo A 47-year-old woman in Akwa Ibom State has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for buying a six-year-old boy in Uyo, the state capital.

The convict, Gertrude Thompson Akpan, was said to have transferred the boy after buying him, to Owerri in Imo State where she sold him to one Kate Ojukwu Ogbonna, a native of Bende in Abia State for N200,000.

Justice Okon Okon of an Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo sentenced Gertrude Akpan, a mother of three children from Ikot Eyo village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state, without an option of fine yesterday.

The convict, who retired in 2015 as a Matron at the Immanuel Hospital in Eket, confessed that she had been in the business of selling and buying children since 2008.

Justice Okon in his judgment, said: “apart from the confession of the convict, the evidence of the prosecution witness that she assisted the police in the recovery of the child victim from the buyer in Owerri, remained unchallenged and therefore accepted.”

The court further held that the evidence of the prosecution

is that one Ubong Charles Ekwere had on May 12, 2018, abducted the six-year-old boy in the lawful custody of his grandmother and sold him to the convict, Gertrude Thompson Akpan, at the

sum of N50,000, and Akpan in turn, sold the victim to Kate Ojukwu Ogbonna in Owerri at the sum of N200,000.

Justice Okon found Akpan “guilty of unlawful removal and transfer of the child victim from

Akwa Ibom State to Owerri, Imo State.

“It is sadistic that Akpan, a mother of children, indulged in sales of children of others, thereby depriving the innocent children of the natural love,

care and upbringing by their parents.”

According to Justice Okon, “The evil trade must be deprecated, forestalled and checkmated by every rightthinking member of the society.”

While sentencing Akpan to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine, the court held that “buying and selling of children is against social and moral values of the people of Akwa Ibom State.”

BOOSTING ELECTRICITY…

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo; Executive Director, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Mrs. Ijeoma Ozulumba; and Chief Operating Officer, DBN, Bonaventure Okhaimo, at the Rural Electrification Scheme/DBN Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony to increase access to finance for the development of mini-grids in Nigeria held in Abuja...recently

Three Suspected Kidnappers Rivers Varsity Suspends Lecturer over Sex-for-grade Scandal grade from one of his female that Abiye directed the semester of 2020/2021 be Blessing Ibunge in Port Arrested in FCT students. female student to meet him re-graded through conference Harcourt Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Local security outfit and a patrol team of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) yesterday apprehended three suspected kidnappers in Karshi community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Marshall General, AMAC, Mr. Kassim Isyaku Chicha, confirmed the incident yesterday.

It was gathered that the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police’s

Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in FCT Area 10.

Chinda said the community had been experiencing incessant kidnappings for a very long time.

It was learned that security operatives in a bid to curb the string of criminalities and kidnappings confronting Kashi in recent time had set a manhunt for the suspect before they finally succeeded by arresting the criminals in the early hours of yesterday.

Court Dismisses Certificate Forgery Suit against House Spokesman Udora Orizu in Abuja A High Court in Umuahia, Abia State capital, has dismissed a certificate (name) forgery suit filed against the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu by Okey Ezeala, who alleged name forgery on his academic certificates.

Ezeala, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, filed a case against the legislator, claiming that there was a name discrepancy in his academic certificates.

In the court judgement delivered by Justice A.O. Chijioke yesterday, the Judge dismissed the suit against Kalu, describing it as malicious and frivolous.

The court said the claimant failed to differentiate or prove his claims of forgery and impersonation against Kalu,

adding that the legislator fully complied with the law in his change of name.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the judgement, the lead counsel to Kalu, K.C Nwufor (SAN), expressed happiness over the court ruling, saying, however, that his client’s character has been defamed, and that they are preparing to file an action against the claimant and his co-detractors to the tune of N5 billion for defamation.

He said: “It is a day for justice, and I am happy that justice has been done. As you can see, this was a frivolous and malicious suit aimed at defaming the clean reputation of one of the best legislators Abia State has ever sent to the National Assembly. It was aimed at denting his reputation as the imagemaker and spokesperson of the National Assembly.”

The Management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers State has suspended one Dr. Samuel Abiye, of the Department of Curriculum Studies, for three months on half salary on allegation of sexual extortion for

THISDAY gathered that Abiye was recorded by a female student who he allegedly promised to help to pass his course and all other courses taught by other lecturers in their department if she could grant him sexual gratification.

It was further gathered

at the King James Hotels towards Eagle Cement area of Rumuolumeni, where she was to be explored sexually in exchange for grades.

Following the development and exposure, the university has directed that all courses taught by Abiye for the 1st

marking to be supervised by the Dean of Education.

In an action statement by the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, added that “all his (Abiye) courses and supervisees have been reassigned to other lecturers in his department.

Court Convicts Undergraduate for Lottery Scam in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin yesterday convicted a 300 level student of the University of Ilorin, Mr. Udoh Sunday Okon, over offences bordering on Facebook lottery scam.

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

has secured the conviction of Okon for alleged involvement in Facebook lottery scam.

Udoh, a 300 level student of the University of Ilorin, allegedly defrauded an America national, Kimberly, to the tune of $500 via Facebook lottery.

The 20-year-old Akwa Ibom State indigene was prosecuted on a one-count charge by the

anti-graft, to which he pleaded guilty.

The charge read: “That you, Udoh Sunday Okon (Christopher Wray), sometime in March 2021 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this court, did cheat by personation when you pretended to be one Christopher Wray, a white male with +18315088635 as your

WhatsApp business line and fraudulently deceived Kimberly, an American, to send $500 worth of Ebay gift card to you after you made him believe that he won $1,000,000.00 Facebook lottery, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code.”

Nigeria Accounts for 40% of Global Fistula Cases, Says UNFPA Okon Bassey in Uyo The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed that Nigeria accounts for 40 percent of Fistula cases in the world.

The Head, UNFPA, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, disclosed this yesterday at the 21st

National Council on Women Affairs taking place in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Omosehin maintained that though UNFPA has a robust Fistula project in Nigeria, a lot still needed to be done.

She highlighted the repair cases undertaken by UNFPA to be 3,000 a year in Nigeria.

According to Omosehin, the main causes of Fistula are prolonged labour due to early marriage by underage girls, sexual violence, harmful traditional practice, unskilled birth attendance among others.

Speaking further, the head of UNFPA said 12, 560 repairs have been supported

by UNFPA while a total of 5,000 cases have been successfully repaired and established economically.

Omosehin enumerated the challenges faced in reducing Fistula cases to include poor political will, lack of national data base, weak health systems among others.

Yiaga Africa: We’ll Check Rigging in Anambra Governorship Poll David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Yiaga Africa, has said it would deploy Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) to monitor the Anambra State governorship election, to check rigging.

The Head of Elections Programme for Yiaga Africa, Mr. Paul James, disclosed this in Awka, the state capital, yesterday during the Yiaga

Africa’s Watching the Vote (WTV) media roundtable with journalists on the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

He said: “#WatchingTheVote (WTV) is a comprehensive observation of the electoral process which includes the observation of the pre-election period environment.

“For the election day observation, Yiaga Africa’s WTV will use an advanced

election day observation methodology called the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT).

“The PVT is an election day observation methodology that leverages on statistics and technology to observe the process of voting, counting and tallying of results.

“We are deploying 500 observers to 250 polling units in the state. Each polling unit will have two observers on the election day. With the results

assembled from the sampled polling units, a citizen observer group can release projected estimates and verify the accuracy of results declared by the election management body.”

James said using this methodology, observer reports are sent via text message to a central database which enables WTV to analyse and share timely findings on the conduct of the election in near real-time.

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THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

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Premier League's Stance, Rancour over Balogun Delay Eagles’ List

Femi Solaja With air of uncertainty on the availability of key Super Eagles players from the English Premiership, Italian Serie A and in-house rancour over the invitation of Rangers FC of Scotland defender, Leon Balogun are partly the reasons why Gernot Rohr's World Cup 2022 Qualifiers list of invited players is yet to be made public by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

THISDAY's check revealed that the list scheduled for released on

WORLD CUP 2022 QUALIFIERS Monday or latest by Tuesday for the NFF secretariat to commence travel plans was delayed by the EPL stance on players going to Covid high-risk countries to play for their respective countries and last night, Italian Serie A also joined in the collective effort to stamp out the virus meaning Nigerian stars in the league are in doubt to make the trip to Eagles camp.

It was further learnt that

Balogun's condemnation of the NFF's non-payment of some outstanding allowances of the players didn't seat well with the leadership of the federation. It was further learnt that there were moves to drop the defender from the senior national team but head coach Rohr is believed to be adamant not to do so.

With EPL insisting no release of players in England for the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers to countries with

high risks, Rohr is likely to miss the services of about 10 players from the topmost league in Europe and further compounded with three additional players in Italy now in doubt for the qualifiers too.

Super Eagles will host Lone Star of Liberia on 3rd September and four days later, the team will travel to Cape Verde for the Day-two fixture against the Blue Sharks in Praia.

But while it is safer for the players to play in the home match at Teslim Balogun Stadium in

Lagos since the nation is on amber list, the same is not with Cape Verde who is on Red List and the players will not be available for the match.

A top official in the NFF admitted that the body is considering alternative arrangements which could mean foreign-based players from other leagues and in proportion with those from the domestic topflight prosecuting the game of Match-day two.

Affected players from England include: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Frank

Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo, Emmanuel Dennis and William Troost-Ekong while Leon Balogun, Semi Ajayi and Joe Aribo are from Scottish the league making a total number of 10 players and in Italy, the trio of Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina and Tyronne Ebuehi have all been listed to miss the match for similar reason.

“We are weighing the options and it is not out of place if we allow more players in the domestic league with those from outside of the United Kingdom to form the bulk of invitees for the two matches.

“It’s a complex situation that requires diligent response. It would not be okay to rush the decision of players to be invited considering the magnitude of the competition at hand,” an NFF official observed last night.

The situation will leave Nigeria to make do with an under-strength squad against a potentially strong Cape Verde which caused a sensation in the season 2013/2014 and ranked among African top three in FIFA rankings.

Cape Verde were almost making it to Brazil 2014, but for annulment of their crucial win against Tunisia on account of fielding ineligible players.

They were undefeated in their two AFCON qualifiers with Cameroon, whom they walloped 3-1 in Praia last March.

EPL RESULTS Newcastle 3–4 Burnley Newport 0-8 S’hampton W B A 0– 6 Arsenal

UCL PLAYOFF Broendby 1– 2 Salzburg Agg 2-4 agg Zagreb 0-0 Sheriff Agg 0-3 Shakhtar 2 - 2 Monaco Agg 3-2

Super Eagles players during a freindly match against Tunisia September last year in Austria

D’Tigers Devour Mali Nigeria Eyes First Medal as Adesokan as Afrobasket Gets Competes in Para-Powerlifting Underway in Kigali Nigeria’s D’Tigers started their 2021 Afrobasket championship on a winning note with a dominant 81-73pts win against a determined Malian team.

The win which was the first after its last win against Argentina in the run up to the 2020 Olympics saw a young Nigerian team captained by Stephen Domingo bagging the maximum points.

After running to a 28-12pts lead in the first quarter, fatigue induced turnovers and wayward shooting saw the Malians coming back within a touching distance.

D’Tigers were able to cling to a 44-43points lead heading into halftime.

Third quarter saw the Mike Brown inspired side shooting themselves to a 71-53pts lead as they did enough to hold off the marauding Malians in the fourth quarter to close out the game.

Benjamin Emelogu who helped the team with 18pts,

4 assists and 8 rebounds had an amazing day on the court posting a 60.0% accuracy from the three-point line where he got all his points from 10 attempts.

Domingo who was recently with the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Summer League added 16pts, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.

Uzodinma Utomi scored 15pts while TK Edogi was the highest rebounder for the team with a total of 12 and contributing 5pts offensively in the game.

Speaking after the game, Brown praised his lads for holding their heads above the waters in the first game against a typical physical African team.

He said, “We have to take care of the ball better, we can’t foul. Teams are going to get beat, teams are going to get upset. What you do is just learn from it and hopefully grow from it.”

Nigeria will face Kenya in their next game.

Nigeria's world Para- Powerlifting champion, Yakubu Adesokan, arrived Tokyo on Wednesday night to light up the Team Nigeria's camp in expectation of early entry on the medals table.

Competition in ParaPowerlifting at the Tokyo Paralympics starts this morning with Adesokan taking the first go in the 48kg category.

He is joined by Latifat Tijani, gold medallist at the Brazzaville 2015 Africa Games and silver medallist at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, who will also be in the women's 45kg straight gold medal contest same day.

Adesokan, a London 2012 Paralympic and 2014 World Para-Powerlifting Championships gold medallist is world favourite for gold in Tokyo, going by his record 180kg lift.

He did not come early with the rest of the team on August 14 and 21 due to circumstances unforeseen and beyond human control.

While his arrival has sent jitters on challengers from other countries, he however faces an

acid test for quick recovery from the long (almost 20 hours) trip from Nigeria and the long and tiring immigration and health check processes at the Tokyo International Airport, Narita,

then to match out for action by 11am this morning Adesokan however exuded confidence as he emerged from the departure lounge, indicating his readiness for the task.

Yakubu Adesokan at the last Games five years ago in Rio, Brazil

His disposition is to make good the gold medal he lost in Rio 2016 when he missed his way to the competition venue and arrived too late for the contest.

47

THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Harry Kane

Benitez Salutes Iwobi

Despite having only played three games so far this season, Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi seems to have won the heart of his new manager, Rafael Benitez with his recent performance.

The Everton gaffer has heaped praise on Iwobi after the Nigerian put up an outstanding performance to help Everton advance to the third round of the EFL Cup following a 2-1 win against Huddersfield.

Iwobi scored the opener in the 14th minute, and even after Everton were reduced to 10 men, he still put up a good show in midfield to help Everton beat the Championship side.

Speaking after the match, Benitez praised Iwobi’s for putting in a brilliant shift despite picking up an injury in the encounter.

“I like to see Tom Davies work so hard with a little problem in his quadriceps, I like to see Alex Iwobi limping but still trying to help the team, and I like the second goal and the way we finished,” Benitez said on Everton’s website.

Under the tutelage of his new Spanish boss this season, Iwobi’s gameplay has improved, and

it is not a surprise as Benitez is known for his ability to work his way into his players’ heads and make them play better.

Everton will know their third-round opponents in the draws that will hold today.

Meanwhile, their next fixture in the Premier League is at the Amex Stadium against Brighton.

Everton secured a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game, with Alex Iwobi finding the net at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Premier League side came into the encounter on the back of a 2-2 draw against Leeds United, while the EFL Championship side recorded an impressive 2-1 result at Sheffield United.

After a frenzied opening, it was Benitez’s men who took the lead through Iwobi in the 26th minute.

The former Arsenal man nudged in a smart finish past goalkeeper Lee Nicholls after being released by Tom Davies.

Iwobi was in action from start to finish and would be hoping to take this new found form to the Falmer Stadium when Everton take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Kane Knocks off Man City Move, Stays at Spurs Harry Kane has announced he will stay att T Tottenham this summer after tt h thi ft a move to Manchester City failed to materialise.

Kane, who has three years left on his Spurs deal, had asked to leave the club this summer in search of silverware, but appears to have softened his stance following a long summer of negotiations between City and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

In a post on Twitter, Kane said: "It was incredible to see the reception from the Spurs fans on Sunday and to read some of the messages of support I've had in the last few weeks.

"I will be staying at Tottenham this summer and will be 100% focused on helping the team achieve success."

It was incredible to see the reception

from frrom om the the he Spurs fans on Sunday and to read d some off the h messages off support I've had in the last few weeks.

Kane, who has been a target for City all summer, came off the bench in Saturday's 1-0 win at Wolves in the Premier League in his first appearance since returning late for pre-season.

The England captain, though, remains adamant he was always scheduled to come back later than his team-mates after Euro 2020.

Spurs value Kane at upwards of £120m, but were keen to keep the striker despite him believing he had a gentleman's agreement with Levy to leave the club this summer.

City made an offer worth £100m for Kane at the start of June, but were unable

FIFA Urges UK Govt to Exempt Players from Quarantine Rules FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to Boris Johnson to request that any UK-based players travelling to red-list countries on international duty are excused from quarantine.

World Cup qualifiers are set to be played next week and many nations could be missing some of their best players.

On Tuesday, Premier League clubs reluctantly agreed not to release any players who are set to play matches in countries that are on the UK’s coronavirus red list. Anyone returning from one of these ‘danger areas’ is currently required to undertake 10 days of quarantine, which would rule them out of important club fixtures next

MultiChoice, BetKing Launch SuperPicks As part of its goal to deepen viewers’ sporting experience, MultiChoice Nigeria has launched SuperPicks, the revolutionary free-to-play predictor app with a weekly jackpot of N50m.

Available to play for free at superpicks.com, SuperPicks gives anyone in Nigeria over the age of 18, the chance to win a weekly jackpot of N50,000,000 by correctly predicting the scores of six football fixtures for each weekend. There is also a guaranteed prize of N1,000,000

for the player with the closest set of predictions each week - which was won last weekend by a gentleman called Andrew.

The predictor app is accessed via a progressive web application at www.superpicks.com.

SuperPicks is the first major joint initiative between MultiChoice and BetKing, Africa’s fastest growing digital and sports entertainment platform and showcases the potential of the combined capabilities of the two Organisations.

to come com me close clo cl los ose to ose to an agreement with Spurs.

New Spurs head N S h d coach h Nuno N Espirito Santo was delighted by Kane's announcement as he addressed the media ahead of today's Europa Conference League play-off second leg tie against Pacos de Ferreira, saying: "Great news. Fantastic news for everybody.

"I think since Harry joined us, he's been working, so this is what we value. His attitude in training sessions has been great.

"It's finished, Harry's going to be with us. He worked today and he's an option for tomorrow. It's fantastic news for everybody.

"We are all very happy. He's one of the best players in the world so we are delighted to have one more option to the season ahead of us."

Speaking on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said: “We are excited to launch SuperPicks to our audiences in Nigeria. Not only is it fresh and innovative, it’s also in line with our vision of delivering great entertainment experiences. With the growth of the internet, sports betting has continued to grow across Nigeria and the rest of the continent, we are excited to be partnering with BetKing to ensure that we can deliver quality and entertaining content.”

The SuperPicks app combines the passion for sports with the chance to win a life-changing sum of money, every week!

Players will be able to use their sports knowledge to make their predictions on forthcoming fixtures on their mobile or desktop.

To champion the sports fan even further, MultiChoice Nigeria is also introducing MVP, (Most Valuable Picks) the all new sports betting TV show that will be aired at 9pm every Thursday on channel 204.

month.

This will affect around 60 players in total from 19 Premier League clubs, who were due to travel to 26 red-list countries in total.

Despite this decision, FIFA have not given up hope that the UK government could offer quarantine exemptions as they have done many times previously. Infantino is currently lobbying Downing Street to excuse footballers from self-isolation, as he revealed in an official FIFA statement.

“We have faced global problems together in the past and must continue to do so in the future.

The release of players in the upcoming international windows is a matter of great urgency and importance. I am grateful for the support and cooperation from many stakeholders in the game during this challenging period,” the statement read.

“I am calling on a show of solidarity from every member association, every league, and every club, to do what is both right and fair for the global game. Many of the best players

in the world compete in leagues in England and Spain, and we believe these countries also share the responsibility to preserve and protect the sporting integrity of competitions around the world.

“On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appealed for the necessary support, in particular, so players are not deprived of the opportunity of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the ultimate honours for a professional footballer. I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the Euro 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches.

“Together we have shown solidarity and unity in the fight against COVID-19. Now, I am urging everyone to ensure the release of international players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”

Thursday, August 26, 2021

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE ACF to Presidency “It is sad that ordi¬nary street bandits will in¬vade a military institution of such high national and inter¬national repute, outwit the se¬curity system and men there, kill officers and take one away to an unknown destination. The other day a Ni¬gerian Airforce fighter air¬craft was shot down by the so-called bandits. What else do we need to show that our national security system is running in reverse gear?”

—Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), bemoaning the insecurity in Nigeria, following the NDA attack

OLUSEGUNADENIYI The Vindication of Atuwatse II THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

D

espite the five-hour time difference between Boston and Warri, I followed last Saturday’s coronation of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri. That a blindfolded monarch picked that title (from the 20 ceremonial swords bearing the names of his predecessors) could not have been a coincidence. It is a testament to the courage of conviction exemplified by his late father, Ogiame Atuwatse II. I congratulate the Atuwatse III and the entire Itsekiri nation for how this story has ended.

At the Aghofen Palace ground in Warri on 30th November 2013, then Prince Tsola Emiko had joined his siblings (Nere, Toju, Ola and Neye) and their mother to publicly seek forgiveness from anybody their father (then just deceased) might have offended. His elder sister, Princess Nere Teriba who spoke on behalf of the royal family said on that occasion, “forgive him (Atuwatse II) if he had offended you. Find it in your hearts just to let it go. He blessed everyone. He never kept or harboured grudges against anyone. He kept us on our knees praying,” said the Princess who pledged support for their uncle who had been selected to succeed him. “I thank Iwere nation for honouring my father when he ascended the throne. Growing up as a young man, the elders and chiefs honoured and crowned him, even though he was not a conventional king.”

Many could not understand this act of grace from the immediate family of Atuwatse II, especially considering that the crown prince had just been denied the throne on account of where his mother hailed from. Besides, the Itsekiri people didn’t believe the late monarch did anything to warrant the forgiveness being sought by his family. In fact, the much-revered Igba of Warri, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, was almost angry about it. “Obviously, the children are innocent and ignorant of the tradition. From the day he was crowned 28 years ago, Atuwatse II transformed from being just their father to being father of the entire Itsekiri nation.” She added that the Atuwatse II on whose behalf his children were apologizing was a great monarch who merely stepped on a number of big political toes.

Remarkably, the transition from Atuwatse II to Ikenwoli went without rancor. But with his death last December, there was a consensus among Itsekiri people that this time, Tsola Emiko should be the next Olu of Warri. Of course, there were also a few powerful chiefs who insisted on using a contentious 1979 military edict to rewrite history and the tradition of a Kingdom that began in 1480 with Ginuwa who reigned as the first Olu of Warri until 1510. At the end, the will of the people prevailed and last Saturday.

Before I conclude with the substance of this intervention, let me take readers back to my column of 19th September 2013 on the late 19th Olu of Warri, Atuwatse II. Titled, ‘The Olu of Warri and His God’, there are embedded lessons that his son, Atuwatse III, may find useful as he begins what promises to be a long reign on the throne of his forebears. ================================ =================== “Henceforth, I submit and present the title ‘Ogiame’ to God, the creator, who made the sea and rules over all. Therefore, no Olu or person may bear the title or name that now belongs to God. I nullify all tokens of libation poured on the land and seas or sprinkled into the air in Iwere land. I frustrate all sacrifices

Ogiame Atuwatse III

of wine, blood, food, water, kola nuts and other items offered in Iwere land. In conformity with the new covenant, through the blood of Jesus, I release the royal bloodline, the chiefs of the Iwere kingdom, the Iwere people and land, waters and atmosphere of Iwere kingdom from all ties to other spiritual covenants and agreements.”

With the foregoing royal proclamation, the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse II, recently decreed a stop to some ancient customs of the Warri Kingdom after publicly renouncing the traditional name ‘Ogiame’. The Olu also vowed to replace all the rituals and practices that do not conform with his new faith in Jesus Christ. But the royal father did not have the last word on the matter as he met a stiff challenge from a cross-section of Itsekiri people who called for his dethronement. By the third day of what was almost becoming a violent protest, several youths and women had erected canopies and were cooking in front of the palace gate.

However, following the intervention of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, himself an Itsekiri man, the traditional ruler (who happens to be a staunch member of the Foursquare Gospel Church), had to annul his own decree for peace to reign. Now that Uduaghan and other prominent Itsekiri sons have rallied to put out the fire that could have had far-reaching consequences in their ancestral land, a most pertinent question remains as to whether indeed the Olu could unilaterally reject the title ‘Ogiame’. This question is worth interrogating since what the royal father sought to jettison without due process were established values and deep-rooted beliefs of his people which have persisted over generations—traditions over which he was appointed to serve as custodian.

I find the Warri crisis fascinating because it speaks to the tension between Pentecostal Christianity and tradition, especially in our

country. Richard Niebuhr’s highly revealing book, ‘Christ and Culture’, perhaps opens some window of understanding on this crisis. To demonstrate how Christians have attempted to deal with the challenge of their faith against the background of old beliefs and customs, Niebuhr identifies five approaches which he listed as: Christ against Culture; The Christ of Culture; Christ above Culture; Christ and Culture in Paradox and Christ the Transformer of Culture.

Unfortunately, the Pentecostalism that has been embraced in Nigeria today fits into the paradigm of ‘Christ against Culture’, a notion which rejects all the traditional African mores as archaic, backward, and evil. The presupposition is that those traditions belong to some sinister gods that need to be dropped for us to prosper materially and spiritually.

For that reason, many Nigerian Christians have had to change their names based on the theology that those names were dedicated to some ancestral spirits whose yokes must be broken for them to be free from poverty, disease, and curse. While expressions of faith differ from one denomination to another, the preponderance of opinion among pastors is that our traditional heritages (sometimes including priceless artifacts, dating back to centuries) are hindrances to our faith as believers hence we must do away with them. It is within that context that we can situate the spiritual edict which got the Olu of Warri into trouble.

Now, I must make something clear: I am also a Pentecostal Christian—even with all my failings and imperfections—and I understand that one cannot serve the true God and still be worshipping idols. But I have problem with a faith that is expressed in symbolisms

and even superstitions. For instance, I have listened to several songs and messages that the economic and political problems which plague our nation today can be traced to our hosting FESTAC during which, as the tale goes, several countries came to dump their Satanic gods on our land. Not only do I believe there was nothing wrong in our hosting FESTAC, I see no correlation between it and the inability to harness our enormous potentials for the advancement of our society.

The Olu of Warri already has a Church within the palace and it is not on record that his people quarrel with that. So, the attempt to change the tradition under which he came to power is not only wrong but indeed self-serving. Like all positions of authority, there are sacred rules that bind the leader to the community and that explains why in other climes, Kings have been known to abdicate their thrones whenever there are irreconcilable conflicts between personal convictions (which sometimes include the love of certain women) and the traditional order.

In the case of Warri, the matter is even simple. If the Olu can demonstrate the true essence of the faith he professes and his subjects see the evidence in his deeds, perhaps he could gradually reform some of the traditions without the public drama that almost ended in hubris. The problem I see, however, is that such public profession of political Christianity has become the vogue. I have read of a minister who holds a strategic portfolio under the current administration in Abuja and doubles as the General Overseer of a Church he founded.

NOTE: Piece concluded on page 14

UN House Bombing: A Decade After

T

oday marks exactly a decade that the United Nations building in Abuja was attacked by Boko Haram suicide bombers.

On that day, 19 dead bodies were recovered with scores of others seriously injured. One of them was Member Feese, a young woman from a remarkable family, who has refused to allow the tragedy to define her, despite the horrible experience and the visible (and other invisible) scars she still bears. To mark today in Abuja, there is a little ceremony at 1 Ebele Okeke Crescent, Wuye this evening to give limbs to three amputees.

Then a post-graduate student of Poverty and Development at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Member was at the UN Office on 26th August 2011 to collect data for her dissertation on social protection in Nigeria when the terrorists struck. It is tragic that our security challenge has not abated. Nine years after two suicide bombers successfully attacked the Command and Staff College, Jaji, killing 11 people on the spot and injuring dozens, the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) was on Tuesday invaded by gunmen who killed two officers and abducted another who was also later confirmed dead. But this is an issue for another day.

Given a three percent chance of survival upon arrival at the London hospital where she was treated for life-threatening injuries

in 2011, Member has today turned what started as a support network of friends and family members into an advocacy group that demands improved service delivery and more accountability, especially for the poor and marginalised of society.

For the past seven years, her initiative, ‘Team Member’—of which I am a board member alongside Mrs Aisha Oyebode, Mrs Angela Ajala, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mrs Maryam Uwais and her mother, Mrs Nguyan Feese—has been working to establish a prosthetic center as a way of supporting amputees to become functional citizens and live with dignity. More importantly, Member, who works at the CBN, has been unrelenting in the advocacy for other victims that a normal life is possible, after such tragedies.

Despite having had her leg amputated from above the knee (because of the tragic incident), Member is able to handle her everyday needs without any qualms or complaints; driving herself to work during the week, traveling for official duties and generally doing what needs to be done efficiently, confidently, and competently.

She therefore remains an exemplary role model for so many. For our society to develop, we need more shining stars like Member, who would exude the presence of mind and strength of character to convert personal tragedies to opportunities for helping others.

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