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Organised Private Sector Commends CBN on Interest Rate Reduction Dike Onwuamaeze Members of Organised Private Sector (OPS) have described Tuesday’s reduction of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 12.5 per cent to 11.5 per cent by Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a welcome development that is expected to boost lending to the real sector.

Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Timothy Olawale, in a statement yesterday,

described the 100 basis points slash in interest rate as a “commendable move in the right direction and an indication of the willingness and determination of CBN to keep the interest rate low in order to boost lending to the real sector.”

Olawale added: “We believe that this deliberate action

by CBN, which is aimed at increasing the money supply should have a positive effect on the rate of existing loans, thereby reducing the cost of borrowing, which should translate to cheaper access

to funds for production and service sectors’ utilisation, which should help in stimulating economic growth.”

He, however, noted that businesses in the country were also more disturbed due to the rising inflation (food inflation) and the growing concern in

sourcing foreign exchange for critical raw materials for production activities.

“We solicit for additional injections in the agricultural intervention schemes to stimulate farmers in boosting Continued on page 8

Finally, President Sends New Petroleum Bill to N’Assembly Next Week... Page 6 Thursday 24 September, 2020 Vol 25. No 9299. Price: N250

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To Avert Mass Action, FG Meets Labour Unions Today... Page 8

Buhari Seeks More Concerted Global Efforts to Fight Terrorism Says FG committed to reconstruction of North-east Calls for uninhibited supply of COVID-19 vaccines to all nations Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has urged world leaders to redouble efforts to ensure collective security, noting that the litany of sophisticated terrorist attacks across the globe is a harsh reality of the challenges the world is facing today.

Buhari, who added that Nigeria is still facing extremism, called for the support of the United Nations counter-terrorism bodies to overcome terrorism in Nigeria.

He also argued that if the UN fails to mobilise and guarantee an effective response Continued on page 9

APC Leadership Mounts Pressure on Ize-Iyamu to Accept Defeat Oshiomhole: Life goes on Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is mounting pressure on its candidate in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, to accept his defeat by Governor Godwin Obaseki,

who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), THISDAY learnt last night.

Ize-Iyamu was met yesterday in Abuja by APC Chairman of the Caretaker/ Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Continued on page 8

FOR THEIR LORDSHIPS’ COMFORT… Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba (left), and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the hand-over of sports utility vehicles to judges of the state high courts in Lagos…yesterday

Buhari, Bello Mourn as Tanker Accident Claims 23 in Lokoja... Page 5

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

Buhari, Bello Mourn as Tanker Accident Claims 23 in Lokoja

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja President Muhammadu Buhari and Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, have expressed shock and sorrow over an accident involving a petrol tanker, which killed no fewer than 23 persons, including five students of Kogi State Polytechnic and three children in Felele along Lokoja-Abuja highway.

The president said the accident "represents another disturbing and saddening incident in the litany of tragedies that have befallen our country."

He said he was worried by the degree of the explosion which claimed the lives of travellers, school children and bystanders, including some students of Kogi State Polytechnic.

"I am seriously worried about the frequency of these unfortunate and large scale tragedies in the country which cause needless deaths," Buhari, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said.

He was further quoted as saying: "These frequent incidents that result in loss of lives and

Jegede: Why I Didn’t Choose Ajayi as Running Mate Chuks Okocha in Abuja The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), has said the ambition of the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, to become a governor, was the reason why he did not choose him as his running mate on the platform of PDP. Agboola had defected to PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to secure a governorship ticket.

However, when he was defeated by Jegede in PDP primary election, the deputy governor left for Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), where he emerged as the standard-bearer.

Political analysts had expected that Jegede and Ajayi would team up against the governorship candidate of APC, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

But Jegede selected Hon. Gboluga Ikengboju, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, as his running mate.

Speaking yesterday on a live television programme, Jegede said Ajayi could not have been

his running mate because the deputy governor’s ambition was to become a governor.

He also explained that Ajayi was part of the “failure� of the Akeredolu administration, which PDP is campaigning against.

When asked why he didn’t team up with Ajayi for a sole ticket, Jegede replied: “Ajayi chose not to be my deputy. His ambition is to be a governor under a political party. He left APC, came to PDP, defeated in our primary, and went to ZLP. “I took opinions from virtually everybody. People chose who became my running mate. When a choice is made we must respect it. One should not allow his ambition to override the choice of the people. “All the policies that we are fighting, the pains we want to end are the products of Akeredolu and his deputy.

He was in our party (as a member) for just six weeks.

He is a very powerful person and humble, you cannot do away with that.�

If elected, Jegede promised to strengthen the operations of Amotekun in Ondo State. “Amotekun will stay without political influence.

We must protect our people,� he added.

property are a national scandal caused by our indifference to safety standards."

He added: "Many accidents are preventable if proper proactive and precautionary measures are put in place or properly observed as routine policies."

The statement said Buhari regretted that "ours is a country where we move on whenever tragedies occur instead of taking preventive safety measures to forestall future calamities."

He tasked the county's transport authorities, traffic and road management agencies as well as law enforcement officials to sit up and enforce safety standards with more seriousness.

"Refusal to do the right thing can cause potential tragic problems that harm innocent people,� the president said, adding: "Nigeria is not having a shortage of laws and regulations, but our problem is lack of zeal to enforce those laws and regulations for the

sake of public safety."

Buhari condoled with Kogi State government and the families of the victims of the tragedy.

The tanker, loaded with petrol belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was said to have had brakes failure around 8 a.m.

The tanker fell on five cars, two motorcycles, and three tricycles popularly known as Keke, killing all occupants.

Among those killed and burnt beyond recognition were five students of the state-owned polytechnic, three nursery school pupils, and passersby.

Also killed were a businessman, his wife, and three children.

THISDAY gathered that the brakes of the tanker failed during an attempt to manoeuvre and in the process, fell on its side, trapping five vehicles trying to overtake it.

The sector commander of the Federal Road Safety

Corps (FRSC), Mr. Idris Ali, said 23 persons were killed in the explosion while one child escaped with injuries.

An eyewitness account told journalists that the fuel tanker fell around popular GT Plaza at Felele area on Lokoja-Abuja highway.

He pointed out that the passengers in several other vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles rammed into the accident and consequently lost their lives.

"I was about crossing the road when I noticed the tanker driver signalling to motorists to steer clear, but before I could say Jack Robinson, the tanker was on its side falling on all vehicles beside it. Immediately the tanker fell, fire started and burnt all vehicles along its way," he said.

The rescue team of FRSC came with an ambulance to evacuate the corpses burnt beyond recognition, while locals made frantic efforts to identify them.

However, Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander disclosed that a total of 23 persons were killed in the explosion while one child escaped with injuries According to him, 10 vehicles were involved - five cars, one tanker, three tricycles and two motorcycles, noting that some family had retrieved their deceased ones.

Ali pointed out that the corpses of other victims had been deposited at the specialists hospital in Lokoja.

Meanwhile, Bello has expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.

Bello, in a statement issued immediately after the incident by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onogwu Mohammed, said he was “very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, many vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire,� while expressing his deepest condolences to the families of those affected by the occurrence.

DISCUSSING NATIONAL SECURITY‌ L-R: National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja‌yesterday

INEC: We're Prepared for Ondo Election US commends commission, others over Edo poll Chuks Okocha in Akure and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday reaffirmed the readiness of the commission to conduct a smooth governorship election in Ondo State fixed for October 10.

This was coming as the United States Government has commended the commission and the Nigerian security agencies for the positive role they played in the just concluded Edo State governorship election.

Speaking with journalists yesterday at the commencement of his three-day meeting with stakeholders in Akure, the state capital, Yakubu stated that the commission has recovered the 5,000 smart card readers burnt in a recent fire outbreak at the commission’s head office in the state. “The same preparations that we made for Edo, we have also made for Ondo; so, we are prepared for the election,� he said.

Yakubu said he would also meet with the council of traditional rulers, security agencies, and officials of the

commission in the 18 local government areas of the state for the purpose of the election. “This is the first visit.

We are still coming back a week after for the main stakeholders’ visit and the signing of the peace accord,� he said.

In a statement earlier issued yesterday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mr. Christopher Akeju, said the INEC chairman and the national commissioners would first meet with the media and the members of Ondo State Council of Obas.

Meanwhile, the United States Government has commended INEC and security agencies for the positive role they played in the recent Edo State governorship election.

It, however, expressed concern over reports of some violence, vote-buying and intimidation of both voters and civil society domestic observers during the election.

The US Mission in Abuja, in a statement issued yesterday, said it recognised the critical role that Governor Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu played in promoting peace, while also

commending the civil society partners for their invaluable work in upholding democracy and accountability in this election.

It stated: "Congratulations to the people of Edo State on a credible and peaceful governorship election. We thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian security services on the positive role they played in the election and commend their work in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

"The United States remains concerned with reports of some violence that did emerge

during the election and by reports of vote-buying and intimidation of both voters and civil society domestic observers.

"We will continue to encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to improve the electoral process in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election."

The US added that as a democratic partner of Nigeria, it remains committed to working together to achieve mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both countries.

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Finally, President Sends New Petroleum Bill to National Assembly Next Week Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report Barring unforeseen circumstances, President Muhammadu Buhari would next week send the longawaited oil-reform bill to the Senate, sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters.

The president approved the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) late last week, and his team has already been building support for it in the National Assembly, according to the news medium.

THISDAY gathered that the lawmakers would resume next week and are expected to work on the proposed law, which the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, this week argued that its non-passage was scaring investors from the oil and gas industry.

The legislation has been in the works for the past 20 years and the main laws governing the country’s oil and gas exploration have not been fully updated since the 1960s because of the contentious nature of any change to oil taxes, terms and revenue-sharing within Nigeria.

But reforms and regulatory certainty became more pressing this year as low oil prices and a shift towards renewable energy made competition for investment from oil majors tougher.

The alignment of both chambers with Buhari's All Progressives Congress (APC) party has also given

the reforms the best chance of passage in years.

The sources, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, according to Reuters, said the National Assembly has already chosen teams of members who would work most closely on individual portions of the bill.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives must approve it before Buhari could sign it into law.

Two presidential spokesmen declined to comment and the Senate had no immediate comment.

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources sent the draft, the product of months of consultation between Nigerian officials, oil and gas companies, and other industry stakeholders, to Buhari last month.

Excerpts from the bill seen by Reuters included provisions that would streamline and reduce some oil and gas royalties, boost the amount of money companies pay to local communities and for environmental clean-ups and alter the dispute resolution process between companies and the government.

It also included measures to push companies to develop gas discoveries and a framework for gas tariffs and delivery.

Commercialising gas, particularly for use in local power generation, is a core government priority this year, according to the Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Earlier in the month, Sylva stated that the timeline for the delivery of PIB was out of his control, after several promises to get the bill to the lawmakers who are expected to start work immediately, seemed to have failed in the past.

Sylva described PIB as omnibus reform legislation, which “combines 16 different Nigerian petroleum laws in a single transparent and coherent document.�

The first version of PIB was presented to the

National Assembly, 13 years ago, but didn’t materialise into an Act and has since then returned fruitlessly to two separate tenures of members of the two chambers.

Speaking penultimate week, the minister said work had been concluded on the part of the executive, noting that he couldn’t say how long it would take before the final approval by the National Assembly. “I would tell you very confidently that we have

finished our job. The drafting process is concluded. We have discussed with some relevant industry operators as well,� he stated.

However, he added that the Ministry of Justice was looking at the draft again to ensure that it's not in conflict with the existing laws in the country, stating that even that process has now been concluded.

He said because of the urgency of the bill, there had been a request to the National Assembly to see if

they could reconvene during their recess to accept PIGB. “And then after that, frankly, I cannot say how long it is going to stay with the National Assembly. But, my understanding from all the consultations we have had with them is that they are going to look at it expeditiously. “I do not think that it is going to stay for more than, I am just trying to be excessive in my estimation, six months in the National Assembly,� he stated.

MINISTERS AT WORK‌ L-R: Minister of Niger Delta Aairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; and Minister of of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipreye Sylva, during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja‌yesterday

FG Approves $1.959bn for Rail Construction to Niger Republic Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved $1,959,744,723.71 for the construction of a rail line from Kano in Kano State to Maradi in Niger Republic.

Briefing State House reporters after yesterday's virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said the contract sum included 7.5 per cent value added tax (VAT).

Amaechi said the rail line designed to take-off from Kano would link Dutse, in Jigawa State, Katsina, and Jibia and terminate at Maradi in Niger Republic.

According to information obtained from the Ministry of Transportation, the 248-kilometre rail line was initially budgeted for in the 2018 Appropriation Act, and would pass through Dambatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina, Jibia and terminate in Maradi, Niger Republic.

THISDAY also learnt that the rail line upon completion would aid the supply of crude oil from Niger Republic to the refinery being built in the border town between Nigeria

and Niger.

It was also learnt that there's a mutual agreement for the construction of the refinery between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Amaechi also said the council approved another memorandum for the award of a contract for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of one railway crane of 150 tonnecapacity for emergency and recovery of rolling stocks.

"This is to sort out say situations of an accident on the track. It is for a total cost of N3,049,544,000. That's the first memo that was approved for the Ministry of Transportation.

"The second one is the award of contract for the development of the proposed Kano-Katsina-Jibia to Maradi rail line in Niger Republic and to Dutse, the capital of Jigawa, for a total cost of $1,959,744,723.71, inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT," he said.

Also briefing journalists, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the council approved N745.2 million for the engagement of more forensic auditors to audit the Niger Delta Development

Commission (NDDC).

According to him, the approval for the engagement of more auditors to audit the commission's activities in the last 19 years, would bring the number of hired auditors for the job to 16.

He said: "The memo that was presented by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was a concluding memo on the procurement of field forensic auditors for the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission and today the council approved additional forensic field auditors at a total sum of about N745.2 million.

"This brings to the total number of field forensic auditors to 16 in addition to the earlier approved lead forensic auditors, Messrs Olumiluwa Bashir and Co. These people are now going to be a charge of the nine states of the Niger Delta which has been divided into 16 lots.

"As I stated earlier, lot one is Ernst and Young for the headquarters. They will be undertaking the 19 years of audit and also bring out the organigram for restructuring of the NDDC for better

performance in the future."

In his own briefing, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said the council also approved N12.088 billion for the construction of section two of Ohafia - Arochukwu Road in Abia State.

"This section comprises Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia road in Abia State and it was approved for construction at N12.088 billion, comprising a distance of 45 kilometres to complement section one, which was previously awarded in 2018; that is the section from Bende to Arochukwu to Ohafia which was 19.27 kilometres," Fashola said.

In the same vein, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, briefed reporters on behalf of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed.

According to him, the council approved a memorandum by Sylva for the approval of N3,773,784,399.48 for the augmentation of a contract awarded for the construction of Petroleum

Technology Development Fund (PTDF) corporate headquarters in Abuja since 2012.

Mohammed, who said the construction had already been completed, added that the new approval would raise the initial contract sum to about N14 billion.

He said: "However, the important thing about this particular contract is that the building has since been completed. It has since been in use and we inherited this augmentation from 2012, but since governance is a continuum, we are honouring the augmentation, but this headquarters building has been completed.

"The contractors have been magnanimous while all these arguments about the augmentation were going on. They were magnanimous enough to complete the project and many international conferences have been held in that building."

He said the council also approved a memorandum

by Ahmed for the purchase of 1,800 units of laptop computers for a training school and for the conduct of computer-based test

examinations at three Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) training schools in Gwagwalada, Lagos, and Kano at the rate of N351,540,000, with a completion period of six weeks.

The minister also said the council approved N197,843,100 for the expansion of the Nigeria Customs Service's cash management's software in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

He said the approval followed the presentation of a memorandum by the finance minister, explaining that the expansion would enhance the efficiency of various departments of Nigeria Customs.

In his own briefing, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, said the council approved a contract award for the purchase of 52 number operational Green Maria vehicles to enhance effective operation in the Correctional Service.

According to him, the vehicles would also ease the movement of 247 awaiting trial inmates from the custodial centres to about 5,022 courts in Nigeria.

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To Avert Mass Action, FG Meets Labour Unions Today Govs hold parley on way forward

Chucks Okocha and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has scheduled another meeting today with members of the organised labour movement in a bid to prevent a looming mass action being planned by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The two labour bodies had threatened to commence nationwide industrial action and protest along with their civil society allies starting from Monday, September 28 to compel the government to reverse the recent rise in the price of petrol and electricity tariffs.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director (Press) in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Charles Akpan, said the Minister of Labour and Employment,

Senator Chris Ngige, would be hosting the meeting at the Banquet Hall, of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Although the agenda of the meeting was not stated, THISDAY gathered that the meeting is a continuation of an earlier one held between labour leaders and the federal government team led by Ngige at the Presidential Villa last week, which failed to reach any agreement.

The dialogue held last Tuesday ended in a deadlock following the failure of the federal government to reverse the price increases or offer palliatives to cushion the effects on the workers.

NLC and TUC subsequently declared strike and protest scheduled to commence from September 28.

At the dialogue session, Ngige had stressed on the urgent need for all

stakeholders in the country to join hands to fashion out how the country could survive the economic challenges imposed

by COVID-19.

He said the meeting was "a bilateral dialogue meant to consider the state of the economy and events that have necessitated recent increases in electricity tariffs and the price of petrol."

Also, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipreye Sylva, along with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari, and other heads of agencies made spirited efforts to justify the federal government's action.

The federal government team said the country's economy could no longer sustain the subsidy burden with the increased pressure

put on it by the pandemic.

But, NLC rejected the reasons presented by the government side, insisting that the new increases, including the Value Added Tax’s (VAT) were ill-timed.

NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, had regretted that the hike in the cost of petrol and electricity tariffs by the government had further aggravated the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

He said the position of the labour union is that government should put on hold the implementation of the new price increases on fuel and electricity tariffs until it's able to address some of the basic issues bedeviling the power and electricity subsectors.

He said Nigerian workers, who had lost their jobs and means of livelihood due to the pandemic- imposed

challenges are being forced to make further sacrifices through an unbearable increase in prices of the essentials.

TUC President, Mr. Quadri Olaleye, who led a team of his executive to the talks, also kicked against what he described as an attempt by the government side to shift the discussion from the concerns over fuel and electricity tariffs hike to the sliding economy.

He said workers were losing about 15 per cent of their wages as a result of the various price hikes.

Olaleye added that the union still maintained its position contained in its seven-day ultimatum that the federal government should reverse the policies that that led to the increases.

Meanwhile, as part of the efforts to avert the strike, the

Nigeria Governors’ Forum is holding an emergency meeting of all the governors to seek ways of settling the rift.

According to the Head, Media and Public Affairs of the Governors Forum, Mr. Abdulrazaq Bello-Barkindo, all governors are expected to attend the meeting as the matter is considered to be of urgent national importance, which needs to be quickly resolved in order not to worsen the already bad situation of Nigerians as caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This contained in the agenda of the meeting sent out by the Director-General of the Governors Forum, Mr. Asishana Okauru.

The meeting, which is the first NGF emergency virtual teleconference starts at 6 p.m today.

I am not down. Once God says you are not down, you are not down and I am not down.�

Oshiomhole lauded Edo people for their perseverance in the rain and in the sun during the hectic campaigns, saying he was inspired by the actions of both his young and old supporters.

He added: “I thank the Edo people for all they did over the past two, three, four, six weeks, under the rain and under the sun - young ladies carrying babies on their backs. “I saw elderly women struggling to see my small face and on election day. I was moved to tears when I saw women of 70, 75 years sitting down because the card readers were not working and they were not frustrated. It hit me that if at their age you

don’t give up, why should I give up. “I ask our people to have faith in our country because we don’t have another country.

I have only one passport. I am not going to apply for any other passport. This is our country, we must make it great. “We must strengthen democracy, we must improve on it, no matter the outcome of an election or a particular edition of a process, have faith in God and have faith in our country.�

APC LEADERSHIP MOUNTS PRESSURE ON IZE-IYAMU TO ACCEPT DEFEAT Mala Buni of Yobe State, and his Kogi State counterpart, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

THISDAY gathered that the closed-door meeting with Ize-Iyamu took place at the Abuja residence of Buni.

Following the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari and the party leadership to congratulate Obaseki, it was gathered that the leadership of the party is persuading IzeIyamu to accept in good faith the outcome of the election.

The meeting was the first public outing of Ize-Iyamu since he lost the governorship election.

Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, a source privy to the meeting said it was part of the efforts to persuade Ize-Iyamu to accept the outcome of the election.

The meeting also reportedly discussed the way forward for Ize-Iyamu.

APC leadership had through a statement signed by Buni congratulated Obaseki.

It said: "September 19, 2020, Edo State governorship election is over, the winner has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the person of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We hereby congratulate the winner of the election, the people of Edo State and all Nigerians. The peaceful conduct of the election and its outcome represent a victory for Nigeria’s democracy."

Buhari had also congratulated Edo State governor for his victory in the governorship election

and charged him to be magnanimous in victory.

Oshiomhole: Life Goes On In a related development, APC former National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday spoke for the first time since the defeat of candidate, Ize-Iyamu, saying he's not down and that life goes on.

The former national chairman was a major actor during the gubernatorial poll.

In a viral video, Oshiomhole, who emerged from what appeared to be a gym, where he had gone for his physical fitness exercises, stated that contrary to the belief by certain persons that the loss at the poll had made him downcast, he said he was still up and well.

In a 107-second video posted by Gee TV, the former governor of Edo State urged his supporters not to lose faith in Nigeria, noting that his faith in God remains unshaken.

He added that no matter the outcome of the election, the country must continue to strengthen the democratic process, saying everyone must work to make the country great.

He said: “In life, there’s a super-highway; you work hard and leave the outcome to God. You continue to do your best and trust God to bless your efforts. I feel good and I feel healthy. I thank God, I feel strong. “In life, you win some and lose some, but life goes on.

I want to thank everybody.

I am sure a lot of people are saying comrade is down. No,

Edo APC Rejects Obaseki’s Olive Branch Meanwhile, Edo State Governorship Campaign Continued on page 9

ORGANISED PRIVATE SECTOR COMMENDS CBN ON INTEREST RATE REDUCTION food production.

Likewise, issues surrounding suspension of the sourcing of foreign exchange through third parties should be critically reexamined to nip in the bud a near collapse of businesses,� he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Director-General of Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Ayo Olukanni, said the decision to reduce the policy rates is projected to have an impact on the lending rate and encourage businesses to borrow from the banks.

Olukanni said: “It is worthy of note that this reduction is coming against the backdrop of a tight monetary policy stance that CBN had maintained for most of this year, which tended to crowd out most businesses especially the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Our hope is that this reduction in MPR will potentially make it easier for MSMEs to obtain muchneeded funds for growth and

development.�

Also, in his comment, Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf, told THISDAY that the reduction in MPR has signaling effect on CBN's disposition to pursue an expansionary policy stance to address the looming recession.

Yusuf explained: “We share the perspective of CBN that current inflationary challenges are not driven by monetary factors but were outcomes of supply-side challenges in the economy. This calls for a resetting of priorities, moving away from the current disproportionate emphasis on demand management approach to strategies that would strengthen the supply side of economy. “It is imperative as well to review the current foreign exchange management strategies to reduce current uncertainties and boost investors' confidence.�

He noted that the lowering of MPR by 100 basis points from 12.5 per cent to 11.5 per

cent was a surprise, saying: “My expectation was that the status quo would be maintained.

Rates were already generally low in the money market. In fact, concerns were being expressed about the fact that the real savings and deposits rate were negative. But, I do not believe it would have any material impact on lending rates.�

In his contribution, Professor of Economics at Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, told THISDAY that CBN opted to reduce the rate in order to enhance the real sector’s access to credit and stimulate growth.

Ekpo, however, noted that the reduction from 12.5 per cent to 11.5 per cent was too small to have any beneficial significant impact on the economy. “It should have been reduced to 9.5 per cent to see what will happen. My worry is that in theory MPR is supposed to have an impact on the lending rate but in practice, it does not in Nigeria.

It only has an impact on the

interbank rate. The lending rate in Nigeria today is 25 per cent and will not come down to 15 per cent. “CBN is doing its best but the problem with the economy is structural.

Nigerian inflation is not only a monetary phenomenon. It has its fiscal side because the way the government spends affects prices. There is also what I call structural inflation because when you remove oil subsidy all the prices will go up, which affects more of the production side of the economy. So, we need fiscal and structural policies to fight the recession that is coming. “CBN is only trying to reduce the damage because we will definitely be in a recession when the third-quarter report of the GDP comes out.�

Ekpo, who was the former Director-General of West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, also noted that the real interest rates in the economy would be negative because MPR’s expected inflation rate would be lower than the current

inflation rate of 13.22 per cent.

This, according to him, meant that “there is some inconsistency between saving and investment, which implied that there is a lot of liquidity in the system but we do not know who is getting it,� adding that the new rate would not encourage savings which no longer makes sense.

According to Professor of Finance, University of Lagos, Prof. Wilfred Iyiegbuniwe, the reduction of MPR would influence all financial market’s rates at a time the economy is witnessing low-interest rates, particularly on savings. “The low-interest rate is already discouraging saving because its rate has been too low for a very long time that it looks like the poor is financing the rich,� Iyiegbuniwe said.

He advised that the fiscal and monetary policies need to be consistent and argued that “CBN must have a way of advising the government appropriately on fiscal policies as the financial adviser to the government.�

TOP GAINERS INTERBREW PRESTIGE CORNERSTONE UPDC SEPLAT TOP LOSERS ABCTRANS ROYALEXCH ETERNA

NGN NGN 0.30 3.60 0.03 0.60 0.05 0.65 0.05 1.00 15.00 400.00 NGN 0.03 0.30 0.02 0.27 0.18 2.50 NPFMFB 0.08 1.22 AIICO 0.03 0.86 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,175.00 Volume: 414.161 million shares Value: N6.289 billion Deals: 3,793 As at yesterday 23/9/2020 See details on Page 33

% 9.0 9.0 8.3 5.2 3.9 % 9.0 6.9 6.7 6.1 3.3

9

THURSDAY, ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

Owasonoye, Ojukwu Top Shortlisted Candidates for SAN Rank Alex Enumah in Abuja Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offence Commission (ICPC), Prof.

Bolaji Owasonoye, his counterpart in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Anthony Ojukwu, are among 137 successful candidates shortlisted for conferment

with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

A press release by the Legal Practitioner's Privileges Committee (LPPC) on Wednesday said the 137 candidates emerged successful both at advocate filtration stages and academic prequalification exercise.

Acting Chief Registrar of Supreme Court/Secretary,

Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, Hajo Sarki, stated: "All qualified candidates shortlisted are graded under the category system of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee Guidelines, 2018."

The statement added that the general public is at liberty to comment on the integrity, reputation, and competence of the candidates.

Sarki, however, said any complaint (s) presented to the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to before a Court of Record in Nigeria.

"Please be informed that in relation to paragraph 12 (2). of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee Guidelines, 2018, Twenty

copies of such comments or complaints must be received at the office of the Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee not later than 4.00 pm on Tuesday 13th October 2020 or email: enquirieslppcnigeri@gmail. com Other shortlisted candidates include: Delta State Attorney General, Mr. Peter Mrakpo; an

Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr. Bankole Akomolafe; Mr. Sule Shua'bu, Muhammad Ndanusa, Adedapo TundeOlowu, Charles Oguejiofor, and Robert Emukpoeruo amongst others.

A breakdown of the figure showed that while 116 are practicing lawyers, the remaining 21 were drawn from the academia.

Buhari Departs Abuja to Attend Guinea Bissau's National Day Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari would today (Thursday) depart Abuja for Bissau to attend events commemorating Guinea Bissau's National Day. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in a statement issued yesterday said the president would join the presidents

of Senegal, Cote d’ Ivoire, Rwanda, Mauritania, Togo and Liberia to mark the 47th independence anniversary of Guinea Bissau.

He said while in Bissau, Buhari would also commission a road named in his honour by the host government, adding that the president and other invited leaders would also attend an official lunch to be hosted

by President Umaro Sissoco EmbalĂł of Guinea Bissau.

Adesina, who said Nigeria and Guinea Bissau established diplomatic relations in 1974, added that following a military coup in that country, Nigeria in 2012 deployed troops under the auspices of ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB) to maintain peace.

He recalled that Buhari had in response to a request for

assistance by the Government of Guinea Bissau, during its last legislative elections, donated $500,000, 17 vehicles and 350 electoral kits to support the country's electoral process.

He added that in May this year, the president hosted Embalo in Abuja, during which he congratulated him on his confirmation as president and assured him

of Nigeria’s support to the new government in Guinea Bissau.

The statement said Nigerian troops earlier deployed to the country were only withdrawn on September 10, 2020 after the return of stability to the West African country.

According to the statement, the president would be accompanied by top government officials, including

the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of Defence, MajorGeneral Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd.); the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

It added that Buhari would return to Abuja today at the end of the ceremonies.

Buhari also commended the President of the 74th General Assembly, Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande of Nigeria, for launching an Alliance for Poverty Eradication in June.

He enjoined global leaders, particularly from the global North, to support the alliance at a time when the COVID-19 is reversing gains made in the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pushing an additional half a billion people into extreme poverty.

On disarmament, international peace, and security, Buhari said Nigeria remained deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons, particularly on the continent of Africa.

He called on the international community to renew efforts to stem this traffic and promote the Arms Trade Treaty with a view to codifying accountability in the battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and acts of piracy.

On illicit financial flows, the president said the global aspiration to recover from the impact of COVID-19 would not be fully met without addressing structures that make it more difficult for countries to generate and retain their financial resources.

The president again thanked Muhammad-Bande as well as the immediate past President of the Economic and Social Council, Ambassador Mona Jul, for jointly launching the HighLevel Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity (FACTI) for Achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Buhari also addressed

other issues of interest to Nigeria including sustainable development goals (SDGs), nuclear disarmament, climate change, and migration to human rights, women empowerment, and gender parity, quality education and the UN reform.

On climate change, he reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the revitalisation of Lake Chad. ''We are convinced that recharging the Lake will improve the living conditions of our people in the area, promote inter-state cooperation, strengthen community resilience and assist in addressing environmental and security challenges threatening the region and its resources,'' he said.

Buhari also renewed his call for international support for the regional efforts to raise $50 billion required to actualise this initiative.

On quality education, the president announced that Nigeria would be hosting the 4th International Conference on Safe Schools in 2021. ''Quality education for all is the cornerstone of sustainable development. ''I invite you all to Nigeria to participate in the conference which aims to advocate for the protection of education from attack as we work together towards the future we want,'' he said.

The president ended his speech at the virtual event by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace, security, and sustainable development as well as strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international organisations.

September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

The party also noted that since the victory, Obaseki has been more vocal and less busy by not turning down interviews on grounds of having ‘an important meeting.’ The party noted that after disrespecting ARISE NEWS Channel by not honouring the governorship debate, Obaseki was too happy to honour the interview when he was invited for another interview by the news channel.

APC alleged: "He cannot be begrudged if, intoxicated by

his recent electoral coup, he is keen to preach on every pulpit that beckons. He, however, must talk with caution and not chatter like a man given to all the prolixity of a canary. “On his most recent outing, he displayed a most excellent species of motor-mouthed pontification, perhaps a product of his recent tutelage under his newfound mentor, the governor of Rivers State, and opined that Nigeria’s democracy is threatened by APC chieftains such as Chief Bola Tinubu and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.�

BUHARI SEEKS MORE CONCERTED GLOBAL EFFORTS TO FIGHT TERRORISM to COVID-19 pandemic, it would have failed the world, asking the global body to ensure uninhibited access to the virus’ vaccines by all nations.

According to him, the UN body would have failed the global community, which looks up to it to provide direction during a crisis of this magnitude.

The president made this submission on Tuesday night while delivering Nigeria’s national statement through a video-message, on the first day of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly debate.

He spoke on this year's theme: "Future We Want, The United Nations We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism - Confronting Coronavirus through Effective Multilateral Action.''

According to him, ''In Nigeria, we are still facing violent extremism from the insurgency of Boko Haram and bandits. ''We continue to count on our strong cooperation with UN Counter-Terrorism bodies and neighbouring countries to overcome the terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel Region. ''We will vigorously sustain the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement of victims of terrorism and insurgency in the North-east.

The North-east Development Commission has been established for that purpose."

He said as the global community reflects on the desired future, the UN must realise that the entire world looks up to it as the world body.

He said: ''As we reflect on

the future we want and the United Nations we need, we must realise that the people of the world not only look up to us: they count on us. ''If the United Nations system cannot mobilise the world to marshal out a truly effective and inclusive response to the coronavirus pandemic, then the United Nations would have failed in the core mission of giving expression, direction and solution to the yearnings of the international community. ''The future we want must guarantee human rights, human dignity, human prospects and prosperity. The principles of ‘Leaving No One Behind and Doing No Harm’ must be expressed through accountability, strategic growth initiatives, and elimination of threats of all kinds.''

The president's media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari in his submission canvassed uninhibited supply of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to all.

The president also pledged Nigeria's continuous partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and some countries to ensure accelerated development and manufacturing of the vaccines.

The statement said the president pledged Nigeria’s commitment to working with member states in the spirit of global cooperation and solidarity to promote human health and general well-being.

He described this year's theme of the General Assembly as most appropriate and timely, saying it captured the common desire for a renewed and revitalised organisation in

need of multilateral approaches to many challenges facing the world.

Buhari told the world what Nigeria had done in its quest to provide a future of hope and prosperity for all citizens.

He added that his administration had also embarked on measures aimed at ensuring national resilience. ''We intend to achieve this through the implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan and the Medium Term National Development for the period 2020-2025 and 2026-2030,� he said, explaining: ''We expect that these ambitious initiatives will deliver sustainable economic growth and development to Nigeria.''

The president admonished the global community on necessary measures to consider in confronting COVID-19, suggesting the need for effective multilateral actions.

He expressed concern on the level of devastation the pandemic had done to the world economy, including straining the capabilities of the health systems of many countries such as Nigeria, and how the country is coping with the situation. ''In the aftermath of the Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria, we prioritised vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, and the unemployed, in our efforts to provide medical and social assistance to cushion the socio-economic effects of the disease. ''Accordingly, we have expanded our National Social Register, to include an additional one million Nigerians. Our National

Social Investment Programme (NSIP) has been the vehicle for reaching out to the poor and vulnerable members of the Nigerian population, as well as providing cover for over 12 million households,'' he said.

He commended the efforts of the UN and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in combating the pandemic, noting with appreciation the $2 billion Global Response Plan launched by the UN Secretary-General to fund the coronavirus response in the poorest countries.

The president also commended the SecretaryGeneral’s call for a cease-fire in conflict areas to enable humanitarian assistance to reach groups vulnerable to the virus.

Buhari also spoke on poverty eradication in Nigeria, saying in order to mitigate its impact, his administration had commenced the disbursement of N10.9 billion to households on the platform of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as palliatives.

He said the government is also implementing a N500 billion fiscal stimulus package and sustained delivery of humanitarian and social interventions to poor and vulnerable households.

According to him, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had launched a N3.5 trillionstimulus package to boost manufacturing and facilitate import substitution.

He urged the international community to cooperate together in the effort to address the scourge of poverty, particularly in developing countries.

APC LEADERSHIP MOUNTS PRESSURE ON IZE-IYAMU TO ACCEPT DEFEAT Council of the All Progressives (APC) has rejected the olive branch extended to the governorship candidate of the party, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, by Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing the gesture as a tricky one aimed at deceiving the people that he is a democrat.

The party, in a statement issued yesterday by its Media Manager in the state, Mr. John Mayaki, further noted that it was cynical for the governor to extend an olive branch for collaboration.

"It is cynical for the governor

to extend the ‘olive branch’– for so the press terms it – to APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, by talking about collaborations. The APC candidate is not a trickster. There is no point collaborating with ill-gotten mandates," it said. “When Obaseki talks about collaboration, he must be asked: collaboration with whom? And on what? A man who goes on like character means nothing and integrity is puff? A man who has no known campaign manifestos? The MEGA agenda is full of rhetoric that no one can work with - neither a

printed copy was available during electioneering.

"It would be impossible for any responsible party or person to collaborate with an Obaseki that employs sectarian slogans and tactics to mobilise its followers. What Obaseki needs to do now is to seek atonement - the blood of the three persons killed during the election, the man whose wife was beaten to stupor by his thugs in Egor, and the people kidnapped by thugs imported from Delta and Rivers states.

"Obaseki should apologise to the House of Assembly

members he denied representation and desecrated their hallowed chamber by invading it and pulling it down, by parking granite trucks to block their entrances and by forcing his will upon them.

There are no guarantees that the glib governor will keep his word. He has not been known to show responsibility.

Those in the educational, health and entertainment sectors can testify," it explained.

APC alleged that Obaseki was spoon-fed to victory by his Rivers State counterpart, Chief Nyesom Wike, at the

10

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

My Victory, Unifying Factor for South-south, Says Obaseki Onungwe Obe in Yenagoa Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has described his victory in the last Saturday governorship election as a unifying factor for the South-South region of Nigeria.

He spoke yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, at a state dinner in his honour.

Obaseki said the victory, which has brought all the states in the South-South under one party, would foster rapid socio-economic development in the region.

Obaseki commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring a levelplaying field in the poll and expressed the optimism that the outcome would rub off positively on future elections in the country and allow the will of the people to prevail at all times.

He said: “We drove here from Asaba as part of our tour to come and say thank you.

To come and appreciate His Excellency, Governor Diri, and the people of Bayelsa State for what you have done for us; for the contributions, you made to ensure that we emerged victorious in last Saturday’s election. We did not want to keep it late just to let you know how truly grateful

we are. governor was disqualified to go like what happened “May I use this opportunity the party would transform “Senator Diri said he didn’t by his former party, which in Lagos. to congratulate all the people the fortunes of the region. do much, just prayers. But that claimed he did not have a “This (your victory) would of Edo State and members In a welcome address, was more than enough. You certificate. The irony was not have been possible if you of the People’s Democratic the Bayelsa Deputy did more than prayers. You so strong that those of us had chickened out of that Party in Edo. This victory Governor, Senator Lawrence visited us, you contributed, watching from the sides race. You took the bull by the is not for the Edo people Ewhrudjakpo, said the victory you gave us support, you were asking if the party horns. You had the support alone. This is a victory for was a precious gift to the PDP prayed. These are all the was serious that a sitting of your people and you had Nigeria.” family and urged the party things that came together governor does not have the the support of your party He expressed the optimism to sustain the momentum to give us victory. qualification to contest an that gave you the umbrella that the South-South would as they go into the Ondo “This victory is what we election or that it was going when it was raining. remain a PDP stronghold and election on October 10. call unity victory. It has united us in Edo as one people. It has united us in Bendel as one sub-region and it is uniting us in the South-South as one region.

As a region, we have all it takes to be greater than many countries in Africa but the starting point is cooperation.”

In his remarks, Diri described Obaseki’s reelection as a triumph for democracy in Nigeria, saying it was a litmus test that the country passed creditably.

He noted that the Edo governor’s victory was significant to people of the state as it proved that power comes only from God and not man.

He lauded Obaseki for his tenacity just as he praised the people of Edo for standing by their governor.

Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Saidu Garba (left), and the Commander, NNS Delta, He said by so doing, they Commodore Semiu Adepegba, during the flag-off of ‘Operation Akere’ at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Warri Jetty, Delta State... had set a standard for others yesterday SYVESTER IDOWU to follow.

Diri stated: “My brother

MAINTAINING CRIME-FREE WATERS...

Attack, Injure Nine Local Miners in Plateau Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Herdsmen Lalong vows to fish out killers of traditional ruler herdsmen armed with dangerous without permission. To us this is some youths and the Fulan but Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Rise By 111 to 57,724 weapons invaded the mining site an expansionist agenda.” it was curtailed; the police are Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 111 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 57,724 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 31 new cases; Gombe

and Kaduna, 18 each; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 15; Rivers, 14; Imo, Oyo and Kwara, three each; Bayelsa and Ogun, two each; while Edo and Osun, one each.

It said: “So far, Nigeria has recorded 57,724 cases of COVID-19. 48,985 persons have been discharged, while 1,102 have died.”

No fewer than nine local miners were critically injured yesterday following invasion of a mining site in Jol community of Riyom local government area of Plateau State by suspected herdsmen.

One of the miners who escaped the attack, Moses Gyang revealed that the incident occurred at about 8:20 am yesterday when herdsmen from Guava/Mahanga area of the LGA descended on the miners at a local mining site.

He said, “the suspected

violently; they injured nine persons while two others are battling with life at the State General Hospital in Barakin-Ladi. They claimed that the natives have no right to mine the field on the premise that it belongs to them.

“The attack was a shock to us; we have been on this mining field for long and the land belongs to us. We are surprised by the claim that it was a conquered area and that we have no right to carry out mining activities there

Gyang narrated that the miners numbering about 20 had to scamper to safety while the attackers took over the mining site until security operatives arrived at the scene.

Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gabriel Ubah, who confirmed the incident, said it was as a result of misunderstanding between some youths and Fulani in the area.

Ubah said, “it was a misunderstanding between

there presently. Those that have minor injuries have been taken care off. The police are there at the moment and everywhere is calm for now.”

Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has assured that the killers of a traditional ruler, the acting Gwom Rwei Foron, Da Bulus Chuwang Janka, who was murdered in his home at Rasat community of Foron in Barkin Ladi LGA, would be apprehended and dealt with accordingly.

communities in Katsina State have kidnapped four persons, including Hajiya Asiya Dangiwa, who is a sister to the current Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

Residents said Hajiya was

of yesterday from her house located in Kankia town by masked gunmen.

The spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident and said efforts were on to rescue her.

The police spokesman who

said, “I can confirm the kidnap in Kankia but we are making efforts to rescue her. ” It was also learnt that gunmen in separate operations had on Monday morning, kidnapped a staff of the state Primary Health Care Agency, Alhaji Aminu

Mairuwa town, Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

The gunmen were also said to have wounded one unidentified man and kidnapped two children of Alhaji Rabiu Maibulawus in the Dandume Local Government Area of the state.

Dangote Cement Pays over N1tn Dividends in Seven Years Gunmen Kidnap Four Persons, Injure One in Katsina Gunmen in separate attacks on kidnapped in the early hours did not provide details, simply Shaaibu from his house in Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement, has grown the wealth of its shareholders over the years, paying over N1 trillion as dividends in the past seven years, the company has said.

According to the cement company’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Guillaume Moyen, Dangote Cement is focused on growing the Nigerian economy.

“A breakdown of the seven-year dividend history gleaned from the company’s financial statements indicated that N51.1 billion was paid in 2013; N119.3 billion in 2014; N102.2 billion in 2015; N136.3 billion in 2016; N144.8 billion in 2017; N178.9 billion in 2018, and N272.6 billion in 2019,” he said.

Moyen, who disclosed this during the virtual ‘Facts Behind the Figures and Facts Behind Sustainability Report’ by the company to capital market stakeholders at the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), said Dangote Cement has a sustained focus on helping the Nigerian economy and doing what it can to benefit the economy.

He said: “Arguably, our biggest achievement to date is taking Nigeria from being a big importer of cement to being self-sufficient, and now an exporter. We are developing road infrastructure and durable concrete roads, which are a major economic catalyst and is hugely beneficial for the country’s transport sector.

“We began our operations in Nigeria and have been expanding to other countries over the years. Since 2011, we have been enjoying robust volume growth, to be more specific, we have been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.4 percent.

“The company has an outstanding financial profile and has achieved excellent financial performance during this period. If we look at the last seven years, you will see that our EBITDA has increased by a CAGR of 9 percent. We have paid over N1 trillion in dividends to shareholders in the last seven years. As Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, we will continue to prioritise giving value to investors and other stakeholders.”

Banks, Insurance Companies, Others to Join Labour’s Strike Nume Ekeghe The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has directed that all workers within its purview follow suit and embark on the planned nationwide which is slated to commence on Monday, September 28, 2020

This directive was disclosed in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday and was signed by the General Secretary of the union, Comrade Mohammed I. Sheikh.

Sheikh stated that the planned strike was in line with stance of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) protest over recent hikes in fuel and power tariff.

It states: “The National Executive Council (NEC) of Nigeria Labour Congress in their meeting on Tuesday 22nd September, 2020 resolved to embark on nationwide strike as from Monday, September 28, 2020 over hike in pump price of petrol and electricity tariff.”

“In this regard, you are therefore direct by this letter to

ensure total compliance of this directive by your organisation /zonal council” It further stated that it would continue to communicate its plans as they unfold and urged for cooperation.

“We promise to keep you posted as event unfold. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”

Seplat Investigates Alleged Oil Spill in Delta Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc yesterday disclosed that it received a complaint from five households at Okpe and Sapele in Delta State, indicating the presence of hydrocarbons in their shallow water wells.

The company’s General Manager in charge of External

Affairs and Communications, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku said in a statement that an emergency response was immediately activated and an investigation team comprising the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA),

and Delta State Ministry of Environment conducted a joint investigation visit, alongside the Seplat emergency response team.

The statement added that Seplat has prioritised the safety of the residents of the affected area by providing potable water and secured the water wells from

access.

“We will continue to support the investigation and provide palliative support to the households in line with the company’s firm commitment to its robust Health, Safety and Environment culture in all areas of its operations.

11

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Ize-Iyamu Begs Obaseki to Return to APC Adibe Emenyonu in Benin The candidate of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s governorship election, in Edo State, Pastor

Buhari, Tinubu, APC, PDP Commiserate with Fayose over Sister’s Death Omololu Ogunmade, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

President Muhammadu Buhari and the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, have commiserated with former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, over the demise of his elder sister, Mrs. Moji Ladeji.

A statement issued by the president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari prayed to God to comfort Fayose on the sad loss of his sister.

Adesina also said the president condoled with the immediate family of the deceased as well as the Fayose and Ladeji’s friends, families, associates and relations, urging them to take heart that death is the end of all mortals.

The statement read: “President Muhammadu Buhari prays to God to comfort former Governor of Ekiti State, Fayose, on the sad loss of his immediate elder sister, Mrs. Moji Ladeji.

“The president equally condoles with the nuclear family of the deceased, the larger Fayose and Ladeji families, friends, relations and associates, urging them to take heart, since death is the ultimate end of all mortals.

President Buhari prays that the soul of the departed will rest in peace.’’

On his own, Tinubu has also commiserated with Fayose over the loss of his sibling.

In a statement issued by his media office yesterday in Lagos, Tinubu said: “I’m deeply saddened by the death of your immediate elder sister, Mrs. Moji Ladeji.

Ize-Iyamu, has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to return to APC. In a television broadcast last night, Ize-Iyamu said, “We are going to talk to everybody. We are going to bring everybody back. I want to salute my

brother, the governor. I will like to appeal to him to return to the party. In every family, we have a disagreement.

“Let it not be said that it was this disagreement that pushed him out. I made that mistake before and I have come to

realise that it was a grievous error and I will not want him as a senior brother to make the same mistake.

“I will like to appeal to him to set aside his anger and come back. In APC, he is recognised as a leader and it would be

difficult for him to be recognised as a leader in the new party he is going to.

“Certainly, we are ready to work with him and all wellmeaning Edo people. We believe it is time to bring peace back to Edo State.”

REMEMBERING THE NEEDY...

L-R: Director, Special Needs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mrs. Nkechi Oniwukwe; Executive Secretary, Person With Disability (PWD), Mr. Lalu James; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq; and National Secretary, Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), Mr. Chidi Topez, during the press briefing to mark the International Day of Signs Language and International Week of the Deaf in Abuja... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Ondo APC, ZLP in Verbal Ekiti to Begin Training of 325 Amotekun Corps September 27 War over Attack on Brig-Gen. Joe Komolafe (rtd), for four days. two white T-shirts, two white Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti who announced this in a chat He urged them to resume physical training (PT) shorts, two Campaign Office The Ekiti State Security Network with THISDAY in Ado-Ekiti, said to camp within the stipulated pair of white canvas shoe, hand James Sowole in Akure

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) yesterday alleged that the campaign secretariat of its governorship candidate in the October 10 Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, was attacked by suspected political thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Tuesday night.

The Director-General of the Agbo/Gboyei Campaign Organisation, Dr. Kola Adujimi, stated this in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the candidate, Mr. Babatope Okeowo.

Ademujimi said the security personnel attached to the secretariat, Mr. Gbenga Olayoriju, said the thugs, who were five in number, came in an APC

branded vehicle, attacked the secretariat, destroying the billboard and other valuables in the premises.

He said the thugs, who shot sporadically as they arrived at the premises, threatened to shoot him.

Responding swiftly, the Spokesperson of Akeredolu/ Ayedatiwa Campaign Organisation, Mr. Olatunde Olabode, said the ZLP is merely looking for attention.

Olabode, who denied the allegations made by the ZLP, said thuggery was not part of the strategy of the APC. “As you can see, there is nobody that is talking about them in the state. Their political popularity has refused to grow.

It’s a rejected party with no political structure.

Navy Deploys Eight Ships, Others to Curb Maritime Crimes

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Nigerian Navy in the Niger Delta region yesterday commenced a sea exercise aimed at enforcing the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) by vessels operating in the region’s waterways.

It said the exercise was prompted by the activities of some vessels operating within the command’s maritime environment, which are in the habit of switching off their AIS which impedes their identification.

According to the navy, the criminal act by the operators interferes with the Nigerian maritime awareness infrastructure from monitoring or tracking such vessels’ activities.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, who declared open the operation code-named: ‘Exercise Akere’, an

Ijaw word for ‘arrest’ or ‘catch’, said it would take place between September 23 and 25, 2020.

He added that with the bulk of the country’s economic assets, including oil exploration infrastructure, in the region, it behooved the command to protect the assets and ensure that the country’s maritime economic activities are not disrupted.

Garba said part of the internationally accepted rules guiding vessels operating in the maritime environment, which include flying visible flags and switching on of the AIS, was being flouted by some vessels.

“However, it has been observed in recent times that some vessels operating within the command’s maritime environment are in the habit of switching off their AIS which impedes their identification and interferes with the country’s maritime awareness infrastructure from monitoring or tracking such vessels’ activities.

(Amotekun Corps) board yesterday said 325 successful candidates shortlisted from the 3,261 applicants invited for the just concluded screening will commence training on September 27 and last till October 19, 2020.

The Amotekun Commander,

those who scaled through the screening hurdles are to report for training at the Ekiti State University, Ifaki-Ekiti campus on September 27.

Komolafe disclosed that the registration of successful candidates would commence on September 27, 2020, and last

period, warning that there would be no further registration after the date of the midnight of September 30, 2020.

The Amotekun boss said only successful candidates whose name appears on the Amotekun website are to come to the training camp with

sanitizers, face masks, toiletries and other items.

Komolafe, who advised applicants to visit the Amotekun website for further details, said the screening panel adhered strictly to the requirement needed in the course of the exercise.

Zulum Redeems Pledges to Families of Slain Colonel, Others Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Nigerian Army has said the Borno State Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum, has redeemed the pledges he made to families of slain soldiers.

One of the pledges redeemed by the governor was the cash gift of N20 million to the slain Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Damboa, Col. Dahiru Bako, who was

mortally wounded in a battle with Boko Haram last Sunday and was buried last Tuesday in Maiduguri.

A statement issued yesterday by the acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, said the governor presented a cheque of N20 million to the family of late Bako and others of N2 million each to families of other soldiers killed in the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorists.

The statement read: “The

Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, has redeemed his pledge to the family of late Col DC Bako and the three other soldiers who died with the senior officer in the course of defending our beloved country.

“The governor redeemed the pledge when he visited the wife of our fallen hero, Col Bako, this (yesterday) morning in Maiduguri at about 0910 hours.

He was received by the acting GOC, 7 Division, Brig. Gen. AK Ibrahim. The governor consoled

the wife and family members of Col Bako, and prayed for the repose of the souls of him and the three other soldiers who paid the supreme price along with him. He described him as a great patriot and formidable commander.

“The governor used the opportunity to present a cheque of N20 million to Mrs. Bako, which he earlier pledged, and also promised to redeem his pledge of getting the family a house.

Oodua Republic: Rallies in Six Continents Sacrosanct, Says Yoruba Group Sunday Okobi A Diaspora Yoruba coalition, Yoruba One Voice (YOV), has insisted that its proposed rally for the sensitisation of Oodua Republic slated for October 1, 2020, is sacrosanct, assuring participants of a peaceful rally.

The YOV, which said it is

presently in 176 countries across the world, noted that it is the umbrella body of over 300 groups of Yoruba descendants worldwide.

The group explained that the self-determination rally tagged: ‘Oodua Republic’ sensitisation campaign was designed to draw the attention of the world to the

situation and happenings in Nigeria, stressing that the rally would be conducted in line with the global template for the fulfillment of its desire as well the liberation of the Yoruba people in Nigeria.

In a statement issued yesterday to journalists by YOV’s Director of Communications, Mr. Somorin

Zacheaus, the group said all arrangements have been concluded to ensure a peaceful rally.

According to him, “The rally is to sensitise the world on the need to liberate Yoruba race from the shackles of bondage. We have made our position known to our people in Nigeria.

IPOB Declares Sit-at-home on October 1 Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared October 1, 2020 as sit-at-home across Biafraland.

The group said the decision followed credible intelligence alleging terrorist groups plan to slaughter people of the region who intend to celebrate the independence day.

In a statement issued yesterday

by its Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said its members would join its Yoruba brethren agitating for Oduduwa Republic, in public protests to mark the day.

The pro-Biafran group stressed complete and total lockdown of Biafraland and other terror ravaged areas of the Middle Belt come 1st of October 2020

was sacrosanct, irreversible and non-negotiable.

It enjoined all Biafrans and every conscious Nigerian to boycott every governmentorganised ceremony designed to eulogise Nigeria.

The statement partly reads: “We the global movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great

Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to announce to all Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom all over the world that Biafrans across the globe shall observe a sit-at-home in Biafraland and where permissible in the diaspora, join our Yoruba bretheren agitating for Oduduwa Republic, in public protests to mark the October 1, 2020.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

12

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

FG Advertises Sale of Nine-year-old Presidential Jet The federal government yesterday advertised the sale of a jet, Hawker 4000 aircraft with registration number, 5N-FGX/: RC 066, which is on the Presidential Fleet.

The business-size jet, which entered into service in December 2011, has capacity for nine passengers and three crew.

In the published advert, the federal government disclosed that the aircraft with a range of 3,190-nautical mile had flown for 1,768 hours.

It said the aircraft could be inspected at the Presidential Air Fleet’s hangar located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Interested buyers were

requested to submit their closed bid to the Chairman of the Committee for Sale of Aircraft, Office of the National Security Adviser, care of Special Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government

of the Federation.

In an advertisement published in some national dailies, prospective buyers were directed to submit a refundable bank draft for $50,000 to the committee

with the bid.

It also said that all the bids should be quoted in United States dollars.

The notice read, “Please note that all bids must be submitted within one week

of this publication. Background check is required as a prequalification for the bid.

Prospective bidders who want to inspect the aircraft will be granted access within one week from this advertisement.”

Pastor Jakes Traces His Ancestry to Igbo Tribe Popular American preacher, Bishop T.D Jakes of the Potter’s House, has revealed how he discovered that his ancestors were from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria.

Jakes, who is a renowned author, in an interview with BBC Igbo said his Igbo ancestry was discovered after DNA test.

“It all started when Henry Lewis Gates, who was at Harvard, decided to do this DNA testing to see where my ancestry came from. It was me, it was Oprah Winfrey. It was Quincy Jones and others,” he said.

The clergyman further stated that the test revealed his ancestors were from Nigeria.

“Mine was traced back to West Africa, to Nigeria and particularly Igbo. My ancestors were Igbos. It’s indescribable.

It gives something that we the

African-Americans don’t have, which is roots.

“It gave me an understanding of my roots. It was interesting to see how similar my personality is to how Igbo people are described. They’re described as hardworking industrious and innovative.

“They have strong business acumen. I deeply relate to that.

It explained to me; it’s odd that I was never born there, yet, see so many traces. I’ve always had strong business acumen.

“I’ve been aggressive in business. Although I’ve been known for the faith aspect, I have several companies and I’ve owned my own resources.

My children all started studying ancestry about Igbos, and even more about Africa. I’ll like to reconnect with our brothers and sisters over there,” he said.

Amnesty Programme Dogged

by Fictions, Misconceptions, Says Dixon the Director of Information, Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The newly-appointed Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dikio Dixon, (rtd) has stated that the programme has been dogged by fictions and misconceptions put in the public domain about what the amnesty programme represents.

Dixon assured the stakeholders that his tenure would be used to build consensus and collaborate with agencies that are complementary to the programme.

He spoke in Abuja while taking over the management of the PAP from the caretaker committee, which had overseen its affairs since the suspension and eventual sack of the former coordinator, Prof. Charles Dokubo.

A statement issued by

Amnesty Office, Mrs. Florence Dibiaezue-Eke, said that the new management “shall not neglect the lessons of the past. If we learn well, we will do better.”

He added that the programme will be focused on service delivery that would reintegrate ex-agitators and seek the input of relevant stakeholders in the region to realise the objectives for which it was set up.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his appointment and assured that he would justify the confidence reposed in him.

Dixon also stated that he would clear the ‘cobwebs’ so that people would know the difference between the amnesty programme and what he called the Presidential amnesty package.

Health Workers Criticise NMA’s Rejection of Pharmacists as Consultants in Public Service

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have criticised the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) ‘ceaseless denigration of other healthcare professionals’ in the country following the medical doctors’ rejection of the approved Scheme of Service for Pharmacist Consultant cadre in the federal public service.

The NMA had through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, referred the approved Scheme of Service for Pharmacist

Consultant cadre in the federal public service as an unwarranted assault on the integrity of the medical profession.

The union, comprising six registered trade unions, while reacting to NMA’s position, condemned what they termed an age-long disdain for other professionals by medical doctors.

The trade union bodies, in a document signed by their representatives, described NMA’s position on the matter as “incomprehensible, illogical and ridiculous”.

OBSERVING THE PANDEMIC PROTOCOL...

Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. David Umahi (left), and the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by

COVID-19: Anap Raises Concern over Crowd at Emir of Zaria’s Burial

The Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank has raised concern over the breach of COVID-19 protocol at the Emir of Zazzau’s burial in Kaduna State.

Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, died on Sunday at the age of 84.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Chairman of the foundation, Mr. Atedo Peterside and its Vice-Chairman, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, the Anap Think Tank asked the Kaduna State government to also endeavour to control the huge crowd trooping to the palace for

condolence visits.

“While the outpouring of emotion as evidenced by the huge crowds that spontaneously assembled around the palace is very understandable, given the high esteem in which the Emir was held, it was evident that all public health rules were forgotten,” the Anap Think Tank said.

“This leaves room to ask what government could have done to anticipate and mitigate the risks such an assembly must raise in this period of pandemic.

“The Anap Think Tank acknowledges the efforts of Kaduna State and its leadership in the area of non-medical interventions, especially in encouraging social distancing, hygiene and wearing of face coverings. We acknowledge the leadership by example set by its government.

“This however makes the question more pertinent. If in a State where genuine efforts have been made to limit the spread of the disease in the community this dangerous event nevertheless

occurred, then it highlights further the key importance of the authorities’ preparedness.

“We therefore wish to flag this issue as one that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF) should urgently address and put in place clear strategies to prevent such a recurrence. The country is increasingly witnessing numerous incidences of social events where COVID-19 protocols are not being followed and a renewed clarification by the PTF would not be amiss at this time.

Katsina Employs 993 Health Personnel to Bridge Manpower Gap Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Government has announced the recruitment of 993 medical doctors and auxiliary health workers in the state to tackle the perennial shortage of manpower across its primary healthcare centres and general hospitals.

The state Commissioner for Health, Mr. Nuhu Yakubu Danja,

revealed this at a one-day media roundtable organised by the state taskforce on COVID-19 in collaboration with Lafiya programme.

Danja said 30 medical doctors were sponsored by the state government on different specialisation programmes within and outside the country to enhance efficiency and effective healthcare delivery

system in the state.

According to him, “The state government has also recruited 13 nursing tutors, 15 midwife educators and one lecturer, while full sponsorship was granted for nurses, 18 post-graduate diploma in nursing education, four degree in nursing, 11 master’s degrees in nursing and three doctorate.”

Additionally, he said 200 health workers have been

granted approval to undertake full time and part-time studies in Nigeria and abroad to build their capacity.

He explained further that the government has adopted the Primary Healthcare Under One Roof law and converted all its local government health workers to the Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHDA).

Arogundade Urges Media to Remind Politicians of Electoral Promises Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie

The Executive Director, International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has called on the media to always hold politicians accountable to the people and to constantly remind them of their electoral promises.

Arogundade, who spoke on the recently concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State, said journalists should begin to remind all politicians who campaigned and contested in the election, especially the winner of the election as announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), about the

promises made to the people now that the election is over.

He gave the charge yesterday while speaking on the Morning Show of ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

According to him, “What do we do after the elections?

One of the things we have observed is that we go to sleep

after elections. By now, I expect the media houses that covered the Edo State gubernatorial election to have all the campaign promises made by Governor Godwin Obaseki, who won the election, and task him on the fulfillment of these promises. That is what is called democratic accountability.

FHA, Others Laud Belham Estate on Affordable Housing Sunday Okobi Three key housing agencies in Nigeria, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), FHA Mortgage Bank Limited and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), have lauded BAM Projects Properties for providing affordable houses at Belham Estate in Abuja, describing it as a boost to the federal government’s

National Housing Fund (NHF) for all unsheltered Nigerians.

They made the commendation at a recent formal presentation of keys to successful beneficiaries of the fully-completed housing units built by the leading property firm at Belham Estate in Karasana District, Gwarimpa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The houses, built under the NHF scheme by BAM Projects

and Properties, are some of the housing units constructed to provide, in partnership with the government, decent and affordable housing to Nigerians under NHS scheme.

Speaking at the hand-over of keys to NHF beneficiaries in Belham Estate, the Chairman, Federal Housing Authority Management Board of Directors (FHAMB), who is also the

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FHA, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, endorsed the strategic synergy between BAM Projects and Properties and Belham Estate.

He said their current giant strides were sufficient proof of the NHF in fulfillment of the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians in dire need of housing.

13

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Elumelu Named among ‘TIME 100’ World Most Influential People in 2020 Buhari hails Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneur

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos TIME Magazine has named the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu, in its 2020 TIME100, the annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Elumelu is one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday lauded Elumelu, for making Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.

According to a statement from the New York-based media outfit yesterday, the list, now in its seventeenth year, recognises the activism, innovation, and achievement of the world’s most

influential individuals.

Elumelu, who is one of only four Africans on the 2020 list, was recognised for his track record of business turnaround and value creation, and economic empowerment of young Africans.

Elumelu is also the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family owned investment company, committed to improving lives and transforming Africa, through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the African economy, including financial services, hospitality, power, energy and healthcare.

UBA, a top pan-African financial services group, where he is also the chairman operates in 20 countries in Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and is the only African bank with a commercial deposit taking licence

in the United States.

The bank provides corporate, commercial, SME and consumer banking services to more than 21 million customers globally.

Elumelu also chairs Nigeria’s largest quoted conglomerate, Transcorp, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the leading generators of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigeria’s foremost hospitality brand.

Elumelu is the most prominent champion of entrepreneurship in

Africa. In 2010, he created TEF, the philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and ensuring job creation across all 54 African countries. Since inception, the Foundation has funded just under 10,000 entrepreneurs and created a digital ecosystem of over one million as part of its ten year, $100 million commitment through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

Self-funded, the Foundation is increasingly sharing its unique ability to identify, train, mentor and fund young entrepreneurs across Africa, with institutions such as the UNDP, the ICRC and leading European development agencies.

Heirs Holdings, which serves as a corporate role model for African businesses, and the TEF would both celebrate 10 years of impact in November.

Their mission continues to be inspired by Elumelu’s economic

philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the continent.

Meanwhile, Buhari yesterday lauded Elumelu, for making Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president commended Elumelu’s vision of Africapitalism.

Yusufu Bala Usman Institute Publishes Three Books for Bala Usman’s 15th Memorial Anniversary Norma Perchonok The Yusufu Bala Usman Institute is commemorating the 15 th Memorial Anniversary of this noted historian and committed patriot by celebrating his life and his brilliant intellectual work as contained in three of his most important books which are being presented to the public in new editions. The ideas contained in these works are, if possible, even more relevant today than when they were first written, and they comprise an invaluable legacy for present and future generations.

FOR THE LIBERATION OF NIGERIA. This book, first published in 1978, originally sold over 10,000 copies. It contains 30 essays and lectures that Dr. Usman delivered between 1969 to 1978. They cover topics such as: Some Fundamental Problems of Contemporary Nigeria; The Direction of Nigeria: Structure, Ideology and the Constitution; Nigeria’s African Policy; Nigerian Universities and Intellectual SelfReliance and The Struggle in the South: Angola., Mozambique and the Future.

The new edition of this work has been enhanced by a Foreword written by Dr. Olusegun Osoba, the Chairman of the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute. Dr. Osoba is one of Dr. Usman’s oldest and closest friends and collaborators.

When both of them served on the Constitutional Drafting Committee, set up by General Murtala Muhmmed to write a new constitution for a democratic Nigeria, they disagreed with the trend of discussion of the majority of the members and together they produced the Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1967, a work which has had wide-ranging impact since then on any discussion of the issues around the Nigerian constitution.

NIGERIA AGAINST THE IMF: THE HOME MARKET STRATEGY. This book comprises essays on the subject of the Nigerian economy, such as Understanding and Resolving the Current Economic Crisis; The Structure of the Nigerian Economy and the Real Meaning of Structural Adjustment; What Exactly is the Problem?

For Whom is the Solution?

among others.

The new Foreword to this book was written by Mike Kwanashie, Professor of Economics at Ahmadu Bello University and former Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja. Professor Kwanashie is an Associate of the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute. He is a renowned economist with wide experience both in and outside of academia.

He is a long-time associate of Dr. Usman and worked with him on many projects over the years.

His very important Foreword provides an updated assessment of Dr. Usman’s conception about the Nigerian economy and demonstrates how prescient Usman’s ideas were and how relevant they are to the present economic situation in Nigeria.

THE MANIPULATION OF RELIGION IN NIGERIA, 1977-1987. First published in 1987, this work broke new ground in its examination of a critically important issue in Nigeria – how religion is manipulated to serve the interests of a class of people who use religion to obscure and cover up their real purpose of dividing the country and protecting their material interest at the expense of the generality of the Nigerian people.

The substantial Foreword to this work was contributed by Professor Usman A. Tar, who is one of the Directors of the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute.

He is an Endowed Professor of Defence and Security Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and has published widely in Nigerian and International books and journals. His Forward brings up to date some of the themes touched upon by Dr. Usman and presents them in a geographical and historical perspective. The Foreword, together with the original text provide a broad and perceptive appreciation of the issue of manipulation of religion which is at the heart of the problem of Nigerian unity.

There is no doubt that these three books by Yusufu Bala Usman are essential reading for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the multifarious problems facing Nigeria today.

WELCOME ON BOARD...

L-R: New officials of the Metropolitan Lions Club District 404-A2 Nigeria, Mrs. Anthonia Opusunju; Mrs.Tonia Okonokhua; Mr. Charles Opusunju; and Ms Bolanle Olatunde, at the presentation of the club officials in Abuja...recently

Okowa, Ibori Mourn Former Deputy Governor, Ebonka Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and a former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, yesterday expressed shock over the death of the first elected Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Simeon Ozioma Ebonka.

The state was thrown into

mourning mood yesterday following the death of Ebonka, who spent much of his active years out of office on Christian evangelical activities.

Ebonka was elected as deputy governor to the late Governor Felix Ibru from 1992 to 1993 during the military government of Gen Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) under a quasi-military-

democratic system called ‘Diarchy’.

At the age 77, Ebonka who hails from Owa-Alizomor in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state, passed away in the early hours of yesterday due to a brief illness.

Okowa in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, yesterday in Asaba,

condoled with the people of Ika nation and Owa-Alizomor community in particular over the death of the politician and renown evangelist.

He described the departed as a man of peace and an outstanding administrator who excelled as a deputy governor of the state during the short time the administration lasted.

NNPC Seeks Capacity Upgrade for Indigenous Operators Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that indigenous companies operating in the nation’s oil and gas sector must upscale their capacity for global competitiveness, in order to achieve the target of reducing the cost of oil production in Nigeria.

A statement by the NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, quoted the Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, as having made the remark, during a virtual stakeholders consultative summit organised by the Senate Committee on Local Content.

Kyari argued that there was

need to amend the local content act to reflect current realities in the industry.

The NNPC boss who was represented by the Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Mrs. Eyesan Oritsemeyiwa, argued that there was need to have a legislation to resolve the issues of funding challenges faced by local players.

He stressed that oil and gas business required high technical skills and competence to compete favourably at the global stage.

Speaking further on the need for greater capacity building on the part of indigenous companies, the GMD said the nation’s education system has a great role to play in the development of highly skilled technical manpower.

Court Faults Buhari on Appointment of 11 FCT Judges Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of 11 judges into the bench of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Ekwo, who faulted the president’s action in a judgment on a suit seeking stoppage of the appointments, said Buhari violated Section 256(2) of the constitution when he forwarded the recommended names sent to him by the National Judicial Council (NJC), to the Senate.

However, the judges were

sworn in on September 14, 2020, by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad.

Delivering judgment in the suit filed by Oladimeji Ekengba, Justice Ekwo said the only instance where the president can forward NJC’s recommendation to the Senate in

respect of a High Court judge’s appointment is when it relates to the appointment of a head of court, like the Chief Judge.

The judge, however, held that the fact that President Buhari contravened the provision of Section 256(2) of the constitution did not affect that swearing-in of the judges.

Bayelsa Gov Dispute: ANDP Applies to Withdraw Defence against Diri’s Appeal The Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) yesterday, asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to strike out its defence to the appeal Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State filed to challenge the

tribunal judgment that sacked him from office and ordered a fresh election in the state.ANDP which lodged the petition that led to Governor Diri’s sack told the appellate court that it was no longer interested in

processes its lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), filed to defend the judgment of the tribunal.Specifically, the party, in a motion dated September 23, prayed the appellate court for an order striking out its briefs of

argument and all other processes it filed in governor Diri’s appeal and in two other sister appeals that were lodged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

COMMENT

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

MEMORIALISING YUSUFU BALA USMAN Yusufu Bala Usman Institute celebrates the life of the historian and intellectual, writes Norma Perchonok

T

he Yusufu Bala Usman Institute is commemorating the 15th Memorial Anniversary of the transition of this noted historian and committed patriot by celebrating his life and his brilliant intellectual work as contained in three of his most important books, which are being presented to the public in new editions. The ideas contained in these works are, if possible, even more relevant today than when they were first written, and they comprise an invaluable legacy for present and future generations.

For the Liberation of Nigeria, first published in 1978, originally sold over 10,000 copies. It contains 30 essays and lectures that Dr. Usman delivered between 1969 to 1978. They cover topics such as: Some Fundamental Problems of Contemporary Nigeria; The Direction of Nigeria: Structure, Ideology and the Constitution; Nigeria’s African Policy; Nigerian Universities and Intellectual Self-Reliance and The Struggle in the South: Angola., Mozambique and the Future.

The new edition of this work has been enhanced by a Foreword written by Dr. Olusegun Osoba, the Chairman of the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute. Dr. Osoba is one of Dr. Usman’s oldest and closest friends and collaborators. When both of them served on the Constitutional Drafting Committee, set up by General Murtala Muhmmed to write a new constitution for a democratic Nigeria, they disagreed with the trend of discussion of the majority of the members and together they produced the Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1967, a work which has had wide-ranging impact since then on any discussion of the issues around the Nigerian constitution.

Nigeria Against The IMF: The Home Market Strategy comprises essays on the subject of the Nigerian economy, such as Understanding and Resolving the Current Economic Crisis; The Structure of the Nigerian Economy and the Real Meaning of Structural Adjustment; What Exactly

THE MANIPULATION OF RELIGION IN NIGERIA BROKE NEW GROUND IN ITS EXAMINATION OF A CRITICALLY IMPORTANT ISSUE IN NIGERIA – HOW RELIGION IS MANIPULATED TO SERVE THE INTERESTS OF A CLASS OF PEOPLE

is the Problem? For Whom is the Solution? among others. The new Foreword to this book was written by Mike Kwanashie, Professor of Economics at Ahmadu Bello University and former Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja. Professor Kwanashie is an Associate of the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute. He is a renowned Economist with wide experience both in and outside of academia. He is a long-time associate of Dr. Usman and worked with him on many projects over the years. His very important foreword provides an updated assessment of Dr. Usman’s conception about the Nigerian economy and demonstrates how prescient Usman’s ideas were and how relevant they are to the present economic situation in Nigeria.

The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria, 19771987, first published in 1987, broke new ground in its examination of a critically important issue in Nigeria – how religion is manipulated to serve the interests of a class of people who use religion to obscure and cover up their real purpose of dividing the country and protecting their material interest at the expense of the generality of the Nigerian people.

The substantial foreword to this work was contributed by Professor Usman A. Tar, who is one of the Directors of the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute. He is an endowed Professor of Defence and Security Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and has published widely in Nigerian and International books and journals.

His foreword brings up to date some of the themes touched upon by Dr. Usman and presents them in a geographical and historical perspective.

The foreword, together with the original text provide a broad and perceptive appreciation of the issue of manipulation of religion which is at the heart of the problem of Nigerian unity.

There is no doubt that these three books by Yusufu Bala Usman are essential reading for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the multifarious problems facing Nigeria today.

USA DEMOCRACY: A QUADRATIC JIGSAW In the United States’ democracy, all votes are not equal, writes Victor C. Ariole

J

igsaw is never a straight or easily decipherable movement.

It takes a great insight to know where and when the slope or rise could occur. That it will occur like lightening movement is in no doubt but the end result is not easily known. Its effect also is not easily known like the current storm Sally or raging fire in California. So, when ordinary people claim that democracy is a game of numbers they often miss the slope and rise that go with such numbers. In Africa, it could be claimed to be rigging when the rise is not given a value that really shows that all votes cast are of equal value.

However in USA, it is seemingly transparent, though all votes are not equal. Hence it is understandable that a Presidential candidate could win the popular votes and lose the Electoral College votes – the one that counts most. Indeed it can only be in USA that it could happen, as each of its 50 States could even decide who to be on their ballot box or not, as African-American minded Kayne West had been removed from Wisconsin State’s ballot for filing his presidential nomination five minutes late of the deadline. Still in line with what states decide, with exception of State of California with the highest number of electoral college votes of 55, and most often gives all to the Democrats, Texas, New York and Florida, each having 36, 29 and 29 respectively, often give all to the Republicans; and it makes the USA democracy a quadratic jigsaw that respects, tending more to inequalities, a2 – 2ab + C = 0. That, in effect, shows that the head segment of the equation counts most; and for USA to remain the head of this troubling world, the content of the head segment must be strong in character and in economics.

Except my knowledge of Mathematics in an MBA class, I do not lay claim to

a good knowledge of Mathematics but I always wonder why mathematicians could not spread the factors to sum-up as one – win win game – instead of zero-sum game where it hurts most, like the State of California, seemingly, at the tale end of the equation, could always worry about its fate; just like Africa worries about its own weakness in the decision making platform of the world. The same worry seems to be playing out again like it played out in 2016 that ushered in the Republican President as the congress was also led by them; and as the tenure progressed, it slipped into the hands of Democrats; accentuating a partial win-win that could still not be the real win-win expected.

Assume there will be an additional 10% of voters that could be added to the figures that decided the 2016 election winner – about 135million + 13.5million – to make up approximately 149 million, to re-enact the same factors for the 2020 elections, and the electoral college number remains the same, 538 votes, with either Democrats or Republicans, but never one, in charge of the legislature, same scenario could play out. However, like Wisconsin has just done by removing the Democrats’ votes’ splitter – Kayne – from their ballot box, it requires dissuading such votes’ splitting in Pennsylvania and Michigan that join with Wisconsin to command 49 votes of the Electoral College to do so also, in the interest of fair play or in favour of one party.

Besides, the a2 segment of the equation still remains in favour of the Republicans with over 65% of non-graduate US voters clinging to the Republican side, as most of them desperately look forward to having a job as against looking for meal ticket which is what only about 30% as per those who voted for Democrats the

last time expect.

Even, as at now, the current refusal of the Congress to vote for further palliative shows that Democrats are apprehensive of wrong effects of the palliative on the populace, as the expected vulnerable ones are not getting it.

In the segment of “2ab�, a potpourri of adherents exists for either Republicans or Democrats. What is constant, is the tail end of the equation, and it is the monopoly of the State of California, where migrant workers are always welcome and where Republicans feel that there is a need to build a wall against migrants’ infiltration, and, what is more, a court has granted leave to the Republicans to do their wish on them – the DACA case. Even, a known disgraced campaign manager goes to the extent of causing funds to be made available, individually, for building the walls, as if, hate or love for any crusader of wall building, the interest remains stronger than such hate. That, in effect, shows the bent of most non-grads in both divides who are interested in being seen as employable but are denied access for the preference of malleable migrants.

So, it is; everywhere on this planet where the “untraveled� always feel that migrants are disturbing their employment space. What they fail to know is that such space was economically leveraged by the presence of migrants, and USA is a migrant country. Agreed, that undesirable migrants should be checked.

Though, for the ordinary untraveled – and greater number of the population are untraveled – it requires the broad cultured leader at the segment of a2 to allay his fear. But when a leader within the segment of “2ab� is coordinating the direction of the entire chain of the equation, more jigsaw

effects are bound to happen. This is where the liberals should care so as not to tumble the USA boat. And as Julie Wronski of University of Mississippi sees it, it should not be a war between the President and the Liberals; that is: “The President acts like defending his base supporters from ‘liberals’ who want to take America away from them�. Liberals, for sure, do not operate on any entrenched belief and could waver when the boat goes tumbling. Somehow the present USA that seems iconoclast, disregarding established rules, could be seen as ultra-liberal, but it is not, with its pro-life stance.

The implied truth is that the prolife supporters are in favour of the incumbent, and it traverses the space of USA beyond just “Making America Great Againâ€?. The liberals are greatly in USA, and they are yet to occupy the head segment of the equation. In effect, what the USA is reliving, unexpressedly, is what transpired in a secret, but open debate as seen in “Allez Savoirâ€? of University of Lausanne, between Bush and Chirac, bordering on unexpressed belief system of “In God We Trustâ€? and “LibertĂŠ EgalitĂŠ, FraternitĂŠâ€?. At the end, France ignored the content of its own “FraternitĂŠâ€? leaving “libertĂŠâ€? to take the shine and creating terror in their midst, before Macron started rebuilding it with “La Republic en Marcheâ€?, in great pains. It seems that Republicans are not quick to forget that and, indeed, they are not so comfortable with vitiating the belief of “In God We Trustâ€?. Trump still believes what Bush stands for.

USA citizens are not sure that Liberals, emasculating, currently, Democrats, could guaranty stability for them. r"SJPMF JT B 1SPGFTTPS PG 'SFODI BOE 'SBODPQIPOF 4UVEJFT 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT

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EDITORIAL BORN TO DIE! The health sector deserves far more investment

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he recent disclosure by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that Nigeria records more death of children under age five than any other country should spur action on the part of the health authorities. According to UNICEF’s 2020 mortality estimates, India recorded 824,000 under five deaths in 2019 while Nigeria recorded 858,000 deaths. This is despite the fact that India’s population of over 1.38 billion is almost seven times that of Nigeria’s estimated 200 million.

The UNICEF report reveals that 49 per cent of all under-five deaths in 2019 took place in only five countries of the world with Nigeria leading the pack. The other four countries with high child mortality rates are India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.

According to the report, NIGERIAN CHILDREN “Nigeria and DESERVE THE RIGHT TO India alone LIVE AND WOMEN SHOULD account for NOT BEAR THE BURDENS OF almost a third,� of the total PREGNANCIES IN VAIN global estimates. The report added that while under-five mortality rate has declined by almost 60 per cent since 1990, the reverse is the situation in Nigeria where cases of under-five deaths grew from 209,000 in 1990 to 270,000 deaths in 2019, a 61,000 increase. In the same vein, deaths of children from aged five to 14 also reportedly rose from 104,000 in 1990 to 119,000 in 2019.

The report is a typical reflection of Nigeria’s persistent downward slide in virtually all spheres of life since 1980s. For instance, before the 1990s, Nigeria’s education system was home to various foreign students and lecturers who took pride in either schooling or teaching in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. But today, looking for a single foreign student in any of our institutions amounts to searching for a needle in a haysack. In the same vein, the downward spiral

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of economic development and infrastructure is terrifying. In the recent second Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) index compiled by Development Finance International (DFI) and Oxfam, Nigeria was at the bottom of the index, ranked 157th out of 157 countries.

According to the report, Nigeria’s social spending on health, education and social protection is “shamefully low.� Thus, it cannot be surprising that a country which spends a “shamefully low� amount on its health facilities emerged as the world capital for under-five deaths. The country had also been estimated to have one of the highest number of out-of-school children and reportedly performed woefully on labour rights, having been ranked 133th out of 157 countries. The CRI dwelt on the amount of human capital that a child born today can expect to attain at aged 18, with the prediction based on five indicators, viz: chances of a child reaching five years, healthy growth, expected years of schooling, quality of learning available and the adult survival rate.

However, we must put the blame on the state governments and the lack of attention by many of them to primary health care system at the grassroots. It is even worse that most of them have rendered prostrate the local government administration in their states, leaving healthcare delivery at that level in comatose. The solution therefore goes beyond mere formulation of some policies by the federal government in Abuja. There should be a framework where states and local governments are held accountable for maternal child health care services in their domains.

Going forward, we believe the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) should be strengthened in such a manner that enables it effectively collaborate with the states. There is also a need to go beyond rhetoric and promises, to actionable plans to address all the existing gaps in the primary health sector. Nigerian children deserve the right to live and women should not bear the burdens of pregnancies in vain.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

KIDNAPPINGS ON THE OBAJANA-OKENE HIGHWAY

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hile the attention of security agencies is focused on tackling criminal activities, banditry and terrorism in the North West and North East of the country, the failure to effectively man the Obajana-Okene axis has worsened the security situation in the area with almost a weekly incident of kidnappings of luxury and mini bus passengers. In the latest incident which occurred on September 22, three passengers including a lady, of one of the major transport companies in Nigeria were kidnapped by men said to be in military uniform along the Obajana-Okene highway. Over 15 passengers sustained various degrees of injuries during the incident.

The criminals are asking for a ransom of N10 million on each of the three kidnapped victims. It is indeed sad that a transport company had in the past one month witnessed three incidents of abductions of their passengers along the Obajana-Okene axis in Kogi State with one person killed, several people abducted and millions of naira paid as ransom to these dare-devil criminals. As a matter of fact most of the major bus transport companies in Nigeria had at one time or the other fell victims to the marauders.

It is sad that innocent citizens who

struggle on daily basis to make ends meet, by travelling at night and day usually fall victims to men of the underworld who kill, maim, extort and subject them to inhuman treatments including rape.

Every passing day Nigerians are inundated with tales of kidnappings involving passengers, drivers and conductors of interstate mini and luxury buses and it is more painful if we remember that the victims are the productive business men and women, as well as travellers who power the country’s economy with their productivity.

Apart from that they are also breadwinners of their families.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has made tremendous efforts to curtail the activities of these men of the underworld, but it is important that attention is shifted towards Obajana-Okene and Abuja-Lokoja axis as the incidents of kidnappings and sundry crimes have become too rampant. The police and army authorities responsible for the area ought to justify their positions by taking the fight to the criminals.

As things stand now, it has become imperative to restore police escorts to luxury buses in order to serve as a deterrence against bandits and terrorists who presently take advantage of the bad portions of the highways and absence of enough security

personnel to carry out their evil intentions.

The negative impact of the kidnapping activities portends grave danger to Nigeria’s tourism sector which is projected to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in this era of dwindling oil revenues.

Therefore, there is the need for the Nigerian security agencies to redouble their efforts towards curbing the incessant kidnappings going on our highways. Also the state, local and federal governments must synergise towards finding a lasting solution to the menace of kidnappings along the highways in Kogi State as it not only threatens the lives of innocent citizens but it deprives the affected state and local governments of the much-needed internal revenue for development. It should be recalled that President Buhari had challenged the security chiefs to wake up and do more to curtail insecurity in the land.

As a country we must not surrender to the whims of these devilish men. Government must of necessity initiate moves to confront this menace before it becomes cancerous.

Already there is apprehension in the land including the once peaceful Southern part of the country, that bandits and terrorists are taking positions with plans to attack innocent citizens and their communities.

These must not be allowed to happen

as the consequences will have negative consequences for Nigeria, especially among the members of international community.

Already we have witnessed periodic advisories by some foreign embassies in Nigeria to their citizens to avoid travelling to some parts of the country. It now behoves on the federal and Kogi State governments to prove the naysayers wrong by taking proactive measures towards curtailing the evil activities of kidnappers along the Obajana-Okene axis of the state.

Kogi as a confluence state remains a transit point for travellers from all parts of the country, and they come with their money to patronise Kogi citizens along their travel routes. This mode of business will be undermined by kidnappers, bandits and terrorists if their activities are not contained.

Nigeria has the capacity and security personnel to confront this danger and the time to deploy the human and material resources for the purpose is now. As the federal and state governments make spirited efforts to rejuvenate the economy, attract foreign investors and create jobs for the citizenry it is important that all efforts be geared towards eradicating criminals along the country’s highways. r#POJGBDF &OFLXFDIJ "CVKB

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

POLITICS

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

‘The Era of Godfather Has Gone, Obaseki Has No Excuse Now’

In this conversation with Chuks Okocha, Kenneth Imansuangbon otherwise known as the ‘Rice man’ in Edo central senatorial spoke on the lessons of the victory of Godwin Obaseki over the All Progressives Congress candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his godfather, Adams Oshiomhole

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expect that he should create enabling environment for good governance, attract more investors like he has done. We expect to have a good team irrespective of where you are from. If I were him, I would select a good team, crack team to crack the problems of Edo State. I don’t expect Godwin to be a godfather. He would not be a godfather. I watched him closely. For the few times I have associated with him, I think he is an honest gentleman, whose interest is in Edo and the development of humanity. So, he would not play godfather. He should run with the dreams, values and thoughts of his mind. He has got a very good wife.

She is Godly and very gentle. She is not a bad person. So, with a good wife, a good team, with his state of mind, with his educational horizon and his perspective, I see a very good second tenure that will end well for him.

hat does the outcome of the governorship election portend?

It means that the people at all times are the bastion of democracy. For the international community too, it means that we are partners. It means the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a good man. When the president of a country is free and fair, righteousness reigns. That is what President Muhammadu Buhari has shown. He allowed a free process.

What does it means for the military, they can be professionals. I must say kudos to the Nigeria police.

Nigerians must be grateful to the police. And INEC too, we must thank Professor Mahmood Yakubu. He is great guy and I must thank him most sincerely that he allowed the will of the people to prevail . The mood of the country is great. The country is coming back now. It is a foundation.

Edo is now a great way, a door to democracy. I hope we build now on what we have done in Edo and take it to Ondo. It doesn’t matter the party that wins. Even if we had lost this election, it wouldn’t have mattered.

But what matters to me is that the President allowed democracy, the military did not intervene, the police did not intervene, Professor Yakubu of INEC himself did not intervene.

For the country it is okay, it is not about the party but about the people.

What are the lessons to be learnt from this election and secondly, what is your expectation from Obaseki during this second tenure?

The lesson to be learnt is that God will always win, the people will always win. I must also congratulate Godwin Obaseki for his courage to fight and be on the side of the people. We must salute his courage when he was denied his ticket in APC. A lily-livered man would have chickened out but he offered himself as the torch bearer of democracy. He showed that he is a democrat. He was on the side of the people. And the people were on his side. The people saw Obaseki as a bastion of hope, as a torch bearer of democratic light and he seized the opportunity and ran with it.

I have learnt that we must take one lesson away and that is that power belongs to God and the people. I am not surprised that Godwin Obaseki won by the act of God and of the people.

What are your expectations from Obaseki?

My expectations from Godwin Obaseki is that, I will be speaking for the people and Nigerians at large is that I expect Obaseki to settle down quickly. He doesn’t have any excuse now. The era of godfather has gone.

He is a free man, no chains, no encumbrance anymore. So, he must sit down quickly to do the work of the people. Because the people voted for him, they were with him and they are expecting so much from him and we will give him our support. I will personally give him my support, I will tell him the truth. There is nothing I am looking for. What I am

Imansuangbon

looking for is our roads to be tarred, our schools to work, our hospitals to be brought back and with the good work he has been doing, I expect he will advance in the second tenure and God will help him What happened in essence by this massive show of solidarity for the government is that now he must confront the challenges of governance. What are the essential pillars of progress you will suggest to him?

His essential pillar of progress

is, one, I know Godwin fears God. He should fear God in his second tenure. I know his heart and that is why I stepped down for him. He is Godly, fearless, passionate about the people’s job. So, the essential engine should be those attributes that some of us saw that convinced us to give him the support. Those attributes of honesty, sincerity and passion for the people. He should hold on to those and drive the economy of Edo. We expect a robust economy in the second tenure, we expect security and stability of Edo, we

I don’t expect Godwin to be a godfather.

He would not be a godfather. I watched him closely. For the few times I have associated with him, I think he is an honest gentleman, whose interest is in Edo and the development of humanity. So, he would not play godfather. He should run with the dreams, values and thoughts of his mind. He has got a very good wife. She is Godly and very gentle. She is not a bad person. So, with a good wife, a good team, with his state of mind, with his educational horizon and his perspective, I see a very good second tenure that will end well for him

There is this insinuation out there that there is pact with his colleagues in the APC: that he might return to their fold, having won the election. Is that true?

I don’t see him going back to the APC. I don’t think that will happen.

My own advice is that it is not the party, it is who you are and what your thoughts for the people are, what you want to achieve. People might not remember you for the party you belonged to, but people will remember you for your development and strides, your actions and inactions, what you did and what you failed to do, whether you did good or bad. I think Godwin, party or no party, I think he is sincere and we will help him to succeed.

With the weekend election, PDP has finally taken the entire Southsouth as a bloc . Going forward to 2023, what impact will this have for the party?

It is a good signal. It means that PDP is going to produce the next president. The calculation is now there. South-south bloc votes. Southsouth is purely PDP, no doubt any more. Even the North-east and Northwest, are PDP too. The country has seen the minus of the APC. I predict that by 2023, PDP will have the day from what this gathering, the storms and the cloud, when you see the cloud coming, know that it is about to rain. When you see game shifting, know that it is about to change.

Even as you bask in the euphoria of Obaseki’s victory, I was at the polling unit where he voted and he actually made certain reservations about INEC’s preparations which he described as shoddy: malfunctioning Card Reader, vote buying. As we go into the Ondo governorship election, what are your expectations from INEC? I expect that INEC should improve on Edo. It is not about the party or individual, it is about the country, it is about Ondo people. Ondo people must take a lesson from Edo to say to Tinubu, ‘Ondo is not Lagos’. The people have the power. I call on all Ondo people to take the challenge.

The godfathers in Ondo are very few.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

POLITICS

‘Niger Delta Governors View 13% Derivation Fund as Free Money ‘

Adedayo Akinwale dialogues with the lawmaker representing Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Farah Dagogo, on the deplorable living conditions of the people of the Niger Delta, as well as, disunity within the Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the House which he says makes APC anti-people policies a norm

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better the gains and improve on the failings or the shortcomings of the PDP. Nigerians expected that stable foods such as 50kg bag of rice which was sold at N9, 000, Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as fuel, which was N87 per litre, electricity, which obviously required improvement, but was available and affordable then, would now have the midas touch of the APC and the ‘Change’ slogan of 2015 would actually have a positive bearings on the lives of Nigerians, but all those have turned out to be ruse. Nigerians, apart from the few that are benefiting from the pains of millions, believe that the Nigeria of 2015 and before sure needed development but it was better than the ‘Changed Nigeria’ of 2015 to date. These unfortunate and untimely hike in prices of electricity and petrol have further challenged the spirit of many Nigerians, who have zeroed their minds to survive the remaining years of the APC-led government. The truth is, Nigerians are just surviving under this government and the various anti people policies only confirmed this sad reality.

ow will you assess the utilisation of the 13 per cent Derivation fund for the development of the Niger Delta by the governors of

the region?

This is a very sad commentary as it relates to the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta. The 13 per cent derivation is the fund set aside to assist oil-producing communities tackle infrastructural decay and degradation, emphasis on the oil producing communities.

What it means basically is that in sharing the federation account revenue, 13 per cent should be set aside to assist the development of these oil-producing communities. About two decades down the line, what is there to show for the humongous monies that have come in? The Governors, past and present, view it as free monies. Between 2000 and 2018, over N10 trillion from the 13 per cent derivation principle have been shared to the Niger Delta governors, on behalf of the oil producing communities, yet the deplorable living conditions of the people from these oil-producing communities have remained nauseating and deplorable with the people battling and still reeking with the worst and highest form of poverty. For instance, in Rivers State where I come from, oil producing communities that are in the riverine areas have been begging for the Trans-Kalabari ring road to connect the riverine communities, where the oil producing communities are located, with the uplands areas and fasten development. This ring road alone will connect the oil producing communities with other areas of the state and ease that problem of mobility.

If you are very versed with the Niger Delta region or with Rivers State, you understand the economic value that comes with this road.

Regrettably, it has become fashionable to use it as campaign promises and abandon it on assumption of power. This project will cost less than N30billion and could signify proof that the 13 percent derivation fund is actually being utilized for the oil producing communities as it was spelt out. Unfortunately, the governors are rather more interested in superfluous and white elephant projects that could be used to embezzle funds. Conduct an investigation in these areas, these oil producing communities and you will weep when you gauge their abject living conditions with what had been allocated to them. No electricity, no drinking water, no roads, total lack of basic amenities. For instance, oil producing communities, though their state governors, received N602.37 billion as their 13 percent derivation fund from the Federal Government between January 2017 and April 2018. Imagine the positive effects a whopping N602. 37billion would have on the lives of the people and its communities if a fraction of these monies were channelled towards the development of these communities? And there is this grand conspiracy of silence from the Federal Government. Why are the right questions not being asked? What is the true state of the suspicious financial hanky panky in the actual production and cost as it relates to the figures the International Oil Companies reel out? Why are the IOCs allowed to do their costing in dollars with appaling disregard for the currency of the country they operate in especially when the 13 percent are derived through them ?How could the people from these communities be left in such sorry state and the Federal Government is not doing anything about it, especially as the governors, who receive these fund on behalf of them, have been indifferent to their plight and have established a line that they would rather fill their pockets with the funds and continue to live large rather than commit such to the development of the communities. I challenge any governor from the Niger Delta oil producing communities to explain, with irrefutable facts, how they have actually used the derivation funds to better

Dagogo the lives of the people and their oil producing communities. Their explanations could only be imagined as It would only amount to looking for a needle in a haystack, it will not produce anything concrete. However, I strongly believe it is never too late to correct the wrongs of the past. I have a positive conviction that this set of governors will stay on the right side of history and do justice to the revenues they are getting on behalf of the oil producing communities.

What is the way forward on the rot in the NDDC? The way to go is for Mr. President to overhaul the NDDC in such a manner that will eradicate to the barest minimum some of the notable problems militating against the ability of the NDDC to deliver on its mandate. Rejig the NDDC and ensure it religiously adheres to the core mandate for setting it up, especially in the areas of meaningful intervention. The monies credited to the NDDC in the last decade is not near commensurate with what is on ground in the Niger Delta. It bears similarity to how the governors have mismanaged the 13%derivation fund. I would like to see reputable recruitment agencies contracted to administer a recruitment drive open to qualified and competent local and diaspora Nigerian indigenes from the NDDC member states for recruitment into the board and management cadre. These recruited personnel are

to run the NDDC in a very professional semi corporate manner, a complete departure from the unnecessarily bureaucratic manner being presently operated. This pattern of recruitment substantially curtails political interference and pandering to the whines and caprices of politicians and influential Nigerians who are in the habit of planting Board and Management staff in proxy for themselves. A forensic audit be conducted by credible firm, other than those being engaged by the IMC, to recover stolen funds including monies carted away by non/underperforming contractors as well as indentify priority and failed projects.

What is your take on the hike in petrol and electricity prices?

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power in 2015, because there was a generally spread misconception that the PDP government as it was then had taken the country to a cliff, that we were, as a nation, on the precipice. Lots of falsehood were spread and most Nigerians keyed into it, especially as the APC out of sheer desperation to grab power equally cashed on the gullibility of majority of the populace to also make promises they know they couldn’t keep. Today, we are all paying for the misadventures of 2015. The pathetic aspect is that the government of the day is still justifying the unbearable hardships it has foisted on Nigerians. Nigerians expected the APC to

Lots of falsehood were spread and most Nigerians keyed into it, especially as the APC out of sheer desperation to grab power equally cashed on the gullibility of majority of the populace to also make promises they know they couldn’t keep.

Today, we are all paying for the misadventures of 2015. The pathetic aspect is that the government of the day is still justifying the unbearable hardships it has foisted on Nigerians. Nigerians expected the APC to better the gains and improve on the failings or the shortcomings of the PDP

Is the PDP, as a caucus in the House of Representatives, mobilizing against the Water Resources Bill?

I don’t want to talk about the PDP caucus for now because as a House, we are divided against ourselves. Even at this stage where a supposedly serious opposition party in the mould of the PDP, should be facing its role squarely and giving the ruling party superior alternatives to the APC inhuman policies, the party is nowhere to be found and instead mirred itself in internal politics. The position of the House of Representatives minority leader has been resolved one way or the other, why don’t all feuding parties let go of their grouse and focus on the goal of making lives better for Nigerians by putting the APC on its toes and propelling them (APC) towards the right path, since misdirection has become a norm for them. When disunity is allowed to grow within a fold as result of the selfish pursuits of few individuals, the result is the temerity that the APC would push for a bill and insist on its passage even when generality of the populace it claimed to care for are against it.

Very simple, as a member of the PDP caucus, which also heads the minority seats in the House of Representatives, it is high time we got our acts together. This kind of divisiveness among our ranks is affecting Nigerians but playing in favour of the APC. Until the APC led federal government shows superior proof, with incontrovertible enlightenment that would assauge the fears of Nigerians that the Water Resources Bill was actually meant to better the lives of Nigerians, I believe we in the PDP House of Representatives will be forced to toe that path which the people are yearning and clamouring for.

Some socio-political organization have kicked against the moves by the National Assembly to further alter the constitution, describing it as wasteful and needless.

What do you think of such positions?

I beg to disagree with that line of reasoning.

Our constitution is not cast in stone. Every now and then, it will require some form of amendments to align with current realities.

I think, this is an avenue for people to make their inputs through their various representatives at the National and state assemblies.

Those clamouring for state creation, those that want another local government area, those that feel the earlier constitution short changed them, those that have recommendations that would strengthen our constitution and our government, this is an opportunity. The people need to follow it up religiously so their voices, agitations, areas of concern and what have you, can be properly addressed and taken care off. I believe all constitution amendments are in the right direction, and my view on that is still the same with this as well.

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FEATURES

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

Priotising Post COVID-19 Recovery in Nigeria As a leading player in the fight against climate change and a UK champion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the CDC Group’s recent virtual visit to Nigeria was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and growth recovery process beyond the crisis, writes Chiemelie Ezeobi

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o reiterate its commitment to economic development and growth recovery beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant crisis, the CDC Group, a leading player in the fight against climate change and a UK champion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, recently paid a virtual visit to Nigeria.

CDC Group’s Chief Executive, Nick O’Donohoe and Chairman, Graham Wrigley, led a delegation of its Board members on a virtual visit to Nigeria on September 21 and 22.

According to the Press and Public Affairs Officer, British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, Ndidiamaka Eze, the CDC Group is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. Funded by the UK Government, all proceeds from its investments are reinvested to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa and South Asia.

She noted that the delegation had the pleasure of meeting the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, and others, to understand the impact of CDC’s support to its investees through the COVID-19 crisis and understand how to stimulate recovery and growth.

Also, she said discussions also focused on CDC’s own response to the pandemic through its preserve, strengthen and rebuild programme and, CDC’s continued role in supporting the economic ecosystem of Nigeria, particularly through the imperative lens of a green recovery.

During the virtual tour, she said CDC met local businesses leaders, learning more about what they need to grow their companies and how investors can support their ambitions, adding that CDC is an active investment partner in Nigeria and has over 70 years’ experience investing across Africa.

She said: “Nigeria represents a key market for CDC which has US$425 million currently invested in the country. Its portfolio of nearly

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing

100 businesses supports nearly 38,000 jobs; CDC also partners 40 investment funds. Benson Adenuga is CDC’s Head of Office & Coverage Director in Nigeria. Investment partnerships include Afreximbank, Africa Capital Alliance and Indorama.

In his speech, Chief Executive Officer, CDC

Group, Nick O’Donohoe said: “Nigeria plays a key part in our strategy of partnership and investment for economic growth in West Africa.

Hosting our 2020 board trip– albeit virtually – in both markets is a testament to our commitment. “Looking forward, we will continue to prioritise the post COVID-19 recovery, as part of the

Build Back Better agenda. We are committed to supporting a deeper and more strategic bilateral partnership between the UK and Nigeria that is based on enhancing economic development, job creation, inclusion, trade and investment.�

Also speaking, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing CBE said: ““CDC plays an important role in creating jobs and supporting the growth of businesses by investing in the poorest countries across Africa, including Nigeria, to help develop economies and improve people’s lives. “CDC’s commitment to the country signals to other UK investors that investing in Nigeria is possible and should be prioritised in order to help Nigeria and indeed, Africa, mitigate the impact of COVID-19.�

Giving further details about the CDC, the Press & Public Affairs Officer, said CDC Group is the UK’s first impact investor with over 70 years of experience of successfully supporting the sustainable, long-term growth of businesses in South Asia and Africa.

She said: “CDC is a leading player in the fight against climate change and a UK champion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – the global blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for us all. “The company has investments in over 1,200 businesses in emerging economies and a total portfolio value of ÂŁ5.8bn. This year CDC will invest in companies in Africa and Asia with a focus on fighting climate change, empowering women and creating new jobs and opportunities for millions of people. “CDC is funded by the UK Government and all proceeds from its investments are reinvested to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa and South Asia. “CDC’s expertise makes it the perfect partner for private investors looking to devote capital to making a measurable environmental and social impact in countries most in need of investment.â€?

SPAN Marks 15 Years of Artistic Performance, Celebrates Nigeria at 60 Mary Nnah Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) is set to hold another session of dance fiesta, as its marks its 15th year of existence and this time, the occasion is coinciding with Nigeria's 60th anniversary.

SPAN is a non-governmental organisation set up in February 2005 with the aim of creating a world standard for performing arts education and expression in Nigeria. It has put 15 years of success in capacity building in performing art employment and development.

Speaking on the significance of this year’s event, SPAN Founder/Chairperson, Mrs Sarah Boulos said, “We are the future of a thriving industry with young Nigerian artists who have understood the very essence of their citizenship through creativity and civic responsibility. This year, our slogan is #committedtovalueyou under the season tagged SPAN - Committed and Valued. “This season, we are also celebrating SPAN at 15 and Nigeria at 60. With the launch of our call to action to all the nations to build the state of the art performing centre in the Eko Atlantic City, we are producing a masterpiece with 60 performers on our land there, to announce our commitment to contribute to our nation as performing thriving artists and change makers.�

For 15 years since inception, SPAN has been offering exceptional opportunities in dance, music, theatre and visual arts to the talented Nigerian youth, by inspiring, training, and empowering them, so that their creativity is unleashed.

Emphasising on SPAN’s commitment to the development of performing art in Nigeria, Boulos said, “We believe that every citizen

Sarah Boulos

matters; that as an arts community composed of more than 3000 members and 100 affiliates, we cannot give up, that we must stand out and know our purpose, our talent and develop it with excellence. We can still shine and stay relevant to our community and the

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society at large.�

To celebrate Nigeria at 60 and SPAN at 15, the organisation is staging a seven minute masterpiece in music dance and drama to be released on October 1, 2020 at SPAN’ Eko Atlantic City land where SPAN firmly

believes it can build together a state of the art performing art centre and an academy for Nigeria to reaffirm the excellence in young gifts and talents.

SPAN Chairperson who revealed that the event will be broadcasted worldwide on October 1, added, “I believe it now, more than ever, that we all must individually contribute our personal values to be part of the change for Nigeria's future that we all greatly desire. “Our movement this year 'Committed to Value You' stands as the primary focus of our 15 year old journey and to raise funding to build our performing art centre to be the home for our performing artists who desire to empower their future in Nigeria's entertainment industry.�

Lined up programmes for the forthcoming event include 15 challenges designed to empower different categories of the populace; 15 broadcasted successful stories of some of brilliant artistes who having honed their skills at SPAN, have gone on to impact the communities around them, a virtual performing art summit, launch of Filmmaker kids and teen club, which opened recently, opening of six SPAN branches studio to provide music , dance and drama education in Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Surulere, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Dolphin Estate.

Considering the new normal and deliberation consciousness on ground occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, SPAN intends to make the forthcoming event virtual. “We are planning a special cocktail with COVID-19 safety measures in place in December and special live performances for an exclusive audience on December 5, 2020 and a special presentation of Alice in Wonderland with SPAN kids for our families to enjoy live and virtually, she added. .

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Primate Ndukuba Setting the Stage for Anglican Evangelical Revival Folu Olamiti FGNE The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion is set for a new phase of ten years of evangelical revival targeted not only at building the capacity of members of the church to live a life that pleases God and qualifies them for eternal life but also to raise them as intentional disciples of Jesus Christ that would transform the society in which they live through their exemplary lifestyle . Also to preach the undiluted word of God that would turn people away from all social vices and other ungodly acts that are not in consonance with the will of God. Leading this revival is the new Primate of the Church and Metropolitan Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba. He is passionate in seeing christians step up deliberate and sustainable drive to impact the society towards eradicating or curbing many acts of ungodliness bedevilling the nation such as corruption, indiscipline, hate, violence, armed robbery, kidnappings, ritual killings and all forms of immorality.

According to him, this task has always been an all time mandate given by God to all Christians but many Christians had gotten used to living a subsistent life, concerned more about meeting their present needs and just being able to survive rather than going out of their way to bring people to the knowledge of God's will and obedience to it in all that they do so that people will live right and the world would be a safe and conducive place for all.

Primate Ndukuba had declared in March this year, during his inauguration as the fifth head of the church in Nigeria that his mandatory tenure of ten years in office would be "a decade of God's reign." While pledging to uphold the Anglican orthodoxy, strengthen the teaching of the word of God and attend to all areas of need for the spiritual and physical growth and development of the church, he pointed out that he would focus on re-evangelism and discipleship to establish the reign of God over the church and the nation at large.

He further drove the point home during the eleventh synod of the Diocese of Abuja in July this year charging the church to brace up for an evangelical revival towards transforming the society at all levels beginning from families to communities and the various sectors of national life such as educational system, politics and governance, business and finance, the media and entertainment sectors and see that God's will reigns over all.

Explaining further at the synod , he said: "More

Primate of the Church and Metropolitan Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba

than survival, God's children and church must live in fullness. We must live the kingdom life and have the kingdom mindset to pursue, overtake and recover all the souls and resources that God has given us....The beggarly mentality must be done away with as we stand in faith and the word of God to declare and pray that God our Father, will have his way, His will be done among us as in heaven."

Though Primate Ndukuba was installed at a time when the country was coming under lockdown and doors to churches were closed soon after as a result of the corona virus pandemic, he hit the ground running working towards strengthening existing institutions of the church and setting up various committees and work groups to chart the way forward to the next level of the future of the church. Beyond that he initiated online sunday services through the church owned Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television ( ACNNTV) that bring worship on Sunday to many homes. It was an innovation of worship that has become popular to all our members as well as Christian faithful world wide.

With the lockdown now substantially eased and doors to churches reopened, the Anglican Communion is now set for the next level of evangelism and christian discipleship that will

master liturgist and accomplished evangelist with results to show. Members of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion are already feeling the vibes coming from Primate Ndukuba.

It is worthy of note that he distinguished himself in all the offices he occupied before assuming the office of Primate. Apart from successfully pastoring churches, he lectured at St. Francis of Assisi Theological College, Wusasa, Zaria. He rose to become the Dean of the institution. He was chairman of the liturgy and spirituality committee of the Church of Nigeria with the responsibility of producing the annual Bible Study manual and Daily Fountain devotional, Sunday School manual and Youth Devotional.

His committee also produced the new Book of common Prayer and Hymnal for the Church of Nigeria. Other capacities in which he served include as Chairman of the Church of Nigeria Historical records and Artifacts Committee involved in recording and preserving the historical records and artifacts of the church. Primate Ndukuba aso served as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the organization charged with the responsibility of translating the bible and producing literary materials in Nigerian languages particularly the local languages of the ethnic minorities All these intimidating achievements notwithstanding, Primate Ndukuba is most famous for church planting and evangelism, raising Christ's discipleship which remain the core of his ministry till date. He has served all his life in the northern parts of the country, particularly in areas where Christianity hitherto enjoyed less popularity but he has been able to work with local community leaders to grow the church substantially and at the same time maintain peaceful coexistence with adherents of the other religion. For instance, under his watch as Bishop of Gombe, the diocese grew from 18 churches to 150 churches. He has special interest in taking the gospel to the unreached remote communities in the land and like the missionaries of old, he labours to attract development to these communities as well as put measures in place to ameliorate their social and economic related sufferings.

With Primate Ndukuba's evangelism background and with the help of God, it is believed that the revival agenda he has set for the Church of Nigeria can be achieved and lead to God's reign prevailing more and more over the church and the nation at large.

see the gospel spreading far and wide across all strata of society and to the nooks and crannies of the nation. It is a familiar turf for the new Primate as he has always been renowned for his special interest in evangelism, church planting and teaching of the word of God at all the levels he has served since he became a servant of God. Perhaps this passion may have contributed to his rapid rise within the ranks of priesthood following his ordination in 1984 at the age of 23, the minimum age for ordination to priesthood in the church of Nigeria. He was made a Canon in 1989 and he became an Archdeacon three years later. Ten years later, in 1999 he was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gombe. While he remained Bishop of Gombe, he was promoted to additional higher authority as Archbishop of Anglican Province of Jos in 2017 which he held until he was elected Primate of the Church of Nigeria in September 2019 and consecrated in March 2020. In the course of his ecclesiastical career, Primate Ndukuba served in many critical roles in the ministry of the church since his ordination to the priesthood till date. And he worked diligently to justify the confidence reposed in him in all the assignments thrust upon him. He is many t0MBNJUJ B NFEJB DPOTVMUBOU XSJUFT GSPN things - a biblical scholar and researcher, prolific writer, eloquent teacher and preacher of the gospel, "CVKB

Hunger: Beyond the Numbers Elvis Eromosele

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he world is run by numbers. With numbers, we measure, rank and position. In many parts of the world, numbers decide elections, determine the distribution of economic resources and serve as a yardstick for measuring progress. Understanding numbers, therefore, is an important way to appreciate issues.

Today, there is a number for nearly everything.

The most impressive ones are those that show trends.

The World Bank is big on numbers. The numbers from its research influence policies in countless countries and organisations. It estimates that almost 10 per cent of the world’s population, or 734 million people, are poor. That is, about 734 million people in the world live on less than $1.90 per day. The sad part is that a full half of the total number of poor people in the world live in just five countries.

Nigeria is one of those five countries. There are more than 82 million poor people in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Numbers paint a picture. This is true. It is, however, not always a pretty picture. Numbers also tell stories. But it is not always the whole story. As Ron DeLegge II noted in Gents with No Cents, “99 per cent of all statistics only tell 49 per cent of the story.�

Take the number 800 million. This number can mean anything or mean nothing. But for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, it is the number of people worldwide who

are hungry and suffer from nutrient deficiencies.

The FAO also estimates that approximately one billion people have inadequate protein intake.

The Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report supports this assertion. The report indicates that the protein intake of Nigerians is generally quite insufficient.

Sometimes, numbers are not just figures. They are people. They are a catalogue of the world’s most persistence problems. Problems that must be resolved to improve life for all.

Experts insist that the world is also going to be saved by numbers. If this is true, then 17 must be the figure. The reason is not far-fetched – 17 represents the number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals designed as a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all�. Set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, the SDGs are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.

The goals are meant to address the global challenges, including those related to poverty, nutrition, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and, to leave no one behind, they all must be achieved. The period 2020 to 2030 has therefore been declared as the Decade of Action.

Specifically, SDG 2 seeks to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The target of SDG 2 is zero hunger.

To achieve zero hunger calls for genuine commitment. It requires a number of stakeholders, across the public and private sectors, to find a reason to work together for the common good.

While progress had been made in this space, the

coronavirus pandemic has greatly heightened the challenges, especially for the most vulnerable.

The pandemic is just one of many challenges.

The population growth rate is another. The world population is today put at 7.8 billion but it is projected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a United Nations report.

The global population growth compounds the challenge of curtailing hunger and malnutrition.

It dictates that efforts be intensified to achieve zero hunger. Experts rightly point out that the impact of hunger is far-reaching. Hunger produces malnutrition, stunted growth, wasting, babies born prematurely, low birth weights, and in severe cases, infant and child mortalities. And this is only on the physical side. Hunger also causes the economy to suffer. The cost of illness and attendant healthcare; the value of poor educational outcomes and subsequent lower lifetime earnings linked to hunger; and the price of reduced labour productivity precipitated by absenteeism are huge and incalculable.

Whatever these numbers are, they represent waste, avoidable waste. To end this waste, the quest to achieve zero hunger must be pursued relentlessly. Of course, the problem is not just the numbers. It is what they represent. So, beyond the numbers, action is required.

Now, when it comes to flipping the numbers, the government has an important role to play. In many ways, it must take the lead. To start with, it must take another look at its policies. It must seek to actively implement policies that truly empower citizens, by boosting the capacity to earn, so that people can live meaningful and productive lives.

To reduce the number of hungry people in Nigeria, and indeed across the world, citizen empowerment is key. As the Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report revealed affordability and availability are the key factors in food choice among Nigerians. The report, which shed light on food consumption patterns among Nigerians, fingers high cost as a major disincentive for the consumption of most nutrient-rich protein food in the country.

Furthermore, the government must support and indeed promote sustainable farming practices to achieve food security.

Next, there has to be a deliberate, conscious intensive nationwide campaign to create awareness about the need to improve access to nutritious food.

This would involve orientation on the advantages of eating right, with nutrient-rich foods held up as essential for a healthier life.

Protein Challenge, a protein-pull media campaign supported by the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and other partners, is working in that space to create awareness about the prevalence, status and impact of protein deficiency in Nigeria.

Action Against Hunger and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and other similar organisations are also here represented.

Eliminating hunger in Nigeria would mean successfully flipping the numbers. It will signify a huge step towards improved living condition for the citizens. To achieve the SDG 2, we must look beyond the numbers. t&SPNPTFMF B $PSQPSBUF $PNNVOJDBUJPO QSPGFTTJPOBM BOE QVCMJD BGGBJST BOBMZTU MJWFT JO -BHPT

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

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REPO 2% 3%

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Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

S E P T E M B E R S & P INDEX INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY

1 8 , 2 0 2 0 S&P

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EXCHANGE RATE 7.07 % 25.24 %

N379/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes BXC Nigeria Appoints Emoruwa ED

UNVEILING 50TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO

L-R: Chairman, Leadway Holdings, Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale; ; MD/CEO, Leadway Capital & Trusts, Mr. Ayodeji Wuraola; MD/ CEO, Leadway Pensure, Mrs. Aderonke Adedeji; Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Asset Management, Mr. David Alao Executive Director, Leadway Assurance, Ms. Adetola Adegbayi, and MD/CEO, Leadway Assurance, Mr. Tunde Hassan-Odukale, at the official unveiling of the 50th Anniversary logo of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, held in Lagos…recently

Report: Universal Connectivity Key to Sustainable Devt, Global Recovery Stories by Emma Okonji Universal broadband access is the vital catalyst needed to drive global economic recovery and accelerate lacklustre progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a new report released by the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development was established in 2010 by International Telecoms Union (ITU) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), with the aim of boosting the importance of broadband on the international policy agenda, and expanding broadband access in every country as key to accelerating progress towards national and international development targets.

TELECOM According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly underscored humanity’s growing reliance on digital networks for business continuity, employment, education, commerce, banking, healthcare, and a whole host of other essential services.

Yet today, almost half the global population can still not access the internet, and hundreds of millions more struggle with slow, costly and unreliable connections, often through remote locations like internet cafés.

The report, released at the commission’s 10th anniversary meeting, which held recently, included a rallying call to world leaders and heads of industry to place universal broadband connectivity at the very forefront

of global recovery and sustainable development efforts.

The theme: ‘Tackling Digital Inequalities, A Decade for Action,’ highlighted stark disparities in access to high-speed connectivity that have prevented billions of adults and children from benefiting from remote working, learning and communication.

The report also took stock of progress made in expanding access to and adoption of broadband infrastructure and services, and achieving the commission’s seven 2025 advocacy targets.

Co-Chair of the Broadband Commission and President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said: ”The first decade of the Broadband Commission has made a real impact by highlighting the transformational power of universal access to high-speed internet connectivity

and smartphones.

“Ideas that seemed futuristic ten years ago, are now mainstream. The next decade will be about using digital tools to speed up the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and make up some of the lost ground on the SDGs.” President of the Carlos Slim Foundation and Co-chair of the Broadband Commission, Carlos Slim Helú, said: “Today our challenge is to look for universal connectivity and to make it available for countries and people.

Broadband connectivity is the bridge to move to economic development and welfare.”

ITU Secretary-General, and Co-Vice Chair of the commission, Houlin Zhao, said: “Increasing and coordinating ICT infrastructure investments Continued on page 22

Experts Call for Collaboration to Enhance Digital Economy Some information communication technology (ICT) experts have called on the federal government to collaborate with the private sector in order to provide more support for the ICT industry, if the country must achieve its digital economy initiatives.

The experts made the call at the sixth edition of the 2020 Information Communications Technology and Telecommunications Expo (ICTEL 2020), organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), which ended yesterday.

One of the keynote speakers at the two-day virtual conference and CEO of MainOne Broadband company, Ms. Funke Opeke, stressed the

TELECOM need for government to collaborate with the ICT industry and provide more support for start-ups, whom she said had been impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the globe.

“The global pandemic impacted negatively on startups and most of them were forced to close business. There is so much work to be done to achieve digital economy drive, and Nigeria must move beyond the level of over-dependency on oil revenue.

“Government must therefore collaborate with the private sector to achieve this. The support will enable startups put up more strategies to boost

their operational plans,” Opeke said.

Opeke, who explained that 20 per cent of the Nigerian population had been forced to work from home, said: “There has been a big shift towards online activities, as a result of the influence of digital economy.

So the majority of Nigerians that are outside the 20 per cent population are actually left out and there is need for inclusiveness to give digital access to Nigerians that do not have access to digital economy.

“To achieve this, there must be digital connectivity to enable the digital economy initiative, in terms of connecting to digital devices. Some cities in Nigeria have 4G connections but most times citizens do not have full

access to the 4G network.”

“The National Broadband Plan 2025 committee, which I co-Chair, has a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration with 4G services around the country at a download speed of 25 megabytes per second in urban areas and 10 megabytes per second in rural areas by 2025. “But when we look at international statistics on download speeds and compare them with the download speeds in Nigeria today, we discovered that our average is still four megabytes per second range, which is a wide gap to the projected broadband target.

“So we have a lot of work to do to expand our fiber Continued on page 22

Technologysolutionprovider,BCXNigeriahasappointedMr.AdelekeEmoruwa asitsExecutiveDirector/V.P.CentreofExcellence.

HisappointmenttookeffectfromJuly2020.

Accordingtothecompany’sManagingDirectorMr.AyoAdegboye, Emoruwa wouldbringhiswealthofexperienceintotheBCXbusiness,tofurtherdrive itsmissionof providingexcellentsupportforitscustomersthroughevolving technologieslikeartificialintelligenceanddataanalyticsinthisdigitalera.

Emoruwaisamultitalentedprofessionalwithabackgroundinelectricaland electronicsengineering.Healsoholdsmastersdegreesinbusinessadministration(MBAFinancialManagement)andInformationTechnology(M.Tech).

Hisprofessionalcareerspansvariousareasincludingmanufacturing,radioand televisionbroadcasting,instrumentationengineering,seismicdataacquisition andprocessing,telecommunicationengineeringandinformationtechnology.

Whiletheearlyyearsofhiscareerwereinmanufacturingandbroadcasting, he has been in the oil and gas sector, both upstream and midstream for the lastthirtyyears.

He is a public/motivational speaker, logistics management consultant, real estate and property developer, business/engineering consultant, coach, mentor,andhumancapacitybuilder.

Emoruwa is also on the board of several organizations providing strategic leadershipandsteeringtoachievegreatersuccess.

As a technology solution provider, BCX has partnered with several global technology companies to provide bespoke solutions to enterprises and smallbusinesses.

Adeoti Wins Awards

ManagingDirectorandCEO,Inlaks,aninformationtechnologyandinfrastructure solutionsprovider,Mr.FemiAdeoti,hasbeenannouncedwinnerofthe2020 TopCEOsandNextBullsAwardsorganisedbyBusinessDayMediaLimited incollaborationwiththeNigerianStockExchange(NSE).

The MD/CEO whilst receiving the award dedicated it to the management andstaffofInlaksfortheirrelentlessserviceevenduringthesetryingtimes.

Healsoappreciatedtheboardoftheorganisationthatdrovechangeswithin theorganisationparticularlyinthepandemicwhichledtothecompanybeing recognized and the customers who have continued to support Inlaks while beingambassadorsofallInlaks’solutions.

The CEO and Next Bulls awards, the sixth in its series, recognises the CEOs oflistedcompaniescreatingcompetitiveshareholdervaluethroughsound strategy, disciplined execution and world class governance. In addition, it celebrates chief executives of quoted companies that have demonstrated themostimpressivegainsinbothsharepriceandservicedelivery.

Themed“AdvancingAgainstallOdds,”thisyear’sawardparticularlyrecognised businessesthathavebeenthrivinginspiteoftheglobalharsheconomicrealities. According to the organisers, the indomitable Next Bulls are the CEOs ragingforwardatatimewhenmanybusinessesarechoosingtoretreat,thus acknowledgingAdeoti’sgoodleadershipintheareaofcorporategovernance, innovationandservicedelivery.

TheCEOsawardcelebratestheCEOsofsuccessful,privately-ownedindigenouscompaniesbuiltbyNigerians,ledbyNigeriansandpoisedtoleadtheir categoriesonthecontinent.

RightNow Media Enters Nigerian Market

RightNowMedia,theworld’slargeststreaminglibraryofbiblicalvideocontent, recently expanded its services to Nigeria and other Africa countries. The expansion into Africa means that churches and Christians on the African continentwillhaveaccesstobiblicaldiscipleshipanddevotionalvideocontent.

NigerianchurcheshavetheopportunitytopartnerwiththemissionofRightNow Media to work with the global church to help people realise their God-given purposethatcanbringrealchange.

PresidentofRightNowMedia,BrianMosley,whilespeakingabouttheexpansion plan, said , “We have had a passion for international ministry for forty years, butonlynowdowehavethetechnologyandinfrastructureinplacetoserve christiansglobally.”

Brianfurtherexplainedthatwithinthelasttwoyears,theministryhasbroadened itsfocustoincludemoreglobalexpansion.“Ourheartbehindgoingglobalisto beapartofwhatGodisdoingaroundtheworldtodiscipleandequipthechurch.”

RightNowMediaislookingforwardtobringingavastlibraryofaffordableand biblical discipleship and devotional video content from seasoned christian pastors and leaders to support work the church in Africa. With RightNow Media, churches can reach people for Christ with tools for pastors and churches in the form of video Bible study content.The tier-pricing plans are structuredsimilarlytotheUS.Itslowestpricetierpackageis$25permonth forachurchofabout100andthatgivesaccesstoallthe100churchmembers.

Thechurch-basedpricingmodelmeansnobodyisleftoutirrespectiveoftheir economicpower.

“eSIM will enable device manufacturers benefit from lower costs and more space on the processing board.

It will also help service providers to generate new revenue streams, and a future of billions of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices” Head of Solution, Cloud at Ericsson Middle East and Africa,

Mr. Said Zantout

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BUSINESSWORLD REPORT: UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVT, GLOBAL RECOVERY will be instrumental, not only in connecting the 3.6 billion people still offline, but also in driving the development of new technologies central to the digital economy.�

UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, said: “Digital technology could be the tool we need for human-centred emancipation. But to play this role, it needs our expertise and cooperation because we need to pool all of our resources if we are to rise to the challenge of connectivity and competencies.�

According to latest ITU data, overall global internet user penetration stands at 53.6 per cent.

The figure however dropped to 47 per cent in developing countries, and further dropped to 19.1 per cent in the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), falling well below the Broadband Commission’s advocacy Target 3 of broadband Internet user penetration of 75 per cent worldwide, 65 per cent in developing countries and 35 per cent in LDCs by 2025.

EXPERTS CALL FOR COLLABORATION TO ENHANCE DIGITAL ECONOMY infrastructure across our cities to increase 4G coverage in order to provide more capacity that will enable us have broadband access, and this calls for collaboration on the part of government,�

Opeke said.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who declared the conference open, said globally, digital revolution was changing lives and societies with unprecedented speed, delivering immense opportunities as well as associated challenges.

Citing the World Economic Forum, which predicted that over 60 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), will be digitalised by 2020, saying that over the next decade, digital platforms would be used for large scale prediction.

Pantami added: “Government will continue to come up with economic policy and strategy that will enhance the National Broadband Plan, which seeks to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

NEWS

FG Assures Manufacturers of Better Operating Environment Goddy Egene The federal government has reiterated its commitment towards boosting foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria, just as it assured manufacturers of enabling environment that will enhance their competitiveness.

The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, stated this at the inauguration of the Systems House of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc’s subsidiary, Vitapur Nigeria Limited in Lagos on Tuesday.

Abubakar stated that the technological innovation has potential to enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings among others. “Availability of Ozonefriendly and Low Global Potential blowing agents in the production of rigid foam.

Generation of foreign exchange for the country from export of Methyl formate and foreign exchange savings from local production. Building of local capacity in the formulation of Methyl formate-based systems and consequently generating employment and wealth. “The Methyl formate systems will serve as source of raw material to ice making machine manufacturers. The project will lead to increased capacity utilization in enterprises that will be using the Methyl formate

being produced by Vitapur,�

Abubakar said.

In his welcome address, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts of the government through its agencies such as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations

Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) had largely accounted for the success of the project. “I will like to crave the indulgence of the Minister to use your good office in engendering government policies that will foster an enabling environment for private entrepreneurs to set up Sandwich panel production lines across the six geopolitical

zones in Nigeria. “For example, the current tax regime that subjects one of our major materials (prepainted galvanized induced steel) to five per cent import levy and 40 per cent Customs duty while imported insulated panels are granted import levy and Customs duty waiver is a major disincentive to local manufacturers. This has a huge

impact on our cost of production and ability to compete with imported finished products. “ In addition, I will like to advocate speedy approval for the commencement of HPMP phase II with Vitapur and outright ban on importation of ODS PU chemicals and products into Nigeria to encourage local production,�

Adeniyi said.

MEDIA BRIEFING

L-R: Director of Operations, Unitellas International Limited (UIL), Ms. Blessing Omo; Company Secretary, Mr. Amos Maisamari; MD/CEO, Mr. Smith Osemeke, and Technical Consultant, Mr. Vijay Gurav, during the Zadara/Unitellas media brieďŹ ng held in Lagos...recently

Digital Identity Will Foster Economic Growth, Says Interswitch Boss Stories by Emma Okonji Nigeria can unlock its full economic potentials if majority of its citizens have digital identity as proposed by the National Identity programme.

The founder and Group Managing Director, Interswitch Group, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, made the assertion during a recent webinar organised

by TechCabal in partnership with VerifyMe, with the theme: ‘Enabling Nigeria’s economic and social growth with digital

identity’.

Elegbe stated that the digital identity database would help Nigerian businesses fasten their growth trajectory where everyone involved across the transacting spectrum could be easily identified.

He emphasised the need for financial service providers to ensure due diligence in carrying out Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. According to him, this would help businesses and their customers complete business transactions faster.

Elegbe also noted that having a single database would aid easy identification of citizens, which he said, remained vital for economic development. “At Interswitch, identity is critical because of the nature of our business and the regulations we adhere to. We believe that provided there is the need to exchange value, irrespective of the form, there is need for some form of identity. However, a real challenge is verifying the individuals outside the formal sector. Developers, businesses

and economies would better achieve their economic potentials if the individuals involved are digitally captured and are easily verifiable. This will in turn reduce fraud and drive growth,� he said.

In order to drive up data acquisition to enable the desired growth, Elegbe advised that there is the need to offer incentives that will encourage people across board to get captured. He also clarified the need for cross referencing of data to ensure that identities are not stolen.

He explained that current data available are disparate and in silos, so cross referencing and electronic capturing will reduce these inconsistencies.

Co-Founder and CEO, VerifyMe Nigeria, Esigie Aguele, corroborated Elegbe’s position, adding that it is imperative for stakeholders in the identity space to provide a central and comprehensive digital identity database, which he said, would enhance security, revenue collection, taxes and jobs creation.

The people of Isokan showered encomiums on Airtel for restoring their long lost hope and giving hundreds of families a chance at a better life as businesses can now thrive with the prospect of stable electricity in the community.

Commenting on the project, Secretary, Electrification of Isokan Community, Mr. Bamidele Olusegun Moses, said the intervention remained life-changing, while thanking Airtel for truly

touching the lives of those in dire need without the attendant fanfare. “Airtel Touching Lives has really touched our lives beyond our imagination. It still feels unreal because we had been in this situation for so long and nobody came to our rescue. I just want to thank Airtel for such generosity. This means so much to the people of Isokan. May God bless Airtel always,� Moses said.

Ogun Community Lauds Airtel Members and leaders of Isokan community in Ogun State has commended Airtel Nigeria for helping to reconnect the community to the public power grid 15 years after it was disconnected due to equipment failure.

The situation of the Isokan community was brought to the attention of the telecoms company after a member heard about the Airtel Touching Lives initiative and beckoned on the

organisation to intervene.

The story was featured in an episode of the television programme, ‘Airtel Touching Lives’, which aired earlier in the year on national television and showed community members narrating how livelihood had been adversely impacted over the years, throwing homes, families and businesses in distress.

During the moving episode, Airtel pledged to support the

community with the sum of N7 million to bankroll the electrification project which had been abandoned due to lack of funds.

The telecoms company had since delivered on its promise, restoring power to the community following the erection of 29 utility poles and connection of the high tension and low tension cables to the main power grid transformer.

Glo Simplifies Customers’ Access to Company’s Information Globacom has demystified what used to be a cumbersome task of getting company’s information from its website, a situation that had in the past, frustrated several customers from getting relevant information from company’s website.

It is now easy for companies and organisations to give their stakeholders free access to their

websites through a service called Sponsored Data on the Globacom network.

Through the service, customers and other members of the public will be able to browse the website of the sponsoring company even when the members of public have no active data subscription.

Explaining the service, Globacom said companies would

be able to buy data buckets and subsequently allow their existing and prospective customers or any other member of the public to access their websites, apps and other data services without having to expend their own data.

The cost of access by the enduser is borne by the sponsoring companies.

Globacom in a statement

disclosed that Sponsored Data service is a more targeted and effective method of inducing trial of the sponsoring company’s digital products as well as free trial and free sampling of its content.

The telecom operator said the service would give better return on investment (ROI) to the sponsoring companies,

adding that it will facilitate over 70 per cent increase in customer engagement and foster incremental revenue through the engagement of new customers. The company said this service would be particularly beneficial to betting companies, IT and Technology companies, manufacturing concerns, banks, schools and others.

T H I S D AY ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Momoh: Covid-19 Has Exposed Huge Digital Divide Senior Vice President, Mastercard West Africa, Ebehijie Momoh, in this interview, speaks about opportunities and developments in Nigeria’s fintech industry. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

N

igeria has defined a target of 95 per cent financial inclusion rate by 2024. However, a 2018 data by EFInA puts Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate at 63.2 per cent, meaning that as much 36.8 per cent or about 40 million adults still lack access. What can be done to fast track the achievement of this target?

There’s no doubt that this is an ambitious target, but I firmly believe that it can be achieved. The growth of digital technology and proliferation of mobile devices have presented people in Nigeria with unprecedented opportunities; from innovative, affordable solutions that help them meet their basic needs, to greater access to capital that can scale businesses and increase prosperity. A collective approach that harnesses the power of partnerships is key to achieving this goal and reach millions of people that are still locked out of mainstream economies.

This collaboration is at the core of our vision to create a digital economy in Africa that works for everyone, everywhere. Everyone has a role to play, from the smallest businesses to the biggest corporations, governments to NGOs, traditional banks to Fintechs, from the older generations to the youth. The key to gather pace is to continue digitisation and expanding acceptance to support use. To do this, we must understand user needs and behavior through research, in-market assessment and cash journey mapping. Financial education is also very important, along with employing authentication technologies that respect user privacy. We must co-create with governments and enable innovation through close engagement with regulators, and run pilots to ensure commercial viability, while remaining focused on achieving scale. Mastercard continues to be the single technology provider of choice that connects telcos, digital e-tailers and Fintechs to their consumers by providing technology solutions, platforms and propositions that enable a superior digital experience and drive greater inclusion for people across Nigeria and the wider continent.

Mastercard’s white paper indicates that close to 95 per cent of consumer payment transactions in Nigeria are still done by cash. How can governments overcome the heavy reliance on cash and ensure increased adoption of digital financial technologies?

Digitalisation is our ultimate tool for building a world beyond cash, while technology and innovation are key enablers for helping governments to overcome the burden of cash.

By ingraining digital processes in key sectors, we will encourage everyone to participate. To make digital financial services appealing to the excluded, our solutions need to mimic cash in their ease of use, while also being readily accessible, secure, and used everywhere. In other words – we need ubiquity, interoperability and scale. We are doing this by building solutions that are domestically relevant and drive greater inclusion so everyone can benefit from a thriving domestic ecosystem beyond cash. An example of this is Jaza Duka, which connects micro merchants to micro-credit opportunities. In the Middle East and Africa alone, we’ve already reached over 100 million consumers and 1.5 million merchants with our QR payments technology. In our white paper “Cashing Out: Economic Growth through Payment Digitisation”, Mastercard’s Global Cash Reduction Framework breaks down cash’s root causes into three components: Instrumental, Infrastructural and Institutional.

This is ultimately how we can address the heavy reliance on cash in favour of digital finance to grow financial inclusion – and Mastercard has made a global commitment to bring 1 billion people and 50 million small businesses into the digital economy by 2025.

Cash can only be displaced to an appropriate degree if there is an established acceptance infrastructure that is sufficiently trusted and offers compelling electronic payment value

supporting Fintechs and local companies to advance the digital transformation of the continent. We have invested in a number of African companies, including Jumia, a leading e-commerce platform and Oltio, a mobile payments technology company. We are also a limited partner in ApisPartners, a fund which invests in fintechs across Africa. Globally, we launched Mastercard Accelerate, an initiative that simplifies the way Mastercard works with fintechs, giving them access to everything they need to grow quickly. Offering a simple, single entry-point to our company’s wide portfolio of specialized programs, Mastercard Accelerate gives start-ups and emerging brands support and assistance for every stage of their growth and transformation, from market entry to global expansion.

One of our key programmes in Nigeria is Mastercard Engage – an initiative launched last year in Lagos and Nairobi. The programme connects financial institutions, merchants and IoT manufacturers with technology partners who can help them deliver unique and tailored payment solutions. Mastercard also continuously selects dynamic entrepreneurs to join its award-winning startup engagement program Start Path, with the most recent African fintech to join being Hello Tractor, which allows farmers in Nigeria and Kenya to access affordable tractor services, plant on time and increase yields.

Momoh

propositions for consumers and businesses.

Governments, of course, will be critical in helping economies overcome their heavy reliance on cash. They have a strategic role to play in policy formation and creating the right enabling environment and business climate for digital payments to flourish.

Many experts say that there is no business case for implementing financial inclusion initiatives for the last mile, what is your take on this and what can be done to bring vulnerable populations into the formal financial system?

Nigeria’s greatest opportunity lies in its ability to develop inclusively. Success is lifting people out of poverty and building a more prosperous middle class that benefits everyone – people, governments and businesses alike. The pandemic has brought stark contrast to the reality of the digital divide.

The fight against it has made it apparent how interconnected our world is. Our well-being is intertwined with that of others. This crisis has underscored just how important it is for individuals and small businesses to be connected to the digital economy.

As a trusted partner that has developed its secure, resilient and reliable network over many years, Mastercard is in a unique position to lead a response that offers value to consumers, businesses, merchants, financial institutions and governments. In fact, our commitment to our customers, partners and employees, has never been stronger. We are helping businesses and merchants to prepare for stabilization, normalisation and eventual growth by enabling commerce. We are doing this in so many different way – from partnering with Omaness to offer women a sustainable income as skinfood merchants, to growing Fintechs like Hello Tractor, which is positively changing the landscape for farmers.

Fintech players are perceived to be threats to financial institutions because of the disruptions in banking services caused

by Fintech solutions. How will Mastercard encourage collaboration between Fintechs and financial institutions?

Collaboration between Fintech players and traditional financial institutions is opening up a host of opportunities across the financial and payments landscape. As this ecosystem evolves, it’s important that Fintechs are not perceived as disruptive threats, and instead viewed through a lens that looks at the additional value they can bring to products and solutions.

Mastercard’s approach towards encouraging

collaboration between Fintechs and financial institutions is by offering solutions that connect the two, with the ultimate goal of advancing digital financial inclusion. We do this by leveraging our digital solutions and technology to bring together an ecosystem of key players at different touchpoints, ranging from fintechs and telcos to e-tailers and banks.When we do this, we are helping them diversify their business models by offering a full range of digital financial services to their customer base, and at the same time allowing them to keep ownership of the end-to-end customer experience. When we bring this entire ecosystem together as a single technology provider, we can empower millions of people across Africa by delivering innovative digital solutions that have a far-reaching impact and unlock the true potential of inclusive growth.

Nigerian government is keen on developing localised content among solution providers. How can Mastercard support government’s initiative?

When we talk about digitising economies or localised solutions to drive financial inclusion, we recognise that innovative ideas are needed – from governments, policy makers, corporates, businesses, as well as residents and citizens. Companies or governments cannot achieve this transformation journey on their own. Partnerships are critical and policymaking even more so. The role of governments and public-private partnerships is critical to bring to life the vision of an inclusive digital economy. Mastercard is partnering with governments across the world to meet digitisation objectives, and to help them implement digitisation programmes through a global network of specialised partners. We have developed a range of programmes across a number of industries, including healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion and humanitarian response. We achieve this by understanding the expressed and unexpressed needs of governments, and consequently engage with them to develop their digital payments economy blueprint through our proprietary advisory methodology, Mastercard’s Payments Ecosystem Design and Development (PEDD).

Fintech players still face the challenge of low patronage because most organisations still largely believe in foreign software and hardware. How can Mastercard help in driving local patronage?

At Mastercard, Africa is a significant region for us, and we are committed to

What in your view are the likely factors that will attract more foreign investments into the Nigerian tech business space, and what must governments do to address it?

No one expects government to work alone to solve all of the economic problems that exist today. The role of private sector to positively impact socioeconomic development in Nigeria is an important one. When partnerships with the private sector are adopted on the basis of good business, not charity, the true value of public private partnerships come to bear for all parties, and the platform for trade are enhanced. Partnerships and partner-centric solutions have power: effective collaborations with governments, the development community and industry players are key to driving electronic payments in Africa.

Business cannot succeed in a failing world, there are too many problems to solve purely by putting philanthropic and government dollars to work, or by operating in isolation.

By building partnerships and alliances that combine resources, we can think around corners, eliminate obstacles and make a seismic change.

Given the crucial role that Fintechs play in driving financial inclusion, what is Mastercard doing to support Fintech growth in Nigeria?

Globally, we launched Mastercard Accelerate, an initiative that simplifies the way Mastercard works with fintechs, giving them access to everything they need to grow quickly. Offering a simple, single entry-point to our company’s wide portfolio of specialised programs, Mastercard Accelerate gives start-ups and emerging brands support and assistance for every stage of their growth and transformation, from market entry to global expansion.

Accelerate comprises a range of awardwinning programmes that have helped participants all over the world, including Nigeria, by offering access and benefits from Mastercard’s ecosystem, customers and innovations. One of our key programmes in Nigeria is Mastercard Engage – an initiative launched last year in Lagos and Nairobi that connects Fintechs to thousands of Mastercard technology partners, making it quick and easier for them to work together. Mastercard continuously selects dynamic entrepreneurs to join its award-winning startup engagement programme Start Path, with the most recent African Fintech to join being Hello Tractor, which allows farmers to access affordable tractor services, plant on time and increase yields.

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Ogun to Boost Ericsson Highlights Importance of Online Payment with eSIM to Service Providers Discounts Stories by Emma Okonji

The Ogun State government is offering property owners and residents who are willing to make online payments on amenity charges up to 50 per cent discount.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who announced government’s intention to promote online payment in the country, said government has made payment of the Land Use and Amenities Charges in the state very convenient, with its online payment platform or by using the SystemSpecs’ Remita platform at government’s stipulated channels or at any commercial bank nationwide.

According to a statement issued by the state, “All Ogun State government demand notices now come with a unique payment code which is all that is required to effect online payment on its portal or at any commercial

bank nationwide. The demand notices also have a QR Code for validation of the bill from the Ogun State government.�

The government added non-compliance will result in sanctions on the affected property in accordance with the provisions of the law. “Payments made before September, 30, will attracts a 50 per cent discount, payments made between October 1 and October 31, attracts a 25 per cent discount, while payments made between November 1 and November 30, 2020 attracts a discount of 10 per cent,�

The state government also warned that the Land Use and Amenities Charge has no accredited agents and only payments made using the bills payment code and on the Remita platform would enjoy the applicable discounts.

Ericsson, a networking company has stressed the importance of eSIM to the telecoms industry, especially to telecoms service providers.

Head of Solution Area OSS, Core and Cloud at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, Said Zantout, who highlighted the importance of eSIM, said: “eSIM has become a hot topic among device manufacturers and its increasing role in the industry is clear – as device manufacturers benefit from lower costs and more space on the processing board. Moreover, eSIM helps service providers to generate new revenue streams, and a future of billions of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices According to him, in 2019, two major smartphone

manufacturers announced that several of their models were now equipped with eSIM functionality. In 2020, many more are following suit. By 2025, GSMA estimates that more than two billion eSIM devices will be shipped. This is a strong incentive for the industry to go for eSIM. He further highlighted the importance of eSIM to telecoms consumers, adding that Ericsson ConsumerLab had ran a market research study, revealing key insights which means customers are ready to take the next step and pay for eSIM services.

Zantout cited Ericsson’s report, which explained that cellular connectivity for additional devices, remained the top application of eSIM that consumers are interested in.

The report said 6 in 10 want

to connect their laptops to cellular connectivity, yet very few do it today. Every SIM card is problematic, main issue being related to the ever decreasing size of SIM cards.

For consumers, eSIM represents peace of mind, for example 45 per cent mention having access to multiple operators in the same smartphone for emergencies. 6 in 10 smartphones users are interested in eSIM. The report further said 40 per cent of them have locked smartphones, while73 per cent have post-paid plans with a contract; 4. 29 per cent of smartphone users would consider buying a smartwatch with cellular connectivity if the process of enrollment with the operator was seamless.

According to the report, there are four main eSIM benefits

for consumers. Firstly, it excels in connectivity. Consumers say that the need to switch between operators depends on the connectivity performance at various times and places. If the connectivity is great, one operator is enough.

Highlighting the relevance of switching between operators, Zantout said the results, which took them by surprise, showed that 75 per cent would activate a reasonably priced plan on top of their existing one to ensure access to connectivity. eSIM is not about swapping back and forth between operators for the sake of just saving a couple of dollars a month. eSIM is about peace of mind.

Even smartphone users whose expectations regarding network quality are met, want to be able to shuffle between operators.

Firm Offers Solar-powered Refrigeration System in Nigeria Koolboks has introduced innovative solar-powered freezers to help businesses overcome the cooling aspect of electricity challenges in the country.

President and Co-founder of Koolboks, Dominic Ayoola, while introducing the new product during a recent event, said the product was designed to bridge the gap of the three basic needs of Nigerians, which he described as light, energy and refrigeration.

According to him, the Koolboks fridges also come equipped with external LED bulbs to aid sight at night and other emergencies and also two USB ports to charge mobile phones. Also available is the Koolboks vaccine fridges, which will be of tremendous benefit in the healthcare sector.

Lasting for four days with or without regular electricity supply, Koolboks freezers were built with strong intent on meeting the needs of businesses, particularly those in the frozen food line, and even homes. “It is designed with an advanced temperature monitoring

system that enables the user to remotely access, monitor and control the vaccine fridge from anywhere in the world, even in rural areas with no GSM network coverage,� Ayoola said.

He further noted that with a range of products that will bridge the gap in the cooling system in the country, Koolboks has come with innovations that would give hope to those in the cooling value chain.

He explained that with a KoolHome Freezer, those in the business of needing a quality cooling system can go and sleep. “KoolHome Solar Freezer is equipped with a unique ice battery that can power the freezer for up to four days without power supply or sunlight. It is inbuilt with a lithium battery. “The freezer is unique in the sense that it has two USB ports for charging of phones and also has automatic switch between AC and DC, with a two 150W solar panel and it comes with as low as N14,179 installment payment.�

Winners Emerge in Lagos Smart Metre Hackathon The Lagos Smart Metre Hackathon organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with Eko Innovation Centre has come to an end with two winners emerging.

The winners, Team Power Bit Crunchers from the hardware category and Team Zeena Platform from the Software category, were announced recently.

The Lagos Smart Metre Hackathon was aimed at providing affordable electricity metres to the populace by facilitating the design and production of metres that will accelerate efforts towards achieving improvement in energy distribution, monitoring and prevention of revenue leakage.

The two teams earned themselves the combined

prize money of N10 million and a working space at Eko Innovation Centre alongside the runners-up while all ten finalists will get mentorship opportunities, among other consolation prizes.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative during the event , the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “Today is a true hallmark in our administrations pursuit to improve the welfare of our people. As you are aware, a key pillar of our administrations T.H.E.M.E.S agenda is to make Lagos a 21st century economy and this Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon fits perfectly as it combines innovation, creativity and local capacity to deliver solutions that will improve access to electricity in Lagos.�

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, 9mobile, Alan SinďŹ eld; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami; Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdulahi, and Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Aairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, during 9mobile executives’ courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja ... recently

Broadband Provider Introduces Solution for SMEs VDT Communications, a broadband service provider, is offering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a support package that will help them grow and sustain their business.

The SME support package popularly known as VDT SMEmpower is a premium quality internet service package at affordable cost for the SMEs. VDT Communications adapted the SME internet service from the same premium broadband communications services it is offering to about 90 per cent of banks and 80 per cent of

insurance companies as well as prominent multinational and indigenous blue-chip companies across all sectors in Nigeria to support the SMEs at affordable cost.

This, the company said, would enable SMEs achieve smoother and speedier operations thereby ensuring accelerated growth and continuous business success.

Marketing Communications Manager, VDT Communications, Mr. David Ese, said: “The SMEmpower offers immense benefits to customers through the provision of superfast and

reliable internet service at affordable cost nationwide. The service uptime is up to 99.9 per cent. This means that with SMEmpower your business enjoys readily available high quality internet service 24/7. SMEmpower also provides proactive and superior quality customer service support 24/7/365.�

Apart from affordable monthly data plans such as a whopping 35 GB unlimited data for just N10,000, 60GB for N13,500 and 120GB for N20,000, among others, the service offers free night usage from 8pm to 6am and

the possibility to rollover the unused data. Also, customers who make payment for 3months get free 25GB in addition to their subscribed data bundle and those who pay for 6months get free 50GB,� Ese said.

He added that the SMEmpower would offer immense value added services such as Branded Website Creation, Web Space Hosting, Business Domain Name Registration and Unlimited Business Emails – all which are aimed at helping SMEs to achieve more speedy and hassle-free operations and at affordable cost.

‘TD Africa Tech Centre Will Unlock Opportunities’ As Nigeria looks forward to the official launch of the Tech Experience Centre, HP has said it will unlock global opportunities in Nigeria.

Managing Director, HP Nigeria and District Manager, Central Africa, Ife Afe, who made the disclosure, expressed delight with the development, even as she further disclosed that the launch of the centre would bridge the gap to complete technology adoption for millions of Nigerians.

HP is one of the global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that will be represented in the Tech Experience Centre located within Yudala Heights at 13 Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Afe, ‘‘I do believe Nigerians are early adopters of new and exciting technology. Having a dedicated space where people can view and experience cutting-edge technology across rich and diverse portfolio is an important

step towards complete Adoption. ‘‘Technology is about transformation. This tech centrewill serve as a bridge, taking people from the imaginative stage to the experiential stage, thereby unlocking a new technological wave. I am very glad that TD Africa is taking this bold step and I look forward to the great collaborations that will flow out of this initiative.’’ The HP Senior Management Executive reiterated the strong interest in Nigeria by the tech

brand. ‘‘We are strong believers in the Nigerian project and the boundless potential inherent in the population when exposed to cutting-edge technology. We also value the foresight and vision of our long-time partner and co-developer – TD Africa. We are proud of this project and are confident of its success and positive impact not just in the sphere of business but also in human capital development,’’ Afe said.

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Value for Money Campaign as a Consumer Engagement Drive As part of its efforts to promote quality product offering, Asharami Synergy, a Sahara Group Downstream Company has introduced a campaign to educate consumers on quality products and how to avoid low quality diesel. Raheem Akingbolu writes.

M

ost advertising campaigns are meant to achieve two things; educate the public and strengthening relationship with consumers. By so doing, the brand owner is simply preparing patrons of the brand to be capable of making informed decisions when it comes to purchasing products in a consumer culture.

In a country where stakeholders’ concern is on how to curb the activities of the perpetrators of adulterated products, it is always the joy of consumers to see companies leading the campaign against the abnormal development. That is why the recently unveiled ‘diesel to your doorstep’ initiative by Asharami Synergy, a Sahara Group Downstream Company, has continued to generate excitements in the market place. Through, the ‘Value for Money’ campaign, the promoters of the brand are championing the course of originality and impressing on diesel consumers the place of “gold-standard in quality’.

Besides, the company is telling consumers that whether they buy from its stations or through on-demand, straight-to-yourdoorstep delivery service, they (consumers) can be sure always getting the exact quantity they pay for because the company’s tanks and trucks are accurately calibrated .

With the teaser; do you get value for money from your diesel? Which is a common statement among the promoters of the brand, one is not in doubt that Asharami Synergy has something better to offer in terms of quality. In a country, where most businesses depend on alternative power supply, Diesel is mostly the beck and call product that all depend on to maintain seamless productivity for individuals and businesses alike. To this end, it is believed that adulterated or substandard diesel products will cause havoc for engines as well as wrecking businesses.

With its determination to rid the market of fake products through provision of quality and genuine diesel supply and creation of

Sobanjo

awareness, Asharami Synergy is once again proving to be at the forefront of providing Nigerians with reliable fuel solutions and protecting the buying public from low quality diesel As one of Nigeria’s foremost diesel suppliers, this commitment to provide consumers the compass to quality diesel product is another testament to its continuous drive for high quality product and sustained consumer satisfaction.

The “Value for money� campaign, according to company, aims to give all classes of customers and consumers convenient access to safe, reliable, and top-quality diesel. The campaign is with the understanding that for any diesel engine to function properly, it must be supplied with high quality fuel,

as this is an important part in maintaining the performance, reliability, and usable life of all diesel engines.

Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company, Foluso Sobanjo, has pointed out that Asharami’s unwavering commitment to quality and safety earned it the respected ISO 9001:2015 certification. “This means that our processes comply with customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements on an international level�, he had said in a statement.

To deepen the campaign, the management has cleverly itemised some of the copies the campaign intends to promote, which include: “Get your diesel with peace of mind�, “Get diesel with a gold standard in quality�, “No near misses with our

diesel�, “Get diesel with high performance�, “Top diesel for smart people�, “No long epistle with our diesel�, “Get Reliable diesel delivered to your doorsteps�, and “Never settle for less diesel�.

Speaking on the campaign as a consumer education initiative, Sobanjo stated that it will create a sustainable awareness among consumers that will make the public insist on the gold standard in diesel and culminate in the well-being of customers, their assets as well as the environment, while ensuring great value for money.

The Acting CEO further added that said the campaign was an emphatic response from Asharami Synergy to raise the bar of quality that would enable the sector stamp out the activities of agents involved in the proliferation of sub-standard petroleum products.

He said: “As a leading company in the sector, Asharami Synergy is delighted to lead the charge for global standards in the market for diesel supply. We are empowering our customers to do and achieve more with our diesel because we uphold the philosophy of getting value for money,�

Speaking on the company’s door-2-door delivery initiative, which stakeholders believe that it promotes convenience, safety, and competitive pricing in the delivery of diesel in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the CEO said the company would continue to supply diesel to the doorstep of the company’s customers through initiative to further ease distribution.

In the meantime, the Door2-Door initiative has been commended by customers and industry analysts as a foremost hitch-free diesel supply solution to consumers. The beauty of the initiative goes beyond the issues related to quality but easy accessibility and customer service engagement that accord to consumers a king status.

However, with the new initiative and the company’s consistent engagement to strengthening relationship with consumers, it is saved to conclude that the brand is well positioned to set standard in the market.

ipNX, USTDA Partner to Develop Firm Launches Data Protection Solution Nigeria’s ICT Infrastructure Dike Onwuamaeze

ipNX, an information, communications and technology (ICT) company and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have signed a partnership deal that will further support the development of Nigeria’s ICT and broadband infrastructure and help ipNX expand its fibre-optic network to more than 200,000 residences in Lagos and other locations, including Abuja and Port Harcourt.

A virtual signing ceremony that signaled the beginning of the relationship between the two parties was held recently where both parties expressed commitment to the partnership.

Through this innovative initiative, the USTDA is supporting ipNX to promote inclusive, secure and sustainable connectivity across the nation.

The agreements were made possible as a result of several engagements between the USTDA delegation to Nigeria and the leadership of ipNX; and will advance the goals of the recently updated Nigerian Broadband Plan.

At the Signing Ceremony, Ejovi Aror, group managing director of ipNX, said: “We believe that world-class connectivity and broadband internet access will be pivotal to the digital transformation and socio-economic development of Nigeria. ‘We are very positive that this project will play a crucial role in making our belief a reality.�

Aror added that with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the case for a vibrant ICT sector has never been stronger and the new partnership will bring ipNX a step closer to achieving its mission to continually leverage technology to create innovative solutions that help mankind thrive, while making a crucial impact to the lives of Nigerians across the country.

Mary Beth Leonard, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, said’ “These projects will support the

development of Nigeria’s telecoms infrastructure and help to achieve the goals of the National Broadband Plan. “The U.S. Government has committed significant resources to improving telecoms infrastructure in Nigeria and this support is crucial as we believe that investment in critical ICT projects will strengthen the resiliency outlined in Nigeria’s economic sustainability plan.�

Also present at the virtual event, the Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Bako Wakil, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, said: “The support this grant will provide to the telecommunications sector, in particular broadband, is in line with the National Digital Strategy and the National Broadband Plan. “The NCC would like to congratulate ipNX as it shows the company’s integrity and commitment to be selected for this grant�. ipNX also revealed that it intends to continue to work with USTDA beyond the preliminary stage, to execute many more projects into the future that will bring about the digital transformation and socio-economic development of major cities in Nigeria in alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

With their partnership, both parties fully agree that further development of the nation’s broadband infrastructure is key to unlocking the potential promised by Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the World Bank’s ‘Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic Report’ released in 2019, Broadband is a key enabler to harness the digital economy transformation and highspeed broadband has the potential to accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development

The Unitellas International Limited (UIL) has launched the Zadara hardware facilities that will enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal and state governments as well as corporate organisations in the country to store and protect sensitive data within the country rather than hosting them in foreign countries at the expense of exposing themselves to security threats.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UIL, Mr. Smith Osemeke, who unveiled the products Tuesday, during a media briefing in Lagos, stated that embracing the Zadara hardwares by the MDAs and corporate organisations would enable the Nigeria to attain data sovereignty by retaining all data in the country and empower government to implement the local content policy guidelines that required all organisations operating within Nigeria to have their data stored within the country.

Osemeke stated that the Zadara products would significantly reduce the budget of “financial service institutions and other key organisations that invest millions of dollars annually in acquiring and managing IT infrastructures instead of focusing on their core businesses because they must have an IT department to build and manage their data storage infrastructure� and relieve them the burden of maintaining, upgrading and replacing storage hardware facilities of their own, which are often underutilised.

He said that the Zadara products would allow its subscribers to enjoy data protection services and make payments per use (pay

as you go) and the option of adapting the scaling, shrinking and growing their data storage to their needs.

Osemeke added that the quality of Zadara products is attested to by its being patronized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of United States of America.

He said that Zadara is the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that offers true infrastructure-as-a-service. It is also the only existing OEM that can favorably compete with other public cloud service providers such as AWS, Azure and Google Cloud in terms of Data Protection “Zadara is the only OEM to offer data immutability, which means ‘cannot be changed.’ Immutable Back-up or Storage implies that data stored is fixed, unchangeable and cannot be deleted for a period of time or in some cases sometimes forever.

Having immutable storage is important for industries so that data is stored and safe from unforeseen accidents or circumstances. “With Zadara’s smmutability Storage, local service providers and organisations can fight ‘Ransomware’ and other malwares. ‘Ransomware’ is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. “Ransomware is a real problem for everyone because deep inside, organisations just hope not to get hit.�

The CEO of UIL pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic experience forced governments around the world to deliver vital public services in unprecedented ways and to experiment with digital technologies on an unforeseen scale.

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IMAGES

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L-R: Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Edith Okowa; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy: Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; and his wife, Maryann, during a thank you visit by Governor Okowa in Asaba...recently

L-R; Chairman of Kaduna State Economic Development Council, Mr Jimi Lawal; Former Emir of Kano and Vice-Chairman of Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II; and Governor. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, during the opening of Kaduna Investment Forum (KadInvest 5.0), in Kaduna...recently

L-R: Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi; and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, during the 7th Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting on Nigeria’s Sixtieth (60th) Anniversary, in Abuja...recently

L-R, Senator Fadahunsi Adenigba, Deputy Leader of the Senate Ajayi Boro Face, Secretary General Afrcan Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat Mr.wamkeke Keabetswe.and Chief Trade negotiator and Director General Nigerian oďŹƒce for Trade Negotiations Mr. Victor Liman during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly ...recently julius atoi Immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (2nd left), State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hon Dr Joseph Akinlaja, ZLP Deputy governorship candidate, Engr Gboye Adegbenro, and the Governorship candidate/Deputy Governor of Ondo State, H.E. Agboola Ajayi, at the ZLP Governorship campaign ago, in Ore...recently

L-R: Group Managing Director, CMC Connect (Perception Managers), Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Executive Director/ Chief Operating OďŹƒcer Re-ignite Public Aairs, Franklyn Ginger-Eke and Senior Special Assistant to the President and Secretary, National Action Committee for the Implementation of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Francis Anatogu during a meeting with the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment on AfCFTA, in Abuja... recently

L-R;: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Comfort Ekaro; Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs Grace Isu-Gekpe, during a press conference on the Water Bill, in Abuja...recently

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L-R; Chief Executive Officer, December 29 Media, Goddie Ofose; Business Executive, Lilvera Nigeria Ltd, Habeebat Raji Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Lilvera Group; Buchi Johnson;, and Head Administration, Lilvera Nigeria Ltd, Paix Otene during the Lilvera Nigeria Limited Media Interactive Session, held at the company’s headquarters in Lekki Phase 1 Lagos ‌.recently SUNDAYADIGUN L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi with Commissioner for Insurance, Thomas Olorundare Sunday during the visit by the National Insurance Commission’s team to the Governor oďŹƒce, Ado-Ekiti‌recently

L-R: Sales Manager, Procter & Gamble Nigeria, Mr. Oke Kehinde; Minister of State for Health, Senator. Olorunnimbe Mamora and the Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi,duringt the oďŹƒcial handover of PampersÂŽ diapers by P&G as part of its P&G RigakaďŹ Phase-2 program to the ministry of health in Abuja...recently

L-R: Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Political Matters; Mrs Oluremi Babington Ajayi; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Communications & Strategy; Mrs Sola Salako-Ajulo; during the launch of the Women Empowerment Team (WET) in Ado-Ekiti‌recently

L-R; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu and the House leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa during a condolence visit by the Speaker to Zaria over the death of the Emir of Zazzau, HRH. late Alhaji Shehu ...recently

Kwara State Governor , Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq ( left ) and President Muhammadu Buhari during the governor’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja....recently GODWIN OMOIGUI

L-R: Group technical and development director, Vitafoam Nig. Plc, Mr. Abbagana. Abatcha; Director General and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Adeshola Adepoju; Minister of Environment; Dr. Mohammed Mohmood Abubakar; Chairman, Vitafoam Nig. Plc, Dr. Bamidele Makanjuola and Group Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, during the commissioning of Vitapur Systems House, in Ikeja Lagos....recently

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T H I S D AY ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Mamora: Drop in COVID-19 Figures Calls for Greater Caution Despite the daily decline in COVID-19 figures, the Minister of state for Health, SenatorAdeleke Mamora, has harped on the need for extra caution, just as he shared his thought on Nigeria’s health sector outlook post COVID-19 pandemic. In this interview with Omolabake Fasogbon, he also delved into sundry issues like the need for continuous routine polio immunisation if Nigeria must sustain her polio-free status; and the progress so far made on the National Health Research Committee that was set up May 2020, as well as the need for innovations in Primary Health Care. Excerpts:

I

t is six months since Nigeria had the index case of COVID-19. How would you access management of the pandemic since then?

Nigeria has not fared badly considering what the virus met on ground. It came unexpectedly and devastated lives and livelihood in the same manner it did globally. People have been saying that Nigeria has a weak health system but do we also realise that countries with the best health facilities bowed to the force of COVID-19?

We are really grateful so far, moreover, President Muhammadu Buhari has been quite supportive since the outbreak of the disease. We’ve had the Presidential Task Force Committee who no doubt has been up and doing. COVID-19 has come as a blessing in disguise as we have also drawn the support from several bodies both within and outside the country. We have enjoyed support from advanced countries and various bodies like World Health Organisation (WHO), European Union (EU) and the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). We have also been privileged to get help from nongovernmental organisation like Dangote Foundation, The Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, amongst others.

Can you tell us how the funds donated by these bodies were utilised?

There are so many things a lot of people don’t understand about the interventions that come in during this pandemic. Let me clarify that the bulk of the interventions were in the form of materials and not in cash contrary to what many people believed. We have received donations like isolation centres, ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) molecular laboratories, extraction kits, nose masks, building and capacity building. Essentially, when donors give out these items, they usually say we are donating items worth a particular amount of money but people seem to give attention to the money figure alone. That is however not to say that we have not received assistance in cash but the bulk has been in kind. For accountability purpose, we have printed the details of how these funds were spent on the website for everyone to access.

COVID-19 curve is no doubt leveling off in Nigeria. Would you attribute this development to adherence to safety protocol or low testing capacity?

As much as Nigeria is doing a lot to increase testing capacity, we have not reached our destination yet. Yes, we are doing a lot in terms of advocacy, risk communication and non- pharmaceutical intervention; we can also say to some extent that people are observing the COVID-19 precautions. Having said that, we say that it is not yet time go to town and start jubilating, the reduction in figures only call for greater caution because there is always a tendency for resurgence.

We need to learn from what is happening in other countries where the measures were relaxed but later had resurgence. This is why we are very careful about full reopening of schools. No country, as far as COVID-19 is concerned, can say it is uhuru. It is not at all.

Government seems to be relaxed in terms of response to Lassa fever despite the fact that the disease is still much around. Is it that you are taking some measures underground that the public don’t know of?

One of the challenges that COVID-I9 has brought on us is the tendency to downplay other routine services and programmes. But, from day one, we have given a clear instruction to our centres, institutions and practitioners not to neglect other routine services. In the case of Lassa fever, the disease thrives towards the peak of the dry season and we are in the rainy season presently. Notwithstanding,

staff quarters for health workers, amongst others.

These are all what we are aiming to achieve. This administration is aiming at not less than one primary health centre in each of the political wards. We have almost close to 30,000 health centres and we are working on upgrading them to taste. This is why we are also inviting private partners who want to be involved in this mega change.

Senator Mamora

the advocacy on precautions still continue. While the federal Ministry of health is not relenting, we have always encouraged respective states especially the high burden areas to be on the alert.

In May this year, you inaugurated the National Health Research Committee, what can you say have been the committee’s achievement so far?

They have been working in collaboration with several bodies and institutions. We anticipate major breakthroughs with respect to drugs and vaccine to defeat COVID-19. Presently, we have close to 250 vaccine candidates that are being interrogated to be able to establish their efficacy against COVID-19. Let me state here that their scope of research is beyond COVID-19 and you should understand that research result does not come so fast as there is no magic in research. But so far, we have been able to establish the genomics sequence of COVID-19, which is we have been able to discover that the virus discovered here is same as the one that originated in Wuhan, China.

This was established by the National Institute of Medical Research in collaboration with other agencies. We have also been able to establish that as a survivor of COVID-19, you are likely to have an infection from another mutant virus that is not exactly COVID-19 but may have a wilder effect.

The committee is up and doing and we must appreciate them. Research is endless.

More health workers have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nigeria than in any other country in Africa except South Africa. The common reason given for this is inadequate supply of PPEs. What is the ministry doing in this wise?

The basic thing is to make sure that our health workers have adequate supply of PPEs, which we have not underperformed in this area. However, one thing is to provide PPEs and another thing is effective use of them. Once PPEs are not properly used, then the possibility to contract the virus is high. This is why we are taking our time to train and retrain medical professionals on the use of PPEs and several other areas this period.

We will not relent on this training and we will continue to ensure adequate supply of the PPEs. Don’t forget also that we have made provisions for isolation room in our health facilities. Health workers are mandated to stay here after a work shift for a particular period before they go home and reunite with their family. This is also to prevent them from spreading the virus just in case they are positive.

What are you doing to address brain drain

in the sector as we know some health workers are thinking of leaving the country at any slightest opportunity We are definitely aware of this and we are not folding our hands either. The complaints generally have been about condition of service, emolument, working environment, equipment and infrastructure, amongst others. But like I tell you that, things are and will continue to improve, we therefore see no reason for this flight. Take for instance, the federal government has started paying for doctors’ residency training which comes at a huge cost. We also recently started paying the hazard allowance But the payment for hazard allowance has not being implemented in all hospitals Well, we can talk about some shortfalls in some areas which are not entirely the fault of government. We can only rely on the figure given to us by those doing the computation at the centre.

We approached those doing the computation to compile names of worthy workers and send to us only to discover some errors. We are reviewing the situation and it will definitely be sorted out.

Nigeria health budgetary allocation of four percent is far behind the 15 per cent benchmark agreed upon in the Abuja Declaration of 2001.

With COVID-19 realities, should we look forward to a new era in health financing?

Let me quickly say here that it is not all the time that what happened in the health sector is determined absolutely by the health sector. Health performance is also shaped by activities in other sectors. Having every other sector like power, water, e.t.c in shape will reduce the cost and burden on the health sector. Notwithstanding, we cannot pretend about the fact that budgetary allocation is not important because there is also personnel cost other than equipment or infrastructure. This is one of our priorities and again we have made the health insurance scheme compulsory so that we can have a bigger net of people covered by the plan.

One of the promises of the present administration is to make primary health centres work for 24 hours daily. This is not yet the case. Why is it so?

This is one of our major projects but before we can make this happen, we should be talking of fully functional health centres where virtually everything is intact. Fully functional in terms of accessibility, infrastructure, constant electricity supply preferably renewable energy, water supply, human resources, electronic record system to capture patients data, essential service and essential drugs as well as

What major trends should Nigeria look forward to in the health sector post COVID-19?

COVID-19 like I said earlier is a blessing in disguise. It has given us the opportunity to see to other routine cases. It has also imbibed in us the attitude of preparedness. Recently, I was at Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-metta, Lagos to inaugurate the newly built state-of- the -arts accident and emergency unit , you can imagine that we are doing this even during the pandemic.

Certainly, we expect nothing less than improvement all round. Our vision is to ensure that every state has at least a 100- bed infectious hospital, fully furnished intensive care units, appropriate and motivated human resource, well equipped and expanded health facilities that are better equipped.

We are aware that you have been talking to traditional medical practitioners to come up with their solutions for COVID-19. Should we expect a breakthrough soon?

Yes, we recently had an online engagement with traditional and herbal practitioners where we asked them to come forward with their COVID-19 solutions. We hosted about 21 of them online and we are planning to have another session with some other groups. But you know, these things do not come so fast like that, we have to work the way of science by subjecting whatever solution they bring to interrogation. For instance, when Madagascar came up with COVID organic, in the wisdom of President Buhari, we were able to subject the drug to test which at the end of the day we discovered that it only has some activities against cough, it does not have curative property for COVID. Likewise, we are asking herbal practitioners to come forward with their solution which we will then subject whatever they bring to due process.

First of all, NAFDAC will test for safety after which we will test the efficacy and then check for the side effects. We will also check whether the therapeutic advantage outweighs the side effect, we will also look for volunteers who will present themselves for testing of the drugs and off course, such persons will sign an undertaking that they have willingly submitted themselves.

We also have a duty to protect their intellectual property that is where the legal aspect come in.

All these are what we convey to them during the engagement .We let them understand all the processes so that they don’t feel that they do not matter or being marginalized.

Some people still believe COVID-19 is a hoax. What word do you have for people like this?

It is unfortunate that some people still think COVID-19 is a scam. As government, we have a duty to keep educating our people to do the right thing and engage them with risk communication.

We will continue to do this. But for those who still feel it is not real, I would implore them to first of all learn to take responsibility for their health.

I say that nurturing this belief will be unfair on the frontline workers who are sacrificing their lives. It is like making mockery of their huge sacrifice and we appeal to people in this category to face the reality. People are dying! We see and we know them. Some survivors have even come out to share their experience. I mean how else or what else do they need to be convinced? if they still don’t believe with all these, then I say good luck to them.

T H I S D AY ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

29

NEWS

CareClick to Host First Telehealth Conference Today Rebecca Ejifoma Nigeria’s leading telemedicine company, CareClick is set to host international and local health experts at its first-ever telehealth conference billed to hold today.

Dignitaries expected at the conference are the Executive Director, World Telehealth Initiative, Sharon Allen, who is the key note speaker; Senior Special Adviser on Health to Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ore Awokoya; and Medical Director, Redcare HMO, Dr. Moyo Olomola.

Others are the Chief Executive Officer, Hygeia HMO, Dr. Obinnia Abajue; MTN Nigeria, Dr. Idorenyin Oladiran; Head E-Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ronke Agoro; and Lagos Zonal Coordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme, Olufemi Akingbade.

The virtual conference themed: ‘The Future of Healthcare Today”, will bring together local and international telehealth experts to discuss trends, innovations, practical challenges, and solutions adopted in the use and future of telehealth in Nigeria.

Speaking in a media briefing in Lagos to announce the programme, the CEO, CareClick Technologies Diran Abidakun, said that the current pandemic had significantly increased the awareness and acceptance of telehealth amongst the populace.

“Its benefits in times like this cannot be over-emphasised as it helps healthcare practitioners’ practice necessary safety measures including physical distancing while providing patients with quality healthcare,” he added.

According to him, telehealth

makes access to healthcare easier, faster, and more cost-effective, stressing that technology was rapidly changing the course of things and the improved adoption of telehealth in Nigeria would be a game changer for her healthcare system.

The CEO decried, “With WHO doctor to patient ratio in Nigeria standing at 4:10,000, health care access is a big problem in the country and unfortunately, the most affected are individuals who live in rural areas.”

He continued that “these individuals must struggle and travel long distances to access affordable and quality healthcare.

“This is a problem that can be highly mitigated through the appropriate use of telehealth and telemedicine technologies as a tool to address these challenges and improve healthcare quality.”

The CareClick Telehealth Conference will feature high-level discussions on ways to increase the adoption of telehealth in Nigeria, innovation in virtual care, telehealth advancement and post COVID-19 realities.

The two panel discussions titled, ‘Improving Healthcare Coverage, Patient Traffic and Outcomes through Telemedicine’, and ‘Virtual Healthcare: Ensuring Health, Safety and Productivity for Organisations during a Global Pandemic’ promises to be exciting and informative. CareClick is a pioneering telemedicine company bridging the gap in provision of quality healthcare solutions and services across Africa by providing a remote and convenient means of connecting the public to quality and affordable healthcare providers.

Oyetola Advises on Herbs as Solution to Human Illnesses Kasim Sumaina ÓØ ÌßÔË The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has said the solution to human illnesses lies in herbs which are available in Nigeria and Africa at large.

This is even as he stated that the major challenge was for the practitioners to employ technology to turn the abundant herbs to medicines for the health and prosperity of the people.

He made the assertion recently in Osogbo, at the training conference for Healthy Population and Assured Economic Prosperity, organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

According to him, “this is even more so that phytomedicine, which is herbal medicine with therapeutic and healing processes, is as old as human civilisation.”

He urged pharmacy practictioners and relevant stakeholders in the country to take advantage

of the opportunity offered by the technology and knowledgedriven 21st century to engage and invest in cutting edge research and top-notch capacity building to develop affordable medicines for a healthy and prosperous nation and the continent at large. “For NIPRD to succeed in its effort to improve access to health and stimulate socio-economic development through the development of contextual phytomedicine, it must adopt best practices in its engagements” Oyetola said.

Speaking at the conference, the Director General, NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe said that the critical issue about fighting medicine development in Nigeria was that practictioners who require support in terms of investment, funding and capacity building have been totally missed out in finetune medicinal development strategy.

Adigwe noted that what NIPRD has decided to do was to take the development strategy

down to the grassroots.

He however stated that the seven objectives the institute wants to achieve in the training were to increase the awareness of policy makers, political office holders, investors and technical partners of the nature and the importance of the prioritisation of the fine tune of the medicine sector.

“The second thing is that we want to build the capacity of the fine-tune medicine practitioners themselves.

“We want to build their capacity, we want to teach them how to harvest plants, teach them how to document their practices, teach them the importance of research and development in their activities, teach them how to apply for NAFDAC list, and teach them how to partner with people in terms of bringing their product for marketing.

“You will help me tell the state government that we want to select five products

from this state at the end of this programme that we can take to the next level; product that can have NAFDAC list that can earn revenue for the practitioners and the government that would contribute to the health development of this country.

“We also want them to partner the state government and stakeholders that will bring a regional development in finetune medicine in Nigeria,” he said On the development, the DG said they were able to bring research and development to the fore of Nigeria. We also ensured that products produced in Nigeria are prioritised, when it comes to manufacturing of sanitisers, production of sickle cell drugs among others.

“We have also ensured that the level of articulation in policies which encourage us to look inwards, develop solutions has been brought to the fore burner,” he stated.

‘We Need to Build Health Zones to Improve Healthcare Delivery’ Ugo Aliogo The Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, has advised the federal government on the need to build health zones to improve healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism in the country.

Ighodalo disclosed this recently in Lagos during the groundbreaking ceremony of an ultra-modern cancer center

by Clinix Cancer Center.

He called on the government to create the needed business environment for economies to thrive.He advised Nigerians with the financial wherewithal to establish such lifesaving investment, “this big investment is timely, and it is geared towards responding to the rising needs of cancer treatment and prevention.

“COVID-19 pandemic has shown that we need more projects such as this which will reduce medical tourism. Cancer is one of the quick killer diseases, so government should strive to establish health care zones for the people”.

On his part, the Managing Director of GreenLife Pharmaceutical, Mr. Ebere Nwosu said the driving force behind the project was to save the lives of those under the grips of cancer.

The event which also marked the 50th birthday of Nwosu was designed to see the completion of the project in two years into

a first class design.

Nwosu said the deficiency in cancer facilities in the country and the incessant death rate caused by cancer disease triggered him to embark on the multi-million naira project.According to him, “we don’t have sufficient cancer facilities in Nigeria. Moreover, cancer issue is so dear to me that is why we chose to support the existing ones, so we are coming with two more machines to combat this deadly disease. I have decided to lay the foundation today being my 50th birthday hoping to round off in two years.

“This cancer centre would help to save money for the government as our people will not run outside the country for cancer medical care. As for cost to access our services, we shall make it very affordable so that people don’t die because they couldn’t pay medical bills.”

He remarked that the center would provide 100 beds and embark on Nuclear medicine to treat any kind of cancer case.

Nwosu added: “We have one of the best diagnosis centers in Nigeria, so when we diagnose, we found out that treatment is a big issue, patients either go Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) or Ibadan and what we hear thereafter is that the machines are down, which eventually leads to death, as a result, we decided to establish this state- of -the- art cancer center.

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe; and Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, during the presentation of awards by the Medical and HealthWorkers Union of Nigeria (NPHCDA chapter) to deserving recipients as part of efforts to celebrate Nigeria’s polio-free status in Abuja recently

COVID-19: PSN Canvasses Increased Interest in Herbal Medicine, Commends STK Supplements Amby Uneze ÓØ áÏÜÜÓ The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has urged medical researchers to develop more interest in natural medicine if they want citizens to have better healthcare.

This is just as the PSN commended the management of STK Biotech Limited for producing world-class standard herbal supplement from plants for the treatment of diseases, such as HIV, COVIF-19, diabetic sore, among others Speaking during PSN’s facility tour of STK Biotech factory at Umuoba, Uratta in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, the National President of the society, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa urged Nigerians to embrace herbal medicine as the company introduces its product.

STK Biotech is a third generation and emerging company geared toward producing affordable nature driven drugs and supplements from bioresources in Africa.

Ohuabunwa stated that the research for the production of the medicines met international standards more especially as the company sourced its raw materials locally and within nearby West African sub-region.

He expressed sadness over Nigerians’ knack for Western medicine, saying the situation has cost the country a lot.

He said: “The problem with our healthcare system is that we abandoned our own natural heritage and wholly embraced the western medicine without having the equipment and facilities to handle it.

“We have the human and material resources to achieve whatever we may set our mind to do – we are blessed with a rich variety of herbs and trees.

It will be cheaper to produce here, and makes us self-reliant in such critical area of national development; and saves us a lot of foreign exchange in the importation of products,” Ohuabunwa said.

While commending the

management of the company for its effort towards extending professionalism and increased manpower in the area of natural medicine, Ohuabunwa called for training of more people in traditional medicine to help tackle the numerous health challenges in Africa “This is what we should do to help ourselves. But, unfortunately, Africa has remained aloof in the funding of traditional medicine research. Africa needs to develop our traditional medicine and make it cheap.

“I’m particularly happy that apart from solving our medical problems, you are creating jobs through a long chain.

“I hope the government should encourage you because you are creating jobs for its citizens. The amount the governors use as security votes should be shared by two and given to people like you who are solving problems in the society”, he said.

While making a presentation, a Professor of Public Health Infectiology and Phytobiotechnology, Imo state University Owerri, Prof. Kenneth Yongabi said STK started about 11 years ago with a view to bridging the gap between research and production.

He explained that the company provides a holistic environment where traditional, complementary, alternative and orthodox medicine can be found seamlessly deployed side by side.

Yongabi, who is the cofounder of STK Biotech, added that the efforts were geared towards fast tracking development and improving public confidence in natural medicine.

The President of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPHSN), Professor Chinyere Ukaga urged Nigerians and the authorities to assist those involved in research and development of herbal supplements.

30

T H I S D AY ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

INTERVIEW

Olarinmoye: Nigerian Post Offices Can Provide Points of Access to PHCs, Telemedicine Abayomi Olarinmoye is the Senior Partner, Real Sector at Verraki. In this interview she called for immediate removal of financial barriers preventing access to universal healthcare. She also recommended technology innovation and training for health workers as measures to improving health outcomes in Nigeria. Emma Okonji brings excerpts: What is your take on the state of the Nigerian health sector?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria has one healthcare worker to 2,753 people, whereas the WHO recommends one to 1000 citizens. Per facilities, we have one facility (whether a basic healthcare hospital or a teaching hospital) to 4943 Nigerians. If we look at life expectancy, we see a similar trend; life expectancy in Nigeria is 55.2 years; the African average is 61 years. Access to healthcare is also limited; we have five hospital beds per 10,000 populations in Nigeria. Most hospitals are in urban areas, impacting access in rural areas. Where primary healthcare in rural areas is characterised by insufficient hospitals and health workers, this becomes a challenge.

In terms of affordability, 40 per cent of the population live below the poverty line and cannot afford healthcare. This impacts our healthcare spending per capita as one of the lowest.

existing national facilities can be converted into basic, medical outposts that can be equipped to do basic primary health diagnosis. For instance, with 955 Post Offices and over 3,000 Postal agencies managed by NIPOST, every local government in Nigeria has a post office.

NIPOST is aiming for post offices to provide banking services to promote financial inclusion but we have a significant opportunity to also use post offices as medical outposts. PPP arrangements will also help to implement these healthcare initiatives across the nation, leveraging existing infrastructure, for instance, owned by some older generation banks with large branch networks across the country that are not being used to full capacity.

If we find a way to partner with post offices and banks to provide basic diagnostics equipment, furnish the centre with internet facilities so that anyone can have a scan done, and communicate this to a doctor via telemedicine, healthcare has been provided.

How does healthcare in Nigeria compare with other sub-Saharan African nations?

Not as well as one would like. Namibia, for instance, has 27 beds per 10,000 of population, South Africa has 23, and Ghana has nine per 10,000.

We have five. Based on publicly available WHO health indices for Africa, Namibia, South Africa, and even Ghana appear to be faring better than us. When you look at healthcare financing across sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is one of the places where people spend the most money out of their pockets for their healthcare, as high as 70 per cent; that means what you put down for your healthcare is more than what the government pays or your health insurer (if you have one), pays on your behalf. In other sub-Saharan Africa countries, the average is 34.5 per cent. This out-of-pocket cost drops down to 13.84 per cent in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and other advanced nations.

However, there has been progress, compared with 10 or 15 years ago; improvements are especially notable for infectious disease interventions and, to a lesser extent, for reproductive, maternal, and child health services but there is still a lot that needs to be done to move the needle.

How can Verraki play a role in improving our healthcare?

We can consider partnering with other players in the financial services sector. We plan to partner in the area of providing health insurance schemes, particularly for the underprivileged, find a way of getting at least 30 per cent of citizens across the nation insured for health, using mobile phones or traditional Esusu cooperatives that they have in the village, it can be done.

We can also partner to set up automated disease registries. As part of the work we were doing for a client recently, I started checking for the prevalence of cancer across Nigeria, and I saw that we have cancer registries in about 10 locations across Nigeria. But some of those cancer registries are not updated as frequently. It is not just cancer; we can set up registries for other diseases. We can collect all of these data and using analytics, begin to draw a picture of the disease patterns in this nation, to determine what kind of equipment to put there. Automated disease registries can be used not just by hospitals but also by those who are doing research and development (R&D) into drug development.

We can also consider partnering stakeholders (medical and financial) to accelerate and commercialise drug development, especially for Africa.

There are stories of people who have researched into how chewing stick can be used as a cure for sickle cell anaemia, and a host of others that have developed herbal drugs which are undergoing tests. If we have up-to-date disease registries, we can partner with pharmaceutical companies to develop African-focused treatment and Verraki can also play in the area of technology-enabled medical education. We can find doctors in the diaspora, whether the USA, Russia, or Hungary who are willing to give two to three hours of their time each week to train student nurses, student doctors, and midwives remotely.

We can also help in improving institutional capability for the public and private sectors to tackle health care problems at scale. The problem in Nigeria is not about structures. The Nigerian health system has structures for every level or cadre of healthcare; primary and tertiary health care with ministries of health at the federal, state, and local government levels, and health care vehicles funded by global foundations and donor funds.

We also have the NHIS. The issue is upgrading the capability that we have as a nation to get targeted outcomes, with specific emphasis on setting up visible, transparent performance management systems. I’m talking about recording what is being tackled, the initiatives, how, and where we are seeing improvement and putting in place a health performance management system that rewards both public and private sector health players who can move the needle.

There is a lot to do and there are many spaces where interested civic-minded and entrepreneurial driven private organisations can play from affordability, financing to access to healthcare, upgrading institutional capability, and adopting technology improvements across the value chain in diagnosis, education, treatment, or research.

What are the key challenges facing healthcare in Nigeria, especially those that can be tackled now?

There are several challenges; the unavailability of healthcare facilities is one. We have 33,303 general hospitals with 20 000+ primary healthcare centres but we need more primary or basic medical outposts or facilities which are the first line of contact for many patients. We have 59 teaching hospitals and federal medical centres in Nigeria averaging less than 1.5 tertiary care centres per state.

Another has to do with the inadequate number of skilled health workers. For example, the proportion of births in Nigeria that are attended to by skilled health personnel; a midwife, nurse, or doctor is just 43 per cent; implying that over half of deliveries in Nigeria do not have a skilled health personnel present.

86 per cent of the hospitals in Nigeria are focused on primary healthcare, which is good but we also need to equip our healthcare system to treat the increasingly sophisticated diseases that more Nigerians now have due to our changing lifestyles. Many private hospitals even in the urban centres, are focused on primary healthcare; but are ill-equipped to offer secondary or tertiary services.

We have limited hospitals in Nigeria that have modern cancer care machines, or renal care, or critical care facilities that can provide 24/7 life support. It has been said previously, that Nigeria is the ‘fourth-worst place’ to give birth in the world. Institutional deliveries, deliveries in a health centre are only 39 per cent, with 60 per cent out-of-hospital. Our neo-natal mortality rate, i.e the number of deaths per 1000 births is 36. If these children survive birth, 76 of every 1000 die before they are 5 years old. In advanced countries, these are single-digit numbers, maybe 9, 10, or 4. Nigeria has just overtaken India as the world capital for under-five deaths, according to the

Olarinmoye

2020 mortality estimates released by UNICEF. The healthcare gap is huge, with so much to do; we cannot leave it to the government. Having health insurance for your family doesn’t guarantee health security in a country where over 93% of the population is outside the insurance envelope, especially during periods of viral infections like now.

Where are the opportunities?

Healthcare financing is an area of immediate opportunity. We need to remove the financial barriers that prevent access to healthcare for Nigerians especially poor/vulnerable populations. We need private sector participation in financing health insurance to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Another area of potential impact is in the provision of health facilities and making sure that we have a critical mass of health care facilities available both in the rural and in urban areas. I once mentored doctors from the South-Western part of Nigeria who were start-up finalists in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) competition and had the innovative idea of putting diagnostic centres on wheels and providing services across rural outposts.

They planned to cover all the local government areas in their state and were going to put their X-Ray machines and other equipment in a vehicle/ mobile clinic because they found out that many people had to travel to the state capital just to get X-rays done. Innovative ideas like these around the provision of healthcare facilities will improve healthcare significantly.

The increasing availability of healthcare workers is another area of opportunity, where you create more training centres that enable more workers to be trained. The firm I worked with previously had a Social Development Practice (ADP) and one of the projects they worked on had to do with training health workers in Kenya remotely.

Similarly, we can set up online academies to provide basic nursing and lab diagnosis education where nurses e.g. midwives, traditional birth attendants, and other health workers are taught the basics needed to improve health care within their localities. Some NGOs are providing this service currently but we need to multiply this to achieve critical mass. Technology can also help in what I call healthcare next-sensing, to borrow a term from Prof Pistrui. This would involve deploying technology and epidemiology to pre-emptively diagnose where there would be infections/epidemics, whether on ground or remotely.

For instance, we can use technology to gather data on diseases most frequently occurring across the country and use analytics to figure out which diseases are more frequent, in which area, and among what age group. This could then influence healthcare expenditure e.g to determine what kind of resources or additional healthcare facilities to put there. If I know that there is an area of the

country where they are prone to diabetes or have an unusually high prevalence of sexually communicable diseases, I know what to spend on in terms of healthcare in those areas.

We can also make huge strides with telemedicine, leveraging solar power. We can ensure every village has solar-powered mobile clinics with access to a health official who can consult remotely.

Speaking of health insurance in Nigeria; do you think we have enough to ease the financial burdens of healthcare in Nigeria?

Health insurance penetration is very low in Nigeria, even in the capital cities like Lagos. A few state governments are implementing health insurance schemes at the community level. Lagos, Ogun, and I think Oyo are rolling out Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes where market women and other small business owners make small monthly contributions and have access to health insurance that is subsidised by the government. I think Lagos State also offers a community-based health insurance scheme for about N40,000 per family. This provides access to insurance cover for medical care in all the Lagos State primary health care, secondary health care, and teaching hospitals.

A major telco previously had a partnership with a health insurance company and sold access to health insurance off mobile phones. It had over 700,000 enrollees in the first six months but was shut down by regulators. We need more schemes like that and we need to think creatively about how we can get health insurance across to all villages in the country partnering with HMOs, insurance, and solutions companies like Verraki.

What are the critical health areas that you think Nigeria should immediately focus on?

We must start with primary healthcare. Six of the 10 most prevalent disease areas in Nigeria fall under the primary healthcare banner e.g malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, polio, malnutrition, etc.

Nigeria has a protein deficiency problem, as we do not consume sufficient protein; meat, fish, or eggs with many children being protein-deficient with low immunity to diseases. So, let’s tackle that first. We can reduce protein deficiency, tackle malaria, and then tackle a few of what you call tertiary diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity. The government also needs to find an efficient way of training more community health workers at the grassroots and to do it at scale.

Healthcare is getting more attention from those who want to invest and give back in Africa and Nigeria but there is still a huge gap. Healthcare startups accounted for just $18m of the $1bn in venture funding that was poured into Africa in 2018. We have identified infrastructure and policies as limitations. But infrastructure is not about building additional expensive facilities. Parts of

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • T H I S D AY

31

32

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°Í˛Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Purchasing Managers’ Index Contracts in September The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 46.9 index points in September, indicating contraction in the manufacturing sector for the fifth time, According to the PMI report for September posted on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website, of the 14 subsectors surveyed, four sub-sectors reported expansion (above 50% threshold) in the review month in the following order: electrical equipment; transportation equipment; cement and nonmetallic mineral products.

On the other hand, the

remaining sub-sectors reported contractions in the following order: petroleum and coal products; primary metal; furniture and related products; printing and related support activities; food, beverage and tobacco products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; chemical and pharmaceutical products; fabricated metal products and plastics and rubber products; while paper product subsector was stable.

The report showed that at 47.3 points, the production level index for the manufacturing

sector indicated contraction in September 2020 for the fifth consecutive month.

Of the 14 sub-sectors surveyed, five sub-sectors recorded increased production level, one sub-sector reported same level of production, while 8 subsectors recorded declines in production in September 2020 At 46.4 points, the new orders index contracted in September 2020 for the fifth consecutive month. Six sub-sectors reported expansion in new orders, while the remaining eight recorded contraction in the review month.

BDCs Seek Approval for Electronic FX Trading Nume Ekeghe The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) yesterday appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to allow its members include electronic trading of foreign exchange (FX) to their business, saying it will ease demand pressure in the market and create value for the economy.

ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe made the appeal yesterday, during a webinar organised for its members with

the theme: ‘The Impact and Roles of BDCs Challenges and Way Forward.’ He also urged members to strictly adhere to the rules guiding operations in the sub-sector by selling at the rate fixed by the CBN. Gwadabe said: “Technology is a threat whether we like it or not and we have been urging the CBN to allow us operate within the payment space.

Our request to the CBN and the federal government is to continue to empower us more

especially in the payment space. “The world is now in the fourth generation and it is no more in the traditional method of doing business even agriculture is digital, so we are appealing to the CBN to allow us be on the digital payment space. As this will deepen the economy, further converge the rate, further deepen liquidity and empower the BDC.�

Continuing, Gwadabe said: “Some of us want to be ungodly and trading on parallel market rate is highly unacceptable�.

Nine Firms Receive $2.6m USAID Grant to Power Rural Clinics in Africa Peter Uzoho The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded $2.6 million (N1.2 billion) grant to nine energy companies including a Nigerian firm, Havenhill Synergy Limited, to electrify 288 rural health facilities in Africa, which lack reliable access to power.

The grant was awarded on Tuesday through Power Africa, a U.S. Government-led initiative that brings together 12 government

agencies, development partners and private sector companies, with the goal of doubling access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The grant was launched during a virtual event which highlighted the importance of healthcare electrification for COVID-19 response and recovery.

The awardees included Havenhill Synergy Ltd (Nigeria), KYA-Energy Group (Togo), Zuwa Energy (Malawi), OffGridBox (Rwanda) NanoĂŠ (Madagascar) as well as PEG, Solarworks, Power

and Muhanya Solar Limited for other parts of Africa.

The Acting Coordinator, Power Africa, Mark Carrato, said that USAID was doing everything possible to help keep the sector afloat because “these are challenging times for companies operating in emerging markets.�

According to him, when it comes to universal energy access and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) seven, the world can’t afford to go backwards.

NARTO: Why We Resumed Work Hours after Withdrawing Services Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has explained why its members resumed work on Tuesday, hours after directing them to withdraw their services nationwide.

The union said the intervention of the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) prompted it to reconsider the action which would have grounded petrol supply throughout the country.

It said that after interactions with the NNPC and DSS, it was satisfied with the commitments from both government bodies, noting that it will now sit down and reach a resolution with stakeholders before January over the matter.

Speaking through its National President, Alhaji Yusuf Othman, in Abuja, the group noted that while it appreciates the additional burden on the roads by the operation of its facilities throughout the country, the sudden decision to ban the tankers was unacceptable.

On Monday, NARTO, the umbrella body of all commercial vehicles owners in Nigeria, engaged in the haulage of petroleum products, general cargoes, and movement of goods and passengers within the country and the West-African sub-region, directed its members to withdraw its services throughout the country.

It said it received with shock the government’s decision to place an immediate ban on all petroleum trucks above 45,000 litres capacity from plying Nigerian roads.

Williams Moderates Digital Safety Conversation at UNGA 75 The CEO and co-founder of RED | For Africa, Adebola Williams yesterday moderated the United Nations’ Digital Cooperation Summit.

The event, themed ‘Action For Future Generations’, was a series of dynamic conversations between high-level speakers that will focus on finding concrete actions to ensure digital safety for young people across the world. “The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust the world into a new era of immersion into the internet,�

Williams said.

“The need for social distancing means simple daily tasks like schooling, work, and general lifestyle needs are dependent on minimising physical contact, something we are thankfully able to do utilising the internet. “Children and young adults are most affected by this dependence on the internet, and we should ensure they’re safe while doing so. However, we also have to figure out ways to expand access to ensure more of the people who need the internet have access to it. It is not enough

to secure the internet for the few that can access it. “We must also devise solutions that are inclusive of young people across the world, from KrakĂłw to Yobe,â€? he added.

In line with the recently launched United Nations Secretary-General landmark Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, the event focused on managing the new reality of COVID-19 which has caused rapid technological changes that will significantly affect the youth demographic.

L-R: Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Events Management, Sheidrack Nnanna; Father of DafriBank Group Chairman, John Umeobi Umejiaku; the bank’s staff Onos Oma; President General, Ezinifite Improvement Union, Okwonna Ikemefuna Ephraim, and Rev. Divine Maduka Abalogu, Parish Priest, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Ezinifite, Aguata, during the launch of N100 million ‘Fund Kids Like Success Initiative’ by the DafriBank Group and Umeh Foundation at Aguata, Anambra...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͰͰ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $41.32 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $41.49 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), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

33

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Dangote Cement Shareholders Receive N1tr Dividend in Seven Years Goddy Egene The Dangote Cement has grown the wealth of its shareholders, paying over N 1 trillion as dividends in the past seven years, the company’s Acting Group Chief Financial Officer, Guillaume Moyen, has revealed.

Moyen, who disclosed this during the virtual ‘Facts behind the figures and Sustainability report’ presentation to capital market stakeholders at the

Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), said the company was focused on growing the Nigerian economy.

Dangote Cement paid N51.1 billion was paid in 2013; N119.3 billion in 2014, N102.2 billion in 2015, N136.3 billion in 2016, N144.8 billion in 2017, N178.9 billion in 2018 and N272.6 billion in 2019.

According to Moyen, Dangote Cement has a sustained focus on helping the Nigerian economy and doing what it can to benefit

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

the economy.

He said: “Arguably our biggest achievement to date is taking Nigeria from being a big importer of cement to being self-sufficient, and now an exporter. We are developing road infrastructure and durable concrete roads, which are a major economic catalyst and hugely beneficial for the country’s transport sector.� “The company has an outstanding financial profile and has achieved excellent

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

financial performance during this period. If we look at the last seven years, you will see that our EBITDA has increased by a CAGR of 9.0 per cent. We have paid over N1 trillion in dividends to shareholders in the last seven years. As Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, we will continue to prioritise giving value to investors and other stakeholders,� he added.

In his presentation, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dangote

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Cement, Michel Puchercos, said amidst the Covid-19 challenges, the company placed an emphasis on the health and safety of team members, customers, suppliers, and communities at large as a core value.

Puchercos stated that as Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, they take their role of social responsibility seriously and they have taken deliberate steps to deploy resources to help their communities overcome hardships

O F

in this crisis.

He disclosed that Dangote Cement has spent $1.9 million in response to COVID-19 to ensure the safety and protection of its people, customers and communities.

The GCEO explained that while the world faces economic recession and downturn, Dangote Cement is fortunate enough to have had a decent start to the year as reflected in its first half financial results

2 2 / 0 9 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Investdata to Unveils Pos-COVID-19 Investment Opportunities Goddy Egene Investdata

Consulting

Ltd is set to organise the Investdata Investor Summit, where experts will x-ray

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

opportunities offered in the capital market amidst the Covid-19 pandemic

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 22Sep-2020, unless otherwise stated.

challenges.

The seminar scheduled

to hold on Saturday, September 26, is themed: “Beyond the Uncertain

Times(Covid): Investment opportunities in various asset classes.”

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.96 0.97 6.36% ACAP Income Funds 0.79 0.79 10.37% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.52% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.03 3.12 23.46% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 2.35% Anchoria Equity Fund 100.59 100.94 -1.33% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.29 1.29 11.63% 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 14.56 15.00 -4.97% ARM Discovery Fund 343.03 353.38 -0.69% ARM Ethical Fund 30.71 31.64 5.61% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.13 1.14 13.73% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.09 8.75% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.17% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 97.85 98.54 1.84% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.65% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.19 2.19 18.74% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 1.87 1.90 7.60% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.97% Paramount Equity Fund 11.48 11.70 -8.23% Women's Investment Fund 111.40 112.36 0.88% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.19% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 108.89 109.34 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 119.63 120.50 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 103.99 103.99 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.38% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.96 0.97 3.07% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.58 1.58 19.07% 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 3.74% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.66% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,189.25 1,202.52 7.21% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,403.30 1,404.96 14.96% FBN Balanced Fund 153.59 154.64 4.61% FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.39% . . . .

FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.75 121.17 3.96% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 115.12 116.90 -11.53% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.02% Legacy Debt Fund 3.83 3.83 4.70% Legacy Equity Fund 1.15 1.17 1.41% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.12 1.12 3.68% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,173.82 3,209.25 4.37% Coral Income Fund 3,197.63 3,197.63 3.96% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 4.00% 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 3.68% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.15 2.19 -1.69% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 8.58% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 150.80 151.54 5.21% 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 1.26 1.28 7.93% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,140.86 1,140.86 7.71% 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 N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.32 1.35 8.60% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.90 11.97 5.71% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.29% PACAM Equity Fund 1.07 1.08 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.23 110.81 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name 115.52 117.82 -3.88% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 119.24 121.59 -4.54% 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 1.02 1.02 7.28% 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 2,521.35 2,532.80 6.14% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 5.23% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 0.00% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 6.03% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 5.31% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.67% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -2.79% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.21 1.21 4.03% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 109.55 109.55 5.12% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 10.39 10.50 1.02% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.57 11.67 -0.49% Zenith Income Fund 24.41 24.41 6.77% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.56%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

118.13

5.31%

53.51

2.80%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.23 85.31 66.89

9.33 87.15 68.11

6.01% -9.69% -10.97%

Union Homes REIT

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

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

3.02 4.29 12.09 1.00 11.23 186.12

3.06 4.37 12.19 1.00 11.43 188.12

-14.84% -27.28% -0.33% 2.85% 7.96% -1.18%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Mali Faces Recession after Coup France pledges to support political transition on ECOWAS terms Mali faces mountainous economic and political challenges more than a month after the military coup that toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, analysts have said.

Plagued by graft and poverty, the Sahel state was already battling a severe downturn, aggravated by a jihadist insurgency and ethnic violence, when the military seized control on August 18.

Mali is now barrelling into a recession as the coronavirus pandemic and sanctions imposed by its neighbours take effect, economist Etienne Fakaba Sissoko said.

The 15-nation bloc ECOWAS, fearing the restive country could spiral into chaos, immediately shuttered Mali’s borders and imposed trade restrictions, putting pressure on the junta to swiftly hand over power.

The impact on the landlocked, undiversified, under-industrialised and import-dependent economy will be severe, said Fakaba Sissoko, a professor of economics at the University of Bamako and a former presidential adviser.

“The immediate consequence is a reduction in public expenditure. This has a direct impact on the population,” he said.

After a 2012 putsch which overthrew then president Amadou Toumani Toure, a

trade embargo which lasted one week sent the country’s economy plummeting into recession.

The International Monetary Fund had in May revised Mali’s growth rate for 2020 from five percent down to less than one percent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“If we add the sanctions to this, there is no doubt that we will unfortunately be in recession. Mali will not escape recession,” Sissoko said.

Compounding the country’s political problems is a “crisis of morality” sparked by the issue of the return to civilian rule, said Lamine Savane, a researcher in political science at the University of Segou.

A group of officials selected by the junta have chosen a 70-year-old retired colonel, Bah Ndaw, as interim president, with the junta’s leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, as vice president.

The transitional government would stay in place for a maximum of 18 months until nationwide elections take place.

Ndaw is due to be sworn in Friday, when ECOWAS is also likely to decide whether to lift the sanctions, the bloc’s mediator, former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, said on Wednesday.

The long wrangle over the transition could drain the dynamism for accountability and justice, said Savane.

The so-called June 5 Movement, or M5, an alliance of political parties, trade unions, religious figures and NGOs, has pushed repeatedly for equal status with the junta in the interim government.

But Savane said the lure of top jobs sapped and divided the M5, prompting some to look the other way when it came to issues that were once at the heart of their movement.

These are the same mistakes which were made in 2012, Savane said, which plunged

Mali into crisis for years.

That coup was followed by an insurrection in the north of the country which developed into a jihadist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

Calls against corruption and impunity during this year’s protests have quieted, and some of the most-criticised figures of Keita’s regime, including his son Karim and intelligence service chief Moussa Diawara, have escaped accountability, Savane noted.

“These people aren’t being troubled,” he said. “This raises the question of whether those who took power really want to change things.”

Meanwhile, France has said she ready to back the civil transition of power in Mali on conditions set by ECOWAS and takes note of the first appointments to the Malian transition government, the French Foreign Ministry said.

“France is ready to accompany and support the civil transition in Mali that will

take place under the conditions set by ECOWAS,” the statement said.

Paris also called the appointments to the transition government an “encouraging first step” in the process of curbing the political crisis in Mali, which should translate into democratic elections of legitimate authorities.

The ministry added that further appointments to the transition government were expected under the observation of African and European experts.

New British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones (left), meets with Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his office, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday

South Sudan Politicians Embezzled World’s Workers Lost $3.5tn in Wages Amid Pandemic, Says UN The coronavirus pandemic is point, global working hours end of the second three-month That amounts to a drop of $36m, Says UN Panel taking a heavier toll on jobs than had declined by 17.3 percent period of the year. some $3.5 trillion, or 5.5 percent previously feared, the UN said compared to last December — “The impact has been of the overall global gross High-ranking politicians and bureaucrats in South Sudan have siphoned off at least $36 million in public funds, sometimes with the connivance of international corporations and banks, a UN commission said on Wednesday.

The report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan came six days after President Salva Kiir fired the country’s finance minister, the head of the tax-gathering National Revenue Authority as well as the director of the state-owned oil company.

“Our Commission has uncovered brazen embezzlement by senior politicians and government officials, together

with a number of entities linked to the government,” the panel’s chairperson, Yasmin Sooka, said.

“We can reveal the misappropriation of a staggering $36 million since 2016. It is worth noting this is just what we were able to trace and may not reflect the whole picture.”

The figure relates to illegal financial movements from the ministry of finance and economic planning and from the National Revenue Authority, she said in a statement to the UN’s Human Rights Council.

“Shockingly, these South Sudanese bodies have been aided and abetted in these crimes by a number of international

US Seeks Breakthrough on Sudan Before Election With weeks to go before US elections, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is racing to make a breakthrough with Sudan that he hopes could also benefit Israel.

Sudan’s new civilian-led government is urgently seeking to be removed from the US blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism, and is seen

by Washington as open to becoming the latest Arab state to recognize Israel — a major cause for President Donald Trump’s electoral base.

“The United States has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure that compensation is finally provided to victims of the 1998 Al-Qaeda-backed terrorist attacks on the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania,” Pompeo wrote in a letter to senators that was confirmed by congressional sources.

“We also have a unique and narrow window to support the civilian-led transitional government in Sudan that has finally rid itself of the Islamist dictatorship that previously led that country.”

Sudan is one of four nations listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States, severely impeding investment as businesses worry of legal risks in dealing with the country.

The designation dates back to 1993 when then strongman Omar al-Bashir welcomed Islamists including Osama bin Laden, the founder of AlQaeda, which carried out the embassy attacks that claimed more than 200 lives.

Washington had been gradually reconciling with Bashir, who agreed to independence for mostly Christian South Sudan.

Wednes day, with hundreds of millions of jobs lost and workers suffering a “massive” drop in earnings.

In a fresh study, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) found that by the mid-year

equivalent to nearly 500 million full-time jobs.

That is nearly 100 million more job-equivalents than the number forecast by the ILO back in June, when it expected 14 percent of working hours to be lost by the

catastrophic,” ILO chief Guy Ryder told reporters in a virtual briefing, pointing out that global labour income had shrunk by 10.7 percent during the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2019.

domestic product (GDP), the ILO said.

Since surfacing in China late last year, the novel coronavirus has killed nearly one million people worldwide out of the more than 31 million infected.

Health Chief Hails Africa’s Fight against COVID-19 The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) has praised African states for managing to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Africa has seen about 1.4 million cases, and 34,000 deaths

since March.

These figures are far lower than those in Europe, Asia or the Americas, with reported cases continuing to decline.

Early interventions played a crucial role in curbing the virus’

spread, Africa CDC head John Nkengasong told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

Africa CDC is the health agency of the 55-member African Union (AU).

The continent of more than

one billion people accounts for just under 5% of cases globally and 3.6% of deaths.

Dr. Nkengasong described as “false” suggestions that cases and deaths in Africa were significantly under-reported.

Europe COVID-19 Cases Pass Five Million Europe has recorded more than five million coronavirus infections since the first cases appeared in China in December, according to a report by AFP from official sources on Wednesday at 1100 GMT.

A total of 5,000,421 cases have now been registered, of which more than half were in Russia (1,122,241 infections, 19,799 deaths), followed by Spain (682,267/30,904), France (502,541/31,416) and the United Kingdom (403,551/41,825).

Europe has recorded 227,130 deaths.

More than 380,000 new cases have been reported in the past week, the highest number in the region since the start of the pandemic. The rise in infections can be partly

explained by the sharp increase in testing in countries including France, where more than a million tests are now carried out every week. Despite the increase, many less serious or asymptomatic cases probably remain undetected.

Police Confine Cameroon Opposition Leader at Home Cameroon’s opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, has been confined at home for planning Tuesday’s anti-government protests.

A video showing police vehicles outside the leader’s house has been shared online.

The leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) told Voice of America that he was neither beaten or detained, but feared that he would be arrested if he stepped out of his guarded house.

Mr Kamto called for protests

to demand an end to the Anglophone crisis and a reform of the electoral code.

Demonstrators were dispersed by police in major towns and the opposition says one person was killed and several injured.

Mr Kamto on Wednesday

tweeted wishes of speedy recovery to those injured and termed Tuesday’s protests as “a resounding success”.

He said the protests were a powerful force and that they will continue until President Paul Biya resigns.

New Date Set for Commonwealth Summit in Rwanda A Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) postponed in April because of the coronavirus pandemic will now be held in June next year in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

The biennial meeting is the Commonwealth’s

highest consultative and policy-making gathering. It will be held in the week of 21 June 2021.

The Commonwealth secretariat said member countries had agreed on the new date.

“Our meetings in Rwanda will give us a real opportunity to focus on our post Covid recovery, but we also know that the pandemic has not reduced the urgency with which global challenges such as climate change, the

global economy, trade and sustainable development need to be dealt with decisively through multilateral cooperation and mutual support,” Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland said in a statement.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY, ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION THE IMMORTALITY OF JUSTICE KARIBI-WHYTE the day after our wedding. We were received by Justice Karibi-Whyte and the very motherly Mrs. Karibi-Whyte. They were fantastic hosts.

In Holland, we spent a lot of time together talking about a lot of things. He told me about the global importance of the ICTY where he was the Vice President. I told him I chose to become a journalist because I wanted to be a force for positive change in my society. He said with my passion, I will go far, but added that I have to give my best at all times. “You must always report the truth� he advised.

Few days after we arrived The Hague, the ICTY was going to deliver its first judgement on the trial of Dusan “DUSKO�

Tadic, a war criminal. It was big news around the world at the time because it was the first time the Court had concluded trial in a matter and was ready to give judgement. This was May 1997 and I was Diplomatic Editor of ThisDay Newspapers.

Justice Karibi-Whyte made sure I got accredited at such short notice. I mixed up confidently with seasoned international journalists so much so that I began to feel like one. After the judgement, I wrote the story and faxed it from his office at the ICTY to Lagos where the story made the front page. I felt really good and was grateful for the opportunity he gave me.

Through the years, I continued to inform him of my professional progress. Like a dotting father, he had my time. He was never to busy to listen to me. As the years went by, he got older and spent more time in Port Harcourt and Abonnema. I visited him every time I was in the Rivers State area. We spoke often on the phone too. The moral decay in Nigeria of today bothered him, but he was quietly optimistic.

He always prayed for a better Nigeria.

As a jurist, Justice Karibi-Whyte, was Nigeria’s finest. He represented the very best in our Judiciary. His rulings, whether he was dissenting or agreeing with the lead judgement, were always thorough and well thought through. He was an intellectual giant and a credit not just to the Nigerian Judiciary, but the world’s Judiciary as exemplified by his work at the ICTY at The Hague.

Last week at the Night of Tributes held in his honour in Lagos, I listened to Mr. Odein Ajumogobia SAN, one of his mentees, talk about his contributions to the Law in Nigeria. “Some of Justice Karibi-Whyte’s dissenting judgements were so profound, that laws had to be made to reflect his view point�, Mr. Ajumogobia said, adding that “Factories that produced his type

Karibi-Whyte no longer exist�. That was the ultimate tribute. Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor and present Minister of Transport, said Justice Karibi-Whyte’s pronouncements on customary law are cited all the time. Mr. Amaechi is also a law student at Baze University Abuja.

Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN, former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, had this to say about Justice Karibi-Whyte: “As a Justice of the Supreme Court, His Lordship contributed in no small measure, to the development of our laws; both through his majority and dissenting judgements. Even when his

position appeared to be unpopular, he would nonetheless, marshal his reasoning in the most eloquent and professorial manner. His judgements were always well researched, and he never failed to decide momentous issues of law, according to his belief and depth of knowledge. He would not hesitate to render dissenting judgement whenever his erudition, his research, his depth of knowledge, his conscience, and his understanding of the issues of facts and law involved in the matter, dictated to him the imperative need and necessity to depart from the reasoning of his colleagues�. That was

the hallmark of the man.

The Holy Bible says in Isaiah 57 1-2 ‘The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.�

This says it all. I will miss him dearly.

Adieu Honourable Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte. Rest In Peace.

one being glossed over, yet perhaps most significant, is that Governor Obaseki benefited from the politics of 2023 and the cold calculations within the different factions of the ruling party. Besides, the majority of APC Governors who were not happy about the way their former colleague was edged out, by their nods and winks, were rooting for Obaseki to win and may have supported him. But the pre-election video statement by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was also a needless own goal that provoked the slogan, ‘Edo no be Lagos’ and the nationalistic fervour that worked for the incumbent.

I congratulate Governor Obaseki on his well-deserved victory based on his performance in office but I wish he would take the admonition by President Muhammadu Buhari and be magnanimous.

Whatever may be the difference between him and Oshiomhole today, he should not forget yesterday. While he and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that sheltered him with their umbrella (after the conspiracy that denied him the APC ticket) therefore deserve their victory dance, the conventional wisdom in the Yoruba adage that what is after six can sometimes be more than seven will serve the re-elected governor well at a time like this.

However, beyond the drama of personalities, the most significant lesson to draw from the Edo election is the fact that political parties mean nothing in Nigeria.

That is an issue we must come back to interrogate. But what I fail to understand is those who query the accolades being given to President Buhari by the PDP and the victorious governor. For the uninitiated, this was the response of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in November 2012

to a remark made by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano on the 2003 gubernatorial election in his state at a roundtable on party politics organized by the National Institute for Legislative Studies in Abuja: “I want to thank former Governor Shekarau for what happened to him in Kano. What he did not know, which he may want to know today, is that he won that election with a very narrow margin, and if I had yielded to pressure, that narrow margin would have been changed.�

Since I am not disturbed about the outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo State, I think we should leave that matter for today. I also want to keep my counsel on the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (NUC) over the recent hike in electricity tariff and pump price of petrol. Yet, as I was ruminating on how to fill this page today, I received one of those ‘forwarded’ WhatsApp messages from Senator Sanusi Dagash. It was the 28th May, 1991 acceptance speech delivered by the late President Vaclav Havel when he was awarded the Sonning Prize by the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, for his contribution to European civilization.

A famous writer, public intellectual and dissident, the late Havel, last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of Czech Republic, was an unusual politician and that much was reflected in this speech titled, ‘The Temptation of Political Power’. I leave it for readers as I tender my apology for not writing this week.

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VACLAV HAVEL TO THE RESCUE‌ women and children.�

As disturbing as this Nollywood agenda of the army may be, I would rather wait until the movie hits Netflix before I make my comments. But while we are still about things that disturb, I read a story yesterday that left me dumfounded. On Monday evening in Calabar, Cross River State, two teenagers suspected to be armed robbers were lynched by an angry mob. The story carried two sets of photographs, one showing the apprehended teenagers and the second, showing them in flames. “When we noticed that the boys were robbing; we decided to lay siege and accost them‌ Two ran through a nearby street; while the one who joined us in raising alarm wanted to escape via Rabana roundabout, he was apprehended and lynched. The other was also lynched and set ablaze,â€? according to the eyewitness quoted in the report.

Sadly, the Calabar incident is just one of several such cases where lives were taken without due process. A Google search revealed the growing numbers of Nigerians who have been ‘tried and summarily executed’ by mobs for offences they may not even have committed. I did not even know that jungle justice is another sordid emblem for our country until I read Wikipedia, describing it as “a form of public extrajudicial killings in sub-Saharan African, most notably Nigeria and Cameroon, where an alleged criminal is humiliated, beaten or summarily executed by a crowd or vigilantes.� After highlighting the different ways by which this brand of justice is usually carried out in the two countries, Wikipedia now concludes: “This form of street justice occurs where a dysfunctional and corrupt judiciary

system and law enforcement have lost all credibility.�

Since even a writer must know when to ‘off the mic’, I believe we should leave that matter for now. Meanwhile, I have received several mails asking why there has been a deafening silence from me on the Edo State gubernatorial election despite all the drama of the past few months. My response to those who asked has been: When two people to whom I relate very well fight each other, if I cannot reconcile them, I try to stay out of their trouble.

In researching my book, ‘From Frying Pan to Fire: How African Migrants Risk Everything in their Futile Search for a Better Life in Europe’ I spent considerable time in the Edo state capital and interacted quite a bit with Governor Godwin Obaseki and many of his aides. So, I knew as far back as November 2018 that all was not well between the governor and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was at that period the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman. I thought I could bring the duo to reach a compromise on the two issues that divided them: One, how to handle local party operatives who the governor said had become law unto themselves and needed to be tamed; and two, the choice of APC candidates for the Edo State House of Assembly in the 2019 general election. I had separate (one-on-one) meetings with both Obaseki and Oshiomhole but nothing came of my efforts at reconciliation. I am also aware of efforts by many other stakeholders that similarly failed.

Several factors shaped the Edo State gubernatorial election and I am going to come back to them one day. But the

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39

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

Ndidi Ruled out of Super Eagles’ Friendlies with Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of Nigeria’s friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia after suffering a groin injury in the Foxes’ 4-2 victory

over Burnley.

Leicester Manager, Brendan Rodgers, confirmed in a tweet last night that Ndidi may be sidelined for between six and 12 weeks due to the groin.

Carabao Cup: Ighalo Motivated by Man Utd’s Win over Luton Town Former Super Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo, has said that Manchester United’s English League Cup third round triumph over Luton Town can spur the Red Devils to success against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood were all on target as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side defeated the Championship side 3-0 at Kenilworth Road.

Ighalo who was handed a starter’s role, was replaced after 78 minutes

by Greenwood and said the confidence from that result

Odion Ighalo...motivate by Man Utd’s 3-0 victory over Luton Town in the Carabao Cup

would be crucial for the team as they chase their first Premier League win against Graham Potter’s Seagulls.

“It was a very tough game. We knew, from the start, that we were coming to play a tough side. We are happy we are going through to the next round - that is the most important thing,” Ighalo told the Manchester United’s website.

“We’ve not started the league very well, but we’ve won (Tuesday) and I think it’s a boost for this weekend’s game against Brighton. We’ll go there and try to win and start the Premier League (again).”

A brace from Wilfried Zaha condemned the Old Trafford giants to a 3-1 home defeat

by Crystal Palace in their first game of the 2020-21 campaign, which the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers’ striker claimed was as a result of the Eagles’ lengthier pre-season.

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old insisted United are improving with every passing day.

“We were disappointed at the weekend because we didn’t win the game against Crystal Palace,” he continued.

Real Madrid Academy to Produce Future Generation of Stars, Says Iyaye Rivers Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye has said that the state-owned Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt will produce a future generation of football superstars comparable to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Iyaye stated this when he visited the Academy in company with the Permanent Secretary of his ministry, Sir Honour Sirawoo, and members of SWAN in Rivers State, ahead of the official resumption of the football centre.

According to the Commissioner, the academy was comparable to any in the world in terms of facilities, content, curriculum and product.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work so far; pointing out that he was short of words as to how to thank Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike for such initiative and commitment to deliver a world-class facility for future generation.

“I never thought it would be this huge when we started this project. I am really

short of words to thank the governor, he has made sure that funds are provided for this iconic project and I am sure that our indigenes would be proud of this Football Academy.

“You have seen the hostels, the classrooms and all other facilities being put in place, this is a great legacy and we thank the Governor for what he has done. If some of us had this opportunity, perhaps we would have done great in football,” he stated.

The Rivers State sports boss stressed further that he sees future Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo emerging from the academy, while disclosing that even with a formal request for admission yet to be advertised, over 1,000 applications have been sent to the academy to underline acceptance amongst Rivers people and Nigerians at large.

Iyaye revealed that the academy was 100 per cent owned by the Rivers State Government and is the first Real Madrid Football Academy franchise in Africa with a focus on academics and football development.

Ndidi was among the 25-man squad invited by Coach Gernot Rohr to prepare Super Eagles for their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in November.

The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes on Sunday evening as Brendan Rodgers’ men silenced the Clarets at the King Power Stadium, but he will not be part of the international game billed to take place in Austria.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, also confirmed this development yesterday.

“Of course, Ndidi is injured and has been ruled out of the games against Tunisia and Cote d’Ivoire,” Ibitoye told Goal.com.

Meanwhile, coach Gernot Rohr is expected to name a replacement for the injured midfield trojan.

Since the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, the ex-Genk man has featured in a central defensive role for Rodgers’ men with Caglar Soyuncu. This was following the unavailability of Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Filip Benkovic.

The Northern Irish tactician

had stated the centre-back role will not be permanent as Ndidi would return to his natural position when the defenders overcome their injury and suspension worries.

“Wilf is a player that I have real confidence in,” Rodgers told the media.

“He played the position (centre-back) very well and he has the attributes to play there. We don’t want him there for a long period of time.”

The is the first time Ndidi has suffered from a groin injury and the news will be particularly

worrying for Leicester, with the youngster starting the season on a solid note.

He was unavailable when his team played Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal in last night’s English League Cup encounter they lost 0-2 to the Gunners as well as Sunday’s mouth-watering Premier League match-up against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Leicester currentlysit at the top end of the league after accruing six points from two games played so far.

Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of Nigeria’s international friendlies with Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia in Austria next month

UFC: Adesanya Vows to Overcome Challenger, Paulo Costa, this Weekend Femi Solaja With less than 48 hours into the biggest UFC middleweight contest this year, Nigerianborn New Zealander, Israel Adesanya, has promised to retain his title when he takes on Brazilian challenger, Paulo Costa in the main bout this weekend.

The UFC 253 will be the Nigerian born fighter’s first bout since the Covid-19 era and he will put his middleweight title on the line against the Brazilian in a bout in ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The fight is exclusive to DStv Compact Plus and will afford numerous Nigerian fans to follow the proceedings from 1.00am Sunday morning.

In a telephone interview

Israel Adesanya...battle-ready to take on Brazilian challenger Paulo Costa this weekend

with THISDAY before his evening training session yesterday, Adesanya assured his fans that he will come out top again when he squares up against the Brazilian opponent.

“I always want to show respect to all my opponents and Paulo is now on my list. As a determined

and hardworking sport man, I am optimistic that I will come out victorious this weekend.

“The preparation so far has been good and the fight has been made a long time ago and in the last 12 weeks, the preparation has been on going. This particular fight ought to have come up long

ago but he has been avoiding me but now I am the champion and he wants to unfortunately for him, take the belt from me.

I am not ready to relinquish it yet,” Adesanya observed.

The Odogbolu-born Nigerian kick-boxer is going into this weekend fight on 19 straight wins as against his opponent who is also without a loss in all his 15 fights till date.

Pundits have rated the duo as the best so far in this division owing to the fact that both fighters tend to go the distance in their respective fights and fans are looking forward to a blockbusting night.

Adesanya, rated as one of the best strikers in the mix only finished just two bouts within the regulation time against Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker from whom he won the title.

Kanu Signs up for Simba TVS Nigerian soccer legend, Nwankwo Kanu, was yesterday, unveiled as an ambassador for Simba TVS, distributors of Nigeria’s leading brands in the tricycle, motorcycle and power bike Sector.

At a well attended signing ceremony held at the Simba TVS motorcycle and tricycle plant at Ogba, Ikeja, Kanu commended the company’s role in the development of the country’s economy.

The Olympic gold medalwinning Nigerian Dream Team captain said: “I am extremely happy to be associated with Simba TVS. I know the company and have seen their contributions to both the development of the motorcycle and tricycle sector, and especially their empowerment programme for dealers, customers and riders who patronise their products.

While endorsing Simba’s products, the soccer legend said

“I have the singular honour and privilege of recommending their products- the TVS King tricycle, the HLX+ motorcycle and the Apache Power Bike, first and foremost because of their quality and as well for their after sales service policy demonstrated in their Workshops spread all over Nigeria”.

On why he took up the prestigious role, Kanu regarded as the greatest player of his generation and one of Africa’s

best ever, said being distributors of the best products in their categories in the country, it was only meet and proper for him to associate with them. Says he: “They are number one and best in their areas of business and so our relationship is bound to be an interesting one.

We can jointly collaborate to do more for Nigerians especially at this time when the country needs companies like them to support the growth Nigeria seriously need.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

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MISSILE Ayuba Wahab to Fed Govt “Whereas the entire privatised electricity assets were sold for N400 billion, the congress is surprised that the federal government within the last three years has injected N1.5 trillion over and above the amount that was used to sell these very important national assets” – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Ayuba Wahab, attacking the federal government on the recent hike in electricity tariff.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Vaclav Havel to the Rescue…

P opular American author and speaker, Natalie Golberg, has written a lot about writing, including what writers should do when they have no clue about what to write about—a situation I find myself in right now. In such moments, Golberg suggests writing about “What disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about.”

I have several times taken her counsel but it does not work for me this week.

There are so many things that disturb me or that I fear or that I would rather not speak about. Take the death last Sunday of Colonel Haliru Bako who was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Gamboa, Borno State.

Although I never met the late gallant officer, I know some of his senior colleagues who speak highly of him. It is sad that the commander of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ would die along with his men following an ambush by the same Boko Haram insurgents that military authorities continue telling Nigeria have been ‘technically defeated’.

As Boko Haram and terror affiliates step up their capacity to kill, maim and kidnap at will, the Coalition of North East Elders for Peace and Development (CNEEPD) at the weekend said the excuses being

Havel

tendered by service chiefs were no longer acceptable. The statement, tagged: ‘We are tired of excuses, sack service chiefs now,’ and signed by the group’s chairman, Zana Goni, called on President Muhammadu Buhari “to honour the resolution of the National Assembly and positions of the majority of Nigerians to immediately remove the service chiefs and bring in

new hands to effectively confront the security challenges staring us in our face as a nation.”

The North-east elders can say whatever they like but the service chiefs are well aware that they are secure in their positions and that the president will not heed such counsel. Certainly not from some elders.

Nor from the general public or even the National Assembly. Which then explains why at a time insurgents are escalating their brutality against civilians as well as our troops, the army leadership is busy funding the production of a Nollywood movie, ‘Fatal Arrogance’, in an apparent move to justify the December 2015 massacre of hundreds of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Shiite members in Kaduna which led to the injury and subsequent arrest and detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat.

Now that the army has moved into Nollywood movie production, I hope the script writers will not forget to include the disclosure by the then Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Balarabe Lawal, that 347 corpses were given a mass burial in a single grave on the night of 14th December 2015. According to Lawal, 191 of the corpses were recovered from the Army Depot in Zaria and another batch

of 156 corpses from the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).

I hope they also included the chilling testimony of the Director-General of Interfaith, Muhammad Namadi Musa: “On 13th December, 2015, I received a phone call from the SSG to come to the Government House after which I was directed to go to Zaria to find out the number of corpses and how they would be buried. I moved in company of the State Commissioner of Police straight to ABUTH, Zaria to ascertain the number of corpses. There we counted 156 corpses. At the Nigerian Depot, the SSG directed me to meet with one Major Ogundare regarding the corpses there. After introducing myself, he refused to let me know the number; but later on, the SSG told me the number.

He also confirmed the number while they were being buried; as he counted them one after the other as they were laid in one grave. We left the Nigerian Army Depot with three heavy-duty trucks and 60 young officers who escorted us to assist in offloading the corpses. From ABUTH, Zaria, five small trucks carried the corpses. Most corpses were covered with black materials and they included

Continued on page 38

DANAKPOVWA The Immortality of Justice Karibi-Whyte GUEST COLUMNIST

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his Saturday, September 26th, 2020, the curtain will finally come down on the life of the Honourable Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, eminent Nigerian Jurist, former Judge at the International Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY and retired Justice of the Supreme Court. On that day in the bustling town of Abonnema, in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, the earthly remains of Justice Karibi-Whyte will be interred with all the loftiness of pump and pageantry at his private residence. It will be precisely one hundred and twenty-seven days after he went to be with the Lord on May 22.

He was 88 years old.

But while the inevitability of death means he will no longer be with us in the flesh, his immortality will ensure that he remains with us forever. Not many people achieve that immortal status, but Justice Karibi-Whyte was different. He will live on in the hearts and minds of many, not just because of his very many scholarly judgements, but also for his sheer humanity.

As a human being, he was very kind,

considerate and compassionate. For me personally, he was all of that and more.

That is why his passing is difficult to accept.

As I have said elsewhere, I first met the Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte in 1984 when I went to Kaduna in the company of one of his sons. He was a Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal in Kaduna at the time. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in Lagos shortly after. Over the

years, as I visited his residence to visit with his children, he took a liking to me both personally and professionally.

In the Mid-1980’s when I started out as rookie journalist, he was very interested in my professional development: He read almost every article I wrote in some national magazines, and never hesitated to offer his suggestions and very valued opinions. He was my critic and biggest

But while the inevitability of death means Justice Karibi-Whyte will no longer be with us in the flesh, his immortality will ensure that he remains with us forever. Not many people achieve that immortal status, but Justice Karibi-Whyte was different

cheerleader. Indeed, I believe I became a better journalist because of him.

In the late 1980’s I traveled by boat with the Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte to his home town, Abonnema for a chieftaincy ceremony. It was my first trip to Abonnema.

Nearly ten years later, in 1997, I would return to marry my dear wife, Doris, nee Lawson. His Lordship was very happy for me and gave the marriage his blessings.

Though he could not personally attend as he was at this time a Judge at the International Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia at the Hague, he nonetheless gave me a lot of support. His son Gogo accompanied me to Abonnema to make sure I was fine. We stayed in their family home throughout my traditional wedding.

As a wedding present, Justice Karibi-Whyte invited my wife and I to The Hague for our Honeymoon. He personally wrote a letter to the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria to give us the appropriate visas for the trip. On the strength of his letter and a follow up phone call, we were issued the visas. Doris and I travelled to Holland Continued on page 38

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