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CBN: N3.7trn Out of N9trn Intervention Funds Recovered, N5trn Not Due Manufacturing accounted for 31% of total exposure N120bn Intervention: Experts seek focus on local meters manufacturers, laud apex bank James Emejo, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday clarified that out of the

N9 trillion interventions it had disbursed in critical sectors of the economy, about N3.7 trillion had so far been repaid by beneficiaries while the about N5 trillion was not

yet due for recovery.

The revelation by the central bank came just as various stakeholders in the Nigerian power sector lauded the CBN’s recent N120

billion intervention to close the wide electricity metering gap in the country.

The bank explained that most of its interventions were still under

moratorium.

It also explained that its Tuesday’s decision to raise the benchmark interest rate by 150 basis points to 15.5 per cent, was not “textbook

economics,” as but was informed by reality and the peculiarity of the domestic economy.

Continued on page 12

Obasanjo: 2023 Elections Will Make or Break Nigeria... Page 34 Thursday 29 September, 2022 Vol 27. No 10033. Price: N250

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Buhari Talks Climate Change Asks council to formulate policies for green economy ATIKU INAUGURATES CAMPAIGN COUNCIL...

L-R: Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; PDP vice presidential candidate and governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa; former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Akwa-Ibom State governor Udom Emmanuel and PDP Ag. National Chairman Mohammed Damagun, during the official presentation of three books in honour of Atiku and inauguration of the Campaign Council in Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: AYO AJAYI

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has identified climate change as Continued on page 12

Atiku Flags Off Campaign, Says We Have a Duty to Arrest the Drift Urges Nigerians to keep hope alive, as he launches memoirs Ayu charges campaign council to right APC’s wrongs PDP’ll win in all zones, Okowa boasts Emmanuel: don't mind doomsayers, winds can't move rock Plot to scuttle Atiku's presidential ambition exposed Wike, Makinde, Ortom, George, others absent Chuks Okocha and Gabriel Emameh in Abuja Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, said the leadership of the party had a responsibility to rescue and rebuild the country by arresting the current drift away from national values as the 2023 general election approached.

Atiku spoke in Abuja as he commenced his presidential campaign with the launch of his memoirs packaged in three different books.

He, however, enjoined Nigerians to keep hope alive, saying help is on the way.

The event featured the inau-

guration of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

In his own remarks, National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who was represented by Deputy National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, said the 2023 election presented another window of opportunities, not only for Nigerians but also for the party to take advantage of to rescue and restore the country.

Delta State Governor and vice presidential candidate of PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, assured party members that PDP would win elections in the six geo-political Continued on page 35

Obi: Our Manifesto Will Be Anchored on Sustainable Devt Goals... Page34

FLOUR MILLS MEETS THE PRESIDENT...

Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), John G. Coumantaros, (left) and President Muhammadu Buhari, during a meeting on the sidelines of the 77th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York… recently

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

NEWS

FIRST AFRICAN LAW FIRM BERTHS IN LONDON...

L-R: Deputy Managing Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LLP, Lagos, Mr. Wolemi Esan; Senior Partner, London, Mr. Howard Barry; Partner, London, Dr. Gabriel Onagorowa; Managing Partner, Lagos, Dr. Tominiyi Owolabi; Partner, Lagos, Prof. Konyin Ajayi (SAN); Partner, Lagos; Mr. Seye Opasanya (SAN); and Partner, London, Mr. Chuks Ibechukwu, at the formal launch of Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP in London…yesterday

Shell Steps Up Fossil Fuels Divestment, Acquires Nigerian Firm in First African Renewables Deal Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Royal Dutch Shell is set to purchase African solar provider, Daystar Power, as it expands its global renewables footprint and seek to work towards its carbon emission reduction policy.

The company which has operated in Nigeria for over six decades supports the ambitious goal to tackle climate change laid out in the Paris Agreement which is to limit the rise in average global temperature to 1.5°Celsius.

In October 2021, the oil giant set a target to reduce absolute emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, compared to 2016 and has come under immense pressure from investors to end its “incoherent” stance on climate action.

Shell is one of the most influential oil producers in Africa, but the Daystar purchase is its first power acquisition on the continent, underscoring its mandate to cut its greenhouse gas emissions massively by 2030.

"As we do this, we're helping to address a critical energy gap for many who currently rely on diesel generators for backup power," Shell's Vice President for Renewable Generation, Thomas Brostrøm, said in a statement.

But neither Shell nor Daystar commented on the sale price. Shell earmarked $2-3 billion in capital expenditure for renewables and energy solutions in 2022, according to Reuters.

Daystar, headquartered in Lagos, provides off-grid power to commercial and industrial clients in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo

and Senegal, offering solar and hybrid power solutions with battery storage.

It has 300 power installations with installed solar capacity of 32 megawatts, but aims to boost capacity to 400 MW by 2025.

It also plans to expand to eastern and southern Africa, a goal that Daystar Chief Executive, Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, said would be easier to reach with Shell.

"For the next stage - really becoming a pan-Africa power provider - it requires an investor with the same vision. Someone really with sufficient firepower to finance this growth," Brostrøm added.

In his comments, von Hardenberg said his company needed to raise more money to meet growing demand but opted to sell to Shell due to the latter’s strong balance sheet and “long history in Africa.” Both parties started discussing a potential deal in 2019, it was learnt.

Pending regulatory approvals, Shell will fully own Daystar, but von Hardenberg and the management team will continue to run the company.

Shell's renewables and energy solutions division accounted for 6 per cent of company earnings in the second quarter, but new Chief Executive Wael Sawan is accelerating the drive for cleaner power, THISDAY reported on Tuesday.

The company has shifted hundreds of experienced oil and gas staff into renewables and in April purchased India-based renewable power platform Sprng

Energy group for $1.55 billion.

The Nigeria deal will enable the company deliver carbon emission reductions and power cost savings to commercial and industrial businesses across Africa, according to an emailed statement from Daystar.

The cash inflow from Shell will help Daystar increase its installed solar capacity to 400mw by 2025 from 32mw and also expand services beyond Nigeria to East and Southern Africa where it is seeing increasing demand from South Africa, von Hardenberg, chief executive and co-founder, said in an interview.

“As part of Shell, we will be able to execute our mission even faster,” he said, declining to disclose how much Shell is paying

to acquire all of the company’s shares.

The Lagos-based solar firm had said earlier this year that it is in discussion with financiers to raise as much as $100 million by next year to fund its expansion plans after demand surged in Nigeria, said Bloomberg.

“This deal marks our first power acquisition in Africa and a fundamental step for Shell in growing our presence in emerging power markets,” he said the statement added.

Shell is also in the process of buying four solar farm projects with a capacity for 100mw from UK firm Anesco to meet growing demand for renewable power in the country, according to its website.

The Senate yesterday urged the Executive arm of government to provide adequate funding for the completion of Benin-EkpomaAuchi-Okene, Benin-Sapele and Ewu Uromi-Agbor roads.

The resolution was passed after the consideration of a motion during plenary.

It was sponsored by Sen. Clifford Ordia (PDP-Edo) and co-sponsored by Sen. Francis Alimikhena (PDP-Edo) and Sen Matthew Urhoghide (PDP-Edo).

The motion was titled, "Urgent need to intervene on the failed portions of Benin-EkpomaAuchi-Okene and Benin-Sapele

and Ewu Uromi-Agbor Roads.”

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Ministry of Works to commence immediate repairs on the failed portions of the roads.

It also urged the ministry to come up with a plan to settle all lingering issues bordering on the dualisation of the roads with contractors and also review the terms and conditions of the contract to meet current realities of Inflation.

Moving the motion, Ordia said the roads were the major link between Edo to the north and other southern states in the country.

"These roads have been

its investment in hydrocarbons.

The reduction in investment in the upstream of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is already impacting on the country’s ability to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.

Shell has recently begun a divestment drive in Nigeria, citing the many troubles in the Niger Delta as well as the exigencies of the global energy transition which seeks to massively reduce carbon emissions.

But the process has been stalled by a court decision which is asking the company to resolve its environment-related issues with one of the communities it operates before moving on with selling off some of its onshore and shallow water assets.

LPG Penetration: FG, Indian Oil Firm, Others to Collaborate on Deployment of 20m Gas Cylinders Nationwide Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Indian Oil Company (IOC) are in talks that may see the deployment of about 20 million gas cylinders to enhance the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) nationwide in five years.

Speaking at the WLPGA India/ Nigeria LPG Summit 2022, in Abuja, the Group Executive Director, Downstream of the NNPCL, Mr Adeyemi Adetunji, explained that the national oil firm was fully

aligned with the government’s plan to ensure that there’s more LPG penetration in the country.

At the event themed: “Energising the Future: Leveraging the Indian Experience to Achieve Nigerian National LPG Aspirations,” the NNPCL top official noted that the distribution will be done through about 740 centres.

“The NNPCL is fully aligned with the federal government’s National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) and the national LPG expansion plan and has a fully pledged business unit established basically to

Senate Demands Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Okene Road Completion Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Founded in 2017 by the African venture builder Sunray Ventures, Daystar is taking advantage of inadequate electricity supply and high diesel costs to offer cheaper renewable solutions on the continent.

Following Shell’s acquisition, Daystar aims to broaden its services to companies by offering standalone solar or hybrid solutions including gas generators, von Hardenberg said.

“Companies need their own power solutions to drive down costs, compared to expensive grids or diesel generators,” he added.

But this could mean a further cutting down of the multinational’s activities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with pressure mounting on the company to slow down

constructed for more than three decades and have in no doubt, aided the vehicular movement of persons and goods from the south to the north and from Edo state to other south-south states.

"It has been boosting socioeconomic activities between both regions and people."

The lawmaker further said as a result of age, wear and tear, certain portions of these roads were beginning to fail causing untold hardship on commuters plying the roads.

"Since the rehabilitation and reconstruction contracts were awarded, the pace of work has been very slow," he added.

Supporting the motion,

Alimikhena said the road has "become a recurring decimal in the chamber.”

"This road was awarded over ten years ago and it has not significantly improved. This is a major road linking south and northern states.

"The journey journey from Auchi to Benin that used to take one and half hours now takes four hours," he added.

He, however, called for good palliative be given to complete the roads.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan said the National Assembly would be patriotic and support the Executive to ensure roads were rehabilitated.

commercialise the LPG penetration.

“Accordingly, the NNPCL is positioned to deploy 740 LPG micro distribution centres, 37 filling plants in its 541 gas stations within the next three years.

“NNPC is also collaborating with the office of the vice president and other stakeholders for the establishment of gas funding company Ltd for injection of 20 million cylinders in the next five years under the marketer/cylinder owner model.

“It is expected this summit will discuss the Nigerian experience, the Indian example covering LPG handling, pricing and financial support to enhance LPG affordability among the poor, communication strategies ICT and infrastructure as well as collaboration of cylinder management and manufacturing,” he stated.

According to him, the summit will also report on the gaps identified and recommend on best practices from the Indian experience so as to make the Nigerian journey less burdensome.

He added that the recommendation would further help the rapid penetration of the use of LPG in Nigeria.

In his comments, the Indian Oil Company’s Chairman, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, said part of India’s target was to facilitate the world LPG associations programme tagged: ‘cooking for life’, which he said targets 1 billion people using LPG as cooking gas in the next 20 years.

He added: “I’m sure that presence of officials from NNPC, Indian Oil and World LPG association at the summit will enrich the deliberation bordering global LPG penetration.”

According to the Chairman of the WLPGA, LPG remains a transformational fuel which can be used to lift millions out of poverty, pointing out that learning from the Indian experience would eliminate the use of firewood, coal as well as kerosene for cooking by millions of Nigerians.

“Smoking inhaled by women from unclean fuel is equivalent to smoking 400 sticks of cigarettes in an hour, thus ruining their health.

Moreover, by releasing LPG connections directly into their homes, it empowers rural women.

“Driven by the inspiring stewardship of the NNPC, the Nigerian energy market is also one of the impressive growth trajectories.

Nigeria clocked an impressive 1.7m tones of LPG consumption in 2021 and continues to grow steadily.

“We are at an inflection point in this journey and understanding and implementing the learning from India can have a transformative effect on the Nigeria gold story,” he added.

Experts say that Nigeria requires about $750 million investment in boosting the transportation and retailing infrastructure for LPG in Nigeria, popularly called cooking gas, to achieve the target of 5 million metric tonnes of annual consumption.

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INSPECTION OF ONGOING CONSTRUCTION AT J.K RANDLE CENTRE...

L-R: Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube; Principal Architect, SISA, Mr. Seun Oduwole; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, during an inspection of ongoing construction at J.K Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan ...yesterday

Akeredolu Lampoons FG, Says Refusal to Approve Sophisticated Weapons for State No Longer Plausible Fidelis David in Akure Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday ridiculed the federal government for saying no state had been issued authorisation to procure automatic weapons for its security outfit.

Akeredolu had said last week that his state, under the doctrine

of necessity, had decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to citizens of the state by acquiring sophisticated weapons to protect them.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the presidency said unauthorised possession of automatic weapons and AK-47 remained illegal in the country

But, in response to the statement by the presidency, Akeredolu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said the reasons adduced by Garba Shehu who signed the statement, for the continued refusal to approve the use of sophisticated weapons by the states’ security outfits could no longer be plausible in the face

of increasing security challenges faced by the people.

The statement read, "The assertion of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity on the use of automatic weapons by state security outfits betrays the current realities across the country. His attempt to justify the use of AK47 by the Vigilantes

NNPCL Denies Disrespecting Senate, Disowns Offensive Letter with Panel Committee demands GCEO's appearance next week

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disowned a letter allegedly written by it to the Senate Committee on Finance.

The national oil company also explained that it can never disrespect any Senate summons.

The letter purportedly written by the company insinuated that it was now an independent organisation insulated from being summoned by any relevant committees of the National Assembly.

Notwithstanding the disowning of the letter, the Senate adhoc Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) at its sitting yesterday, summoned the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, to appear before it next week.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC Lagos West), had penultimate Wednesday during an engagement with heads of various MDAs, had said the NNPCL wrote the committee through its liaison officer in National Assembly (NASS).

Adeola said the letter had informed his panel that the NNPCL was now a limited liability company hence it was insulated from appearances before committees of NASS. However, the NNPCL General Manager Public Affairs, Garbadeen Muhammad, at the sideline of appearance of NNPCL before the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) yesterday, told journalists that the alleged letter did not emanate from the NNPCL. He said, "After the accusation on the purported letter, we carried out thorough investigation on where such a letter came from and through whose authority but discovered that nothing of

such was sent from NNPCL to any committee of the National Assembly.

"We even probed further as regards the authenticity of the letter by taking our liaison officer at the National Assembly to Senator Adeola' office where the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Finance, changed the narrative from letter to telephone conversation.

“Even at that, we requested for the telephone number of the person who gave such information to the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Finance for required tracking of identity but not given to us.

"The fact of the matter as it is now, is that nobody from NNPCL wrote or called anybody in the National Assembly that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), has insulated us from appearing before relevant committees of the National Assembly.

"NNPCL is at any time ready to honour any invitation from committees of the National Assembly as regards its operations on Oil and Gas,” he said.

Meanwhile the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) has summoned Kyari to appear before it unfailingly on Tuesday next week by 2pm .

The adhoc Committee chaired by Senator Mohammad Sabo Nakudu ( APC Jigawa South West), said appearance of the GCEO before it would give it required information on steps being taken against oil theft , dwindling revenue , dilapidated state of the Nation's refineries etc .

The GCEO was represented at the rescheduled meeting by Group Executive Director of NNPCL , Adeyemi Adetunji.

The senators at the session, angrily insisted that the NNPCL officials led by Kyari must appear before them next week Wednesday or be ready to lose his job.

Their resolution read, "The nonappearance of the management of the NNPCL is an affront to the Senate committee and it is necessary for the GMD, to compulsorily come here in person to answer questions.

"The session is hereby adjourned to Tuesday, October 4 by 2pm to enable the committee answer questions from him in person."

One of the members, Opeyemi Bamidele said, "The GMD said the NNPCL is now a limited liability company and cannot be coming to appear before the parliament.

"Our own understanding basically, and am saying this for record, is that we needed to grant this autonomy of a corporate status to the NNPC to allow the organization to favourably compete with similarly situated corporations or companies in the oil and gas

industry.”

Also, Smart Adeyemi said, "Is it the common man or the poor man on the street that is stealing the crude? Can the man on the street be involved in oil theft without the collaboration of those who know the business, those who are in the industry?

"Those who control the crude and distribution of the crude? Mr. Chairman, I want to believe that some people are building another nation somewhere when you look at the quantum of money that is being stolen in Nigeria, especially the crude oil.”

Similarly, Ifeanyi Ubah, who seconded the motion, said, "My point in seconding the motion is that since I came in here, I have been watching the countenances of people on the other side."

of Katsina State for training stands logic on its head.

"The report by the TVC News that went viral showed the Kastina State Vigilantee training with AK47.

This is the same weapon which approval has vehemently been refused for the use of Amotekun Corps and other state security outfits.

"The questions Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ask are: where did the guns come from?

Who approved their use? Were the guns returned to the armoury after use? The AK47, as seen from the TVC news report, was about usage.

“If not, what purpose does training with the guns serve? It is rather suspicious that Garba Shehu elected himself as the spokesperson for the Kastina State government. Whereas, the Katsina State has not come out openly to deny the statement of Governor Akeredolu on the use of AK47 by Vigilantes of Katsina State during training," Akeredolu stressed.

Akeredolu reiterated that state security outfits backed by law whether in the western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any northern state must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the criminals used, stressing the need to face the criminals he described as enemies of the people.

Akeredolu stated, "It is illogical to continue to fight hardened marauders, who bear sophisticated weaponry to kidnap and maim our people, with bare hands.

“We cannot fight armed enemies of the people with our bare hands. It is our firm belief that the government has a fundamental duty to protect the people. It is a task that must be accomplished without excuse."

Akeredolu said he would spare no efforts in protecting the people, vowing to explore every available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.

He stated, "The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum has called for the establishment of state police.

The 19 Northern State Governors and Northern Traditional Rulers Council have also supported the call for state police.

“The call by the sub-nationals should be heeded and change effected where necessary. Every governor swore to an oath to protect the state and the people.

The sub-national must be allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.

“It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and restore the confidence of the people. We cannot do the same thing time and again and expect different result."

He added that he was irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state, and would continue to speak up in defence of the people.

Akeredolu said he remained committed to the realisation of constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities.

Afreximbank, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Hold Sub-sovereign Conference in Abuja The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has announced the second edition of the African SubSovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference set to take place on 30th September 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Under the theme, “African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network, Championing Africa’s development,” the conference would herald, among other things, the adoption of an institutional and governance framework for the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET), an Afreximbank initiative, launched in 2021 at the inaugural confer-

ence in Durban, South Africa, with the mission of promoting peer learning, cooperation and collaboration among sub-sovereign governments.

AfSNET is expected to boost intra-African trade, investment, industrialisation and development. Governments, state and regional governors, premiers, etc. are expected from all parts of Africa.

Commenting on the conference, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah said: “The African Sub-Sovereign Governments Conference is integral to achieving the goals set under the African Continental Free

Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as it seeks to provide a platform that will promote the building of trade enabling infrastructure, enhancing the role of export trading companies and promoting information exchange on trade and investment opportunities, existing financing instruments and initiatives among Sovereign nations in Africa.

“This conference provides an opportunity for the sub-sovereigns to showcase their projects and network with other sub-sovereigns and businesspeople.”

According to the NGF Chairman, Dr John Olukayode Fayemi, “the NGF is partnering with Afreximbank on this initiative

because many countries’ policies are often developed by the central governments, while the subnational entities, either at state, province, or prefecture where the rubber meets the road as the drivers of growth are left behind.

“The sub-national is where people feel the impact of governance and it is about time that the subnational leapfrog to a decent pedestal where constructive progress in the economy, like manufacturing, trade and commerce is enhanced.

“This ‘African Sub-Sovereign Governments Conference’, in my opinion, will attract substantial leverage to the subnational and its peoples.”

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INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION'S PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE...

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy/Leader of Nigerian Delegation, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami; and Director General of National Information Technology Development, NITDA, Mallam Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, at the ongoing International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-22 at the Palace of Parliament, Bucharest, Romania.

ASUU Strike Will End Soon, Abdulsalami Assures Uzodimma to lecturers: Allow our children return to school

Laleye Dipo in Minna Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar rtd has expressed optimism that the more than seven-month old strike embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has paralysed academic activities in the nation's tertiary institutions would soon come to an end.

Abubakar expressed the optimism in Minna, yesterday, when he fielded questions from select newsmen at his uphill residence in the Niger state capital.

"I am sure Nigeria would find a solution soon to the strike,” the former Head of state said without elaborating.

Abdulsalami also expressed satisfaction with the growth of democracy in the country since 1999.

"Since 1999, politicians and indeed Nigerians have been strengthening democracy in the country," but conceded that, "there are pitfalls as we went along. We made mistakes and gradually our politicians are correcting these mistakes and also the politicians are also learning by the day."

He, however, noted that the major problem facing the electoral process in the country was votebuying, pointing out that, "there are some setbacks, some electorates are still selling their votes, and the politicians are still encouraging the selling and buying of votes. I think this is a negative part that we are experiencing and I think indeed Nigerians and all of us should put

our heads together and all hands should be on deck to ensure that this phenomenon is brought to an end."

He added: "I hope the electorate will bear in mind that it is their responsibility to ensure that they vote people of calibre and their choice. And for God sake, nobody should go and sell his vote.

"Don't sell your franchise. I am happy some people are realising and educating other people not to sell their votes," he maintained.

Abdulsalami also urged politicians not to embark on campaign of calumny stressing that, "as we go into 2023 election campaigns, there shouldn't be abusive words in our campaigns. But as much as possible we should indulge in campaigns of tolerance, because

I know each politician is trying to sell his manifesto or that of his party."

In a related development, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has pleaded with ASUU to allow, “our children to go back to school,” saying any sacrifice made to achieve that should not be seen to be misplaced.

The governor made the appeal yesterday, when he received in audience members of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), who paid a working visit to him at Government House Owerri.

Uzodimma who appealed specifically to the FUTO branch of ASUU to, "allow students studying in the university to go back to school," urged all parties

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja To conform to the ideals of the World Bank-assisted States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has tasked civil society organisations (CSOs) in the country to redouble their efforts in strengthening fiscal reforms at the sub-national level.

It said the call became imperative to promote fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability at the second tier of government.

OGP's National Programme

Coordinator, Gloria Ahmed made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at a two-day zonal workshop organised by the OGP for CSOs in the South-South region in collaboration with Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office(FCDO)-funded programme.

The workshop with the theme, ‘Dissemination of the Guide to Enhance Citizens Understanding of Fiscal Issues and Publications by State Governments,’ was designed to engage and guide citizens using the SFTAS Citizens Guidance docu-

Prays for King Salman's health

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS).

The president in a letter personally signed by him yesterday, welcomed the appointment which was combined with the position

"when the foundation is laid and infrastructure like that of FUTO is put on ground as a platform, it is the civic responsibility of the leaders to support the institution to maximise their objective."

He expressed delight receiving the Governing Council and assured the members that he will support FUTO to thrive like her counterparts elsewhere.

On the controversies surrounding land allocation in FUTO, the governor noted that he had gone the extra miles to investigate the problems and related matters, noting that he believes the problems can be resolved amicably.

He therefore appealed to both the natives and the visitors to the school, the management, staff and students to see the need for the

school to operate in a peaceful environment by creating a win-win situation for all interested parties.

"This will allow FUTO Community to enjoy the adorable Imo hospitality."

He challenged the FUTO Governing Council to, "think out of the box and see the university as a business school that will be able to fund itself and even make profit so that the reliance on federal allocation or subsidy will be far reduced."

In his remarks, Senator TilleyGyado said they were on the visit as a, "mark of respect and protocol to the landlord and to assure him that FUTO will work in synergy with the Government and people of Imo State under the present Governing Council."

SFTAS: OGP Urges CSOs to Strengthen Fiscal Reforms in States

Buhari Congratulates New Saudi Prime Minister, Mohammed Salman Deji Elumoye in Abuja

in the ASUU/FG saga to sheathe their sword and allow the sleeping dog lie.

Led by the Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman of the Governing Council of FUTO, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, the governor said, "education is the key ingredients for national development, so it is the responsibility of leaders in the country to resolve issues and controversies that tend to impede the academic progress of her youths."

"What the leaders of Nigeria owe our future generation is to ensure that they are given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and be better citizens in future."

The governor who acknowledged that education was an expensive project to acquire, said,

of Defence Minister, the first ever in the history of the Kingdom.

Buhari said the government and the people of Nigeria looked forward to working with him to further deepen and expand excellent bilateral relations.

The president expressed confidence that with the dynamic and visionary leadership of the government by the Prime Minister under

the guidance of his father, ruler of the Kingdom and Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the comprehensive strategic partnership of our two states will continue to blossom.

While wishing Prime Minister Salman a successful tenure in office, President Buhari prayed to Allah to increase the health and wisdom of King Salman.

ment to enable them understand the technicalities in the expected Public Financial Management Publications from state governments in line with the SFTAS Programme.

It was also envisaged to strengthen the capacity of the citizens and citizen groups to hold informed engagements with the government and demand further transparency, accountability, and continuance of the SFTAS' output.

A statement issued by the SFTAS ' Communications Specialist, Ibrahim Mohammed quoted Ahmed as saying that the SFTAS programme was one of Nigeria's most laudable and enduring fiscal reforms initiated by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration that would outlive current administrations in the states, especially with the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the incumbent governors across the country.

While presenting the Citizens Guide Document jointly developed

by OGP/FCDO-PERL at the workshop, the OGP National Coordinator, also called on states to ensure the adoption of a more participatory budgeting process that brings in the voices of the unheard, underserved and considers equality of voices in decision-making phases.

According to her, the Nigeria

OGP Secretariat was tasked with the responsibility of providing technical assistance to states under the SFTAS Programme to achieve results in the online publication of approved citizens’ budget with accountability report of citizens’ participation in the budget process and ensure the sustainability of the SFTAS reforms beyond the programme's timeline.

She said: “To sustain the gains, it is equally important to invest more in the technical capacities of Non-State Actors to take forward the SFTAS programme’s ideals by creating a sense of ownership within the states.”

“To this end, we commenced the delivery of the Just in Time Advisory Services on Citizens Budget and Citizens Accountability Report to increase understanding of actors in these areas and leave a foundation that state and non-state actors can build upon.”

Earlier in his remarks, the National Programme Manager, Accountable, Responsive & Capable Government (ARC), FCDO-PERL, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuoke disclosed that Citizens’ Guidance Material provides the rudimentary knowledge to help the citizens build requisite skills needed to better hold government accountable in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.

He explained that the material

which was necessitated by the inherent poor engagement skill and knowledge needed by the citizens to better hold government to account was primarily designed as a reference document for nonstate actors, including civil society organisations (CSOs), organised private sector players, communitybased organisations (CBOs) etc, to enhance their engagement skills for better governance outcome.

Speaking on behalf of the SFTAS Programme Coordination Unit, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, SFTAS Programme Communications Specialist noted that given the resounding success recorded by the programme in improving public financial management at sub-national level, CSOs have a societal responsibility to continue to monitor the implementation of relevant laws and practices that will ensure the sustainability of its ideals.

Mohammed stressed that the CSOs could do so through direct engagement with the States when they are empowered with the necessary tools and templates and the needed capacity to interrogate work processes through sustained close monitoring to ensure sustainability of fiscal reforms in the states.

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UK Labour Leader Calls for Parliament's Recall, Says Truss Danger to Economy British opposition Labour leader, Keir Starmer, yesterday advised the United Kingdom government to recall parliament, saying “the government has clearly lost control of the economy.”

The Labour leader stopped short of calling for the Prime Minister, Liz Truss and her Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng to reign, saying it was a "secondary" issue.

But he said the decisions being taken in Downing Street meant there was "a danger" and the pair "took a huge risk" with their plans, adding: "They're gambling our money... to give tax breaks to the very rich."

“This is self-inflicted," Starmer told Sky News. "What the government needs to do now is recall parliament and abandon this budget before

any more damage is done."

The Sterling fell more than one per cent against the dollar and euro yesterday, after the Bank of England said it would step in to calm the UK's frenzied bond markets.

"The move by the Bank of England is very serious, and I think many people will now be extremely worried about their mortgage, about prices going up, and now about their pensions," Starmer said.

The Parliament is currently in recess while the main British political parties hold their annual conferences.

It is due to return on October 11.

Other opposition parties have also called for parliament to return early.

Liz Truss is a "danger" to the economy and has "lost control"

following the fall-out from the government's mini-budget, Starmer added.

"The idea of unfunded tax cuts for those at the very top inflicting price increases on working people, and anxieties about mortgage and pensions, is something that we would never contemplate as a Labour government."

Asked if he would consider a wealth tax to fund his own policies, he did say his team were, "looking at what is a fair taxation approach," for those who earn their cash from stocks, shares and dividends.

Starmer has told Sky News that Truss should "maybe" give the extra money she gets from having the 45p top income tax rate slashed to charity.

As prime minister, Truss earns £164,000 a year which puts her in the 45p income tax bracket - which has just been dropped.

Asked if the PM should give that extra money she would now have to charity, Keir said: "Well, maybe she should.

"What she should do, which is more important than that, is to stop inflicting this damage on working people, because - and that's the direct action of her government.

"So, what she does personally is up to her, frankly, what she's inflicting on the rest of the country is what she needs to take responsibility for."

However, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, refused to take responsibility for the economic turmoil.

"We think they're the right plans because those plans make our economy competitive," he said.

"At the end of the day, that's ultimately what we've got to do.

"What we politicians are responsible for is making the economic decisions that will drive continued growth,” he added.

Lord Clarke, chancellor under John Major, said he was prepared to give Truss' government a chance but the past week showed they have had a "catastrophic start".

The Tory grandee told Sky News the mini-budget was a, "serious mistake" and he had never seen a budget cause a financial crash so quickly.

Clarke, who voted for Rishi Sunak to become leader, added

that no other Tory government would have made the decisions Truss and Kwarteng have made.

He said he likes Kwarteng and he is a "very clever guy" but said he needs to stand up to Truss and her advisers.

He called on Kwarteng and the Bank of England to make statements now to reassure the country.

Furthermore, he said the Bank of England needs to raise interest rates, and should have done yesterday.

Griffith refused to take responsibility for the financial turmoil the UK has been experiencing since last Friday's mini-budget.

The Tory MP said: "What we politicians are responsible for is making the economic decisions that will drive continued growth.

to be strictly monitored to ensure project objectives are achieved,” he noted.

Also, an expert, Joseph Tsavsar, said metering of customers became an issue because of the liquidity crisis the distribution companies are experiencing.

He explained that that crisis was due to inability to recover costs, in relation to generation capacity that is transmitted to the Discos against what was provided in the privatisation agreement.

Also, the Executive Director, Power Up Initiative, Adetayo Adegbemle, said there was the need to ascertain the accurate number of consumers connected to the national grid and their demography.

“Without this, any intervention policy will always be short,” he argued.

He stressed that the CBN could provide funds for local meter manufacturers and for development of a metering ecosystem, aimed at resolving Nigeria's metering problems, but advised that it should also be independent of the Discos.

He further expressed concern over the delay in kick-starting the second phase of the NMMP scheme.

Adegbemle said: “If we have used two years to implement phase zero already, which is barely a million meters, how long will it

take to implement the remaining five million?

“We need to licence the Independent Meter Providers (IMSPs), let NEMSA test and approve all meters, and let consumers be able to get their meters off the shelves.

“Remove the metering components in the tariff and pass a regulation that outlaws power connection without meter. You will be surprised at the rate at which the metering gap will be closed.

Another advantage is that we will be able to have third party data,” he maintained.

To reduce the metering gap, ensure transparent billing system and close the debt profile in the power sector, the CBN had launched the N120 billion programme where about 6 million meters were expected to be delivered to consumers.

So far, only about 900,000 meters have been given while stakeholders are asking the CBN to overhaul the scheme in a manner that will halt the importation of meters and focus on local manufacturing.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had recently increased the price of meters to cover for rising inflation, foreign exchange rates, associated increases in customs costs and increase in container freight costs.

ment and the establishment of an Executive Management structure at the secretariat level to support the DG in running the Council Secretariat.”

The president charged the National Council on Climate Change to formulate appropriate policies toward achieving green growth and sustainable economic development for Nigeria. He said the inauguration of the council marked the commencement of the implementation of the Climate Change Act 2021 and a new chapter in the renewed response to climate change in the country.

He also directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to, in conjunction with the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, initiate appropriate amendments of “noticeable implementation challenges” inherent in the Act. “Accordingly, I hereby direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in conjunction with the Minister of Environment to initiate the appropriate amendment to reflect these observations,” the president said.

Ahead of COP27 in Sharm El Shiekh, Egypt, Buhari expressed optimism that the National Council on Climate Change would harmonise all issues relating to Climate Change, Energy Transition Plan, Emissions Trading Scheme, and Carbon Trading Framework, in line with its mandate under the Act, so that Nigeria could have a robust and impactful outing that captures Nigeria’s climate change priorities.

He said the composition of the council was a reflection of the magnitude of the problem, “and the seriousness of our response,” adding that it comprises the highest level of governance and a representation

of all key sectors of the economy.

Buhari appreciated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for heading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, presiding over the global launch of the plan, and initiating its marketing by engaging key stakeholders in the United States.

He urged the council to consolidate on these first steps and ensure a sustained marketing of the plan.

Earlier in his speech, Abdullahi thanked the president for “walking the talk” on climate change at the international, regional, and national levels, demonstrating immense leadership towards Nigeria’s quest for net-zero by 2060.

The president chairs the National Council on Climate Change, with the vice president as vice chairman, and the chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum as a member.

Other members of the council include the ministers responsible for Environment, Petroleum Resources, Budget and National Planning, Justice, Mines and Steel Development, Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development, Power, Women Affairs, Transportation, and Water Resources.

On the council also are Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Security Adviser, President of Association Local Governments of Nigeria, a representative of the private sector on climate change or environmental related matters (representative of National Conservation Foundation), a representative of National Council on Women Societies, a representative of National Youth Congress, and a representative of the civil society organisations.

Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, will serve as Secretary.

CBN: N3.7TRN OUT OF N9TRN INTERVENTION FUNDS RECOVERED, N5TRN NOT DUE The CBN at the 287th meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) otherwise known as interest rate 15.5 per cent from 14 per cent, and also increased banks’ Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) by 750 basis points to a minimum of 32.5 per cent from 27.5 per cent in order to aggressively tackle rising inflation as well as mop-up excess liquidity from banks’ vault to discourage speculative attacks on the Naira.

But speaking at a post-MPC hybrid media briefing to unravel the facts behind the decisions, CBN Director, Development Finance Department, Mr. Yusuf Yila, said out of the N1 trillion invested in the Anchor borrower programme (ABP), the central bank had already recovered N400 billion.

While emphasing that the CBN’s interventions were not grants, but loans that must be paid back, Yila added that the CBN had actually activated the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) to recover loans from the various beneficiaries of its intervention support.

He added that the CBN was already in the debt recovery mode and had been debiting the states directly from their FAAC allocations to settle their liabilities to the apex bank, adding that the bank was also partnering with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wherever risk was perceived.

“There will be no mercy, everybody must pay back,” he said.

He also said the central bank has decided to slow down the disbursement of all intervention programmes to focus only on the priority areas, particularly electricity and SMEs. He clarified that the intervention schemes were not being shut down anyway, adding that the manufacturing sector accounted for 31 per cent of the CBN intervention efforts.

Yila said, “We’ve already started even before the announcement of the MPC to taper some of the programmes that we were doing. I can confirm to you that the gates have been closed. To make the monetary policy tool that has been deployed very effective, you definitely strain the money supply.

“So, indeed, we have closed the gates; only interventions that are very, very critical. MSMEs that are statutory which takes 5 per cent of every bank’s profit after tax, it is not a lot to deploy to SMEs, and then supporting the electricity sector is very, very critical. Interventions have stopped as of yesterday (Tuesday).

Continuing, Yila said, “We have also started recovering loans from state governments. We have been doing a loan workout programme with them, and we are debiting their FAAC directly for the loans.

“So, if a state government has taken N1 billion and is in default, over a six-month period, we are going to be debiting them N150 million every month.

“So, we started that programmeevery single loan that has been given out through any of our Intervention Programme must be paid back.

There's absolutely no mercy. We are in recovery mode as development

finance departments are beginning to recover most of the loan.

“Finally, we're working with the EFCC. The governor has approved for ourselves and EFCC to set up a desk to help us recover the loads where we are at risk. I mentioned really around ABP and then some of the SMEs. “A lot of people took the targeted credit facility that we give out during the COVID-19 period. So, everybody must pay back. It is only when you pay back that we can have those funds to able to lend back. We'll move to a regime where we'll want to begin to push out funds.”

However, CBN Director, Monetary Policy Department, Dr. Hassan Mahmud, clarified that the CBN was not following the bandwagon by raising rates because other countries were doing so.

Rather, he said rate increases were affected according to the peculiarities of the economy, stressing that liquidity surfeit in banks and pent-up demand would always evoke rates hike.

Mahmoud insisted that the volume of money in circulation was too much as this would continue to drive up prices, adding that the main objective of the CBN's aggressive rates hike was to make the cost of funds more expensive.

He also said as financing of government remained a major issue, the CBN was, “very mindful of this and making sure that this is highly moderated because it's also fuelling the liquidity that we have within the system.”

Also, speaking at the meeting, CBN Director, Banking Supervision Department, Mr. Haruna Mustafa, expressed hope that the latest increases in MPR and CRR could be the silver bullet needed to address other macroeconomic challenges facing the country.

He said inflation remained the biggest elephant in the house, and needed to be defeated in an aggressive manner.

He said though the impact of the CBN monetary policy decision would be, “bitter-sweet” the overall objective is to rein in inflation.

He said the CRR serves both monetary and prudential functions and will have far-reaching implications for the economy going forward.

He said the decision of the MPC was complimentary to what had been done to rein in inflation, stressing that, “they are not conflicting policy goals, they are complementary and they are working in line with our earlier intention.”

On her part, the CBN Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji, said the central bank was ramping up its policy on increasing foreign exchange supply by looking at other avenues of attracting investment from the diaspora into the Nigerian economy.

She said, “As long as we keep increasing supply, we would continue to see the narrowing of the gap. You also know that we have an election coming up and some of these elections would require some kind of exchanges and things but we are ramping up our supply and that's what the central bank is doing so that supply can go up and

the differential in rate will continue to narrow.”

CBN's N120bn Intervention: Experts Seek Focus on Local Meters Manufacturers, Laud Apex Bank

Meanwhile, various stakeholders in the Nigerian power sector have lauded the intervention of the CBN over its recent N120 billion intervention to close the wide electricity metering gap in the country.

The apex bank had begun the disbursement of the fund for the procurement and installation of the electricity meters across the country under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) in the phase zero of the scheme.

The NMMP is geared towards mass metering of Nigerians by providing loan facilities to the Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) for the procurement of meters for customers and assembling of the power devices by Nigerians.

But a number of experts have observed that the best results which would impact the economy the most is to begin local manufacturing, rather than continuing with importation.

President, Nigerian Consumer Protection Network and Member National Technical Investigative

Panel on Power System Collapses, Kunle Olubiyo, in his comments, expressed his support for local production of the electricity asset.

He expressed concern over the cost of meters as well as the tendency of some distribution companies to short-change consumers by importing meters which may not even read accurately.

Olubiyo added that quality would be easier to control if the priority of the CBN is in the area of local manufacturing or assembling of meters, saying that bureaucracy in the existing metering scheme was creating rooms for exploitation.

He added: “Privatisation is still in its infancy. All over the world there are fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, like metering intervention by CBN. CBN can provide sovereign guarantee. CBN should encourage indigenous manufacturers of meters, not importers.”

In his intervention, PricewaterhouseCoopers’s Partner, Energy, Utilities and Resources, Habeeb Jaiyeola, said the support rendered by the CBN in addressing the gap was critical.

According to him, the CBN intervention would facilitate investment and ensure that the electricity market thrives, stressing however that the fund was a loan with a set period for repayment. “Its application has

BUHARI TALKS CLIMATE CHANGE one of the major challenges facing humanity. Buhari made this known yesterday at State House, Abuja, while inaugurating the National Council on Climate, shortly before presiding over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The president highlighted the losses and damages caused by the recent flooding in several parts of Nigeria, as well as other parts of the world, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of East and Southern Africa.

He said, “Climate change is complex and dynamic; and requires multidimensional and multi-sectoral initiatives to address its impacts and avert its rapid advance.

“Updated data show increases in sea level rise, heat waves, wild fires, floods, desertification, drying wetlands and many more disruptive climate occurrences.

“The latest Intergovernmental Panel on climate change report warns that rising Green House Gas emissions could soon outstrip the ability of communities to adapt, and the window for taking decisive steps needed to spare our planet from the gravest impacts of climate change is rapidly narrowing.

“We cannot ignore what is happening in our local environment. The increasing re-occurrence of floods in several parts of the country is a wakeup call.”

The president lamented the loss of lives, damage and destruction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and agricultural production.

Buhari reiterated the determination of his administration to strengthen national response to climate change and accelerate the implementation of decisive actions to reduce its impacts on the people and economy.

He said Nigeria was a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an established international treaty to combat “dangerous human interference with the climate system,” in part, by stabilising Green House Gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Buhari explained, “It is against this background that in November 2021, after COP 26 in Glasgow, I signed the Nigeria Climate Change Act, despite noticeable implementation challenges inherent in the Act, to set the framework for mainstreaming climate change action, carbon budgeting and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change.

“The council is tasked with the responsibility of formulating appropriate policies and other mechanisms for achieving low Green House Gas emissions, including green growth and sustainable economic development for Nigeria.

“In a clear demonstration of our commitments as enshrined in our Nationally Determined Contributions and the Net Zero-Target by 2060, I also approved, on 25th July 2022, the appointment of the Director General and Secretary for the National Council on Climate Change.

“It is imperative therefore that those lapses earlier alluded to – which includes the establishment of states and zonal offices creating a huge and costly bureaucracy is not acceptable.

“The Act also takes out the Commissioners of Environments from the states as members of Council, it also did not make transitional provisions capturing the work of the Inter-ministerial Working Group.

“This group was responsible for Energy Transition, the supervisory oversight of the Ministry of Environ-

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Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Iginni: Politicians, Judges Should Adhere to Provisions of Electoral Act as Campaigns Begin The immediate past INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mike Iginni, in this interview, speaks on the imperativeness of peaceful and issue-based discourse and election of credible leaders as political campaigns kick off. He also says the Electoral Act forbids denial of any political party access to public facilities for rallies and campaigns and that parties don’t need police permit to campaign. Deji Elumoye brings excerpts:

H

aving just retired or completed your tenure as a Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC at a time that Nigerians need the institutional memory of people like you as the nation prepares for the 2023 elections. What role should Nigerians expect from you ?

Well, l think I should first correct this erroneous use of the term retirement for someone who was or is a political appointee whose tenure in office elapsed being referred to as retired. It is career civil servants that have spent either 35 years or attained the age of 60 whichever one comes first that are appropriately referred to as retirees with benefits and pension. As a Commissioner in INEC, a political appointee, l have only spent ten years in the service of the country and have not attained the age of sixty years but far below that age. With respect to the forthcoming 2023 elections and having being an umpire in the last ten years, l will stick to that disposition and maintain neutrality in all my engagements on issues and matters pertaining to the 2023 elections. But surely, the office of the citizen will be active in partnership but not-partisanship with well-meaning Nigerians, to educating voters on why they must vote in 2023 election. l will in the days and weeks ahead through various public lectures invite, educate and guide Nigerian citizens on the various provisions of the 2022 Act and more importantly what they should know about the various innovations that will secure their votes.

Just last Thursday, on 22nd Of September, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Organized a Roundtable civic public lecture, l participated as one of the speakers on the topic; Electoral Democracy In Nigeria: Challenges And Opportunities in the new 2022 Electoral Act. In this regard we join in the efforts to clear some of the fears and doubts that are deliberately being created to dissuade or discourage people from participating in elections in the country.

Again as a former REC with vast experience in election matters, what are the laws that guide political campaigns under the new 2022 Act that must be adhered to by politicians as political campaigns begin in earnest?

Thematically, the laws that regulate and guide political campaigns are very clear and unambiguous and should be adhered to strictly during the campaign period. In fact, the entire provisions of sections 91,92,93,94,95 and 96 are intended to deal with the recurrent issues of denial of access to public facilities and media platforms, hence they are mandates for unhindered access to the use of state owned or publicly owned venues and event centres like stadia, civic centers that may be used as venues for rallies or other such political events, as well as access to publicly owned media platforms and also provisions for equal airtime parity for candidates at prime time news slots.

Hence, no candidates should be denied access to state owned facilities for use in the forthcoming political campaigns leading to the 2023 elections because these facilities belong to all Nigerians whether as members of any ruling party or as members of opposition parties.

The laws also restrain hate speeches that we are already being treated with gradually given some volatile comments from supporters of political interest groups trending in the social media.

But reports from different parts of the country show that candidates of political parties are being denied access to some of these facilities and policemen are preventing the holding of political rallies. What is

security does not mean seeking permission from police authorities.

Iginni

your advice on these disturbing reports?

I have read some of these reports and its quite unfortunate that political intolerance is already being exhibited and more disturbing if not worrisome is the report concerning the action of policemen that are statutorily mandated under the new Act to always provide adequate security for political rallies and processions for political parties and their candidates upon notice of such rallies. In fact, section 91 emphatically says the Commissioner of Police in each state shall provide adequate protection for political rallies and shall be supported by personnel of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corp.

In fact, I’m shocked to read some of these reports that you have referenced because subsection (4) of this section itself says and l quote “No registered political party in Nigeria, its aspirants or candidate shall be prevented from holding

rallies, procession or meeting at any time for their constitutional political purposes and the police shall resolve any conflict of time and venue between and amongst parties where such arises in a consultative manner and not imposition”. Barring whatever l may have omitted, those are words of the 2022 Electoral Act that must be adhered to.

Are you saying police permit is not needed to organize political rallies or procession?

Look, its not what I’m saying but what the 2022 Electoral Act has declared emphatically and unequivocally that political parties and their candidates do no need police permit to organize political rallies. This provision is consistent with a plethora of decisions of superior courts of the land that citizens do not need police permit to organize rallies, in fact, subsection (3) made it abundantly clearly that notwithstanding any provision of the Police Act, the Public Order Act or any other law, the role of the Police and Civil Defence Corp that has been statutorily mandated to work with police on matters of political rallies is limited to the provision of adequate security only.

Therefore, notification to police to provide

The way and manner our colleagues in the bench handle these matters will give Nigerians insight to how the judiciary will deal with outcome of 2023 election petitions. The question on the lips of Nigerians now is, will our judges pander to vested political interest or stand on the side of strict interpretation of the provisions of the 2022 Act, Regulations & Guidelines of INEC and uphold the rule of law for the growth and sustenance of our democracy?

What are your expectations of the judiciary in the light of the novel provisions of the 2022 Act with respect to ongoing pre-election party primaries litigations and post 2023 election petition adjudication ?

On the role of the judiciary, it is scarcely necessary to emphasize that the judiciary remains the bedrock of any democracy. If it fails to demonstrate courage by interpreting the provisions of the Electoral Act strictly in order to give meaning and purpose to the ballot as the best means of the expression of the will of the people and thus hold both the political parties and the Election Management Body (EMB) accountable where there are violations and breach of the laws, it will have failed the Nigerian people.

The starting point of demonstrating judicial courage and commitment to electoral justice would be the ongoing pre-election cases that emanated from the party primaries in the various federal High courts across the country. We are all witnesses to the impunity of political leaders imposition of individuals that didn’t participate and emerged from party primaries monitored by INEC in line with section 84 of the 2022 Act and the shocking decisions coming from the courts at the moment.

Let me be clear, the way and manner our colleagues in the bench handle these matters will give Nigerians insight to how the judiciary will deal with outcome of 2023 election petitions.

The question on the lips of Nigerians now is, will our judges pander to vested political interest or stand on the side of strict interpretation of the provisions of the 2022 Act, Regulations & Guidelines of INEC and uphold the rule of law for the growth and sustenance of our democracy ?

You have bemoaned the problem of Nigeria as rooted on the greed of leadership.

Why do you hold that view ?

The undeniable truth is that everything rises and falls with leadership. We started on a very hopeful and promising note at the beginning in 1960. But painfully after 62 years what have we achieved for ourselves and what do we see around us ? A country of missed opportunities, litered with the debris of squandered opportunities. We have people with pedigree who are not greedy that can turn around the fortune of this country but Nigeria appears to be a country that is cursed with a refrain of having the best individuals never allowed to be on the saddle. Great countries are not built on the greed of its leaders but on their sacrifices for their people and the thoughtfulness for the future. We need people who really care for the ordinary people of Nigeria and the country’s future.

We cannot continue to make misfortune the heirloom of the Nigerian people.

How can INEC innovations berth the emergence of credible leaders ?

Credibility is about trustworthiness and confidence that make constituents or people follow or accept the leadership of others. All the innovations are designed to give meaning and purpose to the ballot as the best means of the expression of the will of the people in a democracy. They are intended to compel those who seek to govern them pay attention to their needs because leadership is about relationship and service.

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

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Ativie: Edo Politicians Are Afraid of My Antecedent Former Speaker of Edo state House of Assembly and 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode federal constituency in Edo State under the Labour Party, Elizabeth Ativie explains to Adibe Emenyonu why she defected from the All Progressives Congress to Labour Party and her pedigree in politics

M

ovement from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Labour Party (LP) I was formerly a member of APC but now I am an Obidient servant. I decided to join Labour Party since May this year. Before now, I have always been a Comrade. If you remember, Oshiomhole first contested the governorship election under Labour. In that contest, I was his deputy. However, something went wrong along the line and he decided to leave for the Action Congress. Even while in AC, I was also with him. More so, you all know I am a Nurse by profession. The nursing association is affiliated to the Labour Union. I have always been a Comrade all along and that is why it is not difficult for me to go back home. Therefore, I am a member of the Labour Party of Nigeria.

some space in elective positions.

Nonetheless, I am glad to note that in the business world, it is changing and women are appointed as CEOs. I believe the efforts some of us are putting in now will go a long way to change the anomaly.

I fought for justice for women and that is one of the reasons why I left APC.

Ativie

Problems associated with women in Nigerian politics I am worried about the position of women in Nigerian politics because we don’t have the number of women we are supposed to have in politics either elective or appointive positions. Reason being that in the political space, men do not want women to occupy any political space.

It is not easy for everyone to fight the way I fight. May be because I was brought up in the barrack, it was easy for me somehow. My father was in the Police and we were in the barracks. Of course you know that if you live in the barracks, it is survival of the fittest. So that was what toughen me to face challenges in life and coupled with the experience I had with the Youth Council of Nigeria. Nevertheless, if the various political parties can open up the space

a little to accommodate women like it is done in other western countries including some African countries who have adopted the affirmative act, things will improve for the women.

For instance in Ghana, they have created space near 50 percent for the women; and of course in parliament, they have the normal ones that go and contest and win; and the one that are sent as Representatives in parliament. Theirs is the equivalent of the quota system we have in Nigeria. So there must be deliberate attempt by the government and political parties to create space and allow women to occupy

Why I left the APC The APC as a party has no respect and consideration for women at all. If you look at the PDP in their primaries, they did brought some women for the state assembly seats. Labour has two women for the House of Representatives in Edo State so also you have in other political parties. But in Edo APC, no woman is candidate of the party either in the state assembly, house of representatives or senate. That is unacceptable and I cannot be in that kind of environment being a female activist.

Having came up under Labour now, it is a clear pointer to the political gladiators in the state that it can’t be business as usual. With my present position, I have been able to vindicate the women of Nigeria. That the way the men are fighting, we can also fight and get what we want. Thank God the younger ones are watching and I expect they can be resilient and dogged as I am.

That whatever you have in mind to do, go ahead and do it and with God on your side, you will succeed. We will get there some day. After all the Aba Women riot of 1929 and other uprising held by women in the northern and western Nigeria had achievements. So for women, we will continue to go back to the drawing board, look at our shortcomings and work on them to ensure the narrative changes for women

involved in politics. Presently, a lot of women in political parties are only seen serving food, drinks and clapping hands. But this time, we want women in the boardrooms with men.

After all God created us men and women, and so, there should be no discrimination.

Protest against your emergence as House of Representatives candidate for Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode federal constituency There are processes to follow before nomination and primary election; and I, Elizabeth Ativie passed through all these processes. Although I don’t want to join issues with anybody, but under the leadership of my party, I’m made to understand that those protesting are not even members of LP. They are mechineries hired by members of opposition political party to protest against me. They are not members of the LP but being recruited by another party because they are frightened by my presence in the ballot. In a few days, the party will make pronouncement.

Labour Party is geared towards separating the chaff from the grain. If you are not with us, stay on your own and don’t come to destroy us. So I am sure the party will come out with a statement regarding this to calm all nerves.

I was never imposed by anybody. I never gave shishi (money) to anyone. Infact, I left the APC because it became a cash and carry party so I decided to call it quit and sojourn to a place where I know they don’t accept or demand for shishi, give shishi because I know I don’t have shishi.

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

Yahuza: El-Rufai Empowers Women into Leadership Positions Former All Progressives Congress Women Leader in Kaduna State, Hon. Hadiza Ladi Yahuza in this interview with Onuminya Innocent speaks on efforts of the State Governor, Mallam Nasir elrufai, to empower women folks within the political space and the need for women in the State to vote for APC candidates in the 2023 general elections

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hat is your assessment of governance in Kaduna State, under your party, APC? My honest assessment of the governance in Kaduna state under the leadership of Mallam Nasir El-rufai is a perfect one expected of a visionary leader in any given society. He has transformed Kaduna from a sleepy state to a progressive, love and beautiful state. Let’s start from the many infrastructures that we are seeing today across the state. Take the roads for instance, that has further beautified Kaduna.

These are developments that Kaduna has never witnessed since the time of colonial era. Our Primary and secondary schools have all been upgraded and furnished with state-of-the-art equipment.

Our hospitals have been given a facelift and upgraded. This has improved the wellbeing of our people. Not only infrastructures, if you look at other sectors. The Governor has given us a sense of belonging in all ramifications. We are proud to raise our heads up because we now know Kaduna state has taken its rightful position in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

Insecurity has been a thing of worry for residents in the state. What is your perception about this under Governor El-Rufai?

Before his government came onboard in 2015, what we were experiencing was cattle rustling and banditry. It later graduated to more serious criminalities like kidnapping and so on which is not peculiar to Kaduna State only.

But the Governor was determined to tackle the menace with sincerity and determination. A ministry handling the issue of security was created by his administration. That ministry was headed by a competent person. Aside from

Yahuza

that, security personnel have been given necessary support to enable them discharge their statutory duties in securing both lives and properties. The Governor brought all stakeholders onboard, including our traditional and religious leaders across the state. That is why you are seeing relative peace in the affected communities.

Governor El-Rufai has consistently adopted a female as his running mate. Did you see it as an added advantage for the party success in the forthcoming governorship election?

The Governor has shown us how

women are integrated part of the state building and that it is statutory for women to be carried along in the society. By appointing a woman as his deputy was a signal and bold step to this commitment. That gave us (women folks) a sense of belonging. That gave the hope that a day will come for a woman to become the governor of this state. Are you aware that 50 to 60 percent of the total votes are accounted for by women in any given society? So, giving us the same woman as the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the forthcoming election is a testimony that he is still fighting for our cause.

Today, about eight or nine women are in his cabinet. Not only that, about 40 to 50 percent of political positions are headed by competent women. His Excellency trusted women and saw them as major stakeholders in moving Kaduna state to a greater height. I can also point at myself as a great beneficiary of the Governor’s commitment to women development when he drafted me into politics.

When elections could not be held in my local government, he picked me out to pilot the affairs of Chikun local government council as head of Interim Management Committee (IMC) for a period of five years. That shows that he is more interested in identifying competency and empowering them to do great exploits in the political space. I must say I remained grateful to him for such an appointment. While I was in office, he provided all the support that I needed to pilot the council to a success.

Issue of political participation is still a long way to trend for women in Nigeria.

What did you think could be a short way for their full participation, especially into elective positions?

For Women in Nigeria to participate in elective

positions, we must adopt the system practised in Rwandan, which has raised the number of women in government. This is a quota system where elective positions are reserved for competent women at all levels in Government.

In the north, APC will be counting on some bigwigs to deliver its candidate for the presidential contest. What are the names you still believe can project your party to success come 2023?

I am very hopeful that my party will emerge victorious in the forthcoming general elections be it state assembly, national assembly, governorship and presidential elections. We have gone through very transparent primaries and came up with very competent, experienced and acceptable candidates. With the support given by His Excellency, Mallam Nasir Elrufai to all candidates will pay off. At the national level, we have the united front of our Governors’ Forum to work for the victory of our presidential candidate is an added advantage. The candidature of Senator Uba Sani is already acceptable not only within APC supporters but among Kaduna populace. He is going to play a significant role in seeing our party through. I also know the efforts made by the northern senators’ forum headed by Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. He has proved to be a reputable political leader of note in the north. He is someone I so much respected. These are the frontiers in this journey, and I know with their support, experience and guidance, APC will become victorious in the general elections.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

FEATURES Making Case for NSCDC

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

Recently, the federal government on retrospection of the billions of naira being spent on agencies recommended for either scrapping or merging. For the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, stakeholders have argued that their success stories in helping tackle insecurity has earned them the credit to stand alone. Kuni Tyessi weighs the pros of the Corps

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igerians across board have continued to experience the deteriorating security situation, arguably the worst in its history. So for many, especially stakeholders, the call and moves to scrap the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) is not only ill-timed, but might portend dire consequences that are bound to exacerbate insecurity.

In spite of measures of the Nigerian Police and the military to manage the spate of insecurity and threats to lives and properties, the increasing rate of insecurity is alarming.

To this end, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was mandated to assist the military in the management of threats to internal security in the country.

CREATION First introduced in May 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War within the then Federal Capital Territory of Lagos for the purpose of sensitisation and protection of the civil populace, and then known as Lagos Civil Defence Committee, the NSCDC later metamorphosed into the present day NSCDC in 1970.

Eight newly acquired speed boats purchased by the NSCDC for the fight against oil bunkering

INITIAL OBJECTIVE At inception, the Corps had the objective of carrying out some educational and enlightenment campaigns in and around the Federal Capital of Lagos to sensitise members of the civil populace on enemy attacks and how to save themselves from danger as most Nigerians living in and around Lagos territory then, had little or no knowledge about war and its implications.

TRANSFORMATION But in 1984, the Corps was transformed into a National security outfit and in 1988, there was a major re-structuring of the Corps that led to the establishment of Commands throughout the federation, including Abuja, and the addition of special functions by the Federal Government. On 28 June 2003, an Act to give statutory backing to the NSCDC passed by the National Assembly was signed into law by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

ADVISORY TO ABOLISH In mirroring the Steve Orasanye-led sub committee which has advised the federal government to abolish the paramilitary organisation while its functions relating to appointment, promotion and discipline be transferred to a proposed Federal Public Service Commission, one would understand that the contributions of the agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior is yet to be fully understood by Nigerians.

The committee added that "this is expected to save the government N548.6m," even though the federal government said workers would not be sacked.

WAY FORWARD It is worthy of mention that there has been an upsurge in kidnapping of school students by Boko Haram, bandits and other undesirable elements. Rather than scrap the NSCDC, its officers should be posted across all the schools in the federation. Also, there should be calls for more funding and training for the agency and its personnel to enable them effectively perform their roles.

According to stakeholders, in a time when Nigeria is grappling with several security issues and there is even a louder call for the establishment of state policing, recognition of vigilante groups, and the formal recognition of the Peace Corps through an Act of the National Assembly, the NSCDC should be seen as a sublet of the arm of the executive which must stand on its own.

Notably and interestingly too, its scrap,

NSCDC CG, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi if implemented is against the interest of Nigerians, as the organisation is needed most in the current face of horrific insecurity which translates the proposal as bad fate and misconceived.

All over the word, there are several security agencies within a particular country, with different functions. For example, in the United States of America, there is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security and several others with myriad of functions. No one has called for the scrapping of the agencies.

Beyond the general security functions, it is important to state that the NSCDC is charged with the specific role of protecting the nation's pipelines and training private security guards.

While the security of pipelines can be tied directly to the security of the nation's economy, as the bulk of national income comes from oil production, the training and vetting of private security guards cannot also

be jettisoned, particularly at this time when individuals are taking proactive measures to protect themselves against kidnapping, banditry, and other vices.

CHECKMATING VICES Little wonder in addressing a strategic meeting with commandants and heads of anti-vandal units across the country, the Controller General, Dr. Abubakar Audi had in the third quarter of the year consistently tasked the senior officers to check excesses and inappropriate behaviours of their men on the field so as to address oil theft and bunkering.

Audi, who said the core mandate of the Corps is the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) for which the Corps remains the lead agency, lamented that "it appears some elements in the system are working to draw the Corps backwards from realising the expected gains from our efforts to eradicate or reduce to

Beyond the general security functions, it is important to state that the NSCDC is charged with the specific role of protecting the nation's pipelines and training private security guards

the barest minimum, incidences of oil theft/ bunkering, oil pipeline vandalisation among others."

According to him, there are indications that some of the Anti-vandal Units in some state commands have been found wanting in the discharge of their duties as the Corps management has received reports of irresponsibility and connivance on the part of some of them, hence the need of summoning all heads of Anti-Vandal Units nationwide to deliberate on the dangerous slide and rather unfortunate development.

He said the Corps management will not condone any act that could impugn on the integrity of the Corps and rightly so, considering the investment already made and the success stories, even though not up to perfection which are already in record.

"The import of this meeting is to draw your attention to some of these observed lapses and shortcomings in the operations of the Anti- pipleline vandal Squad and the need for a total reorganisation and overhauling of the entire Anti-pipeline vandal units across board to reposition the unit for better performance.

“Some believe that security agencies are part of oil theft in the country, but we must do what is necessary to redeem our image.

“I want to make it clear that anyone involved will not be spared. We will apply all the rules necessary for sanctions of all recalcitrant elements.

“The corps will use its hammer on any personnel involved in compromise of oil theft regardless of his position.

“There will be severe punishment for anyone found wanting. If you join the corps to make money by cooperating with oil thieves, we urge you to resign.

“The minister has directed that anyone caught sabotaging the image of government will be severely sanctioned. Some of the anti vandals units have been found wanting. We want you to reposition the units for better performance.

“I warn that the corps has no place for mediocrity and incompetence. Redouble your efforts and reposition the sectors for better performance.”

"Let me sound this note of warning that the Corps has no space for mediocrity, laziness, nonchalance and incompetence and will therefore not hesitate to appropriately deal with any officer found wanting in the discharge of his duties."

It is hoped that in the government's quest to protect lives and properties, efforts being fashioned and put in place by the NSCDC will be above all primordial interests.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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22 20 T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 TR

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& RE A S O

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It is the best time to reconnect with Taiwan so that it can be part of the collective efforts to maintain safer skies, writes ANDY YIH-PING LIU

See page 27

THE APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET

CHAM FALIYA SHARON argues that the outrage over the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket is hypocritical

See page 27 EDITORIAL

WASTING OF RECOVERED ASSETS

See page 28

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

VALUE OF TAIWAN’S PARTICIPATION IN ICAO ACTIVITIES

Thursday September 29, 2022 Vol 27. No 10033

Nigerians should only give audience to politicians who can deliver concrete dividends, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

NOW THAT CAMPAIGNS HAVE STARTED Yesterday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised the curtains for political campaigns. We expect the political parties to come out openly and woo the electorate, secure places in their hearts and hopefully convert that goodwill to real-time electoral value in next year’s general election. Truth is, covert vote soliciting, many times open actually, has been going on anyway, especially since the primaries were conducted in May and June this year. The various media of mass communication have been utilised by the growing number of media experts and consultants, many of them selfordained, I must say, to project the positives of their principals and also damage, as much as possible, the reputation of their opponents.

In so doing, much of what has so far been served members of the public has little or nothing to do with their own lives.

Ignoring the pertinent issues bordering on the corporate and individual survival of Nigerians, they have dwelt more on petty things and undermining the chances of their rivals. We simply cannot continue on that suicidal path.

As a people, we’ve had enough of selfsabotage. In 48 hours, our country will be 62 years as an independent nation. Since that historic ceremony in 1960 at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos during which the Union Jack ZDV ORZHUHG IRU WKH JUHHQ ZKLWH JUHHQ Á DJ to ascend, we have been stumbling from one political transition to another. One way or the other, and in varying degrees of manifestation, we have allowed intangible factors like ethnicity, region and religion to colour our preferences and choices. Those divisive lines have never left us alone, sadly. They are even worsening. Thanks to the political elite, the base sentiments have been used to blindfold the populace while feathering their own nests.

Calls for inclusiveness and protests against maginalisation have taken the centre-stage.

Legitimate and pertinent as they are, such clamours are hardly based on more elevated concepts like merit and competence. :H FDQ·W DͿ RUG WKLV ZD\ DQ\ ORQJHU Politicians should not be allowed to PLQH SHRSOH·V HPRWLRQV IRU WKHLU VHOÀ VK aggrandisement. Granted, group agitations are recognised elements of democracy globally. They are emboldened by the doctrines of freedom of expression and that RI DVVRFLDWLRQ 3HRSOH GR QRW À JKW DJDLQVW OHVV fancied forms of government like military, authoritarian and monarchical in favour of the democratic and popular type only to be gagged and coerced into servitude, hence the desirability of having the option of freely expressing their views, at the very least. Even with that, however, the point must be made that today, Nigeria is a single geographical body. Despite the fact that some people have argued that it’s only a physical collection of numerous nationalities, the country is indeed one geo-political reality and registered as such by the United Nations (UN), African Union

(AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other multinational organisations.

Beyond those diplomatic placements, Nigerians have more things that bind them together than they may even realise, like the prevailing fundamental national threats, many protracted. Take security, for instance. No hinderance to internal travels a constitutionally guaranteed right. Persons and goods move easily across states. With WKDW FRPHV GLͿ HUHQW WHQGHQFLHV WKDW FDQQRW always be trusted to be positive. It doesn’t take any special intelligence, therefore, to conclude that it’s in the interest of everyone to EH VX΀ FLHQWO\ FRQFHUQHG DERXW WKH ZHOOEHLQJ of places other than one’s residency or origin.

Boko Haram that began as a north east problem has since snowballed into a national and trans-national predicament. Other brands of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have since compounded the situation. Same can be said of the other monsters that undermine our capacity to stay, act or live as one.

Other fronts have not fared better. The education sector which is directly accountable for positioning the younger population to take responsibility for the nation’s present and future is at its most traumatised at the moment. A whole generation of potentially great learners is groping without immediate chances of hope. Dreams are being aborted even before their proper conceptualisation.

The oil segment upon which the larger portion of our economy rests is now a theatre of corruption, greed, incompetence and institutional mediocrity. Nobody seems to be in charge of this all-important aspect of our national life. Electricity? The national grid has collapsed for the eighth time in 2022 alone.

The last one recorded few days ago must be the most bizarre, having reportedly hit zero to 38 megawatts. Now, how worse or more embarrassing can this get? Need anyone be reminded of the massive joblessness and underemployment plaguing the country?

Who then would seriously fault the unusually high exodus of Nigerians to foreign lands in VHDUFK RI WKH JRRG OLIH" +\SHU LQÁ DWLRQ LQ WKH face of dwindling or non-existent earnings has also not helped matters.

I have mentioned these staggering

There is more at stake as we march towards electing a new set of leaders…. Persons who have nothing to appeal to other than primordial persuasions should have no business climbing political podiums or reaching out to voters through the mass media

challenges to show that there is more at stake as we march towards electing a new set of leaders for the executive and legislative wings of the federal and state governments.

Persons who have nothing to appeal to other than primordial persuasions should have no business climbing political podiums or reaching out to voters through the mass media. Last week, I watched two videos that stood out for their repulsiveness and extremism. One is a white-garment preacher who declares repeatedly that he would never vote for an Igbo person and that he knows his congregation would not either. The other one is a speaker addressing a crowded hall, giving northern Christians reasons why they should perish any thought of voting for southern candidates.

From experience, more cases like those ones are to be expected in the months ahead.

With the heightening of the campaign WHPSR GHVSHUDWH SROLWLFDO R΀ FH VHHNHUV DQG their aides will go for the jugular. The worst in them will be untamed as winning the prizes would be their main preoccupation.

Nigerians should be ready to stand up to these unscrupulous characters whose primary goal is power grabbing that ultimately leads to the crude exploitation of privileges.

Politicians who are not able to adequately articulate their plans, who keep dwelling on divisive messages, are certainly not the ones we deserve at this grave hour of national need. I observed something last Sunday in Abuja that indicated a possibility for renewal. , VLJKWHG WKH /DERXU 3DUW\ /3 Á DJ LQ WKH ‘kabukabu’ of one of those at the forefront of the ‘Sai Baba’ movement during the election that brought the current administration to power. I did not hide my surprise from the driver who told me that he would support Mr. Peter Obi, LP’s presidential standard bearer, all the way. That encounter may not be representative but Nigeria stands to gain immensely if the walls that prevent the citizenry from acting decisively and in unison to drastically change their own fortunes are brought down.

The time to do that is now. If not, when? Examples abound in ancient and contemporary times of compatriots who, fed up with the status quo, step forward to do the unusual. In democracies, there are no better platforms for transformational interventions than the ballot. The victory of Ms Giorgia Meloni as Prime Minister of Italy, WKH FRXQWU\·V À UVW HYHU IHPDOH DQG LWV À UVW IDU right leader since World War II, illustrates this point. Nigerians must break away from the norms that have not helped them. That would mean daring to do the exceptional. And being prepared to close their eyes and ears to politicians who can’t prove their capacity to move the imposing mountains that have bullied the nation to its knees.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

It is the best time to reconnect with Taiwan so that it can be part of the collective efforts to maintain safer skies, writes ANDY YIH-PING LIU

VALUE OF TAIWAN’S PARTICIPATION IN ICAO ACTIVITIES The 41st session of the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization ,&$2 NLFNHG RͿ RQ 6HSWHPEHU DQG scheduled to wind down on October 7 this year in Montreal, Canada. It would be ICAO’s biggest event since the COVID-19 pandemic began and disrupted global travel, especially the aviation sector under its purview. The meeting is symbolic for supporting the recovery of airline passenger as well as the cargo aviation sector, impacted negatively by the pandemic.

With the goal of the 41st Assembly session stated as “reconnecting the world”, no country’s civil aviation sector should be excluded from participating in the session.

It is therefore pertinent to point out that

invites not only contracting states but also non-Contracting States, non-governmental international civil aviation organisations, and airline representatives to attend Assembly sessions while excluding Taiwan, an indispensable part of the global aviation network, since 1971 for political reasons.

The best time to include Taiwan CAA (Civil Aeronautics Administration) is now at the ongoing 41st session of the ICAO Assembly to share its experience on how Taiwan’s national carriers are able to remain SURÀ WDEOH DQG DYRLG MRE FXWV VLQFH WKH pandemic. Taiwan’s participation in ICAO, for now and in the long run, will enable civil aviation authorities of other countries to EHQHÀ W IURP WHFKQRORJLFDO DGYDQFHV ZKLFK

Taiwan is responsible for managing the heavily travelled Taipei Flight Information Region (Taipei FIR) in East Asia, which is part of ICAO’s network of over 300 FIRs, oversees 18 international routes, four domestic routes, and 17 airports providing civil air services.

are changing the aviation sector, especially in managing danger posed by the wider use of unmanned aircraft systems such as drones, and their potential risk to aviation safety and airport operations.

The Taiwan CAA is concerned that its inability to join in the plan and collaborate ZLWK RWKHU FRXQWULHV LQ WKH $VLD 3DFLÀ F UHJLRQ PD\ DͿ HFW WKH JURZWK RI WUD΀ F LQ WKH Taipei FIR or even generate a bottleneck for WKH HQWLUH $VLD 3DFLÀ F UHJLRQ 7KH 7DLZDQ CAA aspires to contribute meaningfully to ICAO by sharing its professional experiences to help the world meet the ICAO goal of a seamless network for aviation safety and growth.

Taiwan is willing to share its aviation experiences with other countries, including Nigeria and hopes to learn about other CAA’s innovations to improve aviation safety. Taiwan calls on ICAO to include Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (Taiwan CAA) to participate in the 41st session of the ICAO Assembly, as well as, in the long run, facilitate Taiwan’s meaningful participation in ICAO meetings, activities, and mechanisms.

We call on ICAO to reconnect with Taiwan so that Taiwan can be part of the FROOHFWLYH HͿ RUWV WR PDLQWDLQ VDIHU VNLHV ICAO should embrace Taiwan’s CAA so that it may obtain timely information DQG HQVXUH WKH VDIHW\ DQG H΀ FLHQF\ RI DOO aircraft and passengers arriving, departing, and transiting through the Taipei FIR.

Taiwan is willing to share its aviation experiences with other countries, including Nigeria and hopes to learn about other CAA’s innovations to improve aviation safety

Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the Taipei FIR provided services to over PLOOLRQ FRQWUROOHG Á LJKWV DQG DERXW 72 million travellers arriving, departing, or transiting through Taiwan. In addition, according to Airports Council International statistics for 2020 and 2021, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s largest, was the fourth-busiest airport in the world for international air cargo.

Despite this commanding position in East Asia, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has long invited civil aviation stakeholders to its meetings while excluding Taiwan. Indeed, ICAO

Yih-Ping Liu is Taiwan’s Envoy in Nigeria

CHAM FALIYA SHARON argues that the outrage over the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket is hypocritical

THE APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET have been shamelessly either saying “democracy is not all about infrastructure” or that “infrastructure does not develop the economy”, which makes you wonder what You know it is strangely funny and else then makes them always trooping to ridiculous when those who have tirelessly Dubai to enjoy, or what makes POS (cash waged a “holy war” of lies and propaganda points) to be growing astronomically against the APC, right from its conception and during this administration, almost at two registration in 2013 and even after its well- yards of each other on virtually every street fated triumph in the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, if infrastructural development through to another round of resounding does not grow the economy! In layman’s triumph in 2019, are still rehashing the very terms, will there be such abundance of same lies and propaganda that couldn’t help POS terminals if there is scarcity of money them defeat the party in 2015 and 2019. But occasioned by a crippled economy, as then, like every good bible reader will know, they always claim, or how could a scarce commodity or item have such abundance of vending points in the same society whose perpetual naysayers keep saying it is scarce?

That new projects are being executed and commissioned, especially roads and bridges, is enough testament to the fact that the Buhari administration inherited a carcass of a country, which was clothed in a false (or procured) garment of “largest economy in Africa” in 2014. You know it was a false garment when you reckon that when the Buhari administration came on board at the end of May 2015, about 27 states were owing their workers up to 14 months wages and the federal government it replaced in that same month was borrowing funds from banks to pay its own workers!

So, what manner of largest-economySanballats and Tobiahs are never ever tired of lies and mischief against the Nehemiahs that in-Africa was that which couldn’t pay have been divinely appointed to rebuild burnt wages without even mentioning pensions for pensioners, or how could a country and broken walls and cities.

To lay the proper context of this essay as it be labelled the largest economy in Africa relates to rebuilding burnt and broken walls when all its roads, bridges and railways and cities, let me quickly say that had it been have collapsed, with even large chunks that the APC nay General Muhammadu of its territory seized by insurgents and Buhari did not win the 2015 elections, the the remaining parts living in daily fear countless roads and bridges that have been of car bombs or suicide bombers? What built now, and are still being built, plus the infrastructure made it labelled in such numerous railway projects that have been built glorious term when there were no heavy and are still being built within the space of just projects going on to create jobs and business seven years wouldn’t have been possible. And opportunities for legitimate wealth, and that’s not all. We have seen within the same when there were no smooth roads and time frame massive investments in various rails for easy, cheaper movements of goods other infrastructural projects like the Zungeru and services?

It was this same state of carcass that the hydroelectric dam, the Kashimbila dam and many other dams, deep seaports, dry inland Sanballats and Tobiahs wanted Nigeria SRUWV UHPRGHOOLQJ RI DLUSRUWV QHZ /LTXLÀ HG to remain, for which, in cahoots with the Natural Gas (LNG) parks, and many others PDP, they mounted a strident campaign of lies and propaganda that the APC was too numerous to name here.

And that’s even without mentioning the an Islamic party coming to islamize the unprecedented defence procurements made country. No space was spared, including by this APC administration, that is, in the pulpits, in that campaign of lies and fearDUHDV RI DFTXLVLWLRQV RI QHZ ZDUVKLSV À JKWHU mongering, and the question they dodged jets and artillery, without also enumerating the (and are still dodging) is: If the APC was an massive investments in local food production Islamic party with the agenda of islamizing that has helped in turning our farmers into the country, then what alternative have empowered entities. For reasons of time and WKH\ RͿ HUHG 1LJHULDQV WR IUHH WKHP IURP space, I wouldn’t also venture into details of the PDP that turned the country into a the administration’s unprecedented National Hobbesian State where life became short Social Investment Programmes that are either and brutish, with citizens seeing good feeding our primary school pupils in their roads and trains only in foreign movies or schools or are giving vulnerable people in our the Internet? +DYLQJ VZRUQ WKHLU À GHOLW\ WR WKH 3'3 villages a minimum of N10,000 each (it has been raised to N20,000 now) every month or and after spending the last seven years even the N-Power scheme that is helping tens maligning and antagonizing the APC RI WKRXVDQGV RI JUDGXDWHV WR OLYH GLJQLÀ HG while even comfortably enjoying much of the services and infrastructure built by the lives.

In a nutshell, under this APC administration, party, what makes them think they possess Nigeria has become a huge construction site DQ\ À EUH RI DXWKRULW\ RU PRUDOLW\ WR GLFWDWH whereby everywhere you look or travel to, you how the party picks its candidates for FHV LQ WKH IRUWKFRPLQJ will not miss seeing a federal project or some YDULRXV SROLWLFDO R΀ federal projects being executed. And it is for elections? this same reason that the traditional enemies of the party nay the Buhari administration @ChamSharon “Of all bad men, religious bad men are the worst” - C.S. Lewis

22 28 4

T H I S D AY

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

WASTING OF RECOVERED ASSETS Government should organise transparent public bidding and auction sessions to dispose of the assets

A

t the back of every anti-corruption drive, no matter how untidily executed, is the intent to legally recover what may have been stolen, diverted, misappropriated or illegally converted. Such recovered stolen value is then restored to the public treasury. The standard assumption is that immoral people entrusted with public funds or assets may have converted them to their personal ends, hence the need for such assets and funds to be forfeited to the state.

The gamut of conviction, forfeiture and recovery of stolen value sends a punitive moral message as a deterrent to future thieves.

But the amelioration of the damage done by corrupt acquisition is never complete until the residual value of whatever is recovered is converted into cash payable to the public treasury originally pillaged by the convicted thieves.

Sadly, the Nigerian experience with assets recovered by anticorruption agencies is a mixed bag. Almost daily, we read reports about assets recovered from former JRYHUQPHQW R΀FLDOV RU WKH RSSRVLWLRQ %XW ZKDW happens to the recovered assets are kept in the dark.

In 2017, the then Senate President, Bukola Saraki lamented that “the National Assembly has been strident about the opacity shrouding the management of recovered funds, which in many cases get re-looted by the agencies that investigated and recovered them”.

It is no news that some recovered funds and physical assets have sometimes been re-stolen even by those entrusted with the task of recovery in an endless vicious cycle of endemic culture of corruption. In fact, the head of the Asset Recovery Management Unit (ARMU) of the Federal Ministry of Justice is currently being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged sale and diversion of the proceeds of some of these recovered assets.

However, recent reports of the state of recovered physical assets by both the EFCC and the Independent

Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are more disturbing. The warehouses, stores and parking spaces of WKHVH DJHQFLHV DUH RYHUÁRZLQJ ZLWK YHKLFOHV JHQHUDWRUV expensive furniture and other assets recovered at GLͿHUHQW WLPHV IURP FRUUXSW LQGLYLGXDOV ZKLFK KDYH been left to rot. Many of these assets are reportedly being vandalised by sundry thieves and miscreants. There are also reports of recovered residential and commercial real estate scattered all over the country which have remained under lock and key on the orders of courts acting on behalf of these anti-corruption agencies.

It is unfortunate that these assets have continued to deteriorate and lose value. Besides, we are not aware that there has been any WUDQVSDUHQW HͿRUW WR PDLQWDLQ D YHULÀDEOH LQYHQWRU\ RI these recovered assets with a view to disposing them through a transparent public auction. While the federal government has occasionally UHVRUWHG WR VHOOLQJ RͿ legitimate public assets to raise money to augment its dwindling resources, trillions of naira worth of recovered assets are wasting away in various locations across the country.

The logical action urgently required is a series of transparent recovered assets disposal process. The anti-corruption agencies should compile and publish a detailed inventory of all recovered or forfeited assets with a clear indication of their locations. As a follow up, professional valuers should be engaged to establish the asking prices of these items. Thereafter, government should organise transparent public bidding and auction sessions to dispose of these items. Banks should be appointed the receiving agents for the proceeds of these sales and total monies realised should be made public and paid into the federation account as other recovered monies.

The time has come to achieve real closure on the various cases of proven corruption and the resultant recovered and forfeited assets. We cannot continue with a regime of waste and mismanagement at a time we are borrowing to meet basic obligations.

We cannot continue with a regime of waste and mismanagement at a time we are borrowing to meet basic obligations

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS GOVERNOR LALONG’S TEPID GIFT TO YELWA On Wednesday, 18th May, 2022, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong approved the creation of 268 Districts and Village Areas, as well as two chiefdoms across the 17 local government areas of the state. The approval for the chiefdoms and districts by the governor, according to a statement by his media aide, Makut Simon Macham, followed the review of the report of a Committee on the Creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas in Plateau State, which was constituted on the 20th of October, 2020, and headed by Chief D.G. Fompun.

One of the districts created was Yelwa, in Shendam Local Government Area, where the governor hails from. Yelwa attracted global attention on 2nd May 2004 when an attack on the predominantly Muslim residents claimed some 630 lives.

The ugly incident was a consequence of the prolonged hostilities between Yelwa and its neighbours, whose inhabitants are predominantly non-Muslim. Then president, Olusegun Obasanjo, swiftly removed Joshua Dariye as governor, placed an emergency rule in the state, and started a process of “healing of wounds” therefrom. Now, almost 20 years after the indescribable incident, many of Yelwa’s residents have picked their pieces and moved on. Of course, nearly half the town’s residents took sanctuaries far away, especially in neighbouring Bauchi,

Nasarawa and Taraba States.

And so, the creation of Yelwa District in May was expectedly greeted with excitement by the residents. For us, it was a conscious strategic move by Lalong to deeply entrench the relative peace achieved in the area since the horrid happenings of 2004.

Lalong is quite conversant with the intricacies of the disputes between Yelwa and its neighbours. He hails from a village that is less than 20 kilometres away from the town. Also, he spent most of his childhood playing football and interacting with Yelwalites, either as cousins, friends or associates.

It is most unfortunate, however, that Yelwa’s name was VWUXFN RͿ WKH JD]HWWHG GLVWULFWV E\ WK RI WKLV PRQWK ZKHQ WKH Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Danladi Atu, pubOLVKHG WKH ÀQDO OLVW 7KH PHVVDJH ZH JRW IURP WKH ODWHVW DFWLRQ LV that Lalong’s earlier inclusion of Yelwa in the new districts was actually half-hearted.

Instructively, therefore, this exclusion disproves the earlier claim that the decision to create the districts was “part of the efforts by the Rescue Administration to increase inclusivity, unity, peace, harmony and development”. Governor Lalong’s mantra for enthroning a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that will restore the glory of Plateau State as a home of peace has been

widely acknowledged.

However, it bears repeating here that the inexplicable removal of Yelwa at the point of gazetting the 268 newly created districts clearly contradicts all the refrain. It would have been thought that, if the Lalong administration were to create only one district in its eight years, it will be Yelwa. ,W VHHPV /DORQJ GLG QRW UHÁHFW GHHSO\ RQ ZKDW WKLV H[FOXVLRQ has done, or will ultimately do to his stint as governor of Plateau State. It will surely put strong doubts in the minds of many about his administration’s commitment to eliminating injustice and enthroning justice amongst the people. Presenting second DQG WKLUG &ODVV 6WDͿ RI 2΀FH WR WKH $GDJZRP ,]HUH -RV 0U Emmanuel Ajik and the Gwom Ibaas, Da Luka Pagyang Pam respectively on the 16th of December, 2019, in Jos, Lalong said: “Under my watch, nobody will be treated as a second-class citizen or superior to another. We are created equal by God and must learn to live together in peace and unity”. Now, why is the FDVH RI <HOZD GLͿHUHQW" Danlami Bala Apama, Ungwar Galambi, Yelwa

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

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

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2023 Election: Stakeholders Push for Digital Technology Adoption to Enhance Governance, Transparency

Emma Okonji Industry stakeholders in the information technology sector have stressed the need for the adoption of digital technology in the 2023 general election, in order to enhance governance that is built on transparency and accountability.

They made this known at the Nigeria eGovernment Summit 2022 held in Lagos, organised

by DigiServe Network Services, in partnership with Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Federal Inland Revenue

Service (FIRS), and VDT Communications, with the theme: “Promoting eGovernment in Election Year for Improved Governance.”

One of the keynote speakers and former Legal Adviser to All Progressives Congress (APC) political party, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), who identified the major challenges of the past governments in Nigeria as lack of technology adoption and deployment by past leaders, said Nigeria must elect tech savvy leaders in the next election year in 2023, who

will adopt digital technology to enhance governance.

“For any meaningful development to take place in Nigeria, and for the citizens to enjoy the dividend of democracy, the leaders must be tech savvy.

The adoption of digital technology will not only speed up electoral processes, but will also create efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance. It will also improve the security of our electoral processes,” Agala said.

He added that the introduction of card readers and Bimodal Voter

Accreditation System (BVAS) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), would further enhance Nigeria’s electoral processes.

Lagos State gubernatorial candidate for Accord Party, Mr. Hakeem Dickson, who also presented a keynote paper at the summit, said if elected as the next governor of Lagos State, under Accord Party, he would use technology to transform Lagos State within a space of six months.

“Leaders who are technology savvy will use technology to generate

funds for government without over taxing the citizens and also use technology to boost development, enhance governance and develop human capacity building,” Dickson said.

Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Mr. Muhammad Nami, in his keynote address, said he had always been passionate about eGovernance that has reflected in several processes at the FIRS, vis-à-vis the automation of tax administration, and the collection of data from various

government agencies, e-payment processing and e-receipt issuance among others.

Nami, who was represented at the summit by the Director, Intelligence, Strategic Data Mining and Analysis at FIRS, Mr. Kola Okunola, said FIRS had been focused on creating data driven culture in the public sector, with improved transparency, accountability and social inclusiveness.

According to Nami, adoption of Continued on page 24

Global Tech Policy-makers Meet to Seek Common Ground on Digital Future Emma Okonji The highest decision-making body of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), converged this week in Bucharest, Romania, with delegates from around the world pursuing digital cooperation and transformation for the good of all.

The ITU’s 21st Plenipotentiary Conference, known as ‘PP-22’, will feature elections for the organisation’s top management posts, such as Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and Directors for Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardization, and Telecommunication

Development, along with the 12-seat Radio Regulations Board and 48-seat ITU Council.

Digital networks and technologies have empowered billions of people worldwide, facilitating business, education, government services, trade, and social interactions through the

toughest phases of COVID-19.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the PP-22 conference, Romania’s Vice Prime Minister, Sorin Grindeanu, said: “We are in the middle of a digital revolution that enables and provides the means for the development of new industries and converged services, such as

smart vehicles, healthcare, smart cities, and homes. “At this turning point in technological development, we must not forget our essential duty to respect the human being.”

He stressed the need “to protect the freedom and prosperity of future generations, in whose lives the technologies we see today as

emerging will play a determining role.”

ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao said efforts must be expanded to make technology accessible and affordable to everyone, everywhere.

“Equitable access to ICTs is not Continued on page 24

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

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102.68

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102.81

13.23

Change Updated Time (%) -0.66 September 23, 2022 0.00 September 23, 2022 0.00 September 23, 2022 0.00 September 23, 2022 0.00 September 23, 2022

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Change Updated Time (%) 23, -0.01 September 2022 23, 0.00 September 2022 23, 0.00 September 2022 23, 0.00 September 2022

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Yield

MATURITY NENL CP I 24-OCT-22 FSDH CP VII 27-OCT-22 SIBP CP III 27-OCT-22 DLMG CP IV 11-NOV-22 FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23

Discount Yield 16.46 16.69 10.57 10.67 9.72

9.81

14.08 14.35 11.52 12.19

Change Updated Time (%) 23, 0.12 September 2022 23, 0.10 September 2022 23, 0.11 September 2022 23, 0.05 September 2022 23, 0.05 September 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate Updated Time ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS SEP 28 439.60 September 22, 1 2022 2022 September 22, NGUS OCT 26 2 441.81 2022 2022 NGUS NOV 30 444.01 September 22, 3 2022 2022 NGUS DEC 28 446.22 September 22, 4 2022 2022 NGUS JAN 25 448.43 September 22, 5 2023 2022

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Gan: FG Should Create Incentives to Attract Investors Country Manager, CHINT Nigeria, Gary Gan, speaks to Ugo Aliogo on the company’s growth outlook for the year 2022, the opportunities in the Nigeria energy market and other issues. Excerpts economic prosperity.

What is the growth focus of CHINT? HINT was established in 1984 as a leading smart energy solutions and renewable energy provider. In the past 38 years, CHINT has provided its products and EPC services to utilities, oil and gas industries, metallurgy, railways, and infrastructures, in over 140 countries and regions all over the world.

CHINT entered the Nigerian market 12 years ago and officially established our local entity in the country last year to be closer to our customers.

The Nigerian market is huge and abounds with opportunities for well-meaning investors such as CHINT. We believe with our world-class energy solutions; we can improve the energy sector and contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic development and growth. In more recent times, we have dedicated our professional teams specifically for the Nigerian market whilst engaging other relevant stakeholders and businesses.

C

Does CHINT have collaboration plans with relevant stakeholders to boost Nigeria’s power sector?

Yes, of course. And our next step is to enlarge our investment portfolio in Nigeria whilst facilitating different discourses with professionals and other companies to boost the country’s power sector.

The world is transitioning to renewable energy and the Nigerian government has addressed the need to tackle climate change through cleaner energy solution. What does this mean for stakeholders like CHINT? This is a good opportunity for industry players such as CHINT. As you know, the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy cannot be overstated. From an environmental standpoint, this is particularly important for Nigeria as renewable energy doesn’t emit greenhouse gases during energy generation process, making them the most viable solution in preventing environmental degradation.

With our technological resources, we will support the Nigerian government in achieving sustainable renewable energy solutions.

Can you tell us about CHINT’s involvement in this year’s edition, which is considered Africa’s largest gathering of energy professionals?

As aptly described, the Nigeria Energy Conference and Exhibition is one of the most significant gatherings of not only energy professionals, but stakeholders in the power sector as well. We are more than delighted to be a part of this edition. We are not only here to showcase our cutting-edge technology and energy solutions but also facilitate robust conversations aimed at the development and growth of the Nigerian power sector.

What is your overview of the current state of Nigeria’s energy sector?

While Nigeria’s energy sector is faced with several underlying issues, including unsteady supply of power for basic household and industrial needs, there are numerous opportunities to explore to improve the situation. Renewable energy has innumerable potentials that we can tap into, and we are glad the Federal Government has revealed huge investment plans for it. For example, in the next five years they want to increase renewable energy percentage of the total energy in the country, which presents a huge opportunity for everyone, not only CHINT. As a stakeholder in the Nigerian power sector, CHINT is thrilled to offer reliable and affordable energy solutions to improve the energy landscape in the country.

CHINT is renowned as one of the best energy solutions providers in the world. So, can you tell us more about some of your cutting-edge technologies and energy solutions?

At CHINT, we are always working resolutely to develop and deliver the newest technology to our clients, and this is not only beneficial for the

Gan nation’s technological advancement but also the environment. Some of our latest energy solutions include, our Residential Solar Storage and Charging Solution, Commercial and Industrial Solar-diesel Hybrid Solution. Beyond renewable energy, CHINT also offers cutting-edge electrical solutions, including power/auto transformers, distribution transformers, gas insulated switches (GIS), circuit breakers, disconnectors, insulators, earthing switches, surge arresters, voltage transformers, current transformers, reactors, capacitor banks, MV and LV metal clad enclosed switchgears, MV/LV prefabricated substations, MV load switches, MV loop switchgears, DC systems, power and control cables, metering equipment and power system protection and automation equipment, among others.

With your presence in over 140 countries, how does CHINT intend to deepen its presence in the Nigeria market?

Our goal since we officially established

our presence in Nigeria is to contribute to the technological advancement of the country through our innovative energy solutions. We have also engaged in high-level discussions and partnered on some projects with not only the private sector, but the public sector as well, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Discos.

We also offer an array of solutions peculiar to the customers, such as the power transmission and distribution solutions. Currently, we are engaging REA, the Renewable Energy Agency in Nigeria to explore more solutions and opportunities for Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape. Nigeria is undoubtedly one of Africa’s largest economies and we are highly optimistic about the potentials the country holds; hence we will continue to offer first-rate solutions to the Nigerian market whilst working closely with different sectors, including both private and government to drive the growth of the power sector for

What do you think government can do to deepen and improve investment in the power sector in Nigeria?

Power as you know is an essential component of any nation’s development process. Its use and access largely correlate to economic growth; hence there is need for the Federal Government to develop strategies that will attract investors for socio-economic growth. One of the ways the Government can attract investors is through incentives.

They also need to encourage investors by ensuring a friendly business environment as well as making official registration of companies as seamless as possible. There’s also the need to provide good working conditions and opportunities to make it easy for businesses to run, such as reduced taxes.

If they can improve on these, they will attract more investors to the sector.

What are the future plans for CHINT in Nigeria?

For CHINT, our goal remains to empower Nigeria by dedicating our technology and resources to offering world-class energy solutions. We intend to expand our professional teams in the country to boost continued efforts in offering the best solutions for our customers. Our aim is to not only to bridge the existing energy gap through our solutions, but also enhance the welfare of the citizens through efficient power utilisation.

NPA Urges Contractors to Expedite Repairs on Tin-Can, Apapa Roads to Ease Traffic Gilbert Ekwugbe The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has appealed to the contractors responsible for the ongoing repairs on the two major arteries into the ports in Lagos, the ApapaOshodi Expressway and the Leventis Bridge on the Apapa-Wharf Road, to hasten the repair works in order to ease movement of trucks in and out of the port.

It also appealed to the Lagos State Government to work with the authority

to clear up the traders that are occupying nearly half of the newly constructed roads in order to free up the port access roads.

Speaking yesterday after the tour of Apapa/Tin-Can/ Mile 2 access roads to the port, the Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, called on Buildwell Construction and HITECH Construction, contractors in charge of works on the Leventis Bridge and Apapa-Oshodi Expressway respectively, to work 24/7 round-the-clock to see to the

early completion of the roads.

According to him, the opening of the Leventis Bridge is critical because shutting it down to traffic has started affecting port operations.

He said the ports have started witnessing a longer waiting time for vessels, a longer dwell time of cargo at the port and the cost of transportation has also gone up because of the shutdown.

“With the closure of the Leventis Bridge, everything is almost at a standstill. This road is critical to the economy and the nation at large. We

understand the importance of closing the bridge around Leventis for repair to avoid a collapse but it is seriously impacting port operation,” Bello-Koko said.

He said the situation was due to the fact that Western Avenue has been the major means of movement of cargo into both Tin-Can and Apapa Ports since 2021 when the Cele/ Mile 2/ Sunrise end of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway was closed to traffic for construction.

He however said that the NPA has been able to get the

commitment of HITECH to deliver the first section of the road from Sunrise to Mile 2 in about 30 days, which would be by the end of October before continuing with the second section.

On the security concerns discouraging the contractors from working at night, he said the NPA has gotten the commitment of AIG Maritime and plans to also speak with other security agencies to provide security for the contractors to work at night.

On his part, a representative

of HITECH Construction, Robert Turnor, said that issue of insecurity has been a challenge to workers and property on the site, thereby limiting work at night.

President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Adewale Adeyanju who stressed that the road situation is impacting negatively on the health of both maritime workers and port users, said that many importers have moved their businesses to the ports in neigbouring countries.

2023 ELECTION: STAKEHOLDERS PUSH FOR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION TO ENHANCE GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY the right technology will improve tax revenue with better connectivity and integration of government

agencies.

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman, DigiServe

Network Services, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, said: “The election year, which is the time when a lot of

attention is paid to governance issues, is a perfect time to promote eGovernment to the ruling class

and the general public, which is the adoption of technology in government processes and service

delivery, that makes government service delivery efficient and cost effective.”

decide on the organisation’s strategic and financial plans, as well as set out its roadmap for connecting the world over the coming four-year period.

PP-22 Chair-designate and Head of Romania’s parliamentary Information Technology and Communications Commission,Sabin S rma , said: “In a world increasingly dependent on technology, ITU’s Plenipotentiary

Conference is an opportunity to address crucial topics that will shape our digital future for generations to come.

“Our primary goal to improve people’s lives, can only be achieved by adopting a shared policy blueprint reflecting green, gender, and youth inclusion priorities.

This is what I, along with the government of Romania, will stand for during PP-22.”

GLOBAL TECH POLICY-MAKERS MEET TO SEEK COMMON GROUND ON DIGITAL FUTURE just a moral responsibility, it is essential for global prosperity and sustainability,” said Zhao, who has led the organisation for the past eight years.

“The decisions made in Bucharest will determine our direction and priorities in line with the evolving needs of ITU’s diverse and growing global membership, helping shape the future of the information society in both developed and developing

countries,” Zhao further said.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, highlighted the opportunity to form common positions that will shape global digital transformation for years to come and urged delegates to seize the opportunities of digital technology while protecting against its risks.

In a pre-recorded video message, he called on the high-level audience

from government and industry to put humanity’s progress at the centre of their discussions over the next three weeks that the PP-22 conference will last.

The plenipotentiary conference, held every four years, enables nations and governments to reach coordinated decisions on the advancement of vital technologies.

PP-22 provides a crucial forum for governments spanning every world

region to build consensus on the radio and satellite harmonisation, telecom standardisation, and digital development.

The election for ITU’s next secretary-general begins today September 29, followed by elections for ITU’s senior management team, during the three weeks conference.

After all elections are concluded, an expected 2,500 delegates from ITU’s 193 Member States will

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

25

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NITDA Restates Commitment to Create Digital Nigeria Workforce Emma Okonji The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has restated its commitment to the sustainability of a digitally transformed

Nigeria by engaging the workforce of various Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) in capacity development programmes, towards the realisation of a digital Nigeria.

This was revealed at the

closing ceremony of a capacitybuilding programme organised

by NITDA for 100 participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Military and Paramilitary agencies who were trained

on Digital Literacy and Skills, Cybersecurity Essentials and Cloud Computing.

Giving his closing remark at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, expressed

CBN, Interswitch Harp on Collaborative I n n o v a t i o n a t Te c h C o n n e c t 2 . 0 Emma Okonji Interswitch Group, Africa’s integrated digital payment and e-commerce company, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have stressed the need for collaborative innovation that would further drive the Nigerian payment industry ecosystem.

They made the assertion at a twoday technology event organised by Interswitch, tagged ‘Collaborating for Industry Growth and Profitability,’ where industry players gathered to discuss how to strengthen the digital payment ecosystem and position Nigeria as a force to reckon with

on the global payment landscape.

The industry leaders, drawn from banks, fintechs, micro-finance banks, telcos and other financial institutions, reached the resolve that designing innovative financial products which speak to the needs of customers would spur growth and economic prosperity.

The experts also noted that players in the financial space needed to synergise to explore avenues for mutual growth that would in turn create a robust payment ecosystem.

During the course of the two-day event, Interswitch officially unveiled eight new products designed to

address prevailing issues within the payment ecosystem, enhance business development and boost ustomer experience.

The products include: Fintech-ina-box; Fraud Solution-as-a-Service (FSAAS); Banking-as-a-Service; Payment-as-a- Service; Interswitch Security-as-a-Service; Mobile Bankingas -a-Service; Biometrics on POS and Value Financing.

The products are tailored to provide seamless payment solution to banks, fintechs, micro-finance banks, other financial institutions and their customers. They are designed to help improve the digital payment

solutions that financial institutions offer to their customers.

Critical pain points the products will be solving include protecting customers against digital payment fraud, effective value financing tools for lenders, seamless integration to payment channels, enhanced customer experience, among others.

Speaking during the panel session, Managing Director, Interswitch Purepay, Akeem Lawal,, said players in the payment industry must collaborate to provide opportunities to co-create solutions that make digital payment safer and further drive profitability.

his pleasure at the participants for their active participation and contribution to class activities throughout the programme while urging them to be good ambassadors of the knowledge gained in their various organisations.

Adullahi who was represented at by the Agency’s Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Dr. Usman Abdullahi, stated that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has developed initiatives to ensure that the digital transformation of the country is achieved.

Echoing the agency’s ambitious target of attaining 95 per cent digital literacy by the 2030, the DG said digital literacy and skill remained a key pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDPES) strategic document, which was launched by Mr. President in 2019.

He said, “In order for Nigeria to attain 95% digital literacy by 2030, we need your collective effort in ensuring that the NDEPS serves as a guidance and guideline in all our processes at our various workplaces.”

Speaking on the NITDA’s effort on the implementation of NDEPS, Abdullahi stated that the agency developed its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021-2024 document in which, Digital Literacy and Skill, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies are part of the seven pillars, which it is anchored on.

“Among the pillars are the Digital Literacy & Skill, Cybersecurity and you have been trained in Cybersecurity Essentials. Another pillar is emerging technologies and you have been trained in cloud computing. There are 7 pillars in total and each pillar is key to our journey towards the realisation of the digital economy,” he noted.

generality of other young people, “who are viewers who have shared their testimonies regarding the programme causing a great shift in their minds-set to moving from job-seekers to job creators.”

According to him, “We are excited again about the commencement of the new season which is the season nine after having receiving thousands of entries, and with auditions held

in four cities which are Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Lagos and also online which gave the contestants across Nigeria an opportunity to pitch their business ideas in different zones to our auditions judges, and from which 65 vibrant young entrepreneurs were able to make contestants with bright ideas would be unveiled.”

‘NEXT TITAN Has Produced Employers of Labour’ Ugo Aliogo As part of efforts to address unemployment in the country, the Executive Producer, The NEXT TITAN, Mide Akinlaja, has said NEXT TITAN reality TV show has produced employers of labour, adding that the previous winners from the last eight seasons which the show has been aired are doing

great in their businesses.

He also stated that some of them have launched their businesses which cut across sectors, and have created jobs for other graduates, while most of the participants who did not win have converted their lessons on the show into sustainable businesses.

Akinlaja, who stated that this yesterday in Lagos during the premiere of the season nine of the

NEXT TITAN edition themed: ‘Game Changer’, said the show is a platform aimed at engineering entrepreneurship among Nigeria youths through identifying the best business minds and supporting their entrepreneurial acumen through logistical assistance, informal training, knowledge and other requisite services needed to propel them into successful businesses personalities.

He also stated that the season nine promises to be exciting, noting that the winner of the season nine would walk home with N20 million cash prize, while the runners up would have N5 million.

He disclosed that apart from the success stories of the previous winners of the show which have been phenomenal, the NEXT TITAN has also positively impacted on the

26

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

ProvidusBank, Mastercard, Interswitch, Thales Launch Contactless Tap-to-Pay Transactions via Smart Devices in Nigeria Emma Okonji In a move to further reduce dependency on cash transactions, stimulate innovation and drive the growth of digital payments in Nigeria, ProvidusBank together with Mastercard, Interswitch and Thales Group, today announced the introduction of a new Tap-to-Pay service.

The service allows cardholders to make fast, secure, and convenient in-store payments by tapping their NFC enabled smart device at any contactless-enabled payment terminal.

The solution works by enabling a connected device such as a smartphone or wearable device to act as a safe and secure payment method in the same way as a physical card.

L e v e r a g i n g Mastercard’s Digital

Enablement Service (MDES), and Interswitch’s tokenization capability, ProvidusBank customers can enjoy a new level of convenience, no longer needing a card or a physical wallet during shopping trips.

For each transaction, Mastercard’s tokenization and digitization technology replaces primary account numbers (PANs) with tokens to provide a faster, more secure, and seamless checkout experience while rendering card numbers useless to fraudsters.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director/ CEO, ProvidusBank, Walter Akpani, said: “Technology has evolved greatly in sub-Saharan Africa in the last decade with the mobile phone technology playing a significant role in that space. As a Bank,

our collaboration with Mastercard and Interswitch to provide additional value through the mobile device is a strategy to leverage existing infrastructure, while delivering simplified payment through their advanced digital and tokenisation services.”

All Mastercard transactions are made with industry-standard EMV-level security and are protected using standards-based payment tokens.

“The convergence of physical and digital commerce is not in the future, it’s happening now. At Mastercard, we understand that consumers want to make digital payments when, where and how they want, with the same protection and security offered with a physical card,” says Country

Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa at Mastercard, Ebehijie Momoh.

“As a pioneer of mobile commerce innovation, we are excited to work with ProvidusBank to deliver a new payment experience that is both seamless and secure, in turn speeding the adoption of digital payments in Nigeria.”

Managing Director, Interswitch Pure pay, Akeem Lawal, also commented on the collaboration. According to him: “With the increasing adoption of digital payments, there has been the corresponding need for players in the payments ecosystem to heighten the safety and security of payment platforms and channels.

This notion is the underpinning rationale behind Interswitch’s

collaboration with Providus Bank, Thales Group and Mastercard to deliver the tokenization technology, providing an added security layer and ensuring safer and more seamless payment transactions.

At Interswitch, we continue to leverage key partnerships that push the boundaries of innovation.”

To use the service, customers need to first digitize their card as a once off set-up by following instructions in their banking app. Once the card credentials are provisioned to a mobile device, a cardholder can tap to pay simply by opening their banking app, selecting NFC payments, tapping their phone at the Point of Sale and entering their PIN to complete the transaction. They can also make safe and

seamless in-app and e-commerce payments.

Speaking in the same vein, VP Sales Banking and Payments Services at Thales Group, a global leader in advanced technologies, Nassir Ghrous, said: “We are excited to bring our digital security expertise to bear in developing the tokenization solution with innovators such as Interswitch, Providus Bank and Mastercard, to enhance the payment ecosystem in Nigeria.

With EMV tokenization, the consumer’s actual 16-digit card number is protected from being exposed online during the transaction. The solution also allows Providus cardholders to benefit from contactless payment via their mobile devices, enjoying a full, easy and convenient ‘Digital Journey’.”

Spectranet Launches VOLTE with WiTel Desk Phones Nosa Alekhuogie

L–R: Senior Vice President, West Africa & Integrated Market Solutions, DP World, Dubai UAE, Mr. Santosh Kumar; MD/ CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Matthew Azoji; former President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Executive Director, Finance Neimeth, Mrs Temitope Nelson after the award of Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) on Azoji in Lagos... recently

NCS: Collaboration with Stakeholders Will Promote Tech-based Voting Systems Emma Okonji Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella organisation of all Information Technology (IT) Professionals in Nigeria, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to as a matter of urgency, collaborate with IT industry stakeholders in order to mitigate cybercrime and promote technology-based voting system in Nigeria.

President of NCS, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, who made the call in Lagos recently, said such collaboration would help in reducing the rising

rate in security threats that are emanating from cybercrime activities and as well promote technology-based voting system, ahead of the 2023 general election.

According to him, over the years, NCS has been showing concerns about unabated cybersecurity challenges in the nation, and the society has also been involved in developing strategies and building capabilities for mitigating cybercrime in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria today, several internet assisted crimes known as cybercrimes are committed daily in various forms such as fraudulent

electronic mails, pornography, identity theft, hacking, cyber harassment, spamming, Automated Teller Machine spoofing, piracy and phishing. Cybercrime is a threat against various institutions and people who are connected to the internet either through their computers or mobile technologies.

The exponential increase of this crime in the society has become a strong issue that should not be overlooked. The impact of this kind of crime can be felt on the lives, economy and international reputation of a nation,” Sodiya said.

Speaking about the ‘Adoption

of Technology in Nigeria’s Electoral Process,’ Sodiya, described INEC’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a huge improvement on the card reader system, adding that it will solve some of the problems associated with the card reader.

With the BVAS the issues around accreditation of voters is being handled, Sodiya said, but stressed that the technology remained a work in progress following the backlashes INEC received over BVAS’s failures during one of the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

In line with its tag line ‘Do More,’ Spectranet, the WiFi Network, has launched another innovative service - Voice Over LTE, the latest in voice technology with WiTel desk phones, specially designed to provide both voice and data connectivity.

During the product launch in Lagos recently, Spectranet Witel was described as the All-inOne Magic Box, which is a portable wireless desk phone, acting as an internet modem and a desk phone.

During the demonstration of the product, Spectranet CTO, Mr. Nommy Paul, mentioned that one of the most significant features of the VOLTE-powered Witel desk phone was the distinct high-definition voice call.

“The most noticeable benefit consumers will experience with Witel is an improved voice quality during calls made from Spectranet WITEL Desk Phone to other networks. Each Witel desk phone comes with a dedicated 7-digit landline number unique to its owner.

The phone has a host of other features like - Quick

dial facility for kids, an Internet connection for up to 10 devices, an Inbuilt battery with up to 4 hours standby time and a Phone book that can store up to 800 contacts,” Paul said.

According to him, Witel Desk Phones will benefit families with kids and the elderly at home. Asides from providing WiFi connectivity to the entire family, the desk phone will enable them to make calls effortlessly using the Quick Dial facility.

The unique landline line number will enable small and medium businesses like restaurants, beauty salons, and advertising agencies and traders to publish this number as a permanent number for customers to call. While also using the inbuilt internet modem to provide internet connectivity for their staff Speaking during the launch of WiTel, Chief Executive Officer of Spectranet, Mr. Ajay Awasthi, said the launch of WiTel remained a significant step for the company, as the introduction of the product is the first of its kind in the Nigerian market.

27

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 27Sept-2022, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 186.73 187.88 11.87% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.54% Nigeria International Debt Fund 314.23 314.23 10.23% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 105.81 106.96 7.24% 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 N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 20.93 21.56 3.20% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 507.64 522.94 12.52% ARM Ethical Fund 42.41 43.69 8.87% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 0.48% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 4.51% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.18% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 87.86 87.86 -8.98% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,093.30 1,093.30 9.33% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.10 2.10 2.92% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.27 2.31 5.39% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.23% Paramount Equity Fund 18.65 18.98 9.86% Women's Investment Fund 147.34 149.13 2.13% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.19% Cordros Milestone Fund 130.34 131.25 4.80% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 111.38 111.38 5.03% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 8.80% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 10.46% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,122.92 1,143.99 1.07% EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.37% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 8.62% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.02 1.02 1.92% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 103.53 103.53 2.27% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1508.68 1508.68 11.50% FBN Balanced Fund 193.63 194.94 10.48% FBN Halal Fund 123.91 123.91 11.47% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.38% FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) 126.38 126.38 6.15% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 158.72 160.87 5.73% 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 8.53% Legacy Debt Fund 3.57 3.57 -10.83% Legacy Equity Fund 1.86 1.89 6.76% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.24 1.24 2.79% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn

Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,048.90 3,630.40 100.00

4,103.66 3,630.40 100.00

5.28% 6.32% 11.20%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.12 1.12 4.07% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED 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 9.21% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.91 2.96 4.62% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 6.00% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 143.14 143.14 5.93% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.21 1.25 2.01% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.06 1.06 3.52% 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 1.62 1.65 14.17% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,173.29 1,173.29 6.83% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.86 11.95 9.08% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.65% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 102.70 102.70 9.69% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.09% 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 123.83 126.39 0.05% 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 1.07 1.07 10.04% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,516.03 3,549.59 3.80% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 242.15 242.15 2.79% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.39 1.41 11.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 326.78 326.79 4.36% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 257.03 260.69 10.16% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.16% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,747.39 11,906.96 7.67% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.34 1.34 3.86% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 119.83 119.83 2.50% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 112.62 112.62 5.86% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.95 0.97 7.28% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.36 3.00% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.16 1.17 11.80% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.08 1.08 7.20% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.92 1.92 6.32% United Capital Eurobond Fund 123.53 123.53 5.78% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.31% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.59 13.71 3.00% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.55 15.70 6.35% Zenith Income Fund 23.14 23.14 5.41% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.08% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.77 3.87 -5.91% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.96 6.06 2.03% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.76 17.96 0.41% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.02% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 17.44 17.64 -12.67% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 140.28 142.28 -11.01%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

119.29 52.14

5.27% 2.50%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.17 125.07 98.16 16.40 17.10

14.27 128.23 100.30 16.50 17.20

1.29% -1.61% -1.61% -2.65% 11.71%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.59

0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

28

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Revitalising Primary Healthcare in Delta State with PPP Stakeholders at the official launch of the Delta State Access to Finance, A2F, Impact Evaluation Report, organised by PharmAccess Foundation and partnered by the Delta State Contributory Healthcare Commission, DSCHC, stressed the importance of a strong Public-Private-Partnership in revitalising Primary Health Care in Delta State. Sunday Ehigiator reports

Stakeholders at Launch of the Delta State Access to Finance (A2F) Impact Evaluation Report Dissemination recently held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja

A

World Health Organisation (WHO) report (2014) revealed that in most countries, healthcare delivery involves a combination of public provision as well as a range of entrepreneurial initiatives, usually referred to as private sector or private provision.

This private provision is a substantial and growing sector that is capturing an increasing share of the healthcare market across the world as it becomes increasingly difficult for governments to continue to adequately finance the health sector.

In Nigeria, the health budget of N440 billion in 2020 was the highest in 5 years and although this amounted to about 4.5 per cent of the total government budget for that year, it still falls short of the 15 per cent agreed in the Abuja declaration.

The country’s health sector has an annual deficit running into almost US$10 billion (N3.86 trillion) in health infrastructure gap and the annual budget for the health sector at both federal and state levels is insufficient to cater for the growing infrastructural needs of the health sector.

According to the ‘A2F Impact Evaluation Report’, the private sector delivers healthcare to approximately 60 per cent of the population and serves as the first point of call for over 80 per cent of people.

However, the engagement of the private sector through public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms is currently weak, as the exact nature of the role private sector actors will play is far from certain.

“While some see working with the private sector as a pragmatic necessity in a governmentdominated system, others see the role of the private sector as focusing on service provision or distinctly for private financing.”

Hence, experts at the launch posited that private sector participation/financing in the health sector was critically necessary, and has the potential of transforming healthcare from a social service to a business gaining some value addition and efficiency for government at all levels.

The A2F Program From inception three years ago, in a bid to revitalise non-functional primary healthcare centres and create more access points for communities, PharmAccess Foundation, and the Delta State Contributory Healthcare Commission (DSCHC), implemented the ‘Access to Finance (A2F) program designed to finance, operate, and transfer public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements

to revitalise defunct healthcare facilities in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.

According to the report, the outcome of this partnership includes, increased patient enrollment and utilisation of the clinics, zero mortality, that is no woman has died during childbirth since the inception of the program and only seven deaths out of 1,000 children compared to the state average of 53 deaths out of 1000 occurred.

The report also highlighted the benefit of round-the-clock access to care provided by the private sector operators who have created over 243 direct jobs, thereby providing an income stream for local health workers and members of the host communities.

The A2F program is a PPP initiative that was originally conceptualised as a measure of providing expanded access to care for the fast-growing Delta State health insurance scheme with an enrolled population of over 1.09 million residents of Delta state.

The program also serves as a strategic measure at curtailing issues associated with the abandonment and dysfunctionality of primary health facilities that have harmed government resources and health indices of people over the years.

A2F Framework The framework for the program was conceptualised by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) and PharmAccess Foundation (PAF) as the program technical advisor.

The collaboration between both entities dates back to 2018. The initiative eventually commenced in September 2019 with 15 primary health facilities spread across Delta State.

As of the end of 2021, positive impacts have

been felt by more than 30,000 lives, across 50 communities, with over 180,000 patient encounters recorded.

PAF Commitment In her welcome address, the Country Director of PharmAccess Foundation, Njide Ndili, spoke on the importance of the Access to Finance Program and the strides it has made in just three years.

She lauded the Delta State government for its innovative leadership.

According to her “the dissemination was to share the best practices and lessons learnt in the years of operation so that other state governments can replicate the program to improve access, especially for indigent communities.”

Delta State’s Commitment Representing the Executive Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyichukwu Okowa, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Patrick Ukah, spoke on his administration’s commitment to the health sector in the state.

He further expressed his optimism that the initiative will do much more for rural communities than the government can do alone. His delight and pride in PharmAccess Foundation for its remarkable work in Delta State were equally expressed.

According to him, “The success of the Access to Finance program is a testimonial of the importance of public-private partnerships in healthcare financing mechanisms.

We are appreciative of the support of the PharmAccess Foundation and the government of the Netherlands towards the success of the program.

The A2F program is a PPP initiative that was originally conceptualised as a measure of providing expanded access to care for the fast-growing Delta State health insurance scheme with an enrolled population of over 1.09 million residents of Delta State

“The DSCH Program, which commenced on January 1, 2017, currently has over 1.2 million enrollees and 20 per cent population coverage, the highest in Nigeria,” he remarked.

A2F as Rural HR Solution Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe spoke on the importance of Human Resources (HR) in rural areas.

He explained that one of the challenges the health sector is facing is the lack of human resources in rural communities.

He noted that even when the government provides good health facilities in some remote rural communities, many health workers don’t want to go to such communities.

He, therefore, congratulated PharmAccess and the Delta State government for finding a solution to this. He further urged others to learn from the initiative.

International Collaborations While delivering his goodwill message, the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lagos, Mr Michel Deelen, said, “The Netherlands is very honoured to be associated with this event and the presentation of the Delta State Access to Finance impact evaluation.

“It is a project that has shown to us, both in Nigeria and across borders, that if you sit together with different willing stakeholders, you can achieve great results.”

The event also had presentations, a panel discussion, and a keynote address from the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Ben Nkechika.

Nkechika in his presentation placed the spotlight on the present impact of the program, the challenges faced, and the possible solutions to combat them.

“The A2F program, which commenced as a proof of concept, is currently in its 4th year of implementation with significant acceptance both from the host communities and the private sector operators.

“Currently, while states have indicated an interest in setting up the program, Delta State, through the DSCHC, has implemented the program with around 15 health facilities taken up by various healthcare providers and is also providing healthcare to well over 50,000 residents in about 50 communities, including the creeks.”

29

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

FEATURES

FERTILITY

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

Sterling BiopharmaLaunches Fejeron Blood TonictoBoostImmuneSystem VAGINA ODOR (Part 1) Rebecca Ejifoma A pharmaceutical firm, Sterling Biopharma Limited, has introduced Fejeron Blood Tonic in Nigeria to boost the immune system of the nation’s about 66.8 per cent economically active population including pregnant women and nursing mothers.

As listed during the launch in Lagos, the blood tonic contains iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid among other essential components that help to facilitate adequate blood supply and replenishment to the body with vital vitamins, while enabling a strong immune system.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Biopharma Limited, Mr Adebayo Adepoju, the nature of stress and fatigue that Nigerians encounter daily requires that their physical and mental well-being is well supported to function best.

Hence, Fejeron Blood Tonic was uniquely formulated for everyone regardless of age or gender. “Blood tonic is something that affects everybody even pregnant women. Because

of the newborn in the womb, there is a demand for blood for the mother.

“That’s why an average pregnant woman must be on haematinics, folic acid and B12 – regular supplements for pregnant women. You must have enough blood so that the baby has oxygen enough and food nutrients. Even lactating mothers need it and children need it, too, as blood is essential,” the COO added.

While hinting further on how Fejeron boosts the immune system, Adepoju outlined that at Sterling Biopharma, they believe that everyone deserves to be able to buy simple prescription drugs without breaking the bank.

“So, Fejeron Blood Tonic is the latest proof of our commitment to this mission. Despite its premium quality, Fejeron, at the moment, is one of the most affordable blood tonics you will find in the Nigerian pharma market, and this is deliberate.

All Nigerians should be able to take care of themselves,” he said.

The Product Manager, Olumide Ogunremi, expressed:

“The enthusiasm to try out the product and the return purchases across the biggest pharmaceutical markets in Nigeria validate the quality of the product and timeliness of its emergence.”

Ogunremi promised that extra effort was put into ensuring that the product has fewer chances of causing common side effects like metallic after-taste, staining of the teeth; constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and others.

“That is why our online launch campaign is encouraging Nigerians across all socioeconomic classes to jump on our social media handles @MyFejeron on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to tell their stories with an emphasis on what drives them to aspire, using the hashtag #MyFejeron.

“We want to celebrate the Naija spirit and all we are saying is that Fejeron feels your hustle and we are with you on your journey to greatness. We will constantly remind you to take care of yourself to achieve those lofty dreams,” he said.

We shall never know the good a simple smile can do.

PPC to Partner Pharmacies for Improved Cardiac Health Rebecca Ejifoma PPC Healthcare, a subsidiary company of PPC Limited, has partnered retail stores and pharmacies in the country to encourage regular heart checks for early detection of irregularities that may prove fatal if undetected at an early stage.

The company in a statement said the synergy will enable Nigerians to detect arrhythmias early for quick medical intervention to prevent heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

Hence, PPC’s channel partner will deploy a lightweight ambulatory cardiac monitoring device called Bittium Faros, for short-term and long-term cardiac monitoring.

Bittium Faros is a high-end medical technology that provides accurate measurement of the electrical activity of the heart from 12 hours up to 30 days, giving comprehensive data that can easily be interpreted by cardiologists.

Speaking on the strategic partnership, the Head of Sales-Medical Devices at PPC

Limited, Bamidele Nse-Jacobs, explained that early action is important for the management of heart conditions.

She said: “We are excited to be partnering with retail stores and pharmacies in the country as this will empower Nigerians to take charge of their heart health through regular checks.

“It has been discovered that many people die from cardiac arrest because they were unable to detect irregular heartbeats, heart-rate variabilities and other related symptoms early enough.”

She emphasised that the major barrier experienced by people with a high risk of cardiac abnormality has always been convenience and access to diagnostic equipment. Thus, “the partnership will bring the heart-monitoring equipment closer to Nigerians.

“This alliance is part of our commitment to saving lives, encouraging healthy living and shaping the future of healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.”

She added that cardiologists

have found the device easy to use, cost-effective and valuable for their practice, complementing in-hospital patient management and medical research.

PC Healthcare has supplied, installed and maintained over 100 ultra-modern medical diagnostic and treatment equipment for private and government hospitals and has deployed medical devices that monitor the health of over four million Nigerians nationwide.

PPC, however, cited studies showing that between 6 and 12 million people globally suffer from arrhythmia, a condition in which the heartbeat of affected persons becomes irregular and arrhythmic.

“This condition could lead to a medical emergency, especially when undetected, resulting in heart failure or stroke,” says Nse-Jacobs.

Since the strategic partnership is a patient-centred approach to healthcare delivery, it is said to extend access to life-saving diagnoses, reduce duplication of testing, and help achieve improved cardiac health.

Winners Emerge at CAPPA #Smokefree Nollywood Skit Challenge Sunday Ehigiator Five winners have emerged as winners of the #Smokefree Nollywood Skit Challenge, recently organised by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) to discourage the Nigeria movie industry, Nollywood from promoting smoking of any type and other use of drugs in movies.

Announcing the winners, Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the competition started on May 12, 2022, with over 126

entries and involved youth within the age bracket of 18 to 35 years old.

According to him, OjoAdebayo Peter emerged winner, followed by Popoola Isaac, Ilemobola Oluwasegun, Godstime Osamuyimen, and Shamage Karen who emerged second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.

While Peter won a digital camera, Isaac, a Laptop and Oluwasegun the latest mobile phone, Osamuyimen and Karen went home with a cash prize of N60,000 and N40,000 respectively.

Oluwafemi said, “As report after report has shown, the tobacco industry targets this same age bracket and even those far younger as replacement smokers.

“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), exposure to tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) promote youth tobacco initiation and the tobacco industry has a long history of targeting young people with tobacco promotional activities, using themes of independence, class and risk-taking etc.

T

he vagina is a soft, flexible canal with an elastic, muscular lining that provides lubrication and sensation during intercourse.

The vaginal canal connects the uterus to the rest of the body.

The vulva and labia form the entrance, while the uterine cervix protrudes into the vagina to form the interior end. During sexual intercourse, the vagina receives the penis and acts as a channel for menstrual flow from the uterus.

The baby passes through the vagina during childbirth (birth canal).

Vaginal odor refers to any scent that emanates from the vagina. It could be the natural odor of vaginal secretion, or an unpleasant, abnormal odor caused by an infection. The vaginal odor may change duringmenstrual cycle or at other times, such as during pregnancy or menopause.

Coppery or metallic, fermented, molasses, or fleshy are all common vaginal scents.

The odor of the vaginachanges depending on factors such as hydration, recent food intake, medications, overall health, and the stage of your menstrual cycle.

NORMAL/ HEALTHY VAGINAL ODORS Spicy, fermented, or sour:Good bacteria contribute to the health of the vagina by creating lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other compounds to fight against dangerous bacteria. They support vaginal pH levels by keeping them on the acidic side, between 3.8 -6 to prevent the overgrowth of fungus and other dangerous microorganisms.

Metallic, like a jar of pennies:Menstrual blood or mild bleeding after intercourse that passes through the vaginal canal may cause a metallic vaginal odor. Iron is present in blood, which explains the metallic odor. Semen contact with the vagina may alter the pH balance of the vagina and may also be responsible for the metallic odor.

Bittersweet or molasses:The natural bacteria flora may have been altered a little if the vaginal odor has a faintly spicy gingerbread scent.

This will change the pH balance and odor.

A chemical vaginal odor like bleach could be caused by some urine on underwear or around the vulva. But remember that it might also indicate a bacterial infection.

ABNORMAL/ UNHEALTHY VAGINA ODORS Fishy: If there is a distinct fishy smell coming from the vagina, it is obvious that one has an infection, like bacterial vaginosis. You may experience irritation along with a white or gray discharge with a strong fishy odor. If you think you might have BV, see a clinician right away.

Rotten: When a tampon is forgotten or left in for too long in the vagina, it may begin to smell as rotten. This may occur at the end of a period when you are not bleeding anymore and do not need to change tampons as frequently.

Try to feel for strings at the opening of the vagina if you are worried that you might not have taken a tampon out. Visit the clinician for a vaginal exam if you are unable to feel them.

Beer or Bread: A yeast called candida overgrows and causes yeast infections which may cause a beer odor. Yeast is typically found in little concentrations in the mouth and intestines. It is also present in the vagina of healthy women. However, occasionally this yeast overgrows and results in a yeast infection.

The discharge has a cottage cheese appearance andmay detect a thick white coating in and around your vagina.

Bleach or Ammonia:We discussed BV before, and while it may give some women a fishy vaginal odor, it can also give some people a bleach or chemical odor. However, there are other possibilities as to what is producing the smell of bleach or ammonia, including urine.

Your urine may smell chemical-like when you are dehydrated. Another explanation for this odor is the usage of spermicides, lubricants, or even semen.

CAUSES OF ABNORMAL/ UNHEALTHY VAGINA ODORS Possible causes of unusual vaginal odor include the following: Sweating:The vagina does not sweat because it lacks sweat glands. The external genitalia around the vagina and the groin area, on the other hand, can sweat. Sweat from the genitals is not the same as sweat from other parts of the body. Apocrine glands produce sweat in the groin and under the armpits, whereas eccrine glands produce sweat throughout the body.Females have a high concentration of apocrine sweat glands on the labia majora around the outside of the vagina. Protein is found in apocrine gland sweat. Bacteria degrade this protein, which may emit a distinct odor.

Excessive sweating in the groin area may cause itching and, in some cases, infection, such as bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections.

Poor hygiene:One of the most common causes of vaginal odor is poor hygiene. In terms of hygiene, two common causes of unpleasant odor are a lack of proper washing and not wearing clean undergarments. Women frequently have bad odor due to the presence of sweat around the genitalia and poor hygiene maintenance.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV): BV, which may be brought on by unprotected intercourse, douching, or a lack of lactobacilli bacteria production, is an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. This renders women more susceptible to STIs and other issues like premature birth, as well as discomfort and itching. In most cases, the major cause of the vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis, which is a relatively prevalent condition for women in their reproductive years

t5P CF DPOUJOVFE

30

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

LASG to Unveil 30-year Development Plan for 40m Lagosians Gilbert Ekugbe

The Lagos State Government has stated that it would unveil its 30 year development plan for the Lagos population expected to hit 40 million by 2050 at the Ehingbeti Summit scheduled to hold next month.

The Governor, Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Private-Public Partnership pre-Ehingbeti stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, said the State is projecting the Lagos State to reach over 40 million in 2050, adding that the plan is being developed to cater for the increasing population of Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy Government, Mr. Kadri Hamzat, said the State cannot stop the influx of people entering the State in droves, hence the need to develop a plan to provide for

the increasing future population.

He however, stated that the forum was organised to sensitise key stakeholders on this year’s summit while also seeking inputs of stakeholders in the proposed 30 year Lagos development plan.

“Most of the key infrastructure that has transformed Lagos and pioneering ideas were actually things that came out of previous Summits and it speaks to the quality of the Summit, the people that are involved and how Lagosians actually perceives this Summit,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Lagos Economic Summit Group, Samuel Egube, said the ninth Summit is themed “Charting the paths to sustainable socioeconomic growth” and borne out of a strong desire by the Lagos State government to accelerate economic growth

and development in Lagos.

On his part, the the Senior Principal, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Mr. Olayinka Majekodunmi, said the Lagos development plan would help accomplish the vision of the State. Introducing the plan to the audience, he said four strategic dimensions have been prioritised and defined in the Lagos State development plan.

He said the plan would also prioritise 20 focus areas across the four dimensions that would help Lagos achieve the objectives that have been set.

The president, LCCI, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole, reaffirms the Chamber’s commitment to working with Lagos to achieve a better a Lagos for all.

He said the forum reflects the State’s appreciation of the role of private sector to the development and transformation of Lagos.

L-R: President and Founder of Ashesi University, Ghana, Patrick Awuah; CEO of ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile; and Chairman, ACT Foundation Board, Tunde Folawiyo at the 6th annual Breakfast Dialogue hosted

by ACT Foundation in Lagos yesterday

FEDA Announces First Close of $670m Across Four Fund Strategies The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”), the impact investment arm of the African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank”), set up to support intra-African trade growth, value-add export development and industrialization, is pleased to announce its first close of $670 million across its four fund strategies.

“Of the $670 million raised, $270 million is earmarked for FEDA Direct Equity Fund I, which will provide equity and quasiequity financing to businesses aligned with FEDA’s mandate.

“$250 million is allocated to the Strategic Initiatives Fund, a proprietary fund established

by Afreximbank to implement landmark and high impact greenfield investments in sectors critical to the growth of intraAfrican trade and value-added export development across the African Continent.

“The third strategy involves the implementation of a private credit fund, Africa Credit Opportunities Fund, L.P. (“ACOF”), jointly sponsored by FEDA and Gateway Partners Group with $125 million committed. ACOF

will invest in credit instruments to support trade enablement and growth in Africa, “it said in a statement.

Commenting, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, Prof.

Benedict Oramah, said: “We are very pleased with this first close which is a first step in the financing of the equity gap in the trade sector in Africa. FEDA fund strategies will also facilitate and increase foreign direct investment in the trade and export sectors by attracting leading institutions with a keen interest in Africa’s development.”

NGO Canvasses Collaboration as Panacea to Sustainability of Social Services in Africa Esther Oluku In it’s mission to drive sustainability in the social services sector, the Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, Ms. Osayi Alile, has said that collaboration amongst stakeholders in the private, social services and government sectors is crucial to ensuring sustainability of social service projects in Africa.

Making the submission on the sidelines of the fifth anniversary of ACT foundation and Breakfast Dialogue themed: “Shifting Paradigms: Transforming our approach to addressing Africa’s challenges”, Alile stated that with the growing social challenges across the world and proliferation of Non Governmental Organisations, the much needed impact of social

services might not be felt if projects are not sustainable.

She noted that for the social service sector to reach it’s maximum potential in transforming societies, NGOs have to collaborate with other NGOs to strengthen the impact they make in communities.

She said: “We have a number of NGOs doing a lot of work but we need to be more strategic. The problems we are facing across the world is getting worse. NGOs who have the capacity to do the work are not many and many NGOs work in silos. We can’t work that way anymore. We need impact not just numbers. We need to be able to show that whatever we are doing is impactful in the communities we work with.

Alile also harped on the need for interagency collaboration as

key to achieving sustainability of projects in the sector.

“All the different tripods need to work together; the private sector, the social sector and the government as well. Nobody can do it alone. For the countries that have worked is the fact that all the sectors have worked together, they have collaborated and they have partnered,” she said.

Making a case for the brain drain Africa currently is experiencing as a result of societies which are unsustainable, President of Ashesi University, Ghana, Mr. Patrick Awuah, opined that to build sustainable societies in Africa and stem cases of talent migration, Africa has to develop a honour based leadership system. which supports young people to gain meaningful employment or start their own businesses.

Advertising Stakeholders Set to Converge in Abuja Kasie Abone Arrangements are in top gear to hold the second edition of the National Advertising Conference. The four days event is scheduled for November 29 to December 1, 2022 at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Tunji Adeyinka disclosed this at a press conference yesterday held at L’eola Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Adeyinka who is also the President of Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) noted that the conference would provide industry practitioners avenue for intellectual discourse aimed

at repositioning the advertising industry for growth.

Themed “The Marketing Communications Industry: New Trends, Challenges and Prospects” Adeyinka said that the conference is designed to bring together critical stakeholders in the integrated marketing communications industry including advertisers and businesses, advertising practitioners and the media as well as ARCON whose regulatory functions strengthen as well as facilitate industry growth.

Speaking further Adeyinka noted that the conference will focus on critical areas of growth, inclusivity and partnership among the stakeholders in

fostering mutual understanding and equitable relationship fundamental to advancement of the advertising landscape.

In addition to building credibility for the brands, Adeyinka noted that there are so much to learn in terms of dynamism and trends in the advertising industry.

Also speaking, President of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Steve Babaeko thanked ARCON for resuscitating the event which was put on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic adding that the second edition of the conference would build on the success of the first.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JUNE 2022 Money Supply (M3)

48,865,823.53

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

167,956.2

Money Supply (M2)

48,797,867.32

-- Quasi Money

28,405,330.1

-- Narrow Money (M1)

20,392,537.22

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,722,785.91

---- Demand Deposits

17,669,751.32

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

6,242,394.29

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

42,623,429.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

57,267,178.05

---- Credit to Government (Net)

17,996,690.06

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

39,270,488

--Other Assets Net

5,566,430

Reserve Money (Base Money

11,320,304

--Currency in Circulation

3,259,269.15

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,320,303.72 384,377.56

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

June 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

11.10

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

13.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.45

Savings Deposit Rate

1.38

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.48

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.55

6 Months Deposit Rate

4.97

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.30

Prime Lending rate

12.29

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 27 SEPTEMBER 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $89.50 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.67 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

31

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Buy Interest in BUA Cement, Others Lift Stock Market by N14bn Kayode Tokede Investors renewed interest in BUA Cement Plc, others lifted the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX)

by N14billion as trading session witnessed mixed albeit.

The 3.1 per cent gain in BUA Cement contributed to the NGX All-Share

Index appreciation of 0.02 per cent to close at 49,171.70 basis points, as investors gained N14 billion in value as market capitalisation went up to N26.531 trillion.

Accordingly, the Monthto-date and Year-to-Date returns settled at -1.3per cent and +15.1 per cent, respectively.

The stock market breadth

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

closed negative as seven stocks posted gains while 20 stocks posted declines.

Chams Plc recorded the highest price gain of 8.00 per cent to close at 27 kobo, per share.

Ardova followed with a gain 7.42 per cent to close at N13.75, while Sovereign Trust Insurance went up by 3.57 per cent to close at 29 kobo, per share.

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

BUA Cement went up by 3.07 per cent to close at N52.00, while Jaiz Bank appreciated by 2.07 per cent to close at 76 kobo, per share.

On the flip side, Japaul Gold & Ventures led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at 27 kobo, per share. Royal Exchange followed with a decline of 9.80 per cent to close at 92

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

kobo, while Consolidated Hallmark Insurance went down by 8.62 to close at 52 kobo, per share.

R.T. Briscoe Nigeria lost 8.57 per cent to close at 32 kobo, while Fidson Healthcare shed 7.54 per cent to close at N9.20, per share.

The total volume traded declined by 27.05 per cent to 101.569 million shares, worth N1.198 billion, and traded

O F

in 3,981 deals. Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) topped the activity chart with 14.337 million shares valued at N259.043 million. Zenith Bank followed with 11.556 million shares worth N228.905 million, while FBN Holdings (FBNH) traded 6.275 million shares valued at N61.233 million.

2 8 / 0 9 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

ʬ

ʬ

ʬ

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R OX P H

7 R S * D LQ H U V P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

CHA M S

0.27

8.0%

GT C O

14.3

-4.0%

A R D OVA

13.75

7.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

11.6

-1.5%

SOVR EN IN S

0.29

3.6%

FB NH

6.3

0.0%

52.00

3.1%

T R A N SC OR P

6.2

-1.9%

J A IZ B A N K

0.76

2.7%

CHA M S

5.7

8.0%

ST ER LN B A N K

1.53

2.0%

UB A

4.6

0.0%

A IIC O

0.55

1.9%

F ID ELIT YB K

4.5

-1.1%

P R EST IGE

0.51

0.0%

M B EN EF IT

3.7

0.0%

T ic k er

B UA C EM EN T

GUIN EA IN S

0.20

0.0%

A C C ESSC OR P

3.5

-3.0%

A SOSA VIN GS

0.50

0.0%

IKEJ A H OT EL

2.8

-5.0%

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D OX H

7 R S / R V H U V P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

J A P A ULGOLD

0.27

-10.0%

GT C O

259.0

-4.0%

R OYA LEX

0.92

-9.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

228.9

-1.5%

C H IP LC

0.53

-8.6%

M TNN

156.2

0.0%

R T B R ISC OE

0.32

-8.6%

N EST LE

77.9

0.0%

-7.5%

FB NH

61.2

0.0%

NB

45.2

0.0% 0.0%

T ic k er

F ID SON C OUR T VILLE

0.46

-6.1%

NA HCO

5.40

-6.1%

UB A

33.0

-5.0%

VIT A F OA M

30.7

0.0%

18.00

-4.0%

WA P C O

28.7

0.0%

8.15

-3.0%

A C C ESSC OR P

28.7

-3.0%

IKEJ A H OT EL GT C O A C C ESSC OR P

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

9.20

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Investment Research

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33

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

DURING FEC MEETING...

L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Sulieman Adamu; Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ….yesterday

Court Orders Obi’s Supporters to Move Through Lekki Toll Gate, But Not to Converge Wale Igbintade Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday ordered the Labour Party (LP) and its supporters not to converge at the Lekki toll gate for its ‘#Obidatti23 Forward Ever’ rally scheduled to hold on October 1 2022.

However, he ruled that they can pass through the venue to access Falomo Bridge and other venues.

Justice Osiagor also directed the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Police Commissioner to ensure compliance with the order.

Specifically, the court held that while the rally cannot stop at the Lekki toll gate, it could pass through the venue to access Falomo Bridge and other venues at which the rally plans to meet.

The court made these orders while ruling on a motion for injunction

brought by 10 plaintiffs, who had asked the court to, among others, restrain the LP, its presidential candidate Peter Obi, his vice Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, one Julius Abure and their loyalists from holding the rally.

However, a preliminary objection filed by the defendants seeking to stop the court from hearing the motion on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction could not be

entertained as all parties to the suit had not been served.

The court adjourned hearing of the substantive suit to November 4, 2022.

In the suit, 10 plaintiffs through their Romeo Ese Michael had asked the court to, among others, restrain the LP, Obi, Baba-Ahmed, Abure and their loyalists from holding the rally, until the hearing and determination of their Motion-On-Notice of

Bills to Strengthen Budget Preparation, Implementation, Auditing Passes Second Reading Proposed legislation on business facilitation also scales second reading Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at plenary yesterday passed through second reading, a bill seeking to establish the Office of Budget Management of the Federation and provide a legal framework for the country's budget process.

The proposed legislation is to ensure effective regulation of budget preparation, presentation, implementation and auditing.

It was sponsored by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Chairman Committee on Legislative Agenda, Hon. Henry Nwawuba.

When passed into law, the office established shall have the general duty to prepare the annual budget proposal for presentation to the National Assembly by the president.

According to a copy of the bill seen by THISDAY, the office shall supervise the implementation of the budget by ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government to ensure compliance with the law and policies of the administration.

It shall also evaluate the effectiveness of programs, policies, of the MDAs to ensure consistency with governing priorities and provide budget function, implement budget and fiscal policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Office shall also apply concrete indicators to measure the performance of the annual budget to ensure delivery of the expected development outcomes as set out in various development plans It shall further approve the withdrawal of statutorily approved funds from the federation accounts

for the purpose of implementing the appropriations law of the federal government and provide quarterly reports of budget performance and implementation to the National Assembly.

The bill proposed that the office be headed by a Director General of Budget who shall be appointed by the President to hold office for a period of six years and shall not be eligible for re-appointment.

The Director General shall be the chief executive and chief accounting officer of the office who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs of the office; paid such remuneration as may be approved by the President on the recommendation of the Salaries and Wages Commission.

The DG shall from time to time, review the formats of requisitions and approvals of withdrawals of funds from the accounts of the Federal Government of Nigeria subject to conditions as set out in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Acts of the National Assembly.

The Director General shall also enforce limits on budgetary expenditure set by the National Assembly.

The bill also proposes that the budget process calendar shall commence the first week of June in each financial year when the Minister responsible for Finance issues a Budget Call Circular to all the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

It states that all institutions of government shall, in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, formulate their budget for the fiscal

year for submission to the relevant authority for incorporation into the National Budget not later than the first week of July in each financial year.

Furthermore, the bill provides that the President or his representative shall, not later than the second week of September in each financial year, present the annual budget proposal as an Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly.

Also at the plenary, the lawmakers passed through second reading a Bill for an Act to amend the trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2004 to make provisions for enhanced efficiency in the operations of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, review the mode of appointment of the Director-General of the Agency, strengthen the composition of its governing board and review the offences and penal provisions.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, Hon. Onofiok Luke and 10 other lawmakers.

In a related development, the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provision) Bill 2022, also known as the “Omnibus Bill” has passed Second Reading at the House of Representatives.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business/PEBEC, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, explained that the House had passed the First Reading on June 22, 2022.

The Bill had also passed second reading at the Senate on July 20, 2022. ‘‘The Omnibus Bill is an intervention of the Presidential Enabling

Business Environment Council (PEBEC) aimed at consolidating and amending outdated legislative provisions towards removing bottlenecks for micro, small and medium enterprises.

“It also seeks to ensure the sustainability of business climate and give statutory force to Executive Order 001 of 2017 on the promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the Business.

September 12, 2022.

The plaintiffs were Adedotun Ajulo, Salamatu Suleiman Lewi, Hakeem Ijaduola, Ogunbona Akinpelu, Owolabi K. Oluwasegun, Mogbojuri Kayode, Wuyep Mantim Nadom, Dimimu Mabel, Kolawole Salami and Mr. Wale Abe Lawrence.

On the other hand, the 1st to 10th defendants were Obi, LP, BabaAhmed, Abure, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police (Lagos State Command), Director-General (Department of State Services), Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Limited, AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State and Governor of Lagos State.

In the substantive suit, the plaintiffs argued among other things that a repeat or celebration of the “infamous” EndSARS protest of 2020 under the political guise of “#Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally” would cause a breakdown of peace and would result in post-traumatic stress disorder for them and the public.

They had prayed the court for four reliefs: "An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants; their associates and loyalists from conducting the scheduled END SARS Rally tagged

as the "#Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally on the 1st of October, 2020 or any other subsequent date, at the Lekki Toll Gate until the hearing and determination of the MotionOn-Notice dated September 12, 2022.

"An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants and their loyalists from further planning and promoting the Scheduled END SARS Rally tagged as the "#Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally"....

"An order of interim injunction restraining the 5th 6th, 7th Defendants from allowing or granting permissions to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants, their agents and the organizers of "#Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally" at the behest of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants from carrying out the said anniversary on the 1st of October, 2022 and any other subsequent date...

"An order of interim injunction restraining the 8th Defendant (LCC) from granting permission to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants; their agents, privies, allies and loyalists, to make use of the Lekki Toll Gate or any space under and within the control of the 8th Defendant for carrying out the said anniversary on the 1st of October, 2022 and any other subsequent date"

Bayelsa Monarch, Ijaw Leader Kick against Alleged Plan to Scrap Amnesty Programme Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and the paramount ruler of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo and the Vice President of the Umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Nengi James Eriworio have kicked against the alleged plan by the federal government to scrap the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

They both agreed that the PAP has contributed to the unity of Nigeria, sustained the peace in the Niger Delta region with increased volumes of oil and gas production and assisted the federal government in generating excess revenues of over $300 billion USD from the sales of oil and gas products within the past twelve years.

While King Dakolo commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of the new Interim Administrator, Major General Barry

Ndiomu (rtd), he noted the PAP should be sustained so that the youths of the region will have more opportunity to be trained and empowered to become useful citizens in the region.

Eriworio, who is also the Bayelsa State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), argued that, “despite the challenges of control and misapplication of priorities in terms of training and funding, the PAP should be sustained because the PAP assists thousands of families and youths across the Niger Delta region which produces majority of the natural resources that has continually sustained the country, and that the region remains the major source for Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings.

“The PAP has also assisted in areas of Manpower development, Entrepreneurial skills among the Niger Delta youths, and in sustaining the peace for oil and gas expatriates to operate freely across the region.”

Dakolo and Eriworio, in a separate interview in Yenagoa, stated that attempt to scrap the program may renew agitation and hostilities in the region.

Dakolo said: “While thanking President Buhari for the appointment of our capable son into the programme at this point in history, we want to call that the Presidential Amnesty Programme be sustained, so that the teeming youths in the region who are still suffering from one form of displacement or unemployment are properly trained and empowered for the future of the region.

“These youths will have a reason and an opportunity to be properly trained to become more useful citizens of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.

“That is because once these young men are not properly trained or groomed, they are going to be available for all kinds of evil machinations.

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MUNCHING THROUGH THE FIGURES...

L-R: Independent Non-Executive Director, Ardova Plc (AP),Aniola Durosinmi-Etti; Company Secretary AP, Oladeinde Nelson-Cole; Chairman, AbdulWasiu O. Sowami; Executive Director/CEO, Olumide Adeosun and Executive Director, Finance and Business Support, Moshood Olajide, during the Ardova Plc (AP) 43rd Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday

Obasanjo: 2023 Elections Will Make or Break Nigeria Urges religious leaders to check politicians Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned that the 2023 general election could to make Nigeria a success story or cause its failure. Obasanjo cautioned religious leaders not to allow politicians without the fear of God to wreck Nigeria.

Obasanjo spoke, yesterday when the new president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Most Reverend Daniel T. Okoh, paid him a courtesy visit at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president stated that the country’s religious leaders could make Nigerian politicians more responsible.

According to the statement, Obasanjo told the CAN delegation, "If you stand on the truth, you stand for justice and equity, it is then the politicians will not be able to mess us around and I will say it with all sense of responsibility now, if we do not watch it, the politicians will wreck this country and we all regret it.

"And where can we look for salvation, that is where you, religious leaders, have a significant role to play. I think it’s the mistake of the past (particularly in

Christendom), that we say politics is not for the righteous. Now, if we take the righteous away from politics, and we leave politics to the unrighteous, the unrighteous will smear the righteous with the unrighteousness that they will carry into politics and will have no where to go.

"And in the next election, if we do not watch it, it may make or break Nigeria. And I pray that it will make Nigeria."

Obasanjo, who commended the CAN president for his glowing remarks on him, said the Sultan of Sokoto had spoken about Okoh to him personally, "and I must say, I am impressed. With you and Sultan (who is already singing your praises); you can both make a turn-around. You can work together.”

Obasanjo further said for having both Sultan of Sokoto and the CAN leader already on same page, "May be our politicians will listen, and if our politicians don't listen, may be our people will listen."

The visiting CAN leader had earlier commended the former president for his role in turning around the Christian faith in the country, asserting that Obasanjo has made valid contributions to Christianity.

Okoh said regarding Obasanjo, "In 1976, he started with the establishment of this association,

the CAN, and in September 1999, he formed the Inter Religious Faith Council.

“On the political sector, you set up the National Political Reform Conference, which I am privilege to be a delegate, representing the Christian faith. These were the few I could remember as I was planning for this visit.

Warns they may wreck country

"Baba, you have played important roles in the political history of Nigeria and Africa, particularly, your current role in the Horn of Africa, where the task is to ensure peace in the region. These are, no doubt, valid contributions to Christianity."

On the charge by Obasanjo, the CAN president said it was among

the resolutions reached at the Inter Religious Council meeting held in Lagos recently.

He said the council had resolved "not to leave the political space to the politicians, that the religious leaders must get involved, not to be partisan, but, must give leadership to make sure that the values of our religion are brought

Peter Obi: Our Manifesto Will Be Anchored on Sustainable Development Goals To prioritise security Alex Enumah in Abuja As the campaign for the 2023 general elections officially commenced yesterday, the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has hinted that the manifesto of his party, which he said would be launched very soon would be anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the issue of security, unity of the country, revamping the economy amongst others.

Obi, who spoke on 'Prime Time,' and Arise News Television

programme, said his party's manifesto was “95% ready”, explaining that his group was working with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to fine-tune it along the Charter Demand of labour because, “Labour interest is critical, and we want to bring it into our manifesto and protect same."

Speaking during a one-on-one interview, the Labour Party candidate claimed he has what it takes to solve Nigeria’s challenges and expressed confidence that he would emerge president come 2023

because what Nigerians are looking for now is someone they can trust.

This, he said, was exactly what he is selling to Nigerians today.

Giving a breakdown of his manifesto, Obi said, “our manifesto is anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals” and that the key issues are “security, uniting the country, ensuring that our cohesion comes back to what it used to be, issues of Rule of Law, Law and order, fighting corruption, making the country productive, creating jobs amongst others”.

According to the presidential

Nigerian Doctor in Saudi Arabia Cries Out over Unfair Treatment by Police Sunday Ehigiator A Nigerian medical doctor based in Saudi Arabia, Omafuvwe Jerome Ighowho has called on the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to come to his aid following an incident of alleged assault levelled against him by his colleague identified as Dr. Adel Idris, over which he had been detained by the Saudi police.

In a letter addressed to the commission and copied the Nigerian Consulate General in Jeddah, the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State-born who has been in Saudi Arabia for about 23 months, where he works as a Medical Doctor in Tabalah General Hospital, Tabalah, Bisha City, Aseer

region of the country, explained that he and Idris, a Sudanese doctor, were never involved in any scuffle before the unfortunate incident that led to a minor injury on Idris's right knee.

He added that the incident has led to him being held in custody in perpetuity with no help in view despite his failing health situation.

The letter read: "I am Omafuvwe Jerome Ighowho with passport number A12519900 and NIN 10418960616 Iquama 2492447301.

I have been living in Saudi Arabia for about 23 months at Tabalah General Hospital, Tabalah, Bisha City, Aseer region.

“I am from Ughelli North LGA, Delta State and permanent address at House 28 Sheraton Estate Abulo Oko Agbado, Ogun State. +966533818972 and ±2347067624826.

to the space to help us live in peace and work for the unity of the nation, including fighting for justice. We are committed to the call Baba made.”

Okoh said he was excited by the visit, "And I can see it, that it is coming from his heart. He has the passion and definitely we are not going to take it for granted."

"On July 30, 2022, I had an incident with my fellow Sudanese doctor. After resumption of duty, I decided to greet other doctors who were to work with me for the shift.

"Then I saw Dr. Adel Idris and another Dr Isiah Awuri. I was explaining to Dr. Isiah that Dr. Adel Idris normally come to work late and that day he also came late. Then Dr. Adel Idris approached me and was saying why would I say he comes to work late.

"He said this with laughter and jokes but he held my two arms. I was laughing and also held him the same manner as I was thrown off balance because of the firm grip from Adel (the Sudanese doctor) just to attain a good balance.

"We were both laughing and I then pushed him back to release myself from him as Dr. Isiah (my Nigerian colleague) kept saying we should stop this rough play.

"Unfortunately, he struck his leg on the wall and fell down after which I assisted him up onto an examination bed. Thereafter, he said his knees were hurt and had an X-ray which showed he had a less than 2cm fracture on the right knee.

"Dr. Isiah observed what happened that we were not involved in a scuffle but a friendly encounter.

Also, Dr. Mai, a female Sudanese doctor, briefly saw we were joking and walked away.

"About some hours later, Dr. Adel Idris came with police, claiming that I assaulted him. I asked him did I assault you? He

said No, then why call police?

"He never answered. This was on several occasions. On explaining to the hospital management, they understood the situation and pleaded with him not to go forward with his complaint, but he insisted.”

The letter stated further: "The whole hospital management and Sudanese community have pleaded and even offered him financial compensation, change of hospital and job description, but he declined all.

"Moreover, the policemen at the station also pleaded with him to resolve this issue amicably, but he declined. At this point, everyone has been trying to get to him to plead with him. Yet he is nowhere to be found neither does he pick his calls nor respond to messages.

hopeful, the issue of security was something his administration would deal with “decisively” if elected because every other thing revolves around it. Part of his strategy would be the introduction of multi-level policing from the local governments to the state and then the federal level and the review of the entire security apparatus.

Obi disclosed that he has met with various stakeholders on the security issue, “done detailed study and compared with other nations of the world.”

On the issue of corruption, Obi assured that he would not waste his time running after alleged corrupt Nigerians or government officials but would focus on blocking leakages, just as he described the current fuel subsidy payment as an “organised crime”, which his administration would end if elected.

He also disclosed plans for modular refineries to increase local production of fuel.

Apart from restructuring the security system of the country and the economy, the Labour Party presidential candidate further assured that he would initiate constitutional restructuring after issues of insecurity and poverty had been resolved, saying, “we need to restructure the country, this one will happen, I believe in it and it is in the interest of the whole nation.”

Obi noted that being a democratic system of government, his administration would initiate a conversation on the issue, and engage Nigerians in dialogue to get their support.

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TECH AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SUMMIT...

L-R: Nollywood actor and convener of the Enugu Tech and Entrepreneurial Summit 2022, Williams Uchemba; Enugu State Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Ifeanyi Ossai at the opening session of the summit in Enugu…yesterday

Lawan Loses as Court Declares Machina APC Candidate for Yobe North It’s victory for justice, says winner

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja A Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, has declared Bashir Sheriff Machina as the authentic All Progressives

Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Yobe North in the 2023 National Assembly elections.

The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish

his name accordingly.

Presiding judge, Justice Fadima Aminu, gave the order while affirming that Machina was duly and validly elected Yobe North senatorial candidate for APC during the May

28 primary election of the party.

Lawan had contested and lost the APC presidential primaries to a former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He, however, tried unsuccess-

fully, to reclaim the Yobe North Senatorial District ticket won by Machina, who has since insisted he would not relinquish the ticket to the senate president.

National Chairman of the APC,

ATIKU FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN, SAYS WE HAVE A DUTY TO ARREST THE DRIFT zones of the country.

On his part, Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmnauel Udom, urged Nigerians to ignore those he described as “doomsayers”, as winds could not move the rock, which he said was PDP. However, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, and Chief Bode George were pointedly absent at the official opening of the PDP campaign.

In his speech at the occasion, Atiku said as PDP members and citizens of Nigeria, "We have a duty to arrest the drift."

The former vice president stated, "What is our task that we are gathered here today to undertake? It is beyond merely coming together to inaugurate Presidential Campaign Council. No! “Our task today is to come together to rescue and rebuild our beloved country, Nigeria. That is the end goal. It is existential to us as a nation, and it is a task that history beckons upon us all to grasp with both hands and undertake with vigour and zeal.

"But, to rescue and rebuild our country, we must first takeover the mantle of leadership from the party that has driven us into this mess.

To do this, we must all be united in purpose and come together to fight and win all the elections slated for next year.

"Every single person, who loves this country, as I do, is needed for the arduous tasks that face us ahead as a nation, and this includes every member of the PDP. And it is my fervent hope and prayer that every man and woman of goodwill will join hands with us to help rescue, rebuild and reposition our beloved country, Nigeria.

"So, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, and the distinguished members of our Presidential Campaign Council, it is in the light of all I have set out above that I want you to view today’s inauguration."

According to him, "The tasks

ahead may appear daunting; they may seem a load too heavy to bear, but, for the sake of our country, for the sake of our children, and for the sake of generations yet unborn, we must not, even for one minute, shirk in the responsibilities that we have been entrusted with to come together to rebuild this beloved country of ours.

"I wish to congratulate all the men and women nominated to serve in the Presidential Campaign Council.

You have been selected from among the millions of our party members to join this esteemed council because of your past contributions to the party. Naturally, not all members of our party can be in the Presidential Campaign Council.

“But every single member of the PDP is an important member of the party and each one of you is still entrusted with the responsibility of leading our party to victory in next year’s elections. Those of you, who have not found yourselves in the Presidential Campaign Council are just as important as those who have, and we do not take your contributions for granted."

Ayu charged members of the campaign council to put in their best in the discharge of the assignment of righting the wrongs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls. He said, "We can no longer stay by the side without blowing our whitelist. We have gone through a transparent primary. We know that PDP is more focused than ever.

"To you members of the campaign council, you were all selected because you have distinguished yourselves in your various capacities. Atiku has been tested. Nigerians have no doubt of his capacity to run the country. We have to rescue this country from the clutch of APC. God has provided Nigerians another opportunity to evaluate us and those that came after us. It is time to do the needful.”

Okowa stressed that from his own assessment, if elections were conducted today under the current circumstances, PDP would coast home to victory. He added that the party had presented to Nigerians the best presidential candidates

to vote for, especially, at a time when country was in dire need of leadership.

The Delta State governor stated, "PDP gave Nigeria the best at a time the country is sick. We cannot try those, who are not yet experienced enough to heal the country or build bridges. There is no need for the on-job-trainees. We need competent and tried consultant.

"We must be proud as a party to present the best man for the job. We must ensure that this campaign is taken very seriously to our various wards and local governments across the country. I am very convinced that the PDP will win the South-east. We have been to the South-west, and what I saw there was impressive.

The same in the north.

"PDP is the only party that is contesting very well in the six geo-political zones in the coming election. If elections were conducted today, the PDP will win.”

Okowa challenged other political parties to present their policy documents to Nigerians for proper scrutiny.

Emmanuel, in his acceptance speech as chairman of the campaign council, said, "Don't mind the doomsayers. The wind cannot move

the rock. PDP has all it requires to win the presidential election. Don't mind the naysayers. The PDP is a solid rock.

"I want to assure you that as a campaign council, we have the seriousness, unity that is required.

It is our duty to campaign, to carry and publicise the message on how to rescue and restore the hope of Nigerians. It is for Nigerians to vote and for the Almighty to give victory.

"I want to say here, don't mind the doomsayers. I read everywhere all that those doomsayers were saying – PDP here, PDP there. But I want to assure you that PDP is a solid rock and we know that no matter the wind, it will not move the rock. So, irrespective of the wind that you see around the rock, it will not move the rock.

“The rock remains as solid as ever.

Please, don't mind the doomsayers.

We want to assure you that we are campaigning to win. Nothing is acceptable to PDP outside victory for PDP, but this will also require that all of us must work.

"This time, there is no sitting in Abuja; everybody will have to work hard and carry the message home.

PDP is not an Abuja party; you win from your unit, your ward and not

by sitting in Abuja. The campaign council will take the message to the unit.”

Director General of the campaign and Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, in his inaugural speech, charged INEC to be fair and unbiased in the management of elections in 2023.

Tambuwal said, "It is with humility and sense of purpose that I stand before you as the DG campaign, which will serve as the vehicle that will deliver the PDP and its presidential flag bearer and his running mate to the Villa, come May 29, 2023 by the Grace of God. "Our Chairman has spoken, all of us are going to hit the ground running and we shall work collectively as a family and expeditiously to ensure the victory of our party.

"The PDP and our candidate is the party to beat in this election, it is only for us to work and with God on our side, we shall deliver this victory to our party and to Nigerians. We have the support of Nigerians and we appeal that INEC will conduct a free and fair election, and victory by the Grace of God, will be guaranteed for PDP." Continued on page 36

Senator Abdullahi Adamu, had warned that Machina risked severe sanctions if he refused to relinquish his ticket to Lawan.

Adamu claimed that the party was supreme and that it reserved the right to decide who gotits ticket in any election.

In the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates published by INEC last Tuesday, no candidate was published for Yobe North as the space was blank.

Meanwhile, Machina has hailed the judgment and described it as a victory for justice.

Machina, in a statement by his media aide, Husaini Mohammed Isa, also called on all his supporters, and indeed the people of Yobe North, to remain peaceful, and not to react in the face of any provocation.

He further declared the judgement as "no victor, no vanquished" even as he called for immediate reconciliation among the two groups that existed within the party in Yobe North.

"I welcome the decision of the Judge of the Federal High Court, Damaturu; it is a victory that stands for justice. It is now time to set aside our differences and close ranks for the impending battle, the next war we must wage is the war for APC's victory in the coming 2023 general election.

"I am particularly happy that the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni places much emphasis on reconciliation as a virile tool for peaceful co-existence. We must, therefore, embrace it and move forward," he said.

$9.6bn P&ID Fraud: Court Orders Arrest of Briton, James Nolan Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the arrest of a British national, James Nolan for jumping bail and failing to appear for trial.

Nolan, a Director in the Process and Industrial Development Limited (P&ID) is standing trial alongside Lurgi Consult Limited and others, in a money laundering case to the tune of $9.6 billion.

Delivering a ruling on the matter yesterday, Justice Mohammed stated that Nolan broke the terms of his bail conditions offered him by the court and therefore revoked the bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

A statement by the EFCC said the court also ordered his surety to appear in court on the next adjourned date, to justify why the bail bond should not be forfeited to the court.

Prosecution counsel, Bala Sanga, had earlier prepared to proceed with the cross examination of Prosecuting Witness 1, Temitope Erinomo, when the court was informed that the second defendant was nowhere to be found and efforts to ascertain his whereabouts proved abortive.

Sanga expressed dismay over the absence of Nolan in court, saying the first defendant, Lurgi Consult Limited, had never been represented in court, as a corporate body, since the matter started.

He also told the court that investigations by the EFCC showed that the property given by the surety, in Gwagwalada, Abuja, was not worth N100 million. He prayed the court to restrain the defence team from further delaying the case.

Responding to the absence of Nolan in court, defence counsel, Micheal Ajara claimed that his sudden disappearance was strange.

“My Lord, the defendant in question has always appeared in court except for the last adjourned date that he was sick.

"His medical report shows that he has bipolar, a history of mental illness and it is uncertain if the defendant is fine. We have notified the police, including the

prosecution, and all efforts to ascertain his whereabouts has proven abortive,” he said.

He prayed the court to grant the defence time to ascertain his whereabouts.

Justice Mohammed affirmed that, "the court of law does not act in uncertainty except Ajara presents facts. What is clear to the court right now, is that the second defendant is nowhere to be found and there is no justification with certainty of his whereabouts,” he said.

Sanga prayed the court that the bail of the second defendant be revoked, a bench warrant issued for his arrest and the bail bond be forfeited.

His prayers were granted.

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EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF SHOWMAX’S FIRST NIGERIAN SERIES...

L-R: Executive Producer and Director, DIICHE, James Omokwe; Cast member, DIICHE, Gloria Anozie-Young; Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr Busola Tejumola; Lead cast member, DIICHE, Uzoamaka Onuoha; General Manager, Showmax Nigeria, Opeoluwa Filani, and Cast member, DIICHE, Chinyere Wilfred at the exclusive screening of Showmax’s first Nigerian limited series, DIICHE, in Lagos… yesterday

2023: DSS, Police Caution Political Parties on Violence

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

With the commencement of the 2023 campaigns yesterday across the country, the Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State command, has warned the political class in the state against hate speech or spreading of fake news.

Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Usaini Gumel, stated this while delivering his speech at the

election and security management colloquium on the security of the upcoming campaigns and the general election with all critical stakeholders in the state.

Gumel disclosed that the Nigerian Police, in order to maintain laws and order during the electioneering period, have grouped its responsibilities into four different groups.

The responsibilities, according to

the Commissioner, included "ensuring the safety and security of all persons and properties that will be involved in all the electoral process without bias. Strict enforcement of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Penal Code as well as electoral laws without fear or favour.

"Security, traffic and crowd management at venues of Political party campaigns, rallies and other

activities relating to the elections.

The security of the public space towards guaranteeing a crimefree and enabling environment for the political campaigns and other components of the electoral processes to thrive."

The CP further called on political parties especially, politicians to always resort to the legal justice channels in order to address any grievances as prescribed by the law.

He called on the traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil societies to maintain their neutrality and act as link between the politician and the general public.

Also, speaking, the Director, Department of State Security Service, Sokoto State, Yahaya Hassan, urged the political class to have a closer relationship with the security agencies.

He called on stakeholders and

religious leaders to always send the right messages to the general public, saying no one political ambition was worth the blood of anyone.

However, on behalf of the the political parties in the state, the chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Abba Sidi, assured the gathering that political parties in the state would adhere strictly to the provision of electoral acts.

Go and Be Our Voice in Lion Building, Enugu Traditional Rulers Tell Mbah The Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, an association of all traditional rulers and royal fathers across the three senatorial zones in the state has given its mandate to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Peter Mbah.

The council pledged to give him support that would lead to his victory in the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Lawrence Agubuuzu urged his colleagues to pray for the political aspiration of Mbah and wished him success in the general elections, adding that all the state’s traditional rulers were happy with him.

Recalling the events that preceded the May 25, 2022 PDP primary election in the state, the Chairman of the traditional rulers council said they once gathered in Enugu and took a decisive position on where the next governor of the state should come from, maintaining that their joint communique stated unambiguously that they stood with Enugu East Senatorial District in line with the existing zoning template in the state.

The traditional ruler further stated that the governorship candidate of the PDP has immense respect for the traditional institution and the royal fathers which necessitated his visit to them.

“The emergence of Hon. Barr Peter Mbah as the candidate of the PDP is in keeping with the rotational principle advocated in our earlier mentioned communique. By coming to consult us today, he shows that he respects us as the custodian of our culture and tradition.

“I implore all of us as we normally do in circumstances like this to pray for him, wish him success through our joint presentation of ófó staff to him,” he said.

Speaking on the importance of the visit to the traditional rulers, the Director General (DG) of Peter Mbah and PDP Campaign Organisation, Chief Ikeje Asogwa said they honoured the invitation to formally present the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer to the assembly of rulers from all the geopolitical zones.

The DG who insisted that their visit had no connection or any colouration of campaign said at the appropriate time they would embark on campaign activities

where they would interface with members of the public.

While presenting the ‘ófó’ staff to the gubernatorial standard bearer, the royal fathers prayed that God would grant him victory in the election.

They said they were happy and satisfied with his candidature, saying that that ‘ófó’ staff is our sign of support for your gubernatorial aspiration.”

According to the traditional rulers, their message was clear to the whole world, urging their subjects to vote

wisely for leaders who could bring peace, security, development and prosperity to the nation.

Reacting to his endorsement by the traditional rulers count , Mbah expressed his profound gratitude at their generosity for considering him the best candidate for the task ahead.

Mbah who promised not to disappoint the traditional rulers and the people of the state if elected said he would continue to represent the values the people were expecting from a good leader.

He assured the people of his resolve to inspire transformation and engender a quantum leap in the gross domestic product (GDP) of the state, reiterating his overall goal of making the state the preferred destination for business, tourism and living.

Mbah also restated his commitment to tackle youth unemployment through his integrated rural programmes and policies that would bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.

According to him, policies that

would enhance peace and security in the state would be initiated.

“Our policies will be targeted on how to achieve peace and security as that’s the foundation for growth and development. We will address the key issue of youth and unemployment in order to solve security fragility.

“Also, we have programmes that will address the issue of accessibility to our different communities. All these weak links will be properly given attention,” the governorship frontrunner said.

ATIKU FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN, SAYS WE HAVE A DUTY TO ARREST THE DRIFT

Nwobodo: Atiku’ll Hand over Presidency to South-east, Restructure Nigeria

Elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, yesterday, called on the South-east geopolitical zone and Nigerians, in general, to support Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid.

Nwobodo said Atiku would hand over the presidency to the zone after his tenure. He also assured that Atiku would restructure Nigeria and ensure adequate security for all.

Nwobodo also appealed to the Igbo to accept the PDP vice presidential running, Okowa.

Nwobodo said, "My name is Ifeanyichukwu and his name is also Ifeanyichukwu. Ifeanyichukwu Okowa is part of us. He is an Igboman. With both of them, Atiku and Okowa, Nigeria will be united and they will restructure Nigeria and ensure security. With Atiku, Nigeria will be united and there will be peace. Above all, Atiku will hand over presidency to the South-east.”

Sambo Urges PDP Members to Sheathe Swords

Former Vice President Namadi

Sambo called on aggrieved members of PDP to sheathe their swords and join forces with the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to boost the party’s chances of emerging winner in next year's presidential election.

Sambo, who spoke at the launch of Atiku;s memoir, described Atiku as the most prepared and qualified candidate to lead the country out of its current quagmire.

"Atiku is the most prepared candidate contesting the presidential election today. He is a driver, who knows how to drive but also knows the way to navigate," Sambo stated.

Haruna: Adamawa’s Security Votes Not Shared with Atiku

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, debunked allegations that during his eight years as governor, the state’s security votes were shared with Atiku, who served as vice president.

Boni made the clarification while speaking at the event. He extolled Atiku's virtues, stressing that the allegation against him is not only mischievous but also grievous.

He described Atiku as a man of character, who had sacrificed so much for the country, saying the

occasion should serve as the best place and time to clear the air.

Boni said, "Let me today use this occasion to clear some allegations made in the past when I was the governor of Adamawa State. There was this allegation that during my years as a governor, I was sharing the state’s security votes with Atiku.

I never took security votes. I have never taken security vote, let alone sharing money with Atiku. My monthly receipt was N800m.”

Haruna, who expressed sadness that he was accused of sharing corrupt proceeds worth billions of naira, added, "Another allegation was that I funded the establishment of American University, Yola, with state money.

"They said I gave Atiku N5 billion.

This is 15 years since after I left office; the American University is there. So, who is still funding it?

How has American University been funded since I left office 15 years ago? These are rumour. There is no other time for you to tell your story about yourself."

NEC Members Raise Alarm over Plot to Sabotage Atiku

Some members of the PDP National Executive Committee

(NEC) exposed alleged plots by certain officials of the party led by a national vice chairman in the south to scuttle Atiku’s presidential bid.

Addressing a press conference at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, a NEC member, Chief Chinaemerem Madu, said party officials were alerted of furtive moves by a compromised National Vice Chairman and some other members of the NEC to derail the presidential campaign and scuttle Atiku’s victory in 2023.

Madu said, "This National Vice Chairman and his cohorts, who confessed to have been heavily bankrolled, are approaching and offering members of NEC sums ranging from N25 million to N28 million each to address a damaging press conference with fabrications aimed at derailing the Presidential Campaign.

"The said National Vice Chairman had approached me personally as a member of NEC to inform me of plots to orchestrate a heavily funded press conference to be addressed by select NEC members seemingly calling for the resignation of the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, but actually targeted at frustrating the Atiku Abubakar presidential bid.

"He pointedly confessed to me

that the demands and agitation of his group have not been against the party chairman, as the public has been made to believe, but against Atiku Abubakar. He also vowed that nothing will assuage the group which is now bent at derailing the PDP Presidential Campaign."

According to the PDP NEC member, "Central to this plot is the timing of the damaging press conference, which has been scheduled to hold soon after the inauguration of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council and official commencement of campaigns with a view to unsettle the PDP Presidential Campaign and scuttle Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential bid.

"Part of the scheme is to use the press conference to throw up heavily concocted script, which will contain unprintable damaging claims, assertions and allusions that will trigger confusion within the party and side-track the presidential campaign "The said National Vice Chairman informed me of how huge sums have been paid to certain media houses and social media influencers to isolate and escalate the damaging content of the press conference and throw up negative narratives to frustrate the campaign.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

WOOING INVESTORS TO NIGERIA…

L-R: Board Member, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda; Group Managing Director/CEO, NNPC Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari; Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Dr. Hajjo Sani; Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa; His Excellency, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; CEO, AUDA/NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu; Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, and the Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Olukayode Pitan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York… recently

Mammoth Crowd Receives Peter Obi, Running Mate in Jos as Campaigns Begin Seriki Adinoyi in Jos A large crowd of supporters trooped out yesterday evening to receive Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate, Mr.

Yusuf Ahmed-Datti to Jos, the capital of Plateau state.

The visit which was at the instance of the Middle Belt Forum, came as national campaigns for the 2023 general elections officially kicked off on in

Gunmen Kidnap, Murder Son of Bauchi Assembly Member Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have murdered the eldest son of the member of Bauchi State House of Assembly representing Dass Constituency, Hon. Bala Ali. The announcement of the incident was made yesterday during the House plenary under personal explanation, by the member representing Burra Constituency, Hon. Ado Wakili.

He extended his condolences

to the members on the murder of the eldest son of the member representing Dass Constituency describing the incident as tragic praying to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

The plenary was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule, who directed that a special prayer be conducted for the deceased and was led by Hon. Bello Muazu Shira representing Shira Constituency) led a special prayer for the deceased.

accordance with INEC timetable.

The presidential candidate and his entourage arrived at the Rwang Pam township stadium for the rally amidst cheers from supporters who took over the entire streets of Jos. Obi had earlier hinted of his plan to honour the invitation of the Middle Belt Forum who organised the rally in solidarity with his ambition.

He said on his tweeter handle, “Honouring the Middle Belt Forum invitation for the solidarity rally is a good avenue for me to discuss issues of national interests with like minds in the state.”

Meanwhile, speaking at a rally to welcome him, Obi has promised to end insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the Nigeria if elected in 2023.

The LP candidate, who also promised to address hunger, unemployment and corruption, said that he would promote quality of education at all levels and improve power supply. ”If you elect me as your president, I will provide security at all levels so that our people can go to farm and by so doing, the issue of food insecurity and

hunger will be a thing of the past. ”We will create jobs for our teeming unemployed youth and end poverty. We will make our educational system functional and improve electricity supply. ”We will block all leakages and end corruption at all levels; our government will be a responsible one. We will not fail Nigerians.

2023: Stakeholders Call for Incorruptible, Peaceful Elections in Nigeria Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Stakeholders at a political enlightenment programme organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Unity House Foundation, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have called for a peaceful, fair, and corruption free election in the 2023 general poll.

The event, which was a civil engagement on election process in the state tagged, “Citizen Get

Together”, had in attendance the Rivers standard flag bearers of Action Alliance, Dr.Dawari George and All Progressives Congress(APC), Tonye Cole.

Speaking at the meeting, yesterday, Director General of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, noted that the fractured foundation of the Nigerian system, is the reason for electoral malpractice and bad leadership

in the country.

Osaghae, who was the keynote speaker at the meeting, stressed that the consequences of the Nigerian political system, where there are grand corruption, massive rigging and bad leadership can be traced to a fractured foundation.

He said that politics have not evolved into improving society, while stressing that the political system is an opportunistic system

where both leaders and the led see it as a means to an end.

Osaghae insisted that until the citizens rise to the occasion of resetting the agenda for governance the status quo remains.

“Our system needs to address the whole management of the emergence of leaders. How we choose our leaders matters a lot. I have seen more aside things. One is we should take politicians for medical examination.

APEALS Empowers 1,700 in Kaduna FEC Approves Four Armoured Personnel Vehicles Worth N580m for NDLEA John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS), has empowered 1,700 people in Kaduna state.

The beneficiaries, including 100 physically challenged persons, were trained in skills and provided with financial support to start their businesses.

The Communication Officer, Kaduna State Chapter of APPEALS, Muhammad Bashir, disclosed this during an interactive session between the beneficiaries and the business service providers.

Bashir said persons with special needs were trained on business development services.

According to him, a grant of N2 million was given to support them in registering their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He said the meeting was aimed at guiding the beneficiaries on the right steps to adopt in starting their businesses.

Each of the beneficiaries of the APEALS funds was provided with N2 million to establish agriculture- related small scale businesses assured of their determination to judiciously use the funds to be self employed.

Court Remands Man for Allegedly Raping a Minor in Osun Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo A 37-year-old man, Abiodun Babatunde, has been remanded in Ilesa correctional center for alleged sexual assault of a 4-year-old girl in Osun State.

The police arraigned the suspect before the Osogbo magistrate court yesterday on four count-charge bordering on unlawful Intercourse, sexual assault and threaten to life.

Police prosecutor, Elisha

Olusegun told the court that the defendant unlawfully, sexually assaulted one Gold Rose, a four-year-old girl on 20th August 2022, at Surulere Street, Ikirun, Osun State.

He claimed that the defendant threatened to murder Gold if she mentioned the assault to anybody after the incident.

Olusegun continued by saying that the assault’s scope was wider because Gold undergone surgery to become fit.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved a total sum of N580.5 million for the purchase of four armoured personnel vehicles for the use of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The approval followed heightened attacks on personnel of the NDLEA, an agency

under the supervision of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja, also reviewed the successes recorded by the agency, where it was briefed that between January and July 2022, the Brigadier-General (rtd) Buba Marwa-led parastatal arrested

over 18,940 suspects.

This included securing 2,904 convictions from the court within the period, a development that has led to unprecedented reprisal attacks on its personnel.

The agency was in the news this month when it seized cocaine worth about $278 million, which in naira value translated to about N194billion.

Briefing newsmen after the

FEC meeting, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said: “Today, a memo was presented by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. Specifically, the Federal Ministry of Justice. The memo is related to a parastatal under the supervision of the Office of the Attorney General, which is the NDLEA.

Three Police Escorts, Others Burnt to Death in Kebbi Accident Ismail AdebayoinBirninKebbi No fewer than six people including three police escorts were confirmed dead when a vehicle smuggling petrol products from Birnin Kebbi collided with a bank bullion vehicle, four others and a motor cycle along Birnin Kebbi/Argungu road in Kebbi State.

According to police account, the accident occurred when a Carina E car, carrying cans of petrol from Birnin Kebbi had a head on collision with the bullion van at Jeda village, near Argungu, burst into flames and consumed three other cars.

A statement signed by the Police Command’s Public Relations

Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said a total of five vehicles and one motorcycle were burnt. “six people including three police men also died in the inferno, while five other people, three policemen sustained various degree of injuries and were rushed to Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kebbi, for medical attention,” it said.

The release said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Ahmed Magaji Kontagora, swiftly rushed to scene of the accident and had condoled with families of the deceased and prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the lives of the departed souls eternal rest and to give their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

2023: Group Promises to Deliver 10 million Votes for Tinubu/Shettima Deji Elumoye in Abuja A political group named City Boy Movement (CBM) yesterday organised a one million man march at Unity Fountain in Abuja to drum support for the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Bola Tinubu and his

running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

The group, led by its National Coordinator, Shoaga Francis, promised to mobilise the nation’s youth population with a view to delivering not less 10 million votes to the APC candidates in the February, 2023 residential poll.

According to him, “The main

reason we are here today is to tell Nigerians that there is one alternative to the presidency in 2023. Look at Lagos State, Asiwaju changed the fortunes of Lagos state. There is only one man that can change this economic for good. Any mistake will be detrimental.

“The youths and our

principal are already in a cordial relationship. If you look at his antecedents, he’s a youth mobiliser. He is someone that loves to work with the youth. So the youth have no choice now to rally around Bola Ahmed Asiwaju. Asiwaju needs the youths. It’s time for them to be recognised again in this country.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ACTION…

L-R: Branch Manager, Unity Bank Plc, Yaba, Opeoluwa Jedafe;Head, Events, Digital and Sponsorship, Unity Bank, Mr. Bashir Salami;Volunteer, Lagos Food Bank (LFB), Mr. Ifedayo Orimogunje;Volunteer, LFB, Atinuke Aderigbigbe;Divisional Head, Human Resources, Unity Bank, Mr. Hilary Ajuebon; Executive Director, LFB, Mr. Micheal Sunbola, and Regional Manager, Ikeja Region, Unity Bank, Florence Isem, at the donation of 150 food boxes to Ogundimu Ilaje Community by Unity Bank as part of its community outreach in Lagos… yesterday ETOPUKUTT

‘Don’t Enroll Police Constables into IPPIS without Appointment Letters’ Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja

The Police Service Commission yesterday warned against the enrollment of police constables into the Integrated Payroll and

Personnel Information System (IPPIS) without appointment letters by the commission.

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation had enrolled police constables recruited

Ogun Accountants Tasked on Self Development The Ogun State AccountantGeneral and Permanent Secretary, State Treasury, Mr. Tunde Aregbesola, has admonished accountants in the civil service of the state to engage in self-development through acquisition of higher educational and professional certifications to distinguish themselves among their peers.

Aregbesola, gave the advice at a meeting with various cadres of accountants in the service of the state in Abeokuta, saying issues on effectiveness and welfare would engender efficiency and quality service delivery as competition was presently

intense in the accounting cadres.

The AG noted that with over 600 qualified accountants in the civil service of the state, it was necessary to tap into various opportunities around, to enable them excel in the discharge of their duties at their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He advised them to keep to the ethics of the accounting profession, saying: “There is a need to maintain confidentiality, as the roles of accountants entail financial records and transactions which are adequately protected and kept in safe custody, among other things.”

Bill to Protect Private Sector Workers Scales Second Reading in Senate SundayAborisadeinAbuja The Senate yesterday passed for second reading a bill to regulate and formalise employment of domestic workers, apprenticeship, interns and other informal sector employees in Nigeria.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani (APC- Niger) Sani, while presenting the bill said the proposed legislation also seeks to empower the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to issue license and monitor privately owned agencies.

Sani said the operation in the

informal sector was usually in small scale with labour intensive production and usually private ownership driven.

He said the participation of Nigerian economy by the informal sector showed evidence of violation of employee rights and non implementation of labour regulations.

He said: “Informal sector in Nigeria has practice that are not in conformity to the International Labour Organisation(ILO)best practices as ratified in its convention, notwithstanding that Nigerian is signatory to this conventions.

Rotary Garki Grants Scholarship to Six Students Olawale Ajimotokan inAbuja The Rotary Club of Abuja Garki Neigbourhood has awarded scholarship to six students of GSS Kubwa, School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada and GSS Nyanyan.

President Rotary Club of Garki, Rotarian Zainab Omowunmi Owonikoko, presented the award following the students’ sterling performance at the FCT Senior Secondary School Quiz Competition held at GSS Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Each of the six the students were given automatic

one-year sponsorship.

Ten schools drawn through a selection process that involved the FCT Secondary Education Board, participated in the quiz competition.

At the end of the exercise, GSS Kubwa emerged champions with 13 points and got the cash prize of N100,000. The School for the Gifted finished second with 12 points and got N75,000 while GSS Nyanyan finished third and went home with the cash prize of N50,000 after edging GSS Wuse 3 after a tie breaker.

in 2021 into the scheme without appointment letters from the commission.

The situation is seen as an offshoot of the frosty relationship between the police and the commission over its constitutional powers to conduct recruitment of police constables and issue appointment letters.

The former Chairman and former Inspector-General of

Police, Musuliu Smith (rtd), was said to have condoned the development which triggered the strike action embarked upon by the commission which led to his resignation.

A statement by the commission said it took the decision to issue the warning letters to all stakeholders involved in the enrollment of persons into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System

(IPPIS), to henceforth desist from capturing for payments any police new intake without an appointment letter issued by the commission.

The decision was taken at the plenary meeting of the Police Service Commission which began in Abuja on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022.

The meeting also approved a new date of appointments for

graduates of the Police Academy Wudil, Kano.

“The plenary also decided to issue warning letters to all stakeholders involved in the enrollment of persons into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System IPPIS, to henceforth desist from capturing for payments any police new intake without an appointment letter issued by the commission.

UBEC Develops Framework for 189,071 Children with Special Needs KuniTyessi inAbuja For access and inclusion in basic education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has set in motion its plans to accommodate 189,071 children with special needs.

It states in its 2018 UBE National Personnel Audit report that there were 100,863 males and 88,208 females totaling 189,071 learners with different categories of

disabilities.

Speaking during the development of inclusive education framework in Nigeria yesterday, the Executive Secretary of the body, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, said in 2021, the commission conducted a Needs Assessment exercise in 397 schools, 18, 338 learners with special needs were recorded for improved educational processes.

He said the framework would re-direct the implementation

of basic education to meet up with international education competitiveness that would make Nigeria and Nigerian children equal among peers.

According to him, “The 2018 UBE National Personnel Audit report, 2018, indicated that there are 100,863 males and 88,208 females totaling 189,07 learners with different categories of disabilities.

“In 2021, the commission conducted a Needs Assessment

exercise in 397 schools, where 18, 338 learners with special needs were recorded for improved educational processes. These numbers are very high, and we must make deliberate sacrifices and take systematic actions to at least provide quality basic education individually to these categories of Nigerians, especially those within school-going age in both public and private basic education institutions.”

Stakeholders: Terrorism, Kidnapping Setback to Tourism Devt in Nigeria Okon Bassey in Uyo Stakeholders in the tourism industry have regretted that terrorism, banditry and kidnappings are factors setting back the development of the tourism sector in Nigeria.

The Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Hotels Management and Tourism Board, Obong Ini Akpabio, made the observation while briefing journalists yesterday

in Uyo, the state capital, as part of activities to mark the 2022 World Tourism Day with the theme: ‘Rethinking Tourism’.

He said for tourism development to be achieved, there was need for terrorism, banditry and kidnappings among other crimes to be eliminated in the society.

Akpabio, a former managing director of Nanet Hotels, explained the need to create a peaceful

environment where tourism business would thrive and add more values to the economy.

According to him, “Let me use the occasion of this year’s World Tourism Day to position our country in general and our state in particular to rethink tourism. “There is need to create a peaceful environment for all of us to eradicate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other vices that negatively affect tourism

in Nigeria.”

He observed that the Akwa Ibom State Government has impacted on the tourism sector through the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Victor Attah International Airport, Tropicana Entertainment Centre, Dakkada Smart Building, International Worship Centre, e- library and Ibom Airline just to mention a few.

Delta 2023: Unveil Your Developmental Plans, Activist Tasks Governorship Candidates Sylvester Idowu inWarri Ahead of the 2023 general election, a human rights activist in Niger Delta, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has tasked governorship candidates of all the political parties in Delta State to unveil their developmental plans for the state.

He said this would enable the people of the state make useful decisions based on effective and realistic development plans.

Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), in a statement issued in Warri yesterday, urged the candidates to place special emphasis on education, economy, environment, human resource development, employment and infrastructural development among others, as they roll out their development blueprint.

Speaking on the poor state of development in Delta State, the

Ibe-sorimawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom lamented that the present infrastructural, economic, environmental and empowerment status of the state clearly shows that it is in dire need of individuals who are structurally minded with a strong passion for human and capital development of the state.

He appealed to the governorship candidates to think and focus more on the welfare of the citizens rather than struggling to impose

themselves on Deltans as political leaders in the state.

“The state needs a governor with passion for development, street leadership qualities and community-based knowledge that will enhance the state opportunities in businesses and turn it into an industrial hub towards attracting investors and creating employment for the teeming youths and women that will grow the economy like Lagos State,” he said.

AbdulRazaq: Kwara ‘ll Collaborate with Nigerian Army, Others to Ensure Security Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said his administration would continue to explore synergy and harmonious relationship between the government and Nigerian Army as well as other security agencies so

as to maintain security of life and property of the people of the state.

The governor gave the assurance while receiving the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Aminu Shehu Chinade, on a familiarisation visit.

AbdulRazaq, who received the GOC through his Deputy Kayode Alabi, said Kwara is peaceful with the support and cooperation from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

“We thank you for cooperating with us because we need you and we have

high regard for the Military.

“I want to assure you as a government that we are ready to cooperate with you because without security, no meaningful development could be achieved and investors will not come to the State. So, we need to secure our State before we bring in investors.

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THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Amusan Remains Top Ranked African Athlete in New World Ranking

Reigning Commonwealth and World 100m hurdles champion and record holder, Tobiloba Amusan is still the top ranked African athlete following the update on the World rankings released by World Athletics on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old who made history as the first Nigerian to win a world outdoor title and the first to set a world record following her 12.12 seconds run in Oregon in July is still ranked the fifth best in the overall women's ranking.

The Nigerian (1489 points) is behind the Jamaican duo of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (1534 points) and Shericka Jackson (1526 points), Venezuela's triple jumper, Yulimar Rojas (1517 points), and American 400m barrier runner, Sydney Mclaughlin (14.90 points.

She is however two places and 22 ranking scores above Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay who won a silver medal in the 1500m and gold in the 5000m at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon with two-time World and Olympic 1500m champion, Kenya's Faith Kipyegon the third highest ranked African woman.

Amusan also retains her position as the top ranked high hurdler in the world ahead of reigning Olympic champion, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn

and Jamaican, Britany Anderson.

Long jumper, Ese Brume also retained her 61st best ranking in the overall women's category and third best in her event behind reigning World and Olympic champion, Malaika Mihambo of Germany and reigning World Indoor champion, Ivan Vuleta of Serbia.

No other Nigerian, man or woman made it to the overall top 100m ranking albeit a number of them made it to the top 100m ranking in their respective events with as many as four others outside Amusan and Brume finishing in the top 20.

Long and triple jumper, Ruth Usoro is ranked the 19th best in the triple jump and 20th best in the long jump while Discus thrower and Commonwealth Games queen, Chioma Onyekwere is ranked the 17th best.

Nigeria's record holder in the 200m (indoors and outdoor), Favour Ofili is ranked the 14th best in the half lap race while Shot Putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi is the only Nigerian man ranked within the top 20 in events' ranking.

The 29-year-old is ranked the 14th best in his event with the nearest Nigerian man after him, Favour Ashe ranked the 25th best in the 100m.

FG Urges Stakeholders to Abide by Court Order, Shelves NFF Elections Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

NPFL: Abia Warriors FC FillsVacant Front-of-shirt Position with Eunisell Nigeria Professional Football League club, Abia Warriors, have signed up West Africa’s leading independent chemical as well as oil and gas engineering solutions provider, Eunisell, as its main sponsor.

The deal grants the brand’s logo presence on the front of the club’s playing shirts during all matches in the upcoming 2022/23 NPFL season.

Speaking on the sponsorship deal, Group Managing Director, Eunisell, Chika Ikenga, said: “Eunisell decided to sponsor Abia Warriors to enhance the private sector’s involvement in the country’s national professional league, the NPFL.” Abia Warriors FC Chairman, Emeka Inyama, said: “As a club, we are proud of this moment.

Eunisell’s sponsorship represents a huge milestone for the Abia Warriors brand. A first of its kind in the club’s history.

“As an innovative company, Eunisell has shown serious com-

mitment to the growth of the NPFL and clubs. This is in line with our strategic plan to build the Abia Warriors brand with other big brands.”

Eunisell has been a consistent player in the domestic NPFL since 2015 and is renowned for the sponsorship of football clubs.

A rare feat that makes Eunisell clear leader with the longest running club sponsorship deals in Nigeria's fast growing sports industry.

Eunisell entered Nigeria’s football space as sponsor of former NPFL side, Sharks, in 2015, and later Rivers United, from inception, in 2016 through 2022.

Leading Sports Public Relations & Marketing agency, MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited, played a strategic role in the consummation of the deal by representing both parties.

The Official Unveiling of the Sponsorship deal will be done at a date to be announced by Eunisell and Abia Warriors.

Tobi Amusan...remains Africa’s best athlete for the second year

The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigerian football stakeholders to remain calm and abide by the court order, by shelving plans for the NFF elections scheduled for tomorrow in Benin, Edo State.

The call for calm was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar.

In the statement signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director, Press and Public Relations , Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abubakar said the Ministry was not ignorant of the recent developments concerning the Elective Congress of NFF that is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

He also said the Ministry is seeking a resolution to the development.

"The Ministry is also aware of the Court Order made by Hon. Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court on the 15th day of September, 2022 whereby the Court had directed all parties, including NFF and the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Development to maintain status quo ante pending the final Order of Court", he said

Gov. Diri Rewards Commonwealth Games Medalists, Bayelsa Queens, Coaches Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced a reward package for sportsmen and women from the state that participated in different competitions recently.

Olympic silver medalist, who won gold in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Blessing Oborududu, and sprinter Timma Godbless, who got gold in 4x100 relay for Nigeria in the African Senior Athletics Championship in

Mauritius were among recipients of the governor’s gesture.

Among others were teenage table tennis sensation, Samuel Boboye, who won two gold medals for Nigeria in the Africa U-19 championship in Tunisia as well as Bayelsa Queens, champions of the Nigerian Women’s Football League as well as the WAFU Zone B tournament in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

Coaches of the teams were also

rewarded.

Governor Diri, while receiving the athletes and footballers inside the executive council chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday, said they made Nigeria and the state proud.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted him in a statement as saying that the people of Bayelsa can hold their heads high because of the sterling performances

Golf: IBB, Achimota Matchplay Ignites Nigeria’s Independence Day Party Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja IBB International Golf and Country Club of Abuja and Achimota Club 1934 of Ghana will this morning in Abuja reignite their rivalry in the doubles matchplay which are part of the activities lined up to celebrate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day Anniversary.

The matches that end tomorrow with the singles are symbolic as they mark the 25th year of the sustenance of friendly engagements between both clubs.

The international matchplay is one of the activities lined up by IBB Club to celebrate the country’s Independence Anniversary While briefing the media yesterday, the Chairman of the Independence Golf Tournament Committee, Mr Olabanjo Obaleye noted that despite the challenges facing the country there is more

that unites Nigerians than what separates them.

He described 62 years as a milestone that is worthy of celebration.

“We are not doing badly as a country. Golf brings people together. Nigeria is one nation when it comes to sport. I believe there is hope and when there is hope we can begin to seek progressive ways to make life better,” Obaleye, who is the Vice -Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club said.

Saturday will be the grand finale of the activities that will feature 450 golfers where the overall winner will be presented with a green jacket reminiscent of Nigeria’s dominant national colour.

All the players will also appear in shade of green and white colours on the golf course on Saturday.

Abubakar also reiterated that the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, will obey and abide by the court order as the Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development as 3rd Defendant in the case under reference.

He advises all other defendants in this case, including NFF to abide by the order of the court by not doing anything or taking any further step(s); particularly, as regard NFF elections that will be or could be interpreted to amount to disobedience to lawful Court Order or contempt of court.

He reminded them that NFF known under the Nigeria existing law as NFA, (NFA ACT 2004) is one of the parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

The permanent secretary noted that the Ministry was studying all processes served on it concerning this case, and at would make the appropriate steps or action to defend itself within the context permitted by the law of our land.

There were unconfirmed reports last night that both CAF and FIFA have sent in their officials to monitor the election scheduled to hold in Benin City tomorrow, Friday, September 30, 2022.

Governor Diri Douye (centre) flanked on His right by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Sports Commissioner, Daniel Igali, and athletes and footballers during the ceremony to honour them in Yenagoa...yesterday

of the sportsmen and women and urged them to continue on the path of success.

He noted that by their performance, they have placed Bayelsa prominently on the global map of sports, saying the state will reap rich rewards from their effort if they aim for more success.

Diri assured that his administration will continue to play its part in supporting sportsmen and women to enable them bring more glory to the state.

The state’s helmsman assured Bayelsa Queens that his government will do everything to ensure the team had a hitch-free participation in the Africa Female Champions League holding Morocco.

He announced a reward of N2.5m for Commonwealth Games gold medalists, N1.5m for silver medalists while bronze medalists got N1m.

Similarly, coaches of gold-winning athletes got N2m each while their silver and bronze medal counterparts received N1m and N800,000 respectively.

Non-medal participants at the games also got N300,000 each.

African Athletics Championship gold medalist, Godbless, got N700,000 while Boboye received N500,000.

Osimhen, Five Others Return to Napoli Training Femi Solaja with agency report After 21 days on the side-line, Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, and five other players of Napoli FC return to training yesterday morning as they continued their quest for Serie A title.

According to Italian website, TuttoNapoli.net, “first phase of activation in the gym and the team moved to field Three where they carried out ball possession work and played on a reduced pitch.

“Osimhen performed therapies and personalised in the field. Politano carried out group activation and customised part. Meret, Di Lorenzo, Raspadori, Zerbin Elmas and Kvaratskhelia have returned from their engagement with the national teams,” the site stated.

The in-form striker, was last week speculated to return to action earlier than expected as coach Luciano Spalletti is considering the player’s inclusion in the starting XI when they take on Cremonese on the 9th

of October.

Osimhen was taken off in the 41st minute after he sustained a hamstring injury in Napoli’s 4-1 mauling of Liverpool on the 7th of September.

The injury effectively ruled him out of Napoli’s last three games before the international break.

And he was the first causality in Coach Jose Peseiro’s high injury list that affected the team’s preparation in the matches against Algeria in Constantine and Oran.

The web reported that, the masked Super Eagles marksman could be available for Napoli’s Champions League clash against Ajax, has he could get just a few minutes.

However, he is not likely to be ready for full action when the Partenopeans travel to Cremonese on the 9th of October.

It would be an interesting game because Osimhen would be up against compatriots Cyriel Dessers, David Okereke, and Emmanuel Aiwu.

Thursday, September 29, 2022

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MISSILE

Obasanjo to Religious Leaders “If you stand on the truth, you stand for justice and equity, it is then that politicians will not be able to mess us around and I will say it with all sense of responsibility now, if we do not watch it, the politicians will wreck this country and we will all regret it”-- Former President, urging religious leaders to work together against bad politicians in the 2023 general election

OLUSEGUNADENIYI Police Orderly, Not Mai Guard!

A THE VERDICT

s the principal custodian of peace, order and security in a constitutional democracy, no institution is arguably more important than the police. But so abused is this law enforcement authority in Nigeria that most of their personnel have been reduced to playing guard duties for members of the business and political elite. It therefore came as no surprise when the Police Force Headquarters announced last week that one ‘Professor and human rights activist’ as well as her housemaid, brutally assaulted a policewoman “due to the refusal of the orderly to breach professional ethics by carrying out menial and domestic chores at her house.”

While the said professor and accomplice have been charged to court and remanded at the Suleja Correctional Facility till 5th October, I am surprised that the police could publicly express outrage over a self-inflicted problem they have refused to deal with.

We must recall that more than a decade ago on 5th April 2012 in Calabar, Cross River State, the then Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, warned police orderlies to cease carrying handbags belonging to politicians and others for whom they provide security. In explaining that the duty of an orderly was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their principal and not to run demeaning errands, Abubakar said, “So, VIPs should take note that when we give them orderlies, they are not supposed to be turned into house boys and house girls.”

Pushing the responsibility to accord dignity to those being served presupposes a lack of professionalism on the part of their personnel, but police authorities can also not feign ignorance about the abuse to which their personnel are being subjected. And the reputational damage such inflicts on the Police Force.

From holding plates of food at parties for fat cats who cannot dish their own meals, to carrying bags at airports, it is as if many of these law enforcement agents have been deployed to run errands for our big men and women. Some orderlies even shine shoes for their principals in the public. And by refusing to streamline the list of those entitled to police/ security protection, all manner of people, including renowned ‘419’ fraudsters and kidnappers, go about with police personnel in a status-obsessed society.

I am delighted that the Police Service Commission (PSC) understands where the problem lies by calling for a review of the operations of the Special Protection Unit (SPU). “The commission frowns at the abuse of police orderlies by Nigerians who now use them as status symbols or convert them to house helps who

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba clean, cook or do menial jobs”, said the PSC in a statement by their spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, who condemned the attack on the policewoman. “With the security problems ravaging the nation, there is an urgent need to free many police officers loitering in private houses and following big men around.”

That precisely is the point. Statutorily, only the president, vice-president, governors, local council chairmen, legislative principal officers in the states and at federal level, magistrates and judges are entitled to police protection. But this privilege has over the years been extended to just about anybody who can pay, leaving ever fewer personnel for real police work. Such is the level of degeneration that many go about with contingents of policemen in Toyota Hilux vehicles that have become part of the convoy of every prominent person in Nigeria. To worsen matters, the number of policemen deployed to serve political office holders is mind boggling.

In April 2017, following a public altercation between the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and then Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, the Force Headquarters released a statement, apparently oblivious of its implication. Responding to the claim

by the governor that the IGP had marked him out for execution, then police spokesman, late CSP Jimoh Moshood, gave the number of police personnel attached to Wike as 221. The same number serves each of the other 35 governors, according to Jimoh.

Highlights he provided were beyond scandalous.

“The breakdown is as follows: One ADC (SPO); one CSO (SPO); one Unit Commander (Special Protection Unit) SPO; one Escort Commander (SPO); one Camp Commander (Counter Terrorism Unit) SPO; one Admin officer (SPO) to administer the Police Personnel, 54 Inspectors of Police; 136 Police Sergeants and 24 police corporals,” said Jimoh who concluded the statement with this self-indicting line: “Obviously, the total number of 221 police personnel attached to His Excellency, Mr Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, is more than the strength of some Police Area Command formations in some states of Nigeria.”

I found it quite shocking at the time that the police would publicly admit allocating 221 of their personnel to protect one man in a nation so challenged by insecurity. When you multiply that number for 36 governors and add those allocated to other elected and appointed political office holders at federal and state levels, you get a picture of the number of policemen performing ‘mai guard’ duties.

And we have not included those serving bankers, businessmen of all hues, the idle rich and even a number of ‘professors’ in unidentified universities.

The epicentre of the criminal justice system is the police.

The very idea of using our police personnel as a private army undermines their integrity and self-worth. We need to put an end to the abuse.

More than a hundred police personnel posted for one person is an indictment on the Force. And police orderlies should not serve private citizens. No case has brought home the illegal use for which many of our policemen are deployed better than the 1st June 2018 shooting at a political rally in Ekiti State by a policeman “attached to 20 PMF, Ikeja Lagos State where he was posted on guard duties”. Although the politician who conspired and removed the said policeman from where he was posted by his squadron commander was said to have been arrested by the police, the fact that nobody has been brought to trial over the incident is telling. Till today, nobody knows the politician concerned and the case has ‘entered voicemail’ as they say.

To refresh the memory of readers on that sordid episode, the Ekiti State Police Command revealed at the

Passage of Fashakin, Nyako M

y column, ‘Squandermania Nigeria Unlimited!’, published on this page exactly two weeks ago, dwelt on the multibillion floating dry dock acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) that has lain idle since it was delivered to the country in 2018. In that piece, which speaks to waste and mismanagement of scarce resources, I referenced the explanation once provided by a former NIMASA Executive Director, Operations, Mr Rotimi Fashakin on the issue. The next day, Fashakin called me from the United Kingdom where he said he was studying for a degree in Law. He commended my piece and shared further insights with me about the floating dry dock, the challenge of public sector in Nigeria and his own frustrations. It was a long and very enlightening conversation that dovetailed into career, family and life generally. One can then imagine my shock to learn on Monday that Fashakin is no more.

I met Fashakin in person only once and that was many years ago at the Abuja residence of the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai during a Ramadan fast-breaking Iftah. But we spoke occasionally on phone. Once in a while, whenever

Late Fashakin

Late Nyako

he read anything in my column that attracted his attention, even if he did not agree with my submission, he would call. I found him to be pleasant and without any doubt, a Nigerian patriot.

Meanwhile, Fashakin’s death at 59 was as shocking for me as that of Abdullahi Nyako, one of the closest aides to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Nyako

and I related well whenever we encountered each other and I found him to be warm and friendly. So, I was surprised when three years ago he sought a formal appointment to see me. He came with a completed manuscript of his memoir which he asked me to read and then guide him on how to proceed.

I could not refuse his request. In the fascinating draft, Nyako provided rare insights into the family and career trajectories of the former vice president whom he had served practically all his adult life.

In fact, the draft memoir was predominantly the story of Atiku rather than the author’s, perhaps because of their deep connection. I was not surprised when Nyako later told me the publication had been temporarily suspended.

As I reflect on my conversations with Nyako (over his unpublished memoir) and Fashakin, following my recent column, I am forced to come to terms with the reality that nobody is guaranteed tomorrow.

And that brings me to the immortal words of John Donne, “ask not for whom the bell tolls, for it tolls for thee”.

May God comfort the families Fashakin and Nyako left behind.

time that the mobile policeman who accidentally shot Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally was on “illegal duty”. According to Caleb Chukwuemeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the accused policeman was procured from Lagos to Ekiti State by an unnamed politician.

“He is attached to 20 PMF, Ikeja, Lagos State, where he was posted on bank guard duties somewhere in Ikeja. The policeman came on illegal duty to Ekiti State. A politician, who conspired and removed the said policeman from where he was posted by his Squadron Commander and came to Ado-Ekiti with him for an unofficial reason has also been arrested.”

Who is this politician? What has happened to the arrested policeman? These were questions left hanging while the case was quietly swept under the carpet. In fact, many believe that the response by police authorities to the current case was spurred not by any sense of outrage but rather due to social media interest. That is not good for the police. For the institution to regain public trust, they must begin to deal with the issue that concerns the dignity and welfare of their own personnel. And that should begin by putting an end to the demeaning practice where those deployed to provide security are treated with disrespect. When police personnel begin to perform domestic chores for husbands, wives and concubines of government officials, council chairmen, traditional rulers, celebrities, high net worth individuals etc, it impacts negatively on the image of this critical institution.

Beyond ensuring justice for the brutalized policewoman in the case now in court, police authorities should reconsider the way and manner they deploy their personnel to service all manner of people. Given the current period of national security emergency, the misuse of police officers and other security outfits should not be allowed to continue.

With a police force of approximately 350,000 serving a projected population of about 218 million, Nigeria is far from the United Nations recommended ratio of one policeman to 400 citizens. So, this issue needs to be addressed. Maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities are the primary responsibilities of the Police. They cannot play such roles effectively if most of their personnel are running errands, including for those with no visible means of livelihood.

Ikechukwu @ 60

I

was about sending my column last night when I learnt that Prof Okey Ikechukwu, mni, media and public policy professional and human capital development entrepreneur, will join the Sexagenarian Club tomorrow as he clocks 60. I wish my brother, the great Ijele, happy birthday, long life and good health.

Prof. Ikechukwu

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