MONDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2022

Kenyatta: No Government Can Address All Nigeria's Problems

Says reinventing the wheel, a challenge that must be addressed Declares continuity, succession plan ‘critical’ to development Ministerial retreat has helped to keep us in check, Buhari posits

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Former President of Kenya, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, has said no one administration can address all

of Nigeria’s problems within its constitutional term limit.

In his recent keynote address at the 2022 edition of the Ministerial Performance Review Retreat

held at the State House, Abuja, which had not been reported, Kenyatta said the problem with many African governments was the tendency to waste time and

effort trying to create something that someone else had already created.

In the speech, which THISDAY got exclusively, the erstwhile

Kenyan leader, who also cited his country’s experience as an example, declared that since the challenges could not be addressed by one administration, the issue

of continuity and succession planning were very critical to development.

Continued on page 5

Tinubu: Atiku is Jittery, He Knows I’ll Win 2023 Presidential Poll...

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Monday 7 November, 2022 Vol 27. No 10072. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

Atiku

Obi

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Kwankwaso

Abiola

At Arise Presidential Town Hall Series, Candidates Lay Out Agendas Kwankwaso: Military personnel grossly inadequate Obi: We will ensure prudent management of resources Atiku: If Nigeria is working for everybody, no one will want out Abiola: Buhari’s underutilisation of NSA's office escalated insecurity Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Adedayo Akinwale, Emameh Gabriel and Juliet Akoje in Abuja Yesterday, at a first in the series of townhall meetings, organised by Arise News Channel, in Abuja, four of the frontline presidential candidates in the 2023 general election gave a prevue of their plans for the country if elected president respectively.

At the first leg of the townhall meeting, were a former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso; a former governor of Anambra State and presidential

candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; the Governor of Delta State and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa, who stood in for his principal, Atiku Abubakar, and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Mr. Kola Abiola.

The presidential townhall series was, however, focused on two issues: security and the economy.

Speaking at the interaction held in the Lagos hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, populated by players from different walks of life and critical sectors of the economy, Continued on page 5

OTEDOLA MARKS 6OTH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE...

Chairman of Geregu Plc and Chancellor, of Augustine University, Mr Femi Otedola and his family, cruising aboard the iconic superyacht, Christina Onassis, which has played host to many leaders and influential personalities around the world, to mark his 60th birthday anniversary with his wife and children.

Amongst leaders who have been on the Yacht are; Late British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, late US President, John F Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt. Jr, Music Legends, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and others. Onassis, once the richest man in the world, later married a former First Lady of America, Jackie Kennedy. Onassis has been Otedola’s role model since he was13 years old.

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PAGE FIVE AT ARISE PRESIDENTIAL TOWNHALL SERIES, CANDIDATES LAY OUT AGENDAS including the organised civil society, Kwankwaso admitted that the current man power of the Nigerian military was grossly inadequate and remained one area he would focus in addressing the nation’s deteriorating insecurity.

Obi, during some of his submissions, said his government, among other things, would dialogue with genuine agitators which included proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Boko Haram sect and other agitating groups in the country, in order to engender peace and tame insecurity, while criminal elements among them would be made to face the law.

While giving an insight into some of the plans of their prospective government, Okowa said two of the most important things on their dashboard was ensuring state police and devising technology to tackle crimes across the country.

But PRP’s Abiola, who also dwelt on the worsening security situation like others, advanced the need to review its inherent architecture and argued that the security situation in the country deteriorated only, because the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari underutilised the office of the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.

Unfortunately, the presidential debate was at some point, albeit at inception, threatened following Atiku’s absence, which created some row.

No sooner had the Chairman of Arise Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, announced that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, would rather join subsequent series, than protests commenced.

This got worse, when Obaigbena announced that Okowa would stand in for Atiku, a development that forced supporters of other presidential hopeful to reject his explanation and escalated their protests.

In protesting, they chanted: "No representation by proxy. This is an insult. We need Atiku and Okowa

should go; No more governance for by proxy.” But the debate continued, regardless.

RABIU KWANKWASO Presidential candidate of NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who said the current number of military officials was grossly inadequate, promised that he has made adequate arrangement to increase the number of military officers from two hundred and fifty thousand to one million military, army, Air Force and navy.

He stressed that he was going to take over every square metre of the country and pledged to increase policemen from two hundred and thirty thousand to two million.

"We will be willing to sit down with everyone with grudges in any part of the country to dialogue and at the end of the day, anyone, who decides to do otherwise, definitely, the law will take its course," he said.

Further on security, Kwankwaso said, if the government was doing the right thing, many people would have put down their arms, adding that those who did not want to do that, it was the responsibility of the government to ensure peace as people went about their legitimate businesses not minding religion and ethnicity.

His words: "Today, in 2022, security agencies could not identify locations, especially, everybody including the criminals are using telephone and these telephones are not difficult to identify and these are the problems.

"In Kano, when I was in government, we constructed roads and of course, gates leading into the city and the idea was to put cameras, scanners so that anybody going into our city should be checked."

He stated that NNPP was the only growing political party in Nigeria as other party did not have anything to tell Nigerians that was new.

"In Kano, there was no child of primary age that did not get a place in primary school. No child of secondary school age that did not go to school after passing exams.

“Provide for people, provide for agriculture, provide for infrastructure, bring the people together, unite then.

We had so many programmes and projects and everybody was busy and happy "We brought synergy between the military, the police, the SSS, civil defence. We were working together and we are still working together in Kano," he said.

On the economy, Kwankwaso promised that, "We will create necessary palliative even if we take subsidy away, which is very necessary in the long term, that it has to be removed for better survival.

"In the economy, there are so many things that are intertwined, the issue of exchange, corruption, oil theft, we are supposed to give out 2.2 million going by the OPEC arrangement but the record is less than that, so we have to do whatever it takes to stop stealing.

"It is very critical to us that we work on how to stop stealing of oil and other assets owned by the nation.

The issue of subsidy, we are aware that there is a lot of corruption in the field and the first area of attack on subsidy is the issue of corruption.

Subsidy over all doesn't do any good to anybody but at the same time, we are concerned with the welfare of Nigerians."

He also revealed that he never borrowed in the eight years that he governed Kano State and that he left so much money in account of the electricity generation, adding that he left over 43 million dollars.

He said, "We inherited a budget, which recurrent was 70 per cent, capital 30 per cent but by the time I was going in 2015, we reversed that.

I believe that in this country, we have enough money, enough resources and all we need is leadership that will ensure that every kobo goes into the right place.

"Our party is not based on the leadership of the money bags.

Everybody knows that we have an ideology and beliefs on governance.

We have done it before and by the

KENYATTA: NO GOVERNMENT CAN ADDRESS ALL NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS President Muhammadu Buhari, in his remarks, said the yearly performance review exercise introduced by his administration had helped the government in trying to get its priorities right.

Kenyatta shared the Kenyan experience in its attempt to deliver the promises of development and highlighted how he used the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to achieve his administration's objectives. He Kenyatta acknowledged that Africa nations shared similar challenges in various aspects of nationhood. He said the challenges were often exacerbated by impatience on the part of the citizenry and compounded by inadequate resources and limited timeframe.

The former Kenyan leader offered solutions to African leaders faced with challenges, such as insecurity, terror, pandemic, and other setbacks.

He stated, "The first, being focused. The ability to be able to focus on what the critical issues are – we cannot deliver on everything, but we can be focused to be able to target our intervention to those areas that most affect our people, the greatest immediate impacts and, also, that lays the foundation for a stronger nation, and prosperity tomorrow.

"The second, I believe, is the realisation of (the fact that) the challenges we face are not challenges that can be completed by any one single administration.

So, therefore, ultimately, the issue of continuity and succession planning is also very critical."

Kenyatta said his Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), embedded in the presidency and which functioned to see that the government deliver on priority areas, was instrumental to many successes recorded by his administration within its first five years of governance.

He urged Nigerians to stick to

the development agenda of the Buhari administration by voting a successor who would continue from wherever he stopped.

Kenyatta stated, "I heard very keenly, when the secretary to the federal cabinet was speaking, and there is one thing that I will encourage; it is that as this administration winds down, let us not suffer the traditional.

“It is like all-African problem, that when one administration winds down, the next one thinks whatever was done, we can do better. And you start trying to imagine ways of reinventing the wheel – the wheel can only be invented once. We need to begin to institutionalise these practices, if we ever hope to deliver on our promises."

He reiterated that no single administration had the capacity to resolve all the problems any African country faced, saying each administration should build on the foundation laid by the previous one.

"Therefore, institutionalising and learning lessons and not repeating mistakes is part of our journey to transform this continent, but if we become people, who adopt startstop policies, as, unfortunately, many have done in the past, we will never fully achieve the socio-economic agenda that we set for ourselves," he said.

Buhari alluded to the contributions of the peer-review mechanism and self-appraisal system implemented by his government, to objectively assess administration’s commitments to actualising the promises made to Nigerians.

He said, "I am glad to note that we have sustained this yearly stock-taking innovative initiatives introduced in 2019 by holding three consecutive performance review retreats in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. This has helped us to clearly identify what we have done, what needs to be done,

and how best to get it done."

The president told the gathering that going by the assessment report and discussions at the retreat, it was evident that his government had made appreciable progress through collective efforts in setting the country on the path of sustainable development while improving the well-being of the people.

He stressed, "Notwithstanding these achievements, there are still unfinished businesses that we must speedily complete to ensure we finish well. We must, therefore, endeavour to close every gap in our implementation efforts to ensure the attainment of set targets by 2023.

"This retreat is not the end of our assessment process, as I have directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to continue with the quarterly review process and assessment for the third and fourth quarters of 2022 and the reports will form part of our transition documents."

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, had been superintending the retreats since inception and ensured that they met the set goals.

Mustapha said a major purpose of the mid-term retreat was to institutionalise the Performance Management System (PMS) as a way to promote the culture of accountability and transparency in the public service. He said it was also to render progress report on the level of implementation of ministerial mandates along the nine priority areas of the administration, review performance of ministries, and identify key impediments to implementation of the ministerial mandates; and re-strategise on how to accelerate delivery of results.

According to the SGF, "The Continued on page 41

grace of God, if we have opportunity, we will do it even better.

"We joined this party in less than seven months, we had our party structure, we have our candidates almost 100%, we have our leadership intact, and are campaigning, right from the sales of forms, we saw other parties spend hundreds of millions to buy but ours was completely different, because we believe in credibility, we believe in capacity and one united Nigeria."

PETER OBI Presidential candidate of Labour Party lamented the level of poverty in the north, saying it was unacceptable, given the amount of arable lands available for agricultural purposes in the region, even as he insisted on the removal of fuel subsidy if he is elected president next year.

“How do I tackle the issue of IPOB, Boko Haram and all agitations?

I have said it repeatedly; I will dialogue with every agitator. There is nothing wrong with agitation.

I will consult. Governance and democracy is about consensus. I will consult, I will dialogue, I will meet everybody. Dialogue is normal, agitations is normal. So, we will deal with everybody. We will make sure we sit down and talk and resolve issues amicably,” he said.

On whether he was plotting to harvest votes from his former party, the LP presidential candidate said, "We are not taking votes from the PDP. We are contesting to win for Labour Party in this election and to win and serve Nigerians. We are taking votes away from the traditional parties, who have structures of incompetence, structure of bad leadership, structure of illegality, and looting of Nigeria and bringing us to a level, where we become a safe state.”

On how he planned to combat insecurity, Obi expressed disappointment over the level of poverty in the country, especially, in northern Nigeria, where he said leaders had failed to leverage the huge arable lands in the region to create employments.

"Today, in Nigeria, you have 35 per cent unemployment with our youth. With your youths, who are in productive age, you have 60 per cent youth unemployed. You can't have that, and won't have crisis.

That's where the guns are domiciled.

“So, you replace that with job, you replace it with employment, you invest in your micro small businesses, where these youths are domiciled by supporting them, pulling them out of poverty.

"The whole of Nigeria, in terms of physical assets, is those uncultivated lands in the north. You can't have that huge land and we have the level of poverty that we are experiencing in the north. Niger State, has eight or seven local governments that are occupied by bandits. It is unacceptable,” he said.

Obi, who earlier alleged that people in government were involved in oil theft, said his government would remove subsidy to develop other critical sectors of the economy.

“The quantity of consumption is unacceptable and you can compare with countries like Pakistan with about 215,000,000 to 220,000,000; they have more roads than we have and they have more vehicles than we have but their consumption is below ours. That shows that something is wrong. It's criminality that we need to deal with immediately.

"What Will I do? We will remove subsidy. Use the resources efficiently and support those, who are and set up refineries and channel the rest of the resources to other critical sectors,” he said.

Asked how he could have handled the abduction of the Kaduna train passengers as the commander in chief, he said, "There was a failure of intelligence processing, because before that incident happened, from information available, there were already indications of a security threats within that corridor of the rail as well as previous attempts.

"So, there was a failure of processing and given the attention to intelligence, which I would

have probably dealt with when it happened. If I was commanderin-chief, we would have acted swiftly and throughout the process, we would have remained in communication and at least shown consistent empathy to the families of those that were involved and acted differently.

"I think that shows the overall need for us to improve in the intelligence processing and given to an immediate response whenever such situation arises. I've always said consistently, that the more you put people out of poverty, the more you reduce the criminality.

"And I've always argued that they are doing what they're doing, because in a country, where those people are in government are richer than entrepreneurs, you manufacture poverty. I served estate for eight years, and you can go to that state.

And see, not one day did I ever borrow from any financial institution in Nigeria?

"As a governor, I served a state for eight years and you can go to that state and see that not one day, did I ever borrow from any financial institution in Nigeria and that was not in any position, neither have I been invited by anybody to question their missing money,” he said.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku, who was represented by his running mate, Okowa, said, the PDP would ensure a private sector-driven economy and would handle insecurity, by creating a state police that was fully equipped.

“We need to emphasise coordinated intelligence gathering and sharing. We need more boots on the ground to address insecurity in Nigeria. We need to evolve policing in Nigeria to ensure that people, who have a better understanding of their areas, know how to secure their areas. One centralised police force is unable to meet the demands that we have.

“We need more boots on the ground. We need adequate welfare to ensure that our security agencies are better-taken care of. We also need to address unemployment — otherwise more young people will be drawn to contribute to the insecurity.

"State police is necessary, because the police in the neighbourhood knows the nooks and crannies and know the environment and with that knowledge, the state police apparatus would be able to tackle the insecurity wherever it rears its head,” he said.

He explained that though kinetic force could be used where necessary, there would still be dialogue, adding that adequate employment should be provided for the teeming unemployed youth.

On the economy, Okowa said of the Atiku/Okowa presidency: “From 1999 to 2007, we knew where President Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku, met the country and where they left it. Because of them, we were able to pay back a lot of our debt and we had debt forgiveness.

“In Delta State, we used to have agitations in oil-producing communities. But now, we have partnered in these communities to create jobs, create a new class of entrepreneurs and show people that we care about development.

“The right path is to use government resources to develop entrepreneurs, make people’s lives easier, and grow the economy so that people will live in better conditions,” he said.

Okowa also said the Atiku presidency would ensure that the education system worked as it should. Cautioning against the narratives of claiming to save money instead of using it directly, because money was losing value, Okowa gave instances of how he developed the Delta State economy as well as the healthcare system in the state, explaining that the Atiku/Okowa presidency would do same, if given the opportunity to lead the country He further advocated the use of technology in intelligence gathering to track criminals, saying there should

be training for the security officials to attain their maximum efforts The PDP vice-presidential candidate said the party would run a pan-Nigeria government, which was the only antidote to address insecurity in Nigeria.

On subsidy, he said it was a scam, explaining that it was impossible for Nigeria to consume 60 million barrels of fuel, let alone 90 barrel.

To address the scam, he called for quick completion of the Dangote Refinery in Lagos and the introduction of the operations of modular refineries in the country Okowa described crude oil theft as organised crime, which must be addressed through the use of technology and oil surveillance equipment.

He equally advocated a production economy as against consumption economy, explaining that it was the only away to tackle the effect of dollar on the naira, stressing that it was alarming that the official dollar rate would be N430, whereas the parallel market rate would be above N800.

"An Atiku/Okowa presidency will improve the export economy and less on import,” he said.

On corruption, Okowa, who queried some politicians over their funding choices, including those that fly private jets, urged politicians to keep to their promises and ensure that the electoral processes were correct and the judiciary was perfect and the court perform within the rule of law and transparently, saying, with these, corruption and electoral malpractices would be tackled.

He said it was unfortunate that Nigeria depended on oil, but insisted that solutions to all these was documented in their manifesto, which would increase an exportbased country According to him, the Atiku/ Okowa would ensure the 35 percent implementation of gender rights for women., believing that with the right system, Nigeria would rise again.

“On the issue of IPOB, it’s something that we need to look into.

What we're seeing there is that we have to be able to separate genuine agitation from criminal elements.

“I believe that the right process to do this will be to sit down with them and have true dialogue on the pathway out. And I believe that we can record this feat. It's a question of trust. It's a question of inclusion and governance. It's a question of inclusion in diversity.

“When people are reassured that they are part of a nation and that they will be recognised, something right will be done. But for the criminal elements, they need to be dealt with by the law. For those genuine agitation, we cannot suppress them,” he declared.

According to the PDP presidential candidate, if elected, Nigerians of all tribes will be brought under one umbrella and offered a sense of belonging, so that there will be no need for any part to want to leave.

“What we ought to do is to sit with them on the table and make them realise that there’s a government that recognises them and those things they seek. If Nigeria is working for everybody, no one will want out of Nigeria, because we are stronger together, no doubt about that.

“But because in the last few years, some sections of the country are feeling that they have been excluded from government, some things have happened, and these things have to be corrected.

“We need to run an all-inclusive government where everybody is recognised even when they feel anger.

We need to sit on the table and get them to really have a dialogue with us and we will convince them that that there is hope for all. We need to run an all-inclusive government", he pledged.

“On the issue of power, it is a part of infrastructure. Where we are today is not good enough. The laws have tended to hold us back. The fact is, we need to ensure that the private sector is heavily involved, from generation to distribution to transmission .

“And we must liberalise that Continued on page 43

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NEWS

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 08074010580

AT ARISE PRESIDENTIAL TOWN HALL SERIES...

L-R: Delta State Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa; Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; Chairman THISDAY/ARISE News Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Presidential Candidate of Peoples Redemption Party, Kola Abiola, at the Arise TV Presidential Town Hall Series held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja...yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI

Private Sector Operators Drag N’Assembly to Court over Incessant Invitations to Members

Dike Onwuamaeze

Members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) have dragged the National Assembly (NASS) to court over incessant invitations and summon of its members as well as investigations of the activities of private business

concerns.

This was announced in a joint press statement that was issued during the weekend by the director generals of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA);

National Association of Small-Scale Industrialist (NASSI); National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), which described such invitations as worrisome.

The OPSN is also asking the court to determine the

Navy, NIMASA, AMANO Urged to Embrace Greener Shipping Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt As the world continues to face challenges resulting from effect of climate change, the maritime industry has been urged to promote greener shipping in coastal and international trade on both short and long term goals.

This call was made at the weekend, during the 2022 convention of the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron (AMANO), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In his remarks, Director of Transformation at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Rear Admiral Nuhu J. Bala, harped on the need for cleaner environment.

Bala stressed that the flood disaster experienced globally in the recent times was as a result of human activities which have affected the ozone layer resulting to a serious climate change.

He said the conference by AMANO was timely, commending the group for choosing the theme: "Leveraging Technology for Greener Shipping," which was targeted at addressing the consequences of the climate change.

Bala added: "We are all aware of what is happening to us recently with the issue of flood and of course we know that flood is nothing but the consequences of climate change.

“Climate change comes in different ways one of which AMANO is trying to address today with the them – ‘Leveraging Technology for Greener Shipping.’

"Why is it so? It is because we all know that over the years, the Maritime industry globally has so much relied on the use fossil energy in order to power machines in our

vessels and those machines and vessels continue to emit carbon dioxide that deplete the ozone layer and as this happens, the consequences are what we are seeing today.

"The theme of this year conference targeted at how to ensure and see how we can encourage Greener Shipping, is very germane and therefore we have also seen how the products of AMANO have contributed tremendously to development of the shipping industry in Nigeria."

Speaking also, an Assistant Director with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Kini Edubio, stated that if the issue of emission had been tackled, the flooding experienced, would not have gotten to the level of damage recorded.

Edubio, who represented the Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, explained how the agency in collaboration with other stakeholders was working hard to reduce emission in ships.

"Regulatory bodies such as NIMASA have been able to put in place processes to reduce the amount of emission by ships in Nigeria.

“One of the advantages of having this kind of seminar is to create awareness. As an agency, we expect that at the end of this conference resolutions, ideas are shared and agencies like us would be able to look at them, see how we incorporate into what we are also doing to reduce emission of ships within our Nigerian Maritime environment.

"If we are able to tackle the emission menace, the flooding we are talking today would not have gotten to the level of damage

it is today. You can imagine the billions, properties and lives that have been lost,” he added.

The NIMASA boss added "So, if you begin to curb the excesses of these emissions, though it takes a lot of money to convert to ships that are low in Sulphur not to talk of the one of reduction, we will have a better environment.

“So, there is a lot of capital to be invested into it for you to achieve the result, but there is need to do that which we must do."

constitutionality, scope and extent of Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution on businesses in the private sector.

The OPSN stated: “The crux of the matter is the determination of the extent of legislative investigatory powers as contained in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, especially how it applies to businesses in the private sector. The case also challenged the grounds relied upon by the committees to invite companies in the private sector.”

They stated that, “we had written severally to the committees informing them that their action is not only a distraction to organised businesses but also a usurpation of the powers and responsibilities of the executive arm of government.

“Our understanding of the powers conferred on lawmakers

by Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution is for the exercise of oversight functions on public sector agencies. We, honestly, cannot find any support in the aforementioned sections for investigations of private

companies.

“In our view, the legislature cannot make law and supervise its execution. We strongly believe that the intended investigation falls within the prerogative of the executive arm of the federal government. This is based on the doctrine of separation of powers in Nigeria.

“If the National Assembly’s committees have issues with the way and manner the executive arm is carrying out its responsibilities of ensuring compliance to various laws and regulations, their focus of investigation should be directed at the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government rather than the private sector.”

The director generals noted that, “we had made several representations to the various committees and also approached the courts.”

The director generals were worried that federal legislators have not been adhering to its own rules that where cases are

in court, it should be respected and no action should be taken until its conclusion.

They added that, “it would appear that the lawmakers are not adhering to this rule, even when they are parties in the matter and the case is still pending in a court of competent jurisdiction.”

It therefore argued that, “the NASS’ committees should tarry for the court to make pronouncement rather than continue the unabated harassment of legitimate business owners.

“Businesses are already faced with myriads of challenges and it will be counter-productive for some committees of the NASS to constrain the wheel of the most productive sector of the economy.

“Our expectation is that legitimate businesses should be supported by the NASS’ committees complimenting the efforts of the executive arm of government by legislating laws that will make the business environment friendlier to attract domestic and foreign investments.”

No Plan to Disrupt Oil Production Operations, Delta Communities Insist Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The head of chairmen of the 28 host communities in Oil Mining Licence (OML) 34, Delta State, Michael Oghenegueke, has denied issuing a five-day ultimatum to shut down the operations of ND-Western E&P Company and NNPC E&P Limited.

Multiple reports in conventional and online media had claimed that the host communities were up in arms against the oil company over what they claim is continued negligence, failure, and refusal to fulfil the mandatory obligations to the aggrieved host communities.

But Oghenegueke who is also the executive chairman of Otu Jeremi community in Delta state, in a rebuttal, said the publications did not have the approval of the leaders and other host communities' chairmen.

He explained that that if there was any issue that needed attention,

the company and the communities have a process of resolving it and not through pages of newspapers.

The chairman added that the management of NNPC E&P Limited and ND-Western had been doing their best to sustain the cordial relationship that exists with the communities.

While dismissing any claim of disagreement with the management of ND-Western E&P Company and NNPC E&P Limited, Oghenegueke described the publication as the handiwork of ‘mischief makers’ who he noted were bent on causing disaffection between the host communities and the oil company.

Also, President General of Iwhrekan Community, Rufus Onokurefe, said that there was never a time the host communities agreed to engage the management of OML 34 in any media war, He added that even when

they had to write a letter to the management over some issues of concern, they had always opened a window of engagement and the issues were resolved amicably.

Onokurefe asserted that the community knew nothing about the alleged letter, neither did it give its consent for the publications in question.

He maintained that all host communities had been working in harmony with the company and saw no justification for starting a conflict with a firm that has demonstrated high standards of responsibility in their interactions with the communities.

However, addressing issues raised in the publications, the chairmen and president generals of the 28 host communities in OML34, said that the management of ND-Western E&P Company and NNPC E&P Limited, had a more responsible way of dealing with

issues with the host communities and had never failed to address host communities concerns.

“Even if we have any problems, there are more responsible ways to solve them than fabricating fictitious crises that don't exist. since the company started operations in the host communities, it has upheld its corporate social responsibilities to the communities, including skill acquisition, scholarship awards, and the execution of the GMoU capacity building programme,” the community said.

According to the community , those who have not benefited from the initiatives will have the chance to participate in the programme.

However, the community noted that the OML communities' leadership had convened on November 5th to discuss the publication and had decided to conduct a thorough investigation and take all necessary action.

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NEWS

MORE SUPPORT FOR ENUGU PDP GUBER CANDIDATE...

L-R: National President of Ndi Oganiru Enugu, a support group of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Engr. Jude Asogwa; Enugu State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Ossai, when the leaders and members of the group formally collapsed their structures in support of Mbah and all other PDP candidates, in Enugu ... yesterday

RMAFC: We are Reviewing Salaries Because Earnings

by CBN, NIMASA, NCC Heads Exceed President’s Pay Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja In a controversial move that could stir national debates in coming weeks, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), said at the weekend that a major reason it was embarking on the review of public officials' pay is because it is unacceptable for any public official to earn more than the president of Nigeria.

Chairman of the RMAFC, Mohammed Shehu, in justifying the planned decision, singled out government institutions like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as agencies which have a higher severance package than President Muhammadu Buhari.

Generally, revenue generating agencies get higher entitlements than their counterparts which do not, with the belief that since they have access to a lot public funds, their remuneration should be enough to deter them from stealing public revenues.

But Shehu, who spoke on a Channels TV programme, stated that the multiplicity of salary structures

in the public service in the country was being looked at, stressing that major organisations affected by the different payment structures include the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.

“A lot of Nigerians are not aware that there’s disparity. Why should any chief executive of a public office earn a salary higher than that of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? But this is what it is.

“You have the NCC, NPA and the CBN Governor. Do you know that the severance package of a CBN governor is higher than that of a sitting president?,” he queried, noting that the situation was abnormal.

Arguing that what the president gets is lesser than what the government institutions' heads are paid, he maintained that what the review seeks to achieve is to bring on board all political or public office holders that are not captured in its previous Act. As a Director General of a government organisation for instance, Shehu stressed that the severance package is about N5 million naira, without pension, explaining that the review was not all about increases,

but striking a balance.

“There are lots of lapses there , so this is what has informed us to do this exercise now. It is not true that we are just trying to release a bonus or a jumbo package for the president, governors and legislators.

“And contrary to what a lot of people believe that legislators and senators have jumbo salaries, there is no legislator, no senator, no minister that earns over N1 million a month in Nigeria,” he added.

According to the RMAFC Chairman, the review exercise was endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari following recent agitation for a review of salaries of judges, explaining that for instance , a judge appointed today earns the same salary as one that has spent years in service.

“This is not good for Nigeria. The president is the president and there has to be a way these things are adequately harmonised in a manner that some chief executives will not get a salary higher than that of the president or governors.

“I don't believe that any public officers whether CBN or any other agency should have a package higher than that of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I think

this is not good for the system,” he maintained.

Asked whether, it was unconstitutional for some chief executives of some agencies to earn more than the president, he stressed that it was not, but added that there has to be some kind of harmonisation in the salary structure.

Although some states are still struggling to pay N30,000 minimum wage, Shehu stated that it was not the job of the RMAFC to agitate for a living wage for workers “We are not averse to people having a living wage in Nigeria.

At the commission, it is not our responsibility, but as decent human being, I want every Nigerian that works for public or even private to have a decent wage. It is not our responsibility,” he stated.

He also revealed that Cross River gets a special funding of $500 million through a special arrangement after some Nigerians declined to go with Cameroon at the time and therefore became the responsibility of the state.

“There is stabilisation fund, which is 0.50 per cent. It is to assist any state that is in distress in terms of revenue generation internally and

Health Insurance: Over 20,000 Flood Victims to Benefit in Delta State spends N1bn monthly on pensions Trades words with APC on alleged politicising of pension matters Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Nearly 25,000 persons displaced from communities across the state by ravaging floods in Nigeria are to benefit from the contributory health insurance scheme of the Delta State government.

The state government has also disclosed that it has intensified efforts to rescue people in hard-to-reach flooded communities.

The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Ben Nkechika, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Asaba, at the weekend, revealed that the state government was providing the extraordinary health insurance service to residents who have been temporarily displaced from their communities purely as a humanitarian gesture meant to provide them access to free, qualify healthcare for one year.

Aside being deprived of their regular means of livelihood, most of the people, including the aged, children, lactating and expectant

mothers, affected by the floods have become more susceptible to outbreak of certain diseases due to the harsh environment created by the flooding.

Nkechika said, "The Commission is an agency of government established to implement the mandatory Delta State Contributory Health Scheme which is a health care financing programme geared towards ensuring access to quality health care services for all residents of Delta state.

“The programme started in January 2017, and till date we have over 1.2 million enrollees which is the highest in the country.

The scheme is powered by 500 health facilities both government and private health care facilities accredited to provide health services under the scheme.

“Part of our mandate is meeting the health needs of people and we are currently faced with a situation where some people have been displaced as a result of the flood and they are largely going to have economic challenges which has affected their

ability to have quality health care.

“They have lived in very rural communities and we are registering them into the scheme through an electronic process for the family three, father mother and children.

“We issue them with an identity card and with that they are able to refer them from an IDP camp to any of the public or private health care facilities for more care beyond what the camp can provide.

“All of these services are going to be done through the Delta State Contributory Health Commission and the premium would be paid for by the state government and it means they would be attended to free of charge for one year at any of the hospitals they are referred to even when they go back to their homes.

"The biggest challenge to accessibility of healthcare for poor people is affordability, because we have seen situations where one medical challenge can wipe out a family’s earnings before the health condition is beyond what they can pay for.

“So, this programme is designed to ensure that access is available to all people. Our strategy is to ensure that wherever you are in Delta you should be able to have access to quality health services.

“The premium is just N7,000 per annum which is subsidised by the state government for those who can afford to pay but for those who cannot, the government pays for them under the equity health plan.

“We also have funding from the federal government under the basic health care provision fund which we add to our equity health plan to provide free health care services to all vulnerable people in Delta State."

Meanwhile, Delta State said it has committed nothing less than N1 billion to the payments of pension benefits to retired civil servants in the state, saying the Okowa administration has displayed great concern for the well-being of retirees even though some of them were never employees of the state government.

some things that are beyond their control, just like what we had in Cross River state after the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon and many Nigerians decided they wanted to stay within the country.

“The President from Olusegun Obasanjo down to the current president, continued to assign $500 billion monthly out of that stabilisation fund to Cross River state so that they can assist those people and provide accommodation and it is still going on,” he said.

But the Rivers state government, a few hours later denied collecting $500 million, saying that if he intended to mention N500 million, there was nothing new about it.

According to him, the RMAFC should come out with review plan that suits economic reality and the country’s financial strength.

Also speaking, a member of the panel, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, who is the Head Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, argued that the decision should have also captured the plights of minimum

wage earners.

“We still insist that given the financial crisis Nigeria finds itself, the timing is not right for this upward review...When you look at each executive office or legislature for example, if you see the resources going to them, you will see that definitely there is no fairness when you look at average worker in Nigeria who has been struggling.

“Most of these people, their medical expenses are covered, even needs and food are covered, transportation covered, housing covered, everything.

“They do nothing with their income. When you look at the package that they have, they don’t really touch anything. That is outside the legitimate ones.

“The illegitimate earnings are even more than what you can think of and that is why we are cautioning against all these things because it is increasing the political violence and do or die politics,” he maintained.

NCC Inaugurates Committee to Accelerate Broadband Infrastructure Deployment In a bid to give verve to expansion of broadband services in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated an industry-wide committee to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure under a project named, National Communications Backbone (NCB).

Chaired by NCC’s Director of Digital Economy, Dr. Augustine Nwaulune, with mobile network operators (MNOs), infrastructure companies (InfraCos), and tower companies (TowerCos) as members, the Committee, christened the National Broadband Infrastructure Joint Committee (NBIJC) is saddled with the responsibility of supporting the drive towards the realisation of the NCB targets, as outlined in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025.

According to a statement yesterday, the Director of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, Josephine Amuwa, who presided over the inauguration on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, in Abuja recently, said the emergence of the Committee was informed by the need to inject a broad-based industry approach to address challenges impeding the actualisation of broadband

targets.

Danbatta said the Committee was expected to drive the targets set by the NNBP, including deployment of 120,000 kilometer of fibre across the country; deepening of broadband penetration to 70 per cent by 2025; and connection of 60 per cent of Communication towers with fibre; among other targets, as stipulated in its approved Terms of Reference (ToR).

The EVC stated, "I appreciate your willingness and readiness to make a considerable investment of time and talent to participate in this Committee. We appreciate that you will provide an invaluable perspective as we seek to address gaps impeding the actualisation of the NCB and NNBP initiatives.

"The depth and scope of experiences represented by the broad spectrum of this Committee's membership will, no doubt, provide the Commission with much-needed insight and drive to overcome the challenges facing broadband infrastructure deployment in the country, and even exceed the current set targets."

Following its inauguration, the Committee held its maiden meeting that discussed the frequency of meetings and other critical issues considered relevant to deliver on its ToR.

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NEWS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE MBA/ACIB AND SMP/ACIB PROGRAMMES...

L-R: Past President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN),Prof. Segun Ajibola; Past President, CIBN, Mr. Femi Ekundayo; Partner and Head Strategy and Customer solutions KPMG Nigeria, Mrs. Ngozi Chidozie; 2nd Vice President, CIBN, Mr. Dele Alabi; Dean, Lagos Business School, Prof. Chris Ogbechie; and Associate Dean, Lagos Business School , Prof. Olayinka David-West, ETOP UKUTT at the official Launch of the MBA/ACIB and SMP/ACIB programmes held in Lagos ...recently

Nigerian Think Tank, Agora Policy Seeks Deployment of Private Security Contractors to Combat Criminal Attacks Says more holistic approach needed to overcome growing insecurity Insists sustained military offensive not enough Wants creation of dedicated border patrol force Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Agora Policy, a Nigeria think tank and non-profit research organisation yesterday recommended the use of private security contractors to combat some of the most critical security challenges in the country.

In a document released by the Waziri Adio-led organisation, it however said that this should be done in a specified and controlled manner, noting that the country’s security agencies are already overstretched.

“It is a known fact that Nigeria’s security personnel are overstretched due to the persistent and widespread nature of current security challenges. This deficiency has allowed insecurity to fester.

“To relieve the security forces and to enable significant efforts to be applied to degrade the threats, the government should consider inviting private security contractors as it was done shortly before the general election in 2015 (and use them) to confront armed banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions.

“The engagement should be handled through the security forces to assuage concerns in some quarters that the private military contractors are an indication of the non-appreciation by the political class of the security forces’ contribution and sacrifice.

Clear objectives and measurement parameters should be set and monitored closely,” it stated.

Produced with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, the Agora policy said the report is the second of four policy papers commissioned to contribute to national debate before, during and after the landmark 2023 elections

in Nigeria. The other two reports focus on gender and social inclusion and transparency and accountability, it said.

To stand a fighting chance with overcoming widespread and growing insecurity within its borders, the group advised that Nigeria must adopt a more holistic approach that simultaneously combines combatting security threats more effectively with addressing the root causes of conflicts and agitations in the country.

“Current military engagements should be sustained,” the think tank stated in its latest report titled ‘Understanding and Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria’, it stated.

But the nature, pattern and trend of security challenges confronting Nigeria cannot be dealt with efficiently using military power alone, the group insisted.

“Addressing only the manifestations of insecurity without tackling its drivers is akin to merely cutting off the tail of a dangerous snake while keeping intact its head and the rest of its body,” Agora noted.

With all its six geo-political zones contending with one form or multiple forms of insecurity, Nigeria, it pointed out is “currently battling generalised insecurity” where hardly any zone of the country is spared.

The report identified the dominant security challenges as terrorism in the North East, banditry and terrorism in the North West, herder-farmer clashes and terrorism in the North Central, militancy in the South-south, insurgency and separatist agitations in the South East, farmer-herder/communal clashes and even a sprinkle of terrorism in the South West.

“Africa’s most populous country

Obaseki Condoles with Davido over Son's Death

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commiserated with popular musician, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the passing of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.

The governor, in a statement yesterday, said: "It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the unfortunate passing of Ifeanyi Adeleke, the son of music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

“The loss and circumstances

of the toddler's death is most disheartening and we share in the grief of the Adelekes, who are going through a difficult time.

“Young Ifeanyi was a delightful lad, loved by all and always armed with an infectious smile and demeanor.”

“I commiserate with the Adelekes and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the governor added.

and erstwhile bulwark of stability in West Africa is practically under the gun on all fronts,” the report stated.

It warned that allowing the prevailing security challenges to fester will hasten Nigeria's slide to the league of failed states similar to the circumstances in Iraq and Syria, adding that the preponderance of groups with territorial ambitions means increased threat to the territorial integrity of the country.

Put together by a team of security experts, including those with service experience within and outside the country, the report analysed the types as well as the drivers and manifestations of insecurity in Nigeria.

Following from this, the report made short, medium and long-

term recommendations on how to address the growing scourge which it said, negatively impacts not just security of life and property in the country but also national cohesion, the capacity and the credibility of the state, economic growth, commerce, food production and education.

“Insecurity in Nigeria is multi-dimensional. As such, for any attempt at addressing the growing menace to be effective and sustainable, it needs to be holistic, deftly combining hard, military solutions with soft approaches aimed at tackling the socio-economic underpinnings of conflict and crime.

“Insecurity does not thrive in a vacuum. Some factors are precursory to it. These are the

environmental conditions that both kindle and nurture insecurity,” the group added.

The report identified 11 drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. These it listed as ineffective and inadequate security architecture, ineffective and insufficient criminal justice system as well as easy access to small arms and light weapons.

It listed others as the existence of porous borders, easy access to illicit drugs, prevalence of poverty and unemployment, impact of climate change, multiplication of unaddressed socio-political and economic grievances, poor land use policies, agitations over resource control, and failure to address structural and constitutional deficiencies.

To address the socio-economic

underpinnings of conflicts and crimes, the report recommends a host of interventions.

These, it stated, include: Reviewing the Land Use Act and other extant laws, providing targeted education and skills training to youths in conflict areas, prioritising dialogue and alternative conflict resolution mechanisms as well as strengthening legislative and judicial responses to ensure quick dispensation of justice.

Agora policy called for embracing the use of strategic communications to win the hearts and minds of the populace, addressing abuses by the security forces, controlling access to arms and drugs, and embracing a national healing process and ensuring reparations for victims of conflicts and abuses.

Atiku: Why I Visited United States Chuks Okocha in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has explained why he visited the United States of America last week, saying it was to safeguard Nigeria's democracy and next year's election.

He also said part of the visit was to ensure that the forthcoming election was free and fair.

Atiku who returned to Nigeria last night from Morocco, said

in a statement he signed: "The major objective of my continuing meetings with officials of countries that Nigeria shares common interest in democracy with is to ensure that our election next year is free, fair and reflects the wishes of the people."

He continued, "And I’m happy to inform you that my team secured a strong commitment towards this objective from the United States government and its institutions.

"The 2023 polls is the most consequential election in our democratic journey; it is crucial and the world is taking a keen interest in it.

"That’s why it gets disturbing seeing that some players in the election will rather use the microphone to throw vitriols than communicate issues that affect the country.

"The APC will not want to discuss those issues because they know that they have a very poor

record. A record of destroying the dignity of all Nigerians.

"When next you hear them say some nasty things, let’s remind them that Nigeria is at this low because APC happened.

"Let’s also tell them that the election next year will be won by the political party and candidate who can unify the country and recover the economy from the comatose that the APC has led us into. That party is the PDP, " Atiku stated.

NACCIMA Tasks FG on Hosting Inter-African Trade Fair Dike Onwuamaeze The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called on the federal government to spare no effort in attracting and hosting the 2027 Inter-African Trade Fair (AITF) in Nigeria.

The charge was given by the National President of NACCIMA, Mr. John Udeagbala, during the association’s quarterly press briefing where he disclosed that NACCIMA had opened discussions on hosting the fair and the establishment of a vocational skill training centre during its recent meeting with the President of African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof.

Okey Oramah, in Cairo, Egypt

Udeabala said: “Hosting of the fair by Nigeria is of great interest to us at NACCIMA in view of the beneficial multiplier effects to the host country.

“It will be noted that IATF was first held in Cairo, Egypt in 2018, followed by the last one last year (2021) in Durban South Africa. The next one in 2023 is scheduled to hold in Ivory Coast.

“In view of the economic potential and significance of this fair, it is long overdue for Nigeria to host this event and the time to express our strong interests and bid for hosting rights is now!

“It is important that our government buy-in into the bid for the fair as the government will need to provide a form of grant to ensure that the infrastructure is

developed in good time for the fair.

“Some economic benefits include foreign exchange earnings, infrastructural development and reviving of dying SMEs.” He added: “The IATF is a vehicle being used to promote trade and exhibition. IATF has been spun off from Afreximbank and a headquarters will be chosen from where fairs and exhibitions will be rotated between the headquarters and other regions.

“However, for Nigeria to benefit from this we must take care of our socio-economic challenges such as infrastructure deficits, forex challenges and the likes.”

He added that the NACCIMA would be very willing to work with the government and its MDAs in pursuit and achievement of this

laudable economic project.

“The economic multiplier benefits are quantum to Nigeria and this could be economic game-changer to the socio-economic challenges Nigeria is currently facing.

“We were duly informed that the African Union (AU) had taken the IATF under its wing and the African Heads of States now have the final say on the country that hosts the fair.” Udeagbala said.

He also said the possibility of setting up a, “Vocational Skills Training Centre was also positively discussed at Afreximbank, possibly in partnership with the German Agency for Co-operation (GIZ), to establish an AFREXIM Academy in Nigeria. Thereby, NACCIMA will soon initiate a meeting with GIZ in this regard.”

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Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

POLITICS

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E Constitutional Posers Over Buhari’s Latest Medical Tourism Emameh Gabriel writes about constitutional issues raised over President Muhammadu Buhari’s latest trip to London, the United Kingdom, for routine medical checkup

Buhari

P

rovisions of section 145(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) was last week put to question by concerned Nigerians who called out President Muhammadu Buhari over his frequent medical trips overseas without transmitting power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Among the concerns raised was the dangers of creating a vacuum that might escalate the frequent power tussles by different power blocs in Aso Rock and the fear that, like late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Buhari might plunge the country into another constitutional crisis for his refusal to adhere to the provisions of the constitution, should anything go wrong.

Concerned Nigerians have therefore challenged the President to make public his health status for Nigerians to be sure of the true state of his health, citing how late President Yar’Adua left the country in 2010 without transmitting power to the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, and ended up setting the country into constitutional crisis till the doctrine of necessity was invoked.

President Buhari last week left the country for a two- week routine medical checks, but again refused to transfer power to his deputy on an interim basis as constitutionally expected.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, had disclosed scant details about the latest travel on his personal Twitter handle. There was no prior information about the President’s plan to leave the country.

Buhari had earlier on Monday presided over an emergency National Security Council meeting at the State House, Abuja and there after proceeded to Owerri, Imo State, for a conference and retreat for senior police officers.

That the President left without handing power to Osinbajo through the necessary channels by writing to the National Assembly was not only the reason that provoked the consciousness of Nigerians, but that his intending medical trip was announced when he was in Owerri, same day he jetted out of the country.

They said such display of indifference about the feelings of Nigerians clearly expressed how much the President and his handlers are taking Nigerians, to whom he holds the country in trust for, especially tax payers whose money he uses for his numerous overseas trips, for granted.

Elder statesman and leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, could not hold his displeasure when he spoke at his Asokoro residence in Abuja just hours after President Buhari jetted out of the country.

Pa Clark in a four-page statement warned that President Buhari might plunge the country into another constitutional crisis,

Osinbajo

reminiscent of the era of former President Umar Yar’Adua, who died in office in May 2010 after a terminal ailment.

He called on Buhari to handover power to his deputy, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and “allow him act on his behalf in accordance to the constitution”, just as he enjoined the President to declare his health status to Nigerians, whose money he used to run his numerous overseas trips and medical expenses.

The former federal information commissioner was also quick to remind the President and his handlers that whatever actions about the government the president took outside the country was illegal and against the constitution of the land.

Clark who lamented that Buhari is taking Nigerians for granted expressed worries that Nigerians were silent while Buhari continues to abuse provisions of the Constitution to which he sworn an oath to with impunity.

According to the elder statesman, “Laws deriving from the constitution are made to enable smooth running of societies and governments. Therefore, all and sundry, especially people in authority, are expected to obey and abide by the laws of the land.

“Once again, yesterday, Monday 31st of October 2022, in the afternoon, the Nigerian nation was greeted with different descriptions of news headlines, such as, ‘Breaking: President Buhari jets out to London for medical treatment’, ’Buhari jets out for two-week medical check in London’, etc.

“But in all of these readings, I did not read where it was reported that for the two weeks President

Clark

Muhammadu Buhari will be away in London for medical reasons, he complied with the provisions of chapter six, part one section 145 of the 1999 constitution.

“The Nigerian constitution provides that when the president is going on vacation or is unable to discharge the functions of his office, he will notify the National Assembly and temporarily transfer power to his deputy.

He quoted: “Whenever the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the president of the Senate and the speaker of the house of representatives to that effect, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, the Vice-President shall perform the functions of the President as Acting President,” Section 145(1)(2) of the Nigerian Constitution states.

“The constitution of the nation is the grundnorm and every aspect of it must be obeyed. Thus, section 145 is mandatory and not discretionary. The transmission of a letter to the National Assembly ought to be automatic. And the president of the country does not have a choice to tinker with it, or whether to comply or not.

“A president’s inability to perform his functions, even for a few hours, mandates such action of transmitting a letter to the National Assembly. This is what is done by any responsible government. Therefore, it should not be treated as breaking news.

“Taking the whole nation by surprise, especially, since it was not an emergency, President Muhammadu Buhari must have long secured this appointment with his physicians for the checkup.

“Secondly, the president of Nigeria is constitutionally bound to inform Nigerians of whatever ailment or disease he is suffering from, especially one from which the government money is being spent. Nigerians will understand he is human and that is why the framers of the constitution provided section 145. Unfortunately, up till now, Nigerians do not know how much of taxpayers’ money is

Concerned Nigerians have therefore challenged the President to make public his health status for Nigerians to be sure of the true state of his health, citing how late President Yar’Adua left the country in 2010 without transmitting power to the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, and ended up setting the country into constitutional crisis till the doctrine of necessity was invoked

being spent on their president.”

Clark said in spite of the breaches, it was unfortunate that “nobody bothers to take appropriate measures to ensure that the right things are done properly, particularly, in a situation, where the president of the Senate is in partnership with the executive and is willing to do whatever the executive says.”

He lamented that Nigerians had “had more than enough. We are not in a military regime, where people are treated as conquered people”.

Clark also expressed suspicion about a grand conspiracy against the vice president, because of his proven records as acting president.

Said he: “One is forced to wonder what are the fears of President Buhari? He has a competent and fit deputy in person of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is very able to hold the fort. He has proven this in 2017, when Mr. President was away on one of his numerous medical vacations.

“The nation is bleeding financially. The government of the day undertakes wasteful ventures. We understand that files are taken to Mr. President abroad whenever he is away for him to append his signature. This is spending money and other resources recklessly.

“Not to talk about the cost of parking the presidential jet outside the country with the number of personnel and security detail, who accompany Mr President on these trips. These avoidable expenses must be stopped. Presently, the nation is so indebted that it is feared the debt burden is left for the future generations of Nigerians.”

Citing what transpired during the last days of late President Yar’Adua in office, Clark recalled how the country was dragged into constitutional crisis, because the former president did not handover power to then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said, “We remember what happened, when Yar’Adua travelled for treatment and did not transmit power. He left the country in a serious constitutional crisis till the Doctrine of Necessity was invoked. This is a mere expression of arrogance of power for Mr. President to think that he can run Nigeria, a country with more than 200 million people, from faraway London. Something he has not done effectively, even when he is in the country.”

Also reacting, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), condemned the President’s action against the backdrop of “the deplorable and collapsed state of the public health care system in Nigeria”, adding that he has failed on “his resolve” to end medical tourism in Nigeria, which he said was costing the country so much foreign exchange.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͵˜ 2022

FEATURES

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

NEDC Scales-up Donation of Relief Materials to Flood Victims The North-east Development Commission, NEDC, has embarked on the distribution of food and non-food items to the six states of the North-East following the devastating flood that have submerged farmlands and houses in the region in recent weeks. Adedayo Akinwale reports

The Managing Director, NEDC, Mohammed Alkali presenting relief materials to the Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku at the Government House, Jalingo

From left: Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Haruna Manu; Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku; Executive Director, Humanitarian, NEDC, Musa Yashi; Director Humanitarian, Ali Grema; Manahing Director, NEDC Mohammed Alkali; and SA Humanitarian Matters, Group Cpt. Sadiq Shehu (rtd)

Relief materials donated to flood victims in Taraba State

J

ust like it was witnessed in 2012, the 2022 flood has undoubtedly brought about another tales of despair, agony, displacement and destruction property and farmlands worth billions of naira in recent weeks.

According to reports, about 603 people have died, and more than 1.3 million have been displaced, while over 108,393 hectares of farmlands have been destroyed across the country. 20 out of the 36 states were affected by the devastating flood in the last few months.

Moreso, the Save the Children International (SCI) in a statement issued recently revealed that more than 1.25 million children have been affected by flood.

It said: "In Nigeria, where about 19 million people were already experiencing crisis-levels of hunger or worse, extreme flooding has destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland. More than 1.25 million children have been affected by the worst floods to hit Nigeria in a decade."

This year’s flood, which is believed to be the worst that Nigeria has experienced in a decade has created humanitarian crises and compounded economic challenges in the affected areas. Some flood-affected states include Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Kano, Adamawa, Jigawa, Benue, Taraba and Borno.

It was in the light of this that the NEDC has embarked on the distribution of food and non food items in the six states of the North East to provide succour to victims of the flood disaster.

Before the flood disaster, during the World Humanitarian Day marked in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital on 18th August, 2022, the Commission donated food and non-food items to be distributed to all the six states of the Northeast through the Presidential Committee on Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),

The Commission has also commenced the distribution of the relief materials and has since handed over to Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba States.

Speaking, during the visit of his team to Taraba state to commiserate with the Governor Darius Ishaku and the people of the state last Friday, the Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammed Alkali said the commission has started thinking of how it could intervene in the short, mid-term and and in long term to ensure that such disaster was contained and prevented so that the consequences would be manageable in the future.

He said: "Our coming here today is to commiserate with you and the people of Taraba on the food disaster that affected the state in the last few weeks and also commend you for the actions you have taken so far to contain the situation."

"During the August 18 humanitarian day in Maiduguri, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the commission, as part of our humanitarian gesture announced that it was going to support all the six States in food and non food items. On that day, we promised that all the states will have some portions of food and non food items. And those times were partially received by Mr. President and handed over to the Committee on Rehabilitation of IDPs in those states."

The managing-director said items due to Taraba are as follows: 10, 000 bags of rice (25kg); 5,000 blankets;

5,000 mats; 3,000 gallons of vegetable oil; 5,000 wrappers; 3,000 children's wears. "All the items are already here in Jalingo to be handed over to those affected by the flood."

The NEDC boss further recall that during the first visit of his team, the commission assured that it was going to embark on some project in the state, which included, construction of housing units, building of mega schools, construction of ICTs centres and construction of health facilities.

According to him, for the housing, it is already ongoing in Jalingo. For the mega schools, the contract has been awarded already, to be established in three locations. That is, one each in three of the senatorial districts and very soon, we will come around for the groundbreaking.

Mohammed revealed that the commission was also considering embarking on some road projects in the state, which he said, would be of very good standard, while assuring that the groundbreaking ceremony would be done soon.

"We have also contacted some of the higher institutions here in Taraba state – both federal and state. Each of them have given us their own requirements one way or the other. And there are certain things we can do for them to support them. Some of the projects have already been awarded. Like today, one of the institutions, Federal Government College, Bali requested for a fire fighting truck, and we have already gotten one for them and it would be handed over to them."

In his submission, the governor lamented that most of the villages that are less than one or two kilometers to the bank of River Benue were all submerged. He decried that most of the farmers are rice farmers, while most of the farmlands have been submerged by flood.

He described the coming of the NEDC

delegation as a coming of joy to the people of the state, while assuring that the relief materials would be distributed to those that really need them. The governor noted that his administration had sent some relief materials prior to the intervention of NEDC, but stressed that the intervention by the commission would help boost the assistance for the flood victims.

Ishaku said: "A lot of people don't know that the River Benue passes longest in this country through Taraba state. A lot of people don't know that Lado dam in Cameroon is just very close to Adamawa state. And when they felt threatened about the huge flood there, they had to also open their valves to release the pressure, otherwise the dam would collapse.

Coupled with the flood that came naturally, coupled with the opening of the Lado dam, of course, the rest I history. This is the worst flood we have witnessed in recent times.

"Just yesterday, I can't remember who was telling me that somebody was threatening to commit sucuide because he sank more than N40 million in his rice farm and that rice far has perished. This is just one person's story.

If you actually visit the site, you will indeed notice that there is a sorry story to tell in Taraba state and in other states of the country.

"Your assistance in housing, healthcare delivery, some of the mega schools have started, development has gone far and I understand your office too will soon take off. And the health assistance to our College of Health Technology, I'm happy to hear that some people are already here on ground to go and inspect it. It is the only health technology that we have in the North east, we want to bring it to a very high standard."

Aftermath of the wanton destruction of people's property, farmlands and means of livelihoods, Nigerians can only hope if the federal government will put up its thinking cap to ensure future occurrence is forestall.

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Monday November 7, 2022 Vol 27. No 10072

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

LAGOS AGRIPRENEURSHIP: BETWEEN FACTS AND FICTION The aim is to create jobs and wealth as well as ensure food security among the populace, writes NIKE SODIPO

See page 25

NIGERIA’S ELECTORAL DEMOCRACY AFTER ARIYO PAUL OBI pays tribute to Ariyo Dare-Atoye, a human rights activist

See page 25 EDITORIAL ISSUES IN THE STARTUP ACT

See page 26

1

A democratic state under the rule of law is a state where citizens elect their own leaders, and the government is bound by law, writes NICHOLAS EBEHIKHALU

THE RULE OF LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA The rule of law was instituted by God himself in the Garden of Eden. When God created man and woman, He placed them in the Garden. God gave them rules on how to live in the Garden. God said to them: “You may eat the fruits of any tree in the garden, except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. You must not eat the fruit of that tree….” This rule was violated by them.

When they had violated the law, God did not move directly to pass sentence upon them, rather, God called upon or summoned them, and gave them the opportunity to defend themselves. That was an opportunity of fair hearing. God knew where Adam was, yet he asked; Adam where are you? In spite of the fact that God also knew that Adam had eaten the fruit, God still asked. Did you eat the fruit that I asked you not to eat? The same question was put to Eve. It was after the opportunity of fair hearing that God pronounced judgment on them and punished them accordingly, and thereafter sent them out of His beautiful Garden of Eden. God did not spare the snake when he passed the sentence because snake was involved in the violation of the law and God did not also waste time in the trial of all of them. :KDW LV PRVW VLJQLÀFDQW LQ WKH IRUHJRLQJ LV that from the beginning, God instituted what is today known as the rule of law and the principles of the rule of law. The principles God established include the supremacy of the law, the equality before the law, fair hearing, and speedy trial with a just procedure. God established the rule of law as a fundamental law to organize man and guide the ways and life of man in the society, and therefore, the rule of law is not a phrase imported by man from any geographic jurisdiction but a law which predated and existed before any politically organized society. In the words of Prof. Abiola Ojo: “the rule of law is not a western idea, nor is it linked up with any economic or social system. As soon as you accept that man is governed by law and not by whims of men, it is the rule of law….”

The development of the phrase “the rule of law” can be traced to Professor Albert Venn Dicey who wrote a book in 1885, titled: “Introduction to the Law of Constitution”, where he stated that the concept of the rule of law means that the state is governed, not by the ruler or the nominated representatives of the people but by the law and that government must be based on the principles of law and not of men. A. V. Dicey stated that the doctrine of the rule of law operates with WKUHH SULQFLSOHV $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP WKH ÀUVW principle is the supremacy of the Law of the land. This means that everybody in a society must be ruled by the law of that society and by the law alone and not by the arbitrary or discretionary powers of the government. The second principle is the equality before the Law of the land. This means that all categories of

people in the society irrespective of their ranks, status, whether rich or poor must be subjected equally to the same laws of the land. The third principle is the predominance of Legal Spirit.

This means that the constitution is the synthesis or collation of the laws of the land; that the fundamental rights enjoyed by the people in the society preceded, predated or existed before any civilized existence or political society and that they are only entrenched in the constitution for protection and to have the force of law. So, it is important to take notice that all these principles are constant any time one tries to comprehend the intrinsic nature of the doctrine of the rule of law, and up to this SUHVHQW WLPH WKH\ UHPDLQ YHU\ YHULÀDEOH The point that is derivable from the foregoing is that rule of law is instituted for the purpose of governance and governance is about the people. That has been captured VXFFLQFWO\ LQ WKH GHÀQLWLRQ RI GHPRFUDF\ E\ Abraham Lincoln and in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thus, on 1RYHPEHU DW WKH R΀FLDO GHGLFDWLRQ ceremony for the National Military Cemetery at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States RI $PHULFD GHÀQHG FRQVWLWXWLRQDO GHPRFUDF\ as “the government of the people, by the people, for the people.” On this foundation, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has made it intelligible that the government is all about the people, hence, under section 14(2), it provides: “it is hereby, accordingly, declared that - sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority; the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government; and the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.” The corollary of these provisions is that the people are the reason government exists, thence, without any equivocation; the people are the principal while the government is a mere agent. Thus government is expected to do the will of the people and a government that is not doing the will of the people is like a rampaging army of

conquest that has conquered the people.

Nigeria is a country that is running democracy. Section 14(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has made it lucid and comprehensible that Nigeria is a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice. At this juncture, one question is germane: is Nigeria running democracy in accordance with the rule of law? A democratic state under the rule of law is a state where citizens elect their own leaders, and the government itself is bound by law, while also helping to ensure that the law is respected by WKH FLWL]HQV RI WKH VWDWH $ FRXQWU\ WKDW TXDOLÀHV as constitutional democracy is a country where there is a sound system of government with checks and balances, an independent judiciary whose decisions are enforced, independent electoral commission, independent media, and a country where civil rights and basic political freedoms are respected. That is why a Nigerian constitutional lawyer, Dr. Mike Ozekhome stated in one of the interviews that: “in a functional democracy, there are basic elements or principles referred to as irreducible minimums that must exist in order to have a democratic government. These include: participation of the people either directly or indirectly, the respect for fundamental human rights, Independence of the judiciary, separation of powers, free and fair elections, freedom of the press, accountability and WUDQVSDUHQF\ RI JRYHUQPHQW R΀FLDOV DQG economic freedom”.

The question that is again closely related, relevant and appropriate now is; can it be said that Nigeria has these irreducible minimums in its democratic practice? The answer is NO. Every day the governments trample upon these irreducible minimums. Anybody who wants to be truthful will agree that the relationship between and among the three arms of government that are supposed to be coequal and complementary have been unconstitutional. In the circumstance, we have the executives dominating the political space over and against the other arms of government.

They portray themselves as demigods and minor deities, and want the people to see them as mortals raised to divine rank. Consequent upon this are the weaknesses and failings in the legislature and judiciary. The legislatures are weak because of the overbearing and the GRPLQHHULQJ LQÁXHQFH RI WKH H[HFXWLYH DUP of government. The legislatures continue to concur and acquiesce, consent and assent to anything before it with the belief that if they do not, access to the piece of the gateau will be a mirage. Judgments in courts are disobeyed LQ D FRQVSLFXRXVO\ RU REYLRXVO\ RͿHQVLYH ZD\ with freedom from the injurious consequences of an action.

Dr. Ebehikhalu is Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Abuja

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022

The aim is to create jobs and wealth as well as ensure food security among the populace, writes NIKE SODIPO

LAGOS AGRIPRENEURSHIP: BETWEEN FACTS AND FICTION principle of learning by doing. The winning combination of practical training on an advanced and modern farm, theoretical studies, and community life provides the participants a unique and rich experience.

It is a four-month training programme that involves one-month intensive onsite demonstration training at the Lagos State Agricultural Training Institute in Araga – Epe (where particpants are trained, accommodated, fed, provided with training materials and safety kits for free by the state government), and a threemonth internship phase with select agroallied companies/farms. Since inception of this programme in 2020, a total number of 2,200 participants have been trained.

The participants go through the preTXDOLÀFDWLRQ SURFHVV ZKLFK LQYROYHV obtaining of application forms, screening, aptitude test/ oral interview before they are admitted into the programme.

The programme is implemented in three phases namely, training, internship/ mentorship and linkage to sources of ÀQDQFH ZLWK WKH SURFHVV ÁRZ DV EHORZ The training phase involves both practical DQG WKHRU\ DW UDWLR UHVSHFWLYHO\ DQG runs from Monday to Saturday for the one-month duration at Araga, Epe. The practical session takes place between 6.30am - 8.00am and 4.30pm - 6.00pm.

Classroom theoretical sessions take place from 10.00am - 2.00pm daily.

At the end of the training phase, examinations are conducted on all the value chains to determine the level of understanding of the participants.

In order to encourage hard work, the Ministry introduced a reward system in as preventing the youth from fully 2021 for the top ten performers in each engaging in agriculture - most notably value chain and gave out agricultural ODFN RI ÀQDQFLQJ ODQG PDUNHWV DQG inputs as start- up capital during the annual Agricultural Value Chains training.

Some of the programmes initiated by Enterprise Activation Programme of the the state government in this regard are Ministry.

To further encourage economies of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (L.A.P), the Rice for Job programme scale, cross-learning, and extension support, the LAP and Cage and Pen Culture training programme and empowerment (under the Marine EHQHÀFLDULHV EHTXHDWKHG ZLWK LQSXWV Aquaculture Development Programme) DUH DGYLVHG WR NLFN RͿ WKHLU HQWHUSULVH DW as well as the Lagos Agric Scholars the Food Production Centres in Epe and Programme (L.A.S.P) and Apiculture Badagry where the state government training and empowerment (bee- has provided production facilities and infrastructure to support their agricultural keeping), among others.

As earlier stated, the aim is to create activities at no cost for one year.

In year 2021, 300 participants from jobs and wealth, as well as ensure food security among the populace. These Batches one – seven as well as participants SURJUDPPHV KDYH UHFRUGHG VLJQLÀFDQW from the defunct Agric YES programme levels of success in the achievement of the were given production inputs in aquaculture value chain (240) and VSHFLÀF REMHFWLYHV The administration of Mr. Babajide poultry value chain (60) by the ministry Olusola Sanwo-Olu conceptualised LQ IXOÀOPHQW RI 6WDWH VXSSRUW SURPLVHG the establishment of the Lagos to the top performers. Others in the same Agripreneurship Programme (L.A.P.) category across batches 8 – 14 would in year 2020 as a social intervention receive enterprise support during the programme aimed at exposing the youth 2022 Enterprise Activation Programme.

The second phase, which is the L.A.P to agriculture via training, utlilizing modern agricultural techniques and internship and mentorship phase is practices towards job and wealth designed to expose trained participants creation. The programme aims to train to the real economics of agriculture and 15,000 youth across four value chains, improve their knowledge in modern namely poultry, aquaculture, vegetable technologies for increased yields and SURÀWDELOLW\ DQG SLJJHU\ ZLWKLQ WKH QH[W ÀYH \HDUV The L.A.P programme is modelled Sodipo after Israel’s Arava International center LV $VVLVWDQW 'LUHFWRU 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV for Agriculture training (AICAT) Ministry of Agriculture, Alausa, Ikeja programme, with the fundamental The Lagos State government is irrevocably committed to driving youth inclusive policies, programmes and projects in agriculture. The philosophy behind this is to serve the dual-purpose of ensuring food security, whilst combating the twin challenge of unemployment and climate change.

Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, averaging 25% or more of GDP in several developing countries and representing a prime opportunity to employ the youth.

Considering the ageing population of food producers in the country, with the average age at 60 plus, it behoves on the government to drive inclusive strategies that engage the target group in agricultural food production.

Lagos is not left behind in this drive. It has, thus, initiated programmes targeted at youth participation in the sector through its Ministry of Agriculture to PLWLJDWH VRPH RI WKH FKDOOHQJHV LGHQWLÀHG

PAUL OBI pays tribute to Ariyo Dare-Atoye, a human rights activist

NIGERIA’S ELECTORAL DEMOCRACY AFTER ARIYO “No fundamental social change merely occurs because the government acts. It’s because civil society, the conscience of a country, rise up and begins to demand demand - demand change.”

Joe Biden, US President As Nigeria heads to the polls in three months’ time, there’s a palpable hope of assurance that true democratization is about WR WDNH GHHS URRWV +RSH EXLOW RQ WKH LQÁXHQFH of technology - capable of preventing elections riggers and those who will thwart the will of

the people at the ballot. The introduction of the Bimodal Voting Accreditation System (BVAS) has increased that hope that the will of the voters can somehow prevail and change the course of democratic governance and Nigeria’s electoral democracy.

This hope became feasible through the dogged push by the civil society for the passage and signing of the 2022 Electoral Act. One of those at the forefront of that movement that culminated in the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2022 which embraced technology in both accreditation of voters and transmission of elections results was no other person that the Co-Founder, the Centre for Liberty and member of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Nigeria, Ariyo Dare-Atoye, who, the excruciating fangs of death took away on Thursday, 27th October, 2022. His sole aim then and even now in death was exigency of using technology to block the merchants of elections rigging and the forerunners of Nigerian deep state.

Despite contributing enormously to various civil liberties projects in Nigeria, Ariyo’s contributions and exceeding resolve to ensure that the country has a testable electoral law that will remain timeless and a historical monument even as he joins his creator today in Igbara-Odo, Ekiti State. In one of his interviews with a national daily, Ariyo pointedly laid down the urgency of a peoplecentred electoral act, arguing vehemently that, the 2022 Electoral Act was indispensable if Nigeria intended to advance the course of electoral democracy.

He maintained then that, “we don’t want this bill hurriedly passed sometime next year and we will be struggling to use it to test some of the innovations in the general election. We also want electronic transmission of results to be expressly stated in the Act. We have seen a copy of what is currently before the National Assembly and Section 50 subsection 2 gives INEC the discretion to use electronic platform or not. But we are saying based on what we saw post-2015 elections when people went to

court to challenge the fact that the Electoral Act did not capture the card reader, we don’t want the coming elections to be caught in the same legal lacuna. Therefore, we want the use of electronic transmission of results to be expressly captured in the Electoral Act. “We have reasons we are trying to make a case for this. Number one, in view of the fact that Nigerians have lost hope in the electoral process, the National Assembly must be able to do something.

7KDW ZLOO UHVWRUH WKH FRQÀGHQFH RI Nigerians in the electoral process, that will make Nigerians to show commitment to the process and the issue of electronic transmission of results in one important provision that will help to rekindle the hope of Nigerians in the electoral process.

Number two, insecurity is rising and we must be able to eliminate levels that will be so burdensome to the electoral process.

We want a situation where we are able WR HYDFXDWH UHVXOWV IURP WKH ÀUVW SRUW RI call, which is the polling unit. And that is what is being done globally. It is an archaic system.”

1RWZLWKVWDQGLQJ $UL\R·V HͿRUWV DQG the enactment of the Electoral Act, there’s still a palpable air of unease and fear that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not likely to safeguard the democratic mandate of voters in next year general elections.

The fears are genuine, given the level of brigandage we have seen with the conduct of elections by the current INEC leadership. From the last Kogi State gubernatorial elections, the 2019 controversy to the present dilly-dallying in issuing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), it is doubtful if the Prof Mahmood Yakubuled INEC will be transparent enough to guaranty credible elections. Will INEC overcome insider’s complacency and complicity? Will INEC be bold enough to prevent voters’ suppression in places like Lagos and other places? These are the salient questions Ariyo - the Aristotle would have posed were he to be alive.

As the 2023 presidential election beckons, Ariyo passionately stood for social justice and equity, such that, he never minced words for the support of 2023 Presidency of South East extraction.

He understood well, the injustice and the deployment of clannish and state apparatus to marginalize the Igbos of the South East politically. That therefore, informed his allegiance to the 2023 Presidency, with Igbos as the presidential candidates of the major parties in Nigeria. In all, Ariyo was unfriendly to social injustice, born to rule mentality, the primitive state capture that Nigeria FXUUHQWO\ VXͿHUV IURP Ariyo had a way of advancing democratic course without manufacturing enemies and trouble. He had a penchant for making his points without demarketing others. Ariyo was naturally a human rights activist - not the stomachinfrastructure induced ones that parade today’s civic space.

Obi is a journalist and research fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

ISSUES IN THE STARTUP ACT The Startup Act is a good piece of legislation

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari recently signed the Startup Bill into law, drawing plaudits from many stakeholders. The new act, which seeks to provide an enabling environment for technology-enabled businesses in Nigeria, is seen as a gamechanger for the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the country. Among other things, the act would ensure that federal laws and regulations are clear, planned DQG GHVLJQHG WR ZRUN IRU WKH LQGXVWU\ ,W VSHFLÀFDOO\ seeks to provide a legal and institutional framework for the development of startup in Nigeria as well as an enabling environment for its operation. We join other stakeholders to commend the president for the initiative.

That Nigeria has EHFRPH D WRS Á\HU LQ the start-up ecosystem is no longer news. Out of the seven privately held startup companies in Africa, otherwise known as ‘Unicorns’, ÀYH DUH IURP 1LJHULD HDFK ZLWK D PDUNHW YDOXH RI over $1billion. In May this year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) listed six African startups, including Nigeria’s Okra among its 100-strong innovative global tech startups codenamed ‘Technology Pioneers of 2022’. Also, a few months ago, search engine company, Google, announced the selection of 60 eligible startups across Africa with funding to enable them scale up their ongoing work. Nigeria came tops with 23 slots.

The programme, Google Black Founders Fund (BFF) for startups in Africa, is the second phase of the global tech giant’s funding for the continent.

Remarkably, Nigerian technology startups raised over $1.37 billion in funding in 2021 as the nation’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has continued to grow, contributing 18.42 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year alone, while the overall contribution of communication and digital economy is in excess of 40 per cent. To all intents and purposes therefore, the emergence of the Startup Act is a welcome development to further

stimulate growth and prop up more of such ideas.

With the worsening economic conditions in the country characterised by high youth unemployment rate, encouraging the growth of startups is a step in the right direction. We also applaud the federal government for setting up a N10 billion investment fund for young innovators as well as the provision for incentives and tax holidays to encourage local innovators.

However, we hasten to note that in this part of the world, our problems are not rooted in the absence of beautiful pieces of policies or enabling laws, but rather in diligent implementation. It is therefore important that the federal government follows through with creating the environment necessary to attract the much-needed investment; not just for the start-up companies but also for the development of the necessary infrastructure required for businesses to grow and thrive. A clear implementation of the Startup Act, through tax DQG ÀVFDO LQFHQWLYHV IRU investors and even accelerators, would yield room for more attraction of funds from both local and international investors, which would positively impact the economy. ,Q RUGHU WR GUDZ PD[LPXP EHQHÀW IURP WKH new legislation, establishing a multi-stakeholder implementation and collaboration would be critical for inclusive impact and sustainability. Regulatory support provisions to link and collaborate with agencies of government will also help to reduce the operational burdens for startups trying to scale such hurdles. The temptation for nepotism and every form of bureaucratic bottlenecks must also be avoided if the law must thrive. ,W LV WR WKH HWHUQDO EHQHÀW RI WKH FRXQWU\ IRU WKH SUHVHQW government and the incoming administration to ensure a robust implementation of the law by relevant agencies of government with support from other actors from the ecosystem, including the civil society and industry groups. With the Startup Act, Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is expected to witness a much more structured, improved and enabling environment.

A clear implementation of the Startup Act, through tax and fiscal incentives for investors and even accelerators, would yield room for more attraction of funds from both local and international investors 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

IMPROVING JUSTICE DELIVERY IN KADUNA STATE 7KH H[LVWHQFH RI D MXVWLFH V\VWHP WKDW LV H΀FLHQW HͿHFWLYH DQG responsive to the needs of the people is cardinal to achieving a secure, stable and economically viable political entity-be it national or sub-national. Bearing in mind this important fact, in the year 2015 the United Nations included goal 16.3 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals Agenda (SGDs) 2030. Goal 16.3 centres on promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensuring equal access to justice for all. Nigeria (as a signatory to the UN charter) had embraced the gospel of goal 16.3 and consequently tailored its policies and programs in that direction. However, in the year 2018, a Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) Survey carried-out by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria revealed gaps in Nigeria’s institutionalized efforts towards achieving goal 16.3. This survey took cognisance RI LQ RUGHU RI VLJQLÀFDQFH WKH UHFXUULQJ OHJDO SUREOHPV PDMRULW\ of Nigerians faced, what actions they took towards solving these problems, the avenues they utilized in resolving these problems (formal or informal) and most importantly the outcomes resultant from employing these avenues. The overall outcome of this survey revealed that only about 40% of Nigerians found solutions to their legal problems. This outcome is no doubt anti-

thetical of the second arm of goal 16.3 which professes ‘ensuring equal access to justice for all’ and foreshadows the seeming impossibility of achieving this goal come the year 2030.

Agitated by the reality of the likelihood of Nigeria missing the global target of attaining goal 16.3 by the year 2030, and in line with its founding philosophy of promoting access to user-friendly justice, the Hague Institute of Innovation of Law (HiiL) initiated series of programs aimed at providing solutions to the gaps revealed in the 2018 JNS Survey. Notable amongst these programs were the Civil Justice Transformation Lab aimed at delivering a civil justice process which encourages and promotes a safe and conducive environment for living, working and doing business in Ogun State and the Justice Transformation Lab ZKLFK VRXJKW WR FUHDWH D XVHU IULHQGO\ HͿHFWLYH FRPSUHKHQVLEOH and accessible justice delivery system in Kaduna State.

As a social enterprise devoted to promoting user-friendly justice around the global, HiiL ascribes to the ideology of the people centred-justice movement which revolves round promoting a justice system that resolves peoples’ justice problems, prevents injustices both large and small scale and creates opportunities for people to participate fully in their societies and economies.

HiiL also strives to encourage strengthening of justice systems

which put the people and the outcomes they need at the centre, not institutions and existing procedures.

As one of the pilot states where the JNS survey was conducted DQG LQIRUPHG E\ WKH GDWD ÀQGLQJV SDUWLFXODU WR .DGXQD 6WDWH from the survey, HiiL convened a three- part stakeholder dialogue series, which had in attendance critical stakeholders in the justice ecosystem in Kaduna State. These stakeholders were drawn from the executive, judicial and legislative arms of government; civil society groups, religious groups and traditional institutions. The overarching goals and expected outcomes of the stakeholder dialogue series were: to develop an evidence-and-needs based approach to access to justice by working with data collected from the people of Kaduna State; to develop a set of justice goals and pathways to achieve them and create an enabling environment to realise them; to identify key challenges DQG LQQRYDWLYH VROXWLRQV FDOOHG JDPH FKDQJHUV WKDW RͿHU WKH highest potential for improving access to justice; create a real and implementable justice strategy to make justice accessible for all in Kaduna State.

John Aku Ambi, a Legal Practitioner and a Justice Reform Advocate, writes from Kaduna

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

27

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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REPO

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

08056356325

N O V E M B E R

S & P INDEX

4 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Despite Intensified Intervention, Nigeria’s External Reserves Plunged by $866.2m in October FX buffer down $3.13bn in 10 months

Kayode Tokede The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased intervention in the foreign exchange market not withstanding, Nigeria’s external reserves depreciated by $866.2 million or 2.26 per cent in October 2022 to $37.39 billion from $38.255 billion it opened in the month under review.

In just 10 months, the nation’s foreign exchange buffer has depreciated by $3.13 billon or 7.73 per cent from $40.5 billion to $37.39 billion as of October 31, 2022.

Analysts attributed the decline in external reserves to increasing intervention by the CBN bank in SMIS, and Investors & Exporters (I & E FX) windows to stabilise the naira exchange rate, lamenting the dwindling inflow from crude oil, among others.

They said the crisis in NigerDelta relating to oil theft and dwindling production has impeded the external reserves growth despite increase in global oil prices.

Speaking, the CEO, Wyoming Capital and Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka said the decline is an indication of limited or inadequate

accretion to external reserves.

According to him, “We know that the only major contributing source to foreign reserves is crude oil exports, and since Nigeria is not able to meet her Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota, it follows therefore, that external reserves will suffer such level of inadequacy.

“It also confirms inadequate inflow from foreign investors (FPI (portfolio) and FDI (direct)) due poor exchange rate management and multiple macroeconomic headwinds, while the urge to

Experts attribute decline to oil theft

import raw materials and finished goods from other countries rages unabated.”

Analyst at PAC Holdings, Mr. Wole Adeyeye added that, “The dwindling crude oil production and continuous intervention by the CBN in the official market might have contributed to the drop in external reserves in October.

“The bulk of our foreign exchange earnings come from the oil sector. However, Nigeria has not been meeting its OPEC crude oil production quota due to the oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

“In addition, the continuous intervention by the CBN in the official market to maintain stability of the local currency might have contributed to the setback recorded in external reserves during the period.”

The Vice President, Highcap securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori said the numerous interventions by CBN is affecting external reserves, stressing that not meeting OPEC quota also

another factor.

He forecasted further plunge in external reserves as the CBN tends to defend the local currency with its plan to redesign Naira notes.

According at analysts at Cordros Research, “Although the CBN has enough liquidity to support the foreign exchange market over the short term, we highlight that foreign inflows are paramount for sustained foreign exchange liquidity over the medium term.

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

Agusto&Co.: With Availability of Dollar-based Mutual Funds, Asset Management Funds Will Hit N3.5trn in 2024 Nume Ekeghe Following Monetary Policy Rate Hikes and increased availability of Dollar-based Mutual funds, asset management funds are slated to grow 10 per cent yearly in the next three years, reaching the N3.5 trillion mark by 2024, Agusto&Co has said.

In its latest report titled, “2022

Asset Management Industry Report,” Agusto&Co said Nigeria remains one of the largest investment management zones in Sub-Saharan Africa adding that the Nigerian Asset Management Industry had grown at a compound annual rate of 20 per cent over the last five years from 2017 to 2021 but however, by 5 per cent in 2021

as a result of the low yield environment.

Asset management funds or product offerings could be classified into three key segments Collective Investment Schemes (CISs), Segregated Portfolios and Alternatives.

CISs, also known as mutual funds, are investment vehicles through which clients’ funds are aggregated and managed as a pool. Privately

managed funds, which may be discretionary or non-discretionary are referred to as segregated portfolios.

In Nigeria, alternatives typically include non-traditional assets and investments such as private equity and infrastructure funds.

The report stated: “The increase in monetary policy rate (MPR), change in the management of some mutual funds, expansion in the

alternative investment space, and rising yields are some of the significant trends and developments in the industry in 2021 and half year 2022. In addition, SEC’s new regulations include the increase in registration fees

for industry operators, a revision of the annual supervision fees for CISs, guidelines on the issuance of social bonds, custody requirement for segregated portfolios and guidelines on the issuance and custody of digital assets.

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

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

Yield

98.83

15.14

98.04

14.51

94.22

14.80

105.26

14.60

97.32

14.71

Change Updated Time (%) 3, 0.69 November 2022 3, 0.00 November 2022 3, 0.00 November 2022 3, 0.00 November 2022 3, 0.00 November 2022

MATURITY NTB 10Nov-22 NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23

Discount 8.00

8.01

10.85

11.13

8.32

8.51

8.96

9.24

Change Updated Time (%) November 3, -5.13 2022 November 3, 0.00 2022 November 3, 0.00 2022 November 3, 0.00 2022

8.37

November 3, -0.01 2022

8.05

Yield

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS MATURITY DLMG CP IV 11-NOV-22 FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) November 3, -0.01 2022 21.76 21.86 November 3, 15.24 16.14 0.03 2022 November 3, 19.28 20.93 0.04 2022

Discount Yield

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CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS NOV 30 1 2022 NGUS DEC 28 2 2022 NGUS JAN 25 3 2023 NGUS FEB 22 4 2023 NGUS MAR 29 5 2023

Current Rate Updated Time ($/₦) November 3, 454.73 2022 November 3, 456.93 2022 November 3, 459.12 2022 November 3, 461.32 2022 November 3, 463.51 2022

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Insurance Sector Maintains Steady Growth, Up 65.1% in 5 years James Emejo and Ebere Nwoji The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Olorunndare Thomas, has said that the insurance industry has in the past five years (201720022) maintained a steady growth in Gross Premium income (GPI) insisting that the future of the industry has remained bright.

Thomas, who spoke at the 2022 Seminar for insurance correspondents organised by the National Insurance commission (NAaICOM) in Lagos, noted that the future of Nigerian insurance industry was fast shifting its landscape for better.

According to him, looking at current developments in the industry, the sector’s landscape is shifted and is shifting.

He said the insurance sector in 2017 grew its gross premium income by 14 per cent, “and by 2018 the growth rate stood at14.5 per cent in 2019, it grew by 20.9 percent. In 2020, while other sectors

of Nigerian economy contracted including the national GDP which growth contracted by -19 percent, insurance sector maintained a steady growth with its graphical curve showing V shape indicating that unlike other sectors of the economy which growth trajectory plummeted during the period, insurance sector maintained a steady growth despite the pandemic and its associated business lock down.”

“The gross premium income is the essential indicator of growth in the Insurance sector and in 2018 it posted a 14.5 percent growth to N426 billion of gross premium income fromN372billion posted in 2017. This is rather commendable in relation to the macroeconomic behaviour recorded during the period with growth of the economy being only 1.9 per cent, ”the commissioner stated.

Presenting the sector’s other growth figures within the five year period, Dr Umar Baba of

Research and Statistics department of NAICOM, said in 2021, the sector’s growth rate rebound to 20 percent whereas in other African countries like Tanzania, growth rate was 12 percent , in Egypt, 18.5 percent and 7.0 percent in Malaysia He said in overall, the insurance sector within the five year period (2017-2022) showed 65.1 percent growth in GPI growth.

“In 2022, the GPI of the sector for the first quarter stood at N223.8 billion showing 6 percent YOY growth .In second quarter, the growth shifted to N 369.2 billion indicating 65 percent QOQ growth and about 20 percent YOY growth.

Outpacing real economic growth of the entire country.”

Fire insurance, he said, recorded the highest growth of 32.5 percent with life insurance business recorded the highest growth rate of 24.5 percent in the first half of the year.

The Significance of Data Recapture Exercise

IMF: The World Needs Global Economic Integration Michael Olugbode in Beijing The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that more than ever before the world needs global economic integration to especially ward off the threats on global economy in the last two years as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

The Managing Director of IMF, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva in her remark to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the weekend lamented that for over two and a half years the world has faced challenges in the global supply chain due to COVID-19 and the Ukraine crisis, insisting that the world has witnessed economic downturn.

She said due to the crises, “We have witnessed acute food insecurities, inflation. Poverty in

many places is on the rise, around the world. We have seen even big economies become relatively poorer.”

On her part, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted that China contributes 15 per cent of world’s total exports and she is the second largest importer of goods and services, while the third largest service exporter.

Okonjo-Iweala in her goodwill message to the Expo, said: “Trade must be part of the solution to solve inflation, climate change, global economic slow, etc.”

She disclosed that reforming and revitalization of WTO is about equipping it to be able to find challenges to problems and be able to drive the solutions.

Okonjo-Iweala claimed that the future of trade is in digital solutions

and services, going green and green services, and in inclusivity.

In his opening speech, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping said the CIIE has become a showcase of China’s new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world.

He said: “Openness is a key driving force behind the progress of human civilizations and an intrinsic path toward global prosperity and development. The world today is confronted with accelerated changes unseen in a century as well as a sluggish economic recovery.

We should commit ourselves to openness to meet development challenges, foster synergy for cooperation, build the momentum of innovation, and deliver benefits to all.

Non-oil Export Increases to $2.59bn, NEPC Intensifies Awareness James Emejo in Abuja The country’s on-oil export rose to about $2.59 billion in the first half of the year, representing an increase of 62.37 per cent compared to $1.60 billion recorded during the same period in 2021.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak, said this remained the highest performance in non-oil exports in recent times.

Speaking at the maiden National Forum of States Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP) in

Abuja, he said the non-oil export performance of the country had been on the onward movement within the last year, notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 on the economy in 2019 and 2020.

The NEPC boss, however, lamented that as important as the SCEP is to non-oil export development in the country, the potential of the committee was not being fully utilised.

He said, “It is on this note that we convened this forum to discuss identified challenges bedevilling SCEP operations in each state and to jointly proffer

workable solutions.”

He said the council remained committed to reinvigorating the SCEP and ensuring its optimal performance for the growth of the non-oil export sector.

Yakusak, also pointed out that in pursuant to the aggressive economic diversification agenda of the federal government, NEPC had earlier in the year, launched a national non-oil export stimulation initiative tagged the Export4Survival, adding that the campaign was developed to boost foreign exchange earnings through the non-oil export sector.

AfDB, FCMB Sign $50m Agreement to Boost Access to Finance for Women-Owned Businesses Ugo Aliogo in Abidjan The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed an agreement with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for a $50 million line of credit to support access to finance for small and medium-sized and women-empowered enterprises.

FCMB will use the line of credit to expand lending activities that will boost the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery and drive more inclusive and climate-resilient growth.

The African Development Bank is also providing a complementary technical assistance package of $285,000 under its Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative.

It was revealed that the grant funding, provided by the Women Entrepreneurship Finance Initiative (We-Fi), would support enhancing financial literacy, business management and entrepreneurial skills for women led businesses as well as strengthening FCMB’s monitoring and reporting functions.

The African Development Bank’s Director General for Nigeria, Lamin Barrow, said: “The Bank’s support to FCMB will advance the objectives of the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, which seeks to improve gender inclusivity by enhancing access to finance for women entrepreneurs. With at least 30 percent of the funding from the Line of Credit to be channeled to

women owned businesses, FCMB will be better positioned to scale up the deployment of its tailored products and services to meet the needs of SMEs and women-owned businesses.”

FCMB’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, said, “We are happy to collaborate with the African Development Bank to create expanded opportunities and accelerate post-COVID-19 pandemic business recovery for SMEs and women-owned businesses in Nigeria through funding and technical support. We are intentional about collaboration that upskills entrepreneurs, drives industrialisation, and creates economic value, wealth and employment for Nigerians.”

PENCOM DG, Aisha Dahir-Umar The National Pension Commission (Commission) initiated the Data Recapture Exercise (DRE) in 2019 in compliance with Section 23(e) of the PRA 2014 to update the data of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) holders who opened their RSA before 1 July 2019.

Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders were registered using the Contributors Registration System (CRS) Application when the Contributory Pension Scheme was launched in 2004. The inability to change contributor information and enrol physically incapacitated contributors were a few issues that the CRS application developed over time. To address the shortcomings of the CRS and update contributor data, the Commission developed the Enhanced Contributors Registration System (ECRS). Consequently, all RSA holders who enrolled before the ECRS went live on 1 July 2019 must complete the DRE to migrate their information from the CRS to the ECRS.

THE OBJECTIVES OF DRE

The need for DRE was given further impetus by the directive of the Federal Government that all data-generating agencies should align their data with the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC). Accordingly, synchronizing and aligning RSA holders’ data with the NIMC’s database using the National Identity Number (NIN) as a unique identifier is one of the primary goals of the DRE. The DRE also aims to accomplish the following: i. To guarantee that all Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) follow the Commission’s rules and requirements for enrolling contributors and moving their data from the CRS database to the ECRS. ii. Ensuring that the Commission keeps upto-date records on every RSA holder in Nigeria. iii.

Find and eliminate duplicate RSA registrations from the CRS Database.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE DRE

Every RSA holder who enrolled before 1 July 2019 must participate in the DRE. Whether the RSA holder is a retiree or an active contributor, they must update their data through the DRE. The procedure is simple. To participate, an RSA holder should present the following identification and documents to their PFA: i. National Driver’s License, Permanent Voter’s Card, Staff Identity Card, or International Passport (mandatory for non-Nigerians). ii. NIMC’s enrollment confirmation slip. iii. Birth certificate or affidavit of age declaration. iv. A letter of retirement from the employer in the case of retirees. v. Marriage Certificate (only applicable in the case of marriage) vi. A newspaper publication (for change of name) To expedite the procedure, the Commission authorized a Share Service Initiative (SSI) proposed by the Pension Fund Operators

Association of Nigeria (penOp). Two agents, PAY-ONE Solution Limited and Afritech Multi Concept Limited, were designated and assigned to organizations under the SSI to conduct the DRE. The two agents have the approval of NIMC to operate as NIN registration agents.

In addition, to ensure the confidentiality of information, the Commission implemented a robust data security architecture.

The Commission monitors and regulates the activities of the agents by ensuring that: r 5IF BHFOUT %3& QSPDFTTFT BSF JO UVOF with validation rules stipulated in the commission-working guide for registering the contributors. r 5IF BHFOUT 1SPWJEF B DPNQMBJOUT SFTPMVUJPO channel, dre.complaints@pencom.gov.ng, to enable the Commission quickly track and resolve complaints from RSA holders. r 1'"T JTTVF BDLOPXMFEHFNFOU TMJQT UP 34" holders after successfully submitting their request for recapturing along with the corresponding documents (where necessary). r 1'"T QSPWJEF GFFECBDL UP 34" IPMEFST within five working days.

BENEFITS OF DRE

In light of the foregoing, it is crucial to highlight that the DRE enables the RSA holders to enjoy the following benefits in addition to fulfilling the Commission’s responsibility to maintain a clean database and complying with Federal Government policy to meet NIMC standards: i. Enables RSA holders’ to update their information and migrate to the Enhanced Contributors Registration System (ECRS). ii. Enables RSA holders to update their records relating to a name change resulting from a marriage, a job change, or even the Next of Kin (NOK). iii. Enables eligible RSA holders to participate in the enrollment and verification exercise. iv. Enables retired RSA holders to process their retirement benefits. v. Enables eligible RSA holders to use 25% of their RSA balance for a residential mortgage. vi. Enables RSA holders that lose their job to apply for 25% of their RSA balance after four months without securing new employment. vii. Enables RSA holders to transfer their RSA from one PFA to another once a year. viii. Enables an eligible retiree under the program withdrawal option to get pension enhancement.

RSA holders that are yet to participate in the DRE are enjoined to approach their PFAs and participate immediately so as to benefit from the services provided by the pension industry.

If you have any enquiry or require further information regarding the Data Recapture Exercise, kindly get in touch with National Pension Commission on the following phone numbers: 094603930, and 07066924512 or by email: dre.complaints@pencom.gov.ng.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

29

BUSINESSWORLD

STATUS REPORT

BUA Foods Leverages Revenue to Grow Profit

Kayode Tokede BUA Foods Plc grew its topline performance and effectively managed its operating expenses to drive its profit in nine months ended September 30, 2022 unaudited result and accounts.

The Group reported 20.2 per cent increase in revenue to N289.8 billion in nine months of 2022 as against N241.1 billion reported in nine months of 2021.

The increase in revenue was driven by 17 per cent increase in Sugar to N180.9 billion from N154.7 billion in nine months of 2021 and 37per cent increase in Flour to N66.2 billion in nine months of 2022 from N48.1billion reported in nine months of 2021.

In addition to revenue, BUA Foods reported 12 per cent increase in Paste to N42.7billion as against N38.2billion in nine months of 2021.

SUGAR, FLOUR, PASTA REVENUE The growth in BUA Foods’s sugar revenue was driven by price adjustments and export sales within the period.

Volume sold declined by 8.2per cent to 418,329 tons within the period as against 453,773 tons in prior nine months.

The decline in production is attributable to energy disruptions within the period. Non fortified sugar and molasses delivered good growth from elevated demand in the period.

Non-fortified sugar grew by 58.1per cent (53.4per cent of sugar sales) with revenue of N96.6 billion in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: N 61.1 billion). Molasses contributed 0.4per cent to revenue in nine months of 2022 (+99per cent y-o-y).

Revenue from fortified (46.3per cent of sugar sales) declined by 10.3per cent to N83.7 billion in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: N93.3 billion).

For the Flour division, it contributed about 22.8per cent to revenue in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: 19.9 per cent).

Revenue increased by 38 per cent to N66.2 billion in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: N48.1 billion). This was driven by adjustments in pricing as volume sold declined by eight per cent to 138,894 tons within the period (nine months of 2021: 151,557 tons).

The decline in production is attributable to energy challenges in Q2 2022. Revenue from bakery flour (93.8 per cent of flour sales) increased by 40.6per cent to N62.1 billion in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: N44.1 billion) while wheat bran (6.2per cent of flour sales) also grew marginally by 3.3 per cent to N4.1 billion in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: N3.9 billion).

The contribution margins increased to 27per cent from 21 per cent for the same period last year due to higher selling price.

Consequently, the Pasta division contributed 14.7 per cent to revenue in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: 15.8 per cent). The growth in Paste was driven by adjustments in pricing as volume sold declined by 13per cent to 87,648 tons (nine months of 2021: 100,320 tons) within the period.

The decline in production is attributable to energy challenges in Q2 2022.

MODERATION IN COST OF SALES BUA Foods announced 23.2 per cent growth in cost of sales to N195.5billion in the months under review as against N158.8billion in period, driven by 26.7 per cent increase in raw materials cost as Energy cost decline by 6.2 per cent.

The high input cost environment and further devaluation of the Naira against the Dollar weighed heavily on prices for raw materials in nine months of 2022 and it resulted in higher cost of production.

The group closed the nine months of 2022

with about 15 per cent increase in gross profit to N94.2billion from N82.2billiion to positioned its gross profit at 32.5 per cent from 34.1 per cent in nine months of 2021.

Selling and distribution expenses increase by 32.3per cent to N10.4 billion in nine months of 2022 (9M nine months of 2021: N7.8 billion) due to huge increase in cost of diesel within the period. Administrative expenses also declined by 18.3per cent to N4.4billion in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: N5.5 billion), driven majorly by the 61.4per cent decrease in general expenses to N885 million in nine months of 2022 as against N2.2billion reported in nine months of 2021 and maintenance & repairs (-31.4per cent) to N723.7 million in nine months 2022 (nine months of 2021: N1.1 billion).

The Group’s total operating expenses increased by 11.4per cent to N14.8 billion in nine months of 2022 from N13.3billion in nine months of 2021 as increase in selling and distribution cost along the supply chain to customers.

Operating profit grew by 15.1per cent to N79.3 billion in nine months of 2022 from N68.9 billion in nine months of 2021, benefitting from top line growth coupled with lower administrative expenses. Operating profit margin decline marginally by 400basis points to 27per cent in nine months of 2022 from 28 per cent in nine months of 2021.

Finance charges drop marginally by 1.8per cent to N6.4 billion in nine months of 2022 as against N6.5 billion reported in nine months of 2021, due to efficient funding mix along business transaction.

In addition, Profit before tax increased by 16.8per cent to N74.2 billion in nine months of 2022 (9M 2021: N63.5 billion) although profit before tax margin decline by 80bps to 25.6per cent in nine months of 2022 (nine months of 2021: 26.4per cent) due to increase in sales and distribution expenses.

Profit after tax increased by 17.2per cent to N68.7 billion in nine months of 2022 as against N58.6billion in nine months of 2021, benefitting from a lower effective tax rate of 7.4per cent in nine months of 2022 as against 7.73 per cent reported in nine months of 2021., while the Earning per Share (EPS) grew by 17.2per cent to N3.83 in nine months of 2022 from N3.26 in the corresponding period.

STRONGER BALANCE SHEET POSITION Total assets increased by 6.3per cent to N630.4 billion as of nine months of 2022 from N5593.55billion reported in 2021 full financial year, driven largely by growth in trade and other receivables (+121per cent; 18.3 per cent of total assets), due from related companies (-28.7per cent; 18.5 per cent of total assets), and property, plant and equipment grew marginally because of the additions to machineries to increase capacity. The increase in cash and short-term deposits was due to advance payment for goods.

Net cash from operating activities grew by 437.8 per cent to N103.7 billion as at nine months of 2022 from N23.7billion reported in nine months of 2021 due to changes in dues from related companies, changes in contract liabilities as well as inventory.

Net cash from financing activities was N93.7 billion in nine months of 2022 as against N27 billion reported in nine months of 2021 due to additional proceeds from borrowings of N35.2 billion, repayment of borrowings of N67.5 billion in nine months of 2022 from N31.9billion in nine months of 2021 and finance cost paid.

Total liabilities grew by eight per cent to N423.9 billion as of nine months of 2022 (FY 2021: N392.8 billion). This was driven mainly by a increase in contract liabilities (+46.5per cent: 14.2per cent of total liabilities).

Trade and other payables which account for 14.7per cent of total liabilities increased by 61.8per cent to N62 billion as of 9M 2022 (FY 2021: N38.3 billion) and bank overdraft increased by 284.1per cent (2.6per cent of total liabilities).

Total equity increased by 2.9per cent to N206.5 billion as of nine months of 2022 (FY 2021: N200.7 billion) mainly due to a marginal growth of 3.0per cent in retained earnings to N198.4 billion as of nine months of 2022 (FY 2021: N192.7 billion).

NAVIGATING HIGH INPUT COST Commenting on the results, the Managing Director, BUA Foods, Ayodele Abioye in a statement said, “We continue to navigate

the high input cost environment to deliver double digit growth within the period. We grew revenue by 20.2per cent, profit before tax by 16.9per cent and earnings per share by 17.2per cent.

“We are making progress with the recommencement of the rice business before year end 2022 to further diversify our revenue base. In addition, we are making progress with the backward integration plans for the sugar business and our capacity expansion plans for the flour, rice, and pasta divisions.”

COMPANY’S OUTLOOK According to the company, the recent environmental disruptions such as flooding impacting on logistics efficiencies, energy cost, rising input cost, coupled with rising foreign exchange concerns and tightening stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which further interest rate by another 100basis points to 15.5per cent are all core mitigating areas for BUA Foods.

The company added that, “We expect optimizing our supply value chain as we strive to increase market share across market regions.

“Furthermore, our rice division recommencement is on course as we continue to nourish lives and increase market reach. “Our retail strategy remains a priority for us in the near term, while we drive to sustain the upward momentum of our export market strategy. We remain committed to reducing Africa insecurity issues while nourishing lives.”

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

30

This Week In Tech 08097710984

nosakhare.alekhuogie@thisdaylive.com

Nosa

Alekhuogie

Tech Top 5 News FORMER TWITTER CEO LAUNCHES NEW APP ack Dorsey, the founder and former CEO of Twitter, has launched a new social media platform called Bluesky.

It is said to give creators independence from platforms and developers and the freedom to design, allowing users to customise their experience by giving them control over their algorithms.

The new app, which is in its testing stage, already has over 30,000 people signed up for its beta testing within two days of the announcement.

Meanwhile, Bluesky has announced several job openings, including mobile application developer, react native expert, animation creator, and UI site manager.

Dorsey stepped down from the company’s board earlier this year, but he’s staying involved with the social platform after Elon Musk’s takeover.

He rolled over his more than 18 million shares in Twitter (a roughly 2.4 per cent stake) into the new Musk-owned company as an equity investor rather than receiving a cash payout.

J

AMAZON OPENS FIRST OFFICE IN LAGOS Tech giant, Amazon Web Service (AWS) has opened its first-ever office in West Africa.

As they transition to the AWS Cloud, the office is expected to support organisations of all sizes, including startups, enterprises, and public sector agencies.

The business stated that “the office will serve organisations of all sizes, including startups, enterprises, and public sector agencies as they make the shift to AWS Cloud.”

The business declared that it would support new and current clients who want to use AWS goods and services to innovate, cut costs for information technology IT, and expand their businesses in the cloud.

Regional Manager,Sub-Saharan Africa AWS, Amrote Abdella, said, “We are excited to open our first AWS office in Nigeria. Lagos offers a highly skilled and creative talent pool, and the area is home to many fast-growing startups and notable Nigerian enterprises leading the way in digital innovation.”

Abdella added, “We look forward to fostering the country’s pioneering spirit and helping our customers accelerate their digital transformation as they deliver innovative new products and services to the Nigerian community.”

TWITTER TO START CHARGING $8 FOR TWITTER VERIFICATION Elon Musk said Twitter would charge $8 (£7) monthly to users who want a blue tick by their name indicating a verified account.

According to him, this is part of the changes after a takeover of the social media site, and it was “essential to defeat spam/ scam”.

He added that paid users would have priority in replies and searches and half as many advertisements.

“Power to the people! Blue for $8/month,” the billionaire said on Twitter, criticising the old method of blue tick verification as a “lords and peasants system.”

He also offered subscribers a paywall bypass from “publishers willing to work with us.”

Twitter already has a subscription service called Twitter Blue, which launched in June last year and offers access to features such as an option to edit tweets.

Amidst this controversy, Twitter on Friday laid off thousands of employees in departments across the company in a severe round of cost-cutting that could potentially upend how one of the world’s most influential platforms operates one week after it was acquired.

Tech Personality of The Week LUTHER LAWOYIN

T

hhis week’s tech personality is the founder of PricePally, Luther Lawoyin.

PricePally brings consumers together directly with farmers, manufacturers, and wholesalers for mutual benefit.

A novel feature of the Pricepally platform is a social component which allows users to make purchases as groups for even deeper savings. The Nigerian group-buying startup was founded to cut out middlemen and save consumers.

Established in November 2019, Pricepally could be called a child of necessity as it sets a group-buying platform that aggregates consumer food demand and matches it with supplies directly from farmers and wholesalers.

Lawoyin is also the founder of the Accelerator program at SOSV MOX and a board member at Motherland.

In 2021, the e-commerce startup raised six-figure funding from VCs and Angels.

In a series of tweets Friday evening, Yoel Roth, head of Twitter’s trust and safety team, confirmed overall headcount was cut by roughly 50 per cent.

According to Roth, the layoffs eliminated 15 per cent of the company’s trust and safety team, leading to reductions in customer service but little change to content moderation.

In an interview, Musk appeared to frame the sweeping layoffs as necessary for a company that, like other social media firms, was experiencing “revenue challenges” prior to his acquisition as advertisers rethink spending amid recession fears.

Musk also said “a number of major advertisers have stopped spending on Twitter” since the acquisition was completed.

LENDING STARTUP PAYHIPPO ACQUIRES MFB Lending startup Payhippo has acquired Maritime Microfinance Bank (MFB) to help it expand its product offering.

The credit-led fintech startup provides loans to small businesses in Africa, often neglected by banks because of their lack of credit histories, in under three hours.

MFB is a financial institution specialising in saving products, demand deposits, investments, and micro and SME loans.

The deal still has pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, and both parties are working together to obtain the regulator’s approval.

With direct access to Nigeria’s Interbank Settlement System, the acquisition will enable Payhippo to launch an

array of products and services for its customers. Payhippo will also grow its team with experienced professionals from the MFB team, adding in-depth experience from the banking and finance sector.

The startup was launched in January 2020 by Chioma Okotcha, Uche Nnadi and Zach Bijesse.

In a statement, the CEO and cofounder, Zach Bijesse said the mission of Payhippo was to provide seamless financial services for merchants throughout Africa.

“We are making this investment to enhance products and services for our customers and, in turn, enable us to reach a wider customer base. We are very excited to work with Maritime Microfinance Bank to revolutionise the SME financial service through digital innovation,” said Adetola Atekoja, chairman of Maritime Microfinance Bank.

According to Atekoja, Nigeria has an ever-growing need for SME lending solutions to help businesses meet their financial needs.

“We believe Payhippo is wellpositioned to develop new and customised financial products for SMEs in the country,” added Atekoja. “The team is incredibly talented, resilient and exudes excellent leadership. I am very excited to welcome them onboard and look forward to supporting them in achieving their goals.”

GOOGLE PARTNERS DESIGN INDABA TO EXHIBIT AFRICAN CREATIVES Google Arts & Culture, in partnership with Design Indaba, has launched an online project called ‘Colours of Africa’.

The project brings online and showcases sixty specially-curated artworks produced by over 60 unique African creatives chosen by Design Indaba - each invited to contribute a work that captures the ‘colour’ and character of their home country.

Selected by Design Indaba founder Ravi Naidoo, the creatives will showcase the best of African craft, products, industrial design, fashion, film, animation, graphics, food, music, jewelry and architecture.

“Africa is known for its bold, unapologetic use of colour. Each country, city and community is identifiable by its unique palette. As Africans, we can tell powerful stories through colour. This project tells a story of a continent through the universally accessible lens,” says Naidoo.

Design Indaba says as the first artistic undertaking of this scale, the project will allow viewers to discover stories of Africa as told by the African creative community.

The artworks will be showcased online, where users are invited to spin the kaleidoscope to explore the works to take users on a journey through Africa, inviting them to view each country through the eyes of a local artist.

“Google has always been acutely aware and in full support of the immense creative melting pot that exists on the continent,” stated Nitin Gajria, managing director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa.

Collaborating with Design Indaba on this project allows us to bring this support to fruition. By empowering and amplifying African voices to tell the unique stories of their cultures through their work and creativity, we hope to provide much-needed exposure, cultivate a newfound curiosity, and window into the vast beauty that exists on the continent,” he concluded.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022 • T H I S D AY

33

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022

34

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Dangote, Banks, Sundry Foods Commits to Economic Growth, Food Security Gilbert Ekwugbe

Dangote Group, Sundry Food Limited, Access Bank Corporation and United Bank for Africa (UBA) have vowed to continue to grow the nation’s economy through their various initiatives, while creating jobs in the process.

They made the pledge while speaking as key sponsors of the Association of Business Editors of Nigeria (ABEN) annual workshop with the theme, “Infrastructure Financing,” in Lagos. They committed to continue to devote resources to impact their host communities and the Nigerian society through job creation and citizens wellbeing.

Speaking, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote who was represented by a three -man team, including, Mr. Okey Nwankwo, Francis Awowole Brown and Mr.

Sunday Esan of the Corporate Communications Department, showcased the company‘s imprints in manufacturing, cash crop production, foods processing and lately Oil and Gas businesses, noted that, its investments in the Nigerian economy have created jobs in its host communities and beyond thereby enhancing the social and economic living standards of its workforce. All these the company said has contributed to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Earlier, the Managing Director of Sundry Foods Limited, Ebele Enunwa, who was represented by the company’s general manager, Lagos Region, Mr Jubril Shoaga, lamented the harsh operating environment that is affecting business growth nationwide, promising that, irrespective of the challenge, Sundry Foods will continue to pursue its

growth trajectory to become a major player in the Food and service industry.

In the same vein, the Group Head, Media and External Relations, at the United Bank for AfrIca, UBA, Mr Nasir Ramon, disclosed that the bank has enhance delivery touch points in line with development in global economy with its services now driven by technology and branch expansion.

Through it’s services, he said, the bank was able to incorporate the financially excluded into the banking system, thereby, enhancing financial inclusion. He equally stressed that the bank has supported many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) financially so that they can either start their dream businesses or expand the existing ones, promising to continue in this trajectory.

L-R: MD of M778BMC, Lekan Lawal; MD/CEO CDK Industries, Bernard Longe; Marketing Manager,, Abimbola Onagbade and GENERAL MANAGER, CDK Industries, George Kachouh during a press briefing in Lagos...recently

Access Bank Provides Customers Alternative Channels for Cash Deposits

MARKET INDICATORS

Nume Ekeghe

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

In response to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) announcement to redesign and issue new naira notes from December 15, 2022, Access Bank, as urged its customers to make use of its alternative channels to deposit their existing naira notes in order to meet the CBN’s deadline.

Access Bank stated in a recent message sent to customers over the weekend via multiple channels on the need to deposit their existing naira notes, reassuring its customers that, “there is no need to panic as we are closer to you than you think.”

It added: “Our customers can deposit their existing Naira notes using any of these channels closest to them with ease. Our branches will be open for longer hours during the week for your convenience, and they will also be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive cash deposits.”

It stated that with the current number of our Access Closa Agents at over 160,000 spreads across the 774 Local Government Areas in the country, customers can easily deposit naira notes through an agent near you in your location to avoid the risk of transporting cash to a far

distance to locate a branch.

It further states: “Whether you choose to deposit your existing Naira notes through a branch, an ATM, or a point-of-sale machine (POS), you can rest assured that your money is safe with us and that you can always rely on our speed, service, and security. During this period of receiving your existing Naira notes, all cash deposit transactions will be free. You will not be charged for cash deposits. You can also pick up your debit cards for emergency payments on POS terminals and ATM withdrawals.”

CDK Industries Kicks off Porcelain Tiles Campaign Chinedu Eze CDK Integrated Industries Limited, the leading porcelain tiles manufacturer in Nigeria is set to launch a product campaign nationwide to reinforce its leadership in the porcelain tiles market in sub-Saharan Africa.

The company has gained nationwide acceptance for prodcing the highest quality porcelain tiles and being indigenous, has take congiziance of the major weakness of the use of high quality tiles made ourside Nigeria and improved

on them.

There are myriads of similar products in the Nigerian market, mostly imported, but lack the desired quality, so CDK is sensitising Nigerians on quality of its products, which is unmtached by similar products in the market.

As a solutions provider and critical player in the real estate and construction sector, the company has focused the campaign on educating consumers and sensitizing the market about CDK’s product quality as attested to by stakeholders including

developers, distributors, tilers, and other professionals in the real estate and construction sector.

The President, Association of Tilers, Nigeria, Olarenwaju Hassan noted that CDK Integrated Industries Ltd. has the best standard in quality in Nigeria, an opinion that is similarly shared by a major tiles distributor Mr. Kenechukwu Lotana trading as Gozlo Limited, who stated emphatically and unambiguously that “CDK tiles are not biscuit like others (which means they don’t easily break).”

InfraCredit Appoints Sanjeev Gupta as Chairman InfraCredit, a ‘AAA’ rated specialised infrastructure credit guarantee institution, backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (“NSIA”), Private Infrastructure Development Group companies GuarantCo and InfraCo Africa, KfW Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation (“AFC”) and African Development Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sanjeev Gupta of AFC as Chairman, replacing the outgoing Chairman Mr. Uche Orji of NSIA. In addition, InfraCredit welcomes Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq and Mr. Reginald Ihebuzor to the Board as Non-Executive Directors representing NSIA, replacing Mr. Orji and Ms. Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli of NSIA. The Board and Management

of InfraCredit give sincere thanks to Mr. Orji and Ms. Ojekwe-Onyejeli for their manifold contributions to InfraCredit’s development since their appointments as pioneering members of InfraCredit’s Board of Directors in 2016.

Gupta has been a NonExecutive Director of InfraCredit since 2018, chairing the Board Risk & Capital Committee and the Board Remuneration Committee.

Umar-Sadiq is the MD/ CEO of NSIA and has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services sector – spanning public finance management, mergers & acquisitions, private equity and asset management. Prior to this year, Mr. Umar-Sadiq had been an Executive Director

of NSIA since 2019, serving as the Head of Direct Investments and leading NSIA’s multi-strategy infrastructure activities.

Ihebuzor has over 20 years’ wide-ranging management level experience that spans the development banking and public reform sectors.

In accepting his appointment as Chairman of InfraCredit and welcoming the new NSIA representatives to the Board, Mr. Sanjeev Gupta said, “I am honoured to assume the role of Chairman of InfraCredit, a truly unique institution whose impact in using credit enhancement to facilitate access to long-term, local currency financing for infrastructure projects is noteworthy.”

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 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).

35

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022

MARKET NEWS

Bargain Hunting in Dangote Cement Lift Stock Market by N194bn Kayode Tokede Bullish sentiments returned to the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) as investors bargain hunting in Dangote Cement Plc and BUA Cement Plc encouraged the positive outturn.

Accordingly, the NGX All-Share Index advanced by 0.8per cent week-on-week (w/w) to close at 44,269.18 basis points from 43,912.64 basis points it opened

for trading.

Particularly, bargain hunting in Dangote Cement that added 8.8per cent and BUA Cement that added 2.9 per cent lifted market capitalisation by N194billion to N24.112trillion from N23.918trillion the stock market opened for trading.

Consequently, the Month-tillDate (MTD and Year-till-Date (YtD) returns settled at +one per cent and +3.6per cent, respectively.

On activity levels, the trading

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

volume and value increased by 135.5per cent and nine per cent w/w, respectively.

Sectoral performance was largely bearish following losses in the NGX Oil and Gas Index dropped by 5.4per cent, NGX Consumer Goods depreciated by 2.3per cent and NGX Banking Index was down by 1.9per cent On the flip side, the NGX Industrial Goods added 5.4per cent, the sole gainer of the week.

The weekly market report

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

of the Exchange said a total turnover of 1.410 billion shares worth N15.510 billion in 19,025 deals was traded by investors on the floor of the Exchange last week.

According to the report, the Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 804.570 million shares valued at N6.300 billion traded in 9,922 deals; thus contributing 57.04per cent and 40.62per cent to the total

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The report noted that trading in the top three equities namely Access Holdings Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc. (measured by volume) accounted for 800.622 million shares worth N3.373 billion in 2,051 deals, contributing 56.76per cent and 21.75per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

According to analysts at

O F

Cordros Research, “Looking ahead, we expect investors to rebalance their portfolios based on an assessment of corporate earnings released for Q3-22.

“However, the increased FI yields may continue to constrain buying activities. Consequently, we expect market performance to remain mixed in the week ahead as investors rotate their portfolios towards stocks with attractive dividend yields amid intermittent profit-taking activities.

0 4 / 1 1 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

36

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 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 03Nov-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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.47% AIICO Balanced Fund 4.06 4.11 19.09% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.35% Anchoria Equity Fund 134.11 135.61 -3.69% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.15 1.15 0.40% 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 20.46 21.08 0.87% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 478.10 492.52 5.97% ARM Ethical Fund 41.34 42.58 6.11% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 0.94% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.07 1.07 4.98% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.27% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 87.48 87.48 -14.58% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,072.82 1,072.82 7.24% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.09 2.09 2.27% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.21 2.25 1.42% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.86% Paramount Equity Fund 17.43 17.74 4.42% Women's Investment Fund 142.81 144.48 0.59% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.89% Cordros Milestone Fund 128.66 129.49 3.50% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 111.95 111.95 5.04% 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 10.31% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.08% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,134.99 1,144.45 1.60% 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 10.37% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 8.70% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.00 1.00 -0.40% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 103.99 103.99 2.51% 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 1443.73 1443.73 11.25% FBN Balanced Fund 190.54 191.77 8.72% FBN Halal Fund 125.29 125.29 12.11% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.56% FBN Dollar Fund 127.12 127.12 6.51% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 153.66 155.71 2.36% 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 10.62% Legacy Debt Fund 3.59 3.59 -10.34% Legacy Equity Fund 1.80 1.84 3.63% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.25 1.25 3.61% 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

3,988.98 3,660.38 100.00

4,015.70 3,660.38 100.00

2.00% 6.58% 12.50%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.12 1.12 4.08% 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 N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 10.07 10.13 3.84% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.37% 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) 101.52 101.52 9.28% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.39% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.61 1.64 2.08% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.59 11.66 3.86% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.97% PACAM Equity Fund 1.31 1.33 -7.56% PACAM EuroBond Fund 117.31 120.39 3.10% 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 121.92 124.38 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 3,447.74 3,481.30 1.79% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 243.61 243.61 3.41% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.33 1.35 6.35% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 328.65 328.66 4.96% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 251.03 254.40 7.55% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.05% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,553.71 11,709.82 5.89% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.35 1.35 4.54% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 120.24 120.24 2.85% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 113.71 113.71 6.89% 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 0.89 0.91 1.07% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.32 1.34 1.32% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.13 1.14 9.57% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.09 1.09 7.22% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.93 1.93 6.30% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.30 124.30 5.82% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.05% 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 13.37 13.49 1.35% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.27 15.41 4.43% Zenith Income Fund 23.28 23.28 6.05% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.23% 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 3.67 3.77 -8.37% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.52 5.62 -5.54% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.24 16.44 -8.10% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.08% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.80 20.00 -0.91% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 133.86 135.86 -15.06%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

119.29 52.14

5.27% 2.50%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.36 119.46 90.74 17.10 16.40

14.46 122.48 92.72 17.20 16.50

2.65% -6.02% -9.04% 7.51% -8.85%

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.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

HOMES&DESIGN

Mobil’s Square-shaped Tower, Secure, Functional Mobil Oil Nigeria Ltd spared no expense to deliver its iconic headquarters building in Victoria Island, Lagos. The beautiful tower is not only functional but also keeps the users secure. Bennett Oghifo writes

T

he Mobil headquarters building is a 12-storey, square-shaped tower divided into four sections with a beautiful atrium in the middle.

The architect’s introduction of an atrium (a large open-air or skylight-covered space surrounded by a building) in the tower was a deliberate move. Atria were a common feature in Ancient Roman dwellings, providing light and ventilation to the interior. Modern atria, as developed

in the late 19th and 20th centuries, are often several stories high, with a glazed roof or large windows, and often located immediately beyond a building’s main entrance doors (in the lobby).

Atria are a popular design feature because they give their buildings a feeling of space and light. The atrium has become a key feature of many buildings in recent years. Atria are popular with building users, building

designers and building developers.

Users like atria because they create a dynamic and stimulating interior that provides shelter from the external environment while maintaining a visual link with that environment. Designers enjoy the opportunity to create new types of spaces in buildings, and developers see atria as prestigious amenities that can increase commercial value and appeal.

There is a rich use of the atrium

in Mobil’s tower, and it lights up the centre court, where artefacts from the museum’s collections are displayed, per an agreement with the National Museum of Nigeria.

The four sides are connected by circular towers containing elevators, fire escapes, and restrooms.

There are 10 floors of office space, in addition to underground parking and a top floor where the air handling units are located.

38

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSSPECIAL

Editor: Obinna Chima obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078

Youssef: eNaira is a Great Innovation Paxful is a global peer-to-peer finance platform for people to make payments, transactions and send money by buying and selling Bitcoin as a means of exchange. The company’s mission is to advance a truly global economy by building a financial system that serves the 100 per cent. In this interview, the founder/CEO, Paxful, Ray Youssef, speaks about the future of money, Nigeria’s eNaira, among other issues. Obinna Chima brings the excerpts:

What do you think is the future of money?

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are the future and it has an increasing presence in China which already has its CBDC in wide circulation and you can see the trend increasing. We already have a world where cash is being phased out, especially in places like Sweden where over 90 per cent of the transactions are cashless.

But the issue remains that in the global setting, cash will remain king, not just in Nigeria or Africa, but go to Latin America and others. So, it is going to take a very long time to phase out cash. What we are seeing are innovations such as the eNaira.

I do applaud the Nigerian government for introducing a digital currency like the eNaira and technologically it is great. The only problem it has is that it is still naira and as you can see, presently the naira is under attack. That is why you see in Nigeria, a lot of people are turning to Bitcoin because it allows them to access things that give them stronger values.

Look at the entire global currencies, all of them are under attack. It is not just the Venezuelan or Zimbabwe currency that is under attack, but all the currencies. So, there is a shift to Bitcoin and other digital currencies. The answer to the question is yes, digital currencies are definitely going to replace fiat money, but the what would the digital currencies be?

Would it still be a form of fiat money? The answer yes. Just because you are digitalising money doesn’t meant it is not fiat.

Most of the fiat money in the world today are digital now. So, fiat is going to be around for a long time. In fact, there is the argument that CBDCs are also fiat as well. So, there is a war between the fiat money in every form it takes and honest money. And what is the only honest money that we have? It is Bitcoin. Bitcoin is only digital, you can’t get physical Bitcoin, but it is not fiat and Bitcoin is the only form of money that is not fiat and that is the only real debate - Honest money versus money that is not, no matter what form it is in. That is the war. With Bitcoin, you have an army of believers, maybe 10 million believers around the world getting richer and on the other side, you have the whole world with fiat money controlled by governments and central banks of the world.

So, who is going to win this fight? This fight started 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked into the temple and was angry with what they were doing inside. He knew it was going to lead to a world where money was going to be used to control the world, which is where we are right now.

That is why more than 80 per cent of the world is poor right now and a certain group of people continue to make money from nothing. They can just type some numbers into computer, print money and spend it as they want. That is super power. If one group has the power and the other doesn’t, that makes us slaves. What makes Bitcoin honest money is proof of work. To make Bitcoin, you need electricity, you need computing power and work has to be put in to create it. There is a real human work behind it.

in leadership hopefully in the next election in Nigeria and the new leadership would recognise with the youths of this country and they would have a long-term perspective and work in the interest of this country. It is only the small group at the top that is thinking short-term and sees the youths as competition. We all agree that stabilising the naira is the best thing for this country, but some people don’t and hope the government recognises this as early as possible.

We need policies that would be innovationfriendly and we need to focus more on the long-term; we need to give the youths a sit on the table. Nigeria ought to be the richest country in the world with 200 million people. So, it is amazing that most of its youths are unemployed and you can imagine what would happen if we create jobs for 10 per cent of those youths that are unemployed. What Nigerian youths have done with Bitcoin and crypto-currencies in the past seven years is absolutely amazing and they have done that with obstacles on their path.

All I want from the government is just to remove those obstacles; they don’t even need to help the youths. That is all I hope for and if that happens, I think the future would be very bright. Today all the youths in Nigeria want to ‘Japa’ and I understand their plight. It happened in Egypt as well.

My family left Egypt 45 years ago and went to America because there were limited opportunities in Egypt.

C

What is your take on the eNaira which was introduced about a year ago?

I think it is a great piece of technology.

For the banking system, it is good and it is a good idea for the Nigerian government to digitalise its currency so as to get along with the flow. The only problem is that it is still the naira. What is the official rate of the naira? About N450 to a dollar and what is the black market rate? It is over N800 to a dollar. So, that is the problem. But who is to be blamed for that? The Nigerian people are not to be blamed. Something is definitely wrong somewhere. It is not as if

Youssef people are doing less work, Nigerians even work harder than Americans, so why is the value of the naira going down? Definitely, something dishonest, something manipulative is happening to the naira and what it comes down to is that the naira is under attack. It doesn’t matter whether it is digital, block chain or fiat, the naira is just under attack. So, the only problem with the eNaira is that it is still naira and I don’t blame the Nigerian government for that because it is something outside their control.

What do you think can be done to address the perennial depreciation of the naira on the parallel market and what opportunity do you see for Bitcoin holders under such situation?

What is happening is that as the naira is rapidly depreciating, people want something else. They want to hold their value in something else and that is why they are doing everything possible to access dollars. Bitcoin has amazing opportunities and that is why a lot of youths are finding ways to turn their time and energy into foreign monies, whether it is Bitcoin or dollars so as to maximise the opportunities.

The more of these hard currencies that come into the country with Nigerian youths exporting their services outside their country while still in the country, that brings in more dollars and hard currencies into this country. There is a huge opportunity and the opportunity is that if the Nigerian government makes the right move, they can actually stabilise the naira using crypto-currency and

Bitcoin. How would these work? It is simple. All our brothers and sisters that are selling their services, doing virtually assisted work and developing software, the government can decide to take their Bitcoins from them and give them naira in exchange.

The government can then have all the Bitcoins or crypto-currencies and decide to turn them into dollar or any currency they want to. What that does is to bring more hard currencies into the country and that helps in stabilising the naira. That would be the biggest power play in the world. So, the question is why are they not doing that right now?

It seems to me that some people don’t want that to happen and they want the naira to keep falling. Those who have arbitrage opportunity want the spread between the official market and black market rates to continue to expand.

What can you say are Paxful’s contributions to the Nigerian economy?

Paxful is a global services and market place company, the Nigerian youth found about it and they showed us what it is really good for. If for anything, I think the Nigerian youths have contributed a lot to us; they taught us what our platform is good for and they are helping to stabilise Nigeria’s currency.

They have brought so much honest monies like Bitcoin, crypto-currencies into Nigeria, which is great. Paxful played a role in that, but the work was done by the youths in Nigeria. What are my expectations from the government? My hope is that there would be a change

How big is the size of your market in Nigeria?

Nigeria is our biggest market in the whole world and by far it is bigger than the United States America and India. Ghana is number four on the list. And Nigeria is number one for all Bitcoins and crypto-currencies and it is not going to slow down. When I first came here eight years ago, I saw the level of entrepreneurship and the opportunities, but others were seeing the challenges. People have said for Nigeria to be number one, it means 30 per cent of the population holds Bitcoins, but that is not it, it is less than one per cent of Nigeria’s population that have Bitcoins, but what we are looking at is the quality. The quality of Bitcoins that a Nigerian is holding is equal to that of 100 persons elsewhere.

What are some of the challenges Paxful has been facing in the country?

The first thing is education. People need to be educated about why Bitcoin or crypto-currencies are superior forms of money. When I first came to Africa to talk about crypto-currencies, everybody was looking at me like I was a scammer. So, the biggest challenge is education because Africans are mostly the prey and not the predators of scammers, especially Nigerians.

Nigerians are the most honest people in the world. A lot of the time we have to protect Nigerians from a lot of scammers that want to defraud them.

So, the good news is that the Nigerians that have gotten the message are teaching everyone else and are changing the narratives. We tell them to use two-factor authentication to secure their accounts so as not to get hacked. The second biggest thing is Know-Your-Customer (KYC). As an American company, we operate under very strict compliance guidelines. The truth is that a lot of Nigerians don’t have.

Most people have voter ’s card and some don’t even have that. A lot of the youths on the streets campaigning ahead of the elections on Twitter don’t even have that and they are trading a lot. So, how do we KYC them?

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

39

BUSINESS SPECIAL

INTERVIEW

Beecroft: Corporate Clients Now See Event Management as Effective Brand Marketing Tool Managing Director of Eventful Limited, Mr. Fisayo Beecroft, in this interview shared his views on the challenges, developments and future prospects of the event industry in Nigeria. Dike Onwuamaeze brings the excerpts: Can you give an overview of the event planning industry in Nigeria? he event planning industry in Nigeria contributes conservatively close to N100 billion to Nigeria’s GDP annually and has the potential to move to N1 trillion. I will say that one can only imagine the potential that is in this industry as the biggest entrepreneurial sector in the Nigerian workspace. To some extent, this sector has been tagged as one of the liveliest in the world; obviously, we all know what is driving this, top of which is that we love to celebrate as a people. And that again contributes to why we have this surge in terms of event planning firms in Nigeria.

I will also say that the event space to an extent is an industry that has a huge value chain providing avenues for income to many; from an event planner it would trickle down to the videographer, the caterer, to drinks providers, branding, stage, multimedia, even to ushers, security outfits and so on and so forth. It has contributed at the end of the day to providing employment and an economic space for even students to work and earn some money.

they are seeing the visibility that they are getting by planning event and the mileage for their brands. With these more corporate clients are bringing in events regularly for their product launch, award nights, etc. So, people are now actually seeing events as a marketing tool rather than just a social thing.

T

Eventful Ltd has been in the market for two decades now. What is the experience like as a pioneer in the industry?

For a brand that is 20 years old, the experience is huge in terms of human capital and in terms of returns on events and also the level of relationships we have able to build over the years. The experience has been a very phenomenal one. It has opened more doors for us to the extent that we have various cliental that ranges from corporate and government circles. What we provide is excellence services which we call excellent professional service with creativity and passion.

Because of this we have been able to establish good relationships with high-net-worth clients.

It has also allowed us the potential to expand our business to other spheres of event and some other sub-sectors of the event space like the opportunity to open our events to the millennials and even manage other venues for clients; also extend our reach with government in many instances to formulate policies, especially during the COVID era. As an industry pioneer, our ability to leverage the network of our founder, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus in business and government circle.

What are the challenges being faced in the industry?

The major challenge we face in the industry is obviously the low entry barrier. This is the first critical challenge because any person can sleep in the night and wake up the next morning to say I am an event planner. It is as simple as that. So, obviously what that does is that it creates another problem around standardisation and quality and issues around professionalism. Someone is in the industry without any overhead cost can afford to charge ridiculous low rates. But clients that patronise these kinds of event planners tend to have their fingers burnt at the end of the day and they will still come back to the more established brands in the industry to get the job done. The other challenges are overhead cost and inflation generally.

Having been in the industry for 20 years what are the major contributions of Eventful to the development of the event planning industry in Nigeria?

First of all, one of our contributions is our role in pioneering the industry 20 years ago which we are very proud of. Second, we have been able to mentor others into becoming event planners by establishing free training services in the past for potential people that want to start this business. Setting up venue management business in Nigeria is also an achievement. It is a field that other people are going into now that was not known in

How is digitalisation in the form of virtual events impacting on event planning business?

I’m happy to report that we have actually done virtual events in all spheres of the event space. We have done virtual exhibitions. We have done virtual conferences. We have done virtual weddings. We have done virtual meetings and AGMs. I will say that the edge that we have is the fact that we were able to organise virtual events prior to COVID, which helped us to quickly latch on to hybrid event space at the onset of COVID pandemic. And of course, we have had to train and retrain ourselves to embrace and latch on the emerging technologies in the virtual space because no man is an island. And in some cases, we have been able to do some sort of collaborations with firms in the technology space to be able to fit into this emerging profile. And I will say that we have perfectly fit into this profile over the years. We have accepted virtual events as a norm in the event space. It is just for every player to put in place the right facilities and technology to be able to annex the gains that are coming from this space.

Beecroft the past. We were very vocal during the COVID era when we organised webinars and the whole idea around the webinar was to gather all the event planners on this platform and just talk through how to survive the trying times. We were very critical in delivering a webinar that actually reshaped our mindset and the culture of people that listened in those webinars.

We also worked with the Lagos State Government in formulating policies that also assisted with the COVID situation as at then. And more importantly of course is the volume of people that have gone through this industry in terms of employment. Am also proud to mention the fact that we are the first event management company to have a successful leadership transition, with the company doing well after the exit of the founder18 months ago.

You said that the hallmark of Eventful is excellence and professionalism.

What truly defines excellence and professionalism in event management business?

Excellence is the ability to deliver excellent professional services without compromising on standards. It is having repeat clients, some who have been with our brand since the inception of our company. Excellence is the constant and regular testimonials from our fulfilled clients. Excellence is making the impossible happen at a short notice without any glitch as we were always called upon to plan events at short notices without having any level of compromise. Those are the things that determine what excellence is for an Eventful. But with regard to professionalism, what I will say is that the values that we hold as a brand in

Eventful in dealing with our clients are very critical to us in determining our level professionalism. This level of professionalism is a reflection of our culture, which is defined by our values. These values are professionalism, resourcefulness, integrity, creativity, excellence, humility, passion and the fear of God. These are the values we exude and these are the things that bring out the level of professionalism in dealing with our corporate clients.

These are the virtues that we dish out and that in a nutshell portray the level of our brand in dealing with corporate clients. I will just sum it up by saying that the values of the brand reflect the level of the professionalism that the brand portrays in dealing with its clients.

The event planning industry in Nigeria seems to be enjoying a boom.

What are the factors driving this boom?

This is a very good question. The very first critical factor that I will mention is our social culture. We celebrate everything as a people. This is the overarching reason the industry continues to boom. I will also say that the non-active two years of COVID is also having positive effect on what we are seeing at the moment because a lot of the events that were cancelled during the lockdown to contain the spread of the pandemic disease are now resurfacing to drive the boom we are seeing now in the event space. More importantly, event these days is beyond partying, especially for our corporate clients because Eventful is more into the corporate space. We have also been able to reshape the mindset of our corporate clients to the extent that they are now seeing events as a marketing tool and

Do you manage across the border event businesses in West Africa and beyond?

The way event works is more of you being able to have that capacity in terms of manpower and logistics to move when the opportunity comes to plan these events. I will say gladly that we have hosted events in almost all parts of Nigeria. We have done events in Sokoto, Abuja, Cross River, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, in virtually all the states in Nigeria with same level of precision and perfection. We have also done a couple of events outside Nigeria this year. We have worked in Mauritius and Dubai also. And hopefully we will be doing many more. So, we have the manpower and technical resources and the ability and the capacity to host these events and still be able to manage the cost. The challenge of handling events outside the country is being able to manage the cost for the client and still make it memorable and enjoyable for everyone that showed up for these events.

Looking at the horizon, what does the future holds for the event industry in Nigeria?

The event industry in Nigeria is huge and the future is very, very bright. Established corporate firms and affluent individuals are increasing. Because of these two major factors I imagine that in the years ahead the event management companies will continue to blossom and continue growing to new heights.

What are you doing to give back to the Community as a brand?

We have taken a bold step to give back to our community by contributing our quota to youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria. To this end, we met with the Entrepreneurship and Skills Centre of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Entrepreneurial Development Centre of the Lagos Business School (LBS) to endow a prize for practical engagement in entrepreneurship and business management.

We will be supporting the annual business pitches in UNILAG from which outstanding business proposals get rewards and prize money for the next 5 years. Likewise, we will be supporting the National Entrepreneurial Challenge in LBS by providing the money for the prize winners, also for the next 5 years. We are an innovative company and as such we are delighted to be supporting these institutions.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

40

NEWS

A WEEKEND WITH BLACK PANTHER… L-R: Director, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ryan Coogler with the cast of the movie: Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright at a press conference held to announce the premiere of the movie held in Lagos…yesterday

Corruption: ICPC Launches Phase Five of Project Tracking in MDAs, N'Assembly in 20 States Set to auction assets forfeited to FG Discovered N7.1bn padded projects in phase four, forced contractors to complete N10bn projects To track 712 government projects Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said at the weekend that it would commence phase five of tracking of projects in Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the National Assembly.

The exercise known as constituency and executive projects tracking exercise followed the successful completion of the fourth phase earlier in the year.

The anti-graft agency also said it commenced the process of auctioning assets forfeited to the federal government in line with the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA), signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022, with a bid opening to select auctioneers.

It said, in a statement, that the 5th phase of the executive and constituency tracking projects, involving 712 government-funded

projects, would commence on November 8th in 20 states cutting across the six geopolitical zones.

The states are Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Borno, Bauchi, and Gombe States.

It noted that in line with other tracking exercises carried out by ICPC since 2019, the objective of the phase five was to investigate fraudulent procurement practices in the award of contracts for the selected projects across the country.

"It aims to ensure that all government funded projects are executed fully to their specifications and to make recoveries where the project costs are inflated by contractors or are poorly executed," it said.

The statement said the commission had in the 4th phase of the exercise, successfully tracked 538 projects across nine focal areas of health,

Enugu 2023: Ekweremadu’s Structure Endorses Mbah Gideon Arinze in Enugu Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Mbah received a major boost at the weekend after he was endorsed

by Ndi Oganiru Enugu, the main political structure of Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The group said its action was in line with the directive of the embattled former deputy President of the Senate and a statement he issued in June congratulating and pledging total support for Mbah.

Speaking at an event organised for the endorsement, National President of Oganiru Enugu, Jude Asogwa assured that the group would also work for the success of all PDP candidates in the state in the 2003 general election.

According to him, “Ndi Oganiru Enugu, as the name implies, is purely for the progress of Ndi Enugu.

"We have a strong presence in the 260 wards of Enugu State, 36 States of the federation and 16 countries of the world."

He noted that it was easy for the group to flow with Ekweremadu because he envisioned a clear

pathway to a new Enugu State.

Asogwa maintained that Ekweremadu did many infrastructural development projects across the three senatorial zones of the state and also built human capital through the award of scholarships and bursary awards across the state.

"But as the party's primary election came and passed and things did not go Ekweremadu’s way, he being a party man, who is never desperate about life, after consultations with his political associates and the leaderships of his support groups, personally issued a statement in June congratulating, "he said.

Speaking further, he said, “this is the understanding, commitment, and directive we are here to reaffirm and fulfil today. Therefore, we hereby commit ourselves to the Dr. Peter Mbah governorship ticket as well as all PDP tickets in the state. We will activate all our structures to do the needful."

In his reaction, Mbah said the endorsement was a demonstration of honesty and great character on the part of Ekweremadu and his team.

education, power, water resources, works, housing, agriculture, transport, and environment.

The exercise was conducted in 19 states across the six geopolitical zones and the FCT including Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Enugu, Ebonyi, AkwaIbom, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba, Borno and FCT. "Some of the findings from the Phase four exercise include discovery of N7.1 billion worth of padded projects, some contractors who had abandoned project sites being compelled to return to different sites to complete N10.9 billion worth of projects, while N6.8 billion worth of recoveries (cash and assets) have been made so far.

"Also, 109 out of the 543 selected projects in phase four, amounting to N1,176,867,800 were found to have been inserted, which effectively turned them into zonal intervention projects. Intelligence revealed that the insertions were done by both legislators and some members of the executive arm of the government in the budget-making process," it said.

"Though phase four was intended to focus solely on executive projects, it however became another exercise in constituency projects tracking because of the quantum of budget padding found amongst the selected projects", it said.

The statement affirmed that phase five of the exercise would be carried out by ICPC in collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, Bureau of Public Procurement, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the Media and Civil Society Organisations that constitute the steering committee.

Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency also said it has commenced the process of auctioning assets forfeited to the federal government in line with the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA), signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022, with a bid opening to select auctioneers.

Speaking in Abuja, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye hailed the impact of the bill on the anti-corruption war and described it as a tool which brought clarity and purpose to the previously murky waters of asset recovery and management.

He stated that the unregulated structure surrounding forfeited assets often led to huge revenue loses which ultimately defeated the purpose of recovery.

Owasanoye, who was represented by a board member of the commission, Dr. Louis Mandama, stated that the Proceeds of Crime Act introduced a standardised procedure for management and disposal of forfeited assets, helped set up a governing directorate and ensured that all processes were deliberated on and executed by professionals who were experts in relevant fields.

This, he said, promoted transparency and prioritised corruption prevention.

The ICPC boss also highlighted the fact that each agency that recovers assets was responsible for

the disposal of the forfeited assets and the process was tamper-proof as it instructs that all proceeds be lodged in a dedicated account, domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria and accessible only at the discretion of the National Assembly and the President.

"Whatever is gotten at the end of this exercise, there is a dedicated account under the watchful eyes of the Central Bank of Nigeria in place already. Nobody has the powers to transfer or move anything out of that account only the National Assembly and the president,” he said.

Speaking further on the bill, the ICPC boss revealed that ICPC had an asset recovery and management manual which provided the guidelines to ensure all processes are governed and controlled.

He also pointed out that the commission had, in line with the POCA, set up a committee which comprised of board members, directors, representatives of labour, civil society organisations, media and Bureau of Public Procurement to administer the bid process.

Only 0.5% of SMEs in Nigeria Operate with Insurance Cover, Says LCCI Boss Obinna Chima The Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Gbenga Ismail has revealed that only 0.5 per cent of Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have insurance policy, compared with 54 per cent globally.

Owing to this, he said the country should focus squarely on developing an insurance environment more accommodating of and appealing to SMEs, adding that insurance represented a key financial cushion to manage shocks and build financial resilience in the first years of SME growth.

Ismail said this at a webinar organised jointly by Coronation Insurance Plc and Coronation Life Assurance Limited on the Importance of Insurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The virtual seminar was widely attended by a host of participants

from the insurance sector and Coronation small business clients Ismail highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s 40 million SMEs for the growth, development and future security of the Nigerian economy.

In addition to noting that Nigeria had lost two million SMEs to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ismail also noted that a lot of new SMEs struggle to achieve scale quickly enough to realise the opportunities for which they were created.

Irregular and delayed payments are also critical hurdle, he said, adding that the result was that most of the newly established SMEs fail within 18 months of start-up.

“Despite 90 per cent of SMEs currently not paying tax, SMEs represented a huge potential to drive economic inclusion, broaden prosperity and power the future growth of the Nigerian economy,” he added.

As such, Ismail argued that it was critical to provide SMEs with

the support to ensure survival in the first critical years.

With these challenges in mind a panel session that included the Executive Director, Technical, Coronation Life Assurance Ltd, Adebowale Adesona; Country Manager, Wordplay, Louis Alozie, and Head of Emerging Business, Africa Access Bank, Ayo Olojede, agreed that Nigerian SMEs were facing a lot of risks, damage to business property and vehicles, legal liability and general product, key persons and goods-in-transit risks cost SMEs dearly.

Just insuring a few of these basic risks could save Nigerian SMEs billions annually and improve survival rates significantly, they stated.

They, however stressed the need for SMEs to consult insurance professionals to identify only those risks that are critical to the survival of their business.

Insuring only one to two key risks

doesn’t cost a lot but could make a significant contribution to survival and growth rates, they stated.

“Coronation Insurance is working with Access Bank, for example, to develop Business Protection Bundles including basic fire, flood, and limited liability cover as well as limited employee life insurance – providing three years’ annual income - to enable Nigerian SMEs to affordably cover the basics of successfully operating their businesses.

“More generally, Nigeria needs to look to the experience of other markets that have developed successful SME insurance ecosystems where government coordinated policy and legislation in tandem with the insurance industry and large and small businesses.

While some of this involve compulsory insurance, costs are minimal as it is so widespread,” a statement quoted the panelists to have said.

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WALKING THE AISLE …

L-R: Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; newly wedded, Mr. and Mrs. Damilola Ogunlola; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; mother to the groom/ Member House of Representatives, Hon. Omowumi Ogunlola (Ekiti Central II); and Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Adewumi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency); during Ogunlola’s son’s wedding ceremony at All Saints Anglican Church, Abuja…recently

Lagos Welcomes Black Panther Cast, Crew Ahead of Movie Premiere in Nigeria Mary Nnah

and Managing Director of FilmOne Entertainment, Moses Babatope and Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude. In the film, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fought to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.

As the Wakandans strived to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together

with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, ruler of Talokan, the film also stars Dominique Thorne,

NMA: Brain-Drain, Poor Wages Increasing Infant, Maternal Mortality in Ekiti

The leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has said it would soon constitute a 3,000 member national campaign council for the 2023 general election.

It applauded President Muhammadu Buhari's injunction to the Police and election officials to maintain neutrality before, during and after the election.

National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye who disclosed this in an interview with THISDAY in Abuja, said the leadership of the party would soon inaugurate its national campaign council made up 3,000 prominent party members.

Oye said APGA was focused and committed to free, fair elections.

"We are also committed to nonviolent approach to electioneering campaign. We are going to launch our campaign very soon.

“The party has composed the campaign council with over 3,000 and the presidential candidate will announce that very soon and after that we will commence campaign," he said.

Oye also gave undertaken that his party would be guided by the tenets of the peace accord to run a non-violent political campaign for the 2023 general election.

"We are not looking at other parties in what we are doing. We are running a different programme altogether. We have carved a niche for ourselves as a political party and we have cautioned our candidates to shun violence and all forms brigandage.

"It's a pity that in our society today people resort to violence to achieve their selfish desires. APGA is committed to ensuring that there is a level play field in our polity.

“We may not be as big as the two political parties but we have what PDP and APC don't have and that is integrity. We have experience and vision to change the way things

The cast and crew of the highly anticipated sequel to 2018’s Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have arrived Lagos in preparation to kick off an African talent tour.

Wakanda Forever would be released in cinemas across the continent from Friday, 11 November 2022.

As a first for Marvel Studios, the team is visiting Nigeria for the first time to kick off a continent-wide celebration ahead

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has described brain -drain and poor remuneration for medical workers, as the twin evils propelling infant and maternal mortality in Ekiti State.

Recently, the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) released a startling revelation that Ekiti was one of the states in the south-west with highest incidences of maternal and infant mortality rate, as well as teenage pregnancy.

Responding to the development, the NMA Chairman, Ekiti Chapter, Dr. Babatunde Rosiji, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, said: "Statistics by General Medical Council, which licences and maintains official register of medical

of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ‘s release.

In attendance at a presses conference held in Lagos, yesterday, to announce the premiere of the movie were filmmakers and cast including stars like Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Winston Duke, as well as the director, Ryan Coogler.

The press conference was followed by a talent and industry-focused press conference hosted by Nigerian radio and

practitioners in UK showed that 200 Nigerian trained doctors were licensed between August 31,2022 to September 30,2022.

"The statistics also showed that about 1,307 doctors trained in Nigeria were licenced in UK as Nigeria continues to battle one of the worst situations of brain drain in history. In overall, 10,296 doctors who obtained their degrees in Nigeria currently practice in UK. "Every secondary health centres and specialists’ hospitals in Ekiti must have at least nine doctors, but the highest we have is two per hospital. We are supposed to have 276 doctors, but we have just 85. How do you expect us not to have high mortality?

"We need about 195 doctors to run the Ekiti State University

television on-air personality, IK Osakioduwa and popular South Africa Radio and Television presenter, Anele Mdoda.

Media had the opportunity to engage with talent from the film in a question and answer session, followed by an insightful session that featured the Director of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ryan Coogler; Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, Christine Service; Deputy Managing Director for Filmhouse Group

Teaching Hospital, but we only have 95. Why should people blame doctors for the monster the government has created? For the primary health centre, we need 32, but only have 12 and four of them will be retiring soon "Four local governments in Ekiti have no doctors to oversee their primary healthcare centres, which also contribute to high diseases index in the state."

The NMA urged the state government to implement hazard allowance for medical doctors on its payroll, regretting that Nigerian medical practitioners have remained one of the poorly paid globally. He stressed that the trend must change.

However, the Chief Executive Officer, Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion (GRIP), Rita Ilevbare,

appealed to the people to shun Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

She described FGM and teenage pregnancy as two socio-cultural menaces that could be tackled through attitudinal change and virulent enforcement of appropriate laws in place.

The Child and Human Rights Advocate, said: "The fact that there is high teenage pregnancy in Ekiti shows that there was no correlation between the belief that cutting female genitalia makes women to be promiscuous.

"We must work hard to change our attitude and ensure that the female gender is protected against abuse and exposure to sexual pleasure, so that FGM practice and teenage pregnancy can reduce drastically."

KENYATTA: NO GOVERNMENT CAN ADDRESS ALL NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS purpose of this third year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat is to report on progress made in the implementation of ministerial mandates along the nine priority areas of the administration based on data from the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) Performance Management System.

“Other objectives are to analyse and discuss reasons for achievements or non-achievement of performance targets, identify and agree on strategies to improve performance, recognise accomplishment, and encourage ministers to deliver on the legacy projects of Mr. President as the administration winds down."

Mustapha was particularly

elated that the CDCU, which was set in motion as a catalyst for improved performance, had been driving the federal government’s delivery initiative with resounding success with its performance management system introduced in 2021.

Mustapha said, "Sequel to the Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat last year, the CDCU developed Performance Improvement Suggestions (PIS) for all 28 ministries as well as the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

“The PIS, as a major value addition, recommends ways of improving performance, especially for deliverables that

were rated below 50 per cent. The PIS enables each ministry develop actionable plans to accelerate the implementation of deliverables towards the achievement of the 2023 targets.

"To address the issue of limited civil service capacity in driving the delivery process, CDCU has continued to provide technical support for ministries to establish, inaugurate and train their delivery task teams, which are made up of staff of the departments and agencies under the supervision of such ministries, to ensure timely reporting on ministerial deliverables.

“This support aims at deepening the delivery capability of MDAs to complete key legacy

policies, projects and programmes of government with a focus on the low-hanging fruits. As at September 2022, a total of 17 ministries had set up and inaugurated their Delivery Task Teams, while others are at advanced stages in preparation to doing so."

The SGF also said as part of efforts to ensure the functionality of the performance management system, an application, Presidential Delivery Tracker (PDT), was launched on August 30, 2022. He said it was a cocreation platform that connected citizens to governance in Nigeria by increasing their access to federal government's priority projects.

Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, will be released in cinemas across the continent on Friday, 11 November 2022.

APGA Plans 3,000 Member Campaign Council Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

were done in this country.

"We appeal to Nigerians to play the game according to the rules. Our message to Nigerians as we prepare for the 2023 general elections is that they should be careful in their choice of candidates to vote for.

“They should elect men and women of character and people that will give them unnecessary headache the way things were being done today,” Oye said.

According to Oye, the prayer of the party was that the country should survive the present travails.

He promised that an APGA government in 2023 was going to change the way Nigeria was run.

"We have the key and solutions to the country's overall problem.

As far as APGA was concerned, Nigeria has just one central problem and that is leadership - emphatic leadership, a leadership that is not selfish.

“We are focusing on giving Nigerians the best in leadership in 2023 and if Nigerians want good leadership in 2023, they should vote for APGA,” he said.

Speaking on the charge by President Muhammadu Buhari for the police and election officials to be neutral and apolitical during the 2023 election, Oye described it as a welcome move.

Oye said: "Some people may not like him for personal reasons but in terms of strictness and adherence to principles, give it to him. I have followed him and all he says, he has done.

“You can see that see that since Buhari came on board, conduct of elections have taken a different turn.

We have had series of smooth, non-violent elections.”

Oye cited elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states as good examples of Buhari's legacy of free and fair elections.

He praised the president's courage in signing the amended Electoral Act into law.

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EDO UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION CEREMONY...

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Vice Chancellor, Edo University, Uzairue, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, and Chancellor of the University, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, during the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the university in Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area...Saturday

Tinubu: Atiku is Jittery, He Knows I’ll Win 2023 Presidential Poll Ex-Lagos governor best man for the job, says Lalong Dayo Israel rallies Plateau youths for APC, candidate Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has dismissed his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, and his party as jittery, saying they know he would win next year's presidential election. Tinubu’s views were contained in a statement by Director, Special Media Projects and New Media, Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of APC, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

The comments came as Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong told a town hall meeting in Jos that the APC presidential candidate and former governor of Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos was the best person to lead Nigeria at this moment in its history.

At the same time, National Youth Leader of APC, Mr. Israel Dayo, yesterday, in Jos, the Plateau State capital, assured Tinubu of

victory, while calling on youths in the state to vote massively for the party’s candidates in the 2023 general election.

PCC said in the statement by Fani-Kayode that it was based on Tinubu’s approval rating that the main opposition party resorted to falsehood and constant tirades about Tinubu's health and age.

Fani-Kayode, while reacting to a statement by a spokesperson of the PDP campaign council, Senator Dino Melaye, on Tinubu’s health, insisted that compared to Atiku, Tinubu was as fit as a fiddle.

Fani-Kayode alleged that unlike the former vice president, Tinubu “has nothing to hide and has no skeletons in his cupboard. Atiku cannot come anywhere near Asiwaju in terms of his mental or physical virility or acumen.

Whether mentally, physically or spiritually, Atiku is very far behind.”

Fani-Kayode stressed that no matter what they said about

Tinubu, he had never betrayed those that helped him to power.

"He is loyal to his own to a fault, whilst Atiku does not know the meaning of the word," the APC spokesman said.

He stated that Atiku was trying to give the impression that he was part and parcel of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's successes as president, when in actual fact, he was trying to frustrate that government's efforts to improve the lives of the people, saying such a person cannot be trusted with power.

Fani-Kayode stated, "Atiku and his camp know that Jagaban will win this election hands down and as each day passes, it is getting clearer. That is why they are so jittery. That is why they resort to nothing but falsehood, insults and abuse. That is why the only thing they talk about is Jagaban's health and age.

"We want a campaign that centres on issues, but Atiku and

his friends do not even know the meaning of the word. His team are ignorant, uncouth, disrespectful and utterly primitive and nothing reflects or manifests that more than the vituperations and asinine contributions of his garrulous, thuggish and undisciplined spokesmen."

Meanwhile, speaking at a town hall meeting in Jos, Lalong said Tinubu had proven himself beyond reasonable doubt.

Lalong, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Dung Daylyop, said Tinubu’s wealth of experience was what the country needed to navigate the curve where it had found itself.

The governor said, "Tinubu is the only politician, who left office in 2007 and remains relevant in every progressive discussion in the country. Tinubu is not just the Jagaban of the South-west, but the entire Nigeria."

On his part, Dayo promised to

Ugwuanyi Calls for Prayers, Proposes Mass for Ekweremadu Mbah to Enugu governor: you’re our only leader Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, yesterday, called for prayers and also proposed Mass to intercede for Senator Ike Ekweremadu, following his ordeal in the United Kingdom, where he faces trial for alleged organ harvesting.

The governor spoke in Enugu, when members of Ndi Oganiru Enugu, a support group of the senator for Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, formally collapsed their structures in support of the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.

Ugwuanyi told members of the group to book Mass for Ekweremadu and his family every week and equally embark on private prayers for him to overcome his challenges. The governor asked Sir Ralph Onovo to pray for the gathering.

Mbah commended Ugwuanyi for the quality leadership, peace and security the state enjoyed under his PDP administration,

saying he remains the only leader known in the state.

Ugwuanyi stressed that it was pertinent to show love to people in their presence and absence, and urged members of the group to remain strong, “For this, too, will pass away.”

The governor commended the national president of Ndi Oganiru Enugu, Jude Asogwa, and other members of the group’s executive council for their loyalty to Ekweremadu. He informed members of the group that his administration would keep them abreast of developments in London.

Ugwuanyi said Ndi Oganiru Enugu would be stronger in future, and maintained that nobody would be denied his or her rights. He said he was confident that “by God’s grace, we will join hands to make sure that all our candidates win in Enugu State”.

Mbah said the peace and security that the Ugwuanyi administration had entrenched in

Enugu State in the last seven and a half years had brought extensive infrastructure development to the state.

The PDP governorship candidate pointed out that it was a milestone achievement that the public and civil servants in Enugu State received their emoluments as and when due, adding that the workers have enjoyed industrial harmony with the present administration in the state.

Mbah described Ugwuanyi as “a greater leader”, saying he has eagle eyes, which enables him to identify and see beyond anyone else.

“You understand and know your constituency much better than anyone else,” Mbah told the governor.

Stressing that the governor was the leader of PDP in the state and the South-east geopolitical zone, the PDP governorship candidate maintained that Ugwuanyi had shown true leadership, which ensured “we are still and remain one political family”.

Mbah stated, “Our party recognises one man as leader and your Excellency, you have really shown true leadership.

“We are here today because of your leadership qualities. We are also here today to show that we still and will remain one political family and we have come together to put that seal and to say to you that we are under your leadership at all times as PDP members.

“Your Excellency, why today is very symbolic is that the people of Oganiru Enugu State have come to say that we are not outsiders; we are part and parcel of our great party, the PDP; we will not want to be treated as outsiders.”

Assuring him that there would be no discrimination against the members of Oganiru Enugu, both during the electioneering and “when, by the grace of God, we take over the Lion Building,” the PDP candidate reminded the group of the task ahead, to work together to ensure landslide victory for PDP come February and March 2023.

work hand-in-hand with party members, especially, the youth, to ensure victory for the party in the 2023 general election. He lauded the youth in the state for their support, and revealed that the youth wing of the party had commenced grassroots mobilisation and door-to-door campaign to deliver the APC presidential candidate and other candidates of the party in the coming elections.

Dayo also said the youth were convinced of Tinubu’s track record and ability to tackle the myriad

problems Nigeria faced.

He stated, "Tinubu has lifted many people up and it is time for the people to lift him up to become president. That is why we must make it a duty to work and deliver our polling units, local government areas, and state for Tinubu.

“If they tell you that he is not young, tell them he is a friend of the youth. If we vote him, we will be better for it because he has assisted many to heights they never imagined.

MSF Conducts 32 Noma Surgeries in Two Weeks in Sokoto Michael Olugbode in Abuja A team of Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has conducted 32 surgeries for noma patients in another round of surgical intervention at the Noma Hospital in Sokoto.

The surgeries took place between October 23 and November 4, 2022.

A statement at the weekend by the MSF stated that since its start of activities in 2014, a total of 1249 major surgeries have been conducted for the noma patients, noting that the organisation was supporting the Noma Hospital in Sokoto through inpatient care, reconstructive surgeries, outreach activities, nutrition and mental health support.

The MSF project coordinator in Sokoto, Dr. Sham`un Abubakar, was quoted to have said: “Noma is preventable and treatable, but people still die from it because of the limited knowledge about the disease and on how to detect it.

“Up to 90 per cent of people affected by noma die in the first two weeks if they don’t receive treatment in time. That is why early detection is important.”

He added that: “Early case detection and reporting through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) can be achieved through increased surveillance activities like training of Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Health Care Workers (HCW), Traditional Healers, Alternative Medicine Practitioners, Community, Religious and Traditional Rulers

and Women and Youth Groups.

Noma is a disease that shouldn’t exist anymore.”

The statement explained that noma was an infectious and non-contagious bacterial disease that starts as an inflammation of the gums, similar to a small mouth ulcer. In just two weeks, the infection starts to destroy bones and tissues, potentially affecting the jaw, lips, cheeks, nose or eyes, leaving survivors with physical consequences including pain, breathing complications and difficulties in eating.

Malnourished children and members of isolated communities with limited access to healthcare and vaccination are more vulnerable.

People who survive noma either have to live sequels of the disease or manage to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery to improve quality of life. On top of that, they deal with the social stigma caused by the disfigurement.

The statement further added that: “In collaboration with the health authorities and other stakeholders, MSF is commemorating the noma day (5th November), in order to raise awareness about the disease, address stigma attached to it and highlight specialised activities on the disease, so the patients can access the services.

“Besides over 1000 surgeries since the beginning of the activities in Sokoto, MSF teams have held 16857 mental health counselling and 2185 health promotion sessions; furthermore, admitted 1349 patients for both medical and surgical management of noma.

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A MESSAGE FROM RABAT...

L-R: Morocco's Ambassador to the UK, Hakim Hajoui; President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Isola, during the Ambassador's visit to deliver a personal message from His Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Buhari in London...yesterday

Buhari Lists Gains, Expectations as Nigeria-Cameroon Border Bridge, Joint Border Post are Inaugurated Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has in Ikom, Cross River State, while inaugurating the Nigeria-Cameroon Border Bridge and Joint Border Post listed the gains and expectations of the two countries to include boost in trade and combating terrorism.

The president also said the commissioning of the 1.5 metre bridge and post, funded by the two governments, as well as the African Development Bank (AfDB), would increase the volume of trade and commerce between the two countries.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Communications to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Hakeem Bello, said the Buhari was represented on the occasion by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada.

The president told the audience of top officials and members of the border communities as well as security agencies at the venue that the government of of Nigeria

expects that the joint border bridge and post will enhance security patrol and cooperation with the Republic of Cameroon.

“While we have confidence that this project will accomplish its set target, it is also our hope that it will complement the current efforts of the Federal Republics of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region”, the President declared.

He added that the activities of violent extremists had become a major challenge to the development of the sub regions.

“This menace has continued to threaten our economies and the maximisation of the potential of our countries as well as cause political upheavals and menace in our region. Hence it is our hope that the commissioning of this project will accelerate the efforts of our gallant security personnel who are already doing very well in securing our territories,” Buhari stated.

Expressing delight that the

project would enhance the volume of economic activities in regions particularly as well as facilitate the movement of goods and services within the countries along the corridor, Buhari said it would also serve as a critical link between the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and those of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

“Therefore, we expect that the commissioning of this joint border bridge and post will not only strengthen the already existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Cameroon but will enhance cooperation between ECOWAS and ECCAS countries”.

“We also pray this project will enhance interconnectivity of our people and communities and also increase the standards and reduce the barrier to interregional trade and strengthen border security”, he said adding that it would certainly “deepen inextricably the fraternal and cultural bond already existing between Nigerians

and Cameroonians living along the border communities”.

Buhari said the project, which, according to him, is part of the ongoing Nigeria-Cameroon Multinational Highway Transport Facilitation Programme, would remain a visible testimony to the continuing cooperation and good neighbourliness between Nigeria and Cameroon as well as regional economic communities.

“This bridge and the joint border post are proof that when African regions work with African institutions of standard, critical developmental projects can be achieved in record time”, the President said.

He further expressed delight that both Nigerians and Cameroonians living in the border areas had remained jubilant since the completion of the project.

In his own remarks, President Paul Biya, said the bridge and post facilities were expected to help increase trade and strengthen cooperation between countries of the ECOWAS and those of the

ECCAS in general, and between Cameroon and Nigeria in particular.

Biya, who was represented by the Cameroonian Minister of Public Works, Mr. Emmanuel Nganou Njoumessi, said the direct beneficiaries of the programme were the transport services users, as well as the 11 million inhabitants (3 million in Cameroon and 8 million in Nigeria) in the programme area representing 7 per cent of the total population of the two countries.

He added that the programme would reduce overall transport cost and improve the living conditions of the populations living along the road.

The president said the programme for the transport facilitation of the Bamenda-Enugu road corridor was conceived by the founding fathers as a confidence building measure to strengthen relations between Nigeria and Cameroon following the strained relations arising as a result of the Bakassi Peninsula issue.

He explained further that the 443 kilometre long Bamenda-Enugu

corridor comprises the Cameroon Bamenda-Mfum-Ekok Road sections, the Nigerian road sections of 240 kilometres, the bridge over the Munaya River in Cameroon and the border bridge of 230 metres Mfum-Ekok Bridge over the Cross River.

Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said the project was delivered according to the scheduled time.

“We have delivered. I can say with pride that our job has been done for the benefit of the people of Nigeria and Cameroun which the bridge connects,” he added.

“The most important thing about this project is that the bridge not only connects Nigeria and Cameroon but it begins a journey of a Trans-Africa connection. The Nigeria/Cameroon Multinational Highway from Enugu in Nigeria to Bamenda in Cameroun is also part of the Dakar-Lagos-MombasaKenya Trans-African Highway and this is the significance of this project”, the minister added.

internal factors instead of external, argued that, “No matter what the exchange rate is or how high the inflation factor is, people are still going to go for the foreign currency because that is the only currency they believe will retain.”

He explained that Nigeria’s economy over the years have depended on oil but that the fluctuation in the foreign exchange have never been commensurate with the fluctuation in the price of oil.

To address the issue, Abiola suggested that the country would have to increase its revenue base “by making sure that we stop all theft” and harness the potential of the informal sector.”

“Presently, we have an informal sector that is about 62 per cent of the formal and if we can get that sector into our economy, it will make a huge difference in our revenue base.”

To realise the objective, the presidential candidate emphasised the need to politicians to start by making a commitment to the people through the establishment of good governance, adding that the government of the day have to earn the trust of this sector, which has existed over the years on their own.

“We have about 84 per cent of employment from that sector that is not even in the formal sector alone and how do you bring that sector to account for taxes and revenue.

That is one thing that have to be addressed to realign our economic structure,” adding that, “We have to decide the philosophy of our

economy whether it has to be market driven or public.”

On the issue of power, he said his administration would look at the potential of each region with the intent of coming up with a solution of energy mix, explaining that areas with hydro potentials and capabilities would be encouraged to develop along that line, while areas with solar and renewable energy would also be supported.

He stated that the country would continue to depend on oil as long as it was still available but would have to devise a means of adding value to the nation’s in such a way that it would bring down the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

Abiola, who addressed the challenge of perennial flooding, blamed successive administration and government functionaries of lack of sincerity in tackling the issue, noting that the development of the country’s inland water ways, whose billions of naira was usually diverted into private pockets apart from addressing the flooding issues, has great potential for investment and re-energizing the country’s economy.

Another way he felt Nigerians could come out of poverty was the need to revisit the land use law so as to enable Nigerians take ownership of resources.

“Once you own assets, you create wealth,” he said, arguing that, to achieve this, true federalism must be embraced and to boot, the amendment of the Constitution.

AT ARISE PRESIDENTIAL TOWNHALL SERIES, CANDIDATES LAY OUT AGENDAS sector to the extent that captive power must play a very important role. We cannot all depend on the national grid. It's not possible. A lot of the private sector want to put their money in that industry. And we'll find that within a short time.

We'll be generating a lot of power.

“We are promising this nation that we are looking forward to 25,000 megawatts generation by the year 2030. The private sector has to lead the way but we will provide the enabling environment for us to get there. But we must also do something about that transmission lines, because that one is breaking continuously,” he noted.

His views on the energy crisis included the fact that, "We must liberalise the energy sector. All communities must not be on the national greed and the enabling environment must be created,” insisting that Atiku had the requisite experience to be president, because he had been vice-president for eight years.

KOLA ABIOLA Presidential candidate of the PRP, Kola Abiola, who was big on security, said there was a need to address the security architecture of the country in order to tackle the hydra-headed security problem confronting the country.

He decried the fact that the national security committee of the country had allegedly not sat since 1999, in spite of the deteriorating

security situation in the country.

Abiola described the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail that led to the death of about eight persons, while scores of others were kidnapped, and later released in batches.

Using the commotion that happened in the hall to explain away the larger problem, he said, "It's just one of many security problems we've had over the years. For me, it goes to show one of the problems that goes to show the larger problem we have. There's a need to go back and address our security defence architecture. Over the years, there's been a lot of talk about reviewing that.

"The fact of the matter is that, if I'm right, since 1999, the National Security Committee Council, has not sat for one day. And that is the body that governs dispassionately the security situation in Nigeria.

That body has not sat since 1999.

"It's always been us going out of our architecture to run defence and security and that's why the whole thing has collapsed till date. We need to go back and address that. We keep talking about faults in the system.

But the truth of the matter is, we have never actually implemented the system itself."

Abiola, scion of the late winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election, emphasised that the PRP would ensure that the eight-member National Security Committee Council sat to ensure proper coordination of security activities of the country.

He was of the opinion that to

end insecurity in the country, the security agencies must work together.

"Security is an issue that stems from leadership. Unfortunately, the office of the National Security Adviser is the most underutilised in this country today, as well as in this administration. We're not coordinating our security the way it ought to be done," he insisted, noting that while he agreed that the personnel were inadequate, the number of personnel presently in the army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence if put together would be about 850,000 or 900, 000, which if well-equipped could solve the insecurity in the country.

According to him, “Yes, we have a shortfall in security personnel, even in the military and the police. But really, if you think back and look at it, or you look at all the structures outside of the police, outside of the security systems, we have, if you pull them together, you have an immediate manpower in the short run.”

He decried the fact that Nigerians have lost faith in government, which led to the collapse of the security architecture in the country, saying he believed that next year's election would have the highest number of voters' turnout in the history of this country, because the two dominant parties had failed and would be voted out.

"And that's why we have three new parties basically, going against the two established parties. And those established parties, their days are numbered for sure. They don't have

to take their votes," Abiola stressed.

On economy, if elected, his government would stop subsidising consumption, but added that his government would rather subsidise mortgage, even as he condemned the fixed exchange rate that was twice the rate of the parallel market.

"Forex is a big problem. You can have the biggest of foreign exchange in Nigeria, which is the oil and could go up and down from time to time.

Like during the COVID-19, it was at the lowest but your exchange rate remained fixed.

“There's something wrong with that. You cannot have an exchange that is twice if not more the black, gray or white market or whatever you want to call it. There's something very wrong with that mechanism.

Something has to be done to deal with that," he said.

Abiola said the PRP was not here to share billions to people but to serve Nigerians by creating jobs and giving a level playing field to help create those jobs.

He pointed out that if the security problem in the country was not solved, nothing would work in Nigeria and nothing would give investors the confidence to invest in Nigeria.

Abiola noted: "We're going to create that environment. We are here to correct the falls from the old parties from the old generation to try to do differently for you.”

Abiola, who observed that Nigeria’s economic challenge could best be realigned by shifting focus on

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NEWS

MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP GROTTO DEDICATION…

L-R: Senior Adviser, Media and Communications to Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Mr. Horatius Egua; Auxilliary Bishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja Most Rev Anslem Umoren, and Catholic Priest, St Christopher’s Catholic Church, Games Village, Abuja, at the dedication of the Grotto of Mother of Perpetual Help in Abuja…recently

Two Pakistani Businessmen, Blind Nigerian, Others Arrested for Drug Trafficking MichaelOlugbodeinAbuja Operatives of the National Drug Law EnforcementAgency (NDLEA) have arrested two Pakistani

businessmen at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos with eight kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in a public address system while attempting to board

Tinubu Explains Absence at ARISETV Debate The All Progressives Congress debates and out of deference (APC) Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu failed to attend the Presidential Debate organised by ARISE TV yesterday in order avoid selective apprarances in TV networks.

This explanation was given by the Tinubu/Shettima Campain Council in a statement signed by Festus Keyamo.

According to the statement, “Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interests to host such

to other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances in some networks, whilst ignoring others. As President of Nigeria, by the Special Grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally.”

“Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Tinubu will not permit him to honour all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our decision for him not to start with one TV station and later ignore others.”

Thanks for Not Heating up the Polity, Ooni Applauds Journalists Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has applauded journalists across the country but particularly in Osun State, for not heating up the already tensed polity in the country.

Ogunwusi made the commendation over the weekend while playing host to the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, during the annual dinner tagged “An Evening with the Ooni.”

He said: “You all have proven via responsible journalism that you are nation builders and not alarmists, even in the face of intimidation and provocation, you have all stood your ground as patriotic Nigerians.

“I am aware of your unquantifiable efforts towards ending the recently called off industrial action embarked upon by the Association of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other trying times in our land. I wish to thank you immensely for these and I urge you to sustain this gesture.

‘Education is the Bedrock of any Nation’ IbrahimOyewaleinLokoja The Vice-Chancellor, Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Professor Alewo Johnson Akibo, has disclosed that education is the bedrock of any well-meaning nation, and should be pursued with all vigour and sense of seriousness towards stimulating growth and development.”

Professor Akubo made this known in a statement issued by the university Registrar, Dr. Emmanuel Adejoh, in his office in Lokoja at weekend.He explained that Salem University would strive to continue to remain a citadel of learning to

the teeming youths both within and outside Nigeria, to help them discover and fulfill their divined destinies for the good of humanity.

The statement also disclosed that Salem University has mobilised 36 graduates for the mandatory one-year Law School before their National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

Okubo said that the 36 graduands were the first set of the institution’s Law College that has passed out successfully, and were qualified to move to the last lap of their studies to become competent and qualified lawyers.

a Qatar Airways flight to Lahole, Pakistan via Doha.

A press statement yesterday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said the two suspects: Asif Muhammed, 45 and Hussain Naveed, 57, who hold Nigerian residence permits suspected to be fake, are frequent travelers to

Nigeria under the guise of doing textile business.

He said they were arrested last Saturday at the Lagos airport barely a week after they came to Nigeria on 30th October.

He said operatives at the SAHCO import shed of the airport on Friday seized 13 cartons of tramadol 225mg

and 200mg imported from Karachi, Pakistan. The consignment has a total weight of 465.1 kilogrammes and 642,800 pills of the pharmaceutical opioid.

He said the previous day, last Thursday operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the airport also intercepted a consignment

of different illicit drugs: cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine as well as tramadol 225mg and Rohyphnol concealed in footwears and soap packs going to UAE, Dubai. A 32-year-old Oladitan Olufunmilayo who presented the consignment for export was arrested.

Police Warn against Campaign of Calumny, Destructing Billboards in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, CP. Olatoye Durosinmi, has cautioned political stakeholders and saboteurs in the state to refrain from campaign of calumny, destruction and defacing of opponents billboards and posters or face the wrath of the law.

Durosinmi, in a statement

issued yesterday, said that it is worrisome at the attitude of some political stakeholders, especially as it pertains to the 2023 general elections campaigns.

He said: “Some unscrupulous persons have left the acceptable norms of politics and are now involved in campaigns of calumny, destruction and defacing of opponents Billboards and Posters.”

The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP. Odiko MacDon, noted that the development was not a true reflection of what acceptable democratic tenets stands for.

The trend, the CP stressed, cannot be allowed to become a new normal.

MacDon said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the

Commissioner of Police has set up a special monitoring team, saddled with the responsibilities of identifying, arresting and prosecuting those behind these undemocratic acts.

“The CP, has however, assured all political parties and stakeholders of a level playing ground and has warned those involved in these acts of political sabotage to desist forthwith.”

Ilana Omo Oodua Condemns Attack on Military in Ogun

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The umbrella body of Yoruba nation self-determination struggle, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, yesterday condemned the attack on the military by some people said to be agitating for the creation of Yoruba nation in Ado/Odo Ota, Ogun-State, last Friday.

The body, under the leadership of a renowned Historian, Prof.

Banji Akintoye, said that those who attacked the military were unknown to the leadership of the organization.

Akintoye stated that the body was never consulted nor involved in the planning and execution of the rally.

The group, in a statement by its General Secretary, Dr. Olatunde Amusat, said that there was the likelihood that the violent attack

on the military vehicles and personnel, which is against the modicum of its operation and Yoruba nation self-determination agitators, was sponsored by some reactionary elements to tarnish the image of the Yoruba movement for liberation.

Amusat said: “It has come to our notice that the violent conduct of some people who claimed to be Yoruba nation agitators who

attacked the vehicle and personnel of the Nigeria military during their protest on Friday at Ado/ Odo Ota, Ogun-State.

“We want to state very expressly that we condemn the action of the attackers and we dissociate ourselves from their action. Ilana Omo Oodua stands for a peaceful agitation and violence has never been part of our history.

42 APC Support Groups Complain of Marginalisation in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

As the presidential campaign train of the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima storms Minna today, their 42 supports groups have complained of marginalisation in the plan for the programme.

The support groups include the Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Vanguard (BATV) the oldest of the organisations.

According to a very reliable source, neither the state government nor the APC has informed the groups of planned visit and the role they are to play during the building up to and campaign proper.

It was also gathered that a member of the Presidential Campaign Committee who heads all the support groups is also

not aware of the proposed rally.

According to the findings, no adequate preparation has been made for the rally by way of erection of large campaign bill boards, advertisement and jingles on radio and television as well as the general mobilisation of party supporters in the state ahead of the rally.

“It appears some people wants the rally to flop that is why they are showing nonchalant attitude

to it” one of the leaders of the support groups said.

It was learnt that the support groups are, however, planning to make sure the candidate Tinubu is aware of the plot by the government and the APC as a party in the state.

“We may carry placards and position ourselves well to ensure our message is delivered to Senator Tinubu when he arrives Minna”

NASENI Pledges to Revolutionise Nigeria’s Agric Sector The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof.

Mohammed Haruna said that the agency is trying to revolutionise agriculture in the country so as to guarantee food security.

Haruna stated this in while conducting the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari

round the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The institute, which is for the North-central is currently under construction by NASENI. According to him, three countries, namely Czech Republic, the Hashmite Kingdom of Jordan and Italy, are to partner with Nigeria’s

agriculture on food transitivity and some Greenhouse implementation.

In his address, NASENI EVC said the agency was focusing on how Nigeria will transit from community based economy to a manufacturing economy.

He said the agency’s inventions and technology tools will be applied to all aspects of our socio-economic endeavours.

He said: “NASENI is collaborating with partners from Hashmite Kingdom of Jordan, Czech Republic and Italy to equip this Institute and the other five Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute with state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facilities targeting the best and the highest technology in the world.

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NEWS XTRA

ALL FOR FOOD SECURITY…

The Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Haruna(left); and the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, during the inspection of the project site of the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia, Nasarawa State…recently

CSOs: Nigeria’s Public Procurement Policy Secretive, Defective Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has lamented the alleged mindboggling corruption being perpetrated by Nigerian leaders

despite the enactment of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and Freedom of Information Act 2011.

The coalition revealed that the policy has been ineffective and corruption-ridden, owing

Delta PDP Guber Aspirant, Edevbie, Appreciates Supporters The runner-up in the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries, Olorogun David Edevbie has appreciated his campaign structure and teeming supporters for keeping faith with him throughout the period of his legal battle till date, despite unfavourable court judgments from the Appeal and Supreme Courts.

Edevbie, who gave the commendation at Afiesere, Delta State, described his campaign structure as a team of very reliable politicians who believe in the modernization of the state, which only a qualified

development economists like him can make possible.

He told his think tank members, the federal constituency, senatorial, local govt area coordinators and their ward counterparts, as well as directors in his campaign structure to remain high in the spirit as the struggle has just begun.

He urged all his teeming supporters to remain united and speak with one voice to enable them get the best deal in the ongoing political process.

He said the right decision that will benefit him and his team would be taken at the appropriate time.

to the lack of transparency and improper provision of data to the public on contracts being awarded by elected and appointed officials of governments.

Despite the defectiveness in its implementation, the coalition praised Edo, Plateau and Ekiti States for raising the bar of compliance, describing it as providing a ray of hope that Nigeria will get it right.

A consultant with an Abujabased NGO, Public Private Development Centre (PPDC), Mr. Onyekachi Chukwu, stated this in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, at a four-day 2022 Hackcorruption workshop jointly organised by Accountability Lab, Open Contracting Partnership(OCP), and United Nations Development Programme(UNDP).

Speaking on ‘Improving

Accountability in Public Procurement’, Chukwu: said the enactment of domesticated FoI Law and Public Procurement Law had failed to stem the tide of corruption in contract awards and other procurements being undertaken in the public sector.

The PPDC Consultant added that contract awards and public procurements at every cadre of the public sector in Nigeria were being shrouded in secrecy and

sparingly complied with despite the promulgation of the Acts by the National Assembly and their domestications by the 36 states.

He said: “Public procurement is one of the most important aspects of governance. It is involved in everything the government does, and that was why each state has a Bureau of Public Procurement to vet whatever purchase government is making to check corruption.

THISDAY Correspondent Wins NAICOM’s Award of Excellence

James Emejo in Abuja

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has conferred its maiden Award of Excellence in Insurance Sector reporting on THISDAY Newspapers’ journalist, Mrs. Ebere Nwoji.

The commission said her analysis and features writing monitored over a period of time have added depth to insurance reportage and helped improve

insurance education in the country.

Nwoji was honoured during the commission’s annual training programme for journalists, which was held last weekend in Lagos.

It specifically noted that Nwoji’s critical analysis of issues and trends in insurance sector remains remarkable and unparalleled.

Speaking while presenting her with the award, the

Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive, NAICOM, Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas, said her features articles had not only helped to educate the public on policies, developments and challenges in the country’s insurance sector, but also assisted to deepen insurance penetration and kept the practitioners on their toes to embrace modifications in line with international best practices.

While applauding Nwoji for her painstaking efforts and dedication to ensure fairness and balance through research as reflected in her writings, he assured Nigerians that the award would be held annually going forward.

Thomas also urged all insurance reporters to emulate the exemplary disposition of the THISDAY correspondent in educating the public on insurance matters.

Rules out Payment of Ransom for Abducted Citizens COP27: FG, Oando to Lead Special Katsina payment of ransom for national in the state, urged families of N250 million as ransom.

Francis SardaunainKatsina which could lead to abducted victims to desist from A resident of the community, Dialogues at Nigerian Pavilion Citing grave implications of paying security, anarchy as the hoodlums use paying ransom to the hoodlums. Nura Sada, told THISDAY that:

PeterUzoho

Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy subsidiary of Oando Plc and a couple of federal government’s ministries and agencies would lead two strategic dialogues at the Nigerian Pavilion at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) at Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.

While OCEL attends the programme from the private sector side, it would be partnering the federal government’s delegation which includes the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Niger Delta

Affairs, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), and Stratus Consult Limited.

The COP27, with the theme: “Delivering for People and the Planet”, would play host to more than 45,000 registered participants representing parties, the UN, regional non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, businesses, the scientific community, local communities as well as civil society to jointly enhance and accelerate the implementation of climate action and follow up on collective commitments and pledges.

Edeoga: Labour Party ‘ll Reverse Infrastructural Decay in Enugu The gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Chijoke Jonathan Edeoga, has pledged to address the infrastructural decay in the state if elected into power in the forthcoming general elections.

He berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government for paying lip service to issues of development in Enugu State, adding that Labour party would liberate the state from the maladministration

of the party.

Spokesman of the gubernatorial candidate in Enugu, Tai Agbo said Edeoga was addressing the people of Enugu North in Nsukka during the flag off of the zonal rally of the party.

The LP governorship candidate, he said, promised to rebrand Enugu State and rescue it from the 23 years of economic strangulation by the PDP’s bad governance.

ransom to bandits and kidnappers, the Katsina State Government has ruled out the payment of ransom to criminals to secure the release of abducted citizens of the state who are in their captivity.

The government expressed worry over the implication of

proceeds gotten to purchase weapons and continue to unleash terror on innocent citizens.

The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Bello Masari on Security Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Katsina, while reacting to the resurgence of kidnap-for-ransom

Bandits had in September this year attacked Bakiyawa community in Batagarawa Local Government Area of the state where they abducted 48 people, including 28 married women and young ladies.

The victims are still in captivity, and the bandits are demanding

“They (bandits) said we must pay N250 million as ransom before they can release our people. Where can we get such a huge amount of money after they have completely rustled our animals and carted away goods worth millions of naira from our shops?”

Edo, German Agency Partner to Harmonise Incentives for Businesses Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

In order to make Edo state a preferred destination for investment, the state government in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has put in place a harmonised incentive package to attract would be investors to the state.

Speaking at the Pro Poor

Promotion Growth and Employment in Nigeria, programme validation workshop on the compendium of investment incentive in the state held at the weekend in Benin City, Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office, Kevin Uwaibi, said having a harmonised incentives package was apt.

“We do have incentives but what we are doing today with the

MDAs is to be able to harmonise the incentives and ensure that they are properly documented.

“We have seen that the state is attracting a lot of investors, so we want to categorise the incentives we have for businesses so that they can easily be accessed,” he said.

Uwaibi added that the aim of the workshop was to have a one stop shop that would

attend to investors instead of them going from one MDA to another.

On her part, Edo Coordinator, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)- Pro Poor Promotion Growth and Employment in Nigeria SEDIN programme, Blessing Ajimoti, said that incentives help to attract private sector investment to a state.

Group Decries High Level of Child Abuse in Anambra David-ChyddyElekein Awka A non-governmental organization( NGO), Save and Secure the Child Initiative (SASCI), has decried the alleged high level of child abuse in Anambra State.

The group stated this during its 2022 scholarship programme held at Paul University, Awka, the state

capital, at the weekend, saying it is currently handling huge cases of molestation and defilement against underage children.

The state Principal of the group, Mr. Kingsley Obi, said the group, which is established to ensure justice for abused children has gone a notch higher to establish a scholarship programme for children whose

parents cannot afford school fees.

According to him, “Since the establishment of this group, we have been helping abused children to the level of even dragging some people to court on their behalf. They are people who have defiled children, who we are still in court with today.

It is now very high in our society, and that is not good.

“Some are house helps who are abused by their benefactors or caregivers, some are children of neighbours, abused by their neighbours or their children, but what we now did is that we felt that helping children like that to go to school would be good, so we started this scholarship scheme, which is a yearly affair.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022

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BACKPAGE CONTINUATION 14,000 HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE Sokoto State Students Association when we were students, we once visited the late Emir of Gwandu Haruna al-Rashid. He said to us, “Before a person does anything, he should think, think deeply, and then seek advice. That is because however much you think, you will not see a certain angle to an issue but another person will immediately see it because of his experience in life.”

If two heads are better than one, by logical extension, 14,000 heads are better than two heads and Governor Wike will get a huge quantity of advice from all his advisers. My only worry is the logistics of it. A meeting with 14,000 advisers must he held in a stadium or at least, at the convocation theatre of the University of Port Harcourt. When you assemble so many people in one place and seek their advice, there is something called cacophony, a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds when too many people are saying too many things at the same time. There is also such a thing as playing to the gallery.

Many of the advisers could take their cue from Governor Wike, who resorts to singing, dancing and gyrating whenever he sees a crowd. It is not for nothing that the best deliberations and the most quality advice usually emanates from small councils of people, not from rallies. Therefore, two heads are better than one if the heads are not more than a certain number!

Wike has only seven months left to serve as governor. Chances are he will never meet face to face with some of the 14,000 advisers, will never know what they are thinking and will never benefit from their advice. Which is probably just as well because many of them have no advice to offer. Since the governor himself said the appointment is meant to put food in their stomachs, they will be preoccupied with trying to make the best out of it in the seven months available. There is almost no public servant in Nigeria who is satisfied with his salary, so these advisers will cost Rivers State Treasury much more than their salaries. Memos will soon be flying around as they seek more money for travel, equipment and “to discharge their duties.”

Will Nyesom Wike even listen to them?

There was this story in the Second Republic, that GNPP leader Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim ran into Dr. Bala Mohammed at an airport, and he was introduced to him as Political Adviser to Kano State Governor Mohammed Abubakar Rimi. Waziri bluntly told Bala, “You have no work!” Reminded that he was Rimi’s Political Adviser, Waziri said, “Rimi does not listen to advice!” Even though he holds many meetings in London, does it look like Wike listens to advice?

Then there are the 200,000 special assistants, ward and local government officers. The 1979

Constitution, of which the 1999 Constitution is a clone, did not envisage that Federal Government will have any structure other than the state government to inform and help it at the state level. In any case, Federal Government ministries and agencies have numerous offices in every state. So, it was quite controversial in 1980 when President Shagari proposed to appoint Presidential Liaison Officers [PLOs] in every state, to help “coordinate” the work of federal agencies. The controversy was enhanced when many of the PLOs he appointed were defeated governorship candidates of his NPN party.

In the same vein, Governor Wike already has the unmitigated help and assistance of all the local government chairmen and councilors in Rivers State in any ward or polling unit. The biggest institutional sick babies of the 1999 Constitution are the State Independent Electoral Commissions. Wherever they conducted LG elections, the party in power in that state won everything, with one or two exceptions. In some states, governors do not even bother to hold LG elections but appoint their own persons as caretaker chairmen and councilors. With that kind of facility, in addition to political party structures reaching all the way down to every ward and village, what assistants do you need again?

Wike was however not the first governor in

Nigeria to install an unbeatable election-winning grassroots organization. Governor Ibrahim Saminu Turaki once set up a five-member committee per each polling unit in Jigawa State, through which he disbursed a monthly grant. This matter came up for discussion one day in 2007 when President Umaru Yar’adua hosted 5 of us to lunch on a Sunday afternoon, just before he did a live television chat [probably the only one he did].

He was asked about the Turaki formula, and he said, “With that kind of system on ground, who can defeat you in an election?” It means with 200,000 Treasury-paid agents manning the wards and polling units for Wike, who can defeat him in any election?

Governor Wike’s impulsive, expensive and extra-budgetary creation of hundreds of thousands of offices however calls for a national soul search on how to curb excesses of state governors. The Constitution expected state assemblies to do that but they are mostly asleep. If other outgoing and incoming governors see the electoral value of what Wike did to their own personal political goals, many of them will replicate it, at the expense of responsible governance. This thing called “stomach infrastructure,” first popularised by then Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose in 2014. What happened to the old wisdom that it is better to teach a person to fish than to give him fish?

HOPE HARRIMAN: PRINCE OF THE NIGER DELTA IN MEMORIAM was transferred to Ghana. After Leonard’s transfer, Leslie and Hope were thereafter, principally brought up by their maternal grandmotherOmayeli.

Hope, instead of the popular Government School, Warri, that was founded in 1903, attended Roman Catholic Primary School in Warri. The school was certainly below the standard of the Government school, but he made an impressive performance in his Primary school education, which gave him an instant admission, to the popular Government College Ibadan in 1947.

He was in Government College Ibadan, between 1947 and 1952, with school Number 499 and in the Grier House.

His senior brother Leslie, who had become Nigeria’s foremost Diplomat and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, had earlier been admitted to the Government College, Ibadan, he proceeded to the University College Ibadan to study Zoology and obtained a Post Graduate Degree at the Prestigious Oxford University, United Kingdom. In Ibadan, Leslie was a co-founder of the Pyrates confraternity, with the likes of Wole Soyinka and Olumuyiwa Awe. On his way to Ibadan, in January 1947, his journey from Warri to Ibadan, was a three-day journey, with midnight stopovers in Benin and Osogbo Railway station. His grandmother- Madam Omayeli, gave him 2 Shillings, for the long trip.

The Train from Osogbo, arrived in the morning of the following day, with Hope Harriman, entering the city of Ibadan for the very first time.

The Ibadan Train station, was opened in 1901.

From the Arrival Hall, Hope felt so important, that he was going to attend the prestigious Government College Ibadan. He saw a white man and he approached him, and boisterously asked him-“are you waiting here to pick Hope Harriman from Warri!?,a new student of Government College Ibadan!?”, the white man in an undisguised anger, looked at Hope from head to toe, and walked away.

He could still not fathom this insolence, garrulity, self-confidence and audacity. Hope, walked out of the Train Station, with his Iron box luggage on his head, on a four-kilometre trek to Apata Ganga.

On the way, before Government College, he saw Moor plantation and the luscious buildings and environment, and told himself, that it was probably the best sight in the whole World!

Moor plantation was established by the colonial government in 1899, and became an experimental Agricultural station in 1905.

He arrived Government College Ibadan, to begin a five-year training in one of Nigeria’s three Government Colleges- Kings’ College Lagos, Government College Umuahia and Government College Ibadan, that was established on the 28th of February 1929, as a boys’ secondary school, on the Hills of Apata Ganga, in Ibadan.

Hope’s uncle- Begho, had become a student of GCI in 1932, in fact at that time, the Itsekiri people were so brilliant that 7 out of 24 boys admitted to GCI, were from Warri (the homeland of the Itsekiripeople).

Hope was the first student pupil of Roman Catholic Primary School, Warri, to pass the Common Entrance to Government College, Ibadan.

In Government College, Hope was a little bit rascally. According to Hope Harriman- “I can recall that one day, we decided that someone should volunteer to touch the breast of one of the female English Language Teachers. It was

Harriman Adeyemo, who volunteered to do so. After the English Language lesson, Adeyemo stepped forward and touched the Teacher’s breast, claiming he was helping to drive mosquito from her nipples. She was a very elegant woman.

I cannot remember her name now. I do not need to tell you that Adeyemo’s act was an embarrassment to the Teacher. This was one of the pranks we used to play on our teachers then.

And of course, there was Miss Braithwaite who had a Master of Science degree from Manchester in U.K. She eventually got married to one Mr. Braithwaite from Moor Plantation. She always dressed like a scientist and in doing that, a bit of her underfrock was always exposed and made visible and we called her biology lesson, film show. I don’t know who christened it film show. But then, boys will be boys.”

After Hope Harriman’s Secondary education in Ibadan, he moved to Lagos, where he worked in various government departments, as a clerk.

In 1955, he was admitted to Christ College, Cambridge University and graduated in 1958, with a bachelor’s degree in Land Economy, after an early stint at the Northwestern Polytechnic, London. After a brief sojourn in Stevenage, United Kingdom, he returned home to practice his craft, as a pioneer professional in Estate Management, in post-independence Nigeria.

In London, the Western Region of Nigeria, had given him employment as Estate Surveyor, Valuer and Developer at the newly created Bodija Housing Estate, of the Western Nigeria Housing Corporation, from where he was later transferred to develop Ikeja Industrial and Housing Estate, under the auspices of the then Western Nigeria Housing Corporation. Bodija Housing Estate, the first of its kind in Nigeria, was established by the Obafemi Awolowo government in 1958.

Hope was later to join the LEDB-Lagos Executive Development Board. The LEDB was established by the colonial government in 1928, with the legal instrument tagged- the Town Planning Ordinance (CAP 95) of 1928, which declared Lagos as a planned city,with a major mandate, to build, rent and sell houses to low-medium and high-income families in Lagos.

Olayinka KingPaul, was the first Executive

Secretary of the Lagos Executive Development Board. Between 1955 and 1972, when the LEDB was transformed to the LSPDC-Lagos State Property Development Corporation, it had built 4,500 houses. It had developed Dolphin Estate, Falomo Shopping Complex and multifamily apartments in Victoria Island, Surulere, Abesan, Apapa and Isolo.

The Surulere Estate was developed to relocate residents affected by LEDB’s swamp clearance in Lagos Island.

In all of these activities, Hope Harriman was deeply and thickly involved as a Project Manager, town developer and administrator. He contributed greatly to Lagos Urban development at the LEDB and became a pioneer President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, between 1969 and 1975.

The profession of Estate Management, started in the wake of Colonialism in Nigeria, with F.G Gleave- an expatriate, being a first known Estate firm in 1955. The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers was founded in 1969,

by Hope Harriman, alongside a few qualified general practice surveyors, who were mostly trained in the United Kingdom. The institution was recognised by the Federal Government, by the enactment of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Decree No. 25 of 1975.

Its first Annual General Meeting, was held in Ibadan in the year 1969, under the leadership of Hope Harriman. Hope left the services of the Lagos Executive Development Board, to establish Harriman & Co, Charted Surveyors, in 1969.

Harriman was widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities in the practice and development of the Estate Management profession, in Nigeria and beyond. He was a fellow of the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors and Nigerian Institute of Management.

In the corporate world, Hope was Board Member and Chairman of numerous companiesChairman- Niger-Benue Transport & Co Ltd, Warri, Chairman- Marine Factors Nigeria Ltd; Chairman- F.G, Spiropoulos & Co Ltd, Director and later, Chairman- West African milk & Co Ltd, for 31 years. Director- International Beer and Beverages Industries Nigeria Ltd, Kaduna,

and Chairman- Nigerian Development and Construction Co Ltd, amongst several other corporate responsibilities. He was also Director of Mobil Oil Nigeria.

In the social cycle, Hope was a member of the Metropolitan Club, Lagos, the Island club, Ikoyi club, Lagos, Lagos Motorboat Club, Lagos, Ikeja Tennis Club, member, united Oxford and Cambridge club and held the traditional title of Sobaloju of Ife, Akogun of Oke Imesi among several other titles.

Harriman’s place of birth-Ugborodo in the the Escravos, the host community of Chevron, is a key centre of Nigeria’s crude oil, natural gas production, and Petroleum refining.

Harriman was widely travelled and had been to every part of the World, before his demise in November 2012.

He was a prominent member of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, following the footsteps of the likes of O.N Rewane, Begho, Alfred Rewane, Arthur Prest, and a great number of Itsekiri nationalists and path finders.

He was Chairman of Delta State People’s Elders Council. He was a fine man, that represented a typical Itsekiri Chief and Niger Delta Leader, always with a walking stick, large hat, that was always complimented with a broad smile.

Harriman was a gentleman and good citizen.

He was a role model in costume and elegance.

He was the epitome of wellness and grandeur.

He was tall, shimmering and stately, that one could easily be hypnotised by his presence.

He was a man without boundaries, for the love of Nigeria and humanity, and he also strove for the peace and unity of Delta State, throughout his lifetime.

Complimentarily, his daughter- Hon. Temiyemi Harriman- a Barrister and Solicitor was one of the few lawmakers in the House of Representatives, in 2007, who refused to receive the filthy lucre money, to support a third term bid.

Hope married Irene Ogedegbe, an Itsekiri lady, also of mixed birth in 1962, and begat 4 children- Temi, Tuoyo, Ete and Bawo.

Wealth usually comes with women, and other women came and had children for him. Irene Harriman was Nigeria’s first verbatim reporter-a specialised secretarial cadre in 1957, with Mrs. Mosun Adesanya, who later became a lawyer.

Irene, as a senior verbatim reporter at the National Assembly, Lagos, from 1957, held a front row position in the workings of the parliament and the government.

According to Irene, she was a part of the Balewa visit to the United States in 1961, to address a joint session, of the United States Congress, on the invitation of the United States President- John Kennedy.

Balewa’s speech, delivered in his sonorous voice, which drew Congress men to their feet, was prepared by Irene Harriman, during their stopover in London.

May the soul of Hope Harriman, doyen of Estate practice in Nigeria, statesman, community leader, philanthropist, captain of business and industry, foremost Prince of the Niger Delta, who joined the saints triumphant on the 7th of November 2012, continue to find peaceful repose with the Lord.

•Hon. (Barr.) Femi Kehinde, Principal Partner, Femi Kehinde and Co (Barristers and Solicitors) & Former Member, House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja, Representing Ayedire/ Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State (1999-2003).

47

MONDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Moffi's Ninth Goal Fails to Stop PSG Going Five Points Clear

Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles forward, Terem Moffi, scored his ninth goal of the season in the French Ligue 1 yesterday afternoon for FC Lorient but it was not enough to stop champions PSG from picking all three points to extend their lead to five points clear.

The Nigerian international gave Lorient the hope of having a share of the spoil when he grabbed a

FRENCH LIGUE 1 53rd minute equaliser for the home team. Brazilian super star Neymar gave PSG the lead after just nine minutes.

Moffi’s goal was a superb solo drive as he dashed through several markers before he rifled home with his favoured left foot.

He has now scored a goal more than what he chalked up all of last

season with just 14 games played so far this term.

Danilo Pereira however snatched the winner for the French capital club with just nines to go.

While PSG now have 38 points from 14 games, Lorient have slipped to fourth on the table with 27 points from same number of matches after a second

straight loss.

Lens on 33 points are second with Rennes third on 28 points.

Elsewhere in the French topflight, another Super Eagles

player, Moses Simon was on the losing side as Nantes lost 1-0 away at Reims. Nantes have a miserable 12 points from 14 games and are 16th on the log.

Olise’s Injury-time Goal Gives Crystal Palace First Away Win Nigerian-born Michael Olise's dramatic injury-time goal gave Crystal Palace a first Premier League away win of the season as they beat West Ham 2-1 yesterday.

Olise, born in England to a Nigerian father and FrenchAlgerian mother, and is eligible to represent France, Algeria, England or Nigeria internationally.

And yesterday evening, with practically the last kick of the game he curled in a shot from the edge of the box which took a huge deflection off Aaron Cresswell and flew into the top corner.

The result ended West Ham's six-game winning home run in all competitions. This was the first time they dropped points at home since August.

West Ham led when Said

Benrahma marked his 100th appearance for the club with a powerful strike from outside the box.

That goal came slightly against the run of play, but Wilfried Zaha drilled in an equaliser for Palace after good work from Eberechi Eze. The Hammers were awarded a penalty with 10 minutes to go with Marc Guehi making minimal contact with Michail Antonio - although that decision was overturned after a video assistant referee review.

Antonio wasted a good attack late on when his poor cross was caught by Vicente Guaita and seconds later Olise won the game for Palace.

Patrick Vieira's Palace are ninth, five points above West Ham in 15th.

...Gabriel Fires Arsenal Back to the Summit at Chelsea Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table as Gabriel's close-range finish gave them victory away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Gabriel pounced to steer the ball over the line in the 63rd minute, after the hosts failed to deal with Bukayo Sako's corner from the right wing, to give the Gunners a deserved lead.

They had created the best chances when it was goalless but Gabriel Martinelli curled a shot over the crossbar and Gabriel Jesus failed to hit the target with a diving header when unmarked.

Chelsea, with ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to make an impact against his former side, struggled to create clear-cut chances and are now without a win in four Premier League matches.

Arsenal lost top spot on Saturday when 10-man Manchester City beat Fulham 2-1 thanks to Erling Haaland's winning penalty in the fifth minute of injury time, but this win takes them two points clear of Pep Guardiola's side after 13 matches.

Bayelsa Queens Hit Semis, Face Morocco’s AS FAR CAF WOMEN’S LEAGUE Bayelsa Queens became the first Nigerian team to reach the Last Four stage of the CAF Women’s Champions League following their 3-0 defeat of hosts Morocco’s Wadi Degla last night.

Now, the Nigerian champions are to face hosts AS FAR Ladies in the semi final on Wednesday.

FAR men have been the nemesis of Nigeria’s men’s teams in continental club engagements over the years.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies who handed out the only group defeat to Bayelsa Queens were equally ruthless in dispatching TP Mazembe Ladies 4-0 to also book their place in the semi finals.

In the game played inside the beautiful Prince Herities

Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Juliet Sunday put Bayelsa Ahead in the eight minute before Mercy Itimi added two more goal.

Itimi expectedly emerged the Most Valuable Player of the encounter.

The Nigerian champions began the league with a 2-1 loss to defending Champions Mamelodi Sundowns and then bounced back to win their next game against TP Mazembe 2-0 before handing out the 3-0 defeat to Degla last night.

They finished Group B as runners up behind Sundowns Ladies on six points while the South Africans have maximum nine points. Mazembe are third on three pints while Degla finished last with no point.

Terem Moffi (left) scored his ninth goal of the season against PSG... yesterday

KASU Wins Maiden Kaduna Metro Institutions Sports Festival Kaduna State University (KASU), with a total of four gold, three silver and two bronze medals have emerged champions of the maiden edition of Kaduna Metropolitan Tertiary Institutions Sports Festival, which ended at the Sports Centre of Greenfield University City Campus, Kudenda, Kaduna on Saturday night.

Hard-fighting Kaduna Polytechnic (Kadpoly), lost narrowly to KASU, after playing 1-1 draw at full time in an explosive male soccer encounter on the final day of the three-day event Kadpoly settled for second position with four gold and two silver medals, in spite of not fielding athletes in all events.

Third position was won by the colourful Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), which stood out as the best kitted team after they picked three gold, five silver and four bronze medals.

Hosts Greenfield University, settled for the fourth spot on the medals table, with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals, in spite of being the team with the youngest players.

Speaking on the sidelines of the closing ceremony, Pro Chancellor of Greenfield University, Engineer Simon Nwakacha (Onwa of Umueri), said that the competition was smooth without hitches.

"It has gone very well, the

Kaduna State University players and officials celebrating winning the Kaduna Metropolitan Tertiary Institutions Sport Festival...at the weekend facilities are beautiful, they are world-class," he said.

When asked if the next edition would be expanded to accommodate tertiary institutions in Kaduna State, he said the decision solely lies with the organisers.

"For the next edition, it is left for organisers to determine if to expand it to cover entire state or not. But we must appreciate the importance of sports to

individual, community and national development.

"Some of these national problems being faced could be solved through such competitions by keep youth busy. I want to ask the Federal Government, states and pubic spirited individuals to key into such events.

He recalled the many benefits inherent in participating in sports.

"Sports can promote our country's image. For instance,

when Tobi Amusan broke the world record, she did Nigeria proud," he stressed with pride.

Vice Chancellor of Greenfield University, Professor Simon Katung said that the success of the maiden metropolitan sports festival is a morale booster.

He thanked all who made it a reality, singling out the participating institutions and athletes, for putting up excellent performance.

Okowa Imports 'Birmingham 2022 Tartan Track’ for NSF in Asaba To give Delta 2022 National Sports Festival the best it deserves, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has imported the same type of tartan track used at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England to be installed at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

The 21st National Sports Festival tagged Delta 2022 will go ahead as scheduled from November 28 to December 10.

A joint technical meeting involving the Main Organising

Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other stakeholders of the event was held in Asaba on Friday, where the participants, including Sports Minister, Sunday Dare took a tour of the facilities.

A member of the LOC said yesterday that the new tartan track to be installed at the Stephen Keshi Stadium has arrived in the country.

"In 2018 when Delta State hosted the Senior African Athletics

Championship, a new tartan track was installed at the Stephen Keshi Stadium but the athletes complained that it was not smooth enough. Now, Governor Okowa does not want any form of complain. He has imported the same type and quality of tartan track used for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England. “I am sure our athletes will set more national records when Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, begins,” observed the

LOC official at the weekend.

Apart from the re-laying of the tartan track at that Stephen Keshi Stadium, Governor Okowa is putting in place two brand new indoor sports halls for the Games, just as the old indoor hall is being renovated.

A brand new swimming pool is also being build within the stadium complex, while hostel facilities are being built in some schools for the 21th National Sports Festival.

TR

Monday, November 7, 2022

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MISSILE Banji Akintoye to Tinubu “The world is watching you. Our history will judge that at a time when our nation needs to stand up and defend itself, you started to bring up an agenda. A personal agenda of your own before them...asking us to vote for you. We will not vote for you.

Whether it is for the Presidency or the Senate or House of Reps or whatever, we will not vote for you” – Leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, Prof. Banji Akintoye, faults Tinubu’s lifelong ambition to be president.

MAHMUDJEGA VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

14,000 Heads are Better Than One G overnors all over this country must be green with envy at the quantity of advice that Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is getting from his very large retinue of advisers. Not only advice; the quantity of assistance that Wike gets in the implementation of his policies from his stadium-sized army of assistants must be the envy of every other governor in Nigeria.

On October 11, this year, newspapers splashed the story that Governor Wike appointed 14,000 special advisers, 319 Ward Liaison Officers and 40 Local Government Area Liaison Officers.

Wike’s Media Assistant Kelvin Ebiri said “the advisers will play a pivotal role in the administration.” Twenty-four hours later, another story splashed that Wike appointed 28,000 Special Assistants for political units.

Three weeks later, Wike increased the number of special assistants to 100,000, nearly thrice the capacity of Port Harcourt’s Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. And while swearing them in last Friday, Wike announced that he was doubling the number to 200,000. This was because, he said, his inbox “nearly crashed” due to petitions from other Rivers State people who are “willing to serve” because “the work is too much” for 100,000 assistants.

Willing to serve? Willing to chop is more like it. Wike himself said at last Friday’s

Wike inauguration that he made the appointments in order to put food in the appointees’ stomachs.

He said it was in fulfillment of a promise

he made to “begin to implement a policy of stomach infrastructure of putting money in the pockets of Rivers people.” He added, “I am using Rivers money to put food on the table of Rivers people, so why should that be anybody’s problem? Is there anything wrong in using your money to put food in your stomach?” There is none, except that many things are definitionally, historically, politically, administratively and legally jumbled up here, including the meaning of advisers, the meaning of assistants, quantity of advice, quality of advice, timing of advice, channel of advice, fulfillment of promise and meaning of stomach infrastructure.

We probably didn’t have an institution of Special Advisers in the First Republic. The 1979 Constitution first introduced them, however stating that the President and governors must seek legislative approval for the number of advisers they can appoint. President Shehu Shagari sought National Assembly approval to appoint 15 advisers but it approved ten, of which he assigned three to Vice President Alex Ekwueme. Although the National Assembly approved 15 Special Advisers for President Buhari in 2015, he left most of the posts unfilled. To each man his style. These 14,000 Special Advisers that Wike appointed, did the Rivers State Assembly approve the number? If

it didn’t, then it was illegal and if it did, then the Assembly is worse than a rubber stamp.

If the Finance Ministry pays them without a State Assembly resolution approving the number, did the State Auditor General query it, as auditors used to do in times past?

In this Republic, proliferation of Special Advisers and Assistants began as the 2003 elections approached. I know a man who was appointed along with two dozen others as a Special Assistant in 2003. At first they were not assigned any portfolios. When they pressed for it, the Secretary to the State Government issued a circular assigning to them some portfolios.

Insofar as those were the same portfolios assigned to commissioners, they sought further clarification from the SSG. He told them to report to the respective ministries. When they went there, they asked for their offices but there were none. The SSG then issued another circular and said they should work from their homes. Has Wike got offices and portfolios for his 14,000 advisers and 200,000 assistants, or are they to work from boats moored in the Rivers creeks?

There is this saying that two heads are better than one, which underlines the importance of seeking advice. As officials of the old Continued on page 46

FEMIKEHINDE GUEST COLUMNIST

Hope Harriman: Prince of the Niger Delta in Memoriam

I

n our society, with very short memory, people are easily forgotten. Men, who had impacted our society, essence, values and mores, in various fields of human endeavours, are usually consigned into the dungeons of history, irreverence and irrelevance.

In some remarkable cases, a man’s good deeds and impact in the society, will certainly, outlive him, centuries after his departure.

The Nigerian society would forever be kind to early path finders- Herbert Macauley, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoli, Dr.Kofo Abayomi, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Sapara Williams, amongst several others.

Hope Harriman certainly made history. In the field of Estate management in Nigeria, he was certainly nonpareil, as a path finder. Hope would certainly find a sweet place in the company of Nigeria’s path finders in its history. He was a good ambassador of the Itsekiri stock of the Niger Delta. He had traversed the Nigerian Estate Business field, commerce and industry, philanthropy, unparalleled kind heartedness and benevolence, to the Itsekiri kingdom and Nigeria at large.

Hope was born on the 3rd of January 1933, to an English father-Arthur Leonard Harriman and an Itserkiri mother- Madame Mewe

Omadeli from kperegbeyi family of Ugborodo Community. His mother was a descendant of Olu Akengbuwa, through Princess Olunogho Akenbuwa, her paternal great grandmother.

The family had earlier begat Leslie Oritseweyinmi on the 9th of July 1930, and an infant daughter, who did not live to adulthood.

Hope’s father- Arthur Leonard, was born in 1899, in Romford Essex, United Kingdom.

He was son of John Leonard Harriman and Alice Isabelle Smith.

From the 15th century, the Niger Delta had been a great theatre of commerce, European influence and Christianity. As early as the 16th century, Prince Oyeomasa, later became Ogiame Atuwatse I, the Olu of Warri, known by his baptismal name- Don Domingos. He was a 17th century graduate from the University of Coimbra, in Portugal, and had maintained trade links with the Portuguese.

Don Domingos also had a strong link with King Philip II of Spain.

Domingos father, the 6th Olu of Warri, was also crowned Olu Atoronbgoye or Olu Sebastian and a Christian Monarch.

The Itsekiris- an ethnic group in Nigeria’s Niger Delta area, are jealously proud of six centuries of exposure to Western culture, Christianity and Western civilisation, which has produced

complex genetic mix of the Itsekiris.

As a result of the industrial revolution in Great Britain and all through the 19th century, Palm oil became highly sought after for use, as an industrial lubricant for machineries.

Britain was apparently the World’s first industrialised nation. Palm oil is a tropical plant, which is native to the Niger Delta. By 1870, Palm Oil had replaced slaves as the main exports of the Niger Delta, the area which was then known as the Slave Coast.

Initially, most of the trades in the Oil Palm were uncoordinated, with natives selling to those who gave them the best deals. Jaja of Opobo and Nana of Koko- Koko Mingi VIII, suffered British onslaughts and exiles. The Oba of Benin Kingdom- Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, also suffered similar fate in 1897, and was exiled, by the British to Calabar. He died in exile in 1914.

Itsekiri’s great and noble merchant and also warlord-Nana Olomu, fought off British warships for 14 days. From a rich background and Royalty, as a Warri Prince, he was perhaps the richest merchant of the Itsekiri stock in his life time.

The Royal Niger Company, had taken over the control of commerce in the Niger Delta Region, which had also influenced their dominance

and claim of the Niger Delta, in the Berlin Conference of 1884.

In 1899, following the revoking of the Royal Niger Company’s charter by Britain, the Royal Niger Company, sold its holdings to the British Government for £865, 000:00 This was effectively, the price Britain paid to buy the territory which was to become known as Nigeria in 1914.

In these melees of commercial activities, struggles and scrambles, many European companies, established their presence in the Niger Delta. There were the UAC, the John Holt, the Round Tree Company, the Miller Brothers, Patterson and Zochonis (PZ) and so many others. Arthur Leonard- the father of Hope, was transferred from the United Kingdom to Warri, as a staff of the John Holt, to further Britain’s commercial and expansionist interest in the Niger Delta, most especially Warri.

In Warri, he became culturally assimilated to the Warri Culture, tradition and mores, and he married a young Warri Princess, who begat three children for him. He was a member of the Royal Freemason fraternity in Warri, and joined Warri’s local societies and clubs.

After some few years stay in Warri, Leonard Continued on page 46

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