FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2022

Zenith Tech Fair Ends on High as Hackathon Finalists are Rewarded with N53m Nume Ekeghe

A total sum of N53 million in prize money was won at the end of a keenly contested hackathon session at the Second Edition of the Zenith

Tech Fair with the theme: "Future Forward 2.0," which was held on Wednesday at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The prize money was shared among eleven finalists who emerged

from the over 500 contestants that took part in the hackathon, with Ecotutu, a cleantech company making cooling affordable and accessible for businesses, especially in the agricultural sector, emerging

as the overall winner and taking home the grand prize of N20 million.

This was in addition to a mentorship programme with Seedstars, a company dedicated

to implementing high-quality capacity-building programmes for entrepreneurs in emerging markets.

The first runner-up, Foris Labs, an app-based platform that allows students to conduct

science experiments individually and in groups interactively via their mobile phones, won N15 million and a mentorship programme Continued on page 5

ARISE Presidential Town Hall Series Three to Focus on Education, Healthcare, Others... Page 5 Friday 25 November, 2022 Vol 27. No 10090. Price: N250

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APC: We’re Not against BVAS

Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

R-L: Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Founder/CEO, Finva, Oluwatomisin Kolawole; Founder/CEO, Ecotutu, Babajide Oluwase; Founder/CEO, Foris Lab, Onuigbo John Chukwubuikem; and Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, during the presentation of cash prizes to the winners of the Hackathon at the Zenith Tech Fair 2.0 held at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, denied reports credited to its National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, and said it was not against the deployment of Continued on page 5

At Kwara Rally, Atiku Laments APC’s Misrule, Pledges to Revive Kainji Dam Says oil discovery in north healthy for development Chuks Okocha in Abuja Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, at a rally in Kwara State, decried what he called the careless tendencies and maladministration exhibited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and the nation at large.

Atiku spoke amid chants of “O suwa” (we’re fed up) from the crowd, as a counterbalance to the O’tooge movement of 2019, which belonged to APC, at the Kwara State stadium, Ilorin, which was filled to capacity.

The former vice president promised to revive the Kainji Dam, if elected president next year, and described the discovery of oil in the north as a healthy development. He, however, said the oil find would not alter his planned diversification of the economy.

While pledging that life would return to normal in the state and Nigeria, if he was voted into office, Atiku said the dam, now prone to

triggering flood and soil erosion, would be adaptively managed to make it work optimally without hiccups.

The former vice president, whose campaign team landed in Ilorin, Kwara State capital in continuation of its nationwide tour, recalled that a 2019 campaign of calumny by APC in the state robbed the Saraki dynasty of its generational transformation in the state through the dubious slogan of O’tooge, which ushered APC to power.

The PDP candidate said, “An image was created, which harvested disillusionment and a sense of servitude and bondage.

The campaign was that for the last 34 years, one family was deciding the fate of all Kwarans.

“This is the story of APC victory in Kwara and the tide has changed.

Kwarans are tired of the four years of APC administration and the coalition that sold the O to ge Continued on page 5

TRANSCORP HILTON WINS WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS...

Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Dupe Olusola (left) and Hotel Manager Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Islam El-Maddah, holding the hotel's World Travel Awards, where Transcorp Hilton won five awards, including Africa's Leading Business Hotel at the awards ceremony in Nairobi ...recently

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ARISE Presidential Town Hall Series Three to Focus on Education, Healthcare, Others Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Arise Television Channel will on Sunday December 4 hold the third in the series of its presidential town halls, this time focusing on the candidates’ plans to revamp education and healthcare, alleviate poverty as well as the development of human capital.

The programme is expected to host the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Atiku Abubakar and the standard bearer of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi. Also billed to participate in the event is the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, who alongside others have confirmed their participation except the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who has been invited but yet to confirm participation.

The event will be aired live on Nigeria’s favourite television station by 7pm West African Time (WAT) in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) on the said date.

In addition, it will be held in partnership with Premium Times, Vanguard, Punch, Guardian, Daily Trust as well as Leadership Newspapers.

Furthermore, TheCable, New

Telegraph, The Sun, The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors are expected to be active partners in the run-up to the event.

The town hall will be streamed across all the station’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, among others. It will also be broadcast on Sky Channel 519, DStv Channel 416 and Gotv Channel 44.

It is expected to host four presidential candidates of the 18 registered political parties ahead of next year’s general election.

Earlier, Arise Television, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, played host to the candidates of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, that of the African Democratic Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, his counterpart at the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) , Peter Umeadi and Adewole

Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The series two, comprising the four candidates came after a similar town hall exactly one week after the first in the series – which featured Obi, Kwankwaso and Kola Abiola of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the running mate, who represented Atiku at the event which focused on security and the economy.

been rosy.

Abdullahi, however, said after a successful intervention by party chieftains from the north, they had made up their minds to work for Tinubu based on his antecedents of performance as Lagos State governor.

He stated, "As of today, we have at least 10 million followers, both online and off-line. We all know the importance of the media in the north.

We have been educating our people to come out and vote for APC. That is why the party became victorious in 2015 and 2019 general elections."

"Having become frustrated because of the introduction of technology to improve the electoral process, the APC is seeking ways to manipulate the elections to enable it to re-enact the horrible electoral seasons of its devious act of holding electoral officers by their jugulars and forcing them to write results for APC candidates."

According to the PDP presidential campaign spokesman, "The only option left for the APC is to accept the reality of its rejection and quietly fizzle away from our political firmament. After all, the APC has since lost the statutory integrity to field candidates in the 2023 general election due to its illegal and unconstitutional congresses."

At the same time, Director of Strategic Communications of the PDP Presidential Campaign, Bashorun Dele Momodu, berated APC over the BVAS, stating that the world has gone digital.

In a statement, Momodu said, "I am very surprised that at this time and age, APC will still want us to operate analog elections. The world has gone digital and anything that will eliminate political thuggery, cheating, and rigging, I will expect any reasonable political party to support it.

"So, for APC to say it does not support it, there should be no transmission of results from voting points, it's like sending us back 50 years ago into antiquity. At PDP, we will support transparent elections only.

"And we know that we stand to benefit from it. Anybody who is completely jittery knows why it's complaining, because they (APC) are used to manipulating elections. We told them in Osun. And we won.

When people decided that this time, we will not allow you to rig and, of course, electronic technology helped in Osun.

"The world can see who is jittery.

APC is very jittery, and we will defeat

them. There's no doubt about that.

Let me tell you, I believe that APC is already winding down. And when a political party begins to wind down, its ability to misbehave becomes weakened.”

Among those who joined APC were also Chief Olabode Oyedepo; Social Democratic Party (SDP) House of Assembly aspirant from Offa, Mr. Ahmed Akorede; PDP House of Representatives aspirant for Asa/ Ilorin West, Hon. Ahmed Bayero; Young Progressives Party (YPP) Vice Chairman in Asa, Hamzat Dolapo; Abu Jimoh Plumber; Bola Afolayan from Ekiti Local Government Area; and Alhaji Abdullahi Sarumi, among others.

Receiving the defectors at an event held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin, yesterday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq congratulated the new members of APC for their decision and assured them of fairness and equal treatment.

AbdulRazaq said, "We welcome all the decampees and appreciate you for your conviction and your trust in our party. We are going to work together to achieve success. We will treat you all fairly as members of our party. As you can see, PDP is now empty. They only deploy social media to feign popularity.

"They came up with a slogan - 'O Suwa' (We are fed up). They are truly shameless for comparing their 16 years to our three and a half years in office.

APC: WE’RE NOT AGAINST BVAS the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal (IReV) proposed for deployment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the 2023 elections.

National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, issued the rebuttal at a press conference in Abuja, saying the report is an unfair misrepresentation of Adamu’s comments.

But Presidential Campaign Organisation for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, insisted the alleged initial rejection of the BVAS by Adamu confirmed that APC and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, did not have genuine followership among Nigerians ahead of the 2023 elections.

The claims about disposition to INEC’s deployment of technology for the 2023 general election came as a northern group, Arewa Media Influencers, promised to deliver 10 million votes to Tinubu next year, and Kwara State chapter of the party gained more members from the opposition parties.

It was reported in some sections of the media on Wednesday that Adamu kicked against INEC’s decision to deploy BVAS and electronic transmission of results.

But Morka clarified Adamu’s statement at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, describing the report as false and a bigoted twisting of the chairman’s comments.

The APC national publicity secretary said in the statement, “To be clear, Chairman Adamu did not kick against the deployment of BVAS or electronic transmission of results, as erroneously reported by sections of the media.

"The APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari midwifed the successful reform of the Electoral Act, the introduction

of BVAS, among other technological innovations, and has superintended the conduct of credible, free, fair and transparent elections in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states.

"Our party and government remain committed to the highest levels of electoral transparency and democratic consolidation in our country.

"The chairman only expressed concern about electricity or telecommunication networks, he was not in any way kicking against BVAS or electronic transmission of results.

Our party is in full support of BVAS and the electronic transmission of results; that doesn't mean if there are concerns it shouldn't be expressed."

APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) also said the ruling party was not afraid of BVAS because the youth of the country were strongly behind the party. Director, APC PCC National Youth Mobilisation, North Central, Hon. Mike Msuaan, stated this while addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja.

Msuaan also stressed that Nigerians should be concerned about what the presidential candidate of the party, Tinubu, would offer the country and not his age.

He said, "We didn't see Asiwaju contesting with Atiku and Peter Obi. We know what Atiku did to this country. He threw the youth of North-central and this country to the street. The privatisation exercise that he mishandled drove the youth of this country to be jobless.

“Under Atiku as vice president, over $16 billion was invested and up till now, we are still in darkness. Is that the person that should rule us?

Or are we talking of Peter Obi, who has zero record in Anambra State?"

National Secretary of Arewa Media Influencers, Mr. Shuaibu Abdullahi, while promising to deliver 10 million votes to Tinubu at a press conference in Abuja, admitted that the group’s relationship with the PCC had not

PDP: APC's Rejection of BVAS, IReV Confirms its Lack of Genuine Followership The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation said APC’s alleged rejection of electronic transmission of results through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Election Result Viewing portal (IReV) confirmed the party and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, did not have genuine followership among Nigerians ahead of the 2023 elections.

One of the spokespersons of the Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbondiyan, said APC had realised that given its mass failures across the polity, it did not enjoy the support of Nigerians and, as such, was scared of any process that could deliver credible balloting.

Ologbondiyan stated, "APC's mortal fear of mass rejection at the polls is directly behind its unnecessary tantrums against the electronic transmission of results. It is abundantly clear that the APC plan is to return our electoral process to the days of mass rigging through the use of incident forms, ballot box snatching, ballot stuffing, and other electoral malpractices.

AT KWARA RALLY, ATIKU LAMENTS APC’S MISRULE, PLEDGES TO REVIVE KAINJI DAM mantra is fragmented.

“Yahman, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, was a staunch member of Otoge, this means Kwara is waiting to be taken by the PDP. The party is united under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki. I commend the PDP Kwara for this and for remaining on course.”

Still on Kainji Dam, Atiku pledged, “A PDP government at the national level will, through watershed management, seek to reduce erosion and sediment inflow to the reservoir.

“The plan is to use ‘adaptive management’ to maximise its benefits, while paying attention to and minimising environmental impacts over time. This can be done by using turbines that are more efficient or fish friendly or by lowering the height of the dam.”

Atiku acknowledged the dam “contributes electrical energy, water control of the Niger down to the Kaduna River confluence, enhances river navigation upstream to Yelwa in Kebbi State, as well as waters for irrigation and fishing”.

He expressed worry at the dilapidated state of federal roads in parts of Kwara State, like Kishi-Kosobusu, Kishi-Kaima, and Ilorin-Kabba roads, linking Kwara with Kogi and Oyo states, as well as Benin Republic.

Atiku promised the people that he “would do something

about these roads to enhance their livelihood and ensure their security, if elected.”

The PDP standard bearer also reiterated that he would be committed to rolling back youth unemployment in the state while resuscitating moribund industries.

He stated, “Youth unemployment is rife in Kwara, like most parts of Nigeria. We promise to design vocational programmes and revitalise the existing ones, provide take-off grants for unemployed youths to establish businesses, invest in, re-tool as well as reengineer the farming system with modernized implements to accommodate large percentage of the vulnerable population in Kwara State.”

He assured that he would “encourage new human capital development programmes to support youth and women.” He added, “There are no functional industries in Kwara State. The paper mill in Jebba is folded.

Bacita and Lafiagi sugar companies have been sold and are operating at snail speed without impact on the people like it was before.

“My administration will provide incentives for private sector participation in Nigeria, as a whole, and in Kwara, in particular, to encourage the industrial and manufacturing sectors.”

Atiku later took to his verified

Twitter handle, stating that the discovery of crude oil in the Northeast would not stop his planned diversification of the economy, if elected president next year.

According to Atiku, "The discovery of crude oil and the official flag-off of the exploration

by President Muhammadu Buhari is a healthy development that will go a long way in revitalising the fortunes of the Northeastern region of Nigeria.

"It will create an opportunity for more investment in education with an emphasis on skills training and entrepreneurship development, which in turn will further generate prosperity for our young people and guarantee a better future for the upcoming generation. However, this discovery is without prejudice to my focus on the diversification of our economy that will ensure multiple streams of revenues for the country."

Earlier, the vice presidential candidate of PDP, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, said he was happy with what he saw in Kwara. Okowa added that the huge crowd that received PDP showed that people were very hungry and ready to drive away hunger.

He stated, “The PDP is ready to create employment and won’t allow our children stay eight months without going to school,” he said, assuring, “The PDP will

win in all six geo-political zones of the country. We will work with the people and rebuild Nigeria.”

Chairman of PCP, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, said, “The PDP is one big united family. We are on our way back to victory. PDP has come back to rescue Nigeria and put it back on development track to rescue all families.

“Don’t allow anyone to deceive you, we are hungrier than we were in 2015. Bring out your voters card, come out en mass and vote all PDP candidates especially, Atiku, in the general election.”

Ayu later presented the PDP flag to the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Yaman Abdullahi.

Former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, asked the party’s supporters to vote massively for all candidates of the party in next year’s elections, saying the people can trust him and the party’s leadership.

Saraki stated, “I stood and fought for democracy, APC came and lied to you and now you know the difference. It is time for Nigerians, starting from Kwara, to kick out APC. “When PDP was in power, exchange rate was 200 and now it is 800, we are all tired. Atiku loves Kwara since the days of my father, other candidates don’t love you; they merely want to exploit you.”

Kwara APC Gains Opposition Defectors A large coterie of prominent politicians from the opposition parties in Kwara State left their parties and joined the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). They included former Deputy Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Mathew Okedare, and former Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abdullahi Alikinla, among other members of the opposition parties.

Others were former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Alhaji Musa Yeketi; Personal Assistant, Political (PAPOL), to the former governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Alhaji Hassan Gegele; PDP Women Leader in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mrs. Adenike Ayilara; and former Special Assistant to Senator Bukola Saraki on Domestic, Hon. Bolakale Ajanaku.

ZENITH TECH FAIR ENDS ON HIGH AS HACKATHON FINALISTS ARE REWARDED WITH N53M with Seedstars, while the second runner-up, Finva, a start-up which helps creditors offer credits at low risk, won N10 million as well as a mentorship programme with Seedstars, a statement explained.

Other finalists who took home N1 million each included Sanwo, Itinu -Ev, Eduvacity, Green Bii, Zion Robotics, Sono Care, Base, and I grow Africa.

Speaking during the presentation of the prize monies, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, congratulated all the finalists for taking part in the competition.

He reiterated the bank’s readiness to provide all that was necessary to make the budding entrepreneurs succeed. According to him, “all finalists would be enlisted into our incubation lab for grooming and mentorship. Our expectation is that we are going to scale and grow them just like the zenith brand.

“So, looking at what we have gone through, I can tell you that so much iron has been loaded on fire. The only thing left is to activate the digital talents, tech skills and entrepreneurship that would culminate in a new digital economy for Nigeria.”

Described as a huge success by participants, the two-day Tech Fair featured presentations on the leading technological innovations that cut across different aspects of life, such as Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Robotics, Big Data, FinTech, Augmented Reality, Data Analytics, 5G and Communication Technologies, with the keynote address, "The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation Journey," delivered by Brett King, the renowned futurist, bestselling author, award-winning speaker, Founder of Moven and Author of Bank 4.0.

The event also featured a goodwill message by Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia and opening remarks by Onyeagwu,

who is also the Chairman of Body of Banks' CEOs, Nigeria.

Other eminent IT practitioners from top global brands who also made presentations include; Tarik Alatovic, Senior Partner, McKinsey; Juliet Ehimuan, West Africa Director, Google; Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Inc.; Andrew Uaboi, Vice President/Head, Visa West Africa; Mrs Rakiya Mohammed, Director of Information Technology, CBN; Chris Lu, Managing Director, Huawei Technologies Nigeria, and Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, amongst others.

The fair featured three panel sessions. The first panel, which examined "The future of payments: what next and how can we get there", had Prof. Yinka David West of Lagos Business School as the host, with four discussants, including Agada Apochi, Managing Director, UPSL; Olu Akanmu, Managing Director, Opay; Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director, NIBBS; and Kari Tukur, V/P & Head of Products East/West Africa, MasterCard.

The second panel explored the theme, "What are the main challenges of digital transformation in the financial industry? How do we solve them?". It was hosted by Brett King and had four discussants, including Tosin Eniolorunda, Managing Director, TeamApt; Obi Emetarom, Managing Director, Appzone; Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, COO, FintechNGR; and Olugbenga Agboola, Founder/CEO, Flutterwave.

The third panel discussion, titled: "Driving the global trade revolution with technology: current transformation trends", was hosted by Samuel Eze, Founder/ CEO, Ourpass, and had five discussants, including Mike Ogbalu III, Managing Director, PAPSS; Akeem Lawal, Divisional CEO, Interswitch; Massimiliano Spalazzi, Country Manager, Jumia; and Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji, Director of Trade & Exchange, CBN.

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NEWS

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

PDP RALLY IN KWARA...

L-R: Toyin Saraki; Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Princess Rukaiya Atiku; PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa; PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, at the Atiku/Okowa PDP Presidential Campaign Rally in Ilorin, Kwara State...yesterday

Nigeria’s GDP Growth Slows to 2.25% in Q3 as Non-oil Sector Contributes 94.34% Oil sector accounted for 5.66% as production dropped to 1.20 mbpd Obi: NBS latest poverty report justifies how badly Nigeria is being managed James Emejo and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.25 per cent (year-onyear) in real terms in the third quarter of 2022 (Q3 2022), representing a 1.78 per cent decline compared to the 4.03 per cent growth recorded in Q3 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed yesterday.

The GDP figures were released on the day the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, described the recently released 2022 NBS report on the state of poverty in the country as a justification of how badly Nigeria was being managed in terms of investing in the wellbeing of the people.

The Q3 GDP figures showed that slowdown in growth was attributed to the base effects of the recession

and the challenging economic conditions which had impeded productive activities in the country.

Growth also decreased by 1.29 per cent when compared to the 3.54 per cent growth rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

This was disclosed in the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report (Q3 2022), which was released by the statistical agency.

The NBS, however, noted that quarter-on-quarter, real GDP grew at 9.68 per cent in Q3 2022, reflecting a higher economic activity in Q3 2022 than the preceding quarter.

In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N52.26 trillion in nominal terms, higher than the N45.11 trillion recorded in Q3 2021, and indicating a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 15.83 per cent.

The nominal GDP growth rate in

Q3 2022 was higher relative to the 15.41 per cent growth recorded in Q3 quarter 2021 and higher compared to the 15.03 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.

Real GDP was N18.96 trillion in the quarter under review.

The average daily oil production in Q3 stood at 1.20 million barrels per day (mbpd), lower than the 1.57mbpd recorded in Q3 2021 by 0.37mbpd and also lower than the 1.43mbpd in Q2 2022 by 0.24mbpd.

However, the economy was dominated by the non-oil sector which contributed 94.34 per cent to the nation’s GDP in Q3 while the oil sector contributed 5.66 per cent from 6.33 per cent in the preceding quarter.

Essentially, the non-oil sector grew by 4.27 per cent in real term during the quarter in review, though lower

by 1.18 per cent compared to the rate recorded same quarter of 2021 and 0.50 per cent lower than Q2 2022.

The sector was driven mainly by information and communication (telecommunication), trade; transportation (road transport); financial and insurance (Financial Institutions); agriculture (crop production), and real estate, accounting for positive GDP growth.

The real growth of the oil sector was – 22.67 per cent (year-on-year) in Q3, indicating a decrease of 11.94 per cent relative to Q3 2021. Growth of the sector also decreased by 10.91 per cent when compared to –11.77 per cent in Q2 2022.

Quarter-on-Quarter, however, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of -1.80 per cent in Q3, the NBS noted.

Agriculture contributed 29.67 per cent to overall GDP in real terms

Buhari Calls for Concerted Efforts among West African Nations to Curb Threats in Sub-region Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for greater cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbours to better combat escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across West Africa and the Sahel.

The president, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, spoke yesterday in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, at the launch of the French version of his biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria,’ after inaugurating a 3.8km length and 160m wide Boulevard named after him by the Government of Niger Republic.

He said: ‘‘My remarks will not be complete if I did not mention the escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across our region of West Africa and the Sahel. ‘‘The ever-evolving nature of the threats we face underlines the need for enhanced coordination.

There is no doubt that we have made incremental progress in our

collective fight against terrorism and other trans-border crimes.” ‘‘However, a lot remains to be done, especially in the face of renewed efforts by violent extremist groups to expand their operations and footholds in West Africa,’’ the president said at the book launch attended by President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau as well as the current Chairman of ECOWAS, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Head of the Transition Military Council and President of Chad, and former President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou.

Expressing belief that ending terrorism and trans-border crimes in the region was achievable, Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral as well as multilateral initiatives, with neighbouring partners such as Niger, Chad and Cameroun, toward realising this objective.

On the launch of the French version of his biography, the President said it was his fervent

hope that it ‘‘would serve as a clarion call to emerging leaders across Africa, and inspire them to always be guided by the core values of hard work, integrity and patriotism.’’

He added that the lessons from the book should spur leaders to also work in accordance with the rule of law and constitutional constraints.

Buhari thanked President Bazoum for the honour bestowed on six Nigerians in August this year, in recognition of their roles in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

He described the relationship between Nigeria and Niger as a true one characterised by shared history, values and tradition. ‘‘No wonder our people are able to coexist peacefully across our shared border, which spans over 1500 kilometres, and we remain the best of brothers and neighbours.

“It gives me great pleasure to note that President Bazoum has taken active steps to consolidate those fraternal bonds since assuming leadership in April last year.

“Mr. President has undoubtedly championed the expansion of frontiers of cooperation between our two countries and fostered an environment of mutual trust, further underscoring the importance that Niger attaches to the strategic nature of our relations.

“It is within this context that I find it auspicious that Mr. President dedicated time and resources to translate into the French language, a book chronicling my modest life,’’ he said.

The President also commended former President Issoufou for initiating the project and the incumbent for seeing to its completion and launching it.

At the occasion, the President of Niger decorated four Nigerians for their roles in fostering excellent bilateral relations between both countries.

They were Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation; Mohammed Indimi, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources; Sayyu Dantata, Chief Executive Officer, MRS Holdings Limited and Aliyu Farouk, APC chieftain.

lower than 29.94 per cent in Q3 2021, and higher than 23.24 per cent in the preceding quarter.

Also, the manufacturing sector contributed 8.59 per cent to GDP, lower than 8.96 per cent in Q3 2021, as well as 8.65 per cent in Q2 2022.

Trade’s contribution to GDP was 15.35 per cent, higher than the 14.93 per cent it represented in the previous year, and lower than the 16.81 per cent recorded in the 2022 second quarter.

Trade’s contribution to GDP stood at 15.35 per cent, higher than the 14.93 per cent in the previous year, and lower than the 16.81 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.

Commenting on the GDP performance, Professor of Finance and Capital Markets, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the performance further underscored the increasing importance of the non-oil sector.

He said despite a slump in oil sector performance due chiefly to the reduction in oil production to just 1.2 million barrels per day, the economy was still able to expand by 2.25 per cent in the third quarter driven by the non-oil sector which contributed over 94 per cent to GDP. He said another remarkable development was the improvement in the agricultural sector relative to the previous quarter in spite of the flooding and insecurity in many parts of the country which goes to show that agriculture remains one of the resilient sectors of our economy.

Uwaleke said: “It's equally pertinent to note that, within the non-oil sector, the positive real GDP growth rate recorded in the third quarter was powered mainly from the services sector especially Financial Services, ICT, and Transportation as opposed to Industry and Agriculture where most of the jobs are.

“The manufacturing sector, for example, covering 13 activities recorded a negative real GDP growth rate. The same with electricity and gas.

“The dismal performance of the manufacturing sector reflects the disconnect between the financial services sector and the real sector.

It also indicates that the monetary policy tightening stance of the CBN

in July and September of 2022 and the resultant high lending rates, may have had an adverse impact on the manufacturing sector coupled with the forex crisis and high energy costs.”

According to him, “The impact of the prolonged ASUU strike equally reflected in the education sector's real GDP which dropped compared to the corresponding period in 2021.

“These factors, including the base effect, will likely result in a lower GDP growth rate in the last quarter of this year. I think real GDP growth rate can be improved if the challenge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism is tackled against the backdrop of favourable crude oil prices.

“Also, in view of the negative impact of monetary policy tightening on economic growth, the CBN is advised to halt further hikes in the Monetary Policy Rate while using its open Market Operations and non-traditional measures including the effective implementation of the currency redesign and eNaira to control the money supply.

“This suggestion is in view of the fact that inflation drivers in Nigeria are non-monetary and policy tightening tends to hurt output growth.”

Obi: NBS Report On Poverty, Justifies How Badly Nigeria is Being Managed Meanwhile, Obi, has described the 2022 NBS report on the state of poverty in the country as a reflection of how bad Nigeria was doing in terms of investing in the wellbeing of the people.

Obi in a series of tweets noted that roughly 133 million Nigerians are presently multi-dimensionally poor, representing about 63 per cent of Nigerians.

According to the former Anambra State Governor, although most of those affected were in the north, multidimensional poverty was widespread across the country, noting that the report provides some sobering facts.

He said: "First, the rural part of Continued on page 50

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022

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POLITICS

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

Okowa’s Track Record Has Prepared Him for Vice Presidential Position Victor Efeizomor writes that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Peoples Democratic Party’s Vice Presidential candidate possesses requisite track records to move Nigeria to enviable height if Nigerians vote Atiku/Okowa ticket into presidency come 2023.

T

he news of the nomination of Governor Okowa of Delta State as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was received in the state and beyond with exciting joy, for him to have his next office in Aso Rock, Abuja.

This is because many people believe that he has been adjudged as one of the few Governors that has performed exceedingly well in his state.

Many have tried to fathom the rationale behind his choice as the running mate to the Presidential flag bearer of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar but the fact remains that Governor Okowa’s good work, like an eligible handwriting in a book, is well displayed all over the state like a well-weeded farm along a public road.

Many Deltans and non-Deltans have described his nomination as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar as a round peg in a round hole, a welcome development and well deserved.

Across the length and breadth of the entire Delta State, his footprint has been stamped on the sands of time through the massive infrastructure development he has provided, and still providing even when his tenure is nearing completion.

From Asaba, the Delta State capital and its environs, to Warri, Effurun, Boji-Boji Owa Urban, and Boji-Boji Agbor Urban, Ughelli, Ogwashi-Uku, Kwale, Issele-Uku, Umunede, Sapele, Koko, Bomadi, Burutu, Akwukwu-Igbo, Ozoro, Oleh, Patani, Abraka, Obiaruku, to mention but these few, it has been success story of infrastructural splash and spread all the way.

Asaba is now being rapidly transformed into the true status of a state capital, while its suburbs of Okpanam, Ibusa, IsseleAzagba, Ubulu-Unor, Ubulu-Uku etc, and other communities not that close to the state capital, such as Umutu, Utagba-Unu, Owa-Alero, Abavo, Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Ekei, Agbor-Obi, Onicha-Ugbo, Alihame, UteOkpu, Utagba-Ogbe, Ute-Erumu, etc are all getting their own share of the development as some additional government infrastructures such as schools, good roads are now provided in those places.

I still recall what a visitor said concerning the state capital. He had on a second visit to Asaba, after a long visit, said “ I could hardly recognize Asaba when the driver of the luxury bus I was travelling in announced we were already in Asaba.

“Was it the Asaba I came visiting some five years back that I’m now seeing and can’t recognize again? No wonder Deltans outside the state, Lagos in particular, keep saying Governor Okowa is working.”

Yes, that was a testimony from a nonDeltan, Gbenga Onitiri who was in Asaba for a second time on an assignment.

Certain facilities, meant for a state capital, not available in the city before, have been provided and others still being provided in the state capital for it to come of age like other state capitals in the federation.

For instance, the Appeal Court, the Asaba Storm Water Drainage, to checkmate the perennial flooding in Asaba from rain waters from Okpanam, the Koka Flyover being built to address the everyday vehicular and human traffic at the popular junction, the International Conference Center to take the form of that in Abuja; the construction of additional sports facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium and its environs for the National Sports Festival to be hosted in Delta State, starring from November 28, 2022 to December 10, 2022, The Asaba Film Village and Leisure Park nearing completion that will make Delta State the headquarters of Nollywood, the three Universities estab-

lished, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor and the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, all established to address the yearly problem faced by students qualified but always denied admission due to the limitations at the only then existing University at Abraka, the Kefas Road at Oleh; old Oleh/Ozoro Road in Isoko South/North Local Government, a 25.8 kilometers Trans Warri-Ode- Itshekiri,

with 19 bridges and access road project, Oha Bridge along the Oha-Orerokpe road in Okpe Local Government; Ovwor-OlomuEffurun- Otor Bridge, linking the age-long communities in Ughelli South, are clear projects aside the many state intervention projects on roads which are the responsibilities of the Federal Government but have been shying away from.

With the development philosophy in

Governor Okowa’s mind, he ensure that all roads in Burutu Town were entirely paved to give the people a new lease of life, and there is the main axial road and Okerenkoko Township roads and almost many others he had been developing in Delta Central, Delta South and Delta North senatorial districts.

Writing on road development alone in the state, will take the whole page of the newspaper because they are just too numerous.

Little wonder that Governor Okowa is called the Road master. His massive development bestrides the entire state like a colossus. Governor Okowa has been able to galvanize a state described as mini Nigeria because of its diverse and pluralistic ethnic nature into one loving, united and peaceful entity.

Today, all Deltans see themselves as one irrespective of their tribes, tongue and creed. Because he loves peace, and has sense of unity and purposeful leadership skill embedded in him, Governor Okowa is able to rule a microsm of a state that is not different from the entire Nigeria’s structure; hence the state is usually referred to as a mini Nigeria as earlier pointed out.

There is no doubting the fact that Governor Okowa will perform a similar feat when he gets to Aso Rock as the number two citizen in the country for he is gifted with organizational acumen, not tribalized, clannish and not given to ethnic chauvinism. I belive it was on that ground and being a man blessed with such enviable qualities that Atiku Abubakar found him worthy to be his running mate.

-Efeizomor is Special Assistant on Media to Governor Okowa NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Umar Takes Bold Steps to Woo Sokoto Electorates Onuminya Innocent writes that the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for Sokoto State, Mallam Saidu Umar, is taking bold moves to win the hearts of eligible voters in the state ahead of the March, 2023 gubernatorial poll

W

atching Mallam Saidu Umar campaigning for the governorship of Sokoto State, reading his lips, and listening to people around him, one thing is easily deducible: an uncommon determination and passion to expand the frontiers of democracy and its dividends to everyone in the Seat of the Caliphate.

A man steeped in the philosophy of integrity, truth, and justice, the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says he is in politics to create a new kind of orientation anchored on honour and fairness to all, irrespective of social class.

According to him: “I am convinced that we all, young and old, poor and rich, educated and uneducated, are in this boat together”.

Umar adds that together with his running mate, Sagir Bafarawa, a former Commissioner for Environment in the state.

“We are in this race to win the mandate to govern Sokoto, and very importantly, also win the hearts and minds of our people over to new ways of thinking and acting in politics based on the underlying principle of mass participation and shared benefits.”

Doubling down on things that are just and of good report stands Umar out in an

integrity-stressed political universe.

With the banker in him, Umar brings to the table strategic thinking, good analytical ability, development and service orientation, and capacity to cope under the drudgery of governance. Many believe his background in banking and administration can propel him to levels his political forebears did not attain.

He is making his pitch from a vantage position, having garnered useful experiences from the executive arm of government, particularly, under the incumbent governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and also from the private sector.

The immediate past Secretary to the Sokoto State Government (SSG) served as Commissioner for Finance in the first tenure of the Tambuwal administration (2015-2019). He was appointed SSG on June

6, 2019, at the beginning of Tambuwal’s second term. As SSG, he headed the secretariat of the government and together with the team of technocrats assembled

by Governor Tambuwal in the state exco drove the development strides of the government.

Umar is a Fellow of the Chartered institute of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA); an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HSIB); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Economics of Nigeria (FCEN); and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Accountants of Nigeria (FCPA). He is Senior Executive Fellow, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

In the Sokoto customary setting, conferment of traditional title is seen as a way of grooming a potential leader. Umar was turbaned with the scholarly title of Malam Ubandoma Sokoto by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on December 16, 2017.

It is a position of responsibility conferred on persons who have demonstrated commitment to the advancement of knowledge, philanthropy, religious ideals, and socio-economic development of society.

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

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FOCUS National Security and Buratai’s Diplomatic Soldiering Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), turns his gun-sights on pathways of resolving Nigeria and Africa’s security quandary, as captured in his inputs at the recent security conference in The Gambia. Louis Achi reports On his flight from Abuja to Banjul, capital city of The Gambia, to keep a date with the 17th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference, it must have crossed the mind of Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), that this was a journey steeped in significant historical symbolisms. He was travelling from the largest country - demographically, in Africa - to the smallest on the continent’s mainland - geographically.

While River Niger shaped the history and eventually gave Nigeria her name, River Gambia did the same for The Gambia. The history of slave trade impacted both in profound ways which is ultimately shaping their future promises.

But in this particular excursion, security was at its heart - and not without good reason.

Speaking at the Security Conference in Gambia, General Buratai was emphatic that the African continent had suffered a huge loss monetarily in combating terrorism. General Buratai delivered a paper on “Counter-insurgency and Counterterrorism; its Causes, Lessons, and Deterrence” in The Gambia.

According to him, Africa’s loss has accumulated in billions of dollars while revealing that the cost of managing and combatting terrorism in the African continent has increased in from $1.54 billion in 2007 to $15.5 billion in 2016.

Nigeria’s former army boss revealed that the issue of abduction and requests for ransom by terrorists and rebel groups in the African continent had become a major problem in the fight against terrorism. The conference held at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul and offered considerable opportunity for discussions on current issues that are critical to African security.

According to him, these security challenges are now predominant in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa, observing that, “These insurgents and terrorists see hostage-taking as a means to extract money from the government, local and international organizations, and even ordinary citizens struggling to survive. It is an irony that the insurgents and terrorists now compel locals to fund their criminal activity through ransom payment.”

More specifically, he pointed at Total’s declaration of force majeure as a sad example of terrorism’s depredation. According to him, “In April, the French oil giant Total declared force majeure on a $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in northern Mozambique due to a growing conflict linked to the Islamic State. The cost of terrorism in Africa increased from $1.54 billion in 2007 to $15.5 billion in 2016 because of Total’s exit.”

Providing more insight into the security quandary, General Buratai further revealed that funding counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations are big challenges in Africa. He correctly observed that funding such a huge monetary project requires huge investment, and Africa does not possess such capacity as the western nations.

Pointing out that Africa could not afford another wave of intractable war that would distort development and growth in the continent, he drew attention to the disturbing fact that, “Already the Russians are in many countries of Africa (Libya, Sudan, Mozambique, Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Mali) focusing

Buratai

principally on protecting the ruling or emerging governing elites and critical infrastructures, and I can tell you that they are not there for charity. They get paid in money and in most cases concessions to minerals and military bases.”

He however held all was not gloomy stating that there is hope in the fight against terrorism in Africa as the challenges attached to terrorism in Africa could be clamped down if necessary proactive measures are taken.

Hear him: “The African story, regardless of what is happening in some parts of the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa is not a story of failure and hopelessness, and our challenges are surmountable if we can buckle up, look inwards, take responsibility for our actions and condition, and work together to salvage the continent.”

A key component of the 17th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference (SWAI) was the recognition and honouring of some Africans for their outstanding roles in security, safety, governance and leadership between 2020 and 2021, Prominent among Nigerians on the honours list included Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd); Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu; governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, current Nigerian Army Chief, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and his Air Force counterpart, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.

In its 10-point communiqué, the conference noted that violent extremism and other security challenges are negatively impacting the socio-economic well-being of many parts of the continent, hence the need to tackle them holistically. However, it noted that the lack of a unified operational framework,

uncoordinated intelligence sharing and diplomatic issues limiting international support have dampened the effectiveness of regional collaboration in Africa.

Part of the communiqué read: “Notwithstanding, the gains could be improved upon through the establishment of a unified operational framework that encompasses intelligence, diplomatic, military and economic lines of operation towards combating terrorist activities.

“Regional efforts to fight terrorism and insurgency could be more effective if people shared information and talked to each other in a diplomatic way.”

Also at the Conference and Awards ceremony were the Chairman of the Conference Faculty of SWAI Professor Henri Fouche, the Director General of Gambia’s Immigration Department, Mr. Seedy Touré, who was also an Award winner, a senior researcher at the Faculty of Security and Management Studies, North-West University, South Africa, Dr. Barend Prinsloo, among other distinguished personalities across the African continent.

The Director General of Gambia Department of Immigration, Mr. Seedy Touré, also got Africa’s Golden Star Award for Exemplary Service in West Africa while Ghana’s Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, was given the Most Innovative Police Chief in West and Central Africa Award; and Gambia’s Inspector General of Police, Abdoulie Sanyang, got the Golden Star Award for Outstanding Police Service in West Africa.

Major General Victor Okwudili Ezugwu, Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, was equally honoured with an award for courage, commitment, and

patriotism.

Other awardees include the Force Commander of the MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, and Major General Waidi Shaibu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army.

It would appear that with his consistent, qualitative interventions in various local and international fora focused on pressing Nigerian and continental security issues, Lt. Gen Buratai is towing the line of Major-Gen Joseph Garba - diplomatic soldiering.

It could recalled that in the memoir of his stint as Nigerian Minister of External Affairs (1976- 1978), former President of the UN General Assembly (1989-1990), soldier, diplomat and politician, Major-General Joseph Nanven Garba, recounts with compelling candour his personal dealings with African, American, European and Soviet leaders while advancing Nigeria’s influence generally, and, in particular, its growing role in Southern Africa as an honorary member of the Frontline States.

The General’s story of negotiations and machinations on Angola, Zimbabwe, the U.N., ECOWAS and other matters still provides students with valuable source material and entertains readers with its earthiness and sometimes hilarity.

General Buratai (rtd) had recently suggested the adoption of compressive and integrated approach to enable the entire society play key roles in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

He spoke in Kaduna at a one-day symposium on National Security, organised by ABU Centre for Historical Research and Documentation, Arewa House Kaduna, with the theme ‘Politics and Insecurity in Nigeria: Way Forward’.

According to him, such a comprehensive approach should also entail the involvement of critical stakeholders from the society like religious leaders, youths, teachers, women, civil society, the media, law enforcement as well as the security and intelligence agencies.

The former ambassador also recently initiated the establishment of a cutting-edge leadership research centre at Gora in Nasarawa State, in North Central Nigeria named Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC). He had explained the Centre would collaborate with the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in the fields of strategic studies, peace and conflict studies, environment and leadership for development. Not one to beat about the bush, the ground breaking and fundraiser for Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) held at Gora in Nasarawa State in late December last year.

Why a think-tank? Hear the new diplomatic soldier Buratai: “My simple philosophy about life is to continue to live a life of value by improving on the system that we have. As someone from the military, I reckoned the best way for me and my associates to add value to our society and make our country better and stronger is through a think-tank like the Tukur Buratai Research Center (TBRC).”

Today, Nigeria and Africa stand on the brink of substantial disruptions - and of considerable opportunity - as new security challenge enter the fray. To successfully confront them needs new thinking and new strategies. And this is Gen. Buratai’s forte.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

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

08056356325

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Stakeholders Identify High Demand, Scarcity, Inefficiency as Causes of Delays in Obtaining International Passports

Chinedu Eze Stakeholders in the aviation industry have identified some key factors affecting the issuance and collection of international passports in Nigeria.

According to them, the challenge in obtaining international passports in Nigeria is fast becoming a perennial one, a development that is also affecting the rate at which many Nigerians struggle to migrate to other parts of the world due to economic hardship in the country.

Senior Immigration officials and some passport applicants, who spoke to THISDAY, listed the factors to include high demand

by Nigerians; inability of the Nigeria Immigration Service to provide the documents to meet soaring demand; inefficiency due to dearth of technical personnel in Immigration and delays sometimes caused on purpose to extort money from applicants.

The immediate past spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. Amos Okpu, had told THISDAY that the process of an applicant obtaining a passport, does not involve any kind of physical financial transaction.

According to Okpu, “Applicants are expected to go online, fill the form and make payment. This is a strong measure to avert any kind of physical cash transaction. It is

wrong procedure to go to passport office with cash because you are supposed to go to the passport office with evidence of your payment online. While filling the form online, you choose the office you wish to go, the date that is convenient for you. So, journalists have the obligation to educate Nigerians through their various medium, about the actual process of obtaining a passport without paying physical cash to anybody.”

He added that the only applicants who are extorted are those who refused to follow the process, because the Immigration process is cashless and urged that if anyone requests money from any applicant the applicant should

report him or her to Immigration authorities.

This has been the ideals laid out by the Immigration after the reformation few years ago, but this has not solved any problem; rather, it has made matters worse.

THISDAY investigations revealed that in busy places like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, it has become very difficult to obtain passports in a matter of months, so those applicants desirous of getting the documents in a matter of weeks resort to travelling to other state capitals where there less pressure and pay extra to obtain the passports.

This illicit process has been going on since the last two years,

THISDAY authoritatively learnt.

But an inside source told THISDAY on Wednesday in Lagos that for more than three months there has been scarcity of five years international passport documents and the only ones available are for 10 years. There are the 32-page five-year validity for N25,000; 64-page five- year for N35,000; 64-page 10-year validity for N70,000.

The categories of the passport are as follows: 32-page five-year validity (Adults and Minors); 64 page five-year validity (Adults and Minors); 64 page 10-year validity (Adults (18+) only) and 32 Page five-year Official Passport.

“We have stopped shunting and emergency process in obtaining

of passport. These processes are being controlled by Abuja to stop extortion of people in the name of emergency. The problem we have is that there has been consistent short supply for five-year passports for three months and the demand is very high. This is connected to the desire of people to leave Nigeria due to economic hardship.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics recently gave comprehensive information on the level of poverty in Nigeria.

“Someone very close to me on Monday (November 21) went to VSF office to request for UK visa at their Maryland, Ikeja office. He Continued on page 23

Expert Urges Marketing Agencies to Solve Social, Commercial Exclusion Through Innovative Models Oluchi Chibuzor The President and the Co-CEO of OPAY, Mr. Olu Akanmu has tasked marketing organisations to begin to responsibly find innovative ways to solve the large social and commercial exclusion problems in the industry.

According to him, this would unlock the potentials of these excluded markets with innovative

service and business models that could make them profitable.

Also he urged practitioners to watch and pay attention to the key words of customers, clients, partners and society as they have a role to play in economic sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

Akanmu stated this at the 11th Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Africa Marketing

Excellence Awards with the theme: “Marketing as a tool for sustainable economic development,” held in Lagos.

He asked marketers in the country If they can truly say they are doing responsible marketing in a country like Nigeria “if most of us despite our awards tonight are not relevant to 50 percent of Nigerians that are poor.

According to him, “We need to

responsibly find innovative ways to solve our large social and commercial exclusion, unlock the potentials of these excluded markets with innovative service and business models that could make them profitable.”

Doing so, he added, would double the size of their addressable markets and become more socially relevant while creating “inclusive prosperity

for all.”

Speaking on innovation, President of Advertisers Association of Nigeria, Osamede Uwubanmwen stated that it’s a known fact that innovation remains key to ensuring the industry reliance and effectiveness in the scheme of things.

He called on ADVAN to put in place an executive council that would ensure the association is a

force to be reckoned with within the industry.

“We are not financial billing plans or links to brand budgets. We are the experts, whose corporate entities have spent so much training and equipping with the needed resources to carry out its day-to-day functions.

We are the expert storytellers, who Continued on page 23

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 2 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

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MATURITY NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23 NTB 11May-23

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Change Updated Time (%) November -0.01 10, 2022 November 0.00 10, 2022 November 0.00 10, 2022 November -0.01 10, 2022 November 0.00 10, 2022

MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23

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Current Rate Updated Time ($/₦) November 454.73 18, 2022 November 456.93 18, 2022 November 459.12 18, 2022 November 461.32 18, 2022 November 463.51 18, 2022

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Air Peace Resumes Monrovia Flight December 2 Chinedu Eze Air Peace has announced that it is set to resume its Monrovia service on December 2, 2022.

Spokesman of the airline, Stanley Olisa, said in a statement that the Lagos-Monrovia service would operate three times weekly, adding that the airline is also

finalising plans to launch its Tel Aviv operations soon.

Olisa noted that the airline was already strengthening its presence on the West Coast and providing easy connectivity to Africans while promoting commercial relations between cities and contributing to the economic prosperity of the continent.

Air Peace launched Monrovia operations in August 2018 and suspended the route in the wake of the global COVID-19 lockdown.

Air Peace leads Nigeria’s aviation industry with a network of twenty domestic routes, seven regional routes and three international destinations.

The aviation industry, few days ago, lost one of its seasoned pilots, the late Captain Obi Nwana. In a tribute, Group Chairman, OAS Helicopters, Capt. Evarest Nnaji, described the late Nwana as a rare gem in the ‘forest of Nigeria aviation professionals’.

“He was Captain of Captains. The biggest challenge for anyone trying to underscore your special place in oil and gas aviation, especially to those outside the ‘water world’ aviation activity, is to first describe the activity and the environment of these areas usually, by nature, inaccessible to the general public and strange even to the normal aviation professionals.

“Nigeria economy, the oil

and gas economy, is majorly resided at the deep waters and swaps where activities can only be possible by highly technical precision that guarantees reliability, predictability and consistency by men and women who are not only properly trained and retrained but those who are naturally endowed with self discipline, intelligence and resilience coupled with their rigid and rigorous trainings. Helicopter aviation, naturally a special aviation sector, catering mainly for activities in places where there is no airport; places where you may not have the corresponding facility support as you would in airport environments.

Helicopter, a unique air vehicle designed to, in great speed, operate

to places where no other means of transportation can go to.

“But helicopter offshore oil and gas flight support operation is much more difficult still, as the pilot is, in addition, required to have the capability to master and captain divergent deep sea flight emergencies to the point where both asset managers and other oil and gas facility professionals are confident of safe and reliable flight operations.

Flight activities to and from such environments and facilities require the capability to operate in the best possible international standards where mistakes can be extremely dangerous and expensive,” Captain Nnaji said in the tribute to the late Nwana.

A I R WATCH

Relief as Domestic Runway, MMIA Get Airfield Lighting Aviation Industry Mourns Capt. Nwana

Ibom Air Receives Two A2320-200 Aircraft to Boost Operations Ibom Airlines Limited (Ibom Air) has announced that it has received two Airbus A320-200 aircraft as additions to her fleet.

The two aircraft, which arrived last weekend, were procured from GetJet Airlines UAB (operating as GETJET), a European aircraft leasing company, on a one year wet-lease agreement.

According to its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. George

Uriesi, “The wet-lease agreement is a stop-gap measure undertaken to meet current demands and accommodate growth, while awaiting the deliveries of our ten brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, an order that was firmed up in November 2021 at the Dubai Airshow. With this new capacity coming on board, we are delighted to inform our passengers that we have increased our offerings,

providing more frequencies for their convenience. The Uyo-Lagos and Uyo-Abuja route now have three frequencies every weekday, while our passengers between Lagos and Abuja will have seven frequencies to choose from both ways, every weekday.”

The new flight schedules commenced effective service from November 23, in order to meet the demand of the holiday season.

SAHCO Expands Fleet, Acquires N ew H a n d l i n g E q u i p m e n t Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has expanded her fleet of ultramodern Aviation Ground Handling Equipment with acquiring Universal Loaders, Tractors, Container Dollies, Canopied Passenger Steps, Conveyor Beltloaders and Air Starter Units.

The new Universal loaders, which were manufactured

by French Ground Support Equipment (GSE) maker, Air Marrel in France, are 7,000 tonnes lower and main deck loaders.

The GSEs are well-matched with the latest compatible standards and can be used to load both

pallets and containers. Also, the loaders are equipped with Aircraft Approach sensors that minimise accident or damage to the Aircraft body by restricting contact.

In addition, SAHCO acquired three Air Starter Units (ASU) equipment from Guinault, a GSE manufacturer resident in France. ACUs are used to start an aircraft’s engine while it is on ground. The ASUs acquired

by SAHCO can power both wide body and narrow body aircrafts. They are also fitted with tier 4 Deutz engines with low emission of carbon monoxide and are built to

produce 180pounds per minute of power. Furthermore, the ASUs are built with aluminum chassis which is to prevent rusting thereby making them all-weather equipment, which can be used under the rain or in the scorching sun.

Similarly, 6 Sherpa Tractors were procured to boost the existing fleet of GSE in SAHCO. These tractors are built to service both Cargo and Passenger Baggage. The front wheels of the tractors have been modified to be bigger than the older models to enable a better stability of the equipment and to suit a rough terrain better.

Coderina STEAM Center Launched in Bauchi In an attempt to provide free and equitable access to quality Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education for young learners in and out of school across Nigeria, Coderina, riding on the partnership with the Nigerian National Library Authority, has equipped the National library in Bauchi, where the STEAM programme was launched last week.

The event at Bauchi, brings the number of library locations Coderina has provided to five, with one in each of the six geopolitical zones.

The Enugu launch, which is planned for December this year, will complete the initiative’s first phase.

The launch in Bauchi, had students, state education stakeholders, and press members in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the National Librarian/CEO National Library of

Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, stated, “The concept of a library as space constantly evolves over the years as libraries transform from purely paper-based to a blend of paper and digital. They are moving to the next stage, which involves resourcing libraries to become venues for informal Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, hosting programs and exhibits that inspire children and adults alike, and supporting them in their lifelong learning.”

The project’s goal is to provide equal access to all children and ensure that no child is left behind irrespective of social, gender, or economic background. We plan to create an enablement path for every youth in the country and provide much-needed opportunities to all.

The STEAM centers at National Libraries of Nigeria in Abuja, Port

Harcourt, Lagos, and Kaduna, have become safe and secure places for young people looking to experience robotics, Virtual Reality, 3D printing, Coding, and other emerging technologies in a hands-on, mind-on format.

Students visiting the National Library at Yaba center have an opportunity to design and 3D-Print their own toys, thanks to a 3D printer and scanner donated by FORD USA. Board Chair at Coderina, Mr. Femi Niyi, said: “We are also grateful to SAP for providing additional robot kits for Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu States. According to the vision of the founder of Coderina, who is the brain behind this great initiative, the aim is to grow the program and scale to all National Library locations across Nigeria to democratise digital literacy and demystify emerging technologies for all learners.”

Chinedu Eze Tought smile to the face of domestic airlines operators.

This is because the project will save them N2 billion annually as fuel burnt taxing from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport runway to the domestic runway.

The facility, since 2008, was put into use without airfield lighting.

Besides the huge money saved, it also saves the airlines the time they spent in the air during high traffic to wait for their turn to land or take off. Also, in case of safety emergency, it provides a landing alternative at night.

After the rehabilitation of the domestic runway, which was put into use in 2008, there were always assurances that the runway light would be installed in a matter of months until after 14 years.

The airfield lighting that was installed at the domestic runway has been adjudged by pilots as one of the best and the company that installed it, Merry Aviation Communication Electronics and Industry Nigeria Limited (MACE), said it installed the best lighting system at the runway.

THISDAY spoke to the CEO of the company, Manoj Jagtiani who said that MACE was established in Nigeria for several years, specialising in the aviation sector and providing communications, security and other services, which are safety critical components, equipment and facilities that are essential in airport management and development.

“Our company is working in the aviation sector and we supply, install and maintain the following systems: navigational aids, airfield lighting conventional / solar, apron flood lighting, control tower equipment, mobile control tower, communication system, security equipment, meteorology and baggage handling system,” Jagtiani said.

Jagtiani who was obviously elated during the unveiling of the airfield lighting, thanked the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and said that November 15 of every year would be remembered for the good job MACE did installing the lighting system at the domestic runway.

“We thank the Honourable Minister of Aviation for granting us the opportunity to complete this long awaited project for the airfield lighting of Lagos domestic Runway 18L. This dream would not have come to reality without the special efforts of the Honourable Minister and other involved.

All aviation stakeholders should appreciate this milestone achievement, which will result in the saving of serious revenue, fuel and time due to the use of taxy from international to the domestic runway. This installation has been a long awaited installation for over 14 years by everyone in Nigerian aviation industry.

He identified other benefits of the runway lighting and noted that it would enable

24-hour operations on R18L. “I would also like to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional support and assistance extended to us by the Managing Director of FAAN, Capt Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu and Chief of Staff, Mr. Lawal Abdullahi who provided us unflinching support at every point to enable us achieve the completion of this installation. Our company has been actively involved in the aviation technical sector in Nigeria as well as West and Central Africa for over 25 years and this installation has been a major achievement.

MACE was able to complete this airfield lighting installation in 90 days, which is a record-breaking achievement in aviation. I would like to take this opportunity to also sincerely thank all efforts by the MACE technical team as well as all members of the FAAN electrical and technical team that provided us valuable support always to enable the completion of this milestone project,” he said.

According to Jagtiani, MACE has been a company present for more than 37 years in the West African market.

“We are manufacturers of plastic, imports and distribution of communication and electronic testing equipment, imports and distribution of consumer electronics and electrical components.

MACE employs currently more than 350 personnel and has several competent engineers, highly qualified technicians and teams of commercial personnel for distribution and marketing. MACE is located in Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria and nerve-center of the West-African market, as well as in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. In addition, to this, MACE has a wide distributor network spanning across the country in almost all states of Nigeria.

The Central Warehousing Department is situated in Lagos,” he disclosed.

Since more than 20 years, he said MACE consolidated its activities in plastic industries and diversified its activities in the distribution and the services through the various specialized branches of the Group, noting that its structure today “allows us to answer quickly the problems of the African market in several sector of activities.”

Reacting to the development, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, commended Sirika and MACE for the completion of the project and said it would save airlines cost and time. He explained that some aircraft components wear and tear by time; so the short period aircraft taxis to the terminal from the domestic runway would save the depreciation of those components.

Also, other pilots have commended the efficiency and quality of work done, remarking that that it had brought the runway alive again, as domestic services can be going on there uninterrupted after dusk. They also urged that similar efforts should be extended to some other runways, where airfield lighting is yet to be installed.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

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AVIATION

FG, Stakeholders Tangle Over Aerotropolis Last week the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, reiterated the intention of the Buhari’s administration to kick-off the aerotropolis programme, even at the twilight of its tenure, but stakeholders have frowned at the plan to demolish agency’s facilities to make way for the project in Lagos, writes Chinedu Eze

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riting for Airport Council International (ACI), Sabrina Guerieri, in an article published online on January 31, 2019, encapsulated what aerotropolis could mean, which according to the writer, is a conglomeration of many businesses happening around the airport.

She explained that the basic premise is as such, “because many businesses rely on distant products and customers, and because we live in an age of “instant gratification,” where the airport will increasingly become the nucleus of economic activity, with land-use that connects local and global markets. In other words, the competitiveness of an aerotropolis is anchored upon aviation connectivity and its ability to move people and products rapidly around the world (Appold 2013; Hubbard 2017).”

The conception by the federal government is ideal and with the growing population, especially the ever increasing number of Nigerians that travel, the country needs to maximise the benefits offered by the air transport sector.

Quoting Greg Lindsay in his work, ‘Aerotropolis: How we will live next,’ Guerieri explained that the aerotropolis represented the logic of globalisation, noting, “the three rules of real estate have changed from location, location, location, to accessibility, accessibility, accessibility. There’s a new metric. It’s no longer space; its time and cost. And if you look closely at the aerotropolis, what appears to be sprawl is slowly evolving into a system reducing both.”

She noted that as population, air travel and resource consumption increase, there are indications that great cities were often built where commerce and transport flourished. From land to sea to air transport, the logic follows that the cities of tomorrow will be built on and around airports. Initially aerotropolis attracted dampened in interests, but Guerieri said it has become a reality. “Examples of planned or organic aerotropolises can be found in or surrounding Amsterdam-Schiphol, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Hong

Kong, Incheon, Memphis, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Washington Dulles airports.”

(Kasarda, 2015).

BENEFITS

Guerieri also observed that the lands around these airports have become magnets for a range of economic activities that thrive on long-distance connectivity, serving as “regional economic accelerators, crystalizing and driving business development outward for many miles. ” She said this in turn has a multiplying effect; a potential to generate huge socio-economic returns to local and national economies.

“Airports have evolved from infrastructure providers to complex businesses that produce considerable commercial development within and well beyond their parameters. The quest to improve the passenger experience is one of the chief factors that have led the evolution of city airports into ‘airport cities’ (Kasarda, 2015). Catering to the needs of passengers, particularly within the passenger-terminal through the offering of a wide-array of consumer services, has given the airport all the commercial functions of a metropolitan center,” she further explained.

In Nigeria the first time the development of Aerotropolis was mooted under Senator Stella Oduah as the Minister of Aviation.

Shortly before she was removed as the Minister, she commended the concept as offering gilded prospects for changing the story of Nigeria’s aviation industry. She explained how such application of the concept would avail the nation’s airports of five-star hotels, housing estates, and aircraft maintenance facilities. There could also be world-class medical facilities and services as well as recreation facilities, among many other benefits.

“In specific terms, the Nigerian aerotropolis project is expected to earn for the country the admittedly impressive annual revenue of N100 billion, and provide jobs for at

least 10 million Nigerians,” she projected at that time.

Citing example with the Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport in The Netherlands, which was an active aerotropolis, she said that there were over 2,000 companies and more than 58,000 people at work on its grounds at that time. Munich Airport in Germany, another active aerotropolis, had a wide complement of facilities that included a full service hospital, a full service grocery store, swimming pool, and open-air forum that serves as a concert venue.

“Africa is not left out in the parade with South Africa taking the lead. Already in April 2013, the South African city of Ekurilieni near Johannesburg hosted the World Airport Cities Conference,” she had said.

AEROTROPOLIS UNDER SIRIKA

So, it was a familiar terrain when the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, promised that the Buhari’s administration would continue with the project. So far, he has tried to realise it under the Aviation Road Map. However, many industry stakeholders were aghast last week when he reinstated that the aviation agency headquarters would be demolished because they have become old contraception and some of them have long passed their utility. Many in the industry were asking whether the demolition was a sine qua none to realising the project in Lagos or the minister feels that if such action was not taken, the desired seriousness needed to be applied to realise the objective would not be done.

On the planned demolition of structures housing aviation offices in Lagos, which include the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); just as the edifice, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB0 was

demolished earlier in the year, forcing majority of the workers to relocate to Abuja, the Minister said that the offices were decrepit structures that were hitherto planned to be temporary and now should inevitably give way to the lofty aerotropolis that was aimed at transforming the aviation industry.

The minister argued that it was to have this lofty project that prompted the Buhari’s administration to want to demolish these existing structures; even at the twilight of the administration.

“I wish that it (the demolition) would happen tomorrow morning. I wish that happens tomorrow morning. This, chaos is what you want as an airport? This chaos in all of these places is it what you want for an aerotropolis, which is part of the roadmap? Don’t you want a rail link between the old domestic terminal and the new international terminal? Don’t you want that? Don’t you want pattern structures where there are cinemas, Spas, shopping malls, banks, airline offices and a befitting headquarters for Lagos? The chaos that you have here is what you call an airport? Do you want to continue to live like this? Do you want to keep going to Dubai and come back and say wow these people have done wonderfully well? Do you want keep going to Ghana and using your phone and say, common Ghana, see Ghana? Is that what you want? So given the chance, I will demolish all the headquarters. In fact, I told somebody that I am going to demolish from where Arik used to be, Nigeria Airways, all the way to police to Aero Contractors to Bristol and something that is befitting of Lagos. Come on, this is Lagos; this is our premier airport,” he had said.

Some industry stakeholders told THISDAY that the minister knew the way the Nigerian government works, being very close to government at various levels and positions for a long time; so he knows that to drive an action, a radical step has to be taken.

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

STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY HIGH DEMAND, SCARCITY, INEFFICIENCY AS CAUSES OF DELAYS IN OBTAINING INTERNATIONAL PASSPORTS left my house by 5:45 am and was still there by 6:00 pm. The poverty level is too high so people want to leave. That is key principle in migration, people migrate to areas of better life from that of hardship,” he told THISDAY. The official also disclosed that in the last three years there were efforts to move away trained and

highly skilled Immigration officials from the three passport officers in Lagos, including Festac, Ikeja and Ikoyi and these were replaced by personnel transferred from other states who were not exposed to the training and education on passport processing and this had led to inefficiency and poor delivery of the product to applicants.

“The decision to bring people from some states that do not have the requite skills to processes these passports was a bad decision because those who had the skills were transferred from Lagos and Abuja, where we have the highest demands of passports.

Those brought in to replace them did know anything. Some didn’t

even have the knowledge of how these booklets are processed. It was a big setback for us and it is not as if things have changed. It is the same thing. The different is that the new management is trying to take those skilled personnel back to where their knowledge can be adequately utilised. As far as we have short of booklets, the delay

in the issuance of passports will continue. It is unfortunate but it wasn’t as bad as this in the past,” the official said.

Reacting to the urgency, the Nigeria Immigration Service has been reported to have directed that on Tuesday, Nigerians in Diaspora with expired passport would no longer require visas to visit home,

but they must show their expired Nigeria’s passport to ensure they are truly from Nigeria.

The new spokesman of Immigration, Mr. Tony Akuneme, who disclosed this in Abuja, while reacting to inquiries about the new visa policy of the federal government, said Nigerians with dual citizenship don’t need visa to visit home.

EXPERT URGES MARKETING AGENCIES TO SOLVE SOCIAL, COMMERCIAL EXCLUSION THROUGH INNOVATIVE MODELS bring brand stories to life,” he said.

The 11th ADVAN Africa Awards witnessed a number of brands winning top categories. For instance, Maltina, a premium malt brand

from Nigerian Breweries emerged winner in the Consumer Brand of the Year with 28 percent votes. Milo and Indomie came 2nd and 3rd respectively with 17 percent and

12 percent votes.

Brand Manager of Haier Thermocool, Samuel Akinrimisi emerged Brand Manager of the Year while Haier Thermocool, Maltina

and Colgate won Brand of the Year in 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. Campaign of the Year went to Hero Beer-1st, Guinness Stout- 2nd and Milo-3rd position.

In other categories, Guinness Stout came top in experiential marketing campaign of the year category with Lush Hair occupying second spot and Goldberg & Lord’s Dry Gin

sharing third place. Indigenous Brand category went to Peak Yoghurt while Maltina and Haier Thermocool claimed second and third position.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Orekoya: Nigeria Needs Home-grown S o l u t i o n s t o Ta c k l e I n f l a t i o n The President of Pearl Awards and Managing Consultant at CITC Global Consulting Limited, Mr Tayo Orekoya in this interview with Kayode Tokede urged the federal government and stakeholders to champion homegrown solutions in order to tackle the rising inflation rate in Nigeria. Excerpts How can stakeholders tackle the rising inflation rate amid global trends? t is quite clear that the world is undergoing economic stress. Globally, the inflation rate is high. The United States has witnessed the highest level of inflation over the past 40 years and the UK is also facing the same thing.

Across the globe, it is the same trend in hiking the inflation rate. Of course, we all know that this is traceable to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and we do not know when it will end. When there is a hike in inflation, the government has a responsibility to apply the right monetary policies to bring it down.

For economies all over the world, the right thing to do when there’s a hike in inflation is to hike interest rates and that is what is happening now.

What the federal government and stakeholders can do is to provide an enabling environment to encourage local production which is expected to enhance productivity, generate employment, and of course, improve on its infrastructural development which is expected to make the cost of production drop.

So, what government has to do is look at homegrown solutions which are expected to enhance productivity, discourage imports and encourage exportation the more.

Food inflation is the basis of an inflation rate hike and it must be tackled because when there is food scarcity, the level of poverty definitely will increase. I think the government needs to look at these areas and grow the economy.

the people in authority.

Again, the issue of integrity is a key achievement to the committee. There has been no controversy about these awards since 1995.

No wonder the winning companies proudly display their performance of the Pearl Awards.

The winning companies always brandish their achievements with the Pearl awards.

I

With the numerous challenges in 2022, do you think it is possible for FG to achieve its 2022 GDP growth?

Well it’s a tall order. Government has a duty to enhance the diversification of the economy and grow agriculture. Government has to deal with the issue of insecurity if we want to grow the GDP. The targeted GDP growth can be achieved when insecurity is tackled.

So, the issue of security is all-encompassing and the government needed to focus on ways to tackle it as soon as possible.

What are the areas the government is getting it wrong with economic diversification?

We have made some giant strides in terms of economic diversity. For example, over $40billion have been saved in one year in terms of rice imports and the such fund is available to be diverted to other sectors of the economy.

Now, what has affected all that we have gotten right is the issue of insecurity. Assuming we were able to address insecurity, we could have gone a very long way in economic diversification.

How well effective are we in dealing with our solid minerals? We must ensure also that there is massive security that investors think of Nigeria as the first place of choice and direct foreign investment can be enhanced, and of course, local production can be boosted.

How is the double-digit inflation rate impacting on the capital market?

The inflation rate at 21.09 per cent as of October 2022 has a huge impact on the capital market because, in the first place, the average investor looks for where it can optimize their wealth. When you have huge interest rates, what you will find out is that investors will move from equities to fixed-income, income investments, because this has less risks.

The value of returns on investment to investors is eroded, given the high inflation rate. If you are investing and you have returns probably at 15per cent and inflation is 21 per cent, which is minus six per cent that is expected to discourage investment in the

Orekoya

equities market.

We a in a situation a good number of investors are now putting their funds in dollar-denominated instruments; that is buying dollars and storing dollars and that is why the value of the naira keeps depreciating.

What can stakeholders encourage more listing in the capital market?

Well, I think it’s a question of the various stakeholders looking at initiatives, and innovations, to enhance the deepening of the market. For example, how much of the FinTechs are quoted on the stock exchange today? What incentives can be put in place by Nigerian Exchange Limited and then how can SEC also bring in incentives to encourage listings of FinTech companies on our Exchanges?

Can we reduce some of the rates for Initial Public Offers (IPOs), and fresh listings?

Again, it is the issue of the alignment of monetary and fiscal policies. I mean, we cannot be working at cross purposes and expect that the securities market will be deepened because that is the engine room of the economy.

Whatever happens in the capital market, will affect the economy. So, our fiscal policies and monetary policies must be enhanced. We need to align these policies and also look at innovations and incentives to encourage new listings in the capital market.

How do you arrive at 2022 Pearl Awards with the theme, “Sustaining Excellence Through Tenacity?”

Well, arriving as the theme has a dual connotation. The first is that for Pearl awards, we have been rewarding excellence in the capital market over the past 27 years. You will recall that in 2020 and 2021, Pearl awards did not hold due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But we are back and that is tenacity, and of course, you will agree that Pearl

Awards is one of the longest awards in the history of Nigeria.

On the part of the nominated and winning companies, it is tenacity that has made them excel in spite of the global challenges.

We have seen challenges in the local and global economies. Challenges of COVID-19 pandemic challenges and of course, the Russia and Ukraine war.

These companies have shown resilience and still standing.

What are the major landmark achievements over the past 27 years?

The achievements of Pearl Awards draw from the objectives for which the Awards was set up. We’ve been able to achieve competitiveness amongst quoted companies because by the nature of the awards has been based on empirical data, actual performance and we have seen these companies coming out to actually compete against one another in the sectoral leadership awards category, and also competing within the entire market in the market excellence category.

We have been able to generate enough awareness. Hitherto, before Pearl Awards in 1995, the stock market was seen as an elitist market as nobody talks about it. But with the Pearl awards, we have been able to change the narrative such that people now know that this market is a market for everybody.

Beyond that, we have been used as the reference point for shareholders and stakeholders in the capital market.

When a company emerges as a nominee or winner of the Pearl awards, we have seen the share price of such a company appreciates.

Beyond that, we introduced what is called the annual public lecture on capital market development. This is a public lecture where contemporary and general issues on the capital market are discussed and analyzed with recommendations to

How does the Committee arrive at some 2022 Pearl Awards nominees?

The Pearl awards are actually in three broad areas. We have the main competitive category, which has three sub-categories; sectoral leadership award category, market excellence award category, and overall highest award category. Now, there are nine indices that are used to evaluate and rank companies for the purpose of these awards.

These nine indices include: turnover growth, earnings yield, return on equity, net assets rate, profit margin ratio, dividend cover, dividend yield, dividend growth, and share price appreciation.

For each of the sectors under sectoral leadership awards, the performance of each company is assessed and they are ranked in terms of their performance utilizing these nine indices.

Now, the company that scored the highest aggregate points, emerges as the winner, while the two other companies are the nominees for the particular sectoral leadership award category. For the market Excellence Awards category, we have each of these indices being the basis for the assessment and ranking of all the companies in the market.

Then for each of the nine indices, we assess all the companies and then the companies that score the highest aggregate after adding points gathered across the nine indices, are the three nominees for the overall highest award.

However, before a company is nominated for the overall award, it must have won the sectoral leadership awards category.

As regards transparency, how is the Pearl Awards Committee collaborating with SEC and NGX? I most appreciate the support of the NGX and SEC. They have supported the Pearl awards since its inception in 1995.

We source our data from them and apart from the financial results published by each of the companies that have been approved by the Stock Exchange, we also have daily official lists and weekly reports that we obtain from the NGX. For the SEC, we also source information on the performance of issuing houses and we have created a special recognition award category. We have also created awards for the stock broking firm of the year as well as the corporate governance award of the year.

Talking about transparency, I also want to add very importantly, that the Pearl awards as a publication called the Nigerian stock market manual released at the awards night since 1995. It has the details of all the facts and figures with graphs of how each of the winning companies emerged and the nominees.

How can our Exchanges attract the younger generation to invest in the capital market?

I think it is very important we start by introducing into our institution’s curriculum on how to invest in the capital market. It is very crucial at this time. It must be expanded into wealth creation, and entrepreneurship, among other areas.

I think it is important that our youth are made to realize that, getting an education goes beyond being able to graduate and probably look for a job.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

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NEWS

Ado bayero: AKK Gas Pipeline Project will Lead to Economic Boom

L-R: Former President, Shipowners Association of Nigeria, Greg Ogbeifun; Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko; President Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Funke Agbor; Executive Director ENL Consortium, Mark Walsh and Chief Financial Officer of APM Terminals Apapa, Courage Obadagbonyi at the Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS) 2022 in Lagos...recently

APM Terminals Apapa: Nigeria’s Tax Laws Incentivise Investment Oluchi Chibuzor The Chief Financial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi, has said that Nigeria has great tax laws that incentivise investment.

Speaking as a panelist during a session on ‘Financing Maritime Assets - Ports and Shipyards’ at the just concluded Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS) 2022, Obadagbonyi said, “I am of the school of thought that funding of viable

infrastructural projects is not an issue in terms of availability of cash. There is a lot of private equity and multilateral funding available if the projects are well positioned and investors have line of sight to their payback.

I think what we need to do is publicity and sell these projects to the right individuals with the right pockets. There are incentives that are available to investors in Nigeria.”

Speaking further, he said, “I think with more publicity and engagement with private

stakeholders, a lot of some of these challenges that are bedevilling us with investing in port infrastructure can be fixed.

For instance, we have great tax laws that incentivise investment in this country. Things like pioneer legislation, Infrastructure and Roads Tax Credit Program, which companies like MTN and Dangote have used to successfully build hundreds of kilometres of roads and bridges across the country can also be replicated in the ports. We also have great capital allowance

provisions that encourage investors.”

He advised the federal government to embark on massive awareness campaign to further attract private capital to the nation’s seaports because, according to him, based on the latest data published by the Debt Management Office, the country’s debt profile currently stands at N42 trillion, which is about four times the country’s total revenue budget per annum.

This, he said, makes the cost of borrowing more expensive.

The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Aminu Ado Bayero, has described the ongoing AjaokutaKaduna- Kano Gas Pipeline project as a grand investment that will transform socio-economic activities in northern Nigeria and beyond.

The Emir, who spoke during a courtesy visit by a delegation of NNPC Ltd and the Contractor handling the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, Brentex CPP Ltd, said, the project is one of its ‘kind’ while applauding the commitment of NNPC and the Contractor, towards ensuring the project implementation.

He further states that, “the importance of this project cannot be overemphasized. We are optimistic that when completed, the project will usher in a new era of economic boom in the region, Nigeria and beyond.

Kano has maintained a significant place in its relationship with other parts of the country and even other African countries for more than a centaury. This project will further strengthen this bond.

We urge those in charge to do everything possible to see to the completion of this magnificent project bearing in mind that history will never forget their efforts. Even their unborn children will one day, come to benefit from this work.

We are happy to receive you today, we pray for your success and assure you of our support as well as that of other Emirates in the state. We also, call on the people especially those that, the project

runs through their Communities in all the affected states to accord the contractors necessary support needed.

While introducing the delegation to the Emir, Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, who is also the Executive Chairman of Kano State NNPCAKK Pipeline Project Delivery and Gas Industrialization Committee, , expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the AKK Gas pipe line project.

He then, calls on Kano people to seize the opportunity and key into the venture with potency, as this will lead to the revival of manufacturing activities in the state and further strengthen Kano’s position as the Commercial center of not only Nigeria, but the entire Trans Saharan trade route.

In his remark, the Executive Director Projects, Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Limited (NGIL) a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, Audu Ibrahim, who led the delegation, expressed appreciation for the support received, particularly from Kano State Government, His Royal Highness, and the people of Kano State.

“We are here to say thank you for your support and to seek further collaboration as we embark on this journey to deliver this project to Kano State and other parts of the country.

This project upon completion, will change the energy land scape of Kano and we hope the people of the state will utilize the opportunities that comes with the project”, he added.

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YAHAYA BELLO’S AWAITED YULETIDE HAMPER FOR ONUKABA ADINOYIOJO TUNDE OLUSUNLE urges Governor Bello to kindly redeem his pledge to the Onukaba family

See page 29

FAREWELL, BLESSING AKPORODE CLARK A.E. GEORGE pays tribute to Akporode Clark, a consummate diplomat

See page 29 EDITORIAL

CONFRONTING THE OIL THIEVES

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The revolt of five Peoples Democratic Party’s governors is a cynical reward for bad political behaviour, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

IT’S ATIKU’S TURN It’s payback time! That was the headline of an Abuja-based newspaper on Wednesday. Many other newspapers varied that headline in their reports of an event in which Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers State, ramped up his hostility towards Atiku Abubakar, former vicepresident and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

As he does these days, the inauguration of one of his projects provided another opportunity for him to hit his party’s SUHVLGHQWLDO ÁDJEHDUHU ZKR KDG outmaneuvered him at the primaries earlier in March. Since that comprehensive GHIHDW :LNH KDV OHG D JDQJ RI ÀYH governors on the party’s platform to irritate both the PDP leadership and Atiku.

Persistently feeling the need to justify their rebellion, Wike on Wednesday, told the story of how, in 2015, Goodluck Jonathan, former president of the federation, who was then the party’s torchbearer, was humiliated by Atiku.

The former vice-president had led some northern governors and party leaders from the regional bloc to resist the return bid of Jonathan on the ground that it was the turn of the North to ascend to the presidency. $OO HͿRUWV E\ WKH IRUPHU SUHVLGHQW WR pacify them failed. Eventually, Atiku led ÀYH RI WKH JRYHUQRUV DQG RWKHU OHDGHUV including Bukola Saraki, then president of the Senate, and many senators and members of the House of Representatives to join the emerging All Progressives Congress that eventually showed the PDP the door out of power.

Contending that but for the 2015 Atiku revolt, the PDP might still have been in power, Wike vowed that his group was determined to treat the party’s presidential candidate with a dose of his own medicine unless he met their condition for peace.

Though clearly embittered and perhaps cynical, the Rivers State governor had a point.

There is no doubt that the prevailing gang, governors Seyi Makinde, Oyo State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State; Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State; Samuel Ortom, Benue State; and Wike, are engaged in anti-party activities, which is punishable by expulsion under the constitution of the party. But the party leadership is obviously restrained in wielding the big stick because of the weighty electoral implication of such an action.

Yet, the governors have become the LUULWDWLQJ Á\ RQ WKH WHVWHV WKDW QHHGV absolute caution to deal with. Unlike the 2015 rebels, these ones have refused to leave the party, contending that WKH\ ZRXOG VWD\ WR ÀJKW IURP ZLWKLQ Incidentally, there are striking similarities

in both revolts that threaten to keep the party out of power for more years to come.

Like in 2015, the crisis arose from the demand for the rotation of power.

Atiku and company had argued that it was the turn of the North to ascend the presidency after Jonathan from the South KDG RFFXSLHG WKH SRVLWLRQ IRU ÀYH \HDUV following the death of President Umar Yar’Adua in May 2010. The contention that Jonathan being the sitting president ZDV HQWLWOHG WR WKH ULJKW RI ÀUVW UHIXVDO under the constitution did not persuade them.

When they lost the argument at the National Executive Committee of the party in 2013, they left the party. Four of the governors, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara State; Aliyu Wamakko, Sokoto; Murtala Nyako, Adamawa; and Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano; were from the North.

They were joined by Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State from the South. Many political pundits had submitted that the emerging APC did not gain traction until the PDP elements joined it and that an analysis of the results of the 2015 presidential election would show that the PDP lost because WKHVH ÀYH VWDWHV WLOWHG WKH SROO LQ IDYRXU RI

But the right lesson needs to be learned from the prevailing crisis in the PDP by not only the party faithful but also all other parties that the purpose of a constitution and conventions is to guide those who subscribe to them, and that there will always be dire consequences for their breach

the opposition party.

The same argument is being made by the current rebels that President Muhammadu Buhari has spent eight years in power and cannot be replaced by DQRWKHU QRUWKHUQHU 7KH ÀYH JRYHUQRUV this time, four from the South and one from the North, argue that the situation in the party is even more unacceptable with both the presidential candidate and the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, coming from the North. The contention that the zoning and rotation arrangement under the party’s constitution, the North ought to present the candidate has persistently EHHQ UHEXͿHG It is pertinent to note that all arguments were submitted to the NEC, which earlier in the year decided, against the express provision of the party constitution, to throw open the presidential contest despite the fact that the national chairman was already from the North. Ordinarily, the matter having been decided by the second highest organ of the party, ought to have bound all members. But this could not be enforced partly because the enforcers lack the moral and, to some extent, the political will to whip the current rebels into line.

Ayu, the national chairman; Aminu Tambuwal, director-general of the presidential campaign; and Saraki were not only part of the rebellion of 2015 but also participated actively in the NEC meeting that practically overthrew the constitution of the party with regard to zoning and rotation. On what grounds, therefore, would they now apply sanctions against Wike and his gang who have been persistent in making the point that the bad political behaviour of the past was responsible for the dire straits the PDP DQG WKH FRXQWU\ QRZ ÀQG WKHPVHOYHV" Unfortunately, there is little or no time to make amends. This much has been realized by the Atiku campaign which has made the decision to move on with its electioneering hoping to reach the voters in the large voting states of Oyo and Rivers, as well as Enugu, Abia, and Benue over the head of the governors.

How successful this would be remains to be seen.

But the right lesson needs to be learned from the prevailing crisis in the PDP by not only the party faithful but also all other parties that the purpose of a constitution and conventions is to guide those who subscribe to them, and that there will always be dire consequences for their breach.

Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022

A.E. GEORGE pays tribute to Akporode Clark, a consummate diplomat TUNDE OLUSUNLE urges Governor Bello to kindly redeem his pledge to the Onukaba family

YAHAYA BELLO’S AWAITED YULETIDE HAMPER FOR ONUKABA ADINOYI-OJO For the many awards he has won in recent weeks, I should begin by felicitating with Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi State. Yes, last month, he was conferred the “presidential award on security” for ensuring minimum security breaches within the space and span of a geopolity bounded by nine states and the federal capital territory, (FCT). And more recently, just last week in fact, Kogi State under Bello’s leadership was also bedecked with a three-layered neckwear by the World Bank, under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability, (SFTAS) Programme. According to a report presented by the state commissioner for ÀQDQFH EXGJHW DQG SODQQLQJ $VKLUX ,GULV to the state executive council, Kogi State reportedly embraced the scheme in 2018. ,W ´VHHNV WR LPSURYH DQG VWUHQJWKHQ ÀVFDO management and entrench transparency

and accountability mechanisms that HQVXUH HͿHFWLYH XWLOLVDWLRQ RI SXEOLF IXQGV for improved public service delivery.”

The document posits that Kogi State government received three awards for impressive performances in three FDWHJRULHV QDPHO\ ´ÀVFDO WUDQVSDUHQF\ and accountability,” “debt sustainability” and “domestic revenue mobilisation.” The awards must mean a lot to the Bello system, owing to the ear to ear grin which Idris the state’s exchequer has been wearing in the last few days. Our expectation and prayer though, is that these laurels and souvenirs translate into substantial and tangible UHÁHFWLRQV LQ WKH LQGLYLGXDO HFRQRPLHV RI our people, and their buying powers in the marketplace.

Governor Bello will surely be going into the yuletide season which is already at our doorsteps, a happy man. Yes, the imminence of Christmas is reinforced by sprouting decorations around the Abuja metropolis, even as hawkers on the streets thrust sundry merchandise LQWR RXU IDFHV DW WUD΀F LQWHUVHFWLRQV Age-old Christmas tunes are also being played in public facilities, while in instances, dressmakers are rushing to meet deadlines. This is despite the fact that sartorial accoutrements are not primary concerns for the mass of 133 million Nigerians, relegated to abject poverty by the incumbent administration. All of these, KRZHYHU UHD΀UP WKH LQHYLWDEOH DSSURDFK of that season when Christendom, indeed the world commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

As Bello savours the festive season with family and friends, there are homesteads which will not have the luxury of marking the period. This is particularly so when they reminiscence on the absence of people very dear to them. At a time like this, one’s mind calls up the memory of a consummate media and communications SUDFWLWLRQHU D SUROLÀF SOD\ZULJKW DQG prominent Ebira son, Onukaba AdinoyiOjo. He left us in the evening of Sunday March 5, 2017, while returning from the celebration of Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Onukaba alighted from the vehicle he was travelling in and ran into the bush, to avoid armed robbers who had taken over the Ilesha-Akure highway, that evening.

A vehicle which escaped from the marauders, lost control and landed ferociously on him, on the spot he found refuge in the bushes. That was how we lost one of Nigeria’s most committed, most insightful writers and intellectuals.

Governor Bello visited Onukaba’s family in Ihima, Kogi State, for the “third day” Muslim prayers. He was informed at the event, that Onukaba who he had long known by reputation, and who was his elder brother within the African context, died without a home of his own. Exasperated and concerned, Bello promised to address the matter, expeditiously. The governor indeed requested to be promptly advised on accommodation options for the family of the late Onukaba.

A team from Dr Onukaba’s group of friends, drawn principally from the membership of the Adinoyi-Ojo Onukaba Endowment Fund, set out to work. The group was chaired by Mallam Yahaya Yusuf, a retired Director from the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, (MFCT), who is both kinsman, to Bello and the late Onukaba. Other members of the group included: Prof Maxwell Gidado, SAN, OON; Dr Umar Ardo; Mrs Franca Aiyetan; Mallam Sadiq Ibrahim Adaviriku; and I. By every stretch of imagination, this is a very distinguished and respectable assemblage.

The team toured several housing estates in Phases 2 and 3 of the Abuja developmental layouts and came up with suggestions and recommendations forwarded to Bello.

I was in Lokoja early June 2017, on the invitation of the Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ).

Fortuitously, Governor Bello attended the same event and I had the privilege of sharing the high table with him.

Presidential spokesman, my colleague and friend, Garba Shehu; former Kogi State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilson Inalegwu, (rtd), and Secretary to the Kogi State Government, (SSG), Dr Shade Ayoade, were also on the distinguished WDEOH 7KH HYHQW ZDV KHOG DW WKH &RQÁXHQFH Beach Hotel on Ganaja Road. I slipped a small note to Bello, and followed him to his car when he was departing the venue of the event. I managed to extract a sentence IURP KLP WR WKH HͿHFW WKDW KLV ´&KLHI RI 6WDͿ µ &26 ZKR DW WKH WLPH ZDV (GZDUG 2QRMD ´ZLOO À[ DQ DSSRLQWPHQWµ IRU Gidado, SAN and I to see him in Abuja.

Olusunle, PhD, poet, journalist, scholar and author, is a Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors

FAREWELL, BLESSING AKPORODE CLARK

My life has been profoundly enriched in myriad ways since that day in 2003 that colleagues introduced me to Ambassador Blessing Akporode Clark, &21 $VVLJQHG WR WKH 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV Section of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, I planned a year-long program to honor Dr. Ralph Bunche’s centenary. As was his generous nature, Ambassador Clark agreed to serve as a resource person as he knew Dr. Bunche personally and had served with him at the United Nations

Ambassador Clark found time to PHQWRU PH , EHQHÀWHG LPPHQVHO\ from his prodigious intellect and profound insights into history and LQWHUQDWLRQDO DͿDLUV Whether in Lagos or Abuja, I sat spellbound as he regaled me with stories of his tenure as a Nigerian )RUHLJQ 6HUYLFH 2΀FHU +LV command of diplomatic tradecraft was legendary as he, for example, understood the unacceptably high

Headquarters in New York.

Fate, however, intervened, as Ambassador Clark--then 73-- was injured in a swimming accident and needed time to rest and recuperate. Thank God he did.

Demonstrating his signature discipline, fortitude and grace, Ambassador Clark took the necessary steps to heal. Indeed, I joined friends, colleagues, and admirers from around the world in giving thanks for his indefatigable will to recover. In so doing, he continued to demonstrate his professional prowess on the Presidential $GYLVRU\ &RXQFLO RQ )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV Such was his generative spirit that

cost and profound disruptions wrought by imperialism on the world, especially the global south.

In addition, his keen interest in my country’s Black Power Struggle was, no doubt, a natural outgrowth of his commitment to our global struggle for human rights. As an architect of Nigeria’s foreign policy, especially its multilateral diplomacy, I admired Ambassador Clark’s policy acumen long before I met him. As a proud member of Africa’s diaspora, I appreciated having Nigeria as a champion for Black folks the world over. Ambassador Clark understood the historical consequence and importance of this role.

I close by acknowledging Ambassador B.A. Clark as the consummate diplomat. I learned so much by listening to him and imbibing his wisdom. Each time I engaged Ambassador Clark I enjoyed a veritable feast of intellectual nourishment as he taught me lessons UDQJLQJ IURP LQWHUQDWLRQDO DͿDLUV WR insights into Africa’s most important and enduring champion, Nigeria.

Rest well, dear friend, you have most assuredly earned your place among our honored Ancestors.

Each time I engaged Ambassador Clark I enjoyed a veritable feast of intellectual nourishment as he taught me lessons ranging from international affairs to insights into Africa’s most important and enduring champion, Nigeria

Chief George, Ph.D, 6HQLRU 8 6 )RUHLJQ 6HUYLFH 2΀FHU rtd; Yeye Araba of the Source

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T H I S D AY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

CONFRONTING THE OIL THIEVES The oil pipeline surveillance firm is off to a good start

R

ecent approval by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to engage the services of an oil pipeline VXUYHLOODQFH ÀUP WR JXDUG 1LJHULD·V RLO pipeline network seems to be yielding results. Led by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the security company, which on Tuesday also secured Senate endorsement, is now vigorously confronting a menace that has for years GHÀHG VROXWLRQV :H KRSH LW ZLOO EH WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI ending the near industrial scale theft that has almost crippled the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Prior to the engagement, ÀJXUHV IURP WKH 1LJHULDQ Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had shown that Nigeria, which is yoked to a dubious subsidy regime in the downstream sector, had lost nothing less than 120 million barrels of crude oil between January and September 2022. Crude oil loss in production translates to $12.6 billion in less than a year, according to the NUPRC. It therefore came as no surprise that Nigeria’s submission to the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC) secretariat put September crude output at 938,000 b/d, just over half its quota for the month, while total liquids production was only 1.14mn b/d. This was the magnitude of the existential economic crisis of mind-boggling proportion that necessitated seeking desperate solutions to one of the largest organised crimes targeted at the nation’s economy.

In August, despite the outrage and condemnation that greeted the announcement, the NNPCL engaged WKH LQGLJHQRXV SLSHOLQH VXUYHLOODQFH ÀUPV WR FXUE the glaring threat to the welfare of Nigerians. The VXUYHLOODQFH ÀUP DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH 113&/ &KLHI Executive, Mele Kyari, has discovered 295 illegal connections to NNPC pipelines many of which have been in sabotage operations for years. Thousands of

LOOHJDO UHÀQHULHV LQ WKH UHJLRQ KDYH DOVR EHHQ GHVWUR\HG This is in addition to the shocking arrest of those behind a 87-meter-long rogue MT Dein, with registration number L85 B9.50. At the time of arrest, this syndicate had pumped between 600 and 650 cubic metres of FUXGH RLO LQWR ÀYH FRPSDUWPHQWV RI WKH YHVVHO ZLWK compartments from an illegal connection attached to a CNL crude pipeline in the Escravos, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Clearly, the positive outcomes shown in the reports from the NUPRC reveal a marked 8.18 per cent increase in oil production in early October to about 1,014,485 barrels per day compared with September’s production of 937,766 million barrels a day. To imagine that WKH FRXQWU\ VXͿHUV such enormous revenue depletion while begging IRU IRUHLJQ ORDQV WR ÀQDQFH projects is, to say the least, lamentable. It is therefore important to sustain all FXUUHQW HͿRUWV HYHQ ZKLOH we may seek technological solutions in the long run.

However, given the rising production and the FRQFRPLWDQW IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH LQÁRZ LW LV REYLRXV WKDW WKH FRVW RI WKH ORFDO VXUYHLOODQFH VHFXULW\ RXWÀW LV MXVWLÀDEOH KDYLQJ UHJDUG WR WKH KXPRQJRXV DPRXQWV that would have continued to be lost to the massive theft of the nation’s crude oil resources. What the federal government needs to do, therefore, is to consolidate the JDLQV RI WKH SDVW IHZ PRQWKV E\ UDPSLQJ XS WKH ÀJKW against the crude oil thieves, who in the words of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, are highly placed and wealthy people.

Although this massive leakage has been going on for years with all the dire implications for the environment and national economy, the situation was almost out of control before the intervention of engaging a security company. Not only must the federal government ensure that these big criminals are apprehended and brought to justice but must also ensure that steps are taken to castrate their capacity to further harm the country.

What the federal government needs to do is to consolidate the gains of the past few months by ramping up the fight against the crude oil thieves 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

THE WRONGS AGAINST LAWAL ADAMU USMAN The federal high court sitting in Kaduna preVLGHG RYHU E\ -XVWLFH 0* 8PDU LQ D VXLW ÀOHG E\ Ibrahim Usman challenging the declaration of Lawal Adamu Usman aka Mr. LAA as the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kaduna Central in the party primary election held on the 23rd of May 2022 set aside Mr LAA’s victory and ordered for a rerun within14 days of the date of his judgement. In the said primaries Mr LAA triumphed having scored the majority vote in a keen contest; he polled 99 votes against his closest rival Ibrahim Usman who polled 84 votes. A total of 248 votes were cast out of 250 voters accredited. The reWXUQLQJ R΀FHU 'LQJ\DGL PDGH D SXEOLF DQQRXQFHment of the outcome which was witnessed by all the security agencies present including INEC. The national working committee erroneously wrote a letter directing the repeat of the electoral process based on a petition surreptitiously submitted to undermine the process and spurn the candidature of Mr LAA. Perhaps, the state party along with some cohorts

could be complicit in the well-designed plot to humiliate the former Vice President by ensuring that KLV KDQGV DUH ZDVKHG RͿ WKH DͿDLUV RI WKH 3'3 LQ Kaduna State. This is evident in the formation of the single-structured campaign council in the state. +LV HͿRUWV WR SURPRWH 6DQL 6LGL WKH JXEHUQDWRULDO aspirant who lost to the incumbent candidate as the Director General of the campaign council was thwarted. His attempt to also promote the highest UDQNLQJ SROLWLFDO R΀FH KROGHU LQ WKH VWDWH 6HQ 'DQjuma Lar was frustrated and the state chairman Hassan Hyet was foisted on the council. Earlier on, a decision was reached for the former VP to chair the elders committee which is a creation of the PDP FRQVWLWXWLRQ 7KH RYHUDOO HͿRUW LV WR SRUWUD\ KLP DV LQHͿHFWLYH DQG SROLWLFDOO\ LUUHOHYDQW LQ WKH H\HV RI the Presidential Candidate, Alh Atiku Abubakar.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was to deny Mr LAA his well -deserved victory because he was of the VP stock.

Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

FOR ANIOCHA SOUTH CONSTITUENCY For the Aniocha South Constituency, the moment of truth has come. For 24 years we have been unfortunate to have the worst political representatives at the local, state and federal levels, which is why we the members of One Voice, Our Choice came out as a pressure group to say Enough Is Enough. Go to communities like Ashama, Olodu, Olloh, Adonte, Nsukwa, Ewulu and many other communities in Aniocha South Constituency that have not seen electricity for 16 out of the 24 years that the ruling PDP has led Delta State. Other basic necessities of life like good roads, potable water, education, qualitative health care services, reasonable comfort, security of lives and properties are absent. Even the capital of Aniocha South Local Government Area can’t boast of elec-

tricity or good roads.

So ask ourselves: have we really benHÀWWHG IURP WKH VR FDOOHG GLYLGHQGV RI GHPRFUDF\ IURP WKHVH LQHͿHFWLYH LQH΀FLHQW VHOI FHQWHUHG DQG JUHHG\ SROLWLFLDQV" 6R WKLV WLPH DURXQG 2QH Voice, Our Choice adopted Prince Rister Izediunor for Delta State House Of Assembly Aniocha South Constituency; Dr. Ide Tony Nwaka for Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency and Ken Kanma for Delta North Senatorial District as those we would support.

We are not slaves to these people who continuously recycle themselves and their families and impose themselves on us as leaders when there is nothing to show for it.

Enough.

Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, karfeyio@gmail.com

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

TR

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& R E ASO

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS Odujinrin and Adefulu Celebrate 50th Anniversary in n Grand Style See page 33

ETRENDS At #YouTubeBlack Africa Celebration in Cape Town, Inspiring Stories of Africa Abound See page 34

ART WEEKEND D Chibok Girls Remembered in n New Sculptures See page 35

Olufunmilola Akintan:

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

Empathy Led Me to Become an Immigration Lawyer

32

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

COVER

OLUFUNMILOLA AKINTAN:

Empathy Led Me to Become an Immigration Lawyer ÖßÐßØ×ÓÖÙÖË ˛ ÕÓØÞËØ ÓÝ Ë ̋ÌËÝÏÎ ×ËØËÑÓØÑ ËʵÙÜØÏã áÓÞÒ ÒÏ ÜÏÐÏÜÜÏÎ ÖÙÌËÖ Ëá ÓØ ËÜãÖËØÎ áÒÙ˿ ÜÏÚÜÏ̋ ÝÏØÞÝ ÍÖÓÏØÞݘ áÒÏÞÒÏÜ ÓØÎÓàÓÎßËÖÝ ËØÎ ÌßÝÓØÏÝÝÏݘ ÓØ ÐË×̋ ÓÖ㘠Ï×ÚÖÙã×ÏØÞ ËØÎ ÜÏ×ÙàËÖ̋ÌËÝÏÎ Ó××ÓÑÜËÞÓÙØ ×ËʵÏÜÝ ËØÎ˿ Ë àËÜÓÏÞã ÙÐ Ó××ÓÑÜËÞÓÙØ̋ÜÏÖËÞÏÎ ÓÝÝßÏݲ ÖÝÙ ÕØÙáØ ÐÙÜ ÐËÍÓÖÓÞËÞÓØÑ ÍÙØÝßÖËÜ àÓÝË ÚÜÙÍÏÝÝÏÝ ËÝ ËØ Ó××ÓÑÜËÞÓÙØ ÖËá ÏâÚÏÜÞ˜ ÞÒÏ ËÜãÖËØÎ̋ÌËÝÏÎ ÖËáãÏÜ ÓÝ ËÖÝÙ ÓØÞÙ ÏËÖ Ý̋ ÞËÞÏ ÜËÍÞÓÍÏ ËÝ Ë ÜÏÝßÖÞ̋ÎÜÓàÏؘ ÚÏÜÐÙÜ×ËØÍÏ̋ÐÙÍßÝÏΘ ËØÎ ÝÏËÝÙØÏÎ ÚÜÙÐÏÝÝÓÙØËÖ áÓÞÒ ÙàÏÜ ͓͑ ãÏËÜÝ ÙÐ ÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÖÏÑËÖ ÚÜÙÐÏÝÝÓÙؘ ÍÙßÚÖÏÎ áÓÞÒ ÝÞÜÙØÑ ÌËÍÕÑÜÙßØÎ ÓØ ×ËØËÑÏ×ÏØÞ ËØÎ ÜÏÝÙÖßÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÖÏÑËÖ ÍÙØÍÏÜØݲ ×ÙØÑÝÞ ÙÞÒÏÜ ÞÒÓØÑݘ ÓØ ÞÒÓÝ ÓØÞÏÜàÓÏᘠÝÒÏ ÝÒËÜÏÝ ÒÏÜ ÔÙßÜØÏã ÙØ Ó×̋ ×ÓÑÜËÞÓÙØ ËØÎ ÒÏÜ ÚßÝÒ ÐÙÜ˿ËÎÏÛßËÞÏ ÜÏÚÜÏÝÏØÞËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ×Ó̋ ÑÜËØÞݲ˿Chiemelie Ezeobi ÌÜÓØÑÝ ÏâÍÏÜÚÞÝ˝˿ What has been your experience as a lawyer in immigration area? igration is complex and has far-reaching implication in every aspect of human existence. The ongoing unprovoked Russian-Ukraine war speaks to this, and particularly its devastating effect on the global community. I believe we can do much better, and we owe it to one another to make the world a better place worth living.

Many leave their country of origin in pursuit of a better future. This decision is complex, though “inspired by confidence and hope” as Pope Francis succinctly puts it. The drive to press on is marked by great expectation in the face of obvious challenges - the loss of social and familial network, the guilt and trauma of separation, depression, discrimination, and marginalisation are contributory to the devastating effect of migration and wish it could all be avoidable.

Practicing immigration law in the United States is a privilege. I am honored to meet with clients from different walks of life and their story reveal such level of resilience and tenacity to succeed and provide a sustainable lifestyle for themselves and their family.

Studies show the U.S. has been the main country of destination for international migrants since 1970 particularly for the African migrants. The Pew Research Center estimates that there are 2.1 million African immigrants living in the U.S. in 2015, up from 881,000 in 2000 and a substantial increase from 1970 when the U.S. was home to only 80,000 foreign-born Africans.

On the Nigerian population, it is estimated that the U.S. has the world’s third largest Nigerian community, only behind Nigeria itself and the United Kingdom where up to three million Nigerians reside.

Nigerians are professionals. They work very hard, provide for their loved ones, help stimulate the economy, and in the same breath are beneficiaries of a working government marked by good governance, respect for the rule of law where no one is above the law, including the government which helps instill a decent of conformity among the citizenry; sustainable infrastructural development; affordable social amenities, great education, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, healthcare and more.

The whole idea is that everyone has a role, and a demand is placed on all to act accordingly.

Yes, it is not all a bed of roses because no government is immune from problem but at least it is much better than an environment plagued with heightened insecurity, failed healthcare system, impoverished and stagnant educational system and a host of other issues of concern among the populace.

My experience in U.S. immigration law began in the Spring of 2008 after a short unpaid internship at the Law Offices of John Bell, a seasoned attorney who is referred to as “practicing law religiously” because he bought a church and turned it to a law office! Glory! The immigration experience was from working at the Law Office of Jane Ho, where I was exposed to sound immigration advocacy, a path that led to my current passion. Ms. Ho provided very personal and top-notch service to clients, who were mostly of the Asian descent. She was grounded in the law and her added ability to speak Mandarin was a plus which earned her the trust of her clients.

This resonated so much and became my template.

The desire to replicate the ethos of her practice became

M

a driving force, and being an immigrant myself, I took that as a challenge and a starting point to give back to my community.

I hung out my shingles in 2008 with cold feet.

Despite being admitted to the Maryland Bar, with a Master at law ( LLM) from Georgetown University Law Center and New York Bar in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Still, I felt unprepared. However, the final push came when my very good friend, and colleague, Attorney Greg Lee, provided the framework and support needed to kick off my solo practice which is today known as “ The Preferred Global Law LLC”.

My decision to practice immigration law is based on empathy. As an immigrant myself, I saw the need for adequate representation of migrants, and I chose to create constant awareness through seminars premised on the fact that knowledge is power, and many perish for its lack thereof.

Undoubtedly, the U.S. Immigration law is complex, so it behooves anyone involved in the process to seek counsel not from “aunts” “uncles” or friends” but from experienced and seasoned immigration attorneys. For me, it is a privilege to provide top-notch, personal and knowledge-based “representation with a passion.”

You must have dealt with a lot of issues involving Nigerians. What are some of the interesting Immigration cases?

In the course of my practice over this past 14 years, I have represented many clients from different nationalities especially from the African countries. Without delving into specifics, I have represented clients in several family, employment, and investment-based processes. Specifically, I have represented clients both in adjustment and consular processing; spousal-based filings, parent-child; siblings petition, VAWA cases; K-visas, special immigrant cases involving family members of employee of international organization, abused, neglected, or abandoned children; student visas, religious visas, H-1B, labor certification, in citizenship and naturalisation-based process with applicants for medical disability waiver.

Additionally, I have successfully represented clients in removal and deportation proceedings, and more importantly, I feel a sense of fulfillment when my clients take that final oath, becoming proud citizens of the United States. For me, helping others achieve their goal in life is mission accomplished.

Why did you choose Immigration Law as specialty?

Most applicants for immigration related services are migrants. They need to be guided within regulatory measures. In practice, I see many people suffer the consequences of gross misinformation and documentation-related challenges. I want to change this narrative by taking preventive and not curative measures to address the concerns of clients.

I understood very early in life - thanks to my parents, that “knowledge is power”, and more importantly, a stitch in time saves nine! It is imperative that folks should understand that the U. S. immigration process is not all about filling forms. It involves very intricate aspect

of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which seasoned immigration attorneys can help with.

As someone who loves Nigeria and visits regularly, why do you choose to live in America?

I chose to live in America because my immediate family member resides in the States. Family unity is a big principle of the U.S. immigration law and I want to live up to this principle. Studies show that migration significantly impairs the psychological and mental well-being of children particularly when the mother is absent.

As a mother, I have a minor child who needs me. So yes, I love to visit Nigeria regularly, I believe in Nigeria, and pray that God’s grace will continue to abound over Nigeria until she becomes a praise in the earth. The scripture enjoins us about timing, and I know it will happen. I believe it and look forward to giving back to my country when the opportunity presents itself.

The founding fathers must return to the old landmarks to rebuild, reclaim, and return the prized possession of Nigeria to its rightful position.

According to the 2019 African Community Survey (ACS), an estimated 461,695 U.S. residents are of Nigerian ancestry. A journal article titled, “ Nigerians’ Migration to the United States: A Contemporary Perspective” by Sunday Israel Oyebamiji and others, noted that the dominant motive for Nigerian’s migration is the “the quest for career development through the acquisition of western education.”

An enabling environment can be created to actualize the same objective, but it will require sustainable reforms and an overhauling of the structure to birth a new country, one that the world is waiting to see.

You are studying for a PhD. Can you tell us more about your quest for knowledge?

I love to study. Growing up, I had a pet name “iwe” which means boog. I started school at 3years in the company of my mother (Late mother, Ms. Victoria Ibironke Ayinde) who was the head head of household at the time, and if you can imagine being , the “headmistress daughter” I was loved by everyone.

In total, I attended about five primary schools (not because I failed, lol!) She transformed every school she led and was truly loved by many. I attended Ahmadiyya School, Olushi, Lagos, where I was showered with much love being “the headmistress daughter.” I got many gifts, which was mostly “Gala” which explains my robustness (lol)! Next, I attended Mushin Town Council Primary School, (MTC), Falomo Girls’ School, Ikoyi; and, finally Victoria Island Primary School, (VIPS) Victoria Island, Lagos, with my late mum as the principal. She adopted the motto of the school as “Knowledge is Power”, and that shaped the trajectory of her life as well as mine.

The former “Maroko” was her base. She would go into the market, from one seller to another, “selling them the idea of educating their wards.” She got uniforms for many children, encouraged parents that trading was not ruled out, and that their kids will go to school in the

morning, and help with trading in the evening.

So many parents bought into this idea, and it became a case of “killing two birds with a stone.” She also took part in politics – ran for councillorship in Victoria Island constituency, fasted many days, and went on campaign, her mandate being “education for all.” She was, however, unsuccessful. This is what I grew up to knowing as education. At the time, my father, a former Director of Library at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari Abuja, now 84 years old was a great disciplinarian, and God help you, if you miss school, or did not do well, today all is history, but knowledge continues to be a powerful weapon against poverty, and other ills of society.

That is my background of education. To God be the glory, my parents dream was realized, and today I have some of my siblings who are professors, medical doctor, registered nurse, computer scientist; attorney; economist and a chartered public accountant.

Later, I went on to Victoria Island Secondary School, (VISS) Victoria Island Lagos; and the Lagos State University, Ojo, for my law degree in 1997. In 1999, I completed the one-year mandatory Law School at the campus in Bwari, Abuja (the first set at the location) and still I wanted more.

I had the opportunity of relocating to the United States on February 14, 2001. I got married but knew there was more to life. I obtained my Master at Law (LLM) in International Studies at the Georgetown University Law Center, Washington D.C. in 2006. I was admitted to practice law in the States of New York and Maryland in 2005 and 2007 respectively and wanted to continue my education to the PHD level in 2006 but did not get the much-needed support at the time.

For me, acquiring western education was the only reason for coming to the U.S. My dearest brother, our “olori-ebi” in the person of Professor Alfred Adebayo Malomo, a Clinical Professor and Geriatrician with the Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, New York, USA would throw jabs at me saying, “ one day my dearest baby sister would accomplish her postgraduate dream.”

He was watering the seed, the desire within me.

Though not overbearing, he kept the flame alive in me, and from time to time, I would ask God for guidance.

The right time came in the Spring of 2020, when the COVID-19 global pandemic hit the world. I remember sitting in my living room one afternoon and asking, “ what would I remember this pandemic for? Immediately, I heard a whisper, your PHD! I swung into action; and the rest is history. I am grateful to God for the support from immediate family members, brothers and sisters, cherished friends, which am a year into the doctoral program at the Old Dominion University, Norfolk Virginia, USA in the area of Conflict and Cooperation with keen focus on Migration and Human Security.

I hope to use the knowledge and my experience through the course of the program to highlight and address the root causes of migration with a view to curb it and reduce brain drainage in emerging economies. A thousand miles they say, begins with one step. I am glad I took that step! I know that God’s grace, and wisdom abounds.

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NEWS

Odujinrin and Adefulu Celebrate 50th Anniversary in Grand Style

DAC-MADAN: A MAN WORTHY OF CELEBRATING

Partner, Odujirin and Adefulu, Mrs. Damilola Adetunji; Founding Partner, Odujirin and Adefulu, Chief Oladipo Odujirin, Dr. Olusola Oduririn, Mrs. Ololade Adefulu, Founding Partner, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu; Managing Partner, Odujirin and Adefulu, Dr. Adeoye Adefulu at the Law firm’s 50th anniversary dinner

Stories by Mary Nnah An organisation’s 50th anniversary is a milestone worth celebrating, no wonder Nigeria’s leading commercial law practice, Odujinrin and Adefulu certainly did it with style.

The event drew a host of dignitaries in attendance one of which was His Excellency, Adedapo Abiodun the Governor of Ogun State.

The celebrations started weeks in advance, with a Golf Tournament which was held at the Ikeja Golf Club, followed by a symposium that saw seasoned lawyers and professionals speak on the future of the legal profession in Nigeria. To wrap up the celebration, the law firm chose to celebrate this milestone in grand style.

Speaking at the Gala, Governor

Abiodun commented, “Let me particularly appreciate these two mentors of mine who are celebrating fifty years of their very successful partnership today. I appreciate you and all that you stand for as you have been an inspiration to us and generations to come. Fifty years ago, you established this law firm with no expectation of how successful it will be. I believe that this firm will last another fifty years” Prince Adeyemi Adefulu and Chief Oladipo Odujinrin both walked their guests down memory lane with their heartwarming speeches. Leaving the audience teary-eyed and hopeful.

During his speech, Prince Adefulu said, “Although I consider myself to be an adventurous person, this has been an exciting adventure.

Our story began with two brave

and audacious young men who decided to defy all ethos by setting up a practice fresh out of law school”. He also informed his audience of the several difficulties he and his partner faced when establishing the law firm.”

“Looking back now, it may have looked like an impracticable mission but we knew failure was never an option,” he noted further.

Guests were also entertained with a cocktail hour, state-ofthe-art cuisine, a vibrant dance crew, and a live performance from multi-award-winning star, Buju BNXN. An associate of the firm, Mrs. Damola Owobokun, concluded the event with a vote of thanks to the clients and guests who took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate the important occasion with the firm.

“We are commemorating fifty years because of the boldness

and perseverance of our founding partners who opted to start a great path of collaboration in the heart of Lagos, which was uncommon at the time. We are excited for the next fifty years”, she noted.

Odujinrin & Adefulu is a fullservice commercial legal company with offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Odujinrin & Adefulu, one of Nigeria’s oldest still-operating law firms, offers its clients a wealth of experience in the following areas: energy and natural resources, corporate and project finance, real estate, commercial transactions, and dispute resolution.

The law firm is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, Institute of Energy Law, and the Capital Market Solicitors Association.

Group Launches Cultural Storybook Series to Encourage Reading Culture AfriGrowth Foundation in partnership with the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has launched the first in the series of “ Tales On the Diverse Shades Of Culture” a cultural storybook series in Abuja.

Speaking at the unveiling of the book, Dr. Dayo Keshi explained that the partnership with NICO is to further implement and enhance cultural awareness in school children. She noted that the foundation developed a series of storybooks in which the diverse Nigerian cultural heritage was showcased to invoke interest in children and give knowledge of the rich Nigerian culture.

“AfriGrowth Foundation has partnered with the National Institute for Cultural Orientation to develop this storybook, Tales on the Diverse Shades of Culture to present diverse Nigerian cultures in simplified fictional literature for school children, in the vanguard of building their knowledge on our Nigerian Cultures,” she said.

She added that 1000 copies of the book would be distributed to LEA primary Schools in Abuja, even as she solicited the support of Nigerians to promote knowledge of culture through a credible alliance with the project.

The chairman, board of directors, AfriGrowth, Ambassador Joe Keshi in his address reiterated that the culture of storytelling is a part of Nigerian heritage, adding that reading develops the mind and helps the development of writing skills.

He said, “ Reading helps develop the mind and helps one express one’s self as the ability to write in good English is based on continuous reading”.

In his message, The executive secretary, of NICO, Ado

L-R, President AfriGrowth Foundation, Dayo Keshi; Chairman, Board of Directors AfriGrowth Foundation, Ambassador Joe Keshi; Deputy Director, Orientation Unit, National Institute For Cultural Orientation, Okoro Franca and Deputy Director Legal Deposit, National Library of Nigeria, Mrs. Akpabio IG at the unveiling of “Tales On The Diverse Shades Of Culture” storybook series in Abuja recently

Muhammed Yahuza lauded the project, which according to him, can lay a solid cultural foundation for children and the youth.

The secretary, who was represented by the Deputy

Director of Orientation, Mrs. Okoro Franca, stated that the initiative is in tandem with the Institute’s statutory objective of harnessing culture for national development.

Highlights of the event include the annual reading culture competition in which three schools emerged as top winners out of 15 LEA schools that participated.

Experts Advise Event Professionals To Build On Personal Uniqueness Thought leaders in the business and personal development space have urged event entrepreneurs in Nigeria to build their brands from their uniqueness to ensure business sustainability.

They made this assertion at the 6th edition of the annual BusyBee Event Business Summit which was held from November 15th to 16th in Lagos with the theme, “The Power of You.” The Convener and CEO BusyBee Events, Bisi Sotunde said the summit has always provided a learning and networking platform for event professionals such as Planners, Decorators, Caterers, Rentals, and Comperes amongst others.

Reacting on the theme, Sotunde

said the planning committee harped on this theme because we believe everyone has a great and unique potential that should be developed for optimum performance.

“There’s a potential innate in every individual, but most of us barely know this or utilize it.

There’s a YOU within you that you have not discovered yet and that is “The Power of You.” She noted. Some International Speakers who gave their perspectives on the theme during the Masterclass sessions include US-based Jacqueline Vazquez and Precious Thamaga- Mazibuko (South Africa).

There were other impactful sessions such as conversations

on Spouse Support by QS Bolaji Sotunde, Chairman BusyBee Group, Business Etiquette, by Glory James-Paul and Panel sessions by Top Nigerian Industry Leaders which includes; Ope Bello, Diji Shujahi, Bisola Bamidele, Yagazie Eguare, Nike Akinyemi, Ezinne Okonkwo and Stella Naiye.

The high point of the two-day summit was the BusyBee ExcellenceAwards-themed Bridgerton.

Attendees were nicely dressed, Award recognitions featured Excellent Leadership, Industry Icon of the Year and other Awards within the Well-Watered Garden Tribe Network, a business/coaching community managed by the BusyBee Group.

Dac-Madan

Ejike Onwujiobi Birthdays are a great opportunity to send certain wishes to someone. Having given their time, energy and resources to serve humanity, it is important to make feel and know that all you do are being noticed.

The importance of this day is not just that it’s your birthday, it’s a day to celebrate a wonderful person, a known humanitarian whose good deeds has brought succour to many, put smiles on people’s faces and uplifted the downtrodden.

“Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above.

These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.” James 1:17.

People were created to love God and each other. Additionally, when God created people, he gave them good work to do so that they might experience God’s goodness and reflect his image in the way they care for the world and for each other.

Ordinarily, I would have called to wish you a happy birthday the usual way but it has become a matter of importance that a great personality like you deserve to be celebrated in a great and special way.

Your achievement in the last four decades is mind-blowing.

You have achieved great progress and success and yet you never go to the pages newspapers to loud it You are indeed a silent achiever and a unique creature. You have over the years impacted on a lot of people with your wealth and wealth of experience. You have promoted the welfare of others, especially by empowerment and generous donation of money to good causes.

You set examples for your followers and help them through life’s journey. Your devotion for humanitarian services recently earned you the Philanthropist Personality of the Year Award by the Prestigious Universal Magazine popularly known as PUMA and among other awards.

You have through your company Safety Home Standard Limited, a leading real estate company in Nigeria created hundreds of jobs for the teaming Nigeria youths.

The Anambra state born Astute businessman and entrepreneur is undoubtedly, a name to be recon with as your achievements mouthwatering.

Akinsafa who is also the founder of Dacmadan Safety Home, a company that deals on Turkey doors, doors, furnitures,tiles, sofa, chandeliers, roofing tiles, water closet, jacuzzi bath and stainless railings, has carved a niche for himself in the real estate world.

He owned of the best edifice Dac-Madan Tower which is situated at 5/6 Balogun Iyaru Street, Alaba Oro, Agric Extension Lagos.

Akinsafa is regarded by many as Godsent because of his excretion of kindness and endless supports for young people. He has rather thought hundreds of persons how to fish rather than just teaching them how to fish.

There is a popular saying that says: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Akinsata is a man with a heart of gold who makes each day special. He illuminate the darkest moments in the lives of people through the acts of giving and generosity.

Thanks for being a gentle and kind mentor to a lot of young people in Anambra and beyond. I join other well meaning Nigerians to celebrate another year of joy and cheers with you. May your life be full of kindness and happiness.

It’s a wonderful thing and a great feeling of satisfaction having you as a friend, brother and inlaw. Cheers to a beautiful and wonderful birthday celebration with lots of love, goodness, and joy.

May God bless you and grant all your heart desires, may you live long in good health, sound mind, peace, prosperity, and abundance. Your new age is blessed, Akinsafa. t&KJLF 0OXVKJPCJ .% $&0 +JEBL 4UBOEBSE -JNJUFE XSJUFT GSPN -BHPT

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

At #YouTubeBlack Africa Celebration in Cape Town, Inspiring Stories of Africa Abound

YouTube Black Voices Africa creators having fun

YouTube Black Voices Fund Africa creators

Stories by Vanessa Obioha Whatdoanengineer,astay-at-homemom, and a digital media entrepreneur have in common? They are content creators on YouTubeandbeneficiariesoftheplatform’s #YouTubeBlack Voice Fund, an initiative launched in 2020 to support and amplify Black Voices.

For three days in Cape Town, South Africa,YouTube hosted and celebrated the influentialcreatorsfromSub-SaharanAfrica as part of its annual #YouTubeBlackAfrica celebration. The event also witnessed the graduation of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Creator Class of 2022, and the introduction of the 2023 cohort.

Over music, food, games, and dance, these creators connected and shared their experiences. For a moment, they let down their hair and danced to the pulsating beats of Africa. Be it at the RED Roof Bar where a reception was held for them or at The Avenuewheretheydancedthenightaway after the ceremony in the company of the exoticaquaticanimalsenclosedinagigantic aquarium. But beyond the fanfare, what really resonated with every attendee was the inspiring tales shared by the creators.

Take, for instance, Mlungisi Nkosi, a South Africanengineerwhoteachesmathematics and physical science at a community college. When the pandemic struck in 2020,

Nkosidiscoveredthatpeoplefromaffluent communitiescouldcontinueteachingand learning.

“But unfortunately, those who were fromunder-resourcedcommunitiescould not, and essentially I started teaching on YouTube just to try and provide access so that learners could continue teaching and learning,” he said.

When he started, hisYouTube channel only had 5,000 subscribers but since he joined the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund which provides participants with seed funding,mentorship,andothernetworking programmes and training, Nkosi’s channel has accumulated over 100,000 subscribers. He has also been able to set up a business.

Another content creatorAdaeze Jideonwo from Nigeria described herself as a professionalhousewife.Sheresignedfrom herbankingjobtobecomeastay-at-home mom. She however found a purpose in sharing her journey and her passions on her YouTube channel, Adaeze Space.

“Gettingchosentobepartof#YouTube BlackVoicesFundwaskindofavalidation of what I was doing, and also having a YouTube Partner Manager helped me to understand how to package my channel in a better way. I was able to understand theanalyticsmoreandreachmyaudience better. It was really good. I was so happy to be a part of the class of 2022 because I

learned from other creators as well. You know, see how other people do what they do. I remember when we had a cooking class. It was like organised chaos. So I’m really happy to be part of it,” she enthused.

WhenKenyanJustusNandwaclimbed the stage to share his experience, he captured everyone’s attention with his inspiring tale to make a difference in his community. Although he had a humble beginning,Nandwawhoisajournalistand a digital media entrepreneur has found a sort of fulfillment using his YouTube channel ‘Shared Moments with Justus’ to put a human face to issues faced by ordinary Africans. At first, when he started uploading content on YouTube, it was mainly for fun.

“I was basically just having fun and doing the things that I was passionate about. But throughout my experience on #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, it’s more of a turnaround because I can now earn a living out of it,” he disclosed.

He continued: “I started back in 2020 during COVID because I had the time and the knowledge, but I didn’t have the money,” he joked.

“SobasicallywhatIdoisallowpeopleto come and share their stories of experiences that I think can be able to influence and impact other people’s lives.”

Nandwa considers himself a custodian of African heritage.

The Macallan Teams Up with ATAFO on Atelier Famed Scotch whisky, The Macallan threw its weight behind the latest fashion collection of famous Nigerian creative designer Mai Atafo. The collection tagged ‘The Atelier’ marked the return of Atafo to the runway after a three-year hiatus.

Held recently at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos, the luxurious fashion show captures design features in creative, and contemporary ways while being functional and adaptable to individual styles. Four collections of over 80 outfits were displayed by 68 models on the runway.

The Macallan partnership with ATAFO highlights the intricacy, skill, innovation, and craftsmanship that goes into developing whisky and fashion pieces.

“The Macallan is renowned as the world’s leading single malt whiskies and globally celebrated for its unique taste and style, methods and craftsmanship.

For almost 200 years, The Macallan has maintained an outstanding quality and distinctive character. This legacy and reputation form the motivation for our collaboration with the highly respected Nigerian designer, Mai Atafo. The Macallan recognises Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry that is characterised by colour and beautiful expressions and this partnership is another investment in the exceptional talents within the industry,” said Customer Marketing Manager, West & North Africa, Edrington, Abayomi Ajao.

Much like The Macallan, ATAFO has showcased a history of excellence, innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship - values that the single malt whisky considers a priority in any partnership.

“The Atelier is a statement of passion, grit, and growth. I got into fashion out of a love of clothes, and now that love has evolved into a desire to create an experience people can wear and live,” said Atafo.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Ric Hassani, Uti Nwachukwu, Sharon Ooja, Mimi Onalaja, and Ini Dima-Okojie were some of the stars who attended the fashion show.

A model on Atafo Atelier runway

“Through storytelling, I’m able to guarantee that the generations to come will be able to know where we have come fromasAfricans and what our aspirations were, and what we can do to carry on going forward. And so #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund has not just been helpful financially, but they have basically provided a place where I’m able to speak, but the networking that I’ve had and experienced has more or less validated the fact that we have been speaking in one voice as Africans.”

Nandwa, who used to shoot from his house, said he has acquired a studio where he can produce his show as well as other programmes. Thesestoriesareatestament towhatYouTubehopedtoachievethrough the initiative: making local content creators global as implied by the Head ofYouTube Southern Africa, Zeph Masote.

According to him, some of the creators who benefitted from the initiative have gonetobuildtheirsmallandmedium-sized businesses.

“They employ tens of people as a result of them being on YouTube. That’s what we call success.”

He added that the company is passionate about raising African storytellers and creatives to be global in a sustainable manner so that it does not look like a flash in the pan.

Although the fund is limited to Nigeria,

South Africa and Kenya at the moment, the Head ofYouTube East and WestAfrica, Solafunmi Sosanya revealed that there are plans to expand to other parts of the continent.

As content is the livewire of the platform, Sosanyaaddedthatthecreators’community is getting more diverse each day and as such, it is the main focus of the company.

“Because essentially they build the audiences that come to view their products on YouTube.”

For the Class of 2023, 40African creators were selected and the young Nigerian comedian Maryam Apaokagi popularly known as Taaooma alongside other Nigerian YouTubers are among the cohort.

In addition, four music artists and two producers were selected for the Music and Songwriters/ Producer classes of 2023.

Representing Nigeria in the music list are Asake and BNXN. They will be joined

by Gyakie from Ghana, Kamo Mphela from South Africa. Hip-hop producer MashBeatz from SouthAfrica and Nairobibased producer Ukweli will be joining 17 #YouTubeBlack Voices Songwriters and Producers globally.

YouTube also announced that it will be directly investing in more than 500 creators andartistsfromacrosstheworldtosupport, grow, and fund their channels and content development through the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund in the next few years.

YEMI ALADE, SUSPECT 95, OTHERS TO PERFORM AT AFRIMA/CANEX WKND CONCERT T h e All Africa Music Aw a r d s (AFRIMA) has partnered w i t h CANEX WKND for a closing concert to wrap up the three-day gathering of creatives, investors, industry l e a d e r s , Yemi Alade c re a t i v e industry businesses and government representatives which kicks off today, November 25 at Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The closing concert will feature Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, Côte d’Ivoire’ ls artists Suspect 95, Didi B and Josey; Tanzanian Nandy, South African Nadia Nakai, Moroccan French DJ Mohgreen and American artist Julian Marley.

An initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM),

CANEX WKND is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade, which has been a key player in developing and promoting the African creative industry.

AFRIMAand CANEX WKND aims to showcase the diversity of talent from across the continent and with an important nod to the diaspora through the concert which will be held on Sunday, November 27.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Chibok Girls Remembered in New Sculptures Titled ‘’Statues Also Breath,’’ a collaborative visual art project domiciled in Art Twenty One, involving potters from Ilorin, visual arts students from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and a French multi-disciplinary artist, Prune Nourry is indeed a breathtaking sight, says Yinka Olatunbosun

Adetunji-Adeoye aka Johnny JamJam

ENCOUNTER WITH JOHNNY JAM JAM Yinka Olatunbosun

A view of the terracotta sculptures in honour of the missing Chibok girls

F

irst,alumpinthethroat.Nextcomesthe eerie feeling of the memory evoked by the Ife terracotta heads that occupy the ArtTwentyOnespaceinsideEkoHotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The story behind the sculptural pieces is all too familiar: the agonizing tale of the kidnapped schoolgirls in Chibok, forced into early marriage, motherhood, religious indoctrination and a lasting trauma.

The show which opened in Lagos on November 20 is a project initiated by the French Sculptor Prune NourryandtheDepartmentofFineandAppliedArts, ObafemiAwolowoUniversity,IleIfeincollaboration with the families of the Chibok girls kidnapped by insurgents in Northern Nigeria in 2014. Produced

by Ade Bantu, the not-for-sale work is inspired by the ancient Ife terracotta heads to raise awareness about the plight of the girls- still missing till date.

Against the backdrop of the global call for girl child education, this travelling exhibition is expected to tour other parts of Africa, Europe, America and Asia.Uponthecompletionofthetour,thesculptural pieces will be returned to a permanent museum collection in Africa.

For Nourry, this project is based on trust, vested in her by the parents of the kidnapped Chibok girls who provided her with their daughters’ portrait to

producedworksstyledaftertheiconicancestralIfe head using clay sourced from Ile Ife. She revealed howthisyear-longprojectculminatedinaone-day workshop on September 30 and the making of 108 terracotta heads in honour of the Chibok girls.

“Whenthegirlswereabducted,Irememberthat I was travelling with the army of girls that I have doneinChinatoraiseconsciousnessaboutgender bias.ThenwhenIsawthebeautifulancestralheads, I thought as a sculptor, it is my dream one day to go to Ife, use the clay and make a collaboration with the university community to create a rising army of girls to make these pieces. The work is for our collective memory for us to remember that these girls still exist,’’ Nourry said at the opening of the show in Lagos.

Nourry’s‘TerracottaDaughters’isaphenomenal statement on gender inequality in China using eight hybrid sculptures that combine the style of Terracotta soldiers and the portrait of eight young Chinese girls. With the help of artisan-copyists from Xi’an, she created an army of 108 unique combinations from the eight original molds.

After touring with the work, she buried them in an undisclosed location in China.

Alongsideadocumentarymoviethathighlights the making of the project by all participants, the ‘StatuesAlsoBreath’showrunstillFebruary4,2023.

It was a mixed feelings moment at the show

for one of the rescued Chibok girls,AminatAli who escaped from Sambisa forest.

“I feel excited and sad,’’ she began. “I am happy this project has given me the opportunity to meet many people and get support. The show will let the world know that people are still worried about the missing schoolgirls. Even the government is not talking anymore about this.

“I can remember some of my friends that we sued to play and fetch water together. Out of the five of us held in one place, I was the only one who escaped and I am not happy because I want the other girls to come back.’’

The Chairman of the missing Chibok Girls’ Parents’ Association, Mr. Yakubu Nkeki saluted the organisers of the project in a brief remark.

“The initiative is a good one. By modeling the images of the Chibok girls, we remember the forgotten history. The worst part of this is that almost eight years later, these girls are still in captivity. Some of the rescued ones came back with children having been married to these militants. They need support, encouragement and nutrition. I am appealing to the government to rehabilitate these girls so that they can live normal lives,’’ he said.

John Walker Adetunji-Adeoye, aka Johnny Jam Jam, is a writer, columnist, public relations expert, showbiz personality and the author of a recently releasedtwo-volumebook,‘HowWeDestroyNigeria: PrecedenceofDoom’and‘HavenforFinancialCrimes and Corruption.’

Inspired by the socio-political realities in Nigeria, Adetunji-Adeoyeexploresthedailytragedyofliving in fear of kidnappers, economic instability and the historical antecedents to these challenges.

“Everything in the first volume of the book talks about the activities and events that led to our present situation. It talks about the anarchy, violence, bloodletting, slavery, bondage, and the system that’s pre-colonial rulers of Nigeria engaged in that has led us to this present mess. I also talked about the roles military dictatorship played and how the corruption in the judiciary, legislature and executive arm of government has affected the country badly,’’ he revealed. A native of Oyo state, the author who is keen on Nigeria’s peace and progress added that the second volume of the book is triggered by Nigeria’s diplomatic crises occasioned by the activities of a few bad eggs.

“Before 1984, Nigerians going to the UK did not need a visa,’’ he continued. “However, today, we do not just need a visa; we are scrutinised in a way that tells us we are not welcome. Two years ago, we all saw what Hushpuppi did to us, and he was not just the only one. There are many of them. Some weeksago,weheardthatayoungNigerianmanwho threw a lavish wedding in Nigeria was caught in the US on the allegation of being a serial armed robber.

“Many Nigerians do not know that these issues have a way of affecting the general population.

Investors will not come into the country. Nigerians wonderwhythecountryisshortofforeigninvestors and why the rate of unemployment is high. Foreign investors cannot come to a country where there is massive corruption and where people steal. There is also the issue of overpopulation that I addressed. We havesituationswhereunemployedpeoplegivebirth to several children they have no plan of taking care of. I wrote about the country’s broken educational system and why issues such as the ASUU strike might continue to linger. These are the things that I documented in the second book.’’

Williams Chechet Explores Nigeria’s History in A New Solo Show Yinka Olatunbosun The multi-talented pop artist, Williams Chechet is ready to present his latest solo exhibition titled ‘Heavy is the Head’ at Soto Gallery. Running from Friday November 25th

till Friday December 9th the show alludes to the famous Shakespearean quote, “Uneasy is the head that wears a crown.’’

Through his form and content, the artist underscores the burden and responsibility that comes with status and power. While exploring pop

art, culture and afro-futurism, Chechet interrogates black identity as he reimagines history, the digital future and his own sense of his cultural heritage.

His images are bold and engaging, often drawn out of their original context

through his creative process, and overlapped with colourful symbolism and accessories.

In his most recent body of work, the artist explores and intentionally incorporates the faces and characters of Northern Nigeria. As a project that enshrines these

state actors in our collective memory and consciousness, the Kano-born artist rebirths images and figures that have shaped Nigeria’s history.

The artist’s influences had been traced to the global pop art movement of the 1960s, with strong references to

artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Jean Michel Basquiat. The graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has previously exhibited in group shows in the UK, US, South Africa, and Morocco. In 2018, he made the shortlist at the Art X Lagos Art Prize.

is our own way of encouraging the reading culture.’’

Komolafe recalled how she had relied on footwork to distribute her books in the previous years and how technology had helped to revolutionise the system of book distribution in Nigeria.

“I used to take my books around on foot from bookshop to bookshop and I offered discounts.

The sellers will set a price higher than the cover price and make it

difficult for buyers to purchase.

Often, they would sell the book and not pay you or claim that they haven’t sold any of the books they collected from you.

They will give you excuses every time. I see this initiative as very good for authors to sell without hindrance. It is cheaper to get books from Read and Earn Mall.

You can track payments easily because everything is technologically enabled.’’

Inside Read & Earn Mall Yinka Olatunbosun Adeyinka Komolafe, an author of inspirational books has opened the pathway for promoting the reading culture with a new initiative called “Read & Earn Mall Readers’ Club.’’ Officially launched in June 2022, the idea had been in the pipeline since September 2020 towards bridging the gap between readers and writers. The Read & Earn Mall

itself is an E-commerce platform to online shopping of books.

“We encourage writers to register with us and we assess the books to see whether it is something of public interest. Then, they can enroll for membership,’’ the founder of Read & Earn Mall, Komolafe revealed.

The Read & Earn Mall Readers Club is built like a multi-level platform for the authors and readers to earn some money. Organised

into bronze (level 1), silver (level 2), gold (level 3) and diamond (level 4) categories, the author can earn both as a reader and earn royalties as an author. Other perks to registration include tshirts, bible and books, music accessories, depending on the level of registration.

“There is something we call Point Value,’’ she further explained. “It is 2PV for level 1, level 2 has 4PV, level 3 has 6PV

while level 4 has 8PV.when you refer people to the club, your PV accumulates. Readers need to register to access books. But their registration fees start from as low as N3000. Readers get books to read and increase their PVs with referrals. We have a column for readers to check if they are actually reading the books. If you review, you will automatically earn PVs that can be turned into cash. That

36

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

37

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

38

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Alex Otti: Signature Bank to Redefine Banking Landscape, Deepen Financial Inclusion James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË One of the latest entrants into the Nigerian banking landscape, Signature Bank, has launched its commercial operations, promising to deploy unique services that are expected to deepen Nigeria’s financial inclusion and target over 40 million unbanked and underbanked population.

Speaking at the official launch of the bank at its headquarters in Abuja, its founder, Mr. Alex Otti, said that the deposit money bank will do things differently and seek to redefine the industry and impact the lives of customers through seamless access to financial services while leveraging

flexible digital solutions and tailor-made services.

Dignitaries present at the bank’s take-off included the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Christoff, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, former GED, Finance and Accounts NNPC, Mr. Stanley Lawson, Director Banking Services, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Okojere, among others.

Otti said the bank will fill the customer experience vacuum that other banks have left unmanned, adding that the birth of Signature Bank was driven by a yawning gap created by repeated unresolved complaints, poor responsiveness, and unsavoury customer experience encountered regu-

larly from the banks he and his colleagues did business with.

He said, “It came from a yearning for simplicity and ease of doing business and a less than adequate attention to the dynamic needs of the customer, not just within Nigeria, but across continents. For example, paying your child’s school fees, trading with partners overseas, settling bills without leaving the comfort of your home, and making payments seamlessly. Interestingly, even as banks’ strategies, products, and service offerings multiplied, the changing demographics and dynamics had customers increasingly yearning for more and demanding simpler and more flexible digital solutions.”

Black Friday: Clickafix Offers Professional Beauty Services for N100 Clickafix, Nigeria’s one-stop shop for trustworthy and dependable service providers, has announced its biggest deal ever for females in Lagos, offering in-store nail and beauty services for N100 on Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clickafix, Arusha Goswami, announced the deal in Lagos on Tuesday, saying the Black Friday deal is in collaboration with Food Nation Supermarket in Victoria Island, Lagos, and the goal is to thrill customers for the

festive season as well as get more people to experience Clickafix and appreciate the ease of using the app to get the service done.

Goswami explained that on those two days, any female customer who makes a purchase at the Food Nation supermarkets on Idowu Martins Street in Victoria Island, Lagos, will enjoy nail and beauty services by top professionals for N100.

She stated that Clickafix is all about making life easier and providing Lagosians with easy access to professional services such as beauty, plumbing,

carpentry, air conditioning, refrigerators, and other home appliances.

Founder of Food Nation Supermarkets, Mr. Raoul Swahney, praised Clickafix for the initiative, saying the Clickafix deals have made this period even more interesting for Food Nation Supermarket customers. According to him, the Black Friday deals had just gotten more interesting with the N100 deal for professional nail and beauty services, and he assured customers of pleasant mall experiences.

STL Trustees Clinches Two Prestigous Awards at BAFI 2022 STL Trustees last week in Lagos clinched Trustees Company of the Year Award while its CEO, Funmi Ekundayo, emerged Trustees CEO of the Year at the 2022 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards held in Lagos.

Reacting to the two awards, Ekundayo said: “STL Trustees is winning the Trustees Company of the Year Award for the fifth consecutive time, and we are proud of and humbled by this record. We owe this recognition primarily to our clients who continue to support our brand by entrusting their Trusteeship needs into our care; we can never take their unalloyed loyalty for granted. We also appreciate our various

stakeholders and partners for their continued support and encouragement. She stated that the company remains firmly focused on its mission of simplifying and marketing customized Trust Solutions that create lasting value for its stakeholders, a mission it will continue to carry out with unparalleled professionalism and cutting-edge innovation.”

BAFI Awards, an initiative of Business Day Newspapers, identify and celebrate organizations, teams, and individuals that have achieved excellence in the delivery of financial services across the banking industry and other financial institutions.

An awards review commit-

tee made up of analysts and members of the BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit (BRIU) evaluates and selects winners using both quantitative and qualitative parameters.

STL Trustees has been in the business of corporate trusteeship for over three decades and possesses significant transactional experience across different sectors of the economy.

The company has remained consistent in its profitability and growth trajectory and has participated as a Trustee in different groundbreaking capital market transactions with novel transactional dynamics some of which include the first infrastructural fund in Nigeria.

Adebola Williams Amplifies Gender Advocacy Efforts in Nigeria, Others In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child, media entrepreneur, author and Chairman of the AW Network, Adebola Williams, stepped up efforts at advancing the course of women and the girl child in Africa by embarking on a series of female genderfocused activities throughout the month of October.

Starting from Nigeria, Williams organised a private screening of the blockbuster movie, Woman King, hosting the Consul General of France, Laurence Monmayrant, with girls from ten selected schools across Lagos. Starring AfricanAmerican actress Viola Davies, the historical epic film highlights the gallantry and exploits of inspired and empowered African women.

“The world always tells women who they can be; it always wants to control women. It is, therefore, important that we have stories and symbols that show what you can become,” Williams said while speaking at the screening.

The media entrepreneur also gifted the girls copies of his riveting book African Power Girls courtesy of Schlumberger, Platform Capital and Knorr Nigeria. Williams authored the book to inspire and empower a new generation of young girls. “The reason why I wrote this book and the reason why I have shown you this film today is that I want you all to know that there is something great in you, and if you can express it, you will be a true

African Power Girl”.

Taking further the message, Williams spoke at the 2022 African Philanthropy Forum Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.

Leading the charge at the Forum, Williams listed ways men can help close the gender gap while further highlighting the power of storytelling. “I am used to [seeing] a world where people tell women what they can be and cannot be.

People tell women what they should and cannot do. And I realised that it comes from a lack of knowledge, we must do more to tell the glorious tales of women. What society glorifies multiplies. We must amplify these stories that litter our history and daily existence to correct these anomalies in the perception of women,” he said.

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, STL Trustees Limited, Oko Mba; Head, Business Development, Sade Ademokunwa; Investment Strategist, Ahmed Olaitan Banu; MD/CEO, Funmi Ekundayo; and Head, Trust Services/Legal, Akin Oni, during BAFI Awards 2022 where STL Trustees won Trustees Company of the Year Award

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(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).

39

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

MARKET NEWS

Ahmed: Investor Confidence Key Ingredients to Accelerate Capital Market Growth Kayode Tokede The Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, yesterday in Lagos described investor confidence as one of the key ingredients that will accelerate the growth of the nation’s capital market and increase both domestic and foreign investors’ participation.

The Minister who was represented by the Director

General Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha at the launch of the revised Capital Market Master Plan, pledged that the federal government would continue to strengthen the regulator to effectively do its job of regulating and developing the Capital Market.

She noted that the capital market should be characterized by high level of compliance with ethical standards, deep

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

liquidity and sophistication, good corporate governance, and a strong domestic investor base.

According to her, “Nigeria needs a capital market that broadens access to economic prosperity by enabling the emergence of financially responsible citizens, accelerating wealth creation and distribution, providing capital to small and medium scale enterprises, and catalysing

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

housing finance.

“I consider the revised Capital Market Master Plan a veritable tool which the Capital Market must use as it drives key initiatives towards achieving the Country’s economic growth objectives.

Ahmed said the implementation of the Master Plan is one of the key initiatives in the 40- Deliverable Presidential mandate of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

and National Planning.

This the Minister said underscores the fact that capital market growth resonates with this Administration’s unwavering commitment to deepening and re-positioning the financial market as a key anchor to achieving a private sector-led development of our economy as emphasized in the National Development Plan (NDP) objectives.

“This Administration and

A S O F

especially my Office has supported the Capital Market Master Plan implementation efforts since inception.

“The Master Plan, which represents collective aspirations of the capital market community is focused on driving initiatives geared towards growing and deepening the Market with the ultimate goal of accelerating the emergence of our Country in the top 20 global economies by the year 2025.

2 3 / 1 1 / 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

Friday, November 25, 2022

Thisday Afrinvest Index Gains 1.7% Thisday Afrinvest 40 index rose 173bps to 2,075.74

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ŝŶĚĞdž ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ AIRTELAF (+6.3%), NB (+6.8%), and ETI (+6.5%). ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

these stocks account for 44.6% of the index.

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

ƵůůŝƐŚ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶƟŶƵĞƐ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϴй zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŝƚƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ streak as the benchmark index rose 0.8% to ϰϲ͕ϲϬϰ͘ϵϰ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ AIRTELAF (+6.3%), h &KK ^ (+6.1%), and NB (+5.8%). Accordingly, YTD return increased to 9.1% (previously: ϴ͘ϮйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ

-13.0%

162.9%

15.4%

11.7x

16.8x

7.1%

17.8%

9.9%

23.3%

12.1%

29.7x

6.7x

3.5%

3.4%

20.30

-1.0%

4.9%

-21.9%

-1.0%

20.5%

3.1%

3.3x

0.7x

14.9%

30.5% 37.4%

2.7x

0.5x

14.1%

5.5x

7.6%

6.6%

21.10

-6.2%

2.8%

-11.9%

-20.1%

14.0%

10.3%

6.1x

0.8x

9.5%

16.3%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Nestle Nigeria PLC 10 SEPLAT Energy PLC

10.95

-0.5%

3.0%

-3.9%

-5.6%

24.6%

2.2%

2.0x

0.4x

3.2%

50.8%

1,071.00

-10.0%

2.3%

-31.2%

-23.5%

122.7%

13.7%

18.2x

20.6x

4.7%

5.5%

1,050.00

-3.6%

2.5%

61.5%

-19.2%

8.6%

4.4%

9.1x

0.8x

4.1%

11.0%

11 Access Holdings PLC 12 United Bank for Africa PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

26 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 27 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 28 Cadbury Nigeria PLC

33 Wema Bank PLC 34 Unilever Nigeria PLC 35 Jaiz Bank PLC

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

8.50

-2.3%

2.4%

-8.6%

-8.6%

19.2%

1.5%

1.7x

0.3x

2.4%

58.9%

7.20

-2.7%

1.9%

-10.6%

-3.4%

16.5%

1.4%

1.9x

0.3x

13.9%

51.7%

48.00

6.8%

1.4%

-4.0%

-18.4%

10.9%

3.8%

20.0x

2.1x

3.3%

5.0%

167.50

0.0%

1.3%

18.0%

-22.8%

52.7%

30.7%

7.8x

4.2x

1.3%

12.8%

10.65

6.5%

1.6%

22.4%

0.5%

20.0%

1.1%

2.1x

0.4x

6.3%

48.6%

30.65

0.0%

1.3%

-14.9%

-8.6%

19.6%

2.5%

5.0x

1.1x

11.3%

19.9%

4.40

-5.4%

1.0%

-11.1%

-30.2%

-5.0%

-1.7%

27.30

0.0%

0.9%

-3.7%

-16.0%

13.2%

3.2%

4.7x

0.6x

7.7%

21.2%

4.07

-0.7%

1.0%

59.6%

19.0%

15.5%

1.3%

2.5x

0.4x

2.5%

39.5%

63.00

0.0%

0.6%

61.5%

-30.4%

16.7%

7.1%

9.6x

6.4x

11.3%

10.4%

110.00

0.0%

0.4%

25.3%

-33.3%

53.7%

20.2%

5.1x

2.5x

1.8%

19.5%

3.28

0.3%

0.5%

9.7%

-5.2%

12.4%

1.2%

2.2x

0.3x

5.9%

46.4% 11.2%

0.9x

-5.8%

1.90

8.6%

0.5%

-18.1%

-5.0%

3.6%

1.0%

8.9x

0.6x

3.2%

12.50

-3.8%

0.5%

26.3%

-2.0%

46.0%

2.6%

5.8x

2.5x

12.0%

17.3%

16.25

0.0%

0.4%

-6.6%

-0.3%

23.8%

7.9%

6.3x

1.4x

6.2%

15.9%

1.19

-2.5%

0.4%

24.0%

-3.3%

19.0%

4.3%

2.2x

0.5x

1.7%

44.6%

9.50

0.0%

0.3%

55.7%

-1.0%

20.3%

6.3%

5.5x

1.1x

10.6%

18.2%

11.15

0.0%

0.2%

26.7%

-35.4%

11.6%

3.5%

12.0x

1.4x

4.4%

8.4%

9.50

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

-14.4%

1.2%

0.6%

47.9x

0.6x

6.8%

2.1%

193.00

0.0%

0.2%

-13.0%

-17.7%

37.1%

6.2%

4.1x

1.4x

2.1%

24.4%

21.20

0.0%

0.1%

-5.1%

-20.0%

18.6%

2.1%

4.6x

0.7x

11.4%

21.5%

5.35

0.0%

0.1%

-32.3%

-23.6%

18.2%

5.2%

3.2x

0.5x

8.8%

31.0%

4.0x

1.6x

7.7%

25.3%

1.0x

4.5%

-1.2%

6.8x

1.2x

4.7%

14.7%

10.5x

0.7x

2.4x

0.3x

3.10

-0.3%

0.2%

330.6%

-2.8%

15.7%

0.9%

11.00

0.0%

0.1%

-24.1%

-25.7%

3.1%

1.8%

0.87

-3.3%

0.1%

55.4%

-4.4%

20.0%

1.5%

3.95

-1.3%

0.1%

-10.6%

-30.3%

6.55

0.0%

0.1%

11.0%

6.5%

1.44

0.0%

0.1%

-4.6%

-5.3%

62.50

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

6.25

0.0%

0.0%

16.2%

0.0%

-21.5% 6.4%

-227.6%

0.7%

-17.7%

-4.1%

9.6% 6.9%

1.8x

-1.0%

1.0x

1.1%

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

1.90

8.6%

ST ER LN B A N K

24.2

0.0%

48.00

6.8%

T R A N SC OR P

21.8

-2.5%

10.65

6.5%

ET I

10.6

6.5%

A IR T ELA F R I

1350.00

6.3%

A C C ESSC OR P

8.6

-2.3%

B UA F OOD S

-3.3%

63.40

6.1%

J A IZ B A N K

7.7

ET ER N A

5.70

5.6%

GT C O

7.1

-1.0%

UN IT YB N K

0.53

3.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

5.3

-3.1%

SOVR EN IN S

0.28

3.7%

UB A

4.0

-2.7%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.29

3.6%

WEM A B A N K

3.8

-0.3%

UP D C

0.93

3.3%

FCM B

3.5

0.3%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Value

P ric e C hg %

1071.00

-10.0%

A IR T ELA F R I

791.3

6.3%

R ED ST A R EX

2.07

-10.0%

GT C O

143.9

-1.0%

C WG

0.80

-9.1%

SEP LA T

123.4

-3.6%

WA P C O

21.10

-6.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

116.6

-3.1%

113.1

-10.0%

T ic k er N EST LE

T ic k er

IN T B R EW

4.40

-5.4%

N EST LE

UC A P

12.50

-3.8%

ET I

107.6

6.5%

101.3

0.0% -2.3%

1050.00

-3.6%

D A N GC EM

A IIC O

0.54

-3.6%

A C C ESSC OR P

73.9

M B EN EF IT

0.27

-3.6%

M TNN

66.4

0.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.87

-3.3%

NB

55.5

6.8%

SEP LA T

41.9%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

ET I

ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŽŶ ĨƵŶĚĂŵĞŶƚĂůůLJ ƐŽƵŶĚ

8.6%

15.1x

NB

ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂů ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

1.5%

7.7%

2.6%

session as 16 stocks advanced, 23 declined while 66

stocks to drive performance.

8.1%

0.0%

12.8%

M A N SA R D

breadth, worsened to 0.11x from 0.26x in the prior

0.0%

79.00

20.7%

T ic k er

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

200.00

34.5%

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Outlook

14.6%

1.6%

1.4%

36 Oando PLC 37 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC

ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ /Zd > & ;нϲ͘ϯйͿ͘

6.4%

-4.6%

31 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 32 Custodian and Allied Insurance

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0.8x

2.1%

ƐĞůůŽīƐ ŝŶ E/d, ;-3.1%), UBA (-Ϯ͘ϳйͿ͕ ^ W> d ;-

ance ŝŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů Ϭ͘ϭй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ // K ;-

4.3x

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29 UAC of Nigeria PLC 30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri

/Ed Z t ;-ϱ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ t W K ;-6.2%). The Insur-

6.4%

5.0%

ƉůƵŶŐĞĚ ϭ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϰй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ

ůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŽŶ E ^d> ;-10.0%),

18.3%

4.3%

24 United Capital PLC 25 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

and Industrial Goods indices waned 0.4% each fol-

4.6%

-22.1%

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.0%

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

ϯ͘ϲйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;-1.2%). Similarly, the Consumer

24.9%

41.4%

P/BV

-3.1%

20 Guinness Nigeria PLC 21 Presco PLC

the laggers, the Banking and Oil & Gas indices

11.9% 107.6% 41.6%

P/E

22.00

18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC

bearish as 5 of the 6 indices closed in red. Leading

6.3%

ROA

262.30

volume traded dipped 25.3% to 138.6m units, while

Performance across sectors within our purview was

1.73%

ROE

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Lafarge Africa PLC

16 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 17 International Brew eries PLC

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

1,350.00

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

14 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc

2075.74

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

ʬ202.9bn to ʬϮϱ͘ϯƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ

value traded rose 17.9% to ʬ2.2bn.

Price Previous Price Current Change Price Change Weighting Index to Change YTD Date

Current Price

Ticker

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

41

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, ͰͮͰͰ ˾ T H I S D AY

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FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Ex-Malawi President’s Stepson Arrested over Mass Grave Police in Malawi have arrested the stepson of former President Peter Mutharika in connection with the discovery of a mass grave last month.

Police say Tadikira Mafubza turned himself in to police Wednesday. The grave found in a forest contained 30 bodies believed to be those of illegal Ethiopian immigrants.

Tadikira Mafubza is a son of former President Peter Mutharika’s wife, Gertrude, whom he married in 2014.

Police say the arrest, the first since the discovery of the mass grave, is a result of the investigation they are conducting.

Peter Kalaya is the spokesperson for the Malawi Police Service.

“We have arrested him because we have evidence that he is connected to the case that we are investigating, which is to do with a mass grave that was found in Mzimba district, where 30 bodies of suspected victims of human trafficking, suspected to be Ethiopians, were exhumed.”

Some local media reports indicate police also impounded a vehicle used to transport suspected Ethiopian immigrants being trafficked to South Africa.

Earlier in November, Mutharika told a press conference at his residence in Mangochi district that he was shocked at the government’s silence on the cause of death of the migrants.

Footballer Arrested for Insulting Iran’s World Cup Team, Protests Crackdown

Iran arrested a prominent former member of its national soccer team on Thursday over his criticism of the government as authorities grapple with nationwide protests that have cast a shadow over its competition at the World Cup. The semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported that Voria Ghafouri was arrested for “insulting the national soccer team and propagandising against the government.”

Ghafouri, who was not chosen to go to the World Cup, has been an outspoken critic of Iranian authorities throughout his career. He objected to a longstanding ban on women spectators at men’s soccer matches and Iran’s confrontational foreign policy, which has led to crippling Western sanctions.

More recently, he expressed sympathy for the family of a 22-year-old woman whose death while in the custody of Iran’s morality police ignited the latest protests. Recently, he also called for an end to a violent crackdown on protests in Iran’s western Kurdistan region.

The reports of his arrest came ahead of Friday’s World Cup match between Iran and Wales. At Iran’s opening match, a 6-2 loss to England, the members of the Iranian national team declined to sing along to their national anthem, and some fans expressed support for the protests.

Meta: US Military Using Fake Facebook Accounts Against Asia, Middle East

People associated with the U.S. military created fake accounts on more than seven internet services as part of a “coordinated inauthentic” influence operation targeting people in Central Asia and the Middle East, according to Meta, the parent of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, in its report out this week.

Although the people behind the operation “attempted to conceal their identities and coordination,” Meta said, its investigation “found links to individuals associated with the US military.”

A spokesperson with the US Department of Defense said Thursday that it “is aware of the report published by Meta. At this time, we do not have any further comments on the report or potential actions that may be taken by the Department as a result of the report.”

Meta’s report adds more credence to the theory that the US military was behind the operation, first reported in August by researchers at Graphika and the Stanford Internet Observatory.

The August report shed light on what was believed to be the first time Facebook and Twitter reported a pro-US operation using methods — including fake personas and coordinated memes — that countries

launched more airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said about 70 per cent of the Ukrainian capital remained without power early Thursday.

“Energy engineers and specialists worked all night” to restore electricity and water supplies, he wrote on Telegram.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted Thursday that Russia “wages the most cowardly and barbaric type of war against unarmed civilians.”

His comments followed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appearance by video before the UN Security Council, during which Zelensky said Russian missiles hit hospitals, schools, transportation targets and residential areas. Zelensky said Ukraine was awaiting a “very firm reaction” from the world.

Russia’s UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, rejected what he called “reckless threats and ultimatums” by Ukraine and its Western supporters.

Russian airstrikes Wednesday knocked out power in multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv, where authorities said an airstrike killed three people. such as Russia and Iran employ to sow disinformation in the US and elsewhere.

Namibia Removes Statue of German Colonial ‘Founder’ of Windhoek

Namibian authorities have removed a controversial statue of a German colonial officer erected to mark the anniversary of the founding of Windhoek, now the capital. Critics petitioned for the monument’s removal to a man who led German troops in a massacre of native people, and they disputed the idea that Germans founded the city.

Scores of Namibians celebrated as the statue of German colonial officer Curt von Francois was removed Wednesday from a pedestal in front of Windhoek’s city buildings, where it stood for more than half a century.

The monument was erected in 1965 to honour the 75th anniversary of the city’s founding, which was credited to von Francois.

Von Francois was governor of the area, then known as German South West Africa, from 1891 to 1894.

But historians and activists dispute the idea that Germans, who colonised Namibia from 1884 to 1915, founded the city.

Former Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda told VOA it is well known that native people lived in the area decades before the Germans arrived.

Foxconn Apologises for Pay Dispute at China Factory

The company that assembles Apple Inc.’s iPhones apologised Thursday for a pay dispute that triggered employee protests at a factory where anti-virus controls have slowed production.

Employees complained Foxconn Technology Group changed the terms of wages offered to attract them to the factory in the central city of Zhengzhou. Foxconn is trying to rebuild the workforce after employees walked out last month over complaints about unsafe conditions.

Videos on social media showed police in white protective suits kicking and clubbing workers during the protest that erupted Tuesday and lasted into the next day.

Foxconn, the biggest contract assembler of smartphones and other electronics for Apple and other global brands, blamed a “technical error” in adding new employees and said they would be paid what they were promised.

“We apologise for an input error in the computer system and guarantee that the actual pay is the same as agreed and the official recruitment posters,” said a company statement.

Pakistan Names New Army Chief Amid Political Turmoil

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday nominated the former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, the country’s main intelligence agency, as head of the powerful military amid deepening political turmoil.

Officials said Sharif chaired a meeting of his Cabinet to pick General Asim Munir from a list of six senior generals to replace General Qamar Jawed Bajwa, set to retire next week, as the new chief of army staff.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced the decision in a post-meeting statement, saying it has already been sent to President Arif Alvi for his mandatory approval. Asif later confirmed to state-run radio that the president had approved the appointment.

Munir will take command of Pakistan’s nuclear-armed military from Bajwa next Tuesday at a ceremony at the general headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, adjacent to Islamabad.

US Slams Taliban for Flogging Afghan Men, Women

The US special envoy for women, girls and human rights in Afghanistan has sharply criticised the ruling Islamist Taliban for organising public floggings of people, including women, accused of “moral crimes” such as theft and adultery.

“This is both appalling and a dangerous sign that the Taliban are becoming more defiant in showing the world that they are embracing the policies of the past,” Rina Amiri said on Twitter.

Her reaction came a day after the Taliban Supreme Court said that 11 men and three women had been flogged “for different sins, including adultery, robbery and other forms of corruption,” in a football stadium in the country’s east.

The announcement noted that the punishment was administered Wednesday morning “in the presence of respected scholars, security forces, tribal elders and local residents.”

It was the latest sign of the Taliban’s application of their strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as Shariah, to criminal justice and restoring policies of their rule from 1996 to 2001, when flogging took place in much of Afghanistan.

“It didn’t end up well before, and it will once again take the country on a perilous path,” Amiri warned.

Ukraine Works to Restore Power, Water to Cities After Russian Attacks

Ukrainian authorities are working to restore electricity and water to key cities, including Kyiv, a day after Russia

Brazil Rejects Bolsonaro Push to Nullify Presidential Election

The head of Brazil’s electoral authority has rejected the request from President Jair Bolsonaro’s political party to annul ballots cast on most electronic voting machines, which would have overturned the October 30 election.

Alexandre de Moraes had issued a prior ruling that implicitly raised the possibility that Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party could suffer from such a challenge. He conditioned analysis of the request on the presentation of an amended report to include results from the first electoral round, on October 2, in which the party won more seats in both congressional houses than any other, and he established a 24-hour deadline.

Earlier Wednesday, party president Valdemar Costa and lawyer Marcelo de Bessa held a press conference and said there would be no amended report.

He also ordered the suspension of government funds for the Liberal Party’s coalition until a fine of 23 million reais ($4.3 million) for bad faith litigation is paid.

On Tuesday, de Bessa filed a 33-page request on behalf of Bolsonaro and Costa, citing a software bug in the majority of Brazil’s machines — they lack individual identification numbers in their internal logs — to argue all votes they recorded should be nullified.

China’s Daily COVID-19 Cases Highest Since Pandemic Began

China’s daily COVID-19 cases have climbed to the highest since the pandemic began, official data showed Thursday, despite the government persisting with a zero-tolerance approach involving gruelling lockdowns and travel restrictions.

The numbers are relatively small when compared with China’s vast population of 1.4 billion and the caseloads seen in Western countries at the height of the pandemic.

But under Beijing’s strict zero-COVID-19 policy, even small outbreaks can shut down entire cities and place contacts of infected patients into strict quarantine.

The country recorded 31,454 domestic cases, 27,517 without symptoms, on Wednesday, the National Health Bureau said.

On Wednesday, violent protests erupted at Foxconn’s vast iPhone factory in central China, with a video showing dozens of hazmat-clad personnel wielding batons and chasing employees.

The latest figures exceed the 29,390 infections recorded in mid-April when the megacity Shanghai was under lockdown, with residents struggling to buy food and access medical care.

Several cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing, have tightened COVID-19 restrictions as cases surge.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION CONFERENCE 2022...

L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello; Deputy Governor, CBN, Aishah Ahmad, and Director, Development Finance, CBN, Mr. Yila Yusuf, at the maiden edition of the International Financial Inclusion Conference 2022, which was held at Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja…yesterday

Buhari Lauds Emefiele, Stakeholders on Milestones in Financial Inclusion Our focus is to drive sustainable development, growth, says CBN governor

James Emejo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and other stakeholders for their contributions towards promoting and deepening financial inclusion in the country.

The CBN governor chairs the National Financial Inclusion Steering Committee, which had worked tremendously to achieve 65 per cent financial inclusion rate over the past few years and target 95 per cent by 2024.

Speaking at the opening of the 2022 International Financial Inclusion Conference with the theme: “Financial Inclusion for All: Scaling Innovative Digital Models,” in Abuja, the president said his administration remained committed to providing continuous support to all financial inclusion stakeholder institutions in the public

and private sectors.

Buhari further unveiled five important financial inclusion artefacts which were to provide direction for financial inclusion in Nigeria in the coming years.

He said the federal government believed that achieving financial inclusion goals would further boost the country’s economic fortunes.

Represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, Buhari, further charged all implementing agencies in Nigeria to take advantage of the rare gatherings to better deliver on their mandate for inclusive growth and development.

Buhari noted that Digital Financial Services (DFS) remained one key component of the digital economy strategy which holds the potential to improve the country’s GDP and provide access to finance to underserved areas.

He said, “I am glad that financial services stakeholders

have leveraged DFS to provide financial services to our people.

The benefit of this was obvious during the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic when our citizens were able to conduct transactions via DFS, thus, limiting the risk of the spread of the virus and providing access to financial services during this period.”

The president admitted that the digital innovation, spearheaded by the central bank had also facilitated access to credit and payment for rural dwellers and enabled them to conduct their businesses without the need to travel far in search of the nearest bank branch.

He said financial inclusion stakeholders had been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions for addressing some of the pressing issues which Nigerians face as a people.

Buhari said, “For instance, to increase financial services access points in underserved locations in

the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued the Payment Service Bank regulatory framework.

“Furthermore, through the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facility (SANEF), the number of agent banking locations in the country is now over 1.4 million from 86,000 in 2018.

“The Open Banking framework and Regulatory Sandbox initiatives are some of the other initiatives that are meant to improve financial inclusion in Nigeria.”

He further noted that the theme of the conference was timely, as it looks to leverage innovative models to drive financial inclusion, adding that it also aligns with the broad objective of the government to leverage the digital economy for sustainable growth and development.

Buhari further tasked the stakeholders to take adopt bold measures to enable the country to meet its targets following the

1.5 Million Children Benefit from UNICEF, UK Girl Education Programme in Six Northern States $109 million spent on sponsorship Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Kuni Tyessi in Abuja In response to the low level of female enrolment in schools, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom and UNICEF have revealed that 1.5 million children from six states in the northern part of Nigeria have gained access to education under the phase three of the intervention programme.

The ministry and the development partners said they have successfully implemented the Girls’ Education Programme Phase 3 (GEP3) across six northern Nigerian states of Katsina, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara and Bauchi between 2012 and 2022.

A statement issued yesterday by UNICEF explained: "The partners reported that the programme’s investment of $109 million yielded positive results in enrolling an additional 1.5 million girls into school, far exceeding the project’s target."

Owing to the intervention, the report stated that attendance rate of girls in primary schools in the

six states improved from 43 per cent to 70 per cent, while gender parity improved from 0.73 to 0.97.

"GEP3 worked to improve the quality of education for all children and helped girls gain better access to education and economic opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage,” it stated.

In assessing the performance of the programme, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said the GEP3 had been successful in getting more girls into formal and non-formal schools and also improved learning outcomes.

He said: "In our commitment to reduce the number of out-ofschool children, Nigeria appreciates the scaling of evidence-based solution in tackling this menace as provided through the GEP3.

“As we continue on this path, we would leverage on the success of GEP3 to plan better, budget better, and make better decisions in putting more Girl- Child in school" On his part, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate said: “GEP3 has not only been successful in getting more girls into formal and non-

formal schools, but it has also improved learning outcomes.

“GEP3 has raised the profile of educated girls, created new positive social norms in many communities and enabled a transformational shift in mindsets about the importance of girls' education. It is critical that we advocate scaling of the approach in all states.

“I express the deep appreciation of UNICEF to the UK Government for this long-term commitment and funding for girls’ access to primary school in northern Nigeria. Together there remains much work to be done, to ensure that girls transition to, and complete secondary education.

“This is important not only for the economic prosperity and wellbeing of the girl and her family, but to stem the high population growth expected in Nigeria. We see FCDO and the government of Nigeria as steadfast partners in this complex endeavour,” added Munduate.

The statement noted that in addition to surpassing its target enrollment figures, GEP3’s innovations, policies and best practices were contributing to improvement in Nigeria’s

educational sector.

It further stated that GEP3 has built the capacity of Head teachers and teachers in the management of schools as well as delivery of effective learning for girls.

"GEP3’s unconditional cash transfer programme supported over 23,500 girls and reduced the level of poverty in the household, enabling families to send girls to school and enhanced the ability of women to generate additional domestic income.

"Furthermore, communitybased structures like Mothers’ Association, School Based Management Committees, and the High-level Women Advocates have been established as enduring platforms for community mobilisation, mentorship and policy advocacy on girls’ education.

"The programme was also instrumental in strengthening nonformal Qur’anic schools through the integration of foundational literacy and numeracy. To improve learning levels, the programme delivered an early literacy and numeracy intervention, the Reading And Numeracy Activity (RANA).

launch of the eNaira in October last year, adding that “This launch did not just put us on the global map, but also provided us with the currency for the digital economy”.

Emefiele, earlier noted that the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee was the apex body responsible for implementing the Nigerian Financial Inclusion Strategy and ensuring the alignment of financial inclusion policy objectives to the inclusive development objective of the federal government.

He pointed out that the global meltdown in 2008 made financial services regulators focus on improving the financial system's stability and mitigating risks that could lead to a future recurrence.

According to him, Nigeria implemented a tighter prudential regime to respond to the meltdown, adding that while these efforts improved financial system stability, it inadvertently undermined access to finance as entry barriers to the financial system became a disincentive for many economically active Nigerians.

Emefiele, however, noted that the response to the global event in 2008 was not entirely responsible for the low access to finance for the underserved in Nigeria.

Rather, he identified infrastructural deficits including low broadband penetration, lack of a functional national identity system, and high cost of delivering financial services through bank branches to the underserved as contributors to Nigeria's financial exclusion situation.

He said as at 2008, 52.2 per cent of Nigerian adults were financially excluded which implied that one out of every two adults had no access to financial services.

He said even though Nigeria had a sizeable number of banked populations, “our financial inclusion rate was one of the lowest in the sub-region. More worrisome was the fact that many adults were financially excluded.

“Youth, aged 18-35 years, and MSMEs (which employed over 60 per cent of Nigerians), were disproportionately excluded from access to financial products and services.”

As a result, the CBN governor said stakeholders undertook the onerous task of driving access to finance for the benefit of the hitherto excluded segments through the National Financial Inclusion

Strategy.

He stated that as at end-2020 the financial exclusion rate had reduced to 35.9 percent.

“While this remains high when considered as absolute numbers, it is a huge improvement when compared to the position as at 2008.

This change did not happen by accident but resulted from the decisive and concerted approach

by National Financial Inclusion stakeholders to address key pain points and bottlenecks that were deterring financial inclusion,” he said.

Emefiele maintained that financial inclusion remained key to economic development and inclusive growth, stressing that there is a positive correlation between the financial inclusion rate of a country and its GDP growth.

He said while stakeholders in Nigeria were exploring ways to address the high financial exclusion rate, the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) outlined the Maya Accord in 2010.

According to him, the Accord is a global initiative for responsible and sustainable financial inclusion that aims to reduce poverty and ensure financial stability for the benefit of all.

He said as part of its commitment to that Accord, Nigeria developed its first financial inclusion strategy in 2012, where it set a goal of achieving a financial inclusion rate of 80 per cent by 2020.

The CBN governor said the 2012 strategy provided a platform to facilitate a concerted approach by stakeholders to address financial exclusion in Nigeria.

He noted that while the 2012 strategy was fundamental in many respects, it was prescriptive and looked to scale traditional financial services models to address financial inclusion, which made it slow and expensive to meet our growth aspirations.

However, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, in a special keynote address delivered virtually, said digital connectivity remained a good way to begin to bridge gender gaps in the country.

She said financial inclusion could bring positive changes to millions of Nigerians especially women adding that no way should be left behind in current inclusion strategy.

46

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

APC RALLY IN EBONYI...

L-R: Ebonyi State Governor David Nweze Umahi; APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinnma in a motorcade going round Abakaliki Township Stadium at the APC presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State...yesterday

Petrol Scarcity Worsens in Lagos as Transporters Allege Rationing of Selling Days By Marketers Transport fares soar by 200% in Lagos Peter Uzoho The alleged rationing of the days of selling petrol among some petroleum products marketers who have formed cartels has worsened the petrol scarcity currently rocking Lagos, Abuja and other cities in the country,

THISDAY learnt yesterday.

THISDAY gathered that the marketing companies had through their umbrella associations allegedly put the secret rationing rule that ensures that members sell petrol on the days allocated to them.

According to a source who

revealed this to THISDAY, to ensure compliance to the rule, the marketers, whose turn it is not to sell on a particular date resort to hoarding the product in the day time while selling to black marketers at night and above approved price.

"Any filling station that is not

selling is just obeying what they have agreed because anyone that disobeys, their leaders will deal with him. That's why you see queues in one filling station, while another is closed.

"The person (the black marketer) that supplies me said they are the ones having fuel now because

FG: Over 1.6 Million Nigerians Now on HIV Treatment Targets 40,000 treatment centres Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has said it has been able to put 1,619,133 persons living with HIV on regular treatment.

The number represents 98 per cent of the population that had tested positive to the virus.

It said based on the findings it made, government was working towards expanding the points of service from the current 6,000 to about 40,000 locations identified in the mapping across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Gambo Aliyu who gave an update on government's efforts, described the achievement as a significant leap when compared to 838,020 persons captured in the treatment net in 2017.

Addressing stakeholders and the media at a press conference to flag off this year's World AIDS Day in Abuja, Aliyu said the theme of this year's World AIDS Day which was, "Equalise to End AIDS: Equal Access to Treatment and Prevention Services,” seeks to end unequal access to HIV prevention and treatment among vulnerable population groups.

He said the objective was to promote equal access across population that were marginalised, among the vulnerable and key affected population groups by removing economic, social, cultural and legal barriers to HIV prevention

services across population groups that are vulnerable to HIV. According to the NACA boss, Nigeria's success story was evident from the significant dip in the HIV prevalence of 3.4 per cent in 2017, to a population based prevalence of 1.3 percent in 2018 "As at the end of September 2022 we have 1,619,133 persons on treatment, which represents a significant leap when compared to 838,020 persons in 2017.

"Our treatment sites have increased from 251 in 2007 to 2,262 in 2020," he said.

Aliyu disclosed that new HIV infections have gradually declined from 103,404 in 2019, to 92,323 in 2021.

He added that significant growth in key population treatment centres have risen from 10 in 2017, with a coverage of 16,147 to 118 in 2021 with coverage of over 221,010 Also, he said pre-COVID 19 Molecular laboratory assessment done in 27 sites was now in over 100 sites accessible for prevention and treatment purposes In the same vein, Aliyu said through Alignment 2.0 HIV prevention and treatment was now shifting ownership to states while guaranteeing continued partnership and support from Donors He noted that the launch of N62 billion Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN) was a further step towards sustained country level funding and ownership

of the national response.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire who was represented by the National Coordinator of the National AIDS/STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr. Akudo Ikpeazu, said Nigeria was steadily moving closer and closer to the targets of eliminating HIV. "We are certainly proud of the achievements we have made, working together with our partners. Today we have 90 per cent of people who are HIV positive know their status, 98 per cent of these are on HIV treatment and 95 per cent of those on treatment have attained viral suppression," he said.

Ehanire said the country must all work together to address the inequalities which pose barriers to ending the epidemic.

For instance, he said despite the availability of free treatment services, as of today, Nigeria still have an unacceptable number of children, less than 15 years, living with HIV who are difficult to find and place on treatment. (children 34 percent: 100 percent : 81 percent) The minister added that some of the specific strides made this year to address access issues included a PMTCT mapping to identify all places where women access delivery services in order to find all HIV positive pregnant women.

According to the minister, based on the findings made, government was, “working towards expanding the points of

service from the current 6,000 to about 40,000 locations identified in the mapping across the 36 states and FCT. Our aim is to find all pregnant women, test all, treat all and report all.”

He said there was need to equalise access to essential HIV services particularly for children, pregnant women, key populations and their partners and those in closed settings who are often forgotten.

"To do this, we must, in a consistent manner address and remove all structural barriers that impact negatively on access to services," he said.

Responding to the report presented by the National Coordinator of Persons Living With HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Abdulahi Ibrahim, which showed that some persons lacked access to HIV treatment, Ikpeazu said such persons could be those with advanced HIV virus infection.

She explained that much of the progress being acknowledged were in the area of new HIV infections who have been identified through testing and now placed on regular treatment.

In his remarks, Country Representatives of UNAIDS, Dr. Leo Zekeng said though some progress had been recorded in the fight against the spread of HIV virus in Nigeria, there was need to scale up sensitisation and treatment in order to reach those still do not know their status and are outside treatment net.

they are sure of buying from the filling stations anytime in the night when nobody is watching," the source who pleaded to remain anonymous said.

He further said his supplier told him that the marketing companies said they were no longer coping with the government regulated price and that since they can't fight the government, they must find a way to survive.

The situation has resulted to the hike in the pump price of petrol to about N250 to N300 per litre in some filling stations in Lagos, and has also led to the increase in transport fares by over 200 per cent in the nation's commercial nerve centre.

For instance, the fare for commuting from Egbeda to Oshodi is now N600 as against N300 being charged before while commuting from Ikotun to CMS now takes N1500 as against N500 charged few months ago.

Consequently, many commuters are now having to pay through their noses to go to wherever they want to go even with the drop in the purchasing power of average Nigerians.

Some of the filling stations that were shut yesterday included the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) filling station at Sobo Bus Stop, Egbeda; AP filling station at Ikotun Roundabout, First Royal filling station, Idimu Road, among several others.

The scarcity of petrol and long queues have persisted despite the previous assurances by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and some of the marketers.

Efforts to get reaction of the marketers through their associations proved abortive as the Executive Secretary of the Deport and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Mr. Olufemi Adewole; and the Chairman of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr.

Olumide Adeosun refused to take their calls as of the time of filling in this report.

However, Adewole had told journalists a few days ago in Lagos, that the difficulty being experienced in the products distribution system was partly due the high cost of foreign exchange and the renting of Daughter vessels.

Adewole had said, "We have costs that must be recovered. We have explained to the public and we have explained to government.

Foreign exchange impact on our business is quite high.

"Early this year, we were chartering vessels for our operations at the rate of $25000 to $35000. Exchange rate at that time was $385 to $1. Today, we are chartering vessels at $70000 per day. Exchange rare has gone down to probably about N740 few days ago. So somebody has to take these costs.

"We employed Nigerians, we are Nigerians and we are patriotic Nigerians. These businesses were set up by investors not solely to make profit but they must make profit otherwise the businesses will collapse and even the Nigerians who are presently paying taxes to government will be out of job.

"So any cost that a marketer incurs in the process of bringing the product to you at the retail outlet has to be recovered and that is what we are saying."

He had assured Nigerians that there would be adequate fuel because NNPC had promised them that there would be adequate fuel during Christmas, New Year and beyond.

According to the DAPPMAN Executive Secretary, "It makes no sense for any marketer to have products and refuses to sell.

One thing we can assure you is this: whatever any marketer has, whatever any marketer receives from NNPC being the sole supplier to the country, we will sell it to the public and make sure you get it. So if we don't have it, we can't sell what we don't have."

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

NEWS

16TH ANNUAL TOWN HALL MEETING ON SECURITY WITH SANWO-OLU...

R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu presenting an appreciation award to representative of First City Monument Bank, while the Board Chairman of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti and Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, watch on, during the 16th annual town hall meeting on Security with the Governor, themed “LSSTF stewardship: A Review of our activities in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the Lagos State Government” at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island ...yesterday

CJN: I’m Happy Makinde is Among G5 Govs Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, appeared to have delved into the political arena yesterday, expressing joy that the Governor of his state, Mr Seyi Makinde, had continued to support Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers in the coalition of five governors, now known as the Integrity Group.

The group of five include Governors Wike, Makinde of

Oyo state, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state.

They have been at daggers drawn with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of reneging on his alleged promise to ensure that if both the party’s standard bearer and National Chairman, now Iyorchia Ayu, emerged from the same region, the chairman would be forced

N2bn Pension Fraud: Appeal Court Upholds Maina's Son's Conviction on Money Laundering Charge Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday upheld the conviction of Faisal, son of former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina.

A Federal High Court, Abuja had last year found Faisal guilty of charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering and subsequently handed him a 14 years jail.

Although Faisal who was sentenced in absentia, haven jumped his bail midway into his trial had appealed his conviction and sentencing.

But in their decision on the appeal yesterday, a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, upheld the conviction, agreeing with the trial court that a prima facie case was established against the defendant.

The panel however reduced the five years (in relation to counts two and three) to three years, just it reduced that of the 14 years sentencing (in relation to count two) to seven years, on the grounds that the defendant was a first time offender.

According to the lead judgment which was delivered by Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, Faisal being a first time offender, ought not to have been handed the maximum punishment prescribed by the laws under which he was charged.

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court had last October haven found Faisal guilty of the three count charge sentenced him to three years each in relation to counts one and three, while

he sentenced him to 14 years on count two.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Faisal on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N58.1million.

Justice Abang held that the EFCC proved beyond reasonable doubt that Faisal operated a fictitious bank account with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), through which his father, Abdulrasheed Maina, laundered the N58.1 million.

According to Abang, the funds deposited into the account that was operated in the name of “Alhaji Faisal Farm 2” were sequentially withdrawn by the convict and his father, between October 2013 and June 2019.

Justice Abang had held that the EFCC proved all the essential ingredients of the offences with which the convict was charged.

The judge ordered that Faisal, who was said to be 21 years old then, should be arrested anywhere he is found in Nigeria and remanded in any correctional centre to serve his jail term.

He added that, in the event the convict was traced to anywhere outside the shores of the country, the federal government, “shall legally or lawfully commence extradition process to bring him into the country to serve the jail term.”

The judge further ordered that the company, through which the fund was laundered - Alhaji Faisal Farm 2 – should be wound up, with funds in the accounts forfeited to the government.

to resign.

The quintet has refused to either endorse or support the campaigns of PDP’s Atiku, maintaining that for peace to return to the opposition party, Ayu must go.

But aside backing Makinde’s membership of the group, Ariwoola, joked that Makinde was being held to ransom by Wike by threatening to withdraw his sister (Makinde’s wife), who he said is from the South-south state, from the Oyo governor.

“That is why we should not be scared to have these men of the integrity group and I am happy that my own governor is among because he would try to imitate his friend and in-law

because we came here to marry for my governor.

“So, Governor Wike will always threaten that he will call back his sister if my governor fails to play ball. That is why you see him following his Excellency (Wike) because my governor is afraid of his wife being recalled," he joked.

He acknowledged the presence of the group of five governors at the gala night and judiciary project inauguration which held in Rivers, stressing that they had been similarly present when Makinde held a 'lavish' reception to celebrate his appointment as CJN some months ago.

He added that whether people like Wike or not, he was leaving

a legacy for generations unborn, stressing that his record will be hard to beat by any other public official.

The CJN explained that Wike had said it on several occasions that he will continue to inaugurate projects until his last day in office, assuring that the governor was an example that humans can always do better if they set their hearts to do it.

While lauding Wike profusely, he maintained that nobody, whether as an individual or as a group has supported the judiciary the way Wike had done since he became governor.

“I was telling somebody that his Excellency started far back as a local council chairman and

the lordship saw in him his son that is worth raising. I have no doubt that the sky is still the limit for your excellency.

“The whole world has seen what you are doing and what you can do and we want this replicated,” he told Wike.

While thanking his supreme court contemporaries as well as past members for their presence , he stated that it was heart-warming that after being honoured outside the state, Justice Mary Odili was being honoured by her own people.

He expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance in office, pointing out that Wike needed to be emulated by his colleagues.

NDDC: Senate Clears Niger Delta Affairs Minister of N480bn Fraud Allegation Asks Umana to tackle alleged cases of employment racketeering Group alleges plot to scuttle Buhari’s move to reconstitute board Sunday Aborisade and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has exonerated the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, of the allegation of misappropriation and illegal sacking of workers levelled against him.

The panel, Chaired by Senator Ayo Akinyelure, also dismissed as baseless, the petition in which those allegations were made.

Akinyelure stated this yesterday, while addressing journalists in Abuja.

He said the allegation in the petition that the minister was perfecting strategy to misappropriate N480 billion meant for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, was false and baseless.

Akinyelure explained that the committee had confirmed as earlier explained by the minister that there was no attempt at any wrongful act.

He said it was a lawful plan for core regional projects to be included in the amended NDDC 2021/2022 budget as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari

for a new regional development scheme in the nine states of Niger Delta.

The Senate committee chairman commended the minister for working to ensure the transmission of the NDDC budgets for 2021/2022 and 2023 to the National Assembly for legislative approval.

He also expressed satisfaction with the minister’s contribution to efforts to constitute the governing board of the NDDC which is currently undergoing legislative approval at the Senate.

The committee dismissed as untrue the allegation that the minister wanted to sack the interim administrator of the NDDC. He noted that the tenure of the administrator had come to an end as his appointment was meant to last for the period of the forensic audit into the activities of the NDDC. The committee praised Buhari for approving the constitution of the Board of the NDDC and for the transmission of the NDDC budgets of 2021/2022 and 2023 to the National Assembly for appropriation.

On the alleged sacking of 100 workers of the NDDC, the

committee noted that there was no evidence that such disengagement had ministerial approval.

He urged the minister to ensure that cases of undocumented employments and unauthorised sack of workers of the Commission were addressed.

The panel specifically urged the minister to address the cases of employment racketeering in the Commission, which were allegedly perpetrated during the regime of his immediate past predecessor.

He explained that there were series of Petitions before his panel by aggrieved job seekers from the oil-rich Niger Delta region of the country, alleging that the agency's management did not allow them to carry out any documentation despite issuing them, original letters of employment.

Akinyelure explained that one of the petitions, signed by a former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, specifically alleged that the employment into the NDDC were sold for various amounts depending on the financial strength of the applicant's family.

He explained that the minister had already denied the allegation of sack of 100 NDDC workers by

him on resumption of office, when he appeared before his panel.

Akinyelure said the current minister had described as untrue, the allegation that he approved the disengagement of some workers.

The Senator however said the minister should redress the anomaly, as soon as the Board of the NDDC was inaugurated after confirmation of its members by the Senate.

Akinyelure said the engagement his committee had with the minister had yielded fruits as the 2021, 2022 and 2023 budget estimates of the NDDC had been presented before the Senate for consideration and approval.

He also said the interaction with the minister led to approval and composition of the Board of the NDDC by Buhari.

He commended Buhari for appointing a Woman, Lauretta Ifeanyi-Onochie as the Chairman of the Board of the Agency.

He said, "Since men had been managing the agency for a long time and there were no much significant improvement, Mr. President may think that Continued on page 49

48

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

AITEO VISITS DIRI, DONATES N50M TO FLOOD VICTIMS...

L-R: Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Douye Diri and Group Managing Director, AITEO Oil Exploration and Production Limited, Mr. Victor Okoronkwo, during the courtesy visit of the oil firm’s delegation to Government House, Yenagoa...yesterday

We Didn't Breach Any Law in Aribisogan's Removal, Ekiti Assembly Replies Babalola, Olanipekun, Others Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State House of Assembly has declared that the impeachment of its former Speaker, Gboyega Aribisogan was legal and constitutional, contrary to the position canvassed by some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

Some senior lawyers including Chief Afe Babalola, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Femi Falana and four others, had on Wednesday, in a joint statement, described action leading to Aribisogan's removal from office as illegal and unconstitutional.

The assembly, in a statement by its Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, stated that the action taken by the senior lawyers was one-sided and biased.

He said: "The attention of the Ekiti State House of Assembly has been drawn to a letter circulating on the social media written by a combination of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

"The letter is about the concern

of the legal luminaries led by Aare Afe Babalola about the recent change of leadership in the Ekiti State house of Assembly leading to the impeachment of Rt. Hon Gboyega Aribisogan who was replaced with Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba.

"We recognise the right of the legal luminaries as stakeholders in Ekiti state and we respect their opinion and advice but that is where it ends.

"We wish to let the reading public know that members of Ekiti State House of Assembly feel a sense of injustice by the one sided opinion and biased intervention of the legal luminaries who are also elder statesmen.

“The principle of justice all over the world is that all sides to a conflict must be heard and it is only then that justice could be seen to have been done.

"It is unfortunate that our elder statesmen did not hear from the side of the new Speaker and the remaining 16 members who impeached the former Speaker,

Okonkwo: It's Unlawful to Attack Supporters of Opposition Candidates David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Council in Anambra State, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo has stressed that it is unlawful for people to attack candidates of opposition political parties as the elections draw near.

Okonkwo lamented the attacks on Nigerians for supporting presidential candidates of their choice, saying such should not be the case in a democracy.

The former governorship candidate in Anambra State said this as a guest lecturer at a symposium organised by the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he presented a paper on the ‘Role of the Media in Guaranteeing the Sanctity of the Electoral Process in Nigeria.’

He said: "As journalists and professionals we are trained to be fair and report all sides without bias and I thank our journalists for upholding the ethics of their profession.

"But there is an introduction of a new trend in the politics of Nigeria where people are insulted vilified and treated as outcasts because they are not backing their preferred candidate.

"I remember that when late Dr.

Nnamdi Azikiwe was NCNC, my own uncle was in Action Group (AG) and heavens didn't fall.

"We also had the era of NPN and NPP and we also got to a situation whereby at the end we had an accord with the NPN and we produced the Speaker House of Representatives.

"So we cannot at this point put all our eggs in one basket because of politics and politics is very dynamic and that is the beauty of politics and democracy."

Okonkwo, however stressed that Nigerians should endeavor to respect the views and positions of others in the interest of the unity of the country.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, who was the keynote speaker, while speaking on the imperativeness of using the traditional media in marketing state policies, noted that the country was one and cannot be threatened by the activities of those he described as people who have the Hitler Mob mentality.

"It is not in our character to subjugate the wished and aspirations of other Nigerian people because of your support for a certain candidate and to us journalists we must be fair and credible in our reportage," he said.

Rt. Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan and elected Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba.”

The statement added: "For the avoidance of doubt, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba remains the validly elected Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and she enjoys the support of overwhelming majority of the Honourable members, party leadership and the government of Ekiti State."

Aribasoye added that the advice of the legal luminaries

that Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, who was duly elected by 17 members should stop parading herself as the Speaker of the Ekiti state House of Assembly, was unwarranted.

"The House has neither breached any section of the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria nor its own Standing Rules concerning the impeachment of Rt. Hon. Aribisogan and the election of Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba on Monday, November 21 2022.

Rt. Hon. Aribisogan was duly served an impeachment notice and was thereafter impeached by 2/3rd of members of the whole house.

"We however wish to remind our legal luminaries that when a serious infraction of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria was committed during the PDP administration of Governor Ayodele Fayose where seven members impeached the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Omirin, we didn't see a

convergence of legal luminaries condemning the action.

“This same Rt. Hon. Aribisogan was equally suspended by the fifth Assembly during the tenure of Governor Fayose but there was no whimper from our legal luminaries.

"We wish to restate that peace has returned to the Ekiti State House of Assembly since the pathologically rebellious and inordinately ambitious Speaker was impeached and suspended alongside his cohorts."

Dogara, Achuba, Others Disown Babachir over Endorsement of Obi

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as well as other members of a northern Christian group, which has persistently kicked against a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, yesterday disowned an ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, over his endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi. In a statement jointly signed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)

chieftain and seven others, titled : “Dogara, Babachir Lawal-led Northern APC Members Dump Tinubu, Declare Support For Peter Obi,” the group stressed that no such decision had been taken.

Other signatories to the statement were: Simon Achuba, Albert Atiwurcha, Prof Doknan Sheni, Mela Nunge (SAN), Gen. Ishaya Bauka (rtd), Prof Ibrahim Haruna and Mrs Leah Olusiyi.

“We want to draw the attention of the general public to the recent position canvassed by our Chairman, B.D Lawal as

the position of our group.

“We wish to state that necessary consultations have been concluded, and based on manifestly unassailable empirical data, the group is poised to adopt a position which will be made known to the public at an interfaith event to be held very soon.

"Suffice to say that no one in the group, including the chairman has been mandated to speak to the public about our position at this material time. Based on our modus operandi, our position was meant to be presented to

the general public at the event above referred to. That has not changed,” the group stated.

Consequently, it explained that the decision to endorse a particular candidate and the statement credited to Babachir were solely his (Babachir's), pointing out that although he is absolutely entitled to it, it wasn’t the view of the group as a whole.

“We hope this statement clears all the queries most of us have been inundated with on this all important subject matter,” the statement concluded.

Peterside-led Advocacy Group Cautions Against Rising Attacks on 2023 Campaigners Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja GoNigeria Initiative, a proNigerian advocacy group led

by Atedo Peterside yesterday warned that the rising attacks on presidential campaign trains was becoming worrisome, calling on the authorities to nip the problem in the bud.

The organisation, which is aimed at promoting political participation, legitimate elections and good governance, in a statement signed by Peterside, its convener, condemned the escalating violence and divisive rhetoric related to campaigns for the 2023 elections.

It called on politicians and all stakeholders to eschew hate speech and violence and echoed the call of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that political

parties and political leaders conduct their campaigns peacefully without rancour, divisiveness and violence.

The group also called for the implementation of Section 128(d) of the 2022 Electoral Act which it said protects the rights of candidates to campaign without the threat of violence.

With the 2023 elections still over 90 days away, GoNigeria said that it was concerned about various threats to credible polls, including the increasing incidences of hate speech and other divisive communication designed to amplify ethnic and religious differences.

The group described the reports of attacks on campaigns, including the violent physical assault of those merely undertaking the tasks of putting up campaign posters as

reprehensible, explaining that if not addressed legally, it will embolden further violence.

“Already, there are concerns that the rise in pre-election violence will deter voters and is an indirect form of voter intimidation. The situation, if it persists unaddressed, constitutes a threat to national unity and democracy.

“As advocates for full citizen participation in the electoral process, GoNigeria Initiative fully aligns itself with the desire of Nigerians for free, fair, credible and verifiable elections and it is encouraging to hear INEC’s plans as this will help douse tensions.

“We are cautiously optimistic that INEC will be fully prepared for the 2023 general elections and will deliver on the promises made to Nigerians in the Chairman’s

Message dated 16th November, 2022,” it stated.

According to GoNigeria, INEC alone cannot ensure peaceful and rancour free elections.

As such, it called on all political leaders, actors and their agents to exercise restraint in the interest of the country Nigeria, and hinge their campaigns on progressive ideas that are objective, balanced and promote national unity.

The organisation further advised that energy should go into debating and selling candidates' programmes and policies and not hurling insults or ridiculing each other.

It enjoined all Nigerians to stand united against violence and hate speech and work towards peaceful, free and fair elections regardless of political leanings or associations.

49

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

NEWS

FBN'S UK PARTNERSHIP BEYOND BORDERS...

R-L: Chairman, The Address Homes and former Group Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, FBN, Mr Bisi Onasanya, former First Bank Chairman Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, a British MP, Chairman First Bank Holdings PLC, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi, Chairman First Bank Nigeria, Tunde Odukale and Non-Executive Director, FBN, Julius B. (JB) Omodayo-Owotuga, during the FBN UK 40th anniversary, themed Partnership Beyond Borders, held in London... recently

Igini: Electoral Act Has Created Moral Panic Among Parties Says INEC has shut all windows of rigging We tracked over N200bn official transaction from government accounts before 2019 elections, NFIU discloses Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The immediate past Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mike Igini, said the Electoral Act 2022 had created moral panic among political parties and their candidates ahead of the 2023 elections. Igini stated this yesterday in Abuja during the Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Programme organised by HEDA Resource Centre.

The former REC said the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) had closed all the windows of rigging, hence the panic.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Modibbo Tukur, explained that there was a correlation between cash and election rigging in Nigeria. Tukur said there were official transactions to the tune of N200 billion before the 2019 general election.

Igini said the 2022 Electoral Act was the outcome of efforts under the leadership of former

Enugu PDP Guber Candidate, Mbah, Launches Health Insurance Scheme Dr Peter Mbah, the Enugu governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has instituted a health insurance scheme with a premium worth N2 million for 100 indigent persons in Nkanu East.

This was done earlier yesterday in commemorating the first anniversary of the St. Cecilia Memorial Hospital, Owo, Nkanu East LGA, built and equipped by his charity, Peter Mbah Foundation and commissioned in November last year.

The health insurance intervention was organised in partnership with the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage.

The foundation's manager, Ms Chika Mbah, said patients could still pay at their own rates due to the area's poverty level.

Meanwhile, ahead of the 2023 general elections, the people of Anikenano and Awgu Central development centres, both in the Awgu local government area of Enugu, have called on Mbah to cite new projects and attract development that would transform the council area, stressing their resolve to commit their votes to him and the other PDP candidates in the coming election.

The people made the demands at town hall meetings held on Wednesday at Mgbidi and Awgu,

headquarters of the development centres.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Awgu local government, Pedro Nwankwo, urged Mbah to "replicate your private sector experiences in the state, and Awgu in particular after your swearing-in as governor in 2023."

The Chairman of the PDP in Awgu LGA, Okey Udeh, called Mbah's attention to the nonappointment of an Awgu indigene as commissioner since 1999 and urged him to redress the alleged injustice when elected governor.

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Toby Okechukwu, urged Mbah to seize the opportunity presented by the visit to assess the topography and use his private sector experience to turn the area into revenue generation to boost the state's economy.

In response, Mbah stressed that he saw potential in the areas and vowed to fulfil his promises.

"When I was driving up to this place, the only thing I saw were opportunities. I could not stop admiring the opportunities and the beauty here," said the PDP governorship candidate. "By the time we are done with this place, everyone will be scrambling to live here. We will transform here into a world-class tourism centre."

Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, since 2011.

According to him, "Even before we came to INEC, we have identified some statutory provisions for election rigging in Nigeria and every provision, we made proposals. But those proposals were rejected over time by the lawmakers until 2022.

"This year of our Lord 2022, when, perhaps, they had the Damascus experience and everything that was rejected before was passed and it was assented to by the president on the 25th of February this year.

"Today, that legal framework is the basis of the moral panic in the land. INEC made a total of 91 proposals, out of which 48 were accepted by the National Assembly.”

Igini noted that the reality of what had been passed was that power had now been returned to the people.

He stated, "With the 2022 Electoral Act that has secured INEC innovations, if only the people are aware that power has been taken back to them, that the polling unit is now the

centre of the universe in our electoral process.

“Elections are now won and lost at the polling units, no longer at ward collation centres, local government collation centres. This is the basis of the moral panic in the land today."

Igini hinted that most of the senatorial, House of Representatives, and governorship candidates might not be known until two days to the elections, because of the litany of litigations in courts.

He said, "So you all know that in the 2023 elections, we are going to contest, many of senatorial candidates, House of Representatives, state Houses of Assembly, and some governorship candidates will not be known before the day of the election, because as we speak, they are in court.

"Section 285 says they will spend 180 days, that is half a year. It is only in Nigeria that on a preelection matter we spend half a year. The only thing I worry about is my constituency, the judiciary, and if Nigeria will die, Nigeria will die because of we lawyers, the

way we now conduct ourselves in this country.

"As we speak, people are in court, only presidential candidates have settled at the moment. Others are not settled. Their candidature will never be known. Remember the Bayelsa governorship candidate was never known until after the election?"

Igini stressed that going by the provisions of Section 91 of the Electoral Act, political parties do not need police permit to hold rallies.

The NFIU director general, who was represented by Mr. Badaru Abubakar, said, "At NFIU, our role is to advise other relevant agencies, we analyse all the transactions we get, we send those reports to relevant security agencies. We at NFIU, we are not supposed to be seen; we are only supposed to be felt. On our own part, we are doing our best.

"Before 2019, every year we used to have report of about N100 billion official transactions. But in 2019, to show you the correlation between cash and election rigging in Nigeria, in 2019 alone, we had over N200 billion official

transactions from government accounts. So, you can now see the link between election crime and cash."

Tukur disclosed that the agency had already made suggestions to the government on how to curb those leaks.

According to him, “One of it was the Terrorism and Financing Act – no individual can do a transaction of above N5 million in cash. Also, no corporate organisation can do a transaction beyond N10 million in cash. Although we have loopholes on suggestion we made to government, we stand our ground. All these things are done to curb all other crimes.”

On his part, Chairman of HEDA, Olarenwaju Suraju, said they did not have to wait till election day before they start making some of the necessary public statements.

"The takeaway from here is that the election is not rigged only on election days, it happens before and we need to start identifying those stakeholders that are responsible for some of these atrocities or activities," he said.

NDDC: SENATE CLEARS NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS MINISTER OF N480BN FRAUD ALLEGATION the appointment of a woman could change a lot of things at the NDDC."

Group Alleges Plot to Undermine Buhari's Move to Reconstitute Board Meanwhile, an alarm has been raised by some stakeholders over moves by certain individuals allegedly of vested interest to undermine the confirmation and reconstitution of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.

The group under the aegis of Foundation Against Fraud, Indiscipline and Corruption (FAFIC), yesterday alleged

that people in high places in government were working against the interest of the president, who they said has the prerogative to make appointment for the head of the board.

Consequently, the group called on the people of Niger Delta region to resist any attempt by people they said have held the Commission by the jugular since inception, therefore denying them the dividends for which the Commission was created for.

In a statement titled, 'We Must Not Let Corruption Win' and signed by its President/ National Coordinator, Dr. Uche Diala, which was made available to journalists in Abuja, the group cautioned that any move made to undermine the

confirmation and reconstitution of the board, "would be inimical to the efforts of the president to restore sanity, excellence, probity and accountability to the Commission and to return it to the path of delivering dividends to the people of the Niger Delta and member states."

Diala stated: "We are aware of some clandestine and desperate moves by certain individuals and vested interests to undermine the president’s nominations as the Senate confirmation hearings loom.

"It is our objective view that the NDDC Board as reconstituted by the president and awaiting the confirmation of the Senate is an important first step to repositioning the

Commission and implementing the recommendations of the forensic audit as the nominated board is made up of qualified Nigerians and is significantly headed by a woman of integrity and impeccable character who is not tainted in any way by corrupt tendencies and affiliations nor has she any record of corruption against her.

"It bears stating that, Laureta Onochie; if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first woman ever to head the Commission since its inception. We acknowledge it as a plus for the often sidelined Nigerian women who nonetheless in their majority have always proven to be diligent, dependable, hardworking and accountable when assigned such tasks.”

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

MBAH’S TOWN HALL MEETING...

Enugu State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Peter Mbah and the member representing Igboeze North/Udenu federal constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Simon Atigwe, during Mbah’s town hall meeting at Igboeze North Central Development Centre in Igboeze North LGA...yesterday

Court Disqualifies Tonye Cole over Dual Citizenship We'll appeal judgement, says APC lawyer Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has again disqualified the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr. Tonye Cole, over alleged dual citizenship and non-compliance with the Electoral Act by his party.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state had filed a suit asking the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise Cole as the governorship candidate of APC for alleged dual citizenship.

PDP, in the suit, also alleged that the APC delegates’ election that gave Cole the party ticket did not follow due process.

In a ruling delivered yesterday in the matter, Justice Emmanuel Obile agreed with the PDP that the APC gubernatorial candidate, who has dual citizenship, was not eligible to contest the governorship position.

Obile also ruled that the APC primary that brought in Cole was not monitored by INEC. Contrary to his decision on preliminary objection in a suit

by APC against PDP and its governorship candidate, Sim Fubara, that no court has right to interfere in any party’s affairs, Obile, in the judgement against APC, held that the court had jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The judge further directed INEC to delist the name of Cole from the electoral list for the 2023 general election.

One of the counsels to PDP, Dike Udenna, who spoke to journalists outside the courtroom, lauded the court over the judgement.

Udenna stated that APC had no governorship candidate for the 2023 general election in the state unless a higher court said otherwise.

But APC counsel Collins Dike expressed displeasure that the same court, which disagreed with APC and held that no court had right to interfere in another party’s affairs on a section of the constitution being used, turned around to say otherwise.

Dike revealed that APC would challenge the judgement at the Court of Appeal with assurance that a higher court would do justice in

the matter.

He stated, "First, to say that the judgement has been given. In law, we abide by it. However, we are disappointed and we are sure we are going to test it at the Court of Appeal.

"For us, the position of the law is very clear, the constitution is

it simply means is that government is not working.”

“It means that the state is working for the few, and not for all the citizens of the country. It means that the future is terrible for every Nigerian- young or old, rich or poor.

“The trending of multidimensional poverty if not arrested immediately will damage state capacity and effectiveness and therefore disarray economic and social policies that will reverse the trend in the future,” he added.

Painting further the gloomy picture of the report Obi noted, “If we combine atrocious fiscal decline with grand and pervasive corruption and the level of incompetence of public leadership to such generalised poverty, we will end up a completely collapsed state, thrown back to state of nature.”

He stated that unless the situation was arrested, “with our population estimated to reach 400 million in the next 28 years, Nigeria would become a security risk to the entire Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This report tells a story of the failure of economic policy of government. The failure of government to invest in basic social

a citizen of Nigeria by birth and goes on to acquire the citizenship of any other country or pledges allegiance to any other country, he is qualified to contest elections.

"Tonye Cole acquired a citizenship of the United Kingdom, he stated so in his forms before INEC but it is also clear that he is a citizen

of Nigeria by birth. So, the court read that very clearly from the constitution and proceeded to disqualify him, contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

"We are proceeding on appeal immediately, we are only waiting to get the judgement as soon as possible so that we study it."

Air Peace Breaks Ibom Air Monopoly of Uyo Route, as Dana Begins Enugu Flights Dec 9 Chinedu Eze

operate daily, with a fare of N50,000.

Air Peace has announced resumption of flight operations to Uyo with N50, 000 re-launch fare from December 1, 2022, a destination dominated by the state owned carrier, Ibom Air. This is coming as Dana Air announced the resumption of its Abuja to Owerri, Enugu service from December 9, 2022.

Spokesperson for Air Peace, Stanley Olisa said the Lagos-Uyo and Abuja-Uyo services would

“We are happy to inform the flying public of the resumption of flight operations into Uyo on December 1, 2022, with a re-launch fare of N50,000.

Our esteemed customers can now book their Uyo flights on all our booking platforms as the schedules are live,” he said.

Olisa disclosed that the airline recently received six Airbus aircraft to support its domestic and regional operations and continue to interconnect cities across Nigeria and beyond while also contributing to

NIGERIA’S GDP GROWTH SLOWS TO 2.25% IN Q3 AS NON-OIL SECTOR CONTRIBUTES 94.34% Nigeria is trapped in abject poverty; second, we are leaving our children, miserable and uneducated. 27 percent of school-age children are out of school and poor, 29 percent of all school-aged children are not attending school, and 94 percent of out of school children are very poor.”

Obi wondered in the tweet that, “What future does Nigeria have without educated and happy children? What violent, nasty, and poor future are we building with such terrible lack of investment in our children” He noted that, “Multidimensional Poverty Index is the best mirror of failure of governance in the country.

In spite of earning trillions in oil revenue, in spite of borrowing trillion naira for infrastructure development, almost half of Nigerians is poor and close to two-third of Nigerians do not have access to basic sanitation, access to basic education, lack basic nutrition and do not visit hospitals.”

Obi described the situation as, “terrible disgrace and disservice to a country with our tremendous natural and human resource.”

He said, “the political economy of this report should be made clear to every Nigerian voter because what

very clear. We are confident that the appealing court will do justice in this matter. It will give a proper interpretation of the constitution.

"Some of you were in the court and, probably, heard the court read the relevant provisions of the constitution. Our constitution is very clear that where a person is

and human infrastructure and the lack of commitment to the wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians, especially those in the rural communities is heart-breaking.

“How on earth is it that 63 per cent of Nigerians do not have access to the most basic sanitation and nutrition?

How come 63 percent of our citizens cannot approach a clinic or health center within two hours?

“The World Bank assessment of poverty in Nigeria in 2022 makes it clear that additional 5.1 million Nigerians became poor this year.”

He said the Labor Party offers a different approach to development that emphasises the wellbeing of the people and ensures that policies and resources are targeted at materially improving the wellbeing of everyone, not just political leaders and their cronies.

Obi said that, “It is now time to end politics as usual, time to disband the army of greedy and self-serving politicians in Abuja and elect those who are connected to the people and those who share the pains and deprivations of the working and unemployed youths, abandoned women and deprived children across Nigeria.”

the development of the Nigerian economy, adding that the airline now has eight Airbus 320s including existing two already in operation.

He added that Air Peace was committed to reducing the burden of air travel through the provision of easy connectivity, strategic route expansion and investment in the perfect aircraft.

The airline had launched Uyo service in December 2016 but suspended it in 2020. Recently, it also announced the resumption of three weekly flights into Monrovia on December 2, 2022, and has reinstated

its Yola service.

Air Peace leads Nigeria’s aviation industry with a network of 20 domestic routes, seven regional routes and three international destinations, with an increasing modern fleet.

Meanwhile, Dana Air has announced the resumption of its Abuja to Owerri, Enugu service from December 9, 2022.

According to the spokesman of the airline, Kingsley Ezewna, Dana Air was gradually opening its prime routes to offer superior options to its customers in terms of fares, service and comfort ability.

Labour Party: NCAA May Sanction Pilot for Disregarding Airport Closure Warnings Explains why political party’s aircraft was grounded Chinedu Eze The pilot in command (name withheld) who airlifted the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi from Benin to Ibadan airports on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 might be sanctioned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the violation of safety procedures.

Informed source from the regulatory authority disclosed to THISDAY, yesterday, that the pilot took off from the Benin airport at the point the airport was under closure and therefore ignored the directive from the Air Traffic Control (ATC).

The aircraft with registration number, 5N-HPY that was under charter service was said to have ignored the directive of ATC and this has prompted NCAA to commence investigation to confirm why the pilot in command ignored ATC warning.

NCAA source said the aircraft with Labour Party on its livery would remain grounded until after the investigation.

Reacting to the allegation that the authority wanted to disrupt the movement of the LP residential candidate, the NCAA source insisted the regulatory agency was apolitical and would not be dragged into political matters by politicians, saying that it adheres strongly to best industry standards as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“The aircraft in question departed Benin airport after it was closed.

The pilot specifically ignored the instructions of the Air Traffic Controllers for the aircraft not to depart at that particular point in time because the airport was closed.

“As a regulatory agency, the NCAA cannot condone this kind of behavior.

We are going to investigate the matter.

Everyone must obey instructions. This is a very sensitive sector that deals with human lives.

“Even Mr. President’s pilots obey instructions. Why should anyone act above the law? The aircraft remains grounded. We are investigating the violation.”

However, this was contradictory to the earlier statement issued by the authority on Wednesday, when it explained that the aircraft could not proceed on further flights because after inspection by the internal technical personnel of the airline operating the aircraft, it found the aircraft not airworthy to go back to service.

On Wednesday, the General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, had sent SMS message and exonerated NCAA from the grounding of Labour Party charter aircraft.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

EMPOWERING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS…

Beneficiaries of the 2022 Kickstart Initiative with officials of International Breweries Plc at the award ceremony in Lagos…yesterday

Usman DanFodio Varsity ASUU, Students Protest withheld Lecturers’ Salaries

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and students of Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS)

yesterday staged a peaceful protest over withheld salaries of the lecturers .

The protest took place within the University’s main campus and ended at Vice Chancellor’s

Alleged Breach of Contract: Appeal Court Sets Aside N2.5bn Judgment against Zenith Bank Wale Igbintade The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has set aside the judgment of a Lagos State High Court, which ordered Zenith Bank to pay N2.5 billion to Real Integrated & Hospitality Limited for 11 years the bank allegedly held the customer’s N872, 780, 552.84 illegally.

A three-man panel of the appellate court presided over

by Justice Muhammed Sirajo in Appeal No:CA/LAG/

CV/262/2022 filed by Zenith Bank Plc. against Real Integrated & Hospitality Limited, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Gombe State, upturned the judgment of the lower court delivered by Justice O. O. Abike-Fadipe.

Justice Abike-Fadipe had on March 8, 2022, held the bank was in breach of contract because on October 7, 2011, it refused Real Integrated to draw from its Account No. 1012465427.

Bayelsa APC Inaugurates Tinubu/ Shettima Campaign Council Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated the Tinubu/ Shettima Grassroot Independent Campaign Council (ICC) with clear declaration that the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, will win the 2023 election.

The independent campaign council was inaugurated yesterday to compliment the presidential campaign council ahead of the 2023 election.

An APC chieftain and former

governorship aspirant, Preye Aganaba, who emerged the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the ICC, said Tinubu’s victory was sure, adding that the campaign structures were only worried about the margin of difference between him and the candidate that would come second.

Aganaba described the APC Bayelsa as formidable and recalled that the party in the last election won the governorship poll and gave President Muhammadu Buhari over 42 per cent of the votes.

NAFDAC Destroys Products Worth N485m in Kano

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday destroyed about 80 tons of unwholesome products with estimated street value of N485,300,290.00 at a dump site near Kalebawa village in Kano.

The destroyed items include antibiotics drugs, antihypertensive and anti-malarial medicines, herbal remedies, Psychoactive

and Controlled substances. Food items among them are Spaghetti, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages and sachet water as well as Chemicals and Cosmetics.

Acting Director General of the agency, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze disclosed that items destroyed were confiscated during enforcement.

Eimunjeze hinted that some were however handed over to NAFDAC by sister security agencies and associations.

(VC) Office where the chapter chairman handed over protest letter to VC. Members of the union and students carried placards with inscriptions such as “Respect the Principles of Collective Bargaining,” “We say no to casualisation of intellectual labour’’ and “ASUU is a protector of public Institutions.”

“Our future counts,” We are tired

of staying at home.”

A lecture with theme: ‘’ FG attempt to criminalise strikes in the labour sector and casualisation of academic staff,’’ was held before the rally.

Students under the leadership of Students Union Government (SUG) and its president, Shamsudeen Umar, accompanied their lectures in the protest rally.

The students chanted different

songs also demanding immediate payment of the withheld salaries emphasizing the dangers of empty stomach.

Addressing the crowd before handing over the letter for onward submission to President Muhammadu Buhari, the branch chairman of ASUU, Prof. Muhammad Mustapha, said the union convened a special congress and the rally to discuss

the issue that attract attention.

Mustapha noted that the protest was to express displeasure on the decision of the government to pay October salary on a pro-rata basis.

“We don’t know why the government took such a decision but to our knowledge such decisions violate the rules of engagement for academics, ‘’ he said.

JTF Arrests Two Suspected Kidnappers in Ekiti, Recovers Ransom Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A security Joint Task Force (JTF) established to protect Kogi/Ekiti States border area has arrested two suspected kidnappers who held four victims hostage for many days.

The JTF, comprising the military, police, Amotekun Corps and local hunters, under Operation Eradicate Bandits

at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities (EBBORAC) also recovered part of the N3 million collected from the victims as ransom.

A school principal, two teachers and a nurse were last week abducted at Irele- Ekiti in Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, and taken to an unknown destination by the gun-wielding abductors.

Three of the abductees were later freed after payment of N3 million ransom, while one of them reportedly escaped from the abductors.

The Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the suspects were nabbed during a joint operation inside the sprawling forest at Irele-Kogi border area.

Ogungbemi said the operation became so terrific that the kidnappers hurriedly freed three victims from captivity, which provided a lead for the JTF to proceed to combing the forests in the axis.

According to him, “When they knew that the operation was closing in on them, three victims in their possession were suddenly released this afternoon.

IG Tasks Policemen to Pray Always, Says they Are Endangered Species Okon Bassey in Uyo The Inspector General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali Baba yesterday encouraged police officers and men to be vigilant and pray always, describing them as endangered species in the country.

He gave the task while inaugurating an administrative

block and 1.7 km internal road network constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Akwa Ibom State.

The IG inaugurated the administrative block named after him and the road project at 26 Squadron Police Mobile Force, Mopol Barracks, Idoro road Uyo, the state capital.

“I want to also encourage the officers to always pray.

I can see a church and the other a mosque. Policemen are becoming too religious these days and that is good.

I say any person who does not know how to pray is in danger. These days you know we are endangered species we need to pray and protect

ourselves very well, I want to appreciate all the officers and men for cooperating with their commanders,” he stressed.

Unveiling the projects, the IG noted that conducive work environment as well as residential quarters are paramount in motivating any one to put in his or her best at work.

Sanwo-Olu: Lagos Has Recorded Lowest Robbery Incidents in Decades Segun James For the third consecutive year, Lagos State has recorded no single case of armed robbery attacks on banks and other financial institutions operating within its boundary. The development was a significant improvement in security surveillance and the sustainability of measures adopted in checking organised crimes.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday shared the progress with stakeholders in the security circle and private sector donors at the 16th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration adopted a technology-driven strategy that enabled the security agencies

respond proactively ahead of potential breaches at vulnerable spots, including a web of undercover operations to frustrate armed attacks on possible targets.

This, he said, has bolstered the confidence of the financial institutions to freely move their cash around the State with limited risks.

The governor said the collaborative security approach

had yielded significant results in crime fighting, leading to a sharp reduction in rate of criminality across Lagos.

In the last 12 months, the state recorded only 21 incidents of armed robbery - the lowest rate in the last decades. From last year November till date, the police and combined team of security agencies have foiled 149 armed robbery attempts across communities.

Appeal Court Sets Aside Judgment on APC Guber Candidates for Adamawa, Taraba Daji Sani in Yola

The Court of Appeal in Yola, Adamawa State yesterday set aside the earlier judgement of the Federal High Court in Yola, which had nullified the candidature of Senator Aishatu Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governorship candidate of

the APC in the state.

However, the Appeal Court also upturned the judgment of the Federal High Court which also nullified Senator Emmanuel Bwacha of the APC to contest the 2023 governorship election in Taraba State.

The three presiding Justices led by Justice Tani Yusuf Hassan, M.O Bolaji and James Abodego

set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court in Yola which earlier nullified the governorship primary elections of the APC declaring that the party has no candidate for the forthcoming elections.

The Appeal Court, while passing its judgment, ordered that the name of Senator Aishatu Dahiru be submitted to the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the substantive candidate of the APC for the 2023 election in Adamawa State.

The Appeal Court also ordered that Senator Emmanuel Bwacha of the APC in Taraba State whose candidature was equally quashed by the Federal High Court in Yola be reinstated.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

GATHERING FOR IMPROVED PAYMENT SYSTEM…

L - R: Group Head, Finance and Administration, Xpress Payments, Mrs. Temitope Ajanaku; Vice President, Newland NPT, Parker Lin; Managing Director/CEO, Xpress Payments, Dr Markie Idowu; Technical Director, Newland NPT, Mr. Woods Chen, and Product Director, Newland NPT,Mr. Leo Liu, when Newland NPT hosted banks and payment terminal service providers in Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT

Gunmen Kill Three Policemen, Kidnap Company’s MD in Rivers Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Yet to be identified gunmen have killed three policemen on escort duty yesterday, at the Rumuokoro axis of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

THISDAY learnt the gunmen also kidnapped the Managing Director of Igpes Group Oil and Gas based in Port Harcourt.

A source who pleaded

anonymity disclosed that the policemen were in a Hilux vehicle escorting the company’s MD when the gunmen attacked.

The source disclosed that the dare-devil gunmen blocked the vehicle in which the top oil workers were in, and immediately opened fire on the policemen who attempted to stop them from achieving their aim.

With the policemen

sprawling on the floor in a pool of their own blood, the gunmen reportedly isolated their target after identifying him, dragged him into their own vehicle and zoomed off.

The gunshot caused serious panic at the Rumuokoro business area as people scampered for safety.

Within minutes the area was deserted, as the gunmen

left unchallenged, while the lifeless remains of the three cops became a spectacle.

In a viral video that later surfaced, passers-by later congregated at the scene and were watching the corpses and discussing the matter in groups.

One of the voices in the video said: “It happened live at Rumuokoro. Live and direct.

Jesus Christ! They have killed

three policemen and kidnapped the person they were escorting.

Look at bullets on the floor.”

From the video seen by our THISDAY, blood was still dripping from the head of two of the cops.

When contacted, spokesperson of the State police command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying a full scale investigation has

been launched.

Iringe-Koko said: “Yes, it is true that three policemen were killed. It is very unfortunate.

They were providing escort for the oil company workers when the incident happened.

“But we are on it and an investigation has been launched immediately into the incident with a view to apprehend the suspects”.

House to Probe Implementation, Forensic Audit PDP Guber Candidate, Ombugadu, on Infrastructure Backbone Projects Vows to Defeat Sule in Nasarawa administration.

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Dr. Davematics Ombugadu, yesterday boasted that he was going to defeat the incumbent state Governor, Abdullahi Sule, before 1 p.m. in the governorship election scheduled for next year.

The PDP governorship candidate expressed his optimism at winning at the polls during a media dialogue organised by the state chapter of the party to unveil the party’s campaign activities for the 2023 general election.

Ombugadu’s optimism to defeat the incumbent governor, according to him, “is lack of infrastructures in the state in the past three years of the present

“I will embark on an industrial revolution of the state if elected. I will give priority to agriculture and mining, as security of lives and property would be given utmost attention to revive the state economy.”

Also speaking, the DirectorGeneral of the state PDP Campaign Council, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the PDP in the state cannot be crushed even with the entire ‘fleet of Dangote trucks’.

Maku, a former minister of Information, stated this as a reaction to a statement credited to Governor Sule in the media that ‘in Dangote, they used to crush the competition and make sure it did not exist,’ referring to the opposition in the state.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Information Communications Technology to investigate the status of implementation of phase one of the project including a forensic audit on relevant transactions for the purpose of executing the National Information Communications Technology

Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) projects one and two.

It also urged the Galaxy Backbone Limited and Ministry of Finance to immediately halt all certificates of completion and payments respectively, in lieu of the project, pending the completion of the investigation by the Committee.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Need to Investigate the

Execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Galaxy Backbone and the Chinese Government for Fibre Infrastructure Across the Country moved by Hon. Mzondu Benjamin Bem yesterday at plenary presided by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Idris Wase.

Bem noted that Nigeria’s Galaxy Backbone Limited, an agency under the Ministry of

Communications and Digital Economy, signed an MoU with China’s Huawei Technology Limited in 2018 to provide fiber infrastructure under the NICTIB 1 and 2 Projects.

“Following the MoU, Huawei Technology Limited is expected to design, manufacture and deploy the kit that controls Data movement across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the country”

Minister Tasks Agencies to Create Jobs for Unemployed Nigerians James Emejo and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, yesterday tasked government agencies to borrow a leaf by entering into a Public Private Partnership (PPP), to create decent jobs in sufficient quantities for unemployed Nigerians.

According to the minister, the PPP is also to resolve the protracted problems of unemployment and reduce poverty, while also providing a foundation for more robust and inclusive economic growth.

Katagum made the appeal in Abuja during the Industrial Training Fund/Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Technical Skills Development

Project (TSDP) stakeholders’ dialogue forum and outstanding trainees award ceremony.

She said that despite the commendable achievements of the ITF/NECA TSDP, there is still more room and opportunities for improvement.

She maintained that the ITF/NECA Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP), has the potential to positively address

some of the numerous challenges that are confronting us as a nation, including unemployment and poverty.

According to her, “across the world today, nations that have confronted and are still battling the challenges of poverty, soaring unemployment and related challenges, did so through a greater commitment to skills acquisition.

The Katsina State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Public Petition to investigate an alleged encroachment and diversion of a grazing land by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Yau Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, in Dutsi Local Government Area of the state.

according to the Assembly, belongs to the communities of Musawa, Karin Labu, Tamaje, Dugunaji and Rowan Kaya with over 10,000 residents.

The resolution of the Assembly follows a petition signed by the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in the area, Sani Lauje, and read by the Assembly Committee Chairman on Public

Runka, during last Wednesday’s plenary. He said the encroached grazing reserved land was meant for the communities to fe ed their animals, irrigation and fishing but the commissioner has blocked inhabitants of the affected communities from access to the land.

Lauje explained that all efforts made by a four-man committee

to pursue the matter and recover the land from the encroacher were futile hence the petition.

He added that rather than resolving the issue, four members of the committee and two other persons have been arrested and detained at the state Criminal Investigation Department for over one week without charging them to court.

Ogun PDP Guber Ticket: Adebutu, Katsina Assembly Directs Committee to Investigate Commissioner over Land Encroachment Lawal Know Fate December 1 FrancisSardaunainKatsina The encroached grazing land, Petition, Hon. Abduljalal Haruna set up by the affected communities emergence of Adebutu as Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, fixed December 1, for judgment in the suit challenging the nomination of Oladipupo Adebutu as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Ogun State in 2023.

Justice Ekwo fixed the date for judgment shortly after counsel to parties adopted their written addresses as their briefs of arguments for and against the suit.

The judge, in addition, reserved ruling in an application for extension of time by counsel to the first and third defendants (Adebutu and the PDP) to same date of judgment.

Mr Jimi Lawal had dragged the PDP to court over the

candidate of the party in the forthcoming election.

His suit filed in June this year was turned down by Justice Taiwo Taiwo on grounds of lack of jurisdiction.

However, following his appeal, the judgment of Taiwo was set aside and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court was ordered to reassign the suit for fresh hearing by another judge.

The Supreme Court, in a judgment last week, while affirming the judgment of the appellate court, ordered that the case be given expeditious hearing since the 180 days allowed in law for pre-election matters would soon lapse.

Ekwo, while observing that the suit laspes on December 2, fixed December 1, for judgment.

INEC: Media Practitioners Should Keep Away From ‘Breaking News’ Syndrome Segun Awofadeji inBauchi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has charged journalists, especially media organisations in the country, to avoid the ‘breaking news syndrome’ in their quest to function.

Similarly, the commission has

enjoined media practitioners to ensure through their searchlight and reports that the processes and rules of engagement in the electoral system were duly complied with National Chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, gave the charge yesterday during a one-day capacity building for journalists in the North-East on

conflict-sensitive reporting and 2023 general election, organised

by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and INEC held at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi.

Yakubu, who was represented

by Nasir Mohammed, said the breaking news syndrome tendency of media organisations was making them gravitate toward

online journalism by dishing out unverified or not properly processed information to the general public.

“The media must be circumspect in casting headlines and detect sensational lines, because sometimes, people look at the headlines and draw conclusions without looking at the body of the report.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS XTRA

WORLD OF ISLAM Marwa: Amendment of

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

NDLEA Act ‘ll Strengthen Dire Consequences of Injustice (I) Nigeria’s Drug War Spahic Omer/IslamiCity from last week)

Michael OlugbodeinAbuja The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has stated that the ongoing amendment of the agency’s Act at the National Assembly will further boost the country’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Marwa, who gave the verdict during his opening remarks at the NDLEA Special Purpose Committee (SPC) conference in Abuja yesterday, disclosed that some of the details of the new bill, which is in its final stage of being passed, would strengthen the hand of the agency and discourage

trafficking of illicit substances because of the stringent punishment stipulated for drug offences.

The NDLEA boss, while appreciating the SPC members, who are experts in relevant fields that constitute an advisory group to support the work of the agency across the country for their contributions to the achievements of NDLEA under his leadership, said the time is now for well-spirited Nigerians to join the fight against the drug scourge, which may not be in every family but in every community.

He said: “Let me state from the onset that contrary to a recent report that the drug abuse problem is in

every household in Nigeria, I’ll like to correct that misrepresentation and state that there are indeed families not afflicted by this menace. However, we can’t say that of the communities. It is almost certain that every community has this problem.

“That said, I will like to assure you that the NDLEA Act is presently in its final stage of amendment at the National Assembly. It’s a private bill sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Hezekiah Dimka, and it will among other things remove the option of fine in the sentencing of offenders as well as make punishments for drug offences more stringent.”

Integrity Group Flags Off Abia PDP Campaign, Seeks Support for Party’s Candidates Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The five dissenting governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of the Integrity Group, yesterday stormed Umuahia the capital city of Abia State and flagged off the 2023 Campaign of the ruling party.

Led by the new leader of the group, Governor Samuel Ortom the G-5 members, including Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde of Oyo and the the host, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu arrived to a rapturous ovation.

The visiting governors canvassed support for the candidates of Abia’s ruling party and urged party leaders and members to ensure that the state retains its control of the state after 2023 election.

The campaign flag-off was climaxed with the presentation of party flags to all the PDP candidates for Abia by the National Deputy Chairman, South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja.

However, the rumoured health challenges of the Abia PDP governorship candidate, Prof Uchenna Ikonne played out in real time at the event, raising concern about his fitness for the long campaign ahead.

The former Vice-chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) slumped shortly after he laboriously made his speech after receiving the parry flag.

Immediately Prof Ikonne’s strength waned he was hurriedly led to the back of the podium and made to sit on a chair, surrounded by security agents and some aides who made frantic efforts to screen him from the public glare.

Even after Governor Ikpeazu and his fellow governors had left the stadium after the event, Ikonne stayed behind for quite a while

before he was assisted to stand and was led to his car.

In his remarks, Ortom said that the G5 Governors were in Abia “to complement what our colleague is doing and to support him”.

He reiterated the commitment of the Integrity Group “to take Nigeria from what it is today” as characterised by insecurity, economic crisis and its attendant hardships Corroborating the G5 leader, the Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu said that they were in Abia to ensure that the ruling party in Abia win all the elections in Abia come 2023.

His Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde told the crowd of party faithful and supporters that thronged the Umuahia Township Stadium for the event that the 2023 poll “Let me tell you, the 2023 election is going to be like no other in the history of Nigeria.

Please, stay focused and hold your state(Abia) and it will be well with you,” he said.

Bayelsa Empowers 210 SMEs with Cash Grant Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa As part of efforts to boost small scale business owners, the Bayelsa State Government, yesterday, paid another set of business owners the sum of N200,000 each for the month of September.

With yesterday’s beneficiaries, the Mrs. Faith Opene-led Committee have completed another round of payment for small-scale business owners across 105 wards with a sum of N200,000 each through the ongoing “Bayelsa Women and Youths Empowerment Program.”

The program is geared to encourage and support Bayelsans in business to thrive, grow and own their local economy.

Payment is made to two persons each across the 105 wards, making it a total of 210 beneficiaries for September 2022.

So far, a total of 1,680 persons have been empowerea since the program started in February 2022 during the second Anniversary of the prosperity administration, and the empowerment is to run until the end of the first tenure of this administration.

Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of the Committee,

Hon. Opene, disclosed that the Diri-led administration in the state placed a high premium on youth and women’s empowerment, stating that the ongoing empowerment program is to encourage smallscale business owners to grow their businesses and own our local economy.

Opee said: “The prosperity administration believed that women and Youth empowerment is fundamental to economic development.”

She applauded Governor Douye Diri for his exemplary and exceptional commitment to issues bordering on the empowerment of women and youths.

She urged beneficiaries to invest the grant in their already existing business and not lavish the cash.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Boumokuma Sample said that she was glad that the Diri-led prosperity administration gave her a cash grant of N200,000 to expand her fish business.

“I’ve never experienced this in Bayelsa. I appreciate His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri for this empowerment program.

I pray for God to bless him and give him the wisdom to govern this state. We are expecting him to complete his Eight years.”

(continued

Injustice is deviation from justice and violation of the truth.

There are three broad types of injustice: 1.

To be unjust towards Allah The Almighty: The most heinous forms of this type are disbelief, polytheism, and hypocrisy. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, “O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is great injustice.” [Quran 31:13] Indeed, the curse of Allah is upon the unjust. [Quran 11:18] 2.

To be unjust towards other people: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): And the recompense of an odious deed is an odious deed the like of it; yet whoever is clement and acts righteously, then his reward is up to Allah. Surely, He does not love the unjust. [Quran 42:40] The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment. [Quran 42:42] 3.

To be unjust towards oneself: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): Then we caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs himself.

[Quran 35:32] · He [Moosa] said, “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me,” and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [Quran 28:16] In fact, all three types are considered as doing injustice to oneself as one wrongs oneself when one intends to do injustice.

Ath-Thahabi (RA) maintained that injustice is a major sin and said that doing injustice to others may take the form of trespassing on their property, abusing them physically or verbally, and attacking the weak. He mentioned the Quranic verses and Prophetic Hadeeths that threaten the unjust. Then he reported that some of the righteous predecessors said, “Do not wrong the weak so as not to be one of the evil strong people.” In addition to this, he mentioned some forms of injustice that he considered to be major sins: - Devouring the property of orphans - Procrastination in repaying debts despite the ability to repay at the due time.

- Denying a wife her rights such as dowry, clothing and provision.

- Denying a laborer his wage or salary - Inaccurate divisions and valuation, which are considered major sins, according to Ibn Hajar (RA).

The Texts of the Sharee‘ah Dispraise Injustice Allah The Almighty Says (what means): And those cities - We destroyed them when they wronged, and We made for their destruction an appointed time. [Quran 18:59] And in no way did We do injustice to them, but it is they who were the unjust. [Quran 43:76]; Allah does not love the unjust.}[Quran 3:57]; And your Lord does injustice to no one.}[Quran 18:49]; And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants.} [Quran 41:46]; Verily the unjust are surely in perpetual torment.} [Quran 42:45] In addition, there are many Quranic verses that speak about doing injustice to oneself. These verses explain that this type of injustice comes in two forms: Shirk (polytheism), and disobeying Allah The Almighty.

Shirk is the most heinous of sins; Allah The Almighty Says (what means): Then we caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs himself, and among them is he who is moderate, and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds by permission of Allah. That [inheritance] is what is the great bounty. [Quran 35:32] Doing injustice to others through aggression against their lives, property or anything else, is dispraised in many Quranic verses such as the verse that reads (what means): The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right.

Those will have a painful punishment. [Quran 42:42] Similarly, the Hadeeths of the Prophet, (PBUH), dispraise injustice: It was narrated on the authority of Abu Moosa Al-Ash‘ari (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH), said: “Indeed, Allah gives respite to the oppressor, but when He seizes him, He does not let him escape.”’

Then he recited: “And thus is the taking away of your Lord when He takes away the towns [while] they are unjust; surely His taking away is painful [and] strict” [Quran 11:102] [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet (PBUH), said: “Protect yourselves against doing injustice, for injustice will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim] ‘Aa’ishah (RA) said to Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur Rahman (RA) who was disputing with some people over a piece of land, “O Abu Salamah, beware of seizing land unjustly because the Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Whoever seizes unlawfully a hand-span of land, a collar of seven lands will be around his neck [in the Hereafter].’” [AlBukhari and Muslim] It was narrated on the authority of Huthayfah (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH), said: “Do not be blind followers and say: ‘If people do good, we do good, and if people do injustice, we do injustice.’ Adjust yourselves; when people do good, do good, and when they wrong, do not do injustice.” [At-Tirmithi] It was narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH), said: “Whenever a person is murdered, there is a share of the burden of the crime on the son of ’Adam [Adam] (AS) since he was the first to commit murder.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH), said: Do not envy one another; do not commit Najash [to overbid against a rival purchaser simply to harm him with no intention of buying the merchandise]; do not hate one another; do not turn your backs on one another; do not enter into commercial transactions when others have entered into that [transaction]; rather, be, O slaves of Allah, brothers. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he does not do injustice to him, he does not let him down, and he does not disdain him. Piety is here, [and he pointed to his chest three times]. It is enough evil for a Muslim to disdain his brother Muslim. All of a Muslim is inviolable for other Muslims: his blood [life], his property and his honor. [Muslim] The righteous predecessors also dispraised injustice in their sayings: ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) said, “The day when the wronged will triumph over the wrongdoer will be far severer than the day when the wrongdoer wronged him.”

Mu‘awiyah (RA) would say, “I would be terrified to wrong a person who has none but Allah The Exalted to seek His help against me.”

Abu Al-‘Aynaa’ (RA) said, “I had some unjust enemies, and I complained about them to Ahmad ibn Abi Dawood.

I said to him, ‘They have become united like a single hand against me!’ He replied, ‘{The hand of Allah is over their hands.} [Qur’an 48:10]’ I said, ‘They are cunning!’

He replied, ‘{The evil plot does not encompass except its own people.} [Qur’an 35:43]’ I said, ‘They belong to a large company.’ He replied, ‘{How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah The Exalted.} [Qur’an 2:249]’”.

Yoosuf ibn ’Asbat (RA) said, “Whoever wishes an oppressor long life wants Allah The Exalted to be disobeyed in His universe.” Ibn Mas‘ood (RA) said, “When the punishment was removed from the people of Yoonus (AS) they all returned the rights of others to the extent that a man would pluck a stone out of the foundation of his house and return it to its owner.” Abu Thawr ibn Yazeed (RA) said, “Using an unlawfully acquired stone in a building is considered the beginning of its destruction.”

A scholar said, “Had a single stone of injustice been used in building Paradise, the House of Eternity, it would have been ruined.” A sage said, “When you want to do injustice, remember the justice of Allah The Almighty that will be executed against you. When you want to use your strength to wrong others, remember that Allah The Exalted has the strength to punish you. Never, be impressed by someone who sheds blood, as his Assassin never dies.”

Yazeed ibn Hatim would say, “I fear nothing more than a person whom I wronged while knowing that he has no supporter but Allah The Exalted, especially when he says, ‘Allah The Exalted is sufficient to judge between me and you.’” One day, ‘Ali ibn Al-Fudhayl wept, so he was asked why. He replied, “I feel sorry for those who wronged me, because they will have nothing to say to Allah The Almighty as an excuse.”

While Sulayman ibn ‘Abdul-Malik (RA) was on the pulpit, a man said to him, “Remember the Day of Announcement!” Sulayman descended from the pulpit and asked the man, “And what is the Day of Announcement?” The man answered, “Allah The Almighty Says (what means): (Then an announcer will announce between them, “The curse of Allah be on the unjust.”)

[Quran 7:44]” Abu Ad-Dardaa’ (RA) said, “Beware of the orphan’s tears and the supplication of a wronged person.”

Some scholars state that there are three types of injustice: Unforgivable injustice: This type refers to Shirk, from which we seek refuge with Allah The Exalted. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.} [Quran 4:48] Injustice that cannot be waived: This type refers to doing injustice to the servants of Allah The Almighty.

Forgivable Injustice: This type refers to wronging oneself.

A man passed by a person whom Al-Hajjaj had crucified, and said, “O Allah, your leniency with the oppressors has harmed the oppressed.” When the man slept that night he saw in a vision that he entered Paradise, and saw the man who had been crucified in the highest ranks of Paradise; then he heard a caller say, “My leniency with the oppressors has admitted the oppressed people to the highest ranks in Paradise.”

It was said, “Whoever plunders others property, others will plunder his property.” It is said, “Whoever does injustice for long, loses power.”

‘Umar (RA) said, “Beware of the supplication of an oppressed man, as it is answered.”

Ali (RA) said, “The previous nations were destroyed because they kept denying people’s rights until this became rampant, and they spread transgression until its rights were ransomed.”

It was said, “The most evil of all wrongdoers is the one who wrongs some people for the benefit of others.”

Ibn Al-Jawzi (RA) said, “Injustice necessitates two sins: usurping others’ rights and defying Allah The Exalted with disobedience. The sin of doing injustice is more evil than other sins because it is usually committed against the weak, who are powerless to fend for themselves. The cause of injustice is the darkness of the heart; a man whose heart is lit with guidance would not commit injustice.”

Ibn Taymiyyah (RA) said, “People unanimously agree that the consequences of injustice are dire and that the outcomes of justice are good.” He also said that, “Allah The Exalted grants victory to a just state even if it is a non-Islamic state, and lets an unjust state be defeated, even if it is an Islamic state.”

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FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Ronaldo Becomes First Player to Score in Five World Cups as Portugal Beat Ghana

Even at 37, Cristiano Ronaldo, entered World Cup history on Thursday, scoring in his fifth World Cup as Portugal defeated Ghana’s Black Stars 3-2 at the 974 Stadium here in Qatar.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner who captained the Portuguese team played his first match since that his controversial interview with Piers Morgan that eventually led to his exit from Manchester United this week.

Like his rival, Lionel Messi did on Tuesday, scoring from the penalty spot to give Argentina the lead before capitulating to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo also earned Portugal the advantage from the spot after he was tripped by Ghana’s Southampton defender, Mohammed Salisu.

The Ghanaians who are one of

Africa’s five teams here, however scored twice, which were the only goals by teams from the continent in the first round of the group stage.

In the second half, Andre Ayew brought the Black Stars to parity with the Portuguese from a close range to give hope of an African team bagging their first win of the tournament.

But Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points - Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.

Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time when Portugal Goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, put the ball down, seemingly

DURO IKHAZUAGBE Reporting live

unaware Inaki Williams was behind him. But after racing to intercept the ball, the Ghana forward slipped at

Sponsored by:

Black Stars score Africa’s first goal in Qatar 2022

the crucial moment and a scuffed shot was cleared off the line.

Victory means Portugal top

Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on yesterday.

In response to a question asked him by THISDAY reporter covering the tournament at the post-match conference, Ghana Stars Coach, Otto Addo insisted that hope was not lost for Black Stars yet as they can still qualify for the next round if they defeat South Korea in their next match on Monday.

“It was a difficult game because we knew we were going to play one of the best teams in the tournament.

There is still hope for us if we defeat a South Korea and get a decent result in the final group game. But I must admit the Koreans won’t be that easy because they are also good,” observed Addo who partly blamed the USA referee, Elfath Ismail for ignoring several obvious calls that would have lifted the Black Stars.

Diary

DURO’s DOHA A

Cameroonian Kills Cameroon at Al Janoub

Breel Donald Embolo scored Switzerland’s only goal that earned Cameroon opening game defeat at the ongoing World Cup here in Qatar. Understandably, Embolo, 25, who plays his club football for Monaco in France, is a Cameroonian who migrated with his family to Switzerland. And so, when Embolo struck three minutes into the second half at Al Janoub Stadium, he decided not to add injury to the pains of his ‘countrymen’ by celebrating. He stood with arms raised while his Swiss teammates including Nigeria-born Manuel Akanji and Noah Okafor danced round him in celebration of their winning start to their Qatar 2022 campaign.

Sadly for Cameroon who have now lost their last eight World Cup matches dating back to 2002, the defeat dampened the celebration that would have followed the award presented to their legend, Roger Milla, by FIFA. Milla was honoured before kick-off of the match as the oldest goal-scorer in World Cup history when he scored in Indomitable Lions 6-1 drubbing by Russia at USA’94 aged 42 years.

Kunle Solaja’s Home Truth to Swedish Television

Ibikunle Solaja is Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and the country’s most capped FIFA World Cup journalist who has attended all the tournaments from Italia ’90 to date. He is covering his ninth World Cup here in Qatar. The former Editor of Kick Off Magazine and Soccer Star is in a special class of football writers recognised by FIFA. Apart from also authoring several books on the game and its administration at home and beyond, Solaja is a moving encyclopaedia on anything football. With this background, some Swedish television reporters doing hatchet job on Qatar thought they had found a willing tool to use to drive home their script of rubbishing the 2022 World Cup host country over its stance on migrant workers and LGBTQ. They asked the Nigerian of his opinion on Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers and why gays, lesbians and people of other queer orientations were not allowed to freely express themselves here. True to type, the Ikenne-born journalist, instead of answering the question, gave the reporters lessons in proper behaviour and how to respect the feelings of a host nation. He asked the television reporters why migrants and others from parts of the world are treated with disdain in Western Europe? Solaja insisted that until there is better treatment for blacks and other races, Europeans should not be asking Qatar to put aside its culture and accept LGBTQ as a way of life. By the time he finished with the television reporters, Solaja turned to this diarist and said: “I know they will not publish or televise this home truth because it is not what they wanted to hear from me.”

Early Figures Suggesting Qatar 2022 Getting Global View

With the orchestrated campaign launched by western media against the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, one had expected that attendance at matches would be scanty. Figures from opening games of all the groups are suggesting otherwise. Even figures from global viewing audience are not different from any of the last three editions of the tournament.

In short, FIFA confirmed yesterday that opening match attracted more viewers than the same match four years ago in Russia. It stated that half of viewing audience in Brazil watched hosts Qatar mauled 2-0 by Ecuador. France’s opening match with Australia on Tuesday attracted the best global audience of the year so far despite over 67,000 fans were inside the Al Bayt Stadium to witness Qatar play their debut World Cup match.

The FIFA World Cup is proving as popular as ever around the world with preliminary figures for the opening match of the 2022 tournament in Qatar showing an increase in viewers compared to the corresponding match in Russia four years ago. For example, the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday, 20 November was watched by an average of 3.3 million viewers, with a peak audience of 3.6 million, in Ecuador. This represented a 109% increase in viewership of the opening game in the country compared to the highest rating in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating as first player to score at five World Cups as Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2...last night

Injured Mane in Close Contact with Senegal, Says Koulibaly Senegal star Sadio Mane is with his team at the World Cup in spirit if not in body after being ruled out with injury, captain Kalidou Koulibaly said yesterday.

Bayern Munich striker Mane's withdrawal from the squad ahead of the tournament after failing to recover from a leg injury dealt a massive blow to Senegal's chances of making an impact in Qatar.

The Lions of Teranga lost their opening game 2-0 to the Netherlands in Mane's absence, and face a mustwin clash against hosts Qatar this afternoon.

The strongman in the defence, said Mane, the African Player of the Year, has been in daily contact

Sadio Mane with the squad and is "keeping the mentality high" among the players.

Delta 2022: National Sports Festival Not Postponed, Says Okowa The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Delta 2022 National Sports Festival has said that the Games will hold as scheduled.

The LOC statement came yesterday amid insinuations about a possible shift in date for the 21st NSF, insisting the November 28 to December 10 date remains sacrosanct.

"The festival will hold as planned," Co-chairman of the LOC, Chief Tonobok Okowa, assured stakeholders yesterday in Asaba.

Okowa, who is the Chairman Delta Sports Commission and President Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said that preparations for the Games, which is Nigeria's version of the Olympic Games are on course with contractors handling the various

projects working round the clock to put finishing touches to the state of the art facilities.

"The swimming pool is ready, and the multi-purpose indoor sports hall will be handed over to us on Saturday. The tartan track, which is the first of it's kind in sub-Saharan Africa will equally be handed over to us on Saturday. Those handling the last phrase of the tartan track are working in two shift, and the marking will be will be completed on Friday (today)," Okowa stated.

Also speaking yesterday, the Adviser to the LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, explained that arrival of athletes and officials is November 28 and November 29, while the opening ceremony will hold on November 30.

"Even if he is not with us today in Qatar, he is speaking with all the players and this is really important for us," Koulibaly said.

"We know the importance that he has for the team. This is the good spirit, the good mentality, because we need it, and we hope that he will continue to be behind us."

Koulibaly said that when Mane speaks, "all the team and all Senegal are listening".

The defender also backed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, his teammate for club and country, to come good after a shaky opening performance against the Dutch.

"Edouard is a very important player for us," Koulibaly said.

"It's normal to go through difficult patches and I think we're making a mountain out of a molehill here.

"I am not worried. I know that Edouard will be on top of his game tomorrow and I know my teammates feel likewise."

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse backed

his misfiring strikers to find their scoring boots against Qatar.

"I don't have the slightest doubt about my players' ability to score goals," he said.

"Playing football, you need to be efficient and you need to have the right mindset. You need to keep a cool head in front of goal.

RESULTS Switzerland Uruguay Portugal Brazil

1-0 0-0 3-1 2-0

Cameroon S’Korea Ghana Serbia

FIXTURES Wales Qatar Holland England

vs Iran vs Senegal vs Ecuador vs USA

-11am -2pm -5pm -8pm

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SPORTS

Cameroon Coach, Song, Proud of Swiss Scorer Embolo

Breel Embolo , show sign of respect and did not celebrate his goal against Cameroon... yesterday.

England Captain, Kane, Fit to Play against USA England captain Harry Kane will be fit to play in tonight’s World Cup match against the United States, says manager Gareth Southgate.

The striker injured his ankle early in the second half of Monday's opening 6-2 victory over Iran in Group B and was later substituted.

"Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night," said

Southgate.

"He had a scan (on Wednesday) to make sure everything is fine."

Tottenham's Kane has scored 51 goals in 76 appearances for the Three Lions, two behind Wayne Rooney's record of 53.

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is feeling "much better" after also being substituted on Monday.

"He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision," Southgate told BBC Sport. "You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."

Defender Kyle Walker has stepped up his training and is available to play on Friday for what would be his first match

Apple Targets Man Utd Takeover US tech giant Apple has joined the race to buy Manchester United, according to reports.

United confirmed the sensational news that the world's biggest football club is effectively for sale in a statement issued earlier this week.

With United now available, a report from the Daily Star has claimed that the world's largest tech company may be interested in acquiring the club for £5.8billion.

The California-based tech firm has never previously owned a major sports team, but the commercial opportunities provided by United are said to be a primary factor in their interest.

Any potential deal would almost

certainly become the most costly acquisition of a football club in history, surpassing the £4.25billion fee a consortium led by Todd Boehly paid for Chelsea earlier this year.

One major issue facing whomever buys United is Old Trafford, the club's iconic stadium. The venue has long needed a revamp to compete with the biggest clubs around the world.

It is understood that rebuilding the stadium will cost approximately £1.5bn, making it the most expensive football ground in the world - ahead of Tottenham's new £1bn stadium.

United moved into the ground - dubbed 'The Theatre of Dreams' by fans around the world - in 1910

and have called it home ever since.

The stadium was most recently renovated between 2005 and 2006, with 8,000 seats being added.

Red Devils legend Gary Neville has backed calls for the stadium to be rebuilt entirely, when stories first emerged of investment into the arena back in February.

He posted on Instagram: 'There is a story emerging from Old Trafford that they might rebuild the entire stadium and I have just been asked what I think of it. I actually think that it would be the right move.

since groin surgery in October.

Forward Callum Wilson did not train in a light session with the rest of the substitutes at England's Al Wakrah training base on Wednesday, but is not considered a fitness doubt.

Midfielder James Maddison, who missed the Iran match because of a knee issue, also did not train.

England will qualify for the last 16 if they beat the United States and Southgate added: "We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible.

"The first objective is to get out of the group.

"We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.

"We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised, well coached.

"They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League and they showed in the first half against Wales the best side of themselves.

"Monday was a great start and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song is proud of "little brother" Breel Embolo despite the Switzerland striker scoring the winning goal against his side in their World Cup Group G opener at the Al Janoub Stadium yesterday.

Yaounde-born Embolo netted the winner against the country of his birth after 48 minutes but refused to celebrate as the Swiss claimed victory in a game in which they were second best in the first half, but much improved after the break.

Song was seen speaking to Embolo after the game and said he offered his congratulations.

"We know each other, he is my little brother," Song told reporters.

"We often speak to each other on the phone and I wanted to congratulate him. It is fair play to do so. Just because we are on different teams, it does not mean we are not still brothers."

Song added that despite plunging his side to a defeat, he was proud that Embolo had scored a goal at the World Cup. "He did not celebrate his goal, but this is all part of football," Song said. "I'm happy for him and proud of him. He is with the Swiss national team and I would have liked him to be on my side, but that is the way of life.

"For us the most important thing is how did we play on the

pitch, what could we have done better, rather than worrying who was scoring goals against us."

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer said he was thankful that Embolo was wearing Swiss colours, praising the forward for always being there when needed.

"I am very happy that he is playing for us," Sommer said.

"That's why we won today."

Cameroon dominated the opening half and had three excellent chances, but could not find that spark in the second period.

"Generally in football, when you are dominating you need to hit the back of the net, it is not enough to have ball possession.

We missed that final touch (to score), we were hungry for the win, but the goal did not come," Song said.

"If you look at our team, only three players of the 26 have played at a World Cup before. This is a new generation of players. There is everything still left to play for. We have not lost hope.

"The mistakes that were made today will not be made again in the next game (against Serbia on Monday). In football, anything is possible.

"We believe in this dream. We have come here with a mission to accomplish. I am a competitor."

Milla Honoured by FIFA FIFA president, Gianni Infantino as well as CAF President, Patrice Motsepe flanked African legendary footballer, Roger Milla as he was presented with a certificate of honour at the Al Janoub Stadium.

It was part of the pre kickoff ceremony of the Group G encounter of Cameroon and Switzerland.

Milla was a major attraction at the Italia ‘90 World Cup where he became the oldest player to

have scored at the World Cup. At 37, he left France but continued to play professionally for another seven years, eventually hanging up his boots for good in Indonesia at the age of 44, following stints in La Reunion and Cameroon.

Milla continued to be a veritable goal machine until the very end of his career. Last 20 May, on the eve of FIFA’s 118th anniversary, he clocked 70.

President Infantino (left) presented Cameroon legend, Roger Milla with special award...yesterday

BetKing Excites Customers as FIFA World Cup Begins …hosts viewing party of the opening ceremony

Apple CEO Tim Cook is the latest high-profile investor to be interested in buying Manchester United, according to reports

Leading sports betting and digital entertainment platform, BetKing, recently hosted an exclusive watch party in celebration of the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The event which was held on Sunday, 20th November at The Green House, Ikoyi, saw stakeholders within the BetKing ecosystem including customers, agents and media come together to celebrate the shared love and passion for the game.

Guests were treated to a delightful experience and enjoyed the thrill of the game as they watched the opening ceremony and the match between Qatar and Ecuador. With

BetKing’s theme for this year’s World cup being #FeelItBetOnIt, guests also had the opportunity to place live bets on the match and participate in a rewarding raffle draw with prizes including a Smart TV, smartphones and exclusive BetKing FIFA 2022 merchandise were won.

“Nigerians are united by their love of football, and we are excited to celebrate the start of the World Cup with our partners and customers, who are the essence of our business. We have amazing offers specially curated for both our offline and online customers

during the World Cup season that can turn the excitement of a play into a genuine victory. During this period, we anticipate deepening our relationship with our customers and partners through the several watch parties we have planned”, said Head of BTL Marketing for BetKing Nigeria Oludare Kafar.

Across the entire period of the global football tournament (November 20th - December 18th, 2022), BetKing aims to reward its customers with several prizes worth over 400 million Naira. This includes an all-expense paid trip for 12 lucky customers & agents,

millions in betting credits to customers and thousands of other consolation prizes ranging from TVs, smartphones, generators & BetKing merchandise.

The #FeelItBetOnIt promo is open to both new and existing BetKing customers. To qualify, punters are required to place a bet with a minimum of N500 on an accumulator with at least 5 selections at 1.20 odds per selection. BetKing stays committed to setting the standards for sports entertainment in Africa by giving trusted and quality services to its customers.

Friday November 25, 2022

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MISSILE CUPP to Vote Buyers “The redesigning of the Naira currency policy is a welcome one and has come to stay for the clean-up and development of our electoral processes...The CUPP maintained that those who have looted Lagos State treasury over the years and now own Naira warehouses now want to use the stashed cash to buy power into Aso Rock just the way they purchased their party’s Presidential ticket” –Spokesperson of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, hails CBN Governor while berating vote buyers in the 2023 polls.

MAGNUSONYIBE The Donald Trump that Africans Don’t Know T GUEST COLUMNIST

he first thing that springs forth from the mind of some Africans as soon as the 45th president of the United States of America, USA, Donald J Trump is mentioned is the impression that he does not like Africans, which is so untrue.

And that wrong notion of president Trump disliking Africans stems from the fake news planted by his political opponents in the media and attributed to him such as: “Africa is a shit hole country.”

Although the statement is flawed in a fundamental way, most people who believe and therefore are not enamored by president Trump have not bothered to critically identify and examine the flaw.

And that is the reason emotions seem to have beclouded their judgement and why they have swallowed the falsehood hook line-and-sinker.

As we all know, Africa is a continent of 54 countries and not just one country.

So how could president Trump have made the comment attributed to him by his traducers: “Africa is a shit hole country”?

Since most Africans failed to critically scrutinize the comment because they were eager to believe all the vile things that the so called Never Trumps had to say, the flaw or illogicality of referring to Africa as shit hole country, whereas it is indeed a continent, has unfortunately been lost on some of them.

Apparently, those who are hell bent on generating friction between Africans and the 45th president of the US, had done a ‘good’ job as most people of black race have remained trapped in that mind-bending spell which l intend to dispel with this intervention.

Hopefully, by debunking the myths with how Mr Trump really feels about Africans and what he had done to elevate Black Americans and those residing in the continent during his tenure as president of the US, there would be a rethinking and resetting of Africa/ Trump relationship that would position the continent to benefit more from Mr Trump’s presidency of the US, if he returns to the White House as he plans to in 2024.

Not only because Nigeria has the largest population of black people on earth or by virtue of its being the biggest economy in Africa by GDP, but based on my personal experience as a Nigerian who has met president Trump one-on-one, I would like to use Nigeria as a reference point for assessing Trump-Africa relationship which is apparently currently foggy owing to calculated misinformation.

To put things in perspective, it may be recalled that it is in the first two years of Mr Trump’s presidency, that Nigeria’s president Mohammadu Buhari and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, notable African leaders were his guests in the White House.

In my reckoning that is a reflection of not just passing, but keen interest in the continent as opposed to disdain for Africa as some detractors have tried to portray the former US president’s disposition to Africa.

Adjunct to that, and very significant to Nigerians, it must not be forgotten that it was under Mr Trump’s presidency that the US agreed to sell to Nigeria critical military hardware such as the super Tucano jets and other military armaments that were needed to combat the terrorists that were gaining the upper hand in the northern parts of our country.

It is worth recalling that for too long, Nigeria was denied access to the needed military hardware to fight terrorism owing to the Leahy Doctrine which prohibits the sale of US military hardwares to countries that are deemed to lack the discipline not to use them indiscriminately.

That condition which is nebulous had compelled Nigeria under the watch of president Goodluck Jonathan to attempt to procure arms and ammunition from the black market which resulted in a private jet from Nigeria full of cash being intercepted in South Africa with consequential scandal that portrayed Nigeria in negative light.

Now, is it not striking and heartening that it was under Mr Trump’s presidency of the US that Nigeria on

Trump president Buhari’s watch was allowed to legitimately acquire the attack aircrafts that have today proven to be highly useful in the prosecution of the war against terrorists in Nigeria?

There are more positive actions taken by president Trump to support Nigeria and indeed Africa during his four (4) years reign, but for now, it is in the light of the above, that l would like to implore and urge Africans to appraise Mr Trump by what he did for the continent as the 45th president of the US from 2016 to 2020,which is legion, and not by what he is alleged to have said about Africans via pranks planted in the mass media by his political opponents.

The above admonition is underscored by my belief that as the 45th president of the US, Mr Donald Trump prepares to return as the 47th president in 2024,l fervently believe that it is high time that we all got to the brass tacts about the real Donald Trump that Africans don’t know, so that we can all work out a more positive way to relate to him.

And I am of the conviction that if Mr Donald Trump returns to the White House one more time to complete the good work that he started in 2016 before he was derailed by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world and particularly resulted in the untimely loss of over one million American lives which is largely responsible for his not being re-elected, Africa and Africans would receive more than a passing interest particularly now that he is getting to understand the continent better with the marriage on November 12,2022 of his adorable Daughter Tiffany to Micheal Boulos, the hardworking son of Massad and Sarah Boulos who have had long association and huge footprints in Africa through their business conglomerate SCOA plc that has business interests throughout the continent of Africa, especially west and French speaking parts of the continent.

And l would like to commence the journey of discovery or excursion into who Mr Trump essentially is with respect to his relationship with Africans with my personal experience when l first met with the great American president and indeed one of the most consequential world leaders of all times who has been largely misunderstood by those who do not know him.

It was at the Trump Golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida USA that we met for the first time.

And the first thing he said to me when l was introduced by my friend Dr Massad Boulos to him as a friend from Nigeria was: your country has a lot of oil under the soil”.

And l spontaneously responded in the affirmative.

In my view, his comment indicates that he easily identifies opportunities wherever they are and it is a reflection of the fecundity of Mr Trump’s mind.

And it also reflects the fact that the former US president Trump has set high standards for himself and others which is that all opportunities should be optimally harnessed for the good of all.

President Trump is likely miffed that with the amount of oil under Nigerian soil, the citizens have no business being poor and no need to be migrating in droves to other countries particularly via risky routes that often end up in the death of a multitude of Africans in the Sahara desert or in the Mediterranean Sea through which they try to illegally get into European countries ,the US and other North American wealthy countries to eke out a living as refugees.

It is perhaps such perspicuity of Mr Trump that makes some Africans misunderstand him because going by the sympathetic look that l could spot in his face when we first met, the 45th president of the US and accomplished business Titan, is disappointed that despite Nigeria’s huge oil reserve(6th largest crude oil producer in OPEC) and abundant Human Resources in Nigeria,(in excess of 200 million people with 60% as youths) the country’s leaders have failed to capitalize on those critically important assets that the country is endowed with, hence Nigeria has degenerated to the extent that she has earned the odious title of being the poverty capital of the world( formerly held by India)with majority of her citizens wallowing in abject poverty and misery.

Which wealth creator and someone often associated with progress and success, that ex-president Trump personifies and embodies would not express indignation about the leaders and people from a country like Nigeria with abundant natural and human resources, yet mired in the bottom rung of socioeconomic development?

Arising from the circumstances described above, Mr Trump’s feeling of empathy and sympathy for Nigerians and indeed Africans May be justified. But owing to ignorance foisted by mischief makers, Mr Trump’s capitalist disposition or stimuli is being misinterpreted as racism.

Incidentally, that feeling of Mr Trump that the African continent is punching below its weight is validated by the latest National Bureau of Statistics, NBS survey report which has revealed that 63% which is one hundred and thirty three million (133m) Nigerians are living in poverty.

Given that an estimated four (4) of every African and five (5) black people of African origin are Nigerians, one can extrapolate the level of poverty in Africa and what might be driving what appears to the uninformed observers conclusion about Mr Trump’s palpable impatience with failure, transformed into frustrations with Africans which have been misunderstood as racist attitude by some of my compatriots in Africa and blacks in the diaspora.

As opposed to the orthodox approach of the so called prim and proper manners that technocrats in Washington DC which Mr Trump refers to as swamp would prefer, the hopeful 47th president of the US, rather talks straight from the heart which is evidential of the fact he has a profound mind with progress ,success and prosperity as fulcrum.

And it is from that prism that the actions and attitude of the 45th president of the US, (2016-2020) Donald Trump towards lazy or unproductive people, irrespective of their color of skin-black, Brown or white should be situated.

My reality is that contrary to being a racist as Mr Trump has been portrayed to some Africans, he likes to without exception, see and associate with success in all humans worldwide.

And he denounces failures equally, whether they are in the US, Europe, Africa or Asia, Christians or Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs or Buddhists.

Put succinctly, Mr Donald Trump simply can not stand failure hence under his watch he resisted the influx into the US those he termed dredges of society who he accused of being rapists, murderers and criminals of all hues and illegal immigrants and on which basis those that he denounced tagged him a racist.

Definitely, Trump is not referring to nation builders likes Wally Adeyemo, the deputy Treasury Secretary of the US and the eight (8) legislators-Adeoye Owolewa, Carol Kazeem, Esther Agbaje, and Gabe Okoye as well as Solomon Adesanya, Phil Olaleye, not forgetting Tish Naghise all of whom are of Nigerian origin that just won their contests into legislative posts in the US during the recent mid term elections.

But being that there is a preponderance of failures amongst the Africans on the continent owing to prolonged colonization and forceful extraction of her rich natural resources in the past and the current neo-colonialist practices against the Africans on the continent on one hand, coupled with the systemic injustice perpetrated against the blacks in the US in the past several millenniums, till date; there is high tendency to believe that Trump is against blacks which constitute about 13.2 of US population, and represent a high proportion of about 23.8%of the poverty group in that country which is almost twice higher than the proportion of the general population, hence Mr Trump is wrongly deemed to be a racist.

As a reflection of his openness to welcoming immigrants which is as opposed to being a racist, in august 2020, Mr Trump held a naturalization ceremony in the White House for immigrants including black and brown people.

Although a symbolic gesture, it is evidential of the fact that Mr Trump is welcoming to those that can be productive and who wish emigrate to the US via proper immigration processes.

As a capitalist, it is typical that Mr Trump may not stomach or accommodate indolence of Africans and poor leadership defined by corruption which unfortunately is the hallmark of African governments resulting in Africans migrating to the US and other climes where the grass is believed to be greener and which in turn leads to resentment from the citizens of the host countries where the migrating Africans take refuge.

A good reference point is the recent xenophobic attacks against other Africans in South Africa and Ghana, particularly against Nigerians in those countries.

But if such happens in the US and Europe, it would be tagged racism, right?

The truth is that most folks irrespective of color of skin or creed are xenophobic or racist against people that they don’t know or understand.

Consider how Ghana repatriated Nigerians from their country in 1969 and Nigeria in turn expelled Ghanaians from Nigeria in 1983-a phenomenon tagged: ‘Ghana must go’.

In what appears to be poetic justice, and tit for tat manner, Ghana also recently sent packing Nigerians seeking greener pastures in their country, one more time.

Had all these inhumanities happened in Europe or the US to Africans, they could have been termed racism.

But since it happened within Africa between fellow Africans, it is termed xenophobia.

The goal here is that through our efforts at helping Mr Trump understand Africa better, and vice versa for Africans, the US under Trump’s watch in 2024 would help Africa become better.

My second take away about former US president, Donald Trump after we met is that his desire is to be associated with hardworking and high-performance driven people.

That character trait is apparent in his television game show- ‘The Apprentice’ where he would without mercy say to an intern pitching to him, but lack the correct energy and idea “you are fired” In my personal assessment, Mr Trump has a fetish for seeking the very best in human beings.

If possible, he would like all members of the human race not to be in poverty or be experiencing misery.

NOTE: Read the full article in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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