WEDNESDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2020

Nigeria’s Forex Inflow Hits $21bn in Q3 Obinna Chima The total amount of foreign exchange inflow into the economy in the third quarter of 2020 stood at $21.46 billion, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN, in its third quarter economic report, a copy of which THISDAY obtained yesterday, however, said aggregate forex inflow to the economy declined by 2.2 per cent and 30.4 per cent below $21.95 billion and $30.83 billion

in the preceding quarter and corresponding quarter of 2019, respectively.

Besides, compared with the respective levels in the preceding and corresponding quarter of 2019, forex outflow also fell by 14.42 per cent and

57.3 per cent respectively to $7.70 billion in the review period.

The development was attributed to the decline in outflow through the central bank and autonomous sources for most of the period in the

review quarter.

It explained that the lull in economic activities led to lower demand for forex.

“However, the overall foreign exchange flow through the economy resulted in a net inflow of $14.05 billion,

indicating increases of 5.7 per cent and 4.1 per cent over the net inflow of $13.29 billion in the preceding quarter and $13.50 billion in the corresponding quarter of Continued on page 10

FG Targets $200m Yearly Revenue from NPDC Gas Facility... Page 8 Wednesday 23 December, 2020 Vol 25. No 9389. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Govs Lament Worsening Insecurity To intensify collaboration with FG to defeat criminals Francis Sardauna in Katsina

BUA CEMENT ON EXPANSION DRIVE...

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, BUA Cement Plc, Yusuf Binji; Founder, BUA Group/Chairman, BUA Cement, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu and Chief Financial Officer, BUA Cement Plc, Mr. Jacques Piekarski, at the signing ceremony between BUA and SINOMA CBMI of China to build three new cement plants in Sokoto, Edo and Adamawa, in Lagos...yesterday

Governors of the 36 states under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday expressed worries over the deteriorating security challenges bedeviling the country, particularly in the North-west.

To stem the tide, they have, however, committed Continued on page 10

COVID-19: Brace up, Nigeria in Perilous Times, Says Buhari Extends PTF mandate till March, calls for vigilance at Yuletide FG: No fresh lockdown NCDC cites increased travels, disregard for safety measures for resurgence Davidson Iriekpen in Lagos, Omololu Ogunmade and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday charged Nigerians to brace up for the inconveniences of measures being introduced by the

government to protect them in the aftermath of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.

The president, who received a report from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, to keep him updated on efforts by various stakeholders to combat the pandemic, said

Nigeria is in a perilous situation and urgent measures are needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the attendant fatalities.

He spoke just as the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, foreclosed chances of the

federal government imposing a fresh lockdown on the country.

However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has attributed the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic to many factors, including increased local and international travels, business

and religious activities with minimal compliance with COVID-19 safety measures by the public.

The president, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, also extended till March the mandate of the PTF, billed

to expire on December 30.

The extension of the PTF's mandate was said to have been necessitated by the second wave of the pandemic threatening the country.

Buhari said the country Continued on page 10

Presidency: How We Forced Bandits to Free Abducted Katsina Pupils ...Page 5

2

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

3

4

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

5

WEDNESDAY, ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS Presidency: How We Forced Bandits to Free Abducted Katsina Pupils

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Says repentant outlaws helped in rescue operations Faults allegations FG stage-managed kidnapping Dike Onwuamaeze The presidency yesterday shed more light on how the Katsina and Zamfara State governments, in collaboration with the federal government, were able to secure the release of 344 pupils of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, a week after their abduction.

Presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said on a breakfast television programme that repentant bandits assisted in securing the release of the pupils.

He also dismissed claims that the federal government stagemanaged the abduction of the pupils to create the impression that the Buhari administration was up to the task of protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

The pupils were kidnapped on December 11, a day President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Daura, his hometown, to begin a weeklong private visit and were rescued on the eve of his departure to Abuja.

The abduction had sparked a global outrage with calls on the federal government to ensure they were rescued on time so that their case wouldn't be like that of some 270 schoolgirls kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State, many of whom have not be found, almost six years after their abduction.

Shehu said although no ransom was paid to the bandits who kidnapped the schoolboys, there were negotiations with them.

“All of the leading actors involved in the release of the children said no ransom was paid.

“The governor of Zamfara

State, who had a policy of engagement with the bandits leading to the surrender and renouncement of bandits, used repentant bandits to gain access to those that were in the forest and they had them (schoolboys) released. All the leading actors in Zamfara and Katsina States said no ransom was paid,” he stated.

He explained that the rescue operation was joint efforts of security agencies including the army, and the police.

He said there were negotiations with the abductors after the troops encircled the Zamfara forest where the hostages were held.

“The security services, the army, police, intelligence agencies showed good judgement and capacity by promptly responding to the kidnap of those students and then locating exactly where they were being held.

“Having done that, they quickly mobilised and surrounded the entire place to ensure that they do not go out and they do not come in. So, whatever followed after that is to reap from the gain which has been done.

“The military identified where they were less than 24 hours after the kidnap and waited for the process of the negotiations and at the end of it, everyone is happy that it ended the way it did,” he said.

On claims that the federal government stage-managed the abduction, Shehu said only a heartless person would stage the kidnap of innocent children.

He added that from the accounts of the released boys, they were subjected to inhumane treatment while in the bush and no one should say

such an incident was staged.

“It is just being ridiculous.

How can anybody do this?

Then people must be heartless if they should do this and subject these young people to that.

“You heard the accounts.

These young people were kept in the forest. They were fed once on raw potatoes and drips of water for seven days.

“See the suffering they were subjected to. I don’t think any decent human being will subject innocent young people to this kind of thing. Nobody should say this please,” he stated.

The presidential spokesman also stressed the need for Nigeria to stop herdsmen from roaming all over the country to prevent clashes with farmers.

Shehu, while responding to the allegation that Buhari is

grabbing lands to dole out to herdsmen, blamed the actions of the herdsmen on the drying of grazing lands in the North.

“This country has a grazing problem because the herders are mostly Fulanis. The challenge is from these places they had practised, you know, the encroachment by desert leading to drying up of a lot of grazing lands in the northern-most parts of the country.

“This has put pressure on the herders who have been looking to the South-west green grass so that their cattle will eat and also have water to drink. It’s a global climate situation, which is unfortunate considering what has happened along the Lake Chad Basin.

“I’m glad that governors of the North are coming

together to say let us resolve this problem of grazing because we have to stop these herders from roaming and eating up our crops all over the country.

“They drive their cattle into farmlands and eat up the crops.

The farmers fight back and the killings follow. The country cannot continue in this way," he added.

On insecurity in the Northeast, Shehu said progress had been made, adding that “a lot of it” and that Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa have all “moved on” from insecurity issues.

“And we are hoping and praying for our brothers in Borno State that they too, with the support of the military and the communities, they will rid themselves of Boko Haram.

“The president has said times without number that his expectations are still to be met, that means we are not exactly where we wish to be.

"However, a fair judgement that can be made about ongoing efforts of the administration is to judge it by the responses it makes when challenges of security comes up.

“In all countries of the world, there is always one form of security challenge, the thing, then, to do is how do you respond? The present administration has responded within the capacity, competence using available resources and manpower and all the limitations that come with that. So, can we get better?

We hope we will continue to improve,” he said.

COVID-19 WAY OF GREETING...

L-R: Former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari during Jonathan's visit to his successor, at the State House, Abuja... yesterday godwin omoigui

BUA, Chinese Firm Sign Pact to Build $1.05bn Cement Plants Peter Uzoho BUA Cement Plc has signed an agreement with Sinoma CBMI of China for the construction of three new cement plants of three million tonnes each per annum in Edo, Sokoto and Adamawa States.

The nine-million tonnes combined capacity expansion project, estimated to cost about $1.05billion, is slated to be completed by the end of 2022.

Upon completion, this will

bring BUA Cement’s total capacity to 20 million metric tonnes.

The project is the single largest contract ever awarded in the Nigerian cement industry for the construction of new cement plants at the same time and by a single company.

These three new plants are in addition to BUA Cement’s already existing six mmtpa plants in Edo State, three mmtpa plants in Sokoto State and another three mmtpa BUA

Cement plant in Adamawa which will be inaugurated in second quarter of 2021.

Speaking at the ceremony held simultaneously at BUA headquarters in Lagos and the CBMI headquarters in China, the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said the expansion decision was to transform the manufacturing industry and increase Nigeria’s cement production capacity.

“Nigeria and the surrounding region is still

home to huge opportunities in construction, housing, infrastructure, and allied industries.

“Despite these opportunities, there is no doubt that there is still a huge deficit in supply whilst demand continues to increase in Nigeria.

"This situation has led to an increase in the retail prices of cement despite ex-factory prices remaining partially unchanged.

"To bridge this huge

deficit gap in Nigeria and in the absence of new major investments in the industry, we have taken this decision to invest and build these new plants at a total project cost of 1.05 billion dollars which will be completed by the end of 2022,” he stated.

In his comments, the Chairman of SINOMA CBMI, Mr. Tong Laigou, praised the longstanding partnership between BUA and CBMI. He said SINOMA CBMI was

pleased to work with BUA on the project and help BUA in its aspiration to be the best cement manufacturer in Africa.

He added that CBMI would bring its expertise and wealth of experience working in this environment to bring the project to completion on schedule.

BUA Cement Plc is Nigeria’s second largest cement company and the largest producer in its North-west, South-south and South-east geopolitical zones.

DSS Alleges Bombing Plot during Yuletide Kingsley Nweze in Abuja The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm over the “plot to bomb some places” during the Yuletide.

In a statement yesterday, the agency asked Nigerians to be on the alert, saying it is taking steps to prevent attacks

nationwide.

The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, however, advised those planning to disrupt public peace to desist from such.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public about plans by some criminal elements to carry out violent attacks on public places, including key and vulnerable

points during the Yuletide seasons.

“The planned dastardly acts are to be executed through the use of explosives, suicide bombing and other dangerous weapons.

“The objective is to create a general sense of fear among the people and subsequently undermine the government.

“Against this backdrop, citizens are called upon to be extra vigilant and report strange movements and indeed, all suspicions around them to security and law enforcement agencies.

“On its part, the Service is collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures are put in place for

protection of lives and property,” the statement added.

Afunanya provided emergency response numbers which he asked Nigerians to take advantage of.

“To further achieve this purpose, the Service has provided these emergency response numbers 08132222105 and 09030002189 for urgent

contacts. It is also using this opportunity to unveil its interactive website www.dss.gov. ng for public communication support.“Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of these platforms and similar ones provided by related agencies to timely reach and avail them (security agencies) of required information,” he stated.

6

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

7

8

WEDNESDAY, ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FG Targets $200m Yearly Revenue from NPDC Gas Facility Buhari says Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government said yesterday that the Integrated Gas Handling Facility (IGHF) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) processing and dispensing plants in Ologbo, Edo State, would generate $200 million in annual revenue into the country’s coffers.

"The lean gas can generate at least 267 megawatts of power per day and also ensure feedstock to gas-based industries. In total , the NPDC stands to generate revenue in excess of $200m per annum from the IGHF plant," a documentary put together by the NPDC during the event showed.

Speaking during a partially virtual and physical ceremony to officially declare the over 200 million standard cubit feet per day project open, President Muhammadu Buhari said Nigeria has moved a step closer to the nation’s dream of full utilisation of its abundant gas potential.

The facility was built and operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an upstream subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Buhari noted that the integrated project was capable of supplying 20 per cent of the current LPG demand in the country, stressing that it underlines the seriousness with which the federal government is handling its gas projects.

“The Oredo Integrated Gas Handling Facility and its associated NGLs depot will be delivering 240,000 metric tonnes of commercial grade liquefied petroleum gas and propane.

It will also deliver about 205 million standard cubic feet per day of lean gas to the domestic market.

“In addition to its import substitution benefits that bring us a step closer to self-sufficiency in LPG production and also

supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises in the host communities, this project will create hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities for our teeming youths (both skilled and unskilled).

“Apart from being the largest onshore LPG plant in Nigeria with the potential of supplying about 20 per cent of Nigeria’s LPG demand, the Oredo Integrated Gas Handling Facility was carefully situated at a corridor proximate to over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s LPG demand source,” he added.

The president said the project was a follow-up to the commitment of his administration towards making year 2020 as Nigeria’s “Year of the Gas,” adding to the AKK pipeline project, the NLNG Train 7 as well as other such facilities being built in the country.

He said: “At the turn of the year 2020, this administration made solemn declarations to the Nigerian public over its plans to expand the gas sector footprints by scaling-up the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to help spur industrialisation.

“It is also to provide clean and efficient energy for transportation and household use while increasing our exports into the international market.

It is on the backdrop of this commitment that the Year 2020 was dedicated and embodied as Nigeria’s year of gas.

“Since then, we have followed through with actions that have translated those plans into tangible projects with monumental value additions to the Nigerian economy.

We accomplished key gas infrastructure projects like the OB3 and ELPS 2 and flagged-off the construction phase of the 614 km AKK pipeline project.”

The president noted that it was not a coincidence that the completion and inauguration of the aforementioned gas infrastructure projects in 2020

followed closely with progress made on other projects.

He stated that the wrap-up of year 2019 with the Final Investment Decision (FID) for NLNG Train 7 and exiting 2020 with yet another milestone of inaugurating the Oredo IGHF LPG processing and dispensing plants, which will also support the ongoing drive towards providing alternative auto fuel under the National Gas Expansion Programme, was part of efforts to rev up gas utilisation.

In his speech, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the project highlighted the commitment of NNPC in eliminating gas flares while increasing Nigeria’s value realisation from gas.

He added that the entire LPG and propane production is targeted at the Nigerian market, further affirming the

conscious efforts of the NNPC and the federal government in growing its participation in the LPG value chain to boost domestic supply, lower prices and deepen LPG penetration to safeguard the environment.

“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has made unprecedented strides in the area of gas infrastructure development to facilitate exploitation and monetisation of Nigeria’s massive gas resources.

“This highlights the commitment of the NNPC in eliminating gas flare while increasing Nigeria’s value realisation from gas. The entirety of the LPG and propane production is targeted at the Nigerian market and growing participation in the LPG value chain to boost domestic supply, lower prices and deepen LPG penetration,” he said.

NNPC Group Managing Director, Mr. Mele Kyari, said

the president’s clear directives to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC to deepen the utilisation of gas in the country were being followed to the letter.

“The president gave clear directive that we must deepen domestic gas utilisation and monetisation and provide a platform where Nigerians can benefit from the enormous gas supplies that we have so that job and prosperity can be created and by implication, bring peace to the country.

“The facility was designed, constructed and delivered with the highest application of Nigerian content and the contractor is a wholly Nigerian company which demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian companies to handle complex projects,” he added.

Kyari stated that in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, only the sale of gas did not

fluctuate in comparison with other products like crude oil, which is susceptible to high market volatility.

On his part, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, noted that the domestic gas revolution was starting in Edo with the inauguration of the project, while priority is now being given to the satisfaction of local demand for gas “We are proud that the Oredo fields account for some of the largest onshore gas reserves in this country. NNPC has thought it wise and proper to use that gas for our domestic economy.

“Apart from agriculture, we have the benefit of oil and gas and we are taking full advantage of this natural endowment. In doing so, we will continue to collaborate with all local and international investors to make sure we take the full benefit of the natural assets,” he said.

ROLL-OUT OF ENHANCED E-PASSPORT...

L-R: Passport Control Officer, Festac Pasport Office and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs. Adeola Anne Adesokan; Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration (Zone A), Mrs. Doris Braimah; Executive Chairman, Amuwo -Odofin Local Government Area, Dr. Valentine Buraimoh; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business District, Hon. Gbenga Oyerinde and Comptroller of Immigration, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Mr. A.B. Usman, at the roll-out of enhanced e-passport in Lagos... yesterday etop ukutt

Immigration Upgrades FESTAC Passport Office for Processing Enhanced e-Passport Segun James The federal government has kicked-off the issuance of the enhanced e-passport from the FESTAC Town Passport Office in Lagos.

The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Muhammed Babandede, yesterday rolled out the new documents at a brief ceremony to authorise the FESTAC Passport Office, Lagos to process the enhanced electronic passport for applicants.

Earlier, NIS had launched the enhanced e-passport in

Abuja followed by Ikoyi, Port Harcourt, Alausa and Kano passport offices before yesterday's launch.

Babandede said the new enhanced e-passport has additional 26 security features compared to the one being phased out and in addition to these security features, it is water resistant because it is hydrocarbonated.

According to him, the new passport is rated the best in the world because it meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) new standards and Nigeria is one of the first few countries

that incorporated the newlyrecommended enhancements to fortify the passports in terms of security.

Babandede added that in view of the strategic location of Lagos as the economic capital of the country, and having the distinction of the three border points of land, sea and air, it is important to also empower the FESTAC Passport Office in order to have eight locations where the new passport is rolled out nationwide.

Babandede, represented by the Assistant Comptroller General, Zone A, Mrs. Doris Braimah, said the new

e-passport would help Nigeria to meet global operational standards in passports management.

He explained that the enhanced e-passport is part of the new reforms approved by the federal government and it is a product of intensive review of the existing e-passport booklet, which has been in circulation for over 10 years and has only five year validity.

He said the new passport is available in three categories of 32-page with five years' validity; 64-page with five years' validity, both of which are available for adults and

minors, and a 64-page version with 10 years' validity for adults who were above 18 years of age.

Babandede stated that the requirements for the new passport are same as the old one, adding that a National Identification Number (NIN) is required and mandatory for the issuance of the new passport.

Spokesman of NIS, Sunday James, said the FESTAC Passport Centre is under Deputy Comptroller Adeola Adesokan a seasoned Immigration attachee that served meritoriously while on foreign mission before returning

to Nigeria after she completed her duty tour.

He described her as a versatile and articulate officer that transformed the FESTAC Passport office within the first two months of her resumption, curbing corruption associated with extra charges and touting by third party influence, that have dented the service image.

With the enhanced passport, applicants are expected to apply online, pay online and approach the passport office with evidence of payment and a National Identity Number issued by the Nigerian Identity Management Agency (NIMC).

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

9

WEDNESDAY, ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

10

PAGE TEN COVID-19: BRACE UP, NIGERIA IN PERILOUS TIMES, SAYS BUHARI could not afford to lose the gains of the past nine months in the fight against the pandemic and hence must retain the team.

At the meeting, Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, accompanied by his colleagues in the team, submitted the report of the task force to the president.

Yesterday's extension was the third time the tenure of the PTF would be elongated, having been initially given the mandate to function for only three months upon its inauguration in March.

The statement said the president extended the mandate of PTF on COVID-19 “for a further period till the end of March, 2021 bearing in mind the new surge in the number of cases and the bid for vaccines.”

Buhari also said he had examined the current state of the pandemic and was convinced that urgent measures needed to be taken to contain further spread.

"Recent reports reaching me indicate that Nigeria is now facing a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide, which is similar to the second wave of infections occurring in other countries across the world.

“New epicentres have been identified and the nation cannot afford to lose the gains of the last nine months. I have critically evaluated the situation and

remain convinced that urgent measures have to be taken to halt the spread and the attendant fatalities.

“Closely associated with the foregoing is the need to speedily and strategically access and administer the COVID-19 vaccine in a safe, effective and timely manner. This is an important obligation that we owe Nigerians as we go into year 2021 and it must be carried out through an efficient machinery," Buhari said.

According to him, Nigeria is obviously in a perilous situation following the second wave of the pandemic, noting that the situation calls for decisive actions to protect Nigerians.

He implored traditional rulers, religious leaders and all stakeholders to cooperate with the PTF by engaging in what he described as risk communication and community engagement.

He also urged Nigerians to be vigilant this season and take all precautionary measures to stay safe.

"The nation is clearly in a perilous situation given the virulent nature of this second wave and we must act decisively to protect our people. I therefore urge all sub-national entities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders of thought to collaborate with the PTF by taking up the responsibility for risk communication and community engagement at all levels. Now is the time

for collective efforts to be intensified.

“As the festive season approaches, I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and stay safe. Non-essential trips and large social gatherings should be avoided or shelved completely," he added.

No Fresh Lockdown, Says FG The federal government yesterday allayed fears of a fresh lockdown of the country in view of the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who featured on a Radio Nigeria programme, “Politics Nationwide,’’ said the directives and position of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at its briefing on Monday did not translate to partial or total lockdown as reported in some sections of the media.

He explained that a lockdown might have negative effects on the already stressed economy.

Mohammed said what the federal government had done was to reduce the chances of mass gathering by directing its workers from Level 12 and below to work from home.

He said the government also reiterated already existing ban on night clubs and other COVID-19

protocols.

“The federal government has not declared a fresh lockdown.

“What we have done is that we have simply reiterated the old protocols and asked federal workers on Level 12 and below to stay at home and they will still receive their salaries.

“Lagos State has equally asked their Level 14 workers and below to work from home and Kaduna State has done the same.

“Therefore, there is no fresh lockdown and the issue of hardship and economy meltdown does not arise,’’ he said.

According to him, the government's reminder that the ban on social gathering is still in force and churches and mosques should obey the social gathering rules is to curtail people from gathering because COVID-19 has reached the level of community transmission.

Mohammed said the protocols on foreign travels subsist to the effect that those travelling to Nigeria would not be able to come on board unless they have the certificate that they tested negative for the virus.

He said when they arrive into the country, they must self-isolate for seven days after which they would go back for a confirmation test.

NCDC Lists Reasons for COVID-19 Second Wave

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has attributed the recent increase in COVID-19 infections to some factors such as increased local and international travels as well as business and religious activities with minimal compliance with COVID-19 safety measures by the public.

In it's message for the Yuletide season, NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid mass gatherings during the Christmas festivities or in the alternative imbibe the culture of always wearing facemasks whenever they go outside.

In response to the increase in cases of COVID-19 and poor adherence to public health and social measures nationwide, the NCDC said it is escalating its ongoing public communications efforts through a new campaign themed #CelebrateResponsibly.

According to the agency, the campaign, which began in February, focuses on measures Nigerians need to take to protect themselves and loved ones during the Christmas and New Year period. " In the last two weeks, there has been a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country. On the 17th of December, 1,145 new confirmed cases were recorded.

"This increase is as a result of a convergence of circumstances which

includes increased local and international travels, business and religious activities with minimal compliance with COVID-19 safety measures by the members of the public," it said.

According to the NCDC, as at December 21, a total of 78,790 cases and 1,227 deaths have been recorded in Nigeria with over 70 million cases reported globally.

It said the enforcement of adherence to the safety measures should not only be the sole responsibility of the government, adding that individuals and institutions have a responsibility too and need to play their parts in ensuring adherence to the preventive measures.

"Critically, Nigerians are being urged to adhere to recommended measures

by NCDC and other public health authorities, as they celebrate Christmas and New Year. Please avoid all non-essential travel within and outside Nigeria to reduce the risk of transmission. The virus that causes COVID-19 is more likely to spread in mass gatherings especially when held indoors.

"We advise that people avoid mass gatherings during this time, or hold them outdoors with physical distancing, compulsory use of facemasks and provision of handwashing facilities or hand sanitiser," it stated.

The agency urged Nigerians to take all necessary precautions for a safe and healthy Christmas celebration. him of harbouring bandits who terrorise his neighbours.

“I intended to sue in this case, but for the intervention of my brother, the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, who assured me the officer will be reprimanded for such a callous statement. I am waiting to see the action that the APC will take since it has dissociated itself from the statement,” Matawalle said.

He commended the NGF for the encouragement and financial support to the victims of banditry in the state.

He also commended Buhari for the support he has always rendered to him in the fight against banditry in the state.

GOVS LAMENT WORSENING INSECURITY themselves to upping the ante in the war against bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, told journalists in Katsina that they were concerned that killings, kidnapping and other nefarious activities have become a daily occurrence in the country.

Fayemi, who was accompanied by the Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Bagudu and the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, were in Katsina State on a solidarity visit to the Governor, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, over the kidnapping of 344 pupils of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, on December 11.

The pupils were, however, rescued about a week later.

Earlier, the governors had held a closed-door meeting with Masari.

The NGF delegation also visited the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, expressing support for his anti-banditry campaign in the North-west.

Fayemi explained that

the NGF would be tough on banditry, kidnapping and other criminalities in order to tackle the carnage and find a lasting solution to the prevailing security challenges facing the farmers in the zone.

He, however, urged the governors to provide youths with alternative means of livelihood and support system in order to prevent criminal cartels from recruiting them to actualise their evil agenda.

He said: "We as governors, we are still very concerned about the security situation in the North-west and the entire country. This is almost a daily occurrence and the governors are spending the resources; material and human, on this priority issue, which pervades the whole of our country.

"We are all tired and frustrated that these issues are happening but we know that with concerted efforts on our part as governors and the commitment of the federal government and the professional conducts of our security services, and our social investment programmes intensified, we shall see the end of this criminality, this

brigandage in our states.

"So we are here in solidarity with the governor and the good people of Katsina State to reassure them, give them hope that help is on the way.

We will work together and return our country to peace, progress, development and prosperity.

"We have to ensure that our states drive away our young people from the merchants of death who are using them as cannon fodders for this criminal brigandage and we can only do that if we provide them with an alternative means of livelihood and support system that will not entails them to these elements that are endangering the whole of our country.

"We believed that we not only have to be tough on banditry, kidnapping and criminality generally, but we also have to be tough on the causes of these problems and social inequality, poverty are key issues."

He pledged the NGF's commitment to work with the federal government and security agencies "so that we don’t keep talking about the same thing over and over

again."

Also, the NGF’s delegation, during the visit to Matawalle, expressed its support for his anti-banditry campaign in the North-west.

Fayemi, who led the delegation to the governor at the Zamfara State Government Lodge, Abuja, said the forum supported the efforts being made by Matawalle in the fight against banditry and other criminality in Zamfara State and the North-west.

“We note your singlemindedness in this pursuit and we also note the positive results being recorded by your approach in the fight against the menace of banditry in your state and the North-west as a whole.

“All the Nigerian governors stand as one in your support at this hour, your total commitment to the liberation of our people from the activities of these criminals in your state and the region,” he stated.

He assured Matawalle of the NGF's assistance in ensuring that the problem of insecurity in the state is solved. “Whatever we can do to assist, we shall do it. We

are here to encourage you to do more and we are solidly behind you. We pray that the year 2021 will be the year of peace and by the grace of God, the peace we shall have,” he added.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the support he is rendering in the fight against banditry, especially the supply of Special forces to Zamfara State.

He also, on behalf of the governors, commiserated with Matawalle over the lives lost in the state to banditry.

Responding, Matawalle said he was elated and encouraged by the visit, which will serve as an elixir for his renewed efforts to do more so that his people can sleep soundly.

“No amount of discouragement can deter me from doing what is right to salvage my people from the menace of banditry and other criminality”, he said.

He noted with utter dismay that after sleepless nights he spent working hard to assist in the release of Kankara children, a spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused

receipts was as a result of the weak global demand for crude oil, owing to fragile global economic recovery.

“Disaggregation of inflow through the bank indicated that oil and non-oil receipts were $2.35 billion and $4.62 billion, respectively. "Further analysis of non-oil receipts showed that interbank swaps, other official receipts, and Treasury Single Account (TSA) and third-party receipts increased by 255.6 per cent, 40.4 per cent and 6.8 per cent to $1.60 billion, $0.99 billion

and $0.95 billion over their respective levels in the second quarter of 2020.

“However, foreign exchange purchases, deposit money banks’ cash receipts and unutilised IMTO funds, declined by 14.9 per cent, 68.1 per cent and 11.5 per cent to $0.56 billion, $0.10 billion and $0.24 billion, below the levels in the preceding quarter, respectively.

“Unutilised funds from FX transactions, returned payments and interest on reserves and investments

fell to $0.09 billion, $0.02 billion and $0.06 billion, respectively, below the levels in the preceding quarter,” the report added.

On the other hand, aggregate forex outflow through the CBN declined by 12.6 per cent, from $7.95 billion in the second quarter of 2020, to $6.95 billion in the third quarter of 2020.

The decline was due to the lull in economic activities arising from the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent reduction in forex.

NIGERIA’S FOREX INFLOW HITS $21BN IN Q3 2019, respectively.

“The development was attributed to the gradual easing of the partial lockdown and improvement in economic activities in the third quarter of 2020,” it stated.

The report showed that forex inflow through the CBN decreased in the third quarter of 2020, largely due to a reduction in non-oil inflow.

During the review period, aggregate forex inflow through the CBN stood at $6.97 billion, a decrease of 30.7 per cent and 43.6 per cent below the

levels in the second quarter of 2020 and the corresponding quarter of 2019, respectively.

The development was attributed to a decline in both oil and non-oil receipts by 9.7 per cent and 44.7 per cent respectively, below the levels in the preceding quarter and corresponding quarter of 2019.

“The decrease in non-oil receipts followed reversion to normal trend after the one-off International Monetary Fund (IMF) facility in the previous quarter, while that of oil

TOP GAINERS ETERNA FTNCOCOA JAPUALGOLD DANCEM COURTVILLE TOP LOSERS CHI PLC REDSTAR ABCTRANS

NGN NGN 0.41 4.51 0.06 0.74 0.03 0.40 6.34 245.00 0.01 0.22 NGN 0.03 0.27 0.33 3.10 0.03 0.30 JOHNHOLT 0.05 0.51 ROYALEXCH 0.02 0.23 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,505.00 Volume: 427.059 million shares Value: N3.309 billion Deals: 5,253 As at yesterday 22/12/2020 See details on Page 39

% 10 8.8 8.1 6.3 4.7 % 10 9.6 9.0 8.9 8.0

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

11

12

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

13

14

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

COMMENT

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

TELL THEM IT’S CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a time to regain our laughter and sense of humour, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

F

rom where I am seated scribbling this I could hear what sounded like the sonorous voices of the angels, the Magi, the Shepherds, men and women of our time chanting away the Christmas carol, Joy to the world….

In one day it will Christmas: the celebration of the dies natalis of Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world and redeemer of mankind. When the appointed time came what poet William Butler Yeats dubbed the “uncontrollable mystery on the bestial floor” took place at a relatively obscure town of Bethlehem. Marvel at the magnanimity of a God who took flesh in the womb of Virgin Mary to be born among us. Emperors, presidents, ruler and kings of this world are born in the best hospitals, but, Jesus Christ, the King of kings chose to be born in a stable, a place where animals are kept. There is room for the rich of this world; there is room for those clothed in fine apparels; there is room for every traveller who has travelled far and wide. But there is no room in the inn for the Creator of the universe. Why no room for the Creator in his own creation?

Why did Christ choose to be born poor?

Let’s not waste our energies attempting to unravel the unfathomable mysteries that unfolded at Christmas. All we know is that the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ are a salutary lesson in humility. He allowed himself to experience suffering, want and deprivation culminating in his death on the Cross in order to redeem us. At the first Christmas Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger not on bed. Animals were the first to witness his birth. Prior to his public life, he spent 30 years in obscurity working as a carpenter with St. Joseph his foster father. And during the three years of his public life, he went about doing good. Being the Light, he brought succour and peace to men of goodwill. He catered for both the spiritual and material needs of people who encountered him. He condemned injustice. He fed the hungry.

Seeing the widow of Naim who had lost her only son, he felt pity for her and restored her only son to life.

At Christmas we are invited to reproduce Christ’s life in our individual lives. Following the exemplary life of Jesus the Saviour, our political office holders should bring light to the dark land; hope to the hopeless; justice to the oppressed and integrity to the wasteland. This year the celebration of Christmas acquires a special tone owing to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic that is increasingly ravaging the different parts of the world Nigeria inclusive. With the second COVID-19 lockdown, there will be serious economic hardship in many countries.

Many families will further be impoverished. More businesses would be forced to shut down thus throwing a lot of people out of their legitimate jobs and means of livelihood. So we are in trouble.

However Pope Francis has appealed to all not to lose hope amid the difficulties resulting from the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Pointing to the tall Christmas tree from his studio window overlooking St. Peter Square, Pope Francis said that such symbols of Christmas are signs of hope, especially in this coronavirus period. He urges the people to recall the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus — and lend a hand to the needy and the poor in society. He said that there is no pandemic or crisis that can extinguish hope and love

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT MR. PRESIDENT COULD GIVE TO NIGERIANS IN THIS CHRISTMAS IS TO PROTECT THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTY

for our neigbours. Considering the scandalizing poverty and human misery in Nigeria, a new humanitarian strategy must be adopted for promotion of human welfare especially in this COVID-19 period.

Apart from the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, human blood is flowing everywhere in Nigeria at the moment. Nigeria’s security architecture has completely collapsed. At the moment Nigeria is facing the most dangerous existential threat probably since her independence. There is hardly any part of Nigeria unencumbered by Fulani herdsmen murderers, kidnappers, rapists, bandits, abductors, arsonists, night marauders, and hired assassins looking for someone to devour. The North-East is now tottering on the brink of final collapse. No single day passes without the slaughter of North Easterners as if they were animals. Seethed with anger over the unprecedented monumental slaughtering of Northerners, the northern elders are demanding for President Buhari’s resignation. This is understandable. Life has lost its meaning in Nigeria. We have become accustomed to hearing that our northern brothers and sisters are being killed every now and then that human life no longer means anything to us. This is sad. It is sadder upon remembering that the end to the killings in Nigeria is not in sight. Therefore President Buhari should be reminded perhaps for the umpteenth time that his primary constitutional responsibility is to protect lives and property of the citizenry. In fact the best Christmas gift Mr. President could give to Nigerians in this Christmas is to protect their lives and property. The government ought to govern in line with the aspirations of the people.

When a government has failed to protect lives and property of the citizenry it is an indication that the government has woefully failed. That is the scenario playing itself out in Nigeria at the moment: It is obvious that the Buhari government is incapable of protecting lives and property of the citizenry.

Anyway, everything may be collapsing. The second wave of COVID-19 may be taking the highest human toll. Government may be irresponsible. Poverty may be grinding Nigeria to a complete halt. Your means of livelihood may be destroyed.

Your bank account may be empty. Your health may be failing you. Your loved one or your sweet heart might have died. But nothing is gained by succumbing to melancholy and sadness.

Hope is our greatest asset. We cease to live when we cease to hope. We cease to hope when we give in to despair. We give in to despair when we cease to smile. So, adorn your face with an inviting smile. It is true that we live in a sad world. It is true that many men and women of our time have stopped smiling. But good tiding has been brought to us. Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind, is born among us. So, rejoice. Wipe away the tears from your eyes. That thing that is worrying you will be remedied with the passage of time. If there is no room in the inn there is room in the stable. So, weep no more.

Although we live in sad world, you must regain your laughter.

Christmastime is a time to regain our laughter and sense of humour. With our laughter we can challenge the sad world to look at us and be hopeful.

This column proceeds on Christmas vacation today. Thanks for your company throughout the year 2020. No matter what happens under the sun do not lose hope.

THE ETHIOPIAN CRISIS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA The crisis in Ethiopia holds lessons for Nigeria, writes

T

he current political situation in Ethiopia, which has degenerated to an armed conflict, is of immediate and significant national security concern to Nigeria. This is because of the close similarity in the elements threatening the political development of both countries such as the socio-cultural cum demographic features of both nations. Ethnic-based politics which has been the bane of many African countries is gaining new life across Nigeria. While Nigeria has found ways to manage this divisive tendency through the unwritten principles of zoning and rotation in political power configuration, especially since the return of democracy in 1999, the issue continues to chip away at the fabric of our society. This has led to many localized agitations gaining national and even international recognition in recent times. Many may argue that the adoption of zoning and power rotation is a better way to hold together the country as an indivisible whole and foreclose any future clamor for self-determination by ethnic champions. However, unlike Ethiopia, which has enshrined the ethnic-based regional system in her constitution, the zoning and power rotation arrangements in Nigeria are almost wholly dependent on good faith of the political parties and their leaders.

While both Nigeria and Ethiopia have adopted the federal structure of governance, the reality is that the spirit of ethnic dominance continues to conspire against liberal democracy in the two countries.

During the last three decades, the Tigrayans of Ethiopia succeeded in cornering every sector of the largely state-controlled economy and the security apparatus at the expense of other ethnic groups. The resolve of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, an Oromo (who was once a trusted ally of the TPLF), to reform governance in Ethiopia is perceived as not

being in the interest of the TPLF-led regional government who see their political and economic dominance in Ethiopia as being challenged by the Oromo upstart.

It is obvious that Ethiopia is still grappling with her transition into a truly federal state due to her long experience with a unitary system and ethnic domination. There is overconcentration of powers in the centre thereby defeating the real essence of federalism. For instance, the current crisis was triggered by the insistence of the regional government in Tigray to proceed with scheduled local elections in spite of the postponement of general elections by the country’s central election management body. The response of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed-led federal government was to forcefully remove the regional government in Tigray for going against the decision of Addis Ababa. Of course, as highlighted above, there are deeper undertones to this action and reaction.

Like many ethnically heterogeneous countries in Africa, Ethiopia has struggled for political balance between contending ethnic tendencies, which are perpetually struggling for the control of political power. This forms the major basis for her adoption of a decentralized governance structure with a federal government at the apex and regional governments at coordinating level.

The scenario above should be of pertinent lesson to Nigeria in view of increasingly loud agitation for a restructuring of the polity as a means of addressing real and perceived hegemonic tendencies by particular ethnic nationalities and the marginalization of others. As Nigeria looks ahead to another transitional election in 2023, it is important that these agitations are properly addressed to avoid the type of political disagreement that has preoccupied that current turmoil in Ethiopia. While it is improbable that armed political confrontation will take place here,

we still must avoid any increase in political tension, particularly given the current security and economic challenges we now face.

A peep into the political party movement in Ethiopia shows that most political parties metamorphosed by establishing militia groups which, in too many instances, became more important than parties that formed them. This explains the belligerent posture of political actors in that country. Nigeria cannot afford to go that route because of its many dire uncertain implications. Already, the increasing visibility of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) movement despite its proscription by the Nigerian government is a warning signal.

Recent developments in Ethiopia have raised fresh concerns about the tenuous political stability of the East African country and the implications for regional security in the Horn of Africa. With over 110 million ethnically diverse people, an outbreak of a civil war in Ethiopia will have far-reaching ramifications for regional peace and security.

At a time, the whole world is battling a pandemic, the current conflict in Ethiopia exposes the people to double jeopardy. Coincidentally, the arrow-head of the war against Covid–19, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, DirectorGeneral of the World Health Organization, is a Tigrayan-Ethiopian. An irony on the major crisis facing the East African country.

Perhaps, it is in recognition of the need to address the issue of ethnic domination in Ethiopia that the government in Addis Ababa is carrying out a quiet political revolution in the country. This has inadvertently pitted the hitherto powerful Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front –led regional government of Tigray against the federal government headed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of the ruling Prosperity Party. Abiy Ahmed, himself a product of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF),

(a coalition of ethnic political parties) on assumption of office in 2018 embarked on a major onslaught against the predominance of the Tigrayan ethnic group in the Ethiopian bureaucracy and economy. It is worthy to note that early in the 1990s, Meles Zenawi’s Tigray dominated insurrection against the government of Mengistu Haile Mariam, seized power in Ethiopia and held on to it for 17 years, entrenching a Tigrayan biased system in government.

PM Abiy had recast the top echelons of the military and intelligence community as well as state-owned corporations by replacing many senior officials with his own appointees. This is in addition to prosecution of former state officials for corruption. Predictably, a vast majority of those affected in the purge and prosecution are Tigrayans. These measures have resulted in a push back by the Tigray regional government by undermining the central government’s authority.

Though, the decision of the Tigray regional government to proceed with parliamentary elections in defiance of the indefinite postponement of all elections by the federal authorities can be said to be the immediate cause of the current disquiet, political observers of the Ethiopian polity are aware of the fundamental undercurrents behind the present saga.

Today, almost all the countries in the Horn of Africa are affected one way or the other by the impasse in Ethiopia. Sudan suffers the weight of increasing number of refugees from the Tigray region. According to the United Nations Agency for Refugees (UNHCR), tens of thousands of refugees have crossed to Sudan within days of the conflict. Already hard pressed to care for its own, Sudan will find it difficult to help this influx.

Oshodi is African Affairs Analyst and Special Assistant to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

15

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

EDITORIAL

INCREASING RATE OF MOB JUSTICE Law enforcement agencies must be alive to their responsibilities

L

ast week, a mob in the Aseese area of Mowe, Ogun State, burnt to death three persons on the suspicion of theft. Their vehicle was also set ablaze. The quick intervention of the police saved the two other occupants of the car. In the same vein, two ladies were recently killed at Iwo, Osun State, on the mere suspicion that they were kidnappers.

Across the country, mob justice is fast becoming a national pastime as people regularly take WHETHER THE SUSPECTS the law into WERE ARMED ROBBERS, their hands.

Indeed, the CULTISTS OR EVEN increasing rate BANDITS, KILLING THEM of abductions in AS THE MOB DID WAS Kwara State has WRONG THERE IS NO ROOM put destitute who wander FOR THAT IN CIVILISED within the SOCIETIES. NIGERIA IS capital, Ilorin, at A DEMOCRACY WHERE risk as some of THINGS SHOULD BE DONE them fall victim of mob action ACCORDING TO LAW on mere suspicion of being child kidnappers. Not long ago, no fewer than four suspected kidnappers who were alleged to have feigned insanity were killed in mob attacks. In all the cases, the hapless victims were beaten to coma before being burnt alive. Residents and the police differ sharply on the current situation with the latter voicing its displeasure over what it called the increasing propensity of residents to take laws into their hands.

What is however worrying is that a lot of times, innocent citizens are often the victims of these mob justice. The brutal murder of four innocent undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt in 2012, for instance, was, to say the least, wicked.

Three years ago, the court pronounced

Letters to the Editor

A

s a current student of Professor Umar A. Pate at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, I must confess that his appointment is well deserved and could not have come at a better time. Professor Pate is not just a lecturer but a distinguished personality who is excellent in manners and mannerisms, human relations, conflict resolutions and social development. This is why Professor Ralph A. Akinfeleye always describes him as the loss of University of Maiduguri and the gain of Bayero University, Kano.

I must make it categorically clear that we at Bayero University are very happy that our own is about to join Federal University of Kashere as the third Vice-Chancellor. We are sure that he will make us proud by moving the baby university to greater heights. We are, however, jealous that we are going to miss a moving encyclopedia and a man of respect whose contributions towards BUK can never be

T H I S DAY EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITOR

˜

˜ MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL

MANAGING EDITOR

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ˜

˜

˜ ˜

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS

˜ ˜

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

˜ CONTROLLERS

˜

˜

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION

HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT

̓

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

their innocence while the murderers sentenced to death.

But the spike in cases of jungle justice raises some questions: Why are more people resorting to mob justice? Why is the public becoming increasingly impatient in following the dictates of the law? Are many losing confidence in law enforcement agencies or are these signs of a more dangerous national ailment? Is human life no longer sacrosanct in Nigeria?

The answer of course is simple. It is a combination of all. There is some form of jungle justice in many societies, but what is troubling here is that the propensity for dispensing this brand of justice is becoming increasingly high.

Earlier in the month, three suspected armed robbers were beaten and burnt alive by irate mob in Warri, Delta State, after some vigilance group apprehended them. The police were of course far from the scene of lawlessness. “They just called me now that some robbers came to attack in the area and they caught them and they were lynched. That’s what I heard,” said Divisional Police Officer, Benjamin Igometi. There was not even an attempt to investigate the unfortunate incident.

However, whether the suspects were armed robbers, cultists or even bandits, killing them as the mob did was wrong.

The Delta incident, like that in Ogun and indeed similar ones across the country, is a crude way of dispensing justice. There is no room for that in civilised societies.

Nigeria is a democracy where things should be done according to law.

But the government has to do more to stem the ugly trend. They must fund the police and expand their capacity to carry out their constitutionally stipulated responsibility of protecting lives and property while the courts must be alive to their own responsibilities. Justice must be dispensed speedily.

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

TASK BEFORE KASHERE VARSITY’S VC measured.

At this juncture, I will like to remind the newly appointed vicechancellor that every promotion comes with a lot of responsibilities.

FUK is a new tertiary institution that was commissioned in 2011 under the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

And the university is faced with a lot of challenges.

One of the challenges is that about 90% of the staff of the university - both academic and non-academic- have to shuttle from Gombe to Kashere daily which is 65 kilometres - 130 kilometres to and fro. This contributes towards making lecturers less productive.

Accidents do occur, hold-ups sometimes delay them and the long journey exhausts the lecturers leading to even missing of lectures.

This development is not unconnected to the fact that Federal University of Kashere has fewer than 50 staff quarters in Kashere. The quarters cannot even accommodate the staff of three departments. This shows that the incoming vice-chancellor has the

task of embarking on massive construction of staff quarters if he wants to see visible change.

Another challenge that impedes the progress of the university is that many lecturers have no offices.

One of the lecturers who pleaded anonymity and have been lecturing for over six years informed me that he still uses his car as his office.

This applies to many staff. If senior academic staff will be roaming about using shade of trees and their cars as their offices, then how productive would they be? They at least need offices to charge their laptops, keep academic documents, plan their lecture notes and give students easy room to access their lecturers.

I have also gathered that some of the newly constructed blocks to serve as extension of departments are inhabitable because they are not electrified and watered. And it is difficult for learning to take place under unconducive atmosphere.

Another issue that is related to this, is the inadequate lecture halls.

Reliable sources revealed that, like in other universities, students even

sit on the floor to receive lectures due to the limited halls and seats.

Sources narrated that no lecture hall with standard seats that will last for a complete semester without being broken. They attributed this to poorly executed projects by contractors.

Furthermore, it is a known fact that the staff school in Federal University of Kashere has only kindergarten and primary sections.

This has been forcing staff to take their wards to other secondary schools. And it distracts them especially, looking at the fact that they have to always convey them on daily basis.

Still on staff welfare, genuine sources narrated that the outgoing vice-chancellor, Professor Alhassan Mohammed Gani has been up and doing towards promotion of staff.

The incoming one has to ponder on this by sustaining the tempo.

As a communication scholar, Professor Pate must also ensure mutual understanding between the management and other staff via public relations techniques and other workable methods.

On security issues, there is a need for employing additional security personnel as well as training and retraining the existing ones to make them productive. This will help to curb cases of burglary and theft bedevilling the university.

On the side of students, non-existence of Students’ Union Government in the university has been hindering the success and happiness of students who have grievances or suggestions.

According to one of the students whom I interviewed, some of their hostels are not electrified, they depend solely on generator between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

They are also facing challenges of water scarcity as well as inadequate hostels. Hostel inadequacy has forced students to rent rooms that are closed to the school but at exorbitant charges. Investigations revealed that landlords charge between 80 and 120 thousand per single room.

Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano

16

WEDNESDAY, ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Presidency Dismisses FT’s Claim of Nigeria Being Near Failed State Davidson Iriekpen and Dike Onwuamaeze The presidency yesterday dismissed an editorial in Financial Times, an international daily newspaper based in Britain, which described Nigeria as a country that is gradually inching closer to becoming a failed state.

Reacting to the editorial following a THISDAY inquiry, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, said: "Who makes Financial Times a ruler and judge over us?"

In the editorial, The Financial Times said Nigeria is going backwards economically and plagued with terrorism, illiteracy, poverty, banditry, and kidnapping.

It advised that if things don’t take a drastic turn, the country risks becoming a failed state soon.

In the editorial yesterday titled, ‘Nigeria at Risk of Becoming a Failed State,’ the FT urged President

Muhammadu Buhari to draw the line in the sand and strengthening his grip on the country’s security in order to be able to stem the tide of insecurity in Nigeria.

The newspaper, which said the abduction and subsequent rescue of over 300 schoolboys in Kankara, Katsina State, revived memories of the 276 Chibok schoolgirls abducted in Borno State in 2014, warned that Nigeria would become a problem far too big for the world to ignore if nothing is done to redress the country’s economic, security and population challenges.

According to the newspaper, while the government’s claim that no ransom was paid to the abductors of the schoolboys remains doubtful, other acts of criminality could not be overlooked.

The editorial read in part, “The government insists no ransom was paid.

Scepticism is warranted. In a country going backwards economically, carjacking,

kidnapping and banditry are among Nigeria’s rare growth industries. Just as the boys were going home, Nigerian pirates abducted six Ukrainian sailors off the coast.

“The definition of a failed state is one where the government is no longer in control. By this yardstick, Africa’s most populous country is teetering on the brink.”

The newspaper also questioned the claim by Buhari that Boko Haram had been technically defeated.

It said contrary to the government’s claim, Boko Haram remained an everpresent threat.

The Financial Times stated: “President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 pronounced Boko Haram technically defeated’.

That has proved fanciful. Boko Haram has remained an ever-present threat. If the latest kidnapping turns out to be its work, it would mark the spread of the

terrorist group from its north-eastern base.

“Even if the mass abduction was carried out by ‘ordinary’ bandits — as now looks possible — it underlines the fact of chronic criminality and violence. Deadly clashes between herders and settled farmers have spread to most parts of Nigeria. In the oil-rich, but impoverished, Delta region, extortion through the sabotage of pipelines is legendary.”

The newspaper said security is not the only area where “the state is failing”.

The editorial also highlighted Nigeria’s standing as the country with the highest number of poor people in the world that live on less than $1.90 a day and the country’s fast growing population that is estimated to reach 400 million in 2050.

The newspaper stated that as oil continues to lose its value, Nigeria’s economy would worsen.

It said: “Extortion is a patent symbol for a state whose modus operandi is the extraction of oil revenue from central coffers to pay for bloated, ruinously inefficient political elite.

“The population, already above 200 million, is growing at a breakneck 3.2 per cent a year. The economy has stalled since 2015 and real living standards are declining.

This year, the economy will shrink 4 per cent after COVID-19 dealt a further blow to oil prices.

“In any case, as the world turns greener, the elite’s scramble for oil revenue will become a game of diminishing returns. The country desperately needs to put its finances, propped up by foreign borrowing, on a sounder footing.”

The newspaper said Buhari, who has less than three years left in office, must use the remainder of his term, to redouble efforts at improving security.

It advised the government to restore trust in key

institutions, among them the judiciary, the security services and the electoral commission, which will preside over the 2023 elections.

The Financial Times said the #EndSARS protests led by Nigerian youths, signaled a glimmer of hope for Nigeria’s teeming youth population.

The newspaper also called for an urgent need for Nigeria to restructure its political system and concentrate on security, health, education, power and roads.

The Financial Times also warned that Nigeria is in a desperate need to put its finances, which are propped up by foreign borrowings, on a sounder footing.

The newspaper, however, observed that the country has an opportunity to achieve a generational shift in its leadership by exploiting the broad coalition that found political expression this year in the #EndSARS movement against police brutality.

NEITI, NNPC Resolve 55% Outstanding Audit Issues Status of NLNG payments remains knotty Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A joint committee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), set up to reconcile areas of disagreement, have resolved 11 outstanding issues arising from past reports.

In a statement yesterday by the Director of Communications and Advocacy, NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, the organisation, however, noted that the issues surrounding revenues from Nigeria LNG remain unresolved.

The NEITI-NNPC joint committee on remediation and mainstreaming was inaugurated on November 21, 2019 by the heads of the two organisations and was charged with reconciling 20 legacy issues, producing a

status update, and making recommendations for deepening transparency within the NNPC. After reviewing documents and deliberating for about a year, the committee has presented its report to the senior management teams of both organisations, which reviewed the report and made some approvals.

The joint committee stressed that 11 issues or 55 per cent of all the matters have been deemed fully resolved; eight issues or 40 per cent partially resolved or ongoing while one, representing five per cent, is yet to be resolved.

"The unresolved issue is the status of NLNG’s payments, and it was recommended that NNPC should publish a statement on the status of the NLNG account. NNPC pledged to look into the recommendation and to

consult with the account owners," NEITI stated.

NNPC holds 49 per cent stake in NLNG on behalf of Nigeria for which it receives dividends and other payments, which the transparency initiative put at $16.8 billion over a 15-year period.

According to NEITI, the 11 issues deemed fully resolved are: the outstanding liabilities by the Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) and the under-reporting of revenues receivable by NNPC as disclosed in the 2014 NEITI report.

Others are: Noncompliance with the 30-day remittance rule by some crude oil and gas traders; payments of cash-call to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, after the company acquired federation joint venture assets in NAOC JV

and payment of cash-calls to NPDC after it acquired federation joint venture assets in Shell JV. They also include inconsistencies in records of cash-call payments; expending cash-call on non-cash-call items; issuance of revenue receipts as and when due; payment of consideration on NAOC joint venture assets divested to NPDC; outstanding PAYE liabilities; and outstanding payment from domestic crude allocations.

NEITI added that eight issues deemed partially resolved are: over-recovery

by NNPC under the Petroleum Support Fund Scheme (PSF); NPDC’s unremitted NDDC levy; accumulated unremitted gas flare penalties and unremitted balance for crude oil lifting from NPDC, Shoreline and Seplat JVs. “Others are: outstanding NPDC’s petroleum profit

tax liability; unremitted crude oil royalties for 2014, 2015 and 2016; balance of the value of the eight OMLs assigned by NNPC to NPDC from Shell JV between 2010 and 2011 and upfront deductions from domestic crude allocations,” NEITI stated.

It said payment plans had been developed between the national oil company and the beneficiaries and disbursements are being made according to the plans.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mr. Waziri Adio, in his comments, lauded the progress made by both organisations in ensuring more openness in the operations of the NNPC. “We acknowledge the significant strides towards openness by the current management of NNPC. While remediation is about looking back, mainstreaming is about

looking forward. Both are about being transparent and being accountable.

“And what we have seen on both fronts is concrete commitment. We urge you to keep this up and we want you to know we are always here to partner with you,” he said.

On his part, the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the national oil company is now ready and willing to open its books to Nigerians, who are the shareholders of the NNPC. “NNPC is committed to expanding the frontiers of transparency and accountability. We believe there should be full disclosure of our transactions, not just in alignment with the EITI, but also because Nigerians need to have full visibility of our operations. We are always eager to work with NEITI on this,” Kyari said.

Niger-Nigeria Border Too Large for Effective Policing, Says Buhari Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the Nigeria's border with Niger Republic, as too large for effective policing.

The president, while hosting former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who chairs ECOWAS Election Mission to Niger Republic, said only God

could effectively supervise the border between the two countries.

A statement by the president's media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president applauded the Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, for not attempting to tamper with his country's constitution to elongate his stay in power after serving for a maximum two terms.

Explaining why the border is difficult to police, the president stated that the border is large, spanning 1, 400 kilometres in size.

He also called for efforts to stabilise the Sahel region in Nigeria's interest.

“I come from Daura, few kilometers to Republic of Niger, so I should know a bit about that country. The president is quite decent, and we are regularly in

touch. He is sticking to the maximum term prescribed by the constitution of his country.

“Also, we share more than 1,400 kilometres of border with that country, which can only be effectively supervised

by God. I will speak with the president and offer his country our support. We need to do all we can to help stabilise the Sahel

region, which is also in our own interest,” Buhari said.

The statement added that Nigeria will support the Republic of Niger at its presidential and National Assembly elections later this month.

The statement also quoted Sambo as congratulating Buhari on the successful return of abducted schoolboys from the Government Science

Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State, as well as his 78th birthday, last week.

Sambo pledged that ECOWAS would ensure peaceful and fair elections in the Republic of Niger despite current political, legal and security issues.

He said meetings were being held with stakeholders to guarantee peaceful polls.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

17

18

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Why Lagos Won’t Relax Battle Against COVID-19 Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that Govenor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is disheartened by the overwhelming non-compliance with COVID-19 guidelines meant to keep Lagosians safe

Sanwo-Olu

T

he Incident Commander of the fight against Coronavirus and Governor, Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has issued a passionate appeal to residents of the state to have a change of attitude and turn away from the unfortunate public perception that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. This, he warned, is absolutely wrong and dangerous.

The Governor who is in isolation, having tested positive for the virus, reassured the people that he is getting better by the day, and that “all will surely be well,” while thanking Lagosians for their prayers and overwhelming kind thoughts.

He, however, expressed worry over credible reports that the entertainment industry is planning large gatherings, concerts, street parties and carnivals, in the spirit of the Yuletide. Information reaching the Lagos State government also indicate that night clubs have also re-opened in reckless disregard of the existing guidelines, and events centres are operating with huge gatherings without any regard for public health and safety guidelines.

This same disregard for Coronavirus guidelines, Sanwo-Olu said was also being observed with places of worship across the state, in both their regular gatherings and the special gatherings organized to commemorate this season.

The Governor said the overwhelming non-compliance with guidelines meant to keep us all safe is very disheartening, especially when we consider that the message at the heart of Christmas is one of sacrifice and sacrificial conduct; embodied by the Holy Bible in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He reminded Lagosians of the significant message of Christmas, which implies a commemoration of this supreme act of sacrifice by God. According to him, “The least we can do in this Season is to emulate that spirit of sacrifice, by abiding with difficult but necessary protective guidelines, for the greater good of all of us. This is certainly not the time to lower our guard against the Coronavirus; it is instead time to step up our battle against this stubborn virus that has gripped the world for several months now.”

Revealing figures to collaborate his argument that the fight against Coronavirus was far from over, Sanwo-Olu disclosed, “We are ramping up testing,

Ihekweazu

we have now recently surpassed the 3,000 tests per day mark, and we will keep raising this number. So far, we have performed 197,000 tests in Lagos State of which 26,000 have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19. Sadly, we have lost 226 persons (May their souls rest in peace). It is important to note that Lagos already tests far more than any other State, accounting for 25 percent of the total numbers tested nationwide.”

“It should be reiterated that testing in the designated public facilities remains free; the Lagos State Government does not charge for COVID-19 tests in its testing centres. The only test centres where there is a charge are the private ones, and these are for intending travellers and also those who seek to know their status for some reason or the other.

“All persons who are showing symptoms and fit the case definition for the Coronavirus disease will continue to be tested free of charge in the government testing facilities. Collection of samples for testing remains freely available in our sample collection centres spread across all the Local Government Areas in the State.

“The majority of patients are electing to isolate at home, but our public isolation centres – of which the IDH in Yaba is the flagship – continue to remain open to patients. We are working hard to ensure that all the supplies and consumables required are constantly made available, and we encourage all persons who have tested positive and

are showing symptoms to seek care in our isolation centres.”

To show the level of seriousness that the state government attaches to the battle against COVID-19, Sanwo-Olu warned, “Do not seek treatment for the disease in private hospitals that have not been accredited for such treatment.

He made it clear that all private testing facilities that are complicit in the allegations of colluding with individuals to issue fake COVID-19 test results will be treated as criminals and that the government will not hesitate to prosecute anybody found culpable, in addition to shutting down the offending laboratories.

The Governor made a honest assessment of the situation and concluded that Lagos State is recording an increase in COVID-19 cases in all local governments, while admitting that it is not peculiar to Lagos alone. “The entire country,” he said, “is also seeing an uptick in the numbers of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus disease.”

“Of every 100 tests that we now perform, an average of 10 turn out to be positive. This is an increase from the five per hundred recorded in September, but lower than our peak in August which was between 20 and 30 per hundred. This suggests the existence of active community transmission, and represents the very likely possibility of the emergence of a second wave in Lagos State.

“This second wave calls for a full re-

Revealing figures to collaborate his argument that the fight against Coronavirus was far from over, Sanwo-Olu disclosed, “We are ramping up testing, we have now recently surpassed the 3,000 tests per day mark, and we will keep raising this number. So far, we have performed 197,000 tests in Lagos State of which 26,000 have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19.

Sadly, we have lost 226 persons (May their souls rest in peace). It is important to note that Lagos already tests far more than any other State, accounting for 25 percent of the total numbers tested nationwide

awakening of caution and precaution.

The complacency that crept in over the last few months as a result of our early interventions when cases started to decline from our peak in August, must now give way to an abundance of vigilance.”

Perhaps, many Lagosians will be happy to hear that the Governor is reluctant to order another lockdown of the economy of the state “amidst an economic recession we must find a way to delicately balance the imperatives of life and livelihood. With this in mind, the only solution available to us is to take responsibility for all our actions, and to understand that we must stay safe not only for ourselves but for the sake of the entire society.”

According to Sanwo-Olu, the state government has made an effort to provide information and base its actions of verifiable evidence. He said, “The data we have – we strive to ensure that our decisions are as data-driven as possible – does not warrant the introduction of a drastic lockdown; we can achieve a lot simply by modifying our behaviour in other ways: reducing the size of gatherings, complying with containment protocols, and applying common sense.

“The Lagos State Government is now sounding a clear note of caution to all residents on the importance of maintaining the guidelines that we have put in place to protect us from the ravages of COVID-19. We cannot afford a reversal of the gains we have made against this pandemic.”

CORRIGENDUM Our article, ‘Medals of Dishonour…’ on Monday, December 21, which was a research on topical subjects and personalities in politics in the outgoing year has attracted a Letter of Protest from the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), over what he described as an offensive statement credited to him. The statement insinuating that a camera, which he discovered at the Lekki Toll Gate must have been planted by “some subversive elements,” was widely reported in the media last October 25th and 26th, and it was from there it was extracted.

Despite, the publication of the statement credited to Mr. Fashola, we want to assure him that the publication was not meant to disparage or ridicule the minister, whom THISDAY holds in high esteem.

19

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020

POLITICS

Ex-Militant Leaders Resolve to End Sea Piracy, Kidnapping in Niger Delta

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Nseobong Okon-Ekong highlights the change of approach by the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), which is producing promising results for peace in the Niger Delta region

From Left: Rep. Akinremi Olaide, Rep. Zainab Gimba, Rep. Blessing Onuh, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila at Otukpo, Benue State as Rep. Blessing Onuh formally decamped from the All Progressives Grand Alliance to All Progressives Congress

Dikio

S

ince June 26, 2009 when the government of President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua announced the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to move the Niger Delta Region forward, nothing has inspired millions of Niger Deltans with hope for brighter prospects as the challenge by ex-militants’ leaders to each other to end sea piracy and kidnapping in the region in a bid to foster the development of the Niger Delta communities. They also pledged to work with the Amnesty Programme to see to the achievement of its objectives The Presidential Amnesty Programme is one of the most sensitive initiatives to bring peace in the troubled Niger Delta region through disarmament, empowerment and reintegration of the youths The challenge by ex-militants was part of the resolutions from a peace building meeting with the leadership of the ex-agitators, now referred to as delegates drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta, which culminated in an interactive session with the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) in Agadagba -Obon,Ondo State on December 18, 2020.

One of the prominent ex-agitator leaders in Ondo State, High Chief Bibopiri Ajube, also known as General Shoot-at-Sight who made this call in the meeting urged his colleagues to work with the Presidential Amnesty Programme to foster security and development in the Niger Delta. They all assured the PAP Administrator of their solidarity.

“We’re ready to work with you sir.

My brothers here are telling you that there will be no road blocking henceforth. This leadership is with you, anytime you need us, call Boyloaf, call us. We will call each other and work with you.”

Chief Ajube, while appealing for a restructuring of the Amnesty office, admonished his colleagues to go back and end sea piracy and kidnapping in their various territories, stressing that no government will send contractors to develop the youth and community where there are high levels

of insecurity. He also vowed to work with the security agencies to curb sea piracy and kidnapping.

“Why are our people still involved in sea piracy and kidnapping? We are missing something. If you are supporting this evil, which government will come and develop your land?

Our agreement henceforth from this meeting; no more sea piracy, no more kidnapping.”

Spokesperson for the delegates, former IYC President, Dr Chris Ekiyor, while thanking the Interim Administrator for taking the initiative to meet the leaders, urged him to collaborate with other Niger Delta related agencies and institutions set up by the Federal Government so that the Programme will not be overburdened with issues that these agencies should oversee, such as infrastructure and gainful employment of youth in the region.

He also promised that the delegates will work hand in glove with the Interim Administrator and pledged their absolute support for him even as they anticipate reforms in the Amnesty Programme that will bring the needed momentum towards development.

Col. Dikio thanked the delegates for their commitment to continue to work with the Programme and assured them that their genuine demands would be looked into.

He also reiterated his vision to refocus the Presidential Amnesty Programme to its original mandate of development, security and peace of the Niger Delta region while working with the various governments in the region to make the Niger Delta the most secure place to live and do business in Nigeria.

According to Colonel Dikio, the Programme will work to transform the ex-agitators into entrepreneurs and employable citizens who will become net contributors to the economy of the region through effective collaborations.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme was designed for 30,000 ex-agitators and the Niger Delta impacted communities. The current management of the Programme seeks to ensure that its mandate is followed and effectively executed.

From left- Hon. Justice Aderemi Adesina Ayoade, Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Osun State Chief Judge Hon .Justice Adebola Adepele Ojo and Chairman, Osun All Progressive Congress, Prince Gboyega Famoodun, during the swearing in ceremony of two newly appointed Judges of Osun State Customary Court of Appeals, at the State Secretariat,Abere, Osogbo

Governor Udom Emmanuel (wearing red gloves) trying his hands on the production line at the newly commissioned Bamboo-to-Tissue factory at the Itam Dakkada Industrial Layout

Former Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero; AIG Zone 17, David Folawiyo; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Tunde Mobayo, during a courtesy call by the former IG to the Governor, ahead of the stakeholder’ forum on Community Policing in Ado-Ekiti

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

20

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Implementation of Child Protection Law to End Abuse The Kaduna State government appears poised to end child abuse in the state. Following the rejection of the Child’s Right Act 2003, the state came up with its version by enacting the Kaduna State Child’s Welfare and Protection in 2018. John Shiklam writes on the recent collaboration with UNICEF to train stakeholders on the implementation of the law

Commissioner for Human Services and Social Welfare, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba (second left), with participants at the training

Lead facilitator of the training, Dr. Willy Mamah making a presentation

I

n a move to curb the increasing cases of child abuse, the Kaduna State government in collaboration with the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has taken steps to implement the Child’s Welfare and Protection Law which was passed by the State House of Assembly in 2018.

This law is the state’s version of the Child Right Act (CRA), which was passed by the National Assembly in 2003. Despite constitutional provision requiring that all federating states must pass the Child Rights Act in their states, 10 states, mainly from the North, are yet to as a result of perceived non compliance with religious and cultural norms.

In Kaduna, it took 15 years of serious debates and resolution of the grey areas in the Child Right Act, before the law was remodeled and passed as “Child Welfare and Protection Law”.

In order to ensure its implementation, UNICEF, in collaboration with Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development has trained members of the state and local government implementation committees on the underlying principles of law and how to effectively carry out their functions as set out in Section 199 and 203 of the law, all in a bid to stem the tide of rising cases of child abuse and neglect.

In September 2020, Governor Nasir el-Rufai, signed the State Penal Code (Amendment) Law 2020, prescribing stringent penalties for child rape as part of measures to tackle cases of rampant sexual abuse against children in the state. The controversial penal code amendment law prescribed castration/ removal of the fallopian tubes in the case of female, as well as death for anyone that rapes a child under 14 years or castration/removal of fallopian tube and life jail for anyone that rapes a person over 14years of age.

Training The state and local government Implementation Committees would hopefully serve as instutional vehicle for addressing root causes of rape and other forms of violence against children.

Training them would be critical to success.

To this end, the six-day training was divided in three batches and had in attendance key stakeholders in child welfare and protection - ministries, police, Correctional Centre; market

R-L: Justice Darius Khobo, Dr. Willy Mamah and Khaki Mohammed Danjuma

Dr. Zakari Adam, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF

women, civil society organisations /media, community leaders, among others.

Two judges - Justice Darius Khobo of the State High Court and Khadi Mohammed Aminu Danjuma of the Sharia Appeal court, were among the top judicial officers in attendance at the training which held between November 25 and December 1, 2020 in Kaduna.

The training was aimed at ensuring that stakeholders in the implementation of Kaduna State Child Protection Law were adequately equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge required to carry out their legally assigned roles to effectively implement the law.

work with all stakeholders to preserve children’s right to life, survival and development.

“We believe that every child, irrespective of age, nationality, creed must be entitled to certain defined rights and dignity. Therefore, we are working with governments across the world to ensure that children are adequately protected.

As you know, children are the backbone of any community. Without children, sustainable survival of humanity cannot be achieved”.

He said in Kaduna State, UNICEF maintains an excellent working relationship with the governor who, “has shown remarkably strong political will in protecting children”.

Mamah further added that UNICEF would continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development and other critical stakeholders in the judiciary, ministries of justice, budget, health, local government, NGOs to name but a few.

He stated that although Kaduna State, was like a shinning star in the North with the passage of Child Welfare Protection Law in 2018, implementation could be improved upon by creation of essential structures, like family court, specialised children’s police units, children correctional centres and other approved institutions, relevant for implementation.

“Our work is to ensure that we collaborate with all the key stakeholders- the

Child Protection Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, stated that the welfare and the protection of children is one of the priorities of the Kaduna State government. She said the training was “timely”, stressing that “Child protection, that is, prevention and response to violence and abuse, is one the key areas that we are concentrating on as a ministry”.

She also commended Governor Nasir El-Rufai, for ensuring that the law saw the light of the day after so many years, adding that the implementation of the law was very important.

The commissioner expressed gratitude

to UNICEF for all the support it has been giving to the state government, most especially, training and capacity building programmes as well as data management, leading to the setting up of the pilot Child Protection Information Management System in the state.

“We are looking at how to protect our women, children, people with disabilities and also our youths. I will appeal to all of us to do our work diligently and to be committed. We have developed some documents, starting with setting procedures and so on.

“We have Sexual Abuse Referral Centres (SARC), we have a working relationship with other sister ministries like; ministries of health, justice, education and the judiciary. I want to appeal to all of us to please continue to work hard for the protection of children in Kaduna State”, the commissioner said.

The commissioner disclosed that Family Courts, which are part of the requirement for implementing the law, would soon be established, saying that her ministry, UNICEF and the Chief Judge of Kaduna State had met over the issue.

Mandate to Protect Children Also in his remarks, Dr. Willy Mamah, UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist and the lead facilitator of the training, said UNICEF, as an international organisation has a mandate for children - “to protect their best interest at all times and to

21

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

FEATURES

Participants at the event

judiciary, key ministries, the security agencies, Civil Society Organisations and the media to build and strengthen the child protection system to deliver result for children.

“In UNICEF, we have identified five important systems that must work together and work well to represent children. The systems, are legal and policy framework, social welfare system, the justice sector, social norms change and information gathering which are very key in protecting children against abuses.

“So we are here to continue to work with you to fill the structural gaps. That is why we are supporting the setting up of these committees”, Mamah said.

He maintained that the committees are important to the implementation of the law in Kaduna state as they have been mandated to popularise the law, “to take the law to the hinterlands and make it work”.

“I assure you, that we will continue to work with you, as a realiable partner to preserve the lives and interest of children in Kaduna State”, he added.

Initial Hurdles Giving an insight to the law, Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, narrated the hurdles that led to the long delay in passing the law in Kaduna, saying that nobody thought the law would ever see the light of the day.

According to the judge, who headed the Justice Sector Reform Group in the state, the law was initiated many years ago, but it was kept aside by the State House of Assembly because of religious, cultural norms and other intrigues.

The judge recalled that in 2011, USAID and the British Council came to Nigeria to see how they could contribute to reduce the issues of corruption in the country and they created an aspect of the justice sector, called ‘Justice for All’.

According to him, they insisted on the need for every state judiciary to have a justice sector, and “by the grace of God the then Chief Judge of Kaduna state, Hon. Justice R. O. Kudjo, now retired constituted the Kaduna State Justice Sector Reform Group, headed by me”.

He said other members of the Justice Reform Group cut across the academia, the ministry of finance budget and planning, ministry of justice, police, prison, NGOs and Human rights, to mention but a few.

Justice Khobo explained that the objective was to bring all the stakeholders in the justice sector together as a group, adding that, in the course of time, the issue of domesticating the Child’s Rights Act (CRA) in Kaduna “came to the front burner and we now picked it from there and we asked why was the law dumped by the state House of Assembly.

“We picked it up, dusted it and we saw all the reasons that stopped the passage of the CRA. All the arguments that were advanced were taken together. We constituted a subcommittee to confront

Participants from different local governments

According to him, Work Plan, is a tool for engaging multiple sources of support -both local and international, to achieve the State and Local Committees’ overriding objective of ending all forms of violence against children in their respective LGAs.

Justice Darius Khobo, who headed the state Justice Reform Sector, giving an insight to how the Kaduna Child’s Welfare and Protection Law came to be

these issues. The team identified key stakeholders as it relates to that law, particularly, those that raised concerns that led to the dumping of this law.

“We invited all the groups - Ja'amatu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). We went through the law together with them and questions were raised. We asked them if this law is changed and the wordings are changed, will it be accepted, CAN and JNI said yes.

“In Kaduna, we have four tiers of oath, we have to take care of that. There were so many other innovations, the group trashed out all the grey areas that led to this law not seeing the light of the day.”

Re-drafted Law Having resolved them all, he said thea law was now re-drafted and by 2015, the administration of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai came. “We paid a courtesy to him. The law had to be re-drafted, capturing all the innovations, the grey areas, resolve of the subcommittee and the position presented by the justice sector of Kaduna State and it went back to the governor and it was presented to the State Assembly as an executive bill.

Thank God, with all the fears properly addressed, the state House of Assembly did not find difficulties in passing it into law in 2018”, the judge explained.

He commended the UNICEF team in Kaduna for playing “a very great role in seeing to the passage of the child welfare bill into law.”

Speaking further Khobo said “UNICEF came and we partnered and the law is here today. I need to give credit to the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for taking this law after all the groundwork was done by the reform team and presenting it as executive bill. We had to change the name from ‘Child Rights Law’ to ‘Child Welfare and Protection Law’, as a negotiation strategy/ game of honour”.

He said the law is the in-depth work of the justice reform team, with all

stakeholders partnering the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Key Areas in Child Rights Welfare and Protection Law In his presentation, Dr. Mamah, the lead facilitator, assisted by Mr. Gilbert Tor of the National Judicial Institute(NJI), led participants step by step through the key areas of Child Rights Welfare and Protection Law namely, Legal Framework, highlighting how the CRL interact with other relevant laws, like the Constitution and Criminal Law, Overriding Principles of the Child’s Rights Law, Child Protection and Systems Approach and Child Justice in both Criminal and Civil Matters.

Emphasising the role of collaboration to success in implementing the law, participants were also exposed to the roles of key institutions, like the Specialised Children’s Police Unit, Family Court at four levels- High Court, Magistrate Court, Customary Court and Shariah Court.

The training also covered Diversion, Correctional, Rehabilitation Centres and other approved institutions, Social Welfare Officers and Assessors, State and Local Government Child Welfare and Protection Implementation Committees, Child Protection Networks and the role of the Sexual Assault Centres.

Mamah and Tor, in a simple and engaging way drew copious examples from the reality of day-to-day living, equipped participants with all the 21 Parts and 11 Schedules of the Child Welfare and Protection Law in the context of Child Protection polices and practice in Kaduna State.

The climax of the training was a very robust opportunity for the Implementation committees to draw from lessons learnt and develop a workable/fundable work plan for their respective local governments.

The work planning, according to Mamah, who facilitated the process, is a critical strategy for success in ending violence against children.

Hope for Harmonised Approach Speaking in an interview with THISDAY in his office in Kaduna after the training, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer, Dr. Zakari Adam expressed hope for a harmonised approach to child protection in Kaduna State.

“Our expectations after this training is to see 100 per cent of protection of children in the communities”, the UNICEF Chief said.

He added that those who will ensure this protection are those trained, stressing that they are the “tools of tools” who will be in the fore front in child protection. After this training, we are expecting to have a harmonised approach to deal with issues affecting child protection.

“We are all aware of those Almajiri children who are on the streets in the cities. They are children with parents roaming the streets. They are left on their own, sometimes in the hands of Mallams who sometimes exploit them”, he said. The UNICEF Chief who lamented that parents are not playing their role in bringing up their children, said there is need to have people who will monitor the protection of children.

“We need to have people who can follow up on the protection of children.

Our expectation after this training is to see 100 per cent of protection of children in the communities. Those who will ensure this protection are those we are training. That is why I call them tools of tools. The measures put in place are all tools; we need people who are enlightened and well trained, who will ensure the protection of children in their communities.

“After this training and mobilisation, we don’t want to see children on the streets. We want them back to school.

We want violence against children to end. We want all harmful traditional practices against children, like early child marriage, female genital mutilation and all these damaging practices on children to end”, the UNICEF Chief said.

Speaking further, he stated that “UNICEF’s cooperation with the Kaduna state government is holistic one, stressing that any issue concerning children (child protection, education, health, nutrition, safety and well-being) is a concern to UNICEF.” He assured that UNICEF is going to be part of measures to ensure that structures are responsive and accountable with regard to holistically protecting all children.

“We will continue to work with government and other stakeholders to ensure that no child is left behind and that they all grow in an environment of safety and well being conducive to the full realisation of their potentials.”

22

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

23

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T

REPO 4.50 4.50

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

4 4 ͱ

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

692.2% ̋ͮ˛ͱͱϱ - 8.02%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

1 8 ,

2 0 2 0

10.45% Ͳͱ˛Ͷʹϱ

EXCHANGE RATE ͱ͵ͷ˹ͯ ̩ ̩

Quick Takes AfDB Seeks Greater Water Security

60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

L-R:GCOO/GMDDesignate,FlourMillsNigeriaPlc(FMN),BoyeOlusanya;GMD,PaulGbededo,formerboardmember,AtedoPeterside,andboardmember, AlhajiY.OlalekanSaliu,attheunveilingceremonyofabooktocommemorateFMN’s60thanniversaryandFMN’SGMD’sretirementheldinLagos…recently

Rewane Forecasts 16% Inflation Rate for 2021 Dike Onwuamaeze The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has predicted that double-digit inflation in the country will remain and average at 16 per cent in 2021.

He also predicted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will focus its monetary policy objectives on the attainment of price stability in 2021.

However, he warned that the pursuit of multiple objectives could undermine the effectiveness of the CBN’s monetary policy in 2021.

He stated this in a report titled, “Breakfast at Dinner Time: 2020- A Year to Remember or Forget,” which also forecasted that the country would record positive economic growth in the third quarter of 2021.

Rewane noted that a change in the interest rate policy would be likely in the in-coming year and, “will increase debt servicing

ECONOMY costs.”

“Nigeria is already in a liquidity trap. The CBN will have no choice but to raise interest rates as it prioritse price stability over economic recovery. The timing of an interest rate increase will be a function of money supply growth, federal government’s overdraft, galloping inflation and exchange rate pressures,” he said.

The FDC boss also predicted that Nigeria’s oil production would increase by 500,000bpd as OPEC agreed to ease output cuts from January 2021, to reach an average oil production of 1.65 (mbpd) from1.61 mbpd in 2020.

He said that the federal government, which is already confronted with wider fiscal deficit of N5.19 trillion in 2020, amid lower revenues, would attempt to spend its way out of the recession by significantly boosting domestic revenue mobilisation by broadening the excise base,

increase the price of petrol and the raise the VAT rate gradually to the ECOWAS average of 15 per cent by 2025.

Rewane further predicted that the passage of the New Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in 2021, would make a return to fixing petrol price less likely and encourage upstream oil investment by bringing clarity to fiscal terms.

He said: “The year 2021 will start off difficult and challenged.

The economic recovery will continue but positive growth will be in Q3. “(Therefore) tough policy decisions will be made in Q1. This will include further liberalisation of foreign exchange market and flexible exchange rates.”

The economist also forecasted that double-digit price inflation would remain and average at 16 per cent as inflationary pressures continued to persist in 2021.

“Inflation will remain high in 2021 as currency adjustment, price deregulation and forex restrictions for staple imports feed into consumer prices to average at

16 per cent in 2021 from 12.98 in 2020,” he said.

Rewane also stated that Leading Economic Indicators (LEIs) are pointing toward a gradual recovery in 2021 though positive GPD’s growth would be, “unlikely until Q3’21.”

“Negative growth will linger through Q1 and Q2 2021. But rate of contraction will be slow. Positive growth to be expected from Q3 2021 and will be driven by land border reopening, AfCFTA and pick-up in economic activities.

FY’21 growth is estimated at 1.1 per cent,” he said.

Moreover, growth in non-oil sectors was expected to improve from Q1 2021 and tipped the construction, the ICT and the financial sectors as major growth drivers in 2021.

In addition, the economy would witness hike in electricity tariff while increase in petrol price would be driven by deregulation, capacity constraint of local producers and increase in crude Continued on page 24

Global Trade Volume Rallies in Q3 after COVID-19 Shock Obinna Chima Global merchandise trade volumes bounced back in the third quarter (Q3) of 2020 from a deep second quarter slump brought on by the COVID-19 crisis according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) statistics.

The third quarter rally helped limit the contraction in world trade since the start of the year.

According to the WTO, in the third quarter, the volume of merchandise trade rose 11.6 per cent, compared with the

ECONOMY previous quarter after falling 12.7 per cent in the second quarter (revised up from an initially estimated decline of 14.3%).

It noted that despite the rebound, the volume of trade between July and September was still 5.6 per cent lower than in the same period last year.

The third quarter statistics for trade volumes follows on from the data for trade values, which showed a partial recovery according to a previous release.

Furthermore, it showed that more industrialised regions saw stronger recoveries in their merchandise exports, whereas the pace of expansion was more muted in regions that export natural resources disproportionately.

“Double-digit export growth compared with the previous quarter was recorded in North America (20.1%), Europe (19.3%) and Asia (10.1%, from a higher base due to a smaller decline in the second quarter), while weaker growth was seen in South and Central America

(3.1%) and “Other regions” (3.3%).

“However, in year-on-year terms, exports in the third quarter were still down in North America (-9.0%), Europe (-5.4%), South and Central America (-3.4%) and Other regions (-11.4%).

“The only exception was Asia (+0.4%), where regional exports slightly surpassed their level in the same period a year ago.

“Merchandise import volumes grew fastest in North America Continued on page 24

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional organisation of Horn of Africa countries, recently held a webinar to discuss the pressures affecting water security in the Greater Horn of Africa and how the Bank can support regional member countries to better respond to growing water stress.

The virtual discussion was hosted by the Bank’sWater Development and Sanitation Department and the African Water Facility.

Theeventwasunderpinnedbyseveralstudiesindicatingthatpressures on water supplies will continue to mount in the coming decades as a result of demographic change, urbanisation, environmental degradation, stoking demand for food, energy and land.

The Greater Horn of Africa countries include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and South Sudan.

Openingthewebinar,theBank’sActingVicePresidentforAgriculture, Human and Social Development, Wambui Gichuri, said water is the source of life, livelihoods and prosperity. She noted that water is indispensable to agriculture, industry, energy, transport and healthy ecosystems, yet can also cause destruction.

“Water can also be a cause of devastation and poverty through droughts,floods,landslides,aswellasthrougherosion,desertification, pollution and disease.

“Achievingwatersecurity,throughharnessingtheproductivepotential of water and limiting its destructive impact, is a priority for the Bank as articulated through its New Policy on Water and other policies and strategies,” Gichuri said.

Renda Launches Online Logistics Platform

Renda Limited, one of Africa’s largest logistics companies has launched a platform that enables tracking, monitoring and inventory management of goods distribution, last-mile haulage and door-step delivery services to businesses and individuals.

Speaking at a media chat in Lagos, the Founder, Renda Limited, Ope Onaboye, said the firm as a marketplace brings thousands of logistics providers on one platform through proper documentation as required by law.

“We want businesses to be able to focus fully on the core of their business.They shouldn’t have to worry about logistics. As a business owner, I know how important logistics is to all businesses.

“Having to worry about how to buy what the business needs, how to move them, where to store them, how to distribute goods to where it is needed or even getting orders to customers in good time can be very stressful and distracting, especially for SMEs. “Renda in achieving and part of its commitment to effective delivery is partnering excellence-driven logistics service providers and has on boarded hundreds of efficient logistics partners to provide reliable procurement, warehousing, and transport (goods distribution, last-mile haulage and door-step delivery) services to businesses and individuals.

“At Renda, we are building Africa’s largest logistics platform that connects individuals and businesses to fast, simple and reliable logistics solutions. We are a model for logistics services. This includes procurement, warehousing, delivery services, haulage and distribution.”

Fintrak Software Wins Award

FinTrak Software, a FinTech organisation based in Lagos said it was recently recognised as ‘The Fintech Company of The Year 2020’ at the Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA).

The event brought together captains of industries from various sectors of the economy.

It stated that the award was in recognition of Fintrak’s strides in the financial ecosystem, deploying indigenous information technology (IT) solutions to banks and insurance firms in the country.

Fintrak stated that it has significantly contributed and improved the way financial players do business by deploying enterprise software complaint with world-class standards especially the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Core systems offered by FinTrak Software include Core Banking System, Channels and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

“Africa simply cannot accelerate its development by relying solely on debt, especially expensive bilateral debt. Africa must grow by mobilising domestic resources, especially by unlocking it’s over $1 trillion President, AfDB

Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina

24

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

BUSINESSWORLD REWANE FORECASTS 16% INFLATION RATE FOR 2021 oil prices in the international market.

He predicted that the value of the naira to the dollar will hover between N450/$ and N470/$ in the parallel market, anticipating that the I & E w i n d o w ’ s r a t e s w o u l d t r a d e b etween N440/$ -and N450/$.

He also predicted that another currency adjustment would be likely in 2021, even though he expects exchange rate pressure to subside temporarily in Q1 2021 due to the World Bank loan disbursement and possible increase in diaspora remittances. But pressures are expected to resurface on increased capital outflows, heightened foreign exchange demand and dollar scarcity.

The FDCL also forecasted that the value of transactions across the e-payment channels would keep increasing and could reach N30trillion by 2021 as more consumers and corporates embrace these channels instead of cash.

GLOBAL TRADE VOLUME RALLIES IN Q3 AFTER COVID-19 SHOCK

(16.6% compared with the previous quarter) and Europe (15.0%) in the third quarter after having fallen sharply in the second quarter.

“In contrast to its stronger performance on the export side, Asia’s merchandise imports registered a modest 2.1 per cent rise in the third quarter, suggesting a widening of trade surpluses in the region.

“South and Central America recorded an additional 0.7 per cent decline in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter while imports of Other regions collectively increased by 3.2 per cent.

“Merchandise import volumes were down in the third quarter compared with the same period in the previous year in all regions, including North America (-4.7%), South and Central America (-19.4%), Europe (-6.4%), Asia (-4.7%) and Other regions (-14.7%),” it added.

NEWS

Despite COVID-19, Others, Sugar Master Plan Intact, Says NSDC Boss James Emejo in Abuja The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Dr. Latif Busari, has assured that the federal government’s strategy to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) was still on track.

His assurance came against the backdrop of wanton destruction of some of the sugar plants following recent floodings in Niger State and across the country.

Also, there had been concerns that the nationwide lockdown by the government to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic may have remarkably slowed progress in attainment of the target for sugar.

However, Busari, while addressing journalists in Abuja to provide updates on the project, said though some of the sugar plants have had to be shut down as a result of the pandemic - partially limiting progress - the Council had been able to manage the situation to ensure the entire process was not stalled, insisting that, “The NSMP goal is still on course.”

He, however, lamented that instances of ports congestion and lack of funds may limit the overall progress towards achieving the target for sugar production in the country.

According to him: “The BUA project in Lafiaji, had their consignment imported and was hooked up - even the one for Savannah - was hooked up

for almost eight months at the Apapa port, no way out.

“It was only around February and March this year that they were able to bring in some consignment. So it is the ones they are able to bring to site that they started installation with.

“So if the port administration is not really effective in the management of the port to ensure the release of these consignments and movement to the site, this could also cause limitations and slow down progress.”

Represented at the briefing by

the council’s Director, Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Hezekiah Kolawole, the NSDC boss, also called for more private sector participation in the sugar project in order to not only feed the country but also export to other African countries.

He told THISDAY: “The opportunity is there for everyone to take advantage of the masterplan.

In fact, we want more people to come because it is not just that we are aiming at producing enough to satisfy Nigeria’s requirements but also to take advantage of the

neighbouring African market.

“Why can’t Nigeria be supplying sugar to the whole of Africa?

We can, the land, water resources are there and human resources is cheap. So why can’t we do it? We can do it.

“We only need to be focused and committed and the sugar council is trying in this regard and investors in the sector are making the most efforts and before long we believe we will get to the promised land.”

Earlier in September, the council had raised the alarm that

the N60 billion sugar investment project in Sunti Golden Sugar Estate (SGSE), owned by Flour Mills, was reportedly threatened by floods occasioned by the sudden release of water from the Kainji Hydro Power Dam in Niger State.

The floods which reportedly swept through the sugar estate, destroyed flood protection dykes, factory equipment and submerged cane fields, pulling down office and residential buildings and halted activities at the estate.

UNVEILING THE CHAMPION

L-R: Chief Executive Officer/ Founder, CPMS Africa, Mr. Chris Parkes; Executive Producer, Next Titan Nigeria, Mr. Mide Kunle- Akinlaja; CoFounder, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole; Winner, Next Titan 7, Mr. Joshua Idiong; CEO, EFG Hermes Nigeria Ltd, Lillian Olubi, and Former Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Kyari Bukar, at the grand finale of Next Titan 7 edition held in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

Titan Trust Bank Launches Drive-through Banking Service Ugo Aliogo Titan Trust Bank has launched its drive-through banking service.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer, Titan Trust Bank, Mr. Mudassir Amray, said digital is at the heart of the bank’s foundation.

He also stated that as a financial institution of the future, they believe in the transformative power of technology, and its capacity to empower Nigerians to do great things.

Amray, who is also the Managing Director of the bank, said their digital banking services are focused on delivering world class

banking to every individual.

He remarked that they are operational everywhere; combining the best of local expertise, global innovation, and change-making technical know-how.

The statement further explained that the bank’s commitment was shown at launch with the integration and deployment of the latest version of Oracle’s FCCM Module, powering the Bank’s AML/CFT infrastructure, used in over 120+ sites by top global banks.

The statement pointed out that the bank also invested in top notch infrastructure for AML/ KYC, as well as the Oracle Financial Services Analytical

Application (OFSAA) to ensure rigorous analysis and measurement of its risk-performance objectives.

According to the statement: “The bank also launched its state-of-the-art mobile banking application- the TITAN mobile App, that includes new features such as the generation of referral codes whilst opening accounts, transaction status information, receipt generation for previous transactions, as well as being able to carry out traditional mobile banking services.

“Titan Trust Bank’s digital bonafides also includes its USSD mobile banking short code, the TITAN CODE (TC),

*922#. Launched in December 2019, the TITAN CODE (TC), *922# USSD mobile banking short code is a convenient, incredibly user-friendly mobile banking service that provides the banks’ customers the ability to carry out banking transactions, including the ability to open Titan Trust Bank accounts, buy airtime and data, make bill payments, perform BVN enquiries, as well as request and generate transaction statements. “Titan Trust Bank customers are also able to request, activate and manage their banking cards using the TITAN CODE (TC). \“In 2020, as part of efforts to also mitigate the spread of

COVID-19, whilst ensuring the provision of banking services to its customers, through its innovative alternative banking channels, the bank launched its first drive-through Banking service in the bustling city of Port-Harcourt. This service allows customers to carry out transactions from the comfort of their vehicles, whilst fully observing social distancing guidelines.

“The TITAN Banking cards which were launched in partnership with Verve, also enables customers to make payments to Netflix, Facebook, DSTV, as well as discounts at Medplus for loyalty card users.”

NAEC Lists Benefits of Cooperation with Global Atomic Agency Body Group Business Editor

ÌÓØØË ÒÓ×Ë Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

××Ë ÕÙØÔÓ Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) ÌÏÜÏ áÙÔÓ (Insurance) ÒÓØÏ×Ï ÕËÐÙÜ (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ (Money Market) ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has said its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has been largely beneficial to the country in the areas of healthcare, water purification, improving quality of products, among others.

Speaking during one-day media parley on the implementation of Nigeria’s national nuclear energy programme and the benefit of Nigeria’s technical cooperation, the Acting Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, of NAEC, Mr. Mukhtar Ali, noted that the international organisa-

tion has trained some Nigerian scientists as well as provided several hi-tech equipment for the country.

He reiterated the need for awareness on the activities of the commission, which he noted, has in collaboration with the IAEA carried out hundreds of projects since NAEC was created in 1976 and reactivated in 2006.

The organisation stated that nuclear power could be deployed in several areas of life and could be beneficial in long-term energy stability, use as green energy, reduction of pollution, fuel independence, and improvement of the people’s general living standard.

NAEC listed other areas of use as power generation, mining and exploration, pest control, soil fertility mapping, medical diagnosis, therapy, radiotherapy, isotope hydrology, water desalination as well as well logging and oil exploration.

Earlier, he noted that the meeting was part of the commission’s continuous effort to bridge the communication gap between the nuclear sector and the public, noting that the interactive session was to create public awareness on the activities of NAEC. He stressed that a country like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has continued to take advantage of its nuclear capability in terms

of the satisfaction of the energy needs of the country.

“I should inform you that recently, United Arab Emirate proactively commissioned her first nuclear power plant which is already contributing to the national energy mix of the UAE. The construction of additional nuclear power plant are already underway in the UAE. “You may recall that the UAE started her nuclear programme long after Nigeria had started but the public acceptance occasioned by good media reportage got the UAE to attain this milestone in relatively short time.

“Regarding Nigeria’s Technical Cooperation with the International

Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), I wish to inform you that this relationship dates back to over fifty (50). Since then, Nigeria has made huge investment in the IAEA. Consequently it has also benefited immensely form various technical collaboration that Nigeria has with the IAEA” he said.

Director General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) Dr. Yau Idris, who was represented by Dr. Nasiru Bello, General Manager, Nuclear Safety Physical Security and Safeguards, in his comments, stated that the Nigeria’s partnership with the IAEA has immensely benefitted the country.

25

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

2020: Stock Market Soars to Positive Close With about six trading days left in 2020, the stock market has recovered from the decline suffered in 2018 and 2019 and is set to close with a growth of about 40 per cent, writes Goddy Egene

W

hen trading at the stock market resumed in 2020, there was high optimism that the market would witness a recovery from the losses recorded in 2018 and 2019. The optimism was based on past experience in the market, where a rebound is always witnessed after two years’ decline.

For instance, after declining in 2015 and 2016, the nation’s bourse recovered with a jump of over 40 per cent in 2017. So when the market dipped in 2018 and 2019, market stakeholders were optimistic that 2020 will see the return of the bulls to the stock market.

According to a stockbroker and Chief Executive Officer of Sofunix Investment and Communications Limited, Mr. Sola Oni, the market operated under a tough economic climate in 2019 as evident in incessant bearish trend until the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Open Market Operations (OMO) crashed yields on fixed income securities.

“Expectedly, investors took flight for safety and reverted to purchase of equities with multiplier effects on the rise in many performance indicators.

The NSE remains an investment destination,” he said.

He said the outlook for the market in 2020 is attractive, adding, however, that this is contingent on fixing of Nigeria’s weak economy where the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) currently grows at 2.3 percent while the country’s population grows at 2.6 per cent.

“We expect faithful implementation of Nse Trading Floor 2020 budget which was approved on record time. Government at all tiers should also take rate regime, increased credit to the real sector advantage of the market to mobilize fund for and early assent of the 2020 budget would development projects. However, we expect impact positively on the market. the market to be driven by a mix of factors.

“The market in 2020 looks promising as Effects of negative real return on fixed income factors that will shape the economy and stock securities following the new policy on OMO market are on the increase, in spite of the will continue to enhance demand for equities continuous downgrade by rating agencies. The and attract more investors into the market. early implementation of capital expenditure We expect consolidation to be the hallmark would have multiplier effect on the economy,” of insurance sector as the market shall witness Omordion said. a flurry of mergers and acquisitions as well as According to him, regulatory initiatives and business combination in a bid by insurance policies such as the CBN Treasury Bills (TBs) companies to recapitalise in line with the new and OMO restrictions will encourage local policy of the National Insurance Commission and institutional investors’ sentiment to the (NAICOM),” he said. equity market.

Oni said many stocks are still trading below He noted that the exchange’s new free float intrinsic values, hence, attractive valuation will rule expected to commence on January 2, attract more investors.

2020 would improve market liquidity and “This is expected to enhance price discovery transparency, thereby impacting positively and usher investors on the exchange to modern on the market. risk management whereby they can hedge The high optimism and hope of early recovery against volatility. We expect introduction of more in the market could not be manifested in the first innovative products to accompany derivative quarter of the year due to declining crude oil trading. prices and outbreak of Covid-19 that made some “Barring unforeseen circumstances, the exchange foreign investors to pull out their investments. is likely to commence demutualisation and this As a result, the market declined by 20.6 will change the structure of the market as the per cent decline in Q1. However, when it current owners, the dealing member firms shall was envisaged that more decline would be become shareholders and thus bring a new era recorded in the second quarter (Q2) was the of corporate governance on the NSE. period that the country was totally locked “With the crash of yields on fixed income down due to contain the spread COVID-19, securities, pension funds may opt for high- the market showed resilience and appreciated yielding stocks in the securities market and by 14 per cent. Analysts said the decline this is expected to boost market activities,” posted in the Q1 depressed the prices of many he added. stocks, which investors found very attractive in Another operator, who was also highly the Q2. According to a stockbroker, Mr. Ayo optimistic is he Managing Director/CEO Oguntayo, “following the depreciation witnessed of Network Capital Limited, Mr. Oluropo in the Q1, most stocks hit their record lows and Dada, who then said that fundamentals of offering very attractive entry opportunities for the quoted companies remained strong despite discerning investors. So, when the Q2 began the harsh macro-economic variables. Therefore, and there were limited investment windows, he expected a bullish performance. investors found the stock market as a place “By way of dividend, many companies to invest.” especially banks will return over 10 per cent He added that despite the lockdown and many yield based on historical records. Again, we businesses were counting their losses, investors expect pension fund administrators (PFAs) were demanding for the stocks of companies to make occasional intervention as a result of in the healthcare, food and household products lower yields from the other market. and telecommunications sectors, explaining that However, it appears local investors will be these sectors are believed to be favoured by the major determinant of the outlook as higher the COVID-19 pandemic. yields from United States markets may keep The bullish performance was sustained in foreign investors away for some time. By and the month of July leading to a positive start to large, 2020 appears more promising that the the second half (H2) of the year as low prices previous years because the valuations of the of stocks and expectations for half (H1) year stock market instruments are becoming more corporate results, attracted more investors to attractive to all the various classes of investors,” the market in the month of July, which led to Dada said. the positive start of the H2 of 2020.

Speaking in the same vein, the CEO, InvestData Also, in the month of August, the anticipation Limited, Ambrose Omordion, said low interest for the full opening of the economy, improved

quarterly results of companies and dividends payment by some companies helped to sustain the rally with the market posting a growth of 2.56 per cent.

According to the Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, the gradual easing off of the lockdown, the gradual retuning of active economic agents and the fact that some of the results of quoted companies for the second quarter(Q2) were positive signaling impact that do not advance the gloomy predictions of doomsday advocates.

“The various cash injections following the COVID-19 palliative by governments and donor agencies helped to give impetus to the economy and by extension and vigour to the capital market. With the reintroduction of FX window options by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it is expected that the market will continue in its recovery trajectory,” Ezeagu said.

In her assessment, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Emerging Africa Capital Group, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sanni, said the interest shown by investors was partly because most of them began to anticipate the full opening of the economy signalled by gradual reopening over the last few weeks as well as the downward trend in Coronavirus statistics.

“In August, investors expressed their interest in defensive and growth stocks with strong potential for future growth irrespective of the economic slowdown. In particular, demand for manufacturing and banking stocks helped the benchmark ASI to close higher. The positive momentum and sentiment towards companies that pay interim dividends and repositioning in the consumer and industrial goods segments kept the market on an upward,” she said.

Sanni added that the strength of the quarterly earnings reports of many small companies that showed promises attracted some investors as well thereby playing role in the growth recorded in the month under review.

Equally speaking, Head of Research, United Capital Plc, Mr. Wale Olusi, said the Nigerian equity market sustained the bullish trend in the month of August as investors continue to cheery pick on oversold stocks amid sustained decline in the yield environment.

“Despite uncertainties in the horizon, uptrend in the market is driven by cheap market valuation, especially in oil & gas names. Expectations for the yet to be released results of tier 1 banks as investors position ahead of interim dividend payment. Lastly, sustained reduction in yields on treasury Bills which continues to approach one per cent, account for the interest in the

stock market as investors opt for riskier assets to make alpha returns,” he said.

The month of September marked a turning point for the market as the year-to-date (YTD) became positive with the market capitalisation closing the third quarter (Q3) at N14.052 trillion.

Market operators and analysts said the positive tilt in the market stemmed from investors’ continued favourable reaction to the cut in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’ Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), purchase of undervalued stocks and end of year portfolio rebalancing.

“Following the payment of interim dividends, investors are positioning in fundamentally sound counters ahead of third quarter (Q3) earnings reports. Also, end of month portfolio rebalancing contributed to the positive tilt of the market,” analysts at Greenwich Research said.

Between October and last Monday, the market capitalisation witnessed an unprecedented jump of about N5.518 trillion while the NSE All-Share Index closed on with YTD growth of 39.5 per cent. It is expected that the growth would be maintained in remaining days to end the year.

Although the business continuation plan activated by the NSE following the lockdown, ensured that the market remained active, the CEO of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said CBN’s policies contributed to the positive performance.

He linked the stock market rally to CBN’s restriction of domestic investors from participating in its open market operations (OMO) as well as the interest rate cut. Onyema said investors are always in search of higher returns on investments, adding that CBN’s policies have made the stock market attractive to investors.

He said: “I must say that some of the policy changes include the CBN policy that domestic institutional investors should stop participating in the OMO market.

“That has driven significant funds into the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTB) market and some of those funds have found their way into the equities market. We have also seen a cut in interest rate. That was a significant move in support of equities as an asset class. What investors tend to do is to look for yield.”

According to Onyema, since the Nigerian economy has shifted into a negative real interest rate environment, investors are now in search of investments that would give them higher yields and returns.

“Given the record dividend yield available in the Nigerian market and given the strong fundamentals of a number of companies that are listed on the Exchange, it makes sense that as investors try to rebalance their portfolio, they would look at equities,” the NSE CEO added.

26

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

Enhancing Flow of Diaspora Remittances Obinna Chima writes on the new measures aimed to boost flow of remittances sent home by Nigerians in the Diaspora

R

emittances are perceived as one of the key benefits that migration bring to originating countries.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), remittances are private flows of resources mostly intended for direct consumption and household support.

In fact, a report by UNCTAD titled: “Maximising the Development Impact of Remittances,” stated that there is solid evidence that remittances can and have assisted many developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) in maintaining balance of payment (BOP) stability, ensuring the availability of hard currency, improving countries’ credit worthiness for external borrowing and increasing internal aggregated demand.

Also, it pointed out that during crisis, remittances have proven to be more reliable and sustained flows than other sources of external financing such as foreign direct investment, public debt or official development assistance.

“The potential of remittances does not end there.

Remittances are seen today under a totally different light as they can become a solid resource base for leveraging human development, financial inclusion, and investment in a productive capacity.

“Evidence shows that a significant amount of remittance transfers to developing countries are spent on household consumption.

“A share of these expenditures is directed towards the construction of homes, healthcare and education, thereby generating local employment in these critical service sectors,” it added.

To highlight the importance of Diaspora remittances, for Nigeria, the World Bank had predicted that inflow from Diaspora remittance will hit $21.7 billion this year, as against the $23.8 billion the country recorded in 2019.

The World Bank had hinged the drop in remittances from Nigerians living abroad on an account of the double whammy of the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant economic crisis that has continued to spread.

It stated: “Remittances are helping to address the impact on African households. Nigeria remains the largest recipient of remittances in the region and is the seventh largest recipient among LMICs, with projected remittances to decline to around $21.7 billion, a more than $2 billion drop compared with 2019.”

Therefore, given the increasing importance of Diaspora remittances, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently unveiled a new policy that grants unfettered access to foreign exchange (FX) from Diaspora and other money transfer remittances.

Enhancing Receipt of Diaspora Remittances The new CBN policy allows beneficiaries of Diaspora remittances through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to henceforth receive such inflows in the original foreign currency through the designated bank of their choice. The regulation was part of efforts to liberalise, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of Diaspora remittances into Nigeria.

The central bank announced the new policy in a circular signed by its Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji.

With the new policy, recipients of remittances may have the option of receiving such funds in foreign currency cash (US Dollars) or into their ordinary domiciliary account.

“These changes are necessary to deepen the foreign exchange market, provide more liquidity and create more transparency in the administration of Diaspora remittances into Nigeria,” the apex bank stated.

It explained that the changes would help finance a future stream of investment opportunities for Nigerians in the Diaspora, while also guaranteeing that the recipients of remittances would receive a market- reflective exchange rate for their inflows.

Owing to the new policy, the CBN recently directed all banks to close all naira ledger accounts opened for receiving IMTOs’ proceeds.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, explained that the new policy would help in providing a more convenient channel for Nigerians in the Diaspora to remit funds to the country as well as ensure that the funds can contribute to the development of the economy.

According to him, the apex bank’s policy to allow for unfettered access to foreign exchange from the Diaspora and other money transfer remittances is to support improved remittance inflows into the country through official channels.

Emefiele said the current annual remittance inflow

Emefiele of about $24 billion could help in improving the balance of payment position, reduce dependence on external borrowing and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on forex inflows into the country.

He, however, said following up on the implementation of the new forex and Diaspora remittance policies, the CBN observed some pushback by some of the IMTOs, which he said were bent on continuing their nefarious activities of undermining the new policy by attempting to resist it.

According to him, following the announcement of the new policy measures, the apex bank, in an effort to enable smooth implementation had engaged with the commercial banks and the International Money Transfer Operators to ensure recipients of remittance inflows are able to receive their funds in the designated foreign currency of their choice.

According to him, data on IMTO inflows into the country over the past year, and through central bank’s investigations discovered that some IMTOs, rather than compete on improving transaction volumes and create more efficient ways for Nigerians in the Diaspora to remit funds, resorted to engaging in arbitrage arrangements on the naira-dollar exchange rate.

This, he said, to a large extent resulted in a significant drop in flows into the country. It also encouraged the use of unsafe unofficial channels, which also supported diversion of remittance flows meant for Nigeria, thereby undermining foreign exchange management framework, he said.

He explained: “This was the reason the CBN had to insist on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, that all DMBs must close all naira general ledgers through which the naira remittances were hitherto being carried out.

“It also encouraged the use of unsafe unofficial channels, which also supported diversion of remittance flows meant for Nigeria, thereby undermining our foreign exchange management framework.”

He added that the new policies will be a major game-changer in remittance inflows into the country.

Emefiele said: “As a matter of fact, from the

Emefiele also dispelled concerns that the new policies could support money laundering, adding that the institutions involved in money transfer have good reputation as well as a robust customer identification system in the country

data that we have, the way the size of remittance is computed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) takes into consideration, not just the money that comes in directly as flows but also what we call the earnings of Nigerians in Diaspora in different parts of the world – because they believe and we believe as well that some portion of these monies actually flow back home to support members of their families.

“But it is important for me to draw a parallel.

I am aware from data available that for instance, Pakistan even in the midst of COVID-19 receives $2 billion monthly from Pakistanis in Diaspora.

This is a country that I will say by geography, demography is about the same with Nigeria.

“So we are hereby saying that if Nigeria is even able to receive even if it’s just $1 billion monthly or $2 billion monthly, I am certain that you all know what will happen to the exchange rate of Nigeria.”

He said he was certain that after some time, deposit money banks will not have any need to call on the central bank to provide dollar to fund their imports or commercial operations.

Emefiele also dispelled concerns that the new policies could support money laundering, adding that the institutions involved in money transfer have good reputation as well as a robust customer identification system in the country.

He said the CBN would ensure that most of those who would be receiving Diaspora remittances come with some forms of identity card.

He stated that the measures would help finance a future stream of investment opportunities for Nigerians in the Diaspora while also guaranteeing that recipients of remittances will receive a market-reflective exchange rate for their inflows.

Analysts’ Position Analysts have commended the new CBN policy regime in diaspora remittances describing it as a welcome development.

Speaking with THISDAY on the development, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng said, “Prior to now, diaspora remittances to Nigerians were being received in naira at official rates and IMTOs were gaining from hoarding and speculation of the FX thereby inflating the parallel market.”

But he said the new regulation will help drive more liquidity into the FX market and reduce the influence of some of the IMTOs and banks in manipulating the space.

Also, former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, described the initiative as a welcome development, explaining that the new policy will address forex scarcity going forward.

He said: “When the CBN restricted cash access to remitted currencies from abroad, they did that to forestall money laundering especially for funds hidden in foreign accounts.

“Secondly, they tried to reduce speculations

and arbitraging in the FX market. Thirdly, there may have been scarcity of the foreign currency, so the restriction was to reduce pressure on the demand for same.”

He said: “The unfettered access regime therefore has come to remedy the scarcity of foreign currencies.

People who have funds abroad can now have confidence to remit their funds to Nigeria and will be guaranteed access to their funds.

“Before now, such inflows could only be transferred as outflow and not as cash withdrawal. This is therefore a welcome development.”

Also, the Senior Economist/Head of Research and Strategy, Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, described the new policy as a positive move, saying it will help divert remittances back to the official channels.

According to him, the difference in forex rates has always been a disincentive.

“I think it will also increase dollar liquidity in the banks as people would now be more comfortable to channel these funds through the banks. So, it is a step in the positive direction,” he stated.

Head of Research at Agusto & Co, Mr. Jimi Ogbobine, explained that the policy would help boost dollar liquidity in the economy and ease forex pressure in the parallel market.

“So, before now if you receive your money from an international money transfer operator, they would give you naira pegged at around N390 to a dollar. If you walk out of that bank where you had collected that money, if it was dollar you received, you would have changed that money at a prevailing parallel market rate.

“So, because of the difference, you would find a way to cut off the official channel and start receiving the money through informal channels, instead of through the banks.

And when you receive the money, you go to the parallel market to get the maximum rate.

“What the central bank would achieve with this policy is to reduce the pressure and cut off the arbitrage with more retail investors being able to access their dollars through the right channels.

We are going to see a possible increase in supply in the parallel market, which would ultimately moderate forex rates, especially as we go into the yuletide season when we are going to have many Nigerians in the Diaspora coming back home,” Ogbobine explained.

Also, Head of Research at United Capital, Mr. Wale Olusi, said the policy is “going to ease the pressure in the parallel market.

“This is a short-term policy that if sustained will be beneficial to the market in the long run.

Remittances in Nigeria yearly are over $20 billion.

Remittances can roughly take about 40 per cent of the demand for import.

“Those can actually, to a large extent, save the central bank a lot of headaches if we are able to cement the structure around remittances. So, I think it is a brilliant move,” he said.

27

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

As Access Bank Joins War against Gender-based Violence Oluchi Chibuzor

O

ver the years, the incidence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) especially against women and female children has reportedly grown enormously, posing a high-risk security threat to the female gender.

These acts of violence against women and female children range from physical to mental and emotional abuse.

The most common expressions of these abuses being sexual harassment, early marriage, physical violence, and harmful traditional practices that put the female gender at a disadvantage.

A recent study commissioned by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) Nigeria shows that 28% of Nigerian women aged 25-29 have experienced some form of physical violence either from or before the age of 15.

The study also revealed that 15 per cent of Nigerian women experienced physical violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. Also, 44 per cent of divorced, separated or widowed women were reported to have been experiencing violence since the age of 15, while 25 per cent of married women or those living with their spouses have experienced violence.

An Effective Solution Professionals have advised that there are effective methods to eradicate the existence of gender-based violence.

These methods demand that cases be given appropriate attention, and existing policies and laws be reviewed. In the event that the existing policies and laws do not sufficiently make provision for handling cases, new policies and laws should be enacted.

Also, there has to be a profound response to support victims or survivors of GBV at national, state and local levels; with offenders getting punished.

Actions which have been shown to hinder the fight against GBV include a culture of sexual ignorance, enforced stereotypes, stigmatisation, shaming and demeaning of survivors who are known to have openly spoken about their experiences.

In response to this, various institutions and initiatives have been created to address the root cause of the GBV menace. They are tackling deep-rooted problems by creating awareness, educating people and helping victims to recover from the trauma and hurt caused by GBV. One of such is the ‘W’ Initiative led campaign against Gender-Based Violence sponsored by Access Bank Plc. Setting Standard to Confront the Challenge The W-Initiative was established by Access Bank Plc to offer banking products and services tailored to meet the financial needs of women.

The W-community which sprung from the W-Initiative has fast become an online resource for women to share information, expand their network and share experiences relating to their lifestyles.

Over the past seven years, the initiative has focused on raising awareness about issues affecting women and children in particular –being the most vulnerable class of society worst hit by societal ills, and archaic value systems.

This year, due to the alarming statistics on violence against women and children in Nigeria, the W-initiative has chosen to focus mainly on this pressing issue.

This resolution birthed a partnership with the Nigerian Governors Wives against GenderBased Violence (NGWA-GBV).

To flag off the collaboration, they jointly organised a virtual webinar themed, ‘Tackling the menace of Gender-Based Violence in our society’.

During the webinar, W-initiative reaffirmed its vision to create a society where sexual and Gender-Based Violence is eradicated, leading conversations which centred on foundational topics comprising definitions and types of Gender-Based Violence, the contributing factors, mode of responses, ways to handle gender-based violence in minors, red flags and signs to look out for in victims, ways to eradicate this act and suggestions on where/

Wigwe how victims can seek and get help.

Although there is an increase in awareness and education of the masses as it concerns Gender-Based Violence, the W-initiative acknowledged that there is still a lot of work to be done just as it shows commitment to the cause.

Addressing rationale behind the Bank’s drive against sexual and GBV, the Group Head of the ‘W’ Initiative at Access Bank, Ayona Trimnell, spoke extensively on how the issue is fast becoming a global pandemic.

Her focus was its impact on physical and mental health, dignity and well-being of the victims amidst a culture of silence and shame.

She stated that Access Bank, through the ‘W’ Initiative remained committed to addressing this menace publicly on a broader, national scale. Trimnell further encouraged victims to speak out and seek help while advocating a continuation in the Gender-Based Violence conversation to a point where the perpetrators are made to face the full wrath of the law.

Trimnell said, “Violence against women is not just a Nigerian issue, just like the COVID-19, it has become a global pandemic. Gender-based violence affects the physical and mental health, dignity and overall well-being of the victims , yet it remains masked in a culture of silence.

“For this reason, we, at Access Bank, through the ‘W’ Initiative have taken it upon ourselves

Violence against women is not just a Nigerian issue, just like the COVID-19, it has become a global pandemic. Genderbased violence affects the physical and mental health, dignity and overall well-being of the victims , yet it remains masked in a culture of silence

to address this menace publicly and on a national scale. We also encourage victims to speak out and seek help.”

The webinar featured notable guest speakers such as Mrs. Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the First Lady of Ekiti State; Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State; Mrs. Bola Tinubu, Founder, Cece Yara Foundation and Dr. Kemi DasilvaIbru, Founder, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF).

Access Bank also recently joined the Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) to commemorate the United Nation’s 16 days of activism against GenderBased Violence by organising various activities to create awareness, educate and encourage participation of the public in the fight against the menace.

For a period of 4-weeks, the bank conducted school sensitisation programs across three educational districts in Lagos State, and hosted a stakeholders’ forum titled “It’s on you and I to end Violence against Women and Children”.

The forum attracted over 300 guests from various segments of the society encompassing children, secondary school students, university undergraduates, human rights activists, media/entertainment professionals, medical practitioners and community leaders.

Government officials and special guests in attendance included the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. IbijokeSanwo-Olu; Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.

Through this initiative, and the bank trained more than 1,500 primary school children and teachers from over 100 state and private schools.

The bank provided educational materials such as books and fliers and pledged the sum of N1 million to fund the Lagos State DSVRT’s priority projects over the next year.

This is aimed at creating a shift in the mindset of the public as it relates to GBV such that individuals and communities are encouraged to take action where necessary.

Similarly, the W-initiative in collaboration with the phenomenal, award-winning film producer and director, Kunle Afolayan on his movie ‘Citation’, which aired on Netflix, emphasized the need for stakeholders to join

the conversation.

The Chairman, Access Bank, Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, stressed the importance of the bank’s efforts towards bridging the gaps that still exist, saying, “At Access Bank, we believe in gender equality and we also believe that there is a need to make women feel safe not only in Nigeria but indeed, across the world.

In many societies, women have been setback by issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, denied access to education, finance, and healthcare. We have therefore made it our mandate to put women where they ought to be and where possible, promote initiatives that will foster a better society for all.”

Commenting further on the issue of GBV at the private screening of the movie held at Terra Kulture, Trimnell said, “The issue of gender-based violence reaches every corner of the world and Nigeria has indeed been plagued by this issue for too long. With about 30 per cent of women and girls aged 15-49 having experienced sexual abuse, it is important that all stakeholders – private and public –contribute to the conversation, offer support and put in place frameworks to ensure that the scourge of gender-violence is eradicated from our society.”

Expressing excitement about the partnership, Ayona Trimnell stated that, since the establishment of the Access Bank W initiative in 2014, the bank has executed countless initiatives targeted at empowering women.

“We believe that women are key catalysts for change in any society. We were very excited at the opportunity to be a part of a project that will not only spotlight some of the prevalent issues around sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria, but also serves as catalyst to addressthe long-term behavioural change we seek.”

Quizzed about his decision to partner with Access Bank on the project, Kunle Afolayan added that, “I have seen and heard about the impact Access Bank has been making on the lives of women through its W Initiative, hence, it was easy to select the bank as a partner given their body of work.

“Sexual harassment is an issue that is very rampant globally. ‘Citation’ wasn’t created to announce that these issues exist; rather incite conversations about the measures that need to be put in place in other to curb the menace that is sexual and gender-based violence.”

28

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

Revving Up Gas Utilisation Emmanuel Addeh writes on federal government’s shift to commercial and domestic use of gas, a resource that the country has in abundance The year 2020 has witnessed a major resurgence of attention to the role that gas resources could play in the development of the Nigerian economy and as a major source of government revenue.

It’s been a year that gas has featured prominently, like never before, in conversations around developing the sector and taking the gaze away from crude oil, which is very minute compared to the massive gas resources available in the country.

Aside the NLNG Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train-7, the flag-off of the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, down to recent rollout of the Autogas scheme, the federal government is yet again about pushing for an increase in Nigeria’s gas utilisation quotient with the commissioning of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) 200mmscf Integrated Gas Handling Facility (IGHF) and LPG Units.

Since its inception in 2015, the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has never hidden its desire to ensure that the country reaps bountifully from all possible benefits of its massive hydrocarbon endowments especially the natural gas component of the equation.

In consonance with this objective, the federal government through the ministry of petroleum resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has within the last five years literally unleashed a barrage of pro gas activities designed primarily to create value for the gas sector.

This push has given fillip to the realisation of a handful of gas focused projects some of which include; the expansion of the Escravos –Lagos Gas Pipeline System-2, the construction of the Oben-Obiafo-Obrikon Gas Pipeline, attainment of the much delayed Final Investment Decision for NLNG Train 7, recent roll out of the National Gas Expansion Programme which witnessed the unveiling of the autogas scheme in Abuja among other notable records.

And now there appears to be new one in the offing, which many people will be quick to tag a game changer in the industry.

A historical perspective In 2005, the federal government asked the NPDC to supply 45 million standards cubic per day (mmscfd) of lean gas to the 500 megawatts (MW) Ihovbor power generation company (Genco) in Benin from its oil asset – oil mining lease (OML) 111.

The request was obligatory, and the volume further enlarged to include the supply of an additional 55mmscfd of lean gas to the domestic market through the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS).

To meet this obligation and maximise its gas value chain through highly beneficial monetisation models across her assets, the NPDC within the same period created a gas department and assigned it the task of conceptualising and executing the government’s request.

This implicitly meant that the NPDC took the lead in Nigeria’s plan to end flaring of gas in her oil fields, especially in the Niger Delta.

The government also had a six-month timeline for the NPDC to begin its supply of gas to Ihovbor Genco, and the NNPC subsidiary moved to meet up with this by engaging Network Oil and Gas Ltd (NO&G) for the lease of a 100mmscfd Integrated Gas Handling Facility (IGHF).

Invariably, this birthed the Early First Gas Plant (EFG) which was operational until 2018 when it was decommissioned for the construction of the IGHF. Subsequently, the contract for the construction of the IGHF was awarded in 2015 but stalled until 2016 because it was not captured in NPDC’s 2015 budget. In 2017, this was restarted upon a budgetary provision for it.

Specifically, the IGHF was to help NPDC meet its domestic supply obligation (DSO) from the Oredo field and in the process, ensure complete gas flare-out from there. From the Oredo field, the NPDC was to process 100mmscfd wasted or flared gas to wealth for about 25 years.

The key value drivers for the gas utilisation projects were simply compliance with the government’s gas flare-out objectives and the presidential directives to supply lean gas to power Gencos and the country’s domestic market; thus, the IGHF became a waste-to-wealth facility converting gas that would have been flared to valuable lean gas from its Ologbo town base.

Now completed in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020, the IGHF is economically beneficial to Nigeria; it ensures that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane and pentane are available for Nigeria’s domestic consumption.

It dispenses at full throughput about 330 tonnes of LPG per day which is technically equivalent to 16 standard LPG trucks or 20 tonnes, and 345 tonnes or 17 trucks of propane into the domestic gas market.

How the IGHF facility works Built to process 200mmscfd of natural gas to the standard accepted by the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP), the NPDC’s IGHF is able to deliver processed lean gas to the domestic market through a viable gas spur line to the ELPS. Its commercial grade LPG, propane, and pentane are recovered for sales while stabilised condensate and produced water are returned to Oredo’s Existing Flow Station (EFS) for crude oil spiking and disposal respectively.

The plant which is designed to run for 25 years has the associated gas from the separator overheads of the EPF 1 & 2 in Oredo flow-station as its feed gas.

Similarly, the gas streams from the EPF come into the IGHF manifold in different pressure regimes such as low pressure (LP), medium pressure (MP) and high pressure (HP).

The LP and MP compressors boost the LP and MP pressures to the HP compressors’ suction pressure regime before feeding the gas into the HP compressors for compression and delivery to the processing units of the gas plant. The IGHF’s Plot 1 – dew-pointing and fractionation plant – consists of the inlet system with an IGHF inlet manifold, an LP gas compression system, MP gas compression system, a HP inlet compression system and gas dehydration system.

It also has the cryogenic system, residue gas compression system, custody transfer metering system, ethane, propane and butane fractionation system, heating and mechanical refrigeration systems.

There is the flare collection and disposal system, drain systems, corrosion protection system, fuel gas system, chemical injection systems, instrument and plant air system included in the Plot 1, as well as the portable and utility water system, electric power distribution systems.

Safety as usual is equally prioritised at the facility with a fire and gas detection and firefighting system, instrumentation and distributed control system (DCS), emergency shutdown (ESD) system, control room and motor control centres (MCC).

Standard telecommunications systems, warehousing, maintenance workshops, security and office buildings further complement the IGHF Plot 1.

Effectively, it has six incoming gas feed lines of various sizes and a flange for future Oziengbe field gas hook-up, a residue gas export line that connects to the NIPP/NGC pipeline, stabilised condensate line to Oredo flow station crude oil tanks, produced water line to Oredo EFS produced water disposal system, and a commercial grade propane line to connect the LPG storage and

dispensing facility at its Plot 2.

Deployment of hi-tech machines The NPDC’s IGHF is a Gas Sub-cooled Process (GSP) plant with a dual operational mode capability.

This ensures that it can be operated in ethane recovery or ethane rejection mode.

Its initial design was based on the Industry Standard Single Stage (ISS) technology when the emphasis was on lean gas supply to meet the government’s mandate but was later reviewed with the ISS design upgraded to a GSP to meet NPDC’s twin needs of profit making and domestic LPG market supply shortfall make-up.

Further, the GSP technology guarantees that the facility’s inlet gas is cooled against the demethaniser column liquids and the column overhead vapour stream. Inlet gas vapours condensed after being cooled in the gas/gas exchanger are removed in a cold separator and sent to the stripping section of the demethaniser for further separation.

As a process, most of the cold separator vapours are isentropically expanded across the expander end of the turbo-expander unit, which provides the main source of cooling for the IGHF GS unit.

In designing the facility, NPDC recognised the deficit in domestic LPG supply and installed three fractionation towers for the fractionation of the produced Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) into its constituent ethane, propane and butane.

The fractionation unit comprises of the Deethaniser, De-propaniser and De-Butaniser towers with their respective accessories’ skids. These towers according to design extract ethane, propane and butane from the NGLs. Provision is also made for the mixing of propane and butane to generate LPG. The ethane product is primarily used to fuel the facility, though a split stream is used to makeup the export lean gas. LPG and propane are each transported via a four-inch pipeline to the facility’s storage and dispensing facilities at Plot 2 for storage and sales.

Condensate from the De-Butaniser bottom is stabilised in the condensate stabilization unit to meet Reid Vapour Press ure (RVP) requirement and then spiked into Oredo flow-stations produced crude for storage and subsequent shipment. Pentane which is gotten from the condensate stabiliser overhead is equally transported to Plot 2 for storage and dispensing.

Examining returns on investment At full throughput which includes the facility processing 200mmscfd of gas, NPDC’s IGHF is able to yield 82mmscfd of lean gas or methane which is equivalent to 366.5MW of electricity per day. Monetarily, this translates to $205,000 per day or approximately $75 million per year at $2.5 per mscf of gas.

Additionally, 330 tonnes per day of LPG which is about 16 - 20 tonnes LPG trucks per day are delivered from the facility to the domestic LPG gas market, and this yields about N73.6 million per day or N26.8 billion per year to the NPDC. Besides these, 345 tonnes per day of propane with a projected revenue of about $107 million per year, 2600 barrels (bbl) per day of condensate

of which 800bbl is pentane and valued at $32.85 million per year are possible from the facility.

In summary, at full throughput and availability, the NPDC is most likely to earn up to $300 million every year from the facility.

Locally, the facility is expected to impact on Nigeria’s power sector and domestic LPG market, in addition to progressing the fortunes of its host communities. There are nearly 350 skilled and unskilled personnel that would benefit from the facility.

Already over 100 persons have gained form its construction through indirect economic activities which include food retail, sand and granite supply, other supply activities, liaison works, hoteling supports, vehicle and machine repair works.

Similarly, another 100 would be required for the daily operation and maintenance of the IGHF. These workers would be drawn from the Nigerian labour market, with emphasis on the host communities.

This, thus, suggests that NPDC’s foray into gas utilisation will herald good tidings for Nigeria.

Through the facility, the country is expected to have more gas for power generation.

Considering that upgrades in electricity generation and supply is synonymous with upgrades in economic activities, it is envisaged that industries and small-scale enterprises within the Benin axis will see their production uptime and outputs improve operating costs associated with poor electricity supply substantially cut down.

In specifics, the projected supply of 26, 400 cylinders of 12.5 kilograms (kg) of LPG daily to homes in Benin and its environs, will equally bridge existing supply gaps in the local LPG market.

This will potentially force down the price of LPG in Benin and make it affordable to most people thus augmenting the government’s intention to make LPG a preferred domestic fuel source.

In context, this is a huge LPG supply intervention bearing in mind that only about 100, 000 homes in Edo state have gas cylinders. More homes may likely acquire gas cylinders if the price of LPG becomes affordable. This thus means less safety concerns associated with the use of kerosene and bunkered condensates for domestic cooking.

LPG retail business is also expected to pick up, thereby lifting more homes out of poverty.

Considering that Nigeria is reportedly home to about 30 million families, of which only a meagre three million homes have gas cylinders or use LPG for cooking, NPDC’s entry into the domestic LPG market is considered well-timed and a potential game-changer.

This will improve the country’s LPG consumption rate which is reported to be at 3kg per capita, and way below the average per capita consumptions of African countries.

Additionally, with the market also said to be lucrative with positive growth trajectory, NPDC’s entry with a supply capacity of 120,450 metric tonnes per annum or 20.7 per cent of the country’s consumption means that it will become the second largest supplier after the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

nd

29

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

‘First Phase of Ibom Deep Seaport Devt to Gulp $2bn’ Okon Bassey in Uyo Following the approval for the building of the Ibom Deep Seaport, the Akwa Ibom State Government in conjunction with the private sector is to invest about $2.016 billion in the development of the first phase of the seaport.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting last week granted federal government final approval for the construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital weekend, the State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon said the port would be constructed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

“The first phase for the port construction is to cost $2.016 billion which the private sector will take 60 percent and the public sector 40 percent,” he said.

The government, he said, was projecting over 3,000 to 5,000 companies to provide services and customers at the port, stress-

ing that the development of the port would significantly improve the revenue of the federal and state governments including the local communities.

According to him, about 300,000 jobs will be provided when the first phase of the port development is completed maintaining that the industrial city to be established would equally attract heavy and light industries to the port.

“The impact of the port will be felt not only at its location, but the entire state and beyond.

When you have a port, a lot of businesses and activities will take place around there. We don’t expect less when the Ibom Deep Seaport is operational in our state,” he stated.

He emphasised that the Ibom Deep Seaport would add to port capacity in the country in term of quick clearance of goods or cargos Okon argued that the state government followed an internationally acceptable and transparent bidding process in selecting the preferred bidder

for the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

“The bidding was done last year. We go through the processes, requested for qualification, proposal and subsequently evaluation of those submission by the Ministerial Project Steering Committee including members of the Technical Committee for the realization of the port representing Akwa Ibom State Government.

“The preferred bidder for the management of the port is Bollore/Power China Consultium. They are already managing 21 ports in Africa.

The showed capacity and what it takes in port management.

“In the next one year something substantial will be achieved. We are working to ensure before the exist of the present state administration in 2023, the first vessel will berth at the port; and the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel believes that this project is what is needed to turn around the economy of the state,” he said.

NNPC Appoints EITI Implementation Programme Manager Peter Uzoho The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced the appointment of Ms. Murjanatu Ibrahim Gamawa as the Implementation Programme Manager for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

The corporation said the appointment was in line with its resolve to deepen compliance with the transparency standards dictated by the EITI

as a supporting company and to help drive speedy attainment of the EITI requirements across its operations.

NNPC in a statement signed by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that Gamawa’s appointment which would take effect from January 2021, was a practical step towards entrenching the culture of transparency in the corporation.

Gamawa, a petroleum geologist, was until her appointment, the

EITI Country Manager in charge of coordinating implementation of EITI standards across Anglophone Africa.

She also worked at the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) as a petroleum analyst and team lead of the Oil and Gas Team.

Gamawa’s wealth of experience across the oil and gas industry and in EITI mandate implementation is expected to boost the corporation’s compliance strategy and roadmap.

SON, Kano Govt Target Middle East Market Determined not to leave anything to chance in terms of standards and quality of locally made goods, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Kano State government have explored and identified ways of hitting the Middle East market with quality exports.

According to a statement, to achieve this, both parties have agreed to collaborate and provide needed assistance for effective service delivery. The Governor, Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, was quoted to have stressed the need to strengthen SON to make the nation’s local industries to be competitive, saying that the Middle East market was available for Nigeria’s export of quality products since she imports most of its food needs. Ganduje stated this during a courtesy visit of SON management team led by its Director General, Mallam Farouk Salim, to the Government House, Kano, recently. The governor stressed the need for economic managers to encourage SON, stating that the standards body remain vital towards the nation’s industrial and economic growth.

“There is no doubt that without standards, we all know how we would have fared in terms of being

competitive in dealing with the international market, hence we need to deepen and widen the agency’s responsibilities to boost export of locally made goods,” he added.

He said recently, the federal government banned the importation of some food items in its bid to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production, saying that this would attract both foreign and local investment to boost food production in Nigeria. ‘‘Nigeria is trying to be selfsufficient and already the president, Muhammadu Buhari, has banned the importation of some food items and some countries are in trouble because we no longer import food items from them, so in order to feed ourselves well, we need standards, the right quality for the food that we eat and for export.’’

He expressed confidence in the Director General to improve the agency’s services being provided locally, nationally and internationally. ‘‘When we need to export we have to be competitive and in order to do that, we have to meet international standards. I believe your appointment will add more mileage to the agency’s efforts to achieve this feat.

“I believe you will raise the bar of the agency. I have heard all your request and there is no doubt that you need a befitting office and a laboratory in Kano State all we need now is a letter from your organisation telling us your specifications and requirements so that will direct the appropriate ministry to provide you this service.

“SON is vital to the nation’s development and we will continue to support you to achieve your mandate,’’ he assured.

In his response, Farouk, said the partnership would seek ways on how goods produced in the state and other parts of the country can be exported to the Middle East market, saying that SON would not only improve its standardisation processes, but establish laboratories to test locally and imported goods in the state. ‘‘We want to ensure that goods produced here can be exported to the Middle East. We will not only improve our standards but also provide laboratories to test for standards because that way our goods are treated more efficiently so that they can go into the market without being compromised. We are partners with manufacturers and we will make sure we address their challenges,’’ he said.

30

IMAGES

L-R: Executive Producer, Ananze And The Zipman, Gilbert Bassey, Nollywood Actor, Chimezie Imo, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma and Nollywood Film Maker/Director, MikeSteve Adeleye at the premiere of Ananze and The Zipman in Lagos...recently

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: Acting Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ambassador Nicolas Simard and Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development (CODE) Malam Hamzat Lawal, during the latter’s visit to the Commissioner in Abuja. recently

L-R: Geologist, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD), Abba Aji; Managing Director of the Corpenhagen (TC), Attah Achumugu; Chief Executive Officer of TC, Ambassador Musafari AbdulQadir; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite; Executive Director of TC, Ambassador Mohammed Gana Executive Director Finance, TC, Mr Shehu Madaki and Chief Geologist, FMMSD, Mrs Abutu Nwakego, during the TC delegation visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja...recently

L-R: Guest Preacher, Pastor Isaiah Alade; Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde; his deputy, Engr Rauf Olaniyan and his wife, Professor Bolanle Olaniyan during the Oyo State Government 2020 Christmas carol service and Nine Lessons in Ibadan...recently

Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Imo-Abia Office, Mr Evans Ugoh (right), addressing road users, during the inauguration of Operation Eagle Eye and sensitization of the public on traffic rules in Owerri...recently

President, Rotary Club of Apo, District 9125, Miss Annmarie Adamu (right) sharing food items to beneficiaries, during their Feed the Family, Season 3 Project in Apo, Abuja..recently

People buying clothing materials at Oshodi in preparation for Christmas celebration in Lagos...recently

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

31

Members of the Clergy during the Service of Songs for the late former Chief of Defence Staff. General; Domklat Yah Bali at the Church of Christ in Garki, Abuja..recently PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

L-R: Brand Manager, Goldberg; Funmi Ogunbodede; Regional Business Manager, Nigerian Breweries; Mr. Lekan Awosanya; Brand Ambassador, Goldberg, Odunlade Adekola; Channel Manager-Strategic Programs, Nigerian Breweries; Oludare Olateju, and National Trade Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Funso Ayeni during the commissioning of Goldberg Ori-Oke Enjoyment Centre, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State...recently

L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Bayo Olugbemi; vice president, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Adesina Isaac Adedayo; President,CITN , Gladys Olajumoke Simplice; Reepresentative of Commissioner of finance, Lagos State,Abiodun Muritalla; and Deputy Vice President, CITN, Samuel Olushola Agbeluyi, at the 2020 CITN annual dinner and award in Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Head of Finance and Account, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Dele Ojo; Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Erinosa Babalola; Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle; Editor-In-Chief, Mr Silas Nwoha and Head of ICT, Mr Aron Miller, during a meeting of staff of the Agency with the Managing Director in Abuja...recently

Some commercial motorcycles known as Okada were impounded by Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency for plying restricted areas in Lagos...recently

L-R: Ag. Company Secretary, Sun Trust Bank, Mayokun Awolola; Managing Director/ CEO, Hajiya Halima Buba; Chairman, Olanrewaju Shittu; Non -Executive Director, Barr. Charles Musa; and Executive Director, Umar DanUmma, at the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Bank in Lagos...recently

L-R: Director of Science Technology Promotion, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Abayomi Oguntunde; President Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Peter Onwualau; President Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Motso Onuoha; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Past President Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof. Munzali Jibrin; Director of Health and Bio-Medical Sciences, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Bassey Henshaw, during the presentation of grants for journals publication to the Nigerian Academies of Science; Engineering; Social Sciences; Letters; and Education at the Minister’s Office in Abuja..recently

32

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

EDUCATION ‘Bayelsa Will Have School in Every Community No Matter How Small’ Hon. Gentle Emelah is the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, he shared the government’s plan to ensure that every community has a school where effective teaching and learning will take place, just as he stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders including parents, so as to ensure that education is on a sound footing and children are impacted. Excerpts:

W

hat is your ministry’s policy thrust for improving the literacy level in Bayelsa State in 2021?

Let me start by quoting a Chinese proverb that says if you are planning for a year you sow rice, if you are planning for a decade plant trees, if you are planning for a life time educate people. I think that sums it up. As a government that wants the best for its people, education is the key, education is vital, education is everything, and for this government I think if we can get it right educationally, every other sector will be better off. There is a policy that education is a right for every child.

Every child is entitled to education just like the right to live, the right to move and the right to express yourself. That is how important education is, and as a government we cannot do less than that and that is why it is our focus and the agenda we are pursuing. As it is, our people are in every local government area, today we have conducted scholarship entrance examination into the Ijaw National Academy, so in all the eight local government headquarters, the entrance examination were recently conducted and marked, the scripts have also been graded so as to select those that will be qualified to be admitted into the state’s schools. I stopped by at one of the centres and I was surprised to hear a report that some parents stopped their children from coming to write the entrance interview where government is going to take the sole responsibility of the child’s education. We provided uniforms for them, we feed them, we keep them in boarding facility. I don’t think that any society should expect less than what we are going to provide and more worrisome is the fact that in Brass as we speak, no child is seen at the centre. We went on air, we advertised, we sent messages to Brass Education Authority, communicated with the headmasters. But as I speak to you the reports I’m getting from Brass and Southern Ijaw is that nobody is at the centres, only my supervisors and examiners that are there. So that means there is a role government needs to play and the parents too need to augment.

We are willing to take up that responsibility from you, give us the child and let us train him for you, and we will provide everything for him. I think that every reasonable parent should send their children for such programme.

What is the total population of the children you are looking at?

Concerning the total population we are looking at, it depends, because in euvery school across the state, we instructed that they should bring the four best from five and six for common entrance examination, so it depends on how well they will do in the exams because purely it’s on merit, if you pass we will give you that admission into the schools.

Taking a statistical look, what is the strength of the Ijaw National Academy?

That is the most populated school in Bayelsa State that can accommodate. The facility is big enough to accommodate as much as we can.

How does your ministry intend to tackle the nagging problem of lack of knowledge in basic Mathematics, rhythms of reading and writing?

There is a phrase that says education for all is the responsibility of all, and that is the mantra of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme. Yes, education is the responsibility of government, education is the responsibility of the parents, education is the responsibility of pastor, and education is the responsibility of everybody including the child, so everybody has to be involved. Back in the days when we were in primary school, if you don’t go

Emelah to school not even your father, if your uncle meets you at home he will make sure that you go to school and your father will be happy with him. He may not even be your uncle, it can be any influential person in the community; they will ensure that you go to school. But today, the society is changing, if you see your neighbour’s child not going to school and you want to be a good Samaritan and you try to compel that child to go to school, be ready that by the time the parents come back you may be in some trouble, but your intentions are very good. The way forward is for every hand to be on deck. Government alone cannot do it, government is to provide the enabling environment for children to learn and to provide those social amenities, and that is just what we are doing but just like what I told you now it is a bit disturbing. We are talking about a scholarship programme that will run for six years for your child and parents will withdraw their children from such programme, it is unthinkable.

Is it that they wanted government to also provide the transport needed to go to the interview centres?

I don’t know but even at that, we have made provisions for the teachers that will come with your four children, there is also a little assistance for transportation so that could not be the problem.

What is the programme in place to encourage and promote gifted children especially the girl-child?

In as much as we are concerned, we are giving equal opportunity to every child as far as this government is concerned, whether you are a female or a male, the opportunities are equal for everyone to express or access. The society cannot be better off without educational programmes, without programmes in science and technology. For quite a long time, Bayelsa State had just one technical college at the state level located at Okaka, I know there is a federal one at Tungbo. But today, there are five new technical colleges we have posted teachers to, and as we speak now they are receiving orientation, so as to enable them train these children, we are equipping them for the task ahead of them. Any child that attends technical college, once they graduate, they can contribute to the society automatically and become employers of labour. That is one area that we have never really exploited, and if they want to stop at that point there is the opportunity for them to move further maybe to tertiary institutions and so on. We are emphasising on science, education and mathematics, and

as a government, we want to ensure that we grow this sector. Worrisome is the fact that we have so many problems in the primary sector; the issue of teachers’, non-conducive learning environment and these are issues that we are tackling headlong to ensure that we mop up teachers from wherever they are in the civil service and deploy them to these schools so that we can have effective teaching and learning system in our schools. As the number one education personnel in our state, I am worried about the situation we find our schools in. I know that we have done so much in education. Bayelsa State has done well to an extent that we are being reckoned with as a state that is doing well in terms of education.

I think one of the factors that contribute to this is the modern schools that the former administration introduced. I remember that the former government declared a state of emergency on education and went ahead to introduce the boarding schools where students stay in the hostels and all what they are meant to do is academics, academics, academics. With that we have been able to move up to an extent, but the focus of this government is to ensure that every community in the state no matter how small it is, there should be a school, and not just having a school there but there should effective teaching and learning in the schools.

So what we are interested in now is what happens right inside the classrooms. You may go somewhere and see a fantastic building, a good structure, well painted building and when you go inside you don’t see anybody, no chairs, no teaching aids and in most cases you see broken bottles. What are those bottles doing there? It is to tell you that since learning is not taking place in those schools, some other persons have converted it for hideout and we want that to stop, and it can only stop when there is effective teaching and learning. These days, there are no watch guards in our schools so facilities are from time to time carted away by hoodlums and other criminals.

What is your office doing about it and are there no teachers in the schools?

There are teachers, but I think that issue is as a result of lack of security guards in our school building facilities and that is an aspect we are equally looking at to ensure that these schools are fully equipped. I have already talked about the issue of teachers before. The issue of teachers’ welfare, maybe teachers’ salary, like I had said earlier, teachers at the primary schools (the primary education is the responsibility of the local government and local government controls more percentage, that’s why it is called the primary. The local government handles their salary and state government augments.

Salary issue has been an issue, if you can remember during Governor Seriake’s time, the state government stepped in and took over the responsibility and started paying teachers, but at a point when the burden of the state government became more, it had to return the responsibility to the local government. The local government has not been effectively managing that setting well, however, I am aware that salaries are been owed teachers and we had a meeting with the local government chairmen, education authorities, NUT and we resolved the way forward. As we speak, I know that deductions are being made for local government chairmen from the account to make sure that this backlog of salaries owed teachers are been paid, so that’s an issue that I know that in no distant time it would be handled.

Law school students have written several letters to your office and to the governor, but they are yet to get law school grants that have been given to other law school students in other states, what is your office

doing about it?

Before now, a representative from the law school students was in my office. I have seen the letter and we have written to the board to authenticate the names, that is what every government will do. I said these are students from your school, I asked them to confirm the names from their institution and since that time till now, we have not gotten feedback. It was last week that the representative came and told me that he has been able to get through to their Abuja Campus, so they will respond to the latter.

What effort is your adminstration making to motivate teachers in rural areas to stay in the villages?

There are schools that we have a masters and teachers quarters, even as we speak, more are to be built for some schools to benefit.

You know you can’t just get these facilities as the state is in distress and we are managing things gradually. Hopefully, by January, some of them will kick off.

Most parents prefer to send their children to private schools even when public schools offer free education, what is the cause of this and what is the state doing to improve the educational standard in public schools?

In the urban area, public schools are not enough for the teeming population especially in Yenagoa which is the capital of Bayelsa State. You can only find public schools along the Mbiama/Yenagoa Road while the city is expanding, so if they don’t have enough of these schools, definitely parents will look for alternatives for their children. I wouldn’t shy away from the truth, for me I believe that for you to be able to solve a problem you must identify the problem and its causes. But where you are not able to identify the problem, no matter how you do, you may not be able to solve it correctly. It is a fact that we lack teachers in public schools which equally contributes to the fact that some parents had to go to private schools instead of the public.

They say teachers’ reward is in heaven. In fact, in Japan, there is a deliberate policy to engage first class graduates in the teaching profession at all levels and they are paid higher wages than other workers. Is the state attempting to make the teaching profession profitable and make teachers’ salary more attractive and rewarding?

Teachers’ reward is now here on earth, the dynamics have changed, in some other parts of the world teachers are paid better than other workers. Right now we are talking about how to solve the issue of salary payment, there is an extent to which funds will be paid, when there are funds, we will talk about better welfare package. The federal government made pronouncement about two months ago about teachers’ welfare and we are adopting it. That is the starting point which points to the fact that teachers are important.

The society cannot do without teachers, you cannot be a broadcaster without teachers, and you cannot be a medical doctor, a lawyer, an engineer without teachers.

What do you want to be remembered for?

What I feel I should be remembered for is that for me, it will be a thing of joy if we are able to set education on a sound footing, and what do I mean by that? Most callers have equally append that the primary sector is in dire need of teachers, and if we will be able to fix that, the secondary sector will benefit from it, the tertiary will benefit from it and I will love to see a situation where the basic which is the foundation in education is totally grounded.

33

T H I S D AY ˾ DECEMBER 23, 2020

EDUCATION

Lagos Spelling Bee NCWD to Commence Award of HND Equivalent Certificates Contest Produces One-day Governor Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Oluchi Chibuzor A student of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Shomolu, Lagos, Jemimah Marcus, has emerged winner of the 2020 Lagos State Government new era spelling bee competition, sponsored by Indomie Noodles.

The feat has earned her the title of One-day Governor of the state. She also received a cash prize of 250,000.

Ajose Sotun of Topo Senior Grammar School, and Edeh Rhema of Denton Junior Grammar School, EbuteMetta emerged first and second runners-up respectively, and got cash prizes of N150,000 and 100,000.

For them, government must continue to support educational initiatives in order to make it easier for the less privilege to gain stardom through programmes like this.

“During COVID-19 lockdown, I studied hard using various online platforms available for me and this competition would further help me achieve my dreams in life,” Marcus stated.

Speaking at the occasion, the wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented

by Mrs. Funso Raji said the annual competition is one of the initiatives of government designed to promote healthy rivalry among learners in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

“Education is one of the key components of the THEMES Agenda of the present administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu targeted towards engendering a greater Lagos of our dreams.

The intention of government is to do its best to secure the future of our children, and this is why the tradition of

this annual competition has not only been sustained, but improved upon.

“I must commend you all for making it to the level of participating in the grand finale of this competition which began with the preliminaries in the primary and secondary school categories across the 57 local government areas and local council development areas of the state,” she said.

While urging the students to take their studies seriously, the governor’s wife said, “you must come to terms with the fact that only hard work and diligence can help you rise to the pinnacle of your chosen career. I also would like to commend our teachers for their hard work and for working assiduously to groom students in the state.”

Highlighting the need to embrace diligence in their studies, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo said records have shown that participants and winners in the past editions have continued to excel and have distinguished themselves in university education, coming out with top grades which have helped to position them for good jobs. ”This is an indication that the quality of teaching and learning taking place in our schools is improving steadily, and that our policies and programmes in the education sector are addressing the purposes for which they were initiated and implemented.

I am happy to inform you that despite the various challenges encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, many awards and laurels have been won by Lagos State students in various competitions globally.”

Engineer Unveils Online Learning Platform to Support Students As part of efforts to improve students’ performance, especially in external examinations, a Process Engineer at Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, Mr. Elvis Enebeli, has launched an online platform, Nimble.ng, to create an easy learning process for students.

The platform contains educational materials on various subjects for students in senior secondary one to three (SS1-SS3) and for those preparing for West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, as well as post-UTME. Nimble.ng can be accessed via smartphones, laptops or any internet-enabled device on http://www.nimble. ng.

On the rationale behind the creation of the platform, Enebeli said the idea was conceived in 2018 during his days as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), when he served as a teacher.

He said he was moved to create it because of the declining standard of education in the country and also the statistical

failure of students in national exams.

According to him, students will be able to study at their convenience, not being constrained only to classroom. Also he said the platform features various ways of improving students’ academic performance such as quizzes, tests, exams, computer based tests practices (to give student preparing for JAMB a first hand experience), challenges (where students on the platform challenge one another to test their knowledge), and forums where students can interact with one another and share knowledge.

He added that the platform is user-friendly; upon sign-up, users are given free coins to access two subjects, the user then buys more coins to access other subjects.

Enebeli therefore called on interested persons to sponsor and support the campaign of enabling free access to the platform for 10,000 students before March 2021. He said proceeds from the campaign will be used to create a reward system for outstanding students/subscribers.

The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has concluded plans to begin the award of certificates which are equivalent to Higher National Diploma, through its intensive programmes in artisanship.

The Director-General of the centre, Mrs. Mary -Ekpere-Eta stated this in Abuja at the graduation ceremony of 200 beneficiaries of the female artisanship programme, organised by the centre.

She said the beneficiaries of the programme have succeeded in demystifying the narrative that certain jobs and skills are not meant for women.

According to her, while the centre has graduated

over 1,000 female artisans who are doing well in their chosen fields, it is expected that in the course of active practice, for a 10-year period, a million female professionals employing at least 10 persons, will take out 10 million unemployed youths from the streets.

“We are going to monitor their activities towards ensuring that they are putting into use the lesson they have been taught during the programme. In the next six months, they will be coming back here for evaluation and we will award them with certificates which is equivalent to a HND. “I am confident that this new crop of female professionals being launched into the construction industry will break gender barriers and make available, af-

fordable and make excellent artisanship services, while being economically empowered in the Nigerian construction industry.

“The breakdown of the skills from different trades include Plaster of Paris (POP), tiling and masonry, air condition and refrigeration, generator repairs, plumbing and piping, as well as electrical fittings and wiring,” she said.

In his remarks, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon urged the Nigerian government to harness women’s capacity in building a sustainable economy, stressing that equal participation in all spheres of life must be a priority through targeted investments.

According to him,

women’s economic empowerment is central to realising women’s rights and gender equality, saying that such investments must be backed by gender responsive budgeting and robust gender sensitive policies that mandate women’s equal and fair participation in the society.

“Women’s equal participation in all spheres of life must be a priority through targeted investments in supporting women owned businesses and harnessing women’s capacity in building sustainable green economies.

“We urgently need to address the barriers that hinder women’s progression into the executive level in the private sector, including unequal pay, workplace discrimination and harassment.”

L-R: The Director, Foreshore School, Mrs. Oyin Egbeyemi; Director, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Mrs. Funke Fowler-Amba; Retired Director of Education, Mrs. Sherifat Atinuke Ogboye; Lagos State Commissioner for Education; Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo; CEO, Edumark, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde; and the Regional Manager, Public Sector Lagos, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Olawale Adetutu, at the unveiling of the 2020 Lagos State Teachers’ Merit Award Programme... recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Lagos Inaugurates Teachers’ Merit Award 2020 Funmi Ogundare The Lagos State Ministry of Education recently flagged off the ‘Teachers Merit Award 2020’, aimed at recognising, showcasing and appreciating public school teachers.

The initiative, which is private sector driven, is also designed to, aside promote education in the state, emphasise teachers’ outstanding ideas and innovations so that other educators can replicate them to enhance learning outcomes in all schools.

The application which kicked-off online with the link http://lagosstateteacherawards.ng on December 21, has been broken down into seven categories. A total of 13 teachers and principals- three from the primary school level, three from the junior secondary school level, three from the senior secondary school/technical college, one head teacher in the primary school, one principal each from the junior, senior secondary and technial college, will be selected for the awards.

Speaking to journalists

during the unveiling ceremony, the Chairperson of the Awards Committee, Mrs. Lai Koiki decribed this year’s edition as special because of the peculiarities of the global challenges caused by the Coronavirus. This she said has brought out the can-do spirit, resilience and creativity in the teachers as they tried to minimise the learning loss in their students “That is part of what makes this year’s award very special, as it is giving the state another opportunity to appreciate teachers in public schools. The award aims to appreciate teachers who not only persevered during this period, but who also found ways to excel and distinguish themselves.”

Through their teaching and learning, Koiki who is also the Executive Director of Greensprings School, said the teachers ensured that no child was left behind or disadvantaged.

She noted that the merit award will be different from the one previously held by the state government as teachers are free to apply

on their own rather than being norminated, and support their claims with video evidence of outstanding leadership or contribution in improving teaching and learning, evidence of positive holistic impact on students’ learning beyond classroom protocol, efficiency and effectiveness; attestation, references from the students and their bosses, communities, among others, as criteria for selection.

“There are three stages to the application; the first stage is the preliminary where a lot of people will leave, the second stage is where the evidences come into play, at that time, we have only 30, and those 30, we are going to invite them to a retreat. Even though they are not going to win the award, they deserve to be given a special treatment.

So we are going to put them through some trainings and we are going to select 13 of the various categories.

“We are looking at having this completed by the end of February. The application will roll out from Monday and will close by January 25.

We will do the first selection and get in touch with the people.

“We hope this intervention will motivate our teachers and others to start respecting this noble cling as a profession to be proud of and supported.”

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisoye said her ministry decided to make it a private sector driven initiative so as to make the process rigorous, transparent and fair.

She described the teaching profession as sacrificial, saying that it is not for anybody who couldn’t find a job, adding that the state will continue to sustain the initiative.

“We must respect teachers at every level as it takes a lot of dexterity and passion to teach children. It is the greatest profession anyone can do, we must celebrate them.”

The Director of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos, Mrs. Funke Fowler-Amber encouraged everyone to celebrate teachers.

34

T H I S D AY ˾ DECEMBER 23, 2020

EDUCATION

NGO Seeks Inclusion of Entrepreneurship Studies in Basic School Curriculum Kuni Tyessi in Abuja A non-governmental organisation, African Kids and Women Rights Initiative (AKAWI) has added its voice to the clamour for curriculum review, stating that entrepreneurship studies should be added from the basic school level.

It said teaching young minds life saving skills through entrepreneurship in basic school curriculum will not only fight against poverty and unemployment, but will prevent frustration and depression as a result of joblessness and not knowing what to do in return.

The Executive Director of AKAWI, Ms. Sherina Okoye, who stated this in Abuja during

its empowerment and award ceremony, said a country like China can be used as an example as different trades are taught from childhood and owned by families, adding that this trait has succeeded in lifting almost the entire population out of poverty.

In celebrating women which she said many are unsung heroes as a result of the impactful roles they play in reshaping humanity, as well as demystifying the narratives about the limitations of women, but are not known or celebrated, Okoye said policies and their implementation will help in driving the economy.

She said many young girls today do not have leadership skills and role models to look up

to, hence the need to encourage women to tell their stories of failures, hardships and victories in order to inspire, adding that one woman’s past is another woman’s present.

“There is the need to quickly review the Nigerian school curriculum and adding entrepreneurship studies right from the basic level. There is the need to catch them young.

We keep saying there are no jobs and there’s poverty. It is as a result of the fact that many are endowed with talents but are bereft of ideas which will translate those talents into money making ventures.

“We rely on too much of certificates in this country and less on business ideas. This is

why we are where we are.

Take China for example, they emphasise so little on certificates and lay emphasis on grooming talents and bringing out the best from it. That is aside the fact that they teach in their language.

“There are a lot of unsung heroes in our society. We encourage women to speak out as the past of another woman qualifies to be the present of another.

“Women are breaking frontiers and are not celebrated. They are just in their corners and changing the narratives towards positive living. Young girls today hardly have people to look up to and get inspiration. So we are trying to make them bold as well as encourage them to make their name in history,” she said.

Some staff members of EY Nigeria, with officials of Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Surulere, Lagos, when EY visited the organisation to donate food and other household materials, to mark this year’s Charity Day event, as part of the firm’s annual corporate social responsibility projects in Lagos... recently

COVID-19: Expert Recommends Non-contact Sports for Children Uchechukwu Nnaike As the coronavirus pandemic continues to discourage social gatherings, the Head of Physical Education (PE) at Greensprings School, Anthony Lagos, Ms. Gladys Okatho, has called for the involvement of children in non-contact sports.

She said this recently while speaking on the effects of the pandemic on sports and physical education in Nigerian schools.

According to her, many parents are apprehensive of allowing their children to engage in school sports because of the risk of exposing themselves to COVID-19, adding that through non-contact sports like racket games, children can keep their body fit without being in danger of contracting the virus.

“COVID-19 has made students and parents very

conscious of physical contacts with other people. Because of that, it is not a good decision to introduce games like football, basketball and volleyball at this time. The best options, for now are racket games, as they allow social distancing.

Since the on-site resumption after the lockdown, all sports activities in Greensprings School have been restricted to racket games. Our practical lessons are on individual skill-based learning, and we primarily engage in badminton, table tennis, and lawn tennis,” she said.

“When the students want to have a water break during the training, they are required to wash their hands with soap and dry them with the hand dryer.

To maintain social distancing while playing games, we divide our students into different small

sections and a PE teacher is assigned to each section to ensure COVID-19 safety compliance.

After the lesson, the equipment is cleaned and sanitized.”

When asked if students are mandated to wear a face mask during physical activities, Okatho said it is risky, as a face mask reduces air intake and can cause suffocation during an intense exercise.

“The body needs a lot of oxygen during vigorous activities like sports. So, we don’t make our students wear a face mask during the practical classes for Physical Education. This is to prevent difficulty in breathing, especially for students who may be asthmatic. Besides, it is not hygienic to sweat on a mask and keep on it throughout the day.

For these reasons, what we do is make the students maintain social distance by spacing them

wide apart during the sessions,” she stressed.

Okatho also explained how Greensprings School is involving students learning from home in Physical Education, saying, “learning has been hybrid since we returned on-site. Therefore, students on-site take part in noncontact sports, while students learning from home are engaged with fitness exercises.

“At the beginning of PE classes for our students learning virtually, we ask them to change to their sportswear, and we work out for 20 minutes before the topic of the day is treated.

“This workout serves as a stress relief after sitting down for a long period attending online classes in other subjects. The fitness activities are always very interesting, and parents sometimes join us,” she said.

FCT Records 76.8% Pass Mark in 2020 BECE Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has revealed that junior secondary school students in the territory who sat for the 2020 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) had a 76.8 per cent success rate.

The acting Director, Administration and Finance of the FCT Education Secretariat, Mallam Leramoh Abdul Razak disclosed this at the secretariat’s 2020

annual media luncheon.

BECE is the main examination to qualify students for admission into secondary and vocational schools in Nigeria.

Abdul Razak said the FCT Education Resource Centre, which released the results, indicated that out of the 59,938 candidates that sat for the examination, 46,075 passed at six credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

He added that 2,405 out of

the 3,303 candidates in the five science schools in the territory have been offered provisional admission.

Abdul Razak also announced the successful take off of the Bachelor of Education Degree programme in affiliation with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in addition to the planned commencement of the Abuja University of Technology Abaji (AUTA) next year.

He announced further that

approval has been granted and fund released by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for the implementation of school farm in FCT public basic schools.

Abdul Razak also revealed that the secretariat is constructing 72 additional classrooms across nine secondary schools, as well as the provision of 10,000 core subject textbooks and 10,000 non-core subject textbooks in addition to teacher’s guide for schools.

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF REASONING TOGETHER There have been great teachers of our time who have not only sizzled their teachings with intrinsic values of stability, consistency, stoicism, dependability and regularity, but matched their teachings with complementing actions. In so doing, they have silhouetted their image in history forever and left a legacy that their progeny will benefit from eternally. The ageless truth declares that a good name is more desirable than gold and silver and that the day of one’s death is better than of one’s birth. How profoundly true!

More often than not, values or acts of integrity, which essentially are what is referred to as ‘a good name’ do not give immediate rewards or gratification. You may even be repressed, name-tagged or ostracized for being good.This however should not deter you from doing the right and honourable thing. You may have acquired your good name by way of legacy or they may have become ingrained in you (through association) by your parents or mentors who were themselves unsullied.

Is your integrity squeaky-clean? Is it self-taught, or gained through years of self-discipline? Does it need further touch-ups like mine?

Maybe yours is the more realistic & dynamic type that requires constant and progressive priming and pruning. Does this also need prayers to God to make it perfect. Whatever state your integrity may be in, you as a teacher needs to rise above tardiness.

Let’s look as some ways teachers lag behind: In persistent lateness to work or to lessons and in our lackadaisical attitude to work, we may be endangering the progress of our students.

Disorderliness - Excellent recordkeeping, great planning and sequencing skills ensure a smooth progression to the happenings of the day. A good teacher facilitates a flowing chronology of topics in her subject so that her students link the known to the new.

Untidiness and uncleanliness - Maintaining tidy and clean classroom is not expensive. Endeavour to keep the class free of dust, cobwebs, mildew and clutter. This addresses the simple health needs for everyone and projects an exquisite, tasteful, ‘classy’ and graceful image of you the teacher. Insist that your students bin their own rubbish and not throw litter about. You could soften and brighten your class with a simple pot of indoor plants, this is easily obtainable.

Brighten up your class with a small patch-work of Nigerian fabric.

A tailor would graciously give you pieces of or un-needed cloth.

Drabness and routine -There should not be room for flat, uninspiring, ‘wishy-washy’ techniques of teaching on the one hand; a boring, mediocre, unimaginative and stale teacher on the other. You must be a master of your teaching subject and gracious enough to demure on a topic you don’t know rather than fabricate lies!

You can’t afford to be regular! Inject fresh and new actions and ideas into your lessons and put an element of surprise into when and how you bring them in.

Your language - Are you fluent, expressive, comprehensible, intelligible and or understandable?There is nothing worse than a teacher who speaks in the wrong tenses and is making no active effort to brush him/herself up! English cuts across all science and art subjects. Refrain from shouting, using abusive words and expression s on the students when they go wrong, speaking abusively of their parents and generally projecting an image of an ogre! Apologise to a student when you have been wrong, say thank you to them when they have helped or done a good thing and negotiate with them when appropriate. Good teachers don’t always give orders; they come to an understanding on issues with their student and in so doing, teach them how to respect other people’s perspectives. Before you send home your student’s reports or school-home communication, take a few moments to read through what you have just written. A school report is not where you unleash your vendetta on a student or their parents! Endeavour to write in excellent, professional and non- patronizing language. Maintain your dignity and good name.

Sleeping on duty - Sleeping in class before your students or dropping your head on the table for a quick snooze should not be practiced by you. It projects an image of laziness and idleness. Your students are watching and they are very impressionable! If you feel ill, go to the sick bay or to any provision you school may have and refuel there. Please check your school’s policy on this.

Selling/trading on duty - This is absolutely wrong and should not be practiced within your daily contract hours. It is true that the times are hard and we all feel the pinch. Organise your time to fit in what you do outside your contract time. How would you feel if an employee of yours was carrying out his own business in your paying time?

Using your mobile phone irresponsibly - Check your school’s policy on this but as a general thumb of rule, you should keep you phones off or its ring tones on silent and return calls at more acceptable time during your daily contract hours, for example during your break.

Your grooming - A good bath, oral care, some deodorant, hair and nail care contribute to the entire image of a teacher. Unprofessional dressing, impractical dressing, unfashionable dressings are all subjective description of someone’s grooming. As a role model, Aim for stylish modesty. Your students should want to be like you!

Omoru is a freelance writer, education, health and social care advocate

35

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

Oando Foundation Promotes Environmental Education, Sustainability in Schools Funmi Ogundare Oando Foundation (OF) recently initiated a project tagged ‘Clean Our World’ (COW), designed to promote environmental education and responsibility by creating awareness and empowering pupils and teachers in seven public primary schools in Lagos and their host communities with the knowledge of plastic recycling and waste management, while also encouraging the adoption of eco-conscious lifestyles.

The project, supported

by Sumitomo Chemical, a Japanese chemical company, will also ensure a sustainable action for pupils in target schools and host communities.

The beneficiary schools and communities include: Dele Ajomale Schools Complex (I–IV), Ilasamaja, Metropolitan Primary School, Orile-Iganmu, Olisa Primary School and Methodist Primary School, Mushin.

It is estimated that Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of solid waste annually of which less than 30 per cent

is plastic. There is increased flooding across cities during the rainy season due to clogged drainage systems, directly attributable to poor waste disposal techniques.

Education is an essential element of the global response to environmental sustainability which helps young people understand and address environmental issues, encourages changes in their attitudes and behaviour, and helps them adapt to climate change-related trends. When environmental education is integrated into the curriculum, pupils are more enthusiastic and engaged in learning, which improves learner achievement in core academic areas. Creating awareness on recycling, environmental responsibility and sustainability will help explain, inform, motivate, persuade and encourage beneficiaries in target schools and communities to embrace behavioral changes necessary for long-term impact.

According to the Head of the foundation, Adekanla Adegoke, “the foundation’s partnership with Sumitomo

OVH Energy Awards Scholarships to Students from Host Communities Peter Uzoho As part of efforts to drive education development in Nigeria through proactive corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, a petroleum products marketer, OVH Energy has awarded scholarships to 19 students from its host communities.

Through the OVH Energy University Scholarship Scheme (USS), the 19 beneficiaries from universities within its area of operation will begin to enjoy the scholarships from the current 2020/2021 academic year.

The company said the programme was designed to award scholarships to undergraduates who are in their second, third and fourth years in the university, with a minimum of 2.75 CGPA and and must have passed through the selection process.

The scheme is open to Nigerian undergraduates in the category of Areas of Operations Merit Award (AOM), for students from host communities in which OVH Energy operates.

The initiative, which started in 2018 with 14 initial beneficiaries from the organisation’s five host communities in Lagos and Rivers States, has provided an enabling learning environment for many students.

The scheme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG4), which mandates nations and industry players to promote quality education.

This is would in turn advance human capacity building, a sustainable business

environment, and corporate profitability.

Throwing more light on the initiative, the Managing Director of OVH Energy, Mr. Huub Stokman stated: “OVH Energy has a strong heritage and expertise in delivering outstanding value for all stakeholders.

“Through our University Scholarship Scheme, which started in 2018, we have impacted the lives of many students by providing the much-needed financial support so that they can focus more on their education.

“The scholarship affords each of the selected 19 students from participating universities N100,000 each.

“We commenced in 2018 by awarding 14 beneficiaries from five of our host communities in Lagos and Rivers State in the category of Areas of Operation Merit Award (AOM).

“In 2019, the scheme was extended to four additional beneficiaries; two each in Ekpan and Nkporgu communities in Delta and Rivers States respectively.”

Stokman promised that as Africa’s indigenous marketer of choice, OVH Energy is committed to providing an enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive and to provide trusted petroleum products and services for Nigerians.

“We would premain true to our mission by continuing to build a customer-centric organisation operating to the highest safety standards and delivering outstanding value to our shareholders,” he added.

Chemical over the years has been directed towards improved digital literacy in public primary schools through the establishment of six solar-powered digital learning centres across Nigeria.”

She said the COW project marks a positive expansion of its work together and commitment to designing and implementing multidimensional education interventions. “We believe learning transcends the classroom, encouraging environmental education through the COW project will help pupils understand

how their decisions and actions affect the environment, build knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental issues, explore different actions to keep our environment healthy and sustainable for the future.

“Not only does COW offer opportunities for experiential learning outside of the classroom enabling pupils to make connections and apply their learning in the real world, it also encourages the development of critical and creative thinking skills necessary for enhancing overall learner outcomes. We are working closely with the Nigerian

Conservation Foundation (NCF) and relevant education agencies to implement the project across seven schools and three communities in Lagos State.”

The General Manager, General Affairs Department, Sumitomo Chemical, Tomoyuki Hirayama, said its education support programme for Africa started with the development of Olyset net, a long lasting insecticidal net that helps prevent the spread of malaria.

“We believe that improving the educational environment is also crucial for Africa to achieve self-sustaining

economic development, and thus have been engaged with various partners in supporting schools since 2005. During the period up to April 30, 2020, 29 projects have been completed in 12 countries, benefiting over 29,000 people.”

He expressed excitement that the organisation’s partnership with Oando Foundation has brought the new initiative of plastic recycling and waste management, as its contribution to developing a circular system for plastics which is one of its high-priority and material management issues.

L-R: The representative of the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Funso Raji; Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods PLC, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju; winner, 2020 Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, Miss Jemimah Marcus; and Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, at the finale of the competition, sponsored by Indomie... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Babcock VC Seeks Better Working Condition for Journalists Funmi Ogundare The Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Professor Ademola Tayo has appealed to the government and relevant authorities to see to the needs and conditions of journalists in the country, especially through the formulation of policies which will guarantee them life insurance while in practice.

Tayo, who said this during the 2020 media launcheon, affirmed that since the media plays a critical role in a nation’s development as a strong facilitator of socio-economic growth and political stability, they have remained a key component of the community.

“Your constructive ideas and views have not only welded together our nation

as an indivisible entity, they have sustained our democracy, enhanced good governance and they have served for us, as elixir for improved academic products and services to our teeming stakeholders and shareholders.”

The VC expressed concern that despite media relevance, so little is done by the country to appreciate the sacrifices they make for the survival of the nation, and for keeping the public up to speed with local and global happenings through quality reporting.

According to him, “I want you to know and I say it from the depth of my heart, that this occasion is put together to celebrate you. Not just because of your toils to keep the nation informed, but also because of the risks that you take to discharge your responsibilities,

so that the nation may be well and sound.”

Tayo also appealed to the media to continue to uphold the tenets of truth, objectivity, fairness and integrity, which are the hallmarks of great journalism.

“These are some of the values we share with you as an institution. These timeless values make Babcock University what it is- blazing the trail and making a difference,” he said.

The VC, who is currently in his second tenure, said the institution for over two decades, has significantly contributed to the country’s socio-political, industrial and cultural development through innovations, adding that it is commencing its School of Environmental Studies this year.

“The School of Engineering Science will soon follow. Our Distance and e-Learning Centre is ready and waiting for the accreditation team.

“Our greatest assets remain our graduates such as Akinlade and Ezra of Pay stack, who recently commanded global attention with the acquisition of their company by renowned American company, Stipe.”

He emphasised on one of its Key Performance Indicators (KPI), saying that it has tightened its promotion for professors. The VC noted that for them to be promoted, they must be able to prove that they have published in ‘category A’ journals that are globally recognised, adding that students’ performance is also key, as it is also a determinant for performance.

FUPRE VC Lauds FG on Commercialisation of Gas Project Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, has lauded the federal government’s policy on commercialisation of gas, stating that the AjaokutaKaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline project will drastically reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.

Speaking at the annual

International Environmental Management Stakeholders’ Conference, organised by the Chartered Institute of Environmental and Public Health Management of Nigeria at the institution, Prof. Rim-Rukeh stated that the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1958 was a welcome development, but regretted that the interest was only on crude oil, while gas was left to flare without considering environmental

pollution.

He however commended the present federal administration on efforts at ensuring that the environment is safe for the citizens, especially those who reside in such areas of exploration with the initiative of the Ajaokuta-Kaduana-Kano Gas Pipeline project.

He maintained that the air the people breathe in, the food they eat and the water they drink are sacrosanct to

good health and commended the organisers, especially for choosing notable topics on how to manage the environment with lectures delivered by Prof.

S.A Olagoke and Prof. Olagoke, among other guest speakers.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the induction of the vice-chancellor into the institute and investiture of executive committee members of the Delta State chapter of the institute.

36

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

CITYSTRINGS

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ ÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͙͖͓͑͒​͓͖͓͔͓͖

Examining Global African Solidarity, Cooperation The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation recently examined global African solidarity and cooperation, especially in the aftermath of a pandemic. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the public lecture harped on the role of the African Union in solidifying such robust cooperation among member states

T

beyond. Such hospitals must have access to 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply and retain our best hands.

“Instead of perpetually being a training ground for medical personnel who will move over to Europe, America and Asia because of poor remuneration and working conditions, we must design human resources for health scheme that keeps our best doctors, nurses and pharmacists, etc. in the country. With greater access to funds from public and private sources as well as the compulsory health insurance scheme, it will be easier to keep our best hands at home through competitive remuneration.

“These are just a few things that can be kick-started today and not a full list of what needs to be done to get the sector back on track. But the leadership of the federal and state ministries of health is fundamental to this health revolution.

“The national Council on Health must take on the challenge of drawing up a workable scheme and convincing the highest levels of leadership in the presidency and the respective governors to buy into such a scheme. It is doable but we need men and women, ministers and commissioners who can say – yes, we can.”

o examine global African solidarity and cooperation, especially in the aftermath of a pandemic, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) recently held a public lecture.

Held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, the lecture was hosted by CBAAC Director General, Hon. Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao (FITP), while the guest lecturer was Comrade Laoye Sanda, former Head, Department of Public Administration, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State.

Also, the parley had discussants like former Permanent Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, Lagos State, Abiayo Olubukola Akinsiku; and Olusola B. Sokefun, PhD. Dept. of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, while it was moderated by Dr. Tola Odubajo.

CBBAC’s Take In her address, CBAAC DG, Hon. Oluwabunmi Amao, said the public lecture themed “Global African Solidarity and Cooperation in the Aftermath of a Pandemic: COVID-19 in Perspective”, was one of the centre’s programmes “instituted and consolidated for over two decades by my predecessors and devoted to discussions on issues of common concern to Africans, both on the continent and in the Diaspora. This is part of the mandate of the centre as a Pan-African cultural centre envisaged by its founding fathers. ”The topic for today’s public lecture is quite apt in view of its contemporary relevance. The COVID-19 has disrupted lives and livelihoods globally. Indeed, COVID-19 has triggered humanitarian and socio- economic crisis that has continued to devastate societies and even reversed vital gains made in human development with massive impact on peace, security and human rights.

“In responding to this challenge, African countries have shown leadership, both individually and collectively. At the continental level, the African Union has taken a number of initiatives to develop unified continent-wide strategies which has seen member states coming together in solidarity to fight the disease. “ The mobilisation and cooperation among the AU’s member states in the wake of the pandemic has not only been exemplary to other continents of the world, but an indication of Africa’s real potential for transformation.

“Consequently, this lecture seeks to assess and analyze the various strategies that African governments have employed to collectively deal with the COVID-19 crises across the continent. How effective has the concept of African Solidarity been in the fight against the disease?

“As the world continues to grapple with this challenge, and as Africa continue to emerge from this health crises, what are the areas the continent and African Union leverage to have a robust cooperation and solidarity in confronting other current and future challenges? What other options are available for the African Continent in forging closer ties among its member states.

These and many more are the questions this public lecture attempts to address.”

She added that African Solidarity is a concept that finds expression in the African spirit of compassion and togetherness which are rooted in the culture of the African people, adding that the African Culture promotes a sense of community and brotherhood, which are distinct features “embedded in our culture. We must continue to explore this for the betterment of our continent. In the face of daunting challenges such as the one we are confronted with, Africa must look inward for solutions to some of the challenges facing the continent”.

Structure In his paper, Comrade Laoye Sanda said the topic was quite appropriate in terms of the “ great and numerous negative impacts of the COVID-19throughout the world and the frantic effort being made all over to find effective drugs and injections with due Medicare and individual personal hygiene habits to overcome the damaging effects in the short and long term.

He noted that the pandemic has put in question directly and indirectly the adequacy and resilience of both the World Health System and Medicare ability of all countries especially in the Third World, that is Africa, South America and South East Asia inclusive of India.

Thus, the paper was structured along COVID-19 pandemic issues, AU solidarity actions, cooperation scope, AU Secretariat Commission Report on successes and failures, elaborations

DG CBAAC, Hon. Oluwabunmi Amao

Comrade Laoye Sanda

on the reported failures and priority programs and projects to overcome the challenges.

“The fact that the pandemic is getting to a plateau and may be slightly receding and that a few Nigerians have died from it should not make us to miss the opportunity. It is within the context of the foregoing that the following recommendations are made.

“The first is that government must ensure that all the new funds and promises of money made on the pandemic are properly invested in a value-for-money approach. It is also a time to think through the value chain of the health industry, the economic opportunities including jobs, enhanced income, taxation and general value added to the economy that will arise from improved investments and service delivery in the sector.

“The first is that we must work towards universal health coverage where no one is left behind. We must properly cost the needed investments to ensure a drastic reduction in out of pocket expenditure for the health care of citizens.

“The payments for the new investments need not come from the public sector alone but the public sector must lead the way in terms of prioritising the sector through increased budgetary allocations which are not just appropriations on paper, but sums of money duly released and processes set up to ensure that the released funds are utilised in a corruption-free environment. This will entail designing procurement processes that deliver to the best specifications.

“The federal and state governments must ensure by law and health insurance becomes compulsory and universal and government will be under obligation to pay the premium for citizens, who are unable, for no fault of theirs to afford the premiums.

“The compulsory nature of health insurance will generate a large pool of funds that will be used to maintain quality care in the sector. Also, the private sector should be given tax incentives up to a reasonable limit for investments and donations to the health sector. For instance, the Lagos State Revenue Service stated it allowed up to 20 per cent of the value of donations to the pandemic cause to be set out of the 2012 tax assessments of the donor companies.

“Such companies could also be recognised by special awards from government and the industry under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. Special taxes could be created to increase resources available to health. These taxes could b specifically levied on alcohol, tobacco and ostentatious goods and services.

“Investments in local production and servicing of health machinery, pharmaceuticals, goods and commodities should be prioritised through a special fund that works with the Bank of Industry model to provide long term, low interest funding to the sector targeted at key manufacturing and local value added. It will build up a cluster of producing firms and human competencies in key areas that will provide the backbone for a strong medical sector that caters to the need of Nigerians. “ Investments could also be expanded to specialist hospitals that attend to a specialised area of medicine equipped with human and material resources to be real centres of excellence that can attract medial tourists from Africa and

Role of AU The African Union (AU), an international organisation comprising all 54 independent states in Africa and Western Sahara. It was established in May 2001 to, among other things, promote regional integration, interstate solidarity, peace, good governance and to enhance the African voice in the global system.

But according to Sanda, the AU has been very successful in addressing the needs of the African political class but it is yet to make a significant difference in the lives of many ordinary Africans.

He noted that the importance of the panAfrican organisation to African political elite is such that they would have created it today if it did not already exist.

“The AU has socialised African leaders to accept liberal values as the foundation of international cooperation in Africa; enhanced the agency of African political class on the world stage; and establishment progressive and innovative rules and norms for the African continent. It has also created many useful decision-making structures that have contributed to the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in Africa.

“The AU has, however, been less successful in connecting its activities and programs to many ordinary Africans; providing common public goods and services valued by commoners in Africa; giving voice to the majority of young people in Africa; promoting intra-Africa trade, good governance, and financial independence of the African continent as well as struggled to address the expressed material needs and quotidian concerns of ordinary Africans,” he added.

Priorities Programs, Projects The guest lecturer further proposed priorities programs to abate the failures and they include increased funding, training equipment, supply research international collaboration between African States to be coordinated by the AU Secretariat.

Posers Quoting Eze Oyekpere view point column of the Punch newspaper Monday, August, 2020 pg. 24, he said “the major issues arising from the pandemic and the public noise around them are straightforward. How many hospitals and health centres have been refurbished from the proceeds of the new funds from the public and private sectors dedicated to health?

“How many new facilities have been built?

Have we changed even superficially, our approach and management of the health sector?

Which agencies and companies have benefitted from the Central Bank of Nigeria dedicated funds for the sector?”

Requisite Lessons The guest lecturer further noted that it would be a waste of precious opportunity “if we only take the pains of the pandemic without learning the requisite lessons which will put us in a good position to tackle any future challenges.

Recommendations He further recommended that the AU Secretariat Commission should intensify efforts to attend to several handicaps in this sector, adding that such assistance should be extended throughout the AU Member Countries.

He further posited that the AU Secretariat Commission should also vigorously pursue greater African representation, participation and benefits from the UN Agencies which will further enhance its successes and alleviate the noted failures.

This is just as he charged them to rapidly boost African Economic Development through the AFCTA, adding that the main justification for fastest membership of the FCTA by all African Countries is the dismal IMF report on the COVID-19 Post Pandemic Economy in 2021 and beyond.

According to him, AFCFTA is expected to lead to the creation of a single continental market of more than 1.3 billion people with a combined annual output of $2.2 trillion. The transition phase to the Continental Free Trade Area alone could generate welfare gains of $16.1 billion and boost intra-African trade by 33 per cent.

Elucidating on the way forward he said, “All countries including those that have seemingly passed peaks in infections should ensure that their health care systems are adequately resourced.

The international community must vastly step up its support of national initiatives, including through financial assistance to countries with limited health care capacity and channelling of funding for vaccine production as trials advance, so that adequate, affordable doses are quickly available to all countries.

“Where lockdowns are required, economic policy should continue to cushion household income losses with sizable, well-targeted measures as well as provide support to firms suffering the consequences of mandated restrictions on activity.

“Where economies are reopening targeted support should be gradually unwound as the recovery gets under way, and policies should provide stimulus to lift demand and ease and incentivise the reallocation of resources away from sectors likely to emerge persistently smaller after the pandemic.

“Strong multilateral cooperation remains essential on multiple fronts. Liquidity assistance is urgently needed for countries confronting health crises and external funding shortfalls, including through debt relief and financial safety net. Beyond the pandemic, policymakers must co-operate to resolve trade and technology tensions that endanger an eventual recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

Finally, he noted that other major crisis areas which both the Heads of States, Heads of Governments and AU Secretariat with its specialised commission must put utmost innovativeness, resourcefulness, courage and resilience are as follows: combating terrorism, gender and female child disadvantages, outbreaks of wars and conflicts, increasing debt problem which compromises future sustainable growth and development, brain drain, poverty, desertification, under industrialisation, unemployment, infrastructural inadequacies, pollution, non modernisation of the Health and Medical System which has been exposed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 calamities, corruption and rigged elections.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

CRIME&SECURITY

Advancing the Cause of Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Relations Chiemelie Ezeobi, in exploring the world of Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who was recently promoted to the enviable rank of a Commissioner of Police, writes that the consummate cop has successfully married his passion between law enforcement, justice and public relations, all for the betterment of the society

O

n one hand he clutches the gun while the other wields the wig and gown.

Although both represent the insignia of the Criminal Justice System, the former stands for law enforcement while the latter is to ensure justice.

This is the world of Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police and a Commissioner of Police in the waiting, given that he was just recently promoted to the enviable rank by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

In many fora, Mba has always believed that having the best of both worlds, in either law enforcement or ensuring justice is done, has made him a better police officer. But while both professions are his passion, another career trajectory has been his foray into the media and by extension, public relations, which has soared his profile as a consummate police man.

Early Days But how did Mba become a policeman? For someone who never dreamt of becoming a police officer, his foray into the profession started from watching a police parade. As shocking as it might seem, he had just finished his secondary school and was waiting for his JAMB result when fate intervened.

He had gone with a friend to the Polo Park in Enugu where a police parade was going on. Seeing the beautiful procession done with razor-cut precision, his passion to join the force was kindled. He applied to join the police and upon recruitment, joined as a cadet in 1992 as a teenager.

But before the police recruitment form came out, he had already gotten admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Political Science. He was just in his first semester before the police came calling. He quickly pulled out and went to the Police Academy. After his training in the academy, he went on to acquire a degree in Law- which happened to be his first love.

His stance has always been that being a police officer and lawyer makes him a perfect tool for advancing the cause of justice and law enforcement, since they are mutually reinforcing.

His philosophy is pegged on the fact that having a grasp of the law makes him a better police officer and being a police officer makes him a better lawyer.

From those days of humble beginnings at the police college, Mba has grown through the ranks over the years while occupying positions, all targeted at making him a well-rounded officer.

Just last week, he was promoted to the enviable rank of a commissioner of police.

Academia Academic-wise, Mba studied at the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka, and the Nigerian Law School, Abuja where he graduated with a Second Class Upper Honors in Law from both institutions, earning him an LLB and BL respectively. He was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar as a full-fledged Attorney in 2002.

In fact, his outstanding performance in academics at the Law School earned him Hon. Justice Kayode Esho’sAward as the Best Graduating Student in Professional Ethics, Nigerian Law School, 2001/2002.

Mba is also a proud alumnus of

Mba

the University of Dundee, Scotland -United Kingdom, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Law, also graduating with a distinction.

Career Trajectory Mba was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992 as a Cadet Inspector of Police, rising to his present rank. A product of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, he is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Quantico- USA. In addition, he holds a Certificate in National and International Security from the Harvard University, USA. For those who know him, Mba is a passionate and versatile police officer who has worked in very challenging police units and departments across the country, cutting across investigations, operations and public relations.

Over the course of his job, he has occupied postings such as the Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command; Area Commander, Area J (Ajah Lagos); Area Commander, Area E (Festac Lagos); Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Zone 11 Osogbo; Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti Lagos; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Kaduna; Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Umuahia; Sectional Head/ Fraud Investigator, Special Fraud Unit, FCID Lagos; Force Public Relations

Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja amongst others.

Trainings Knowing the importance of trainings, Mba has attended some of the finest Law Enforcement trainings, both within and outside Nigeria. These include: Countering Violent Extremism and Police Leadership Course at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), Roswell, New Mexico, USA (2018); Strategic Leadership and Command Course, Police Staff College, Jos (2017); and Crisis and Disaster Management Course, Israel (2013).

Others include Managing the Media in Crisis Situations, School of Media and Communications, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos (2013); US-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program, with special focus on International Crime Issues, Washington DC (2010); General Criminal Investigation Course at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), Botswana (2009); Middle Management Course on Global Peace Operations in Vicenza, Italy (2008); amongst others.

Peace Keeping On the international scene, he was a member of the Nigeria Police Contingent to the United Nations PeaceKeeping Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007, where he distinguished himself through a combination of hard work, professionalism, and discipline, thereby earning himself the prestigious UN Medal.

Job Commitment He is currently the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), a job description that qualifies him as the National Spokesman of the Nigeria Police.

Since his assumption of duty, he has committed himself to bringing his wealth of experience to bear in revamping the image of the force, improving the relationship between the citizens and the police, bridging existing communication gap between the police and its stakeholders, working with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to promote police accountability and compliance with National and International Human Rights Laws, and assisting the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in realising his mission and vision for the force and the nation.

He is also actively involved in the development and implementation of national de-radicalisation and counter-terrorism programmes aimed at weakening the hold of the Boko-Haram extremists in the North-Eastern part of the country. In addition, he is a member of the Police Team working on the full implementation of a national Community Policing Programme for the country.

-Mba is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Africa Public Relations Association (APRA), National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) amongst others.

38

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Seplat Signs Crude Purchase Agreement with Waltersmith Peter Uzoho Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, a Nigerian independent energy company has signed a Crude Purchase Agreement (CPA) with Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited (Waltersmith).

A statement yesterday, explained that the CPA was for the supply of between 2,000 and 4,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) from existing working-interest production from the Ohaji South Field within OML53, for Waltersmith’s new 5,000 bopd modular refinery at Ibigwe Field, in Imo State. It stated that previously, Seplat’s share of Ohaji South

crude used to be evacuated to the export terminal via a third-party Crude Handling Agreement with Waltersmith.

“This new agreement benefits Seplat by selling its crude oil directly to Waltersmith for refining, thereby eliminating crude losses and downtime experienced along the evacuation and export route.

“The transaction would also boost the capacity of Waltersmith in providing its products particularly to the immediate region of our operations thereby supporting Seplat’s commitment to national energy security.

“Seplat maintains its guidance of 48,000 – 52,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) for

the 2020 financial year,” the statement added.

Commenting on the new deal, the Chief Executive of Seplat, Roger Brown said: “We are delighted to sign this Crude Purchase Agreement with Waltersmith as it ensures that Nigerian crude will be refined locally by a Nigerian refiner.

“The agreement will eliminate losses we previously experienced on the export pipeline, meaning more revenue will be booked

by Seplat for the same amount of oil produced from the field.

“Waltersmith’s refinery will also benefit the Nigerian economy by creating local jobs to refine our oil.”

Ibom Icon Hotel Assures of Customer Satisfaction Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality brands is assuring guests of an unforgettable experience at the hotel during this festive season.

The hotel which recently had its management handed over to the Icon Hotel Group stated that it would from December 24th, 2020, to January 1, 2021, entertain guests to a lineup of special activities.

According to a statement, this includes a whole day of Christmas buffet with cuisines comprising local and continental

dishes, special carol night featuring cake cutting, family picnics at the resort, excursions with packed lunch, live band performance, fun activities for kids as well as various outdoor sports such as metro walks, acrobatics, golfing, bike riding, swimming etc.

“Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resort is located in the safe environment of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with excellent infrastructure, sitting on 147 hectares of well-maintained landscape amidst pristine palm-tree forest and rivers, one feels immediately relaxed and invigorated.

“The hotel offers excellent accommodation in 163 rooms and suites on 5-star level, with restaurants and bars,” Speaking about the hotel’s offerings, Managing Director Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria, Mr. Adetope Kayode, has assured guests and visitors alike of an awesome and exciting experience, noting that this was part of the new management’s commitment to provide top-notch services to all guests at the onset of its assumption as the hotel’s new managers.

Chaka Technologies Explains Operations Goddy Egene The Co-founder/Chief Officer of Chaka Technologies Limited, a fintech firm, Mr. Tosin Osibodu has said the commitment to investor education, trust, and transparency remain a top priority of the company.

He said in a statement that since the company began its journey in 2019, it has been transparent about its regulatory status, leveraging strategic partnerships with registered brokers in the United States and in Nigeria, specifically Citi

Investment Capital Ltd, which is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria.

“We would like to state that Citi Investment Capital is fully compliant with the commission’s regulations as all local equities are offered through a locally licensed brokerage firm, registered with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), and regulated by Nigeria’s SEC,” he said. According to the company, the clarifications became necessary following a statement published by SEC, which said the Investment and

Securities Tribunal granted an interim order to restrict Chaka from advertising and offering for sale, shares, stock or other securities of NSE-listed companies.

“We only learned about SEC’s position on the same day the statement was published on their website, while we await receiving the formal order from SEC, please note that all investments are placed by a duly licensed entity and remain safe through Citi Investments (using the Chaka platform), and will continue to be custodied by an SEC-regulated broker.

Okafor Retires from May & Baker Goddy Egene The Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, is to retire by the end of this business year, after almost a decade-long tenure.

Under him, the company recorded several milestones and transformed into one of few Africa’s globally certified centres of excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Precisely, Okafor, who was appointed in February 2011, will be retiring by December 31, 2020.

And Mr. Patrick Ajah, who resumed on December 1, 2020 as an executive director, will take over as the new MD/CEO. Ajah

is a vastly experienced pharmacist and business manager with nearly three decades experience.

The company explained that for nearly a decade, Okafor has come to be regarded as one of the most impactful leaders in the nearly eight decades of May & Baker Nigeria. “Taking over from when profit before tax (PBT) was barely a third of a billion naira, Okafor has tripled this having led May & Baker Nigeria to becoming a billion-naira-profit company, doubling the balance sheet size from N7 billion to N14 billion, doubling shareholders’ equity from N3 billion to N6 billion and also doubling revenues by 100 per cent over his tenure and

growing the business by investing in key infrastructure, research and innovation,” it said.

According to the company, at a time that industry headwinds and macroeconomic challenges were forcing several healthcare companies to downsize operations, Okafor implemented major strategic plans that not only saw May & Baker Nigeria receiving the coveted World Health Organisation’s (WHO) certification of global standards in manufacturing practices (WHO cGMP) for its pharmaceutical manufacturing complex (PharmaCentre) in Ota, Ogun State, but also becoming manufacturing partner for global pharmaceutical companies.

Erisco Foods Appoints New MD, ED Nume Ekeghe Erisco Foods Limited has announced the appointment Mr. Nnamdi Umeofia as its new Managing Director and Mr. Adetokunbo Agbede as its Executive Director Operations. The President and Chief Executive Officer Erisco Foods Limited, in statement said the new appointments which becomes

effective immediately, was in line towards attaining the company’s growth succession plan.

He said: “In order to position our company for a better future, we have no choice to make plans for succession and that prompted us to promote the current Executive Director of operations to the Managing Director and the current the current General Manager to

the Executive Director operations.

“Our view and target are to make sure this company attains international heights as soon as possible. We are a practical indigenous company and we aspire to make a difference in our sector and impact Nigeria and also we would continue to thank our customers and Nigerians who buy our products.”

Oil Workers

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2020

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $50.78 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $50.12 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

39

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

NSE Launches Platform to Ease Public Offerings’Subscription Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched the X-PO, an online platform for the subscription of public offerings (POs) following the “No Objection” letter received from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

According to the NSE, the X-PO, the first end-to-end online public offerings platform in Africa, was designed to enhance

the experiences of stakeholders in the public offerings value chain, by providing a smarter and efficient way to manage public offers in the Nigerian capital market.

As a self-service portal, X-PO allows investors to conveniently subscribe and make payments for public offers through the web and mobile (USSD), avoiding the hassle of physical completion and submission of public offering applications forms and visiting

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

the bank for payment.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said: “The launch of the X-PO platform reinforces The exchange’s commitment to revolutionise stakeholders’ experience in the Nigerian capital market leveraging technology. The X-PO has been designed to enhance the efficiency of PO subscription process and operational workflow to support Issuers in

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

raising capital and enhance the reach of POs while promoting financial inclusion and retail investors’ participation inthe market. Furthermore, X-PO will accelerate the reconciliation and allotment process for POs, as well as reduce the incidence of unclaimed dividends, thereby boosting investor confidence in the capital market.”

He said the exchange would continue to innovate and adapt to new technologies that will not

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

only help companies improve operational efficiency, but also enhance corporate governance which is paramount for sustainable business operations.

“The launch of the X-PO is particularly timely given the new normal occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform’s sustainable approach affirms NSE’s commitment to deploying environmentally friendly business practices and promoting paperless public offer

O F

subscriptions. We have also taken into consideration the vital need for privacy and data protection, deploying the highest levels of security to ensure that stakeholders can enjoy a safe and secure digital public offeringexperience,” Onyema added.

He stated that players within the capital market, investors, registrars, issuing houses, brokers, banks and regulators, can expect to enjoy a wide range of benefits with the launch of X-PO.

2 2 / 1 2 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

st (A fo Ba ca N

40

˾ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Rose 0.3% dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ϮϱďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϴϵ͘ϳϭ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁĂƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ZENITH ;нϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ DANGCEM ;нϲ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ACCESS ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϰ͘Ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

Stock Market Remains Upbeat͙ ASI up 1.2% dŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŝƚƐ ŐĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƐƚƌĞĂŬ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚͲ ŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϭ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϯϳ͕ϴϵϯ͘ϲϭ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ƵŶĚĞƌͲ ƉŝŶŶĞĚ ďLJ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌƐ - DANGCEM ;нϲ͘ϯйͿ͕

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g

Price Change Index to Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

1,689.71

0.25%

15.1%

69.0%

15.6%

3.2%

6.2x

0.5x

5.2%

10.3%

1 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

160.00

0.0%

28.7%

52.4%

46.8%

189.4%

11.9%

16.5x

27.7x

4.4%

6.1%

2 Airtel Africa PLC

774.40

0.0%

25.7%

159.1%

159.1%

7.7%

2.8%

14.9x

1.1x

1.5%

6.7%

33.00

-1.5%

8.6%

11.1%

13.0%

27.9%

4.7%

4.8x

1.3x

8.5%

20.9%

3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC 5 Nestle Nigeria PLC

24.50

0.8%

6.0%

31.7%

31.0%

3.5x

0.7x

11.4%

28.2%

1,505.00

0.0%

3.6%

2.4%

2.4%

83.0%

20.5%

29.3x

28.5x

4.7%

3.4%

245.00

6.3%

5.4%

72.5%

72.5%

30.8%

14.6%

16.4x

5.2x

6.7%

6.1%

8.55

1.2%

2.6%

-14.5%

-15.3%

16.8%

1.5%

2.8x

0.4x

7.6%

36.1%

UBA ;нϮ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ ZENITH ;нϬ͘ϴйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ

6 Dangote Cement PLC

ƌŽƐĞ ƚŽ ϰϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ േϮϯϱ͘ϰďŶ

7 Access Bank PLC 8 United Bank for Africa PLC

8.40

2.4%

to ƐĞƩůĞ at േϭϵ͘ϴƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĂƐ ďŽƚŚ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ

2.4%

17.5%

16.7%

13.9%

1.3%

3.6x

0.5x

11.8%

28.0%

9 FBN Holdings Plc

7.00

0.0%

2.2%

13.8%

7.7%

13.5%

1.3%

3.4x

0.4x

5.4%

29.3%

ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ϯ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ϮϭϬ͘ϵй ƚŽ ϰϰϮ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ

10 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

55.00

0.0%

1.8%

-6.8%

-6.8%

6.6%

2.5%

40.8x

2.7x

3.2%

2.5%

11 Lafarge Africa PLC

22.00

-2.2%

2.8%

43.8%

59.4%

6.5%

4.6%

15.3x

1.0x

4.5%

6.5%

0.3x

9.5%

-3.4%

5.6x

1.4x

5.4%

17.7%

0.7x

5.3%

and േϭϬ͘ϯďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

12 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

402.30

0.0%

1.1%

-38.8%

-32.1%

-0.3%

-0.2%

ǁĞƌĞ ZENITH ;ϱϵ͘Ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ MANSARD ;ϯϵ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ and GUAR-

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

44.05

0.0%

1.6%

7.4%

10.1%

25.8%

3.8%

14 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

26.60

-0.2%

ANTY ;ϯϴ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ DANGCEM (േϯ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ MTNN (േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ

1.0%

35.0%

35.0%

15 International Brew eries PLC

5.90

-3.3%

0.4%

-37.9%

-37.9%

-26.3%

-6.2%

16 Ecobank Transnational Inc

6.50

0.0%

0.7%

0.0%

-0.8%

0.5%

0.0%

63.2x

0.3x

17 Fidelity Bank PLC

2.55

0.0%

0.6%

24.4%

26.2%

10.7%

1.1%

2.8x

0.3x

7.8%

35.2% 8.1%

and ZENITH (േϭ͘ϰďŶͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

18 11 PLC

1.1x

-29.4% 1.6%

228.00

0.0%

0.7%

54.2%

54.2%

16.4%

7.6%

12.4x

1.9x

3.8%

19 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

91.00

0.0%

0.7%

63.7%

63.7%

20.6%

13.4%

13.6x

2.7x

2.2%

7.4%

Bearish Sector Performance

20 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

17.90

-0.3%

0.5%

31.6%

27.9%

30.8%

15.6%

6.3x

1.8x

6.1%

15.8%

0.93

1.1%

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ Ϯ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϯ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ

0.3%

-6.1%

-13.1%

-3.5%

-0.8%

0.6x

1.1%

22 Unilever Nigeria PLC

13.90

-0.4%

0.2%

-36.8%

-32.9%

-9.8%

-6.5%

1.2x

23 Guinness Nigeria PLC

21 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

AFR-/ d ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ͘ dŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ the ǁŽƌƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ͕ ĚƌŽƉƉŝŶŐ ϰϵďƉƐ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚ-ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ MANSARD (-ϭ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ CHIPLC (-ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚ ŝŶĚŝĐĂƚŽƌƐ ĨĞůů ϯϯďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϮϰďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƉƵůůĞĚ ĚŽǁŶ ďLJ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ OANDO (-Ϯ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ INTBREW (-ϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ǁĞƌĞ ƵƉ ϯ͘ϰй

ĂŶĚ

ϲďƉƐ

ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͕

ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

ďLJ

ŐĂŝŶƐ

in

DANGCEM ;нϲ͘ϯйͿ͕ UBA ;нϮ͘ϰйͿ and ZENITH ;нϬ͘ϴйͿ͘

19.20

0.5%

0.2%

-36.1%

-36.1%

-16.2%

-8.4%

24 FCMB Group Plc

3.02

0.7%

0.4%

63.2%

65.9%

10.3%

1.2%

2.9x

0.1x

4.6%

34.8%

25 Sterling Bank PLC

1.91

0.0%

0.2%

-4.0%

0.5%

8.8%

0.8%

5.3x

0.4x

1.6%

18.8%

26 UAC of Nigeria PLC

7.30

0.0%

0.2%

-15.1%

-18.0%

7.8%

3.7%

103.6x

0.4x

1.4%

1.0%

27 Custodian and Allied Insurance

6.00

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

13.9%

4.8%

5.6x

0.8x

7.5%

17.9%

71.80

0.0%

0.3%

51.2%

51.2%

18.5%

7.7%

13.7x

2.3x

2.9%

7.3%

5.60

0.0%

0.1%

-6.7%

-7.4%

8.0%

1.0%

6.6x

0.6x

4.5%

15.2%

130.00

0.0%

0.1%

17.2%

17.2%

10.7%

2.1%

15.7x

1.7x

5.2%

3.35

-2.9%

0.1%

-16.0%

-16.0%

14.5%

2.6%

1.4x

0.2x

28 Presco PLC 29 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 30 Total Nigeria PLC 31 Oando PLC

ƌĂƟŽͿ

ϭ͘Ϭdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ

ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ

ƚŽ

ĂƐ ϭϰ

Ϭ͘ϳdž

ĨƌŽŵ

14.50

0.0%

0.1%

12.0%

12.0%

18.4%

5.8%

9.5x

3.1x

2.8%

0.0%

0.1%

8.5%

8.6%

10.8%

1.2%

19.5x

0.8x

9.3%

5.1%

0.69

-1.4%

-6.8%

1.5%

6.8%

0.5%

4.0x

0.5x

5.8%

24.9%

13.55

0.0%

0.1% 0.1%

-24.7%

3.1%

1.1%

33.1x

1.0x

7.8x

-25.1%

55.40

0.0%

0.1%

3.0%

3.0%

10.3%

7.2%

38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd

62.50

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

-21.3%

-6.4%

39 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

1.00

-1.0%

0.1%

73.2%

72.4%

21.5%

6.6%

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

3.60

0.0%

0.0%

-26.5%

-26.5%

-10.4%

-5.0%

3.0%

0.8x

0.0x

1.8x 5.8x

12.8% -13.3%

1.1x

17.2%

0.5x

0.0x

-20.8%

the

ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ

DANGCEM

B OC GA S

ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƟĐŬĞƌƐ

ǁŚŝůĞ CHIPLC (-ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ REDSTAREX (-ϵ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ ABCTRANS (-

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 T ic k er

D A N GC EM

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

7.92

10.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

59.0

0.8%

230.40

10.0%

M A N SA R D

39.3

-1.0% -1.5%

3.45

9.9%

GUA R A N T Y

38.2

ϵ͘ϭйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ tĞ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŽƉƟŵŝƐƟĐ ĂďŽƵƚ Ă ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ

M A N SA R D

1.01

9.8%

FB NH

29.9

0.0%

ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƌƵŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘

N EM

1.36

9.7%

UB A

27.6

2.4%

F T N C OC OA

0.68

9.7%

A C C ESS

23.7

1.2%

LIN KA SSUR E

0.49

8.9%

F LOUR M ILL

20.9

-0.2%

PZ

5.35

7.0%

WA P C O

17.5

-2.2%

UN ION D A C

0.31

6.9%

A IIC O

15.7

0.0%

LA SA C O

0.32

6.7%

UC A P

14.8

-0.4%

OA N D O

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 T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

3172.9

6.3% 0.0%

ET ER N A

4.10

-9.9%

D A N GC EM

T R A N SEXP R

0.79

-9.2%

M TNN

2213.8

CHA M S

0.21

-8.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

1445.4

0.8%

13.55

-5.2%

GUA R A N T Y

1261.2

-1.5%

A R D OVA UN IT YB N K

0.64

-4.5%

F LOUR M ILL

554.7

-0.2%

T R A N SC OR P

0.92

-4.2%

WA P C O

386.3

-2.2%

LIVEST OC K

1.25

-3.8%

UB A

230.9

2.4%

209.5

0.0%

M B EN EF IT

0.26

-3.7%

FB NH

GLA XOSM IT H

6.80

-2.9%

A C C ESS

201.1

1.2%

-2.8%

N EST LE

94.5

0.0%

UC A P

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

10.6%

-100.0%

37 Beta Glass PLC

Ϯϯ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ ETERNA ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ FTNCOCOA ;нϴ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ ;нϲ͘ϯйͿ

6.4% 69.3%

18.00

35 Ardova PLC

ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ

-31.0%

32 NASCON Allied Industries PLC

36 Continental Reinsurance PLC

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ

0.6x

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Wema Bank PLC

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ tĂŶĞƐ

-6.2% -8.6%

4.52

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

41

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Juli Plc Records N192m Turnover, N28m Loss after Tax Goddy Egene Juli Plc, a company that sells

pharmaceutical and household consumer goods, production and marketing of table and

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

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

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

sachet water, has reported a turnover of N191.677 million for the year ended December

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 21Dec-2020, unless otherwise stated.

2016, up by 16 per cent from N165.478 million in 2015.

However, it ended the

year with a loss before tax of N25.589 million as against N34.541 million and loss

after tax of N28.319 million compared with N36.879 million in 2015.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.05 1.04 15.91% ACAP Income Funds 0.86 0.86 11.48% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.84% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.60 3.73 47.31% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.88% Anchoria Equity Fund 131.85 132.33 22.69% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.38 1.38 17.39% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.33 18.88 19.64% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 403.62 415.79 16.84% ARM Ethical Fund 34.17 35.20 17.51% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.21 1.22 21.68% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.11 11.11% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.04% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.20 2.20 17.90% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.21 2.25 43.23% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.52% Paramount Equity Fund 15.80 16.09 26.25% Women's Investment Fund 132.27 133.71 19.92% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.10% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 128.29 129.09 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.71 108.71 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.54% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 25.34% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.68 1.68 26.48% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 0.88% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 0.86% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,208.89 1,223.91 8.98% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,431.89 1,433.58 20.89% FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund 110.36 110.38 10.36% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.24% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 121.24 121.62 7.38% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 121.41 121.79 6.99% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 149.77 152.05 15.09% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.91% Legacy Debt Fund 3.87 3.87 5.80% Legacy Equity Fund 1.48 1.51 31.03% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.13 1.13 4.91% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,785.20 3,826.80 24.20% Coral Income Fund 3,285.02 3,285.02 7.01% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 2.62% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.45% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.06 127.59 18.00%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.69% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.83 2.89 29.52% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 156.25 157.18 9.06% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.42 1.44 25.78% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,152.17 1,152.17 10.71% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.61 1.64 30.61% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.15 12.26 7.91% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.82% PACAM Equity Fund 1.55 1.56 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.27 110.66 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.51 134.36 6.52% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.11% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 24.75% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 6.46% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 27.78% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 7.49% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 32.87% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.32% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 25.32% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.22 1.22 5.50% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 110.96 110.96 6.48% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.36 1.39 14.28% United Capital Bond Fund 1.89 1.89 9.05% United Capital Equity Fund 0.86 0.89 22.70% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.15% United Capital Eurobond Fund 116.90 116.90 6.94% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.08 2.42% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.17 12.31 18.38% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.46 13.59 15.88% Zenith Income Fund 25.00 25.00 10.04% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.85%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

120.48

7.29%

52.22

0.33%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.20 116.35 91.78

12.30 118.88 93.50

44.46% 23.18% 22.18%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.07

4.11

18.54%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.70

5.78

-3.56%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

16.49 1.00 17.40

16.59 1.00 17.60

36.86% 2.27% 66.84%

209.38

211.38

12.04%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.71

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

42

WEDESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Reopened Borders Could Still Be Shut If Need Be, Presidency Warns Segun James The presidency yesterday said the federal government could close the borders again if there is any to do so.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made this known while speaking on a live television programme.

He said the government was still studying activities at four of the nation’s land borders which were reopened last week, adding that the government may close the borders again if there is “trouble”.

The federal government had on December 16 ordered the immediate reopening of the Seme Border in Lagos State, Illela Border in Sokoto State, Maigatari Border in Jigawa State, and Mfun Border in Cross River State.

Nigeria had in August 2019 closed its land borders to curtail illegal importation of drugs, small arms and agricultural products into the country from neighbouring West African nations.

But the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced last Wednesday after a Federal Executive Council meeting that

the presidential committee set up on the matter had completed its job and had recommended the reopening of the borders.

The minister also said the President approved the immediate reopening of the four borders while other borders would be reopened hopefully before December 31, 2020.

But speaking on Tuesday, Shehu lamented that Nigeria’s neighbours had not cooperated with the country to curtail the influx of bandits and small weapons which he claimed are fueling the insecurity in Nigeria.

He said, “This is why the president considered the closure of the land borders for much of this time until they were reopened a week or so ago.

“This country has been talking to our neighbours, asking them that they cooperate with us in order to stop this influx of bandits, weapons, drugs and trafficking of Nigerian women but the cooperation has not measured up to the expectation of the president.

“This is why he was forced by the necessity of the situation to shut down the borders.

“Now, we are reopening in the hope that the agreement we struck with them, that they will work hand in hand with our

House: We Increased 2021 Budget Due to Economic Realities Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday disclosed that the National Assembly increased the 2021 budget from the initial proposal of N13.08 trillion to N13.58 trillion ‘because of the economic realities the country was facing.’

Both chambers of the National Assembly had last Monday passed the 2021 Appropriation Act into law, and increased the budget proposals from N13.08 trillion to N13.58 trillion, amounting to N588.027 billion increase.

Briefing journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, the Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said: “What we passed was N13.58 trillion. It’s an increase from what the president laid before us. The realities on ground made us to push it to what we finally approved today (yesterday). The House had approved N4.125 trillion on capital expenditure; N5.641 trillion on recurrent expenditure; N3.324 trillion is for debt service, while N5.641 trillion is on debt services.

“The House has also recognised that it’s important to have statutory transfers, and that is N496.528 billion, which has also been approved. This is to show our commitment to Nigerians that this budget is here to stay. It is also important to know that we benchmarked the budget on $40 per barrel, knowing that our major source of income revenue is oil and gas.”

The House spokesperson also stated that last week, the National Assembly extended the implementation of 2020 capital budget to meet up with the delay caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, “As you are aware, last Thursday, we were approached by the executive arm to shape the implementation timeline of the 2020 budget from the end of December to March of the coming year. The reason being that the impact of the COVID-19 made it difficult for them to actually implement the 2020 budget the way they ought to, and that is the reality on ground.

“The House was actually impressed that the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) were able to raise this complaint that if we go by the December 31 of the implementation calendar for the 2020 budget, 75 percent of the fund allocated for implementation will come back to the treasury which is not good for the implementation they proposed in the budget.

On the implementation of capital expenditure, we have to give an extension of about 90 days to enable them meet up with their target.”

Kalu called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly give his assent to Appropriation Bill passed b y t h e l e g i s l a t u re , a n d ensure prompt and adequate release of funds to implement the projects captured in the budget.

own security agencies, with our own customs, on a trial basis, because not all entry points have been reopened. It will be tried,

if it works well, then others will be reopened. If there is trouble, then the government may have a rethink.”

“It is the technical committee that will advise the government on how well things are working now

that we have reopened four points out of the numerous that we have,” Shehu added.

FAREWELL DADDY...

L-R: In-law of the deceased, Mr. Folajimi Ayodeji; his wife, Tara; deceased’s son, Tomi; widow, Patricia; and her son, Tayo during the funeral service for Prince Adedapo Adelanke Ojora in Lagos... yesterday KUNLE OGUNFUYI

Olu of Warri Indisposed, Receiving Treatment, Says Palace Sylvester Idowu in Warri Warri Kingdom in Delta State yesterday said that the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, is presently indisposed and receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The media had reported the news of the demise of the monarch on Monday.

He was said to have died from COVID-19 related illness after his health allegedly deteriorated on Sunday evening.

But a statement from the monarch’s palace signed by Chief Clement Maleghemi, Director of Palace Administration, said the

Olu is still receiving treatment at the moment.

In the three-paragraph statement, Maleghemi said the office of the traditional prime minister would inform the general public of any other development in the Warri Kingdom.

It stated thus: “The attention of the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri has been drawn to news/social media publications announcing the sudden demise of His Majesty.

“We wish to notify the general public that His Majesty is indisposed, and currently

receiving medical attention by a team of qualified medical specialist.

“Any further information on the subject would be made known to the general public by the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom”, it concluded.

THISDAY had reported on Monday that there was anxiety across the state over the health status of the Itsekiri monarch.

Multiple sources, in and outside Delta State, confided in THISDAY that the monarch, who was said to have been receiving treatment for Covid-19 at a private hospital

in Warri, deteriorated on Monday morning.

According to an impeccable source, the Olu developed complications between Sunday and early hours of Monday.

During a visit to Olu Palace along Ajamoigha in Warri South Local Government area yesterday, THISDAY observed the monarch’s subjects were in mourning mood.

Most of the shops and businesses around the palace were under lock and key, one of the signs of the demise of a prominent indigene.

Insecurity: Senate Moves to Legalise Hunters’ Group The Senate has commenced the process of enacting a law that seeks to legalise the activities of various hunter groups in the country.

The bill titled: “The Nigerian Hunter’s Council of Nigeria Bill, 2020” which has scaled second reading was sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South).

Olujimi, who spoke to reporters yesterday, in Abuja, said that the law when passed, would enable hunters to provide community policing, maintain law and order and offer community service to citizens.

She said that the law would

ensure that hunters work with other security operatives to bring stability to the nation’s security operations.

She said that the proposed law would make the hunters work in synergy with other security agencies to bring stability, security and peace of mind to the people.

Olujimi said, “Efficient policing requires information sharing between the civil populace and the security agencies.

“That is why it is said that security is everybody’s business.

When passed into law, the Hunters Council Bill will ensure that farmers will go to their farms,

plant their seeds, return home without fear.

“Traders will also carry out their trading and take the proceeds to the bank with the assurance that nobody would waylay them on the way.

“Most neighborhood crimes are more often perpetrated by offenders who reside near the victims which shows that crime is primarily a local problem that can be best solved locally using native or local intelligence.

“The bill seeks to control and prevent crime from within the community as doing that from

outside the community entails recruiting strangers who might not be familiar with crime terrains as well as criminals in the community.

“The recent development has shown that this new wave of crime has been taken to the forest and combating it requires the establishment of an institution that is conversant with our forests.

“The Hunters Council stands out on this; after all, they have over times recorded tremendous feet taking the fight to kidnappers and bandits in their hideout in the forest across the country.”

Failure to Wear Face Mask Can LandYou in Prison, Lagos Warns Residents Segun James The Lagos State Government has warned residents that failure to wear a mask in public could land them in prison.

The state government said this in a tweet yestrerday.

According to the government, failure to wear a mask in public

contravenes the Lagos State Infectious Diseases (Prevention) Regulations or Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

The tweet read, “Did you know? Failure to wear a face mask in public or breach of any COVID-19 regulations, you can be prosecuted under the Lagos State Infectious Diseases (Prevention)

Regulations or Criminal Laws of Lagos State and upon conviction liable to imprisonment up to one year.”

Lagos State, which is the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, has witnessed a recent spike in the rate of infections.

The Governor, Babajide Sanwo-

Olu, has also been in isolation for over a week due to the disease.

Lagos State, which is the commercial capital of Nigeria, recently announced the closure of recreational centres and schools while worship centres are expected not to exceed 50 per cent of their capacity at any given time.

WEDESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWSXTRA

ASUU to Announce Outcome of Negotiations Today Ngige: We won’t give in to plotters of protests Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that it will address a press conference on the outcome of its negotiations with the federal government today (Wednesday).

THISDAY gathered that the union plans to use the opportunity to formally make a statement suspending its nine-month-old industrial action, as well as give details of the agreement reached with the federal government over their demands.

The decision to suspend the strike action came after the federal government made good its offer to pay the lecturers two months salary arrears with an undertaking to progressively offset the outstanding salaries by end of January 2021.

At the meeting between both sides held yesterday at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja, the federal government team presented a report of the implementation of their agreement on payment of salary arrears, Earned Allowances and revitalisation fund.

A statement signed by the ASUU president, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi and made available to newsmen last night reads: “Dear compatriot, you are kindly invited to a press conference by ASUU. Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2020.”

It said that ASUU would address a press conference at its national secretariat, in the University of Abuja today.

Earlier at opening of the talks, the Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige, who coordinated the negotiations said that government would not play into the hands of those planning #EndASUU protest.

He said federal government would do everything possible to ensure that the prolonged strike of ASUU is brought to an end.

Ngige said that those who are wishing for an #EndASUU protest, would be disappointed.

He spoke against the backdrop of the ultimatum purportedly issued by Nigerian students to embark on a protest if the ASUU strike was not resolved

by January 15.

Ngige said though he had not

COVID-19: FCT CP Cautions Worship Centres, Transporters, Others FCT task force begins enforcement The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, has cautioned worship centres, the transport sector, markets places among others to henceforth adhere to the COVID-19 protocols or face the law.

The enforcement task force began the enlightenment and enforcement of the safety protocols in strategic places yesterday within Abuja.

During the commencement of the exercise, Ciroma who is also the chairman of the task force expressed sadness that the upsurge is getting alarming.

He said the measures put in place would save people from contracting the virus, especially in public places.

The CP said with the commencement of enforcement there would be adequate enlightenment, admitting that most of the residents are no longer adhering to the safety protocols.

He vowed to continue the enforcement until the desired is archived.

Ciroma who led the combined team of key security agencies, said: “it is the responsibility of all security personnel to go out and ensure that members of the public comply with the safety measures.

“We have observed that most people don’t use nose mask, some drivers overload their vehicles. But the essence of obeying the safety guidelines is to curb spread especially in this second wave.

“The second wave of COVID-19 is deadlier than the first one. And therefore all

hands need to be on deck to check the spread. Our training gives us room to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We must enforce the COVID-19 protocol.

We have to do it for humanity and our own good because if we do not contain the spread of this pandemic it may end up consuming us.

“We must go out and ensure that the protocols are obeyed in worship centers, market places, supermarkets, transportation sector, parks and recreation centers among other places.

“We have commenced today and we will continually enforce until the desired result is achieved. We will have Mobile courts to assist conduct trial offenders. It will be instant justice.

“We have a dual role. We will enforce the law and also engage in public enlightenment and education. You should go and perform your duty with all decorum that is required to make this exercise a success.

“There is a lot to be done. A lot of people are not complying with the COVID-19 protocol. There is a lot of overloading in transportation.

Everybody should take responsibility for his health. Every responsible person should get the face masks”.

The Head Publicity and Enlightenment, FCT COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force, Attah Ikharo, said the exercise is meant to halt the spread of the virus in Abuja, adding that people must comply.

He said: “the purpose of this exercise is to make people key into the agenda to keep Abuja COVID-19 free especially the measures put in place by the government to safeguard lives,” he said.

received such a letter from the students, even if there was one, the government would disappoint all those wishing for the protest as all the matters in dispute must

have been resolved by January 15.

“Those who want to use the #EndASUU protest to destroy public and private property or lecturers homes, will be

disappointed.

“I am optimistic that the meeting will produce the final result that will make everybody happy.

“This meeting is fruitful, just like the past ones. This is a journey and the facts are that we have achieved a lot, on both sides, the government and ASUU.”

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank PLC, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman; Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Ms. Olapeju Ibekwe; and President EMBA 24 Class, Mr. Olajide Bamigbowu, at the 2020 EMBA Annual Dinner and Awards in Lagos... recently

Kano APC Declares War against Kwankwaso Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State yesterday declared violence against the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, warning that “we are set for war with the opposition party, and there is no compromise.”

The state APC Chairman, Mr. Abdullah Abbas, directed the members of the party not to relent in attacking the loyalists of the former state Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

While addressing party members at the Government House in Kano during the swearing-in of the party’s caretaker officials for the 44 local government areas, Abbas warned that the party would not

tolerate any form of opposition in the state, as he directed his party members to engage the opposition in any forum.

Abbas also revealed that the 2023 elections are in favour of the APC, alleging that: “We will not allow the proper elections to hold, but will repeat the same of the 2019 inconclusive elections, and we shall rig the election like what we did in Gama.

“The era of free and fair elections is over in Kano State.

We will ensure the repeat of inconclusive election in 2023.

APC will remain in control from national to grassroots.

“I call on you not to be merciful to any Kwankwasiyya loyalist.”

The APC state leader also vowed to win the election ‘Ko da tsiya ko da tsiya-tsiya’, which

means ‘by hook or by crook’.

Abbas appealed to members of the party to always engage the opposition through radio programmes or in person, advising the state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, not to allow drug addicts into his cabinet.

He alleged that Kwankwaso and his allies are living in houses acquired by the state government.

According to him, “The party would use the same mechanism to rig the 2023 governorship election, and nothing would be done because it’s our time.

“Kwankwaso said the 2023 governorship election would be do-or-die affair. Okay, we are ready for that. We are not cowards. We are ready for the war, because we are not afraid of death.

“To our party loyalists won’t

condone Kwankwaso and his supporters. If they abuse you on the radio or physically, don’t be merciful with them.

“Let me tell you, we will rig the 2023 elections and nothing will happen. We will replicate what we did in Gama ward in 2023 and nothing would be done. This is our time, and this is our government.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hamisu Chidari, disowned Abbas’s comments, saying: “I will not use what the party chairman said, but will use subtle words to address you.”

Chidari said APC would not allow the election results to be inconclusive as it would win in a landslide, urging the party members to rise up and face the challenges ahead squarely.

Seplat, Waltersmith Seal Crude Oil Purchase Deal Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, a Nigerian independent energy company yesterday announced a Crude Purchase Agreement (CPA) with Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited (Waltersmith), part owners of the modular refinery recently inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement by the company, said the agreement would entail the supply of between 2,000 and 4,000 bopd from existing working-

interest production from the Ohaji South Field within OML53, for Waltersmith’s new 5,000 bopd modular refinery at Ibigwe Field, in Imo State.

It stated that previously, Seplat’s share of Ohaji south crude was primarily evacuated to the export terminal via a third-party crude handling agreement with Waltersmith.

“This new agreement benefits Seplat by selling its crude oil directly to Waltersmith for refining, thereby eliminating crude losses and downtime experienced along

the evacuation and export route.

“The transaction would also boost the capacity of Waltersmith in providing its products, particularly to the immediate region of our operations thereby supporting Seplat’s commitment to national energy security. Seplat maintains its guidance of 48,000 – 52,000 bopd for the 2020 financial year,” the company stated.

Chief Executive Officer, Seplat, Roger Brown, commenting on the deal, expressed excitement that crude oil produced by a Nigerian company was equally being sold

to a Nigerian refiner.

“We are delighted to sign this Crude Purchase Agreement with Waltersmith as it ensures that Nigerian crude will be refined locally by a Nigerian refiner.

“The agreement will eliminate losses we previously experienced on the export pipeline, meaning more revenue will be booked

by Seplat for the same amount of oil produced from the field.

Waltersmith’s refinery will also benefit the Nigerian economy by creating local jobs to refine our oil,” he said.

Owners Liable for Offences Committed with NIN-linked SIMs, Says NIMC Emma Okonji The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has advised Nigerians to avoid sharing their National Identification Number with unauthorised persons.

In a statement issued on its official Twitter handle, NIMC said that the NIN when shared wrongly could be used to “perpetrate fraud” against the owner.

“Your NIN is your digital identity and you will be held

liable for offences committed by individuals with sim cards linked to your NIN,” NIMC said.

The commission advised that persons engaged in such fraudulent acts should be reported to the National

Identity Management Commission.

The registration for NIN commenced, a few days ago, after a Federal Government directive mandated telecommunications to suspend sim cards not linked to NIN.

44

WEDESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Again, Gunmen Attack Kaduna Communities, Kill Seven, Kidnap Four Some gunmen were said to have attacked Gbaja in Katarma district of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and killed seven persons while four sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan,

who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, also said gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in a separate raid, abducted four persons in the same LGA. Aruwan listed those killed by the bandits to include, Samson Hassan, Nuhu Hassan, Ali Hassan, Tsoho Wasa, Gabriel Ahmadu,

Zulum Rewards Soldiers’ Gallantry with Christmas Package Michael Olugbode Less than 24 hours after the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, attacked the military for not doing enough to check the rampaging Boko Haram terrorists in the state, he yesterday gave gifts to soldiers for gallantry in the commercial town of Bama.

Zulum’s gesture comes a day after he tongue-lashed the military for the inability to secure a 20 kilometers section of the Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano highway.

The governor had on Monday during a visit to Jakana along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway come hard on the military and other security agencies for allowing about 35 commuters to be abducted by Boko Haram.

He had questioned why the military should be trusted to defeat Boko Haram if they could not secure the section of the highway.

But in a twist on Tuesday during a visit to the headquarters of 151 battalion at Banki junction in Bama, he announced a Christmas package for each of the over 700 soldiers and their officers, for gallantry and standing toe to toe with Boko Haram, and remaining undefeated.

Zulum on arrival at Bama

entered a closed-door meeting with the Commander of the 21 Special Armored Brigades, Brigadier General Waheed Shaibu, and Commanding Officer of the 151 Battalion, Major A.A Umar.

He subsequently addressed the troops, saying that: “On the basis of fairness, I treat everyone or group on their own merit. While we have challenges in some areas, we have successes in others, and one of those areas is this 151 battalion because you have never been defeated by the Boko Haram since formation.

“This battalion has largely stabilized all the areas under your jurisdiction here in Bama.

I am principally here to on behalf of Government and the people of Borno State, once again, register our appreciation as I have done here before and as often do to other battalions and their brigades across the State.

“All of you have been very gallant and patriotic.

We acknowledge all your sacrifices and we also know that you all operate under difficult conditions in different operational locations. We came with our widow’s mite. Food will come your way and I have given a message to your commanders which will reach each one of you.”

Lagos Assembly Mulls Banning Snakes, Lions as Pets Segun James The Lagos State House of Assembly is deliberating on a bill to bar residents from owning wild animals like lions, snakes and others.

The proposed law is known as “A Bill for Law to Regulate Ownership, Licensing, Care and Sale of Pets and Prohibit or Restrict Persons from Having Custody of Animals Dangerous to the Public and Where Permitted to License, Control and Regulate the Custody of Such Animals and for Other Connected Purposes’.

According to the public hearing for the bill held last week on December 17, 2020, and chaired by Mr. Kehinde Joseph, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, it was learnt that the bill prescribes hefty fines and jail terms for persons who flout the law.

The bill also seeks to promote animal rights and regulate the sale of animals.

The proposed law comes exactly a year after an Indian citizen residing in Lagos was found to have harboured a lion in his private residence located opposite a primary school and crèche.

Acting on a petition by a concerned resident, the Lagos State Government stormed the house located at 229 Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, and tranquilised and evacuated the animal to Omu Resorts Zoo in Lekki after 72 hours of close observation by the police.

According to reports, officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement), together with officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and medical personnel from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, performed the evacuation.

The Indian who owned the lion was, however, not arrested.

Dogara Sarki, and Shekwolo Yohanna.

The commissioner said four persons were injured during the attack and gave their names as Zamai Pada, Nuhu Bulus, Bani Sarki as well as Isa’ac Danjuma.

Similarly, in another attack at Unguwar Tagwaye Doka in Kuriga Ward also of Chikun LGA, the gunmen kidnapped three

herders, the commissioner said.

According to him, the three herders kidnapped are Buhari Mika’il, Binta Auwal, and Maryam Wada.

Aruwan said security operatives had since launched an investigation into the various incidents and that the government awaited their reports.

Aruwan in a statement titled,

‘Residents report attacks by bandits on locations in Chikun LGA… investigations in progress’, said, “Residents of the Katarma general area of Chikun local government have informed the Kaduna State Government that armed bandits have killed seven persons in a location called Gbaja.

“The Kaduna State Government has also received reports that bandits

attacked Unguwar Tagwaye Doka in Kuriga Ward also of Chikun LGA, and kidnapped three herders.

“Security agencies are conducting investigations at these locations, and the Kaduna State Government awaits official reports and other details on the incidents.

“Citizens will be updated on these and other security developments across the state.”

PROJECT INAUGURATION...

L-R: Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Commission, Mr. Mele Kyari; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, during the inauguration of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company’s Oredo Integrated Gas Handling Facility at Ologbo, Edo State ...yesterday

17 Dead in Kogi Auto Crash Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Seventeen persons have been killed in a ghastly motor accident that occurred on Irepene Abuja/Lokoja highway in Kogi State.

The incident happened at about 5:00 hours on Tuesday.

It was reliably gathered that the accident was between a Toyota Hiace bus and a luxurious bus.

It was further learnt that 15 persons died on the spot of the incident while other passengers

who sustained degrees of injuries were rushed to the hospital.

Unfortunately, two of the passengers who were rushed to the hospital later died.

The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Solomon Agure, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday.

Agure said, “The Toyota Hiace was going down to Auchi Edo State and the Luxurious bus was coming from Okene axis.

The Luxurious bus overtook a

car and lost control. Of course, it was night, so he came and hit the smaller Toyota bus pushing it into the bush. The vehicle somersaulted, and 15 people died on the spot and two later died in the hospital.”

He, however, advised motorists to reduce their speed, avoid night travel, and always plan their journey stressing that, while travelling, they should avoid dangerous overtaking.

“It is very important for

motorists to obey the speed limit which is 90 with commercial vehicles and 100 with private vehicles,” he stated.

Agure said the command had deployed no fewer than 522 personnel to ensure a free flow of traffic during this yuletide season.

The sector commander further hinted that more officers are expected from neighboring Ekiti and Kwara State to support the command for a hitch-free Christmas celebration.

ALTON: Network Operators to Be Enrolment Agents for NIMC Uche Nnaike The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria has said preparations are being finalised for network operators to become enrolment agents for the National Identity Management Commission.

ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, who is a member of the National Task Force on National Identification Number and SIM Registration, said the opening of more enrolment centres would make it easier for Nigerians to register and obtain their NIN for onward linkage to their SIM cards.

The federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had last week ordered telecommunications companies to deactivate telephone lines of subscribers who failed to link their phones to their NIN within two weeks.

Thousands of Nigerians had

trooped to the NIMC offices all over the country on Monday for their NIN registration, thereby flouting the Covid-19 protocol put in place by the government. The development forced the NIMC to shut down its offices in most parts of the country on Monday.

The government later bowed to pressure by extending the deadline to January 19, 2021, for subscribers with NIN and February 9 for those without NIN. But speaking on Tuesday, the ALTON chairman blamed the large crowds at the NIMC offices nationwide on the last-minute attitude of most Nigerians.

He said, “Before now, it has been apathy on the part of citizens to visit the enrolment centre of NIMC. I must say that until the time when NIN became a condition for Bank Verification Number, the number of uptake on NIN enrolment was quite low. And it all boils down to our attitude of low response or poor

response as a people in general.

“NIMC has been on it for eight years but people have failed to visit those centres to enroll. Until there is a significant mandate that people need to do it before certain things happen, you don’t see people visiting those centres.”

Adebayo, who spoke while featuring on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said the task force has agreed that network operators would become enrolment centres for the NIN registration to decongest the crowds at NIMC offices nationwide.

He said, “NIMC has done it alone in the last eight years but it has now opened more centres of enrolment in the last few weeks.

There are many centres that are being opened up including the network operators which will now be enrolment agents for the NIMC. That will make access better and make enrolment easier for people.”

Adebayo further stated that the present NIN linkage to SIM cards is an opportunity for Nigerians to have a national database.

“We must take responsibility as a people. We all complain that we don’t have a national database.

We must take advantage of this opportunity and ensure that we create a national database once and for all,” he said.

“On the issue of data privacy, we are working according to the provision of the National Information Technology Development Agency on the data protection and privacy,” the ALTON chairman added.

As of October, the total number of mobile network connections was 207.58 million, but currently, only 43 million Nigerians have NIN, thus 164 million telephone users are at the risk of being deactivated on January 19, 2021.

WEDESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Court Refuses to Halt Hearing in Alleged Forgery Suit against Obaseki Hearing continues today Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja yesterday declined to halt proceedings in the alleged certificate forgery suit against Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki The All Progressives Congress (APC) and one of its chieftains, Mr. Williams Edobor, in a court action are alleging that Obaseki forged certificate with which he used in securing his candidacy for September governorship election, hence should be disqualified.

But Obaseki for the second time is asking the court to adjourn hearing in the suit indefinitely pending the determination of an appeal he filed at the Supreme Court against the ruling of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

Obaseki had in November asked Justice Mohammed to expunge some paragraphs of the plaintiffs in their response to his reply to the suit.

But the judge in his ruling on December 15, declined and ordered parties to call in their witnesses in commencement of hearing.

The refusal prompted Obaseki to approach the

appellate court to set aside the ruling of Mohammed and consequently expunge the said controversial paragraphs.

In their ruling, a three-man panel of the appellate court presided by Stephen Adah on December 16, dismissed Obaseki’s appeal, ordered a return of the case to Justice Mohammed, adding that hearing of the matter shall be on a daily basis.

Still not satisfied, Obaseki again moved up to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

He informed the court that Notice of Appeal have been duly served on the parties in this case.

“Record of Appeal has been duly transmitted from Court of Appeal to Supreme Court on Appeal Number SC /cu/ 989/2020 between Godwin Obaseki and APC and four others.

“We have also file an application praying the court for a stay of proceedings in this court and praying also for stay in the ruling of the court of appeal deliver on December 16. We pray for a restraining order to stop the Court from commencing enforcement of the Court of Appeal order”, Obaseki’s lead counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN said.

He, therefore, urged the court to stay proceedings and await the decision of the apex court in respect of Obaseki’s appeal.

Responding, plaintiffs lawyer, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, urged the court not to

The controller said that all the alternative routes were in good condition and traffic regulatory agencies had been deployed to effectively divert and manage traffic to avert gridlock.

He appealed to road users to cooperate with traffic regulatory agencies.

Popoola also announced a 48 hours partial closure of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29 to complete some work on a fly over bridge on the project.

“The contractor, Messers Julius Berger wants to install cross beams at Kilometre 16, that is, around MFM,” he said.

He explained that the Piers were already standing on both sides of the road and the contractor was to lay the cross beam on top across the road.

“That area will be cordoned off, there will be closure within that section from 12:00pm on 28th of December and it will be opened to traffic by 5:00am the following day. ”200 meters to get to that particular location we have diversion and another diversion 200 meters away from that place.

“One lane will be opened to traffic, it is only one lane we are closing to traffic at a time. The first lane that we are going to close is outward Lagos, that is the Ibadan bound carriageway, we will close it on the 28th. ”And then the second day which is 29th, we are moving to the other lane which in inward Lagos. The same 12:00pm to 5:00am,” Popoola said.

NigeriaAgipExplorationCompanyand others to prevent the hearing of a suit seeking to reclaim the Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245 originally awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/201/2017 was filed in the name of Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd by Mohammed Sani Abacha, son of the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, who claimed to be the majority shareholder of the oil firm.

In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Binta Nyako dismissed the preliminary objections filed by the defendants in the case and held that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case with relates to oil and gas.

As against the contention by the

disregard the ruling of the Court of Appeal which held that stay of proceedings should not be granted in time bound matters such as the one before the court “The court was emphatic that in view of the provision of the

Fourth Alteration, the lower court and Court of Appeal have no jurisdiction to stay proceedings in a pre-election matter were time is utmost essence. The court therefore directed that trial court should continue with the proceedings,”

Olujimi said.

In a short ruling, Justice Mohammed declined to stay proceedings and in line with the ruling of the Court of Appeal, adjourned hearing in the matter till the next day being Wednesday.

SOLIDARITY VISIT

L-R: Governors Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); and Muhammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa) during a solidarity visit by a delegation of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to Katsina...yesterday.

FG, Shell, Agip Lose Bid to Stop Abacha’s Suit to FG to Close Third Mainland Reclaim Malabu’s OPL 245 purporting to represent Malabu Oil, defendants, Justice Nyako also held March 9, 2021, for hearing.

AlexEnumahinAbuja Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Defendants in the suit are the adding that it “did not relinquish any that the suit was not caught by the A Federal High Court in Abuja Public Officers Protection Act and as Federal Government of Nigeria, the or all of its rights and interests in OPL Expressway for Repairs Minister of Petroleum Resources, 245 to any person or persons.” has rejected moves by the Federal such, was not statute-barred.

It added that the purported She further held that the plaintiff Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep Ltd, Government, Shell Nigeria Exploration, Benneth Oghifo

The Federal Controller of Works Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola on Tuesday announced a 72hour total closure of the Third Mainland Bridge to cast concrete on the expansion joints.

Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the shutdown will take effect from midnight on Saturday to midnight on Tuesday.

He added that construction works had reached the stage for casting concrete on additional three expansion joints.

“There is going to be total closure of Third Mainland Bridge in order to allow for the casting of three number expansion joints on the Island Bound lane ”The effective date of the closure will be from 12:00 midnight of 25th of December.

So people will be allowed to use the Third Mainland Bridge to celebrate Christmas.

“By the time the Christmas is winding down which is 12:00 midnight, we are going to close it so that we will be able to cast the concrete on Saturday the 26th and 27th we cast again. ” And we need about 72 hours for this concrete to set.

Therefore, the opening will be on the 28th December midnight that is 72-hour closure.

“This is to prevent vibration of the bridge. If we allow vehicles to be moving on one lane, there is going to be vibrations and the concrete will not set properly,”he said.

was right to have included the Minister of Petroleum as a defendant because the minister being a juristic personality could sue and be sued.

Justice Nyako held that, as against the contention by the defendants, the suit did not amount to an abuse of the process of the court, adding that the plaintiff rightly instituted by case, because no evidence exists that issues raised have not been determined by any other court.

After lawyers to parties, including Reuben Atabo (for the plaintiff), assured the court that they were ready to proceed to the hearing of the substantive suit, Justice Nyako adjourned till

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd, Nigeria Agip Exploration Company Ltd and former Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete.

In its statement of claim, the plaintiff stated among others, that it was not part of the purported allocation of the OPL 245 to Shell and Agip and for which they allegedly paid $1.3billion to Etete, with the FG providing the account into which it was paid as its actual shareholders were excluded from the process.

The plaintiff added that it was also not part of the Block 245 Resolution Agreement of April 29, 2011 entered between the FG, Shell,Agip and Etete,

allocation of OPL245 to Shell and Agip in 2011 is in violation of its rights as the holder of the “OPL 245 to exclusively explore and prospect for petroleum with the area its licence, pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the First Schedule to the Petroleum Act, and is therefore null and of no effect.”

The plaintiff is praying the court for, among others, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from carrying out any exploration or prospecting activities in connection with or in relation to the area covered

by OPL 245.

It wants the court to make an order compelling the defendants to restore to it, its right to the exclusive possession of OPL 245.

NDDC: Monarchs Give FG Ultimatum to Reverse Appointment of Sole Administrator Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Oil Mineral Producing Communities Traditional Rulers Association (OMPCOTRAS) yesterday gave the federal government a 14-day ultimatum to reverse the appointment of Mr. Effiong Akwa as the interim sole administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), or face renewed crisis in the Niger Delta region.

The monarchs in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Warri, Delta State, maintained that the appointment of Akwa as the interim sole administrator of NDDC is illegal and will be resisted.

They said the appointment of

“Interim Sole Administrator” is not known to the Act that set up the NDDC, maintaining that no strange clause would be allowed to be imported into the commission’s Act. In their resolution, which was contained in the communique titled: ‘NDDC, Another Illegal Contraption’, and signed by the Head of Secretariat of OMPCOTRAS, Mr. Kingsley Arthur, the monarchs stated that: “OMPCOTRAS notes with dismay and a grave concern the recent appointment made by President Muhammadu Buhari on the headship of the NDDC which we have termed an illegality.

“The appointment of an interim

Sole Administrator is not known to the act that set up the NDDC. Therefore, no strange clause should be imported into the NDDC act.”

The traditional rulers, therefore, condemned in very strong terms, the alleged “brazen rape of the NDDC Act deliberately designed and pursued to benefit a few.”

The body also condemned the alleged roles by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, aimed at truncating the NDDC Act and foiling his choice in the administration of the commission.

“OMPCOTRAS observed that the action of the minister smacks of high handedness laced with corruptible tendencies. Therefore, we urge the president to call Akpabio to order

before he plunges the region into a crisis of unimaginable proportion that could have a spiral effect across the country economically.

“We want peace in our communities. We do not want our communities to become a theatre for the military, therefore, the president should do the right thing,” the body stated.

President Buhari, the monarchs insisted, should immediately reverse the “illegal appointment of Mr. Effiong Akwa,” and inaugurate the 16-member board led by Dr. Pius Odubu and Mr. Bernard Okumagba; other nominees that have been screened and confirmed by the Senate as requested.

46

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Ndidi, Oshoala, Osimhen, Others Win at 7th Nigeria Pitch Awards Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles and Leicester City FC midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi and Super Falcons and FC Barcelona Femeni forward, Asisat Oshoala, emerged the King and Queen of the Pitch for year 2019 respectively at the 7th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards which held yesterday in Lagos.

Ndidi who was voted Leicester’s Man of the Match as the Foxes snatched a 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was chosen ahead of Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen of Napoli.

Similarly, Oshoala defeated both Francisca Ordega and Onome Ebi to be crowned the best female player in the country for the next 12 calendar months.

Other winners in the Nigeria Pitch Award for 2019 include; Daniel Akpeyi of Kaizer Chiefs and Watford defender, William Troost-Ekong who emerged Goalkeeper and Defender of the Year in their different categories.

Ndidi confirmed his position as the Super Eagles’ midfield general by dusting off competition from Joe Aribo of Glasgow Rangers

FC and Oghenekaro Etebo of Stoke City FC to retain the Midfielder of the Year award.

In the Striker of the Year Category, Osimhen starved off competition from Ighalo and Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal FC. Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF First Vice President won the Sam Okwaraji Award for Commitment to Nigeria Football; Gernot Rohr emerged 2019 Coach of the Year; Enyimba International emerged Team of the Year

while AITEO Group carted home the coveted Corporate Sponsor of Football Award for 2019.

The maiden Sportsmanship Award was presented to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu for his use of sports in the fight against crime and his sportsman’s attributes in the discharge of his duties as Nigeria’s Police Chief.

Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa won the Football Friendly Governor for

the second year while Lagos State emerged winner of the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.

In the media category, Johnny Edwards of The Punch won the Football Journalist of the Year – Print category while Olawale Adigun of Top Radio FM emerged winner of the Radio category. In the TV and Online categories, Channels TV Sports Editor Austin Okon-Akpan and Goal.

comSamuel Ahmadu won respectively.

The award ceremony which held according to the dictates of Covid-19 protocol was witnessed

by DIG Usman Alkali Baba and CP Lagos, Hakeem Odumosu, Communications Director of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, top sp o rt s e di t o rs and t wo N o l l y w o o d celebrities, Chioma Omeruwa popularly known as Chigul and Segun Arinze.

Oshoala Fires Brace as Barca Femeni Crush Deportivo Ladies Fe m i S o l a ja Super Falcons Captain, Asisat Oshoala, scored a brace yesterday as Barcelona Femeni hammered Deportivo de la Coruna 6-1.

Oshoala who was yesterday voted Queen of the Pitch at the 7th Nigeria Pitch Award in Lagos celebrated the feat by scoring Barcelona’s third and fifth goals in the clash with the Deportivo Ladies.

The 26-year-old was in action for all. She has now scored nine goals in 10 league appearances for the Blaugurana this season.

She also has a goal to show for her fine form in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Other players who were also on the Barca Femeni scoresheet yesterday include; Jenni Hermoso (brace), Aitana Bonmati and Marta Torrejon.

The Barcelona ladies are at the summit of the women’s topflight with 30 points from 10 games.

Meanwhile, the fourtime African Footballer of the Year winner Oshoala and other stars of the dominant Barca Femeni will have a date with history when they play their first ever match at the famous Camp Nou stadium of the men’s team.

A statement on the club’s website yesterday announced that Barca Femeni’s first league match of 2021 which is against Espayol FC ladies will come up on January 6th at the stadium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first match played by the team.

Barca Femeni have been playing all their home matches at the Estadi Johan Cruyff but will relocate to Camp Nou to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the match that women’s side Selecció Ciutat Barcelona -considered the ‘embryo’ of Barça’s women’s football setup- played there on December 25th, 1970.

According to the statement, on Christmas Day in 1970, the Barça pioneers, under the name Selecció Ciutat Barcelona coached by legendary former goalkeeper, Antoni Ramallets, played a match against Unió Esportiva Centelles, as a prelude to a first team match against CSKA Sofía.

That game at the Camp Nou, which ended in a goalless draw, took place in front of 60,000 people, and it became part of Barça Women’s history -even though at that time they could not wear the club colours or use the club name, as they were not officially part of it.

Wilfred Ndidi (right ) and Asisat Oshoala voted King and Queen at the Nigeria Pitch Award...yesterday

GOtv Boxing Night 22 Postponed Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, have announced the indefinite postponement of the 22nd edition of the event, which had been slated to hold on New Year’s Day. The show, billed to hold behind closed doors at the Mobolaji Johnson Indoor Sports Hall of

the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Lagos will now hold at a date to be announced later.

The decision to postpone the event was announced in a statement signed by the CEO, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona.

According to the statement,

the postponement was compelled by a resurgence in the country’s Covid-19 infection figures, which has drawn the Federal Government and Lagos State Government to impose restrictions on events with potential for crowds in excess of 50 persons.

“We consulted widely with

various boxing stakeholders as well as our sponsors before reaching the decision to shift the event to a later date. As disappointing as this may be, we are of the view that public safety and well-being are of utmost importance,” said Alumona.

HIFL 2021

PACE Sports Confirms Sponsorship Deal with NIVEA Men The organisers of Higher Institution Football League (HiFL), PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Ltd (PSEM) have confirmed that one of the world’s largest skincare manufacturer, Beiersdorf, has

(L-R): Managing Director, Carat Media, Igwe Okeke; Managing Director, Beiersdorf NIVEA Consumer Products Nigeria, Godwin Harrison; Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi and Shopper and Customer Marketing Manager, Beiersdorf Nigeria, Kayode Faizal during the Official Sponsorship Signing Ceremony between NIVEA Men and HIFL in Lagos...yesterday

joined the league of sponsors of Nigeria’s largest private collegiate football competition.

With the sponsorship deal, Beiersdorf Nigeria is set to sponsor HiFL with one of its foremost brands, NIVEA Men for the 2021 season.

Announcing the sponsorship, Beiersdorf’s Managing Director, Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Harrison, opined, “Nivea Men is thrilled to come on board as HiFL’s Official Men’s Grooming Partner in 2021.

The partnership will enable us to support the nurturing of football talent among Nigerian youth while connecting with our young future consumers through a sport the whole country is passionate about.

“We look forward to the upcoming collaboration and an exciting sporting football league in 2021.”

The latest collaboration further allows PACE and Nigeria University Games

Association (NUGA) to remain committed to partnerships that will ensure the sustainability of the HiFL games as one of the most veritable platforms for grassroots football development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Director, PACE Sports, Sola Fijabi emphasized the partnership with NIVEA Men signals the commencement of the greater expectations and excitements in the next season as the world opens up after a trying year.

While nurturing things important to peoples’ lives, the personal care giant is set to continue to align its CARE initiatives towards supporting HiFL to achieve its objectives in sports especially collegiate sport in Nigeria. The brand continues to push for a broader collaboration towards taking actions that care for everyone even beyond its own business.

“We are glad to have NIVEA Men join our growing family of

partners and sponsors alike who are committed to developing the Nigerian youths and further developing the collegiate game in the land as they have seen how HiFL is growing over the past years since inception.

“NIVEA Men keyed into the opportunity to be part of the HiFL success story by associating their brand with the strides we are taking to improve collegiate sports while contributing to sports development in Nigeria”, Fijabi remarked.

UNICAL Malabites of the University of Calabar are defending champions after lifting the 2019 edition while UAM Tillers of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi won the inaugural tournament in 2018.

The 2020 edition did not hold however due to the Covid-19 restrictions with organisers introducing the HiFL Masterclass Series and E-Games instead while playing safe from home.

47

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

I Am Ready for Tyson Fury, Boasts Anthony Joshua Donates millions to fund British amateur boxing Anthony Joshua has set his sights on a world heavyweight title showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury in June after revealing on Tuesday that he is ‘keen’ for the fight to take place.

Joshua was criticised

by WBC champion Fury for not showing enough commitment to the contest after successfully defending his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts against Kubrat Pulev earlier in December.

But the 31-year-old has confirmed talks are under way over the eagerlyanticipated fight.

“I’m ready, I’m keen.

The next fight I want is Tyson Fury, for the undisputed championship of the world,” Joshua told Sky Sports News on Tuesday.

“I’m having direct conversations now with my management team looking at the best way to put a package together for 2021 and hopefully it will be done.”

Joshua has no intention of backing down from the Fury clash, although hurdles in the way of the super-fight include his WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and another possible meeting between Fury and Deontay Wilder.

Asked when and where he expected the fight to take place, he added: “I think maybe June. It needs

a bit of time. I promise you conversations and face-to-face meetings are happening with representatives of my team and Tyson Fury’s team.

“The possibilities of it being in this country are down to the pandemic and how that shapes. For me I am not too fussed where it is. I just want the fight.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua has made a substantial donation to help fund amateur boxing in Britain - saying he hopes “we have not lost the next generation” of fighters.

Some clubs have closed and boxing was not included on a list of sports that received a £300m bailout in November.

Joshua gave a six-figure sum to the amateur boxing federations of England, Wales and Scotland.

“Without grassroots boxing, there is no Anthony Joshua,” he said.

“The doors to these gyms are always open to any kid from any background,” Joshua, who turned professional after winning Olympic gold at London 2012, told BBC sports editor Dan Roan yesterday.

“If I was 18 again and I was in a position where the gym was closed and it might not open, I would be devastated.

Covid-19: Osimhen’s Napoli Win Appeal over Point Deduction Victor Osimhen and his Napoli teammates will be full of joy now as their Italian Serie A team have won an appeal at the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) over a point deductionfor missing their game at Juventus last October.

The clubs will now meet in a rearranged fixture after Juve were originally awarded a 3-0 win.

The decisionsees Napoli move up to third in the table on the same number of points as the reigning champions.

Napoli had two positive Covid-19 tests before the game

and were ordered not to travel by their local health authority.

However, Serie A refused to call the match off and Juve arrived at the stadium before kick-off without an opponent to face.

Both Serie A and the Italian Football Federation said Napoli had not complied with agreed Covid-19 protocols, to ensure they could at least try to participate in the match.

Napoli had two previous appeals rejected, before CONI decided in favour of the club on Tuesday.

FIFA Files Criminal Complaint against Blatter FIFA has lodged a criminal complaint against former president Sepp Blatter over the finances of a museum in Zurich, Switzerland.

The complaint relates to the involvement of Blatter and other former officials in the FIFA museum project.

It is the latest allegation of financial impropriety against Blatter, who resigned from his post as president in 2015 amid a corruption scandal.

The 84-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing.

FIFA, football’s world governing body, say Blatter’s previous administration cost them 500m Swiss francs (£420m) to renovate “a building that the organisation doesn’t own”, while also “locking itself into a long-term rental agreement on unfavourable terms”.

“Given the massive costs

associated with this museum, as well as the general way of working of the previous FIFA management, a forensic audit was conducted in order to find out what really happened here,” said Alasdair Bell, FIFA’s deputy secretary general (administration).

“That audit revealed a wide range of suspicious circumstances and management failures, some of which may be criminal in nature and need to be properly investigated by the relevant authorities.

“We came to the conclusion that we had no choice other than to report the case to state prosecutors, not least because the current management of FIFA also has fiduciary responsibilities to the organisation and we intend to live up to them, even if those before us dismally failed to.”

“It’s not just financial help. I will often try and motivate these kids by being among them, bringing my belts down and training with them.

“I believe in the next

10-15 years, you are going to see the leaders of tomorrow, but I hope it’s not 25-30 years because we have lost this next generation.”

Funding will be

provided to the clubs most in need.

Joshua, who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles and compatriot Tyson Fury, who is the WBC champion,

currently occupy all of the world heavyweight titles between them, and the former says he is “certain” the pair will meet in a unification bout in 2021.

Anthony Joshua has announced his readiness to take on Tyson Fury in the Unification bout expected to take place next year

Premier League Reveals Seven New Positive Covid-19 Tests The Premier League has announced that its latest round of coronavirus testing for players and staff of the division’s 20 clubs revealed seven new positive tests.

Football in England and across the globe was brought to a halt in March due to the outbreak of coronavirus. The Premier League returned after a 100-day absence in mid-June, completing the 2019/20 campaign before embarking upon the current season in August with a strict and regular testing system in place.

England’s top flight has played out 14 rounds of the

current campaign but only one fixture has been postponed due to COVID-19 cases. Newcastle United’s trip to Aston Villa, scheduled for 4 December, was called off following a sharp rise in positive test results from the visiting side.

The Premier League released a statement providing the results of their latest batch of testing via its official website which read: “The Premier League can today confirm that between Monday, 14 December and Sunday, 20 December, 1,569 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19.

“Of these, there were seven new positive tests.

“Players or club staff who have tested positive will self-isolate for a period of 10 days. The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing.”

The seven positive tests represent a slight rise from the previous round - which returned six positives - but still represents

less than 0.5% of people that were part of the released statistics.

In fact, there has only been one round of testing this season which has revealed more than 1% of positive cases - that came between 9 November and 15 November (16 positive results out of 1,207 subjects).

However, some medical experts have suggested that the new COVID-19 strain, which forced regions in the south east of England into Tier 4 before Christmas, is ‘likely’ to lead to Premier League postponements.

Second-tier Brentford Knock out Newcastle to Reach S’final Brentford reached the semifinal of a major tournament for the first time with a fully deserved 1-0 victory over Premier League side Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup yesterday.

Thomas Frank’s in-form Championship side came into this quarter-final on the back of a 13-match unbeaten run and missed a host of good chances before man of the match Josh Dasilva put them in front with a crisp, left-foot volley after 66 minutes.

It was the breakthrough the Bees merited as they dominated, with Saman Ghoddos hitting the bar and Sergi Canos heading wide with the goal at his mercy in the first half.

Callum Wilson threatened briefly for visitors Newcastle but all the urgency and progressive football came from Brentford, who made six changes from their weekend win over Reading, including leaving the second tier’s top scorer Ivan Toney

on the bench against his former club.

In the surroundings of their new Brentford Community Stadium, Frank and his players demonstrated how well they have rebuilt from the bitter pain of defeat by Fulham in the Championship play-off final and the loss of key players.

Last season’s main striker, Ollie Watkins, and attacking creator, Said Benrahma, have left for Aston Villa and West Ham United respectively, but Frank still has a progressive, attractive side.

This game could have been over in the first half had Brentford taken those opportunities, but it was no

more than they deserved when Dasilva finally broke the deadlock.

The Bees are back in the top four in the Championship, three points off the automatic promotion places, and are shaping up once more as serious promotion candidates.

Josh Dasilva (centre) scored the winning goal that knocked out Newcastle from the Carabao Cup...last night

Wednesday December 23, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

APC to Kwankwaso “The era of free and fair elections is over in Kano State. We will ensure the repeat of inconclusive election in 2023. APC will remain in control from national to grassroots. I call on you not to be merciful to any Kwankwasiyya loyalist” – The All Progressives Congress in Kano State declaring violence against former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Humanities also Offer Solutions

I

n his remarks at a meeting with the students of Kankara Science Secondary School released from captivity last Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari said something in passing that is worth pondering about the philosophy of education in Nigeria.

The meeting took place on the second day after the 344 schoolboys kidnapped by armed men in Katsina state regained their freedom.

Among other things, the President said the Kankara boys were “lucky” to be in a science school with a brighter future of “getting jobs” unlike their counterparts who would major in “History or English.” The President seemed to have a dim view of the future of students interested in the humanities.

In terms of career aspiration, you could imagine what the impact of the presidential statement could make on a girl or boy in another secondary school in Katsina state planning to study History or Linguistics in the university.

More than 15 years earlier, Buhari’s predecessor, President Olusegun Obasanjo, made a similar statement in a different context. In a radio chat, Obasanjo responded to the question of a caller on youth unemployment with an instructive anecdote.

The story goes like this: a relation approached Obasanjo to help secure a job for his son. The former president asked for the Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the job-seeker and discovered that he was a graduate of Sociology. Characteristically, Obasanjo told the young man point-blank that “any one going to the university to study Sociology or Mass Communication has wasted his life.”

The contemptuous reference to the liberal arts and social sciences by Buhari and Obasanjo at the various periods is a different thing from the rational idea by universities about the proportions of students admitted to study science-based courses and the liberal arts. What is on display here is simply a perverted concept of education for all-round human development.

The imperative of huge investments in science education and research should not derogate training in the humanities. Come to think of it, the bankruptcy of policy is such that apart from the rhetoric about science education there is hardly any evidence of budgetary investment in that direction. Science education is not immune to the policy malaise of lip service paid to quality education at all levels. Students are admitted to study science courses in schools without equipped and up-to-date laboratories. Graduates of computer science are produced without computers.

For instance, after the dust of kidnapping must have settled it would be interesting to inspect the Government Science School in Kankara to know how much science is actually being taught in that place. It would be good to know the quality of teaching and the age of the equipment available for practical studies in the science school.

This facile pursuit of science without humanity is in sharp contrast with the trends in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. An aspect of the much talked-about brain drain is that it is not only doctors, nurses and engineers that are being attracted to the developed world where their services are needed. Universities in those places also attract our poets, historians, philosophers, writers, political scientists, sociologists literary critics and artists. In recent times a lot of books have been published about Nigeria by those institutions abroad. Some Nigerian writings and writings about Nigeria have been consumed more abroad than in Nigeria itself. Departments of African Studies are developed in universities in other lands more than in Nigerian universities because of this contempt for humanities. Other societies value these scholars in humanities and their products who are the objects of denigration

Education Minister Adamu Adamu and insults from government officials and other members of the elite. Those other societies know precisely the importance of humanising scientific progress for existential equilibrium.

With presidents like Buhari and Obasanjo having this mindset that studying humanities is a useless venture, the strategic error in the formulation of education policies for national development could be imagined.

The statements by the two leaders are a poignant advertisement of the severe limitation of policy in the education sector.

The emergent questions are many in the situation.

What’s really the purpose of education? What is the conception of development on the part of those who make policies? What is the consequence of failing to see the importance of humanities even for scientific progress to be meaningful to life?

What will be the outcome of the development of machines without an organic engagement with humanity? There are questions to be asked about the technicist conception of human progress.

The condescending mindset about humanities is an old phenomenon in the policy arena in Nigeria. It informed the removal history from the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools at a time. Even in some universities, history has to be cojoined with international relations to attract students to the department.

Such was the moral violence done to the intellectual development of a generation of Nigerians by policymakers with a warped sense of education. School curricular were vandalised by those who were deluded about the dynamics of the global scientific revolution. Indeed, the ugly harvests of such a policy of ignorance have been huge. A student in the Faculty of Arts of the premier university, the University of Ibadan, walked up to a professor with a pointed question: “Who is this Zik?” The student was, of course asking about the great nationalist and the first

The solution to the moral dimension of the crisis facing humanity cannot be found in any laboratory

President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Ironically, the Ibadan School of History acquired a wide international reputation among scholars many decades ago with pioneering and monumental works of Professor Onwuka Dike and his colleagues . Recently, eminent historian, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, recalled the story of students in Ogun State who knew about Obafemi Martins, the famous footballer, and not Obafemi Awolowo, the first premier of the old western region now “restructured” into nine states.

Today’s policies are discussed without any reference to similar ones made barely 30 years ago. Pundits make statements ex cathedral on economic problems without any sense of the economic history of the country. In the needless heat generated about securing grazing lands for cattle, hardly does anyone remember that decades ago ranching was part of agricultural policies not only in the north; but also in the southern parts of the country. Ranching as a more efficient and modern solution than designation of grazing routes had been developed by some policymakers in the past who had a better idea of wholistic development.

The contempt for history is such that even keeping official records on ceremonial matters is treated with levity. Hence a prominent figure could be awarded with the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON), the second highest national honour, and 30 years later he could be kindly considered for the honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), which is some steps below the GCON !

Keeping records as raw materials for writing history is not considered important because no one is planning to produce future historians, anyway.

The job of the historian is not deemed to be a worthwhile one. This is despite the proposition by another great historian, Professor Jacob Ade-Ajayi, who drew the link between development and the study of history. Ade-Ajayi said that a nation pursuing development without the understanding of history is like a driver of a vehicle without a rear-view mirror. The risks of travelling in such a vehicle should be obvious to the driver and the passengers alike.

For clarity, the prejudice against the humanities exists in other places. The only difference is that unlike here, the problem is being grappled with in scholastic terms. The English philosopher, Simon Blackburn, reported his experience in his smart book, Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy. The book is a useful guide even for the general reader on thinking about human existence and problems. At a point in his career, it was the lot of the professor to encourage his students who expressed worries about what they would do with their degrees in philosophy on graduation. Degrees in philosophy are not as marketable as degrees in chemical engineering or software engineering. By the way, in Nigeria the job market is full with graduates in humanities and science-based disciplines alike, which is an indication that the socio-economic problem of joblessness has deeper roots than studying humanities. Well, Blackburn told his students to respond to those who wondered what was the place of a degree in philosophy in the job market something like this: students of philosophy are studying “conceptual engineering.” They study the structure of ideas and interaction of concepts which are basic to all areas of knowledge. After all, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree is awarded in the faculty of engineering as a proof of learning. In all human endeavours clarity of ideas is basic to making progress. The philosopher as the engineer of ideas is important in getting various departments of human life imbued with clarity of thinking as the basis action especially

policies implementation. Many policies have failed because of the poor quality of the thought-process informing their conception and implementation.

The production of knowledge in the realm of the humanities is even more urgent given the multi-dimensional crisis facing humanity. Here lies the essence of bolstering the training of some students in humanities.

The solution to the moral dimension of the crisis facing humanity cannot be found in any laboratory. Neither is it a job for robots. Software engineers are yet to develop the apps for strictly human solutions to problems.

Take the coronavirus crisis as an example. Some of the derivative questions in the management of the crisis are not all that scientists alone could answer definitively. In places where vaccines are being considered for approval, the board is not composed of only virologists, immunologists and epidemiologists. Siting with the scientists for a judicious and balanced consideration of issues are also ethicists. The ethicists are there for a philosophical bearing to the issues. The public health atmosphere is replete with a lot of bio-ethical anxiety. Hesitancy about vaccination has religious, historical and moral bases. These are not problems to which the scientists can find solutions in their laboratories. There is no algorithm that bio-statisticians could employ to solve the human problem. It is a matter for those trained in the humanities to think about such problems.

Similarly, the moral challenge of the climate change crisis is as huge as its science. The deniers of climate change are not hinging their arguments on science. The campaign against activities endangering the human habitat has to develop some moral muscle in addition to the scientific argument. There are life issues that the efforts of the technologists are better coupled with those of poets and playwrights for societal understanding.

In any case, Nigerian leaders are certainly behind times in insisting on promoting the false dichotomy between Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) on the one hand and the liberal arts on the other hand.

In his book, The Fuzzy and the Techie: Why the Liberal arts Will Rule the Digital World, Scott Hartley calls a major in the humanities or social sciences a “fuzzy” and a major in computer or hard sciences a “techie.” Hartley is a venture capitalist and a startup adviser to organisations.

He was a Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House. He makes a strong argument for the necessary complementarity of science and humanities as follows: “ ….Bridge-building fields of study have been created already… Psychology, linguistics and neuroscience come together to make cognitive science. Sociology and civil engineering have been combined in urban policy, computing and design have been combined in data visualisation, and psychology and computing have been combined in the usability research.

More such explicitly fuzzy-techie majors should be fostered, such as combining philosophy and engineering into “design ethics,” anthropology and data science into “data literacy,” sociology and statistics into “human analytics,” literature and computer science into” narrative science..” and law and data science into “predictive regulation…”

Yes. The Buhari administration should design school programmes to make Nigerian students to be fully part of the scientific age. Conscious efforts to develop the humanities should complement these important efforts at promoting science education. This is necessary for equipping today’s students to retain the control of themselves as human beings as they navigate the uncertain life of the future.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com