THURSDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2022

2023 Poll: Be Professional, Apolitical, Buhari Warns Security Agencies Declares he’s difficult to satisfy Decorates newly promoted Brigade of Guards commander Okays procurement of 400 armoured vehicles for Brigade Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has charged security agencies to

be saddled with various support services in next year’s general election to maintain a high sense of professionalism and remain impartial in

the discharge of their duties. Buhari said this yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of a newly acquired estate by the Defence Intelligence

Agency (DIA) in Idu-Karmo, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In another development, the president declared that as a public

officer he was a very difficult to satisfy. He spoke yesterday at State House, Abuja, shortly after decorating the newly promoted Commander of

the Brigade of Guards, Major-General Mohammed Usman Continued on page 10

Former Pope Benedict is ‘Very Sick,’ Pope Francis Reveals... Page 10 Thursday 29 December, 2022 Vol 27. No 10123. Price: N250

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PDP Considers Expulsion of G-5 Governors, Dissolution of Party Structures in Their States... Page 12

Uzodimma Mourns as Obiozor, Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Dies at 80 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Imo state government yesterday announced the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States.

The Government statement signed by the state governor, Hope Uzodinmma, was however silent on when the Ohanaeze leader breathed his last. A competent source, however, stated that he died since Monday.

Obiozor emerged the leader of

the Igbo socio-cultural group in January 2021, scoring 304 votes to beat two other contestants to emerge the winner in the election at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Born August 15, 1942, according to available public records, the profes-

sor and diplomat, at a point in his career, was the director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) as well as being the high commissioner to Cyprus.

In addition, the late octogenarian was the Nigerian ambassador to Israel, from 1999 to 2003 and was a

prolific writer on international affairs.

Some of his books included: Uneasy Friendships: Nigeria-United States Relations; The politics of precarious balancing: an analysis of contending issues in Nigerian Continued on page 10

Late Obiozor

N'Assembly Passes 2023 Budget, Raises Proposed Spending by N1.32trn to N21.82trn Works and Housing, Defence ministries get highest allocation Approves N819.54bn 2022 supplementary budget Fresh borrowing to be sourced from CBN to fund projects Extends 2022 budget implementation to March Tension as Senate drops president’s N23.7trn ways and means advances request Adjourns plenary to Jan. 17 Sunday Aborisade and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Senate and House of Representatives, yesterday, passed the 2023 appropriation bill after raising the N20.51 trillion proposed spending presented by President Muhammadu Buhari by N1.32 trillion, to N21.82 trillion.

The upper chamber also yesterday approved Buhari's request of N819.54 billion domestic loan meant to fix infrastructure destroyed by the recent unprecedented floods that ravaged many states in the country.

However, there was tension in the Red Chamber yesterday, as Senators disagreed over the president’s request for the approval of N23. 7 trillion Ways and Means Advances.

The budget passage followed the consideration and approval of the report of the both chambers’ committees on appropriation.

Out of the total sum, N967.48 Continued on page 10

EBENEZER ONYEAGWU’S SON'S WEDDING RECEPTION...

L-R: Groom’s father/Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Groom’s mother, Mrs. Kachi Onyeagwu; Couple, Daniel Ifeanyi-Isibor and Kenechukwu Munachimso; Wife of the Founder/Chairman, Zenith Bank, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Founder/Chairman, Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR; Bride’s mother, Prof. Enemo and Bride’s father, Dr. Obi Enemo, during the wedding reception held at the Grand Ball Room, Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki...on Tuesday

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

NEWS

BUHARI INAUGURATES DIA ESTATE...

L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major Gen Samuel Adebayo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE Bashir Magashi Rtd; FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, and others, during the inauguration of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Estate at the Idu-Karimo in Abuja.... yesterday

Power Sector Now Worse Than I Left It in 2020, Says Former TCN CEO Insists Siemens cannot solve Nigeria’s electricity supply problems Maintains next president must understand sector to avoid scammers Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja In a major outburst yesterday, an erstwhile Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Dr Usman Mohammed, yesterday maintained that since he was sacked by the current administration, the power supply challenges in the country have grown worse.

Speaking on Channels Television, Mohammed who was fired by the then Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, who was himself removed by President Muhammadu Buhari, asserted that the much-awaited Siemens intervention will not make any marked difference in electricity supply in the country. He also described it as a mirage.

Mohammed, who was invited from the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the time to take over the TCN, also insisted that the next president must understand the power sector from day and must be the ‘champion' of the industry to avoid being taken advantage of by vested interests.

The former TCN CEO noted that while during his involvement in the sector, generation was not a major problem, today, power generation has declined markedly, explaining that Egbin in Lagos, for instance, which is the largest generation plant in Nigeria, currently does an output of roughly 500 megawatts instead of its usual 1,300 megawatts.

Mohammed stated that Manitoba mismanaged the TCN before he was

called upon to take over, stressing that the TCN wasn’t audited for the number of years the company was in charge of the transmission arm, even after over $32 million was paid to them.

“If you look at the picture that is painted of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), you will think that it will solve the problem. But I want to ask you, what is the scope, especially for transmission. How many substations, how many lines are they going to build,” he queried. “ How will upgrading in Apo, Katampe, Mafara, take you to 7,000 megawatts? It’s not possible,” he added.

He stated that most of the work he started has now been abandoned, explaining that the country is now focusing on the PPI which will not make any much difference in power supply in the country.

“The sector is worse now than when I left. At that time, the main problem that we were facing were transmission and distribution. We had enough generation at that time,” he argued.

According to him, no investment has come into even the distribution segment of the supply value chain in the country since privatisation, insisting that distribution remains the biggest problem in the country.

Going forward, Mohammed stressed that many of the political parties and presidential candidates angling to take over the country in 2023, do not really understand the power sector, affirming that after a

thorough appraisal of the manifestos of the major political parties, there was no deep analysis of the sector.

“The conclusion is that most of the political parties don’t even understand the power sector,” he posited.

Mohammed reiterated that the vested interests will not allow the next president ‘think properly' , especially if he doesn’t understand how the sector works and will cloud him from solving the problems besetting the industry.

He stated that the declaration to move the sector from a 4,000 megawatts to 25,000 megawatts, remains a pipe dream, saying that it wasn’t doable in four years.

“If you talk about these declarations – moving from 4,000mw to 25,000mw, where in history do we see a country move from 4,000mw to 25,000mw in four years?, he asked.

He advised presidential candidates to understand the sector to be able to solve the decades-long challenges in the sector.

In collaboration with the German government, the Siemens deal was planned to expand Nigeria’s electricity capacity to 25,000mw by 2025 under the PPI. However, years down the line, not much has been achieved with roughly five months for the Muhammadu Buhari administration to exit government.

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government would ensure effective oil exploitation and full actualisation of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project flagged off by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor made the pledge when he led a campaign rally to Pindiga, Gona Emirates canvassing for votes for APC candidates at all levels as part of his commitment to ensure victory for the ruling party

in the state.

The governor gave the assurance at the palace of the Emir of Pindiga, Alhaji Muhammad Seyoji Ahmad, during a visit of his campaign team to the area yesterday.

Inuwa said his administration pursues with all vigour and seriousness any project capable of improving the standard of living of the common man, recounting how his administration boldly worked with relevant stakeholders and pushed for the actualisation of the Kolmani Integrated Project for the benefit of people of Gombe state.

Probes N10bn, $28m expended on project, loan disbursement Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed the immediate suspension of the project consultant for the Ilesa Water Project, Mrs. Tawa Williams over her questionable handling of $106 million loan for the project.

The governor in a statement issued yesterday, by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, also ordered full scale probe of the entire project and disbursed loans especially as there had been no progress on the project despite the reported disbursement of N10 billion and another $28 million on it.

The governor equally suspended

the project coordinator to allow for unhindered review of the loan administration while the consultant was directed to return to government the N70 million bullet proof jeep in her possession.

According to the statement, Adeleke's directive was sequel to the interim report of the State's Assets Recovery Committee chaired

by Dr. B.T. Salami, which made recommendations for immediate action to stop further squandering of loans secured to execute the water project.

The State Chief Executive frowned at alleged large scale corruption reflected in the handling of the loans and the project, an

will have to believe that he is not looking for money from the power sector because if you're chasing money in the power sector, you cannot make progress,” he added, stressing that the next president must take a decision on what to do to rectify the problem created during the privatisation programme.

“For example, I heard that they said they gave orders to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to to sell some assets quickly. But what are they selling? A company that doesn't have equity. What is the experience of North-south that bought Abuja Disco? Where is the money they put in?

We'll Ensure Effective Implementation of Kolmani Integrated Devt Project, Gombe Governor Pledges

$106m Ilesa Water Loan: Adeleke Suspends Project’s Consultant, Williams Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Furthermore, Mohammed argued that the power sector should not have been privatised at the same time but in phases in order to learn and move forward, stressing that it was a mistake made by the government at the time.

According to him, the government did not carry out an adequate technical losses analysis before selling out the distribution arm of the value chain, as it were in 2013.

He maintained that the next president must not be seen as chasing money in the power sector, because, according to him, that way ,progress will not be made.

“So it means that the president

action he regretted had denied people of Ilesa and environs of drinkable water.

"My administration will dig into this matter with all seriousness. The huge fund in question are loans to be repaid. We have a sacred duty to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of the fund and the project," Adeleke affirmed.

The Assets Recovery Committee had submitted an interim report which revealed an ongoing large scale pilfering of the procured loans while the project recorded no progress commensurate with reported expenditure.

According to the interim report

of the Salami-led committee, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) agreed to fund the project to the tune of $65 million, while the federal government provided $41.94 million.

"So far, a total of $27.073 million has been expended from the IDB loan of $65 million, leaving a balance of the sum of $37.926 million. However, from the federal government’s loan of $41.94 million which the consultant had converted to N12 billion, the sum of N10 billion had been purportedly spent on the project, leaving a balance of N2 billion," the report stated.

Continues online

According to him, "just two months after assuming power, we started moving around, from the NNPC to the Villa to push for oil exploitation in Kolmani and to God be the glory, we have succeeded in securing the project. Thanks to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for making it a reality.

"On our part, we did everything we could to make sure that this development stays in Gombe and you are all witnesses that the project has been flagged off and hopefully soon, our people will begin to reap its benefits".

He assured the people that the APC government, with Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president, would continue with oil exploitation in the north as started by the president.

"At the formal flag off of Kolmani Project by President Buhari, our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended the ceremony and made a commitment to continue with the project when elected,” he added.

Inuwa pledged to continue repositioning Gombe State on the path of progress and sustainable development.

"We will continue to provide quality leadership that will take the state to the promised land. We will never be reckless nor rest on our oars in discharging our duties," he affirmed.

Inuwa lamented the increasing security threat in the area, calling on traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify efforts towards tackling the challenge, maintaining that security was the catalyst for any

meaningful development.

In his response, the Emir of Pindiga, Muhammad Seyoji Ahmad applauded Inuwa's zeal and steadfastness towards fighting for the course of his people, the trait he described as praiseworthy, citing actualisation of Kolmani Integrated Development Project as one good example.

The Royal father thanked the governor specifically for numerous developmental projects within his domain, especially the ongoing construction of 24km road from Nasarawo to Kolmani which would link up several communities and connect the emirate's headquarters with the Kolmani oil field for economic prosperity of the people.

In his welcome address at the Palace, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Sunusi Ahmad (Mai Dalan Pindiga) extolled Inuwa for not forsaking the area.

He said the governor had executed numerous developmental projects in the area, reassuring that, "Pindiga people are solidly behind Inuwa and will ensure the success of his reelection bid.”

Sanusi specifically mentioned some of the projects executed by the Inuwa-led administration in the region to include: 15km road Mararraban Jabba – Jabba–Sambo Daji–Pandi KolaGwaram–Garin Wada, connecting several communities, 15km Tashan Magarya Kumo-Luggerawo-Bappa Ibrahima-Papa Road, renovation of Pindiga and Tumu cottage hospitals, building of schools, water supply among others.

Continues online

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COMMEMORATION OF THE 2022 IGUE FESTIVAL...

L-R: Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, and Governor Godwin Obaseki, during a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, to commemorate the 2022 Igue Festival... yesterday

Auction of Forfeited Properties: EFCC Opens Bid in 13 States Bidders to pay 10% of price Successful bidders to pay 90% outstanding balance of the bid price within 15 working days 10% deposit becomes non-refundable on failure to meet deadline, offer to be extended to other bidders Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said it has concluded plans to conduct sale of properties in 13 States following final forfeiture orders.

The commission on Saturday, December 24, 2022, announced the commencement of the auction exercise with advertorial in major newspapers inviting bids for the properties.

The agency had said, in a statement, that interested persons or organisations had until 12 noon of Monday, January 9, 2023, to submit their bids.

A statement issued by the agency

yesterday said the properties consisting of 61 units of luxury apartments, plots of lands and apartments across the country were offered for sale in accordance with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, Public Procurement Act, 2007 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

The distribution of the properties include 24 units of luxurious block of flats at Banana Island, Lagos; 21 units of luxury terrace and block of flats at Thornburn, Yaba, Lagos; 16 units of four bedrooms terrace duplex at Heritage Court Estate, Port Harcourt.

Others are apartments and plots of land in Lagos State; apartments and plots of land within Abuja metropolis; plots of land and apartments in Anambra, Ebonyi and Gombe States as well as apartments and plot of land in Kaduna, Delta and Edo States.

Plots also slated for auction include hotels, plazas and apartments in Kwara State and apartments and plots of land in Cross River, Osun and Oyo States.

The statement said the auction is open to members of the public with the exception of individuals and corporate entities, who were prosecuted or under prosecution by the EFCC, directors of such

companies and employees of the EFCC. It said a competitive bidding process was adopted for the disposal of the properties.

"The bid forms which can be downloaded from the EFCC website www.efcc.gov.ng must be submitted alongside 10% of the bid amount in certified bank drafts payable to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

If the sum exceeds N10 million, multiple certified bank drafts must be provided; drafts of unsuccessful bidders will be returned once the bidding process is concluded.

"A successful bidder will be required to pay the 90% outstanding

Analysts: THISDAY Election Projection, Good Template for Political Strategy Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie Some analysts have said the projection made by THISDAY on the presidential poll would shape the political landscape and help politicians and voters to make informed decisions about the election slated for February 25, 2023.

According to them, the polls would make good template for politicians to carry out their political strategies.

Speaking about the projections, Professor of Strategy and Development, Prof. Anthony Kila, who spoke yesterday on the Morning Show on ARISE News Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said about 25 per cent of voters had always made

irrational decisions before the election.

“Polls are important and should not be discarded because the results can be used to make informed decision before the day of the election. Projected polls results will enable politicians understand their strengths and weaknesses and make amends before the day of the election,” Kila said.

Also, ARISE News Analyst, Dr. Sam Amadi, who also spoke on the programme, said the projections would help politicians to assess their expected performance and to adjust their campaign strategies.

He explained that the prediction would also help eligible voters understand the various regions where their preferred candidates could do better, adding that it would help them make informed

decision about their preferred candidates in any given election.

The THISDAY projections was based on conceptual ideas and certain analytics not based on political sentiments, Amadi said.

Analysing the mandatory 25 per cent votes, which each political aspirants must attain from all the regions across the country in order to win the election, Amadi said THISDAY’s estimates would enable political aspirants to see their performance level across all regions and quickly make amends and re-strategise in regions where their votes fall short of 25 per cent of the total votes cast. He therefore advised politicians to take empirical polls very seriously.

Reacting to the responses of some political aspirants, who faulted the projection in the regions

where they were estimated not to make much impact Kila said their responses were not out of place because the THISDAY only made projections based on certain criteria.

Reacting to the responses from a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group which had faulted the projections, Kila said they were based on certain criteria that include the power of incumbency by some candidates in some regions.

The Labour Party campaign team also reacted by saying PDP and APC would not get as much as 10 per cent votes in the South east region, as projected

by THISDAY polls. Kila however advised politicians not to disregard the THISDAY projection but to see it as a template to work out their political strategies.

balance of the bid price within 15 working days of the bid submission deadline, failing which the 10% deposit becomes non-refundable and the properties can be offered to other buyers. Payments shall be made to EFCC through the Remita platform", it said.

The anti-graft agency stated that individuals occupying any of the properties listed may be given the right of first refusal provided they had valid tenancy agreement; paid rent up to date and must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form which could be downloaded from the EFCC website: www.efcc.gov.ng It further stated that bids for properties must be sealed and submitted in the designated box at the following address: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Plot 301/302 Institutions and Research District, Jabi, Abuja.

The deadline for the submission of all bids is 12:00 noon, Monday, January, 9, 2023 "All bidders and/or their representatives are welcome to be present at the bid opening which will take place at the Convocation Ground, National Open University of Nigeria, opposite Economic and Financial Crimes Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja from Monday, 9th January, 2023 to Friday, 13th January, 2023.

The highest bidder for each property will emerge the winner subject to the highest bid being equal to or above the reserve price.

"In the event of a tied bid at the bid opening or where none of the bids match or exceed the reserve price, bidders will be required to submit fresh bids at the opening.

The outcome of the fresh bid submissions will be announced at the bid opening", it said.

Buhari Transmits Federal Produce Inspection Service Bill to National Assembly Udora Orizu in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted to the House of Representatives the Federal Produce Inspection Service Bill for consideration and passage.

Buhari in a letter dated December 21 and addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said the bill would focus on inspection and enforcement of grades and quality standards of produce and commodities intended for import into or export from Nigeria at Ports of Shipment.

"Pursuant to Section 58(2) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),

I forward herewith, the Federal Produce Inspection Service Bill for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives," said the president in the letter.

The letter added, "The Federal Produce Inspection Service Bill seeks to provide for the inspection and enforcement of grades and quality standards of produce and commodities intended for import into or export from Nigeria at Ports of Shipment and for related matters."

Buhari also mentioned that "while I hope that the request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the House, Please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration."

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INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES GETS SERAS AWARD FOR BEST COMPANY IN POVERTY REDUCTION...

L-R: Head of Engineering, Beer Tech Africa, Oluwafemi Akintilo; Public Relations Analyst, International Breweries Plc, Nathalia Da Rocha-Silvola; Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Temitope Oguntokun; Corporate Communications Manager, Eniola Alli-Faweya, and Corporate Affairs Officer, Omotola Owolawi, with the 2022 SERAS Award for Best Company in Poverty Reduction, presented to International Breweries Plc in Lagos…recently

ASUU Strike: Lawmakers Knock Osodeke over Allegation of Deception against Gbajabiamila Insist union president's 'bad-faith' approach to negotiations prolonged industrial action Urge FG to suspend planned sale of oil mining licence 11 Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has frowned at the claim by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke that the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, used deception to convince the union to call off their eight-month strike.

Osodeke had in an interview on Tuesday, while accusing Gbajabiamila of deception, also alleged that the Speaker failed to deliver on his written commitment that the government would, without delay, offset the arrears of salaries owed to members of the union for the time they were on strike.

In reaction, the lawmakers in a statement signed by the House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said at no point did the Speaker commit to offset the arrears of salaries owed to union members for the time they were on strike.

He opined that Osodeke’s badfaith approach to negotiations and his affinity for political brinkmanship were reasons the universities were on strike for so long.

Kalu said the House helped resolve the industrial action by making commitments to improve the welfare package of university lecturers and revitalisation funds to improve the infrastructure and operations of federal universities.

These commitments, according to him were reflected in the 2023 Appropriation Bill, which includes N170 billion to provide a level of increment in the welfare package of university lecturers and additional

N300 billion in revitalisation funds.

He also said the House would continue to work with the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and ASUU to facilitate the adoption of elements of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

While adding that the efforts were being supervised by the Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, he urged the ASUU president to desist from making further misleading statements.

The statement read: "Professor Emmanuel Osodeke knows that the federal government of Nigeria is under no obligation to pay university lecturers’ salaries for the duration they were on strike. This is a settled matter in law. See S. 43(1)(a) Trade Disputes Act, Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN).

“The Executive decision not to pay salaries to lecturers for the time spent on strike is warranted by the government’s legitimate interest in preventing moral hazard and discouraging disruptive industrial actions.

“Nonetheless, the Speaker has made interventions for an exemption in this regard, and Prof. Osodeke is well aware of this.

The public interest in ensuring a well-functioning tertiary education sector is a matter of paramount concern for all who understand the transformational role of education in any society.

“For this reason, the 9th House

has been consistent in our efforts to explore avenues for reform and improvement to the framework of public education in the country from basic education through tertiary.

“Our objectives in this regard will not be achieved when stakeholders choose to ignore substantive issues and the consideration of bold ideas in favour of cheap blackmail and immoral propaganda.

"His ongoing interventions continue to threaten the progress being made to preclude the possibility of further disruptions to the academic calendar of the universities. Therefore, I call on him, in his capacity as President of ASUU to desist from making further misleading statements against the House of Representatives and the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. “There is no place for

belligerence and selfish agitation in this critical moment. This is the time for calm heads and steady hands, working together for the common good."

Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives has urged the federal government, particularly the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to suspend the planned auction and sale of the oil mining licence (OML) 11 asset until relevant issues are resolved with the host communities.

The House mandated its committee on petroleum upstream to urgently investigate the planned auction among other matters and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The resolutions of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Hon. Victor Mela

at the plenary, Wednesday.

In August, the NPDC, upstream subsidiary company of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had resumed oil exploration activities at oil mining lease (OML) 11.

OML 11 host communities, comprising the Ogonis and Asa on the Imo-River axis and Abia states had warned the federal government against re-issuing the facility to any operator without wider consultation.

They had insisted on being carried along in the processes leading to the eventual re-issuance of the oil well to any operator. The communities had also called on the NPDC to dialogue with them before granting the operatorship licence.

Moving the motion, Mela noted that the oil field under oil mining

Obaseki: With Citizen-driven Policing Model, Technology, We’ve Improved Security, Ensured Safety The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government adopted a citizendriven policing model, leveraging technology to tackle insecurity in the state.

Obaseki, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said the government, in collaboration with all security agencies in the state, has enhanced security across all Edo communities, ensuring the safety of people and businesses

in the state.

He said, “What we have done in security is to involve the citizens.

My role as Governor is to work with everybody in the security space so we always insist that all security agencies must collaborate and work together and read from the same page. So, the collaboration is effective. The police get back-up from the DSS and the military and all the other agencies.

“The other thing we have done

is to have proper governance of security. We developed a security information system, where every incident that occurs in Edo State is reported and recorded and investigated. On a monthly basis, we can track the number of kidnappings, where it occurred and how it was done.

“We can track the number of homicides, armed robberies and fire incidents, among others. We have security information, which

Afenifere Faults 200% Hike in Insurance Fee

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to rethink its proposed plan to increase the minimum insurance cover from N5,000 to N15,000.

The call was contained in a statement issued by the body’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, describing the decision as anti-people.

Afenifere in the statement lamented that the rationale behind the hike, “is difficult to fathom.”

Afeniferi's reaction followed a directive issued by the Insurance Commission last Thursday, that private car owners who were paying N5,000 premium per vehicle for N1 million Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) limit, are now to pay N15,000 for N3 million TPPD, while staff buses owners are to pay N20,000 premium per vehicle for N3 million TPPD. The increase is to affect other brands of vehicles that were supposed to take insurance covers.

The commission went further to warn that failure to abide by the new directive by insurance firms

license 11 was formerly operated by the Shell petroleum development company (SPDC) joint venture and have laid idle since they were forced out of Ogoniland in 1993.

Mela also noted a court of appeal judgement of 16th August, 2021, which the SPDC joint venture lost its right to renewal of the operating licence.

He expressed concern that there were unresolved issues between the government and the host communities of Ogoni, which is currently fueling resistance and restiveness amongst the people.

He expressed concerns over allegation that the government was involved in under the table arrangements to auction the OML 11 asset to Sahara Energy Limited for a paltry sum of $250 million as against the $1 billion offered by the SPDC.

“shall attract appropriate regulatory sanction.”

But not pleased with the development, the Afenifere spokesman observed that, “some agencies of this government seem to derive pleasure in inflicting pains on the people of Nigeria.”

He added, "the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company etc can be mentioned here.

“The National Insurance Commission now came up with an unprecedented hike of over 200 per cent in the amount of money a person has to pay to get the

minimum insurance cover.

"This was done at a time when another government agency, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) described 63 per cent of Nigerians (i.e. 133 million) as suffering multi-dimensional poverty just as unemployment is at an all-time high.

“With cost of living so high, with personal income dwindling so much and with uncertainty so pervasive, why would it be now that NAICOM would raise the cost of insurance premium? he asked.

"The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report

it launched last November in Abuja, had revealed that two out of every three Nigerians are poor and are experiencing about one quarter of all possible deprivations in terms of health, education, living standards, work and shocks,” he said further.

Ajayi said that part of the mandate of NAICOM was to protect insurance policy holders.

“But legion of Nigerians are lamenting the horrible experiences they are having in the hands of most of the insurance companies in the country.

Continues online

gives us a clear picture of what’s going on with crime and incidents; where to focus resources on and we realised that the federal security agencies just don’t have the reach to man the state.”

The governor further noted, “Don’t forget that in Edo State, in the Benin Kingdom, we have always had a traditional security structure that works. We have fallen back on that structure, where in every quarter, there is an arrangement. The head of the quarter is the Enogie.

“We have our youths, who are mobilised to protect homes, support each other and make an effort to secure their communities. What we have done is to go on to reawaken that system and make it the vigilante network and integrate them into the security system of the state.

“Today, we have vigilantes in the communities – whether it is in the markets that have decided to set up their own security arrangements or communities or neighbourhoods, we have them all registered and we are training them. We determine the kind of arms they are holding, get them registered and also give them radio communicators to report incidents. Nobody will know a community or area better than those who live there.”

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

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Former Pope Benedict is ‘Very Sick,’ Pope Francis Reveals Pope Francis has said his predecessor, Pope Benedict, the 95-year-old former pontiff who resigned from the post nine years ago, is “very sick” after a deterioration in his health yesterday.

“I want to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict who sustains the Church in his silence. He is very sick,” CNN quoted Francis to have said during his general audience at the Vatican.

“We ask the Lord to console and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church to the very end,” he added.

A Vatican spokesman later confirmed that, “in the last few hours there has been a deterioration due to the advancement of (Benedict’s) age.”

“The situation at the moment remains under control and continually monitored by his doctors,” the

spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said, adding that Francis visited his predecessor at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in Vatican City after his general audience.

In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by making the almost unprecedented decision to resign from his position, citing “advanced age.”

Benedict’s announcement marked the first time a pope had stepped

down in nearly 600 years. The last pope to resign before his death was Gregory XII, who in 1415 quit to end a civil war within the Catholic Church in which more than one man claimed to be pope.

In 2020, the Vatican said Benedict had suffered from a, “painful but not serious condition,” following reports in German media that he was ill.

Two years earlier, in a rare

public letter published in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Benedict had written that, “in the slow waning of my physical forces, inwardly I am on a pilgrimage toward Home.”

Benedict’s legacy has been clouded by recent scrutiny of his time as Archbishop of Munich and Freising, between 1977 and 1982, after a Church-commissioned report into abuse by Catholic clergy there

was published in January.

The report found that he had been informed of four cases of sexual abuse involving minors – including two during his time in Munich – but failed to act, and that he had attended a meeting about an abusive priest.

Benedict later pushed back against those allegations, admitting he had attended the meeting but denying he intentionally concealed his presence.

N'ASSEMBLY PASSES 2023 BUDGET, RAISES PROPOSED SPENDING BY N1.32TRN TO N21.82TRN billion was allocated to statutory transfers; N6.55 trillion for debt service; N8.32 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure; while the sum of N5.97 trillion was allocated to contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure for the year ending December 31, 2023.

A breakdown of the budget indicated that Ministry of Works and Housing got the highest capital vote of N398.2 billion, followed by Ministry of Defence, which got N285 billion; while Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development got N248.3 billion.

From the statutory transfers, the National Judicial Council (NJC) was allocated N165 billion; Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) got N119.93 billion; Universal Basic Education (UBE), N103.28 billion; Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), N173.63 billion; National Human Right Commission, N4.5 billion; North East Development Commission, N59.03 billion; Basic Health Care Fund, N51.64 billion; and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), N51.64 billion.

Similarly under the statutory transfers was National Assembly Severance/Inauguration of outgoing and incoming 9th and 10th Assembly (Legislators and Legislative Aides), which was allocated N30.17 billion. The National Assembly Office got N30.49 billion; Senate got N33.26 billion; House of Representatives, N51.99 billion; National Assembly

Service Commission, N10.55 billion; National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), N7.41billion; and Service Wide Vote was allocated N671.3 million.

A further breakdown showed that the Office of Retired Clerks and Permanent Secretaries got N1.05 billion; National Assembly Library Building, N4.25 billion; Constitution Review, N850 million; Completion of NILDS headquarters, N2.5 billion; Construction of National Assembly Service Commission Building, N10 billion; and Public Complaints Commission, N10.69 billion.

For debt service, domestic debts (including Ways and Means) got N4.49 trillion; foreign debt was allocated N1.81 trillion; and sinking fund to retire maturing loans took N247.72 billion.

Under recurrent expenditure (Non-debt) the presidency was allocated N76.40 billion, Defence got N1.09 trillion, Ministry of Foreign Affairs got N93.68 billion, while Federal Ministry of Information and Culture got N59.82 billion.

Ministry of Interior was allocated N278.69 billion; Police Affairs, N777.40 billion; Communications and Digital Economy, N32.13 billion; National Security Adviser (NSA), N172.60 billion; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation took N70.08 billion.

Furthermore, for the recurrent expenditure, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs got N4.79 billion; Agriculture and Rural Development, N85.41

billion; while Finance, Budget and National Planning got N29.99 billion.

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was allocated N16.82 billion; Labour and Employment, N15.52 billion; Science, Technology and Innovation, N52.33 billion; Transport, N18.01 billion; Aviation, N9.43 billion; Petroleum Resources, N33.15 billion; and Works and Housing, N34.98 billion.

For the capital expenditure, Presidency was allocated N20.11 billion; Defence got N285 billion; Foreign Affairs, N5.85 billion; Information and Culture, N11.87 billion; Interior, N45.62 billion; Police, N60.64 billion; NSA. N70.33 billion; Agriculture and Rural Development, N248.35 billion; and Finance, Budget and National Planning, N166.74 billion.

Under capital expenditure, also, Science, Technology and Innovation was allocated N132.57 billion; Transport got N74.26 billion; Aviation, N49.41 billion; Power, N56.14 billion; while Ministry of Petroleum Resources was allocated N2, 387,869,567.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development got N5, 474, 169,278; Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, N398,275,974,098; National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, N65,030,495, 166; Fiscal Responsibility Commission, N188,235,981; Federal Ministry of Water Resources, N83,256,247,735; and Federal Ministry of Justice, N34,181,659,058.

Others were the Independent Corrupt Practices and

Related Offences Commission (ICPC), N1,133,712,548; Federal Capital Territory Administration, N15,474,499,132; Federal Ministry of Niger Delta, N11,948,769,209; and Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, N6,223,389,922.

Furthermore, while Federal Ministry of Women Affairs was allocated N9,010,121,243; Federal Ministry of Education got N153,735,618,395; Federal Ministry of Health, N134,909,210,815; Federal Ministry of Environment Headquarters, N21,257,480,084; National Population Commission, N31,005,835,945; and Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, N32,054,601,066.

The federal legislature, after the approval of the budget, adjourned plenary to Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

2022 Appropriation: National Assembly Approves Buhari's N819.54bn Supplementary Budget

The Senate earlier yesterday approved Buhari's request of N819.54 billion domestic loan meant to fix infrastructure destroyed by the unprecedented floods that ravaged many states in the country few months ago.

The bill was titled, "A bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CFR) the total sum of N819, 536,937,813 for the year ending March 31, 2023.”

Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Jibrin Barau, made the

2023 POLL: BE PROFESSIONAL, APOLITICAL, BUHARI WARNS SECURITY AGENCIES Speaking during the DIA estate inauguration, Buhari urged the security agencies to handle the distribution and monitoring of classified materials and other logistics “professionally and in accordance with Standing Operation Procedures”.

Emphasising his earlier directive to security agencies to remain apolitical, Buhari said they must desist from behaviour that could bring their organisations and the country to disrepute “by compromising the democratic process”.

On the newly acquired DIA estate, the president said the befitting accommodation would enhance productivity and coordination of activities of staff of the agency in view of the increasing number of personnel.

According to him, “The significance of today’s occasion can be better understood by making the connection between shelter and productivity. This underpins the administration’s vision for provision of shelter to improve performance as

well as comfort for workers, families and communities. ''This commissioning ceremony further avails another opportunity to reaffirm my confidence in the competence, commitment and achievements of the Defence Intelligence Agency’s giant strides achieved across the nation. ''I am confident that these new premises will yield enormous shelter dividends to the Defence Intelligence Agency staff, their families and to the host locality. ''The acquisition of this accommodation is a great leap forward, but the envisaged benefits would be aborted without diligent maintenance."

Buhari charged the new occupants to ensure proper maintenance of the facility. He acknowledged the efforts of the agency towards meeting his administration’s housing policy involving provision of housing to all Nigerians.

Buhari said, “The agency’s investment in staff accommodation

UZODIMMA MOURNS AS OBIOZOR, LEADER OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO DIES AT 80 domestic and foreign policy and Nigeria and the World: Managing the Politics of Diplomatic Ambivalence in a Changing World.

He started his early education at Awo-Omamma Comprehensive Secondary Schoo, Imo State, and later the Institute of African Studies Geneva Switzerland, University of South Tacoma Washington USA as well as the Columbia University, New York. He was also the Ugwumba 1 of Orlu and was a recipient of several local and international awards.

In an obituary personally signed

by Governor Hope Uzodinma last night, the Imo state government described Obiozor’s death as a big loss to the state , the country and the international community.

“On behalf of the government and people of Imo state, I, Sen Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo state, sorrowfully announce

the passage of a great son of Imo state and Nigeria, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Prof George Obiozor.

“A renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat and statesman and a tenacious patriot, Prof George Obiozor passed on recently after a brief illness.

“The death of this foremost Igbo leader and former Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States and the State of Israel, is a big loss to Imo state, the South-east and the entire Nigeria. I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues,” Uzodinma noted.

In addition, the statement stressed that Obiozor's burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family, while praying for the repose of the soul of the professor.

complements our vision of achieving improved national security.”

He commended the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), MajorGeneral Samuel Adebayo, for the achievement.

Earlier in his remarks, the CDI thanked the president for inaugurating the new estate, noting that the project will always be remembered by the DIA community as the president’s legacy.

According to Adebayo, the newly inaugurated staff quarters contain 16 units of 3-bedroom terrace buildings with boys’ quarters and 48 units of 3-bedroom flats all in suite.

He added that one of the blocks of six units of flats and two units of terrace buildings had been furnished as proto-types while the rest would be furnished during the course of the 2023 budget implementation cycle.

Noting that officers, men and staff of the agency were deeply happy to have the estate as staff residential accommodation, the CDI said the feat would surely reduce accommodation challenges for staff members in the FCT. Adebayo expressed appreciation to the president for approving their requests for technical intelligence and advanced technological acquisitions.

He announced that most of the newly procured technical equipment had been deployed and were helping to address the security challenges across the country.

Adebayo stated, “Few others are at different stages of acquisition and installation. These equipment have contributed immensely to degrading the capabilities of the threat groups in the North-east, North-west, North-central, and South-east geopolitical zones.

“We intend to intensify efforts to achieve Mr President’s promise of a more secure Nigeria before the end of this administration.”

Meanwhile, Buhari declared that he was a very difficult person to satisfy as a public officer.

Speaking after decorating the newly promoted Commander of the Brigade of Guards, the president

SAID, “Those who work with me know I am very difficult to satisfy.

"But I have never had any reason, whatsoever, to report you to the Chief of Army Staff or the Minister of Defence.

"Nobody has been able to touch me while you are here, I’m absolutely satisfied with your performance.”

The president said he would give the directive on Usman’s next assignment, considering that he, too, was about to leave, and as he had often said, “I will live far away from Abuja.”

Buhari praised the newly promoted commander as an outstanding officer who served the country with great zeal.

Assisted by Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, and the wife of the Commander, Rekiya Usman, the president decorated the officer with the rank of MajorGeneral.

The president recalled his tumultuous military career marked by coups, counter-coups, and detention, describing Usman as a very lucky officer to have risen to the height of his military career with distinction and without hiccups.

He commended Usman for his diligence, loyalty, patience and hard work.

“You are very lucky to have the health and ability to carry out your assignments,” Buhari told the newly promoted officer.

He commended the family of the military officer for their patience in putting up with the challenging assignment he carried out.

Earlier in his remarks, Usman thanked the president for his outstanding support to the Brigade of Guards, citing the approval for the procurement of 400 armoured vehicles, which he said were enough to secure his area of responsibility, including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State, and parts of Niger State.

He thanked the president for the promotion, saying it would spur him to do even better in his assigned responsibilities.

presentation.

Presenting the report, Barau recalled that the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N819, 536,937,813, all of which were capital expenditure, was read the first time on Wednesday, December 21.

He said, "The senate subsequently read the bill the second time and referred it to the Appropriation Committee in conjunction with Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development; Works and Housing; and Water Resources for further legislative action."

He said the bill sought to, among other things, make available additional funds to cushion the effects of the 2022 flood on road infrastructure, agriculture, and water infrastructure, and complete some ongoing critical projects that had achieved about 85 per cent completion.

Barau said the supplementary bill would be financed through additional domestic borrowings, which would raise the 2022 budget to N8.17 trillion only, and deficit/ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 4.43 per cent.

He said the committee observed that the effects of the 2022 flood across the country and its attendant consequences on roads, bridges, farmlands and the water sector necessitated the supplementary bill request.

Barau stated, "Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill requests are: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and Federal Ministry of water Resources."

The chairman said the committee recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should be given N69, 247, 175, 770.

According to him, the Ministry of Works and Housing would get N704, 789, 762, 043, while Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was to get N30, 000,000,000.

"Federal Ministry of Water Resources is to get N15, 500, 000, 000,"Barau said.

Contributing, Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC-Kogi) said the budget would be of benefit to all parts of the country.

"The projects will help in guaranteeing security and ensuring the socio-economic development of rural areas," Adeyemi stated.

However, Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC-Borno) said, “My worry is that this is the reality of what we are doing today.

"It is today that this Senate has considered to extend the budget by 90 days.

"This budget even if approved, how realistic is it going to be. By the time we process this and the due process that is required in budget implementation for contract execution cannot be circumvented.

"If that is the case, assuming we pass it today, we have 90 days to implement.

"If it is agreed that some of these monies have to be spent within 90 days. It is not possible. Let us not deceive ourselves.

"We should amend the 2023 budget to take care of this projects so that they will have 12 months of implementation."

The budget was thereafter approved and passed after going through the Committee of Supply.

It, nevertheless, approved that the federal government should source the N819.5 billion from the N1 trillion it was requesting from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The legislature clarified that the approved N819.5 billion would be used for funding for the 2022 supplementary budget.

Buhari had, through an executive

communication last week, sought the approval of the National Assembly for N819.54bn supplementary budget.

The request, according to the president, would form part of the 2022 Appropriation Act. Buhari, in the letter read by President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, had said the supplementary appropriation request was meant for the capital expenditure component of the 2022 budget.

The approval of the senate increased the 2022 budget deficit to N8.17 trillion and deficit-to-GDP ratio of 4.43 per cent. It also pushed the country's domestic debt to over N22 trillion.

The new borrowing equally increased the federal government’s domestic borrowing in 2022 to N3.33 trillion.

To facilitate the implementation of the projects listed in the supplementary bill, the senate extended the life span of the N18.12 trillion 2022 budget to March 31, 2023.

The budget, in line with provisions of Clause 12 of the Appropriation Act and Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulate 12 calendar months for implementation of budget in any fiscal year, was supposed to have ended on December 31, 2022, having started on January 1, 2022.

But Buhari had in the letter read during plenary last Wednesday sought the amendment on the Act for extension of the implementation period.

Buhari in the letter read by President of the Senate said, "I write to request your consideration for an amendment into the 2022 Acts expression Clause 12, as passed and assented to.

"The 2022 Appropriation Acts states, in line with the provisions of section 318 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this bill expires after 12 months starting from January, 1 to the December, 31, 2022, one assented to.

"The proposed 2022 appropriation supplementary budget submitted to National Assembly for consideration as well as recent 2022 capital releases to MDAs are likely to be utilised before December, 31st, 2022 due to the late release of the funds which will lapse if the capital implementation is not extended beyond December, 2022.

"In the light of the above, the National Assembly is requested to amend the 2022 Acts expression clause to reflect March 31, 2023 for the capital components only."

The senate accordingly gave the request expeditious consideration and passage by making it pass the required legislative processes within 30 minutes.

President of the Senate in his remarks said the extension of the implementation period of the 2022 budget to March 31, 2023 would provide the required time for implementation of the N819.5 billion 2022 supplementary budget raised by the president.

The sum of N708 billion was approved for the Ministry of Works and Housing; N69 billion for the Ministry of Agriculture; N30 billion for the Federal Capital Territory; and N15 billion for the Ministry of Water Resources.

Tension as Senate Drops Buhari's N23. 7trn 'Ways And Means Advances' Request

There was tension in the Senate yesterday, when senators disagreed over the request of the president for the approval of N23.7 trillion Ways and Means Advances.

Buhari had last week demanded Continued on page 37

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BUHARI DECORATES MAJ GEN MT USMAN OF BRIGADE OF GUARDS...

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari, Maj Gen Mohammed T. Usman accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya and Hajiya Usman at the State House, Abuja...yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE

Old Naira Notes: Senate Asks CBN to Shift Deadline to June 30 Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Following the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes, the Senate in a unanimous resolution yesterday urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the deadline for the return of the old currency from January 31, 2023, to June 30, 2023.

The resolution of the Senate was sequel to a motion titled, "Urgent need to extend the withdrawal of old currency from circulation,"

sponsored by former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South.

Ndume who noted that the timing of the policy was wrong, said since the beginning of the implementation of the cash withdrawal limits, the new notes are not in circulation even in cities not to talk of the rural communities.

The CBN had on November 8, said it had finalised arrangements for the new currency to begin circulation from December 15,

2022, after its launch by President Muhammadu Buhari.

It had explained that the new and existing currencies shall remain legal tender and circulate together until January 31, 2023, when the existing currencies shall cease to be legal tender.

But speaking, Ndume said, "Many Nigerian banks on Thursday 15th December, 2022, opened their vault to customers and depositors to exchange their old naira notes for the newly redesigned currency,

which has a stipulated deadline of January 31, 2023; "Aware that Some Nigerians are already envisaging rush and long queues in the banking hall across the country as a result of people trying to get access to the new naira note, which was unveiled last month by President Mohammad Buhari at a brief ceremony at the state house, Abuja.

"Aware also that the old notes are expected to be in circulation alongside the new ones until Janu-

Orji, Wabara, Others Drum Support for Atiku in Abia Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) was yesterday launched in Abia State with Senator Theodore Orji, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and other PDP chieftains rallying support for the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, in the state.

Orji, who is the South-east Coordinator for Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, performed the inauguration of the PCC in Umuahia. He charged the members to be dedicated and committed to their mandate, "which is to deliver Atiku" in Abia.

To achieve that goal, the Abia Central Senator said PDP faithful in the state must face the task ahead with unity of purpose and total dedication to the cause of returning the former ruling party to power.

He urged members to subsume their personal interests and political ambitions and work for the overall interest of the party at the 2023 general election.

Orji said, "Now that we have a presidential candidate and our brother (Okowa) is the running mate, we should support them so that we go to the election united and to win not to lose."

The former Abia State governor warned members of the campaign council against acts of betrayal and hanky-panky deals, adding that it would be to the benefit of everyone if the main opposition party emerged winner at the presidential poll.

While noting that the amended electoral law had made it very

difficult for anybody to rig the poll, Orji stated that success at the polls would be determined by hard work on the part of the contending parties.

Wabara, in his remarks, pleaded with Ndigbo to embrace Atiku and throw their weight behind the PDP presidential flag bearer to takeover Aso Villa come 2023.

The former Abia South Senator, who is the acting chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), stressed the need for the party to remain united, adding that the PCC should work assiduously to give the party victory in Abia State, which he described as a known PDP stronghold.

Wabara stated that Atiku had already made a solemn promise to facilitate the emergence of a Nigeria president of Igbo extraction after his tenure, hence, Ndigbo should trust him and make him victorious so that he could fulfil his promise.

The former senate president stated, "Atiku has promised to hand over power to a successor from Igbo and I believe he will do it. Let's be patient and support him."

He said Atiku had a very bright chance of winning the 2023 presidential poll and so, "let's go where the president will emerge from".

Former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, also drummed support for Atiku, saying the PDP presidential hopeful "is a strong believer in restructuring".

Ugochukwu stated that the former vice president had demon-

strated his love for Ndigbo, which was why he had consistently picked his running mate from among the Igbo.

In his inaugural speech, the Abia State Coordinator for Atiku/Okowa PCC, and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya,

promised to deliver their mandate, adding that Atiku would record a landslide victory.

Members of the PCC in Abia included Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, who was appointed Chairman of the PCC, while Rep Nkem Abonta was made Vice Chairman.

ary 31, 2023, when the old notes are expected to be phased out, it is expected that many Nigerian businesses would start to reject the old notes as soon as the banks start paying out the redesigned notes to customers.

"Observes that access to the new notes may be compounded by the recent circular by the CBN, which limit the amount of cash individuals and corporate entities could withdraw within a certain period of time.

"For instance, the CBN said individuals could only withdraw N100, 000 per week while corporate could only have access to N500, 000 per week through over-the-counter (OTC) transactions.

"Observes that access to large quantities of cash above the limit would attract processing fees of 5 per cent and 10 per cent for individuals and corporate entities respectively.

"Large withdrawals are also subjected to scrutiny by the regulator to determine the importance and usage of such cash; and convinced that if the withdrawal of old notes from circulation is not extended beyond 31st January

many Nigerian will be thrown into hardship and to avoid a repeat of 1984 experience withdrawal of old notes."

However, Ndume failed to acknowledge that the CBN last week announced an upward review of the cash withdrawal limits across all payment channels by individuals and corporate organisations.

Under the updated regime, the apex bank had said effective January 9, 2023, individuals and corporate entities could withdraw a maximum of N500,000 and N5 million, respectively, away from N100,000 and N500,000, respectively, which was previously announced on December 6, 2022.

In an updated circular dated December 21, 2022, and addressed to all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Other Financial Institutions, Microfinance Banks, Mobile Money Operators, and Agents, the CBN had explained that the upward review was as a result of the feedback it received from stakeholders.

The correspondence was signed

by CBN Director, Banking Supervision Department, Mr. Haruna Mustafa.

Enugu Development Partners, Beneficiaries, Others Hail Ugwuanyi PDP guber candidate promises to continue with programmes Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration’s support and active collaboration in the execution of Development Partner Assisted Projects in Enugu State has received commendation as leaders and members of the “Development Partner-Family” operating in the state and their beneficiaries visited Enugu, to thank the governor for being behind the success story of their projects.

Also, those that visited the government House were the contractors/ consultants, community interest groups and service providers.

According to a statement, the Development Partners' Family stated that they were satisfied and impressed that Ugwuanyi’s administration in keeping with its policy thrust leveraged and maximised the assistance of many Development Partners to make positive changes in the socio-economic development of Enugu State, especially in the rural areas.

They added that besides leveraging the Development Partners' interventions, the remarkable achievements recorded were predicated on Ugwuanyi’s administration’s cardinal policy of institutionalisation of transparency,

accountability, traceability and strict adherence to due process.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Officer of the Development Partners' Project Implementation Units in Enugu State, Hon. Uche Fidelis Nnadi, said Ugwuanyi’s dedicated attention, aided by the establishment of the State Focal Office for Development Partner Assisted Projects/Programmes, had reduced to its barest minimum, the hitherto operational and financial impunities in the sector.

Commending Ugwuanyi for his steadfastness and immeasurable support, Nnadi expressed optimism that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who was present at the event, would take the governor’s efforts, “a notch further towards the attainment of the desired objective by attracting and sustaining many more Development Partner Assisted Projects/Programmes, and effectively managing their operations transparently and accountably.”

Presenting their scorecards separately, the Project/Programme Heads endorsed the steadfastness of

Ugwuanyi’s administration towards the actualisation of their set objectives in Enugu State.

Enumerating the achievements of the Agro Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS), the Acting Project Coordinator, Ihuoma Eze, revealed that Ugwuanyi's administration’s partnership with APPEALS has increased productivity, adding that 1,700 beneficiaries, comprising women, youths and people with disabilities (PWDs) have been able to start up business in agriculture in five value chain (cashew, poultry, rice, aqua culture and cassava) focusing on production, processing and marketing.

The APPEALS Project coordinator expressed gratitude to Ugwuanyi that out of the 1,700 beneficiaries, 85 of them were people with disabilities, saying: “They are all here. We are currently constructing two additional cottage community centres. We have assembled agric inputs for high economic value for our farmers and this construction is at an advanced stage.

“Your Excellency, through you we have been able to award contract for

construction of farm access roads in nine locations of the state that will help famers to transport their produce to processing and marketing centres.

“These feats, too numerous to mention, have the full support of Governor Ugwuanyi and that is why we are here to say a very big thank you. We are also thanking you for the counterpart funding which you made available for the projects. It did not only help us in our executions, it also helped us to stand with our peers.

“We pledge our unflinching and unalloyed support to this administration and the incoming administration.

We are going to support the PDP come 2023 elections.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of APPEALS programme, Precious Chinaza Obioma Ekpere, one of the persons with disabilities (PWDs) thanked Ugwuanyi in a special way for empowerment, stressing that, “what you have done for the community of persons with disabilities especially all the women and youths is unforgettable.”

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THANK-YOU/SOLIDARITY VISIT TO UGWUANYI...

Enugu State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial District, GovernorIfeanyi Ugwuanyi (left) with Project Heads of Development Partner Assisted Projects in the state, led by the Acting Project Coordinator, APPEALS, Ihuoma Eze (2nd right), when the heads and staff of Development Partners family paid a thank-you/solidarity visit to the governor at the Government House Enugu

PDP Considers Expulsion of G-5 Governors, Dissolution of Party Structures in Their States The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering expelling members of the G-5 Governors which is made up of Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, if they go ahead and announce their support for any presidential candidate other than Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku is the PDP presidential candidate.

A reliable source, who is a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, who disclosed this to THISDAY yesterday, said another measure being considered by the leadership of the main opposition party was the dissolution of the party structures in the respective states of the G-5 governors, who are also referred to as the ‘Integrity Group', and establish caretaker committees to

run the affairs of the party in the five states.

According to the source who pleaded to remain anonymous, taking such action would also affect the political ambition of Makinde, who is seeking reelection as governor as well as Okezie, Ortom and Ikpeazu, who all contesting for the Senatorial seats in their respective states.

“Dissolving the party structure will also affect their loyalists who are contesting for different positions under the PDP in Abia, Rivers, Oyo, Benue and Enugu,” the source added.

The governors elected on the platform of the PDP had in what many had described as another jamboree, on Monday, travelled to the United Kingdom for another strategic meeting.

The governors led by Wike have been calling for the resignation of the PDP’s National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, as their mini-

2023: Party Leaders to Meet Diplomatic Community Michael Olugbode in Abuja The AFRPN (Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria) has concluded arrangement to organise a parley between the leadership of selected political parties and the diplomatic community.

A jointly signed statement by the President and SecretaryGeneral of the Association, Amb Gani Lawal and Amb Ridhwan Mustapha, respectively, stated, “Aware of the pivotal role party politics play in the formulation, articulation and implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy, the AFRPN in line with its mandate to impact positively the foreign policy of Nigeria has invited formally the leadership of four of the contending political parties for the office of the president to rub minds with the diplomatic community as a way of deepening the understanding of the input-output system that has informed the Nigerian foreign policy options in the international arena which has served the nation well to become a leading player in Africa and

the world at large."

The statement revealed that the 'Meet the Diplomatic Community' parley will take place at the Rotunda Hall of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Abuja at 3:00 p.m. on January 10, 2023, having in audience the members of the association including the foreign envoys of all countries accredited to Nigeria.

The statement added that each candidate would have 15 minutes to speak and 10 minutes to answer fielded questions.

The chairman of the occasion is the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University and former VC of University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Yaqub, who was the recipient of the Global award for Academic Excellence and pioneer President of Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA).

The moderator is Boladei Godknows Igali, former Nigerian ambassador to Scandinavian countries, and retired Federal Permanent Secretary and the Pro- Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure.

(FUTA).

mum condition for peace in the party and to join the presidential campaign council of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku. Wike has refused to accept his defeat at the party’s presidential primary in good faith.

Since he lost the primary and even the vice presidential slot, Wike has utilised the enormous resources at his disposal to mobilise four other governors to fabricate crisis in the party.

The aggrieved governors have been working against their party for months since Wike failed to

clinch the vice presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar. They have been insisting that Iyorcha Ayu, the national chairman of their party must quit for a Southerner to take his place, stating that it was the irreducible minimum for peace to reign in the party.

Wike had specifically boasted that Atiku would not win the election if he and his allies do not support his presidential ambition. Top on the agenda for their meeting in London is who they would support for president in the 2023 election.

THISDAY had reported that baring any last minute change in political permutations, the group may have concluded plans to endorse Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Obi with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke and four of the G5 governors met in London last August.

Last week, Wike said he would reveal the presidential candidate to mobilise votes for

in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in January.

Many have urged the party to move against Wike and his group by expelling them for unpardonable anti party activities but the party has reframed from taking such actions. But the more the party tolerated the excesses of the governors, the more emboldened they have become. Governor Wike in particular has been boastful about his his capacity to do damage to the party. Just recently, he short down Atiku's campaign office in Port Harcourt.

Pomp as Ayade, Buhari’s Daughter, Others Officially Open Calabar Carnival Amid pomp and pageantry, the annual Carnival Calabar, the largest street party in Africa, was yesterday flagged off in the Cross River state capital.

The theme of this year's edition of the fiesta which attracted dignitaries across the country, including President Muhammadu Buhari's daughter, Zara and former Borno state Governor, Senator Amodu Sherrif, is "Agro-industrialization".

Speaking while flagging off the carnival, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade described it as "Africa's flagship tourism event" Said the governor: "The presence of the daughter of our President and

my friend Amodu Sheriff shows that indeed we are one Nigeria.

Today is the day we are flagging off the carnival Calabar, the main carnival proper.This carnival is Africa's flagship tourism event.

"I like to welcome everybody, who has come here for this ceremony. It is significant because this is my last outing; significant because the President has said he identifies with Cross River State" The Cross River state number one citizen explained that the theme of the 2022 carnival Calabar was carefully chosen to enable Africans understand the import of Agroindustrialization and the processing

of agro products.

"The theme of this year's carnival is agro-industrialization and what I am saying is, why take a tuber of cassava and process into garri to make #1000 only when someone else takes the same tuber of cassava and processes it into pharmaceutical starch and makes 10,000 US Dollars?

"What I am simply saying is that the time has come when Africans must put an end to this primitive way of processing agro-products.

"The true value of any raw material is when it is processed and that means the value addition taking it to its end product," stated

RADI Donates Relief Materials to People Displaced by Kaduna Terrorists John Shiklam in Kaduna The programme manager of Resilient and Dialogue Initiative (RADI), a non-governmental organisation, Mr. Reuben Buhari has called on the Kaduna government to assist over 10,000 people displaced by terrorists.

Speaking while distributing foodstuffs and clothes to hundreds of the displaced victims in Kaduna, Buhari noted that it was the responsibility of the government to cater for the welfare of citizens displaced by the deadly activities of terrorists.

He said if the government had lived up to its responsibility by ensuring security, there probably may have been no internally displaced person (IDPs).

Buhari appealed to well-meaning individuals and groups to assist the victims.

He said RADI was founded during the Kajuru crisis with the objectives of assisting the displaced victims of the crisis that rocked the area.

He explained that “RADI is an NGO we founded when the killings, destructions and displacements of communities started" in

Kajuru local councils.

“What we did today is an end of year intervention for widows and vulnerable people. We shared rice, wrappers as well as sewing machines," added Buhari. "We also empowered some of the women with skills in tailoring with sewing machines so that they will be self-reliant."

He said many of the beneficiaries of the foodstuffs are victims of the attacks in Chikun, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Zangon LGAs, as well as those displaced in the recent attacks on communities in Kaura LGA.

the governor", Ayade said Speaking further, the governor maintained that "Africa cannot continue to be a hub for the export of raw materials. Africa should start processing her raw materials to finished products and export to Europe and America. That is the core message of this theme.

"So, what we are expecting to see today is the interpretation of the theme during the float as we watch the revelers on the path.

"We will be looking at the storyline through the dance and procession on the interpretation of the theme Agro-industrialization; and that is the concept," he stressed.

He urged spectators to enjoy the show and assimilate the core message of the theme to become productive.

"So, being my last carnival, I enjoin you to sit back with me and let the bands entertain us at this last, but special carnival as the president's daughter performs the tape cutting to show that the President fully identifies with this event.

Earlier, Zara who was the special guest of honour said she was participating in the flag off "of this carnival to the glory of God, in honour of the departed faithful Nigerians and in furtherance of the unity of our beloved country."

The competing bands on the 12-kilometre carnival route include Bayside, Masta Blasta, Freedom, Seagull, Passion 4 and Diamond as well as CalasVegas.

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

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

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THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT Ministry of Works & Infrastructure & Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OPPP)

PUBLIC NOTICE

In Respect of the Request for Proposals - Stage 2 on the 4th Mainland Bridge (4MB) Project

1. We refer to the ongoing Selection/Bidding Process for the selection of a suitable concessionaire for the execution of the proposed design, development, construction, procurement, financing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the Lagos State Fourth Mainland Bridge (the Project), and the Request for Proposal – Stage 2 in respect of the Project issued in August 2022 (together with its addendums, the RfP Stage 2).

2. Unless defined here or the context otherwise require, words and expressions used in this notice shall have the meanings given to them in the RfP Stage 2.

3. By way of a background, the Project, which is expected to ease traffic congestion on the existing road infrastructure and make for easy navigation by commuters, is borne out of the Lagos State Government (LASG)’s commitment to foster social and economic growth in Lagos State in line with the Strategic Transport Master Plan and National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, which aims to raise Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure from the current 20-25% of GDP to at least 70% of GDP by 2043.

4. To select a suitable concessionaire to whom the Project will be awarded, the LASG commenced a competitive Selection/Bidding process, by the issuance of the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) on 27 November 2019. Of the 52 (fifty-two) applicants that expressed an interest in the Project, only 32 (thirty-two) applicants met the requirements of the Request for EOI. Subsequently, on 10 February 2020, a Request for Qualification (RfQ) was issued by the LASG to the successful applicants requesting for information with which to determine the financial and technical eligibility of the applicants to execute the Project. On a review of the submissions by each applicant in response to the Request for Qualification, 6 (six) applicants were selected as Pre-Qualified Bidders on 17 August 2020.

5. On this basis, the LASG issued the Request for Proposal Stage 1 on 31 May 2021 (RfP Stage 1) to the Pre-Qualified Bidders, to preliminarily assess their financial bids. Only 3 (three) of the Pre-Qualified Bidders submitted their responses to the RfP Stage 1. In August 2022, the RfP Stage 2 was issued to the 3 (three) Bidders, requesting, in a nutshell, for the Bidders’financial and technical bids as well as the Bidders’review of the draft concession agreement for the Project (Draft Concession Agreement) to be submitted on or before 14 November 2022.

6. Following receipt of the Bidders’ technical and financial bids, and a painstaking evaluation of the bids by the LASG and its professional advisers and consultants in accordance with the RfP Stage 2, we are pleased to announce that: (a) CCECC-CRCCIG CONSORTIUM has been selected by the LASG as the Preferred Bidder for the Project; and (b) the MOTA-ENGIL (NIGERIA & AFRICA), CCCC & CRBC CONSORTIUM has been selected as the Reserved Bidder for the Project.

7. As we congratulate the Preferred Bidder and the Reserved Bidder, we thank all the applicants that have participated in the Selection/Bidding process thus far. In accordance with the RfP Stage 2, the LASG will commence the negotiation of the Draft Concession Agreement with the Preferred Bidder.

8. We shall apprise the general public as further developments on the Project arise.

Engr. Aramide Adeyoye Special Adviser, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Project Advisers:

Mr. Ope George Special Adviser, Lagos State Office of Public-Private Partnerships e-signed

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

POLITICS

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

Oludare: Tinubu is Way Ahead of Other Presidential Candidates US-based medical doctor, hip-hop artiste, socio-political and economic analyst and member of the All Progressives Congress, Marindoti Charles Oludare, in this interview, applauds the presidential candidature of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, describing him as the best man for the job. Deji Elumoye brings excerpts:

Y

ou have been campaigning for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to become President, through your hip-hop songs. What is the basis of your conviction?

Why do I think Asiwaju is the best candidate in Nigeria’s presidential election? I don’t think Asiwaju is the best candidate, I know he is the best presidential candidate. I know Nigeria is 20 years too late for a Tinubu presidency. And why do I know this?

Because this man has been saying the right things for over 24 years. Things were not quite in the position of convinience when he started sprouting these ideas. But he has persisted and is still the same old ideas that he has been speaking about, that he has been advocating for as solution to Nigeria’s problems.

There is no sector in Nigeria that Tinubu has not formulated ideas for, on how to revitalise it. None of his ideas has so far been faulted.

Now, everybody is talking about restructuring, everybody is talking about state police, and all the other neglected ingredients of the presidential system; all being what Tinubu has been speaking in favour of. This man Tinubu is way ahead of everybody.

Ideas that he espoused when I was 10 years old are still relevant till date, and he has never deviated from them.

As I grew up and started to study in other climes, like the United Kingdom and the United States of America, I saw that he was simply trying to bring sanity into the system in the country.

So it is the consistency and potency of the ideas that he has had since the inception of the Fourth Republic that is the reason I believe and know that Asiwaju is the best candidate for President.

As a matter of fact, he is the best presidential candidate in the history of Nigeria. Yes, I would proclaim that he is also the most successful politician in Nigeria. He helped to make the opposition party get into power in 2015.

Nigeria needs a smart man that can make a perfect judgement call on things that he is even oblivious of.

And Tinubu perfectly fits into this.

Could it safely be said that you have been supporting Tinubu particularly because he is a Yoruba man like yourself?

I have had Chinedu, Emeka and Olumide ask me this same question.

Do I fail to see their own prejudice in that question? If I’m not a Yoruba man, I’m doomed not to support such a man with great ideas. I do not give vent to ethnicity. I actually always tell friends that I would rather be scammed by an Igbo man than be helped by a Yoruba man, as while that Igbo man is scamming me, he will make me feel good; but while the Yoruba man is helping me, I will feel terrible all the way.

So I have no predilection for ethnicity. We’ll probably be faced with the choice to be amenable to reason or to condemn it to ethnicity. Tinubu as a Yoruba is a man who has espoused the ideas that are going to solve the problem of Nigeria.

So my ethnic description has no bearing on my decision.

Before your relocation to the US, you were in Lagos. Tell us your own experience to justify your claim that Tinubu is an achiever.

management of cancer.

In that instance, what you are trying to prevent is disease progression. If you have a stable disease, then you are adequately managing that cancer. So far the cancer is not progressing and spreading to other parts. The fact that you are giving a drug that is keeping the cancer from causing more damage, that is management.

It was to avoid chaos and put everyone in check for Lagos to grow. That is intellect. Such had been replicated in the United States when the country was fighting organised crimes. They undertook the efforts from 1920 to 1990, to cage virtually all the Capons, a period of 70 years in fighting organised crimes.

So Tinubu laid a solid foundation for what we are becoming to affirm as modern Lagos, and he looks good to replicate it at the national level.

Remember he also set up the Rapid Response Squad, a proactive move to curb crimes.

So, Tinubu created a system and managed it, that allows people and the community to progress.

Tinubu

I’m an Akure (Ondo State) Boy. I had never been to Lagos until 1996. I could remember then, I joined my father ’s friend to Lagos. One day, we went out and I discovered that most parts of Lagos were stinking. I had to ask my father’s friend ‘Sir, why does this place always stink?’. Also, Oshodi was badly crowded with no structural focus. But I was in the university in 2007 or thereabout, and that same Oshodi had witnessed a great transformation. I was actually expecting the old scenario of commotion.

I asked that where was the uncontrollable crowd we used to see of Oshodi on TV. Such was the bright achievement of Asiwaju Tinubu.

Tinubu at the time also started the programme of

One-day Governor for the best student, which was rare. It was aimed at encouraging students to strive for excellence. At that point in time, this also made me to be striving for excellence in the expectation that my governor in Ondo State then would emulate the gesture.

This man Tinubu is a genius in everything he has done. Even when you see the way he managed the hooligans or touts in Lagos, popularly called Agbero, you would marvel. People who say he is a friend of Agbero have missed the point. T They expect that Tinubu should have thrown them into the prisons as against the various rehabilitation programmes in form of empowerment he gave them.

My question to those people is that, what prison facilities do we have in Nigeria to absorb these people they want out of circulation?

But Tinubu managed them, and made many of them responsible citizens.

Every doctor knows what is called

I know Nigeria is 20 years too late for a Tinubu presidency.

And why do I know this? Because this man has been saying the right things for over 24 years. Things were not quite in the position of convinience when he started sprouting these ideas. But he has persisted and is still the same old ideas that he has been speaking about, that he has been advocating for as solution to Nigeria’s problems

Therefore, as Tinubu is an APC candidate, do you expect him to use President Buhari’s template if elected?

Bola Tinubu is Bola Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari is Muhammadu Buhari. Do not expect Tinubu to use his (Buhari’s) economic template. But to be fair to Buhari, he actually runs an efficient government. He runs Nigeria efficiently. Nobody can say any form of fraud or corruption is traced to him. Nobody can say the President is illegally or unduly influencing a situation. Buhari is actually a man of integrity.

But as the Yoruba would say, Buhari has used a small fart to destroy a good buttock. And that small fart is his currency control policy.

It is wrong to turn your country to an economic bandit. How can you have this type of system and expect foreign investors to come?

That’s the only thing that Buhari has used to shackle his administration.

But the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has explained that the new economic policy is meant to shore up the value of the naira and also boost productivity in the economy...

I read a statement by the CBN Governor comparing the pound to the naira, saying the Brits carry 20 pound note and that nobody wants to touch the 50 pound note and so Nigerians should also not be interested in the one thousand naira note.

A lot of Nigerians saw the squid game-squid game is a South Korean show that ends in Netflix. And the money notes in the Korean ‘won’ (South Korea’s currency) are highly devalued. A dollar is about 2,800 to the Korean won. That is why they have 1,002 note and 5,000 and 10,001 notes.

The devaluation of the Korean currency definitely came as a result of the Korean war in the 1950s and the Asian financial crisis in 1997. But that too has no bearing on their monetary policy in terms of saying you want to restrict access to high-value currency.

The currency is a factor of the value, not the number on the currency.

So this is what brings me to the issue of maybe the next administration wants to re-denominate or maybe, wants to print higher currency notes.

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

POLITICS

Ologbodiyan: Atiku Will Win Presidential Poll at First Ballot Spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa PDP Presidential Campaign Team, Kola Olagbondiyan, fielded questions from Chuks Okocha on critical issues in the party’s presidential campaigns.

E

valuate the presidential campaigns so far. Thisday exit polls is saying there would be a second poll as there won’t be a clear winner on Feb 25,

2023?

The campaign is going on well. The candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is engaging Nigerians through rallies, stakeholders and Townhall meetings. At the rallies, messages are presented to address the yearnings of Nigerians. The issues centred around engendering unity in the polity; securing our nation; restructuring particularly the devolution of power among others.

Expectedly, the people are rallying with the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku Abubakar will win the presidential election at the first ballot because he enjoys the widest acceptability among the ranks of presidential candidates. Atiku alone has the reach to every polling units in the country.

He is also contesting on the platform of the PDP which has the most formidable political structure in the country. He outpaced other candidates with the above strengths.

Atiku’s chances are very bright beyond what we are reading in the public space. I had earlier stated that the PDP on which platform he is contesting has the best spread in terms of structure. There is no hamlet, town or village in this country where you don’t have the PDP and for very obvious reasons, people will always gravitate towards their parties and candidates. No matter what you are hearing, seeing or reading from the two geo-political zones you mentioned, Atiku will do well and get enough votes from these zones that will help fulfil the requirements to win the February 25 presidential election.

That’s why he more experienced than other candidates.

Atiku

Why the optimism that Atiku will win in the first ballot?

Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization believes that with Atiku’s overwhelming support by Nigerians across board, the outcome of the presidential election, in which Atiku will emerge victorious on February 25, 2023, will shock pollsters.

Atiku enjoys the solidarity and support of greater majority of Nigerians who are not captured in the indices relied upon by many of the pollsters in their projections on the 2023 Presidential election.

It is incontrovertible that Atiku will win the majority of lawful votes across the country and garner the constitutionally required 25% of votes in more than 24 States of the federation.

It is evident that the massive traditional voters of the PDP across the polling units, wards, local governments, states and the six geo-political zones are not distracted in their steadfastness to rescue Nigeria from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by voting enmasse for Atiku.

The army of traditional voters are unrelenting in mobilizing the non-partisan voters as well as the undecided across the country to vote for the PDP Presidential Candidate.

It is clear that the candidate of the rival APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lacks the political muscle and national acceptability to stop Atiku at the first ballot.

Our campaign is therefore unfazed knowing that majority of Nigerians across the nation are in consensus to elect Atiku as the next President of our country, particularly, given his proven capacity, competence, political will and national acceptability to provide leadership at this critical time of our national history.

How do you react to the statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Lai Mohammed, that the opening of borders will have great security implications for the country?

Can we then take it that since the borders are currently opened that all the allegations

that he made are reflected in the Nigerian situation today? Is that what he’s saying? Because the borders are open as you and I are talking. But I also know that in spite of the opening of the borders that the cost of local rice is different from the cost of the imported rice. Imported rice sells for between 40,000 and 50,000 (Naira) or above, while locally milled rice sells between 30,000 and 40,000.

So, that same differential pooh-poohs the argument and contemplation of Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Does it follow that the opening of the borders by an Atiku presidency if he wins the presidential election will worsen the security in the country?

Is Lai Mohammed claiming that when the borders were shut by President Muhammadu Buhari that we didn’t have insecurity?

Or is he saying that now that the borders are open, we have more of insecurity than when it was shut?

Alhaji Lai Mohammed is an

old man. I know his proclivities, I know why he tries to come out always to come and engage with Atiku. He’s doing all that in order to be seen to be working for the ambition of his friend, Bola Tinubu.

Atiku is never going to be drawn into that arena because Atiku is speaking to Nigerians, he’s addressing the challenges of Nigeria and realistically, Nigerians are agreeing with him that he’s responding to their needs, to their desires.

So, we are not going to allow any form of distraction from Lai Mohammed. You had eight years to speak to Nigerians on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari. He failed woefully in delivering on that. But now, he’s looking at every flimsy opportunity to drag with Atiku Abubakar.

We are not cut out for that as a campaign.

He’s not in the race. It is his friend, Bola Tinubu, that’s in the race and is the one Nigerians are waiting for to come into the public arena and debate unscripted.

He should come out to the public arena and debate unscripted. That’s the desire of Nigerians. That’s what Nigerians are waiting for.

Why did the PDP campaign ask President Buhari not to waste his time to campaign for the APC candidate?

It is imperative to state that Nigerians will never entrust the destiny of our nation to any individual who is completely

Atiku Abubakar will win the presidential election at the first ballot because he enjoys the widest acceptability among the ranks of presidential candidates. Atiku alone has the reach to every polling units in the country.

He is also contesting on the platform of the PDP which has the most formidable political structure in the country.

He outpaced other candidates with the above strengths.

tarnished; whose persona is globally tainted with issues of criminal allegations, who cannot explain the source of his wealth in the face of accusations that it is proceed of corruption.

Of course, there is no way Nigerians will trust or elect an individual who is so depraved that he can present the photograph of another person, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, as his to gain followership in a documentary used as part of his campaign materials to canvass for votes.

It is strange that anybody can expect Nigerians to elect a failed State Governor whose only achievement is entrenching governance by brawl, personal enrichment and puffery.

Nigerians across the country have since established their preference for the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, over and above Tinubu as the next President of our great country.

This is because Atiku has proven himself as a leader with the required integrity, sound reputation and desired capacity, competence, presence of mind, political will and stamina to lead our nation at this critical time.

The mammoth crowd that received Atiku and his entourage in President Buhari’s home State of Katsina as well as in Imo, Kwara, Gombe, Osun, Akwa Ibom and other States of the federation is a clear pointer to the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations have pitched their tents with the PDP presidential candidate.

What then is the expectation of Nigerians from the out going president on the matter?

What Nigerians expect from President Buhari at this time is to provide the enabling environment that will guarantee peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible 2023 general elections as well as a smooth transfer of power in line with the expressed will of the people on May 29, 2023.

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20 T H I S D AY THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2022

Thursday December 29, 2022 Vol 27. No 10117

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

KWARA’S SLOGANEERING WAR OLASUMBO FLORENCE Oyeyemi argues that O su wa is not a slogan that wins elections

See page 21

THE FALLACY OF ANAP/NOI POLLS The premise of the polls is faulty, and the results are misleading, contends DANLADI BAKO

See page 21

EDITORIAL

TEACHING IN ‘MOTHER TONGUE’

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The federal government must not lose sight of its cardinal responsibilities in next year’s polls, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

GOVERNMENT AND INEC’S SECURITY President Muhammadu Buhari is a very interesting man. The grand notion of him as a stern, square and hardly-laughing person notwithstanding, he exhibits humour sometimes when one least expects him to. A couple of months ago, he told his select audience in Daura that he couldn’t wait to retire to his country home. It was right in the middle of a dire security environment in the country. Only few days ago, he echoed the same feeling, this time, rubbing it in that he would stay far away from Abuja, seat of the federal government that has also epitomised his own political stature for nearly eight years, at retirement, hopefully to enable him to move on fast from memories of the pressures that have come with UXQQLQJ D SDUWLFXODUO\ GL΀FXOW MRE 1R one should begrudge him that. Someone VKRXOG EH DEOH WR GLͿXVH WHQVLRQ E\ QRW making already daunting situations worse through the use of evidently biting statements. Innocuous words would give some mental comfort, at least, and position him to forge ahead.

Perhaps it was the headlines that attracted me to what I immediately saw as a SRWHQWLDO MRNH ´%XKDUL WR ,1(& <RX·YH QR reason not to be ready for 2023 elections,” was a sample headline that reported an interactive session the president had LQ :DVKLQJWRQ '& HDUOLHU WKLV PRQWK According to him, the Independent 1DWLRQDO (OHFWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ ,1(& cannot make any excuses for failing since his government has provided the needed funds for its operations. Buhari should actually beat his chest over the timely, DGHTXDWH IXQGLQJ RI ,1(& VLQFH KLV FODLP hasn’t been contested many days after. But then, the sad realities we’re confronted with at the moment as we march toward next year’s elections clearly indicate that the budget of the electoral body may be short-sighted and also that money is only one component among several others that are required to prosecute this momentous national project.

6R IDU ,1(& VHHPV WR EH RQ WKH ULJKW path, including whistle-blowing. The war on its facilities in various parts of the country is no longer news. What it said in a workshop in Abuja the other day to an DXGLHQFH WKDW LQFOXGHG WRS VHFXULW\ R΀FHUV VKRXOGQ·W EH LJQRUHG 7KH &KDLUPDQ 3URI 0DKPRRG <DNXEX UHSUHVHQWHG E\ 0U )HVWXV 2NR\H SXW WKH VLWXDWLRQ SRLQWHGO\ “Since the 2019 general elections till 2022, we have recorded 50 attacks in 15 states of the federation, but the ones we recorded in 2022 are the ones we consider systematic and coordinated and these are the ones that are targeted at derailing the preparations of the commission from conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

“In all these attacks that have taken place, we have the capacity to recover…

But if these attacks go into January DQG )HEUXDU\ LW PD\ EH GL΀FXOW IRU us to recover from these attacks. This

is because if you look at Section 134 RI WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ LW KDV D WKUHVKROG that a candidate must meet before that candidate can be declared winner of any election. We need a safe environment; we need a secure environment to conduct a VHFXUH HOHFWLRQ 7KH 1LJHULDQ SHRSOH ZDQW a secure election. They have embraced democracy; they want a technologydriven election and we are going to conduct an election driven by technology.

7KH 1LJHULDQ SHRSOH ZDQW D FUHGLEOH winner to be declared.” That is clearly moving these huge hurdles from the realm of concerns to that of alarms, albeit with cautious optimism.

I can’t recall if we ever recorded in our contemporary history the sort of pre-polls violence being perpetrated now. This is the second attempt at changing political power since the return of democracy 23 years ago without the incumbent president on the ballot. Unfortunately, the heat being generated makes room for the kind of anxieties that can easily degenerate into chaos if not promptly and properly checkmated.

Remarkably, the response of the high echelon of the defence apparatus to ,1(&·V FRPSODLQWV DW WKDW IRUXP LV LQ a way, reassuring and indicative of a readiness to frontally combat the enemies RI VWDWH 7KH &KLHI RI $UP\ 6WDͿ /W *HQ )DUXN <DKD\D·V SURQRXQFHPHQW WKDW ´WKH 1LJHULDQ $UP\ ZRXOG FRQGXFW D VKRZ RI force with other agencies, conduct stop and search operations, mobile patrols in YXOQHUDEOH DUHDV HVFRUW ,1(& R΀FLDOV if need be, and do all that is required to ensure peaceful conduct of the election” was as good as it could be.

7KH &RPPDQGDQW RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 'HIHQFH &ROOHJH 5HDU $GPLUDO 0XUWDOD Bashir, toed the same line and hinted at the preparedness of the armed forces to sanitise the polity by getting rid of DJHQWV RI VXEYHUVLRQ ´:H PXVW ÁXVK bad elements out of our electoral system in order to maintain sanity, credibility DQG SXEOLF FRQÀGHQFH LQ RXU HOHFWRUDO institution. Thus, we must be prepared and be willing to use all appropriate legitimate instruments of national power to confront our political and electoral challenges in a proactive and strategic manner. All hands PXVW EH RQ GHFN WR VXSSRUW ,1(& LQ WKLV

The strong arm isn’t all there is to combatting criminalities. The ways these destructive actions are carried out suggest the failure of critical elements of engagement like surveillance, detection and communication which are indispensable to effective counter efforts

critical national assignment so as to place our country on the path of democratic advancement for enhanced national security and development,” he declared. $V DOUHDG\ SURYHQ LQ FRQÁLFWV DURXQG the world, however, military might alone does not often succeed in providing lasting solutions to crises. It should, instead, complement soft but equally potent instruments of confrontation. The VWURQJ DUP LV GHÀQLWHO\ QRW DOO WKHUH LV WR combatting criminalities. The ways these destructive actions are carried out against ,1(& IDFLOLWLHV VXJJHVW WKH IDLOXUH RI FULWLFDO elements of engagement like surveillance, detection and communication which are LQGLVSHQVDEOH WR HͿHFWLYH FRXQWHU HͿRUWV It doesn’t help our psyche to even think that these vital variables do not exist in our bag of options.

How else are we going to arrest the tide RI YDQGDOLVP DUVRQ DQG ,1(& R΀FLDOV becoming targets for harm - crimes committed that are planned ahead by human beings? The south-east, southsouth and south-west have hosted most of these heinous acts but their chances of spreading across the federation are quite high, hence the need for urgent, clinical intervention. Their frequency, modes of operation and magnitude make them even more worrying. And how much ORQJHU FDQ ,1(& NHHS UHSODFLQJ GHVWUR\HG materials? Assuming the commission has a bottomless purse, does it also have control over the ticking clock? With less than two months to go, time is, no doubt, running out rapidly.

The same can be said of the patience of the people, many of whom are yet to develop optimal interest in the electoral processes. Who stands to gain if there is general apathy towards the polls, if they fail to hold in parts of the country, if preparations are severely undermined?

2U ZRUVH VWLOO LI WKH HQWLUH ,1(& DFWLYLWLHV are irreversibly crippled? These posers are certainly not alarmist. More damning things have happened in the past and nothing should be taken for granted now.

As things stand, Buhari may currently QRW EH LQ D SRVLWLRQ WR VX΀FLHQWO\ DOWHU WKH course of his administration. He may have already gone past the stage when he can make more meaningful progress about his targets. And I believe that he can’t do much at this late hour to favourably LQÁXHQFH ZKDWHYHU RSLQLRQV 1LJHULDQV have formed about him, especially in relation to the quality of his policies, personnel choices, tactics, performance DQG RXWFRPHV 7ZR WHUPV DV 1LJHULDQ leader, like most other things in life, don’t last forever. The end is here. But Buhari can still salvage a lot and have a lasting legacy he can call his own if he presides over a peaceful and credible conduct of the polls that will usher him back to his comfort zone.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

T H I S D AY

321

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2022

OLASUMBO FLORENCE OYEYEMI argues that O su wa is not a slogan that wins elections

KWARA’S SLOGANEERING WAR the Saraki dynasty could manage over nearly 34 years.

Enter Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of PDP and fellow tired man.

That he is tired should not come across to anyone as a surprise. He has run for presidency so many times and always with the same result that even if he did not say it, anyone who watched his mien and demeanour would know that he was tired. Surprising thing though is that he accused the APC of robbing the Saraki dynasty of its “generational transformation” whereas it was the people who had had just about enough of the vice-like grip of the Saraki dynasty on their collective patrimony and wrested it from them. The people, upon receipt of a higher promise, gave the mandate to the APC, and the APC has so far delivered it to wide acclaim.

The man does not understand Kwara State, its history or its people. He just wants to be president.

No more is Kwara State littered with workers bemoaning unpaid salaries; instead, the people are paid as and when due. Crime rate has reduced, and workers in the state were jubilant when they were paid their December salaries ahead of time so that they could prepare $3& KDG ÁRDWHG “O to ge” (meaning for their Christmas celebrations. The enough is enough) as a slogan to oust APC does not have any connections to the PDP at the polls and bury the Saraki bank robberies in the state. The APC dynasty in the state, including former runs an inclusive government that takes Senate President Bukola Saraki. The into account and respects the wishes, VORJDQ KDG RQ 3'3 WKH HͿHFW RI WRWDO EHOLHIV DQG FXOWXUHV RI WKH GLͿHUHQW annihilation and they lost the polls peoples of the state. The APC has also without a shadow of doubt. They commenced huge capital projects across retreated to lick their wounds. No doubt, the state to improve the infrastructure 3'3 KDG VHHQ WKH HͿHFW RI VORJDQHHULQJ and standard of living in the state. No They fancied a shot at using such a one is tired of it, except the PDP and its weapon, hence the concoction of the agents who only wait in the shadows miasma called “O su wa”. But, slogans for an opportunity to dig their hands are not so carelessly contrived. Careful LQWR WKH VWDWH FRͿHUV thought must be put into them. When O su wa is not a slogan that wins 2 WR JH ZDV ÁRDWHG WKHUH KDG EHHQ D elections; it is a slogan that precedes the continued spell of pungent governance coming of anti-progress candidates and in Kwara State by people enthroned by PXVW EH UHVLVWHG ÀUPO\ %\ YLUWXH RI 2 su wa’s ill construing, the state must the Saraki dynasty.

Not so with O su wa. When Bukola not forget in a hurry that just about Saraki perfected his defection from PDP everyone has had enough of the Saraki to the APC in 2014, he advanced, as G\QDVW\ DQG LWV LQÁXHQFH RQ WKH VWDWH part of his reasons, the argument that, How then can the mandate be taken “I think it is largely due to the kind of from the people and handed over to dissatisfaction that we have seen in the them? No, it can’t. And this is why the DͿDLUV RI WKH SDUW\ RYHU D ZKLOH ZLWK people must also be vigilant so that they regard to key issues like the impunity, will not be robbed of their mandate disregard for the rule of law, the level once more, what with all this PDP talk of inclusiveness, the considerations to of robbery. Is that their plan? Indeed, the wishes of the people and the party when they say O su wa, the appropriate PHPEHUV DW WKH GLͿHUHQW FKDSWHUV µ response should be, “O to ge”. That’ll He added, for good measure, that PDP keep them quiet and remind them that was not ready to engage more in a they have no place in Kwara State or even Nigeria’s governance. participatory democracy.

Safely ensconced in APC, however, Just remember this: When we came he bared his fangs at the PDP, claiming up with “O to ge”, they came up with to be a member in body and spirit of O tun ya which means in English “Let’s APC and securing re-election into the continue”. Of course the people of Senate in 2015. He contrived a classical Kwara State rejected the continuation manoeuvre within the APC that saw him of bad government, continuation of preside over the Senate. After four years corruption, continuation of dipping in APC, he would again get tired and their itchy hand in the treasury of citing nebulous reasons, return to PDP. Kwara State for their personal use, the It is therefore without a doubt that the continuation of hero worshipping of man has a knack for getting tired easily. their godfather, continuation of nonHe is a sprinter but does not have the payment of salaries of the civil servants endurance to go the distance. He would and pensioners pensions and gratuities, get tired when there is consistently good continuation of lack of development governance. Perhaps, this time he may and rule of law, etc. have got tired of watching someone Mrs. Oyeyemi is the spokesperson of govern Kwara State with more purpose and administrative acumen than he did the Kwara State Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress when he governed, or than anyone in When his campaign train landed in Kwara State last month, no one would have suspected that more than the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, a miasma had also landed.

They came bearing promises, they came with the silhouette of a mandate, but they also came with a lie – a concoction of preposterousness – embedded in the slogan, “O su wa”. The morphological origin of this miasmic slogan was a translation of the English sentence “We are tired” to Yoruba. But there is another more nuanced background.

In 2019, the All Progressives Congress

The premise of the polls is faulty, and the results are misleading, contends DANLADI BAKO

THE FALLACY OF ANAP/NOI POLLS One balmy evening last week I ensconced on the sofa in my residence and watched Seun Okinbaloye on Channels television reveal the outcome of election projection results conducted

by ANAP Foundation and NOI supported by Channels television.

For those who know the Lagos business circuit and the personalities behind the two outfits would not be surprised by the collaboration, which I must say is also an attempt

at deepening our democratic culture through the templates of audience measurements, feedback and research. The challenge however with embarking on these type of opinion polls is that it is primarily data-based, methodology-driven and such analysis contextualized withiñ the framework of the instruments being used to collect and interprete data. This recent poll did not reflect the diversity in the demographics of age, gender, occupation, etc., of the respondents.

Any student of research or precision journalism knows the role of research methodology, sample population, sample size and probability or nonprobability sampling. ANAP/NOI polls did not define the sampling of 92 million registered voters spread across the country and how they were targeted. This population of registered voters might provide for 1000 respondents for example. Those 1000 registered voters must capture the voters using phone to respond as well as those with face-to-face application of questionnaires. Within this population ANAP needed to define how many respondents are from each state since it is a national survey intended to project the popularity of the presidential candidates. The sampling technique of how the choices of respondents were made must reflect not only display a national spread but also demographic and socio-economic parameters.

Considering that internet penetration is only about 49 percent within Nigeria and essentially they are urban based covering about 30

percent of Nigerians who live within the cities, it totally blacks out the opinions and choices of no less than 70 percent of the rural voters. Statistics show that Nigeria’s predominant internet users are the youth aged between 16 and 40years. Furthermore, in this case some of the respondents on our social media platforms are in such far-flung countries like Vietnam, Belarus and Papua New Guinea. Permit me to bring my wide travelling experience and its geographic implications to bear on this issue. Within the Asian sub-continent the majority of the Nigerian diaspora community are from the South East and South south. The Europe and American continents hold out more South West diaspora folks. Likewise if you want to be fair to northern candidates in any kind of survey you go to the Arabian peninsula covering Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Dubai, etc.

Any sampling technique that is short of these variables will produce a misinformed and fallacious poll result. I probably agree that there exists huge risks in human face to face application of survey instruments in the crises - prone, bandit- infested areas, but then it is even more dangerous creating a farcical facade of hope for otherwise not so popular candidates and their cohorts by raising their hopes and adrenaline levels to the point that when eventual election results are announced late February 2023, their grief - stricken followers now embark on an orgy of violence over results they had been fooled will go their way.

This is the credibility and viability challenge that the ANAP NOI polls face.

Much as we need to engender the utilisation of surveys and polls for election polls forecast, the devil is in the details of such inadequacies and gross misapplication of methodology as well as the eventual outcomes.

The hiatus of undecided voters as indicated in the results of the exercise also points to the need for not only more rigorous voter education but a retooling of the process and a total discountenance of the flawed results declaring the Labour Party candidate Peter Obi as the preferred choice of Nigerians. The premise is faulty, the assumptions are inchoate and therefore the supposed results are misleading and fallacious.

Dr. Bako is former director -general of the National Broadcasting Commission

22 4

T H I S D AY

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

TEACHING IN ‘MOTHER TONGUE’ The country does not have the capacity to implement the policy

T

¶PRWKHU WRQJXH· LQ PDMRU FLWLHV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ o preserve Nigeria’s indigenous languages, Today, there is a policy which stipulates that every the federal government enacted the pupil must during primary school education (which National Policy on Education (NPE) in ODVWV VL[ \HDUV VWXG\ WZR ODQJXDJHV QDPHO\ KLV 1977. Section 1 (8) of the policy states that KHU PRWKHU WRQJXH LI DYDLODEOH IRU VWXG\ RU DQ\ RWKHU ´WKH )HGHUDO *RYHUQPHQW VKDOO WDNH R΀FLDO LQGLJHQRXV ODQJXDJH RI ZLGHU FRPPXQLFDWLRQ LQ KLV interest in and make policy pronouncements her area of domicile alongside English Language. The on the teaching of the indigenous languages, instead of policy also requires that students in Junior Secondary concerning itself solely with English Language’’. But School (JSS), (which is of three-year duration) must in a repudiation of that policy as we have pointed out study three languages, namely, mother tongue, if RQ VHYHUDO RFFDVLRQV ZKDW \RX ÀQG ZULWWHQ EROGO\ LQ DYDLODEOH IRU VWXG\ RU DQ LQGLJHQRXV ODQJXDJH RI ZLGHU PRVW VFKRROV LV ´YHUQDFXODU VSHDNLQJ LV SURKLELWHGµ ,W LV FRPPXQLFDWLRQ LQ KLV KHU DUHD RI GRPLFLOH DORQJVLGH DJDLQVW WKLV EDFNJURXQG WKDW ZH PXVW VLWXDWH WKH UHFHQW RQH RI WKH WKUHH PDMRU LQGLJHQRXV ODQJXDJHV LQ WKH DGRSWLRQ E\ WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW RI ¶PRWKHU WRQJXH· country, namely, Hausa, as a compulsory medium ,JER DQG <RUXED SURYLGHG of instruction in primary the language chosen is schools in the country.

Given the track record and limited capacity of government at distinct from the child’s That people learn and PRWKHU WRQJXH ,Q 6HQLRU FRPSUHKHQG EHVW LQ WKHLU all levels, this idea of teaching primary school kids in their local Secondary School (SSS), indigenous language has languages is likely to become a fiasco that could make things worse which also lasts three years, EHHQ FRQÀUPHG E\ PDQ\ a Nigerian child, according research reports.

For to the policy, must study two instance, countries like languages: an indigenous China, Japan, Taiwan, and T H I S D AY language and English Language.

South Africa that use mother tongue to teach Science EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ PDQ\ VFKRROV DUH XQDEOH WR RͿHU and Technology are higher on the United Nations DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA WKHVH LQGLJHQRXV ODQJXDJHV EHFDXVH RI ODFN RI WHDFKHUV +XPDQ 'HYHORSPHQW ,QGH[ WKDQ 1LJHULD DQG RWKHUV MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO D FXPXODWLYH HͿHFW RI VHYHUDO \HDUV RI LQGLͿHUHQFH DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU that use foreign languages. So, ordinarily, the federal CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI 2EYLRXVO\ WKH SROLF\PDNHUV ZHUH DZDUH RI WKLV DFXWH government is not trying to reinvent the wheel, even EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN VKRUWIDOO ZKHQ WKH\ XVHG WKH SKUDVH ´LI DYDLODEOH ZKHQ WKHUH DUH XQFRQVLGHUHG YDULDEOHV LQ WKH QHZ MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI IRU VWXG\µ LQ WKH SROLF\ ,I VXFK DQ HDVLHU SROLF\ KDV proposition.

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE EHHQ GL΀FXOW WR LPSOHPHQW ZKHUH WKHQ ZRXOG WKH 6LQFH HPEHGGHG LQ RXU LQGLJHQRXV ODQJXDJHV LV RXU IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW ÀQG WKH WHDFKHUV WR LPSOHPHQW rich culture, history, traditions, and values, enforcing WKLV QHZ LGHD" ,Q FRVPRSROLWDQ FLWLHV ZLWK 1LJHULDQV the national policy on education with regard to learning T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D IURP GLͿHUHQW HWKQLF JURXSV ZKR ZLOO GHWHUPLQH and teaching of mother tongue is important. According EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA ZKDW ¶PRWKHU WRQJXH· LV" %HVLGHV KRZ FDQ D SROLF\ to the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, who said the GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, pronouncement replace the constitutionally sanctioned ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI SROLF\ KDV R΀FLDOO\ WDNHQ HͿHFW IXOO LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ Lingua Franca which, as at today, is English?

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, will start when the government develops instructional ANTHONY OGEDENGBE Given the track record and limited capacity of PDWHULDOV DQG TXDOLÀHG WHDFKHUV DUH HQJDJHG +H IXUWKHU DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI government at all levels, this idea of teaching primary H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH ¶PRWKHU WRQJXH· WR EH XVHG LQ HDFK SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH VFKRRO NLGV LQ WKHLU ORFDO ODQJXDJHV LV OLNHO\ WR EHFRPH VFKRRO ZLOO EH WKH GRPLQDQW ODQJXDJH VSRNHQ E\ WKH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI D ÀDVFR WKDW FRXOG PDNH WKLQJV ZRUVH :KLOH ZH ZRXOG community where the institution is located. Meanwhile, CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO not want to dismiss the idea, we implore the government LW LV LPSRUWDQW WR H[DPLQH WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI D VLPLODU TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com WR ÀUVW WHVW WKH VFKHPH ZLWK D SLORW SURJUDPPH policy and the challenges associated with choosing a

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

LETTERS ACHIEVING ZERO HUNGER IN NIGERIA 7R JDLQ WKH QXWULWLRQDO VXEVWDQFHV WKDW SURYLGH HQergy for activities, growth and other functions of the ERG\ IRRG LV HVVHQWLDO IRU D KXPDQ EHLQJ 7KH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV JOREDO IDFWV VKRZ WKDW LQ EHWZHHQ million and 811 million persons worldwide were suffering from hunger, roughly 161 million more than LQ $ VWDJJHULQJ ELOOLRQ SHRSOH UHÁHFWLQJ DERYH SHU FHQW RI WKH ZRUOG·V SRSXODWLRQ ZHUH moderately or severely food-insecure, lacking reguODU DFFHVV WR DGHTXDWH IRRG DQG JOREDOO\ PLOOLRQ FKLOGUHQ XQGHU WKH DJH RI ÀYH RU SHU FHQW ZHUH VXͿHULQJ IURP VWXQWLQJ ORZ KHLJKW IRU WKHLU DJH LQ 7KHVH ZHUH VRPH RI WKH IRRG DQG QXWULWLRQDO FULVLV WKDW WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV 0HPEHU 6WDWHV HQYLVDJHG ZKHQ *RDO WZR RI WKH 6XVWDLQDEOH 'HYHOopment Goals (SDGs) was adopted, which seeks to HQG KXQJHU LQ DQG HQVXUH DFFHVV E\ DOO SHRSOH LQ SDUWLFXODU WKH SRRU DQG SHRSOH LQ YXOQHUDEOH VLWXDtions, including infants. ,Q 1LJHULD DOO WKH LQGLFDWRUV RI XQGHUQRXULVKPHQW child stunting, child wasting and child mortality FRPELQH WR 1LJHULD·V UDQNLQJ RI RXW RI FRXQWULHV XQGHU WKH *OREDO +XQJHU ,QGH[ LQ 7KH LQGH[ LQGLFDWHV WKDW SHU FHQW RI 1LJHULD·V SRS-

XODWLRQ LV XQGHUQRXULVKHG SHU FHQW RI FKLOGUHQ XQGHU ÀYH DUH VWXQWHG DQG SHU FHQW RI XQGHU ÀYH FKLOGUHQ ZDVWHG :LWK PLOOLRQ 1LJHULDQV UHSRUWHG WR EH PXOWLGLPHQVLRQDOO\ SRRU ZLWKRXW DFFHVV WR EDVLF QHFHVVLWLHV OLNH IRRG HGXFDWLRQ TXDOLW\ KHDOWKFDUH VDQLWDWLRQ QXWULWLRQ DPRQJ RWKHUV LW PHDQV SHU FHQW RI 1LJHULDQV DUH OLYLQJ ZLWKLQ WKH H[WUHPH OLQH RI SRYHUW\ :KDW WKHQ LV 1LJHULD·V =HUR +XQJHU policy and what strategies do we intend to create a 1LJHULD IUHH RI KXQJHU LQ RU DW OHDVW LQ ZKHQ 1LJHULD ZLOO EH KXQGUHG \HDUV DV D VRYHUHLJQ FRXQWU\" +RZ LV 1LJHULD QDYLJDWLQJ WKH HͿHFWV RI PXOWLSOH JOREDO FULVLV VXFK DV FRQÁLFWV &29,' SDQGHPLF climate change and growing inequalities converging WR XQGHUPLQH JOREDO IRRG VHFXULW\" 7KHVH DUH QRW questions that demand answers from the federal government alone, these are questions that urgently GHPDQG VXVWDLQDEOH FRPPLWPHQWV IURP DOO VWDNHholders in the zero hunger ecosystem – governments, private sector led commitment to access to food, and QRQSURÀWV HQJDJHPHQW LQ ERWK KROGLQJ OHDGHUV DFFRXQWDEOH RQ =HUR +XQJHU 3ROLFLHV DQG SURYLGLQJ IRRG DVVLVWDQFHV WR YXOQHUDEOH FRPPXQLWLHV 7R HQVXUH WKDW WKH PLOOLRQ PXOWLGLPHQVLRQDOO\

SRRU 1LJHULDQV GR QRW FRQWLQXH WR JR WR EHG hungry each day, the government must swiftly reduce the causes and main drivers of hunger crisis such as insecurity and herder farmers FRQÁLFWV LQ UXUDO DUHDV LQ 1LJHULD DQG ODXQFK D QDWLRQDO =HUR +XQJHU SROLF\ DQG IRRG VHFXULW\ strategy at all levels of government - federal, VWDWH DQG ORFDO JRYHUQPHQWV 1R GRXEW 1LJHria has adopted a wide range of policy instruPHQWV DQG PHDVXUHV VLQFH WKH HDUO\ V EXW VXFK IRRG SROLFLHV KDYH QRW EHHQ DV HͿHFWLYH DV intended. Take the School Feeding programme IRU LQVWDQFH 7KRXJK WKH VRXQG ELWH RI WKH IHGeral government’s free school meals is theoretLFDOO\ JRRG WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ FDQ RQO\ EH HͿHFWLYHO\ IHOW E\ WKH LQWHQGHG EHQHÀFLDULHV ZKHQ LW LV FRUUXSWLRQ IUHH DQG H[SDQGHG WR EHQHÀW PRUH 1LJHULDQV ZLWKLQ WKH SRYHUW\ EHOW 6XFK SROLF\ SODQ PXVW EH VSHFLÀF RQ KRZ WR UHGXFH WKH QXPEHU RI KRXVHKROGV H[SHULHQFLQJ KXQJHU DQG FXW GLHW UHODWHG GLVHDVHV E\ LQFUHDVLQJ DFFHVV WR KHDOWK\ IRRG E\ 7KHUH is so much individuals and corporations can GR EXW WKH JRYHUQPHQW KDV WKH NH\ WR HQGLQJ

structural poverty and inequality, particularly DW WKH VXEQDWLRQDO More importantly, the tool to achieving VXVWDLQDEOH VROXWLRQ WR HQG KXQJHU LV WR HGXFDWH HPSRZHU DQG H[SDQG RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU HYHU\RQH :KHQ RQH SHUVRQ SDUWLFXODUO\ WKH girl-child at the rural area is educated, it has D ULSSOH HͿHFW WKDW FDWDO\]HV WR D IDU UHDFKLQJ impact on communities. Unless Nigeria gives those living in hunger unhindered access to TXDOLW\ HGXFDWLRQ LW ZLOO EH GL΀FXOW WR SXOO WKHP RXW RI ZRUVHQLQJ SRYHUW\ LQGH[HV (GXcation, improved and mechanized agriculture, KHDOWKFDUH DQG DFFHVV WR ÀQDQFH DW WKH UXUDO areas are crucial resources that every nation QHHGV WR EUHDN KHU SRYHUW\ F\FOH 7R DFKLHYH D VXVWDLQDEOH UHVXOW LQ WKLV GULYH 1LJHULD QHHGV D GLVFLSOLQHG GHOLEHUDWHQHVV LQ DFFRXQWDEOH inclusive, humane, people-driven and transformational leadership at all levels and spheres of our society, including in traditional and religious spaces.

Emmanuel Osadebay, Executive Director, T200 Foundation

23

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

FEATURES

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

Transformational Leadership as Tool for Economic Sustainability in Nigeria At the recently concluded 28th edition of the annual Nigerian Economic Summit, which was supported by the leading ICT company, MTN Nigeria, panellists discuss transformational leadership that will attain inclusive prosperity for the nation, Vanessa Obioha reports

L

eadership means different things to different people and this often depends on the level of leadership or the nature of the organisation.

To some, leadership is the product of the utilisation of authority, while to others, it is the ability to influence people towards a common goal. The influence of leadership models, citizen quality of life, GDP, and regulatory policies are only a few of the key evaluation paradigms for political leadership.

Over the years, Nigeria’s leadership practices have had a significant impact on its economy, global positioning and policymaking. Throughout its history, the country has witnessed basically every form of governance. Despite the evolution in systems of government, it is evident that it has not birthed the kind of quality in the leadership structures that could deliver the most benefits to the citizenry.

One can also not deny that this has had far-reaching consequences across the country's different sectors and spheres of living. Admittedly, Nigeria has the potential to compete with global leaders. Nigeria’s leadership structures over the years have been characterised by strict and conflicting policies, heavy taxation and increased insecurities. For a country that is at the threshold of choosing new leaders for 2023, good representation across the board must be ensured. Beyond 2023 for Nigeria, visionary leadership can be attained through proper planning, implementation and execution, then it can address the most apparent lapses in governance and improve where necessary.

Given the importance of having visionary leaders, leadership was the major point of discussion at the recently concluded 28th edition of the annual Nigerian Economic Summit, which was supported by the leading ICT company, MTN Nigeria. Beyond the leadership discourse, the aim of the summit was to articulate the country's development imperatives for economic security, social justice, governance, political stability and environmental sustainability, especially in this transition year. The deliberations at the summit mainly focused on five areas: economic sustainability, visionary leadership, execution, political economy, and inclusive growth.

Visionary leadership for Nigeria constitutes a clear understanding of the strategic and tactical plans for sustainability, innovative ideas and shared goals; and leadership models directly affect economic growth, decisions made, and policies formulated. Simply put, there is an evident repercussion of the leadership styles on the Nigerian economy; and its ripple effects

L-R: Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka General Manager, Fixed Broadband, MTN Nigeria; Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria and Modupe Kadri, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group cannot be overemphasized.

In his keynote speech, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said “the theme for the summit, ‘2023 and Beyond: Priorities for Shared Prosperity’ calls on us to reflect on what our priority should be to attain inclusive prosperity from 2023 and beyond. The discussion that we must have, shun of sentiments, is how best to mise the situation by finding a mechanism for increases in life and more durable demand. A mechanism that will be transparent and which will boost confidence.

It is time for us to look at the issues that most concern us and require urgent action”.

Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, during a plenary session emphasized the need to “harness the human capital potential of Nigerians, by setting up developmental and educational institutions that go beyond the traditional types of education and address

the opportunities of the future.”

Using a three-pronged approach, improving the ease of doing business, easing multiple taxations and resolving insecurities should be the core focus of the government, to prove visionary leadership in the country.

Nevertheless, a stable, clear and consistent policy disposition would position the government as strategic and determined to positively impact the Nigerian economy, and help the private sector thrive. Multiple and inconsistent policies have done more harm than good; and there is a need for a better synergy between regulators and operators, especially in industries like telecommunications, which is a leading contributor to the nation’s GDP. Some of the ways this can be imple-

mented by the government is to upskill the civil servants. Cues and standards can be taken from the private sector leaders. In the private sector, accountability and performance are not debatable.

The private sector leaders and mid-management that also seek to work with the government should have a basic understanding of how the government works, to enhance this synergy.

Transformational leadership is the first step to economic sustainability; and for this to happen, there should be collaboration. Collaborations like cross-sectoral engagements for better working relationships and cross-sectorial recruitments, that is, private to public rotation; conferences, seminars, and forums such as the National Economic Summit for knowledge building and improving learning at all levels is very crucial. Conversations that will drive sustainable development should be constantly deliberated upon.

WHATrybe Gives Hope to Widows in Lagos Mary Nnah The Food Drive programme, led by Mrs. Kiki Okewale, CEO of Stitches of Hope Foundation, and Convener, Women High Achievers Trybe (WHATrybe), was held Saturday, December 17 at the Surulere Local Government Complex.

It was a day of giving hope to widows with the assurance that notwithstanding what they may be facing, they are never forgotten.

The initiative which has been in existence for seven years aims to address the first and second Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf who attended the programme expressed his heartfelt love for the window and show his firm support

WHATrybe Gives Hope to Widows in Lagos and interest in their welfare.

In his words, he said, "I am aware of the many plights that all of you, the widows of our community, face. As the Executive Chairman, I am here to reassure all of you that my sincere thoughts are ever with you; you don't have to worry

over circumstances you cannot change. The local government will always support you every step of the way, ensuring that you get all the necessary help that you need. Thank you all for coming out today."

Organiser of the food drive, Mrs. Kiki Okewale, who is

highly passionate about women's and children's development, also expressed her gratitude to the women for coming out.

“I may not have it all, but I understand how you feel because at a very young age my mum became a widow and

life was unbearable, which is why I am here to put smiles on your faces. I want you to know that you all are strong women, and I appreciate you all for standing strong. God bless you all”, Okewale said.

Speaking further she said, “I hope and imagine that next year and many years to come will be bigger and more impactful, especially with more people’s support.”

She went on to affirm the willingness to continuously do more for the less-privileged communities, especially in the current living crisis of the country.

The food drive included fun activities to put smiles on their faces. Such were gele-tying, dancing, and water-drinking competitions, in which each of the winners went home with beautiful fabrics (lace materials). Cooked food, raw food items, and drinks were distributed to the

widows, and free high-blood and blood-sugar tests were also conducted.

Additionally, grinding machines and other business souvenirs were also gifted to some women to enhance their businesses and provide support for their families.

She expressed hope that “As we progress into the new year, we're excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead of us, including the differences and impacts that this project will have on the widows.”

The Food Drive by Mrs. Kiki Okewale is on the platform of the Women High Achievers Trybe (WHATrybe), in collaboration with Stitches of Hope Foundation, Ives Medicare HMO, Women Radio 91.7FM, Belefull Variety, St. Ives Specialist Hospital, The YD Company, Surulere Local Government, and many more.

24

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

PERSPECTIVE Eha Amufu Crisis: Ugwuanyi’s Remarkable Interventions, Challenges I

By Levi Odoh

was miffed, if not disenchanted, at the way a section of the media has been muddling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate crisis between the Fulani herders operating from Benue State axis and farmers from communities in Eha Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Reports have it that the disputes which have left people from the both parties dead started over 15 years ago prior to the inception of the present regimes in Enugu and Benue states and have been lingering because of dangerous politics, disunity and lack of defined leadership among the people of the affected four communities in Eha Amufu - Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Umujiovu and Ebor - which have boundaries with the Agala community in Benue State.

This was recently confirmed by the Eha Amufu stakeholders during an emergency security meeting with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

This insincerity of purpose has been frustrating the concerted efforts of the Enugu State Governor, Ugwuanyi, in decisively tackling the challenges in Eha Amufu.

It was reported in the national dailies that majority of the Eha Amufu stakeholders who spoke at the meeting had blamed leadership gaps, division, dangerous politics being played among their people, and an attempt by some Fulani herders to “acquire, annex and intimidate the people to occupy their land” as responsible for the killings in the area.

The Eha Amufu stakeholders, according to the reports in the national dailies, also alleged that the Fulani herders had always collaborated with some Benue people to attack their communities to acquire spaces to settle down.

There was also accusation and counteraccusation among the stakeholders over the allegation that some persons from Mgbuji community, years back, sold a part of the village land to the Fulani herders who reside with them, which some factions among the villagers are resisting.

It was revealed at the meeting that while the land was purportedly sold to the herders, another group organized themselves and were logging the economic trees in the village for personal monetary gains. Claims were made that about N50 million realised from the sale of the economic trees which belongs to the community was misappropriated. The factional group used part of the contentious money to buy over some youths to protect them and their business and political interests.

As reported in Thisday Newspaper of December 22, 2022, page 42, “In their separate responses (at the said meeting) Bishop Olinya (Bishop of Eha Amufu Diocese, Anglican Communion), among others, said one of the problems fueling the crisis was the absence of clear cut leadership in the town and politicisation of issues by politicians.”

Also during the meeting, some of the stakeholders were frank to the extent that they accepted that they have failed God and Governor Ugwuanyi by their people’s inability to comply with various resolution mechanisms fashioned out at various peace meetings in the state, requesting that the community should go and apologise to the governor for failing him and the state.

One strange act that has left many in grave suspense is the fact that this is the first time it would be alleged that Benue people are aiding or joining forces with the Fulani herders to carry out attacks on people of a neighbouring state. Benue people and Fulani herders have been engaged in cat and dog fight over the years. Benue State is having boundary issues with Enugu State in that area under attack.

Besides alleged reports that those attacks on Eha Amufu communities were reprisals, the truth must be told that both parties, Fulani herders and Eha Amufu people, have on different occasion attacked and killed each other.

It is quite unfortunate that in an ugly circumstance where a governor is working round the clock to resolve a crisis and put an end to loss of life and property, the people he is trying to protect are taking laws into their hands.

We easily fail to accept the fact that governors in Nigeria as Chief Executive Officers of their states unfortunately do not have full control over the security agencies.

Ugwuanyi Constitutionally, the security agencies are establishments of the Federal Government and consequently take final instructions from their headquarters in Abuja. In most cases, the security agencies regrettably do not act without confirmation signals from their headquarters.

We tend to forget that such bureaucratic arrangement poses a serious challenge to governors’ efforts towards realising their objective of dealing decisively with security challenges in their various states. Enugu State shares in this ugly experience.

This notwithstanding, Governor Ugwuanyi, since the inception of his administration, has by all measures, placed premium on peace and security, resulting in the enviable status Enugu has enjoyed as one of the most peaceful and safest states in the country.

It is on record that the governor through his administration has never abandoned his obligation of providing security for the people of Enugu State. He has rather made several interventions in assisting and boosting the morale of security agencies in the state to effectively discharge their duties - a feat the Service Chiefs in Nigeria and other stakeholders have widely acknowledged and publicly applauded.

Only recently, the Inspector General Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba was in Enugu to inaugurate the 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron newly constructed by Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration and granted the governor all the requests he made (with Eha Amufu and other areas in mind) regarding deployment of more police personnel and equipment such as drones and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to frontally confront and contain unrepentant criminal elements.

Reports equally had it that Governor Ugwuanyi, in the wake of the previous attack on Eha Amufu, stormed the affected communities at night, visited different forests, markets, village squares and other locations where he interacted with the indigenes to obtain first-hand information of the remote cause of the crisis with a view to addressing the lingering issues in the area decisively.

Besides being the first governor to visit Eha Amufu over the 15-year period the crisis has lingered in the area, the governor equally donated N10 million for the immediate needs of the victims, among other interventions.

In view of the above, the allegation that Governors Ugwuanyi and Ortom of Enugu

and Benue states respectively are gallivanting with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State locally and internationally while armed herdsmen have launched massive war against communities in Eha Amufu is not only misleading but also untrue and a biased pronouncement lacking substance in facts and figures, and should be disregarded.

At this juncture, it is pertinent to advise leaders and stakeholders of Eha Amufu to embrace peace as being constantly preached

by Governor Ugwuanyi, keep politics out of their communal issues with the herders, unite and cooperate with the state government and security agencies to end the lingering crisis in the overall interest of their people and the state.

It is also crucial at this point for leaders of the Fulani community to rein in their members who adamantly take laws into their hands and escalate the crisis, undermining the frantic efforts of Governor Ugwuanyi in addressing the issue.

The Federal Government-controlled security agencies should as a matter of urgency do everything possible, without any form of bias, to arrest the situation and deal with those taking laws into their hands by killing people and destroying property in the area.

Levi Odoh, wrote from Enugu

Christmas Tidings and the Year Ahead

By Oluwaseyi Adebayo As usual, for millions of Nigerians, Christmas is a time of utmost merriment; a time when the prevailing economic hardships and security concerns are temporarily forgotten and replaced with fun and national fraternal camaraderie.

The upbeat Christmas and Boxing Day mood was, expectedly, very pronounced at the just concluded GLO briefing on its ambitious network expansion and subscriber outreach programs for 2023. Indeed, going by the presentation of excited Glo communications staff, subscribers should look forward to more enhanced and excellent services at the least cost.

However, much as I was interested in the message and the gay mood, I seized the opportunity of the occasion to sidle up to one of the senior media advisers to the Chairman to discuss an interesting Thisday Newspaper article titled 'Ranking Nigeria’s Richest', published on Christmas Eve. Since the Chairman's name, who is well known for being very reclusive and uninterested in any form of public display of wealth, was cited in the article, I wanted to know the media adviser's views on the surprising theme and thrust of the article.

Interestingly, the media hotshot, who requested anonymity, did not hesitate to respond.

The Chairman, he informed me categorically, is uninterested in the subject of who is on the billionaire

ranking list and who is not. He emphatically stated that the Chairman had nothing to do with the article and regretted that his name was even mentioned.

The Chairman, he said, never talks to the press, doesn’t join issues with anyone, and has dissociated himself from the article while strongly requesting that his name be kept out of any such mundane articles. The media adviser further advised his colleagues to focus on more important subjects at this critical juncture in Nigeria's chequered journey; a position that I cannot but agree more.

To all my faithful and future readers, I thank you most heartily for following my thoughts and findings of interest. I wish you all continued merriment and the best of the coming year.

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

25

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX

2 8 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

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1-DAY

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*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

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MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Stakeholders Raise Concern over NITDA’s Bill, Say it Will Lead to Regulatory Overlap Emma Okonji Members of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Paradigm Initiative are worried over the current draft National Information Technology Development Agency (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2021, which seeks to convert the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) from a development agency to a regulatory agency.

The bill seeks to enact an Act that will empower NITDA to provide for the administration, implementation and regulation of Information Technology Systems and Practice in Nigeria, but the stakeholders are worried that the bill, if passed into law, will lead to overlapping regulatory functions between NITDA and the existing industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Some of the members, who spoke on the basis of anonymity, told THISDAY that the bill, if passed into law, could slowdown development in the telecom sector, affect inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the country, affect broadband and ICT penetrations and also reduce telecom contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) because there would be overlapping functions that would duplicate the roles of the NCC. The bill, which was presented to members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on ICT and Cyber Security last week for

L–R: Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, during the president’s birthday celebration in Abuja...recently public hearing, was however, not discussed, because some committee members observed that it was not proper to hold public hearing on such bill, when the promoters of the bill were absent from the public hearing.

CEO of Paradigm Initiative, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, in a statement, said the provisions in the draft bill have far reaching implications for the social media and technology organisations. “Paradigm Initiative is currently working on a paper

that will state our position and it will be submitted to the National Assembly as soon as we are done,” Sesan said.

NITDA had on March 10, 2022, invited industry stakeholders to review the draft National

Information Technology Development Agency (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2021 before presenting it to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law. In the draft bill, which THISDAY sighted, Section 1

stated the objectives of the bill, and explained that the purpose was to create an effective, impartial, and independent regulatory framework for the development of the Continued on page 26

Again, Telcos Push for Upward Review of Telecom Service Delivery Cost Emma Okonji Telecom operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have again called for upward review of the cost of telecom service delivery across networks.

The operators, who are particularly concerned about the upward review in the cost of voice calls and Short Message Service (SMS), said the review became necessary in order to

maintain quality service delivery in a harsh business environment, where the cost of diesel and petrol continues to rise.

Chairman of ALTON, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who expressed the views of telecom operators in a telephone interview with THISDAY, warned that urgent steps must be taken to address the issue, which he said, had been raised before.

“We urgently need price review on the cost of telecom service delivery. If this is not done

urgently, there will likely going to be more challenges in 2023 for telecom service providers. In order to focus on our core service delivery, telcos no longer handle the processes of building and maintaining of telecom masts.

This has been outsourced to infrastructure companies like HIS that spend more money to maintain telecom sites for telecom service providers, which is also impacting on telecom service delivery,” Adebayo said.

Telecom operators had earlier

in April this year, written a letter to NCC, and called for upward review of the cost of SMS, voice call and data services by 40 per cent.

In the letter, they expressed their worries over the negative impact of the economic and security issues on the Nigerian telecommunications industry, which they said, had adversely affected the cost of telecoms service delivery across networks.

Adebayo told THISDAY that the harsh economic environment

that prompted telcos to initiate the letter in April, still persists, adding that the cost of diesel that powers Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) has continued to rise and affecting service delivery.

Adebayo said the telecom sector has remained the only sector where delivery cost has been static without any form of increase since inception of the rollout of telecom services in 2001, even though other sectors of the economy have continued to increase delivery cost.

He therefore called on the telecom industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to consider the request of telecom operators for an upward review of the cost of telecom service delivery.

NCC had earlier turned down the request for the proposed upward review of the cost of telecom service delivery, insisting that no tariff increase will be effected by the operators without due regulatory approval by the commission.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 2 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23 NTB 11May-23

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BILLS MATURITY

Discount

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NTB 26-Jan- 300,00 23 NTB 9-Feb- 300,00 23 NTB 9-Mar- 300,00 23 NTB 27-Apr4.81 23

3.01

NTB 11May-23

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5.02

3.01 3.02 4.89

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

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

MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) -0.05 December 10.21 10.46 23, 2022 15.24 15.90 -0.05 December 23, 2022 11.78 12.21 -0.04 December 23, 2022

Discount Yield

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CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS DEC 28 1 2022 NGUS JAN 25 2 2023 NGUS FEB 22 3 2023 NGUS MAR 29 4 2023 NGUS APR 26 5 2023

Current Rate ($/₦) 45.473, 00 45.693 ,00 45.912, 00 46.132, 00 46.351, 00

Updated Time

December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022 December 23, 2022

26

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

BUSINESSWORLD

e-BUSINESS

How Telecom Impacted Nigerian Economy in 2022 Emma Okonji writes about the impact of telecom services on the Nigerian economy in 2022, despite the many challenges it faced

A

s the year 2022 winds down, telecom operators stand tall to count their many achievements, which they said have impacted the Nigerian economy, including individuals and organisations in several ways, despite the challenges it faced with government agencies in some states that imposed all manners of levies and taxes on telecom operations.

Social miscreants, who were bent on milking the telecom sector dry, also faced operators with unnecessary monetary demands and willful destruction of telecom facilities.

Despite the challenges faced in 2021, the telecom operators, the industry regulator and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, have said the telecom sector raised the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP), created job opportunities and sustained the Nigerian economy by cushioning the effect of COVID pandemic on the economy.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that the telecom industry did well in 2022 in the areas of broadband penetration and coverage.

According to him, in 2021, there were discussions around 5G spectrum licence, which was concluded in 2022, and one of the winners of the 5G spectrum licence, MTN, has since rolled out its 5G network in some states of the country. In 2022, another 5G licence was auctioned and Airtel was offered the 5G licence.

“The telecom industry in 2022 impacted a lot of sectors of the Nigerian economy.

It also supported the financial sector in ensuring that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) achieved its financial inclusion goals for the country. The telecoms sector also supported the Fintech in disrupting the financial sector, especially the banks,” Adebayo said.

GDP GROWTH

In August this year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released data on sector contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2022. According to NBS statistics, the telecom sector contributed 12.12 per cent to total nominal GDP and 18.44 per cent to total real GDP in the second quarter of 2022.

Telecom and information services are the major components of the sector. Of the sector’s total nominal GDP contribution in the first two quarter of 2022, telecom contributed 76.29 per cent, and 79.49 per cent to its total real GDP contribution.

Explaining the sector’s impact on the economy, NBS said, “In nominal terms, in the second quarter of 2022, the sector growth was recorded at 14.11 per cent (year-on-year), 14.18 per cent points increase from the rate of -0.07 per cent recorded in the same quarter of 2021, and 6.43 per cent points lower than the rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

“The quarter-on-quarter growth rate recorded in the second quarter of 2022 was 14.13 per cent. The Information and Communications sector contributed 12.12 per cent to the total nominal GDP in the 2022 second quarter, lower than the rate of 12.22 per cent recorded in the same quarter of 2021 and higher than the 10.55 per cent it contributed in the preceding quarter.

“The sector in the second quarter of 2022 recorded a growth rate of 6.55 per cent in real terms, year-on-year.

From the rate recorded in the corresponding period of 2021, there was an increase of 0.99 percentage points. Quarter-on-quarter, the sector exhibited a growth of 13.41 per cent in real terms.

“Of total real GDP, the sector contributed 18.44 per cent in 2022 second quarter, higher than in the same quarter of the previous year in which it represented 17.92 per cent and higher than the preceding quarter in which it represented 16.20 per cent.”

BROADBAND PENETRATION

The latest statistics obtained from the website of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecom industry regulator, showed that broadband subscription and penetration increased in 2022.

According to the statistics, in July 2022, Nigeria recorded broadband subscription number of 84.9 million with a penetration rate of 44.49 per cent.

In August 2022, broadband subscription increased to 85.2 million and penetration also increased to

44.65 per cent. In September 2022, broadband subscription rose again to 86.06 million with an increased penetration of 45.09 per cent. In October 2022, broadband subscription also increased to 86.94 million and penetration also increased to 45.55 per cent.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said with the continued increase in the growth rate of broadband subscription and penetration, Nigeria would be able to achieve the 70 per cent broadband penetration target as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025). The broadband plan seeks to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria at a minimum of 25Mbps in urban areas, and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90 per cent of the population and penetration rate of 70 per cent by 2025 at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data.

The broadband plan also targets the deployment of nationwide fibre coverage to reach all state capitals, and provision of a point of presence in at least 90 per cent of local government headquarters. It also targets tertiary educational institutions, major hospitals in each state and fibre connectivity at statutory rates of N145/ linear metre for Right of Way (RoW).

Analysing the growth of broadband subscription and penetration in 2022, Adebayo said the growth helped more Nigerians to have access to the internet to perform various online transactions in the financial sector and the e-commerce sector. He said more Nigerians were able to carry out online businesses in 2022, and also successfully carried out financial transactions from their smartphones and other devices.

“With increased broadband connectivity, people were able to communicate seamlessly through voice calls and data communication via chats.”

Adebayo said.

DIGITAL ECONOMY POLICY

Riding on the federal government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020-2030), which seeks to fast-track digital development and empower Nigerians with the right technology skills that will enable them develop technology solutions that will drive digital transformation across the country, the

NCC, under the leadership of Danbatta, initiated the development of ICT Parks in each of the six geopolitical zones, and the commission is in the process completing the technology parks.

When completed, it will boost youth digital skills acquisition, promote innovations, provide jobs for the teaming Nigerian youth and ultimately support the overall digital economy agenda of the federal government.

According to NCC, the four main objectives of establishing the ICT Parks are to provide Innovation Labs and Digital Fabrication Laboratories (Fablabs) for use by ICT innovators and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into products and prototypes; provide a Commercial Hub for ICT capacity building and digital skills; create employment and entrepreneurial activities; and facilitate smart city deployment across the digital industrial complex.

NDEPS, which was launched in November 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari, was developed to reposition the Nigerian economy in order to take advantage of the many opportunities that digital technology provides. The policy was developed to diversify the Nigerian economy away from dependence on oil and gas sector.

The NDEPS has eight pillars which include: Development Regulations; Digital Literacy; Skill Development; Solid Infrastructure; Service Infrastructure; Soft Infrastructure; Digital Societies and Emerging Technologies, as well as Indigenous Development.

Consequently, the NCC’s ICT Parks project resonates with three the key pillars of the NDEPS, which Danbatta said, impacted the Nigerian economy in 2022.

The ICT Parks, involve the construction and equipping of fully-functional Tier-4 Digital Industrial Complex (DIC) in each of the six geo-political zones across the country.

Danbatta promised that since the project was designed to have a national spread, the commission would ensure that no part of the country would be left out of the initiative, adding that every corner of Nigeria will see the initiative taking off at different times.

5G SPECTRUM AUCTION

The NCC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, in

2021, commenced the process of auctioning 5G spectrum licence and concluded it in 2022, after it issued 5G licence to MTN Nigeria Plc and Mafab Communications Limited. In November this year, NCC planned the second round of 5G spectrum auction in the 3.5GHz band, and had released the final information memorandum and bidders have expressed their interests to bid, before NCC eventually announced Airtel as the winner of the 5G spectrum in December, since it was the only operator among the bidders that met the payment deadline for the 10 per cent initial bid deposit.

According to the information memorandum, which NCC had released, NCC had planned to offer the remaining lots of 2 x 100MHz TDD in the 3.5GHz Spectrum band to support the rollout of 5G services in Nigeria. The proposed deployment is in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020 – 2030, National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy and in fulfilment of one of the key initiatives of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 (NNBP).

5G technology, also known as the fifth generation technology, is expected to bring a lot of benefits and opportunities that will engender accelerated growth and smart living in the country, when fully deployed. The technology is also expected to bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities. 5G is projected to contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy by 2034, according to a 2020 GSMA Intelligence report, titled: ‘The Mobile Economy’.

Determined to take the market by storm, MTN had earlier this year, launched its commercial 5G network in Lagos and Abuja, with plans to launch in additional five cities, namely Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, had said customers with certain enabled devices would be allowed to connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.

To access the 5G network and enjoy its benefits, customers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace.

Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said: “Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications: from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G. 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we have not even begun to imagine.”

THE CHALLENGES

Despite the achievements of telecom sector in 2022, the sector also faced some challenges, which Adebayo said must be addressed in 2023 in order to sustain the gains of the telecom sector.

According to Adebayo, “The telecom sector had its challenges in 2022. Telecom operators suffered too many destructions of telecom equipment in 2022, which affected infrastructure rollout across the country. Telecom masts and a lot of fibre optic cables were damaged in 2022. The sector suffered multiple regulations from different tiers of government and government agencies, who used that opportunity to impose multiple taxes and levies on telecom operations in the country. The challenges affected growth in telecom because telecom operators had to contend with the challenges.”

We were also faced with the challenges of Forex, and high cost of diesel to power base transceiver stations (BTS). A lot of the telecom sites run on diesel and cost of diesel jumped from less than N300 per litre in January 2022 to over N800 per litre by December 2022, which affected the cost of delivering telecom services, even though we have not increased cost of telecom services, Adebayo further said.

He therefore called on government to begin to think about the sustainability of the telecom industry, to avoid further challenges in 2023.

STAKEHOLDERS RAISE CONCERN OVER NITDA’S BILL, SAY IT WILL LEAD TO REGULATORY OVERLAP Nigerian information technology sector and digital economy, but the review from industry players explains that the section lays the foundation of converting NITDA from an IT Development Agency to a regulatory outfit. The review further said the inclusion of the concept of ‘Digital Economy’ as part of its regulatory purview expands NITDA’s frontiers to matters within the exclusive

regulatory mandate of the NCC, and will impact on the commission’s functions in Section 4 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003; that empowers the NCC to regulate communications services that drive the digital economy.

Section 9 of the bill empowers NITDA to develop a framework for regulating the use, development, standardisation,

research, and application of information technology, emerging technology and digital services, activities, and systems in Nigeria, but the review puts it that Section 4 (1) (h) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, mandates the NCC to develop and monitor performance standards and indices relating to the quality of telephone and other communications services and

facilities supplied to consumers in Nigeria having regard to the best international performance indicators. The review therefore explains that the section will create a regulatory overlap for matters that relate to setting standards for communications services in Nigeria.

The bill also empowers NITDA to issue permits and authorisation, including renewal,

suspension, and revocation conditions to promote free market operation and competition, among others, but in the review, stakeholders explained that such provisions would create unnecessary duplication and an avenue for multiple regulation, as telecommunications operators will be required, under the provisions of the bill, to obtain separate permits or licences

from NITDA, in addition to the operating licences issued

by NCC. This will result in duplication of functions, overregulations, and inter-agency conflicts, according to the review.

The stakeholders are of the view that NITDA remains a development agency, while NCC remains the industry regulator as enshrined in the NITDA Act 2007 and NCC Act 2003 respectively.

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

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BUSINESSWORLD

BRANDS

Marcom Industry: Grappling with Growth amidst Industry Reforms In this report, Raheem Akingbolu reviews the activities in the Marketing Communications industry in 2022 and concludes that most early generation agencies are fast going into extinction, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria is struggling hard through various reforms to reposition the industry

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t the 2022 National Advertising Conference held early this month in Abuja, stakeholders in the marketing communications industry unanimously agreed that the industry they so much treasured was in distress. One after the other, heads of sectoral bodies and some experts dissected various challenges facing marketing communications in the country and tried to proffer solutions. Some of the speakers include; the President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Tunji Adeyinka; President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria, (ADVAN), Osamede Uwubanmwen; President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Steve Babaeko; the representative of the President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and of course the Director General of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo.

Top among the issues raised and deliberated upon was how the industry would lobby the Federal Government to push through various regulatory reforms embarked upon by ARCON in the year under review to save the industry from total collapse. Some of the policies are; the ban of foreign models in media advertisement, local enquiry on investment, promoting equity and fairness within the ecosystem, among others, as ways of growing the media and advertising ecosystem in the country.

Fadolapo, who spoke to THISDAY at the sideline of the conference opined that the marketing and advertising management industry in Nigeria was inspired by some facets of individuals, while stating that, the decline of the industry prompted the need to find resolutions to problems facing the industry.

To this end, he called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps at reviving the declining advertising sector in the country noting that if no proactive measure is taken, the industry would remain in limbo.

He noted that the sector is distressed and threatened by foreign incursion while urging President Muhammadu Buhari to streamline and restore confidence in advertising practices in Nigeria.

According to him, this year’s edition of the advertising conference has provided a framework through which fundamental changes aimed at improving the advertising sector could be made in order to possibly overhaul and reset the system.

The conference also gave the practitioners an opportunity to review the level of patronage between registered agencies and leaders of various political parties ahead of the 2023 elections and came to the conclusion that nothing has changed as politicians still put their fate in quacks and unregistered practitioners.

CRACKS IN HASG

Despite the seeming collective effort to reset the industry through effective regulation, THISDAY findings have revealed that the subtle war among the Heads of Advertising Sectoral

Groups (HASG) could be a stumbling block. While OAAN, EXMAN and AAAN are on the same page, ADVAN, which is the body of the decision makers in the various local and multinational companies, has consistently opposed ARCON and its reviews. Since October 2021, ADVAN has not hidden its discomfort towards the implementation of the new Code of Conduct titled Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP). In a statement issued after the unveiling of AISOP, ADVAN rejected the implementation of the new code introduced by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

According to the association, the provisions of the framework “make an unconstitutional attempt to infringe on the rights of private entities to determine their contractual terms.”

The body has maintained that AISOP and other such reforms do not serve the collective interest, but rather permits unfair treatment of certain parties over others and creates an unfriendly business framework.

Though a lot of window-dressing measures have been taken to pacify ADVAN, the body language of its leaders still speaks volumes of the body’s opposition. According to an investigation carried out by this reporter, ADVAN’s Osamede Uwubanmwen had threatened a walk out with his colleagues during a recent peace meeting, a situation that has since created a split in HASG. Reacting to the crisis rocking HASG recently, Uwubanmwen told a selected journalists at the association’s end-of-theyear press parley recently that the body is in the forefront of seeking a marketing communications industry that is good and fair to everyone while helping to shape the economic policies of the government.

BILLINGS AND LEADING AGENCIES

But for various award institutions that generously doled out the Lifetime Achievement Awards to some of the first indigenous advertising and Public Relations practitioners in 2022, the name of many wave-making marketing agencies a few years ago would have either been forgotten or remain relevant only in academic exercise.

For instance, the roll-call of agencies at the 2022 edition of the Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards didn’t include most of the so-called billion billings agencies of the yester years. In particular, the fact that Insight Communications stayed away from the award after putting in entries and met all financial obligations set tongues wagging. Analysts believed the development was clear evidence that all is not well for Insights, performance wise.

As at today, billion-naira billing agencies that appeared to have totally gone into comatose include, LTC-JWT Nigeria, Rosabel

Advertising Limited, Lowe Lintas, Grant Advertising Limited, OBM Advertising Limited and many others. There are others that are only existing on papers without a single business but their owners are still being celebrated for their contribution to industry growth and grooming of the new set of ‘boys’ running the industry.

While record has shown that Insight Communications is still among the top five in the billion naira billing bracket, Noah’s Ark, X3M Ideas and two other agencies are giving it a run for its money. Other top agencies that competed well in 2022 are; MediaFuse Dentsu International (Nigeria), a media buying agency, Nitro 121 and little known Imaginitrium and The Hook, an agency that came to limelight with the 2019 ‘O to Ge’ campaign in Kwara. With the MTN account residing in DDB, the agency is still pulling the strings. Perhaps SO&U could have been a contender but for its loss of the Glo account. There is also a case of a second generation agency (name withheld) that is currently grappling with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), over 2.5 billion debt that pitched the agency against one of the new generation banks a few months ago.

In the Public Relations cycle, where volume of business dictates rating, Black House Media, CMC Connect, Strategic Outcomes, Indigo, Chain Reactions, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Media Edge and Brooks & Blakes have pushed older agencies like The Quadrant Company, C&F Porter Novelli and others into the back seat. For experiential business in 2022, Idea House and Oracle Experience are still in the forefront with mouthwatering accounts.

Speaking on why some of the top old agencies are going down with little or no clients to sustain their operations, some analysts who spoke to THISDAY blamed the problem on poor succession plan and lack of invention.

BRANDS

MTN Nigeria Plc achieved further accelerated growth in sales revenue from N471 billion in the first quarter, N479 billion in the second and N506 billion in the third, which add up to N1.46 trillion turnover for the telecommunications company in the nine months of operations in 2022.

This marks a rebound in quarterly revenue numbers for the company after a slowdown in the second quarter from 22 percent growth in the first quarter to 18 percent and pushing back to 22 percent in the third quarter.

For the third quarter, Q3, ended September 30, 2022, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, announced remarkable performance in its unaudited financial results recording impressive growth in its gross earnings by 23.3 per cent to N608 billion from N493 billion recorded in the corresponding period, September 2021, Q3’21.

The Bank’s operating income also grew by 27.3per cent to close at N414.1 billion as at September 2022, up from N334.8 billion achieved a year earlier.

For FirstBank, a subsidiary of the behemoth FBN Holdings Plc, the 2022 operation year has been characterised by a superlative performance which analysts believed signposts the confirmation of the bank’s return to the frontline of the Nigerian banking industry following its 2021 equally stellar performance.

From its half-year 2022 reports, which show a remarkable turnaround, and the ability of the management of the bank not only to resolve old corporate governance issues but to also return the bank to the path of profitability, it has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt that FirstBank has freed itself from old encumbrances and it is back to its old trajectory of breaking boundaries and being a pacesetter in the Nigerian banking industry.

At the Standard Chartered Nigeria, what appears like a parting reward for excellence service in 2022 was the clinching of the ‘Outstanding Use of Technology in Cash and Liquidity Management’ award and the Best Bank for Trade Finance in Nigeria award from Global Transaction Banking Innovation Awards 2022 (GTB22). The bank successfully edged out other several financial service institutions to emerge winner.

Despite all the odds and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announcement of 100 per cent divestment of government ownership of Polaris Bank to a new core investor, Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL), analysts are optimistic the bank will continue on the trajectory of growth.

Recently, SCIL paid an upfront consideration of N50 billion to acquire 100% of the equity of Polaris Bank which has performed relatively well making profit year-on-year from its first year of operation.

Speaking on the divestment, a business analyst, Chika Mbonu who spoke on Arise TV commended the management of the bank for leading a successful transition while urging the core investors (SCIL) to take the financial institution to the next level First City Monument Bank, a member of the FCMB Group Plc, led the list of best-performing commercial banks in the third quarter of 2022, according to Nairalytics Research. The bank’s holding company sustained its impressive halfyear 2022 record of 73.2% growth in profit by landing a 68.4% year-on-year profit before tax growth by the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Highlights of the Group’s unaudited ninemonth results released on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed double-digit growth across all business segments: Banking Group 74.8 per cent, Consumer Finance 30.8 per cent, Investment Management 47.1 per cent, and Investment Banking 220.9 per cent.

The diversified Group’s gross revenue grew by 33.9 per cent to 200.1 billion for the nine months that ended September 2022, compared to 149.5 billion in 2021.

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Inflation, Low Oil Production Bane of Nigeria’s Economy in 2022 Ugo Aliogo examines the effect of inflation and low oil production on the Nigerian economy, among other developmental issues that shaped the year 2022

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review of the activities of events that shaped the year 2022, shows that the year had its own fair share of challenges. There have been twists and turns, good and bad days, all through the year. The development space in Nigeria was not exempted from the litany of positive and negative events that characterised the year. However, in the development space, there were major events that shaped things in 2022.

WORLD BANK OUTLOOK In the year 2022, the World Bank through the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) which is the bank’s biannual report series, revealed that in June 2022, inflation in Nigeria, already one of the highest in the world before the war in Ukraine, is likely to increase further due to the rise in global fuel and food prices caused by the war.

The report also stated that the inflation is likely to push an additional one million Nigerians into poverty by the end of 2022, on top of the six million Nigerians that were already predicted to fall into poverty this year due to the rise in prices, particularly food prices. The report also states that the inflationary pressures will be compounded by the fiscal pressures Nigeria will face this year because of the ballooning cost of gasoline subsidies at a time when oil production.

In its December report, the World Bank stated that to reduce its vulnerability to crisis and rise to its potential, Nigeria has to choose among markedly different paths.

Policy reforms are available to help the country overcome the current challenges and set the foundations for rising to its potential. These reforms are needed in three key areas: restoring macroeconomic stability; boosting private sector development and competitiveness; and expanding social protection to protect the poor and most vulnerable.

The outcome of the report shows that the Nigeria economy didn’t grow and perform as expected, due to structural economic shocks and challenges, brought about by the global fall in oil prices, which was a fall-out of the Russia-Ukraine war. Therefore, there is need to fix the economy in the new year and this presents huge challenges for the incoming government. Experts have said that the new government should pay attention to ramp up oil production which is at an all-time low due to the activities of crude oil theft to ensure that the country meet its OPEC production quota, increase export and gain more foreign exchange.

World Bank in another report said Nigeria’s economic growth has slowed on the back of declining oil output and moderating non-oil activity. Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.1 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first three quarters of 2022, little more than the annual population growth of 2.6 percent.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, said: “Nigeria has a choice to implement critical macroeconomic and structural reforms that can reduce crisis vulnerabilities and increase growth. Doing so will lift per-capita incomes, sustainably reduce poverty and deliver better life outcomes for many Nigerians. Urgent business-unusual choices are needed to avoid a scenario in which up to 80 million working-age Nigerians do not have a full-time job by 2030 and up to 23 million more Nigerians could be living in extreme poverty.”

The report said inflation surged to 21.1 per cent y-o-y in October 2022, pushing as many as five million more Nigerians into poverty since the start of 2022.

The report said the fiscal pressures have intensified, exacerbated by the soaring cost of the petrol subsidy which will likely exceed five trillion naira this year. Despite higher oil export revenues, official reserves have fallen, and the currency market is severely distorted, undermining the business environment and investment. The weaknesses in the macroeconomic policy framework are suppressing growth and making Nigeria more vulnerable to shocks.

OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN (OOSC) Nigeria now has about 20 million outof-school children, according to the latest global data on out-of-school children by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

UNESCO, which said a new and improved methodology was used to arrive at the latest figures, further said: “244 million children and youth between the ages of 6 and 18 worldwide (who) are still out of school.” According to the statistics, India, Nigeria and Pakistan have the highest figures for out-of-school children globally. The figures in Nigeria have oscillated between 10.5 million and around 15 million for more than a decade, with the situation growing worse due to the degenerating security situation in the country.

FLOODING Despite increased enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns for better preparedness on flood mitigation and management, particularly in the flood risks zones in the country, flooding became a major climate change problem that the country grappled with in 2022. Though some states are making frantic efforts in addressing the challenges brought by the flooding, however there seem not be an end in sight anytime soon.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, (NIHSA) has in its prediction of the 2022 Annual Flood Outlook, (AFO), predicted that 233 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states of the Federation and the FCT fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risks Areas, while 212 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation including FCT fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risks Areas. The remaining 329 LGAs fall within the probable flood Risks Areas.

The Highly Probable Flood Risk States are; Adamawa, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross-River, Delta, Eboyin, Ekiti, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa and Kadunna, others are, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe, as well as Zamfara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

RISING POVERTY RATE The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report issued by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022, puts the number of Nigerians living in poverty

at 133 million out of a population of over 200 million.

The report painted a grim picture of not only poverty but its impact on children, their health, education and nutrition. Majority of the poor in Nigeria, it showed are children, as 67.5per cent of children under the age of 18 are poor and 70.1per cent of children under five are poor.

The report expressed worry that children’s education is one of the most impacted by poverty with 57.8 million children of school-going age (6 to 15 years old) and 29percent of all school-aged children not attending school. The report said 27 percent of all school-aged children are both poor and out of school (with no significant gender disparities), making this a critical area in need of urgent investment.

The report said multi-dimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72percent of people are poor, compared to 42percent of people in urban areas.

Approximately 70per cent of Nigeria’s population live in rural areas, yet these areas are home to 80per cent of poor people; the intensity of rural poverty is also higher: 42percent in rural areas compared to 37per cent in urban areas.

Sixty-five percent of poor people 86 million live in the North, while 35per cent nearly 47 million—live in the South.

CHILD MALNUTRITION The United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF) Humanitarian Situation Report through its 2022 Nigeria Humanitarian Action for Children between January and June, revealed that it admitted 154,697 children 6-59 months old (53 percent girls) with severe acute malnutrition for treatment in Northeast Nigeria (vs. 158,377 mid-year targets) and 109,247 children (53 percent girls) in the Northwest (vs. 112,397 mid-year target).

The report stated that in the Northeast, a 22 percent increase in admissions of severely malnourished children has been observed in nutrition centres across the Northeast compared to the previous year.

The report noted that humanitarian situation monitoring results indicated high levels of acute malnutrition among new arrivals from inaccessible areas, with Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) at 16.9 percent and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) at 6.3 percent, worsened by poor water and sanitation access and poor

health conditions. Overall, 4.1 million people are projected to have crisis level food needs in 2022 according to the most recent Cadre Harmonisé; and 1.3m children to be acutely.

The report further explained that the 22 percent increase in admissions of severely malnourished children under the age of five to nutrition centers in comparison to the previous year has been deduced from a range of factors by partners on the ground: closure of outpatient treatment centers (OTPs) for SAM children without medical complications; the influx of patients from areas inaccessible to humanitarian actors, and those without stabilization centers in hospitals; dwindling food assistance, not least for relocated IDPs; insufficient coverage of preventive services (such as blanket feeding) and this year’s measles outbreak.

The report added that the June Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) acute malnutrition analysis for Northeast Nigeria assessed that 317,000 children are to be Severely Acutely Malnourished (SAM) in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States in 2022.

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE Gender Based Violence (GBV) was a recurring problem in Nigeria 2022. The incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) is growing astronomical with the activities of the insurgency in the North East. From forced and early marriages to the physical, mental or sexual assault on a woman, 1 in 3 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15 (NDHS 2013).

Despite several efforts by women led groups and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs), stakeholders feel that there is still a long way to go to ending gender-based violence in Nigeria. They called for greater cohesion among the various institutions and individuals working in the human rights space to end gender-based violence in Nigeria.

The US Missions in Nigeria noted that as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria sets the tone for the rest of the continent. Nigeria has done so much to advance women’s issues, including the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the implementation of the National Gender Policy.

However, there are still many structural inequalities that impede women’s access to economic resources and opportunities and that hinder women’s full participation in society. According to the World Economic Forum 2021 Global Gender Gap Index, Nigeria ranks 78th out of 156 countries in terms of economic opportunities for women.

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

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

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

A Look at Nigeria’s Healthcare System in 2022 Rebecca Ejifoma, who takes a look at the nation’s healthcare system, writes that it survived the unending challenges that ravaged it and attained universal health coverage for her citizens, as well as wound down on COVID-19 infections. However, incessant strike actions and brain drain on the sector happened in torrents this year, thus weakening an already feeble institution

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igerians – both medical professionals and the end receivers – have had it not-so-good in the healthcare system in the last year. This is courtesy of the many hiccups that overwhelmed, overstretched and endangered its feeble status. They range from the most popular emerging and re-emerging disease outbreaks to the most trending internal issues.

Among them are the COVID-19 Pandemic, Yellow Fever, brain drain, financial incentives and poor salaries, inadequate allocation of funds, shortage of protective equipment for health workers and obsolete infrastructure and incessant strikes. This paved the way for burnout, stress, and the weakening of the already overworked healthcare system.

COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria Everyone, except for children, is conversant with the warnings that if symptoms persist after three days consult your doctor. But this didn’t apply to COVID-19. When it unleashed its terror in 2020, it came prepared.

For two years it proved adamant and got the healthcare sector on her toes. For the first time in a long while, the governments at all levels put an ear to the ground for last-minute magic like the Nigerian football team.

According to research, COVID-19 took the world by storm. It overwhelmed the nation’s healthcare facilities and solely gripped the attention of the health system, thereby forsaking all other chronic ailments and healthcare services like childbirth and antenatal among others. This was to halt any form of transmission.

More so, several hospitals were shut down, the weak facilities were over-stressed and burdened, and the frontline workers experienced a more demanding schedule.

Consequently, the Nigerian government estimated that it would need $330 million to control the COVID 19 pandemic. However, it was said to have raised over $560.52 million.

Brain Drain in Nigeria’s Healthcare System Nigerians have experienced a dearth of skilled workforce over the years because they leave in droves. These skilled personnel include doctors, nurses, medical laboratory practitioners, pharmacists and allied personnel amongst others.

According the President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNW), Michael Nnachi bemoaned that 57,000 nurses migrated from Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. And with the recent trend of mass emigration of her skilled personnel to developed nations and plans underway by others owing to juicy offers abroad, Nnachi describes the situation as a national emergency that needs dire attention.

Even the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) lamented that 34,000 doctors served

Dr. Ehanire about 180 million people in the country in 2015. Sadly this year, the number cascaded to 10,000 doctors for the over 200 million population as noted by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). This is a far cry from the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which stated that every nation should have one doctor to 600 people.

A 2022 UK immigration report shows that 13,609 Nigerian healthcare workers including doctors were granted working visas in the past year. This leaves Nigeria as the second from India leading with 42,966, a pitiful reality that is starving the nation’s health sector.

Yellow Fever in Nigeria Through bites from infected mosquitos, Nigeria recorded 14 deaths from yellow fever between January and July this year.

States affected include Abia, Bayelsa (one), Benue, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara were hit by yellow fever among others where it has

penetrated. This is according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Meanwhile, with sojourners touring various African countries, little wonder the recent estimation by the WHO Africa Region which shows that over 160 million people are at risk of contracting yellow fever in Nigeria. Lately, the yellow fever virus has become a serious epidemic in the country, further stretching healthcare professionals.

Poor Salaries, Zero Incentives When the nation’s healthcare professionals resolved to seek greener pastures in developed nations one of the reasons propelling the dearth of personnel include poor financial incentives, meagre salaries and welfare packages.

Sadly, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, revealed that Nigeria loses $2 billion annually to medical tourism, a figure higher than Nigeria’s

total health expenditure in 2022. He decried that these challenges have contributed to health professionals in Nigeria losing faith in the government’s ability to grow the sector. As a result, professionals not only leave to seek succour abroad, but her citizens – taking a cue from her leaders – continue to patronise medical help in foreign nations.

Incessant Strikes Worsen Nation’s Health Status If doctors aren’t going on indefinite strike today for the backlog of salaries, it will be the health workers that would take to the streets to air their grievances. This singular action has become the bane healthcare system for years. And health practitioners have earnestly called for immediate action to address these issues plaguing the health sector to save what is left.

At the recent maiden edition of the Medical Education Summit (MES) of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Prof. Eniola Erekosima advocated for more funding to boost the medical sectors.

PAC Foundation Cleans Up Mesewo Community, Donates Food Items to 100 Households Mary Nnah Pan-African Capital Foundation (“PAC Foundation”), the corporate social responsibility arm of Pan-African holdings recently organised a cleanup exercise for the Mesewo community, in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

The Clean Up exercise was aimed at enlightening the residents on environmental sanitation and reducing the health hazard that can be contracted through pollutants and accumulated waste in the environment.

According to the Executive

Secretary for the Foundation, Omolola Ojo, ‘‘The mission is to create impact for social good through innovative interventions that are private-sector driven. Our focus areas are health, education, environment, and economic empowerment’’.

“The foundation promotes and creates Eco-conscious communities by engaging youths and everyone in the society to create sustainable Eco-solutions to problems impacted by climate change affecting people’s health in the environment,” Omolola added.

Over 20 members of staff of PAC holdings volunteered to

carry out the clean-up exercise.

They were equally supported by some youths in the Masewo community, which made it a collaborative exercise, to ensure an environmentally friendly atmosphere.

The Managing Director of PAC Securities -a subsidiary of PAC Holdings, Charles Okonkwo who was actively part of the exercise said ‘’It is of paramount importance that we take responsibility and Clean-up the environment often because of the obvious consequences’’.

“We are committed to intensifying awareness on proper waste disposal and separation

from source, eradicating the hazards caused by these wastes,” the Group Human Resource Manager of PAC Holdings, Olusola Agbeyi, said.

Residents were briefed on the impact of the clean-up and were advised to sensitize the entire community on waste management, personal hygiene, and plastic pollution on the environment, especially on gutters that cause blockages.

The Foundation’s Programs Officer, Joshua Dominic, while sensitising members of the community urged the community members to desist from dumping plastics or littering

the environment to prevent flooding or disease breakouts.

In addition to the clean-up exercise, the PAC foundation donated various food items as a relief to hundreds of households in the community in the spirit of Christmas as they came out in large numbers to receive the donations.

Reacting, some members of the Mesewo community expressed gratitude to the group for blessing them with food to eat and cleaning their environment as well.

In his remarks, the Baale of the Mesewo community, Mr. John Kupolokun expressed his satisfaction with the exercise

and commended the group for taking it upon themselves to clean up his community.

He eulogised the organisations, the community representatives, and the residents who participated.

“It is a good thing, and that is why we have lent our support to it. I applaud the efforts of the organization for the positive steps taken in making the Clean-up Day memorable for our community”, he noted.

PAC Foundation seeks to make Lagos cleaner, especially by partnering and working with communities and organizations with similar

31

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

NEWS

FERTILITY

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

Ahbidi Foundation Donates Physiotherapy Male Hypogonadism Part 2 Equipment to Modupe Cole Memorial Tosin Clegg With a passion for reaching out to the vulnerable children who have been neglected, marginalised and institutionalised in our community because of their disabilities, Ahbidi Foundation took the bold step to impact the lives of some of the students of Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Yaba who are challenged with physiotherapy needs.

With conditions ranging from Cerebral Palsy, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Autism and other physiotherapy concerns the foundation donated several

equipments which are pivotal and essential in helping these children have better quality of life.

Speaking at the presentation Ceremony, Abiola Labaru, the Executive Assistant of the founder shared that, ”This course began about three years ago after my CEO, Mr Ope Awolesi visited the foundation and had an encounter with a child here.

“That encounter was like a seed that was sown which is now what you’re seeing here today. In fact, the Foundation is based on the encounter we had with that child about three or four years ago.”

This project is centered on the

foundation’s vision in line with 4%( XIJDI JT UP HJWF DIJMESFO with disabilities a better opportunity to survive in a healthy mind by helping them to recognize their abilities more than they see their disabilities and learn together in high-quality, inclusive environments.

Some of the medical staff and management of Modupe Cole Memorial were at the presentation as well as some of the children with the needs.

The equipments would be deployed in earnest to further boost their will to recovery as they are guided through by the physiotherapists.

L

ast week, we started a topic on Male hypogonadism. We discussed the definition, types andsomecauses.

This week, we will continue with some of the primary and secondary causes of male hypogonadism and few signs and symptoms.

LASHMA Unveils Health Insurance, Endowment Funds for Vulnerable Residents Rebecca Ejifoma The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has unveiled the Eko Social Health Alliance (EkoSHA), a health insurance and endowment fund for vulnerable and disadvantaged residents in the state to access quality healthcare.

At the launch in the Ikeja BSFB PG -BHPT UIF (FOFSBM Manager of LASHMA, Emmanuella Zamba said that despite having a high percentage of people living below the poverty line in the state, the state government “Will ensure equal opportunity is given to those who cannot afford the ILERA Eko premium, in line with section 20 of the LSHS law.

“The law indicates that the agency should ensure the availability of alternative funding sources to the health sector for improved services,” she emphasised.

According to Zamba, the agency established the EkoSHA, which is its resource mobilisation to care for health insurance premiums of the vulnerable and indigents in the state.

This is because the agency is leveraging its Rapid Poverty Assessment Tool in determining the vulnerability of beneficiaries. “EKOSHA was formed to increase vulnerable coverage on the Lagos State Health Scheme to complement government effort and resources as well as collaborate with Lagos State .%"T u TBZT ;BNCB She highlighted that the agency was able to create a funding platform with support from Sterling Foundation to serve as one of the accountability measures where donors can see in real-time how the resources are utilised as well as the vulnerable coverage.

Zambia, however, beckoned for more partnerships. “Let me add that our door is open for more collaborations from

everyone who has the interest of the vulnerable and indigent people at heart.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Prof Akin Abayomi explained that EkoSHA is a public and private partnership, adding that development and multilateral partners and individuals seeking the good of residents of Lagos also make up the partnership.

He continued that N750 million equity funds as insurance coverage for no GFXFS UIBO JOEJHFOU and vulnerable residents of Lagos State were ongoing.

Abayomi, represented CZ UIF %JSFDUPS PG .FEJDBM Administration, Training and Programmes, Funmilayo Shokunbi listed the elderly, orphanage homes, vulnerable QFSTPOT MJWJOH XJUI )*7 "*%4 5VCFSDVMPTJT 4JDLMF Cell Anaemia, and victims of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos to have access to the health plan.

Six-year-old Ezekiel Needs N500,000 to Clear Medical Bill Rebecca Ejifoma The family of six-year-old Ezekiel Akinola has expressed their gratitude to Nigerians for coming to the aid of their son during his heart surgery at the Tristate Hospital in Lagos state.

The family is, however, in desperate need of N500,000 to clear the medical bill for heart repair surgery.

Following his diagnosis in 2020, the family insisted that it became imperative to conduct a preoperative evaluation and CT Pulmonary Angiogram and TOF Repair on his heart, the cost of

Ezekiel Akinola this operation has rendered his family confused and conflicted.

His father, Oluwole Akinola said, “Nigerians came to our aid

when we solicited funds to pay up for the surgery.

“All my life, I have never earned up to a million naira. But Nigerians came to the rescue of my son’s life at a critical time.

We have been able to at N4m thanks to Nigerians.”

Oluwole further pleaded for an additional N500,000 to settle the hospital. He, therefore, called on good-spirited Nigerians to come to his son’s aid with financial contributions.

All donations can be made to Ezekiel’s WEMA Bank account &[FLJFM "LPSFEF Akinola.

r )FNPDISPNBUPTJT This condition is characterized by excess of iron in the bloodstream.

Hemoglobin, which is composed of both the heme (iron) and the globulin (protein) parts, is often the main component of the red blood cell. Too much iron in the blood may eventually cause the pituitary gland or the testicles to stop functioning properly, which may reduce the amount of testosterone that is produced. r *OKVSZ UP UIF UFTUFT The testes are vulnerable to damage since they are now in the scrotum. Any lesion or injury to the testicles may result in hypogonadism by stopping the entire testosterone hormone production. However, there may be a reduction in testosterone production if the damage is limited to one testis. r $BODFS 5SFBUNFOU Testes may malfunction as a result of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are mostly used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy has been linked to decreased sperm and testosterone production, according to research. Even while these therapies are only temporary, nonetheless they have the potential to lead to long-term issues including infertility.

Men who desire to receive chemotherapy have frequently been urged by doctors to try to preserve their sperm before the procedure is carried out.

Common causes of secondary male hypogonadism In secondary male hypogonadism the main issues are not related to the testicles. However, the hypothalamus or the pituitary glands is the main problem. The causes of secondary male hypogonadism include: r ,BMMNBO T 4ZOESPNF This syndrome frequently occurs when a specific region of the brain known as the hypothalamus develops abnormally. The hypothalamus regulates the pituitary gland, which in turn triggers the release of chemicals like follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. In addition the patient may also develop problems with his eyes, which result in red-green color blindness, a person with this disease will also have trouble with his ability to smell normally, which will be impaired and result in anosmia. r %JTPSEFST PG UIF 1JUVJUBSZ (MBOE The release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland to the testes is impaired when there is a problem with the pituitary gland. As a result, testosterone production will be compromised.

Any pituitary tumor or tumor in a brain region near the pituitary gland will result in hormonal imbalances, including low levels of testosterone. Sometimes, chemotherapy or surgery used to treat brain tumors can have

an impact on the pituitary gland and result in hypogonadism. r *OáBNNBUJPO Inflammatory diseases, such as histiocytosis, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis, have a long-lasting impact on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, leading to issues. Once this happens, testosterone and other hormone production will be affected, which will cause hypogonadism and other related hormonal illnesses. r )*7 "*%4 )*7 IBT TFWFSBM JNQBDUT one of which is a significant decrease in testosterone levels. This is because, when left untreated, this condition may affect the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testes, and other organs. r0CFTJUZ Fat deposits in the arteries, including the testicular artery, occur when a person is very overweight or obese. These fat buildups have the potential to become blocked, thereby cutting off the blood supply to the testes and decreasing testosterone production. r "HF Typically, as people get older, less of everything is produced. Men also experience this. The production of testosterone gradually declines as people get older. But different guys experience the deterioration at different rates.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MALE HYPOGONADISM Male hypogonadism manifests differently depending on its stage of development. The bulk of hypogonadism often manifests in the fetus life. However, some of them could begin during puberty or even as an adult.

1. AT FETAL DEVELOPMENT One of the crucial symptoms to watch for is the underdevelopment of the external sex organs once the body starts to struggle to produce testosterone during fetal development. The following traits could be present at birth in a child that is genetically expected to be a boy, though they vary depending on when the hypogonadism began and the level of testosterone produced. Some of these traits include: r 'FNBMF HFOJUBMJB r "NCJHVPVT HFOJUBMT UIJT LJOE PG HFOJUBMJB may not be seen to be as a male or a female type. r 4FWFSFMZ VOEFSEFWFMPQFE NBMF TFY QBSUT 2. AT PUBERTY The majority of men who experience hypogonadism during this phase typically struggle to attain puberty. This implies that the child will have a delayed onset of puberty or that their sexual development would be inadequate or lacking. In other words, he would not get broad shoulders, a deep voice, muscle mass development, particularly in the shoulders, arms, thighs and legs, body and facial hair growth, testicular and penis growth or sperm production. Instead, the infant will begin to develop breast tissue, leading to the condition known as gynecomastia, as well as more arms and legs than trunk TO BE CONTINUED

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022

32

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Comercio Partners: AppropriateTiming Critical to Navigating Investment Challenges in 2023 Oluchi Chibuzor Comercio Partners, an investment banking firm has advised investors to properly time their entry into and exit from financial markets in 2023 in order to assess investment opportunities and navigate risks during the year. Co-Managing Partner and Executive Director in charge of Advisory, Comercio Partners, Steve Osho gave this advice in a note to investors, titled, “Investment Opportunities and Risks in 2023.”

He added that the company have a variety of offerings designed to help investors take advantage of its expertise in the various financial markets.

“Very soon, we will launch our maiden fund, the Comercio Partners Fixed Income Fund, which is designed for the retail investment market to take advantage of our active

portfolio market expertise in the Nigerian fixed income space.

“In addition, our Comercio Partners Naira and Dollar Offerings are products investors can take advantage of to exploit the opportunities in the local and international markets. Our strategy is to continue to innovate and make available products for the market to take advantage of various opportunities.”

Reviewing major developments in 2022, Osho said: “2022 was pretty much a challenging year in all respects”, citing Russia Ukraine war induced high energy prices, exacerbation of supply chain disruptions and interest rate hikes by central banks.

Making projections for 2023, Osho said, “The key factor to watch out for in 2023 will most likely be tightening monetary policies from central bankers.

“Major risks we see in 2023 relates to volatility, especially in

the fixed income market.

“While fixed income yields are expected to be slightly lower relative to the average levels seen in 2022 (driven by stability in central banks’ policy rates and a decline in some cases), the possibility of higher volatility in yields could result from unpredictable escalations in the Russia-Ukraine tension or the failure of the price caps implemented on Russian oil prices..”

With respect to the equities market, Osho stated: “In the equities space, general expectation is in favour of a negative performance by most equity markets as interest rates remain high and the possibility of economic recessions increases.

As such, investors need to cherry pick strong names that are recession proof and take advantage of one-off event driven rides in the equity space.

MARKET INDICATORS

Polaris Bank Assures Nigerians of Seamless Transactions Yuletide Polaris Bank has assured that customers and noncustomers alike can shop seamlessly and carry out all their transactions via its alternate channels: VULTe, USSD *833#, Polaris Mobile, PolarisXperience, ATMs, and PoS terminals during the Yuletide holidays.

The Bank’s Group Head, Strategic Brand Management, Nduneche Ezurike, stated this while speaking on the readiness of the Bank to ensure that customers and non-customers enjoy the benefits of using Polaris Bank’s alternate channels during this festive period.

Nduneche said, “VULTe

digital banking platform makes it easy to bank on the go, enabling customers and non-customers to instantly meet their payment needs and obtain loans anywhere and at any time directly from their mobile device.”

He explained that VULTe allows customers to manage their accounts, send money, obtain loans, pay bills, buy airtime, pay merchants, and do other transactions. “It is secure, reliable, convenient, and available to everyone; we offer our customers more options for sending or receiving money to and from loved ones. They can transfer money to other bank accounts, too,” he added.

Speaking on the Banks existing partnerships, Nduneche noted that existing Customers can also enjoy multiple discounts of up to 10% and more on purchases made using Polaris Bank cards in LSP PaintBall, Oriki Lagos, Zaron, Leisure Sports Park; HealthPlus; Mano; Pricepally. com and Dancerapy.

He also noted that the Bank’s extensive distribution network of SurePadi Agency Bank Operators, spread across the country, are available to Nigerians in far-flung communities where access to banking services is limited due to the lack of physical presence of bank branches.

Winners Emerge in Huawei ICT Competition Winners have emerged in the Huawei Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Competition among students from over 50 students across Nigeria. Ogum Confidence Tukwasichukwuobu, from the University of Port Harcourt emerged the grand prize winner for the Network Track while 34 other students received individual awards of excellence in the field of Information and Communication Technology.

Out of the 35, 10 students from University of Port Harcourt, ABU Zaria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and University of Jos excelled among their pairs and qualified for the Huawei Regional Final Award following a brilliant

performance in the Cloud and Network examination.

The event which attracted dignitaries including The Honorable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) amongst others.

Speaking at the event, The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Isa Pantami noted that the Ministry is delighted to collaborate with Huawei in the quest to fulfilling its MOU target in respect to upskilling Nigerians.

Pantami expressed appreciation to Huawei for their tremendous intervention, concern and care towards training the youths across the country on ICT. He tasked Huawei to continue to work harder in

the quest to ensuring that the implementation of the Digital Policy for Nigeria was achieved.

In his remarks, The Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Zhuang thanked the Minister for his contribution towards the growth of ICT as well as leadership trait exhibited in managing the Digital Economy Sector of Nigeria.

“Thanks to the leadership and initiative of the Honorable Minister, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Patanmi), Nigerian students now have the opportunity to learn more and do more in both their academic career and ICT industry relevant knowledge”, Zhuang said.

House Committee Backs Coalition on Increase of Sugar Tax to N20/Litre James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Chairman, House Committee on Health Care Services, Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has backed the advocacy by the National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition (NASR) to raise the existing tax on sugar beverages to N20 per litre from N10 per litre.

The 2021 Finance Act had approved a N10 per litre excise tax on sweetened,

carbonated and non-alcoholic beverages.

However, the coalition has argued that the tax needed to be raised to adequately address the health challenges occasioned by sugar consumption and to enable investment in health infrastructure in the country.

The group said such increase in sugar tax

would make a noticeable health impact on type 2 diabetes and heart disease which are caused by drinking sugary beverages.

Speaking when the coalition paid the committee an advocacy visit recent at the National Assembly, Sununu, alongside the committee’s deputy chairman, Hon. Dr. Samuel Adejare, expressed their support for a raise in carbonated drinks’ tax. .

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ͰͲ ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

33

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, Ͱͷ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Market Cap Extends Christmas Rally, Up by N124.5bn KayodeTokede Opening for trading after the Christmas holiday yesterday, the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NSGX) extended its nine-day winning streak as the capitalisation gained N124.5 billion.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) rose by 228.51 basis points or 0.46 per cent to close at 49,934.60 basis points from 49,706.09 basis points, while the

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

as 27 stocks gained, relative to six decliners. Champion Breweries and Cornerstone Insurance recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N5.17 and 55 kobo, while Geregu Power followed with a gain 9.96 per cent to close at N127.00, per share.

Wema Bank went up by 9.94 per cent to close at N3.54, while Thomas Wyatt Nigeria appreciated by 9.88 per cent to close at 89 kobo, per share. On the other hand,

overall market capitalisation value gained N124.5 billion to close at N27.198 trillion from N27.074 trillion it opened for trading.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Nestle Nigeria, Geregu Power, Presco, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and Dangote Sugar Refinery.

Market sentiment, as measured by market breadth was positive

DEALS

F O R

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

R.T. Briscoe Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 7.41 per cent to close at 25 kobo, per share. McNichols followed with a decline of 3.70 per cent to close at 52 kobo, while FTN Cocoa processors depreciated by 3.45 per cent to close at 28 kobo, per share.

Wapic Insurance declined by 2.44 per cent to close at 40 kobo, while Sterling Bank depreciated by 1.42 per cent to close at N1.39, per share.

The total volume of trades

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

increased by 255.30 per cent to 498.728 million units, valued at N3.885 billion, and exchanged in 3,989 deals. Transactions in the shares of Veritas Kapital Assurance topped the activity chart with 348.545 million shares valued at N69.709 million. Access Holdings followed with 28.933 million shares worth N248.248 million, while GTCO traded 25.745 million shares valued at N587.592 million.

Geregu Power traded 8.684

A S O F

million shares valued at N1.025 billion, while AIICO Insurance transacted 8.289 million shares worth N4.618 million.

This week, United Capital Plc anticipated market activity to slow significantly due to the holiday break.

“However, we expect bullish sentiments to continue. Also, portfolio rebalancing is another critical activity to continue to look out for from investors as the year rounds up,” United Capital said.

2 8 / 1 2 / 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, December 29, 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ /ŶĚĞdž ƵƉ ϱϬďƉƐ

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϱϬďƉƐ ƚŽ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Ϯ͕Ϯϲϳ͘ϵϳ ŝŶĚĞdž ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ 'd K ;нϯ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;нϭ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E ^d> ;нϮ͘ϬйͿ͘

ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

>ŽĐĂů ŽƵƌƐĞ ZĞƐƵŵĞƐ ŽŶ Ă WŽƐŝƟǀĞ EŽƚĞ͙ ^/

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϱй

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC

dŚĞ ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƌĞƐƵŵĞĚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ŽŶ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŶŽƚĞ

7 Lafarge Africa PLC 8 FBN Holdings Plc

ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ďƵLJ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ' Z 'h ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕

9 Nestle Nigeria PLC 10 SEPLAT Energy PLC

'd K ;нϯ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E ^d> ;нϮ͘ϬйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞͲ

11 Access Holdings PLC 12 United Bank for Africa PLC

ƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ E'yͲ ^/ ƌŽƐĞ ϰϲďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϰϵ͕ϵϯϰ͘ϲϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ĞdžƉĂŶĚĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϲ͘ϵй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ

ʬϭϮϰ͘ϱďŶ ƚŽ ʬϮϳ͘ϮƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ Ϯϱϱ͘ϰй ƚŽ ϰϵϴ͘ϳŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϯ͘ϰй ƚŽ ʬϯ͘ϵďŶ͘

0.50%

1,488.00

0.0%

41.9%

ROE

ROA

P/E

22.3%

126.8%

25.0%

4.6%

55.8%

-14.1%

18.3%

6.4%

P/BV

4.6x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.8x

6.0%

13.3%

1.5%

214.00

0.0%

8.0%

8.6%

-7.0%

162.9%

15.4%

12.5x

18.0x

6.6%

8.0%

97.75

0.0%

8.7%

45.8%

36.0%

23.3%

12.1%

36.7x

8.3x

3.0%

2.7%

23.30

3.8%

5.1%

-10.4%

13.7%

20.5%

3.1%

3.8x

0.8x

13.3%

26.5%

24.90

1.4%

5.2%

-1.0%

14.7%

20.7%

2.6%

3.0x

0.6x

12.8%

33.0%

261.00

0.0%

3.9%

1.6%

-5.1%

34.5%

12.8%

15.0x

5.4x

7.6%

6.7%

23.45

0.0%

2.8%

-2.1%

-11.2%

14.0%

10.3%

6.8x

0.9x

8.5%

14.7% 47.2%

11.80

0.0%

2.9%

3.5%

1.7%

24.6%

2.2%

2.1x

0.5x

3.0%

1,000.00

2.0%

2.0%

-35.8%

-28.6%

122.7%

13.7%

17.0x

19.2x

5.0%

5.9%

1,050.00

0.0%

2.2%

61.5%

-19.2%

8.6%

4.4%

8.8x

0.7x

4.1%

11.3%

8.70

0.6%

2.2%

-6.5%

-6.5%

19.2%

1.5%

1.7x

0.3x

2.3%

57.5%

7.65

2.0%

1.8%

-5.0%

2.7%

16.5%

1.4%

2.1x

0.3x

13.1%

48.6%

37.60

0.0%

1.3%

-6.0%

-20.1%

10.9%

3.8%

19.6x

2.1x

3.3%

5.1%

165.00

0.0%

1.2%

16.2%

-23.9%

52.7%

30.7%

7.7x

4.2x

1.2%

13.0%

15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

11.30

2.7%

1.5%

29.9%

6.6%

19.9%

1.1%

2.2x

0.5x

5.9%

46.0%

33.45

0.0%

1.3%

-7.1%

-0.3%

19.6%

2.5%

5.5x

1.2x

10.5%

18.2%

17 International Brew eries PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

4.70

6.8%

0.9%

-5.1%

-25.4%

-5.0%

-1.7%

27.60

0.0%

0.8%

-2.6%

-15.1%

13.2%

3.2%

7.6%

21.0%

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Guinness Nigeria PLC

4.65

0.0%

1.0%

82.4%

36.0%

15.5%

34.5%

69.30

0.0%

0.6%

77.7%

-23.4%

16.7%

125.00

3.7%

0.4%

42.4%

-24.2%

52.3%

3.52

0.6%

0.5%

17.7%

1.7%

11.9%

1.1%

2.4x

0.3x

5.7%

42.5%

1.96

0.0%

0.4%

-15.5%

-2.0%

3.6%

1.0%

9.2x

0.6x

3.1%

10.9%

13.85

1.1%

0.5%

39.9%

8.6%

46.0%

2.6%

6.4x

2.8x

10.9%

15.7%

16.00

3.2%

0.4%

-8.0%

-1.8%

23.8%

7.9%

6.2x

1.4x

6.3%

16.1%

1.14

0.0%

0.3%

18.8%

-7.3%

17.6%

4.1%

2.9x

0.4x

1.8%

34.0%

21 Presco PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 24 United Capital PLC 25 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 26 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

DŝdžĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 31 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

ůů ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƌĞƚƵƌŶĞĚ ƉŽƐŝͲ

32 Custodian and Allied Insurance 33 Wema Bank PLC

ƟǀĞ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d͕ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ͕ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů

34 Unilever Nigeria PLC 35 Jaiz Bank PLC

ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϰй

2267.97

13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

27 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 28 Cadbury Nigeria PLC 29 UAC of Nigeria PLC

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

Current Price

Ticker

36 Oando PLC 37 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

0.9x

-5.4%

4.8x

0.6x

1.3%

2.9x

0.4x

2.2%

7.1%

10.6x

7.1x

10.5%

9.5%

18.6%

5.8x

3.2x

1.6%

17.1%

11.35

-0.4%

0.3%

86.1%

18.2%

29.2%

9.7%

4.1x

1.1x

8.9%

24.5%

11.20

0.0%

0.2%

27.3%

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11.6%

3.5%

12.0x

1.4x

4.4%

8.3%

10.20

0.0%

0.2%

7.4%

-8.1%

1.2%

0.6%

51.5x

0.7x

6.4%

1.9%

193.00

0.0%

0.2%

-13.0%

-17.7%

37.1%

6.2%

4.1x

1.4x

2.1%

24.4%

23.30

0.0%

0.1%

4.3%

-12.1%

18.6%

2.1%

5.1x

0.7x

10.7%

19.6%

5.95

0.0%

0.1%

-24.7%

-15.0%

18.2%

5.2%

3.6x

0.6x

8.4%

27.9%

4.5x

0.6x

6.8%

22.1%

1.1x

4.2%

-1.1%

7.0x

1.3x

4.5%

14.4%

9.2x

0.7x

2.3x

0.3x

3.54

9.9%

0.2%

391.7%

11.0%

15.6%

0.9%

11.80

0.0%

0.1%

-18.6%

-20.3%

3.1%

1.8%

0.89

1.1%

0.1%

58.9%

-2.2%

19.8%

1.5%

3.90

0.0%

0.1%

-11.8%

-31.2%

6.40

0.0%

0.1%

8.5%

4.1%

1.39

-1.4%

0.1%

-7.9%

-8.6%

62.50

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

6.25

0.0%

0.0%

16.2%

0.0%

-21.5% 4.1%

-17.7%

-230.5%

0.4%

-4.1%

10.8% 7.2%

1.8x

43.4% -1.0%

1.0x

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ĂƉŝĞĐĞ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ 'd K T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

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P ric e 0.25 0.52

P ric e C hg % -7.4% -3.7%

F T N C OC OA

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ST ER LN B A N K PZ

1.39 11.35

-1.4% -0.4%

ĂƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƉŽƌƞŽůŝŽ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƌĞĂůŝŐŶ ĂŚĞĂĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ LJĞĂƌ͘ Afrinvest West Africa Limited

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

GT C O

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535.1

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408.8

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A C C ESSC OR P

248.2

D A N GC EM

159.8

0.0%

M TNN

151.9

0.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

123.7

1.4%

B UA C EM EN T

117.6

0.0%

VER IT A SKA P

69.7

0.0%

UC A P

58.2

1.1%

Investment Research

Brokerage

Asset Management

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

35

36

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

MISS UNIVERSE'S MENTORSHIP INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS...

Miss Universe Nigeria 2022 Iribhogbe Hannah Onosetale, during her mentorship interaction with the Students of Aduvie international school in Abuja at the weekend

2023: Join Us to End Your Sufferings, Okowa Tells Nigerians Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to join hands with the party to rescue and rebuild the country from the sufferings created by the inept All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

Okowa who made the call yesterday at the party’s campaign at Ughelli North and Isoko South Local Government Areas of the state, said that only the PDP had the right experience to rebuild the nation's economy and stop the pervasive insecurity across the country.

He said that the party’s Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar had the requisite experience and political will to turn things around

for the country as he did as VicePresident to President Olusegun Obasanjo when the PDP was first elected in 1999.

Okowa who led the campaign to the local government of the governorship candidate of the APC in the state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege said that some members of the opposition in the state were not pleased with the empowerment of youths and women in the state with relevant skills.

He urged the people to reject arrogant politicians who brought shame and disgrace to the state and vote for the party candidates who he described as level-headed and man of the people.

According to him, “the youths and women of Delta are our great strength, and once I see them

I know the matter is finished.

"I thank all of you who are here present and my greatest thanks go to the youths and women of Delta state.

"I am happy with the crowd of people I see here today in Ughelli North. We have been seeing such crowds before but this one is exceptional.

"I thank my Deputy Governor for his support. Like my Deputy has said, we will follow Sheriff to the church to do thanksgiving of victory come 2023.

"We do not want a governorship candidate who will bring disgrace to Delta and Deltans and we do not want people who are angry that we are spending monies to empower our youths.

"We do not want a governor that will be too proud to relate

with the people and you know that our candidate Sheriff Oborevwori is a humble man who has immense respect for the people.

"When Oborevwori becomes Governor he will unite Deltans because we don't want a governor that will look down on other people," he said.

Okowa accused the APC of causing disunity among Nigerians, insecurity, hunger, poverty and economic hardship in the country.

He called on the people to support the PDP to change the ugly situation caused by the maladministration of the APC. "The PDP will work with the people to settle all the problems caused by the APC and change the change to return Nigerians to greater glory.

2023: Leadership Crisis Hits Labour Party in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi chapter of the Labour Party is currently enmeshed in a leadership crisis as the head of media for the ObiDatti Movement and the party’s publicity secretary of the party, Mr Benjamin Edeh kicked against his removal.

He reportedly removed by the party chairman in Bauchi, Barrister Husseini Saraki, alleging that he has a hidden agenda.

THISDAY checks revealed that the leadership crisis might impact negatively on the planned rally in Bauchi for the party's presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Edeh said he remains the authentic spokesman for the party, declaring that the Saraki has no constitutional power to remove him from office.

"I have been relieved of my position as state publicity secretary.

He does not have the power to remove me at all," said Edeh. "I don’t really know what is going on and I want the chairman to come and tell the whole world and the Obidatti Movement what is his hidden agenda and why he removed me."

The embattled Labour Party spokesman in Bauchi added that the crisis "is coming few days to the coming of Mr Peter Obi and the general election."

Everybody in Bauchi knows that

I am among the few that have been labouring for this Movement in Bauchi and the chairman is now coming to distance me away from the Movement is what I don’t know" He called on Obi to address the matter immediately before his rally in the state.

"There is something fishy on the ground. We toiled and brought the party to where it is today. There was no labour party in Bauchi until I came on board and together, we successfully organised the onemillion-man match," stated Edeh.

"Nobody gave me a dime. Now Saraki wants to tactically remove me from the system because as the mouth- piece of the Obi Movement in Bauchi, if Saraki succeeds in removing me from that position, then nobody will be bold enough to speak out."

Reacting to the allegations, Saraki claimed Edeh was at no time the party’s spokesman.

"He claims to be working in Nollywood and came with gadgets and I saw his capacity hence I decided to link him with our zonal chairman Pastor Joshua Sunday.

He was not given a letter of appointment but was engaged on a provisional basis as zonal publicity secretary," stated Saraki. "There were lots of complaints against his appointment but I ignored them and insisted that we need people with his kind of capacity."

Saraki further claimed that Edeh disrespected the zonal vice-chairman of the Labour Party in the state by refusing to take directives from the leadership.

"The zonal vice-chairman called Edeh who refused to pick the calls and later reasoned that he was

avoiding the zonal vice-chairman who gave him my directive to respond to the issue of Obi and Atiku posters as emergency," explained the Bauchi chair. "He refused to act on it, I then directed the state publicity Secretary to do it."

"We need to bring PDP back to the center and change the change that has brought untold hardship on the people and because of our performance in Delta state, PDP gave us the ticket of the Vice President. Therefore, we need all your support for victory come 2023," he added.

He called on Deltans to mobilise fully for the Presidential Campaign holding in Asaba on January 24.

Governorship candidate of the party, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori said that Deltans were already preparing ahead for the victory thanksgiving on May 29, 2023.

He assured that by the grace of God he will win the election and bring his MORE Agenda to bear on the economic fortunes of the state.

State Chairman of the party, Chief Kingsley Esiso said Ughelli North people had shown commitment to join the mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.

He said that the people by their actions have shown that there was no other political party in Ughelli North, adding that Deltans and Ughelli North in particular were tired of the APC led Federal Government.

"I want to thank the leaders and followers of PDP in Ughelli

North. What we are seeing here today is a pointer that there is no other party in Ughelli North.

"It shows that the people of Delta and Ughelli North are tired of the APC-led Federal Government. They have taken a bag of rice that was sold for N8,000 naira during the PDP reign to N52,000 as at today," he said.

Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Kingsley Otuaro; Director-General of the State Campaign Council, Chief Funkekeme Solomon; Former Governorship aspirant, Chief Fred Majemite, former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Stella Omu and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Festus Ovie-Agas who spoke at both rallies assured of the massive support of the people for all candidates of the party.

At Ughelli, a former Governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, Chief Osiobe Okotie and over 500 members of the party, defected to the PDP. Osiobe Okotie who addressed the mammoth crowd, said he has returned to the PDP to join others to build the party in Delta, saying; "like the prodigal son, I have returned to my original home, the PDP. I started politics in PDP so am back to my original home.

Igue Festival: Obaseki, Shaibu Visit Oba of Benin as Monarch Hails Governor's Support for Royal Museum Assures better collaboration with govt to ensure peace, security The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and other top government functionaries, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll, to commemorate the 2022 Igue Festival.

Receiving the visitors, the Oba of Benin commended Governor Obaseki for working with the traditional institution to ensure security and peace in the state and for supporting the development of the Benin Royal Museum.

The monarch said, “I want to thank the governor, his deputy, SSG, Commissioners, and other

top government functionaries, as well as aspirants in the 2023 election for the visit.

“Present here today and uniquely together are the Esogban, Iyase and Osuma of Benin Kingdom. They are the most senior chiefs in my palace and also members of the royal family.

This is to support the governor.”

He continued: “I thank you for recognizing that the traditional institution has played a major role in ensuring peace and unity in the Edo State. Also, I use this opportunity to thank you for the support given to the Benin Royal Museum. I also thank you for the support for the cultural institution.

“There is no society in the world that is perfect and I have told the chiefs to be praying for

the governor just as we pray for ourselves and welcome the political aspirants in the 2023 general election. I pray we all do our jobs very well.”

The Oba of Benin further charged, “We appeal to you, Your Excellency to keep up with the good work you are doing in maintaining the peace and unity in the state, and as traditional institution, we will do our best supporting in ensuring peace in the state; you will see and not see some of our efforts. We will use all our resources to ensure peace reigns in the Kingdom and ensure the people are happy because happiness is key.

“We will keep supporting the state government in ensuring peace.”

On his part, Governor Obaseki hailed the monarch for supporting the government's efforts at ensuring peace and security in the state, noting, "The last few years have been difficult but despite the challenges and difficulties, the Kingdom is doing well. There is peace in the land. With your support and the support of the traditional institution, we have been able to secure peace in Edo State.

“Security report as of today shows that we are doing well as we have not recorded any major crime in the state as we celebrate Igue.

The success recorded in securing our people is due to the advantages we have in the development of our traditional institution in the last centuries, falling back to the traditional security arrangement,

37

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

2022 LAGOS SUSTAINABILITY CHRISTMAS...

L-R: Deputy Director, Office of SDGs and Investment, Mr. Sanusi Abdullateef; CEO, Tamar Home, Ms. Olajumoke Rhema; Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, Mr. Lekan Fatodu; Deputy Consul General, Netherlands Embassy, Lagos, Ms. Leonie Van Der Stijl; CEO, Post Assurance Brokers Ltd, Mr. Lekan Ajisafe; Nollywood Actress, Ms. Jumoke Odetola, at the 2022 Lagos PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT Sustainability Christmas held in Ikeja, Lagos recently

Slain Lawyer: IG Recommends Suspension of Killer Cop Again, assures justice must prevail House condemns Omobolanle Raheem’s killing Seeks ban of alcohol, hard drugs consumption by officers Ex-NBA chairman seeks stringent legislation to curb incessant killings by police Kingsley Nwezeh, Udora Orizu and Gbenga Sodeinde The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, yesterday, recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, that was responsible for the shooting and killing of Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, while waiting for the detailed report on the incident.

A statement issued by Force Headquarters said the IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer was in line with the internal disciplinary

processes of the force.

He said the suspension was also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference.

"The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer", he said.

The IG also reaffirmed, "the commitment of the force to the rule of law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter."

He, therefore, appealed to the public to remain calm as all hands were on deck to ensure

N'ASSEMBLY PASSES 2023 BUDGET, RAISES PROPOSED SPENDING BY N1.32TRN TO N21.82TRN the restructuring of N23.7 trillion Ways and Means advances given to the federal government by the CBN. The president had in his letter explained that Ways and Means were advances from the central bank to the federal government for emergency funding of delayed receipt of fiscal deficit.

But trouble started when Senator Betty Apiafi from Rivers State raised a point of order to stop the presentation of the report by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola.

Apiafi argued that the Nigeria's constitution did not recognise the use of 'Ways and Means' to request National Assembly approval for extra-budgetary spending. She insisted that Buhari should instead forward a Supplementary Budget request for the consideration of the legislature.

The senator said constitutionally, Ways and Means expenditure was not known to Nigeria’s constitution. She was, however, ruled out of order by Lawan for allowing the report to be presented before kicking against it.

The anger of the senators against the report was expressed in negative background noise against its presentation by Adeola.

Adeola presented his report, despite the uproar. Attempts to

make the lawmakers maintain decorum were ignored.

He recommended that the senate should invite the executive arm of government to provide further information on the request by Friday.

Hardly had Adeola concluded his presentation than the red chamber became chaotic with senators engaged in hot arguments among themselves.

Lawan hurriedly called for a closed door session when the tension inside the chamber became unbearable Determined to kill the report at all cost, Senator Thompson Sekibo, also from Rivers State, rose through constitutional orders by citing Sections 80, 83, Section1,13(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 38 of the CBN Act to kick against the request.

Sekibo said, "Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, states that all revenues or other monies raised or received by the federation, not being revenue and other monies payable under this constitution or any act of the National Assembly into any other public fund of the federation established for a particular purpose, shall be paid into and for and form one consolidated revenue fund of the federation Continues online

justice prevailed while measures were in place to prevent future occurrences.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives at plenary yesterday condemned what it described as the senseless killing of a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Omobolanle Raheem, who was shot in Lagos by policemen on Christmas Day. The lawmakers while demanding thorough investigation into the killing, said police officers should be banned from consuming alcohol and other hard substances capable of inhibiting their sense of reasoning.

The resolutions of the lawmakers were sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by, Hon. Babajide Obanikoro (APC, Lagos)

Moving the motion, Obanikoro lamented that on the fateful day, without any altercation one of the officers shot Mrs. Raheem who was seven months pregnant with twins, on the spot.

He expressed concerns that same incident happened on December 7th, by officers from same police station, who gunned down a young man, an incident that sparked unrest then.

He expressed concern that such incidents occur often across Nigeria, and the officers involved usually get away with killing innocent citizens they swore to protect.

Adopting the motion, the lawmakers while agreeing that the Nigerian Police Act on the general conduct of the police officers should be reviewed, observed a minute silence for the late Raheem.

Meanwhile, former NBA Chairman in Ekiti State and Human Rights Lawyer, Samuel Olakanmi Falade has called on the National Assembly to promulgate law that would put a stop to what he described as gross indiscipline in the Nigerian police.

Irked by the development in Ajah, Lagos, Falade who condemned what he described as a brutality act in a telephone chat with THISDAY, yesterday, said, "we must rise up to fight this because the innocent victim was a respected learned colleague who was brutally killed with pregnancy.

"An injury done to one is an injury to all; I feel pained to the marrow that a colleague of ours was wasted by a drunk Police Officer in such a circumstance.

"Though, I quite appreciate what the National and Ikeja branches are doing, but we must do more, a peaceful protest to the office of the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State will not be out of place.

"When a colleague of ours was molested the other time, we took steps, but foot dragged, we need to send a message to put a stop to this nonsense. What if the person was from this branch?

"All hands must be on the deck to stop this, which is becoming unbecoming, I call on the National Assembly to pass law to curb this insanity.

"A law should be passed at both the national and state Assemblies against blood thirsty and undisciplined officers and men," Falade added.

US Commits $5m in Additional Assistance for Flood Response Efforts Ugo Aliogo

The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $5 million as additional humanitarian assistance to support people affected by unprecedented flooding in Nigeria.

A statement by the US Consulate said the announcement builds on USAID’s initial support of $1 million in life-saving aid provided following the devastating floods.

The statement also noted that the unusually heavy rainfall and resulting flooding in mid-August affected more than 4.4 million people across the country.

It stated that the floods displaced at least 2.4 million people, destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, and damaged more than 1.6 million acres of farmland. More than 660 people lost their lives.

“With this new funding, USAID partners will reach more than 225,000 people in seven highly affected states with critical aid, including emergency shelter, water and sanitation to protect against water borne diseases, hygiene kits to promote safe and healthy practices, multipurpose

cash for families to purchase what they need to recover, and other complementary assistance to promote economic recovery in communities impacted by the devastating floods,” it added.

Commenting on the interven-

tion, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, said: “The United States will continue standing with the people of Nigeria during this extremely difficult time and maintains a long history of providing humanitarian assistance

across the country.”

The statement added that in fiscal year 2022 alone, the United States provided more than $406 million in lifesaving, multi-sector assistance to people most affected by conflict and food insecurity.

May & Baker, Biovaccines Set to OpenVaccine Production Facility Ugo Aliogo and Oluchi Chibuzor Barring unforeseen circumstances, May & Baker Nigeria has announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for its vaccine production factory would take place in the second quarter of 2023.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, May & Baker, Mr. Patrick Ajah, disclosed this yesterday, during a media parley with journalists in Lagos.

According to him, Nigeria cannot continue to depend on western countries for its vaccine, “as the coronavirus pandemic has taught us that."

He said, “Let me also use this opportunity to announce a milestone achievement in our joint venture with the federal government of Ni-

geria Biovarcines. On 14th September 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the first part of the MoU of Biovarcines with the Federal Ministry of Health for supply of routine immunisation vaccines.

“This is the first/major step towards vaccine production in Nigeria, as this allows Biovaccines to commence the engagement with the chosen technology transfer partners and subsequently initiate the design and construction of the greenfield project.

“We are optimistic that the groundbreaking ceremony for the vaccine production facility will happen before Q2 of 2023.”

He added: “As we speak, we have already gotten the first order and that gives us some confidence that it is going to happen.

“We are saying we cannot go on importing; we know what happens with the issues we have as countries will take care of themselves first before they think of you.

“That is why we have signed the contract with companies that are going to support us. Where we are now, there should be no hindrance because May &Baker is paying to the companies that are producing the vaccines.

“We just needed an agreement with government that they are going to buy it once we produce it and we are hopeful that is going to happen this time around."

However, commenting on the company’s profit after tax (PBT), he said it was severely impacted by the significant increase in cost of goods and other operating costs.

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

38

NEWS

GIVING THANKS TO GOD…

L-R: Deputy Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State, Rev. (Mrs.) Gloria Akara; Governorship Candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike; his wife and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Dr. Uzoma Emenike, their children and others after the annual thanksgiving of the Emenike family at St. John Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State...recently

Police Arrest 780 Suspects, Rescue 206 Victims in Kaduna Police in Kaduna State arrested about 780 crime suspects and recovered 1,446 rustled livestock in 2022. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Yekini Ayoku told a news conference in Kaduna yesterday that the police also secured the conviction 116 of the suspects during the year.

He said the police rescued 206 kidnap victims, recovered 49 rifles and other guns; neutralised 21 bandits and confiscated 15 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian

hemp during the period.

He added that the police also recovered 1,359 rounds of live ammunition and 17 bandits’ operational motorcycles in 2022.

Ayoku noted that measures put in place led to remarkable achievements recorded in the fight against armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, among others.

He said the police were keeping tab and monitoring developments on the political scene preparatory

‘Nigeria Has only 250 Kidney Specialists’ A Consultant Nephrologist at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Abuja, Dr. Ade Faponle, has disclosed that Nigeria has only 250 specialists in the area of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Faponle said this yesterday in Ilorin during a paper presentation at the 2022 Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin (ARD-UITH) branch.

The expert spoke on: “Kidney Protection: Evolving and Emerging Threats – Call to Action”.

He lamented the dearth of CKD specialists in the country, adding that they are not enough to man the growing number

of people with the disease in Nigeria.

He rated CKD as the fifth common causes of death worldwide, leading to a global health crisis.

“About 1/8th of the world population has a kidney disorder. One in every five men and one in every four women have CKD,” he said.

Faponle described CKD as a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years, adding that eventually, a person may develop kidney failure.

He underscored the importance of the kidney as they carry out essential functions of removing toxins and bad products from the body.

Vote PDP for Progress, Tambuwal

Pleads with Sokoto Electorate Onuminya Innocent In Sokoto

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged the people of the state to vote massively for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Tambuwal stated this yesterday during the flag-off PDP campaign for 2023 elections at Dange/Shuni Local Government Area of the state.

“We thank the people of Sokoto State for ensuring our victory in 2019 which make us to remain in the government house,” he stated.

“We thank God that the people of the state are witnessing the massive good work of our administration in the state in terms of infrastructure, agriculture, education, youth among others he added.

“I also want to assure you that Mallam Sa’idu Umar, will

continue to build upon our achievements when he resume office in 2023 by the special grace of God. “Let me also commend the people of Sokoto State, for their resolve to support the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the next President of the country.

“I want to assure you that the government of Atiku Abubakar will deal with poverty, insecurity as well as eradicating corruption.

“I want to encourage you to give your vote for Atiku Abubakar as the next President as well as all the PDP candidates across the state, with that we can assure you the we will all work in synergy in the development of the country” he added.

In his remarks, the governorship candidate of the party, Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, assured the people that his administration would continue on the good legacies of Tambuwal’s administration.

to the 2023 general elections.

“I have had two meetings with stakeholders in the political process to ensure seamless, peaceful and hitch-free electioneering in the state.

“I made it clear to the political stakeholders that they must play politics by the rules and abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and with INEC guidelines.

“Politicians must avoid actions

and conducts that are contrary to extant laws guiding the electoral process as nobody will be spared in our determination to enforce the law,’’ the 40th police commissioner in Kaduna State said.

Ayoku acknowledged the robust support the police had been enjoying from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the DSS, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Boko Haram’s Explosive Devices Kill One, Injure Another in Niger Laleye Dipo inMinna

The dreaded Bokoharam terrorists group is reported to be planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in some communities in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Investigations by THISDAY revealed that so far one person has been killed and another

seriously injured and admitted at the Zumba Health Facility for treatment following injuries sustained when one of the devices exploded.

It was learnt that Afabiyi and Marufa communities in the local government area are where the IEDs are believed to have been planted in large numbers.

The idea behind the planting

of the IEDs THISDAY learnt was to serve as protection for the Boko Haram elements and as a warning signal for them when security operatives or men of the local vigilance groups approach their camps.

According to the findings, experts from the police ordinance department and those of the Nigerian Army have secretly been

dispatched to the two communities to detonate the planted bombs and arrest those behind act.

A relation of one of those injured, Mr Zaharadeen Kudodo, who spoke to THISDAY, said normal business activities in the communities have been hampered by the fear of the bombs and activities of the Boko Haram elements.

Soludo: Anambra’s Safe, Security Agents Worked Hard to Dislodge Criminals David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has said that the state is now about the safest state in Nigeria, and that security operatives have worked hard to dislodge criminal elements in the state.

Soludo stated this during a statewide broadcast in his

country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area. He commended the efforts of security operatives in the state, saying that their commitment has helped ensure security in the state.

He called for more checkpoints in the state, saying that through the efforts of security agents, his government has been able

to take out criminals hiding in various camps in the state.

Soludo said: “Nine month ago when I came into office, I announced that security, law and order are my first key agenda.

The difference as at now is like the difference between day and night.

“Before now eight LGAs were taken over by bandits, and today

those LGAs have been liberated and all the bandits taken out of their camps, and several of them have fled the state, while those who remained have been degraded.

“We are trying to keep our state safe, but you will never have a crime free state, but no state in Nigeria is safer than Anambra today.”

Four Kidnapped Kogi Poly Students Freed in Ondo Fidelis David in Akure

Four female students of Kogi State Polytechnic kidnapped along the Akunnu-Ajowa Road, in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo state have regained their freedom.

The released students are: Obadero Florence; Aregbesola

Oreoluwa; Ahmed Ifeoluwa; Olarotimi Omotoyosi, and the driver Mr. Monday Momodu.

THISDAY reported that the students were returning home for the yuletide before they were attacked at Ago jinadu axis, an area noted for criminal activities, especially kidnapping. THISDAY also reported that their abductors

demanded N3 million for each student and N4 million for the driver respectively.

However, a former Majority Leader in Akoko Northwest Local Government Hon Soji Ogedengbe, who is from the area broke the news yesterday morning, confirming that all the victims were released on

Tuesday night.

The students, who are indigenes of Ajowa Akoko with their commercial drivers celebrated Christmas in the kidnappers’ den.

THISDAY also gathered that an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom for the release of the victims.

FCTA Crushes 1,292 Motorcycles, Removes 3,197 Illegal Structures Decries proliferation of IDPs camps Olawale Ajimotokan inAbuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Task Team on City Sanitation has removed about 3,197 shanties and illegal structures as well as crushed 1,292 commercial motorcycles in the last 14 days.

The FCTA has also condemned

the mushrooming of shanties and illegal settlements in the territory under guise of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Shehu Ahmad, said this at a news conference yesterday in Abuja.

Ahmad said the removal was

to ensure safety and security of FCT residents as well as maintain cleanliness and ensure that residents lived without any threat. ”In particular, a total of 123 illegal structures was removed at Katampe Extension and Guzape Districts and total of 3,074 shanties were removed and cleared at Durumi I, II, III, Monkey Viilage, Dagba,

the Illegal IDP Camp at Durumi District and under some bridges in the Federal Capital City (FCC). ”Also, a total of 1,292 commercial motorcycles were arrested, impounded and crushed in the public glare in various districts where their operations were banned in line with the Courts forfeiture order obtained,” he said.

Calabar Carnival Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to Eight

The death toll in the Calabar carnival tragic incident has increased to eight, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.

The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Cross River, Maikano Hassan, disclosed this to NAN in Calabar

yesterday.

A tragic incident had occurred during the Bikers’ parade carnival, an integral part of the annual Calabar carnival, on Tuesday. The incident occurred in front of the Jumat Mosque in Bogobiri when a driver of a Camry car lost control and rammed

into the crowd of onlookers.

Seven persons were said to have died on the spot, while 29 others were rushed to the Naval Hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

The injured included: 21 male adults, three women, two male children and three

female children.

The FRSC sector commander said that the additional casualty was one of the injured three female children.

“We went round the hospital where the injured were being treated to discover that one additional death had been recorded.

39

THURSDAY, ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

FRENCH LIGUE 1: Mbappe’s Late Penalty Wins Clash for PSG Kylian Mbappe rescued victory for Paris St-Germain as his late penalty snatched a win over Strasbourg in his first game since losing the World Cup final with France.

Marquinhos had opened the scoring for the hosts in the Ligue 1 match before scoring an own goal in the second half.

Things went from bad to worse for PSG as Neymar was sent off after two yellow cards in as many minutes.

But Mbappe saved the three points as he netted his 94th-minute penalty.

The result sees PSG remain top of the table and extend their advantage over second-place Lens to eight points while Strasbourg are three adrift of safety.

The hosts were dominant with the ball, having 71% of the pos-

session, but did little with it and looked neutered in the absence of Lionel Messi, who has not yet returned after winning the World Cup. Second-bottom Strasbourg had caused issues in the first half as Kevin Gamerio forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a last-ditch save and seemed to be on course for a surprise draw after Marquinhos' own-goal.

But while Neymar's sending off sent PSG into an initial period of frustration, it ignited their attack as they battled back to try to turn the game around.

Mbappe was clipped by Gerzino Nyamsi in the box as he raced towards the Strasbourg goal and got the better of Matz Sels from the spot, tucking it into the bottom-right corner.

Chelsea Confirm James to be out for Four Weeks Chelsea defender Reece James is set to miss three to four weeks with a knee injury suffered during Tuesday's 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth.

England international James, who missed the World Cup with an injury to the same knee, had to come off in the 53rd minute.

It was his first game since his return from that injury.

On Wednesday, the 23-year-old posted on Twitter that 2022 had

Para Event Takes Centre Stage at Molade OkoyaThomas Championships

Kylian Mbappe (in front) on the way to scoring the winner for PSG...last night

Haaland Sets Fastest League Goal Record as City Beat Leeds Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals as Manchester City overcame a stubborn Leeds to reduce Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to five points.

Frustrated by a disciplined and determined home side and their own profligacy for much of the first half at Elland Road, City snatched the lead just before the break through Rodri's followup finish and then sped into the

distance in a one-sided second half.

Having seen a couple of efforts saved early in the game, Haaland - playing in the city of his birth against the side he supports - did not celebrate his goals but showed little mercy in securing them to bring up his impressive tally in just his 14th game of the campaign.

He could not miss for his first, set up in front of an open goal by the unselfish Jack Grealish, who himself had missed a hat-trick of

good opportunities in the first 45 minutes.

Grealish was the provider again for Haaland's second, which he slotted in from close range following a deflection to give Leeds too much of an deficit to overcome.

In keeping with their display, the home side refused to lie down and got a goal back through Pascal Struijk's header from a corner.

And they could have set up

a grandstand finish had Joe Gelhardt's poked finish not trickled the wrong side of the post.

City, though, secured the win to move back up to second behind the Gunners and two points better off than third-placed Newcastle, both of whom won on Monday.

The relegation battle is no less intense, with Leeds in 15th place on 15 points and one of 11 teams separated by just eight points.

Following the conclusion of the preliminary stage of the singles event, the para event will take centre stage today at the 54th Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championships taking place at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

From the hundreds of players which started the tournament, the boys have been separated from the men as defending champions Rilwan Akanbi and Bose Odusanya enjoyed easy rides to the quarterfinals stage of the singles event.

Also, teenage sensation

IMC Talks Tough as League Body Plans New Season to Kick off Jan. 8 The Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has conducted the NFF over the peaceful conduct of the Draw Ceremony of the abridged league in Abuja yesterday.

At the colourful ceremony held inside the press conference hall of the Sandralia Hotel, the 20 NPFL teams were calibrated into two different groups for the purpose of the abridged League season, already approved by the NFF. “Let me state clearly that the NFF is satisfied with the efforts the IMC headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has been making to rebrand and reposition the NPFL since its inauguration. The NFF commends the IMC Chairman and all his members for the highly successful pre-season tournament held earlier in the month, and also for the actualisation of this

Draw Ceremony.

“The commitment to engineer changes that will deliver a vibrant Nigeria League and a viable football economy in the country remains as firm as ever.

The NFF will continue to provide the necessary support to the IMC to fulfill its”,” President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, remarked at the event.

The NFF Chief was represented at the event by the NFF’s Director of Communications, Mr. Ademola

Olajire.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola.

Chairman of the IMC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye revealed that the organisers have secured a sponsor to foot the indemnities of match officials for the next three years, with the payments to be done directly from the company to the appointed match officials.

MATCHDAY 1 (A)

been "the toughest year to date".

Immediately after Tuesday's game, Chelsea manager Graham Potter said of the injury: "We hope it's not as bad as it was and he can have a speedy recovery."

Meanwhile, Chelsea have announced they have an agreement to sign Ivory Coast forward David Datro Fofana from Norwegian club Molde on 1 January.

Fofana, 20, scored 15 goals in 24 league games for Molde in 2022.

“We are committed to eradicating the malaise of indebtedness to match officials, which compromises them and lowers their morale to do the right thing.

“The IMC has also increased the winner’s prize for the season to the sum of N 100 Million, which is a hundred percent increase on what was in place previously.”

The Draw Ceremony grouped the 20 teams into two pools of A and B, with Matchday 1 set for 8th January 2023.

MATCHDAY 1 (B)

Nasarawa United Vs

Enyimba FC

Bayelsa United

Vs

Dakkada FC

Akwa United

Vs

Bendel Insurance

Wikki Tourists

Vs

Niger Tornadoes

Plateau United

Vs

Shooting Stars

Doma United

Vs

Sunshine Stars

Kwara United

Vs

Gombe United

Rivers United

Vs

Lobi Stars

Remo Stars

Vs

El-Kanemi Warriors

Rangers Int’l

Vs

Abia Warriors

Group A Kwara United Nasarawa United Plateau United Gombe United El-Kanemi Warriors Enyimba FC Akwa United Bendel Insurance Shooting Stars Remo Stars

GROUP B Niger Tornadoes Doma United Wikki Tourists Lobi Stars Rivers United Abia Warriors Dakkada FC Rangers Int’l Sunshine Stars Bayelsa United

TABLE TENNIS Matthew Kuti was unbeaten in the group stage as the youngster took down most of his opponents to set up a quarterfinal clash against Akanbi in the men’s singles.

Akanbi was however tested in the last 16 but he waltzed his way through to the last eight of the championship in his bid to retain his title.

Odusanya who is at present the most successful player in the competition having won it more than any player in the history of the competition.

Odusanya has vowed to hold on to the title having won the last seven editions of the tournament and she hopes to put the disappointing outing at the National Sports Festival behind her.

“I am here to retain my title and I know that it is not going to be easy because we now have good players in Lagos and I am sure my title will not elude me again this year,” she boasted.

According to the organisers, four events will be competed for in the para event as class 1-5 and class 6-10 in the men and women singles.

The tournament which is the oldest sports competition in Africa is organised by Lagos State Table Tennis Association with support from the Lagos State Sports Commission and it ends on Friday December 30 with finals in the men and women singles at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Akeredolu to ‘Oodua Nation’ Agitators “Those clamouring for Oodua Nation will not succeed. People have not laid down their lives for this country for unscrupulous individuals to scuttle it. This country is very important to some of us. We recognise the right of the people to protest or agitate, but if the police feel your actions are treasonable, they will arrest and prosecute you.” --Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, condemning the continuous agitation for a Yoruba nation by some groups in the Southwest

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Ndigbo, 2023 and Looming Danger N

othing speaks better to a time like this than the message embedded in ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’.

Particularly in the Southeast. I have deployed the 18th century poem by German writer and politician, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe several times on this page. It tells a compelling story that begins as an old sorcerer departs his workshop, leaving an apprentice with chores to perform. The apprentice, who had apparently observed his master at work, enchants a broomstick to help him with the task of fetching water, deploying a magic he was not yet fully trained in.

Although the magic instantly began to work, the apprentice soon realised he did not know the command to make it stop. And the more he tried to control the enchanted broomstick by splitting it into two with an axe, the more he compounded the problem as each of the pieces took up a pail to fetch water at twice the earlier speed. Eventually, after much damage was done and the entire house submerged in flood, the old sorcerer returned to break the spell.

In the world of scholarship, it is generally believed that the story captured in the poem embodies a powerful moral about the danger of setting in process forces over which one may have no control. And it has been used by philosophers and writers, including Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels who, in ‘The Communist Manifesto’ alluded to the poem while comparing contradictions within the capitalist society to “the sorcerer who is no longer able to control the powers of the nether world whom he has called up by his spells.”

When the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) madness began in the Southeast with pronouncements of ‘policies’, including a sit-at-home command in all the five states, only a few foresaw the danger ahead. But I recall that the former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, who is currently a Senator, warned of the consequences. “How does enslaving our people, denial of means of livelihood add value to our quest for equity and justice? If others reject us, should we also reject ourselves?” Nnamani asked. “In our struggle for equity and justice in the Nigerian federation, we cannot inadvertently inflict more injuries on ourselves by this sit-at-home.

Let wise counsel prevail.”

Sadly, because wise counsel did not prevail, that initial order soon gave rise to brutal enforcers deluded by IPOB into believing they would occupy political positions once Biafra was realized. Not long after, these hoodlums masquerading as ‘unknown gunmen’ turned the entire five states into a killing field. At the last count, dozens of prominent people have been hacked down in broad daylight.

Two weeks ago, for a third time within a period of 12 days, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Imo State, was attacked by gunmen who killed no fewer than five persons, including two policemen. That the attack came on the day INEC started distributing Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to registered voters suggests the motive of the perpetrators.

With INEC officials as well as police, military, and security personnel at risk, conducting elections in the region is becoming increasingly difficult. But the real tragedy is that this kind of fire is easier to ignite than stop. Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention for almost two years. In his absence, Simon Ekpa is giving

Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba orders from Finland where he resides with his family. Of course, it is the poor and uneducated (those who live at the margin

of society) that are being manipulated to becoming foot soldiers for this ill-defined cause while Ekpa, who has repeatedly threatened that there will be no election in ‘Biafraland’ next year, calls the shots from the comfort of his residence in Europe. This confirms my oft-repeated thesis that there is a class dimension to the violence in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, as I pointed out in the past on this issue, we must admit that hate speech is never self-driven. It erupts when signals in the political space dredge up buried subliminal impulses.

Biafra, as I also once argued, is an emotional injury in the Igbo collective psyche. While memories remain a nightmare that members of the older generation don’t want to relive, the younger generation romanticizes it for different reasons. I understand that the IPOB cause, especially among Diasporan supporters, is tempered by below-the-radar issues, hence difficult to deal with. As one writer surmised, “The most dangerous part of an iceberg is not the part you can see, it’s the part you can’t.” But it should also have been obvious that the violence being canvassed by IPOB offers no practical solution to any problem, real or imagined.

As things stand today, the largely IPOB initiated violence in the Southeast has created fertile ground for all manner of mischief motivated by diverse factors and interests.

Many politicians in the region now have fully armed private armies of thugs that periodically clash among themselves in a contest for supremacy. For all you care, the ubiquitous ‘unknown gunmen’ may be free-range criminal gangs on paid missions for politicians and disconcerted business interests. Official security personnel are also reportedly having a field day in extra-judicial executions in the name of enforcing law and order.

The more far-reaching implication of the violence in the Southeast is its impact on the 2023 general election. Homegrown or ‘imported’, violence in the region could disrupt and disfigure both the process and outcome. If the violence leads to low voter turnout as many predict, it could be read as a voter suppression strategy by political interests. If the election is completely disrupted, that will be interpreted by IPOB and other separatist interests as a triumph of their agenda.

Meanwhile, the ordinary people would see either of the two scenarios as further evidence of the exclusion of the Southeast from the Nigerian equation.

Whichever way we look at it, the situation in the Southeast today requires the intervention of an ‘old sorcerer’. I hope there are enough stakeholders in the region who can collaborate with relevant authorities to play that critical role.

Killer Cops on the Prowl F

rom President Muhammadu Buhari to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other prominent Nigerians, there is hardly anybody who has not expressed outrage at the death of a legal practitioner, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, killed by a policeman on Christmas Day in the presence of her husband.

I commiserate with the family of the deceased.

But it is important for us to understand that this is not an isolated case. It is a recurring tragedy and will continue to be so, unless we find lasting solutions to a problem that is systemic.

There is hardly any Nigerian who has not, at one time or another been accosted by a policeman who would threaten to “waste” the person, often without provocation. Unfortunately, police authorities apparently do not see the correlation between such mindset and the number of Nigerians who are indeed being wasted by the callousness of their personnel.

Two months ago, there was an uproar on Twitter, following a tacit endorsement by the Police Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to verbal assault. “Is there any reason for a police officer to threaten to shoot someone when the said person is not armed or poses any threat sir?” a Twitter user had asked the spokesperson.

He responded: “Mere words of mouth do not constitute any offense. Take note please. Let’s read the law. There are decided cases on this assertion, even many popular cases that one can cite here.”

What Adejobi doesn’t understand is that these are no mere words. They constitute a threat which ordinarily means “a communication of intent to inflict harm or loss on another person.”

And they have been carried out again and again by trigger-happy police personnel who believe they are licensed to kill. Dealing with

that will require re-orientation, beginning with the recruitment process and training, including in weapons handling. But as I have also argued on this page, we should ask ourselves whether we have not unwittingly created a situation in which many of our policemen, having themselves been brutalized by the state and society, are now lacking in compassion when dealing with fellow citizens. That is one of the issues we need to address if we are to deal with this menace that has been with us for decades.

Upon assuming command as Inspector General of Police in February 2012, Mohammed D. Abubakar, held a session with senior officers to highlight his priorities. But he started by painting a sordid picture of what Policing had become in Nigeria. “The Nigeria Police Force has fallen to its lowest level and has, indeed, become a subject of ridicule within the law enforcement community and among members of the enlarged public. Police duties have become commercialized. Our men are deployed to rich individuals and corporate entities such that we lack manpower to provide security for the common man,” Abubakar told the senior police officers. “Our investigation departments cannot equitably handle matters unless those involved have money to part with. Complainants suddenly become suspects at different investigation levels following spurious petitions filed with the connivance of police officers. Our police stations, State CID and operations offices have become business centres and collection points for rendering returns from all kinds of Squads and Teams set up for the benefit of superior officers.

Our Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) have become killer teams, engaging in deals for land speculators and debt collection.”

The then IGP was not done, as he catalogued infractions associated with police personnel: “Toll stations in the name of checkpoints adorn our

highways with policemen shamelessly collecting money from motorists in the full glare of the public. All of these and so much more have gone ahead under the direct supervision of all of you seated here today! Justice has been perverted, peoples’ rights denied, innocent souls committed to prison, torture and extra-judicial killings perpetrated and so many people arbitrarily detained in our cells because they cannot afford the illegal bail monies we demand. Illegalities thrive under your watchful eyes because you have compromised the very soul of our profession.

Our respect is gone, and the Nigerian public has lost even the slightest confidence in the ability of the police to do any good thing...”

More than a decade after that public lamentation by the retired IGP, I doubt anything has changed.

But while we speak of a few bad eggs within the police, it is important to also acknowledge that we have many professionals who risk their lives for us. On 22nd February 2017, for instance, there was a bank robbery in Owerri that claimed the life of a policeman whose family was abandoned until the footage of the CCTV camera which captured the incident went viral.

In the video clip, Sergeant Chukwudi Iboko was seen engaging the robbers in a gun duel, killing one of them before he was himself shot. He died the next day from the wounds. Regrettably, if the case had not been brought to the public, his family would have had to carry their cross alone like many of their colleagues, including two other Sergeants who sustained injury from the same operation. We need to bear that in mind, especially at a time like this when the police are under scrutiny.

Therefore, beyond bringing the killer of Mrs Raheem to justice, we must deal with the bigger issue of police reform in Nigeria. I wish all my readers a prosperous year 2023.

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