BusinessDay Weekender 17th Edition

SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER 2020

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EDITION 17 I 21, NOVEMBER 2020

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DISMANTLING THE RAPE CULTURE

IN MODERN DAY AFRICA #ENDSARS

What we learned from the CNN investigation on 20-10-20

FEASIBILTY OF CHRISTMAS TRAVEL

How feasible is it for Nigerians to travel this Christmas?

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SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER 2020

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Contents

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C O N T E N T S

7 #ENDSARS PROTEST Cause &Effects: Impact of Recent Vandalisations on Property Investment and Development

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ART OF THE WEEK

LEAD STORY Dismantling rape culture in modern day africa

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FEASIBILITY OF CHRISTMAS How feasible is it for Nigerians to travel this Christmas?

HEALTH TODAY Face masks! NOT ‘chin’ masks, ‘mouth only’ masks or ‘forehead’ masks.

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HISTORY IN PICTURES

NEWSTORY Leadway partners with AWABAH to bring financial services to the information sector

35 RECIPE

Maafe - A Senegalese spicy peanut stew made with beef, sweet potatoes and carrots.

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ENTREPRENEUR Question Businesses ask about solar

MENTAL HEALTH Tips on how to stay grounded during these challenging times

SPORTS With eyes on Champions League, Pep Guardiola hangs on with Man City

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Editorial

SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Frank Aigbogun

Editor’s Note SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2020

MANAGING DIRECTOR Ogho Okiti EDITOR BUSINESSDAY Patrick Atuanya EDITOR BUSINESSDAY SATURDAY Lehlé Balde EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha

Dear Weekender family, It’s a challenging time for the whole world — and the end of year is just around the corner. We cannot help but wonder how the exciting end of year celebrations will be like this year in Nigeria. Will COVID-19 restrictions make us reduce the traditional family gatherings and partying to just calling or face timing? Do share your thoughts and ideas for COVID-19 end of year celebrations.

This week, the lead story is about dismantling the rape culture in modern African societies and what Nigeria is trying to do to fight this evil. In this edition, you will also enjoy part 2 of the rising value of Nigerian art, a story on the feasibility of Christmas travel within Nigeria, a great piece on how to properly wear masks in this COVID-19 era, tips on staying grounded during these challenging times and much more!

Happy reading and enjoy your weekend!

With gratitude!

BD

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso CalibriMANAGER, ADVERTS Ijeoma Ude COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua HEAD OF DIGITAL SERVICES Onyinyechi Eze HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Adeola Obisesan DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Tolulope Ayo-Olubiyo.

CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Asinugo Stephanie Erigha Kemi Dasilva-Ibru MD; MPH Dr Helen Zidon Stacey Karuhanga Oliver Enwonwu Chidi Obike Dr. Monisola Adanijo FMCP Toju Akapa Mercy Ayodele Anthony Nlebem PHOTO CREDIT Freepik, Google Images ENQUIRIES lehle.balde@businessday.ng samuel.anyanwu@businessday.ng ADVERTS Ijeoma Ude +2348033225506 PUBLISHED BY BusinessDay Media Limited The Brook, 6 Point Road, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.

01-2799100 www.businessday.ng LEGAL ADVISERS The Law Union

Lehlé Balde is the Editor of BusinessDay Weekender email: lehle.balde@businesssday.ng | social: @lehlelalumiere Businessday.ng

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News Roundup

NOVEMBER SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER2020 2020 SATURDAY 21,

CNN provides forensic evidence to Lekki shooting milestone,

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fire into the air as they claimed but the shots they fired at peaceful protesters. The international media outlet also unveiled the identity of a protester who reportedly died on the night of the shootings.

Pfizer and BioNTech records new milestone as Covid-19 vaccine shows

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he fight to get the world b a c k t o n ormalcy is looking bright as two vaccines (Pfizer and BioNtech) is revealed to be 95 percent safe. The drug makers have said the vaccines are highly effective against the virus 28 days after the first dose.

The vaccines have also been said to be effective across all ages, races and ethnicities.

The companies have also reiterated that they expect to produce up to 50 million doses this

Nigeria’s inflation quickened to near 3-year high

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MERCY AYODELE

abl e Ne w s Ne t wor k (CNN) carried out a thorough investigation into the Lekki shooting which happened on October 20, 2020 and found forensic evidence that shows unarmed protesters were shot that night. The Nigerian army in an earlier statement said they made use of rubber bullets but CNN during their investigation revealed that live bullets were fired that night. CNN traced the bullet found at the scene to Serbia, where Nigeria has been purchasing bullets almost every year. The evidence also shows that the Nigerian Army did not

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he rising trend of Nigeria’s inflation rate was sustained in the month of October as data from the National bureau of statistics reveal that inflation accelerated to 14.2 percent compared to 13.7 recorded in September. The main cause of the spike has been attributed to the endsars protest which caused panic buying, the increase in transport cost, dollar restriction, border closure and poor harvest season.

Experts say Nigeria might need to open up its borders soon to prevent further rise in inflation which could further cripple the economy.refers to a child who must dies and repeatedly be reborn again and again.

Access Bank begins interest-free loan disbursements to businesses

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year and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

ccess Bank Plc has commenced the disbursement of the N50 billion interest-free loans to micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) that were destroyed by hoodlums in the protest against police brutality in the country. The bank says it has received over 2000 applications and has approved about 60 applications of which half have received the loans already. The lender looks forward to supporting at least 500 customers

before the projects

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News Roundup

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SATURDAY 17,NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2020 2020 SATURDAY 21,

Lagos launches boathailing app

T Twitter rolls out “fleets”, a new feature to help users have safer conversations

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witter rolled out a new feature called “fleets”, a new disappearing tweet feature to enable users to have safer conversations. Mobile users can access the feature by clicking the messaging bubbles on the top of their timeline.

There they can share thoughts, tweets, and react to

other's "Fleets" with the knowledge that all of it will disappear in 24 hours. Any comment to someone's "Fleet" will be sent directly to their DM, rather than be posted publicly on the timeline. Viewers will be able to see a list of who has viewed their post. "Fleets" can also be found by clicking

11th Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo declared Over

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he Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially declared the end of its 11th Ebola Outbreak, six months after the first cases of the deadly virus were reported. The World Health Organisation made the announcement alongside

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DRC Minister of Health, Eteni Longondo. The country has not recorded any new cases since September 28th. The outbreak began on June 1, 2020 in the country's western Equateur Province, and the outbreak was the world's second-deadliest Ebola outbreak on record,

he Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has unveiled a boat-hailing app to connect skippers and charterers in the state. According to the General Manager of the LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel said the app was created to improve the waterways for users through the introduction of technology and innovation.

The unveiling of the app launched by a tech company, OsaGo, took place at LASWA’s Five Cowries Terminal in the Falomo area of the state. Emmanuel also added that the launch of the app is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to making the use of waterways attractive to all classes of users.

FG threatens CNN with sanctions but provides no evidence

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espite the forensic evidence provided by CNN, the Federal Government has insisted that the military men did not shoot at #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, describing the alleged mass killings as a massacre without bodies. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said CNN should be sanctioned for its investigative report on the October 20 Lekki shootings. He also insisted that not a single body has been produced or a single family has come out to identify that their fam-

ily member was killed at the Lekki tollgate. In response to this, CNN declared that it stands by its report as there is no probable evidence that what was reported is false.

#EndSARS Protests

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Impact of Recent Vandalisations on Property Investment and Development BACKGROUND he youth of Africa’s largest black nation, Nigeria had entered into the second week of peaceful protests against police brutality and extra-judicial killings that had gone on for years. The Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) had been accused of ‘wasting’ this demographic for owning laptops, having braided hair and driving cars they were too young to afford (in the estimation of the accusing officer of the day). The Nigerian army would eventually show up at the Lekki toll on the 20th of October to end the protests.

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tions and correctional facilities in leading cities. Business owners could only look on as assets were looted. Insurance claims are expected to be in the billion naira range. Calabar discount mall, First bank, Access bank and Ecobank offices and over 60 public and private buildings we vandalised in Cross Rivers state. The Lagos state government has estimated that N1Trn will be required to rebuild.

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Cause & Effects:

Service office, the National Identity Management Commission office, and shops in the Emene axis of Enugu state were vandalised.

High value medical equipment were either looted or vandalised at the Kogi Central Medical Store.

The Plateau State Government lost 22 facilities while Clear Estate in Abuja reportedly lost assets in excess of N100M. Adamawa state was no different, losing vehicles, earth moving equipment and buildings worth over N250M.

Capital nurser y/primar y school, Technical College Yola, Mobility Review 110 tractors and farm impleGoogle measures mobility ments were looted. Ogun state’s by tracking people’s movement Asero farmers market and Osun’s to different locations (and time

Nigeria's 36 States: Looting

Map & Analysis In the ensuing bedlam, hoodlums took to looting and destroying commercial centres, police sta-

Justrite mall were also vandalised.

Access and First Banks, Industrial Training Fund’s office & the newly built National Immigration

spent at these locations) over time using data sourced from connectivity to Google apps. Residential Businessday.ng

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#EndSARS Protests

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These disruptions will understandably create negative consumer sentiments, at least from a real estate perspective. The extent of carnage in many locations has created enough potency to guide the evolution of the development market towards more security conscious expressions. Land investments will remain resilient, solidifying its role as a sturdy investment. There are five possible directions in the short term:

mobility peaked on the 22nd with an increase in movement and retail mobility for the period under review recorded the most decline on the 22nd of October with a -70% decline. Workplace mobility remained deep in negative territory.

Likely Short, Mid and Long Term Impacts Short Term (Present to 6 months) Businessday.ng

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Flee: Capital flight may occur as investors liquidate real estate holdings and move to safer climes, relocate to western cities and pause on investing in Nigeria’s real estate market. There will also be a clear reduction in lease transactions which is a proxy for incountry relocations.

Security : Higher security votes represent the logical and responsible thing to do under the circumstances – this can be expected in both public and private quarters.

Renovations and remodelling: This will be a critical discussion point for market players who want to ride out the current storm. There will be the need to rebuild, and most likely to higher standards.

Insurance shakeup: The long-awaited consolidation of the insurance industry may just have received a much-needed shove. There will be higher claims and potential busts.

Fight: There will be optimistic and bullish investors who choose to pick up cheaper assets which

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promise super-normal yields in lieu of higher risk premiums Mid Term (1 - 3yrs) In the medium term, real estate professional services providers will be required to provide fit to purpose advisory and valuation services. In the mid-term, we see the following: Community living: There will be greater emphasis and demand for residences within gated estates.

Security firms: It is apparent that there exist opportunities for new businesses in the security field.

Local investment: In the mid-term, it is expected that there will be a rise in local investment in commercial real estate to fill the gaps left by foreign investors who have repatriated their capital.

Proptech: As seen in other sectors since the emergence of COVID-19, many will turn to new technology to leapfrog far-reaching and expensive difficulties created by the vandalizations.

Development activity: Reconstruction and remodelling of public and private assets destroyed by the vandalisations will create a significant buzz in development activities across the country.

Long Term (3yrs+) State actors may have to recognise circumstances of the protest for the existential threat that it truly is and roll out effective social and economic programmes in partnership with the private sector.

Investment in healthcare and education infrastructure and should be addressed on a more sustainable basis. Our long term projections are: Political and Economic performance: This will influence/determine the return of foreign capital.

With the presidential elections coming up in 2023,

#EndSARS Protests

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much of economic policy will hang in the balance until objectives are announced.

Redefined retail real estate market: Leisure and entertainment, sale of local goods; indoor sports, health, safety and security will be high priority.

Reconfiguration of offices: It is projected that a good number of office blocks will become multiuse; having residential, retail and leisure embedded.

This is to allow for good property optimization Industry collaboration: Key players in the Nigeria real estate market will arrive at more reasons to collaborate in building a more resilient real estate market.

Conclusion The vandalisation events that took place after weeks of peaceful EndSARS protests will evidently generate immediate, mid and long-term sentiments and responses as detailed in this report. A central theme that is reinforced with regards to property investment and development is the case for added security, property insurance and enhanced risk assessments. But perhaps the argument for economic reforms and reductions to inequality will move up in priority of stakeholders and power brokers.

Should this happen; the fears or fights these drastic events have heralded will lose hold.

Developers, financiers and property investors will return to their strategy rooms with a single aim to generate deft ideas that reverse any losses suffered. This may infer exiting positions at some point, but may also be a demand for higher yields based on upwardly reviewed risk premiums. A positive conclusion to note is that reconstruction and remodeling activities are poised to increase the sectors activities in seasons to come. BD

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Art of the week

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Claudie Poinsard, Fil de Chaise au Petit Doight, 2020. Mixed media on canvas, 146 x 114 cm Image courtesy of Galerie MAM and ART X Lagos - West Africa’s Premier International Art Fair. Learn more at www.artxlagos.com

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Lead Story

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DISMANTLING

THE RAPE CULTURE IN MODERN DAY AFRICA KEMI DASILVA-IBRU MD; MPH, FOUNDER; WARIF MERCY AYODELE AND LEHLÉ BALDÉ

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Lead Story

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Rape is the most gruesome form of violence that can be perpetrated against anyone, it is horrific as it takes away a fundamental human right, choice.

The rape culture which is becoming increasingly popular and has gradually engrafted itself into our modern society.

Rape culture Rape culture occurs as a result of a society normalizing or trivializing sexual violence. It is as a result of an issue that has become systemic cutting across all strata that affect a woman - political, economic and social. The effect of the incident and the marked adverse impact it has on the lives of the affected woman, her family and community are minimised. It allows for a society where women are forced to take ownership and responsibility for the assault perpetrated on them as the social bias and stigmatization that ensures forced her to keep silent and the perpetrator to carry on with impunity.

It allows rape and sexual violence to become permissible and a norm in the society.

Survivors are less likely to report their assaults because they are afraid of not being believed and these results in the perpetrator not being held responsible for a heinous crime. Rape culture also reinforces the myth that men cannot be survivors of sexual violence and so they are afraid to come forward.

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What are the issues?

Culture of silence The society we live in traditionally places women in a subjugated role, encouraging a culture of silence about the abuse. The survivor is made to feel ashamed and believes that the incident which occurred was her fault.

Survivor blaming / Survivor shaming The community’s act of “survivor shaming ‘that occurs each time a survivor speaks out against her abuse and abuser, as it is assumed that she is in some way responsible for the act perpetrated on her. Survivors are not encouraged nor are they empowered to speak out about the atrocities they have had to endure. They are made to feel ashamed and guilty. More often than not, we ‘survivor blame' by questioning their role in the act instead of addressing the crime for what it is.

Survivor blaming takes many forms. The classic example is when a rapist blames a survivor for arousing him or her by wearing revealing clothes.

Sometimes when people hear a girl was raped the first question they ask is “what was she wearing” or pass comments like “She was dressed like a slut.

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She was asking for it”.

Another subtle form is when girls are given lectures on what to wear and not wear. Although this advice is couched in “staying safe” but it gives this false information that “you will be raped because of how you dress”. What a woman is wearing, what and how much she had to drink, and where she was at a certain time, is not an invitation to rape her.

People making jokes about rape or sexual assault and this being interpreted as funny speaks also to a rape culture. Something as serious as rape should not be trivialised and used to make jokes in any form, directly and indirectly.

Unconscious bias Unconscious bias is one that is prevalent in most communities and is usually as a result of social stereotypes formed about certain groups of people. These beliefs are marred in our environment by patriarchy and based on cultural practices and traditional norms that are harmful to women with the normalisation of these acts of violence against women.

Protecting perpetrators These cases are typically perpetuated by individuals well known to the survivor such as a family member, family friend, financial provider or an authoritative figure like a school teacher or a pastor in a church; because these individuals are known to the survivor, she is forced to protect the dignity of the family unit by being silent.

Not just a women's issue Rape culture is a societal issue, it affects both men and women and so therefore it is a human issue. it is about the perception and attitude of collective groups of individuals towards the issues of rape and sexual violence. It is about changing mindsets about who is at fault and who is the wrongdoer. It is about encouraging the society to recognise that by being silent bystanders also condone these acts and have become complicit in the act. It is important to recognise it for the crime that it is and to seek justice for the survivors and punish perpetrators regardless of their social standing or personal relationship with the survivor.

How does rape affect our society There are physical effects to the survivor which include direct injuries from the incident in some cases, even death. There are also medical consequences such as unwanted pregnancies and an increase in new cases of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Psychological and emotional effects to the survivor also ensue. These include depression, anxiety, flashbacks and post-traumatic stress disorder and

suicidal ideation.

There are also economic effects such as the abuse will result in a loss of days at work which is equal to a loss of income. Women consist of half of the workforce, the more women are abused, the more income is lost in communities which adversely impacts on the social development of a nation as they are unable to contribute their quota.

The fear of violence can prevent women from pursuing education, working or exercising their political rights and voice. This fear is then trickled down from mother to daughter and the pattern continues with an increasing high rate of uneducated women being subjected to gender based violence. This is an intergenerational vice.

Anti- Rape Laws you should know about The Criminal Code – applicable in all the Southern States The Criminal Code of Nigeria (Section 357 & 358), Rape is defined as “having unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means of false act, or, in case of a married woman, be personating her husband.” This offence is punishable by imprisonment for life, with or without caning.

The Penal Code – applicable in all the Northern States The Penal Code of Nigeria (Section 282), “A man is said to commit rape who has sexual interBusinessday.ng Businessday.ng

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course with a woman in any of the following circumstance: against her will; without her consent; with her consent, when the consent is obtained by putting her in fear of death or of hurt.”

The Child Rights Act Section 31 (1) & (2) of the CRA provides that any person who shall have sexual intercourse with a child commits an offence of rape and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act) Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (Section 1) “A person commits the offence of rape if he or she intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with any other part of his/her body or anything else without consent, or the consent is obtained by force” The VAPP Act provides for both male and female sexual offenders as well as the rape of a person by a group of people (‘gang rape’) This act is very progressive but has only been domesticated in 14 states.

Why the issue of rape needs urgent attention in Nigeria There has been an upsurge in the rape cases in Nigeria in recent times. The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu announced that 717 rape cases were reported within the first five months of 2020 alone.

Specifically, the rape cases of Uwa, Jennifer, Barakat and others this year is a sign that we still have a lot of work to do across all levels. Commendably, there are several organisations supporting the fight against sexual violence. One of them Businessday.ng

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is WARIF. THE WARIF Organisation Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization founded and incorporated in 2016 by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru in response to the high incidence of rape, sexual violence and human trafficking occurring amongst young girls and women in communities across Nigeria. In the 4 years since its inception, WARIF has fast become one of the foremost anti sexual and gender based violence organisations working in the country.

In Nigeria, statistics have confirmed that 1 in 4 females have experienced sexual violence in childhood. of which 5.0% sought help, with only 3.5% receiving any services. This urgent need and alarming rates led to the establishment of the WARIF organisation, working to build a society free from rape and sexual violence. With advocacy, integrity and accountability; the organization is raising global awareness against the prevalence of violence against women.

WARIF through its unique approach of working under the following 3 pillars- health , education and community service, has implemented several measurable and impactful initiatives and has also recorded many laudable accomplishments and milestones. This WARIF Rape Crisis Centre remains a beckon of hope for many , offering free medical , forensic and counselling services to all women and successfully treated and attended to all ages from 2years to over 60years old. This year, a WARIF Vision 2020 campaign was launched to touch 1 million lives before the end of 2020 and already over 1, 288,966 people have been reached both directly and indirectly through the different advocacy , educational and community service ini-

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There is also a need to popularise the culture of consent, every time. Passing statements like women say “no” when they mean “yes” should be scrapped out of our vocabulary. Rather than listening for a “no,” and assuming a yes, people must be cultured to listen for an active, “yes,” in all cases, all the time.

Get Involved Working with Organisations who fight against sexual violence like WARIF goes a long way. Also, there is the need to recognize that a more collaborative approach between civil societies organization (CSOs) and State governments need to be adopted as this is a national crisis.

tiatives and engagements in-person and virtually.

The organisation has been able to achieve many of their projects through local and international collaborations and partnerships . Some of them include the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre, USAID and UN Women, ACT Foundation, SAP and The US Consulate.

Way forward Break the silence We must work towards breaking the culture of silence. Issues such as survivor shaming and survivor blaming has made many survivors keep silent to avoid stigmatization. People must be sensitized to understand that speaking up is a sign of strength not weakness. Survivors need support not blame.

There is also the false perception that men cannot get raped, which leads several male survivors to keep silent.

tice.

Implementation of more Education programs Educating children in schools girls on grooming tactics and the importance of speaking out and reporting. Boys on changing the negative mindsets about rape and encouraging them to be protectors and not perpetrators. WARIF is doing this with the WARIF Education School Project and the WARIF Boys Conversation Café.

Educating parents and caregivers on the prevalence of sexual violence, the importance of believing survivors and the need to report perpetrators so they can face jus-

Awareness campaigns Traditional media and social media campaigns Education and sensitization are extremely important when tackling rape culture. Both in urban centres and more rural communities and the manner and the approach has to be tailored to suit both settings. We also need more platform available to survivors to remind people of the prevalence and harmful effects.

Implementation of laws and better prosecution rates To end rape culture, perpetrators must be held accountable. By prosecuting sexual violence cases, people recognize these acts as crimes and it send a strong message of zero-tolerance. BD

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Head of Woman (Fernande) 1909 ©Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society

THE RISING VALUE OF NIGERIAN ART-PART 2 OLIVER ENWONWU

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n the first part of this article, I examined the rapidly developing indigenous secondary art market, beginning with a brief history and ending with its growing influence on the international auction market. Answers were proffered to some pertinent questions including, why are higher values often achieved for South African modernists when compared to their counterparts from Sub-Saharan African and why does contemporary artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby hold the record for the highest selling work at auction for a Nigerian artist? In this concluding part, we revisit these issues in greater detail.

of Europe and North America, where they influenced the birth of modern art—marked by a radical departure from the prevailing strict academic style—at the turn of the 19th century (1860-1970), through artists like Pablo Picasso who borrowed heavily from their geometric and psychologically expressive forms. Since then, these works, as well as other traditional sculptures from Africa have been ascribed values by the West, dependent not on their artistic merit but on their use in rituals.

In other words, the interpretations of the classical archetypes, produced in abundance by artists today don’t hold much monetary value.

In 1897, a British punitive expedition sacked the ancient city of Benin, burning the oba’s palace and forcefully removing thousands of artworks, majorly in bronze. These were first art works from Africa to gain global recognition. Displaced from their historical and socio-religious contexts, they journeyed mostly to the ethnographic museums

As earlier mentioned, modern art owes its existence to the abstract forms of traditional African sculpture. Ironically, Western accounts of art preclude other modern art developments in other regions of the world, notably Africa. Clearly, the pioneering efforts of modern artists like Ben En-

Toyin Ojih Odutola Nanban 2020 colored pencil, graphite, and ink on Dura-Lar 60 x 47.5cm ©Toyin Ojih Odutola, Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York Businessday.ng Businessday.ng

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Yusuf Grillo Baraje 2011 oil on board 119.375 X 117.5cm

contended with barely existent inf rast r uc ture to promote their work including representation from professionally-run galleries and exposure provided by advances on the Internet and social media. wonwu, widely credited with fusing traditional aesthetics with Western conventions of representation, have been largely ignored—their works dismissed as pale copies—forgetting that modern art has its firm roots in Africa having been first influenced by classical African sculpture.

However, the exclusion of modern experiments in Africa from the canon of modern art has come with its consequences. One of which is the existence of modern art in a vacuum, with contemporary art developments achieving more prominence. Arguably, the result is that on the average, significant artists working today are likely to achieve increasingly higher prices at auction for their work as more critical attention is focused on them. This assertion is evidenced by recent sales achieved by artists like Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Toyin Ojih Odutola who reside in the diaspora. To lend further weight, modernists like Enwonwu based mainly on the African continent Businessday.ng

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South African artists of the modern era like Irma Stern stand out as an exception because they didn’t spent most of their working lives outside South Africa. Several experts deduce that post-apartheid, wealthy and influential South Africans consciously reintegrated and projected their country onto the world stage following years of exclusion, by promoting their art and culture. These efforts together with an attendant and relatively more sophisticated support structure may have directly impacted positively on the staggering prices achieved by South African modernists on the international art market.

Having discussed extensively the rising value of Nigerian art, I will in the next article talk about the factors affecting the value of an artwork, collecting and art as an alternative asset class. Stay glued. BD

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How feasible is it for Nigerians to travel this Christmas?

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FAVOUR OLAREWAJU

ased on previous trends of rising prices during the Yuletide season, it can be foreseen that transport fares will escalate by as much as 30-40% if not more by December 2020 and this could disrupt the plans of many Nigerians to travel during this upcoming Christmas season.

These price speculations were excluding the fact that booking online and booking days ahead of one’s journey has its perks such as discounts, among other benefits.

In an exclusive interview with Obinna Anyaegbu, the Managing Director of Chisco Transport, it was noted that currently, bus prices are already at an average of N12,000 from Lagos to Abuja, and N8,000-N9,000 from Lagos to places in the Eastern region.

Anyaegbu proceeded to mention that the resulting COVID-induced currency devaluation and dollar scarcity greatly contributed to higher purchase rates of vehicles, spare parts among others which are usually imported.

This was against N8,000 and N6,000 respectively in 2019, representing a 50 percent increase in both scenarios.

Similarly, in an earlier report, BusinessDay Sunday analysis showed that the Young Shall Grow, GUO and Libra Motors were charging as high as N9,500 to N12,000 by the third week of December 2019 for journeys that cost between N4,500 to N6,500 before the yuletide season.

Moreover, the adverse impact of COVID19 on the transportation sector has not gone unnoticed.

“Specifically, dollars are being bought at about N470/N480. And coupled with necessary social distancing measures, COVID made it much more apparent that prices had to be increased to make up for the empty seats”, said Anyaegbu.

“Realistically, passenger level has depleted by about 30-40% because people are not moving as much compared to last year due to reduced transportation activities by businessmen and petty traders, mainly

stemming from lower economic activities” Anyaegbu added.

For instance, because most businesses are not booming as usual, businessmen are no longer accompanying the movement of their products as they are resorting to using waybills and other alternatives, all in a bid to minimise cost on their end. Another thing is that market days and frequency of business operations has been restricted to lesser times, say thrice in a week as companies are not really operating at full capacity, especially during the peak of the eased lockdown phase”, said Anyaegbu.

Then, there is also the issue of persistently rising inflation which is further depleting purchasing power and living standards while increasing the costs of people’s livelihood.

However, it was disclosed that even without the coronavirus pandemic, the month of December has always been a trying period for people in the transport industry.

“Every year, during the December period, Businessday.ng

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prices increase, not just to festivities but mainly because of one-way traffic as against other months where traffic is both ways for the drivers. For instance, in December, literally everyone is travelling from Lagos to other places such as Eastern, Northern and Southern Nigeria and not vice-versa. So, because there will hardly be persons travelling to Lagos during the festive season, most drivers have to move their vehicles without passengers upon returning to their base”, Anyaegbu said.

Anyaegbu proceeded to state that “the same trend applies to January where most individuals are returning for work purposes and leaving their homes to journey towards Lagos or wherever their workplaces are situated. For these kinds of scenarios, it will also be difficult to get passengers who are returning towards their home towns”.

“Ordinarily, prices should be doubled to make up for this vacuum but we never really get to double the price till around the 29th of December or thereabout although from around the 12th or 13th December, prices start rising by 1030% to make up for the increasing cost of operations”, said Anyaegbu.

Also, the federal government on Friday, November 13 2020 effected the announcement of the increased pump price of petrol to N155.17 per litre, up from N147.67. However, marketers would be selling at a far higher price of N168/Litre and possibly marginally higher, going by previous adjustments where the marketers are allowed to sell at a greater margin after taking into consideration several in-built costs.

For instance, when the ex-depot price was N147.67, marketers sold at prices between N154 and N161 per litre. In the same vein, the National Operation Controller of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr Mike Osatuyi stated that “We are expecting the pump price to range from N168-N170 per litre”.

This fuel price hike has serious ravaging implications for Nigerians by driving up fuel scarcity due to hoarding petrol for selfish interests as people seek to purchase fuel at Businessday.ng

lower prices. Such self-imposed fuel scarcity is likely to simultaneously further drive-up transport costs, and ultimately, possibly hinder the travel plans of many Nigerians.

Anyaegbu also commented that he recently bought petrol at N166/ Litre and this hike in price is already having impact on transportation by further escalating operational costs which has to be passed down to customers in the form of higher prices.

“As a result, we are already seeking other options such as gas and hyper electric mediums to substitute for fuel. This switch to alternative energy sources involves conversion process of the existing buses from fuel to be gas or hyper electric based, as well as changing our importation orders on new fleet of vehicles to be gas and hyper electric recipient”, stated Anyaegbu When asked of the cost implications, Anyaegbu noted that cost benefit analysis was key as such kind of investment is supposed to pay off eventually, especially when considering sustainable alternatives and the fact that they do not want to lose customers due to high levels of competitiveness in the transport industry.

At the moment, the transport sector is definitely hurting because not all costs can be passed down to clients.

In responding to concerns of the possibility that these rather tragic events might dissuade travellers from journeying home for the festive season, Anyaegbu commented that “willingness to travel has been affected already because many people’s business plans did not happen this year as no one foresaw this level of disruption in business and economic activities”.

“People will still move but not at the level of last year as those who must travel have no other choice but to embark on their journey. However, the socioeconomic situation in the country has greatly affected the employment and income levels of many Nigerians due to layoffs and salary cutbacks and this will definitely limit people’s ability to pay the transport fares and travel home for Christmas compared to previous years”, said Anyaegbu. BD

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WARIF Raises Awareness to Rape and Sexual Violence with 2nd Edition of No Tolerance March

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omen at Risk International Foundation launched the No Tolerance Campaign last year to address the prevalence of violence against girls and women in communities across Nigeria. Nigeria responded and our citizens across the country stood with WARIF to say “No Tolerance” to rape and sexual violence and the digital campaign reached an estimate of 10 million people on social media.

Following the on-going success of the campaign and the dire need for more awareness on issues of sexual violence, over the annual 16 Days of Activism to highlight gender based violence globally, the maiden edition of the No Tolerance March was carried out in December 2019. This march brought together over 700 men and women, young and all from all works of life who walked 3km across the Lekki/Ikoyi link bridge saying No Tolerance! to the issue of sexual violence.

This year, following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the #WARIFNoTolerance March is going virtual! Participants, friends, survivors and supporters of WARIF are encouraged

to wear their No Tolerance T-shirts and march, jog, walk or run -at home, on the bridge or in the streets to raise awareness to sexual violence.

The date is 5th of December 2020 and participation is from 7am -7pm.

Participants are encouraged to show that they are part of the march and stay connected by sharing and posting their pictures and videos on social media with the hashtag #WARIFNoTolerance and by tagging @WARIF_NG Speaking on the importance of the march, Founder of WARIF, Dr. Kemi DaSilvaIbru stated that “the rise of the covid19 pandemic brought about a shadow pandemic evidenced by a spike in the rate of sexual and domestic violence cases as survivors were forced to quarantine with their abusers. This increases the urgency of ensuring essential serviced are made available offered free of charge by the organization and why it is imperative that WARIF continues to raise awareness to the prevalence of this menace . We are calling on everyone to join us again this year by wearing their t-shirts and saying NO TOLERANCE! To this national crisis”. BD

ABOUT WARIF Women at Risk International Foundation, (WARIF) is a nonprofit organization, established to raise awareness and address the prevalence of rape, sexual violence and trafficking of young girls and women in communities across Nigeria.

This the foundation achieves through the development and implementation of a series of initiatives which are impactful, measurable and sustainable, targeting both the intervention/treatment of these affected women, as well as providing preventive measures to reduce the high incidence. The foundation seeks to re-dress the adverse effects seen because of Gender Based Violence.

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#EndSARS Protests

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2020 SATURDAY 21,17, NOVEMBER 2020

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM CNN’S INVESTIGATION ON 20-10-20

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ies. Deceit. Manipulation.

Denial. Cover-ups.

No, it is not your favourite drama series.

Gunfire. Bloodshed. Violence.

Missing persons. Chaos.

No, it is not another episode of your favourite crime series.

After taking the nation on a roundabout, these words have brought the nation right back to the starting point: the events of 20.10.20 (the Lekki toll gate shooting).

A report of the incident was published by CNN on November 18. The report detailed the findings of an investigation consisting of video footage analysis, eyewitness accounts and ballistics examination from the toll gate on the night of October 20 when Nigerian secuBusinessday.ng

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rity forces opened fire on peaceful protesters.

The CNN report highlights noteworthy points about the night in question and sheds more light on details that may have appeared somewhat obscure, pre-report.

Here is what the Nigerian government would have you believe “FAKE NEWS!” This is becoming an increasingly popular retort to any and every narrative not controlled by government officials.

-The army was not present at the scene The army initially denied its presence at the toll gate and any involvement with the devastating events; shortly after, they deviated from their original narrative stating that soldiers were indeed pre-

sent but only shot black rounds into the air and did not aim their weapons at the protesters.

The report also revealed that during a judicial enquiry into the incident, held on November 14, a representative of the Nigerian army, Brigadier Ahmed Taiwo suggested there was no truth to the claim that national security forces carried out the shooting, saying, “There’s no way officers and men will kill their brothers and sisters…. We have those who constantly seek to drive a wedge between us and the citizens of Nigeria…”.

The army also points fingers at the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the one who made the call for soldiers to be present at the scene; however, the governor

SATURDAY 17,NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2020 2020 SATURDAY 21,

denied this, emphasizing his lack of authority over the army.

The army still maintains that there were no live bullets used.

Statements have changed from those denying the occurrence of the shooting altogether to pointing accusatory fingers everywhere but nowhere, it is becoming increasingly clear that there seems to be confusion in the camp.

-There were no victims The Lagos state governor admitted that the circulating footage showed uniformed soldiers discharging their weapons on peaceful protesters but mentioned that only two protesters were killed. He then appeared to backtrack when he said no families had come forward searching for missing relatives and there was “not a scratch of blood” at the toll gate upon his visit following the shooting.

The Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed also denies fatalities from the shooting and refers to it as a “massacre without bodies”. He also maintains that the videos of the events were doctored and the government is “very satisfied” with the role of the security forces during the protests.

Here is what the evidence shows Video footage reviewed by CNN shows that less than three hours after the original curfew

time of 4pm, (later extended to 9pm by the governor to enable commuters return home) army trucks left the Bonny Camp barracks for the toll gate and barricaded the protesters from both of sides of the toll gate; trapping them as they opened fire without warning from about 6:43pm.

CNN reported that they had pieced together a timeline for the shooting which lasted at least one hour and forty-three (1hr 43mins) roughly from 6:43pm to 8:24pm.

The videos show that the soldiers were indeed shooting in the air but they were also shooting directly at protesters.

It shows a scene of people injured and bleeding on the ground.

There is also clear video of a person confirmed dead at the scene; later identified as Victor Sunday Ibanga who was shot in the head.

His brother, Elisha Sunday Ibanga told CNN their family has still not recovered Victor’s body after searching multiple hospitals. A man, dead at the scene, is nowhere to be found.

Where is Victor Sunday Ibanga’s body? Are there other missing bodies?

Peace Okon, sister to Wisdom Okon, an 18-year-old who went to the toll gate that night to protest and never returned, is also still desperately searching for her younger

#EndSARS Protests

23

brother; unsure whether he is dead or alive.

Grandville Medical center was reported to have treated 15 people with gunshot wounds and other injuries that night and had to refer some to other hospitals.

Are these not victims?

The army still denies that anyone was transported to hospitals to receive treatment for gunshot wounds.

Ballistics reports from CNN and two other ballistics experts show that the bullet casings recovered at the toll gate grounds match the bullets used by the Nigerian army, ordered from Serbia with export documentation as proof.

Live rounds. Not blanks.

The accusation of the videos of the incident in circulation being doctored remains unproven.

Much of the video evidence came from the entertainer DJ Switch’s Instagram live stream.

Over 12,000 people viewed the events of the night in real time.

DJ Switch has since had to find cover and seek refuge for fear of her safety.

The government remains silent pending the outcome of the judicial panel and the army has refused to comment.

Here is what they have to say In response to this report, the Minister for In for m at i on and Culture, Lai Mohammed has called for CNN to be sanctioned for spreading “fake n e w s” a n d “misinformation”. He continues to deny the authenticity of the evidence but provides no counter evidence of falsehood.

The world is watching. BD Businessday.ng

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History in pictures

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SATURDAY SATURDAY17, 21,OCTOBER NOVEMBER2020 2020

History in pictures

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Apapa 1959, the forecourt of BEWAC ( British West Africa Company) Photo by GD Harding

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Book Review

Book Title: The 7 Dimensions of a 7 Star Professional: Achieve Accelerated and Sustained Career Success Author: Deji Jemiyo Year of Publication: 2019 Number of Pages: 169 Category: Career

PRINCIPLES TO BECOMING A STAR PERFORMER IN THE WORKPLACE - A Review of Deji Jemiyo’s the 7 Dimensions of a 7 Star Professional

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TITILADE OYEMADE

frica has a lot of business opportunities.

However, breaking into the African market is a herculean task. The challenges to doing business in Africa are not new but why do brands—global and local—so often fail to connect with the African consumer? This question and many more prompted former data analyst and market researcher Feyi Olubodun to write the book The Villager.

This detailed, eye-opening book provides an insightful overview for marketers who are interested in learning and understanding the psychology of Africans. As explained in the subtitle, “How Africans Consume Brands”, the book is heavily focused on the African consumer and aimed at inspiring investors to make the best decisions about conquering new markets in Africa.

The author is introduced in the book as the CEO of a leading advertising agency in Nigeria, alumnus of Duke University Fuqua School of Business Global Executive MBA programme, graduate of psychology, an acute observer of human behaviour, brands, businesses, and African institutions.

This combination of various skills likely helped the author to produce a body of work that is readable and useful at the same time.

Straightforward prose, organised chapters and real-life examples converge in a work that should prove useful to brand enthusiasts, marketers and investors.The book’s 146 pages is exactly what it claims to be: to share with you some lenses that you must use if you want to win in Africa. More specifically, it provides a general framework for understanding the African consumer.

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Olubodun goes i nto d e tail defining what m a k e s the villager African and speaks on innovation in an African context, cultural leadership, strateg y and its implementation across several platforms and business schools in the book’s twelve chapters.

While it is difficult to understand the beautiful work of art on the book cover, Olubodun writes predominantly from a marketing point of view sharing his profound knowledge which he acquired over several years of experience on behavioural patterns of Africans and how it can profitably affect a global brand or a local one.

Black-and-white images, numerous charts and illustrations, break up its text well and energise its discussions.

The first chapter would be very useful for investors looking to invest in Africa, the next chapter talks about the issues of global brands. The other chapters of the book are devoted to examining the critical lenses that an investor or marketer needs to see the consumers as they truly are, also providing hands-on advice and information on how it will result in better-targeted campaigns delivering customers a brand experience they want and need. Olubodun is succinct and to the point in the final chapter on how Africans consume brands.

The Villager will teach you the reasons behind the behavioural patterns of Africans and you will discover a unique insight into global audiences and not just the African ones.

All in all, The Villager is an information-rich book for any investor, brand owner, marketer, who wishes to engage, explore, or sell anything in the fastest growing and most profitable region in the world today. BD

oyemade is a business execute in a leading organisation and holds a degree

in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives.

Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipree

SATURDAY 2020 SATURDAY 21, 17, NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2020

Health Today

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Face masks! NOT ‘chin’ masks, ‘mouth only’ masks or ‘forehead’ masks

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DR HELEN ZIDON

ll year round, we have been inundated by a plethora of information on health and safety measures that are related to the COVID-19 pandemic. From hand-washing techniques, to social/physical distancing regulations, it seems like there is a constant avalanche of information and theories on how to protect ourselves and others from contracting the dreaded Coronavirus, as we attempt to carry on with our day-to-day businesses and survive our new normal. The sources of information on what-to-do and what-not-to-do vary from reputable sources such as the World Health Organisation to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the United States, and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); to the not-so-reputable sources like unverified tweets and WhatsApp broadcasts, with details on questionable and unscientific natural/ alternative remedies, illustrated with shoddy images and graphics.

While this article is related to the correct ways to wear a mask, it would be remiss of me as a healthcare professional to not refer you to valid and evidencebased sources of information. Please always verify the information you read from any of the aforementioned international and national health organisations, to cross check whether that mixture of ginger, honey and garlic (as read from the unverified broadcast message) is indeed a recommended, preventative remedy for an airborne, respiratory disease, which has led to a global pandemic, of which a vaccine is still in development, and in the clinical trial phases by multinational pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, BioNtech and Janssen. Until such a time that a vaccine is available, we can all play our parts in curbing the spread of the pandemic by adhering to the recommended protective measures, such as wearing protective masks and face coveringsnot on our chins, mouths only, foreheads or just in hands, pockets and bags.

Just to reiterate, the primary purpose of wearing a mask which covers your nose and mouth is to protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19, but do not have symptoms. A few more simple points to remember are: Businessday.ng

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• Wear a mask in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when it may be difficult for you to stay six feet apart; • Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect​; • Bandanas, gaiters or masks with exhalation valves as face coverings are not recommended; • Don’t remove the mask while around others in public; • Don’t share your mask with family members or friends.

(CDC & Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020) Face coverings and masks are now a legal requirement in many public places around the world, but it is not simply about possessing a mask, but it is about wearing the mask correctly to ensure maximum protection.

Wearing a mask is quite the unnatural experience, and can be quite fiddly, especially in warm countries and for prolonged periods of time. So it is understandable that out of discomfort, one can slide it down to the chin, or pull it down slightly below the nose for air.

However, while these adjustments are understandable, they are incorrect and do not serve as maximum protective barriers against contracting the disease or spreading it to others.

Face coverings and masks are only NOT recommended for individuals who have trouble breathing; individuals who are incapacitated and unable to remove it without help; individuals with special needs; and inidviduals who need to communicate with someone who has learning difficulties, is hard of hearing or deaf. In such cases, visors are recommended.

It has also been refreshing to see the wide range of creative and colourful reusable masks that are being produced and incorporated by fashion houses and brands. Reusable masks (with two or more layers) are the most cost-saving and environmentally friendly option. The United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 75% of used masks, as well as other pandemic-related waste, will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas. In addition to the environmental damage, the financial cost to the global tourism and fishery industries is approximately $40 billion.

So in summary, your mask should cover your nose AND mouth. If it isn’t doing both, then it is nothing at all. BD

Dr. Helen Zidon is the Deputy Head of Medical Information at Aspen Pharma Group, where she oversees the medical information functions of Aspen territories globally for multiple widely used pharmaceutical products. She is a public speaker and advocate for Global and Public Health, accessible and streamlined medical care, and the incorporation of Medical Technology in medical academia and medical practice. . helenzidon@gmail.com I twitter: https://twitter.com/helen_zidon I Linkedin: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/dr-helen-zidon-29825413/

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NEWSTODAY

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LEADWAY PARTNERS WITH AWABAH TO BRING FINANCIAL SERVICES TO THE INFORMAL SECTOR in August 2020, it is safe to say that there has been a surge on investments towards attaining financial security whether locally or internationally.

This new normal has affected every industry in Nigeria and cuts across all board.

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he ongoing worldwide pandemic has enlightened people on the need to be financially stable and successful, especially in a 3rd world country like Nigeria. With a stretched economy and inflation at 13.22%

Statistics show that in Nigerian universities, 5 out of 10 students drop out or defer their admission due to financial constraints, born of their parent’s inability to meet up financially. In the entertainment industry also, we have more Alist and B-list artists who do not have the proper information to make legitimate financial investments and go broke soon after they stop being in demand. The point is, wherever in the economy you are, an inability to adequately plan for the future catches up with us all Businessday.ng

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30 NEWSTORY

With this in mind, we sought out to partner with Leadway to bring financial services closer to the informal sector, with a keen eye on further enhancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion goals. At Awabah Nigeria, we are a financial service company that is built to assist its audience take that big step in their lives and escape living paycheck to paycheck.

In order to help clients reach their desired financial goals, Awabah Nigeria is aimed at providing access to micro pensions and target savings products and using this as leverage to increase and build its clients’ wealth. With our full range of solutions, we seek to provide the best pathway to wealth for our customers.

Awabah is a solution driven entity in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Riby (the Tech based Financial solutions provider) to provide a plethora of strategies, to transform old and existing investments to practical and achievable products designed to deliver real value.

Awabah is scheduled to launch virtually on the 20th of November 2020, across all social media platforms. BD Businessday.ng

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Entrepreneurship

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2020 SATURDAY 17, 21, NOVEMBER 2020

31

QUESTIONS BUSINESSES ASK ABOUT SOLAR

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ness.

hinking about going solar. But you do not know if it is a good endeavor for your busi-

HERE ARE FOUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS BUSINESSES ASK WHEN EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF GOING SOLAR. 1. WHY SHOULD I SPEND TIME OR MONEY ON SOLAR RIGHT NOW? Three primary reasons organizations choose to invest in a solar strategy: Financial benefit, positive environmental impact, brand elevation. If your business strategy aligns with any or all of

CHIDI OBIKE

these reasons, it probably makes sense to investigate whether solar power is right for your organization.

2. HOW WOULD MY EARNINGS IMPROVE WITH SOLAR? Companies can increase their earnings significantly, with regard to the fact that by switching to solar, company will attract zero or reduced utility bills as well as diesel/gas expenses.

Lots of companies have gone solar. For those who have not, many times it’s simply because they do not yet know about the full range of benefits. In other cases, businesses might think that purchasing a system outrightly might be capital intensive, this is why we offer solar financing with monthly installment payment option. BD

3. HOW CAN SOLAR DIRECTLY IMPROVE MY BUSINESS? Increased earning frees up money to invest in other strategic areas of your business, which could increase your sales and profitability. More productivity and cut down on lags caused by power failure.Essentially, you will gain a competitive advantage over companies in your industry.

4. IF SOLAR IS SO GREAT, WHY DON’ T ALL BUSINESSES INSTALL IT?

Chidi Obike is the CEO of Powerup Renwables: http://www.powerupr.com/

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Health Mental

32

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2020 SATURDAY 21,17, NOVEMBER 2020

sure many of you are starting to self- reflect on what a year 2020 has been – the accomplishments, the pitfalls, lest we forget the COVID-19 pandemic that has clearly made itself comfortable. As much as technology has enabled us to adapt to our “new” way of life virtually – i.e. working from home,

Tips on how to stay grounded during these challenging times Stacey Karuhanga

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or many, the start of a new decade presented a perfect opportunity to turn a new leaf, whether that meant starting school, graduating from college/university, starting a new business, or travelling more. The last thing we needed, let alone expected was a curveball…a global curveball that led the world to a standstill.

There is no doubt that this has left us with a mix of emotions that loom around us, more so with the uncertainty that still lies ahead.

The end of the year is fast approaching, and I am Businessday.ng

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home-schooling and connecting with others, it has also created room for loneliness and isolation given our limited personal and face-to-face connections.

The question stands: how does one stay grounded, connected and level-headed during these challenging times? Here are some tips: Acknowledge that this is a worldwide situation and you are not alone - we are all navigating it together.

It is important to focus on what is within your control such as prioritizing your health, mental health and wellbeing. Take caution where necessary such as practicing social distancing to protect yourself and those around you. Limit the amount of news updates you read/watch if this is something that makes you anxious.

Set a routine that fits your needs.

When possible, take time to plan out your day or week accordingly as this will help you stay on top of your activities, deadlines, plans, etc. For those of you who are visual (or forgetful) you could always create your own schedule, download templates or use the reminder app on your phone. Whatever you do, remember to be practical and have fun with it.

Mental Health

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Stay Connected!

This is where your creative side comes out. You could plan virtual events, call or text a friend, send pictures to keep up on what’s happening with one another. Free online platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts can be used to have video chats or play games. Remember, you could always drive-by to see a friend while maintaining social distancing.

It’s the little things that make a difference.

Ultimately, go to your happy place.

Whether it is making your favourite cuppa tea or coffee, catching up on an episode of your favourite show, snuggling up with a good read, calling up a friend or loved one, going to the farm, working out, cooking up a storm, taking a drive, being creative with a DIY task or treating yourself to your favourite dessert – only you can decide what makes you happy so focus on those good vibes and show up for yourself. aging people to sleep right will also follow shortly.

• It is not only protesters having a hard time this period, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative is offering a special program called ‘Daily Support’ for those who need someone to talk to at the end of a stressful day. BD

Recognize your feelings.

Identify your triggers and acknowledge how they make you feel as this will dictate your intervention.

You could write them down, talk to someone, take breaks between your day, go for a walk, or practice mindfulness and meditation. Take time to incorporate self-care strategies into your routine. Remember that this is beyond facials and massages, but rather more of what fills you up than drains you out. Some apps to check out include Aura, Headspace and Calm. There are also mindfulness and meditation guides on YouTube and Pinterest.

Re-adjust your expectations.

For those of you who had set goals for the end of the year, understand that these are unusual circumstances so do not beat yourself up if they are not accomplished. This does not mean you have to eliminate them, but rather know that it is okay to re-evaluate and focus on what is realistic and achievable.

Stacey Karuhanga is a registered Social Worker in Canada. She holds a Master & degree in Social Work (MSW), specializing in Mental Health and Health. She has experience working with infants, children and youth who have emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

Additionally, she has worked with adults living with mental illness and concurrent disorders.

Stacey currently works as a Child and Family Therapist.

You can reach Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative: Hotline: 0809-111-MANI (0809 111 6264) Website: project-covid.ng Social media: @mentallyawareng

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Recipe

SATURDAY 21, NOVEMBER SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER 2020 2020

Maafe - A Senegalese spicy peanut stew made with beef, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Ingredients ¼ cup oil or more 1-2 pounds beef or chicken 1 teaspoons smoked paprika ½ teaspoons white pepper 2 fresh tomatoes chopped 1 medium onion chopped divided 3-4 garlic cloves 2-3 tablespoons parsley ½ cup ground peanuts or Peanut butter paste 3-4 cups broth chicken or beef 1 or more pound vegetable potatoes, carrots Salt and pepper to taste Instructions In a large saucepan, season meat with salt, and onions and boil until tender, depending on the choice of meat. You should have at least 3-4 cups of stock. Remove the meat and reserve stock (broth) In a large pot, heat oil over low heat, then add the beef/chicken and sauté stirring, frequently, any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.

Remove and set aside Businessday.ng

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Blend tomatoes, and 1/2 onion, garlic, and parsley. Add half of the onions to the pan , sauce for about a minute and pour the mixture in the saucepan; add paprika, white pepper and sauté for about 7-10minutes. Stirring frequently to prevent burns, add stock as needed.

Then add potatoes, Carrots, peanut butter paste, scotch bonnet pepper and about 3 cups broth. Continue cooking until potatoes tender- about 10 or more depending on vegetables. Throw in the browned beef, Adjust the soup thickness with water if necessary.

If not, return your soup to the heat and let simmer to desired thickness Drip a little soup from your stirring spoon. If you are satisfied with the thickness of your soup, serve it. BD

SATURDAY 21, NOVEMBER 20202020 SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER

Laughter in the Mirror

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Sports 36 SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER 2020

SATURDAY 21, NOVEMBER 2020 36

ANTHONY NLEBEM

With eyes on Champions League, Pep Guardiola hangs on with Man City

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anchester City boss Pep Guardiola has extended his stay with the club for two years that will keep him until 2023.

The Spanish boss had just seven months left on his existing £20m-a-year deal with speculation mounting he could leave the Etihad after five years at the club - his longest job in management, but has moved to end the uncertainty over his future by agreeing an extension to his deal.

City were desperate to keep hold of the former Barcelona manager - but were also prepared to give him time to come to a decision.

That left a question mark hanging over this season that neither the club nor Guardiola wanted to impact their bid to reclaim the Premier League title this term.

The first task for Guardiola will be to overcome the challenge of dethroning champions Liverpool.

Guardiola is also desperate to win the Champions League for the first time since leaving Barcelona.

The City boss said: “Ever since I arrived at Manchester City I have been made to feel so welcome in Businessday.ng

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the club and in the city itself- from the players, the staff, the supporters, the people of Manchester and the chairman and owner.

"Since then we have achieved a great deal together, scored goals, won games and trophies, and we are all very proud of that success.

“Having that kind of support is the best thing any manager can have.

"I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well and I am humbled by the confidence shown in me to continue for two more years after this season.

“The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am very excited about helping Manchester City do that.”

The 49-year-old has already been at City for longer than any other club he has managed, having arrived from Bayern Munich in 2016, and has repeatedly claimed he is happy to be working in Manchester with his present set of players. Having agreed a short extension to his initial contract his deal was due to expire at the end of this season, but together with

SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER

Sports 2020 37 Health Today

the club he used the international break to negotiate a new agreement.

In his five years at City the club have won two Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup, setting several scoring and point-accumulating records on the way, though it is hardly a secret that Champions League success remains an unachieved ambition.

Guardiola won that twice with Barcelona, which was one reason City’s owners began to pursue him, but he could not reach a final in three years in Germany and he has so far failed to negotiate the knockout stages with the English club.

Man City have never won the Champions League in their history and have been knocked out in the quarter-finals the last three seasons.

Guardiola staying could boost Man City's chances of bringing Lionel Messi to the Etihad after their failed summer bid.

What an extra two years is almost certain to do is renew City’s interest in reuniting Guardiola with Lionel Messi, who returned from international duty with Argentina this week and complained publicly that he was sick of being blamed for all Barçelona’s problems. Messi came close to leaving

10,NOVEMBER 37 SATURDAY 21, SATURDAY OCTOBER 2020

Barcelona in summer, and City were prominent among potential destinations, and though he agreed to stay one final season few expect him to remain any longer.

At 33, Messi is reaching the end of his glittering playing career, though he might reasonably expect to have another two or three years at the top. That timing would fit in perfectly with Guardiola’s newly agreed deal, especially as the player is out of contract at the end of the season.

City’s chairman, Khaldoon alMubarak, said: “Pep Guardiola’s passion and intelligent approach are now woven into the very fabric of the football we play and our culture as a club. The manager’s impact has been central to our success and that is why I am delighted that he shares our view that there is so much more to be achieved both on and off the field.

“Pep’s contract extension is the natural next step in a journey which has evolved over many years, and it is a product of the mutual trust that exists between him and the entire club. I am sure all City fans share my delight in this new agreement and in anticipating the exciting opportunities that, with continued hard work, are there to be taken.” BD

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38

SATURDAY 17, OCTOBER 2020

UK government announces £300m virus palliative for sports The British government have announced a £300 million 'winter survival package' to help sport through the Covid-19 pandemic, with rugby set for the biggest share, but nothing for top level football and cricket.

The first payments will be made in the coming weeks, mainly as low-interest loans with flexible terms but also in the form of grants.

The money covers sport in England, with other parts of the United Kingdom having separate budgets. Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston told parliament it was clear some clubs would go to the wall unless action was taken to protect them. "Clearly for many organisations not being able to

generate gate receipts deprives them of a major source of income." Support will be provided to rugby of both codes, horse racing, the National League and women’s football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. More than 100 sports bodies wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in September to ask for emergency funding, warning of "a lost generation of activity" because of the pandemic.

Preliminary allocations by sport, based on needs assessment, saw rugby union top the list with up to £135 million of which the Premiership clubs accounted for £59m and the national Rugby Football Union

Newcastle sue Premier League over failed £300m Saudi bid

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has confirmed he is suing the Premier League over the failed Saudi takeover.

The club also accused the Premier League of 'leaking' information concerning their ongoing legal challenge.

Ashley was left distraught when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers withdrew their £300million bid in July.

They blamed the Premier League and its chief Richard Businessday.ng Masters for leaving@Businessdayng them no

£44m. Horse racing was next, with £40m to support racecourses closed to spectators, while the National League and women's soccer was set to get £28m. Motorsport, which employs more than 40,000 people in Britain, was allocated £6m to help operators of circuits like Silverstone. BD

other option, leading Ashley to take up the fight in the courts.

Separate action is being ta ken by t wo fa ns on t he grounds that not accepting the proposed takeover was a breach of anti-competition law.

And in their response to that challenge the Premier League’s law yers referenced Ashley’s own case, leading to the statement.

“The Club has previously not commented on the arbitration it is pursuing against the Premier League (‘EPL’) with respect to its conduct relating to

the proposed takeover because of the confidentiality clause in the EPL's rules.

"However, the Club is aware of public reports which state that, on 17 November, the EPL referred to legal proceedings with the Club (e.g. social media posts referring to the “Club’s own legal case”) in a letter to Newcastle supporters.

"The source of some of the reporting is said to be the EPL. It appears, therefore, that the EPL has leaked the contents of their letter to some of those commenting in the public domain.

"The Club understands that these will be matters of great concern to its fans and therefore considers that, in light of the information disclosed by the EPL, it has no choice but to respond and update its fans in response to this coverage.

"The Club makes no comment on the substance of the arbitration, but it can confirm that it has issued arbitration proceedings against the EPL. "It is unclear when those proceedings will be resolved, given the approach of the EPL and its lawyers, Bird & Bird. Nevertheless, the Club will continue to use its best efforts to press for a fair, full and timely hearing of its claim.” BD

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