Monday, February 10, 2020 Edition

Monday, February 10, 2020/ Jumadal Thani 8, 1441

2123 Days after

Kogi confirms 9 cases of Lassa fever, 4 deaths

Vol. 33 No. 050 N150

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. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

AU summit: Buhari seeks new strategies to prevent crisis in Africa page 5

IGP sends red signal to terrorists, bandits, others >>pAGE 4

page 5

As police arrest 3 more Ansaru terrorists

President Muhammadu Buhari shaking hands with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the 33rd AU Summit, yesterday in Addis Ababa.

Photo: NAN

2020 UTME: JAMB, AfDB president bemoans Gunmen abduct exhigh rate of malnourished ABU VC’s daughter, Computer Council in pact kill guard to curb cyber crime children in Africa pAGE 3

pAGE 7

pAGE 25

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

News

CONTENTS News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Feature Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

24

FG to involve NISER researchers in national devt plan

By Usman Shuaubu

M

inister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, has assured researchers and eggheads at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) that the Fedearl Government would need their expertise in the preparation of a long-term national development plan that would begin next year.

Agba gave the assurance at an interactive session with the Director General of NISER, Dr Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, and top management staff members during his official visit to the institute in Ibadan, at the weekend.

NISER is a parastatal under the Ministry of Budget and National

Planning, which has been saddled with the responsibility of developing a successor plan to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) (2017-2020).

Agba said that NISER was important and strategic to the nation’s economy, pointing out that, “you have a role to play in our national development planning.

“The Director General is a member of the Steering Committee that is working on our forthcoming national development plan. There are different thematic groups. If the Director General needs to involve some of the researchers and eggheads here in the thematic groups, he should let me know.”

The minister, who was thereafter led on a tour of

facilities at the institute by Dr Gbadebo-Smith, said there was infrastructure deficit everywhere in the country because “when we had money as a nation, we spent it wrongly; the governments in power then misplaced the funds.”

According to him, “we are fortunate now that we have President Muhammadu Buhari who is very prudent in the management of public finance. He is giving attention to the development of critical infrastructure such as rails and roads.”

He assured NISER management staff members that he would encourage the National Assembly standing committees on planning to visit to see, first hand, the state of the facilities on the premises of the institute.

Three (3) more members of the Ansaru Terror Group arrested by Police operatives at the operational bases of the Ansaru Terrorists’ Group in Kuduru Forest, Birnin-Gwari, They are; Munkailu Liman Isah aka Babban Driver’m’ 32yrs, Abdullahi Saminu aka Danmunafiki ‹m› 21yrs and Aminu Usman ‘m’ 22yrs, yesterday .

Give proper account to avoid God’s wrath, KADPOLY Rector urges MDAs PG 10

Digest

25

Feature

26

He said this would guide them when considering appropriations to the Insitute in the next year’s budget.

The minister disclosed that last year, even before he thought of visiting the institute, he ensured that N200 million was added to the Insitute’s 2020 budget.

He directed the management to furnish his office with all its infrastructure requirements and also to prioritise them.

He also promised to work on elevating the status of the institute from that of research to educational institution.

“I commend you for your resilience in this institute. We will work together to upgrade the Insitute,” he assured the management.

Sports 30-31 Back Page

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Minimum wage: Adamawa NLC kicks, as Gov Fintiri pledges payment February From Umar Dankano, Yola.

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Adamawa State chapter has expressed concern over nonpayment of consequential adjustment to workers in the state.

State Chairman of the Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Fashe disclosed the development to media in a mobile phone interview, lamenting that the minimum wage implementation committee has not been forthcoming with workable efforts towards that direction.

Comrade Fashe said if the state

fails to honuor its commitment then the union will be left with other choice but to embark on industrial strike action.

He stated that the resolve of the union to down tools was sequel to the failure of the government to take concrete steps towards implementing the consequential adjustment.

He added that the union will still hold another meeting with the committee tomorrow (Tuesday) and if tangible agreement is not reached they would have no option than to embark on an industrial action.

The state government has

implemented minimum wage of N32,000 for junior civil servants last year but failed to implement the consequential adjustment leading to the agitation by the senior civil servants.

However, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has announced that his administration will commence payment of the new minimum wage this month of February.

Governor Fintiri made the announcement on Saturday at a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders and elders in Numan, stressing that the payment will be made to workers

from level 7 and above in the state civil service.

Fintiri said his government has implemented N32,000 as national minimum wage for workers in the state and efforts are in top gear to reposition the civil service through improvement in the welfare of workers and accord them other incentives.

He appealed for support and understanding from citizenry in the state decrying that his administration has inherited huge burden of debt in which the government is serving with N1 billion monthly incurred by previous administrations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

AfDB president bemoans high rate of malnourished children in Africa A kinwumi Adesina, the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), has expressed concern over the rising cases of stunted children caused by malnutrition in Africa.

Mr Adesina expresses concern at the African Leaders for Nutrition High-Level Dinner for Heads of State at Addisa Ababa.

The speech presented by AfDB president was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the bank’s Communications and External Relations Department on Sunday.

He explained that Africa was the only continent where the number of stunted children had increased over the last two decades.

He said the stunted children in

Africa had increased to 58.5 million in 2018, from 50.3 million at the turn of the century.

According to him, 39 per cent of the world’s stunted children and 28 per cent of the world’s wasted children are in Africa.

“They are prone to inhibited intellectual and physical growth, and sometimes even premature death. These are not just statistics.

These are people. Our children.

“Like I have always said, stunted children in Africa today means stunted economies tomorrow. We know that a loss in adult height by just one per cent due to childhood stunting can lead to a 1.4 per cent loss in economic productivity.

“We cannot, and we will not, accept this. We must turn the tide.

And to turn the tide, you need Leaders. And you, present here today, are the Leaders.

“In my culture, there is a saying elders can’t be in the market place and observe a baby’s neck slump over their mother’s back.

“You, our Heads of State and other leaders present here today, are our elders. We are in a market place where the heads of babies are slumping. As elders, we can’t let this happen.

“We need you, the elders, to turn the tide” he stated.

Mr Adesina said it was because of this development, the bank set up the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) where it brought together Heads of State, Finance Ministers and other eminent leaders.

He added that the aim of bringing these leaders together was to raise awareness, ensure accountability, and reinforce investment by African governments to end malnutrition among children.

According to him, a lot has been achieved since it kicked off at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, in February 2019.

“We inaugurated the Continental Nutrition Accountability Scorecard at the African Union Summit in February 2019. We provided Heads of State with a snapshot of progress and areas where action is needed to meet the agreed nutrition goals.

“And Data which enables us to

maintain the good, and improve where we can do better. As the late Kofi Annan once said ‘If you can’t see it, you can’t solve it.’

“The bank will continue to work with all of you to design and implement investments to eradicate malnutrition in all its forms, and promote safe, affordable, accessible and healthier diets.

“That is why the AfDB also inaugurated the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) to help scale up Africa’s agricultural productivity by delivering high yielding and nutritious seed varieties such as water efficient maize, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and high iron beans” he added.(NAN)

Lassa fever: Kebbi govt confirms 2 cases From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

K

ebbi State government has confirmed two cases of Lassa fever out of twelve suspected cases from January 2020 to date.

This was disclosed yesterday by the state Epidemiologist, Dr ,Assad Hassan during an exclusive interview with Radio Nigeria in Birnin kebbi, adding that the two patients are from Kalgo and Birnin kebbi Local Government Areas of the state while nine of them tested negative and one still awaiting result.

He said that there is no cause for alarm as the disease is curable and the state government has provided all the necessary support to hospitals for effective service delivery.

Dr, Hassan further called on the good people of kebbi State to ensure they always visit the nearest health facility in case of any symptom not only Lassa fever.

He advised people to desist from eating rodents as they are one of the major causes of the virus.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state on horse back acknowledging cheers after he was turbaned as Matawallen Kaltungo by the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, at the weekend in Gombe.

De-registration: Accord backs INEC, woos sacked parties

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he national chairman of Accord, Muhammad Lawal Nalado, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done nothing wrong to delist about seventy four political parties who could not meet up with the provisions of 2010 Electoral Act (amended) on winning electoral seats at local levels.

Speaking with journalists on the matter, Nalado said there are conditions provided in the constitution for a party to meet before being retained in the ballot paper, including having offices across the country and

winning seats in elections.

He said the decision to deregister the 74 political parties was due to a committee set up by the commission to investigate the operations of registered parties, which he said has submitted its reports and recommendations to the commission.

He however said Accord will put machinery in place to encourage members of the delisted parties to join them, rather than seeking to be registered as new parties.

He said the party will poach members of like minded parties to join the fold and boost their strength and spread in

preparation for 2023.

Nalado, who is a two term chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said it does not make for a good political development to have two many political parties, especially given that it will create problem for the electoral commission in the management electoral processes.

He pointed out that most of the political parties who were deregistered have similar logos, acronyms, symbols and ideology, which he said will make it difficult for voters to differentiate between them during voting.

He said though there is

nothing wrong with giving more political space to Nigerians to realise their political ambitions, but such must be done with decorum.

He observed that the National Assembly should further amend the constitution to not only make it more stringent for parties to be registered by INEC, but to also scrap the state electoral commissions to allow INEC to conduct elections at local government and state levels.

“The constitution says any group that wishes to become a party should apply to INEC and after thirty days, with or without reply by INEC, such group can begin to operate as a party,

but this is no longer tenable, because the parties will continue to rise”, he said.

This he said will enable the small and emerging parties to contest and win, before coming to the national level, arguing that it is difficulty for any party to win elections in states where the party is not occupying the government house.

Meanwhile, he said the Accord will not consider merging with any parties for the 2023 general elections, arguing that it is not necessary. He said though APC did it and won the 2015 presidential election, but there is no such interest at the moment.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

News

Nigeria to strengthen relations with CanadaBuhari

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, described Nigeria-Canada relations as very cordial, expressing his desire to further strengthen bilateral ties.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the margins of the 33rd AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In his remarks, Buhari underscored the warm and friendly relations between Nigeria and Canada, noting commonwealth membership of both nations and the choice of Canada for higher education by Nigerian students. ‘‘We have a lot of students in Canada. We are aware of our vital roles to keep the country together. We are eager to expand trade because you are one of the ‘biggest customers’, of Nigeria’s crude oil. ‘‘But the most important and enduring relations with Canada is education,’’ President Buhari said.

Responding, the Canadian Prime Minister described President Buhari as ‘‘a leader in Africa’’, adding that it was a pleasure to engage on regional and international issues. ‘‘Your leadership and reflection on the current situation challenging Africa but also the potentials and opportunities are something that I am very much looking up to. ‘‘Canada and Nigeria have a long-standing and deep connection and friendship, and I very much look forward to hearing your perspectives on many big issues facing not just Africa but the world’’ Trudeau said.

Kogi confirms 9 cases of Lassa fever, 4 deaths

By Ahmad Ibrahim

T

he Kogi State Ministry of Health has confirmed nine cases of Lassa fever with four deaths recorded since the outbreak of the deadly disease in the state about a month ago.

Austin Ojotule, the state epidemiologist, disclosed this in a

statement in Lokoja on Sunday.

According to Mr Ojotule, the state’s statistics on Lassa fever outbreak update as at February 8, 2020, has a total of 31 suspected cases.

He said out of the 31 suspected cases of Lassa fever, one was probable, 17 negative, nine confirmed, while five had pending

laboratory results.

He said that four deaths had been recorded among the nine confirmed cases with Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 44.4 per cent; the percentage of deaths from the confirmed cases.

The official said that the nine confirmed cases were from five local government areas including Ibaji

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (L) presenting a souvenir to the newly appointed Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji - Kaduna, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadiq Liman who visited the Naval Headquarters, recently in Abuja.

Photo: ..DINFO

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he Jigawa State Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, JICCIMA, has inaugurated its 6th executive members.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at Man Power Development Institute Dutse, the National President of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Hajiya Saratu Aliyu Iya, who was

JICCIMA gets new exco represented by Alhaji Ahmad Rabi`u, called on the new executives to work-hard and contribute their quota towards the development of the commercial activities in the state.

According to him, the national chamber is always ready to share experiences and support the members at state level for a better development of the country at large.

He then congratulated the new

executives and lauded Governor Badaru Abubakar for the financial and moral support given to the chamber at all times.

Those inaugurated as new executive members include: Mukhtar Muhammad Birniwa Chairman, Yahaya Ibrahim vice chairman one and Mahmud Maigari as vice chairman two.

While delivering his acceptance

Gov. Okowa greets Fayemi at 55 D From RNosa Akenzua, Asaba

elta Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Olukayode Fayemi, as his turns 55 years on Feb. 9.

Fayemi, an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, was first elected Governor of Ekiti State in 2010 and lost re-election bid in 2014.

He was Minister of Solid Minerals Development from 2015 to 2018 when he was re-elected Governor of Ekiti State.

with two; Okene, two; Idah, three; Okehi, one, and Igalamela Local Government Area, one.

He, however, noted that contact tracing and follow-up were ongoing, adding that a total of 177 contacts had been listed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever broke out in the state about a month ago.

In May, 2019, he was elected Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, extolled Fayemi for his tremendous contributions and outstanding accomplishments in the service of his state and country.

According to him, the sterling contributions of Fayemi to the promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Nigeria are legendary and worthy of

commendation.

Okowa noted that the former minister contributed significantly to the growth of revenue from exports in the Mining sector by 592 per cent from 2016 to 2017 contributing seven per cent to Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

“Your impressive political and developmental achievements in office have placed your name on the sands of time as a leader worthy of commendation.

“The people of Ekiti State can attest to your doggedness,

commitment and steadfastness in state craftsmanship as exemplified in the modest achievements through the implementation of your well-articulated social-welfarist blueprint known as the Eight-Point Agenda.

“In the contemporary politics of Nigeria, Kayode Fayemi has become a household name as an emerging nationalist and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum,” he said.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I

speech, the new JICCIMA chairman Alhaji Mukhtar Muhammad Birniwa promised to carry all members along to move the chamber forward.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Salisu Zakar said, the state government has set aside huge amount of money to boost business activities in the state.

congratulate a gentleman of honour and an outstanding personality, a leading light of this generation, a consummate politician of our time and a courageous democrat, Dr. John Olukayode Fayemi, on his 55th birth anniversary.

“On this auspicious occasion of your 55th birth anniversary, I join your family, friends and wellwishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by outstanding accomplishments and enduring fulfillment,” Okowa added.

3 Div HQ Nigeria Army flags off 2020 WASA From Yusuf Shekarau, Jos

T

Mairiga

he 3 Division Headquarters of Nigerian Army, Jos has flagged of the year 2020 West African Social Activities to bring in officers, soldiers and civilian families together to mark the

2020 year calendar event.

The event which held Sunday, at the Maxell Khobe Cantonment Jos, is an aged long tradition of the Nigerian Army which is designed to harmonize officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the civilian populace.

Flagging of the year’s

ceremony, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen NE Angbazo said “the vision is to ensure the welfare of Officers, Soldiers and their families in line with professional conduct, having in mind, operational base practices as well as Rules of Engagement”.

Gen. Angbazo said, “the Div have successfully completed the rounds of exercise for personnel within Corporal and below ranks, Senior Non Commission Officers and Warrant Officers, as well as Officers combat proficiency competitions”.

He thanked officers and men of the Nigerian Army

within the 3 Div area of responsibility for exhibiting high sense of professionalism and resilient commitment on duty posts, which according to him, is in line with the vision of the Army Chief “To have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its constitutional roles.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

News

IGP sends red signal to terrorists, others As police arrest 3 more Ansaru terrorists

From Femi Oyelola and Yusuf Idris Kaduna

F

ollowing the feat recorded against members of Ansaru terrorists group and bandits terrorizing Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Inspector General of Police has vowed that more trouble awaits the terrorists and bandits.

He gave assurance that many others will follow until the criminals are flushes out of the area.

The Police Chief gave the assurance when he visited the troops injured from Wednesday’s attack on the police operational helicopter in Kuduru village yesterday.

This is just as the Police operatives have arrested three (3) more members of the Ansaru Terror Group.

A statement by DCP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja yesterday gave the names of the arrested terrorists as Munkailu Liman Isah aka Babban Driver (male) 32yrs, Abdullahi Saminu aka Danmunafiki (male) 21yrs and Aminu Usman (male) 22yrs.

According to the statement, this brings the number of persons arrested to eight (8).

The Inspector General of Police, represented by Deputy Inspector General in charge of Operation, Abdul Majeed Ali, disclosed that the Force lost another injured personnel by name Sgt. Idris on Friday morning.

The death of Sgt. Idris brings to two the number of personnel lost by the force, while 13 others were receiving medical attention at two medical facilities in Kaduna.

The DIG Operation said he was sent by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu to see the condition of the gallant troops who were injured during the operation that was carried three days ago.

“And am very happy that what I saw was very satisfying as the

injured men are very stable, even the Doctor treating them said there is no need to worry as they are responding to treatment.

“The Inspector General of Police is very disturbed, but I assure you that we will give them the best of treatment as we will still go into their issue to see how fast they can respond to treatment.

“Unfortunately, we lost another personnel which increased the number of death to two whose names are Muhammad Abubakar and Sgt. Idris.

“It is a continuous operation as this is not the first one, it is just that this is a very special one because the police has woken up and are equal to the task of fighting every bandit in the country until it is cleared.

“Thirteen of the men were injured, four will be discharged today while the rest will continue to

be under observation,” he said.

Speaking on the operation, the IGP said the Ansaru terrorists group have extended their tentacles to Birnin-Gwari and large area of Pandongari in Niger State too.

According to him, “We have taken note of them for a very long time and we had put a lot of intelligence on them. However, the operation in Kuduru happens to be the first in line up of our operations to wipe out terrorists from BirninGwari.

“So, we want to assure Nigerians that, very soon, KadunaBirnin Gwari road will be passable very soon and Nigerians will have freedom of movement everywhere,” he said.

On the arrest of three more terrorists, police said the suspects are already assisting Police investigators with useful

information relating to the membership spread and makeup, criminal/operational records, logistics and general modus operandi of the terror group.

It said that, preliminary investigation reveals that the arrested suspects were actively involved in the recent attack and attempted kidnap of the Emir of Potiskum that resulted in the gruesome killing of the Emir’s Police escorts.

“They were also involved in several other kidnap operations and terror attacks on commuters and other innocent citizens along some major highways, especially in the North-West and North Central States of the country.

“Unfortunately, investigation also reveals that some citizens, especially those within the business community, give tacit support to

the terror groups by deliberately doing businesses with them through the supply of essential goods, drugs (licit/illicit) and other services. To this end, the IGP calls for patriotism amongst the people, noting that this is the only way the fight against the criminal elements can truly be won.

“While Police operatives are on the close trail of other fleeing members of the terror groups and their collaborators, the IGP has expressed immense appreciation to all and sundry, especially the good people of Birnin-Gwari and environs for their understanding, cooperation and support which have resulted in the measure of successes recorded so far particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other heinous crimes in the country,” the statement said.

L-R: Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Plateau State Command, Dr Solomon Olasupo; Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Plateau State, Maj.- Gen. Augustine Agundu; Chairman, Langtang North LGA of Plateau, Mr Joshua Laven and Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, during the inauguration of projects executed by the Chairman, on Saturday in Langtang .

Photo: NAN

AU summit: Buhari seeks new strategies to prevent crisis in Africa

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has called for new strategies by the African Union (AU) to effectively prevent, manage and resolve conflicts in the face of new circumstances and emerging challenges in Africa.

The President made the call at the High Level meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the State of Peace and Security in Africa at the 33rd AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President also commended the renewed vigour

by ECOWAS member countries to mobilize their own resources to

combat terrorism.

On new strategies to resolve conflicts on the continent, the President said: ‘’The AU must strengthen its own capacity for mediation and develop an effective intervention roadmap.’’

He added that more emphasis should be placed on promoting national dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion in order to rally all actors towards sustainable peace.

Buhari announced that Nigeria has fulfilled its financial obligations to the AU Peace Fund up to 2019, pledging to continue investing on peace and security on the continent.

On ECOWAS matters, Buhari declared that Nigeria was proud to continue to serve as a strong contributor to the peace roles played by the regional bloc. ‘’In Burkina Faso, we (ECOWAS) pledged to mobilize one billion US

dollars to address the challenges of insecurity in our region and the Sahel. In Guinea Bissau, ECOWAS successfully midwifed the general elections. ‘’Nigeria along with ECOWAS member states led in the restoration of democracy and peace in the Gambia,’’ he said, while welcoming the collaborative leadership of the AU with other Regional Economic Communities in resolving conflicts on the continent.

On security challenges in Africa, the Nigerian leader said it was regrettable that terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of vicious conflicts had continued to cause mayhem and untold crisis on the continent. ‘’Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the perpetrators of terrorism in Libya, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and parts of the Horn

of Africa. ‘’We reiterate that efforts must continue to be pooled to mitigate this dreadful violence and secure the future of our continent,’’ he said.

On the Peace Fund, the President reminded the meeting that drawing from the Kigali and Johannesburg Assembly Decisions, the fund is structured for the internal peace support arrangements within the continent and not as resources to subsidize the mandate of the UN Security Council. ‘’In this regard, my delegation will always fervently contest attempts to make Africa subsidize the primary responsibility of the UN as clearly provided in its Charter,’’ he said.

Buhari also welcomed the decision of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to adopt

the regional stabilization strategy for the Lake Chad Basin and the renewal of mandates of the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G5 Sahel Joint Force.

He told the meeting that Nigeria was very encouraged by the resolution of the continent’s standing decision-making body for conflict prevention, management and resolution, on the Lake Chad Basin. ‘’We are hopeful that the Inter Water Basin Transfer Initiative for the recharging of the Lake Chad will address some of the drivers of terrorism, particularly the impact of climate change and intercommunal clashes over access to natural resources. ‘’We equally call on the Assembly to direct the full implementation of these AU-inspired initiatives,’’ he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

PAGE 6

News

Researcher to FG: Embrace herbal medicine

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

A

Nigerian researcher in the area of phythomedicine, Pharm. Ben Amodu has beckoned the Federal Government and the state governments to embrace herbal medicine, saying they have been using the branch medicine to cure cancer and other communicable and noncommunicable diseases in his African Alternative Medicine Hospital, AAMH, Abuja.

The researcher gave the advice to the governments while addressing journalists in his office during the recently marked World Cancer Day, WCD. Reiterating on the need for both federal and state governments to embrace the branch of medicine, he said that, it has succeeded where its orthodox counterpart has failed.

The international researcher of repute said that he has over the time found a for all forms of cancers, among which are cancers of the lung, colon, breast and that prostrate.

He warned seriously against the dangers of cancer, just as he thanked God that the illness has at long last succumbed to the power of his products.

Informing Mr President that some difficult medical situations in the world can be resolved by phythomedicine in Nigeria, he said that there was a need to give the sector a listening, which if done, according to him would advance the country quickly. The international researcher therefore informed that they manage most critical health conditions, like Phybloid, Palochea Tube Blockade, Appendix, Hinea, Kidney Stone, Prostate Cancer, among others without operative procedures in his African Alternative Medicine Hospital, Abuja.

As virus researchers, Dr Ben Amodu said: “The latest in this 2020 is that we are focusing on viruses, to tackle successfully all difficult health incidents all over the world, having dealt with HIV/AIDS, Hapathitis A,B,C,D,E, Airvian flu, Ebola, among other viral diseases,” adding that they have a preparation that cure Corona Virus.

Ben Amodu said what deals with a particular virus deals with the other one. According to him, “When Ebola came, we tried to check our HIV patient to see if what we are using for them can be used for Ebola. We check CD 8 and to the glory of God, their CD 8 increased. The increase in CD 8 showed that the bacteria can manage Ebola. So you can see that within this virus cycle, we have the magic.”

Beckoning those who wanted to marry and couldn’t due problems associated with genotype, Ben Amodu informed that they had recently converted a Sickle Cell patient from SS to AA. The scientist therefore reiterated on the need for members of the public who have one one ailment or the other to come for solution through the branch of the medicine, even as be said that they are still open to FG for partnership, which if done, according to him will go a long way.

CISLAC urges lawmakers to save 33,504 malnourished children in Katsina

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on Katsina State legislators to quickly intervene to save the lives of no fewer than 33,504 malnourished children under five years recorded from January to August 2019 in Katsina State.

The call was made by the CISLAC programme manager on health, Ms Chioma B. Kanu, while delivering her speech at a one- day retreat for relevant committees in Katsina State House of Assembly on prevention and treatment of severe acute malnutrition as a child right issue, held at Three Star Hotel Dutse, Jigawa State.

She explained that, the

legislators have a vital role to play in ensuring the release of funds to tackle the severe acute malnutrition in the state.

The figure was confirmed by the Nutrition Officer in the state, Alhaji Abdulhadi Abdulkadir while speaking to news men at the retreat adding that state government budgeted a huge amount for the procurement of

RUTF. He explained that, the Katsina State government partners with other international organisation apart of various programme to tackle the severe acute malnutrition in the state.

He said, the state government also embarked on enlightening the public on importance of using the local nutritious foods.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

News

Gunmen abduct ex-ABU VC’s daughter, kill guard From Kaduna

Femi

Oyelola,

G

unmen suspected to be kidnappers stormed the residence of the former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria,Professor Abdullahi Mustapha yesterday killing a security guard and whisked away his daughter.

The Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Yakubu Abubakar Sabo disclosed this in

a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call through DPO Samaru Division Zaria that, some unknown Armed Men entered the residence around 2340 hours.

“They shot and injured one Zayyanu Abdullahi a security man and took away Maryam Abdullahi Mustapha a 35 year old daughter of the Professor.

“On receipt of the information, teams of Policemen were promptly mobilized to the scene, engaged the hoodlums in a serious gun duel and successfully neutralized one of the bandits who died on the spot and several of the attackers escaped with gun injuries. “ Exhibits recovered on the body of the neutralized bandit includes an AK47 Magazine loaded with twenty four (24) live Ammunition and a techno

handset while Seven (7) empty shells of AK47 ammunition were recovered at the scene of the incident.

“However, the bandits succeeded in running away with the victim in the heat of the gun battle “ The injured security man is currently receiving treatment at ABU Teaching Hospital Zaria and is responding positively, while efforts are on top gear to rescue the victim and

apprehend the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to book.

“The Command assures the Public that, it is doing everything possible to ensure that the victim is rescued unharmed and appeals to the general public to support the Command with useful information that could help overcome the present security challenges, “ the statement reads.

Insurgency: Lalong, Fintiri pledge support to Nigerian Army From Yusuf Shekarau, Jos

Mairiga

T

Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (middle), addressing the Media on Methanol Fuel Technology Development, Director-General National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Prof. Jeffrey Barminas (2nd right), SA Technical to the Hon. Minister Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor (right), Acting Director-General Nigerian Institute of Leather Science Technology (NILEST) Dr. Eucharia Ngozi Opara (2nd left), Director-General Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) Dr. Augustine Igweh (left), during the Minister Official Facility Visit to National Research Institute For Chemical Technology

Masari appoints pilgrims board boss, 3 Perm. Secs.

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

G

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has approved the appointment of Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu Kuki as the Executive Director of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The appointment was contained in a statement

signed and made available to newsmen by the Secretary to the Government of the state, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa.

The SGS noted that the new pilgrims board boss was appointed to the position for his dedication to duty and selfless services rendered to the state.

In a related development, Masari also approved

the appointment of three permanent secretaries in the state service.

The appointment of the new permanent secretaries was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by permanent secretary (administration) in the office of the state head of service, Alhaji Lawal Ado Dutsin-ma.

The statement further

Katsina SGS loses mum From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

T

he death has occurred of the mother of Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, Hajiya A’isha, popularly known as Hajiya Ta-Mashi.

Hajiya A’isha, aged 91 years died in the early hours of Sunday, living behind four children and 36 grandchildren.

The funeral prayer for the deceased was conducted at the GRA Katsina Juma’at Mosque.

Those who attended the funeral prayer and the

burial rites include, the state governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, emir of Daura Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq, DG NIMET, Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi, Commissioner of Water Resources, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua, other members of the state executive council and top government officials.

disclosed that the new permanent secretaries include, Alhaji Kasimu Ibrahim Nagari, Alhaji Mannir Ibrahim while Alhaji Yusuf Mu’azu was appointed on acting capacity.

It would be recalled that the former pilgrims board was sacked by the governor due to their shoddy handling of the 2019 Hajj exercise.

In a statement by Governor Masari through his spokesman Alhaji Abdu Labaran Malumfashi he described the death of Hajiya A’isha as a great loss to her family and the state He pray Allah to forgive her sins and grant her Aljanna Firdausi and for the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

he Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has vowed to support the personnel of the Nigerian Army in combating all elements of criminalities in the state.

The governor made the declaration in his remark at the West African Social Activities held Sunday, at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment of the Nigerian Army, Jos. He said Plateau will not go back to dark days of incessant killings and massacre where some notorious elements always stand to kill at will and go unpunished.

Governor Lalong said, “my government is working round the clock together with the security agencies to sort out all the criminals and get them prosecuted so as to serve as deterrence to others”.

On a regular interval, his Adamawa State counterpart, Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said “Adamawa state, being one of the epi centers of Boko Haram insurgency that is still experiencing occasional incursion will remain eyes open in mobilizing every necessary support to curbing the menace of the insurgency”.

Speaking on similar occasion, Gov. Fintiri said the insurgents have continued to raid strategic locations in the state in search of food, fuel and other necessities, narrating the closeness of some of the affected villages to Sambisa forest as one of the cause of the intensifying dreadful attacks”.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Maxwell Gidado, governor Fintiri congratulated the Officers and men under units and formations of 3 Div Nigerian Army for Organizing the 2020 WASA just as he encouraged the Div to do much more in tackling insurgency in his state, nothing, “Adamawa state is looking forward to giving every necessary support in ensuring that the excesses of the insurgents is carefully addressed.”.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (M); Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Kaduna, AVM. Ibrahim Mukhtar (L) and Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, AVM. Idi Amin, during the inauguration of renovated Block of Flats , on Saturday in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

Malabu oil deal: EFCC persecuting me, Adoke cries out

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

F

ormer Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of persecuting him.

According to Adoke, through his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, the commission has no legal justification to continue to hold him in their custody since he had met the bail conditions set by the court for his release and other accused persons standing trial at an Abuja High Court.

Adoke and others are standing trial over alleged fraud in Malabu oil deal.

He said, ‘’Consequently, it was expected that the EFCC (whose motto is, “NO one is above the law”), having submitted itself to the courts by arraigning Mr Adoke before a court of law, ought to lead in the struggle for the preservation of the Rule of law and obedience to court orders.

We believe it ought to show leadership, in accordance with the dictates of the Rule of law, by obeying the order of a court of Competent jurisdiction (coran, Justice Idris Kutigi), which had granted bail to Bello Adoke. The EFCC by refusing to toe this line, is now constituting itself into an appellate court or tribunal over court decisions. This cannot be so. ‘’After fulfilling his bail

conditions, and upon presenting the release order of the court duly signed by his Lordship to the EFCC, another round of stories commenced. It was either that one official or the other, was not available to authorize the release.

And, so Adoke continues to languish in illegal detention. ‘’As at today, 6th February, 2020 (and still counting), over seven clear days after the court granted Adoke bail, the EFCC continues to detain him. ‘’In compliance with the enrolled and certified order of the court dated 30th January, 2020, for Adoke’s release, he had duly and fully complied with all the bail conditions imposed on him by the court.

‘’Notwithstanding our client’s fulfilment of his bail conditions, he has been kept by the Respondent in horrific detention, in blatant defiance of the court’s clear and mandatory order for his release on bail. His health condition is fast deteriorating on a daily basis’’.

Ozekhome appealed to the EFCC, to respect a valid court order, by releasing Mr. Bello Adoke, SAN, forthwith, from his illegal, unlawful wrongful, and unconstitutional detention. ‘’By arraigning Adoke before a court of law, it has undertaken to abide by the court’s decisions. We humbly appeal to this government to help us build strong and enduring institutions; not strong men or women’’, he said.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

news

AU summit: Buhari, others inaugurate CISSA Hqtrs to intensify security

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday joined President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed and other African leaders to inaugurate the headquarters of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services (CISSA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a pledge to intensify security cooperation.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the side event of the inauguration of the head office building, donated by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, took place on the margins of the 33rd AU Summit.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of CISSA and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) of Nigeria, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, described the building as a product of vision, generosity, partnership and African solidarity.

He thanked President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea for his generosity and the Prime Minister and Government of Ethiopia for providing the piece of land on which the project is situated. ‘’Our greatest debt of gratitude, we owe to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for his generosity and unrelenting support for the project. ‘’Since the laying of the Foundation Stone on 31st January 2017, H.E. President Mbasogo has maintained an active role towards ensuring that the building project is completed on schedule. ‘’CISSA fully appreciates this PanAfrican gesture. We are grateful to Your Excellency as well. Few member countries,

including Sudan, Angola, Djibouti, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania provided seed money for the project. We thank you. ‘’In the sixteen years of its existence, CISSA has evolved into a truly continental organisation with 52 members, making significant contributions to the implementation of its mandate. ‘’All this was possible because of the support, assistance and contributions of member countries, ranging from timely and consistent payment of dues, secondment of staff, technical assistance and special grants. ‘’Here, Nigeria, Algeria, Sudan and South Africa stand out. ‘’We thank all our Heads of State and Government for your support, trust and guidance. We assure you of our dedication and commitment to service, ‘’ he said.

The CISSA Chairperson also expressed gratitude to the AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki, for his interest in the Committee’s work and encouragement. ‘’Today, the dream of a befitting Headquarters for CISSA has become a reality. With this, we re-commit ourselves to the collective task of making Africa safe and stable, while also continuing to work for global peace and security,’’ he said.

The decision to establish CISSA was made on 26 August 2004 in Abuja, Nigeria

by Heads of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa.

The Mandate of CISSA is to provide the African Union Commission (AUC) and its (MEMBERS’ member’s) services with timely and insightful intelligence, which would assist them in making informed decisions.

It is also a platform where member services exchange intelligence, expertise and experiences while dealing with common threats that affect the continent.

Edo Varsity deploys smart boards, trains staff on CANVAS

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State University, Iyamho, Edo State has deployed smart boards for teaching and learning in bid to build knowledge gap and build capacity of Staff and students.

To boost productivity and build capacity of Staff, the management of the institution has organized a training workshop for its Staff.

The Vice Chancellor Edo University Iyamho, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, spoke at the training workshop organized by the University for staff on the use of CANVAS LMS/AIS and Smart/Electronic boards.

CANVAS LMS is an online platform, which creates an interaction between the students and teachers.

Prof. Aluyor, tasked the Staff of the University to brace up to emerging trends in the academia.

The VC, urged the beneficiaries of the workshop to be innovative and contribute meaningfully towards the development of the University.

He stressed that the training of personnel will be a regular exercise with a caution to the trainees to go

beyond their comfort zone for optimal productivity.

The VC said that the university was the first in West Africa to have acquired the CANVAS Learning Management System (LMS) and now the Academic Information System (AIS).

Also speaking at the training, the Chairman of Edo University Iyamho Learning Management Committee, Dr. Akinyola Olayinka, said that the CANVAS LMS/AIS is beneficial to both the staff, students and the university at large in the modern days teaching and learning environment.

He spoke on the topic: Edo University Iyamho CANVAS LMS - Overview and course set, defined CANVAS LMS as a learning Management system that makes learning possible.

On his part, Dr. Wilson Nwankwo, an associate Prof. in the Department of Computer Science, Edo University Iyamho said that the Academic Information System (AIS), was an integrated system, providing computerized learning platform for both the lecturers and the students of higher learning.

Page 9

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA NIGER STATE SECOND RURAL ACCESS & MOBILITY PROJECT (RAMP II)

ANNUAL MECHANIZED MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS OF 176KM AND ADDITIONAL 47.4KM ROADS IN NIGER STATE ID NOs: NG-NIGER RAMP 2-156963-CW-RFB

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Credit No.:51540 The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has received financing from the World Bank and onlent the financing to four participating States (Adamawa, Enugu, Niger and Osun) toward the cost of Second Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP-2), and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for Annual Mechanized Maintenance and Emergency Repair Works of 176km roads (Wuya Suman- Lemu, Sulu Junction- Tafa, Sabon Wuse-Ija Gwari, Wawa-Malale, Jika-Shafini, Mokwa-Kudu-Jagi, Annual Mechanized Maintenance of Additional47.2km Pilot roads). This contract will be financed by IDA and bidding process will be governed by the World Bank's Procurement Regulations.

The Niger State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP-2) on behalf of Niger State Government now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for construction works in the following lot respectively;

LOT ACTIVITY Lot1 Annual Mechanized Maintenance and Emergency Repair Works of 51.94km Wuya Suman- Lemu, Sulu Junction- Tafa, Sabon Wuse-Ija Gwari Lot2 Annual Mechanized Maintenance and Emergency Repair Works of 21km WawaMalale Lot3 Annual Mechanized Maintenance and Emergency Repair Works of 45.2km MokwaKudu-Jagi Lot4 Annual Mechanized Maintenance and emergency repair works of Additional47.2km Pilot roads (Fazhi-Batati, zara cluster, Tungan Gana- Tungan Mallam, Duku-Tungan Rini, Tungan Wawa-Maddara)

LGA Suleja/ Gurara

LENGHT 51.94km

Borgu

21km

Mokwa 45.244km 47.2km

DESCRIBTION OF WORKS -Earth works including reclaiming of embankment and excavation of longitudinal drainage (side drains).

-Construction of culverts (including excavations) -Construction of concrete grade trapezoidal and or rectangular shaped side drains -Rehabilitation/Construction of culverts -Stone pitching of erosion prone embankments -Provision of boulders at the edge of aprons -Construction of pavement including sub base and base of acceptable materials

DURATION 3months

3months 3months 3months

The general works includes : i.

Earth works including reclaiming of embankment and excavation of longitudinal drainage (side drains). ii.

Construction of culverts (including excavations) iii.

Construction of concrete grade trapezoidal and or rectangular shaped side drains iv. Rehabilitation/Construction of culverts v.

Stone pitching of erosion prone embankments vi.

Provision of boulders at the edge of aprons vii.

Construction of pavement including sub base and base of acceptable materials viii.

Application of second coats surface dressing Bidders wishing to offer discounts will be allowed to do so, provided those discounts are included in the Letter of bid.

Bidding will be conducted through the Request For Bid (Limited) as specified in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers, dated January 2011 and updated July, 2014 (“Procurement Guidelines”), and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Guidelines. In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from the Project Coordinator, Niger State Project Implementation Unit, Rural Access and Mobility Project, (e-mail: nigerspiu@yahoo.com ) and inspect the Bidding document during office hours of 0900 to 1700 hours at the address given below.

A complete set of bidding documents in English Language may be purchased by interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Fifty thousand Naira (NGN 50,000) in cash and to be issued a receipt by the SPIU. Bids must bear the specific identification of this bidding process specified and be delivered to the address below on or before 24th February,2020. Electronic Bidding WILL NOT be permitted. Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the Bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address below on 24th February, 2020 by 12.noon.

All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of : • Lot1: N2,600,000.00 • Lot2: N1,000,000.00 • Lot3: N2,100,000.00 • Lot4: N2,300,000.00 The address(es) referred to above is(are): Attention: The Project Coordinator Rural Access & Mobility Project (RAMP), Niger State Project Implementation Unit, Gidan Aliyu Ndanusa,Bosso Road, Minna, Niger State Nigeria.

Tel: +234 803- 34500334, +234 703-3366270 E- Mail: nigerspiu@yahoo.com and nigerspiu@gmail.com

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

News

Give proper account to avoid God’s wrath, KADPOLY Rector urges MDAs

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Prof.

Idris Bugaje on Friday called on public office holders in the country to give proper account of their stewardship to the people so as to avoid the punishment of not doing same in the hereafter.

The Rector who gave the advice at the investigative hearing of the House of Representatives committee on Public Accounts on Friday stated that his first line of action after assuming office in the institution was to sent fiscal balance sheets if the school for Audit.

He stated in a chat with journalists shortly after he was

cleared by the House of Reps’ panel probing into alleged deliberate and reckless refusal of non-Treasury Funded and Partially Funded government MDAs from 2014 to 2018 in Abuja.

Asked what informed his productiveness in getting unaudited accounts of the institution straightened out, he said: “When came to Kaduna polytechnic, we came on a rescue mission, there were crisis, strikes, uncompleted sessions, loss of accreditations and we decided to do the right thing”.

“One of such is that we discovered that the accounts for about five years were not audited and so we engaged external auditors to do the complete audit

of those years and we submitted in 2019.

“It is important we give proper account so that if there are issues, it can be easily corrected; it even helps management to manage the resources better. The auditors will tell you things that are not being done correctly and it gives the opportunity to correct, if you delay, you will not benefit from such opportunity. We have to put Kaduna poly on track and that is what we are doing now.

On how things turned after his management interventions, Prof.

Bugaje said, “So far, things have stabilised, the polytechnic has spent two years now without strike, students population has increased

from 17,000 to 27,000 and we are hoping to move to over 35,000 to become the largest higher institution in Nigeria”.

Asked if the institution has adequate infrastructure to cater for the population he’s aspiring to take in, he disclosed saying: “We are expanding and creating new departments from 48 to 63, new buildings and infrastructure are coming in, we are not waiting for the budget, we are going for extra budgetary interventions using different sources of revenue”.

“85 per cent of accreditations were lost during the crisis but now, we have recovered all, all our courses are 98 per cent accredited

and only a few are partially accredited and we shall conclude it this year”, he said.

On what others in his position should learn from his conducts so far, he said: “My advice to all is that it is always good to give proper account here before the bigger account in the hereafter comes”.

“We should think of the bigger account because there is no way out of it, so the earlier you give proper account, the better.

“If there is any mistake, it can be corrected, we are all humans and can make mistakes and in subsequent account, you can improve so that this country will move to the next level”, Prof. Bugaje admonished.

Tanker crunches 78year old man in Delta From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

A

tanker driver along Sapele Agbor road at the weekend crushed to death a 78 years old man around Umuebu junction in Obiaruku Community, Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeyaga confirmed to journalists that a vulcanizer and gas refiller whose shops were located at the exact Spot the accident occurred narrowly escaped death even as they sustained serious injuries in the process, adding that the driver of the tanker with registration number APP 161 XE lost control while he was on high speed and rammed into the old man who died on the spot, while the driver was arrested and he is currently being detained at Obiaruku Police station for further investigation.

In another development, tragedy struck in Asaba at the weekend following the discovery of a dismembered body around a popular hotel ( name withheld) along Nnebisi road.

It was gathered that the victim had been lying on the road for over a day after getting himself drunk at struggling for breath for days after he allegedly got himself soaked in Alcoholic beverages.

Sources said that the unidentified man was seen at about 12.00pm on the fateful weekend still writhing in pains with all parts of his body intact, but found dead in the early hours of Saturday without his head and some vital part of his body.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya Confirmed the incident saying that investigation was ongoing with a view to bringing the Culprits to arrest as soon as possible and allayed the fear of the unknown in the area.

L-R: Secretary of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr Okechukwu Onyiaodike; founder of Christian Victory Prayer Ministry (CVPM), Mr Dan Obinegbo and Publicity Secretary, Mr Osakwe Onyebuchi, during a news conference on the forthcoming Anniversary of CVPM, yesterday in Enugu.

Photo: NAN

Kaltungo agog as Gombe gov is turbaned Matawallen Kaltungo

By Paul Efiong

T

he Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been turbaned as Matawallen Kaltungo by the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed.

The event, took place today at the palace of Mai Kaltungo in Kaltungo.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Yahaya Yahaya re-echoed the importance and relevance of the traditional institution in peace building, saying he will continue to sustain the symbiotic relationship between his administration and the royal fathers in the state.

He also assured to restore the lost glory of the traditional institution in the state.

Expressing his appreciation, to the Mai and the entire people of the Chiefdom for the honour done

to him and his administration, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the Kaltungo traditional council of his readiness to observe all the laid down rules and regulations of the tradition regarding his title.

He said” I consider this turbaning as a mark of honour and inspiration for all of us in Government. This will surely spur us to do more. “ We shall continue to join hands and strengthen our symbiotic relationship with the traditional institution to galvanise our people in our strive to deliver on our mandate and take the state to the next level “.

Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment in providing social aminities to all the nooks and crannies of the state, especially in critical areas such as education, health, agriculture, water supply, road network and security.

He decried the current security situation in the country, saying the situation requires collective resolve and efforts, especially with the traditional leaders who are the custodians of the communities, culture and traditions.

The Governor also stressed the need for the traditional rulers to join in enlightening and educating their subjects to take precautionary measures against deceases such as Lassa fever and other contagious and novel diseases.

Earlier, the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed said the conferment of the traditional title of Matawallen Kaltungo on Gombe Inuwa Yahaya marked a turning point in the history of his chiefdom.

He said the prestigious title was conferred on the Governor in recognition of his integrity, leadership qualities and superlative

performance, which he noted have kept the state in steady path of growth and development.

The ceremony was filled with pomp, pageantry and unique traditional observance as well as array of first class Emirs and Chiefs, led by the Emir of Gombe and Chairman of the state Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III in attendance.

Also, notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Speaker, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim Kurba, Senator BK Amos, Senator Joshua Lidani, Former Minister of Transport, Barrister Abdullahi Idris Umar, Members of the state House of Assembly, Commissioners Special Advisers, top Government functionaries as well as party stalwarts and wellwishers in attendance.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Again, Nigeria in US’ black book

P

resident Donald Trump of system and limit the President’s the United States, a week ago, ability to impose such biased and put Nigeria on an expanded bigoted restrictions.” list of countries whose nationals are banned from entering the Reacting to the ban Saturday, United States. The reason given for President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s inclusion is its said Nigeria would alleged failure to meet the work to fix the security and information security lapses that sharing standard of the led to the ban. He said US. While the ban on Reacting to the he wanted Nigeria visas stops immigration to have “productive of Nigerians to the US, ban Saturday, relations” with the President it exempts government US. To that effect, officials. Also affected Muhammadu he has appointed a are Eritrea, Sudan, to lead a Buhari, said minister Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan committee to “study and Myanmar.

The Nigeria would and address” the new ban comes into effect work to fix the visa requirements.

February 21. government security lapses A delegation also is Nigeria’s inclusion that led to the expected meet with on the ban list has ban. He said US immigration received knocks from officials this he wanted Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Wednesday in Nigeria of the US House of Washington DC. to have Representatives.

According to her, the list We understand “productive contravenes American relations” with A m e r i c a ’ s values and poses a threat concerns over the US to the US’ security as Nigeria’s security well as the rule of law challenges and their in the US. She said in a Tweet, implications for American lives “The Trump Admin’s expansion and interests. However, we do of its un-American travel ban is a not believe a ban on Nigerians threat to our security, our values is a solution. What is needed is and the rule of law. Barring more for Washington to strengthen than 350 million people from the existing cooperation predominantly African countries between the two nations towards from travelling to the US, this fighting terrorism, banditry and rule is discrimination disguised as kidnapping in Nigeria. Besides, the policy.”

Trump administration should take note of the Nigerian government’s Pelosi, who is a Democrat, said resolve to “fix the security lapses” the House would move against the the US has given as the reason for ban list, which has been termed as the ban. Millions of innocent, law religious discrimination because it abiding Nigerians must not be targets countries with large Muslim made to suffer for the crimes of few populations. “In the coming weeks, others. Trump should rethink this the House will bring the NO BAN religious profiling of Nigeria in the Act to the floor to prohibit religious interest of mutually “productive discrimination in our immigration relations”.

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Letter to the Editor

Tackling the menace of insecurity in the north

By Yakubu Dogara

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily.

Not to dare is to lose oneself” - Soren Kierkegaard

I

have known of no honour greater than to be invited to chair this all important event which aims to stem the tide of unbridled violence been unleashed on Northern Nigeria. At this moment of our history, when graves litter the northern landscape promiscuously and the North has become a killing field, there is no better place to be than at an event such as this.

Permit me to first of all thank the organizers of this event for their foresight and for their courage in putting together an event like this at a time that even our best intentions could easily be misinterpreted. This noble effort calling on us to rise again after we have failed can only come from patriots: for as Confucius reminds us, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”. We pray for Gods blessings upon this endeavor as the survival of our civilization depends on our capacity to conquer violence and malignant evil; the twin evils confronting the North today.

My assignment here today is not to delve into the depth of the problems, because others will do that, but just to highlight the issues and guide proceedings. Permit me to plead for your understanding in case I breach the rule because of the burden in my heart. I have seen the report of the different syndicate groups and I must confess that they are very thorough and exhaustive.

Thanks to the geniuses of our brothers and sisters.

The North is now the epicenter and theatre of violence. From Boko Haram ISWAP led by Albarnawi, Boko Haram led by Shekau and Ansaru insurgency, to farmers/herders conflict, banditry, kidnappings, ethnoreligious conflicts, cattle rustling, etc we are confronted with a crisis that is unparalleled in our history. The death spiral appears unstoppable. Increasingly, it is becoming harder and harder to distinguish us from our enemies. There was no shortage of early warning signs and as a matter of fact our Philosopers such as the late Sa’adu Zungur of blessed memory had warned that this dystopian era was fast approaching but we ignored all.

We are now paying for our collective negligence.

The North is now in the grip of what Soren Kierkegaard called “sickness unto death”—the numbing of the soul by despair that leads to moral and physical debasement. It has become a society that is driven at its very core by the death instinct. The instinct to annihilate and destroy rather than nurture and create.

Our economic debries have become too conspicuous to be ignored. As it is, we are now trapped in a prison of mirrors, where revealed lies are answered with new lies. With all these, it’s like our slow motion walk to self apocalypse is assured. We have seen this movie before in Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria to name but just a few but not in Northern Nigeria.

Of the 19 northern states and the FCT, only Kwara state and the FCT are relatively peaceful or have the lowest rate of insecurity but all the other 18 states are inflamed by one form of violence or the other. Now the question that we all must answer is how did we get here and what must we do to defeat the radical evil of violence before it swallows us up?

I must say that one mistake we are all guilty of is to fold our arms and wait on governments at all levels to solve this problem for us. Government has its own fair share of the blame but what are we doing ourselves? On the flip side, I get angry anytime I hear our brothers and sisters say that they are worried about what is happening in the North but they are not prepared to take a stand and be the difference. They have become like Malcolm in Macbeth who said, “Let us seek out some desolate shade and there weep our sad bosoms empty”. For those of us who only worry, thanks but no thanks, because worry is the most useless human endeavor. Worry produces nothing but pains.

Why are we here? Those mapping insecurity in Northern Nigeria have concluded that we are where we are because of illiteracy, unemployment and poverty(Illiteracy+Unemployment + Poverty = Insecurity).

Others including the conclusions of the syndicate groups here have posited that we are where we are because of breakdown in family values; we are here because of the worsening insecurity caused by the increasing use of the military. This has weakened the police and negatively reoriented the military from their traditional military roles. They say that it is only in Nigeria that security officials are withdrawn from killing fields to monitor elections while vigilantes are deployed to fight terrorists and other armed gangs.The example of the notorious kingpin, Wadume who suborned army officers including a captain who caused police officers to be killed to free the kidnapper is a case in point and is often cited with justification.

That we are here because of the porous nature of our borders. They asked, how many illegal aliens have

been arrested or turned back by immigration ? Do we have a national data bank of those either arrested or even interrogated on suspicion of committing offenses?

The absence of data bank means that police prosecutors cannot tell the courts whether Accused persons are serial offenders or first time offenders. This has serious security implications; that we are here because of lack of reforms of our prison system. The National Assembly under our watch amended the law to rename them correctional services but as at today do they correct any inmates?

The evidence is rather the opposite, that criminals get hardened in our prisons. Also some criminals are known to plan crimes from behind prison walls.

That we are here because there is an abysmal lack of intelligence gathering by our security agencies, traditional institutions and Government at all levels; we are here because of lack of prosecution of persons responsible for violent crimes including kidnapping, attacks on communities, etc which incentivizes the commission of violent crimes; we are here because Majority of Nigerians are agreed that we are having the worst security challenges since the civil war yet no viable security policies or plans have been put in place to address the mounting insecurity in the country; we are here because there is an epic battle involving a disempowered populace infantilized by a world they cannot control who have vowed to crush the forces embodied in demonized groups such as the discredited established elite and other individuals which are blamed for their misery.

Be that as it may, my own considered opinion is that those are symptoms of the real problem. The real problem is that we have failed to provide leadership and organize a society that works for all. A peaceful and orderly Northern Nigeria then was more engaged in the pursuit of justice rather than the pursuit for order.

The problem started when we substituted the pursuit of justice for all for the pursuit of absolute order- basically whipping people into line no matter the grievance or level of discontent. In doing so, we failed to heed the timeless warning that a society that is more devoted to order than to justice will never be an orderly or peaceful society. It was St. Augustine who said, “ in the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery”.

In tackling these problems, we must realise that guns do not kill and killing the violent does not necessarily bring peace except the peace of the grave. We kill with our minds and peace settles first in the mind before it is expressed. So the battle to build a peaceful North must be a battle for the minds of our people. Violence is taking roots because our leadership model has been exposed as a lie, an empty ideology used to satiate greed instead of addressing social inequality and injustice.

I am glad the Sultan and some Clergy are here.

They will have to take the lead. Will it be too much to ask that all royal fathers in Northern Nigeria leverage on their powerful positions to build centers of excellence dedicated to skills acquisition, technology transfer and innovation in their domains? Is it too much to demand that all Mosques and Churches in Northern Nigeria promote charities that cater for our needy and the destitute? The message should be loud and clear, we have served ourselves enough, now is the time to serve others.

We must urgently begin to depopulate the pool from which youngsters are recruited into violence. I am more than persuaded that if we cannot serve the poor, the destitute and those who are hurting in our midst but claim to be serving God whom we have never seen, we are nothing but pathetic liars. We can transform our society if we are ready and willing to make the right sacrifice in serving others instead of serving ourselves. We must hold Government to account but we must never abandon our collective destiny to Government alone.

Today I am more hopeful that we will rise above violence in the North. All of you here who are prepared to take responsibility for our collective fate give me hope.

Let us therefore sincerely put on our thinking caps and take the bold steps which may be outside our comfort zones in order to end our security challenges in the North.

In closing, permit me thank all those who have volunteered to serve on the Northern Security Monitoring Committee which will be inaugurated today. I charge you to take no prisoners in executing your mandate because of the urgency that now stares us all in the face.

We are running out of time. It is crystal clear that the North cannot withstand the kind of contradictions that exist now. The North is on fire ignited by us either by our actions or by what we permit or allow. Those who truly love the North must now come out and accept responsibility and begin the salvage mission bearing in mind Professor Andrew Haruna’s warning , “ that the North was handed over to us in one piece, we must therefore not pass it to our children in pieces”.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Dogara, is the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives delivered the speech at the Northern Security Meeting at Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Kaduna on February 6, 2020.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Opinion

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Before Nigerians are infected with Coronavirus disease

Should Africa ever unite?

T

T

By Arowona Abdulazeez

he world woke up to the news of the outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCoV) in Wuhan in the Peoples Republic of China in mid-December 2019 and since then, the narrative is yet to change, rather, it is becoming more contagious and threatening to the global health situation. nCoV is capable of spreading from person to person and the World Health Organisation has since raised alarm on the need for nations across the world to be proactive and raise up to the challenge before it is too late.

Unfortunately, everything has become politics in Nigeria; even the ongoing fight against insurgency has become a serious security threat that is at the moment, beyond the power of the Nigeria Military (Army, Navy and Airforce) as well as other security apparatus involved in the operations.

Mr. President, it will be very disastrous if nCoV find its way into Nigeria as a result of display of carelessness, lack of sincerity of purpose, unpatriotic tendencies, corruption and incompetencies to mention but few by agencies that are in charge of health related matters in the nation.

It was a very frightened and sad experience that I had on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday 7, February 2020.

I left Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enroute Dubai on Wednesday 9, January 2020 on a business and Umrah trip for the second time in the year 2020

and third time within a period of eight months.

I boarded Emirate Airline EK0801 which conveyed me along with nationals from other countries to the commercial city of Jeddah from where I linked up my locations of business concerns amidst very tight health alert by the government of Saudi Arabia due to the prevailing novel coronavirus infection which is spreading so fast globally.

Research has revealed that, the incubation period (time from exposure to onset of symptoms) ranges from 2 to 14 days, but it may be contagious during this period and after recovery. Symptoms include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties. An estimate of the death rate in February 2020 was 2% of confirmed cases, higher among those who require admission to hospital.

As of early February 2020, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment. Several vaccine approaches and antivirals are being investigated.

As of 7 February 2020, 31,532 cases have been confirmed, while 639 deaths have been attributed to the virus since the first confirmed death on 9 January, with 1,564 recoveries. The first local transmission outside China occurred in Vietnam between family members, while the first local transmission not involving family occurred in Germany, on 22 January, when a German man contracted the disease from a Chinese business visitor at a meeting. The first death outside China was reported in the Philippines, where a 44-year-old male

from Wuhan died on 1 February.

However, I confirmed that the government of Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to prevent the outbreak of the deadly infection in the region owing to the influx of pilgrims in millions from different parts of the world as well as others who are also on business trips.

Sadly, my experience today revealed to me that no one is save in Nigeria, except by the favour of God because, we are all prone to contacting nCoV at any time. The flight, ET901I connected the flight at the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia along with other passengers from United States of America, (USA), United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, Jakarta, Indonesia as well as China, being the nCoV infection region, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at exactly 12.08pm.

I was full of anxiety to see immigration officers carefully separating Nigerians from Chinese passengers, as well as seeing health officers taking them over for appropriate check-up, screening and possible detainment.

Unfortunately, no screening was carried out on anyone, rather, we were all requested to queue (including the Chinese) and were given forms to fill, therein, our bio-data was requested along with health records. After filling and submitting the one-page form, we were all allowed to move out of the counter together with about 10 Chinese, to collect our luggage.

I was highly nervous and disappointed with the ways and manners our officials

are carrying out their duties at the airport, waiting for undue bribes, gifts/inducement as against national interest based assignment given to them which they’ve taken oath of office to carry out diligently .

To me, it will be too bad for us to rely on such arrangement and process to detect carriers of such deadly infection understanding the fact that industries in Nigeria employ the services of Chinese in their operation and production processes, therefore, more of them would be coming into the country regularly. I believe that the federal government has released large sum of money to the federal ministry of health in the regard as well as intervention fund from WHO. What have they used the money for?

Who is fooling? Stop playing politics with our lives? We cannot continue like this as a nation.

It would be recalled that the federal government recently announced that adequate arrangement have been made in six International airports across the in which MM, Int’l, Lagos is inclusive. I want to categorically put on record that there are lapses in the process, and it calls for immediate probe by relevant authorities before it is too late. That was how late Sawyer found his way into Nigeria with Ebola virus, which eventually led to the death of Dr. (Mrs) Adadevoh.

Arowona Abdulazeez, a journalist, author and public affairs analyst write via sardauna2@gmail. com

Insecurity: Where do we go from here?

By Abiodun Komolafe

H

ave you watched the video clips of the gruesome execution of Lawan Andimi and Roypvil Dalyep by Boko Haram? Have you ever imagined what it feels like to take one’s loved ones away with hopes of reuniting with them waning with each passing day? Have you for once paused to ponder the pains and the trauma of Nigerians who have become widows, widowers and orphans as well as those whose means of livelihood have been destroyed by some senseless and evil elements in the Nigerian society? At least for once, put yourself in the shoe of Reuben Fasoranti, the 94-year-old Nigerian, and Yoruba leader, whose daughter, Funke, was killed by yet-to-be-identified persons and you will not be too far from the status of Nigeria’s cup and the depth of betrayal and frustration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s expression of “surprise at the upsurge in Boko Haram attacks” in Nigeria.

To be frank, Buhari’s surprise revealed tons of truth that are buried! The president became surprised because the reality on ground checkmated his thoughts and understanding of Nigeria’s cosmos.

What this means is that the nitty-gritty of governance in this country is never rooted in intelligence or hard knowledge.

Government policies, projections and determinations all over the world, especially, in developed countries, are based on unassailable facts. In the case of Nigeria, we imagine policy contents; and, once we do that, policy outputs will always be false and ineffective.

If, indeed, Buhari was not misquoted, or quoted out of context, then, his

pronouncement portrays the government as being bankrupt and inept. It’s like a pilot of an aircraft, shouting, midair, that he is confused! The import of that is that those on board should simply say their last prayers! In saner climes, such a worrisome expression of surprise is enough to pass a vote of no confidence on Mr. President because, based on his election, he has been given all the taxpayers’ money and goodwill. So, the uninspiring, medicineafter-death approach to the parlous state of national security amounts to nothing other than the mismanagement of the resources of the state and its apparatuses.

After all, the essence of governance for any functional government is to be ahead of its people in terms of wisdom and intelligence, using judiciously and most efficiently, the resources of the state.

The nation state in Nigeria, as we see her today, is a misnomer. The country is nothing but an investment gone awry; a complete but avoidable tragedy, laced with aborted hopes and promises. Despite her rich socio-cultural convenience, here we are, faced with the gory reality of our time, rivaled only in the Stone Age! The centre is fractured, dangerously, even as the people are already taking positions; and it is as if Nigeria is at war with Nigeria! So, whatever might have been the weakness or otherwise of the opportunities for the public expression of anger, Enyinnaya Abaribe was not, in the real sense of the word, far from reinforcing the people’s call on the government to stop using utopian ideas and plastic rhetoric suggestive of Nixonian tactics to feed Nigerians with excuses as if that’s what Nigerians voted for. He was only asking the government to alter its language and maximize

capital with greater efficiency, more so as insurgency not only poses great threats to the economy, available indices, which peaked with the United States of America’s recent visa restrictions on Nigerians, have also shown how criminality could lead to loss of income, loss of jobs and loss of peace.

It even goes beyond that! If governance is not based on tactical truth and impeccable intelligence, politics will suffer because it will be played on false assumptions. The citizens will also suffer the reality because the politics in play will no longer be able to address the reality which, as we’ve argued above, confronts the anomalies of its policies. Take for instance the policy against Boko Haram and the kind of huge resources voted into ensuring the defeat of the insurgence. As things stand, there’s next-to-nothing to show for it! Only this year, the Emir of Potiskum was attacked. That he escaped only by the whiskers, after a long walk in the forest, was not without the murder of some of his aides. So, do Nigerians need any further proof to show that the country is not safe?

In terms of transition of power among the political class, the gladiators are also in trouble; for, once a country is challenged securitywise, opportunity for good governance beats a retreat. And, once corruption takes this endemic route, more than never, everybody will be unto himself or herself! Two, accountability will go to blazes. Of course, corruption renders accountability a non-issue! National planning will also have its share of the oddity, showing in bold relief, the fact that governance has taken flight! Donald Trump has now demonstrated how the

call for foreign investments can never yield any fruitful results because nobody comes to invest his money in an unsafe environment.

At the political party level, there is no doubt that political parties will start chasing shadows as every political bigwig will just be for himself. Poverty will be magnified and the usual interventions or fire-brigade economic palliatives will not pacify the angst and negative impact of poverty, no matter the hugeness of the funds invested to tackle it. Employment will also become a product of lip service.

For the common man, who gets more frustrated by the day through his punitive ‘take-home’ that can no longer take him home, it is a luring road to anarchy.

Even, if there are predictions about rain, to comply with them and ensure food security will become problematic because there is corruption in the land. The sadder side of it is that those at the helm of affairs will have to work with false data and false narratives about the reality of issues in Nigeria. Unfortunately, no country plans with false data and makes a success out of it. Try it and you will be faced with false answers because the policies will also be skewed. And, if governance is skewed, all other things elsewhere will partake of it.

Besides, there will be tension in the land and chaos will not be too far because the cost of maintaining the peace and security in the country will also go up, with no guarantees or assurances of success!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria! *KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)

By ‘Tope Fasua

his sounds like a tired topic. These days we focus on money. Trade at best. For that we have the beginnings of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which many parties are strategising on how to scuttle, because they cannot bear to see African nations doing 70 to 80 per cent of trade between themselves, up from 7 per cent just a few years ago. AfCFTA – warts and all – is certainly a great idea. Nigeria dithered for too long on a project she ought to be driving – not because we hope to exploit, dominate, oppress or bully anyone, but because it is about Africa knowing itself. African cooperation is only a logical matter. If your neighbors have their problems solved, you too will enjoy peace, right?

But in times past, people spoke glowingly of the unity of Africa. Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti, Hugh Masekela, Sunny Okosun and many others have sang about it. Nkrumah, Awolowo, Zik of Africa, Mandela, Gaddafi, Obasanjo and many other political leaders fantasised about and even went ahead to put some structures in place for this. But what we have today are only brick and mortar structures like the African Union (AU), which evolved from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Most Africans do not know what these bodies do and indeed Africa does not feel like a united place. Even within the regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African and South African Economic Unions, people still feel the sharp edges that show that the countries are separate entities with different laws, which every migrant has to mind.

Xenophobia comes into the equation, wherein Africans brutalise other Africans and before you think of South Africa, I will direct you to read Mr. Eric Teniola’s masterpiece, where he documents Nigeria’s painful involvement in xenophobia through the decades. Africans have been indeed unfair to themselves, they have disdained and discriminated and continue to disdain and discriminate against themselves in a shameful, concentric cycle of self-hate.

One of the ways we can try and clear this self-hate, which disguises as xenophobia, is by ensuring good governance and fixing our economies. We see that nations with fairly good economies discriminate against others and their lower economic classes take up arms, believing that the inequality – and therefore the hardship they go through in their land – is as a result of migrants taking their jobs. That is the case with South Africa presently and that is the case also between Nigeria and Ghana today, as it was when Nigeria sent back millions to Ghana under two weeks in the early 1980s. Young people from mismanaged African economies tend to try and activate the idea of African unity through informal means, by migrating and seeking jobs elsewhere, in reaction to the failures of their leaders. They often fall into crime and face the backlash of their hosts. To make matters worse, millions of them would rather leave the continent altogether through illegal routes, and thereafter lose their lives. There is a route through Niger-Mauritania-Libya-Algeria into France or Italy or Spain. There is another route through Cameroon-GabonSouth Africa-Brazil-Colombia-Panama-U.S.A. These are treacherous journeys. The Colombia-Panama one involves

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plodding through 100 kilometres of crocodile-infested swampland! See what the black man has been reduced to!

The question of African unity is a question for the ages. I ask myself, as do many people, if Africa will ever unite. A recent thought-provoking article by no less than Professor Patrice Lumamba got me thinking; why exactly should Africa unite?

Is unity going to be tantamount to development? Will unity help Africa’s development? How does Africa circumnavigate the many forces that have always stood against her unity – internal and external? What are the things we must begin to practically do to actualise this unity? PLO Lumumba, the great Kenyan speaker, even stretched the matter to include how we handle the Fourth Industrial Revolution! How do we feature in this revolution driven by AI, IoT and Robotics?

How do we ensure the pageant of history does not pass Africa by once again, as it has done thrice before?

I note what I call the crash-landing of Africa; the rash of coup de tats and civil wars that crippled African countries early in the day, in the era of the Cold War, when African countries were used as pawns in ill-thought-through ideologies. Who knows who sponsored Nigeria’s first coup?

In this country of ours, which is a cemetery for information and history, we probably will never know. But that coup was the fundamental derailment upon which other calamities have climbed. And someone will try to convince us that though foreign countries were involved in the Congo and in Ghana and Sudan, Nigerian elements acted on their own.

Tell that to the birds. What we know is that Africa crashlanded with the killings of Tafawa Balewa, Patrice Lumumba, Sylvanus Olympio and others, and the ouster of Ahmadu Ahidjo, Kwame Nkrumah, Modibbo Keita and others. These were mostly innocent leaders who had lofty dreams for the nations they inherited. People call them names but I believe they were mostly the best we had. They were mostly chosen for quality (Lumumba, Nkrumah, Nyerere, Kaunda, Balewa).

Add to that people like Sankara who came a little later. These people never had the internet to research how to build a nation – especially one that just obtained independence from reluctant, hawkish colonialists. No one can ever say anything bad about these guys anywhere I am.

I think we should itemise what we should really do if we want to achieve a united Africa that makes sense and is relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution era.

1. Fix the Politics: Everything rises and falls on the politics, because the politics embeds the leadership. We seem to have gone full circle, installing our worst as our leaders.

I use Nigeria as a case study, but I also observe the general corruption of politics that is going on all over Africa. Nigeria is actually a bad influence on neighboring countries especially.

Ghana, for one, has learnt bad lessons from us. Some of their leaders have become profligate, having seen how Nigerian leaders across the ranks get away with blue murder. Bad habits multiply rapidly. We must find a way to get good people into leadership position; those with love for humanity in their hearts. Those who haven’t been too damaged, such as to see leadership as a revenge on the populace.

2. Trade: Neoliberal fetishisations apart, trade is important because it promotes the creation of value through production, productivity and profit making. AfCFTA is a

great idea that must be promoted. Trading means that Africa will have something tangible upon which to interact on a daily basis. Look at us today. There is a certain Yamoussoukro Accord on aviation that would have reduced the cost of travel among African nations that has not been put into effect. To travel between some cities in Africa, one will have to first commute to Europe to make the needed connection. This is shameful and does not promote trade. So I support trade as a great platform of interaction and integration. It is always great to know that we have value to exchange among one another. I felt bad that Nigeria chose to play second fiddle in the matter of the African trade agreement.

3. Innovation: In order to ensure sustainable African unity, an ethos of innovation is important, because what we need here is the cheap production of essentials, even those that match the standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The upshot of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is that goods and services are produced much cheaper as a corollary of innovation. Innovation makes things cheaper, simple. So if we intend to be relevant, we have to produce at rock bottom.

This will require that we get our youths involved. They will make their mistakes and correct them. But they have to all get involved.

4. Rethinking Entrepreneurship: Innovation will not be driven by entrepreneurship alone, as important as entrepreneurship is, to a sustainable African renaissance.

Beyond entrepreneurship is an adherence to excellence and innovation. We must adopt innovation and excellence as a guiding principle. What we have now are desperate youths in unproductive entrepreneurship ventures. We must reform entrepreneurship, away from what our youths get involved in as a result of the failure of their governments, or because they don’t have a choice, or they desperately need to survive, or worst still, because they are looking to make millions – which they often spend in nightclubs trying to impress those they don’t like anyway. Let us look at the model out there. It doesn’t work the same way in Europe and USA or rising Asia.

Our spending patterns are different. Entrepreneurship there is not borne out of desperation, failure, unbridled greed, or irresponsibility on the part of government. And if you spend at nightclubs there like they innocuously do in Nigeria, you must be a reckless investor on his way down, or the police picks you up.

5. What point number four above is trying to convey is that we cannot entrepreneurise our ways out of bad governance or hopeless, badly-put-together policies, if I may echo the words of Ory Okolloh Mwangi of Kenya (formerly a Google executive). This is an issue of major concern to me and one on which I am writing a PhD dissertation. I have already discovered that youths from backward countries are the ones who dive headlong into usually unproductive ‘entrepreneurship’. What we need to do is fix governance.

Let government do its work. You cannot entrepreneurise the provision of public good; basic education for all (even the poorest), security, the environment, basic, primary health, and what have you. Some projects are not that bankable but provide the base on which entrepreneurs launch out. We also cannot hope that Apps and trade and logistics sites – or even Fintechs – will liberate Africa out of its misery, even

though they have their roles to play. Our youths must not all be allowed to escape the duty of getting their hands muddy and greasy.

6. Lifting At Least One Billion People Out of Poverty: If China has lifted 800 million in the last 20 years and hopes to totally eradicate poverty this year 2020, Africa must set an agenda to take at least a billion out of abject, unbelievable and unacceptable poverty. If we are 1.4 billion in the whole Africa, the truth is at least 1.2 billion of us are in abject poverty. The kind of poverty in Africa is becoming outlawed everywhere else. Seeing people living out of cartons, or ‘batchers’, as we call them here, or people sleeping in the open, in the same place in which they relieve themselves, is a disgrace to Africa.

The worst types of slums in the world are in Africa, especially black Africa, giving credence to racist ideas that the black man is subhuman and undeserving of the dignities of a fullyevolved human! And we can achieve this feat if our leaders focus less on themselves and their foreign, maximum-profit seeking friends, and on the provision of public goods.

7. Reinventing Our Environment: I have always hammered that there is something spiritual about getting our environment right. I believe that until we can show an obsession with our environment and ensure it begins to tend towards what we see abroad, we will not get respect from foreign countries – like France – which seem to believe innately that black Africans cannot handle themselves right.

The fault is ours. We indeed still have a disorderly streak.

8. Documenting Our History, Restoring Pride In Ourselves: We must begin to document our own histories and restore pride in ourselves. But the trick is not to focus on only the rosy aspects but have a balanced view. It will surely help us.

9. Feeding Ourselves: But Agriculture is not enough, not even as business. Of necessity, we must feed ourselves.

This is basic and is a place for every nation to start. But it is merely the beginning and we must not mistake what is at best tokenism for a great achievement. Agriculture is NOT the way to save Africa. We have nowhere to push agricultural exports to especially at a scale that will lift us up permanently.

Most of our potential buyers have used science to leverage us out of relevance.

10. Engaging the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The first industrial revolution was driven by steam, the second by electricity and petrol, the third by the internet and cheap telephones. The fourth is being driven by technology at a higher level, robotics, and innovation. Africa must engage this new revolution frontally. Doing so will help us clarify the use of our resources, or the inadequacy of what we have in the first place. This will help slow down our profligate tendencies.

11. Minding External Manipulations, Pushed By Traitors In-house: There is a zero-sum mentality ruling the world where people believe if one man does not lose another cannot gain. We must know how to play the game.

which the criminal elements operate and the way the government appeals to them or condemn their actions without having any solution points to the fact that criminal elements have taken the upper hand in the control of the coercive force. And that is a sign that a country is failing.

Encyclopaedia Britannica defines a failed state thus: “A state that is unable to perform the two fundamental functions of the sovereign nation-state in the modern world system: it cannot project authority over its territory and peoples, and it cannot protect its national boundaries. The governing capacity of a failed state is attenuated such that it is unable to fulfil the administrative and organisational tasks required to control people and resources and can provide only minimal public services. Its citizens no longer believe that their government is legitimate, and the state becomes illegitimate in the eyes of the international community.”

While insecurity has created a terrible image for Nigeria and Nigerians internationally, making every Nigerian presumed a terrorist until proved otherwise, Nigeria is facing the lowest level of patriotism since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. The feeling of detachment is high. The feeling of not wanting to belong to Nigeria is also high. The desire to leave Nigeria and relocate to other countries, especially Europe and North America, and acquire citizenship of such countries, is also high.

Poverty rate is also at its worst levels, and still growing at an alarming rate. Even though Nigeria does not have the highest population in the world, it was declared the country with the highest number of people in extreme poverty in the world. There is no sign that there are measures in place to check the growth of poverty in Nigeria.

Poverty in Nigeria is caused by the poor economy.

Nigeria’s economy has been performing poorly in recent years, with the country emerging from a recession in 2018, with the fear that it may fall back into recession. The economy

is still struggling, with inflation rate rising from 11.9 per cent in November 2019 to 12.0 per cent in December 2019, the highest reading since April 2018, according to Focus Economics. The regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has also resorted to heavy borrowing as the answer to lack of funds. There is fear that Nigeria’s future is being mortgaged with debts.

On January 16 this year, The PUNCH published a story with the headline: “FG borrows N6.16tn from N8.499tn pension fund.” The story explained that the pension commission said that 72.5 per cent of the fund had been borrowed by the Federal Government and invested in the FGN securities totalling N6.16tn between December 1, 2017 and November 30, 2018. But anytime Nigerians see a story on borrowing by the FG, they are worried. And in the case of the pension fund, the question was: “Is the pension fund safe for people to retire and have access to it?”

Another issue that has not made the situation in Nigeria lighter is the news about highly infectious and deadly diseases like Lassa fever and the novel coronavirus. Lassa fever is already in Nigeria, spreading from state to state and killing people. By last week, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced that 41 people had died from the disease so far.

The NCDC added that between January 1 and 26, a total of 689 suspected cases with 258 confirmed cases were reported.

These cases were reported from 19 states, namely Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Kogi, Rivers, Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Delta, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Osun and Ogun.

Meanwhile, there are fears about Nigeria’s preparedness for the coronavirus if it finds its way into Nigeria. By Sunday evening, over 360 people had died in China with over 17,000 people infected. Just in one day – between Saturday and Sunday – over 2,800 people were added to the list of infected people. In 2014, Nigeria quickly and effectively stopped the

spread of Ebola virus within Nigeria to the applause of the world. But there is today some fear about Nigeria’s capacity to combat coronavirus the same way it did to Ebola, if it finds its way in.

In all this, the government of Nigeria has not taken actions that boost confidence. Rather than being concerned about transparency and honesty in its dealing with Nigeria, the administration of Buhari has been more concerned about saying and doing things that will create the image of an effective administration. This has led in covering information and down-playing issues of importance. In its bid to prove that it was right when it said years ago that Boko Haram has been technically defeated, it has continued to pass the information that all is well with the fight against Boko Haram, herdsmen’s killings and bandits’ actions. One of the points the United States raised about the six countries listed on the list of those to face visa restriction was that most of them did not comply with identity-verification and information-sharing rules.

The action of the FG in the so-called de-radicalisation of Boko Haram’s fighters and release also gives cause for concern. What is the proof or guaranty that a de-radicalised Boko Haram member will not return to the group or act as an informant to the group in his community?

There is also the issue of fake patriotism displayed

by Nigerian political leaders. How can a leader always go abroad to treat the least of illnesses, send his or her children abroad for education, go abroad on holidays, and yet preach to Nigerians about patriotism and patronising locally made products?

There is no doubt that there is despair in Nigeria. There is a feeling of uncertainty about the future of Nigeria. Hope is what sustains Nigerians. How far that hope can go is what is uncertain.

–Follow me on Twitter @BrandAzuka

‘Tope Fasua, an economist, author, blogger, entrepreneur, and recent presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), can be reached through topsyfash@yahoo.com.

US visa restriction worsens Nigeria’s situation

By Azuka Onwuka

L

ast week’s addition of Nigeria by the United States of America to a list of six countries slammed with visa restriction shows how the world views us. Many Nigerians still assume that Nigeria is the giant of Africa, but the world sees us as “a failed state” or “a rapidly failing state,” which is a liability to other countries. For example, there are few countries of the world where fundamentalists kidnap civilians who are not in any contest with them, behead them and publicise the video. The few countries of the world where such things happen are known over the world as failed states.

Even in some of such countries, the fundamentalists have been defeated.

In Nigeria, there is a rise in acts of terror and criminality.

The North-East is besieged by Boko Haram. Bandits are lords in the North-West where state governors do everything possible to woo them to reduce the attacks. The NorthCentral is at the mercy of murderous herdsmen. These three groups all abduct people at will across these three zones, murder them, convert them to sex slaves or fighters, or collect huge ransoms from their relatives.

The South is relatively safe but not near what it should look like. Murderous herdsmen still operate in different parts of the South. The highways are still not safe from kidnappers.

Then, there are gangs of cultists that periodically unleash mayhem on one another or their community. But most times, they limit their attacks to their members or some specific group. In addition to all these, the age-long criminals like armed robbers, ritual killers and the rest still exist in both the North and the South.

The semblance of stability in the South is what deceives many people into thinking that Nigeria is like other countries.

But Nigeria is not. The number of people killed every week points to the fact that Nigeria is at war. The impunity with

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

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News

We’ll ensure adequate resources for research, devt, says Buhari

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, affirmed that Nigeria recognizes the centrality of science and technology in the development process and will ensure adequate resource allocation for research and development.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari gave this asserance at a breakfast meeting of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) organized by the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo in his capacity as Chairperson.

He said technology was aiding Nigeria’s advancement in critical sectors of the economy.

The President noted that his administration was conscious of the relevance of science and technology in national development and as such has a ministry dedicated to the sector, which is headed by a scientist. ‘‘We are concentrating on encouraging our students, at the primary and post primary levels, to love and study more of science related subjects rather than arts, political science and history,’’ the Nigerian leader said at the meeting on the margins of the 33rd AU Summit.

The President acknowledged that while finding resources to fund science and technology related ventures could be a challenge, Nigeria was aware of the huge benefits and will continue to do her best to ensure adequate resource allocation for research and development.

In his remarks, the Ghanaian President said as an inter-governmental organization made up of 27 member states, COMSATS was playing a leading role in cultivating an enhanced culture of scientific and technological cooperation among member states.

He said the body was achieving this objective through capacity building, education, research and development Contributing to an open discussion at the meeting, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, who is part of the Nigerian President’s entourage to Ethiopia, called on the body to structure its operations in a way that creates ‘‘centres of excellence’’ in member states.

Ayade said such centres will help in education, training and research for citizens of participating countries in specific fields and vocations of science and technology.

Good governance: Gov Bala threatens to sack erring council chairmen From Ahmad Bauchi

Mohammed,

G

overnor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has threatened to sack any local government caretaker committee chairman who errs in the discharge of his statutory responsibility.

The governor threatened the

chairmen when the caretaker chairmen of the 20 local government areas visited him at the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi.

He said he will not condone any act of discipline, as he urged them to live up to expectations.

The governor advised them to work in synergy with relevant stakeholders, traditional rulers and

their councilors to ensure effective service delivery.

He pledged to release more funds to local government areas to enable them meet the needs of the people.

While expressing satisfaction on the performance of some of the chairmen, the governor fumed at how some of them use their position to engage in illegal acts.

Governor Bala called on them to assist the state government to fish out ghosts workers in their various councils so that employment opportunities will be created.

The caretaker chairman, Bauchi local government area, who spoke on behalf of the 20 caretaker chairmen, assured the governor that they will work to ensure that the masses reap the dividends of democracy.

R - L Mrs Dominica Toruka, Mrs Felicia Nnoli, Mr Celestine Toruka Head Media NCPC Abuja and Mrs Angela Mbachu at the wake keep of late Chief Jonathan Nnoli, recently in Jos .

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Nigerian Tobacco Control Research Group (NTCRG) has advocated the need to actively strengthen tobacco control by instituting strong policies and guidance that seek to insulate Nigerians, especially those in tertiary institutions from the activities and influence of the tobacco industry such as prohibiting advertisements, promotion and sponsorship in any form in which it was presented by the industry.

NTCRG recently made this known at the launch of a book that chronicled findings of a project conducted to monitor likely violations regarding Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) in selected higher education institutions from 3 purposively selected states in Nigeria by a group of researchers at an event that held at the Merit House in Abuja Tuesday.

In his presentation at the event, Dr Akindele Adebiyi, National Coordinator of NTCRG, stated that findings from the research has shown that although some institution of higher learning in Nigeria has “high Institution policies

NTCRG advocates stiffer policies insulate Nigerians from tobacco influence on ensuring that their campuses are tobacco free”, tobacco control violation still exist in most of our higher institutions. He said the launch, therefore, is important because “We want whatever research we do to be backed by actionable activities.

According to Dr. Adebiyi, “the institutions that we surveyed actually have high institution policies on ensuring that their campuses are tobacco free-which the students can actually attest to. He said findings on the use of tobacco products of which cigarette are top on the list, follow by shisha, was being done by students in hiding which therefore shows that some institutions actually started out on the right part but need to do more ” he said.

“Out studies employed in depth interment, where we intern Arial key stakeholders at the management level to the institution and the students themselves.”

He also added that findings indicated that the perception exists that

the decision to use tobacco product or not is left with individuals. According to him, this is a wrong narration we should begin to change because non-smokers are harmed when smoking takes place around them” It was also seen that part of the place students smoke tobacco products was within their residences. Most of the students were also unaware that there is prohibition on the use of tobacco products at events” the findings indicate the need for policies that will enable students not initiate (using tobacco products), and make those who are using tobacco to quit.”

He added that students must be informed that using tobacco products on campus is a crime; There is need for institution to make students widely aware that any form of tobacco usage in the institution is against the law of the country. The Nigerian Tobacco Control Act stipulates that tobacco use should not happen

anywhere in any primary, secondary or tertiary institutions.”

Earlier, He said institution that take such measure to curb tobacco usage would rid themselves of cost involved in managing health challenges associated with smoking at the institution clinic.

Also,In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Adoyi Ofikwu who is also is a Deputy Director, Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education thanked the group for the research and ongoing awareness and efforts to combat tobacco use in Nigeria and pledged the support of the ministry to the group.

In her presentation, one of the resource persons Dr Adesola Olumide stated that among other things the group wanted the research to focus on areas where not much has been done, so that we can upscale the implementation of tobacco control, ultimately protect the students and university from the harms of tobacco.

Kukah Centre donates tablets, computer to Kaduna primary school From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Kukah Centre (TKC), Abuja has donated 48 tablets and a laptop computer to LEA Primary School Mahuta in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Education Secretary of the Council, Dr Ibrahim Danmaraya, made the disclosure while interacting with journalists at the weekend in Kaduna.

TKC is a Nigeria-based Policy Research Institute founded by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Danmaraya said the gesture was to compliment the state government’s effort to improve the quality of teaching and learning at basic level.

He added that the gesture was also in line with the current administration’s effort to encourage e-learning and teaching process through the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The secretary said that pupils and teachers of the school would soon be train on proper application of IT facilities to improve the learning outcomes.

He thanked TKC for the

support, saying that: “It will go a long way to support the state government’s drive to deliver quality and functional education to children in the state.”

According to him, such partnership with relevant stakeholders to move the education sector forward was yielding results sequel to continued support from various NGOs. “Just recently, the Nigerian Breweries Plc. handed over a renovated block of five classrooms and six toilets at the Primary School Nasarawa II, Kaduna, to improve learning environment.

“Similarly, Women Initiative

for Sustainable Development has equally donated hand washing facilities at Primary School Tsaunin Kura in Sabo GRA Kaduna to improve sanitation and hygiene in the school.

“Other NGOs that have been supporting us to deliver our mandate include Oando Foundation, Hope for the Village Child and Emerald-Isle Foundation,” he said.

Danmaray commended the Chairperson of the Council, Hajiya Hadiza Yahuza, over the support to education development in the area.

He revealed that the council had recently procured and

distributed about 1, 000 furniture and instructional materials to primary schools in the area.

“This and many other supports from our partners have significantly improved leaning outcome in our schools.

“For example, one of our school recently came second at the National Inter Primary School Quiz Competition on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

“This is a clear indication that Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i investments in the education sector and the support from relevant stakeholders are yielding results,” he added.

APC chieftain in kaduna tasks politicians to eschew blackmail From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Yusuf Ali, has appealed to politicians in the state to shun politics of blackmail with the intent of tarnishing the image of their opponents.

Ali made the remarks in a statement issued to journalists yesterday.

He said a situation whereby politicians in the State take delight in setting up their opponents in order to destroy their image is appalling and despicable.

“Politics is supposed to be a clean game even though we say everything is fair in politics as in war, but we must exhibit respect for the dignity of persons while politicking even if he or she is our political opponent.

“To go the extra mile to set up our opponents or blackmail them with the aim of soiling their names and tarnishing their image will not augur well for politics in Kaduna State,” he said.

Ali said politics should be based on issues and not about the campaign of calumny, slander or blackmail in order to gain political advantage over opponents.

“When someone appears to be a threat to some politicians, they go all out to dig up dirt and smear the person or even arrange to get their opponents pants down in compromising position. This is condemnable before God and man. It is detestable and despicable.

“It has even come to the level that those with unlimited capacity for mischief have elevated their evil act to planting hidden cameras in hotel suites to capture the image of their victims in compromising position in order to blackmail him.

“These mischiefs have their moral and legal consequences and I am sure there will be penalty for those involved in such mischiefs,” he said.

Ali said those involved in such act of evil should seek forgiveness from God in order to save their souls from eternal condemnation all in the name of politics.

“I believe at some point in time we are in the same camp or even opposing camps or different political parties. We all have our diverse political sympathy but we should have it at the back of our minds that we all have families, friends and even foes. We should not allow ourselves to go so low into gutter politics to smear our opponents and when we do that, then we are not even fair to ourselves or even the people we seek to serve.

“Let us try at all cost to play politics of fairness and not politics of hate and bitterness, which we have seen in recent times, has resulted in attacking or exposing the personal life of opponents in order to make them look bad” he said.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he national chairman of Accord, Muhammad Lawal Nalado, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done nothing wrong to delist about seventy four political parties who could not meet up with the provisions of 2010 Electoral Act (amended) on winning electoral seats at local levels.

Speaking with journalists on the matter, Nalado said there are conditions provided in the constitution for a party to meet before being retained in the ballot paper, including having offices across the country and winning seats in elections.

He said the decision to deregister the 74 political parties was due to a committee set up by the commission to investigate the operations of registered parties, which he said has submitted its reports and recommendations to the commission.

De-registration: Accord backs INEC, woos sacked parties He however said Accord will put machinery in place to encourage members of the delisted parties to join them, rather than seeking to be registered as new parties. He said the party will poach members of like minded parties to join the fold and boost their strength and spread in preparation for 2023.

Nalado, who is a two term chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said it does not make for a good political development to have two many political parties, especially given that it will create problem for the electoral commission in the management electoral processes.

He pointed out that most of the political parties who were deregistered have similar logos,

acronyms, symbols and ideology, which he said will make it difficult for voters to differentiate between them during voting.

He said though there is nothing wrong with giving more political space to Nigerians to realise their political ambitions, but such must be done with decorum.

He observed that the National Assembly should further amend the constitution to not only make it more stringent for parties to be registered by INEC, but to also scrap the state electoral commissions to allow INEC to conduct elections at local government and state levels.

“The constitution says any group that wishes to become a party should apply to INEC and

after thirty days, with or without reply by INEC, such group can begin to operate as a party, but this is no longer tenable, because the parties will continue to rise”, he said.

This he said will enable the small and emerging parties to contest and win, before coming to the national level, arguing that it is difficulty for any party to win elections in states where the party is not occupying the government house.

Meanwhile, he said the Accord will not consider merging with any parties for the 2023 general elections, arguing that it is not necessary. He said though APC did it and won the 2015 presidential election, but there is no such interest at the moment.

L-R: Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar; Kebbi state Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu ; wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fyemi; her husband and celebrant, Dr. Kayode Fayemi;Governor Sokoto state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal ; Ondo state Governor, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu ; Governor Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu ; Ogun state Governor,Prince Dapo Abiodun and Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki during a book launch and 55thbirthday celebration of Dr. Fayemi, over the weekend in Ekiti,

APC, PDP can’t offer Nigerians anything good - says PRP

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he National Chairman of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Malam Falalu Bello, at the weekend, said Peoples Democratic party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have failed Nigerians and should be abandoned and relegated to the background.

He stated this during the joint meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BOT) of the party held in

Kaduna over the weekend.

The PRP National Chairman added that his party is now firmly on track, revving and ready to take off, to provide the type of leadership Nigerians desire.

Malam Falalu Bello assured that the wobbly, weary and waning years of the Peoples Redemption Party are over for good and the party (PRP) is now firmly on tracks, revving up and ready for take off.

“I will like to use this opportunity to assure all my colleagues in the PRP that the wobbly, weary and waning years of the

Peoples Redemption Party are over for good.

Our party, PRP is now firmly on tracks, revving up and ready for take off.

“The recent positive health bill declared by even the INEC itself for the party is certainly just one pointer to this fact. Those of us already on board this unstoppable moving train should now close ranks and add to the ongoing momentum. Those presently outside should get on as there is nothing stopping us now,” he said.

He noted that the joint session was organised to primarily receive the reports of

the three subcommittees that the party had constituted at the close of the 2019 general elections to carry out a thorough objective and dispassionate x-ray on the party and its place in Nigeria’s political space, with a view to repositioning it for greater performance and relevance.

While assuring that the work done by the committees will not be in vain, PRP Chairman commended them for an excellent job. The three sub-committees were: the SWOT Analysis, the Membership Drive and the Funding Committees.

Gov Fayemi repositions NGF to work with Buhari - APC says

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State as he marks his 55th birthday.

In a statement issued by the national publicity secretary of APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC said Governor Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), in the

last 25 years, has etched his name in the nation’s democratic history as a dogged pro-democracy activist.

The statement said also that the governor is a social justice advocate and reformer, who staked all alongside other patriots to birth the democratic freedom which Nigerians enjoy today.

According to the statement, “The era of theatrics and misgovernance in Ekiti state is

clearly now in the past. As the Chief Executive of Ekiti State, Fayemi continues to uphold and promote the progressive ideals, which our great party is known for.

“The many developmental initiatives being undertaking by the Fayemi administration are greatly impacting on the state and the people of Ekiti would surely be better of.

“In his current assignment

as the Chairman of the crosspartisan NGF, Dr. Fayemi has, unarguably, positioned the Forum to work constructively with the President Muhammadu Buhari government to rebuild our dear country. Dr. Fayemi is a worthy representative of our great party.”

APC therefore wished the governor sound health and wisdom to continue to render selfless services to the people of Ekiti State, Nigeria and the party.

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p o l i t ics

APC chieftain advocates mid term election for party officials

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa state, Umar Duhu, has called for a mid term election to be held for the official of the party, as a measure to ascertain their popularity or otherwise among the party members.

Duhu who stated this at the weekend while speaking with journalists said this measure will help to strengthen the party after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, to continue to win elections.

He lamented over the crisis bedeviling the party, especially at the national level and in some strategic states, saying it is time for President Muhammadu Buhari to provide leadership for the party by giving it direction.

While citing the case of Edo state where the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole is having a running battle with the Governor of the state, Duhu regretted that such incident is coming up under Oshiomhole, arguing that it is a clear knowledge that Governor of a state is the party leader in that state while the President is the national leader of a party in power.

He said that Oshiomhole cannot try what he is doing in Efo state in any other state, urging him to retrace his steps, as according to him, the party members will be forced to activate the section of the party’s constitution which recommends mid term elections for party elected officials.

Speaking on the chances of the party to remain united after President Buhari’s tenure, Duhu said the APC will outlive the President’s tenure, arguing that the structures of the party has remained stronger as APC has continued to win elections.

Speaking on the performance of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, he said the minister has brought rule of law and transparency in the administration of the nations capital, adding that.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

YABATECH account unaudited for 14yrs, Reps threaten zero allocation

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives has given Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, 30 day ultimatum within which to prepare it accounts and remit same to the Auditor General of the Federation, with proof of full compliance to be laid before House Committee.

The green chamber equally queried the failure of the Management of the Institution to submit its audited reports to the Auditor General of the Federation since 2014 till date as required by law, threatening to block the 2020 budgetary allocation of the college.

The House of Committee on Public Accounts took the decisions when the management of the Institution led by its Rector, Engr. Obafemi Owoseni Omokungbe, appeared in Abuja

at the resumed Public hearing on refusal of Non-Treasury Funded and Partially Funded Agencies to Render their Audited Accounts, covering the period 2014-2018 to the AuditorGeneral of the Federation.

The Rector had told the Committee that he assumed office in 2018 and that the Accounts were not ready, as the external Auditor would complete the work after which it would be transmitted to the Auditor General of the Federation.

Worried by this submission, the Committee resolved to place the Institution on status enquiry for the period under review to probe into its financial records, describing the submission as unacceptable and against financial regulations guiding civil service.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Oluwole Oke further ruled that failure to

comply with the directive, the National Assembly would have no option than to withhold the 2020 budgetary allocation to the Institution to serve as a deterrent to other defaulting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.

According to him, “YABATECH is the nation’s Premier College of Technology, which is supposed to be a shining example to others but what we have now? Mr Rector and the Bursar who is an Accountant, we are not impressed by your submission.

“How do you want the Auditor General of the Federation to balance the nation’s financial year record when you have backlogs of unaudited accounts or they will have to wait for you.

“Come to think of this, can you as an individual afford to leave the accounts of your private business

outfit unaudited for years like we are witnessing in this case? There must be accountability, it is tax payers’ money, you must account for it, henceforth, it is not going to be business as usual.

“Let me sound a note of warning to those heads of MDAs, hiding under the pretext of being new in office or absence of governing boards to approve their audited accounts as cover up for not remitting their audited accounts to the Auditor General of the Federation as at when due.

“We as a Committee will fish out those involved and publish their names and MDAs in the national dailies, we are compiling their names, there will be no hiding place for them, this is not a threat, we are going to carry it out to the letter”, he said.

The matter was later stepped down to allow for the status enquiry as ordered.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, 3rd left, Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, 2nd left, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan, left and others during the Janaz prayer for the remains of Hajiya A’isha, the mother of the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State (SGS), Alhaji Mustafa Mohammed Inuwa at the GRA Jummuat Mosque, Katsina, yesterday.

INEC fixes Sept 19, Oct 10 for Edo, Ondo guber

By Lateef Ibrahim

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed dates for the conduct of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

While the governorship election in Edo State has been fixed for Saturday, 19th September, this year, that of Ondo State will take place on Saturday, 10th October this year.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, announced the dates at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday.

Yakubu similarly disclosed that the Commission is conducting byeelections in three (3) constituencies as a result of the deaths of some serving members of the National and State Assemblies.

According to the INEC Chairman, “The tenure of the Governors of Edo and Ondo States will end on 12th November 2020 and 24th February 2021 respectively.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 178(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 25(8) of the Electoral Act 2010, elections cannot hold earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of an incumbent Governor.

“Accordingly, the Commission has fixed Saturday 19th September 2020 as the date for the Governorship election in Edo State and Saturday 10th October 2020 for Ondo State.

“Detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the two

elections will be published on our website and social media platforms shortly.

“Similarly, the Commission is conducting bye-elections in three (3) constituencies as a result of the death of some serving members of the National and State Assemblies.

“The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives has declared vacancy in Magama/ Rijau Federal Constituency of Niger State.

“Similarly, the Honourable Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly has declared a vacancy in Patigi State Constituency, while the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly has declared the Kebbe State Constituency vacant.

“These bye-elections will hold simultaneously in the three

(3) States of the Federation on Saturday 14th March 2020.

“Again, the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities will be published on our website and social media platforms shortly”, he said.

Prof.

Yakubu however reiterated the resolve of the Commission to stand firm against acts capable of disrupting the elections.

According to him, “As we are all aware, election is a process.

However, the process does not begin and end with Election Day activities.

“The conduct of party primaries, nomination of candidates, electioneering campaigns and the submission of the list of polling agents are also essential to the electoral process.

Above all, good behaviour by all officials and actors involved is crucial for success.

“I wish to remind all parties and candidates that violence during party primaries and electioneering campaigns, the snatching of election materials or the deployment of thugs against INEC officials, observers, the media and unarmed security personnel at polling units are acts punishable under our electoral laws.

“Already, the political atmosphere in a particular State is charged. No one should regard the release of the timetable for the elections as a signal to further escalate tension or a call to commence the recruitment of goons and arming of thugs and hoodlums”, he warned sternly.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Ndume says military winning war against Boko Haram

By Musa Adamu

T

he Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Ali Ndume, has said that personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have started chasing Boko Haram insurgents to their various operational bases in the North-East geopolitical zone.

He said the action was as a result of the latest directive from the military authorities that soldiers should henceforth launch heavy attacks on Boko Haram enclaves in a renewed bid to end terrorism in Nigeria.

Ndume, who is the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, stated this in Abuja.

He explained that the soldiers repelled an attack on Kalla near Dabua and chased the insurgents to some of their operational bases which have been destroyed.

He said, “On Saturday night, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Kalla, a village near Dabua.

“The Army Brigade there responded promptly. This time around, they did not only repel the insurgents, but they also went after them.

“Up till Sunday afternoon, the military personnel are still chasing the insurgents.

The Brigade Commander said they have chased them to their enclaves and recovered some arms, and other dangerous weapons. He said the soldiers have also killed many of the insurgents.

“The soldiers are still chasing the Boko Haram insurgents to their permanent bases where they are operating from. If the soldiers continue in that manner, insurgency will not only be defeated but would come to a complete end.

“What the soldiers have done is to remove the roots from a tree. I want to commend the Nigerian Army for responding quickly to the villagers’ distress call, and by extension, calls

by Nigerians that they should intensify the fight against insurgency.

“Other army formations have been given the order not only to repel the insurgents but to take the fight to the operational base of the insurgents.

“That is what also happened in Askira Uba last week when the insurgents went there to attack the people. The armed forces took the fight to them and advance to where they can.”

p o l i t ics Akeredolu doesn’t deserve second tenure - Guber aspirant

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Lekeke has said that the incumbent Governor of the State, Rotimi Akeredolu, does not deserve second tenure in office, saying that he will do better than him if elected to govern the state.

Speaking with newsmen, he said the intervention of the leadership of the National and South-West leadership of the party, was because they realised that it would be great if they can put the party together so that they can continue to win elections.

He said the situation in the state is that a lot of people are reluctant, thinking that such disposition is an attempt to use them to win second term election, adding that his own attitude is different because he believe that Governor Akeredolu has a four-year term and that the party is available for everybody to use for the actualisation of their aspirations.

“So, for me, the party is more important than any individual’s aspiration because whatever aspirations you have, you still need the platform of the party.

And I say look, let us come together but I do not think that Governor Akeredolu deserves

second term, I can do it better.”

He said before the intervention of the South-West leadership for the reconciliation of the party, nobody invited him, as most of the people who say they invited him were not there.

“We put them together.

Alhaji Ali Olanusi and I put that together. But I believe that we must continually work towards achieving oneness. I want us to have a strong party. And let individuals who have aspirations to pursue within the framework of a one-party (do so).

“If you break down the house, what platform are you going to use for elections? If you don’t work towards uniting the house what

happens after the primaries?

So, we must have one united house. In that united house, we can agree, we can disagree. We can pursue interests within that united house and that is what I’m doing. I am working for a united party, at the same time I am also pursuing my aspiration within a party, I think must be united”, he said.

He said that he is consulting, sensitising, and recruiting for ‘Lekeleke Movement’, adding that he is an advocate of tolerance within the party, revealing that most of the politicians in the party relate as friends, as associates, and as party people, without any personal problem.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku (M) flanked by the former Director of Naval Medical Services, retired Commodore Kenneth IbeLamberts (L) and his brother, Iyke IbeLamberts during a function on Saturday at Amaimo, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State .

Photo: NAN

Obaseki wants to get APC ticket with violence -Inegbeneki

By Musa Adamu

A

chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, Francis Inegbeneki, has accused the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of using violence to secure the ticket of the party for the September governorship election in the state.

Speaking to journalist on the crisis rocking the party in the state, Inegbeneki said the governor failed to understand that there is need to lobby opponents, rather than use violence to intimidate people.

He denied that the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole is instigating violence

in the state to attract a state of emergency, saying that the APC chairman is not known for violence in politics.

“Of course you know the allegation is not true. How can Oshiomhole be the one sponsoring violence against himself? Does that make sense at all? To any right-thinking person, it is absurd and we wonder if they think rationally at all.

“Oshiomhole is the national chairman of the party. His dream is to ensure that the party wins election in every state of the federation. How can the same Oshiomhole be the one sponsoring violence in his own state? What does he stands to gain from that?

“Besides, Oshiomhole is in Abuja and Obaseki is in Edo as the governor of the state. Is it not the duty of the governor to ensure peace in the state?

“How can Oshiomole, who is in Abuja, be the one breeding violence when it is on record that when Oshiomhole came to Edo to receive a former PDP governorship candidate, Pastor Ize Iyamu, to the APC, the governor sent thugs after him. They set bonfires on airport road and vowed that Oshiomhole would not enter Benin.

“They took over everywhere and therefore made it difficult for Oshiomole to get to his house.

We understand that people were shot and about 15 of them were

hospitalised.

“Let me tell you something, Obaseki is a neophyte in politics and that is the truth. If he knows his onion, he should know by now that he cannot get anything with violence. He said Akinwunmi Ambode, the former governor of Lagos was removed because he did not fight and that Edo is not Lagos.

“What we understand he is planning is that he is instigating violence so as to instill fears in the hearts of the people so they can give him the second term ticket. If at this stage there is so much violence in the state, do you think the primary can hold?”, he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

PAGE 18

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Stock Watch: Friday, February 7, 2020 Low

OPEN Volume Close

4.80 1.15 0 2.94 1.94 0 1.27 0.27 0 1.64 0.64 0 6.60 4.60 0 57.00 48.30 0 5.79 2.21 0 9.65 40.05 0 31.50 64.00 0 1.90 1.92 0 18.45 18.45 0 1.72 1.84 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 0 6.10 6.10 0 1.75 1.75 0 186.00 186.00 0 6.00 6.65 0 14.60 14.55 0 1.80 2.00 0 3.37 3.37 0 4.30 4.70 0 14.00 14.00 0 7.35 7.80 0 1.62 1.65 0 1.91 1.96 0 4.95 4.95 99 0.33 0.33 0 21.85 21.85 0 29.60 30.70 0 0.20 0.20 0 12.20 13.05 0 32.60 32.95 0 72.00 72.00 0 1.18 1.18 0 1.53 1.53 0 31.50 31.50 0 0.51 0.54 0 0.20 0.20 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.44 0.44 0 0.30 0.30 0 1.36 1.36 0 0.72 0.72 0 0.52 0.49 0 1.83 1.83 0

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3.80 6.00 ACCESS -0.35 1.94 3.94 AFRIPRUD 0.00 1.27 0.27 AGLEVENT 0.00 1.64 0.64 AIICO 0.00 4.60 8.60 BERGER 0.00 37.00 67.00 BETAGLAS -1.30 6.79 3.79 BOCGAS -0.42 4.65 10.05 CADBURY -0.40 71.50 31.50 CAP -2.50 0.90 1.90 CAVERTON -0.02 08.45 18.45 CCNN 0.00 0.72 1.72 CHAMPION -0.12 23.25 23.25 CONOIL 0.00 0.20 0.20 CORNERST 0.00 0.20 0.20 COURTVILLE 0.00 6.10 6.10 CUSTODIAN 0.00 1.75 1.75 CUTIX 0.00 186.00 186.00 DANGCEM 0.00 6.00 6.25 DANGFLOUR -0.65 14.60 14.60 DANGSUGAR 0.05 1.80 2.00 DIAMONDBNK -0.20 3.37 3.37 EKOCORP 0.00 4.30 4.30 ETERNA -0.40 14.00 14.00 ETI 0.00 7.45 7.60 FBNH -0.35 1.62 1.67 FCMB -0.03 1.92 1.98 FIDELITYBK -0.04 4.95 4.95 FIDSON 0.00 0.33 0.33 FIRSTALUM 0.00 21.85 21.85 FLOURMILL 0.00 29.60 29.60 FO -1.10 0.20 0.20 FTNCOCOA 0.00 12.20 12.20 GLAXOSMITH -0.85 33.50 33.50 GUARANTY 0.55 72.00 72.00 GUINNESS 0.00 1.18 1.18 HONYFLOUR 0.00 1.53 1.53 IKEJAHOTEL 0.00 31.50 31.50 INTBREW 0.00 0.53 0.53 JAIZBANK -0.01 0.20 0.21 JAPAULOIL 0.00 23.25 23.25 JBERGER 0.00 0.44 0.44 JOHNHOLT 0.00 0.30 0.30 LASACO 0.00 1.36 1.36 LEARNAFRCA 0.00 0.72 0.72 LINKASSURE 0.00 0.52 0.52 LIVESTOCK 0.03 1.83 1.83 MANSARD 0.00

Stock Close Gain UPL 2.14 0.03 LIVESTOCK 0.42 0.08 SOVRENINS 0.28 0.13 OKOMUOIL 20.00 0.90 GUARANTY 43.50 0.25

Low

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

OPEN Volume Close

High

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

2.45 2.45 0 2.45 2.45 MAYBAKER 0.00 0 0.21 0.21 0 0.21 0.21 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 0.63 0.43 0 0.43 0.43 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 1.15 2.05 261 2.05 2.05 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 24.80 184.80 0 184.80 184.80 MOBIL 0.00 0 1.20 0.20 970 0.20 0.20 MULTIVERSE 0.00 0 6.50 3.50 0 3.50 3.50 NAHCO 0.00 0 12.00 18.00 0 18.00 18.00 NASCON 0.00 0 68.50 78.70 0 79.50 79.50 NB 0.80 0 1.78 0.78 0 0.78 0.78 NEIMETH 0.00 0 1.60 2.60 0 2.60 2.60 NEM 0.00 0 52.20 552.20 150 552.20 552.20 NESF 0.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 1.60 1.65 0 1.60 1.60 NPFMCRFBK -0.05 0 4.60 4.80 0 4.60 4.75 OANDO -0.20 0 80.00 76.20 0 80.00 80.00 OKOMUOIL 3.80 0 64.00 64.00 0 64.00 64.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 12.30 12.30 0 12.30 12.30 PZ 0.00 0 4.20 4.20 0 4.20 4.20 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 0.20 0.21 0 0.20 0.21 REGALINS -0.01 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 RESORTSAL 0.00 0 0.21 0.23 0 0.21 0.22 ROYALEX -0.02 0 640.00 640.00 405 640.00 640.00 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.21 0.21 SOVRENINS 0.01 0 46.50 46.00 0 46.50 46.50 STANBIC 0.50 0 102.00 102.00 122 102.00 102.00 STANBICETF30 0.00 0 1.97 1.96 0 1.97 1.97 STERLNBANK 0.01 0 203.00 203.00 0 203.00 203.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 6.10 6.10 632 6.10 6.10 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.15 1.21 0 1.16 1.18 TRANSCORP -0.05 0 9.60 9.60 0 9.60 9.60 UACN 0.00 0 1.74 1.92 0 1.74 1.74 UAC-PROP -0.18 0 7.60 7.80 0 7.90 7.95 UBA 0.10 0 6.00 6.05 0 6.00 6.05 UBN -0.05 0 2.89 2.94 0 2.89 2.91 UCAP -0.05 0 36.30 37.00 0 36.30 36.30 UNILEVER -0.70 0 0.27 0.27 0 0.27 0.27 UNIONDAC 0.00 0 1.00 0.99 0 1.00 1.00 UNITYBNK 0.01 0 2.04 1.97 0 2.14 2.14 UPL 0.17 0 0.23 0.23 0 0.23 0.23 VERITASKAP 0.00 0 4.50 4.99 0 4.50 4.50 VITAFOAM -0.49 0 11.30 11.50 0 11.30 11.65 WAPCO -0.20 0 0.40 0.40 0 0.40 0.40 WAPIC 0.00 0 0.59 0.61 0 0.59 0.61 WEMABANK -0.02 0 21.20 22.70 0 21.70 22.50 ZENITHBANK -1.00 0

Top Losers

Stock Close Loss DIAMONDBNK 1.70 -0.30 BOCGAS 1.89 -0.42 VITAFOAM 2.20 -0.69 DANGFLOUR 3.00 -0.85 UAC-PROP 0.94 -0.28

We increase Gas 16% to generate 2,178MW in November -NNPC

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the daily average natural gas supply to gaspowered plants in November last year increased by 16.53 per cent to 645mmscfd, equivalent to power generation of 2,178MW. Comparatively, the October 2019 gas supply to power averaged 553mmscfd to generate 2,050 MW, a release today in Abuja by NNPC Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Samson Makoji, has said.

Quoting from the 53rd edition of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR), the release stated that national gas production in November 2019 stood at 228.65billion Cubic Feet (BCF), translating to an average daily production of 7,621.68Million Standard Cubic Feet per day (mmscfd).

For the period November 2018 to November 2019, a total of 3,091.24BCF of gas was produced, representing an average daily production of 7,882.27mmscfd during the period, according to the report.

A period-to-date Production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) contributed about 69.50 per cent, 21.06 per cent and 9.44 per cent respectively to the total national gas production.

Out of the total volume of gas supplied in November 2019, 137.02BCF of gas was commercialized, consisting of 35.29BCF and 101.73BCF for the domestic and export market

respectively.

This translates to a total supply of 1,176.40mmscfd of gas to the domestic market and 3,391.04mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month, implying that 59.91 per cent of the average daily gas produced was commercialized, while the balance of 40.09 per cent was re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared.

Gas flare rate was 8.29 per cent for the month under review, i.e.

632.37mmscfd, compared with an average gas flare rate of 8.80 per cent, i.e. 692.97mmscfd for the period November 2018 to November 2019.

The report said an export sale of crude oil and gas of $504.44million was recorded in November 2019; indicating an increase of 4.39 per cent compared to the previous month.

According to the November report, crude oil export sales contributed $383.89 million (76.10 per cent) of the dollar transactions compared with $396.94 million contribution in the previous month; while the export gas sales amounted to $120.55million in the month.

It said the November 2018 to November 2019 Crude Oil and Gas transactions indicated that crude

oil & gas worth $5.46billion was exported.

The NNPC report said the corporation suffered 94 per cent increase in the cases of willful hacking and destruction of its pipeline infrastructure across the country in November last year, fingering oil thieves as culprits.

Details of the report contained in the recently released NNPC MFOR for November 2019 showed that68 pipeline points were vandalized, representing about 94 per cent increase from the 35 points that were breached in October 2019.

The report stated that out of the

vandalized points, 15 failed to be welded while only two pipeline points were ruptured.

A breakdown of the breach indicated that the Mosimi-Ibadan axis accounted for 31 per cent of the breaks, Atlas Cove-Mosimi network witnessed 19 per cent, while IbadanIlorin and other routes accounted for 15 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.

The MFOR noted that NNPC, in collaboration with the local communities and other stakeholders, would continuously strive to reduce and eventually eliminate this menace through effective collaboration.

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by Gov Ben Ayade of Cross River State (R) Gov Hope Uzodinma of Imo State (L), Minster of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama (2nd L) and President of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina at the 33rd AU Summit, yesterday in Addis Ababa .

Photo: NAN

Forex: CBN injects $218.41m, CNY 18m into Retail SMIS

By Etuka Sunday

I

n continuation of its intervention in the inter-bank foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday, February 7, 2020, injected the sum of $218.41million into the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) and CNY 18million in

the spot and short-tenored forwards segment of the inter-bank foreign exchange market.

The Bank’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor disclosed that the intervention, like in previous exercises, was for requests in the agricultural and raw materials

sectors, adding that the Chinese Yuan, on the other hand, was for Renminbi-denominated Letters of Credit.

Mr. Okorafor further expressed satisfaction over the stability of the foreign exchange which, according to him, was largely due to sustained intervention by the Bank. He assured that the CBN Management would

remain committed to ensuring that all the sectors of the forex market continue to enjoy access to the needed foreign exchange, stressing that the stability in the foreign exchange market continued to attract investors .

It will be recalled that the Bank on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, offered authorized dealers in the

wholesale segment of the market the sum of $100million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the invisibles segments each received the sum of $55 million.

Meanwhile, $1 exchanged for N358 at the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange market, while CNY1 exchanged at N46 on Friday, February 7, 2020.

FIRS moves to block $10bn tax leak by multinationals

By Etuka Sunday

N

igeria is losing about $10 billion of tax through illicit profit shifting by multinational corporations operating in the country, which otherwise would have been applied to critical infrastructure development by the three tiers of government.

Executive Chairman (EC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at the start of the

Service’s 2020 Management Retreat held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

Quoting the African Union Illicit Financial Flow Report, Nami said: “Africa is losing $50 billion through profit shifting by Multinational Corporations and about $10 billion of this amount is from Nigeria alone.”

To block this and other identified tax avoidance schemes by individuals and corporate organizations, Nami disclosed that he has launched a comprehensive, ongoing tax collection reform process

“anchored on four cardinal pillars of rebuilding FIRS’ institutional framework; robust collaboration with stakeholders; building a customer or taxpayer-centric Institution; and a making the FIRS data-centric institution.”

According to a statement made available to the Media by Director, Communications, FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila, the FIRS Chairman, his board and team have also set a target of improving the Service’s performance

over the next four years by a “minimum target of $5 million staff-to-revenueration and a 10% tax-to-GDP ratio.”

Showing that the FIRS is gradually weaning Nigeria off its dependence on oil revenue, Nami disclosed that non-oil taxes “accounted for 60% contribution to the total collection” of taxes in 2019.

Projecting into this year, Nami stated: “For the year 2020, we have a target of N8.5 trillion. This is broken down into oil tax of N3.7 trillion and non-oil taxes target of N4.8 trillion.”

The FIRS chief assured that the Service would play its “strategic role in the nation’s political economy, including supporting the actualization of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s commitment of moving the country up on the Ease of Doing Business Ranking and taking 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over the next 10 years and rebuilding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.”

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Page 20

BU$IN€SS

Nigeria, Italy to sign MoU on trade, economic cooperation

By Miriam Humbe

T

o strengthen trade and economic bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Italy, the two countries have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their trade and economic ties.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Nasir SaniGwarzo disclosed this when the Deputy Head of Mission, Italian Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Tarek Chazli visited him in Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary stated that Nigeria and Italy needed to strengthen their trade and economic cooperation, especially in the areas of Agro-allied industries, manufacturing, textile, leather, telecommunication as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Gwarzo added other areas to be explored between the two Countries to include: Investments in export products; Industrial clusters; Information Communication Technology (ICT),; Industrial Processing Zones; Pharmaceuticals and Cultural co-operation among others.

Dr Gwarzo who was represented by the Director, Legal Services in the Ministry, Mrs. Bola Adewale disclosed that there was the need to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries to explore more areas of collaborations for their mutual socio-economic development.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Italian Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Tarek Chazli in his welcome remarks said the delegation was in the Ministry to seek for more collaboration in order to strengthen trade and economic co-operation between Nigeria and Italy.

Mr. Chazli said one of the Italian companies, Cappa and Dalberto had been in Nigeria since 1920 and done a lot of road constructions in Nigeria, noting that, the Italian Government just opened Italian Trade Agency (ITA) office in Lagos last week to strengthen business relationship between the two countries.

He further disclosed that Italian companies are in Nigeria to create more business opportunities and create more areas of collaboration to strengthen trade and economic development of the two countries.

FIRS targets elite in new tax regime

By Etuka Sunday

N

igeria stands at the threshold of a new, transparent, accountable and fair tax regime in which those who make more from the system pay a more equitable share of their income as tax towards the public good, especially in lifting 100 Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years as envisioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A clear roadmap to achieving this national imperative was outlined at the weekend in Abuja on the final day of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Management Retreat by paper presenters, discussants and the audience who rubbed minds over

the 2019 Finance Act in a deeply stimulating debate.

Activities of the day commenced with a recap of Friday’s proceedings followed by comments and questions session during which all respondents, including FIRS officials, spoke with candor, forthrightness and straight from the heart to diagnose the challenges and proffer solutions towards the implementation of the 2019 Finance Act. The Lead Paper of the day delivered by a renowned tax expert, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, titled “Strategies for implementing the New VAT Regime” and the panel discussion which dissipated erroneous public apprehension

that the new 7.5% VAT would impact negatively on poor Nigerians as it made clear that the well-to-do would now pay their fair share of taxes in the country unlike before.

Oyedele foregrounded the key to building this fair, equitable tax system in transparency, accountability, integrity, work and objectivity to build confidence in taxpayers and stakeholders in the tax sector.

Towards accomplishing this, the FIRS 2020 Corporate Plan was also unveiled at yesterday’s session and subjected to a robust, on-the-spot debate, according to a statement made available to the media in Abuja by Director of Communications, FIRS,

Abdullahi Ismaila.

Capping the day was the official presentation of the new FIRS Organizational Structure as approved by the Service’s Board.

Presenting the new organizational structure, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Muhammad Nami, disclosed that many posts in the organogram were vacant and open to the FIRS officials.

He charged them to distinguish themselves in the shortest possible time by meeting set collection targets in order to take up these available positions of higher responsibilities, stressing that the vacancies are strictly available on measurable merit and performance criteria only.

.L-R;Board of Trustees, Tabitha Cum Foundation, TCF, Mrs. Aishatu Alkali; Programme Director Engine 2, Mrs. Joy Aderele; Minister of State for Industry,Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum; and Executive Director, Tabitha Cum. Foundation, Mrs. Tayo Erinle, during the Members Tabitha Cum Foundation visit Minister’s Office, at the weekend in Abuja

DFID, FCA to collaborate with SEC on Fintech

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Department For International Development, DFID, Financial Conduct Authority, FCA and the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC have agreed to collaborate to develope the Fintech space in Nigeria.

Speaking when she received officials of both organisations in Abuja weekend, Acting Director General of SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk said the SEC was enthusiastic about the collaboration as it would encourage responsible use of new technologies and digital finance in the capital market, influence increased international participation & cooperation, and also provide investors with more choices in the Nigerian Capital Market.

She said the SEC is looking to adopt regulatory and supervisory practices for orderly development and stability of Fintech, as the Commission will pay close attention to sustaining confidence and safeguarding the integrity of the market.

“In this way, our policies will facilitate the safe entry of

new products, activities and intermediaries. In addition, we will ensure that regulation does not stand in the way of innovation”.

She said While it is clear that FinTech has already made huge inroads into many aspects of the financial industry, what is perhaps even clearer is that the surface has barely been scratched in relation to what FinTech can do for us in the future.

According to her “The awareness of customers that their data might be prone to cyberattacks could make them lose trust in digital channels until strong consumer protection frameworks are in place. These frameworks for digital financial services will be critical in building confidence for consumers.

“We have come up with ways to monitor the risks that may come up. It’s like a sandbox, but not an enclave. We are building capacity to train young people that would be able to drive the process.

“We hope that this year will be a turning point. We are trying to gather as much information as we can to be able to contextualise and synthesise regulation in Nigeria

“Young people are begining to get interested in investment and they are doing this via Fintech and that is why we are doing all that we can to develop rules around it so that the risk will be mitigated and it will further develop the market In his remarks, Senior Adviser, UK DFID, Mr Richard Sandall, said DFID and FCA have a partnership to support FCA to step into new jurisdictions to deliver DFID objectives in certain areas.

He said, “We are in Nigeria to look at the FinTech environment, regulatory environment and see if there are ways the Fintech environment can be built.

“We are very interested in the impacts that Fintechs in Nigeria would have in the UK. We know that Nigeria has Fintechs and the FCA has already established international networks.

He said the agreement with FCA is for up to two years and during that time modalities would be put in place to work with regulators and that is why they have come to the SEC. “We know the SEC has enthusiasm for Fintech and we want to help develop it as much as

we can” Sandall added.

Also speaking, Nigeria Lead, FCA, Mr Parma Bains, said they have done some work with the SEC in the past and are very comfortable working with the Commission.

Brains expressed appreciation to the SEC for the opportunity to collaborate and expressed the belief that it is the begining of many collaborative relationship that will span for the next two years of the project.

“We are available to provide collaboration and assistance in the area of Fintech and we are also open to learn how you regulate the market and some other roles you perform” Bains added.

On her part, Technical Specialist, FCA Barr Alicia Kedzierski Said she was impressed by the depth your research has taken, the fact that you have gone to various jurisdictions to try to find out what is happening is a good step.

“SEC Nigeria is the first regulator that we have seen that looks into the millennial and the risks that could lead to long term issues.

“There has to be balance, regulation as well as ensure that they are not closed out” she said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Residents cautioned to stop indiscriminate bush burning

By Stanley Onyekwere

R

esidents in Abuja, the nation’s capital have been urged to stop indiscriminate burning of bushes, so as to help prevent fire disasters and its negative impact on the environment.

Making this point, Director, FCT Fire Service, Julius Opetunsin, however advised members of the public to always keep their farms and surroundings tidy, and exercise caution if they must burn bushes.

Opetunsin spoke while flagging off sensitization exercise against indiscriminate bush burning in Kuje, Kuje Area Council, recently.

He disclosed that the exercise, which is part of its reinvigorated awareness campaign, would be carried out in all the six Area Councils of the FCT. He stressed that prevention of fire disaster was the respossibility of everyone, as any outbreak in one neighbour’s property had the potential to adversely affect others within the area.

According to him, the event was part of the Service’s efforts to actualize the vision of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello of preventing disasters from claiming the lives and property of FCT residents.

Pledging that his men would be visiting the local communities to sensitize them, especially the farmers.

“Let us not burn bushes indiscriminately to avoid fire disaster during the farming season.

“Rather than engage in bush burning, I urge you to rent tractors to plough the soil because the grass will even turn to manure that will be good for the soil,” he stated.

Also speaking, representative of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Isah Abdullahi reiterated that the FCTA had put it place measures to prevent fire disasters across the Territory.

While reminding the residents of the ban on farming within residential areas, he disclosed that bush burning has adverse effect on both ecosystem and could promote global warming.

He therefore urged traditional rulers to take the message to their communities.

Page 21

METRO

Coronavirus/Lassa Fever: Rotary widens preventive skills among students in Wuse

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n order to bolster prevention and mitigation of the raging deadly Coronavirus and Lassa Fever in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) especially in schools, thee Rotary Club of Abuja Wuse II has constituted a task force known as the Suzanne C Smith Health Scout Ambassadors, in Government Day Secondary Wuse II, Abuja.

The taskforce team consists of selected students handpicked and trained by health experts for the task of widening the scope of students’ knowledge on avoiding contacting and spreading communicable diseases.

Our correspondent reports that the Health Scout Ambassadors scheme is an initiative put together for training of the trainers in the society.

In particular, the task force were armed with items such as hand sanitizers for their personal use and distribution to other members of the public, after they were certified fit to further train members of each of their classes on personal hygiene and preventive measures to stay safe from communicable diseases.

Also, at the inauguration which took place last week, the Ambassadors were trained by a United Nations (UN) health

worker, Dr. Gladys George, who is a medical surgeon.

The UN health worker, charged the ambassadors to be committed to the task handed to them by educating their fellow students about personal hygiene and methods to prevent contacting and spreading of coronavirus and Lassa fever and other communicable diseases.

In a remark, the President of the Rotary Club, Rotarian Pietro Uzochukwu charged the Ambassadors to be watchdogs in their school and report any case of illness to the school authority.

“Having received the requisite training and certified knowledgeable enough about the

issues at stake, you are mandated to teach your fellow students on how to avoid contacting and cut the spread of these diseases. “ Act as watchdogs in your school by reporting any case of illness, exhausted hygiene accessories such as sanitizer, dettol, tissues, hand soap etc which are very fundamental for hygiene for quick replacement,” Uzochukwu the ambassadors.

In a related development, the Rotary Club installed automatic sanitizer dispensing machines in strategic locations in the school.

The Club equally provided hand wash accessories to other students in the school for improved personal hygiene.

L-R: UN Health Worker, Dr. Gladys George, President Rotary Club of Abuja Wuse II, Pietro Uzochukwu Macleo, Barr. John Ebokpo, flanked on both sides by health ambassadors in Government Day Secondary, Wuse II, Abuja recently.

FCT Minister wants 3 syndicate teams to tackle insecurity

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has directed the formation of three syndicate teams to critically review existing security strategies, with a view to enhancing them in the light of present and emerging challenges.

Bello explained that three Syndicate Teams will amongst

other goals critically examine specific security challenges within the FCT, map out proactive measures of crime prevention and identify possible challenges towards achieving the FCT Administration’s security mandate.

A statement from the Minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye revealed that issuance of this directive recently,

following the first monthly FCT Security Committee meeting for the year 2020.

Statement added that, all the teams will each have as members representatives of the various security agencies in the FCT, traditional and religious leaders, all the six Area Council Chairmen, relevant Departments within the FCTA as well as the media.

It further revealed that all

teams were given four weeks to submit their reports at the next Security Committee meeting.

Similarly, in her submission, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, called for synergy amongst the various security agencies in the FCT, as it is the only way that crime and criminality will be brought to a minimum.

The meeting also had in

attendance; the Permanent Secretary Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, heads of the various security agencies in the FCT, Area Council Chairmen, religious and traditional rulers as well as heads of relevant Secretariats, Departments and Agencies of the FCTA.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

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world news

NCP: It’s Time for Facts, Science and Solidarity

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Kenya - where toilets have become a constitutional right

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Daniel arap Moi: Kenya mourns ‘iconic leader’

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Dr Pingjian Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

Xi Jinping

By Zhou Pingjian

C

hina is currently fighting an all-out people’s war against the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) outbreak. The virus is unprecedented, so are the measures China has taken.

The safety and health of the people always comes first, and thus the prevention and control of the outbreak is the country’s top priority for now. The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has convened two meetings for redeployment and remobilization on January 25 and February 3 respectively.

President Xi Jinping has made it very clear that the CPC Central Committee always places people’s life, security and health above anything else. The Central Leading Group on responding to the outbreak has convened five meetings on epidemic control efforts. The group has traveled to Wuhan, the epicenter of the NCP outbreak, to direct the efforts on the ground.

The State Council’s inter-agency prevention and control task force has redoubled its efforts to make sure that all urgent issues are resolved in a most timely manner.

On February 8, the 1500-bed Leishenshan Hospital was put into use. Earlier, the 1000bed Huoshenshan Hospital went into full operation on February 3. Both of the makeshift hospitals were built in less than 10 days. More than 11000 doctors and nurses across the country arrived in Wuhan within a few days and are now fighting on the epicenter of the epidemic day and night. We are racing against time to save lives.

Our efforts are producing results. Since February 1, cured NCP cases began to outnumber deaths. As of 24:00 p.m. February 8, a total of 2649 persons had been discharged from hospital after recovery, unfortunately 811 persons had died of the disease. Since February 3, newly reported confirmed cases are declining day by day outside Hubei, the province with Wuhan as its capital, from 890 cases that day to 731 cases (February 4), 707 cases (February 5), 696 cases (February 6), 558 cases (February 7), 509 cases (February 8). The figures above are important signs that the epidemic is

preventable, controllable and curable.

As President Xi assures the world, being good at mobilizing resources and equipped with rich experience in handling public health emergencies, China has the confidence and capability to win the battle. The robust measures are taken not only for the health of China’s own people but also as a great contribution to global public safety.

Acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility, the Chinese government has been sharing information in a timely manner, enhancing international cooperation, putting in place a nation-wide scheme, pooling national resources and taking the most strict and thorough measures to fight the outbreak. The National Health Commission and the Wuhan health authorities hold daily briefings to keep the public updated.

China’s openness, transparency and high sense of responsibility, and its decisive and effective measures have been recognized by the international community. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), affirms on many occasions that China has in fact taken more measures to contain the outbreak that it is required to do in case of an emergency, and China is setting a new standard for outbreak response for other countries.

Regrettably, we have noted some rumors and lies on the NCP epidemic. Virus is horrible.

What’s more horrible is rumors and panic.

As WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros has repeatedly called on people not to believe in rumors or spread them, “This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumors. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma.” In some countries including Nigeria, relevant departments have been stepping up efforts to bring to justice those creating and spreading rumors about the epidemic. On February 1, five Abuja residents who had faked coronavirus infection were swiftly arrested by the FCT police for their gratuitous prank .

Every life is precious. One NCP case is too many. However, we still need to put things in perspective and have a objective and accurate analysis of the situation. All the responses to the epidemic should be based on science

instead of fear.

I wish to stress that, as of February 8, the mortality rate of the NCP is 2.18% (811 deaths out of 37198 confirmed cases), and the mortality rate in Chinese provinces and cities other than Wuhan is merely 0.91% (203 deaths out of 22210 confirmed cases), even lower than that of ordinary pneumonia. The mortality rate outside Hubei is 0.31% (31 deaths out of 10098 confirmed cases). In contrast, the H1N1 flu of 2009 in the US had a mortality rate of 17.4%, the mortality rate of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) of 2012 was 34.4% and Ebola of 2014 in West Africa 40.4%.

In fact, according to a recent CDC report, the US flu from 2019 to 2020 has caused 19 million infection cases and at least 10,000 deaths.

There are 200 or so NCP cases of infections worldwide, far less than 1% of the case count in China, while the H1N1 outbreak in the US spread to 214 regions and countries.

It is understandable that some countries have taken necessary and appropriate prevention measures. But we disapprove of measures out of proportion. As WHO insists, there is no pandemic yet and there is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade. WHO doesn’t recommend and actually oppose limiting trade and movement.

After the epidemic outbreak, the Chinese government attaches high importance to the life and health of all people in China, Chinese and foreign nationals alike. We have taken the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures against the NCP, many of which have far exceeded what WHO and International Health Regulations required. Currently the security, health and living standards of foreign nationals in China is guaranteed. We hope all countries can assess the epidemic situation and China’s efforts in a calm, objective and rational manner and do not overreact.

Foreign nationals are safe in China.

According to the professional evaluation of WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros, the safest way for foreign nationals in Wuhan is to stay put and ensure effective self-protection. He has cautioned against hasty movement as it

will add more uncertainties. Now confirmed cases have been detected among some foreign evacuees, which increase the risk of further spread. This is what has happened. We still suggest that countries to follow WHO recommendations and educate their nationals to ensure sound protection in accordance with local health regulations. The majority of the countries including Nigeria understand the opinion of the Chinese government. They have full confidence in and support China’s control efforts.

February 10 this year marks the 49th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations. Since 1971, the all-dimensional, wide-ranging and high-quality bilateral cooperation has been a pacesetter in ChinaAfrica cooperation. Particularly in recent years, under the strategic guidance and personal attention of President Xi and President Buhari, the brotherly relationship between China and Nigeria has reached new heights unmatched in history, bringing tangible benefits to our two countries and peoples. China always appreciates Nigeria’s invaluable support wherever China’s interest is concerned.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Recently, the Embassy has been inundated with heartwarming sympathies and good wishes from Nigerian brothers and sisters.

We highly appreciate that the government and good people of Nigeria firmly stand by us in this difficult time. As President Muhammadu Buhari noted in his statement of solidarity on February 2, “China’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been exemplary, as well as the country’s collaboration with international agencies and other countries on the matter”, “With all the efforts being put in, we know that it is only a matter of time before this nightmare passes.” Together, we shall prevail.

The NCP epidemic comes and will go. The outbreak is just temporary, but friendship and cooperation are forever. China will always remember the sympathy and support given to us in this battle against the virus.

Dr. ZHOU Pingjian is Ambassador of China to Nigeria

n our series of letters from African journalists, media and communication trainer Joseph Warungu looks at a recent court ruling that could end some uncomfortable road trips.

We in Kenya have discovered that we have a constitutional right to relieve ourselves in public, at the expense of the government.

Here’s how.

Travelling to and from distant places by road in Kenya, is not something many people look forward to.

The biggest challenge is to arrive alive at your destination. Over 3,400 people died on Kenyan roads last year, an increase of 13% from 2018.

The main causes are speeding, drunk driving and fatigue.

If you avoid death or serious injury, you still may not escape the discomfort of the terrible roads.

Although there’s been a lot of improvement of Kenya’s infrastructure in recent years, some of the roads are in poor shape and become unusable during rainy season.

As a former British colony, we drive on the left in Kenya, but people are often forced to drive on whatever’s left of the roads due to the numerous potholes which scar many roads, including the central business district of the capital Nairobi.

However, there’s another reason that makes long-distance road travel a nightmare - toilets.

When you’re squashed in a packed bus, and the call of nature comes, you’re in deep trouble.

That’s because when the authorities built these highways, they did not include public toilets along the way.

So, in these instances, drivers stop in the middle of nowhere, and as soon as the door is opened, people dash in different directions, in search of the nearest bush to relieve themselves.

It makes for a disturbing picture of men, women and children forced into a communal squat position.

All shame is lost as the multitude that was in a bus focuses on one grave priority emptying bladders and bowels.

‘Unfortunate meal’ Some students I mentor from a college in the coastal region of Mombasa told me how they recently went on a trip to central Kenya, a distance of about 700km (435 miles).

Before leaving Mombasa, they had a meal, which unfortunately upset their stomachs.

“With no toilets along the way, our bus driver was forced to make several stops near bushes and forests for us to attend to the upheavals in our tummies,” explained one of the students. “It was the most uncomfortable 10-hour journey I’d ever had”.

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enyans are queuing up to view the body of the country’s longestserving president, Daniel arap Moi, as it lies in state in the capital, Nairobi.

Mr Moi, who led the country from 1978 to 2002, died on Tuesday at 95.

Speaking before the body was taken through Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta called him an “iconic leader”.

But he had a mixed legacy. Critics saw him as an authoritarian ruler, while allies credited him for maintaining stability.

Warning: Some readers may find one of the pictures below upsetting.

He ruthlessly dealt with political opponents and was accused of overseeing a programme of torture and killings.

He cracked down on the opposition following a failed coup in 1982.

In 2004, Mr Moi, who was Kenya’s second president, asked for forgiveness from “those he had wronged”.

But Mr Kenyatta said that as one of the leaders of the independence movement, his predecessor “helped shepherd our country out of the shackles of colonial rule”.

He also praised him for a peaceful transition to multi-party politics.

Long queues of people of all ages and from across Kenyan society are quietly waiting to view the body at the parliament buildings, the BBC’s

The former president’s body will lie in state until Monday Roncliffe Odit reports.

“I am here to pay tribute to a great leader,” Anne Njambi, 46, who had travelled 100km (62 miles), told the BBC. “We enjoyed [free] milk while in school,” she added referring to one of Mr Moi’s signature policies.

“I will never forget him. He was a generous man.”

Helen Ngema travelled 600km for the viewing.

“I remember Moi as a great leader

who offered me a bursary to complete my studies in high school,” she said.

“I met him in 1988 while at school...

He gave me advice about why it’s important to study hard.”

Saturday is the first of three days when the former president’s body will be lying in state.

There will be a state funeral on Tuesday and he will be buried the next day at his private home, 200km from Nairobi.

South Africa: Search for killers of miners ‘stoned to death’

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olice in South Africa have launched a manhunt for killers of nine illegal miners who were stoned to death in a western district of Johannesburg.

The bodies of the miners from Lesotho were found lying in the streets of Matholeville, while another seriously injured victim was rushed to hospital.

Thousands of illegal miners, known as “zama zamas” (“those who try their luck” in Zulu) work in the country.

Violent clashes between rival groups of workers are commonplace, reports

say.

Friday’s attack came about 24 hours after the police raided the area.

Police have arrested 87 people for questioning, but they are seeking more information. $400m payout for South African miners The human cost of South Africa’s mining industry “We condemn this barbaric attack and we will ensure we leave no stone unturned in making the people of Matholeville and

Roodepoort to feel safe,” said Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela in a statement.

“The suspects will be arrested as soon as possible and the police will not sleep until we find them,” he added.

The police chief also said he had summoned officers from other units in Johannesburg to join in the manhunt.

South Africa is one of the most violent countries in the world. According to the government data, at least 58 murders a day were recorded last year.

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Iraq protests: Mohammed Allawi named prime minister

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raq has named a new prime minister after four months of protests.

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, a former c o m m u n i c a t i o n s minister, was appointed by President Barham Salih.

His predecessor Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned in November, amid mass anti-government d e m o n s t r a t i o n s .

Hundreds of protesters have been killed.

Mr Allawi now has a month to form a new government, which he will lead until early elections. He immediately expressed support for the protests.

Earlier this week, local media reported that President Saleh had given parliament an ultimatum to decide on a new prime minister before he took the decision himself, after previous candidates were rejected by protesters.

In a video released on his social media accounts on Saturday, Mr Allawi announced that he had been nominated and called on Iraqis to continue protesting until their demands were met.

“If not for your sacrifices and your bravery, there would have been no change in the country,” he said. “I believe in you, and for this reason I will ask you to continue protesting.”

He promised to hold those responsible for the killing of protesters accountable and to combat corruption.

Mr Allawi, who is Shia, studied and worked in Lebanon and the UK before entering Iraqi politics following the 2003 invasion. He served as minister of communications twice.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

Thailand shooting: Survivors recall ordeal of gun rampage

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errified residents of the Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima have been reliving their ordeal after a gunman roamed around a shopping centre on a shooting spree that killed 29 people.

Some barricaded themselves in toilets or hid under tables, frantically searching for information on mobiles.

Jakraphanth Thomma began his rampage on Saturday afternoon, but it only ended with his death 16 hours later.

A vigil for victims has been held on Sunday, with monks chanting prayers.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha said the 32-year-old soldier, who had posted images during his attack on social media, appeared to have been motivated by a land dispute.

Another 57 people were injured in the incident, an “unprecedented number in Thailand”, the PM said.

What have the survivors been saying?

Jakraphanth began his attack at about 15:30 local time on Saturday (08:30 GMT) at a military camp, but it was his arrival at the Terminal 21 shopping complex that led to an indiscriminate shooting spree.

Many of the victims were killed as he arrived, some in their cars, others outside the complex. Graphic images appeared on social media.

Inside Terminal 21, a seven-floor complex designed on an airport theme, terrified shoppers were unsure whether to flee or hide.

Nattaya Nganiem was leaving the complex by car when she heard gunfire and saw one woman “run out from the mall hysterically”. She saw a motorcyclist dump his motorcycle and run.

One who saw the gunman, Diaw, told Amarin TV the attacker “was shooting everywhere and his shots were very precise”. He aimed at the heads of victims, Diaw said, adding that one of his colleagues was killed.

Up on the fourth floor, Chanathip Somsakul, 33, barricaded himself into the women’s toilets with dozens of others, using cubicle doors to wedge the entrance shut. They all scoured mobile devices to get information. But he said there was so much information, no-one knew what to believe.

“Everyone was terrified. A friend who works at the mall was talking to a guy in the CCTV control room... he gave us updates on the location of the gunman,” he told AFP news agency.

When police arrived at about 21:00, they left in an orderly fashion, but started running when shots rang out.

Charlie Crowson, a teacher

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province of Asyut was also held.

All four were detained after the victim’s uncle alerted the authorities, officials told the BBC. FGM was banned in Egypt in 2008 but the country still has one of the highest rates of the practice

Redeemer’s Varsity matriculates 788 students Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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There was a huge attendance at the vigil in Nakhon Ratchasima

Natthawut Karnchanamethee (L) mourns the loss of his son of English who lives in Nakhon Ratchasima, told the BBC there were “bodies on the streets” of the normally peaceful city.

He said one of his girlfriend’s former students was among those killed in the attack. Jakraphanth was eventually shot dead by the security forces.

At the city morgue on Sunday, Natthawut Karnchanamethee was mourning the loss of his 13-year-old son, Ratchanon Karnchanamethee.

“He’s my only son. I allowed him to do anything he wanted to. I never set expectations for him. I only wanted him to be a good person,” Mr Natthawut said.

At the vigil on Sunday, 13-yearold Lapasrada Khumpeepong said she and her mother had been cornered in a bathroom at the complex for five hours.

She wrote on a condolence board: “Thank you to those who sacrificed themselves to keep others alive.

Without you, we would not be here today.”

What have the authorities said about the attack?

Mr Prayuth travelled to Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, to meet wounded survivors.

The PM said he believed the gunman was involved in a “personal conflict... over a house deal” that involved a relative of his commanding officer, both of whom Jakraphanth shot dead at the military base at the start of his rampage.

Mr Prayuth said: “I hope this is the only one and the last incident, and that it never happens again. Noone wants this to happen. It could be because of this person’s mental health in this particular moment.”

Forensic experts continue to work at the shopping complex.

Jakraphanth served at Suatham Phithak military camp, about 250km (155 miles) from the capital, Bangkok.

Army sources said he was a sharpshooter and had taken courses on attacks, including the planning of ambushes.

He used social media heavily, including posting pictures of himself with weapons.

Jakraphanth killed another soldier as he stole a military vehicle and weapons - two rifles, one M60 machine gun and 770 rounds of ammunition - from the base.

A Facebook post before the attack read: “Rich from cheating. Taking advantage of other people. Do they think they can spend the money in hell?”

During the attack - and before his

Female genital mutilation: Parents arrested after death of girl in Egypt

olice in Egypt have arrested the parents and aunt of a 14-year-old girl who died while undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM).

The doctor who allegedly performed the procedure in the

EDUCATION

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

in the world.

According to the UN children’s agency, Unicef, 87% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 years in Egypt have undergone FGM, with 50% of Egyptians believing it “is a religious requirement”.

In the latest case, Nada Abdul Maksoud suffered complications after the surgery at a private clinic in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Asyut, the Shorouk News website reported.

The girl’s death caused an

outcry from rights groups in Egypt.

The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and the National Council for Women urged authorities to prosecute those responsible, the state-run website Akhbar el-Yom said.

he Redeemer’s University, Ede, has conducted its matriculation of students for the 2019/2020 academic session, matriculating a total of 788 students. The event, which was held on January 22 marked the 15th ceremony of the institution.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anthoy E. Akinlo, mentioned that the number comprised of 748 UTME, direct entry and transfer students, while the remaining 40 were postgraduate students.

He said that the fresh students were being conferred full membership of the university because they had fulfilled all necessary admission requirements. He enjoined the students to be of good behaviour within the university while being good ambassadors outside the institution.

He urged them to acquaint themselves with the Students’ Handbook of Information and avoid involvement in acts of misconduct, such as stealing, drug abuse, cultism, fighting, examination malpractice and other vices.

Prof. Akinlo enjoined parents and guardians not to abandon the task of training their wards to the university alone. In his words, “we urge our parents to join hands with us in ensuring that these young ones have an all-round training so that they will be found worthy both in character and learning in order for them to excel in all ramifications”.

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2020 UTME: JAMB patners Computer Council to Curb Cyber Crime Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board,(JAMB) has partnered the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, (CPN) to minimise cyber crime by deploying experts to monitor the 2020 examination in more than 700 Computer-Based Test Centres nationwide.

This was made known during a briefing held by CPN President, Prof Charles Uwadia, in Abuja to announce its activities for the

year and its plan for the adoption of the fifth-generation wireless, 5G. Uwadia said, “We are technical partners with JAMB. We had an arrangement since last year and the board has appointed us to monitor CBT centres. The centres are not directly registered with the CPN. They are registered

by JAMB, but we have been appointed to verify and monitor the output at the centres.

“To this end, we have appointed professionals to man each CBT centre nationwide.

This means that we have about

700 professionals manning the CBT centres and they will give us feedbacks. The feedbacks will be sent JAMB as a report in order to ensure a seamless conduct of the examination. ‘’So this is the collaboration between us in terms of ensuring professionalism and competence.” The CPN Registrar, Mr Allwell Achumba, added that the council was responsible for the accreditation of computer programmes and courses in universities, as well as other tertiary institutions.

Achumba added that it was

mandatory for all persons in the fields of Computer Science and Engineering to be certified.

The JAMB had said on Sunday, in its weekly bulletin that, with two weeks to the deadline, more than 1.2 million candidates had so far registered for the 2020 UTME. The board added that while about 47 CBT centres had been suspended for cybercrimes, technical hitches, extortion and other infractions, efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fraudsters and syndicates defrauding the candidates.

President / Chairman in Council, Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) , Prof. Charles Uwadia (5th left), the Registrar/ Secretary to Council, Mr. Allwell Achumba (3rd left) with directors and Jounalist, CPN media parley on it activities , recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Foundation plans to reduce Out-Of-School Children

Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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non-governmental organisation, known as I-A Foundation, has said it is planning to reduce the number of out-of-school children on the streets by encouraging them to enroll in public schools.

During a briefing held in Lagos,

the Founder of the NGO, Mrs Ronke Adeagbo, said the gesture was part of its contribution its to the development of the education sector.

Adeagbo said, “The foundation will pay the bursary of children from poor homes and reward excellence.

Education drives the economy and educational institutions are the

engine room where this happens.

Therefore, everyone must have access to good education.

“If anyone develops a passion for learning, such a person will not cease to grow. Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’’

She added that the foundation

would work with government at all levels to ensure the success of the scheme, which had already kicked off in Nasarawa, Lagos and Ogun states. ‘’In Nasarawa state, we visited an Internally Displaced Persons camp, filled with children. They were sacked from their ancestral homes by terrorists, but I saw

passion to learn in the eyes of the children. We took some teachers there to teach English and Mathematics. After the visits and encounter what next?

“The foundation is planning to set up an endowment fund for bright children. And there are criteria for the selection of such children,” she said.

Group Patners Schools To Launch Computer Languaage Among Pupils Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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n education technology research lab, Code 4TEEN has partnered with educational brands across all segments of the sector for the commencement of computer language studies among over 100 pupils across schools in Lagos.

The lab after investing three years in broad research on the feasibility of teaching pupils from Year 3 (7years old) text-based programming in a classroom

context launched its software product ‘Andrew teaches coding’, an automated textbook whose robust functionalities create an eco-system for the new subject, computer language.

By facilitating the delivery of curriculum, management of class work and homework, examinations and grading ‘Andrew teaches coding’ gives primary schools across the country and beyond the ability to now create and run computer language as a time-tabled subject.

While shedding some light on the initiative, Director, Research and Technology, Otaru Daudu said, “Code 4TEEN understood from day one that the true solution to technology literacy resides in the empowerment of educational systems to drive the code education process without depending on third-party intervention.

“We also understand that this will require a tested curriculum, a scalable means of delivery as well as a continuous plan for

up-skilling all ICT teachers so they are capable of delivering the curriculum independently as they do with ICT, Mathematics or English.”

“For this reason, we are building our company’s strengths around these three pillars.

We also choose to focus on empowering schools as we believe children spend 70 per cent of their childhood under the influence of ‘school’, hence positioning the school as the foremost catalyst in the technology literacy drive

globally, with regards to the next generation.”

Already, the group has officially rolled out computer language through timetabled slots in four schools across Lagos namely, The Fountain School, Moral Ville Academy, Leaders Field International School and First Stones School.

Besides, the company is in advanced talks with top executives and academic leaders at generational schools on the possibility of integrating the

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, february 10, 2020

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Feature

CLASSIFIED

“Something’s Not Right Here Folks”​

By Mario Cavolo, Shenyang.

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Look at USA 2009 H1N1 Virus Compared to China 2020 Corona Virus Mario Cavolo, Author, Speaker, Artist, Entrepreneur Published on 2020 2 5 When the United States 2009 H1N1 swine flu emerged, an international emergency, a declared global pandemic, it eventually infected 60 million and initially killed a minimum of 18,449 cases that year. But the final story of the H1N1 global pandemic was far worse than that, with close to 300,000 deaths, according to the final tallies in 2012 reported by the CDC, as you will read below.

Which is why I am scratching my head at how bizarrely negative forces are attacking China and Chinese people as it engages a remarkably aggressive front addressing this Corona virus outbreak which started in Wuhan, central China. I am forced to ask and answer a few questions.

During 2009 H1N1 outbreak, I don’t recall xenophobic anti-America attacks across the globe, do you? In fact, do you recall it took six months for the U.S. to declare a national emergency? Did any government from the onset in April 2009 through the end in April 2010, including the month of June, when H1N1 was declared an international emergency global pandemic, then send out a notice to its citizens that they should leave the United States? Close their borders to American travelers? Nope, not a peep.

Like I said, something’s not right, folks. I am reading hateful vicious attacks on the Chinese government for their supposed intentional conspiracy to intentionally under report the number of infections, yet that is exactly and always the case with such flu outbreaks no matter what country and the CDC reports illustrate that crystal clear. The U.S. H1N1 swine flu numbers were vastly underestimated and updated three years later, because dear friends, that is the nature of such viral outbreaks which don’t care which country they started in. There is never enough man power, there are never enough test kits, there is never enough medicine or medical supplies. China is not trying to hide these hardships, they are well known, they are being reported on the news daily in China.

There are always people who die, thousands of them whom we’ll never know if they actually died because of a particular virus. Those are the facts, not any problem unique to China’s healthcare system or government.

Its not a conspiracy, its just tragedy.

According to the June 27, 2012 research report followup three years later, it gets much more disturbing when you learn about the CDC’s final estimate of the H1N1 virus global death toll. You and I find at this at this article at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy website, the CDC’s 18,449 total deaths number was “...regarded as WELL BELOW THE TRUE TOTAL, mainly because many people who die of flu-related causes are not tested for the disease.” So during the 2009 outbreak, was anyone accusing the American medical and government authorities of hiding the numbers?

Were Americans with hidden cameras

Corona virus preventive measures strolling into the Mayo Clinic to PROVE how many people were really dying? The absurdity of these vicious attacks are that whether or not a person specifically does have the Corona virus or some other viral bug presenting as pneumonia, the treatment is the same supportive treatment anyway.

Something’s not right here folks.

The world should be applauding China’s unprecedented, broad, aggressive response. (WHO officials and many other government and healthcare officials across the globe are.) I am on the ground here in China READ IT HERE watching with my own eyes and it is quite incredible by any measure, not to mention an enormous economic sacrifice.

Instead of looking at the will of an entire system of government acting faster than any other government on the planet could, we are one month later, still busy bashing a few local government officials in Wuhan who should have told us a couple weeks sooner. And yes, that is true those local officials screwed up. And by the way, those officials are in deep trouble for it. Just like the recent Puerto Rican politicians who are in trouble when we learned they didn’t distribute hurricane emergency supplies that were sent to them to help during last year’s terrible hurricane. A disgrace. Individual people screw up all the time and hopefully justice gets served later, but that’s not an indictment of an entire country’s government. Secondly, on this point, every provincial government has sent out a notice to its government officials pretty much saying that if they are stupid enough to do the same, they will face the wrath of harsh punishment. I don’t doubt it for a moment. Lets contrast to what countless western politicians have gotten away with and remain in office to remind all of us that human error, stupidity and greed is not unique to any particular skin color or race or country. “What about...” reactions don’t help.

And here’s the mic drop for you: “The CDC researchers estimate that the H1N1 2009 pandemic virus caused 201,200 respiratory deaths and another 83,300 deaths from cardiovascular disease associated with H1N1 infections.” Total: 284,000

deaths. Shocking, isn’t it?

Was there a travel ban for any length of time to and from the United States?

Did China, Germany, Japan or any other country close their border to American travelers?

Today I noticed in the updates that following the United States Department of State policy suggesting U.S. citizens leave China, the United Kingdom embassy just released the same recommendation to subjects of the kingdom.

In 2009, did UK subjects in America get a notice from their kingdom to leave America? No. Did the world suggest we isolate from America? Close the U.S. borders!? No. Did Americans get xenophobically attacked and targeted by antiAmerican sentiments like the Chinese are experiencing now? Um, no.

Fascinating and disturbing to say the least. If you’re an expat currently in China, unless you’re in Wuhan, fact is that you’re most likely safer and more peaceful and more stable by simply staying put than by leaving right now. You couldn’t be safer than in this country, where almost everyone is staying home and dutifully isolating themselves with awareness. Not to mention that the Chinese government’s decision to safeguard the society, the families, the people, is coming at a devastating economic cost in the hundreds of billions.

I have a friend in Mesa, Arizona.

He told me earlier that the big popular China City buffet, a huge busy place, has no customers. Does that make any sense at all?

Let’s test our ability to reason, to be rational: If you were in Miami and you heard that there was a virus outbreak that started in Milan, in central Italy, would you cancel your dinner reservation at the Italian restaurant that night in South Beach? No. Would you buy a pizza next week at Joey’s Pizzeria in Delray Beach?

If you were in Singapore and you heard there was a virus outbreak in Dallas, Texas in the central United States, would you stop going to your favorite local Texas southern BBQ restaurant with the owner from Houston, in Singapore?

Would you avoid olive-skinned dark-haired Italian-looking people on the street in Chicago? Would you avoid big guys wearing cowboy hats, cuz they’re obviously from Texas in Singapore cuz there’s a virus in Dallas and they might have just gotten off the plane? There’s a strange senseless bullying extremism and activism in today’s society and you should do your best to avoid it and not be a part of it. It is fomented by a small group of extremist activists while definitely not supported by your average mainstream person who is simply exhausted by their outrage-inducing antics.

Finally, here are some straight up, sensible accurate descriptions of this Corona virus which started in Wuhan, China. Its not called the China virus and neither was H1N1 called the America virus. Whether two weeks or two months from now, this flu season type virus will have passed and the joy of Spring will have arrived. Just like every flu season. However, don’t misunderstand me. The extra caution and the remarkable response by the Chinese governments and people together to quell the spread of this virus was warranted because, yes it is correct that this corona virus is nastier than the usual annual flu bug, as was H1N1 in 2009. As of now, what we can confidently note the following regarding this Corona virus: This Corona virus is highly contagious, it spreads quite easily.

It binds to lung tissue and so in particular, likes to cause pneumonia, that’s what infection of lung tissue is.

That’s more severe than a respiratory infection which is only in your throat or bronchial tubes.

The Corona virus currently has a 2% death rate. That’s a lot higher, around 20x higher, than a more typical annual flu virus with a death rate of 0.1%. However, a 2% death rate is still much lower by comparison to the SARS virus which had a 9% death rate or the MERS virus with a really nasty 37% death rate.

The Corona virus is causing severe symptoms in 10-15% of cases. 80% to 90% of deaths from this virus are happening in elderly patients, mostly with other existing health problems, not younger people.

That characteristic by the way, is in contrast to the America 2009 H1N1

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

swine flu virus which in fact had a higher death rate amongst younger people including children rather than those over 60 years old.

China identified and shared the Corona virus genome in record times, in only days and of course, immediately shared it with all international health and disease organizations. Medical researchers are already discovering that certain existing anti-viral medications seem to be effective against this Corona virus.

Its impossible not to marvel at China’s broad and aggressive domestic response directed by the provincial level governments to restrict movement, restrict transportation, restrict business for a period of time combined with the voluntary dutiful cooperation of its 1.3 billion citizens who are in the majority quietly staying at home these weeks to let the virus pass; this model response is already being hailed by the international community as a remarkable unprecedented response setting a new standard in understanding what is possible for future outbreaks in whatever country they may occur. Is it inconvenient and costly. You bet.

Like I said, something’s not right with the way humanity is responding to what’s happening here. I haven’t put my finger on it because well, its certainly complex and the world is upside down in many other ways that I also can’t for the life of me understand or explain without ending up writing a very thick book.

But I do know this: It needs to stop.

This vicious, political, xenophobic racist attacks and smearing of all things China needs to stop. Its really not helping anyone in the political corridors of Washington nor is it doing anything to help the man on the street who is just concerned with taking care of his family.

My family is originally from the Basilicata region of Italy, the little hillside Italian towns of Potenza and also, Grottola, which is just outside of Matera. They left their home country and moved to America where I was born, in Yonkers, New York. America became their home and it was my home until I left, too. Now over two decades ago, I left the United States, the country I was born in, the country that has plenty to admire and plenty to improve. But I left and I came to China and now China is my home. If you had asked me thirty years ago if this was my life plan on planet earth, I would have said you were nuts or a really bad fortune teller. But that’s how it has turned out. I am truly blessed with my lovely Chinese wife and our family living here in Shenyang in China’s northeast. You get my meaning? I am a mature adult like many with the powers of observation. I can easily see that whether we are talking about China or the United States or any other country, their societies and their governments have good points and bad points.

The xenophobia needs to stop now. Whether in a couple of weeks or months later, this nasty flu type Corona virus will begin declining and the joy of Spring will arrive. Between now and then if you don’t have anything good, anything supportive to say about China or Chinese people, how about you just keep your mouth shut.

Public Notice

PREDESTINED MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JOHN EXCELLENCE CHINASARAMOKWU - Chairman 2. JOHN HILLARY UWADIEGWU - Secretary 3. NDUKWE INNOCENT AWA - Member THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Florence Bright O.(07035290886)

Public Notice INTERNATIONAL ACTION FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN EDUCATION INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EKECHI JENNIFER CYNTHIA - 2. DR. GWENDOLINE O. OGOKE - 3. EZE CRESCENT CHIDI 4. UGBECHIE ISIOMA EMMA - 5. NKANTA VICTORIA ETIM 6. SUNDAY ANNA GADZAMA -

CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER PUBLICITY SECRETARY FINANCIAL SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE : (1) To promote the advancement and general wellbeing of women and the girl child.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : EZE CRESCENT CHIDI SECRETARY

Public Notice

OLUKAYODE ATOYEBI FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ATOYEBI OLUSHOLA (CHAIRMAN) 2. ATOYEBI OLADELE ADEMOLA (SECRETARY) 3. ATOYEBI OLATUNJI DAVID. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To provide for the less privileged in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Public Notice

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE FOLLOWING PLOT NOS. 1. Dr. ALIYU ABDULLAHI ------ D 1751 MEASURING ABOUT 1700SQM LOCATED IN MPAPE 11 LAYOUT DATED 22/02/2007 BELONG TO EKWUTOSI CECILIA ANYANECHI 2. DR. ALIYU ABDULLAHI -------- PLOT NO. D1752 MEASURING ABOUT 1700SQM AT MPAPE 11 LAYOUT DATED 22/02/2007.

3. OLUWOLE KOLA ------- PLOT NO. D1354 MEASURING ABOUT 1200SQM IN MPAPE 11 LAYOUT DATED 22/02/2007 BELONG TO EKWUTOSI CECILIA ANYANECHI 4. JIBRIL MAYE ------ PLOT NO. D19094 OF ABOUT 1700SQM IN MPAPE 11 LAYOUT DATED 19/02/2007 BELONG TO MR. IFENMA AGUMADU 5. MASHIL OKONDU ------- PLOT NO. D1459 OF ABOUT 1700SQM IN MPAPE 11 LAYOUT DATED 19/02/2007 BELONG TO ELO CHUKWU MADUBUKE. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE, IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Public Notice

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of a Right of Occupancy land documents with File Number: KD 11421, Plot Number: 1668 situated at Katampe (B07) Measuring about 972 .90 meters square bearing ISA MAIGARI and belonging to GERSHON SHACHOR is missing.

All efforts made to trace the missing documents have proved abortive. If found please return the document to the nearest police station.

All authorities concerned and general public should take note.

Public Notice

KINGDOM LIFESTYLE AND MUSIC NETWORK

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. VICTORY OLUWASEUN CLEANCLAY (CHAIRMAN) 2. OPEYEMI OLUWASHINA YEROKUN (SECRETARY) 3. OLUWASEUN OPEOLUWA SCOTT 4. FEYIKEMI CHRISTIANA OLOWU THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To build a network of Christians in a multidenominational structure for the purposes of Bible Study.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR ISHOLA OLUDELE.

Public Notice TRUE-WORSHIPPERS INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. DR. (MRS) DANIEL KENECHUKWU CHIDIOGO 2. EVANGELIST DANIEL OFOBIKE EDEH THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ 2.To sponsor church oriented crusade and outreach.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Public Notice OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION CLASS OF 2009 OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE ODOGBOLU

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.BAKARE ADEBOWALE MUDASHIR 2.AYANDIPE DORCAS OLUWADARA 3.OLASUPO TOLULOPE CHARLES 4.KUYORO TOLULOPE DEBORAH 5.OYEFESO ABDULAZEEZ ADESILE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO KEEP A ROSTER OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND THEIR PERTINENT DATA. 2. TO ENCOURAGE, FOSTER AND PROMOTE CLOSE RELATIONS AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 3. TO PROMOTE A SUSTAINED SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE ALMA MATER AMONG THE ALUMNI BY BEING IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH THEM 4. TO PROVIDE AND DISSEMINATE INFORMATION REGARDING THE ALMA MATER, ITS GRADUATES, FACULTIES AND STUDENTS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. 5. TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE TO THEIR ALMA MATER THROUGH STAGING ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND REUNIONS, FREQUENT COMMUNICATION, PROVIDING A RANGE OF DISCOUNTS AND SERVICES FOR ALUMNI; AND BY SUPPORTING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER FUND-RAISING INITIATIVES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FATIMA

GILGAL CRUSADER’S INTERDENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ALL-BABA FATIMA M. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS FATIMA MUHAMMAD ALIBABA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Adesina Samson Tosin (President) 2.Adesina Funmilola Sabrina (Secretary) 3.Omotoye Oyekunle (Treasurer) 4.Awoleke Damilare (Vice President) 5.Olaleye Ayoola THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus thru our worship and by practical expression of his love within the community we are and in the entire world also to preach Peaceful Coexistence btw all without Segregation .

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Elijah Jidonu ( SECRETARY) Mobile:07031061039.

Public Notice

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENTS IN RESPECT OF Plot no 49. MEASURING about 5818.31m2. AND WITH File NO. MISC 108100 LOCATED AT Cadastral Zone C01 Karmo. Bearing E-TECH INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS LIMITED. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR AGIS. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MOHAMMED I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ALIYU MOHAMMED M. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MOHAMMED MAIKUDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

AGBAMU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ANIGBORO JEMIMA IGHO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AGBAMU JEMIMA IGHO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Public Notice

ONEWA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION LOCATED AT 1, ONEWA TOWN HALL ROAD, ONEWA, HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AFUAH STEPHEN OSAGHALE CHAIRMAN 2. ONOGBENI PATRICK SECRETARY 3. AYEMERE .J. EHI TREASURER 4. OBHIOKHENA MICHAEL EHINOMHEN — MEMBER 5. NOBLE OKOH IGHODARO MEMBER 6. OJIEMHEN MONDAY MEMBER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ORGANISE THE COMMUNITY YOUTHS AND TRAINING 2. TO DEFEND THE COOPERATE EXISTENCE OF THE COMMUNITY 3. TO ORGANISE MEETINGS FOR SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN THE COMMUNITY AT HOME AND ABROAD. 4. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. 5. TO ATTRACT DEVELOPMENT TO THE COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION, SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

CLASSIFIED Public Notice

OMOKU PEOPLE FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Emeka Ichoku 2. Barr Godfrey James Okirigwe 3. Prince Ohia Obi 4. Mr. Ikwuadi Ojukwu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Resuscitating and reinvigorating the interest and participation of all Omoku Sons and Daughters in the affairs and activities of Omoku.

2. In conjunction with other groups or associations in Omoku, to work for collective interest of Omoku.

3. From time to time organize seminars, conferences, workshops, symposia, summit, and other similar activities for the articulation of the common problems relating to the development of Omoku.

4. To create a platform for partnership to assist in the preservation, development and enlistment of our culture and tradition.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed CHINELO NGOZI ANAZODO ESQ

Public Notice

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

Public Notice EMPOWERMENT FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN AND CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL

This is to inform the general public that the above foundation has applied for the registration of incorporated trustee to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 as amended.

TRUSTEES (1) ABDULRAHMAN HUDU KITILLY (chairman) (2) OKONKWO BLESSING ONYEBUCHI (Secretary) (3) ABDULRAHMAN KITILLY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) To protect the rights of the less privileged children in the society.

(2) To offer formal non formal educational trainings for less privileged children in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot no 240 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama P.M.B 198 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Public Notice

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MR. AUGUSTINE OGOCHUKWU OKAFOR IS THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF THE PROPERTIES SITUATED AT HOUSE 1 BLOCK 1 OPPOSITE STARVIEW PALACE HOTEL SETRACO GWARINPA, AND PLOT A42 POST SERVICE ARMY ESTATE SCHEME, KUBWA, ABUJA. THE ORIGINAL TITLE DOCUMENTS COULD NOT BE FOUND BY THE FAMILY AND

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MR. AUGUSTINE OGOCHUKWU OKAFOR IS THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF THE PROPERTIES SITUATED AT HOUSE 1 BLOCK 1 OPPOSITE STARVIEW PALACE HOTEL SETRACO GWARINPA, AND PLOT A42 POST SERVICE ARMY ESTATE SCHEME, KUBWA, ABUJA. THE ORIGINAL TITLE DOCUMENTS COULD NOT BE FOUND BY THE FAMILY AND

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE.

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SIGNED: Ogechukwu & Patrick Okafor For: The family

SIGNED: Ogechukwu & Patrick Okafor For: The family

Public Notice LESS PRIVILEGED ORPHANS FOUNDATION POTISKUM.

This is to inform the general public that the above foundation has applied for the registration of incorporated trustee to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 as amended.

TRUSTEES: 1. MUSA AUDU TIKA. 2. ISHAKA ABUBAKAR 3. ADAMU ADAMU KABILA 4. HAUWA MAINA BABA 5. HALIMATU SADIYA DAHUN. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE LESS PRIVILEGED ORPHANS IN POTISKUM 2. EMPOWERING YOUTHS AND WINDOWS TOWARDS SKILLS ACQUISITION IN POTISKUM. 3. PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO ORPHANS AND LESS PRIVILEGED PERSONS IN POTISKUM. 4. PROMOTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN POTISKUM. 5. TO ENLIGHTEN THE PUBLIC ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RENDERING ASSISTANCE TO THE ORPHANS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot no 240 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama P.M.B 198 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Ahmad Khalil Esq

Public Notice

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

This is to inform the general public of the lost of the Original Land Document CONVEYANCE OF PROVISIONAL - APPROVAL ALLOCATED, in respect of Plot No. IC/14, measuring about 800m2 dated 18th June, 1997 in Mpape Layout, Abuja issued to ALH. H.Z. AKWANGA by Bwari Area Council, FCT Abuja. File Name: ALH. H.Z. AKWANGA of Wamba RD, Near Youths Centre, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

All efforts made to trace the missing documents prove abortive. Please the AGIS and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) should take note.

MRS. FATIMA

ADEYEMI

HUSSAINI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OKWAONYERI LOVETH IFUNAYI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ADEYEMI LOVETH OLUWATOBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as HUSAINA UMAR MAKAMA Now wish to be known and addressed as HUSSAINA RINJAWA UMAR my date of birth is 13\8\2000. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

MUYIWA

NWAORGU

ALHASSAN

I, formerly known as AKINBOYEWA TAIWO FUNMILAYO now wishes to be known and addressed as MUYIWA TAIWO FUNMILAYO. All formal document remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as NWAORGU ALEX NELLY now wishes to be known and addressed as NWAORGU NNENNA NELLY. All formal document remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS KASIMU ALHASSAN. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ALHASSAN KASEEM ALHASSAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

SULEIMAN

BLESSING

I, formerly known as SULAIMAN SANI SALI WITH WRONG DATE OF BIRTH 24/09/1992 now wishes to be known and addressed as SULEIMAN SANI SALISU WITH CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH 24/09/1996. All formal document remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Bilkisu abdulkareem now wishes to be known and addressed as Blessing annabel attaboh. All formal document remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Public Notice FAMILIES’ DREAM RESTORATION FOUNDATION.

This is to inform the general public that the above foundation has applied for the registration of incorporated trustee to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 as amended.

TRUSTEES 1) DR ESEOGENE OMONIGHO WILLIAMS - CHAIRMAN 2) DR ALABI BUNMI ABRAHAM 3) DR OLUSEYI ODUYOYE 4) MAUDE GARBA - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Help to restore the lost/delayed dream of every family by creating a credible platform for couples to meet their desire goal of positive growth in term of numbers, and help bring back the lost pride of members of the family (vulnerable ones)who find themselves where they would have wanted to be (remove girls from prostitution, and help to reintegrate them into the society by encouraging the girls child education and help rehabilitate victims of chid trafficking) Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot no 240 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama P.M.B 198 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS FATIMA MOHAMMED. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS. FATIMA MOHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Sports monday, february 10, 2020

SPACE FOR SALE

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Para Power-lifting: Board suspends Uboh, declares her resignation invalid

By Albert Akota

T

he board of Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), on Saturday suspended its embattled President, Queen Uboh-Idris, over series of violations including her penchant for unilaterally running the board.

The suspension came as the board rejected Uboh-Idris’ purported resignation that was deemed to have failed to comply with dues process making it invalid.

She will now face investigation to unravel her fundraising activities for the just concluded Para Powerlifting World Cup, for which she was alleged to have received donations with her private banks accounts instead of the Federation’s account.

She is also alleged to have repeatedly withheld information from other board members, who were left in the dark about activities around the World Cup. A board member who pleaded anonymity said “Queen (Uboh-Idris) was called on the phone to attend the meeting so that we can hear from her but she claimed to have resigned.

“We told her that there is a process for an elected board member to follow when they desire to resign and she has not followed that process.

“She has therefore not resigned, which means she must first cooperate with the investigation that has been ordered,” the source said.

Queen Uboh-Idris

SATUC U-15 W/Cup: Utaka Foundation picks eight for Morocco 2020

By Albert Akota

SPACE FOR SALE

Page

PEOPLES DAILY

PAGE 28

A

head of this year’s SATUC U-15 5-a-side World Cup scheduled for Morocco from April 13 to 19, defending champions John Utaka Foundation has selected eight players that will represent the Nigerian side in the third edition of the competition dedicated to orphans and disadvantaged children.

The eight players according to the John Utaka Foundation team coordinator, Usman Chata, were selected after two phases of camping in Minna, Niger state with 30 in the first phase and 10 in the second phase.

The eight players selected will move into closed camping early March for final preparation ahead of their 2020 SATUC U-15 5-a-side World Cup in Morocco.

The eight players are Odoh

Richard from Enugu State, Ibrahim Hussain (Kaduna) Salau Mohammed Abidemi (Kwara), Oluseyi Abolaji Kadaolo (Ogun), Umar Mujahid Haruna (Kogi) Manuga Farouk Aliyu, Abubakar Mohammed Hassan and Alfa Abubakar Sadeeq all from Niger State.

“We are hoping to successfully defend the trophy we won in 2018 in Bulgaria with the quality of players we have selected and the rigorous training they are going through. I know it will be tougher this time, but we are confident of retaining our trophy,” the John Utaka Foundation team coordinator stated.

Already five countries including maiden edition winners Egypt, Brazil, England, Nigeria and host Morocco have confirmed their participation for the third edition of SATUC U-15 5-a-Side World Cup – a 16-Nation tournament slated for Tizniz in Morocco.

John Utaka Foundation

NFF will appoint coaches into national teams in February- Sanusi >>PG 30

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

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Adoption campaign records success as more individuals, corporate bodies come on board

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AFN tissue: Ministry will supervise federations without interference-Dare

By Albert Akota

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By Albert Akota

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he Adoption Campaign as initiated by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare, has continued to record tremendous successes as more individuals and corporate entities have continued to indicate interest in the Initiative.

In recognition of the fact that athletes’ welfare is paramount if any meaningful success would be recorded and that the Government cannot do it alone, the Minister launched the Campaign last year with Adopt an Athlete as one of its main focuses, to encourage

a mutually beneficial private sector partnerships in sports.

An athlete is adopted by an individual and corporate body with the aim of providing support through funding for the athlete’s welfare and training especially towards the preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

This, the Minister believes will in addition to lifting the spirits of the athletes, spur them to give their best performances to register Nigeria’s name on the medal table come Olympics 2020. It could be recalled that team Nigeria has not had any successful outings at international events in recent times.

inister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has said the Ministry will continue to align with Sports Federations that adhere to processes and rules guiding their activities even as government will only intervene without interfering.

The Minister, who was fielding questions from journalists in Yenagoa Bayelsa state in the sidelines of the Restoration Cup tournament, said the decision of the ten members of the Athletic Federation Nigeria (AFN) board to impeach its former President, Engineer Shehu Gusau, conformed to its rules “The ministry of Youth and Sports Development are really focused because we have the Olympics ahead of us. Beyond the AFN we have other sports federations dealing with internal board matters and that will continue for a while.

“For the AFN, the position of the Ministry is clear. The government reconizes the Olamide AFN leadership.

They have been able to provide the Ministry with all the processes that have taken place.

We stand with the ten members of the AFN board, we don’t stand with the two or three members.

“We’ve seen their reports, their meetings, their resolutions, the suspension, the impeachment. They have submitted this report to us; it’s from the board, it is not from the Ministry.

“Nobody will tell the Federal Government to turn its eyes away from

Mr. Sunday Dare decision of the majority of the board members and support the minority.

“Every programme that has been put in place for the Olympics is on track and not just for the AFN but all other sports going to the Olympics. We are not distracted at all.

“Ultimately, the resolution

of whatever is going on lies with he board. The government gets interested where it affects the interest and the development of sports in Nigeria.

We will remain playing our supervisory role, intervening but not interfering,” the Minister said.

Edo 2020: Five mini-stadia ready for National Sports Festival – Official

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s the Edo State Government steps up preparation to host the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to commence from March 20, construction work has been completed on five mini stadia to be used for the games.

The five mini-stadia are part of the 20 mini-stadia being constructed by the Governor Godwin Obasekiled administration to promote grassroot sports in the state.

Speaking with journalists, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Erimona Edorodion Oye, said the five mini-stadia in Edo

South Senatorial Districts were delivered ahead of the hosting of the 2020 NSF games in the state.

He said, “There are 20 ministadia across the state. We have two each in Oredo and IkpobaOkha Local Government Areas respectively, while the others are located in each of the other 16 LGAs. “We have gone far with the work on the mini-stadia. We have done about five of them. They are at Western Boys High School, Edo Boys High School and at Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School.

Specifically, we have two at Edo Boys, one in Western Boys and

Governor Godwin Obaseki then another in Maria Goretti.”

He noted that work has been completed on the five mini-stadia

in Edo State ahead of the NSF as they will be used as venues for hosting some of the 2020 NSF games in March.

The commissioner assured that work will be completed on the other sites of the ministadia project, noting, “The idea of having the mini-stadia is to promote grassroot sports development in the state. The state government decentralised the facilities to allow members of the grassroots have easy access to sports centres to harness sports talents across the state.”

Recall that as part of preparation to host the National

Sports Festival Games, Governor Godwin Obaseki commissioned the secretariat complex for the event, a world-class edifice to serve as the coordinating venue for the competition which holds in different venues across Edo State.

Also, physical infrastructure needed for the games are being completed at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium with base for the track being laid, as the football pitch is ready. Work at the lawn tennis section is completed, while the swimming pools are being furnished.

D’Tigress qualifies for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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D’tigress

igeria’s senior women’s national Basketball Team, D’Tigress, on Saturday booked a ticket to the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo.

The team qualified despite losing 64-70 to host-Serbia in their second group game at the ongoing FIBA Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.

Mozambique’s quest to qualify ahead of Nigeria suffered a heavy knock as they lost scandalously 49124 against current world champions, USA. Nigeria was in command of the first quarter, which they won 2221pts, their good works were undone in the 2nd and 3rd quarters as their inability to convert their chances

saw Serbia work their way back into contention winning 22-12 and 16-12 to open a decent lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The team tried to rally back in the last quarter after cutting down the deficit to just 4 points with less than two minutes to go, but two successive turnovers by Ezinne Kalu put a stop to that.

Although, they picked the last quarter, 18-11, it was a case of too little too late against the host who on the back of a vociferous home support stood their ground to see out the game.

Kalu led the charge for Nigeria with 20pts, 3 rebs and 2 stls while Promise Amukamara scored 15pts, 4 rebs on the night.

Team captain Adaora Elonu weighed in with 9pts of her own as well as 6 rebs.

About 68.75% conversion rate from 16 free throw attempts, 38.98% from field goal attempts and 41.03% success from the trey points line summarised the performance of the girls on the night that they found it difficult for their shots to drop against the Serbians currently ranked 7th in the world.

On Sunday, Nigeria will take on USA in their last group game, which will have no effect on the 2020 Olympics qualification.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has now set the record of being the only federation in Nigeria to have two teams at the Olympics.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, february 10, 2020

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monday, february 10, 2020

SPORTS latest

Messi becomes highest paid footballer

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arcelona captain, Lionel Messi has ranked as the highest-paid footballer in the world, overtaken his close rival, Cristiano Ronaldo and other football stars.

The Argentine star is also the best player on the planet right now having won the coveted Ballon d’Or honour for the sixth-time record.

According to French publication L’Equipe, Messi earns €8.3 million gross per month after tax, the Juventus star is next to the Barcelona captain with an earning of €4.5m gross per month.

Next on the list is PSG star, Neymar, who earns €3m gross per month, with Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez both coming just below €3m gross per month.

Real Madrid extend La Liga lead over Barcelona

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eal Madrid extended their lead over Barcelona in the La Liga title race, after coming from behind to thrash Osasuna 4-1 yesterday.

Unai Garcia opened scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute, forcing Zinedine Zidane coached Madrid to step up their acts.

They were rewarded with two quick-fire efforts by Isco and Ramos that handed them control of the match before the break.

Isco’s 33rd-minute volley levelled the game and Madrid captain Sergio Ramos made it 2-1 to the visitors five minutes later.

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Shehu Idris – The Emir who ruled Zaria longest Emmanuel Yawe

I

n 1804, a revolution swept across the vast territory that was later known as the Sokoto Caliphate and later still Northern Nigeria.

Before this revolution, there was a kingdom known as the Zazzau Kingdom which predated 1000 years. With its headquarters in Zaria, it was ruled for over 700 years by Habe rulers beginning from Gunguma to Makau.

Following the 1804 revolution, Islamic teaching was intensified and innovative administrative restructuring carried out, turning the Kingdom into an Emirate.

Under the new system, Mallam Musa was given authority as the flag bearer from Sokoto to administer the new Zazzau Emirate. He was assisted by other scholars viz: Mallam Yamusa Mallam Abdulkarim and Mallam Abdulssalam. These four scholars established the Fulani administration in Zauzzau and gave birth to the four ruling houses (dynasties) that have provided the Emirs that have ruled Zauzzau from 1804 up to date.

The revolutionary changes paved the way for further administrative changes that have been witnessed not only in the emirate but in Northern Nigeria and Nigeria in general. In 1900, the British overpowered the victorious Fulani revolutionaries and declared all areas overrun by the revolutionaries and even beyond the Northern Protectorate.

Kaduna, located within Zaria Emirate was designated the capital of the Protectorate in 1904. Thus begun the rapid political, economic, educational and agricultural transformation of Zauzzau. With the coming of colonial rule, the immigrant population of the town increased at a fast pace giving rise to cross cultural interaction thus giving Zaria Emirate a cosmopolitan status.

Originally, Zaria itself was named after the younger sister of the famous Queen Amina who conquered and annexed most of the important Hausa states. Her conquered territories extended to have borders with current Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Bauchi and Plateau States. Initially, the capital was at Turuntu but was moved to Kufena and eventually to present day Zaria City, its current location.

These changes have given Zaria a peculiar identity – a traditional outlook with a cosmopolitan population. This is because many ethnic groups in Nigeria and neighboring West African Countries have moved in.

The year 1904 turned out

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Emmanuel Yawe royawe@yahoo.com 08024565402

EMIR OF ZAZZAU, HRH ALHAJI SHEHU IDRIS to be a new dawn in the history of Kaduna and Zaria Emirate because that was the year it was named the headquarters of the Northern Protectorate as well as the headquarters of the West African frontier force. These new changes brought in a fresh influx of skilled immigrants and numerous military and paramilitary establishments, educational institutions, industries, trading and commercial activities.

The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, NNPC Refinery Kaduna, Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, 1st Mechanised Division NA headquarters Kaduna, DICON headquarters Kaduna, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna and many others.

Kaduna has also moved on with the administrative changes experienced in Nigeria sense independence. It became the headquarters of North Central State in 1967 when new states were created and capital of Kaduna state in 1976 with yet another states creation exercise of that year.

Kaduna has continued to grow from strength to strength as the center of unity of the whole nation.

Serving and retired civil servants, both federal and states, retired and serving military, paramilitary, retired and serving politicians all have investments in Kaduna.

Kaduna is thus not a confluence

only to the northern states but a gateway from the southern parts of the country to the north.

Since 1975, the responsibility of steering the traditional affairs and institutions of this fast changing domain has been the turf of Alhaji Shehu Idris following his ascension to the throne of Emir of Zaria.

Before his elevation to that office, he had served the state in the Zaria Native Authority (1961-1962), Ministry of Local Government as Secretary Zaria Local Government (1963-1964), as Liaison officer between Government al Authority and Local Government and Local Authority Council (1973-1975), Private Secretary to the late Emir of Zauzzau – Alhaji Muhammed Aminu (1962-1963 and 1973-1975).

He was also the Danmadamin Zauzzau and District head Zaria/ Kawaye 1973-1975.

This rich background gave him the required experience to achieve exemplary targets as the Emir of Zauzzau. His high achievements have led to additional recognition and appointments such as the first chairman of the Kaduna State Broadcasting Corporation in 1978, a director of the UAC of Nigeria PLC in 1980 and that of the NTC in 1983.

He has also been made a Fellow of the Chattered Institute of Transport London (FCIT) in 1993.

As early as 1979, he was awarded a medal as a Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by the Federal Government. Since 1986, he has been a member of the

National Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought, Chairman Kaduna State Council of Chiefs from 1987 to date as well as a member, National Traditional Rulers Forum since 1996 and member Joint Traditional Rulers and Consultative Committee of Eminent Personalities in Nigeria on Foreign Affairs since 1996.

Other national assignments entrusted to him has been membership of Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIRECT), Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) and National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN).

These achievements were acknowledged by no less a personality than President Muhammed Buhari who described the Emir as a “patriotic, honest and peace loving leader worthy of emulation.”

He stated this in a message he sent at the 45th anniversary celebration of the Emir on the throne of Zazzau emirate held at his place in Zaria City last Saturday 8th February 2020.

Represented by Hon. Minister of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Mahood Abubakar the President said in the last 45 years, Zazzau Emirate has developed rapidly in the area of education, infrastructure and farming activities.

President Buhari said Emir Idris’ leadership qualities have given him the opportunity to serve Nigeria at various capacities, which make the country very proud of him as a leader .

The Emir has thus not only served well; for sitting on the throne for 45 years, he has also served longest.

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