Thursday, September 10, 2020 Edition

Thursday, September 10, 2020/ Zhul Qada 3, 1441 AH

Vol. 34 No. 052

2263 Days after Malam Wada Maida (1950-2020) Founding Chairman, board of the Peoples Media limited.

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. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Malabu oils scam: FG slams 67 criminal charges on oil magnet, Aliyu Abubakar >>>page 3

Our devt strides will lift 100m out of poverty by 2030-Buhari

>>page 5

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (right), and the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong (middle), inspecting newly built and furnished airmen transit accommodation during commissioning of new projects at the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group in Kerang, Plateau State.

Magu: I am ready to testify before Ayo Salami Panel - Malami pAGE 5

NAHCON to establish outreach office in Kaduna pAGE 2

Zulum visits NDPHC, Kano Hisbah arrests 648 requests 132 kV to Dikwa, beggars for violating Marte street begging laws pAGE 6

pAGE 8

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

News CONTENTS News

2-10, 14

Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Health Business

18 19-20

Feature

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

Oyetola felicitates Osun APC Chair on birthday Environment 25 26

Sports 30-31 Back Page

32

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From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it is working towards establishing a commission outreach office to ease management of hajj affairs in the state.

The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan made the assertion

when he led members on a courtesy call to Governor Nasir Ahmed Elrufai at State House, Kaduna.

He solicited the support of the government to establish the outreach office in the state.

The Chairman disclosed that Kaduna state has benefited from its projects more than any states in the country.

He explained that some of

the projects are the on-going hajj hotel, executive hall, Hajj saving scheme and Hajj Training Institutes.

In his remarks kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i said the government is working towards having a hajj agency in order to improve the welfare of the pilgrims.

El Rufai who was represented by Secretary to the

State Government, Balarabe Abbas Lawal assured that the government would continue to partner with the NAHCON for smooth operation of hajj affairs in the state.

The NAHCON team also visited the Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris and solicited the traditional institute’s support towards successful Hajj exercise.

From left: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State (5th L); Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs Julie Okah-Donli (5th R); Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat (4th L); Head of Service, Mr Hakeem MuriOkunola (3rd L); Attorney-General and Chairman, Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (4th R); Task Force Co-Chairman, Mr Daniel Atokolo (3rd R) and other members of the newly inaugurated Lagos Task Force on Human Trafficking and State Executive Council, after their inauguration in Lagos on Tuesday (8/9/20).

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Feature

NAHCON to establish outreach office in Kaduna

Hike in fuel/electricity prices: We stand with masses, labour, CSOs, by PDP

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

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he national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said yesterday that they are standing solidly with the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, the civil society organisations and ordinary Nigerians in the demand for the reversal of the hike in fuel pump price and electricity.

The PDP leadership has also advised the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal government to allow the private sector to drive the economy, pointing out that the government has failed.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, while addressing the party’s supporters made up mainly of women and youths at the party’s presidential campaign office, Legacy House, in Abuja, noted that rather than facing the reality of the detrimental state of the nation, the Buhari presidency has resulted to propaganda.

The aggrieved members were at the PDP office to protest what

....Urges FG to allow private sector drive economy they described as insensitivity of the Buhari government to the suffering of Nigerians with the recent hike in fuel price and electricity tariff.

Secondus, who addressed the PDP supporters in company of other members of its National Working Committee, NWC, said, “We want to assure our people, that we are standing with the NLC, civil societies and we are standing with ordinary Nigerians in this trying period in what they are going through, their pains.

“On behalf of the leadership of our party, we have taken measures to let the world know that we can’t go on like this.

“What we want to advise the government if they will listen, is to allow the private sector to drive the economy because they have failed.

“That is what is happening in other countries. All civilized countries in the world, it is the private sector that drives the

economy. APC can’t do it and they have failed.

The PDP National Chairman berated the APC government for failing to fulfill promises and its non -people oriented policies capable of aggravating the hardship of the people.

His words, “They made several promises. Including reducing the pump price of fuel, allowing the refineries to work, they made a firm commitment and promises to the people.

“They also promised that Naira will be equal to one dollar.

They made all kinds of promises., including creating employment for all our youths and tgat power problem will be a thing of the past within six months.

“They made these promises in 2015 when a bag of rice was 8,000 naira. Today, a bag of rice is 35,000 naira.

“Nigeria has become the headquarters of poverty in the world.

In all ramifications, transportation, health sector, education is a colossal failure. “On the issue of the security, by 2015 it was only northeast. But today, the insecurity has engulfed all sections of this country.

“Our people are dying, no more farmland, our people are dying of hunger, poverty, herdsmen, the crime rate has risen to the highest level.

“I want to ask Nigerians whether they have fulfilled their promises or not.? It is a colossal failure. Every responsible government must be very careful in making promises.

“Are we better off? Have they improved on the economy? The situation in Nigeria is pathetic, it has worsened.

“Our people are going through pains, hardships and sorrow. And this government is clueless”, he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

News Editor, Ese Awhotu News Malabu oils scam: FG slams 67 criminal charges on oil magnet, Aliyu Abubakar

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Federal Government, yesterday, re-arraigned an oil magnate and business, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar and seven others on an amended 67 criminal count charges over their alleged complicity in the disputed Oil Processing License OPL 245 otherwise known as Malabu Oil. Abubakar was last July arraigned on a 48 count criminal charge bordering on money laundering, fraud and failure to disclose huge financial transactions in line with the nation’s financial laws.

Abubakar and others at large are also linked to huge fraud of over $1 billion in the Malabu Oil deal.

The others are: Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, A-Group Construction Company Limited, Rocky Top Resources Limited, Mega Tech Engineering Limited, Novel Properties and Development Company Limited, imperial Union Limited and Carlin International Nigeria Limited.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malabu Oil and Gas Limited negotiated and signed the “Block 245 resolution agreement with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited whereby taxes due to the Federal

Government of Nigeria was waived.”

In the charge marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/268/2016, Abubakar, was also accused of using his companies to receive monies which were proceeds from the Malabu oil deal.

He however pleaded not guilty to all 67 charges read to him.

In a short ruling, trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, fixed September 10 for commencement of trial.

The 3 stated that the court had earlier fixed September 7 for trial but had to allow the defendant ttake his plea in the amended charge.

Count three of the charge read: That you Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Seidougha Munamuna (at large), Amaran Joseph (at large) and Dauzia Loya Etete (at large) on or about August 30, 2013, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court took control of the sum of $74,200,000.03 (Seventy four million, two hundred thousand United States Dollars, three cents) paid from the Federal Government of Nigeria Escrow Account No: 0041451493 IBAN 30CHA5609242411492 with JP Morgan Chase Bank in London into the account No. 1005552028 of Malabu Oil & Gas Limited domiciled with Bank PHB Plc (Now Keystone Bank Limited Account No, 3610042472), when you reasonably ought to have known that the funds formed part of an unlawful activity to wit: Negotiation, signing

and payment in respect of the Block 245 Resolution Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited whereby taxes, accruals and royalties due to the Federal Government of Nigeria were unlawfully waived and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 15(3) and 15 (4) of the same Act. Malabu Oil & Gas Limited, Seidougha Munamuna (at large), Amaran Joseph (at large) and Dauzia Loya Etete (at large), in count four, were accused of transferring the sum of $74,271,750.00 (Seventy four million, two hundred and seventy one thousand, seven hundred and fifty United States dollars) from Malabu Oil & Gas Limited account No. 3610042472 domiciled with Keystone Bank Limited to Rocky Top Resources Limited, when they reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed part of an unlawful activity to wit: Negotiation, signing and payment in respect of the Block 245 Resolution Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration

Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited whereby taxes, accruals and royalties due to the Federal Government of Nigeria were unlawfully waived and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 15(3) and 15(4) of the same Act. COUNT 5: That you Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Seidougha Munamuna (at large), Amaran Joseph (at large) and Dauzia Loya Etete (at large), on or about the September 6, 2011, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court transferred the sum of $336,456,906.78 (Three hundred and thirty six million, four hundred and fifty six thousand, nine hundred and six United States Dollars, seventy eight cents) from Malabu Oil & Gas Limited account No. 3610042472 domiciled with Keystone Bank Limited (Formerly Bank PHB Plc account No. 10055520280) to Rocky Top Resources Limited, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed part of an unlawful activity to wit: Negotiation, signing and payment in respect of the Block 245 Resolution Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep

Niger Delta: Group hails Buhari for appointing Tombomieye as NNPC Chief

President Muhammadu Buhari (R) and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the inauguration of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Preparation of the National Development Plans: Medium Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

By Stanley Onyekwere

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group, Niger Delta Youth Coalition, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a Niger Delta man, Mr. Adokiye Tombomieye, as Chief Executive Officer in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Leader of the group, Comrade Odih Rowland, who made the commendation in Abuja yesterday, noted that Tombomieye, who would be heading the upstream sector of the corporation, would deliver on the assignment, having risen from a lower level in the corporation, over the years.

Rowland added that the appointment was done with merit, and without any form of sentiment, noting that by the appointment, President Buhari has demonstrated his trust and confidence in the good people of the Niger Delta region.

He however advised the appointees to justify the appointment, live up to expectations of Mr. President and work on the mantra of change in the petroleum sector, even as he advised President to appoint more Niger Delta sons and daughters into the corporation

Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited whereby taxes, accruals and royalties due to the Federal Government of Nigeria were unlawfully waived and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 15(3) and 15 (4) of the same Act. Count 65 read: That you, Aliyu Abubakar, a director of and signatory of the bank account of Carlin International Nigeria Limited; sometime in January 2014, in Abuja, within the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, aided the company in failing to develop programmes to combat money laundering and other illegal acts, to wit: failure to establish within Carlin International Nigeria Limited, an internal audit unit to ensure compliance and effectiveness of measures taken to enforce the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended), contrary to section 16(1) (f) read together with section 9 (1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the same Act and punishable under section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act

Insecurity: Ortom seeks improved funding for NIS

G

ov. Samuel Ortom on Wednesday called for more funding, personnel, equipment and training for the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), to enable it execute its mandate.

Ortom made the call while playing host to the Comptroller of the service in Benue, Dr Festus Amareze, in Makurdi.

“The service needs more funds to play her role toward tackling security challenges in the country,” he said.

He said that NIS had, over the years, complemented the state government’s efforts, and commended the service for closely monitoring immigrants coming in, going out, and those staying in the country.

“NIS’ mandate requires more funding, personnel, equipment and regular training. We must fully support it,” he said.

The governor appealed to the service to ensure that only eligible persons were allowed into the country.

He claimed that most herdsmen living in Nigeria were not Nigerians.

“There are Fulani herdsmen everywhere just like other tribes in the world. There are Fulani indigenes in Benue and in my government.

“NIS should ensure that immigrants do not come into the country to terrorise us like the herders are doing,” he said.

Earlier, Amareze had said that immigrants living with expired documents in the state should

leave on or before Sept. 15, to avoid deportation.

The NIS official said that the outfit was monitoring activities of immigrants, adding that those with expired documents would be deported.

He said that NIS personnel had intercepted two child traffickers and identified their routes within the last two months.

Amareze said that motorists were being sensitised at the parks as part of measures to check child trafficking. (NAN)

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News

Edo Election: CAN to hold fasting, prayers

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he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo chapter, in conjunction with the Light of Peace for Africa Foundation on Wednesday said it has slated Sept. 16, for fasting and prayers for the conduct of peaceful state elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the state governorship election is slated for Sept. 19.

The Chairman of the Association, Bishop Oyonnude Kure, who tagged the event, “The Unbeatable God”, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Benin ahead of the event.

Kure said there was the need for the heads of blocs and God fearing people in the state to come together in one voice to seek the face of God to avoid bloodshed and violence.

According to him, seeking God’s grace before, during and after the election cannot be overemphasised because a peaceful election is critical to the destiny of the citizens of the state.

“CAN hereby calls on all churches, all pastors, all Christians, all God fearing and all good people of Edo for a one-day prayer and fasting for peaceful elections in Edo. “The prayer service is very crucial and critical to the destiny of the state.

“We all in humility and reverence stand in prayers to call on God Almighty for divine intervention in His mercy and Almightiness for peace like a river in the state before, during and after elections,” Kure said.

The leader of CAN described the Sept. 19, governorship elections as a very crucial moment in determining the destiny of the state bearing in mind the future of the state, and the future of its children.

He noted that integrity, faith and the sustainability of the developmental strides that had since placed the state in an enviable position in the comity of states of the Nigerian federation must be considered while casting the votes.

Bishop Kure urged the Christians and non Christians in the state to foster, promote and maintain peace in the land.

He also tasked them to vote wisely and conscientiously on the day of the election without any fear. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

NBA not a political party, lawyer cautions splinter group

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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n Abuja based legal practitioner, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, has cautioned colleagues behind the formation of a splinter group, saying ‘NBA is not a political party’.

Atolagbe who is a Notary Public and Assistant CounselInternational Criminal Court in The Hague observed further that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) there cannot be multiple

or alternative NBAs. The lawyer who noted that although every Nigerian citizen has a right to freedom of association as enshrined in the Constitution nevertheless, however, expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved amicably.

He said, “One thing that I find most disturbing is the incident that triggered the formation of the association. For me, the reversal of the invitation of a speaker at a

conference should not generate the kind of reactions it did.

“If there are grievances, the persons concerned are supposed to seek redress within the organization and not to seek to balkanize it.

“Commentators appeared to bring ethnic and religious colorations into the issue. Thus, coming up with a professional association that is intended to be an alternative to or supplant a well-established, multi-ethnic

and multi-religious association under these circumstances cannot be healthy in any way for the legal profession.

Atolagbe thereafter reminded the body that a judgment of appellate courts that have already established that all lawyers in Nigeria must belong to the NBA, adding that it would be difficult for the promoters to succeed in creating any rival or parallel body to the NBA.

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Simon Lalong, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the ceremony marking the commissioning of new projects at the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group, Nigerian Air Force in Kerang, Plateau State

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overnor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has congratulated the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Mr. Gboyega Famoodun, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

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resident Muhammadu Buhari, said his administration’s developmental stride will lift over 100 million Nigerians from poverty by 2030.

Buhari stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, while inaugurating the National Steering Committee to oversee the development of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and MediumTerm National Development Plan (MTNDP) to succeed Vision 20:2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020.

The National Steering Committee for the development of Successor Plans to Vision 20:2020 and ERGP will be jointly chaired by Mr Atedo Peterside and Dr (Mrs) Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Buhari was quoted by his media aide, Femi Adesina, to have said at the inauguration that; ‘’The main objectives of these Successor Plans are to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within the next 10 years, particularly given the World Bank’s projection that Nigeria will become the world’s third most populous country by 2050 with over 400 million people.’’

The President, according to a statement by Adesina, noted that it had become necessary to develop Successor Plans to the Nigeria Vision 20:2020 and the ERGP, which both lapse in December this year, in order to ensure continuity and efficiency in the country’s development planning.

On the mandate of the National Steering Committee, President Buhari said it would oversee governance structure comprising

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna Group under the auspices of Community Life Project (CLP)-ReclaimNaija with support from MacArthur Foundation yesterday commenced a 3-day training in Kaduna for 188 selected School Based Management Committee members from Ikara, Kaduna South and Sanga local government areas of Kaduna State.

The program officer Community Life Project (CLP) Collins Dike disclosed this during the flags-off of the training in kaduna yesterday.

He said the training was

basically to guide them on their roles in the education sector.

The SBMC members he added are expected to among others ensure that all children of school age in the community attend and finish primary junior secondary schools and frequently check on how the school is performing and ensure that the school is well managed.

To work with parents, guardians and school administrators to ensure that children perform well in school and also ensure that there is also adequate security in the schools for the protection of both pupils and school property.

He further said, the SBMCs

are to ensure that school projects are built to standard, work with stakeholders to raise funds and ensure availability of funds for school projects and also ensure that the free education is really free and that no financial burdens are imposed on parents.

Mr Dike also disclosed that a Needs Assessment of Schools was carried out in the three local governments as part of the MacArthur supported government - CSO partnership initiative.

Earlier in his remarks before declaring the training opened, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Mrs Phoebi Sukai Yayi commended the organizers

for training the SBMC’s member who she described as critical stakeholders.

She said the Universal Basic Education has come to stay and compulsory in Kaduna State, stressing that it is an offence for school age children not to be in school and that parents of such children will also be prosecuted.

“Education requires multisectoral approach for it to succeed and support from the MacArthur foundation in the training of the SBMC members.

Government is serious about education in Kaduna State hence requires support from all and sundry”.

This was contained in a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, and made available to media in kaduna yesterday.

The Governor described Famoodun as a grassroots politician and pragmatic leader who is committed to the progress and development of the State.

Oyetola also lauded the sense of service, commitment, loyalty and maturity with which the APC Chairman has been directing the affairs of the party in Osun.

He said: “I join family members, friends, associates, party faithful and wellwishers to felicitate the Chairman of our party in Osun, Mr Gboyega

Famoodun, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

“Mr Famoodun is an exceptional party man and I commend the sense of service, commitment, unalloyed loyalty and maturity with which he has been directing the affairs of our party. We appreciate him for his contributions to the stability and

development of the APC. “I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless him with the needed wisdom and strength to pilot the affairs of our party, and grant him sound health and long life in the service of our State, country and humanity at large.”

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News

Our devt strides will lift 100m out of poverty by 2030 -Buhari the Central Working Group and 26 Technical Working Groups for the important national assignment. ‘’It is my expectation that the Steering Committee will oversee the execution of key deliverables, including recommending measures to ensure the continuous implementation of the Plans even after the expiration of the tenure of successive Administrations – including legislation, if required. ‘’Such legislation may introduce much-needed rigour and discipline to the nation’s development planning as well as institutionalise planned outcomes for the future.

I trust that our partners in the National Assembly will support us in exploring these reforms, ‘’ he said.

President Buhari, According to his media aide, urged the National Steering Committee not to lose sight of the important role Nigeria plays on the continent as well as in the global community.

He said the Successor Plans must, therefore, be designed to sustain national development, as well as support regional and global strategic interests, as outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063, the ECOWAS Integration Agenda 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Underscoring the importance of national development planning, the

President said if carefully conceived and diligently implemented, it can transform the economic fortunes of a nation. ‘’The Chinese experience is an example. It has resulted in lifting over 700 million people out of poverty over the last four decades. ‘’Indeed, China’s track record of positive economic growth, since 1992, was only halted in the first quarter of 2020, due to onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. ‘’COVID-19 presents the world – and Nigeria – with a crisis as well as an opportunity. The current global health and economic crises give us an opportunity to think afresh and chart an optimal path forward, ‘’ he said.

The President was said to have recalled that in February 2017 when he launched the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, its objectives included, restoring and sustaining growth, investing in people and building a globally competitive economy.

On the other hand, he said Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 was an articulation of the long-term intent to launch Nigeria onto a path of sustained socio-economic development. ‘’The ERGP shared this vision, which ensured that the country exited recession in 2017 and sustained

growth in Gross Domestic Product until the recent global economic challenges occasioned by COVID-19. ‘’Over the decades, successive planning and visioning exercises have guided investment in human capital development, the implementation of our infrastructural roadmap, and supported social investment in our people’s lives and livelihoods, ‘’ he said.

On the composition of the committee, Buhari said in order to ensure a truly consultative, participatory and inclusive planning process, the membership will comprise representatives of one State governor from each of the six geopolitical zones, the Senate and House of Representatives, ministers and representatives of key agencies.

Other members of the National Steering Committee are major political parties, ALGON, captains of industries, Labour Organizations, youth organizations and women’s societies, farmers’ associations, traditional and religious leaders, people with special needs and members of the press. ‘’At the heart of the Successor Plans is the partnership between the public and private sectors, with Government as the enabler of private sector investment and industry,’’ the President said.

Magu’s probe: I am ready to testify before Ayo Salami Panel, says Malami

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Oyetola felicitates Osun APC Chair on birthday From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

By Egena Sunday Ode

By Lateef Ibrahim & Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Group trains 188 school based Mgt members 3 Kaduna LGAs

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

ttorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has expressed readiness to appear and testify before the Justice Ayo Salami-led Panel investigating the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu.

Malami specifically said that he is ready to appear before the panel whenever invited and if the need arises.

The Minister stated his readiness when he featured on a television personality programme, “The Morning Show” of the Arise Television on Wednesday.

The AGF said, “Within the context of the rule of law, I have a responsibility as the Chief Law Officer of the Country as AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice to assist whatever investigation taking place locally or internationally”.

“For your information, I have signed and executed around eight witness statements before the Commercial Court in UK which translated to the victory we are celebrating today.

“So, the idea of testimony, the idea of appearance of the office of the Attorney-General and indeed with the particular reference to Abubakar Malami before any panel, before any tribunal, local and international, for the purpose of supporting an investigation that will see to the establishment and unraveling the truth associated with an issue under consideration, is not

new. “ I will, in no way, exercise any restraints as per honoring an invitation for the purpose of supporting any inquiry.

“So, if Ayo Salami Panel invites Abubakar Malami, SAN, as a person or the Attorney-General of the Federation, for any testimony or any clarification, for any examination or cross-examination for that matter, Abubakar Malami will definitely and gladly, within the spirit and context of rule of law, be there to testify and will submit himself to be cross-examined within the context of the rule of law”, he said.

Malami explained that his position is to always be submissive to the rule of law.

His words, “The rule of law component requires that when called upon to clarify issues, be examined or crossexamined, Abubakar Malami will wholeheartedly be there and gladly cooperate with the inquiring institution.

He stated that that indeed has been an attribute of the government.

The Minister said that he has along be the chain of arbitral process, submitted to uncountable invitations and responded to uncountable requests to clarify issues and indeed executed uncountable witness statements for the purpose of putting the record straight and the case of Salami will certainly not be an exception”, he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Ahmed noted that lately, various zones of the country have been pursuing different economic cooperation within their areas.

She, therefore, urged that the new Plans consider the comparative advantages available in these regional blocs to build a virile Nigeria. ‘’Although the two National Plans are on their way out, the question that will remain on the lips of Nigerians and which we must be ready to provide an answer with little or no prompting as we progress with the preparation of the successor Plans, is how much the Plans have transformed Nigerian economy. ‘’As the National Steering Committee for the preparation of the new Plans, we must therefore strive to give hope to the great citizens of this country with the quality of Plans that we are coming up with, ‘’ she said.

Also speaking, the co-chair Mr Peterside pledged to work as a team, commending the President for making the Committee very inclusive. ‘’For a development plan to be successful, it has to be inclusive, people should be consulted, own it and believe it is working for them,’’ he said.

President Buhari inaugurated The National Steering Committee (NSC) for the preparation of medium term National Development Plan 20212025 & Nigeria Agenda 2050 at The Council Chambers, State House. 9th September, 2020.

Photos; Tolani Alli

Stakeholders call for FG’s partnership to curb tuberculosis

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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takeholders have called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the national tuberculosis programme to increase case detection of tuberculosis, while it simultaneously tests for COVID-19.

The stakeholders stated this on Monday, during the TB media roundtable organised by the Stop TB Partnership.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, in Abuja.

Specifically, the National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), Dr. Adebola Lawanson, explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, there has not been sufficient progress made in TB cases finding.

Lawanson, averred that tuberculosis, like other diseases, has been worse hit during this period due to resource relocation and realignment for COVID-19.

Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative for TB,

Dr. Ayodele Awe, said COVID-19 has affected the tuberculosis program this year.

“It has affected it negatively because we have not made as much progress in finding the cases.

“Although COVID-19 and tuberculosis have similarities, we need to see how we can benefit from this new respiratory disease that has just entered into Nigeria.

This we are not seeing so much.

Kaduna is a very good example of a state that has increased case finding.

“Nigeria is still missing 300,000 cases every year. We are only able to detect 25 percent of the estimated tuberculosis cases. Every LGA needs to have its own diagnostic tools.

Presently, we have only 40 percent coverage of the LGAs with GeneXpert machine.

“Do you know that more people are dying of tuberculosis daily than from COVID-19. For COVID-19, it is acute but for tuberculosis, it is a chronic disease. Each hour, they are 18 deaths of tuberculosis. The total numbers of persons that have died from COVID-19 are about 1,000. But for tuberculosis,

each day 430 percent die from tuberculosis.

“Each year 157,000 persons die of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is still the top infectious killer. We need the same kind of Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for tuberculosis.

“The domestic resources for supporting tuberculosis are still very low. TB support is majorly funded through global funds and other partners. We need the government to be as committed as what they are doing in Kaduna state.

“The EOCs in each state should collaborate with the tuberculosis program because we have structures on ground that can be used to increase detection of more COVID-19 cases because we have 12,000 dot centres in the different communities.”

On his part, the Country Director of KNCV Foundation Nigeria, Dr. Bethrand Odume, urged the government to invest more resources into tackling tuberculosis. “We must not be all dependent on external donors because we have the capacity. The only way to go is an integrated approach to health service delivery,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PAGE 6

News

L-R; Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim Ganmbari, President and Founder ANAP Foundation Co Chair, Sir Atedo and NSA MaJ Gen Babagana Monguno Rtd during the Inauguration of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Preparation of National Development Plans: Medium Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050 held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja.

PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.

Assemblies of God to creat Abuja Central District, Sunday

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

A

ssemblies of God International Worship Centre Gwarimpa, Abuja, said it has concluded all arrangements to receive the General Council led by General Supritendent, Rev. Professor Paul Emeka to creat Abuja Central District, from the existing Abuja District.

The Secretary of the Church, Engr. Etim Asuquo, gave this indication yesterday during a chat with newsmen in Abuja.

Asuquo, added that the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev. Prof. Paul Emeka, and the Executive Committee Members of the General Council of the Church, will be coming from Enugu state for the inauguration.

He said the “Inauguration Service”, is part of the activities of the church to bolster its stand on the gospel.

The secretary said the creation of the new District will also help in the growth of the church.

“This will also help in the establishment of more churches, to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We are passionate about evangelism and spreading the gospel of Christ. We will continue to do what is necessary to bring the gospel closer to the people.”

Zulum visits NDPHC, requests 132 kV to Dikwa, Marte

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

B

orno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was at headquarters of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to make passionate request for extension of 132 Kilovolt electricity line from Maiduguri to Dikwa and Marte.

The Governor was received by the company’s top management, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja. He was accompanied by a former Borno Deputy

Governor, Adamu Shettima Dibal and some Government officials.

Governor Zulum during his remarks, told NDPHC’s management that connecting 132 kV line to Marte in northern Borno, will power machines for irrigation activities operated by the Chad Basin Development Authority. He noted that when put to maximum use, Chad basin’s irrigation activities have potentials of meeting 30% of Nigeria’s food requirement.

Zulum, who was in Marte twice this year over resuscitation of CBDA’s irrigation equipment, said resumption

of activities will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for communities and families affected by boko haram’s killings and displacement.

He also urged the NDPHC to also consider the possibility of reaching Gamboru through Dikwa given the short distance between the two local government areas.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also requested that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company makes effort to extend its already established power infrastructure in Bama to neighboring Gwoza.

He said doing so will help in continued multi-stakeholder efforts to restore livelihoods and social services after setbacks caused the violence of boko haram.

Zulum paid glowing tribute to the Chief Executive Officer, Management and Staff of the NDPHC for establishing power infrastructure in Bama and other parts of Borno state.

The Governor said the company had shown compassion for the people of Borno who actually deserve all the support available in the country, in order to aid restoration efforts.

“Neither the Office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation -that developed witnesses’ statements in support of the case that led to the victory nor Abubakar Malami, SAN (as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) can, in law and logic, claim an exclusively personalized victory over a product of intergovernmental, inter-ministerial and multiple-agency collaborative venture,” he said.

According to Malami, in addition to Office of the Attorney-Genral of the Federation and Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police, Ministries of Information and Foreign Affairs, Central Bank of Nigeria and other related agencies played an extra-ordinarily vital role in the processes and developments that culminated into this landmark victory for the county.

Malami said with the President

Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, the era of impunity and compromised that were embedded into the government system was over and the new culture of uncompromising stance for the public interest has come to stay.

The Minister, who described the successes recorded by the Nigeria government in the recent UK court judgment on P&ID issue as unprecedented, said investigations are ongoing and all those who played roles in the sham called contract will be made to face the wrath of the law.

In another development, Malami said the Federal Government was working assiduously to come out with National Arbitration Policy.

He said, “It is our intention to look at the existing legislations, possibility of enhancing them for the purpose of establishing the national interest as the major enabler of, perhaps, amendment

to the existing legislations if the need for doing so arises.

“We are not ruling out the possibility of bringing about Executive Orders to compliment same if the need arises.

So, indeed we are looking at the possibility of having in place effective legal framework, national policy and associated legislations that will assist the process,” Malami said.

He said arising from the evolution of arbitrations, as per as the Nigerian state is concerned, the government has established very efficient and reputable centers of arbitrations in Lagos and Abuja.

The AGF said that establishment of such centers is a step in the right direction maintaining government resolve to localize what is supposed to be localized as per as the development of arbitration is concerned within the Nigerian State.

P&ID: Success recorded are collective, says AGF

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

A

ttorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has said that the successes recorded at the on-going P&ID arbitration case in the United Kingdom was a product of collective institutional collaboration.

Malami stated that such successes are not attributable to a single individual personality.

The Minister said this when he featured on a television personality programme, “The Morning Show” of the Arise Television on Wednesday morning while discussing the recent developments related to the Nigeria’s arbitration on the embattled P&ID contract agreement.

The AGF said, “I wonder how one personality can claim victory associated with an institution.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

News

Two bag 6 months jail term for impersonating Kaduna electric staff

By Etuka Sunday

T

wo middle aged men, Mu’azu Sani and Bashir Abubakar Gado of Unguwar Male and Unguwar Zumare in Argungu Local Government of Kebbi State have been sentenced to three and six months imprisonment respectively by the Chief Magistrate Court Argungu.

A statement by the Head, Corporate Communication of Kaduna Electric, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, said the convicts were found guilty of the offences of criminal conspiracy contrary to section 97 and criminal impersonation contrary to section 132 of the Penal Code Law by the Chief Magistrate, Argungu, Usman Umar Bunza.

The statement further stated that the convicts were apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Argungu Division while impersonating the staff of Kaduna Electric and extorting money from customers of the Company in Unguwar Male and Unguwar Zumare, all in Argungu Local Government of Kebbi State.

When they were arraigned before the court, both Mu’azu Sani and Bashar Abubakar Gado pleaded guilty to the charges after the First Information Report was read to them and the NSCDC prosecutor, Nuradeen Ka’oje pleaded with the court to try the accused persons summarily in accordance with section 157 of the criminal procedural code.

The Chief Magistrate, Usman Umar Bunza obliged with the prosecution’s application, convicted and sentenced them to three months imprisonment with an option of seven thousand naira fine each for the offence of criminal conspiracy and six months imprisonment with an option of ten thousand naira fine each for the offence of criminal impersonation.

Similarly, the court awarded the sum of sixty thousand naira compensation to Kaduna Electric or six months imprisonment against the accused persons in default of the payment of the compensation.

Commenting on the judgement, the Legal Adviser of Kaduna Electric, Barrister Abbas Ahmed applauded the judgement, calling it ‘’a positive development in the ongoing fight against electricity offences’’.

He however called on the relevant institutions to review the penalty section of the law with the view to making it more severe and deterring.

There was no betrayal in Gana’s Death - Gov. Ortom From: Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

G

overnor Samuel Ortom has said that there was no act of betrayal in the death of the dreaded criminal Terwase Akwaza also known as Gana.

The Governor who said this yesterday while briefing newsmen at the Banquet Hall of Benue Government House, expressed shock at his death, maintaining however, that he is yet to be officially briefed by the military.

“Shortly after we left yesterday night, there was a press statement issued by the Special Force, that is Operation Ayema Kpatema in Doma, Nasarawa State. I reached out to the Commander of the Force and told him that I was surprised and needed an explanation. He assured me that he will explain to me but I must say that I am surprised at what happened. I do not want to join issues with the military but I have a duty to protect the lives of the people.

I want Benue people especially Sankera people to remain calm”, Ortom pleaded.

Asked if the death of Gana will truncate the amnesty program,

the Governor answered in the negative, stating that the amnesty program is already going ahead with the profiling of over 47 repentant criminals,even as he insisted that the amnesty program this time was not his initiative but that of the leaders of Sankera axis.

“It was not my decision to this amnesty. First of all, it was the people themselves who pleaded that amnesty should be granted to these people and I informed the security Council and they accepted. So, by the time I hear from the Commandant of the Special Forces, I will now relay this to the security Council to know the next step to take”, he said.

Ortom had told the repentant criminals that there is no condition attached to the amnesty, assuring them of government support if they chose the right thing.

It should be that there was palpable tension in Benue on Tuesday evening as speculation hit the roof the dreaded and wanted criminal Terwase Akwaza also known as ‘Gana’ was picked by soldiers.

Gana had since 2016 been declared wanted by the Benue

State Governor and a bounty of over 50 million placed on him.

He was reported to have arrived Katsina-Ala, headquarters of Sankera axis on Tuesday with the Social media awashed with pictures of his heroic reception at the Felix Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala where he was received by traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the axis.

Meanwhile, the Military spike Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS headed by Maj. Gen Adeyemi Yekini have been on the trail of the dreaded criminal with his base at Gbise in Katsina-ala destroyed and most his allies killed while several others including his arms bearer were arrested.

Penultimate week, the Tor Sankera Chief Abu Shuluwa convened a meeting to discuss the raging security challenges in the axis comprising of three (3) local governments of Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo. At that meeting, it was agreed that the criminals who willingly laid down their arms should be considered for amnesty by the State government.

This, was subsequently granted by Governor Samuel Ortom last week Friday while

addressing the people during the Commissioning of road project and as such, the stage set for another amnesty to be granted Gana and many of his cohorts.

It was at this point that news filtered in that the convoy conveying Gana had been intercepted at Yandev, Gboko local government area allegedly by the military.

The mood at Government House was like that of a graveyard as several persons were visibly angry while security was said to be beefed up around and within the seat of government.

Traditional Chief from Sankera led by the Tor Sankera also, wore angry faces as they entered the Banquet Hall where the amnesty event was billed to take place.

Confirming the incident, Governor Samuel Ortom said they security Council had agreed to reconvene by 4pm when information reached them that soldiers had apprehended Gana and taken away in the official car of the Chairman Katsina-Ala local government area at a check point around Yandev, Gboko local government area.

Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed (M), NSA Maj Gen Babagana Monguno Rtd and SSAP Mallam Shehu Gartba during the Inauguration of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Preparation of National Development Plans: Medium Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050 held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja.

PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.

Kogi SIEC to conduct Council polls Dec. 12

K

ogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), has scheduled Dec. 12, for conduct of elections into the 21 Local Government Areas in the state and presented a timetable and schedule of activities for the polls.

Mamman Nda-Eri, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting for the official declaration of Notice of Conduct of the elections on Wednesday in Lokoja.

Nda-Eri said that the commission which was inaugurated on March 11, had the core mandate to conduct free, fair and credible local government polls in the nearest time possible but was constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I urge all of us to ensure

the conduct of elections devoid of rancour and acrimony in our various domains. We will not only be unbiased but seen to be unbiased.

“On our own path, we pledge our unalloyed loyalty to the people of Kogi to conduct free, fair and credible elections in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).’’

According to the time table and Schedule of Activities for the council polls presented by Nda-Eri, the activities started Wednesday, Sept.

9, with the stakeholders meeting.

He said that collection of nomination forms from political parties will start on Sept. 24, and end on Oct. 2, while Oct. 6, until Oct. 13, is scheduled for conduct

of party primaries including resolution of disputes arising from such primaries.

This, according to him is to enable political parties to democratically nominate candidates for the elections as required by law adding that all issues relating to the primaries must be concluded on or before Oct. 13.

The commission chairman added that among other activities the last day for submission of names of polling agents by political parties would be Nov. 25, while Dec. 10, is the last day for political party campaigns.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ede Ayuba, assured that security agencies in the state would collectively provide the needed security and provide level

playing ground for all candidates and parties.

“We will be fair to everybody and to all and play the game by the rules and, except you contravene the provisions of the Electoral Act, will be friendly” he said.

Chairman of the state InterParty Advisory Council (IPAC), Iliyasu Badanga urge the commission to maintain the highest level of probity and accountability to produce free, fair, credible and “believable” elections come Dec. 12.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Ayeni; the Chairman of Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI), Alhaji Isa Adeboye; and representative of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Idris Miliki; all called for conduct of free, fair and credible council elections. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PAGE 8

News Fertilizer producers association vows to sustain fertilizer industry From: Kaduna

Femi

Oyelola,

F

ertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) will strive to ensure the growth of

the fertilizer industry in Nigeria.

FEPSAN Executive Secretary Mr Gideon Negedu disclosed this at the flags off of 2-day stakeholders meeting and capacity building training for hub and agro dealers in

the fertilizer industry held in kaduna yesterday.

Mr. Negadu added that the focus of the Association is to have a growth that is inclusive of all stakeholders in the fertilizer supply chain, from Government

that provides regulations and an enabling environment between producers and blenders of fertilizerl distributors /agro dealers and the farmers that use the product.

He further said, the main

objectives of the meeting and capacity building was to develop and deliver capacity building for Distributors/Agro dealers on new fertilizer blends, deepen advocacy on crop and site specific blends.

From left: Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan branch, Dr Dare Olulana and Vice CXhairman, Dr Olusola Ibiyemi, present face masks as COVID-19 pandemic palliatives to market women, at Oje in Ibadan, as part of activities marking the 2020 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, in Ibadan on Wednesday (9/9/20).

Bauchi signs 5.8bn work plan on delivery From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

G

overnor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has on Wednesday signed a five point eight billion naira work plan on delivery as one, an initiative of the United States Agencies.

Speaking before signing the document, the Governor said singing the document is part of his administration’s vision of providing citizens of the state with good governance.

Governor Bala said governance, human rights, peace and security form the basic tenets of his administration as currently, people are involved in all the major decisions taken by the government that affect their lives.

He said the state government is tackling the challenges in critical sectors of the economy through effective and efficient utilisation of the state’s wealth.

“I am glad to state that, this Work Plan has captured most of what we are doing in the state.

The investment in the various social sectors by the UN family is indeed heart-warming as it shows the confidence you have in my administration.”

Kano Hisbah arrests 648 beggars for violating street begging laws

T

he Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 648 suspected beggars in Kano metropolis for allegedly violating the law on ban of street begging from February till date.

The Public Relations’ Officer (PRO) of the board, Malam

Lawan Ibrahim, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Wednesday.

Ibrahim said that the suspects were arrested at the Bata Area Murtala Muhmamed way, Nasarawa Hospital, Railway

Station and Yahuza Suya junction in the city.

He said those arrested are 416 female and 232 Male.

Ibrahim said the board will continue to arrest beggars who refuse to abide by the law .

“We will make Kano streets

beggar-free. ”Those arrested have been screened and those who were are first time offenders, will be handed over to their relatives.

“Those who are not first time offenders would be charged to court,” he said.(NAN)

NAFDAC provided palliative to 300 enterprises in Kano to mitigate effect of COVID-19

By Rabiu Sani

T

he National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said it provided support to 300 enterprises in Kano State, under its COVID-19 palliative, to mitigate effects of the pandemic on businesses.

The State Coordinator of the Agency, Mr Shaba Mohammed, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kano on Wednesday.

Mohammed said the Agency had rolled out palliatives to support Small Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (SMES) products, to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.

He said part of the palliative

was the granting of waiver on registration fees, to enable the companies maintain smooth operations in the face of economic disruption, occasioned by the pandemic.

Mohammed said: “We gave them 80 per cent discount; what they need to pay is only 20 per cent of what they are supposed to pay, if they were paying N100, 000 for instance, it means that they will now pay N20, 000, and go through the normal process.

“In addition; established cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies were given “Express Approval” for production of hand sanitisers. Since its composition is alcohol and some other ingredients, they were given NAFDAC Registration

numbers.

“We have 15 companies that are enjoying the facility in Kano State and those coming up are also being inspected, and some of them have gotten their numbers.”

The Coordinator said that the Agency also organised the companies and facilitated donation of the hand sanitisers and other items to the state government, to curb further spread of the virus.

According to him, the Agency is also sensitising bakers to encourage use of local ingredients in bread processing, to guard against hike in prices of the commodity.

“The use of local alternatives is on the front burner for the past 10-years, particularly cassava,

which has been promoted by the previous administrations, it has been tested for now.

“We have bread `improvers’ which are cheaper than some of the ingredients they use, we also tell the bakers when they come to register their products.

“I think it would not impact on the increase in price because the materials are locally sourced and cheap.”

Mohammed added that the Agency, in collaboration with the state government, security agencies and other stakeholders, recorded modest achievements in its campaign against drug abuse in the state.

He added that the Agency had destroyed fake and counterfeit products worth over N3.2 billion in the past two years in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Sustainability: Nestlé unveils actions for waste-free packaging transformation

N

estlé, the world’s largest food & beverage company, says it is intensifying actions to make 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

According to the company, it is also intensifying actions to reduce its use of virgin plastics by one-third in the same period.

Nestlé at a virtual Media Event on Nestle’s Packaging Progress on Tuesday announced a series of new initiatives that include a 30 million dollars investment to increase foodgrade recycled plastics in the U.S. The initiatives also include a refillable system for pet food in Chile and a first-of-its-kind recyclable paper packaging for Maggi bouillon cubes in France.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the virtual event connected the people working on the frontline of Nestle’s sustainable packaging to shape a waste-free future.

The event was hosted by Nestlé ‘s Executive Vice-President and Head of Operations, Magdi Batato; Chief Technology Officer, Stefan Palzer and Vice-President of Sustainable Packaging, Véronique Cremades-Mathis.

The meeting announced the first investment of Nestlé ‘s sustainable packaging venture fund, discussed progress made, updates on pilot projects on refillable and reusable packaging as well as other innovation.

Véronique Cremades-Mathis, Global Head of Sustainable Packaging, Nestlé, said: “ Currently, 87 per cent of Nestlé’s packaging is already recyclable or reusable.

“We have made strides in our transformative journey towards a waste-free future, but we know that we have more work to do.

“As the world’s largest food and beverage company, we’re committed to putting our size and scale to work to tackle the packaging waste problem everywhere that we operate.”

According to the company, even as COVID-19 has presented more challenges, the company’s commitment to sustainable packaging remains the same.

Also, a statement by Nestlé, said that the company had continued to play a leading role in helping to solve the issue of plastic pollution through its three-pillar approach launched in January 2019.

“Pillar One includes developing new packaging, transitioning to paper packaging across various formats.

“For example, Smarties sharing block, a popular color-coated chocolate confectionery product, is available in a recyclable paper wrapper in the U.K. “Nestlé’s water business has doubled the amount of rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate or recycled PET) used since 2019 across its still water portfolio in the U.S. to 16.5 per cent,” it said.(NAN)

Page 9

News

Butchers shut down abattoirs, markets in support of Obaseki re-election

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

B

utchers in Edo State on Wednesday shutdown abattoirs, meat markets and shops in the State to show solidarity to show solidarity for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Members of Association of Edo practicing Butchers, defied the rainfall during the peaceful rally in Benin City.

President of Association of Edo practicing Butchers, Comrade Akhere Odigie, commended the Government for creating the enabling environment for businesses growth, stability and for abolishing extortion in the State.

He highlighted some of the achievements of Obaseki,

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) for the September 19, 2020 Governorship election in the State.

“We the butchers have agreed in totality that Obaseki is our next Governor and that he shall continue to occupy the seat of Government till 2024 because of his developmental strides and laudable programmes for butchers.

“Today, we have shutdown our abattoirs and other meat shops and meat sellers across the various markets in Edo State to endorse Godwin Obaseki”.

According to him, “Since Obaseki assumed duty as Governor of Edo State, the Edo State butchers have known peace.

“We are all here to endorse and reiterate our support to the re-

election bid of Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu.

He assured that votes will count in the forthcoming election must count, adding that votes will count in the forthcoming poll.

“We have resolved that come September 19, 2020 to vote for him en masse and defend our votes. We support one man, one vote and say no to the godfather.

“We are using this medium to reach out to all the entire butchers in the State and our supporters as well as the prospective buyers and meat consumers to mobilise and vote for Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“A vote for Obaseki is moving the meat market in Edo State to the next level. Just like the Brazilian meat industry”, he said.

Responding, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Roland Osakue, commended the group for their peaceful disposition.

“I commend your effort for coming out to visit us inspite the rainfall. We are grateful to you.

“We have heard what you have said, please be peaceful as you go about your activities.

“Do not allow miscreants to infiltrate into your midst. We owe it a duty as Citizens to protect Government property which belong to all of us.

“Tax payers money must be used judiciously for the benefit of our people.

“It is your fundamental right to endorse any Candidate of your choice because it is your fundamental human right, he said.

National Coordinator, Youths Compact on COVID-19, Comrade Suleiman Haruna (L) inaugurating members of the steering committee in Kaduna in Wednesday in Kaduna yesterday

Asaba High Court acquits two of arson From: Asaba

A

Nosa

Akenzua,

High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State has discharged and acquitted Messrs Sunday Nwanze and Chiedu Ofuani, on the charges of conspiracy and Arson.

The defendants who had been standing trial since 2012 were alleged to have burnt down the house of one Nwafor Agbadinunor in Akpuma Camp, Issele Azagba Delta State on 1st November, 2011 at about 12 midnight, an offence punishable under Sections 516 and 443 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.

In his final written address,

Counsel to the defendants, E. C. Ikenwe, Esq urged the Court to hold that the PW1’s evidence was unreliable and create doubts in the prosecution’s case, having regards to manifest avalanche of material inconsistencies and contradictions in his evidence during cross examination.

He further urged the Court to hold that the prosecution has clearly failed to discharge the burden of proving its case beyond reasonable doubt as required by law and consequently should discharge and acquit the Defendants.

On the contrary, Counsel to the State and Assistant Director M. A. Oranyeli, Esq. submitted that the prosecution proved the two count charges

of conspiracy to commit Arson and Arson beyond reasonable doubt against the persons having, regards to confessional statement of the 1st Defendant (Sunday Nwanze) where he stated that he sent the 2nd Defendant (Chiedu Ofuani) to burn the house of PW1. He stated that this corroborated PW1’s evidence that it was the 2nd Defendant and his cohorts that burnt PW1’s (Nwafor Agbadinunor) house.

Delivering judgement, Justice Cletus Emifoniye queried the prosecution on why the PW1 initial statement made at the Issele-Uku Police Station not included in the proofs of evidence while new sets of statements by PW1

and PW2 made at C.I.D Police Headquarters were attached, which were made 3 weeks after the incident.

The Learned Jurist also chided prosecution for not presenting to the Court recovery record of any burnt item from the scene of the crime, photographs of the burnt house, and omission of PW3 to investigate the alibi raised by 2nd Defendant (Chiedu Ofuani) at the Police Station..

Justice Emifoniye observed that it was more curious that the wife of PW1 who witnessed the incident that ought to be star witness was never fielded throughout the trial, and this according to him, was fatal to the prosecution’s case.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PAGE 10

News

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

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Let concern turn to action

he Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad it is that crimes committed by Abubakar III, Monday criminals for their own selfish in Kaduna, condemned motives are given ethno-religious incessant killings in southern interpretations.”

Kaduna as nothing but “madness”. Speaking during the The Sultan’s comment on the meeting of Northern Traditional violence in southern Kaduna was Rulers Council, the monarch the second in less than a month. described the crisis as “madness He had earlier paid a courtesy visit that must stop immediately”. He to Kaduna governor to give him called on those involved in the “advice” on how best to handle the killings to stop “the dastardly security challenge. Before him, act”, declaring that “enough is President Muhammadu Bihari, enough”. According to him, “no in July, condemned the killings man in his right senses and asked locals to goes on a killing spree give information to of innocent people security forces to under whatever guise.” work with.

Nasir elHe accused politicians of fueling the crisis, The concerns Rufai, appealing to Nigerians of the Sultan and to not be used as tools governor political leaders over of violence. “You can’t perennial attacks of Kaduna the keep on igniting killings and reprisals that based on ethno-religious State, said have taken a huge toll differences because it is on life and property the southern innocent children that may be genuine. are killed while the elites The problem is that are protected,” he said. Kaduna crisis they are not followed has lingered through with real Nasir el-Rufai, action. Take the governor of Kaduna since the first case of a former State, said the southern governor of Kasuwan deputy Kaduna crisis has Nigeria’s Central lingered since the first Magani riot Bank, Dr. Obadiah Kasuwan Magani riot in Mailafia. He alleged in Kajuru in a recent radio Kajuru local government area in 1980. He said interview that Boko local his administration Haram commanders was doing everything government confided in him possible to end the that the killer sect killings and restore area in 1980. had a serving state peace. A military base governor as its and mobile police depot were financier. The security forces established in the area while the started to harangue and persecute Air Force and a strike force had him, instead of asking him to work been deployed in the zone. He with them to get to the root of the said equipment like drones and matter. Hostile interrogation and GSM trackers were being used cooperation are not the same. to neutralise bandits in the state. It is this contradiction between “Kaduna is a mini-Nigeria with policy and action or lack of it that over 52 ethnic groups, meaning is costing the military the support that 10 per cent of Nigeria’s of the civil community in the fight ethnic groups are in Kaduna against terror. It is high time this state,” he said. The danger of changed.

“

A cross-section of beneficiaries of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), during the training on sustainable Agricultural Development in Adamawa yesterday

Delta host Communities shut down OML30 flow station over alleged failed MOUs agreement From: Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

P

residents- General Forum of oil Mining Lease, OML30, and Cluster Management Committee have shut down all flow stations operated by Heritage Energy Oil Services Limited ( HEOSL) over its alleged failure to honour the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) agreement with host communities.

The leadership of OML 30 host communities has signed a communique that would bring lasting peace to the Operations in the host communities with HESOL. Speaking to Journalists in Asaba on Tuesday, the Chairman of flow stations Presidents General in OML30 , Dr Patrick Oboghor said that the host communities took the action because of the alleged unprofessional immature and several breach of the GMoU agreement and ill treatment being meted to them by Heritage Oils had been unfulfilled promises.

They however, denied their action to shut down flow stations in OML30 was not connected to OMS coverted survilliance contract, saying” this protest and shutdown has nothing do with OMS , who is a contractor and doing well”.

Cross River turns to cocoa to boost revenue generation

T

he Cross River Government says it has diversified its revenue generation from crude oil to cocoa.

Dr Oscar Ofuka, Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ofuka said the state government’s decision followed the dwindling earnings from crude oil.

He said that the state government had made huge investments in cocoa, adding that thousands of jobs had also been created in the process.

“Our governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, was quick to realise that cocoa is the gold of Cross River.

“This gold was relegated in the past when crude oil was discovered, but now we plan to ensure that the state takes the lead in cocoa production.

“We have acquired 3,800 hectares of land for that purpose, and our youths have been sensitised and are ready to key into the cocoa initiative,’’ he said.

The special adviser assured that Cross River had one of the best species of cocoa, “which is easy to cultivate.

“The brand of cocoa we cultivate is organic. It takes 18

months to germinate.

“Between 2015 and now, the cocoa sector has employed more than 5000 youths in the state.

“With the ceding of 776 oil wells to Akwa Ibom state, and Bakassi to Cameroon, the cocoa sector is now the major “funder” of infrastructural development in the state.

“I am urging all Nigerians to go back to agriculture; Nigerians should think cocoa and dream cocoa because it comes with huge economic benefits,’’ he advised.

He said that the government of Cross River had distributed improved variety of cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state

as incentives.

“We have raised 10 million improved varieties of cocoa seedlings for the rehabilitation of encroached areas and regeneration of moribund cocoa trees in government owned cocoa estates.

“We have also expanded the “Small Holder’s Scheme’’ with more private sector participation in cocoa farming, which has led to the opening of mass cocoa farmlands across the state,’’ he said.

He added that an ultra modern cocoa processing factory had been established in the state to further boost revenue from the sector.

Landlords reject alleged plan to build mortuary in area in Delta From: Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

A

ngry landlords of Aruoture street, Okumagba layout in warri and other residents in the area on Tuesday rejected, and threatened legal action over the alleged plan to construct a

mortuary in the area.

Recall that one Dr Bright Djebah of Byrant Clinic situated at Eti street had few weeks said he was ready to build a mortuary outside his hospital in the area, a plan which provoked the landlords to have petitioned the

local government authorities and the police to save from what they described as evil plan to expose them to dangers.

In a letter of protest by the landlords signed by Barr Ama Etuwewe ( SAN) , a copy made available to our correspondent

in Asaba, said that the decision of Dr Bright Djebah to build a mortuary in the area, was uncalled for, arguing that it would create health hazards and unnecessary crowd associated with movement of corpses for burial in the area.

Bauchi Gov to hold public hearing today From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

B

auchi State Governor Senator Bala A. Mohammed has declared his intention to hold a public

parley with stake holders on the payment of salaries and pensions as part of his renewed strategy of tackling corrupt practices in the operation and management of the payroll today Thursday.

A statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado Senior Special Assistant on media to the Governor which was distributed to reporters Wednesday said”Bauchi State Goverment has observed with concern ,

the deluge of complaints on challenges associated with management and payment of salaries to Civil Servants . These complaints affect the State as well as Local Government salaries and Pension Administration .”

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Letter to the Editor

Reflections on China’s Victory in the world anti-Fascist war

By Charles Onunaiju

O

n every September 3rd since 2015, the Chinese people observe a national holiday to commemorate the victory of the country in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the triumph in the World anti-fascist war”.

Though, the victory is significant for the Chinese, for the earth-scorching Japanese militarist aggression and the broad and intense national mobilization of the Chinese that resisted and triumphed over it, it however, contributed to worldwide triumph over fascist aggression of the second world war.

Even before the Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland on the 1st of September, 1939, Japan has in 1931 stoked aggression against the China, in the so-called Mukden incident.

The incident which occurred in the current Shenyang province of northern China, which was then known as Mukden, happened when a Japanese soldier detonated a small quantity of dynamite close to a railway line by the then, Japan’s owned South Manchuria railway. The aim been to frame up and accused a Chinese military detachment nearby. Having created the incident, Japan imperial army invaded and occupied Manchuria and barely six months after, establish the puppet state of Manchukuo and installed the deposed head of the Qing dynasty, Puyi as titular ruler.

The league of Nations Commission of inquiry, the Lytton Report later exposed the intrigue of Japan, which led to the diplomatic isolation of Japan and its eventual withdrawal from the League in 1933.

In 1937, Japan imperial Army used the alibi of its missing soldier who later returned to its barracks to stage another willful aggression in the socalled Marco Polo Bridge incident to attack China. The Japan imperial army atrocities peaked with the Nanjing massacre on December 13th, 1937 and lasted for six weeks during which over 300, 000 Chinese, including children, women, and the elderly were massacred in the most gruesome way. In fact, there were stories of Japanese commanders who competed over who could kill 100 Chinese with bare hands and sword within the shortest period of time.

The fact was that, even before the European theater of the world was opened with the Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland, the Asian theater of the war has started with Japan’s earthscorched aggression against China. The Chinese people did not meekly endure the brutal aggression of Japan but rather mounted effective resistance and it is taken for granted in modern times that China was actually the first country to enter what would become known as the second world war. The sheer scale of China’s resistance destroyed Japan’s war strategy. At the time of Japan’s attack of the U.S pearl Harbour about 80% of Japanese troops were held down in China and could not be released to form pacific perimeter against the U.S due to China’s resistance. A clear vanguard in the defeat of Japan, the Chinese people’s war of resistance

against Japanese aggression and China’s contribution to the world war against fascism was obtained at a very high cost of sacrifice and devastation.

The United States suffered 420,000 causalities, the U.K lost 450,000 while the former Soviet Union lost 27 million against Nazism.

China lost over 30 million, 90% of the total deaths in the Asian theater of the war.

Ultimately, for enduring the longest period in Japan’s aggression and making largest effort in the defeat of fascism, China in modern times make unremitting efforts to secure global peace through vigorous contributions to sustainable and inclusive development, which is the only meaningful guarantee to peace and security. The effort to secure peace and guarantee security cannot be achieved without putting history in context and drawing the relevant lessons. The most vital in this regard is to ensure that history is neither trivialized nor distorted.

Japan’s imperial army having suffered defeat in its war of aggression may have been weaned off its imperial mindset but Japan should never seek to tamper with the historical facts of its past behavior. The continuous visits of Japan’s leadership to the Yasukuni shrine that holds the remains of Japan’s class A convicted war criminals, including the notorious architect of the Nanjing massacre, General Matsu Iwane is a provocation; to which not only China objects but the rest of Asia and which also a revulsion against all human conscience In recent times, China has contributed some important ideas to global governance through the vital initiative of the “Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road” (BRI). The BRI which currently enjoys universal acceptance and ownership puts into practice the idea of a functional global village, with the concrete network of infrastructure connectivity through a global participatory framework of extensive consultations, joint contributions and shared benefits. The aim is that shared development and prosperity in which every member of the human community is a stakeholder, will give practical expression to the idea of a community of shared future for mankind. Under a shared future for mankind, a global dialogue of civilizations would replace clash of civilizations and bring humanity not to the end of history but to the threshold of a new chapter of history of joint and collective exertions and not only to preserve the world but to make it beautiful and harmonious.

Africa and China having endured in the past, the brutality and expropriation of imperialist aggression can play pivotal roles in the emerging multipolar world order with the United Nations system at its core not only to advance the building of a community of shared future for mankind but contained such non-traditional global security threat as the current raging covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. Onunaiju, is director, Center for China Studies, Abuja

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Foodstuff price hike: Rimin Gado, the only way

By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid

L

ife in Nigeria today is devastatingly difficult. No doubt Coronavirus has disrupted the status quo, rubbing salt into the wounds the people have been nursing overtime.

The masses are bending so hard with the changing circumstances. They dance, stalk, wriggle and oftentimes stand still with it.

Although the menace of price hike especially of the poor’s staple food has bitten so hard, it is not something new.

Nigeria’s brinkmanship is out of this world. In this country, things are only addressed when they reach to the point of collapse.

Whether among public officers or the masses, the rich or the poor, there are two types of man on this geographical location called Nigeria: that who wants to build a protective walls around the country to depend against any scourge and the other who wants mar, bring suffering. The latter does not care if the country were to explode.

Discerning minds must have seen it coming. A report conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), from September 2018 to October 2019 about poverty and inequality indicated that “40 percent of people in the continent’s most populous country lived below its poverty line of 137,430 naira ($381.75) a year”.

Isn’t it sad for one to live by a river and wash his hands with spittle?

Simply put, even before the emergence of Covid-19 more than 82.9 million people in the country were, and still are, living in abject poverty.

Now Coronavirus has come biting hard not only in Nigeria but the world over. Many economies have come under the virus’ heavy boots and the impact is disastrous.

Right now, the world’s mind has split into two: one, to nurse the fatal injuries the virus has inflicted upon the economy

and two, to search, though not in a haste, for a cure for the virus.

In Nigeria things have gone beyond the pale. Nigerians, especially the poor, are on short rations. For many families once the current rations run out they will face absolute hunger and starvation. God forbid!

The rich may understand the ‘new normal” but not feel its full force until they see the sleepy sunken eyes of the gardener at their backyard or arthritically frail hands of their drivers.

For how long? Just a year away the Muhammadu Buhari administration opted for “border drill” meant, largely, to curb smuggling, boost food production and, also, to in particular fast-track the country’s quest for rice self-sufficiency.

Tens of rice milling factories and clusters have sprung up. One needs not to be told of job creation and revenue generation. To quote the Rice Millers Association, previously “over 200,000 bags of rice were occupying spaces in the warehouses of virtually every integrated rice miller before the border drill started in August, while many small scale rice holders or rice clusters had to abandon their small scale but valuable means of livelihood.”

So they told the Federal delegation, led by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, which was on tour to Kano State sometime in 2019.

The story has miraculously changed. In August last year, the association told the delegation the border drill has drastically reduced the influx of smuggled rice, giving the entire rice production value chain a new lease of life.

Within a week of the drill, every integrated rice miller exhausted the milled rice in their warehouses, recalled laidoff staff and resumed production. The existing 34 rice mills resumed production at maximum capacity, 24/7.

Has the policy paid up? The answer is “not yet”. The gain (perhaps loss) hasn’t

been commensurate with the resources and the energy the federal government has invested and the patience the citizens have exercised.

One, there is an enormous tripodal structure of price hike in the country. The prices of foodstuffs, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and other essential items have skyrocketed beyond the reach of the poor.

Two, there is a hike in the price of flour.

Foreigners still manipulate the market in Nigeria and increase prices at will. The implication is that the hike will definitely affect the prices of products sourced from flour. Hasn’t the price of semolina, paste and wheat offal shot up?

The foreigners’ industries have incomparable production capacity. This threatens local industries as many are out of market.

Third, farmers are left at the mercy of fertilizer scarcity and hike. The bag of 50kg NPK that was formerly sold at N5,000 is now sold at N7,900 to N13,000.

The increase is by 70%. Is this practicable in other climes where machineries are always on alert to regulate the market?

The saddest part of this mire Nigerians have found themselves in is that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is aware of the “price range” not only in flour but other commodities, so the management said. (read a report by the Daily Trust entitled Foreigners manipulate flour market in Nigeria, published August 31, 2020).

Perhaps it is strategizing. Isn’t it another brinkmanship stunt? Rimin Gado is the only way to go. And the Nigerian Government should employ the strategy.

Bullies understand only the language of resistance. They fear that person who stands his ground and says no to their excesses.

What the government needs is a Johnny-on- the-spot ready to work within the law and address the issue. This may not be a one-off thing; but it will surely

bring succor to the masses.

Example of Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado!

When Kano State found itself in the jaw of stinging food commodity price hike during the Covid-19, lockdown, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje directed the nononsense chairman of the state anti-graft commission to swing into action. The price of food commodities then had soared by 100%. The governor’s concern was that if the situation was left unrestrained it would turn into a permanent scenario.

Immediately Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado jumped into action. There was he oscillating from one market, supermarket, warehouses to another. The commission had received a series of complaints on unnecessary hike of commodity prices by retailers.

He met with market leaders and associations, dealers, supermarket owners and the Rice Processors Association (RIPAN).

An investigation was instantly launched by the agency. Hours later there were warehouses where essential commodities were being hoarded sealed and some items confiscated. In no time the marketers were dismounting their bully horse.

Sugar that was sold at N26,000 before the commission’s intervention reverted to its former price of N16,000 per bag and even the made-in-Nigeria rice that had reached up to N26,000 was reduced to N16,000.

I have learnt that farmers and the masses are blaming the federal government and the government on its part is blaming other forces for the hike.

Enough of passing the buck! Let the government take responsibility, take its cue from the Government of Kano State and mould its own Muhuyi Magaji to save Nigerians. And the time is now.

Abdulhamid wrote via abdullahiyassar2013@gmail.com

The imperative of sports institutions in career

By Imgbian Caleb Viashima

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rowing up, every child aims to be a doctor, pharmacist, Astrounut or a mathematician. Personally I loved going to school as I got to see my friends and play a lot with them.

We would play games like football, badminton, basketball, running and sometimes scrabble and chess. It was easy to tell some of my friends were better at sports than others. It wasn’t a big deal if you were poor at sports though. As a matter of fact it wasn’t compulsory to do sports in my time.

Our proprietor usually adviced pupils to do more reading than sports and this trend continued till I finished secondary school. This, as world trends have manifestly shown, is a major miscalculation. But sports enthusiasm from the early stages of life is profitable unto good health in the later years of existence.

Sporting activities can raise the country’s Gross Domestic Product, G D P , f o r t h e c o u n t ry i f p ro p e rl y harnessed. This is in addition to improving the mental and physical health, education and personality development of participants. Youth

participation in sports will inevitably bring honours to the country and gloriously highlight us to the world.

In Nigeria, the problems of the sporting sector are not necessarily from our government as Mr Jacob Ajom wrote in the sports section of Vanguard on August 23, 2017 titled “Nigeria sport:Falling standards, result of leadership vacuum”. He talked about how Former President Goodluck Jonathan called a One Day retreat after our disastrous 2012 Olympic perfomance which cited a lot of interest from stakeholders but was not followed up as it came late into the former President’s regime. Even after that, the present government still set up another ministerial committee in 2016 to reform our sporting sector which has come to naught till today.

Our sporting sector in the country is lagging behind because of the little interest some Nigerians have in pursuing a career as sports persons.

This can be traced back to childhood and how parents discourage their children from wanting to be footballers, basketballers even when their talent is obviously sport inclined. It can be understood from the point of view of

parents, as very few sports people make it to the top. It is therefore, proper to appeal to parents to support their children by putting pressure on schools to focus a little more on sports. This could go a long way to changing the future of Nigerian sports, so young people could pursue careers in different fields like Gymnastics, Cricket, Tennis, e.t.c.

While it is easy and not entirely necessary to blame and criticize the Government alone to do better, we must realize that we all are the government.

Business men and private citizens alike are called upon to emulate the likes of Senator Ifeanyi Uba (Ifeanyi Uba Football Club) and late Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory. These men have in no small way, enhanced the livelihoods of many families and upheld talents through sports.

Private and public schools nationwide are duty bound to ensure they invest in the future of sports by catching them young, straight from the cradle. With the solid combination of talent and good education among the youth, any nation can count its gains in no small measure.

Companies can help reduce

unemployment and contribute to improving the livelihoods of citizens by engaging in large scale production of sporting kits, equipments and accessories. These include jersies, nets, balls, foot wears and costumes for cheerleaders, among others. So far, this multi billion Naira sector still lies fallow.

Government on its part, must remove all taxes and levies on companies producing sporting equipment.

Instead, loans and grants issued to such producers are highly appreciated.

It is imperative to urge the governments at all levels, to establish more sports institutions in the country, with a good payment system. This can encourage more citizen participation.

We could also look to South Africa for inspiration. Their football league is the best in Africa both institutionally and commercially. They also have international players who go to their football league to pursue careers. This is highly recommended for Nigeria.

Imgbian Caleb Viashima writes from Abuja and reachable on calebimgbian@gmail.com

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PAGE 13

Comment

COVID-19 and the implementation of Sustainable Development

By Theophilus Ekpon

T

he COVID-19 virus, which is reported to have started at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, is presently ravaging the world with health systems struggling to cope.

The pandemic’s effects also include an increase in reported incidences of violence, conflict and discrimination, and a negative impact on economies worldwide due to the restrictive measures adopted by various entities to mitigate its spread. John Hopkins University reports that more than 25 million persons have been infected with the virus, with over 800,000 deaths reported globally.

Nigeria presently has almost 55,000 cases - with over 1000 deaths - according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Families and communities are faced with an increase in tensions and conflict, as they are all suffering losses: either in terms of human lives or livelihoods. Also, incidents of suicide have been reported, either by people who have contracted the virus, or those who could not bear the sudden and unintended consequences of this pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a drastic economic decline which threatens livelihoods, leading to starvation, human rights violations, conflict and loss of

lives in Nigeria and in other parts of the world. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shrank by 6.1% in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Also, Bloomberg reports that oil production fell to 1.81 million barrels a day between March and June 2020 compared to 2.07 million barrels in previous months and representing the lowest production rate since the first quarter of 2017. This trend paints a bleak picture of the continued implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 16, which is to ensure peaceful societies, accountable institutions and justice for all. It is important to note that measures taken to curb the spread of the virus - which include lockdowns and social/physical distancing - have led to the loss of millions of jobs. According to the International Labour Organization, (ILO) over 195 million jobs globally could be lost due to the pandemic. This trend in itself is conflict as there is a reported increase in the number of cyber crimes and fraud, armed robbery, gang rape, burglary and kidnapping. The incidences of domestic violence have also increased drastically in Nigeria.

The novelty of and unfamiliarity with the virus - as well as a lack of strategic communication, particularly in the early

stages of the pandemic - prevented a quick and adequate response from being rolled out worldwide, which has resulted in the spread of misinformation - and therefore mistrust - across many communities. This has resulted in an increase of conflict and loss of lives in Nigeria.

A survey conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa (CSDEA),which inquired about the people’s perceptions of the pandemic, indicated that most Nigerians either do not believe in the existence of COVID-19, whilst some communities speculate it was manufactured in China or that it is a disease specifically for the rich. Again, in urban areas where some citizens have firsthand experience, there is discrimination against those who have COVID-19, even when authorities certify them to have recovered from the disease.

This trend has grave implications for the implementation of SDG 16 in Nigeria overall.

T h e t h u s f a r not t oo su c c essf u l attempts by the governments and other relevant stakeholders to raise awareness among citizens about the necessity to prevent the virus from spreading may result in another lockdown. As stated earlier, previous restrictions and quarantines have resulted in increased poverty, loss of livelihoods, human rights

violations, crime and violence. These are all indices that go against the principles of “peaceful societies, accountable institutions, and justice for all”, that are embedded in SDG 16.

For Nigeria to avoid another lockdown, and to ensure the implementation of SDG 16, all citizens must come together and support each other in abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines of the NCDC. These recommend the practice of social/ physical distancing, the wearing of facemasks, and getting tested, as well as undergoing timely and NCDC-supervised treatment for all those who test positive.

This collective effort will help prevent another round of lockdown, and can help reduce misinformation, tensions and conflict in the country and strengthen the resilience of communities. This will prepare us to deal with both the current circumstances as well as a postCOVID-19 world. In doing so, we can aim to localise the values of SDG16 – peaceful, just and inclusive societies – on our path towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria by 2030.

Theophilus Ekpon is of the Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa (CSDEA) and can be reached at theophilusekpon@csdea-africa. org

Forced prostitution: Link to Nigerian juju is useful nonsense

By Leo Igwe

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n October 23, 2018, I addressed a stakeholder meeting, the Academy of Nations, in Munich in Germany. This meeting brought together representatives of the police and the regional government, social workers, religious organisations, and other governmental and nongovernmental agencies. They discussed the issue of human trafficking and forced prostitution in the region. Some of the victims were Nigerian women. I made a ten-minute speech that included a short video.

And here is what I said: Thank you Georg Falterbaum and Mattarei Norma for the invitation to address this important meeting on human trafficking. And thank you, the Bavarian government for the commitment to tackling the problem of human trafficking and forced prostitution. Trafficking in human beings has been described as a form of modern-day slavery in our contemporary world. So, it is important to use occasions such as this to have an open and frank discussion on this issue and to explore ways of eradicating it.

At this point I played a short CNN video clip, The Paris park where trafficked women sell their bodies.

The report highlighted the case of Nigerian women who were trafficked and forced into prostitution in Europe.

One of them, Nadesh, noted that most of these women from Nigeria were sex slaves. According to the report, these Nigerian women gave all that they earned from sex work to a trafficking

network. The report also noted that the women took an oath at a shrine before leaving Nigeria. And this oath bound them to a juju, a traditional West African belief system. “Imagine you taking an oath, you lie down inside a casket or coffin”, Nadesh said.

“Which means if you break the rules, you will now come back to this coffin”.

“It is so powerful”. She added. The report further noted that the women were physically branded with scars that were used to identify them back in Nigeria.

After the CNN report, I continued with my presentation: I come from Nigeria. And as you can see, my country is internationally linked to the problem of human trafficking and forced prostitution in Europe. According to a CNN report, the number of Nigerian women who arrive in Italy through the desert and end up in forced prostitution has continued to increase. The number has risen from 1,317 in 2011 to 11, 009 in 2018. In Nigeria, the issue of human trafficking has worried and embarrassed the government at all levels especially when reports and documentaries are published revealing the horrific abuses of victims, tracing the routes of human trafficking to states and cities in Nigeria. I have contributed to local debates and efforts to understand the issue of human trafficking and forced prostitution especially the alleged link to local religious and occult beliefs.

If we must get to the root of this problem, some urgent questions need to be asked and be properly addressed.

First, what kind of document do trafficked women use to enter Europe?

Do they all come in through the Sahara desert? Even if they do, who stamps them in and as what? Do some of them arrive as visitors, tourists or refugees? If yes, who issues them visas and for what purpose? When do these women become victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution?

Is it at the point of entry? Or when they are caught by the police? Since commercial sex work is allowed by law, at least in Germany, is the problem linked to the lack of documents to legally work in the sex industry?

There have been several reports that have associated forced prostitution by Nigerian women with the traditional belief in juju. I told the audience in very clear terms that, from my own point of view as a Nigerian, this muchpublicized connection was baseless, senseless and absurd. As a women’s rights activist from Northern Nigeria rightly noted: “There is no juju. The people who are trafficked know that too. Many of them want to travel to Europe and willingly partake in prostitution”.

Unfortunately, many western individuals and organizations that are working and campaigning to combat human trafficking and forced prostitution do not agree with this.

They seem to be fascinated by the juju scare narrative. They find it useful not only because it fits into the stereotypic notion of Africans as childish in thinking, fetish and magically minded, it gives them a special job of managing this ‘people’ and their peculiar problems. Some European anti-human trafficking campaigners have continued to

peddle and valorize the Nigerian juju connection as if that is the main reason why Nigerian women are trapped in forced prostitution. They have refused to pay critical attention to the underlying socioeconomic reasons that force Nigerian women to travel thousands of miles to prostitute in Europe. Indeed some western campaigners think that it is insensitive not to acknowledge the powerful hold of the juju fears on the minds of these women.

Definitely, the role of the Nigerian juju narrative in human trafficking must be acknowledged for what it is- a useful device to secure asylum and support that would otherwise, have been denied. Many Nigerian prostitutes come into Europe as illegal immigrants and they live in constant fear of deportation.

So Nigerian women who fear returning to Nigeria have other reasons than the juju or the oath that they claimed to have taken.

Look, no one denies the fact that human traffickers deceive and promise their victims a better life in Europe.

Again, it is not disputed that those who are trafficked are exploited, raped and sold into sexual slavery or that victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution need support and assistance. But to attribute their unfortunate situation, their entrapment in forced prostitution to fear of powerful Nigerian juju is pure hogwash.

Leo Igwe is a Public Policy Analyst.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

News

R-L; PRESS BRIEFING AFTER THE INAUGURATION: National Chairman APGA, Dr. Victor Ike Oye, President and Founder ANAP Foundation Co Chair, Sir Atedo Peterside, Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, President N.C.W.S, Mrs. Laraba Galoria Shoda and Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba during the Inauguration of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Preparation of National Development Plans: Medium Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050 held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja.

PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.

Bauchi to reacquire lands allocates illegally From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

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overnor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on Tuesday declared a strong commitment of his administration to reacquire all lands illegally allocated to individuals across the state.

The Governor disclosed this while receiving the report of the Administrative Committee on Inquiry into land disputes between Herders and Farmers caused by land use abuse and illegal allocation in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Bala expressed confidence that the recommendations of the committee will bring to an end, farmers and herders clashes across the state.

He said the state government will come up with a white paper on the basis of the recommendations and to set up an implementation committee to ensure due process and justice to all those involved.

The Governor said the implementation committee would be assisted with consultants in urban and regional planning and other professionals so as to resolve the issue amicably.

Commission trains 500 health workers on life support for cardiac patience

D

r Benjamin Eniayewun, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission has charged health workers to be well acquainted with Basic Life Support (BLS) procedure.

Eniayewun said at a training workshop on Wednesday in Lagos that being acquainted with the procedure was necessary to curb the sudden death of patients experiencing spasms of cardiac arrest.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, focusing on basic life support techniques, was attended by 500 health personnel across the state.

It is holding at the Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos.

The PS described the cardiac

arrest as an unexpected loss of heart functioning, breathing and consciousness, often resulting from an electrical disturbance of the heart.

He added that if not medically check, the ailment could result in death.

“As first responders, it is pertinent to be well acquainted with life-saving techniques to curb cardiac arrest episodes snuffling lives out of patients.

“Some patients featured sometimes without apparent indications, but with underlying health challenges.

“There is ample need for extensive acquaintance on BLS technique, through constant appraisal to ensure it is active, such that it could be deployed as often as possible when required to avoid untimely death of victims.

“All healthcare providers should

imbibe this knowledge as a habit, irreverent of cadre, whether healthcare attendant or clinical staff to set off a pace of preserving victims’ lives until help arrives,’’ Eniayewun said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that associated illness in the society, often prompt cardiac arrest experiences, which could be salvaged from a deteriorating state if help on BLS were sought.

He urged participants to cascade the knowledge acquired from the training at their various hospital.

Also, Dr Shola Pitan, Deputy Director, Directorate of Medical Services of the commission said the initiative was part of moves at improving the capacity of the trainees to tend the increasing healthcare standard of patients.

“There is need to improve the capacity of healthcare providers to tend the growing medical demands of the ailing public.

“This programme schemed under American Heart Certified (AHC) standard, tentatively valued less than two years validation, which will be reviewed thereafter.

“Clinical materials being used are in line with Standard International Instructors to train, using Mannequins and AED trainer ambo bags, aligned with strict COVID-19 protocols.

“So, standard precautionary measures are observed closely without fear of cross-transmission,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the five-day training ends on Friday. (NAN)

Gwagwalada residents scold council chair over dearth of basic amenities

By Usman Shuaibu

S

ome residents of Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lambasted the chairman of the Area Council, Mr. Adamu Mustapha Danze over the provision of basic necessities of life for the people such as boreholes as well as transformers in some communities.

Some of the residents, who spoke to Peoples Daily correspondent in Gwagwalada, alleging that the current administration of the Area Council under the leadership of Mustapha Danze had failed to provide purposeful leadership capable of satisfying the aspirations of the inhabitants in the area.

A resident, Mallam Saleh Lawal who is the community leader of angwan Azara, accused the chairman of neglecting the community in terms

of provision of basic amenities.

He said that since the chairman assumed office he had not carried out any meaningful project in the community, saying that the chairman had not fulfilled the promises of his campaign to the people in the area.

Lawal therefore, appealed to the chairman to repair the dilapidated borehole in the community for the sake of the people who voted him in power, and tongue-lashed the chairman of not rehabilitate Ahaji Nura-sharp corner road.

Another resident, Mr. Abdulhamid kaura who is the community leader of Tipper Garage, Angwan Dodo in Gwagwalda, urged the chairman to repair the dilapidated roads in the community.

He charged the chairman to drill boreholes in order boost potable drinking water in the community, adding that the residents of the area

were facing the problem of epileptic power supply in the area, and tasked the chairman to provide transformers for them to boost electricity supply.

He also, charged the chairman to build a clinic in Angwan Dodo to prevent the people from travelling out for urgent medical attention.

Kaura noted that since the chairman took the mantle leadership of the Area Council he did not execute any project in the area.

On her part, a trader in Gwagwalada main market, Cecilia John, tongue-lashed the chairman for abandoning FRCN-market road that is now a death trap for the commuters in the area.

She alleged that despite the revenue being generated in Gwagwalada markets no tangible project was carried out by the council chairman.

In his reaction, an aggrieved APC member who spoke on condition of

anonymity, alleged that despite the monthly allocations being given to Gwagwalada Area Council by the Federal Government the chairman had nothing to offer for the residents.

He also alleged that the council political appointees had not deemed it fit to advice the chairman on best the council resources would be used to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gwagwalada and its environs, saying that the chairman had failed in the area of human development.

He said he would only give the chairman a pass mark in the area of environmental sanitation, as he said the chairman had not done enough in terms of capital projects.

Not left out, a roadside mechanic who identified himself as Micheal Samuel, pleaded with the chairman to rehabilitate the dilapidated roads in Gwagwalada, especially the town hall road.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PDP instituted most corrupt subsidy regime in Nigeria’s oil sector - APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of superintending the most corrupt subsidy regime in the history of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

“Judging from its background as a party that instituted the very corrupt subsidy regime in the petrol sector, the PDP lacks the moral credentials to question an honest and transparent move by the Buhari-led administration to find lasting solutions to the problems caused by the party in the years that it led the affairs of the country”, APC said in a statement yesterday.

According to the statement signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, the party said the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to remove subsidy on petroleum has been commended not only as the right way to go by economic experts, but has equally freed up funds for implementation of critical national capital projects.

“In line with the drive to deregulate the oil sector, the petroleum products pricing template now reflects competitive and market driven components which has inturn freed up cash to fund the ongoing development of critical infrastructure across the country”, the statement said.

APC said “As genuine patriots, reputable groups and organizations, make honest contributions to the reactions about the deregulation of electricity and petrol prices, we receive with some amazement comments attributed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, condemning the decision of the Buhari administration to deregulate the PMS sector.

“The PDP and Atiku’s reaction to what has been adjudged an inevitability by many experts clearly depicts the height of hypocrisy demonstrated by them on many issues relating to the progress and wellbeing of Nigeria.”

The party specifically expressed regrets over comments by the PDP’s presidential flag bearer in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, who has said if there is genuine deregulation, the fuel pump price would have crashed, saying it is rather unfortunate if truly, the comments reported by a section of the media, condemning the removal of petrol subsidy, is attributed to Atiku Abubakar.

“Atiku’s comments clearly reveals his two-facedness and portrays him as man not only acutely lacking in integrity but one that should never be trusted. Atiku continues to justify the majority of the Nigerian people who rejected him at the polls. This stems majorly from the fact that he was part of the government that created the “corrupt petrol subsidy” monster and also the chaos in the electricity sector.

“A further portrayal of Atiku’s hypocrisy was his pretentious promise to deregulate the downstream petroleum sector by privatizing the NNPC. Atiku made the sale of NNPC to his friends and the deregulation of both the

PMS and the electricity sector the hallmark of his 2019 presidential election misadventure.

“Atiku argued at different forums in 2018 and early 2019 that NNPC and the power sector must be disbanded through privatization if they must be efficient.

“Quoting his specific words about the privatization of the NNPC as a springboard for the deregulation of the downstream sector, Atiku said, “Privatising NNPC would be to our advantage.

We are not going to lose anything, but we will rather gain a lot,” according to a Guardian story of January 17, 2019.

Arguing further, APC in the statement said “Compared to PDP’s

failed past, under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, the reviewed petroleum products pricing template has resulted in a more transparent, efficient and realistic pricing system for petroleum products and also resulted in constant availability of fuel nationwide.

“Describing the deregulation of the price of petrol by the APC-led government as callous and cruel is rather sarcastic and tongue-incheek, given the pain and anguish suffered by Nigerians on long queues at petrol stations when the PDP-led government presided over a very corrupt subsidy regime”, the statement said.

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, SGF Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and NSA Maj Gen Babagana Monguno Rtd during the Inauguration of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Preparation of National Development Plans: Medium Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050 held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja.

PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.

Youth empowerment will resolve banditry, kidnapping, others – Senator Bamidele

By Musa Adamu with agency report

C

hairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has said the country can only overcome its rising insecurity level through a well-designed training and empowerment policy for jobless youths.

Bamidele, a representative of Ekiti Central Senatorial District at the senate said the incessant cases of banditry, robbery, kidnapping and killings being perpetrated by the youth would be halted if leaders could place a priority on the empowerment of youths through vocational and entrepreneurial training.

The APC chieftain spoke in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, while rounding off a three-day vocational and entrepreneurial training for 1,000 unemployed youths in his senatorial district.

Bamidele explained that the programme done in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), would open the vista of opportunities for his constituents in the entrepreneurial world to combat crime and the rising poverty.

The federal lawmaker said the training, which centres around business, tailoring and baking, would imbue the participants with the right skills, business acumen and ingenuity to thrive in the management of small

scale businesses.

Addressing the participants, Bamidele, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Bunmi Oguntuase, said “80 percent of the crimes happening in Nigeria was as a result of joblessness among youths, demanding that the government must place priority in resolving this.

“The federal government is grappling with the issues of banditry in the Northwest, Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and kidnapping in the southwest. All these are creating restiveness and destabilising the economy because no investor will come to any environment that looks insecure.

“But with massive youth training and empowerment, some of these

crises will automatically be resolved without resorting to spending billions on amnesty programmes and other resolution mechanisms”.

Bemoaning the high level of joblessness in the state, Bamidele said: “I have designed five empowerment programmes for my constituents because it is one of the key projects I have for them. In Ekiti, there are no viable factories and companies, what we are known for is Okada riding and we have to change the narratives.

“This capacity building will take about 70 percent off the streets of Ekiti because the APC led government of Ekiti is not also toying with its youth policy”.

The Chairman of the Ekiti West Local Government, Hon Kareem

Agunbiade, charged the participants to be circumspect of the evidencebased fact that white-collar jobs are no longer fashionable and easy to seek in the country.

The LG boss said with the frightening and disturbing height of unemployment in the country, the idea of exposing people to business opportunities has become expedient and stands out as the best way to rescue them out of the current vicious poverty level.

In his lecture entitled:’ Be Your Own Boss’, a resource person, Mr. Julius Akaigbe, said business remains the best strategy for people to rule the world, not only by amassing wealth or attain financial self-sustainability but to gain fame and global reckoning.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

PAGE 16

POLITICS Constitution review: Hope rises for State creation as Omo-Agege calls for lobby

By Musa Adamu

G

limmer of hope for a possible creation of more States in Nigeria yesterday resurrected in the Senate, as the chairman Senate Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution, Ovie Omo-Agege, called on Nigerians desirous of independent states to begin lobby of the lawmakers.

Omo- Agege specifically called on the various interest groups agitating for states creation to reach out to other geo-political zones and their lawmakers.

While giving hope on the possibility of creating new states, Omo-Agege, who played host to the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of Urhobo people in Nigeria: Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), in his office Wednesday, said it is still possible to create new states but with the consent other legislators and groups from other parts of the country.

“Let me also make this clear that the Constitutional Review exercise is not a tea party by any means. It is a very tedious exercise. If you check Section 9 of the Constitution, it lays out a very difficult procedure that you must go through before you can achieve success with respect to the amendment.

“I don’t know what is in your submission but what I hear from the grapevine is that there is likelihood that UPU is asking for a State. If that is right, I am sure you also know the provisions of Section 8 of the Constitution.

“That is even more tedious than every other procedure because unlike other sections of the Constitution that recognises a Constitution amendment bill to pass with two-third majority of both chambers here and two-thirds majority of the State Assembly, for state creation, which is under Section 8, it requires four-fifth of majority. Even more majority than the regular two-third.

“But that is not to say it is impossible. If the demand is genuine and legitimate, there is no reason why it should not succeed. But you have to do the needful. You have to reach out to others. You have to lobby as to why this should be the case. As the Chairman of this committee, I am not supposed to take a position. You have to reach out to people, different geopolitical zones and make your case.

“If they see the merit in your argument, then they could, acting through their members in the House of Representatives and Senate, go with you and vote in

support. You have to go out and lobby. You don’t stay at home and they reward you with a free State.

It is only in the military that States are created by fiat. But under democratic set up in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the procedures are well laid out under Section 9 of the Constitution”.

He assured the UPU representatives that federal lawmakers from the area would not support anti-Urhobo legislations in the National Assembly.

Earlier, leader of the group and Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Dr. Mathew Ediri Egbi (JP), Owahwa II said they decided to

pay a courtesy call on the Deputy President of the Senate after submitting their memorandum to the Secretariat of the Constitution Review Committee.

He urged the lawmaker to always protect the interest of Urhobos using his position as the nation’s Number Six Citizen.

Meanwhile, the Senate Constitution review committee has extended by 9 days the deadline on submission of memoranda from various interest groups in Nigeria for the exercise.

The extension was due to enormous pressure mounted by various interest groups on the

Deputy President of the Senate, who is the Chairman of the Committee.

Memoranda collected by the Secretariat of the committee on Wednesday were those from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Movement for creation of Zuma State out of Niger State, Movement for creation of Savana State out of Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa States.

Others are Yiaga Africa, Okun Development Association, Benue State Government, Concerned Nurses Association of Nigeria, Urhobo Progressive Union, Zontai International etc.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed (L) and Chairman, National Steering Committee on National Development Framework, Mr Atedo Peterside, during the inaugural meeting on National Development Planning Framework for 2025, 2030 and National Agenda 2050, in Abuja on Wednesday (9/9/20).

Suswam condemns Terwase killing, says is time to heal, not kill

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Gabriel Suswam (PDP Benue North East) has condemned the killing of repentant militia leader in Benue State, Terwase Agwaza (Gana), by men of the Nigerian Army in Gboko on Tuesday.

Suswam, in a statement issued in Abuja Wednesday, said Terwase’s killing after turning a new life from crime and criminality by soldiers was counter productive to peace already returning to the State.

According to him, “In a situation where a criminal had surrendered for a new way of life after persuasion from elders and leaders in the community and later killed extra judicially by some State actors endangers the

healing process as “this is time to heal and not to kill”.

The statement reads: “The events of September 8 2020 in my senatorial district where repentant criminals who had surrendered after extensive persuasions were singled out and killed extra judicially leaves a sour taste and has opened a gaping wound that requires all efforts to heal.

“It is no secret that my senatorial district has been traumatized and the people terrorized by activities of criminal gangs led by Terwase Agwaza alias Gana for many years.

“The consequences of this endless terrorism has been a steady decline of economic and social activities leaving a once prosperous people pauperized.

Markets no longer attract traders, schools are closed and

farmlands abandoned. Politics in the area has become war with an uncontrolled proliferation of dangerous weapons.

“No responsible leader will idly standby and watch his community become a theatre of war and a gangster’s paradise. It is with this solution mindset that traditional rulers, clergymen and elders of the area decided to utilize means of constructive engagement and dialogue to ensure that youths of the area do not become tools for the destruction of that society.

“The Benue State Government along with the security agencies have long desired for a return to normalcy, peace, prosperity and security of the area. We were all excited to see the dreaded Gana come out of hiding to the warm embrace of our Traditional Rulers, Clergy and political leaders at a public function at the Akume

Atongo Stadium in Katsina Ala. “Our joy was multiplied when we saw him along with his militia surrender arms and publicity renounce a life of crime.

Our reverred King extracted a pledge from him never to turn his kingdom into a wasteland.

“Those present at this forum heaved a great sigh of relief with the thought that finally, a life full of uncertainty has come to and end. I was totally dumbfounded to learn that while Gana was on his way to Makurdi the state capital to present himself to the State Governor who was waiting, his long convoy that included political leaders, Traditional rulers, clergymen and security agencies was ambushed by allegedly armed soldiers and he isolated and taken away.

“In the midst of the confusion, pictures began to circulate on

social media of the bullet ridden body of Gana with a rifle callously placed on his side.

“While I have been consistent in condemning the reign of terror he unleashed on his community, I cannot in good conscience as a lawyer of over three decades and a senior parliamentarian accept cold blooded extra judicial murder of an unarmed person as a solution to our security problems.

“The lessons of the Boko Haram escalation after a similar murder of its leader are still here with us.

“If this method is accepted as a norm in our country, there will be no need for laws and courts.

We stand to benefit more by subjecting suspects to due process of the law. Information extracted from a living Gana would have helped security agents get to the root of activities of criminals.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

POLITICS Edo election: No face mask, no voting – INEC

By Lateef Ibrahim agency report

T

with

he Electoral Institute (TEI) has advised prospective voters in Edo State to stick strongly with the regulations on conducting elections within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saad Umar Idris, DirectorGeneral of TEI, made this known while delivering a goodwill message during Training of Trainers (ToT) program for political parties’ agents in Benin City, the state capital, with the views to mitigating electoral violence in Nigeria.

He said the commission had issued the first supplementary to the regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections issued by the commission on 12th January 2019.

According to him, “these regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections remain in force until replaced by new regulations and guidelines or repealed in part or in its entirety by the commission. Social distancing of 2 metres (6 feet’s shall be maintained by all persons.)

“Indeed, election is coming up at a period Nigeria is battling with the COVID-19 Pandemic which took the whole world by storm and has affected the manner, methods and strategies in which businesses, social activities and all other people/public-oriented activities are conducted.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) just like many other Election Management Bodies (EMBs) all over the world has had to restrategise.

“The commission’s policy on conducting elections under a pandemic or other emergency health hazards include the wearing of face mask, which is made mandatory at all election locations.

“An improvised face mask using a handkerchief, scarf or other such materials is acceptable.

We will also not accept mask branded with the insignia or unique identification of a political party/candidate or indicating the person’s voting preference.”

Speaking on the legal framework for party agents, Shehu Layiwola Wahab of the Electoral and Party Monetary (EPM) x-rayed the dos and don’ts, and what are expected from political parties’ agents during the election.

“As agents, your contributions to peaceful conduct of this poll is very sacrosanct and should not be compromised no matter what and who is involved. We need peaceful electoral process and that is why we are here today.”

PDP, APGA members defect to APC in Imo

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

M

embers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying their new party as the best

vehicle to ride in.

Defectors who are indigenes of Amaimo Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru local government area are from the 8 polling units in Umuri-Amaimo.

Some members of the Labour party and Action Alliance from the area were also reported to

have defected.

Ndidi Ndigo who is the councillor representing Amaimo ward said the decision to leave their various parties was born out of the love and confidence they have for the ruling APC. He said it would be insubordination for them to play

opposition to a government which has the Deputy Governor, Placid Njoku as an illustrious son of Umuri community.

He further disclosed that more members of other parties are warming up to come into the APC, urging the defected members to be of good conduct.

L-R: Manager, Public Affairs, Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Mohammed Umar, General Manager Administration, Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr.Victor Shidok and the Executive Director Commercial PPMC, Mr. Naheem Adio Yinusa, during the PPPRA and PPMC media briefing on the deregulation of the petroleum product in the country, held yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imoowo

Edo Assembly tasks INEC, others on credible governorship election

T

he Edo House of Assembly has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and INEC to ensure that the Sept. 19 governorship election in the state is free, fair and credible.

The Speaker, Francis Okiye, who made the call during plenary on Wednesday in Benin, said any attempt to subvert the will of

the people at the poll should be resisted.

Okiye said: “We are therefore calling on all the agencies monitoring the election to be guided over the intended manipulation by enemies of democracy.

“We are therefore calling on President Muhammadu Buhari,

Inspector General of Police, INEC, observers, CSOs and other stakeholders to play their role to ensure credible election.

“INEC should never attempt to tinker with the process that will produce free and fair election.

“We want to let the people know that the entire world is watching Edo state on the outcome

of this all important election.

“It should be noted that the credibility of this election should be a yardstick to measure subsequent elections organised by INEC,” he said.

Meanwhile, a bill for a law to provide for financial autonomy for the Edo judiciary has passed through second reading. (NAN)

Kogi SIEC to conduct Council polls Dec 12

K

ogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has scheduled December 12, for conduct of elections into the 21 Local Government Areas in the state and presented a timetable and schedule of activities for the polls.

Mamman Nda-Eri, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting for the official declaration of Notice of Conduct of the elections on Wednesday in Lokoja.

Nda-Eri said that the commission which was inaugurated on March 11, had the core mandate to conduct free, fair and credible local government polls in the nearest time possible but was constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I urge all of us to ensure

the conduct of elections devoid of rancour and acrimony in our various domains. We will not only be unbiased but seen to be unbiased.

“On our own path, we pledge our unalloyed loyalty to the people of Kogi to conduct free, fair and credible elections in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).’’

According to the time table and Schedule of Activities for the council polls presented by Nda-Eri, the activities started Wednesday, Sept. 9, with the stakeholders meeting.

He said that collection of nomination forms from political parties will start on Sept. 24, and end on Oct. 2, while Oct. 6, until Oct. 13, is scheduled for conduct

of party primaries including resolution of disputes arising from such primaries.

This, according to him is to enable political parties to democratically nominate candidates for the elections as required by law adding that all issues relating to the primaries must be concluded on or before Oct. 13.

The commission chairman added that among other activities the last day for submission of names of polling agents by political parties would be Nov. 25, while Dec. 10, is the last day for political party campaigns.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ede Ayuba, assured that security agencies in the state would collectively provide the needed security and provide level playing ground for all candidates

and parties.

“We will be fair to everybody and to all and play the game by the rules and, except you contravene the provisions of the Electoral Act, will be friendly” he said.

Chairman of the state Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Iliyasu Badanga urge the commission to maintain the highest level of probity and accountability to produce free, fair, credible and “believable” elections come December. 12.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Ayeni; the Chairman of Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI), Alhaji Isa Adeboye; and representative of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Idris Miliki; all called for conduct of free, fair and credible council elections. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Stock Watch: Wednesday, June 24, 2019 Low

OPEN Volume Close High

3.80 1.11 0 1.94 1.91 0 2.27 0.21 0 2.64 0.62 0 4.60 4.62 0 57.00 38.30 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

Top Gainers

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

3.80 4.00 ACCESS -0.35 1.94 2.94 AFRIPRUD 0.00 1.27 1.27 AGLEVENT 0.00 1.64 1.64 AIICO 0.00 4.60 6.60 BERGER 0.00 37.00 37.00 BETAGLAS -1.30 6.79 1.79 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 3.14 0.02 LIVESTOCK 1.42 0.04 SOVRENINS 1.28 0.03 OKOMUOIL 10.00 0.60 GUARANTY 23.50 0.25

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

Low

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 0.70 -0.20 BOCGAS 0.89 -0.22 VITAFOAM 1.20 -0.39 DANGFLOUR 2.00 -0.45 UAC-PROP 0.94 -0.28

Nigeria’s June Public Debt Stock Stood At N31Trillion -DMO

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO), has released information on the Public Debt Stock as at June 30, 2020.

The data shows that in Naira Terms, the Total Public Debt Stock which comprises the Debt Stock of the Federal Government, the 36 State Governments and

the Federal Capital Territory stood at N31.009 Trillion or USD85.897 Billion.

The corresponding figures for March 31, 2020 were N28.628 Trillion or USD79.303 Billion.

The increase in the Debt Stock by N2.381 Trillion or USD6.593 Billion was accounted for by the USD3.36 Billion Budget Support Loan from the

International Monetary Fund, New Domestic Borrowing to finance the Revised 2020 Appropriation Act including the issuance of the N162.557 Billion Sukuk, and Promissory Notes issued to settle Claims of Exporters.

The DMO expects the Public Debt Stock to grow as the balance of the New

Domestic Borrowing is raised and expected disbursements are made by the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank which were arranged to finance the 2020 Budget.

It will be recalled that the 2020 Appropriation Act had to be revised in the face of the adverse and severe impact of COVID-19

on Government’s Revenues and increased expenditure needs on health and economic stimulus amongst others.

Additional Promissory Notes are expected to be issued in the course of the year, this, and new borrowings

by State Governments are also expected to increase the Public Debt Stock.

President of Fire Officers Wives Association (FOWA), Mrs Amina Liman (L), presenting cartons of sanitary pads to students of Government Girls Secondary School, Karshi, yedterday in Abuja With them is the School’s Principal, Mr Jafar Usman.

Dangote Cement Promo produces Six New Millionaires In Kogi

By Etuka Sunday

K

ogi State, home to Africa’s biggest cement plant, Dangote Cement Plc, yesterday produced six new millionaires who emerged star winners in the ongoing Dangote Cement promotion.

At the presentation of checques in the Kogi State Capital, Lokoja the new

millionaires described their success as a dream come true, coming in the era of economic meltdown caused by covid-19 pandemic.

The ongoing season 2 promo, which started July 15, 2020, will run for 16 weeks, and 1,000 Nigerians are expected to win a star prize of one million naira each, among other prizes which include: tricycles, refrigerators,

television sets, generators, Goodies packs, smaller monetary prizes and airtime.

One of the winners Alhaji Jibrin said he would reinvest the money and grow his business, even as he expressed his gratitude to the Dangote Cement Plc and its Founder Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

As at last week, over 130 millionaires have emerged in the ongoing promo.

Marketing Director, Dangote cement Plc, Mrs. Funmi Sanni said the Dangote Group will not rest on its oars in helping to grow the Nigerian economy, even as he urged Nigerians to continue to patronize the Dangote Cement.

She said President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote is determined to support government efforts in job

creation through massive support for small and medium scale businesses in the country.

National Sales Director, Dangote cement Plc. Adeyemi Fajobi, while welcoming the new winners into the millionaires club, said the new entrepreneurs will support the economy and create more jobs for the country.

He said the promo is a way of given back to the consumers.

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

BUSINESS

CBN faults NESG’s claims on development finance activities

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday faulted the claims of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), on its development finance activities.

CBN in a statement by its Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor said, NESG’s allegations are reflective of sinister motives and malicious intent.

NESG had called to question some of the measures taken by the CBN to support the stability of financial system and enable faster recovery of economy, following the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria.

However, putting the issue in proper perspective, the apex bank said, it embark on extraordinary measures like other Central Banks across the world in order to stabilize the economy from an extraordinary shock.

“We took steps to increase the flow of credit to critical sectors of the economy, in order to enable faster recovery of the economy.

“We also sought to prevent the economic crisis from spilling into a major financial crisis by taking the following actions; i. A 1-year extension of a moratorium on principal repayments for CBN intervention facilities; ii. Strengthening of the Loan to Deposit ratio policy, which has resulted in a significant rise in loans provided by financial institutions to banking customers.

Loans given to the private sector, have risen by over 21 percent over the past year. iii. Creation of NGN 50 billion target credit facility for affected households and small and medium enterprises through the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank; iv. Creation of a NGN100 billion intervention fund in loans to pharmaceutical companies and healthcare practitioners intending to expand and strengthen the capacity of our healthcare institutions; v. Creation of a research fund, which is designed to support the development of vaccines in Nigeria. “vi. A N1 trillion facility in loans to boost local manufacturing and production across critical sectors; vii. Regulatory Forbearance was granted to banks to restructure loans given to sectors that were severally affected by the pandemic viii.

Mobilization of key stakeholders in the Nigerian economy, which led to the provision of over N23bn in relief materials to affected households, and the set-up of 39 isolation centers across the country.

“The effect of these measures which included provision of palliatives to individuals affected by the pandemic, increase in access to credit to critical sectors of the economy that are either high employers of labor or have the ability to create jobs at a fast pace, helped to contain a significant decline in GDP growth in the 2nd quarter of the year.

“Analysts expected GDP growth to decline by 7.4 percent but the impact of the measures by the monetary and fiscal authorities helped to reduce this decline to 6.1 percent.

“This decline was less severe than the decline experienced in other economies such as the United States, South Africa, and India which saw significant declines in growth by 32

percent, 52 percent and 23 percent respectively.

“We do expect that with the phase out of the lockdown measures, GDP growth in the 3rd quarter will be much better than that of the 2nd quarter, due to the impact of the measures being implemented by the Monetary and Fiscal Authorities,” it said.

The statement said, “the CBN also feels compelled to let Nigerians know that in spite of the cordial and open relations between both organizations, the NESG could have raised its allegations directly with us but never did.

“Instead they chose to release a Press Statement, having leaked its content to a leading Business Newspaper in the country. Let us now turn to the specifics of their diatribe.

“On the CBN’s development finance activities, we are comforted by the NESG’s reluctant admission that many Central Banks around the world are also engaging in similar actions.

“The CBN engaged in development finance in order to address the credit needs of the sectors critical to improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive growth.

“These goals have become doubly important in light of the significant shocks to the economy following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“In pursuit of transparency, the CBN usually publishes disbursements made under these activities in our Economic Reports.

“Although the bourgeoises atop the NESG may not feel the impact of the Bank’s development finance activities, many ordinary Nigerians, including smallholder farmers, households, and medium-scale entrepreneurs across the country know better.

“As encapsulated in our most recent monthly economic report published on the Bank’s website, a total of N38.11 billion was disbursed as loans to 44,458 beneficiaries through the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB).

“This number has risen to N59.12 billion; supporting to 103,189 beneficiaries as of August 2020.

It is important for the NESG to note that our intervention programmes in the agricultural sector were a key contributor to the resilience of the agricultural sector during the crisis, as the sector experienced positive growth of 1.6 percent in the second quarter of the year despite the lockdown.

“As the NESG may be aware, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and Thailand placed export restrictions on the exports of critical food items, including rice and eggs.

“With these disruptions, the Nigerian economy could have faced a major food crisis, but for the government’s intervention programmes in the agriculture sector.

“Furthermore, by alluding to the fact that money cannot address constraints in the agriculture sector, the NESG failed to realize that access to credit is listed among the three major challenges faced by farmers and businesses in Nigeria.

“While the Federal Government is seeking to address issues such as access to electricity and logistic constraints faced by businesses, it was vital for the CBN to address an area that we had sufficient ability to impact upon, given the nature of the

crisis we faced, which is improving the flow of credit to critical sectors of the economy.

“Contrary to the NESG’s allegation that our lending process is devoid of a proper framework, it is important to note that recipients of intervention funds from CBN go through an expansive due diligence process through participating financial institutions (PFI),following which an additional assessment process is embarked upon by the CBN before disbursements are provided.

“The PFIs expend extensive due diligence on these intervention loans as the risk of default lies with them.

“On the revisions to the BOFIA Act, there are many reasons why we see a total ignorance or malicious intent on the part of the NESG. First, the provision they refer to as being currently conceived as part of the new BOFIA already exists as Section 53 in the old Act, which is now Section 51 in the amended Act passed by the National Assembly. The current bill has not proposed any changes to that section at all.

“Second, contrary to their misleading anxiety and associated reportage, the provision of Section 51 does not purport to confer immunity on the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria like that which obtains for State Governors.

Rather, this provision protects the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria and their respective officials against adverse claims for actions or omission in good faith exercise of powers under BOFIA and other specified statutes including the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and regulations made thereunder.

“The import of the said provision is to set a threshold against which suits against public officers must be filtered, such that for a suit to be maintainable it must scale that threshold by proving bad faith on the part of the pubic officer. It is not a bar against action.

Indeed, a review of the legislative history of BOFIA will readily show that the said provision also appeared as Section 49(1) of the then BOFIA of 1991. Further digging also readily show that the same law is employed in other legislations including the extant: a. Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (Section 52), b. the NDIC Act 2006 (Section 55) and c. the Investments and Securities Act 2007(Section 302)A similar provision is in the AMCON (Amendment) Act 2020, as it had been noticed that debtors and the like simply rush to court, obtain injunctions and stop orderly resolution of cases and proper implementation of the law.

“The false alarm raised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group raises serious credibility questions on the actions of the group, as its comments, which have been circulated across the globe, significantly harmed the credibility of the Governor and the CBN as an institution.

“On border closure, we are disappointed that the NESG has not shown any tendency to deeply interrogate the real reasons for the closure. While the CBN is not opposed to its reopening, we must never forget the real reason why that border was shut in the first place: significant economic sabotage involving smuggling of many fake products,

drugs, small arms, and other goods.

How can a Nigerian farmer struggle for months to plant, cater, and harvest their crops only to find that those crops cannot attract good prices because of smuggled products from across our borders? Does the NESG know that according to the International trade Center, Benin Republic imports as much as rice as China and nearly as much frozen chicken as the U.K.? In which country does the NESG think all these rice and chicken end up?

How then can a Nigerian rice farmer or poultry owner survive?

While the Federal Government is doing its best to tackle these issues and reopen the border, we must bear in mind that border issues require cooperation by other countries.

“But if these countries, given their huge benefits from a rigged system, deny there is even a problem, how can Nigeria reopen the border without resolving these matters?

With respect to foreign exchange, the CBN operates two windows: wholesale and retail.

“In the wholesale window, banks are allocated FOREX weekly, which is meant to be allocated to their customers at their discretion, reflecting customer size and distributive efficiency, for final sale to parents paying school fees, patients settling medical bills abroad, SME traders importing small-scale inputs and raw materials, and general travelers for business and personal trips.

“The CBN also allocates a certain amount of FX to licensed BDCs per week, who resell to small-scale users.

In both categories, the CBN does not know the final buyers of this FX. “In the retail window, banks submit a detailed list of applicants who are then allocated foreign exchange based on availability.

Given that these submissions are first scrutinized by the banks and are accompanied by the provision of significant documentation, we do not understand the extra transparency being called for by the NESG. “Based on very limited information and cross-country exposure, the NESG refers to the CBN’s recent directive, which simply sets a floor on saving rates as “price fixing”. Given that in an ideal economic textbook/theory, saving should be equal to investment, we expected total deposits should closely mirror total loans. Yet, over the past several months, we have noticed an increasingly large gap between total deposits in the banking system and total credit to the economy. While total deposits stood at about N25 trillion in January 2020, total loans stood at N17 trillion. As of August 2020, while total deposits have increased to N29.7 trillion, total loans were only N19 trillion.

“Many rich cooperates have simply been content with saving their cash balances and collecting huge interest payments, rather than expanding their investment, which should lead to hiring more people and producing more goods. In other to forestall a continuation of this trend, the CBN had to act to discourage these practices for the good of the economy.

In other words, the rationale for moving to reduce the saving rates by banks is actually to encourage more lending.

“We also need to note in light of COVID-19 and to encourage more investments, many Central Banks

have cut their saving rates to nearly zero. In fact, some Central Banks, including the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, Denmark’s Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank, are now operating “negative interest rates”, which means customers pay banks to keep their deposits.

“Although the NESG, under its current leadership, has fallen short of its own standards and become a shadow of its old self, we believe there are better ways to resuscitate the Group’s brand other than through cheap popularity and tarnished attention using ambushed press statements made up of contrived allegations.

“Given that the NESG should know better, we believe that these allegations are reflective of sinister motives and malicious intent,” the statement said.

CBN on negative impact of the COVID-19 “As we all are aware, the impact of COVID-19 on countries across the world resulted in a significant downturn in the global economy. Consequently, countries including Nigeria were forced to impose lockdown measures in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.

“This action resulted in depressed economic activity in the first half of the year. Except for China and Vietnam, advanced, emerging and frontier market economies, all experienced significant negative growth in the first half of 2020, and some are currently in a recession.

“In response to these unfortunate events across the globe, central banks have embarked on measures aimed at stabilizing their respective economies by reducing lending rates, which declined to negative territory in several advanced economies, in addition to increasing the scale of their asset purchase programmes.

Indeed, after reducing its Federal Funds rate to 0 percent, the US Federal Reserve Bank implemented a huge securities purchase programme, which included purchase of corporate bonds (including those below investment grades).

“The Reserve Bank also provided credit facilities to non-bank institutions which included, money market funds and corporations.

The balance sheet of the US Federal Reserve in support of these activities increased by over $3 trillion, while the European Central Bank expanded its balance sheet by over $1 trillion.

“Furthermore, the Bank of England in an unusual move gave an open check to the UK Government in order to fund its recovery efforts.

It is therefore pertinent to state that the Nigerian economy is not immune from these crises given the over 65 percent drop in commodity prices; disruptions in global supply chains and the unprecedented outflow of over $100bn of debt and equity funds from emerging markets between March and May 2020; in addition to the impact of the lockdown on economic activities.

“These activities resulted in an over 60 percent reduction in revenues due to the Federation Account, a significant drop in foreign currency inflows, which led to downward adjustments in the naira/dollar exchange rate and a rise in inflation due to the exchange rate pass through effect of imported inflation,” it said.

METRO

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Page 21

Demolition: Residents urged to halt abuse of Abuja Master Plan

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

ollowing recent increased demolition of illegal structures in the nation’s capital city, residents have been implored to cooperate with the government to ensure that developments are carried out in line with the Master Plan.

Speaking during a recent inspection exercise, the Director, Town Planner Olawale Labiyi, who was represented by the Head, City Monitoring Division,

Town Planner Obina Nkwocha said the greatest concern in City Monitoring is enforcing the Concept and Aesthetic of the Abuja Master Plan.

Nkwocha said the upsurge in the population, and constant change in land uses, is negatively affecting the facilities and amenities provided by the FCT Administration.

According to Obina Nkwocha, the facilities are being overstretched and residents seem not to be concerned. When you

convert a block of 18 Flats to 36 Flats, what do you think happens to the infrastructure that has already been installed for 18 Flats?

He said it is high time that taking interest in Public facilities because it belongs to them.

He added that he was also concerned about the health of residents as bleeding Manholes and drain I’d not properly managed cause breeding of Mosquitoes and other life threatening diseases.

He observed that indiscriminate dumping of Construction wastes/ material, and bleeding manhole are some of the reoccurring problems in City Monitoring. He said residents can contribute to effective City Monitoring by maintaining personal hygiene in their immediate environment.

According to him, other areas where residents can assist in improving the aesthetics of the City is to desist from dumping

refuse in drainage Channels, Developers should confine their construction materials within their plot as stated in the Building Plan Approval; while the Planting of Trees, Flowers and Shrubs are highly recommended.

Obina said the Department of Monitoring And Inspection is committed to monitoring the City to ensure all nuisances are attended to, and urged residents to be partners in progress with Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The gate of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa under lock and key, as National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Bayaelsa joined the nationwide strike

by NARD on Wednesday (9/9/20).

Pastoralists trained on improved handling of diary products

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

s part of the measures to reposition livestock farming, some pastoralists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been trained on hygienic handling of diary products.

The pastoralists drawn from the FCT Area Councils were engaged in a series of trainings, where a team of experts exposed them to efficient methods of hygienic milk handling, to help improve the quality and market value of their milk, thereby

enhancing their incomes towards better livelihood.

Our correspondent reports that the capacity building workshop for Diary Cooperative Groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was recently organised by Department of Animal Husbandry Services, under the Agricultural and Rural Development (ARDS) of the FCT Administration, held in the Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils.

Explaining the workshop, Hajiya Umma Abubakar, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Services in the ARDS,

noted that the livestock subsector holds a lot of unexploited opportunities especially along its production and processing value chain.

Abubakar, disclosed that the ARDS will follow up trainees on the workshop, in order to monitor their progress and provide them with necessary assistance as the need arises.

“We trained pastoralists, who own 90% or more of the national herds of cattle and milk production in the country.

Because, what we need to do is to enhance the way milk is produced

and handled, so as to ensure that there is no contamination or adulteration.

“We have to ensure that we have a clean hygienic raw material, used to process the milk. And we are going to have series of trainings in terms of production, handling and processing across the six Area Councils of the FCT. “We are going to strengthen diary cooperative groups, so that they will aggregate milk , and pave way for private processors that are ready to uptake the milk from them. We have to train

and give them the equipment for quality milk production and handling.

“We are starting with these groups, because they produce the milk, and we want to improve the quality of the small quantity of the milk they are producing”, she stressed.

Many of the participants, who are mainly women involved in primary diary production process described the training programme as timely and key to the towards improving and harnessing of potentials in the livestock subsector.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Page 22

world news

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

California wildfires: Smoke hampers rescuers as blazes rage

R

escuers in California are struggling to reach dozens of people trapped by a huge fire, as crews continue to battle blazes across the state.

Smoke from the Creek Fire, near the city of Fresno, prevented helicopters from landing near a resort overnight where a group of hikers are sheltering.

In total, fires have burned through a record two million acres - more than the size of Delaware - in recent weeks.

California is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave.

Los Angeles County reported its highest-ever temperature of 49.4C (121F) on Sunday. Temperatures have dropped since then, but high winds are expected to fan the flames until Wednesday.

More than 14,000 firefighters are battling 25 major blazes in California.

The Creek Fire is the largest one. It broke out in the Sierra Mountains - a major tourism spot - north-east of Fresno on Friday.

The fire has burned more than 135,000 acres and none of it has been contained, Fresno fire chief Tony Escobedo said late on 1Monday.

Where are people trapped?

The Creek Fire has forced the group of about 50 hikers to shelter at the Vermilion Valley Resort since Sunday night. They are not in immediate danger, officials say.

An attempt to airlift them to safety was

People staying in the Sierra National Forest have been preparing for evacuation suspended overnight.

“The difficulty of the helicopters trying to get through the smoke has proven a challenge during the day,” fire chief Escobedo told reporters.

He said rescuers would try again to reach them later on Tuesday. Mr Escobedo added that his teams had reports of at least 50 people or more trapped at several locations, including nearby Lake Edison and China Peak.

At the weekend, 200 hikers were rescued from the area. The fire has devastated the small town of Big Creek, destroying at least two dozen homes, the Los Angeles Times reports.

What about the other fires?

Valley Fire in San Diego County has burned through more than 17,000 acres, and prompted the evacuation of the remote town of Alpine.

Bobcat fire in Angeles National Forest

has destroyed nearly 5,000 acres and forced the evacuation of the Mount Wilson Observatory.

Another blaze, the El Dorado fire in San Bernardino County, was started by fireworks during a gender reveal party on Saturday, officials say.

Gender reveal parties are celebrations announcing whether expecting parents are going to have a girl or a boy. In recent years, several large-scale parties have gone wrong, even resulting in the death of a woman in 2019.California has seen nearly 1,000 wildfires since 15 August, often started by lightning strikes.

There have been at least eight fires and more than 3,300 structures have been destroyed, state agency Cal Fire said on Monday.

Electricity supplies are being shut off to residents in 22 counties to prevent sparks from power lines setting off new fires. More than 170,000 residents are affected.

In 2018, 1.96 million acres were burned - the highest since Cal Fire began tracking numbers in 1987.

Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff told the Associated Press on Monday: “It’s a little unnerving because September and October are historically our worst months for fires. It’s usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more wind events”.

Northern Ireland Secretary admits new bill will ‘break international law’

A

government minister has said a new bill to amend the UK’s Brexit deal with the EU will “break international

law”.

Concerns had been raised about legislation being brought forward which could change parts of the withdrawal agreement, negotiated last year.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis conceded it would go against the treaty in a “specific and limited way”.

Former PM Theresa May warned the change could damage “trust” in the UK over future trade deals with other states.

The permanent secretary to the Government Legal Department, Sir Jonathan Jones, has announced he resigning from government in light of the bill, making him the sixth senior civil servant to leave Whitehall this year.

Sir Jonathan, who is the government’s most senior lawyer, is understood to have believed the plans went too far in breaching the government’s obligations under international law.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer condemned the bill and accused No 10 of “reopening old arguments that had been settled”, saying the “focus should be on getting a [trade] deal done” with the EU. No 10 revealed on Monday that it would be introducing a new UK Internal Market Bill that could affect post-Brexit customs and trade rules in Northern Ireland.

Downing Street said it would only make “minor clarifications in extremely specific areas” - but it worried some in Brussels and Westminster that it could see the government try to change the withdrawal agreement, which became international law when the UK left the EU in January.

The row also comes at the start of the eighth round of post-Brexit trade deal talks between the UK and the EU. The two sides are trying to secure a deal before the end of the transition period on 31 December, which will see the UK going onto World Trade Organisation rules if no agreement is reached.

The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, Lord David Frost, called for “realism” from his EU counterparts, saying he would “drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time”.

The EU said it would “do everything in [its] power to reach an agreement” with the UK, but “will be ready” for a no-deal scenario.

On Monday, Boris Johnson said if a deal hadn’t been done by the time the European Council meets on 15 October, the two sides should “move on” and accept the UK’s exit without one.

Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Louise Haigh, said it was “deeply concerning” that the prime minister “appeared to be undermining the legal obligations of his own deal” with the introduction of the new law while the negotiations are taking place.

‘Rule of law’ The text of the new bill will not be published until Wednesday, although the government has confirmed it will deal with the issue of the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol - an element of the withdrawal agreement designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland after Brexit.

The practicalities of the protocol which will deal with issues of state aid (financial support given to businesses by

governments) and whether there needs to be customs checks on goods - is still being negotiated by a joint UK and EU committee.

But Mr Lewis said the bill would take “limited and reasonable steps to create a safety net” if the negotiations failed.

Speaking during an urgent question on the bill, chair of the Justice Committee and Tory MP Bob Neill said the “adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable” He asked Mr Lewis: “Will he assure us that nothing proposed in this legislation does or potentially might breach international obligations or international legal arrangements?”

The Northern Ireland Secretary replied: “Yes. This does break international law in a very specific and limited way.”

He said the government was still working “in good faith” with the EU joint committee to overcome its concerns for the future of trade in Northern Ireland, but said there was “clear precedence for UK and indeed other countries needing to consider their obligations if circumstances change”.

This was an extremely unusual statement - a minister standing up in parliament to say the government is planning to break international law.

Brandon Lewis told the House of Commons that “there are clear precedents for the UK and other countries needing to consider their international obligations as circumstances change”.

That may suggest, says Catherine Barnard, Professor of Law at the University of Cambridge, that the government is looking at Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which enables a state to get out of its treaty obligations when circumstances change radically.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

But those changed circumstances have to be pretty dramatic - something like the dissolution of Yugoslavia, when a recognised country ceases to exist.

In the case of the Northern Ireland Protocol, it is less than a year since the government negotiated the treaty in full knowledge of the sensitivity of the situation.

And if the government does go ahead with legislation which appears to contradict the withdrawal agreement?

“There is a chance,” says Prof Barnard, “that the EU will decide to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism in the withdrawal agreement, which could lead to arbitration and a case before the European Court of Justice.”

Mrs May - who stood down as prime minister last year after her own Brexit deal failed to get the support of Parliament said: “The United Kingdom government signed the withdrawal agreement with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“This Parliament voted that withdrawal agreement into UK legislation. The government is now changing the operation of that agreement.”

“How can the government reassure future international partners that the UK can be trusted to abide by the legal obligations of the agreements it signs?”

The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, also called it a “sad and shocking state of affairs for our country”.

He tweeted: “Breaking international law will do untold damage to our reputation abroad, it will make us poorer and make it harder to solve global crises like the climate emergency.”

Source: bbc

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Michael Cohen’s book: ANC blasts ‘divisive’ Trump over Mandela

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outh Africa’s governing African National Congress (ANC) has called US President Donald Trump “divisive, misogynistic and disrespectful” in response to reports that he was dismissive about Nelson Mandela, the country’s first black president.

Mr Trump said the Nobel Peace Prize winner was “no leader”, according to his former lawyer Michael Cohen.

The allegation comes from Cohen’s new book, Disloyal: A Memoir.

The White House says Cohen is lying.

His book also says that Mr Trump behaves like a mobster and has “a low opinion of all black people”.

In a scathing response, the ANC, which Mandela led from 1991 to 1997, said that “all freedom-loving people of the world are appalled by these insults which come from a person who, himself, is not a model of competent leadership”.

“Trump is [the most] divisive, misogynistic and disrespectful person ever to occupy the office of the president,” it added.

In contrast, Mandela had stood as a unifying leader, who “reached out to the world and sought to bring peace and a just society”, the ANC said.

Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 and stepped down in 1999. He died in 2013 aged 95.

Earlier, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said it did not believe that “leaders who conduct themselves in the way Mr Trump does are in a position to offer authoritative commentary on the life and work of Madiba [Mandela]”.

As well as criticising Mandela, the US president is reported by Cohen to have said: “Tell me one country run by a black person that isn’t a shithole. They are all complete [expletive] toilets.”

The words echo similar allegations, from 2018, that Trump referred to African countries as “shithole” nations.

Back then, Mr Trump told reporters: “I am not a racist. I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed.”

Responding to Cohen’s book, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany at the weekend described him as “a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress”.

“He has lost all credibility, and it’s unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies,” she said.

Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994 Nobel Peace Prize winner Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against apartheid, negotiated with the white-minority government to ensure a non-violent transition to democratic rule in 1994.

In 1993, he won the Nobel prize alongside former South African

President FW de Klerk, the man he negotiated with, for their efforts in securing a “peaceful termination of the apartheid regime”.

Apartheid was a legalised system of discrimination against people who were not white, and had been introduced in South Africa in 1948.

Source: bbc

Letter from Africa: Why journalists in Nigeria feel under attack

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n our series of letter from African journalists, Mannir Dan Ali, former editorin-chief of Nigeria’s Daily Trust newspaper, looks at difficulties Nigerian journalists face for simply doing their job.

In Nigeria questions are still being asked about why some public officials consider journalists to be their errand boys.

This follows the outrage that greeted a tongue-lashing one reporter received from a former government minister and member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

It was all caught on video when Femi Fani-Kayode did not like a question he was asked by journalist Eyo Charles.

Mr Fani-Kayode, who holds no official position within the government or the PDP, has been publicly inspecting state government projects around the country.

After each inspection, he has called a press conference to give the project a thumbs up.

It was in Calabar, the capital of Cross River, the third state he had visited in recent months, that Mr Fani-Kayode lost his cool when Charles asked him about the financing of his trips: “Sir, please you did not disclose to us who is bankrolling you…”

Instead of even allowing the journalist to finish his question, a fuming Mr Fani-Kayode called him “very stupid” and alleged that he looked like a poor man who collected bribes, known here as “brown envelopes”, from newsmakers.

This apparently was one of Mr FaniKayode’s least insulting run-ins with a journalist.

I too have had an encounter with him, when he was in government serving in the cabinet of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo more than a decade ago.

It went beyond an insult. It took place at the presidential villa, known as Aso Rock, where he threatened to slap me, prompting other journalists to come between us.

I had no idea at the time why he was angry; it was only later I understood it was to do with he former Sudanese president, controversial comments he had made inOmar a live interview he hadhas given to the BBC about Mr al-Bashir, appeared in court at the Obasanjo’s third start of histerm trial ambitions. over the military coup The interview became hot news and he in which he took took his anger outpower on meinas1989. the BBC reporter Alongside co-accused he was in on the ground several at the time.

Horsewhip a metal cage threat wearing white prison-issue It is not only Mr Fani-Kayode who clothes. perceives journalists as irritants.

Mr Bashir wasback, ousted in April last year Some months the governor of southby military officers following of eastern Ebonyi state banished twomonths journalists

Sudan’s Bashir

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Former cabinet minister Femi Fani-Kayode launched into a tirade against a journalist on live television

Some journalists expect to be paid for covering events by the organisers from practising there over what he said was nationwide street protests. their negative reports In penchant Decemberforhewriting was sentenced to two about the state. years in a detention facility for corruption.

“If you think you have the pen, we have former Sudanesewarned president the The koboko,” the governor using isa local facing word for a horsewhip. also prosecution over the killing of Media reaction to theby governor’s order led protesters and is wanted the International to a reversal of the banishment.

Criminal Court charges genocide, Several yearsonago at theofDaily Trust,war we crimes and out crimes againstfrom humanity the had to pull a reporter a stateinafter some thugs beat region. him up at a public event country’s Darfur

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after the state governor took exception to his rmed militia attacked a school reports.and raped female students on the In its comment on the recent Fani-Kayode eve of their examinations in the incident, Amnesty International Democratic Republic of Congo. condemned the manner in which the journalist was The men attacked an examination treated. centre housingseek 35accountability final year on students “Journalists behalf in the Isiro town, capital Haut-Uélé of people andthe should not of be threatened province. or abused for asking questions,” the human The students wentsaid. on to sit for the rights body’s statement The public outcry has now according forced Mr Faniexaminations on Monday, to a

Kayode to apologise to the journalist - though he is still threatening to take the Daily Trust newspaper and one of its columnists to court over the matter.

Clearly this is not the last to be heard on the uneasy relationship between the media and Nigeria’s newsmakers.

Aside from threats and verbal attacks, there are also subtle ways in which the media in Nigeria, and I dare say in many other African countries, is hobbled.

Some government organisations and big companies deny advertising to outlets they consider have given them unfavourable coverage.

Then there is the poor remuneration or even outright non-payment of salaries by some media houses, which means that some journalists have allegiances to those who can pay.

Some actively seek cash handouts before they cover events or do stories.

Beggars’ palace From my experience as a journalist in Nigeria, it is not only the rich and powerful who assume journalists are on the take.

One vivid instance involved the head of a group of beggars at a big rubbish dump in Ijora Badia, a slum in Lagos.

I had gone to interview him for the BBC in the late 1990s to find out what he made of an attempt by the authorities to get beggars off the streets and into a rehabilitation centre.

He was holding court at what he called his palace, built right at the top of the tip from discarded wood, where he scoffed at the proposal.

Afterwards, he insisted I take a wad of naira notes from him.

I kept refusing and it took a long explanation for him to understand that I needed no incentive from him to do my job.

More recently at a US embassy event to mark Press Freedom day in Abuja, a young reporter wanted to know why it was not right to take to money for covering events.

He felt it was like paying those who priest presentations in the area. at workshops and other make Hundreds of students fled after an functions. attack examination centre, One near of the another speakers at the event explained delicately a proverb, saying “the hand of accordingwith to AFP news agency. the Some giver is700 always at the bottom of the hand students and teachers fled of thethe taker” - implying that when with a journalist after attack near the border South takes such offerings, he or she is unlikely to be Sudan. objective or ask the difficult questions.

The militia wanted to sabotage exams, Sadly in Nigeria at those rare moments the agency quotes a local army do spokesperson when uncomfortable questions get asked, a Dieudonne Kasereka as saying. treatment. journalist can get the Fani-Kayode

DR Congo militia rape

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Hong Kong embarks on mass Covid testing amid criticism

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ong Kong has begun a free universal Covid-19 testing programme, despite criticism that it is not effective and could be misused for surveillance.

The voluntary mass testing is being conducted with the help of medical staff from mainland China.

A health workers union has criticised the effort as an inefficient waste of resources while activists have said it could be used to collect DNA samples.

Authorities have dismissed the criticism as a smear campaign.

Why is Hong Kong doing the mass testing?

Hong Kong has so far managed to keep the virus at a comparatively low level with just under 5,000 confirmed infections.

But there are fears that several smaller waves might lead to a larger outbreak which could then spiral out of control.

Authorities hope the universal testing effort will give an accurate picture of the spread and help to contain the pandemic.

Testing got under way on Tuesday with more than half a million residents so far having registered. Hong Kong has a population of about 7.5 million.

Health workers are taking samples at more than 140 collection centres across the city.

China has previously tested the entire population of Wuhan, the city which saw the first and worst outbreak within China.

Did China test a whole city in 10 days?

Why is the testing controversial?

A union of healthcare workers has criticised the project, saying mass testing is not an efficient way to tackle the pandemic.

The 20,000-member Hospital Authority Employees Alliance said focused tests would be a much better way to use resources.

Union leader Winnie Yu has called on people not to participate and told reporters the massive testing was essentially being done to please Beijing.

“They shall do whatever they can to please the central government of China, even if it means placing politics above all things else,” she said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Coronavirus: India sees nearly two million cases in August I ndia has reported nearly two million Covid-19 cases in August, the highest monthly tally in the world since the pandemic began.

August was also the worst month for fatalities with 28,000 virus deaths.

With 3.6 million confirmed cases, India has the thirdhighest caseload in the world, after the US and Brazil.

The government continues to lift restrictions to try to boost an economy that lost millions of jobs because of a strict lockdown which began in March.

In August, India saw an average of 64,000 cases per day - a 84% hike from average daily cases in July, according to official data.

This number is the highest in the world - for example, the US, which has the most number of cases, saw 47,000 daily cases on average last month.

The spike in numbers comes as the country expands its testing amid concerns that the virus has started to spread in many rural areas as well.

A sudden upsurge in new cases in four states - Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and

ab sample from a woman for Covid-19 rapid antigen test in New Delhi Orissa (Odisha) - has prompted the federal government to deploy teams there, local media reported.

Maharashtra, the epicentre of the outbreak in India, continues to lead the pack with nearly 800,000 confirmed

cases.

Even though some states have rapidly ramped up their testing capabilities, India’s testing rate - at around 32,000 tests per million - is still on the lower end of the spectrum.

But India’s recovery rate

remains encouraging - out of every 100 confirmed cases, nearly 77 have recovered so far.

Simultaneously, the number of deaths continues to be low for every 100 confirmed cases, just under two have died from the virus.

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US government-funded broadcaster.

Images of women applying their fingerprints or adding their signatures to petitions against the move were also widely circulated on social media.

‘Suppressing Mongolian language’ Starting this month, according to the new policy, schools would gradually shift the language of instruction in three subjects - politics, history, and language and literature from Mongolian to Mandarin across China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, home to an ethnic Mongol minority.

The Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center, a New York-based activist group, described angry scenes across the region as many parents only learned about the shift in policy as schools were set to reopen.

It said there was a tense confrontation at one boarding school

as hundreds of parents demanded the release of their children, who had returned early.

“Hundreds of riot police poured to the scene, preventing the parents from accessing the school dormitories. Following hours of standoff, parents finally broke through the police barricade and proceeded to pick up their children,” the group said in a statement.

Authorities have warned people in Inner Mongolia against speaking out on social media. Posts on the subject on Weibo, China’s Twitterlike platform, have been removed.

But concerns over the directive are still running high with some parents keeping students at home.

On Tuesday staff at a school in Naiman county told the BBC that only around 40 students had registered for the semester in place of the usual 1,000. Some subsequently changed their minds, and only some 10 remained.

They said teachers had been sent out for family visits to convince parents to send their children back to school. But that parents were worried the language change would harm the future of their own language.

It has been an unusual display of widespread dissent in the remote grasslands region bordering Mongolia and Russia.

A 32-year-old herder from Xilingol League told AFP he was concerned children would lose fluency in their mother tongue.

“Almost every Mongolian in Inner Mongolia is opposed to the revised curriculum,” said the man, who gave his surname as Hu. Critics say the Chinese government has been accelerating its push to assimilate minorities despite coming under widespread international criticism for its treatment of minority groups including the mostly Muslim Uighurs in western Xinjiang.

Beirut explosion: Macron ready to host Lebanon aid conference

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rench President Emmanuel Macron says the next six weeks are crucial for the future of Lebanon, as it struggles with an economic crisis and the aftermath of the explosion in Beirut a month ago.

Mr Macron is offering to host an aid conference in mid-October to help.

He is visiting Lebanon to press the country’s leaders form a government as soon as possible to implement reforms to tackle corruption and mismanagement.

Just before his arrival, political parties agreed on a new prime minister.

Mustapha Adib, Lebanon’s former ambassador to Germany, said he wanted an immediate start to reforms and an International Monetary Fund rescue package.

The last government resigned amid widespread anger over the Beirut blast, which killed at least 190 people, injured 6,000 others, and devastated swathes of the city.

The cause of the disaster was the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that had been stored unsafely in a warehouse at the capital’s port for six years.

The World Bank estimated on Monday that the explosion caused as much as $4.6bn (£3.4bn) in damage

to buildings and infrastructure.

Other losses, including the impact on economic output, could add up to $3.5bn, it said.

What does Mr Macron want to see happen?

The president arrived in Beirut on Monday night for his second visit since the disaster.

But rather than immediately sitting down with Lebanese politicians, Mr Macron instead went to see the legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz to award her France’s highest award, the Legion of Honour.

The president was greeted outside the 85-year-old diva’s home by protesters holding banners

saying “No cabinet by, or with, the murderers” and “Don’t be on the wrong side of history”.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Macron joined a celebration to mark Lebanon’s centenary by planting a cedar tree - Lebanon’s national symbol - in the Jaj forest.

The area of present-day Lebanon had been part of the Turkishruled Ottoman Empire until the latter’s defeat in World War One, after which Lebanon came under the control of France - one of the victorious allied powers.

France was granted a mandate for Lebanon by the newly created League of Nations, and on 1

September 1920, it declared the establishment of the State of Greater Lebanon. The country (renamed the Lebanese Republic) declared independence from France in 1943.

After planting the tree, Mr Macron tweeted that Lebanon “will be able to rise again from this crisis that it is going through”.

He then met representatives of UN and local aid agencies near Beirut’s port and told them that he was ready to host a second international aid conference for the country. The first conference, days after the blast, raised pledges of $298m for immediate humanitarian relief.

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By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Minister commends biosafety agency for GMO regulation efforts

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Rare rallies in China over Mongolian language curb

thnic Mongolians in northern China have staged rare rallies against measures to reduce teaching in the Mongolian language in favour of Chinese.

As schools began a new term on Tuesday some parents held children back in protest at the policy.

Under the rules, three core subjects in Inner Mongolia will gradually be taught in Mandarin, China’s official language.

Many ethnic Mongolians view the move as a threat to their cultural identity.

Large crowds of students and parents were seen protesting against the change in demonstrations that broke out over the weekend across several cities.

“Our language is Mongolian, and our homeland is Mongolia forever!

Our mother tongue is Mongolian, and we will die for our mother tongue!” shouted students at one recent protest, reported Radio Free Asia, a

Environment PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10,

nvironment Minister of State, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, has commended the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) for its efforts in ensuring that the activities of modern biotechnology and its products are properly regulated.

Environment Minister of State, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, with officials of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) during her visit to the establishment The Minister of State, who made the submission when she paid a working visit to the NBMA offices in Abuja recently noted that since its inception, the agency has achieved a lot by putting in place appropriate measures to protect human health and the environment from the potential harmful impact of modern biotechnology products.

The minister said the NBMA is significant in the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure sustainable development in the country. ‘’The world we live now demands an agency like the NBMA as transboundary movement of organisms need to be checked to nip in the bud any threat of bioterrorism. I think the agency is doing a great job for all of us. I am quite impressed by what I see today, your trained staff and the stateof-the-art detection and analysis laboratory are pointers that Nigeria

is going in the right direction in terms of regulation of modern biotechnology,” she said.

The minister promised to assist the NBMA in meeting its areas of challenges so that staff of the agency can discharge their duties more efficiently.

Director General/CEO of NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegbe, in a remark, appreciated the presence of the minister and restated commitment to ensure the

realisation of the mission and vision of the agency.

While giving a presentation on the status of the NBMA, he explored the mandate of the agency, regulatory instruments, concerns, international partnerships, giant strides, regulatory processes, approvals granted, challenges, and biosecurity, among others.

The DG/CEO said the agency’s amended act included ensuring

that Nigerians are protected from harmful biological agents which the current COVID19 pandemic is one.

“The issue of biosecurity is imperative to our nation as there is need to protect Nigerians and the environment from harmful biological agents. We need to be ready hence the agency has begun drafting of the National Biosecurity Policy which will be presented to the ministry as soon as it is validated by stakeholders.

“We live in a precarious world today and the need to adequately regulate modern biotechnology is a step to achieving sustainable growth and development.”

Ebegba led the minister on a tour of the agency’s Genetic Modification (GM) Detection and Analysis Laboratory where the minister commended the modern state-of-the-art equipment.

Source : environewsNigeria

R-L: Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Yemi Oguntominiyi hands-over to the new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ernest Umakhihe, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry, yesterday in Abuja.

Climate Change Education Should Be Included In The Curriculum Of Nigerian Schools At All Levels

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limate change can be regarded as one of the utmost challenges facing the world today and it is possibly the single most significant environmental problem of our time. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (IPCC, 2007; 2018) has adopted a firmly unequivocal and more urgent tone declaring that climate change is happening faster and, in some cases with more severe impacts than scientists had predicted.

In addition to the IPCC, various other reports have predicted that global climate change will have drastic consequences for human society and global ecosystems especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

Nigeria has been experiencing significant changes in her climate with the consequence of increased temperature, irregular rainfall, recurring extreme weather events, drought and desertification, rise in sea level and flooding, land degradation and loss of biodiversity etc, (Elisha et al., 2017). The climate change associated challenges vary across the country with

low precipitation in the North and high precipitation in parts of the Southwest and Southeast (Haider, 2019) leading to drought and desertification in the north and flooding and erosion in the South (Akande et al., 2017). All this suggest the need for urgent and transformative action on the part of the government and other key stakeholder.

Though climate change is adjudged a coffee-tablediscussion-topic among the masses now-a-days, not everyone is aware of the negative effects of climate change. The Building Nigerian Response to Climate Change project (BNRCC, 2011) reported a low level of public awareness on issues related to climate change in Nigeria. A major reason given for the low level of awareness is insufficient attention given to climate change issues by Nigerian media (Ajaero & Anorue, 2018).

The big question arises as to what could be done to abate the high susceptibility of Nigeria to the impacts of climate change. One important response should be the provision and

intensification of climate change education (CCE) in schools and communities. Climate change education (CCE) is defined as one that gives the knowledge and tools needed by citizens so as to be environmentally literate and ready to face environmental and social challenges with confidence and optimism. Its importance cannot be overemphasized. Education is helpful in understanding and addressing the impact of global warming, increasing “climate literacy”, encouraging changes in attitudes and behaviors among young people and helping them in adapting to climate change related trends, (UNESCO, 2019).

UN Alliance on Climate Change Education, Training and Public Awareness declared Climate Education as a “Driver of Change”. In essence, capacities for addressing the climate crisis can be developed by mainstreaming climate change education throughout formal education systems given the multiplier effects of individuals passing on what they have learned to families and communities, (Mochizuki & Bryan 2015). In other words, CCE

contributes to enhancing bottomup solutions to a global problem since children learn about natural risks at school and then pass same information onto their parents.

Climate change education helps to build resilience in our communities. The knowledge to be acquired from such awareness and education equips the citizens with the knowledge, information, dispositions, skills and values of how to respond safely to disasters like floods, drought and bushfires.

Krasny & DuBois, (2016) have observed that acquiring knowledge of adaptation is considered essential in order to reduce risk and vulnerability while building adaptive capacity and resilience. Educating people on climate change improves their ability to assimilate information, speculate likely dangers ahead of time, prepare for climate disasters and recover from their effects. CCE is a key factor in curbing climate change when it is focused on children and young people. CCE develops a caring culture for our climate among the citizens. This plays a significant role in bringing about a long-term behavioral and

attitudinal changes in citizens.

In summary, Nigeria is facing the impacts of climate change like rising temperatures, floods and changes in rainfall pattern among others. If these continue without deliberate intervention to abate its consequences, the future may be unbearable. The level of information available influences the awareness level on climate change issues.

Hence, there is need to empower the citizenry with adequate knowledge regarding climate change. CCE should be included in the curriculum of schools at all levels. The media must stand up to their responsibilities of informing the populace.

Scientists must be conscious to communicate their researches.

Climate Change Education must be put on the front burner. This will help to build sustainable and resilient communities. No one else can do it for Nigeria except all of us. Nigeria’s climate change impact reduction must be driven by the people of Nigeria through CCE. Source: Dr Chinwe Ogunji

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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Feature

Syrian refugees left feeling helpless - again - by Beirut blast

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here’s not a lot to pick up. But Syrian refugees don’t have very much.

Mahmud and his brother-inlaw, Fawaz, are salvaging what they can from what used to be their father’s home, a modest flat tucked away behind one of Beirut’s seafront tower blocks.

They stumble over rubble and twisted metal to reach what used to be the living room. A fridge leans on its side, its door hanging open. A bird cage lies crushed on the floor, a lifeless canary nearby.

Small showers of shattered glass still occasionally sprinkle down from the floors above.

The Côte Building is still standing, but it’s a wreck. It’ll be a long time before new tenants are found for its gutted luxury apartments.

If anyone can claim to have been living closest to the epicentre of the explosion in Beirut on 4 August, it was the people living out of sight at the back of the ground floor: the Kenno family, refugees from Syria’s Aleppo province.

From the gutted lobby of the Côte, the view gives out over the busy coast road to the port beyond. A cloud of yellow dust still swirls over the shattered grain silos next to where 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded, sending a devastating shock wave across the city.

That evening, Mahmud’s father Ali was sitting next to the building where he worked as concierge, watching the fire raging at the port. His wife Fatmah told him to come inside, but he didn’t think there was anything to worry about.

The explosion brought heavy stone cladding raining down from above, wounding them both, as well as their 11year old daughter Huda.

When Mahmud heard the blast, he raced to the building from the nearby suburb of Daoura.

“I thought I would never see my family alive,” he says. “On the way from Daoura, I saw terrible scenes. I saw people in their cars, dead. I thought that would be my family’s fate.”

Ali, Fatmah and Huda all suffered

“

If anyone can claim to have been living closest to the epicentre of the explosion in Beirut on 4 August, it was the people living out of sight at the back of the ground floor: the Kenno family, refugees from Syria’s Aleppo province

Mahmud (L) and his brother-in-law Fawaz are helping to clear up their family’s ruined home

Gen Haftar’s forces have been beaten back since Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan intervened in the conflict

The Côte Building sustained severe damage in the 4 August explosion terrible injuries but survived.

However, Huda’s 16-year-old sister, Sidra, died in the rubble.

Mahmud and Fawaz wrap small pieces of bloodied stone in a sheet, adding them to their meagre collection of belongings.

They take them up into the nearby hills, where the family has found temporary

accommodation and a place to nurse their many wounds.

They’re exhausted and broken, grieving for Sidra. Mahmud has already buried her, far away in the Bekaa Valley, in a plot reserved for Syrian refugees.

Huda and her mother lie still on thin mattresses, immobilised by neck and back

braces.

Ali has an ugly scar on the back of his head. He suffered a fractured skull. He’s still blind in one eye.

All three are in pain and Mahmud feels they’re not getting adequate care.

But with Beirut’s hospitals overwhelmed, the family must look after themselves. They have no savings and now no work either.

They’re spending what little they have on medicine and accommodation.

Ali doubts he’ll ever make it back to his job at the Côte.

“I don’t know,” he says. “How will I see? How will I recover? My head hurts. I lost a daughter. My wife is sick. My other daughter’s sick. I can’t go back.”

Back in Beirut, Syrian refugees queue anxiously at street corner aid stations set up by local charities.

You don’t hear Beirutis talking much about it, but Syrians refugees were hugely caught up in the explosion.

The UN says at least 13 refugees died and that 57 remain unaccounted for. The real number may never be known as not all Syrian refugees are registered or carry papers.

Many lived in poor neighbourhoods adjacent to the port, while some worked on the docks.

With homes damaged and breadwinners gone, life for an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon has just become a little harder.

Mahmud was living and working in Lebanon long before the rest of his family fled Syria. He arrived at the age of 13 and even helped to build the tower block where his family ended up living.

He’s always looked after himself. He can’t stand this new feeling of helplessness.

“I hate it when someone calls me a refugee,” he says.

“I have my dignity. I’ll never put out my hand and ask for help. But now I really need it. My situation is really, really bad.”

After two weeks of relentless effort locating his hospitalised relatives, burying his sister, providing for the extended family - he’s bitter.

“All I’m thinking about is how to get out of here,” he says.

“I hate this country. My sister died here.”

Source: BBC

HEALTH

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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s Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day, a non governmental organization, Engraced Onces has advocated acceptance and care for special needs children.

The NGO was perturbed by ill treatment meted to special needs children across the country and called for equal treatment of all children regardless of their defects.

Speaking to our reporter, the Coordinator of the NGO, Bibora Yinkere, appealed to Nigerians and government at all levels to increase their care for special children.

While giving the story of a young girl, she said, Josephine was diagnosed for autism spectrum disorder at age four, and experienced the warm and cold waters of the social pond.

“Her parents are trying hard to get her trained and tutored in the special education ways she can learn, though without any external palliative.

“However, when she misbehaves, throws tantrums or paces around the hall where other persons are, people ignorantly judge her to be defiant and badly behaved. In fact, people may start to withdraw from her. There are neighbours that will begrudge or decidedly avoid the family that has special needs children.

“These are not supposed to be so.

Even though every family of special needs children makes its own temporary peace with the social reality of their childs physical limitations and behaviours, our society must come to terms with the fact that disability is not a communicable disease.”

She said children who fall on the autism spectrum disorder may be almost blind to certain social cues. “But the society should tolerate them, give them chance and be tutored to accommodating them. Theyll definitely thrive better in a society void of discrimination

and rejection, but laced by love and acceptance.

“Therefore, the immediate families of these special needs children should be encouraged and seek for better understanding on how to help these ones in transitioning into more useful entity that they are.”

While speaking on the rights of Special needs children, she said they have legitimate rights and needs.

“They have a promising future and distinct impacts to make on their world.

Please note that the ‘United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child’ is an important agreement by countries who have promised to protect childrens

rights. The ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’ explains who children are, all their rights, and the responsibilities of governments.

“For instance, the 23rd item on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child charter detailed the expected treatment of children with disabilities. It states that ‘every child with a disability should enjoy the best possible life in society. Governments should remove all obstacles for children with disabilities to become independent and to participate actively in the community”.

She said government is saddled with the responsibility of removing all obstacles for these children to become

independent and participate actively in the community.

“These will include providing for unhindered access to basic health needs, special needs education, provision of required special technical educational aids, etc. These are the approved international standard rights of special needs children. Most nations are doing more towards this goal. But these have remained a mirage in our dear nation.

“We at the Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative therefore call on the government of Nigeria to do more in honoring the UN child rights charter of which Nigeria is a signatory, as it concerns special needs children.”

UNICEF Nigeria names Cobhams National Ambassador

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Mahmud’s sister, Sidra, 16, was killed in the disaster

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Engraced Ones advocate care, acceptance for special need children

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Mahmud’s mother Fatmah was badly injured and has to wear a back brace

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

s Nigeria celebrates Nigerian Children Day, United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria revealed the appointment of internationally acclaimed, award-winning Nigerian musician, producer and songwriter Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo as a National Ambassador.

UNICEF in a statement issued yesterday

by Oluwatosin Akingbulu Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, said the appointment makes this celebrated artist UNICEF Nigeria’s first National Ambassador in 15 years.

“It’s a huge honour to become a UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador,” said Cobhams. “I am passionate about children’s rights, and I am

passionate about Nigeria – and securing it’s future. The only way we can truly do that, is through ensuring every child can fulfill their potential.”

“I am thrilled to join the very impressive list of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors around the world supporting the protection and promotion of children’s rights globally and look forward to making my contribution to the improvement of the lives of Nigerian children and young people.”

Cobhams Asuquo, a lawyer by training, is a well-known singer and musician who shot to fame when he produced the debut album of Nigerian soul sensation Asa, including the hit singles, “Fire on the Mountain” and “Jailer”.

As UNICEF National Ambassador,

he will help raise awareness of children’s rights concerns and solutions, including around issues such as birth registration, immunization, education, and protection from violence.

Cobhams has supported UNICEF Nigeria’s work since 2019, including through producing the hits I’m a Nigeria Child (For Every Child) calling for every Nigerian child’s rights to be respected and protected, and We go Win (Corona), to raise awareness on how Nigerians can protect themselves from COVID-19.

In 2015, Cobhams produced a song Tell Everybody, to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the UN Global Goals campaign.

“I’m delighted to welcome Cobhams

to the UNICEF family, particularly on Nigerian Children’s Day – a day that is dedicated to every Nigerian child, to give Nigerian children a better place to survive, thrive and develop,” said UNICEF Nigeria Representative Peter Hawkins. “Cobhams has already supported UNICEF to raise children’s and youth issues. I am sure that he will use his singing, his passion, and dedication to continue to defend the rights of vulnerable children and young people in Nigeria.”

Nigerian Children’s Day – celebrated on 27 May – celebrates the importance of children in Nigeria, providing the opportunity to policymakers and families to focus on the holistic development of young Nigerians.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Football scouting programme: Fieldoo Challenge Nigeria begins in Abuja November

Players listening to instruction during Fieldoo South Africa Challneg in November

By Amaechi Agbo igeria is set to witness a new phase in football scouting programme as Europeanbased football talent scouting coaches and managers will storm Nigeria’s capital, Abuja November to carry out a one-week football scouting programme Fieldoo, a Switzerland based football talent scouting company, will storm Abuja in November in search of talented young Nigerian footballers who are ready to excel in Europe.

Over ten coaches from various reputable clubs in Europe will join FIELDOO in Abuja from November 5-11 for this massive project.

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A total of 1000 talented players to be selected across various football academies will converge for this challenge where the exceptional ones will be selected.

With venue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, FIELDOO CHALLENGE NIGERIA is set to revolutionalise football scouting programme in Nigeria with various incentives for football academies/players who will participate in the programme.

With success stories recorded in South Africa in November last year when Fieldoo Challenge South Africa was hosted, Fieldoo Challenge Nigeria will be another scouting challenge the Europeans will be conducting in Africa with

Egypt as the next Target.

Fieldoo Challenge headquarters in Switzerland, will conduct same programme in some countries in African and European continents with USA, Australia, Slovenia, among others, on the queue.

Fieldoo Challenge is structured to achieve three goals encapsulated in DPE: D stands for Discovering top talents, grooming and placing them in European clubs P stands for Providing players with real and direct opportunity to excel in their career While E is to Empower players through informing and educating them on how to make it in the industry.

Because football is the most popular sport in Nigeria and Nigeria is the best football country in Africa with talents that are hidden in various localities, Fieldoo has come to show Nigerian football talents to the World Recently, FIFA President, Giannini Infantino stated that “I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa,” Fieldoo does not only undoubtedly share in this belief but is ready to help in no small measures to realise this project.

Fieldoo Challenge Nigeria Team is Headed by renowned former national teams coaches, John Sam Obuh and assisted by

Abimbola Samuel.

Both coaches have put modalities in motion to ensure that Fieldoo Challenge Nigeria is the first and best of its kind in football scouting programme in the country.

Football academies across the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are expected to participate in this challenge.

There is also room for private players, (talented players who are not attached to any academy/ club) to register and be part of the project.

Registration details will be communicated in subsequent updates.

Victor Osimhen grateful after father’s burial

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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Nasarawa State Government promises to support Teqball Development

By Amaechi Agbo

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Teqball players in action and assured the Exco of his support.

Similarly, the state’s Director of Sports, Mr. Shammah wished

the team the very best adding that it was an opportunity for the youths to harness their potentials.

The Teqball delegation was

made up of the chairman, David A Allu; Vice Chairman, Umar Khalid Baban Amarya; Attakyun Akolo Daniel Nasarawa State

Coordinator of Referees and Lami Thelma Ogah, Secretary of the association.

Cotterill in Barcelona said, “These talks between Barcelona and Lionel Messi will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has now arrived in the country and will be leading these talks as far as the Messi camp is concerned.

“The Barcelona side cannot even agree with each other. There is the president’s side, who on one hand say Messi has this valid contract and is not going anywhere for less than the asking price – we are not going to do any deals.

“The other side of the boardroom feel like that is unrealistic – we are in financial hole, he could leave anyway in a year’s time and meanwhile hang around not wanting to be here.

t is rare in Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL for players to write a farewell message to clubs after they left them for another but former Enyimba FC of Aba defender, Ifeanyi Anaemena has done something remarkable.

Anaemena who left Enyimba to join neighbours, Rivers United has penned an emotional farewell message to the clubs fans and administrators.

The combative defender, nicknamed “NPFL Van Dijk” left the 2018/2019 NPFL champions to join Rivers United after 6 glorious years with the Aba Elephants In a goodbye message he sent to the club on Tuesday, Anaemena thanked the Enyimba fans for their support during his six years with the club and declared that the memories he shared with them will not be forgotten.

“As you all might have heard in the news, my very successful six years sojourn to Aba, home of the People’s Elephant is over.

I have agreed a move to our neighbours Rivers United after a glorious time with Enyimba.

“I am penning this note

Ifeanyi Anaemena

to thank you guys for all you have been to me during my time with Enyimba, one of the greatest clubs in the

country.

You made me one of your own with great support and constant adulation.

Mikel Obi leads Stoke City to preseason win over EPL side Leeds United

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Jorge Messi

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Ifeanyi Anaemena pens emotional farewell to Enyimba fans I

Messi’s father arrives in Barcelona for crunch talks

ionel Messi’s father and agent has touched down in Spain for crunch talks with the Barcelona hierarchy over his son’s future.

Jorge Messi boarded a private jet taking him to Spain from Rosario in Argentina and landed in the private terminal of the Barcelona-El Prat airport at around 6.45am local time.

The 33-year-old no longer considers himself a Barcelona player and did not turn up to the club’s Covid-19 testing on Sunday and subsequent start of training sessions on Monday.

The Argentinian, who has played for the Spanish team for almost 20 years, informed the club last week he wants to leave.

Sky Sports News‘ Gary

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By Amaechi Agbo

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he Nasarawa State government has disclosed its commitment to the growth and development of Teqball in the state.

The state’s commissioner for youth and sports, Othman Bala Adamu stated this when members of the Nasarawa State Teqball Association Executive Council members paid him a familiarisation visit in his office on Monday.

The Teqball delegation was led by its chairman, David Allu who told the commissioner that the council was in his office to officially introduce the beautiful game of Teqball and need to work in collaboration with the sports ministry for the development and growth of the sport in the state.

In his speech, the Commissioner who expressed delight over the new sport, thanked the Chairman and his team for counting the Ministry worthy of involvement and commended the spirit of sportsmanship they have shown.

The Commissioner welcomed the development and assured the Excos of the ministry’s support and involvement in the game.

He wished the association all the best and promised to inform the Governor of the latest development.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alh. Abdullahi Aliyu Agwai who was also present during the visit, congratulated the Teqball officials

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

ormer Super Eagles Captain John Mikel Obi featured for Stoke City in their pre-season friendly game with premier league new boys, Leeds United on Tuesday.

Mikel was on for more than an hour in the game and was the catalyst in the Potters’ midfield before he was substituted.

The Michael O’Neil’s boys won the game by three goals to nothing to make it back to back win in three days.

Nathan Collins put Stoke

City ahead in the 24th minute when he beat the goalkeeper with a low drive shit from inside the area.

In the second half, Tom Ince set up Lee Gregory for the second goal in the 52nd minute.

Ince who is the son of former England international, Paul Ince scored the third goal six minutes later.

Mikel who also captained Stoke City in the game has now featured in two friendlies and scoring once.

John Mikel Obi with teammate

Playing in front of the ever passionate Enyimba faithful was the biggest points of my career so far.

“The victories we won together, the defeats we suffered together and the songs of praise we sang together, I will never forget them.

The alias you gave me “NPFL Van Dijk” and the trust and belief you had in me. I will never take them for granted,” he said.

Anaemena also thanked the clubs management adding that despite having differences on issues, he hold not grudges against them.

He thank management for ensuring that all his due rights were given to him and wished the club all the best in the future.

“I will also not forget the club Administrators, we may have had our differences in the end but I still cherish my experience with you.

I leave the club without any form of hatred or bitterness and I must thank you for making sure all my entitlements were never denied me. I appreciate that.

“I have started another chapter of my life of which I remain hopeful of more successes.

Our paths will surely cross more in the future and all I wish you all is the best and nothing but the best.

“One love!”

. . . putting the people first

thursday SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

SPACE FOR SALE

SPORTS Still on the humiliation of FFK latest

Thibaut Courtois tests positive for coronavirus

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eal Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois has tested positive for the coronavirus.

But the Belgian does will not leave the national team as he has produced enough antibodies, so that in principle he can no longer infect fellow players.

Thiabaut Courtois has tested positive for Covid-19 during the International duty with Belgium!

“Yesterday Courtois trained with us. Training was carried out in groups of six to seven people. The players formed a bubble.

The staff and the logistics people form the two other bubbles.

There are now two hypotheses.

Either the virus is still present in Courtois’ body and must be quarantined. Or the virus has already left his body and he can remain in the selection according to the protocol, a blood test must now reveal.

The Devils train at 4.45 pm in Tubize, whether he is present then will create more clarity.

Thiabaut Courtois has tested positive for Covid-19 during the International duty with Belgium!

Advert: business: news: lagos:

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ost of us, journalists –especially the cob, street reporters- are like duck hunters. We are the human version of skilled predators in the wild, if you like. But when we get too fainthearted, especially before braggarts, like in the case of the Daily Trust reporter before FFK, we too may be sumptuous repast for other wilder species of the human creatures. As duck hunters we angle not only for the regular news but -more often than notwe are not averse to hunting even for the ethically un-speak-able. I was reading Aljazeera’s Reporter Haru Mutasa, recently narrating her ‘brown envelop’ experience in Nigeria and how several times she had to politely turn down ‘envelopes’ stuffed with dollars.

Sometimes you wonder if reporters on the beat are in it for the ‘news’ or just for the magical ‘brown envelope’ -or for both.

Because like duck hunters, we too may hunt either out of necessity –that is for the meat- or strictly for sport, to stir up controversy; or both. And like duck hunters, we too have our hunting season for the geese or in due season for the precious waterfowls. Plus we also have our own artificial decoys and even our tricky duck-calls -to quack our unsuspecting targets right into range.

But most importantly because we must hunt as a team to succeed, we do not like false starters. False starters are spoilers. They rouse the game off range and soon bring to naught a vigil of a thousand plans. Like duck hunters, we too do not like colleagues who are poor team players. In fact we may even prefer laggards to colleagues who are too forward. And worst, we hate false starters who will shoot out of synch with the collective ‘aim’ -and by so doing rouse the game out of range.

And this obviously was what the Daily Trust reporter must’ve done to his colleagues at the hunt recently with a loquacious bird, FFK, on the menu. By asking that ‘nasty’ question, Eyo Charles may not have known it at first, that he was unwittingly endangering the collective expectation of what Aljazeera’s Haru Mutasa described as a ‘normal’ here in Nigeria –post-coverage gratification.

All the verbal spanking that Eyo Charles got from a madding FFK ironically was in the presence of his very own colleagues; and none was on record as having intervened to let the former Minister know that an attack on

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

THURSDAY Column WITH Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com ONE was an attack on ALL. On the contrary, the few among them who may have grudgingly said anything at all, played the ‘lapdog’: they apologized on behalf of their ‘erring’ colleague who actually was the true ‘watchdog’ of them all.

And so whereas the entire Nigerian Media was outraged one of their own was verbally assaulted for doing his job, Eyo’s colleagues, if they were really outraged, at all, it must’ve been for a different reason, namely that a ‘provocative’ question by one of their too-sabi colleagues was about to cost them Haru Matasa’s yummy ‘reject’. And for that poor Eyo was left to stew in the pot of his own journalistic daredevilry.

Nonetheless the entire Media itself that would almost kill the fly of FFK’s malfeasance with a sledge hammer was still no less guilty of collective self-centeredness than Eyo’s colleagues were of group self-interestedness. Our collective anger against FFK was not only terribly a gangsterous overkill, it was ironically mis-primed and grossly misdirected. Because you wish that we are equally always as collectively angry at ourselves first for our own roles in the daily erosion of ethics of the journalism profession, before we get this thin-skinned and so easily pregnable even by the most innocuous of public impertinence directed at us.

We claim to be ‘comforters of the afflicted’ and often in fact we also arrogate the right to ‘afflict including the already comfortable’; but then we insist always that no one dares to afflict us beyond our ‘watchdog’ affliction. We may be dis-united on all ethical fronts of the profession; yet collectively we insist on being off the leash -to do as we please; malign, insult, abuse and disparage both kings and paupers. We do not even believe that others have the inadvertent right to cause us a moment’s discomfort.

We quibble over our right to inquisition society and to call others to account, but we find

it utterly repugnant to common sense and good conscience that others have a corresponding right to demand that we exercise our journalistic power responsibly or that we equally be reprimanded for failing to do so. We are neither capable of regulating ourselves nor are we disposed to allowing others lawfully regulate us. Every attempt by parliament to assist us exercise our awesome powers with equally awesome responsibility is by us massively resisted and collectively assailed as an affront on the free press and an attack on freedom of expression.

This idea that we alone have the right, as Clare Booth would say, “to be both part Saint Thomas, the doubter and part Saint Jude – the patron Saint of those who ask for the impossible”, is not fair on society. It is grossly unfair that we should demand from society what we will make no effort to live up to. It is even criminal that most of us now elevate to a new generation of journalistic right the liberty to sort the ‘wheat’ from the ‘chaff’ but then to ignore the sorted wheat and to publish the chaff. Virtually every ethic of the profession that once guided our daily conduct we have now turned on its head. Once we were taught ‘when in doubt’ to ‘leave out’? But now whatever is doubtful is the veritable juicy news.

POSTSCRIPT If the journalist has the constitutional right to ask others ANY question why cannot others have the corresponding right to give the journalist ANY answer.

And if we insist that others must forebear the inconvenience of our adversarial questions, why must we, journalists, not also forebear the obligation to tolerate adversarial answers?

We say that new laws must not be made to regulate our practice and to punish our excesses; because we insist that already existing laws of defamation should be deterring enough and sufficiently remediable. But then the moment those we recklessly offend dare to sue for libel or

slander we are quick to tag them enemies of the free press and of freedom of expression. And we want to consign them to our own ‘Museum Of The Ignoble’.

There are no meteors of anger seen when we journalists willfully offend others but the heavens themselves must split asunder whenever a Prince of the Pen is discomforted with the mildest of afflictions; or even when others dare to themselves against the villainy of our erring pens. Nor are we known to willfully apologize even for our obvious wrongs; except when litigation stares us in the face. And even then the much that victims of our bad press may get is a half-hearted, take-it-or-leave-it, one-paragraph gratuitous corrigendum or a onesentence apology usually tucked in-between morbidly unattractive multi-columned pages of ‘change of names’ and invitationals.

FFK had only offended one of us; but by the time our individual journalistic egos coalesced into a molten magma of collective anger, behold, even that once notorious spoilt brat of the Nigerian Media was soon spread-eagled on the canvass, obliquely star-spangled in his subconscious. Unless we are collectively ready to be equally yoked whenever we so offend others, this cannot be right.

Richard Nixon’s Vice President, Spiro T Agnew, who was credited with that popular blast on the American media as ‘an effete corps of impudent snobs’, in underscoring the power of the media, said “No medium has a more profound influence over public opinion”; and he warned that if “We would never trust such power over public opinion in the hands of an unelected government –it is time we questioned it in the hands of a small and unelected elite” –us, journalists.

DAN Dan GAYE gaye

FG: DISCOs have failed, incapable of power supply -News

Sack them!

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