Friday, May 28, 2021 Edition by Peoples Media Limited

Friday, May 28, 2021/ Shawwal 16, 1442 AH

Vol. 36 No. 073 N200

2586 Days after Malam Wada Maida (1950-2020), founding Chairman, Board of the Peoples Media Limited

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

IGP faults Ortom’s narration of alleged assassination attempt •Says SARS disbandment created vacuum in fight against insecurity

pG 5

New Army Chief, Yahaya emerges 6 days after plane crash claimed Attahiru El Rufai, NAWOJ, monarch express confidence in new COAS

>>PAGE 5

New COAS Gen Yahaya

President Muhammadu Buhari cutting cake with some Children to mark Children’s Day celebration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.

Buhari promises Nigerian children better country ahead Reps angry with AGF over First international “illegal” withdrawals from Hausa TV station for recovered loot launch June in accounts Kano pAGE 9

pAGE 3

pG 5

Don’t provoke Obaseki Out-of-school to take drastic action, children dominate PDP warns Jigawa children day members celebration pAGE 3

pAGE 2

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

News CONTENTS News 6-18 Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-21 24

World Analysis 22 Africa News

World News

Out of school children dominate Jigawa children day celebration From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

n what appeared to be a serious challenge to both government at various levels and other stakeholders, the out-of-school children have dominated the 2021 children day celebration in Jigawa state. The celebration that took place yesterday at Nuhu Sunusi Durbar ground Dutse was organized by the state Ministry of Women Affair and Social Development and the celebration was done only by some selected school children in the state. Though the out-of-school children were not part of the celebration activities but they still

stormed the venue in hundreds to witness the celebration as day set aside to celebrate all children including them. Speaking to newsmen at the venue, some of the out-of-school children explained that they were at the venue to join school children to celebrate the day. “Though we are not invited and no similar activities organized for those that are not in school particularly western education system, but still I feel me too is my day and I need to celebrate like every children” said one of the respondent children. While responding to journalists on this, the state Commissioner

for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Yalwa Da’u said the government is doing its best to ensure that every children are enroll into school. According to her as part of government’s effort particularly the present administration to ensure the enrollment of all children to school, a lot of programs is introduced to attract parents and put their children in the schools. She said some of the programs include free school feeding, free uniforms in addition to free education to females children from primary up to tertiary institutions in the state.

She then congratulated the world children particularly Jigawa children and assured them more support from government for a betterment of their lives. Meanwhile the Save the Children International also in a release congratulated the Nigerian children and urged them to continue observing the COVID -19 protocols as the diseases still is in existence. The statement maintained that, “Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Nigeria and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm.

As Emir of Katsina confirms Justice Adamu Bello Sarkin Pauwan Katsina... Page 29

Digest

Feature 26 Sports 29-31 Back Page

We want to hear from you The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish. You can send your news and pictures to: adverts@peoplesdailyng.com pictures@peoplesdailyng.com contact@peoplesdailyng.com

Phones for News: 08142929046 08024432099

L-R: Acting Inspector General of Police(IGP), Usman Baba Alkali Baba, Chairman Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and National Security Adviser(NSA), Major Gen. Babagana Mungono during an emergency meeting with Security agencies under the auspices of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), yesterday in Abuja. Photo Mahmud Isa

Boat Mishap: Niger Gov. expresses shock From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

iger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has described as unfortunate a boat mishap with about 180 passengers that occurred at Corner Libata in Ingaski local government area of Kebbi State about 30 minutes after taking off from Loko Mina in Niger State. Governor Bello in a condolence message expressed concern over the tragedy, explaining that the situation is worrisome

and pathetic. The Governor sympathized with the families, relatives and close associates of the those who died in the mishap urging them to keep faith alive and accept it as an act of God . He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and traumatized victims. “ I sympathize with the relations of the victims of the boat that capsized, please take solace in the fact that Allah gives and takes and knows why He permits it to happen”, he said. May God forgive those who died

in the mishap, and heal those injured and traumatized Earlier, it was reported that a boat carrying about 180 Persangers capsized at Corner Libata in Kebbi State after it took off from Loko Mina in Niger State. The Victims most of whom are Traders were said to be heading to a Market in Kebbi State from loko mina in Niger state. Search and rescue operation is ongoing even as report has it that 20 people have been rescued and 4 bodies recovered so far.

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

News

INEC meets security chiefs over attacks on 41 facilities By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

he Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu yesterday lamented that a total of forty-one (41) facilities of the Commission have been deliberately attacked in the two years. Consequently, Yakubu has pleaded that these attacks on the Commission’s facilities should be treated as a national security emergency. The INEC Chairman said these in his remarks at an emergency meeting with the security agencies under the auspices of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, in Abuja. Explaining that nine of these attacks on INEC facilities happened in 2019 and 21 cases in 2020, the Chairman pointedly said that the spate of arson and vandalisation targeting the Commission’s facilities and property has become a major threat to its scheduled activities and the entire electoral process. The INEC Chairman stressed further that in the last four weeks, eleven offices of the Commission were either set ablaze or vandalised, adding that two of these incidents were caused by Boko Haram and Bandit attacks while 10 resulted from thuggery during election and post-election violence. His words, “No doubt, the last few weeks have been very challenging to the Commission. “The spate of arson and vandalisation targeting the Commission’s facilities and property has become a major threat to our scheduled activities and the entire electoral process. “In the last two years, the Commission has recorded a total of 41 incidents involving deliberate attacks on the Commission’s facilities. “Nine of these incidents happened in 2019 and 21 cases in 2020. “In the last four weeks, 11 offices of the Commission were either set ablaze or vandalised. “Two of these incidents were caused by Boko Haram and Bandit attacks while 10 resulted from thuggery during election and postelection violence. “However, the majority of the attacks (29 out of 41) were unrelated to election or electoral activities. “In fact, 18 of them occurred during the EndSARS protests in October last year while 11 attacks were organised by “unknown gunmen” and “hoodlums”. “Although the Commission is assessing loss of materials during recent attacks, our preliminary assessment so far indicate that we lost 1,105 ballot boxes, 694 voting cubicles, 429 electric generating sets and 13 utility vehicles (Toyota Hilux). “By working together with the security agencies, we can stop these attacks and the wanton destruction of critical electoral assets. “These attacks, which initially appeared as isolated and occasional actions, have now become more frequent and systematic targeted at demobilising and dismantling critical electoral infrastructure in the country. “This will not only undermine the Commission’s capacity to organise elections and other electoral activities but will also damage the nation’s electoral process and democracy. “Indeed, these attacks on the Commission’s facilities should now be treated as a national security emergency”, he said. Speaking at the meeting, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Major-General Babagana Monguno, rtd, harped on the need for those in attendance to look at means and ways of quickly, stopping the rising spate of criminality, violence and destruction bedeviling the national effort.

News Editor, Tobias Lengnan Dapam

First international Hausa TV station for launch June By Mustapha Adamu, Kano

ambarin Hausa Television, the first international Hausa TV station will be launched in the second week of June this year. The Deputy Chairman of the station, Muhammad Sani Utai disclosed this at the maiden media briefing held at the station’s headquarters in Kano yesterday. According to Utai, the station, which is a subsidiary of AMASIS Broadcasting Services Ltd., was founded to promote Hausa culture worldwide.

He noted that the station would meet the yearnings and aspirations of people to break the barriers of culture and languages through the media in a manner that they can easily relate with their traditions with the rest of the world. “Therefore, the slogan of this TV station, “ Amon Gaskiya will not doubt meet they yearning and aspirations of its viewers,” he said. Utai explained that the vision of media outfit is to be a leading Hausa television station globally, adding that the station has plans to expand its reportage

by receiving reports from USA, Germany, Britain, Saudi Arabia, China, Ghana, Cameroon, Niger Republic, among others. “We have already employed reporters that would be sending reports from the six-geopolitical zones in the country, in order to give our viewers full picture of the country and the world, as well as a total Nigerian package and coverage. “ With the state-of-theart equipment and manpower available to the outfit, Tambari TV would operate with the highest degree of professionalism, while providing

the wide variety of services to government institutions, corporate organizations and the public,” he said. He explained that viewers could get the station on StarTimes and free-air satellites for now, as plans are underway to also broadcast its programmes on DSTV, GOTV, MYTV and other satellites platforms. The Deputy Chairman assured that the station, which is privately owned, would not be hijack by any form of interest, stressing that it would operate in accordance with the ethics of journalism.

-Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed taking oath before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Assets and Status of all Recovered Loots Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002-2020, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Niger boat mishap caused by overloading, says Emergency Agency From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

he Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Inga has suggested that the boat mishap in Niger State which claimed over 100 lives might have been caused by overloading of the boat. The DG made the suggestion while confirming

the boat mishap in Borgu local government of the state to newsmen on Thursday. Inga confirmed also that the Agency has received the report of the accident saying “search and rescue operation is ongoing by the Marine police, NIWA and our Local divers”. It was learnt that the accident occurred Wednesday when the boat conveying over 180 passengers capsized at about 3.30pm on its way

to a local market. According to reports, the boat took off from Loko mina in Niger state at about 7.30am and was heading to a market in Kebbi state. It was learnt that as at 6.30pm Wednesday, only 20 passengers had been rescued while 4 corpses have been recovered. As at the time of the incident some other passengers in the ill-fated boat were still missing.

Don’t provoke Obaseki to take drastic action, PDP warns members By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

eoples Democratic party (PDP) leaders from Oredo Ward 1 in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State have advised aggrieved members of the party not to provoke Governor Godwin Obaseki to take drastic action that could be harmful to the party. The leaders who made this known at an enlarged PDP Oredo Ward 1 meeting on Wednesday, dismissed speculation that the Governor has perfected plans to dump PDP. According to one of the founding members of PDP in Oredol Local Government Area,

Mr. Goodluck Ehirobo: “We do not want him (Obaseki) to take another decision because if he does, it will be detrimental to all of us”. “If you want to have it all, you will lose it all. The reason why PDP has not always been winning in the past is because some leaders do not want anybody to be like them. When you join them, they feel threatened. Politics is a game of numbers. I want people to join us so that we can win. “We have put our hands on the plough and we are not looking back”, he said. Also speaking, a Chieftain of the party in the Ward, Mr. Samson Abu said the incumbent Governor of the State cannot be a mere spectator in

affairs of his party hence the need for members to embrace ongoing integration and harmonization in the party structure. Recalling Governor Obaseki’s academic reticence and achievements in area of development in the State, Abu stressed that “based on PDP Constitution, the Governor is the leader of PDP in Edo State, warning however that “ the quietness of a lion doesn’t symbolize signs of weakness”. “People are saying that the Governor has not shared position. Is it not when there is peace that you can share positions?”, he asked. According to him, the

Governor had proposed measures to harmonise, but some people opposed the move. Therefore if the appointment is not made, the Governor is not the cause. “I want to assure you all that the Governor remains in PDP and he is not going anywhere”, he said. Earlier in a remark, Mr. Okpamen Edosa, Coordinator of Obaseki Solidarity Movement, reaffirmed his support for Obaseki and build bridges across troubled water while the PDP Women Leader in Ward 1, Mrs. Matilda Anazie and a former Counsellor in the locality, Mr. Ade Smart, reaffirmed that there is no faction in PDP.

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam & Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

KANO STATE Government

Happy Birthday @ 56th I, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, the Executive Governor of Kano State, on behalf of the government and good people of the state, heartily rejoice with the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, on the auspicious occasion of his 56th Birthday Anniversary. As a man of immense accomplishments in your political life whose wisdom, commitments, sincerity of purpose and patriotism tremendously and directly touched the lives of millions of Nigerians and put the nation on a sure path of the desired development, we are indeed very proud to be associated with you. As you celebrate this anniversary of your Birthday, we pray to Allah, the Almighty to continue to grant you good health, long life, wisdom and the courage to continue to serve the country and humanity diligently and selflessly.

Once again, Happy Birthday!

Honorable Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi Signed:

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, Executive Governor of Kano State

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

igeria’s push to rid the country of criminal elements was yesterday bolstered when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This new appointment has closed the chapter of speculations and set the country on a sure path to tackle insecurity head-on in parts of the country. Yahaya’s appointment was contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Mohammed Yerima, Director, Army Public Relations. The statement said until his appointment, Maj Gen Yahaya was Military Secretary,Army and General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna and he was until the new appointment the current Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai responsible for the ongoing Counterinsurgency Operations in the North East. Lately, cloud of anxiety hung around the public space over the six days vacuum created by the death of former COAS, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, who died six days ago in a plane crash. The former chief died on Friday alongside 10 other top military officers when Nigeria’s Air Force plane crashed in Kaduna State. Attahiru was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari alongside other military chiefs in January after years of mounting criticism over failure of their predecessors to address cases of insecurity across the country. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has congratulated the newly appointed COAS, Farouk Yahaya. The message was contained in a statement signed by the State

News New Army Chief, Yahaya emerges 6 days after plane crash claimed Attahiru ·El Rufai, NAWOJ, monarch express confidence in new COAS

Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan. El-Rufai said he wished the newly appointed COAS every success in taking the Nigerian Army to greater heights, building on the efforts of his predecessors, including Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru of blessed memory. The governor said he was elated with the appointment of Major General Yahaya having worked closely with him when he meritoriously served as General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna; covering Kaduna, Niger, Kano and Jigawa States. “He exhibited hard work and foresight in helping to manage the security challenges of the state when he served as GOC.” He said the state is looking forward to working with the newly

appointed COAS to advance peace and security in Kaduna State. Also, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Kaduna state Chapter has described the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Farouq Yahaya as thorough-bred professional senior Officer, highly disciplined, well focused, resultoriented and committed senior Officer that will reposition the Army in line with global best practices. This was contained in a statement signed by Fatima Aliyu and Maureen Sheyin, leaders of the Association and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday. NAWOJ added that the appointment did not come to the Association as a surprise, in view of General Yahaya’s track record of excellence in service as Military Secretary, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Kaduna,

and lately, Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai among others. The Association commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making the right decision to settle for General Farouq Yahaya. It is the Association’s hope that the new COAS will consolidate on the gains so far recorded in the on going fight against terrorism of which he is very familiar with. It also urged the new Army Chief to remain determined, resolute and continue to operate an open door policy with a view to finding lasting solutions to security challenges across Nigeria. The Association prays to Allah to grant Major General Farouq Yahaya the knowledge, foresight and wisdom to lead the Nigerian Army to enviable heights. It equally prays for Allah’s continued guidance and protection on him and his team. Similarly, the Chairman

Yoruba Council of Obas and Chiefs in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Ambassador Muhammad Arigbagbuwo described Major General Farouq Yahaya as a soldier per excellent and discipline Officer that always lead by example., The Monarch said he remembered the few occasions he led the Yoruba Communty to met the COAS and how he received them warmly. Ambassador Arigbagbuwo said he for seen a Army that will match any land Army anywhere in the world under the leadership of Major General Farouq Yahaya. The Royal Father therefore called on all Nigerians to support the Army Chief with prayers and credible intelligence information in the ongoing war against bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and others criminals elements. (See profile of the new Chief of Army Staff COAS in page 10)

Buhari promises Nigeria children better country ahead By Egena Sunday Ode

resident Muhammadu Buhari Thursday celebrated the Children’s Day with a solemn promise to bequeath a better country for the present and future generations. As part of the activities to commemorate Children’s Day, observed on May 27, the President hosted a group of Nigerian children at the State House. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the short ceremony witnessed the cutting of a ‘national cake’, a guided tour of the President’s office, meeting rooms, banquet hall and the zoo at the Presidential Villa. Describing children as precious blessings who should be nurtured to carry the burden of the society in the future, President Buhari, after spending a memorable time with his august visitors, bid them farewell, saying: “Bye-bye, see you next year,” according to the statement.

Speaker of ECOWAS parliament Mohamed Sidi Tunis, (1riht) 1st Deputy Speaker ECOWAS parliament, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase (2nd left), Minister of state foreign affairs Amb.Zubairu Dada (left), welcoming Ghanaian President H.E Nana Akufo Addo to the ordinary session of the ECOWAS parliament in Abuja yesterday.

IGP faults Ortom’s narration of alleged assassination attempt

* Says SARS disbandment created vacuum in fight against insecurity By Egena Sunday Ode

he Acting Inspector General Of Police,, Alkali Usman Baba, has faulted the narration of Benue State Governor , Samuel Ortom, of an alleged attempt on his life recently. He said, however, that all the suspects in the attack have been arrested and will soon be arraigned Baba stated this at the weekly State House briefing organized by the Presidential Communication team. He also explained that the judicial workers strike was the reason the suspects have not been arraigned in court . Governor Ortom had in March alleged that he was attacked on his farm at Tyo-mu on the Makurdi-

Gboko Road by about 15 gun carrying men in an assassination attempt. The IGP said: “We’ve been able to uncover the assailants. And we’ve been able to establish what actually happened contrary to what he said. “And we’ve been able to get these people and know where they came from, how they came but the case is still under investigation and that is why…there are some vital things that we have not been able to complete. “But as for those who would pull the trigger and those who organized the crime, they are with us, they’ve been arrested. Baba also disclosed that 1,173 high-profile suspects have arrested nationwide between April and May 2021. The IGP also explained why

police personnel have not been withdrawn from VIPs as being clamoured for. He said :“but the issue is there are those that needed to be escorted, there are those needed to be guided, because of the nature of job they are doing, or nature of responsibility, they are carrying. “The state is supposed to provide security, the state is supposed to protect the citizens, particularly citizens that are vulnerable to attacks or assault or whatever kind of attacks or because of the nature of duty they do. “Two, you have political leaders, who by virtue of the political offices they find themselves they are entitled to be escorted. Even businessmen because of their position in

the society, and they need to protected, they need to be guided. According to the IGP also, the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has created a vacuum in Nigeria’s Police effort at fighting insecurity. He noted that the morale of the personnel of the force had remained dampened in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest and with the recent attacks in the Southeast. He said the regular policemen and women have not been able to immediately slot into the vacuum created by SARS disbandment even though efforts are ongoing to train them for the new role. The acting IGP affirmed that the security situation in the country has stabilized most times but with pockets of problems around the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

PAGE 6

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) AfDB Assisted Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) ATASP-1 Headquarters’ Abuja IFB-No.: IFB/ATASP-1/KN-JGW/PZIU/NCB/WKS/2021/001/PCKs-1C,2A,4A& 4B LOAN No: 2100150029994; Project ID No: P-NG-AA-003

INVITATION FOR BIDS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WORK: CONSTRUCTION OF DOUBLE COAT SURFACE DRESSED ROADS, IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE, DRILLING OF TUBE WELLS AND LAND DEVELOPMENT IN KANO AND JIGAWA STATES 1. This invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this project, which appeared in the United Nations Development Business (UNDB) online Reference No.: AfDB 169-03/15 of 11th March 2015 and on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website (www.afdb.org) 2. The Federal Government of Nigeria has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1 (ATASP-1). It is intended that part of the proceeds of the loan will be applied to payments under the contract for which this invitation for bids is issued. 3. The National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Construction of Feeder Roads, Irrigation Infrastructures, Drilling of Tube Well and Land Development in Kano and Jigawa States as described below: Package 1C- Feeder Roads – Kano State Lot Lot C1 Lot C2 Lot C3 LotC 4

Description Construction of 1.20Km double coat surface dressed road Construction of 6.20 Km double coat surface dressed road Construction of 4.40 Km double coat surface dressed road Construction of 3.32 Km double coat surface dressed roads

Location Ladanai – Jogana - Hadejia road in Gezawa LGA of Kano State Uran – Yola – Tumbau in Gabasawa LGA of Kano State Topai – Karmami in Gabasawa LGA of Kano State Zugachi – Santsi – BakinKogi in Gabasawa LGA of Kano State

Bid Security required (Naira) NGN2,000,000.00 NGN11,000,000.00 NGN10,000,000.00 NGN8,000,000.00

Package 2A- Construction of Irrigation Infrastructure and Earth dam in Kano State Lot A1 A4

Description Rehabilitation/Construction of concrete sump, 42.05km irrigation canal network, 18km field drains, intake structure and various hydraulic structures, Head works and 14.8km farm/ service roads Construction of Gafan Earth Dam and development of downstream Irrigation Scheme.

Location Bagwai Irrigation Scheme in Bagwai LGA

Bid Security required (Naira) NGN50,000,000.00

Gafan in Bunkure LGA

NGN50,000,000.00

Package 4A- Drilling of 260nos. Tube wells in Jigawa State Lot A1 A2 A3

Description Construction of 100nos. Tubwells Construction of 60nos. Tubwells Construction of 100nos. Tubwells

Location GarinGudanya (40), Damfa (20)nos and Danguruba/Kandi (40) in Babura LGA of Jigawa State Kakuri (40), Una/ Barmaguwa( Kirikasamma) – 20nos. tubewells in Birniwa LGA of Jigawa State Iggi Forest (Dangwali site) in Birnin – Kudu LGA of Jigawa State

Bid Security required (Naira) NGN2,000,000.00 NGN1,000,000.00 NGN2,000,000.00

Package 4B- Land Development of 260 Hectares of Agricultural Land in Jigawa State Lot B1 B2 B3

Description Land Development of 100 Hectares Land Development 60 Hectares Land Development of 100 Hectares

Bid Security required (Naira) Location NGN15,000,000.00 40 Ha at GarinGudanya, 20Ha at Damfa and 40Ha at Danguruba / Kandi Babura LGA 40Ha at Kakuri/Ganguri/MainaDukku , 20Ha at Unar/BarmaguwaBirniniwa/Kirikasamma LGA NGN11,000,000.00 NGN18,000,000.00 100 Ha at Iggi Forest (Dangwali site) B/Kudu LGA

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address below from 0900 to 1500hrs Mondays through Fridays. 5. Complete set of bidding documents for the package may be purchased at the office address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of thirty thousand Naira (N30, 000.00) only and fifteen thousand naira (N15, 000.00) for subsequent lot within a package. The method of payment shall be by bank draft or direct transfer only in favour of: Name of Account: Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Name of Bank: Central Bank of Nigeria Account No.: 0020293461048 Account currency: NGN 6. The provisions in the instruction to bidders and in the General Conditions of Contract are the provisions of the African Development Bank Standard Bidding Document: Procurement of Small Works. Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedure specified in the Procurement Policy for Bank Group- Funded Operations (policy), October 2015 which is available on the Banks’s Website at http://www.afdb.org/en/projects-and operations/procurement/ new-procedures-policy. 7. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope on or before: Monday, 28th June, 2021 at 12:00 noon (local time) for package 1C and 2A and 30th June, 2021 at 12:00 noon (local time) for package 4A and 4B to the address below and must be accompanied with a bid security in the required amount indicated in the table above. Late bids will be rejected. 8. Bids will be opened at the same address below in the presence of bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at 12:00 noon on the dates of submission of bids as indicated above Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (ATASP-1) Zonal Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Kano – Jigawa Zonal Program Implementation Unit, No. 9 Ahmadu Bello, Way, Nassarawa GRA, Kano .9. Bids shall remain valid for One Hundred and Twenty (120) days after the deadline for bid submission prescribed above.

Signed: National Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) (NPCT) No. 15 Lord Lugard Street, Asokoro. Abuja, Nigeria E-mail: atasphq2019@gmail.com, Cc: abulash2014@gmail.com Tel: 08034491496, 08069767735

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) AfDB Assisted Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) ATASP-1 Headquarters’ Abuja

IFB-No.: IFB/ATASP-1/K-S PZIU/NCB/WKS/IRRIGATION/2021/001/PCK-2B/Lot 2 LOAN No: 2100150029994; Project ID No: P-NG-AA-003

________________________________________ IFB-No.: IFB/ATASP-1/A - O/PZIU/NCB/WKS/LANDDEV/2021/001/PCK-2/Lot 1 & 2 LOAN No: 2100150029994; Project ID No: P-NG-AA-003

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WORKS: CONSTRUCTION OF IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURES IN KEBBI STATE 1. This invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this project, which appeared in the United Nations Development Business (UNDB) online Reference No.: AfDB 169-03/15 of 11th March 2015 and on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website (www.afdb.org) 2. The Federal Government of Nigeria has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1 (ATASP-1). It is intended that part of the proceeds of the loan will be applied to payments under the contract for which this invitation for bids is issued. 3. The National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Construction of Irrigation Infrastructures in Kebbi and Sokoto as described below:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WORK: LAND DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA & ENUGU STATE 1. This invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this project, which appeared in the United Nations Development Business (UNDB) online Reference No.: AfDB 169-03/15 of 11th March 2015 and on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website (www.afdb.org) 2. The Federal Government of Nigeria has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1 (ATASP-1). It is intended that part of the proceeds of the loan will be applied to payments under the contract for which this invitation for bids is issued. 3. The National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the development of agricultural lands in Anambra and Enugu States as described below:

Package 2B- Irrigation Infrastructures – Kebbi & Sokoto States Lot Description Location Bid Security required (Naira) Lot 2 Construction of 1.279km main canal, Gafara Wawu NGN18,000,000.00 2.100km secondary canal, 2.350km Irrigation Scheme embankment dyke, 12.607km field in Ngaski L.G.A of roads and various control Structures at Kebbi State Gafara Wawu Irrigation Scheme.

Package 2 Land development – Anambara & Enugu States Lot Description Location

INVITATION FOR BIDS

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address below from 0900 to 1500hrs Mondays through Fridays.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Lot 1 Lot 2

Bid Security required (Naira) Development of 100 Hectares of Adani, Uzo Uwani L.G.A, 15Million Agricultural Land in Enugu State. Development of 150 Hectares of Omor, Ayamelum L.G.A 16Million Agricultural Land in Anambra State.

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address below from 0900 to 1500hrs Mondays through Fridays.

5. Complete set of bidding documents for the package may be purchased at the office address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of thirty thousand Naira (N30, 000.00) Only. The method of payment shall be by bank draft or direct transfer only in favour of:

5. Complete set of bidding documents for the package may be purchased at the office address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of thirty thousand Naira (N30, 000.00) only and fifteen thousand naira (N15, 000.00) for subsequent lot within a package. The method of payment shall be by bank draft or direct transfer only in favour of:

Name of Account: Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Name of Bank: Central Bank of Nigeria Account No.: 0020293461048 Account currency: NGN

Name of Account: Name of Bank: Account No.: Account currency:

7. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope on or before: Monday, 28th June, 2021 at 12:00 noon (local time)to the address below and must be accompanied with a bid security in the required amount indicated in the table above. Late bids will be rejected.

7. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope on or before: Monday, 28th June, 2021 at 12:00 noon (local time) to the address below and must be accompanied with a bid security in the required amount indicated in the table above. Late bids will be rejected.

8. Bids will be opened at the same address below in the presence of bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at 12:00 noon on the date of bid submission indicated above.

Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (ATASP-1) Zonal Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Kebbi – Sokoto Processing Zone Implementation Unit Akoko Plaza Second Floor Opposite Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emir Yahaya Road Birnin- Kebbi, Kebbi State . 9. Bids shall remain valid for One Hundred and Twenty (120) days after the deadline for bid submission prescribed above. Signed: National Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) (NPCT) No. 15 Lord Lugard Street, Asokoro. Abuja, Nigeria E-mail: atasphq2019@gmail.com, Cc: abulash2014@gmail.com Tel: 08034491496, 08069767735

Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (ATASP-1) Zonal Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Adani – Omor PZIU Office, No.5 EmekaNwosuAvenu, Abuja Estate, Opposite Government House Awka, Anambra State.

Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Central Bank of Nigeria 0020293461048 NGN

9. Bids shall remain valid for One Hundred and Twenty (120) days after the deadline for bid submission prescribed above. Signed: National Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) (NPCT) No. 15 Lord Lugard Street, Asokoro. Abuja, Nigeria E-mail: atasphq2019@gmail.com, Cc: abulash2014@gmail.com Tel: 08034491496, 08069767735

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

PAGE 8

Children’s Day: Gbajabiamila celebrates Nigerian children FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) AfDB Assisted Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) ATASP-1 Headquarters’ Abuja

IFB-No.: IFB/ATASP-1/B-BPZIU/NCB/WKS/Irrigation/2021/001/PCK-3/Lot 2 LOAN No: 2100150029994; Project ID No: P-NG-AA-003

INVITATION FOR BIDS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WORK: CONSTRUCTION OF 20KM WATER CONVEYANCE CANALS, VARIOUS CONTROL STRUCTURES AND FIELD ROADS IN LOGUMA IRRIGATION SCHEMES IN NIGER STATE 1. This invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this project, which appeared in the United Nations Development Business (UNDB) online Reference No.: AfDB 169-03/15 of 11th March 2015 and on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website (www.afdb.org) 2. The Federal Government of Nigeria has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1 (ATASP-1). It is intended that part of the proceeds of the loan will be applied to payments under the contract for which this invitation for bids is issued. 3. The National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Construction of 20km water conveyance canals, various control structures and field roads inLoguma Irrigation Schemes in Niger State as described below: Package 3- Irrigation Infrastructure– Niger State Lot

Description

Location

Lot 2

Construction of 20km of WaterConveyance Canals, Control Structures and 18.42km fieldroads in LogumaIrrigation Scheme (1000HA).

Bid Security required (Naira)

Loguma Irrigation Scheme in NGN25,000,000.00 Agaie LGA of NigerState

Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Central Bank of Nigeria 0020293461048 NGN

6. The provisions in the instruction to bidders and in the General Conditions of Contract are the provisions of the African Development Bank Standard Bidding Document: Procurement of Small Works.Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedure specified in the Procurement Policy for Bank Group- Funded Operations (policy), October 2015 which is available on the Banks’s Website at http:// www.afdb.org/en/projects-and operations/procurement/new-procedures-policy. 7. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope on or before: Monday, 28th June, 2021 at 12:00 noon (local time)to the address below and must be accompanied with a bid security in the required amount indicated in the table above. Late bids will be rejected. 8. Bids will be opened at the same address below in the presence of bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at 12:00 noon on the date of bid submission indicated above. Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (ATASP-1) Zonal Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Bida-Badeggi Crop Processing Zone Implementation Unit (PZIU) Km 12 Bida – Lemu Expressway, Bida Niger State . 9. Bids shall remain valid for One Hundred and Twenty (120) days after the deadline for bid submission prescribed above. Signed: National Program Coordinator ATASP-1 Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-1(ATASP-1) (NPCT) No. 15 Lord Lugard Street, Asokoro. Abuja, Nigeria E-mail: atasphq2019@gmail.com, Cc: abulash2014@gmail.com Tel: 08034491496, 08069767735

By Christiana Ekpa

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has rejoiced with Nigerian children on this year’s Children’s Day. Gbajabiamila said in line with the popular maxim, Nigerian children are truly the leaders of tomorrow because of the enormous potential they possess. As such, the Speaker noted that Nigerian children must imbibe good morals and face

their studies squarely. He urged the children to be worthy ambassadors wherever they find themselves, saying there is nothing as priceless as good morals. Gbajabiamila said as current leaders execute the task of nation-building, it is imperative for tomorrow’s leaders to aim at surpassing whatever achievements are being recorded now. He called on Nigerian children to shun acts capable of derailing them from achieving their set goals.

We’re producers of best cement in Nigeria- Dangote By Mustapha Adamu, Kano

angote Cement PLC has said that it is the producer of most qualitative cement in the whole Nigeria. Speaking to newsmen shortly after holding an interactive session with its major customers in Kano yesterday, the Group Sales and Marketing Director of the company, Malam Rabiu Umar has described Dangote cement as the best in terms of quality and effective in the cement market all over the country. According to Umar, it was the quality of the product that made it to be accepted in many African countries, stressing that only market forces can rightly determine the efficacy of every cement being produced by various cement companies across the country. He noted that the cement gained wider acceptance in many African countries and it is a clear testimony to the fact that the company is leading other cement companies in the face of competitiveness. He affirmed that it had even reduced its export derive for the escalating price of cement to be reduced. He said” our dealers and all our customers across the country have come to appreciate the fact that we are indeed the leading pace-setter in terms of quality brand. it is not true and absolutely not true for one to say that we are lagging behind”.

“What we want our teaming customers to understand is the fact that our production capacity is high and we are second to none in the country. we are producing the best of cement and our acceptability and the wider patronage we are getting across Africa is what had instilled in us the confidence we reposed in whatever we are doing “ he remarked. “We’ve procured 2000 trucks for distribution of cement to our teeming customers across the Nation. We’ve also put a new line in some our plants in different parts of the country and by so doing, we will be able to produce fifteen thousand tonnes of cement Daily” He called on the company’s teaming customers to appreciate the fact that all that was being done with the aim of making their businesses strong , formidable and vibrant, stressing however that only market forces can determine what is really on ground. Rabiu Umar added that Dangote cement is currently operating in ten countries, including Nigeria, Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Tanzania,Senegal, South Africa,and Ethiopia. Attesting to the quality of Dangote products, a dealer of Dangote cement in Kano Alhaji lawan Badamasi said the Dangote cement is the best so far. He urged the company to maintain the standard and ensure its availability in nooks and crannies of all parts of the state.

Fire Service boss wants arms unit established By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Controller General of Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr. Liman Alhaji Ibrahim has proposed the establishment of an Arms Bearing Unit known as fire police to protect firefighters. The call was to address issues of incessant attacks and harassment of firefighters at fire scenes by mobs. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja after some recently promoted staff were decorated, the FFS boss said the agency was pushing to fully develop its Fire Investigation Unit in order to drive professionalism and strive towards best world practices. “The Service is proposing to have an arms bearing unit (Fire Police) who will be saddled with the responsibility of protecting our personnel at fire scenes and investigation grounds from hoodlums and miscreants with ulterior motives (arsonists). “With the natural of hazards faced by our personnel which in most cases have long term effects, the issue of upward review of hazard allowance needs a serious review to enable them cater to health challenges that may arise from such exposures. We are holding discussions with relevant agencies to address this.” On issues of moribund Fire Service Act (1963), the

FFS boss said his leadership was working to ensure that personnel pensions are not subject to contributory pension scheme. “Another welfare concern is the confinement of the Service to contributory pension scheme, given the enormous hazards faced as firemen which often results in underlying health conditions due to long exposures to hazards.” Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Interior Dr. Shuaib Bagore, tasked the management of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) especially the newly promoted officers to justify the Service existence by improving on its response time to emergencies across the country, adding that the agency’s main function is to save lives. “To whom much is given much is expected. Therefore, this service must step up its functions. The response time must be short. “The future of your service is in your hands, you will have to encourage those who fund you through your service. Therefore, step it up.” Out of the 157 staff promoted recently, the Service now has 4 Deputy Controller Generals (DCGs), 14 Assistant Controller Generals (ACGs), 9 Controllers (CFs), 11 Deputy Controllers (DCFs), and 26 Assistant Controllers (ACFs) at the top management level.

56,000 IDPs seek support of Bauchi Governor From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

6,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from different parts of Northern states, who are taking refuge in Bauchi State, have asked the State Governor Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir to provide them with land and give their children employment. The State Chairman of IDPs, Alhaji Buba Musa Shehu stated this yesterday in Bauchi when he led 20 local government chairmen of IDPs to address a press conference in Bauchi. Buba said despite intervention and support by President Muhammadu Buhari, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and North East Development Commission NEDC, aside support from the wife of Bauchi State Governor Hajiya Aisha Bala Muhammad, they still need the Governor to come in and address bulk of their problems. He said “ many of us are in Bauchi since 2012 some

came in 2013, 2014, our camps was closed many of us rent houses , but due to lack of employment we cannot get money to pay for the rent , we have nowhere to go but Bauchi, we want the governor to include our children in government empowerment programme and employment schemes of the government, in order to ameliorate our problems” He said: “We are pleading with the state government to help IDPs with capital to start a business, land to build houses and other necessary support to enable them fully settle in the state”. He attributed the influx of IDPs in Bauchi to the recent attack on Gaidam in Yobe State and other parts of Borno State. Buba said: “We are about 56,000 households across the 20 local councils of Bauchi. We are pleading with the Bauchi State Government to give us places to stay with our families. I have been in Bauchi State since 2014, when I escaped from Boko Haram attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State. Like myself, other IDPs are living in different host communities”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

Corruption: Until we slay this monster, country’s ambitions can’t be achieved - Gbajabiamila By Christiana Ekpa

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has said that, the different manifestations of corruption in Nigeria have long mitigated against national development, stressing that until the monster is slayed, the country ambitions may not be achieved. The Speaker further disclosed that, every leader have an obligation to do what what must be done to strengthen the institutions of state responsible for leading the charge against this menace. Gbajabiamila disclosed these during the House Committee on Anti-Corruption and Commerce, Public Hearing, on A Bill For An Act To Establish The Chartered Institute Of Forensics And Certified Fraud Examiners Of Nigeria, To Provide For The Regulation And Control Of Its Membership And Promote The Practice Of Forensics And Fraud Examiners In Nigeria; And For Related Matters 2021. He said “This Bill was debated on the floor of the House and referred to the Committee on Thursday, 29th April 2021 for further legislative action. I am glad that the Committees have acted expeditiously to bring this Bill forward for public consideration and debate. “The different manifestations of corruption in our society have long mitigated against our national development. Until we have slayed this monster, we may not achieve the ambitions we have for our country. Therefore, we have an obligation to do what we must to strengthen the institutions of state responsible for leading the charge against this menace. “Part of that effort requires us to ensure that these anti-corruption agencies have access to a pool of qualified and credentialled talent to conduct complex fraud investigations, carry out forensic audits and gather the evidence that allows for perpetrators of criminal and corrupt acts to be properly held to account. “When I first spoke to the House in my Inaugural Address at the beginning of the 9th Assembly, I stated that the House would do all we can to support the fight against corruption. And in the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House of Representatives, we also identified the fight against corruption as one of the critical areas of our attention. “I assure Nigerians that our commitment in this regard remains as steadfast today as it was then, and that we will continue to take action to meet the commitments we have made. “This Public Hearing is an opportunity for stakeholders and citizens to contribute to improving a Bill that will be an important contribution to the institutional strengthening that is necessary to win the fight against corruption. “I therefore wish to encourage all of you who are here today to be objective in your presentations, and innovative in the recommendations you make. On that note, it is my pleasure to declare this Public Hearing open to the glory of God. I welcome you all once more to the House of Representatives and I wish you successful deliberations.

Page 9

News

Reps angry with AGF over “illegal” withdrawals from recovered loot accounts By Christiana Ekpa

he House of Representatives on Thursday queried the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, for withdrawals made from the recovered loot accounts, saying such transactions were illegal. Just as the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, told the lawmakers she had no information concerning the recovered £4.2 Ibori-linked loot from the United Kingdom. Idris and Ahmed were being questioned by the House Ad-hoc Committee on Assessment and Status of All Recovered Loots Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective Efficient Management and Utilisation, headed by Adejoro Adeogun. On the illegal withdrawals from the recovered loot accounts, specific reference was made to the sum of N19 billion, which was withdrawn from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovery account. Idris, who listed several recovery accounts including that of the EFCC, tried to justify the

withdrawals from these separate recovery accounts. He argued that they were all linked by the Treasury Single Account, hence technically an extension of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). He said withdrawals from the accounts were made with the appropriate approvals. However, members of the committee disagreed with his position, saying there was no basis for such withdrawals as they were not appropriated for. The lawmakers argued that no approval from any authority could supersede the Constitution of the country. They said cases of such “illegal” withdrawals were numerous according to their findings. The lawmakers pointed out all the withdrawals from the recovery accounts could not be traced in any Appropriation Act, and the National Assembly was not aware of them. They insisted any withdrawal must be from the CRF and must be backed by law and said the AGF should be held responsible for possible violation of the constitution and extant financial regulations. “Of what essence is

appropriation if you can just dip your hands and take money from government accounts?” a member of the committee, Wole Oke, questioned. The lawmakers insisted it was constitutionally wrong to withdraw money that was not from CRF and approved by the National Assembly. Finance Minister Ahmed, agreed with the House members on this, saying it was wrong to take money from any other government account that was not the CRF. She said even then, any money taken from the account must be appropriated for by the National Assembly. She said though there is provision in the budget for recovered loot, they have to be moved to the CRF first before it can be used for anything else. She said if there were instances where money is taken directly from the recovery accounts, then they were wrong. Speaking on the status of the £4.2 million Ibori loot from the United Kingdom, Ahmed said she was yet to get any information on the recovery. “On the £4.2 million I am

still waiting to get information about this recovery. I have read in the media that the recovery has been made. But what has happened in the past is that the Attorney General would write to Mr President and report that recovery and then give advice on what needs to be done or give advice based on the negotiations that they made during the process of the recovery. “And then that instruction is now conveyed to us. But up till now, I have not received any formal conveyance, any formal information written in respect of this £4.2 million. So I cannot say whether it is a Federal Government fund or a state fund. It depends on the advice that would come,” she said. Adjourning sitting to the following day, the committee directed the AGF and Finance Minister to furnish it with a summary of all transactions made from the recovered loot accounts since 2002. The committee also invited the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to appear before it on June 3, 2021 to properly reconcile all recovery accounts.

Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and the Director Administration and Human resources M a n a g e m e n t , Federal Ministry of Education, Mr David Gende addressing Polytechnic students that protested and laid siege at the ministry because of the prolong strike by members of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Education, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

King Salman Centre, Makkah Specialist Hospital sponsor 4,000 free eye surgeries in Kano, Bauchi

By Mustapha Adamu, Kano

he Albasar International Foundation (Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital), Kano, in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Saudi Arabia, has sponsored free eye surgery on 4,000 indigent patients in Kano and Bauchi states. The Foundation which manages the Makkah Specialist Hospital, is a non- Governmental charitable organization working for the prevention of blindness with particular emphasis on Africa and Asia. The Regional Director of the Hospital (Nigeria/Niger), Dr Moheildin Abdalla Elbadawi, made the disclosure while briefing

newsmen in Kano on Thursday. He said out of the 4,000 patients, 2,800 are from Kano state while the remaining are in Bauchi state. He said the programme which commenced simultaneously at Makkah Specialist Hospital in Kano and Bauchi on Tuesday, had so far conducted the surgery on more than 150 patients. He explained that the programme was aimed at supporting and partnering with governments and other bodies in blindness control, by supporting poor needy patients in particular and the general public. He said all patients operated under the programme are entitled to free discharge medicines and post surgery follow ups.

He said as part of effort to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, the patients are usually screened from various primary health care centres in the various LGAs of the states before they are referred in batches to the hospitals for the surgeries. According to him, the ministries of health in the two states had also provided the necessary support and logistics required for the successfull implementation of the programme. “Under the Regional office in Nigeria and Niger Republic the Foundation manages Makkah Specialist Hospital in Kano and Bauchi states in Nigeria as well as Maradi in Niger Republic. “Through the eye camps,

which are usually co-sponsored by a donor or sponsor and the Foundation, medical eye services are taken to the door steps of the patients who may not afford coming to the specialised eye hospitals. “During such eye camps, which may be minor or major, madical services including screening, issuance of drugs and optical glasses, as well as surgeries are rendered by our mobile medical team,” Elbadawi said. He added that from 1994 to 2014, a total of 81 free eye camps were conducted during which 394, 243 patients were screened, 33,781 surgeries carried out and 80,555 patients were issued with optical glasses.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

for the record

EDITORIAL

Profile of the new Chief of Army Staff Major General Faruk Yahaya

he new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya was born on 5 January 1966 in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto state. Maj Gen Yahaya who is a member of the 37 Regular Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), started his cadet training on 27 September 1985 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on 22 September 1990. Maj Gen Yahaya has held several appointments including Staff, Instructional and Command. Notable among the appointments held by the new COAS are Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield. He also served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade and 29 Task Force Brigade (Operation Zaman Lafiya). He was also Director Manpower at the Army

Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army. Until his appointment as the COAS, Maj Gen Faruk Yahaya was the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, responsible for Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in North East Nigeria. The new COAS is a proud holder of several honours and awards, some of which include, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Grand Service Star, Passed staff course (Dagger), National DefenceCourse (Chile), Economic Community of West Africa State Monitoring Group Medal, Command Medal, Field Command Medal, General Operations Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal and Golden Jubilee Medal. He is happily married and blessed with children. Please disseminate this information to the general public through your news medium. Thank you for your cooperation.

peaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly/Chairman Northern Speakers Forum, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has described the choice of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff as a step in the right direction.

“The new Chief of Army Staff’s track records show that he is experienced and will hit the ground running in bringing to an end the security challenges the country is facing,” he said. Zailani charged the new army chief to double efforts in dealing decisively with insurgency, banditry and other threats to Nigeria’s peace and unity.

It would be recalled that prior to his appointment, Major General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East, code named Operation Hadin Kai.

Coalition alleges irregularities in filling Permanent Secretary Vacancies

By Ochiaka Ugwu

n interest group, Coalition of Concerned Nigerians (CCN) has protested what they described as complex process of appointing Permanent Secretaries for Nasarawa, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti and Enugu States in the Federal Civil Service. Addressing a press conference in Abuja Wednesday, the Convener of the group, Comrade (Engr.) Japhet A. C. Ogbueri who moved that ICT proficiency test, written examination on Public Service issues should not be criteria for

appointing Permanent Secretary faulted payment of mandatory N250, 000 selection coaching program. He said the coalition is aware of provisions of Federal Character Commission (Establishment) Act Cap F7 LFRN,2004 of which part 1, Section 2 provides that the best and most competent persons shall be recruited from each state of the federation to fill positions reserved for indigenes of the state. Ogbueri noted that it is a common knowledge that basic minimum requirement for being appointed as

resident Muhammadu Buhari has already shaken off the shock of the killing of his chief war commander in a plane crash last Friday to summon an extraordinary summit of heads of state and government of Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The sub-regional leaders called up were the Presidents of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum and Central African Republic, Prof. Faustin Touadera

government, Lt.-Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby, would also address the summit on developments in his country as well as other relevant issues.

“

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Acting Director Defence Information

He expressed this in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, made available to newsmen yesterday in Kaduna. Zailani commended President Muhammadu Buhari for taking his time to choose an excellent officer, who has gathered rich experience in the infantry.

The stormy Chad Basin talks

President Buhari, who is the chair of leaders of LCBC member-countries, had asked for a minute silence in honour of the late Chadian President, Marshal Idriss Deby, who was killed by rebels on April 19. Apart from Chad, the extraordinary summit would deliberate on the issue of Islamic State and the challenges that they pose to the member states as well as President Buhari, who the Lake Chad environment. is the chair of leaders It observed that of LCBC memberthe resilience of countries, had asked Boko Haram and for a minute silence the Islamic State in the Lake Chad in honour of the late Basin had been Chadian President, unprecedented in Marshal Idriss Deby, who recent times

Chairman Northern Speakers Forum hails Choice of New COAS From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

PAGE 11

Permanent Secretary is attaining the position of Director (GL-17). Predicated on this, Ogbueri commended Head Service of the Federation and the Chairman of Federal Civil Service Commission for smooth and credible selection process that saw the emergence of 47 eligible Directors from the five States jostling for the five Permanent Secretary Slots. Ogbueri who argued that for one to attain the position of a Director in Federal Civil Service, such a person must have written and passed minimum of ten (10) promotion examinations, with about

20 or more years on the job experience, wondered why the person needs a test to be appointed Permanent Secretary. He therefore, moved that proposed written promotion examination slated for next week be expunged from the selection process and Oral Interview/Interactive session with broad-based experts be the basis of Final selection of eligible Prospective Permanent Secretaries. He also demanded that ICT Proficiency Test should be put aside given the fact that Permanent Secretaries have routine officers who are duty bound to handle ICT related Jobs.

Others were Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby, President of the Transitional Military Council of the Republic of Chad, while Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, was represented at the meeting. The rest were representatives of was killed by rebels on Mohamed Al-Menfi, The leaders April 19 Chairman of the were also Presidential Council of Libya, expected to discuss the issue and the Sudanese President. of transfer of water from the Central African Republic into The leaders were expected the Chad Basin. The lake is to discuss the growing security drying up at a terrifying speed, threats in the Sahel and Lake forcing a southward migration Chad region, political relations of several farming and fishing and economic ties as well as the communities. situation in Chad.The Executive Secretary of ICBC and Head of A communique on the mission of the Multinational outcome of the summit was Joint Task Force are expected expected at the close of the to make presentations on the deliberations of the sub-regional situation in Chad. The head leaders later yesterday. We wish of the country’s transitional them the best. OUR MISSION

OUR PEOPLE

“To be the market Chief Operating Officer place of ideas and /Editor, the leading player Hameed M. Bello, PhD in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while HEAD, ADVERT delivering value to patrick UGAMA our stakeholders”

OUR VISION

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

Letter to the Editor

FG should rehabilitate Bauchi-Gombe road By Mukhtar Jarmajo

a dilapidated condition. Even though the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintainance Agency (FERMA) are present on the road, they do not genuinely address the problems there. In most cases, wrong application of laterite as base and sub base materials is the cause of failure in road construction. Therefore, in most instances where the road has become dilapidated, what is needed to be done is not merely replacing the top asphalt layer. Rather, for the road to be better, the base and the sub base soil most be replaced with good laterite to stop the seasonal water absorption and discharge, which cause the asphalt to crack. In the Kangere axis of the Bauchi-Gombe road for instance, the Federal Ministry of Works is trying to replace the top asphalt layer with a new one. It will be an exercise in futility as the the road will become dilapidated sooner than later with the bad base and sub base it has. And on the Nabishin-Kangere axis of the same road where a layer of the asphalt was added on an existing one, it has already begun to wear out to confirm that the problem was not genuinely addressed. Therefore, both the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) should engage sincere and committed professionals as they rehabilitate the BauchiGombe road to improve socio-economic activities in the northeast in particular and Nigeria in general.

he importance of road infrastructure to the movement of people, goods and services cannot be over emphasized. Roads open up locked places thereby causing unprecedented increase in human activities. And that is why a government that is committed to the socio-economic growth of its people makes it a matter of priority to provide them road infrastructure. In the tripod stand, Nigeria in general has roads infrastructure deficit as one of its topmost problems. And such is one of the problems that must be addressed if Nigeria is to witness unprecedented rise in economic growth in such a manner as to reposition the country to greater heights. Currently, there are villages and towns that are not accessible in spite of the strategic agro-economic position they hold. More so, most of the cities, towns and villages that are accessible have dilapidated roads. And so, it is very difficult and sometimes even dangerous to ply them. Many ghastly auto accidents occur on Nigerian roads due to potholes. And so in order to arrest this situation and improve the living conditions of Nigerians, government should as a matter of fact and urgency rehabilitate our roads. And one of such roads which urgently needs attention is the BauchiGombe road. In spite it’s strategic role of linking the rest of Nigeria with Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states Jarmajo wrote from as well as some parts of Borno Aminu Kano Crescent, and Yobe states, the road is in Abuja.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

Harnessing West African dwarf goats (WAD) population for milk production

Are we stuck with this Constitution? By Sesugh Akume

here is a unanimous and growing consensus that Nigeria is not working. Whereas some are of the opinion that bad leadership is the main culprit, others say it is both bad leadership and the structure/system. They insist that even with the greatest leadership not much can be achieved under the present system which hinders, opposes and is antithetical to progress. At the heart of this being the Constitution we have and operate. This second view seems to be gaining wide and growing acceptance and is exemplified by the frequency by which the Constitution has been amended in the last 21 years, as virtually every National Assembly (NASS) has done so since 1999. This is not normal. Some have said there’s no perfect Constitution anywhere, and whatever Constitution that is come up with holes will be picked in, therefore, we should find ways to make do with what we have and make incremental changes as we move on. Others are of the view that first, this Constitution is founded on a lie with the false premise ‘We the people do hereby make and give ourselves the following Constitution.’ When, where, how did we do so, they ask? Second, the so-called incremental amendments are mere hacking at the leaves as against addressing core issues at the root, and at the rate gone so far in the last 2 decades with the amendments, it may take centuries to have a Constitution that bears the semblance of what truly serves the people. For this reason it deserves a replacement. No lesser a voice, than the deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, who is also chair of the joint ad-hoc committee chair on constitutional review for this 9th NASS has said NASS can’t replace the Constitution but can only amend it to alter some sections. In essence, we are stuck with what we presently have as a Constitution. This may have some merit, but it is not accurate. First, it is critical to understand why the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as is, is not only is inconsistent and contradicts itself repeatedly, but is a hindrance to progress and the

main culprit of our backwardness. A few illustrations should suffice: Local governments (LGs) are key as they bring governance closer to the people, but in Nigeria they are practically nonexistent. After the Constitution created the local LG system (section 7) as the third (and autonomous) tier of government (s.318) to be administered by laws enacted by the state Houses of Assembly it turned around and created the State Local Government Joint Account (SLGJA) (s.162) where federal funds for LGs in each state are sent into one pool. The states in turn make obnoxious laws that give governors unfettered access and control over the funds to the detriment of the LGs. It’s part of the reason LGs are under the governors’ stranglehold, choked and can never breathe. This brazen provision goes against the intergovernmental immunities doctrine, a principle settled in constitutional law the world over for 2 centuries that in dealings of federal government (with others) the state need not come in and vice versa. For instance, in the federal government sending funds to support the LG system the state government need not be involved. This had been the practice in Nigeria from the beginning until the 1999 Constitution. The US with its 50 states, for instance, has 85,000 LGs. The people are at liberty to organise and govern themselves as LGs, fully recognised. This is so because they don’t receive federal allocations (for doing nothing) to run (unsustainable) LGs; and they are doing very well. Montgomery is a small LG in the state of Maryland with an annual budget of $6 billion, half of which goes to education. In essence, what one rather obscure LG spends on pre-nursery to secondary education is more than 10 times what Nigeria has budgeted for the same purpose in 2021. That budget is one-sixth of Nigeria’s for 2021. Remember, America has 85,000 of such LGs, we are not talking states of the federal government yet. We in turn have 774 of them all codified in the Constitution. This is how the Constitution enhances or hinders progress. You can’t form a local government in Nigeria without a constitutional amendment.

Recall the SLGJA under the control of the emperorgovernors. Do we need 774 feeding-bottle-fed LGs? Or we should revert to having autonomous LGs that thrive and pay taxes to the centre as it was preIndependence and the First Republic? It is trite knowledge that in a democracy (or even a civilian rule as ours) there are 3 coequal arms of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary) but in Nigeria the judiciary is under the presidency (s.153) so is the election management body that is said to be ‘independent’ (s.153) and is expected to conduct free and fair elections. How is that possible? It insists that there shall be only a single police force in the country (s.214) — whose function isn’t stated by the way – and forbids states from making laws pertaining to security and creating security outfits (Second Schedule Part I(45)). The result of this is there for all to see. Meanwhile, pre-Independence and in the First Republic, LGs had their own police departments, the Native Authority police. In 1984 the Major-General Muhammadu Buhari regime ill-advisedly cancelled the Lagos metroline initiated by the then Lagos state government and remains so 36 years on with the resultant traffic and chaos. There is no hope for it in another 300 years under this present Constitution, even for those who are willing and can, as railways are the exclusive preserve of the federal government (Second Schedule Part I(55)). I have never seen a country so vulgar as to deem itself a ‘national cake’ for ‘eating’ where public office roles are seen to be for ‘sharing’ and ‘distribution’, the Constitution actually uses those words (s.14(3); Second Schedule, Part I(c) 7 and 8). A country whose focus is not patriotism, service, sacrifice for the common good, merit, productivity, competition, greatness, but rather entitlement, distribution and sharing of offices. The Constitution acknowledges that sovereignty belongs to the people from whom the government through it derives its powers and authority, and that the people in their government shall be ensured (s.14) yet there is no room for the people to ventilate their feelings and express their thoughts on issues,

save to vote every 4 years in elections conducted by an agency under the presidency. The idea that having voted in 469 (mostly self-serving) NASS members, the people have ceded their sovereignty to them to decide on all matters, thereby shutting out the people is not only an egregious assault, but has no place in a constitutional democracy anywhere. Citizens usually exercise their franchise by way of referendum on critical but this Constitution has only 2 limiting scenarios for referendum — new states creation and boundary adjustment (s.8) and recall of NASS members (s.69). It would be recalled that referenda were conducted in 1959 and 1961 for which parts of northern Cameroon joined Nigeria in the northeastern part (which includes the Mambilla Plateau area) and southern Cameroon stayed with Cameroon. So a referendum is not strange to Nigeria. What this NASS can do at this time is to give the people back their voice to participate in their government in any matter that concerns them, including of their choice to decide whether they want to keep patching up the Constitution every 4 years, or a fresh one they are involved in the process of making, therefore, own and has legitimacy. The recurring questions agitating the minds of many citizens include whether we can and should sustain the 36-state structure; whether the FCT should have its own mayor, cabinet and legislature; whether we should be self governing at the subnational level or to continue with the feeding bottle culture depending on dwindling oil resources and the era of oil coming to an end; whether only Zamfara deserves to mine their minerals, keep the proceeds and pay taxes to the federal government or what is good for the goose is sauce for the gander; whether having a single police force in Abuja suffices; whether we want a unicameral, part-time NASS, or to keep the bicameral, full-time NASS, whether the ultra-expensive presidential system is workings or to revert to the parliamentary system? And so many such questions. Sesugh Akume, a public policy analyst wrote from Abuja. He tweets @sesugh_akume and reach via sesugh.akume@gmail.com.

Expediency of sparing a thought for street urchins on children day By Isaac Asabor

s gathered from an online encyclopedia, “Wikipedia”, “Children’s Day is celebrated on 27 May in Nigeria. It was established as a holiday in 1964. It is a public holiday for Primary and Secondary school children. Due to the large size of the country, only a few groups of children (schools or other organizations) are selected to march past in a parade. The children are usually given treats such as an outing or doing jobs that adults would normally do. In some situations, primary and secondary school children compete in military parades format for a prize which will be given at the end of the competition. Religious groups in Nigeria also celebrate children’s day in grand style. Many private and public organizations usually put together children’s party for privileged and less privileged children in a bid to give them a sense of belonging. It is also a day media organizations analyze the plight of children in the society and efforts government and nongovernment agencies make to better a lot of children”. Despite the philosophy behind its conceptualization of the special day, it is obvious that the plight of street children is not in any way been put into consideration in Nigeria, yet our leaders kept celebrating it every year with tongue-in-cheek promises and rhetoric just like today being May 27. It is not an exaggeration to say that street children or urchins are a creation of rapid urbanization and its concomitant aberrations. Without any scintilla of hyperbole, it is expedient to opine in this context that that with the growing spatial inequities, dwindling farmlands, physical exertion required in peasant farming and the glamour of cities that millions of Nigerians in rural areas are daily

migrating in droves into urban spaces, and in the process radically redefining the geosociological nature of cities and continue to pose formidable challenges to planners and policy makers. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is salient in this context to recall that the UN in 2015 projects world population to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, driven by growth in developing countries. Despite the prediction, it appears policy makers in Nigeria are less concerned, and there is a major subtext to this story that youth will account for a large proportion in this demographic transition. This “demographic bulge” is seen both as a potential problem as well as a future resource. To put it in an understandable perspective, street children follows the widely accepted conceptualization by UNICEF, which is: “Boys and girls aged under 18 for whom “the street” (including unoccupied dwellings and wasteland) has become home and/or their source of livelihood, and who are inadequately protected or supervised.” The increasing number of street children is also an expression of the negative impact of globalization on the poorest of the poor. In fact, globalization fosters urbanization, including the promises of a better life in the cities with less hardship than in the countryside. In fact, the loss of traditional family values and the adoption of individually shaped urban life often create a desire for “Streetism”. The subculture of the street can in some cases become a substitute for community life for children. The street can be a place of exclusion and marginalization but also a place for socialization and integration. As Nigeria marks Children Day today, it is only appropriate that we spare a thought for these children that are unarguably lost on the streets of Kaduna, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin and other cities.

It is so sad that most Nigerians despise these children by each passing day and walk right passed them without even sparing a thought on how they can be helped. In most cases, we don’t even give them a second thought let alone the actual issue of homelessness as a whole. Becoming homeless can happen rather quickly, and paradoxically takes longer to be reintegrated back into the society. Living on the streets is tough for either a man or a woman not to talk of vulnerable children. They get kicked, beaten, laughed and jeered at. It is salient to correct the erroneous impression that only the government should be responsible in helping these children on the streets. Given the plethora of NGOs, religious bodies, and manufacturers of children products and providers of pediatric services, it is not an act of ingratitude to say that Nigeria is yet to be supported enough in tackling street children related challenges so that they can have equal opportunities in accessing education like other children at home with their parents or guardians. In fact, there is an urgent need to help these children on the streets as it is very obvious that they have much lower chances of being able to attend school. The main problem is simple: in Nigeria, primary schools are free, but you must pay for secondary or higher education, the fees of which are too high for many underprivileged children. As a result, the future obviously looks bleak for this children on the streets even as they equally pose as threat to the country’s future security architecture. However, the challenges they are faced with can be nipped in the bud if they are assisted. To Lagosians that are conversant with Oshodi/Mushin/Isolo axis, they will agree with this writer that street urchins can be classified

Comment PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

under two major categories; depending on how much time they spend on the streets. The first category of children lives at home and they are on the streets to earn for their livings and support their families. They are often forced by their parents to do everything they can to earn money and such children do any possible job requiring minimum skills or knowledge. They are engaged in all kinds of menial jobs, begging, sometimes in prostitution or into other illegal activities connected with menial income. Children in the second category accept the streets as their homes and the only place for living, because they sleep and live on the streets. These children usually do not have any ties with their families and siblings. They sun away from their homes for various reasons. In most cases, conflicts with parents or family members force them to go to the streets. At this juncture, it is expedient to appeal to the government and NGOs that street children should be assisted to become part of us. Today, being Children Day should be set aside to think about their plight. In fact, it is expedient to note that street children are a worldwide phenomenon, and it is not peculiar to Nigeria. It suffices to say that a number of these children has been increasing. These are the runaway children who struggle for their survival. It is not an exaggeration to say that the situation is by each passing day becoming grimmer. So, there is a need of conducting study on their status, and also the role of media in this regard. It is not enough for children to be observing Children Day’s holiday every year without anything being done for them. They are Nigerians as well. We should spare a thought on their plight. Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

By Abachi Ungbo

ecently, i was a guest of an effervescent sexagenarian who is an ex-banker with an obsessive passion for farming. His entrepreneurial adrenaline still keeps gushing like a broken pipe. What started as a hobby has morphed into a full-time profession. He is now flirting with the idea of incorporating a goat section into his growing farm. And the Boer breed reputed for its quality meat is high on list. This formed the kernel of our long conversation on goats. At any rate, commercial goat farming is rapidly growing in Nigeria. For the most part, goats are raised under a mixed croplivestock system by smallholder farmers on whose shoulders the nation’s food needs rest. It serves as source of income to many families. Goats are known primarily for meat. Other products simply pale in comparison, not least goat milk, which still sounds queer owing to its unpopularity. As a result, data or record hardly exists. However, goat farming the world over is a profitable venture whether for meat, milk or as pets. Interesting, the Nigerian goat, according to reports is being sold at about 15,000 dollars in Australia as pets and for high quality milk where it is gaining popularity. Yes, you heard me right! The goat is strictly pure breed stock derived

from improved genetics from the United States where the breed was developed and registered in the America breed herd book since the early 1980’s. And, as early as 2002 it got entry into the America dairy goat association herd book. The Nigerian goat is derived from the popular West Africa dwarf goat (WAD). And, Nigeria is home to the largest population of the breed which is common in West and Central Africa. It landed in America as a source of feed for lions and other large cats in the zoo before gaining acceptance amongst the populace. So the population burgeoned as it underwent refinement by breeders who were enamoured of its exceptional qualities. The breed provides an average of 1.8 – 4 litres of milk with a butterfat that ranges an average of 6.5- 10%. The cheese produced is said to be of great quality. Generally, Goats possesses milk with great butterfat – the natural fat confers a distinctive taste and aroma providing delicious milk and cheese as well as making the milk creamy. Prolific Diary goats in the developing countries especially in Europe are results of elaborate breeding programme. The genetic improvement has led to considerable increase in yield and longer lactation lengths. The dairy goat sector is an important part of the global industry which encompasses cow, buffalo, Carmel milk

and their products. And, it’s staging serious challenges to the traditional milk sources. There’s a global uptick in goat population mainly due to growing demand. Asia remains the capital of the world’s dairy goat production and consumption. India is reputed as the largest milk producer with annual production of over 5 million metric tonnes. France is described as the European benchmark both in milk and pure goat cheese making. Others like Spain, Netherlands are strong players. This also includes Mexico in America with many other countries scattered across the globe. The conflation of surging demand strong prices and climate change is leading the growth of dairy goat industry in countries that are not traditional goat milk producers like China where the Shaanxi province has developed into the biggest dairy goat hub. Goat milk and products are increasingly sought after due to their health and nutritional benefits, greater digestibility and lipid metabolism. Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi was a high-profile consumer of goat milk. When he was arrested in May 5, 1930, it was reported that the British government paraded before reporters “a dozen woolly animals of the purest strain purchased by His Majesty’s government to supply the prisoner with his favourite beveragegoat’s milk. His daily requirement of goat

milk is met in whatever part of the globe he travels to. Nigeria needs to leverage on its large population of WAD for milk production. Already a huge appetite for milk exist which is instantiated by the large milk import and the resultant huge financial heft on the nation falling foreign exchange. In light of this, a backward integration strategy was introduced to fuel local production with a glimmer of hope emerging from the Promasidor and Ekiti state Ikun Dairy farm partnership. So, developing dairy goat industry can play a contributory part in satisfying the local demand. It’s no doubt a challenging undertaking especially building from ground zero. In achieving the goal a standalone policy for the sector is of consequence; with great effort targeted at elaborate breeding and genetic improvement of goats and developing dairy goat product market etc. This will take considerable willpower on the part of government. The blip in the upgrade of our local cows for improved milk and the dairy industry in general speaks to the poor commitment of authorities. By and large, commitment should drive the aspiration for a vibrant dairy goat industry. Abachi Ungbo can be reached at abachi007@yahoo.com

The many antics of big tobacco industries By Olu’Seun Esan

t’s no longer a hidden fact that Tobacco is the only industry that produces things that fetch them huge profits and at the same time damage the health and ultimately kill their consumers; simply put ‘Tobacco companies kill their best customers’. For an example, Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known cancercausing (carcinogenic) compounds and 400 other toxins. These cigarette ingredients include nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT. It is important to add that Nicotine is highly addictive. DDT as another of the composition is ‘Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane’, it is a colourless, tasteless, and almost odourless crystalline chemical compound, originally developed as an insecticide, and ultimately becoming infamous for its environmental impacts. These are some of the compounds that are being inhaled by smokers and unfortunately, inadvertently by people in the neighbourhood of smokers and passersby who inhale tobacco smoke exhaled by smokers or released by the burning sticks. For this reason the MPOWER, a policy package for tobacco control ratified by the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control have the first three components as Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies, Protect people from tobacco smoke and Offer help to quit tobacco use. This underscore the dangers imminent in tobacco smoke and tobacco use in General. Another product, Shisha, which is unfortunately the recent trending addiction in vogue among the elitist urban population in Nigeria is neither harmless for consumption nor for public health. Tobacco is tobacco, no matter what. Shisha is often soaked in molasses or honey and mixed with fruit, but it still contains cancer-causing chemicals and nicotine. Findings revealed that Composition of tobacco smoke in shisha is variable and not well standardized. It is evident that smoke emerge from water pipe contain numerous toxicants known to cause cancer. Level of

carbon monoxide, ‘carboxyhemoglobbin’ were higher among shisha smokers than cigarette smokers or non-smokers. Also, analysis of mainstream aerosol found that shisha smoke contains significant amount of nicotine, tar and heavy metals. In a standard heavy protocol of 100 puff of 3 seconds, 2:25 mg of nicotine and 242 mg of nicotine free dry particulate were obtained. Along these, high level of arsenic, chromium and lead were found in shisha smoke. Hookah, shisha, narghile, goza, and hubble-bubble, to name a few are inventions of the tobacco industries to further advance their trade; for more variant of their products, for more customers and more sale. Some countries in Africa has placed outright ban on shisha and it is very commendable. The Tobacco industries have consistently used colour branding to stimulate the interest of consumers. The use of colour yellow, red and gold colours by some brand of tobacco products are strategic; such that mere seeing an item branded with that particular shades of colours without even inscribing the name, people can easily decipher which brand of tobacco/cigarette is associated with that item. A recent research in Nigeria by the Nigeria Tobacco Control Research Group identified branded kiosk as a deliberate marketing strategy by Tobacco companies to target youths who are known to be attracted to bright colours. It was concluded that colour has a strong influence on the way objects are recognized and identified. The colour yellow adopted by a popular tobacco company is known to promote anxiety and attract impulsiveness in buyers. For example several researchers has established that, silver and gold colours can be used to convey status and prestige, particularly for “premium” brands according to Richard Pollay. Other researchers maintained that Red packages and logos can convey excitement, strength, wealth, and power, while pastel colours are associated with freshness, innocence, and relaxation and are more common among brands that appeal to females. Clearly, the visual design of cigarette packaging conveys brand identity and information about

the product to consumers and has a way of appealing to the unsuspecting public. Research has documented that visual design of products has inﬂuence on consumers’ perceptions and consumption behaviours; colour is particularly inﬂuential. Tobacco companies were among the earliest companies to identify and implement effective, integrated marketing strategies; cigarettes and other tobacco products have long been among the most heavily marketed consumer products in the United States; and it follows similar trend everywhere in the world. The Tobacco industries over the years deployed subtle ways crafting of information. A central feature of this strategy has been to use misleading brand descriptors. Words such as “light” and “mild” were ostensibly used in the past to denote flavour and taste, but “light” and “mild” brands were promoted in advertisements as “less harmful”. Another example is “slims” descriptors on packs promote beliefs about smoking and weight control—an important factor in smoking behaviour among young women. It is subtly associated with increased brand appeal and reinforcing beliefs that smoking is associated with thinness. Since the ban on advertisement on mass media the Tobacco industries chose to lead anti-tobacco messages, thus keeping tobacco and its product consistently being discussed in public space. Such industrysponsored programs that purport to decrease smoking among teens may be ineffective in doing so and may, in fact, enhance the tarnished image of the tobacco industries. Most times, Big Tobacco’s media campaign, actually glamorize a smoker’s lifestyle by making tobacco use appear “adult.” Some studies suggest these ads effectively encourage teens to smoke The Tobacco Industries also devised ways of making big promises to tobacco farmers, providing incentives and encouragements. The big tobacco is also known to target the soft, weak and vulnerable spots. The usually target and deploy massively to capture developing nations, youths and children; a claim they usually vehemently deny, but it is obvious with concrete evidence out there for

all to see. Commendably, the Nigerian senate recently moved a motion urging the Federal Government ban sale of cigarette within 100m perimeter of school, this is coming at the heels of a research that established that tobacco products are conspicuously displayed beside cookies and candies in stores and kiosks close to schools where children are exposed without restraint; the inquisitive nature of children will simply take it on from there. Most empowerment programmes, corporate social responsibility initiatives of the tobacco industries are nothing but subtle antics of the big tobacco to regain what they lost to efforts of tobacco control advocates and government legislations. Evidence also abounds the world over of scandals of Tobacco industries influencing key Government officials, subverting legislations and even sometimes deploying huge resources to installing loyal men into key offices. Evidence indicates that BAT Group money has been used to: Corrupt national parliaments of countries, get information on – and make changes to – tobacco control legislation, get market information and intelligence to undermine competitors. Another scheme they usually deploy is using celebrities and artiste to subtly promote smoking and tobacco use in movies and musical video and even using lyrics that ostensibly depict smoking while other barefacedly refer to smoking, weed and tobacco use. Candidly when 13-year olds see their cherished celebrity lighting up on screen, millions spent on antismoking messages go up in smoke. Use of flavoured product and the continuous release of newer brand are other strategies used to advance their business. The onus lies on government at all levels to continually up their game and proactively work to curb these antics and put in place measures that will keep the ‘Big Tobacco’ in continuous check; without doubt our public health and the future of the younger generation will be better for it. Olu’Seun Esan writes from the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance.

PAGE 14

News

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

ABU Professor emerges president of committee of Deans

2019-2020 Huawei ICT competition: Pantami lauds ABU VC over feats

By Usman Shuaibu

he Dean, Faculty of Education at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Kaduna State, Prof. Haladu Isa Bayero has been elected as the new president of the Committee of Deans of Education in Nigerian Universities (CODENU). Bayero was elected during a twoday Biennial conference of CODENU, held at the University of Abuja, ASUU national secretariat, main campus. In an interview with Peoples Daily correspondent, the new president of CODENU, solicited the support and co-operation of every member of CODENU. He also appealed to the members to join hands with him so as to arrest the pending challenges facing the CODENU. He said: “The way the election was conducted indicated that our victory is a victory of all”. Also speaking at the occasion, the Dean, Faculty of Education at the University of Abuja, Prof. Benedict Michael Umaru, said the conference was successful due to the support of the Vice-chancellor of the University, the staff of faculty of Education as well as those in the University Community.

FCT: Gbagyi title holder chargers government on youth employment By Usman Shuaibu

he Madaki of Sabon Gari in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Abubakar Madaki, has charged the government at all levels to provide employment for the youths in the country. Madaki gave the charge while speaking to Peoples Daily correspondent in his residence in Gwagwalada, noting that if the majority of the youths were employed, it would reduce social vices in the society. He also urged the government to create more skill acquisition centers to enable the youths to be self-reliance in our society. Commenting on the security challenges facing the country, he called on both Muslims and Christians to remain committed to prayers for the protection of the country. He, therefore, appealed to the Muslims as well as the Christians to always tolerate each other for the overall development of the country. Madaki pleaded with the government to place top priority on the welfare of Nigeria citizens at all times.

From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna Attn: News Editor he Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has lauded the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) over the feat achieved by the six students of the institution who participated in the recently concluded 2019-2020 Huawei ICT Global Competition. He made the assertion during the 2019-2020 Huawei Nigeria ICT Competition Award and

2021-2022 Launch Ceremony held in Zaria, yesterday. The Minister who was represented by the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Prof. M.B. Abubakar, said the feat was yet another testimony of ABU capacity as a pace-setter nationally and globally. “This exemplary achievement is no doubt a result of the joint efforts of all the structures, organs, and of the support from the internal stakeholders of this University community in one way or the other, and I wish to congratulate the University as a

whole, today,” he said. Dr. Pantami equally commended the management and staff of Huawei International Company for offering the platform which had seen Nigerian youths display extraordinary skills and resourcefulness in a dynamic sector as that of the ICT. Pantami urged Ahmadu Bello University to consider the feat achieved by the students as a baseline for future achievements that would keep this great University soaring at enviable heights. He explained that by virtue of

the feat achieved by the students, the University was showing leadership and hope in the vision of a digitalized Nigeria. Goodwill messages from National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Digital Bridge Institute and NITDA were delivered at the award ceremony. Out of six students that participated in the global competition, three earned first prize in Network Track and another three won the grand prize in Cloud/Artificial Intelligence Track.

Aliyu Edogi Aliyu, Director, ICT/Database, BPP; 4th from right; flanked by the Director Procurement, ITF; 5th right; Chioma U. Ogbonna, Director, Revenue Inspectorate & Compliance Department, ITF; 6th right and other members of the technical committee during the meeting with the Bureau of Public Procurement, (BPP) and Industrial Training Fund, (ITF) on National Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers (CCSP) at ITF Headquarters Jos, Plateau State

UBEC set to construct 17 additional smart schools in states Maryam Abeeb The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, says it will soon commence the construction of 17 additional smart schools in states that are yet to benefit from the intervention. Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, stated this during a chat with newsmen in Abuja . Bobboyi, who gave a breakdown of the cost of constructing the schools, said each of the 7 smart schools located in the six geopolitical zones was constructed at approximately N600 million while N350 million each would be spent on constructing model smart schools in each state of the federation. The UBEC boss disclosed that twenty of the smart schools were already completed, while construction work on the remaining 17 will commence in

the next one month. “At the moment we have seven zonal smart schools, representing all the geopolitical zones in the country; we have also started the construction of the state models and so far, we have constructed two in each of the geopolitical zones and one extra in the North West because of the number of states there and the population. “So far, we have 20. Our hope is that in the next one month we will ensure that the remaining states that do not have the model schools have them; the construction will start very soon,” he said. He noted that the whole idea about the construction of the smart schools is to ensure that children in the country compete effectively in the 21st century, adding that in many parts of the world, e-learning has become an integral part of the school system and Nigeria cannot afford to be

left behind. He said while private schools in the country are already providing e-learning facilities for their pupils, the government is pushing hard to ensure that pupils in public schools have e-learning facilities irrespective of whether they can afford to pay for them. Bobboyi said UBEC was collaborating with state governments to make the model schools a paradigm that states can replicate, adding however that the carrying capacity of the schools will not be high. He added that the commission was in discussion with the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, internet service providers and other stakeholders to ensure internet connectivity in the schools. “The power systems will be provided by the Chinese company

Huawei, we are making an effort to ensure that we have stable power supply at the end of the day,” he said. He said the commission also started vocational schools during the north east intervention, adding that when a school is built, vocational equipment is provided to help the children learn a trade. On counterpart funding for states to access UBEC allocations, he said as at 31st of December 2020, about 120 billion was lying in the coffers of UBEC unutilised by state governments, adding that the major problem with the allocations is slow utilisation of funds. Earlier, the Director of Physical Planning, UBEC, Engr. Abubakar Sa’ad, said the smart schools initiative, which was started by the leadership of Bobboyi is aimed at creating a conducive learning environment for the children.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

Lawan congratulates Nigerian kids on 2021 Children day anniversary By Musa Baba Adamu

he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated with Nigerian children as they commemorate this year’s Children’s Day. The Day is set aside to celebrate children and draw attention to issues affecting them. In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awonoyi, Lawan urged the authorities at all levels in the country to recognise the critical importance of issues that affect the well-being, happiness and growth of the Nigerian child and to give them priority in their plans and actions. “On the occasion of the celebration of this Day, I reassure the Nigerian children that the National Assembly will always accord their needs full attention in its legislative duties with a view to making laws that protect and promote their rights. “I also want to use the opportunity of the occasion to appeal to states that have not domesticated the Child’s Rights Act 2003 to do so in the best interest of the Nigerian Child. “Let us all remain ever conscious of our duty to bring up our children with the right orientation and to bequeath to them a peaceful and prosperous society,” Lawan said.

Osun LG election: Conduct election or resign – PDP to Oyetola By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has berated the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, for deliberately obstructing local government administration in the State and playing politics with the lives of people at the grassroots. This is as it advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in the state to revive the already moribund local government administration or to throw in the towel for its deficiency in proper governance ideas. In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Jacob Ayodeji Areola on Wednesday, the PDP wondered why the closest tier of government to the people of Osun had recklessly been ravaged and left dysfunctional and also accused the ruling party

of sacrificing governance on APC intra party squabbles. The party hinted that it was giving the state government two options which included the immediate installation of a functional local government administration in the state in order to save the state from further public discomfiture or resignation from office for lack of acumen, capacity and due diligence which are stimulus for good governance. It bemoaned the seeming extermination of local governments in the state, a development which it alluded to a conglomerated looting of the state treasury under the APC administration in Osun State. “We understand Mr. Oyetola was still a political infant at the time of his ‘presidential remote controlled ascension of office’. However, as a product of a dying platform like APC, the

PDP expects Mr. Oyetola to rise above his false fortune and give the people of our dear state a semblance of good governance, especially at the local government level. “It is unthinkable that a self professed genius in public management would be so entangled in abject confusion over the conduct of local government election where acceptable administrators are to be elected. “Granted that the governor and his cabinet are bereft of basic rudiments of governance in a constitutional democracy, Osun State must not be made a pawn in their political chessboard, where certified apprentices are claiming political ‘Yokosuna’, thereby, leaving the state to suffer for their immaturity, cluelessness and arrogance. “Mr. Oyetola must enroll with his masters on the need to make local governments in the state

actively functional for the good of our people or resign in defeat.” The PDP appealed to the state’s founding fathers, traditional rulers and religious leaders to impress it on the governor to stop bastardising local government administration in the state. “The governor should conduct local government election or seek help for his obvious ineptitude in the state. “Leaving local government administration in the hands of some dictatorial managers, while settling political scores or engaging in political ‘friendly fire’ at the expense of our people in the state, who are mostly rural dwellers, is most uncharitable, unreasonable and absolutely unacceptable. “Good governance via a viable and functional local government administrations is a statutory right of Osun people. This is not negotiable,” it argued.

Senate wants procurement process for security agencies reviewed By Musa Baba Adamu

he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has called for a review of the procurement process for the security agencies. Lawan made the call on Wednesday at a Special Summit on National Security organised by the House of Representatives. The Senate President said it was a very worthwhile Summit adding that the essence of the summit was to look for ways of improving the performance of the Armed forces and other security agencies in the country. “While the National Assembly should work hard as it has always done to provide more resources, I also want to say we must review procurement processes by the security agencies. “While we are not going to open up how they do these things to the public, but as parliamentarians who approve the funding, we must understand how these procurement processes are undertaken. “If the processes require that we change the way we do that, because of inefficiencies, we should go ahead and do so, because it is not enough to just put in more resources, but how the resources are deployed within the economy, with prudence and efficiency.

Chairman Senate Committee on INEC, Chairman Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution North West Zone A, His Excellency Arc. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya (center), Kaduna State, Governor, Nasiru Elrufai (right) and Chairman Senate Committee on Taciaries Education Senator, Ahmed Babba Kaita during the Two days Public Hearing on the Proposed Alteration to the Provisions of the Condition of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, North West. Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa organised by NASS, in Kaduna. Photo: BASHIR BELLO

Anambra guber: Ozigbo says PDP chances high, wants ticket zoned to South By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, has expressed optimism about the bright chance of the party in the November 6 election. He noted that other parties stood no chance in the contest, advising the party to zone the ticket to the Southern senatorial district. Ozigbo, 50, from Amesi in Aguata Local Government, told reporters that such a decision would

further boost the electoral fortunes of the PDP. “All I know is that the next governor of this state will be from the South. Anyone that is not from the zone that is in the race may be doing so for another reason”, he said. Ozigbo noted that some people are contesting the election to make money or for other reasons that are best known to them. He said “If someone outside the 12 of us from the zone wins the PDP primary election, what it simply means is that PDP is not in the race.”

The business leader expressed confidence that the party would apply wisdom and confirmed that the relationship between all aspirants was cordial. He observed that the PDP is more responsible, more democratic and had provided a level playing field in the race. “The losers will support one another provided the person is from the South. No formal declaration on zoning yet but we believe the right thing will be done”, he said. On the security situation in the

South-East, Ozigbo said all hands must be on deck to fix the challenge. “Things must not escalate, poor leadership creating problems. Leaders must take full responsibility. Governance is not rocket science. It’s about engaging the right hands. “I have the best chance anyone can imagine. I’m not a newcomer to the PDP. In 2018, I formally registered in my ward. “Anambra people will be my regulator. I have better experience than other aspirants. We will be accountable”, Ozigbo promised.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

POLITICS

Sen Nnamani condemns burning of Police, INEC offices, calls for dialogue By Musa Baba Adamu

ormer Governor of Enugu State and Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has called for the cessation of arson, invasion of Police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities in the South East geopolitical zone . Irked by the development, Senator Nnamani in a statement today, said that the trend is dangerous, anti development and against the known culture, tradition and hospitality of Igbo people.

He said: ”This trend is capable of alienating us from the rest of Nigeria. What we require is a society or nation of equal opportunities where no one is segregated upon or discriminated against on account of his ethnic or religious leaning. “Justice and equity is what we should agitate for not violence. We can only achieve this in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Burning police or INEC facilities cannot be a solution. The world is already a global village. We need each other. Those behind these acts must sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue”. Interestingly, Senator Nnamani

pointed out that the 17 Southern Governors in their last meeting held in Asaba, Delta State recommended a national dialogue to discuss the way out of the myriad of problems confronting the corporate existence of Nigeria adding “This is the way to go”. He reminded aggrieved Nigerians that there are many channels including the courts or even the National Assembly to address any injustices or misgivings instead of resort to violence . “Violence will only lead to anarchy. It is certainly not one of the ways to resolve issues”, Senator Nnamani stressed. A worried Nnamani stated: ”I

urge our citizens to listen to the voice of wisdom. We must not wittingly or unwittingly engage in anything that would put us in a disadvantaged position in our quest for economic and political equation in the country. “We have had the misfortune of the 30 months old fratricidal civil war. It is not an experience we wish even our enemies. Let us apply caution in the struggle to achieve what we deserve in this community called Nigeria”. He also enjoined government to be receptive and open to dialogue with the citizens in order to address the challenges of insecurity bedeviling the nation.

Invited dignitaries observing the National Anthem during the Two days Public Hearing on the Proposed Alteration to the Provisions of the Condition of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, North West. Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa organised by NASS, in Kaduna. Photo: BASHIR BELLO

How Nigeria can enact a new Constitution - Ekweremadu By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

ormer Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says while a new constitution is possible and will become ultimately inevitable, the nation needs to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a provision for achieving that. This was even as he said that while calls for a national dialogue was not a bad idea, operationalising the outcomes of previous dialogues and botched constitution amendment efforts would help the nation faster. Ekweremadu stated these while fielding questions from reporters in Enugu on the sidelines of the ongoing zonal hearing on constitution review exercise of the 9th National Assembly. “I have heard the suggestions for a new constitution over and over again. Some say, bring back the 1960 Constitution; some say bring back the 1963 Constitution. Some others say, okay, why don’t we just throw away this constitution and

bring a new one. “However, there is no such provision to do so under our present Constitution, unless you are calling for anarchy. If you say we need a new constitution, the answer is simple. When other countries like Kenya and Brazil had a similar challenge, what they simply did was to amend the original constitution in order to make a provision for how a new constitution can be enacted. We (the National Assembly) did it the last time, specifically in the 7th Assembly, including making a provision for a referendum, but it was not accepted. “So, we need to amend Section 9 on how we can create a new Constitution, including the issue of referendum, to be able to do that” he stated. The lawmaker, who chairs the Enugu centre of the South East zonal hearing, also explained that creating an avenue for a new constitution would also help make the constitution more organised. According to him, “We have done a whole of amendments,

which many Nigerians don’t even know about. So, there is confusion already in differentiating what has been amended and what has not been amend. And it will only increase as we make more amendments. Even with ordinary Acts of the National Assembly, after several amendments or a farreaching amendment, the usual and proper thing we do is to repeal and reenact the law. “Whether we are doing a new constitution today, tomorrow or next year, we need to take advantage of this constitution amendment exercise to provide for and spell out how a new constitution can come into being. That way, at the appropriate time, we can now trigger that provision and be able to have a conversation, draft a new constitution, and go through the constitutional provision and have it approved at the requite levels and with the requisite numbers so that we can have a new constitution that will encompass all these amendments”. On the calls for a national

dialogue by ethnic nationalities, he said: “Once any nation runs into a problem like we do now, the usual thing to do is to say, okay, let us come together and talk. But in our case, there is nothing really new, say in this constitution amendment exercise from the past ones. “Likewise, if you bring together all the ethnic nationalities, they are not going to say anything new. We have had conversions. We have had the national confab. “Just as someone suggested, why don’t we just dust up all of the constitution amendments we have done before or simply improve on them and get the reasonable and required number to approve it and send it to the president? That is my opinion too. “In the same manner, if we say let us look at those issues and resolutions we have had in the past confabs, nothing is new, and nothing has changed. But if we look at the recommendations and set up a committee to look at it in one week, we can now find a way to legislate on it.

NASS open to informed criticisms - Lawan says By Musa Baba Adamu

resident of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the National Assembly is open to informed criticisms as long as they will add value to the law making process. Lawan said the federal lawmakers would readily welcome constructive criticisms and valuable contributions that would enhance better legislation for the governance of the country. The Senate President spoke in Abuja at the unveiling of a publication titled: A Political Economy of Pandemics and Consequences of COVID-19 for Nigeria, which was produced by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies(NILDS). awan was excited at the presence at the occasion of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and thanked him and his other colleague traditional rulers for their support and understanding. “Your Majesty, let me commend you and the body of our traditional rulers across the country. You have shown understanding and total support and commitment to the National Assembly. “Every one of our functions, that you are invited, you and the Sultan, you will always be there. This is what we expect from Nigerians. “We want to have valuable contributions that will make the National Assembly legislate better for the governance of this country. “We also want to open up the opportunity for Nigerians and all stakeholders really, to have the opportunity and the basis for informed criticisms on what we do because that benefits us. It makes us do better and Your Majesty, I believe that you are setting a very good example of what we expect citizens to do. “The National Assembly is the National Assembly of Nigerians. We are only there to represent Nigerians. “Anytime we do things that Nigerians are not happy with, show us the right thing to do. We are here to take our mistakes and correct everything that we feel are justified. “And of course, legislation is not for members of the National Assembly to do alone. Legislation is for stakeholders, key stakeholders particularly, to contribute,” Lawan said. Commenting on COVID-19 pandemic and the Nigeria’s situation, Lawan said the National Assembly would continue to undertake a thorough review of all the emergency measures, including relevant legislations, to determine their effectiveness and prepare the government for future emergencies. “We will equally maintain oversight of government interventions to ensure comprehensive reporting on how funds and other resources were utilised by relevant government agencies during the pandemic,” Lawan said. The Senate President said the National Assembly is also in regular contact with these agencies to ensure due diligence in the procurement and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Lawan commended the Governing Council of the Institute for approving the worthy project and making critical suggestions that enriched the content of the book.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

APC tasks new CoAS to consolidate on successes against insurgents By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice and appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS). In a statement issued yesterday by the National Secretary of the party’s Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), John James Akpanudoedehe, the party urged the new Chief of Army Staff to consolidate on the successes recorded by the military in tackling all security threats in the country. “This could be achieved and deepened sustainably through increased collaboration among the security services and communities. More vigilance and increased cooperation and support through sharing information can pave way for faster mopping up the remnants of the insurgents and ending banditry and kidnapping in parts of the country. The statement said “The APC notes with satisfaction that the President Buhari-led administration has prioritised the provision of more and advanced equipment for the armed forces which has enhanced their operational capability against elements posing threats to the country’s internal security. “A battlefield commander with considerable experience, Major General Farouk Yahaya will as Chief of Army Staff, lead a thoroughly professional, adequately equipped and highly motivated officers and troops in their duty of protecting the territorial integrity of our country. “We are confident that the new Chief of Army Staff will repose the President’s confidence in him by doing everything to stem the tide of insecurity. The success of the military is our collective success as a party and nation”. It pointed out that the APC as an institution congratulates the new Chief of Army Staff and wishes him success in his new, important and strategic national assignment.

POLITICS

2023: I’m a serious politician – Aregbesola speaks about presidential ambition

By Musa Baba Adamu

he Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has downplayed the possibility of joining the 2023 presidential race, saying that proper consideration must be done before he jumps into the 2023 presidential race. The former governor of Osun State, who spoke at a virtual colloquium with the

theme: “Africa: Interrogating the Leadership Questions” in Abuja, was responding to questions on his plans to run in the 2023 presidential election. Aregbesola stated that he belonged to the class of focused and serious politicians. He said: “I have no response to that. I belong to a group of focused, serious politicians who don’t on their own just jump up and pursue

ambitions, I have never done that before and I won’t start that now. Some time ago, there were reports of rift between Aregbesola and his political “godfather” Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The alleged rift was said to be connected to Aregbesola’s move to join the presidential race in 2023. Aregbesola’s move to contest the presidential election was said

to have led to the emergence of factions within the Governors Advisory Council, GAC, in Lagos State. Tinubu, however, dismissed the reported rift with Aregbesola, saying GAC had disbanded all factions within its fold. The APC National Leader had described the claims of rift with the Minister as false.

L-R; The Controller General, Federal Fire Service Dr. Liman Ibrahim, Board Commissioner, Decipline and General Purpose, Maj Gen. Emmanuel Bassey (Rtd), Controller, National Fire Academy Sheda Abuja, Cont. Cletus Makperr and the Board Secretary and Director, Hayiya Aisha A Rufai, during the decoration of the newly promoted Firemen, on Wednesday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Citizens have finally agreed to split Kaduna state – SOKAPU President By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Jonathan Asake, has said the citizens of Kaduna State have finally agreed to split the state into two. Making the development known in his presentation and defence of their memo to the Constitution Review Committee in Kaduna, Jonathan Asake noted that both sides, infamous for incessant inter ethnic and religious clashes for decades, explained that creating new states from the present Kaduna State would go a long way at solving the bloody violence that seemed to defy solution for a very long time. He observed that it is the wish of Southern Kaduna people to have a brand new Constitution, not an amended one. According to the SOKAPU

President, in the absence of a new constitution, the forum has come to the Constitution Review Committee to make inputs as a people who have suffered suppression and opposition for a very long time. He explained, “Southern Kaduna is made up of 67 ethnic nationalities spread in 13 of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State. It has a land mass of 26,000kmsq with an estimated population of 5.1 million. We are endowed with an educated population and with abundant natural resources.” He further explained that the land size is greater than that of Kano state which has a land mass of 20,000kmsq, stressing that yet Kano is a state of its own with 44 LGAs. Jonathan Asake observed that their population is greater than 21 other states of the federation, adding, “We are demanding for the amendment of the provision

of section 8 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which makes it almost an impossible task for the creation of a new state.” He explained that the Southern Kaduna people have been demanding for a State of their own for over thirty years and Gurara State was among the 18 states proposed in the 2014 Confab report. According to him, they are demanding for the creation of the Gurara State after the amendment, pointing out that this would help in solving the incessant conflicts between our people and the other divide. SOKAPU also asked for the removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution and its amendment as a law, so that communities and families can have larger control of the ancestral lands. Jonathan Asake emphasized, “We stand by all the 2014 confab

report which had captured most of our demands.” In the same vein, the Northern part of Kaduna State, under the aegis of Kaduna Development Elders Initiatives, submitted a memo signed by the Senators Representing Kaduna North Senatorial Zone, Sen. Sulieman Abdu Kwari; the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial zone, Senator Uba Sani; all the House of Reps members from the Northern Part of Kaduna; all members of Kaduna State House of Assembly from northern part of Kaduna, their Chairmen of LGAs and Councillors. Defending the memo of the group, Abdulkadir Ahmed said that they are canvassing for the creation of new Kaduna State from the present Kaduna State and they want the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amended to make this possible.

Gov. Buni mourns kebbi boat accident victims By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

obe state Governor and Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has commiserated

with the government and people of Kebbi State over the unfortunate boat mishap which claimed several lives. Governor Buni described as devastating the death of the young enterprising persons who

died while pursuing their legal means of livelihood. “It is with sadness but with total submission to the will of Allah, that we lost these hardworking Nigerians. “On behalf of the government

and good people of Yobe state, l condole with the government and people of Kebbi State over this very sad and monumental loss” Buni prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased

and to grant their families and government of Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the loss. The governor prayed that this is the last incident Nigeria will ever witness such a sad accident.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

Stock Watch: Thursday, May 20, 2021 Low

OPEN Volume Close High

2.80 3.15 0 1.94 3.94 0 0.27 0.27 0 0.64 0.64 0 4.60 8.60 0 37.00 68.30 0 3.79 4.21 0 9.65 10.05 0 31.50 34.00 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 2.45 2.45 0

Top Gainers

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

5.80 6.00 ACCESS -0.35 3.94 3.94 AFRIPRUD 0.00 0.27 0.27 AGLEVENT 0.00 0.64 0.64 AIICO 0.00 8.60 8.60 BERGER 0.00 67.00 67.00 BETAGLAS -1.30 3.79 3.79 BOCGAS -0.42 9.65 10.05 CADBURY -0.40 31.50 31.50 CAP -2.50 1.90 1.90 CAVERTON -0.02 18.45 18.45 CCNN 0.00 1.72 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 2.45 2.45 MAYBAKER 0.00

Stock Close Gain UPL 1.14 0.13 LIVESTOCK 0.52 0.01 SOVRENINS 0.21 0.03 OKOMUOIL 60.00 1.80 GUARANTY 23.50 0.55

Low 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

OPEN Volume Close High

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

0.11 0.21 0 0.21 0.21 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 0.43 0.43 0 0.43 0.43 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 1.05 2.05 261 2.05 2.05 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 124.80 184.80 0 184.80 184.80 MOBIL 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 970 0.20 0.20 MULTIVERSE 0.00 0 3.50 3.50 0 3.50 3.50 NAHCO 0.00 0 18.00 18.00 0 18.00 18.00 NASCON 0.00 0 78.50 78.70 0 79.50 79.50 NB 0.80 0 0.78 0.78 0 0.78 0.78 NEIMETH 0.00 0 2.60 2.60 0 2.60 2.60 NEM 0.00 0 552.20 552.20 150 552.20 552.20 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 Copyright © 2019 NgTradeOnline

Top Losers

Stock Close Loss DIAMONDBNK 1.30 -0.10 BOCGAS 2.59 -0.22 VITAFOAM 3.50 -0.39 DANGFLOUR 6.00 -0.45 UAC-PROP 1.74 -0.18

By Etuka Sunday

ORT-HARCOURT – The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele has tasked Governors of the 36 States of Nigeria to make their States more viable by investing more in agriculture, particularly crops in which they have comparative advantage. Mr. Emefiele dropped the challenge in Port-Harcourt, on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the launch of the Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited, which is designed to support improved production and processing of cassava into high quality flour in Rivers State. He disclosed that the CBN would no longer support the continued importation of items that can be produced in Nigeria, even as he pledged that the Bank will collaborate with Rivers and other States in supporting the development of a viable agricultural and manufacturing sector across the country in line with the CBN mandate of promoting economic growth for the country. According to him, principal agencies of government at the federal

Make Your States Viable, Invest in Agriculture -Emefiele Tells Governors and state level should continue to work hand in hand towards diversifying the Nigerian economy and creating an enabling environment for further investment by firms such as the Rivers Cassava Processing Company. Emefiele identified land development as a major constraint to increase in agricultural activities in the Southern parts of the country due to its topography, noting that the CBN had partnered with several States Governments in the region under the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS). Continuing, he said about N7.436 billion had been accessed by four States in the South-South region to open up more land for cultivation, create access roads to agricultural lands, and provide infrastructure among other support services in the region. “These measures are helping

to induce greater activity in the agricultural sector and are enabling the movement of goods from farm to factories, and to the markets,” he added. While commending the Rivers State Government, working with Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, the Dutch Embassy Investment Nigeria Limited and their technical partners, in setting up the integrated facility, the CBN Governor said investments such as the cassava plant could help in driving economic growth, reducing unemployment and inducing other wealth creating activities in the state. He also expressed optimism that the project would improve livelihoods, as well as enhance sustainability of farming operations for over 3000 farmers, by guaranteeing the offtake of their farm produce in addition to

reducing the country’s reliance on imports of cassava by-products. Emefiele further noted that the emergence of the Nigerian economy from the recession in the fourth quarter of 2020, and the recent report that the economy continued to experience growth in the first quarter of 2021, was due to significant growth in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Given the multiplier effects of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, on growth, employment, and wealth creation, he challenged all stakeholders, particularly the State Governors to encourage more investment in the critical sectors of the economy. “With the decline in our foreign exchange earnings, we can no longer afford to support continued importation of items that can be

produced in Nigeria. Our current situation has also made it imperative for the Central Bank to work towards supporting programmes that will enable greater cultivation and processing of key agricultural commodities in Nigeria,” Emefiele declared. While also noting that the developmental finance initiatives at the CBN had been focused on creating an enabling environment that will drive both public and private sectors participation in the real sector with strategic deliverables around price stability, job creation, financial inclusion, import substitution and accretion to foreign reserve among others, he disclosed that so far, the sum of N333.196 billion had been disbursed to various projects in the South-South region covering activities in different economic sectors.

SEC Sets June 30 Deadline For Crowdfunding Platforms Registration By Etuka Sunday

he Securities and Exchange Commission has directed all existing investment crowdfunding portals/digital commodities investment platforms to note the requirements and eligibility criteria for raising funds through and/or operating a Crowdfunding Portal and comply with the registration requirements or cease operations by the 30th of June, 2021. This was contained in a notice released by the Commission Wednesday. According to the SEC, the rules governing Crowdfunding business in Nigeria came into effect on the 21st day of January, 2021, which was part of efforts by the Commission to ensure investor protection while encouraging innovation in the conduct of securities business. “In line with the transitional

provisions of the Rules, all persons/ entities operating an investment crowdfunding portal/digital commodities investment platform prior to the commencement of the rules were expected to restructure all operations in accordance with the requirements of the rules and apply for registration not later than 90 days from the Effective Date. “While the transitional period elapsed on the 21stday of April, 2021, the Commission hereby directs all existing investment crowdfunding portals/digital commodities investment platforms to note the requirements and eligibility criteria for raising funds through and/or operating a Crowdfunding Portal and comply with the registration requirements or cease operations by the 30th of June, 2021, failing which the operations of such platform would be categorized as illegal and attract regulatory sanction as stipulated in the Rules”.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele discuss with the Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike at the inauguration ceremony of Rivers State Cassava Processing Plant in Oyigbo, Rivers state on Thursday, May 27, 2021

Afreximbank Records US$87.3m Net Income In Q1, 2021

By Etuka Sunday

frican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) today, in Cairo, released its unaudited financial statements for the three months ended 31 March 2021, showing strong and resilient growth, ahead of prior year results and in line with expectations. The Bank reported a net income of US$87.3 million, a 4% increase over the 2020 performance of US$84.2 million, achieved largely due to a 23% growth in net interest income. The increase in net interest income arose from a 41% growth in net loans and

advances and a 11% decline in interest expense. Total assets grew year-on-year by 30% to US$19.25 billion as at 31 March 2021, primarily due to the implementation of the Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility (PATIMFA), with most of the facilities having been disbursed in the second half of 2020. Total assets decreased marginally from the balance of US$19.31 billion as at 31 December 2020 primarily driven by slight decreases in Loans and Advances and Cash and cash equivalents. The Bank’s shareholders’ funds

increased by 2.64% to US$3.46 billion from the position of US$3.37 billion recorded in December 2020, reflecting the support from existing investors and strong internal capital generation capacity. Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, commented: “In the context of a global economy which has improved since the last quarter of 2020 with the successful roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, we are pleased to have reported year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2021 and closed the period in a healthy financial position with strong capital levels. “Afreximbank has made

significant progress in the implementation of its strategic initiatives and remains committed to promoting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), on the basis of which trading commenced on 1 January 2021. “Regarding the Bank’s interventions in tackling the pandemic, we are proactively and aggressively supporting the fight against COVID-19 in Africa to accelerate the return to normalcy. We are supporting vaccine procurement by African economies with a US$2 billion guarantee and financing

facility. “Through PATIMFA, Afreximbank disbursed over US$6.5 billion in support of African sovereigns, central and commercial banks, as well as corporations and SMEs. “Overall, we are confident that the Bank’s solid financial position, alongside the robust strategic measures put in place to proactively manage the effects of the pandemic, provide a strong foundation for a resilient and growing business going forward and are confident that Africa will see a strong economic rebound in 2021”, he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

Page 20

News

PDP urges NASS, State Assemblies to strengthen child rights legislations By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on the National Assembly as well as state legislatures to strengthen all child rights and protection legislations and ensure effective implementation of the same in the interest of the children. The PDP said this in a statement issued to felicitate with the Nigerian children on the occasion of the celebration of children’s day globally. The party, in the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday, equally called on well-meaning and public-spirited Nigerians to use the day to reach out and intervene in the myriads of challenges facing the Nigerian children. The PDP urged Nigerians to remain undeterred but continue to rally for the children and remain steadfast in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC The statement by the main opposition party reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) greets the Nigerian Children as they join other children across the world to celebrate this year’s International Children’s Day. “The party however laments that in Nigeria, this day of celebration has become a sad epitaph of the harsh conditions which the Nigerian children have been subjected to in the last six years under President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC). “The PDP bemoans that under the APC, the Nigerian children have suffered the worst form of neglect, denied the basic necessities of life, with millions of them rendered homeless and orphaned, without access to education, healthcare and appropriate elements of a happy and productive childhood. “Under President Buhari and the APC, about 10.1 million Nigerian children are reportedly out of school, the highest in sub-Sahara region. “This is in addition to over 19 million children languishing in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in various parts of our country, with many more killed or orphaned by terrorists under APC’s watch. “Under President Buhari, violence against children, child trafficking and other acts that infringe on the rights of the child have escalated to a frightening proportion. “Moreover, the Buhari-led APC administration have continued to mortgage the future of the Nigerian children with its humongous corruption and reckless foreign borrowings, which is putting a huge yoke on the feeble shoulders of our innocent children. “Our party urges President Buhari to end his administration’s insensitivity to the children by deploying special incentives to boost access to education, healthcare as well as guarantee the security and safety of children especially in crisis areas. “President Buhari must take steps to end the insecurity in the country so that the children in IDP camps and crisis ridden areas can return to their normal lives.

Resumption of CVR: INEC plans creation of 2,674 registration centres By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it plans to create 2,673 registration centres and deploy 5,346 officials ahead of its resumption of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on 28th June 2021. The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu made the disclosure yesterday in his remarks at an emergency meeting with the security agencies under the auspices of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, in Abuja. Prof Yakubu explained that the resumption of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on 28th June 2021 is to enable Nigerians who have attained the age 18 years and those who did not register previously to do so. He similarly added that registered voters, who wish to change their voting locations and those who wish to correct their names and other details on their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), can do so when the CVR resumes. The INEC Chairman said, “In the next nine months, two major elections will be conducted. “The Anambra State Governorship election is scheduled to hold on 6th

November 2021 to be followed by the end-of-tenure elections for 68 Area Council constituencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) holding on 12th February 2022. “These major elections will be followed by the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections ahead of the 2023 General Election which is just 632 days away. “In addition to elections, the Commission is also preparing for the resumption of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on 28th June 2021 to enable Nigerians who have attained the age 18 years and those who did not register previously to do so. “Similarly, registered voters who wish to change their voting locations and those who wish to correct their names and other details on their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) can do so. “We plan to create 2,673 registration centres and deploy 5,346 officials for the exercise along with expensive voter enrollment machines. “All these activities require security, thereby adding to the urgency and importance of this meeting. “No doubt, the last few weeks have been very challenging to the Commission. “The spate of arson and vandalisation targeting the

Commission’s facilities and property has become a major threat to our scheduled activities and the entire electoral process”, he pointed out. FG making inroads in Nano, space, AI, robotics techs, says Onu The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said that the Federal Government is making conscious and sustained efforts for Nigeria to be at the forefront of new and emerging technologies, adding that Nigeria should not be excluded from any branch of Science and Technology. Dr. Onu made the remarks at the 2nd interactive forum with the State Commissioners In charge of Science and Technology in Abuja on Thursday, according to a statement by his media office. According to the Minister, “We have virtually concluded consultations with relevant stakeholders within the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government as it concerns Nanotechnology. We find nanotechnology to have applications in virtually all other technologies, including space, artificial intelligence and robotics as it concerns improved productivity and reduction in size and cost.” The Minister said that the Federal Government was determined to improve funding of Science, Technology and Innovation. He said; “Mr. President

announced that 0.5% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), will now be used to fund STI in the country, though the African Union (AU), recommended 1% of GDP to be utilized for Science and Technology in all countries of the continent, the 0.5% is an improvement over what we had in the past. He said that efforts are on ground, to ensure that Nigeria is prepared for a post crude oil era. He added that Nigeria has 187 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and has the highest natural gas reserves in the world and 9th highest in the world. Dr. Onu said that the Ministry of Science and Technology is introducing Methanol to the nation’s economy, as it can be used to produce as many as 1000 different products that can be used in our homes, schools, offices, hospitals, farms and factories. He said; “The production of methanol will help us to stop gas flaring in the country. Since natural gas is the major feedstock for its production, this will increase the demand for natural gas and hence initially reduce and finally help stop gas flaring in the country”. The Minister added that Methanol fuel technology will be fully domesticated in the country, adding that Nigerian professionals can fully grasp the technology and be in a position to export the technology to other countries in the near future.

Students of Ilupeju Senior Secondary School marching during the 2021 Children’s Day celebration at Police College in Lagos on Thursday ( 2 7 / 5 / 2 1 ) . 02443/27/5/2021/ Kayode Oladapo/ BJO/NAN

Children Day: El Rufai’s wife calls for public/ private partnership in education sector From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

ife of the Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Ummi Ahmad ElRufai has advocated public/ private partnership towards the promotion of quality education in the state. Hajiya Ummi Ahmad ElRufai stated this yesterday while celebrating this year’s children day at LGEA Primary school Maraban-jos in Igabi local government area of the state. She said the state government’s quest to continue to partner individuals and groups with a view to guaranteeing human

capacity development through massive investment in children education. Hajiya Ummi Ahmad El-rufai who took time to interact with pupils of the public primary school also expressed delight over massive investment being carried out by a philanthropist, for the benefit of children of the poor. Speaking earlier, the donor of the public primary school at maraban-jos and owner of the fifth chukker, Adamu Attah said he embarked on the project with a view to giving back to the society in line with his organization’s corporate social responsibility. Adamu Attah explained that

in the last ten years, maraban JOS with a dense population had no structures to accommodate pupils of nursery and primary school, a situation that motivated him to partner UNICEF and other corporate organization and individuals towards the construction of one hundred and twenty blocks of class rooms in the area. According to him,at present sixty blocks of class rooms have been constructed which accommodate twelve thousand pupils of nursery and primary levels. Alhaji Attah further expressed his determination to continue

to partner the Kaduna state government towards uplifting the standard of education, especially among children of the poor and the less privileged. In a remark, the village Head of maraban-jos, Alhaji Ibrahim Sidi described Adamu Attah as a true Nigerian whose love for societal development must be encouraged and emulated by other wealthy individuals. According to the village head, the children of the poor in Maraban-Jos can now read, write and speak English through the contributions of Alh Adamu Attah.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

METRO

Page 21

Children’s Day: FCT Minister harps on virtues of honesty, discipline, patriotism By Stanley Onyekwere

he FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has urged Nigerian children to imbibe the virtues of integrity, honesty, hard work, discipline and a deep sense of patriotism and love for country. Bello, in his message of felicitation to the children, on behalf of the FCT Administration extended his warmest congratulations to all the children in the Territory on the celebration of the 2021 Children Day. He also charged them to shun all acts that might negatively impact their future such as cultism, immoral behavior, disrespect for authority, drug abuse, and online criminal activities amongst others. He equally reminded them that as national and global leaders of the future with the desire to ensure the greatness of Nigeria and also excel in their chosen fields of endeavor, it was essential that they embraced these character traits. While calling on children to follow the footsteps of the many positive role models in the country, the FCT Minister equally called on the children not to be negatively influenced by social vices they encounter everyday especially, via the social media. According to him, the road to success is paved with hard work, perseverance dedication and commitment. Any short cut

taken, the Minister emphasized will lead to failure and possibly regret. The Minister also enjoined children to be patriotic at all times and love and honour Nigeria, calling on them to always work in harmony for the benefit of the country. He adds: “You have no other country but Nigeria and as residents of the FCT, you have

an obligation to live together in peace and harmony as envisaged by our founding fathers”. Commenting on the theme for the 2021 celebrations, which is “The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child: The Way Forward”, Bello noted that the pandemic indeed a negative effect on the children as it disrupted their academic

pursuits, deprived them of normal social interactions with their peers and even took the lives of some of their loved ones. Furthermore, while praising the Nigerian children and youths for their resilience in the face of the challenges caused by the pandemic, the Minister also reminded them that the pandemic was not yet over and called on them to

continue to adhere to the nonpharmaceutical protocols which includes hand washing, facial covering and physical distancing. The Minister also called on parents to always ensure the wellbeing and welfare of their children while assuring them of the commitment of the FCT Administration in meeting all its obligations to the Nigerian child.

A cross-section of participants during a training workshop on Inmates Behavioural and Cognitive Modification for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) officers organised by the Prison Fellowship Nigeria in conjunction with NCS in Minna yesterday

Parents, caregivers tasked on proper children upbringing By Stanley Onyekwere

others and fathers, as well as care givers have been enjoined to rise up to the challenges of proper nurturing and upbringing of their children and wards. The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, gave this charge yesterday, in her address at the 2021 National Children’s Day celebration organised in partnership with the FCT Administration, in Abuja. Tallen said they have to move along with the tides, as the government works towards addressing the plight of different categories of children

in Nigeria, especially Orphans and Vulnerable, street, Almajiri children, etc. She said: “We must rise to the challenges of the times to ensure that we reassess our commitments to the promotion of the rights of the child in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution and other regional and Sub-Regional declarations on the Rights of the child to which Nigeria is a signatory to. “We have therefore resolved to continually appreciate the potential of the Nigerian child and to constantly upscale and renew our commitment to ensure that the Nigerian Child lives a

more dignified life. “We cannot allow evil minded persons continue to inflict and pose grave dangers to our children. If we do not provide an enabling environment for children to grow as responsible adults, they will surely come back to haunt us as miscreants. “The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 is a great tool in our advocacy for a just and egalitarian society where the Nigerian Child will reach his/ her full potential. “As we speak only 18 States have domesticated the VAPP Act, while some who have domesticated it are yet to gazette it to make it Law. I therefore

appeal to the State Governors to fast track the process to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others. “I wish to call on all stakeholders that this year’s celebration is not just a tradition, but a concrete step that must be taken to promote the survival, protection, development and participation of the Nigerian Child, the future of this nation.” Commenting on the 2021 theme for the celebration is “Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the total wellbeing of the Nigerian Child: The way Forward”, the Minister said theme finds its relevance in the COVID-19 crisis

which has resulted in a child rights crisis, adding that the effects and impact of the pandemic for children are immediate and, if left unattended, may remain with us for long. According to her: “It’s a time for stock taking and assessment of the current challenges that affect our planning and implementation strategies in view of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all facets of our national life. “ I also wish to emphasize that COVID -19 is not over yet and we should continue to observe the government approved protocols for our safety and the safety of our children”.

Page 22

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Covid: China hits back as US revisits Wuhan lab-leak theory

C lab.

hina has denounced US efforts to further investigate whether Covid-19 came from a Chinese

US President Joe Biden has said he expects to release the results of an intelligence report on the origins of the virus. China’s foreign ministry accused the US of “political manipulation and blame shifting”. It has rejected any link between Covid-19 and a virus research lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Covid-19 was first detected in Wuhan in late 2019. Since then, more than 168 million cases have been confirmed worldwide and about 3.5 million deaths reported. Authorities linked early Covid cases to a seafood market in Wuhan, leading scientists to theorise that the virus had first passed to humans from animals. But recent US media reports have suggested growing evidence the virus could instead have emerged from a laboratory in China, perhaps through an accidental leak. Why is this dispute happening now? In a statement on Wednesday, President Biden said he had asked for a report on the origins of Covid-19 after taking office, “including whether it emerged from human contact with an infected animal or from a laboratory accident”. On receiving it this month, he asked for “additional follow-up”. Mr Biden said the majority of the intelligence community had “coalesced” around those two

China has rejected any link between Covid-19 and a virus research lab in Wuhan Wednesday’s announcement a “dark history” of spreading misinformation. angered Chinese officials. A statement from the Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said it showed the US embassy in the US, which did not “does not care about facts or truth, directly refer to Mr Biden’s order, and has zero interest in a serious said “smear campaigns and blame shifting are making a comeback”. science-based study of origins”. “Their aim is to use the pandemic Readers now long used to articles to pursue stigmatisation, political dismissing the lab-leak theory as a manipulation and blame shifting. dangerous, fringe conspiracy may be They are being disrespectful to slightly bemused to find it suddenly science, irresponsible to people’s front-page, presented as an entirely lives and counter-productive to the plausible possibility. The truth is, there’s always been concerted efforts to fight the virus,” plenty of circumstantial evidence to he said. The spokesman also said support both competing theories. US intelligence agencies had A zoonotic origin, in which the

scenarios, but “do not believe there is sufficient information to assess one to be more likely than the other”. He said he had now asked agencies to “redouble their efforts to collect and analyse information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion”. On Thursday, Mr Biden told reporters he planned to release the report “unless there’s something I’m unaware of”. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau then voiced his support for efforts made by the US and other countries to better understand the origins of the virus.

Couple donate €30m to Trinity College Dublin

rinity College Dublin (TCD) has received a €30m (£26m) donation from a former graduate and his wife. Eric Kinsella, executive chairman of Jones Engineering group, and his wife Barbara made the donation, believed to be the largest philanthropic gift from individuals to any Irish university. The money will go towards the first building on the new Trinity East campus at the Grand Canal Innovation District. This will be the first new campus in TCD’s 429-year history. The campus cover 5.5 acres. ‘Such national significance’ Mr Kinsella and his wife have previously made significant contributions to TCD, including funding a multi-million euros 24-hour study facility in the university’s Ussher Library. They have also provided money for a programme of engineering scholarships for talented students. The new E3 Research Institute (E3RI) will be used for large-

scale research programmes in engineering, environment and emerging technologies, including a focus on sustainability, climate change, renewable energy, water and sustainable manufacturing. Speaking to Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, Mr Kinsella said he and his wife were “delighted to support a project of such national significance”. He added: “The new Trinity East campus will increase the prestige of our education and science sector internationally, will deliver research outputs in areas critical for future of our planet and will enable Trinity to expand its student body, giving new opportunities to young people throughout Ireland.” TCD provost Dr Patrick Prendergast said it was “extremely grateful” for the donation. “The development of Trinity East is a historic opportunity for a university which has existed on its main campus since 1592,” he added. Source: BBC

Eric Kinsella and his wife Barbara made the €30m donation

virus passes naturally from bat to humans, is supported by the fact that coronaviruses have crossed the species barrier in exactly this way before. There are also plenty of precedents for lab leaks in which researchers get accidentally infected by the virus they’re working on. The Wuhan outbreak happens to be on the doorstep of the world’s leading laboratory for the collection, study and experimentation on bat coronaviruses. What’s changed is not the evidence - of which there is none so far to prove either scenario - but the politics. The lab-leak theory, born into an environment poisoned by disinformation, was undermined not so much by China’s denials, but by the fact it was being pumped by former US President Donald Trump. Media organisations everywhere gave it the cold shoulder. My own attempts to look seriously at the lab-leak theory in May last year ran into long and fraught editorial discussions before it finally made it to publication. The prevailing narrative has also loomed large over the science. Despite the dominant voices of some leading virologists insisting that only a zoonotic origin needed be investigated, a determined group of scientists has continued to argue that both scenarios should remain on the table. It may be too late, of course. Wherever the debate goes now, China is extremely unlikely to allow another investigation on its soil.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

Page 23

NEMA: Police prevent 7,000 on CBN, Benin affected by bandit T Attacks in two LGAs in Sokoto By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has acknowledged the support of the Nigeria police for preventing mob attack on its Complex, Akpakpava road in Benin City, Edo State Capital. Mr. R.D. Jumbo, Branch Controller of CBN, Benin, said the incident occurred during EndSARS riot in October last year in Edo State where several inmates at Oko and Sapele road Custodial Centres both in Benin were set free by hoodlums. SARS is the acronym for the disbanded Special Anti-

Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigeria police by the federal Government. Jumbo said this when he led the management team on a courtesy visit on Edo State Commissioner of police, Mr. Phillip Ogbadu on Wednesday at the police headquarters in the Benin City, Edo State Capital. SP. Kotongs Bello, spokesman of the Nigeria police, Edo State Command in a statement on Wednesday, conveyed the goodwill of the apex Bank Management to the Commissioner of the State.

CR I M E N e w s

attack

According to Jumbo, “The last year #EndSARS protest, the Command ensures that the CBN Benin Branch officers did not suffer any mob attack because Police were readily available during the protest”. The CBN Controller, appealed to the Commissioner of Police to step up patrol around the bank premises especially during peak hours when loitering and hawking around the apex Bank is on the rise. He also lauded the remarkable achievements recorded since of the

Commissioner of police was Edo State was deployed to the State and thereafter presented a plaque to Mr. Ogbadu. Responding, the Commissioner of police in the State, Mr. Phillip Ogbadu, sued for cooperation among the Bank Staff, sister security agents and police to wipe out the rising cases of hawking and loitering around the CBN premises. Ogbadu thereafter directed Deputy Commissioner of police in charge of Operations to ensure routine patrol around the Bank towards ridding the busy route safe.

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that about 7, 000 persons who were affected by recent bandit attacks are in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State. A statement issued and signed by Head Media and Public Relations, Manzo Ezekiel said a joint assessment carried out by staff of NEMA and Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has established that about 6,200 persons are affected and currently living in camps and host communities at Sabon Birni Primary School and Isa town in Sokoto State, as well as neighbouring Shinkafi town, in Zamfara State, respectively. The Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, Aliyu Kafindangi, who led the assessment team on behalf of the Agency’s Director General, AVM. Muhammadu Muhammed (rtd.), sympathized with the affected persons and assured them of necessary relief support. Meanwhile, many communities in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas of sokoto state were affected by several incidents of the alleged bandit attacks, which resulted in the loss of lives, injury and property damages . Due to the tense security situation, the NEMA team could not access the areas immediately. Kafindangi appreciated security operative deployed to the area, especially the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police personnel for facilitating the assessment which was conducted also with officials of the affected Local Government Areas and community leaders.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Left) presenting a souvenir to Engr Prof Remy Uche, Director Public Procurement Research Centre, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State to mark Prof Uche’s visit to the Naval Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: DINFO NHQ

Alleged police brutality: Adamawa journalists to boycott coverage of Fintiri From Umar Dankano,Yola.

he Adamawa state Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has resolved to boycott media coverage of the Adamawa state government over unpleasant treatment to its members in the state. Rising from an emergency meeting in Yola Thursday, the chapel registered its displeasure over manhandling of members on Thursday May 27 at the International Airport Yola while

trying to interview Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, who was in the state to commission road projects. In a Press release issued and signed by Daji sam,Chairman,and Onimisi Alao, Secretary, the Chapel stated that its members namely Mr.Padio Phineas of Nigerian Pilot newspaper, Aliyu Ladan of FRCN and Mr.Emmanuel Samuel of The Point Newspaper were brutalised by one Sergeant Ibrahim Adamu attached to the Mopol 14 Yola base allegedly on the directives

of Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou. The chapel demanded for unreserved apology from the government for such barbaric, unfortunate and unbecoming conduct. “The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Adamawa state registers its displeasure over the manhandling of its members today (Thursday) May 27,at the International Airport Yola following directive by Governor

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s Humwashi Wonosikou that Journalists shouldn’t be allowed in to presidential lodge. “Consequently, the Correspondents’ Chapel resolved at an Emergency Congress Thursday afternoon to boycott the media chat slated for Friday and other activities of the Adamawa state government. “The Chapel demands unreserved apology from the press Secretary Humwashi Wonosikou for the unfortunate directive”, the release said.

PAGE 24

e w s

r o m

A S I A

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

One-China policy never to be played with By Zhong Sheng

he World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), on May 24 refused to include a proposal on Taiwan’s participation in its agenda, which fully indicated that adherence to the oneChina principle is a universal consensus of the international community. There is only one China in the world. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. The Taiwan region’s participation in international organizations, including the WHA activities, must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, and the UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 provided the legal basis for WHO to abide by the one-China principle. Before 2016, China made special

arrangements for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA on the basis of the fact that both sides uphold the one-China principle. Since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power, it has placed its political agenda over the wellbeing of the people in the Taiwan region, obstinately adhered to the separatist position of “Taiwan independence,” and refused to admit the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle. As a result, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA has ceased to exist. The rejection of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA is solely a result of the DPP obstinately adhering to the separatist position of “Taiwan independence.” It is ridiculous for the DPP authorities to portray Taiwan as a missing link in the world’s anti-pandemic efforts and instigate their socalled “diplomatic allies” to make Taiwanrelated proposals. The Chinese Central Government always attaches great importance to the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. Under this precondition of abiding by the oneChina principle, it has made appropriate arrangements for the Taiwan region’s

participation in global health affairs. To help the anti-pandemic fight on the island, Beijing has shared information with Taiwan 260 times on epidemic development and approved health experts in the Taiwan region to participate in 16 WHO technical activities. Besides, the WHO Secretariat briefed health experts in the Taiwan region three times on pandemic information, and the region has also joined the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access. It proves that Taiwan enjoys unimpeded channel and sound mechanism for information exchanges with the WHO and countries in the world. The “‘missing link’ rhetoric” is completely groundless. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still rampant around the world, the 74th WHA shouldered huge responsibility in advancing global antipandemic cooperation. The DPP authorities and a few countries, going against the trend of history and making Taiwan-related proposals, are indeed pursuing their own political agenda at the sacrifice of the WHA and the international anti-pandemic cooperation. To safeguard national sovereignty and

territorial integrity, as well as the seriousness and authority of the UNGA and WHA resolutions, China would not agree with Taiwan’s participation in this year’s WHA. Ahead of the WHA’s opening, more than 150 countries have expressed through diplomatic channels their support for China’s decision. Over 80 countries have, through sending letters to the WHO, expressed their adherence to the one-China principle and their opposition to Taiwan’s participation in the WHA. This fully indicates that most of the countries in the world are upholding justice and a correct standing on questions related to Taiwan at the WHA. Taiwan question bears on China’s core interests, where there is not a single inch for compromise. Relevant countries had better not underestimate China’s resolution and capability in safeguarding its core interests and unification. They should abandon their vain hope to meddle in China’s domestic affairs under the excuse of Taiwan question. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy.)

Chinese smart home appliances improve user experience for overseas consumers By Li Qiang, People’s Daily

any Europeans love taking a sip of the wines from the collection in their cabinets when they get home. Now such experience is made smarter by an intelligent wine cabinet co-produced by renowned Chinese home appliance manufacturer Haier and the world’s largest online wine dealer Vivino. The cabinet, which was exhibited at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin last year together with many other new home appliances and solutions, is able to recognize over 1,000 wine brands, as well as the years and locations of production. It can also be connected to a Haier phone application through which users can buy and manage wines. The open ecosystem built by Haier has enabled interaction between appliances and users, said Yannick Fierling, CEO of Haier Europe. Smart home appliances emerged in recent year with the thriving technologies of internet of things, cloud computing and AI, and the COVID-19 pandemic further raised European users’ requirements on the health-friendliness and intelligence of home appliances. Last June, Haier Europe launched a smart home application on which users can manage home appliances manufactured by Haier and

Yannick Fierling, CEO of Haier Europe, introduces Haier smart home appliances at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin in September, 2020. (Photo by Li Qiang/ People’s Daily) its subsidiary brands. The application also from 2019, the highest in the industry in offers immersive interaction solutions and has Europe. Apart from building smart ecosystems on received two million users. Fierling told People’s Daily that Haier’s the continent, Haier is also working to expand business maintained rapid growth in its overseas production capacity. It is reported Europe despite of the COVID-19 pandemic. that a refrigeration production facility of Haier In particular, the sales of high-end home Europe will be put into operation this June appliances increased 20 percent to 30 percent in Romania. The plant, with an investment of

more than 70 million euros ($85.7 million), employs over 30 robots and is able to produce a million sets of refrigerators on a yearly basis. Alessia Ianni, Cooling Technical Operation Director at Haier Europe and Managing Director at Haier Tech Romania noted that the plant will play a pivotal role in Haier’s smart home strategy in Europe for its strong capabilities in production, technological transformation and logistics, helping the manufacturer become one of the industrial leaders. Relying on its solid strength of R&D, production and brand effect, Haier is gaining an increasingly larger influence among European consumers. In recent years, the Chinese manufacturer has won multiple European awards, including the Red Dot Design Award and the Industry 4.0 Award. Last September, Haier was rated the Shooting Star of the Year in the Customer Recommendation 2020 by German media outlet Handelsblatt, for its brand performance in five assessment dimensions such as general impression, quality, customer satisfaction, value for money and employer image. Being green, intelligent and sophisticated, “made-in-China” products have reinforced technologies, improved quality and made their names. They are recognized and welcomed by more and more overseas consumers.

Innovation makes air conditioners greener By Zhong Yu, People’s Daily

ir conditioners are a necessity for many to get through the scorching heat in the summer. However, apart from cooling down the air around us, they are also affecting the temperature of the planet Earth. According to the UN Environment Program, half of the energy consumption of the buildings in the world comes from cooling and heating systems. How to make air conditioning greener and more efficient has become an unavoidable topic for the refrigeration industry in today’s world where the growing demand for air conditioning and climate change are posing a dilemma. China will strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. It is a major strategic decision made by the country to build a community with a shared future for mankind and achieve sustainable development, as well as a solemn promise China makes to the world.

The next five years is critical for China to peak carbon dioxide emission. For energy sectors, it means both feeding more clean energy at the supply side and upgrading the ways of energy consumption and improving energy use efficiency at the client side. Statistics indicated that refrigeration accounts for over 15 percent of China’s total power consumption, and air conditioners in large- and medium-sized cities contribute 60 percent of electrical load during peak summer months. As a result, a low-carbon reform in the manufacturing sector is imperative, and there is much to be explored. Technological advances, especially new breakthroughs in core technologies, to a large extent decide how much the manufacturing sector can contribute to emission peak and carbon neutrality. Chinese appliance manufacturer Gree and Tsinghua University have jointly developed a technology that is able to cut 85.7 percent of energy

consumption in air conditioning. The technology was recently awarded a grand prize at the award ceremony of the Global Cooling Prize, which was signed up by 2,100 competing teams from nearly 100 countries and aims to explore breakthrough innovative technology in the refrigeration industry to solve climate challenges. It is estimated that the cooling technology, once massively employed, could possibly reduce carbon emission by 100 billion tons by 2050, equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by 116 billion trees in 100 years. Responding to global climate change is a common challenge and task facing all countries. China has always been a major participant, contributor, and champion in building a global ecological civilization. The Gree-Tsinghua University technology has served over 6,000 projects in the world, marking another contribution of Chinese innovation to the world. This explains from the side that whoever leads

in energy conservation and emission reduction technologies can claim the high ground in global competition as the world tackles climate change and seeks sustainable development. At present, Chinese industries are speeding up low-carbon transformation, so as to contribute more wisdom, solutions and strength to global energy conservation, emission reduction and green development. Low-carbon transformation is a systematic project that concerns all links from the supply end to the consumer end. It calls for the firm resolution of industries to tackle challenges, as well as concrete efforts of all consumers. If everyone can do something to curb global warning, for instance, setting air-conditioners at appropriate temperatures in the summer, choosing energy-efficient products as much as possible, and taking an active part in tree-planting activities, lowcarbon development can be made a new fashion, and thus forming a synergy with technological innovation.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

F E A T U R E

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

CLASSIFIED

Mozambique Palma attack: ‘I had to pay a bribe to flee’

eople desperate to flee a town in northern Mozambique following a jihadist attack have had to pay bribes to leave after security forces set up roadblocks, trapping thousands, the BBC has been told. There are growing fears of a humanitarian emergency in the area where aid agencies have not been given access. Checkpoints surround the village of Quitunda near Palma, where more than 20,000 people sheltered in the days after the strategic town was overrun by jihadist militants. Al-Shabab - a homegrown militant group - started its insurgency in Mozambique’s resource-rich Cabo Delgado region in 2017. Two years later it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group although it is not clear how close the links between the two organisations are. More than 2,800 people have been killed during the insurgency and nearly 700,000 people forced from their homes. The group’s most dramatic attack was on Palma, a once-sleepy coastal town, that was being transformed into a hub for a burgeoning gas industry. It lies 10km (six miles) away from a liquified gas plant, operated by the French energy giant Total, worth $20bn (£14.5bn) - Africa’s biggest foreign investment project - which is now on hold. ‘I had to leave my husband behind’ When the militants attacked the town on 24 March - from its outskirts and with infiltrators who had entered the town - Farida, her husband and five young children fled to a forest. “We stayed for 10 days in the woods,” she tells me. Witnesses talk of seeing Palma’s streets strewn with beheaded bodies, while some of the dead had also been hacked to pieces. The family then joined thousands who ran to the gates of the Total gas plant. According to the company, some 23,000 people had reached their gates by early April. An assessment in April by the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration found 11,104 people living in the compound of EPC de Quitunda, a school close to the gas installation. The report says the “internally displaced persons are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Thirty per cent of the households are currently sleeping outdoors, whilst the remaining 70% currently live in makeshift shelter”. Farida, whose name we have

changed to protect her identity, was desperate to get her family out of Quitunda. With limited options to escape - either a boat journey of several days or military evacuation flights - her husband managed to raise 5,000 meticals ($80; £60) to get her and their children put on a list for departure and then onto a plane out. The emergency flights are meant to be free. “At the beginning they didn’t charge pregnant women, sick and children. Then they started carrying people who were on the list,” she says. I met Farida in the regional capital Pemba, where she’s still struggling to look after her children, although she is relieved that they are out of harm’s way. Hadijah, whose name we have also changed, is in Pemba too - she also admits to paying 5,000 meticals to board an army flight. “We had no money and we were hungry and the children were sick. To leave Quitunda, I spoke to my husband and he spoke to his boss, who sent us the money via M-Pesa [mobile money transfer],” Hadijah tells me. The two women say that there are many more left behind unable to leave, including Farida’s husband. Human Rights Watch (HRW), a campaign group which has been interviewing survivors from the Palma attack, says it’s also spoken to people who admit to paying bribes to board evacuation flights or to get on to boats to leave Quitunda. “Can you imagine people that have no food, nothing to buy, that have lost everything during this conflict being forced to use the last money they have to be able to board their relatives on to a plane and be taken to safety?” says Zenaida Machado, a senior HRW researcher. The BBC approached Mozambique’s Ministry of Defence about the allegations that displaced people are having to pay bribes to flee Palma, but it has not responded. ‘Dynamic situation’ We asked several international aid organisations to speak about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Quitunda and the wider Palma district and the fact that for now they cannot access the area. Two global agencies told us they could not speak on the record because they did not want to jeopardise delicate negotiations with the government. The World Food Programme (WFP), which offers relief to more than half a million people displaced by the Islamist insurgency in northeastern Mozambique, says it is

Quirimba is now home to refugees, rather than tourists

working with the government to ensure the right security conditions on the ground. “There are people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Palma and Quitunda,” acting WFP country director Pierre Lucas told the BBC. “WFP requires safe humanitarian access to reach the people most in need. There is a situation probably on the ground that is still dynamic and my understanding is that it’s a work in progress.” Humanitarian workers based in Pemba have told the BBC they are worried about the lack of medical support in Quitunda as the only clinic is barely functioning. Two months after the attack on Palma, there are concerns families are running out of food, with survivors who have made it out telling stories of widespread hunger. Communication lines to Quitunda have been mostly off since the end of March and it’s hard to speak to people on the ground. The police and army did not grant permission to the BBC to access the area. But a military source told us the

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF THE ORIGINAL LETTER OF OFFER ALSO KNOWN AS RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 1118 CADASTRAL ZONE A04 ASOKORO DISTRICT WITH FILE NO. OD 10090. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE. SIGNED: CHIEF (DR.) JOSEPH SANUSI.

Farida spent 10 days living in a forest after the attack

Some local aid groups have managed to reach people stranded in Quitunda government was stopping people from leaving because of concerns insurgents had infiltrated those displaced - and evacuations could allow them to spread easily across the region especially to the regional capital. “The government’s main obligation is to protect its people and not hide behind excuses like insurgents are mixed up with the population and there’s no safety for humanitarian agents to go there,” Ms Machado says. “If there’s no safety for humanitarian organisations to go to Palma, then that safety doesn’t exist also for people to remain there. They [the government] should step up their efforts to evacuate those who want to leave Palma, for free, immediately.” At the weekend President Filipe Nyusi told his party’s members that security forces had stopped an attack on Olumbe village, also in Palma district. There are regular reports of shooting in Palma and fires in the night. Many believe that those in Quitunda could get caught up in future attacks.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

The Mozambican defence ministry has not responded to BBC questions about why people are not allowed to leave Quitunda and what security challenges are preventing aid organisations from getting to the area. Nearly 60,000 people have fled Palma since the attack in March, accelerating an already worsening humanitarian situation in the Cabo Delgado region. In April last year 172,000 people had been displaced by the fighting that number is now about 700,000. ‘I lost my baby’ Nearly 33,000 of them are sheltering on the paradise islands of the Quirimba archipelago just off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. The soft white sandy shorelines surrounded by azure-blue waters used to be a popular destination for international tourists who paid hundreds of dollars a night to stay at luxury beach hotels. Today, on one of the islands Quirimba - rows of white tarpaulin tents line the white sandy beaches. We are the first international journalists to arrive here since the attack on Palma. More than 9,000 people from

different parts of Cabo Delgado are seeking shelter here. Thirty-two-year-old Mamo Sufo from Palma and her three young children arrived at the island just days before we did. By this point, it was nearly two months since the town was overrun but she’s spent all that time travelling to Quitunda and other villages before taking a boat to Quirimba where she hopes other family members will join her. She started her journey seven months pregnant, but while out at sea she went into pre-term labour and her son died. “The weather and the conditions of the boat accelerated the arrival of the baby and there was no help during the delivery. He had health complications just after he was born,” she told us. Out on the islands the relative safety from the fighting has allowed aid organisations to offer food, shelter and medicine. But the number of people in need in Cabo Delgado is growing fast, outstripping government and humanitarian agencies’ resources. Source: BBC

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLOTHES HAVEN FOUNDATION

PATERNOSTER ALUMNI FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. RASHEED ADEWUSI - Chairman 2. ADETOLA ADEPOJU. - Secretary 3. AISHA OMADIBI. - Treasurer 4. ABIOLA FERNANDEZ - Member 5. IKEM NWEKE - Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To provide clothing support for indigent persons or people struggling to meet their clothing needs. 2. To provide free skill development to enable indigent persons improve financially in life. 3. To provide free orientation workshops (using professionals) to build self confidence and mental support for indigent persons. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ADUO BRUNO CHUDY. 2. OGU, NICHOLAS ONYEMAUCHE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To serve as the main global forum for networking among the Alumni of Paternoster Secondary School, Ekwerazu, home and in the Diaspora. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : RASHEED ADEWUSI Chairman.

SIGNED : Barr. Agbo Ibeneme.

PUBLIC NOTICE

UNICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NKWERRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

UJOELEN GRAMMER SCHOOL 1987 OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION

Young blessed Royal brothers club

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.EJIOGU CHRISTOPHER UGOCHUKWU - CHAIRMAN 2.NWOKEJI CHIBUZO NKECHI - SECRETARY 3.EJIOGU IHEANYI EMMANUEL 4.IHEKWOABA OKECHUKWU 5.IHEME JAPHET AMAECHI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO ASSIST MEMBERS AND PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY AMONG THEM. 2.TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND ENGAGE IN OTHER CHARITY WORKS IN THE SOCIETY, ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : EZEJI GLORIA 08038769236.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ESENE JOHN OSEDEBAMEN 2. AIGBOMIAN ODIGIE CLEMENT 3. ISUKU JOHN OHILEBO 4. EDEKO EHIS THEOPHILUS 5. ESEZOBOR CHRIS 6. EJODAMEN OSEOBOH. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO CATER FOR THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS 2. TO PROMOTE THE FRIENDSHIP AMONG MEMBERS 3. TO SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Eze nylson 2.Micheal Sunday 3.Obieze Igbokwe. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To protect the Welfare of their members,Educate their members to be good citizens. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IMAGUERO COLLEGE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION

GRACEFUL LADIES OF HONOUR ASSOCIATION

BEIJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY AFRICAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Agbonghae Peace Iguehide - President 2. Momoh Mercy Enohuewalan - Secretary 3. Akpobaro Itohan Kate - Assistant Welfare Officer. 4. Sakpere Senimetu - P. R. O. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To Promote the Welfare of Members. 2. Uphold the Standard and Goodwill of IMAGUERO COLLEGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ADEYERI OMOLADE - CHAIRMAN 2.JIMOH BASIRAT BOSEDE - SECRETARY 3.EKUNDARE FUNKE ABIGAEL 4.OLOKOR OLUWABUNMI ELIZABETH 5.EGUAOJE OLUFUNMILAYO OMOLOLA 6.OTUSANYA TEMITAYO OLUWAKEMI 7.IMEKE ZAINAB OSHUWA 8.YUSUF DUNKE BOSEDE 9.CHURCHILL-UDO BUKOLA BOLADE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To encourage the members of the association on need for cohesive human relations amongst the members. 2.To see to the marital, emotional, psychological, occupational and financial welfare and needs of members. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED :BY BARR. CHIMAOBI JOHN ABENGOWE Tel: 08038960583.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.GUANGZHEN CUI 2.ZHANG DUO 3.IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR SADIQ THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote exchange of alumni in African region. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TRIUMPHANT CHRISTIAN GATHERING

HOLY MOUNTAIN CHURCH OF GOD

SHUWA ARAB COMMUNITY IN KANO

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. STEPHEN ADEOLA OKAH 2. OLUWASEUN RACHEAL OLADIPO 3. MANDELLA ISHAKU GOLKUS

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. GABRIEL APOSHE Friday. - Chairman 2. BEN GRACE. - Secretary 3. PHILIP VICTOR. 4. ODE JOSEPH EGWO. 5. ODOH EJIOFOR SUNDAY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JIDDA MUHAMMAD ASSAKIN - CHAIRMAN 2. IBRAHIM NASIR ASSIMEH - SECRETARY 3. ABUBAKAR ABUBAKAR HAMID 4. JIBRIN MUSA ABDULLAHI 5. HASSAN ADAMU ALGAO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROVIDE THE SHUWA ARABS IN KANO STATE A VIBRANT AND PURPOSEFUL CENTRAL LEADERSHIP UNDER ONE UMBRELLA ASSIOCIATION. 2. TO PROVIDE FOR THE WELFARE AND WELL BEING OF THE SHUWA ARABS IN KANO STATE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO INFLUENCE HUMANITY WITH THE LOVE AND POWER OF CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR AJIBO KENNETH.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

CLASSIFIED public NOTICE

public NOTICE

VISIONARY'S WORD AND PRAYER MINISTRY

TEN DIAMOND BROTHERS AND FRIENDS ROYAL CLUB

RESTORATION LIFE CHAPEL.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED :SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) WILLIAMS UGOCHUKWU (2) UGOCHUKWU PRECIOUS ISAAC C. (3) ARIAJEGBE JERRY ODIANOSE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : (1) To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the world. (2) To reach the lost for Christ through vlgorous evangelism. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED :SECRETARY

public NOTICE

HOPE AND RESCUE FOR WIDOWS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN INITIATIVE

*FRANCIS OLABODE JOHNSON MEMORIAL FOUNDATION*

RECONCILIATION GRACE DIVINE MINISTRIES.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) MICHEAL DAFE CHRIS (2) ESHERHOH, OKEOGHENE BLESSING (3) EDOJAH FAITH OGHENESERO. (4) EDAFE, IGHOKPO GODDEY. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : (1) To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide..

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OGBO CHUKWUDI DADDY 2. NWOKWU CHRISTIAN CHIDIEBERE 3. OFOEZIE EMMANUEL CHUKWUJEKWU. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO SEEK FOR THE WELFARE OF OUR MEMBERS.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA) 2020). *TRUSTEES* (1) OLLEY VICTOR EDUN (2) ONONOKPONO VICTOR ENOETTE (3) OBE RAZAQ AYODELE (4) JOHNSON ADESEWA OMOWUNMI (5) ONYEANYA WEALTH AKUEGWONWU (6) IJEOMA EVELYN AMAKA (7) UGWULO DOMINIC KELECHI CHINWEIKE (8) OHAERI MICHAEL NDUKAKU (9) KAIGAMA BOBBOI BALA (10) FREDRICKS ROWLAND OJU *AIMS/OBJECTIVES:* (1) TO PRESERVE AND CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF LATE FRANCIS OLABODE JOHNSON, FOR POSTERITY. (2) TO ASSIST IN IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITION OF INDIGENT PERSONS AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. (3) TO PROVIDE VALUABLE AND LIFE CHANGING MENTORSHIP TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN *SIGNED:* AMINATU IBE Esq. 08033137990 ABUJA, NIGERIA

public NOTICE

Adekoya, Adesola Ifidon Bidemi The general public is hereby informed that in some of my documents, my name is written as Sola Adekoya Sola Ifidon Sola I. Adekoya Sola Ifidon Adekoya Shola Adekoya Adeshola I. Adekoya Adekoya Adesola Ifidon Shola Ifidon Adekoya A.I.B Adekoya Adesola .I. B Adekoya Adesola I. Adekoya The Initial A.I.B on some of my documents means Adesola Ifidon Bidemi All documents bearing any of the above names remain valid, as I am one and the same person. The general public should take notice

BRIGHT STARS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

*KENNETH OSUAGWU FOUNDATION*

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Okocha Kelechi David - President 2. Inya Maria Udemma -secretary 3, Ayogu Daniel F. 4. Ibrahim Salome Gloria. 5. PST. Apata Kehinde Tunde. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To improve the living conditions of the widows and their dependent children, through promoting income generation activities and projects, including training, increasing the general awareness, more jobs e.t.c., especially for destitute, indigent widows and less privileged children, so that such women may view themselves as equal part in society.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OGBOMO CHARITY OGHOGHO 2. ROTIFA OLUWASEGUN EKUNDAYO. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To protect the interest of its members. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Secretary

public NOTICE

*TRUSTEES* (1) OSUAGWU CHIBUEZE KENNETH (2) NWAOGWUGWU VICTOR ONYEDIKACHI (3) OSUAGWU LINUS ABOH (4) KENNETH OLACHI IFEANYICHI *AIMS/OBJECTIVES:* (1) TO CARE FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED, CHILDREN, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS IN THE SOCIETY. (2) TO ASSIST IN IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITION OF INDIGENT PERSONS AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY . (3) TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPHERES, INCLUDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS, SEXUAL EXPLOITATIONS AND OTHER TYPES OF EXPLOITATIONS. *SIGNED:* AMINATU IBE Esq. 08033137990 ABUJA, NIGERIA

public NOTICE

PROMO CIVITAS ASSOCIATION . CAC/IT/NO 130691

ELIZADE OJO EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION CAC/IT/ NO: 27411.

AFRICA GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT NETWORK CAC/IT/NO. 112214

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for the amendment of its entire constitution Under Part ‘F’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020. AMENDMENT OF IT’S ENTIRE CONSTITUTION. Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General, CorporateAffairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, offAguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. ………………………. …………………. Chairman Secretary

TR I B U TE As Emir of Katsina confirms Justice Adamu Bello Sarkin Pauwan Katsina...

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) GANIYU AHMID GBOLAGADE - CHAIRMAN (2) OMOROGBE OSARUMWENSE DAMIAN - SECRETARY (3) UCHE, JOY CHIZOBAM. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : (1) To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the whole world. (2) To preach the good news about redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ. (3) To equip Christians for works of service, encouraging spiritual growth and helping them to recognize and develop their God-given gift through the teaching of the Bible, the ministry of the Holy Spirit and worship. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED :SECRETARY

public NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS , REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004) Outgoing Trustees 1. Obioma Faustina Obianuju charisma 2. Nwoye Alfred Emeka 3. Nwoye Marcel Chijioke Newly Appointed Trustees 1. ANAZOR JENNIFER NKECHINYERE 2.OJIAKO VIRGINIA NDIRIKA 3.CHIME CHIDERA SIMON Trustees of Promo Civitas Association 1. Ugwu Charis Maria Ogoo 2. Ugwu Emmanuel Emeka 3. Ugwu Anthony Uche 4. Anazor Jennifer Nkechinyere 5. Ojiako Virginia Ndirika 6. Chime Chidera Simon Date of appointment of new trustees: 24/05/2021 ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Appointment, Removal of trustees and change of Secretary Under Part ‘F’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020. TRUSTEES: 1. MAJIDADI BALA MU’AZU KONTAGORA - RETAINED 2. EBISIKE CHINOMSO - RETAINED 3. SILAS SARAH - RETAINED 4. KUHE RANDY IORWUESE - REMOVED 5. THOMAS EMEKA OBIAJULU OKOCHA - APPOINTED 6. BUHARI BALA MAJIDADI - APPOINTED CHANGE OF SECRETARY: 1. MR. KUHE RANDY IORWUESE - REMOVED 2. MR. EBISIKE CHINOMSO - APPOINTED AIMS & OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Justice Adamu Bello mounting the horse

By Hameed M. Bello

he Emir of Katsina, Alh (Dr) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman has comfirmed the appointment of retired Justice Adamu Bello as the Sarkin Pauwan Katsina. The appointment was conveyed to Justice Bello in a letter to him from the Emir drafted in Hausa language which was dated May 25, 2021. The Emir’s letter personally signed by him said the confirmation of the appointment followed a letter he received from the Katsina state government with reference no: S/SGKT/77/S.2/ VOL.11/207 which was dated May 24, 2021. The Emir’s letter noted that the Katsina State government in its letter approved the appointment of Justice Adamu as the Sarkin Pauwan Katsina, Hakimin Kankara. Accordingly, the Emir confirmed the approval and conveyed the appointment to Adamu Bello, and also proposed June 12 as the coronation date. Profile of Hon. Justice Adamu Bello Date of Birth: 31st December 1948 Local Government Area: Kankara State: Katsina Schools Attended With Dates Mabai And Malumfashi Primary Schools 1957-1963 Funtua Government Secondary School 1964-1968

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 1979-1982 Nigerian Law School 1982-1983 Educational Qualifications Primary School Leaving Certificate 1963 West African School Certificate 1968 Diploma in Law 1977 LLB (HONS.) Degree 1982 BL Certificate 1983 Working Experience Clerical officer – Ministry Of Health, Kaduna State 1969 – 1975 Asst. Registrar – High Court Of Justice, Kaduna State 1977 – 1978 Registrar – High Court Of Justice, Kaduna State 1978 – 1979 Higher Registrar – High Court of Justice Kaduna. State 1983 – 1984 Magistrate Grade II, High Court of Justice, Kaduna State 1984 – 1985 Magistrate grade!, High Court Of Justice, Kaduna State 1985 – 1986

“

Senior magistrate grade II, High Court Of Justice, Kaduna 1986 – 1987 Senior magistrate grade I, High Court Of Justice, Katsina 1987 – 1989 Chief magistrate grade II, High Court Of Justice, Katsina 1989 – 1992 Chief magistrate grade I, High Court Of Justice, Katsina 1992 -1994 Deputy chief registrar, High Court Of Justice, Katsina 1994 – 1995 Judge of Federal High Court Of Nigeria. Served as administrative judge in charge of the following divisions: Ibadan division 1996 -1998 Ilorin division 1998 – 2000 Port Harcourt division 2000 – 2004 Kano division 2004 – 2008 Abuja division 2008 – 2010 In 2007 also covered Sokoto division in addition to Kano Upon relocation of Federal High Court Headquarters to Abuja in 2010, served as Presiding Judge at Court 3, Headquarters from 2010 – 2013

Accordingly, the Emir confirmed the approval and conveyed the appointment to Adamu Bello, and also proposed June 12 as the coronation date

Professional Courses Attended 1996: Induction Course for newly appointed Judges and Khadis at Supreme Court Complex, lagos. 2005: Study tour of judicial system in Singapore with emphasis on arbitration. Singapore .. 2005: Economic & Financial Training for EFCC designated Judges at Centre for Study of Economic Crimes at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa (August). 2006: Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop, Abuja (February). 2007: Sub- Regional Round Table on Non Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture & Asset Management by UNDOC Abuja (November). 2010: Round Table consultation of the Inter Agency Group on the National Strategy to Combat Corruption, Abuja (April). 2013: Academic Criminal Justice Seminar and Model Law Workshop by international Law Enforcement Academy, Roswell, U.S.A (May). 2007: Facilitator Training for West African Prosecutors, organized by GIABA in Banjul, Gambia (August). Professional Bodies Membership Member, Nigerian Bar Association. Member, Magistrate Association of Nigeria. Fellow: Chartered Institute of Arbitrators FCiarb Member: National Conference 2014.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

CLASSIFIED public NOTICE

public NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOD’S WILL PRAYER, MUSIC AND SONGS MINISTRY

THE OLD NAME : Solace Orpanage Center. THE NEW NAME : Solace orphanage int’l center.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJAFOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. WAYAS JOSEPH OLADIPO - CHAIRMAN 2. WAYAS JANET OLADIPO - SECRETARY 3. OGAR FRANCIS UGBONG - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE THE STUDY OF THE HOLY BIBLE THROUGH DECLARATIONS DISCIPLESHIP AND INSPIRATION 2. TO REACH PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIFE THROUGH CHARACTER TRANSFORMATION 3. TO PRINT, PUBLISH, BROADCASTING THE GOSPEL AND DISTRIBUTE CHRISTIAN LITERATURES 4. TO TRAIN AND ORDAIN MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL FOR THE PURPOSE OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL 5. TO ORGANIZE, CONVENE CONFERENCES, CRUSADES, CONVENTION, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS IN NIGERIA AND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD 6. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED. 7. TO PROVIDE CHARITY AND ORPHANAGE HOME FOR THE DESTITUTE 8. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR SOUL WINNING WORLDWIDE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFFAGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I Isa Tata Yusuf wish to inform the general public of the loss of original right of occupancy (R of O) In respect of Plot No. 923 with file No. BA 60107 cadastral zone F14, size 446.06m². All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive, please if found kindly return to the nearest police station. General public take note.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF NAME UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Richard Inyang 2. Emem Richard Inyang. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. CHANGE OF NAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

I Isa Tata Yusuf wish to inform the general public of the loss of original right of occupancy (R of O) In respect of Plot No. 922 with file No. BA 60108 cadastral zone F14, size 462.86m². All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive, please if found kindly return to the nearest police station. General public take note.

public NOTICE

Correction of name

NSUKKA UNIQUE BROTHERS ASSOCIATION

I formally known and addressed as Abdulganiyi Bashir Babatunde now wish to be known and addressed as Bashir Babatunde Abdulganiyi. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public to please take note.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION WITH CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION CAC UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZE COSMAS EMEKA 2. FRANCIS ATUWALU 3. AUSTINE SUNDAY UZU 4. MBAH SYLNANUS CHUKWUMA CHIEF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. TO PROMOTE THE IDENTITY AND PROGRESS OF THE PEOPLE OF NSUKKA SENATORIAL ZONE RESIDING IN KANO 2. TO ADDRESS COMMON, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS THAT THEY MAY FACE FROM DAY TO DAY. 3. TO FORGE ENTREPRENEURIAL COOPERATION THROUGH PULING OF RESOURCES FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES. 4. TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER IN TIMES OF NEED. 5. TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE ADVANCEMENT AND WELFARE OF THE UNION. 6. TO ASSISTS FINANCIALLY AND OTHERWISE THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY WHO MAYBE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 42 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED:: SECRETARY

Alex I, formally known and addressed as Ikem Nancy now wish to be known and addressed as Alex Isaborson Nancy All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public to please take note.

ATUEYI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Ogbonna Ifeoma Jacinta. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ATUEYI IFEOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

mrs. stephanie

Correction of name

HASSAN

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS miss ekpeyongawan effiong etetim. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS mrs. stephanie francis okpo. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

This is to inform the general public that I DAUDA SOGIDA whose name was erroneously captured as DAUDA SOGIDA BAKO now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA SOGIDA. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HASSAN GARBA BICHI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HASSAN GARBA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Mallam Venzir

SHEHU

abdulhamid

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Mallam Venzir Auta. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Mallam Venzir Kusa. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS NOMAU SHEHU GWADABAWA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SHEHU NOMAU GWADABAWA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS abdulhamid sani. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS abdulhamid sani muhd. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MICHA

ESTHER

abdulkadir

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MICHA SHEKWODUZAH. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MICHA JOSHUA SHEKWODUZAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as SYLVIA AJUNWA, now wishes to be known and addressed as ESTHER ADA AJUNWA. All former documents remain valid. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND general public to take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS abdulkadir chiroma. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS abdulkadir Bello chiroma. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

as’ma’u I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS asmau sale. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS as’ma’u abdu. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

space for sale

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

PAGE 30

FRIDAY, may 21, 2021

Page

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

FIFA Ranking: Nigeria maintain 32nd in the World W

orld soccer governing body (FIFA) has released latest ranking for the month April and Nigeria’s Super Eagles maintained its position in the last ranking. In the ranking released earlier in the month of April Nigeria was ranked 32nd in the World and 3rd in Africa. The latest ranking shows that Nigeria remained in the same position in the world with 1487.16 points and also placed third in Africa. Teranga Lion of Senegal remained best ranked Africa team and were ranked 22nd in the world with 1542.45 points above Carthage Eagles of Tunisia who garnered 1512.88 to stay 26th in the world. Africa champion, Algeria were ranked 33rd in the world and 4th in Africa with Atlas Lion of Morocco and Pharaoh of Egypt completing Africa Top 6. Changes is expected in the next ranking as teams will be involved in in international friendly matches in the month of June and July.

Pinnick congratulates Samuel Chukwueze over Europa cup victory By Albert Akota

FF President congratulates super eagles’ player Samuel Chukwueze over Europa Cup victory. According to the FIFA Council member, “it is an honour to know that one of the Super Eagles’ player was part of the historic victory for Vilareal in the Europa Cup competition. Congratulations to Samuel Chukwueze, using this medium even though he didn’t play in the final, he was instrumental to the team’s progress to the finals and at the end of the day, they won the Europa Cup.” “It is a season where Nigerian

players did extremely well in Europe, Oshola is not left out of the party, Ndidi, Iheanacho, both of them won the FA Cup, Paul Onuachu won the Belgium Cup, Joseph Aribo as well as Balogun won the league in Scotland with Rangers. So it’s a season where Nigerian players actually did well in their respective clubs.” “Above all, Seyi George Olofinjana one time super Eagles player was named Technical director with FC Zurich and that’s a huge one. I keep telling you about Africans and Nigerians doing it in a grandstyle. It’s not easy to

give a particular position of that magnitude to Nigerian. Olofinjana was one time Super Eagles player and had played for this country and had over 50 cap Hence, I always tell the young players of now to combine education with football, Olofinjana has two Masters degree and he’s earning the dividend of combining education with football now. He was formally with wolvehamton as club administrator and now technical director, it’s quite massive” FIFA Council member pinnick Amaju concluded by saying, congratulations once more to Samuel Chukwueze.

. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, may 28, 2021

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

SPORTS Challenges mount as continent latest marks another Africa day Zinedine Zidane

leaves Real Madrid for second time as manager

anager Zinedine Zidane has resigned from Real Madrid for the second time in his coaching career. Real failed to win a trophy this season and were pipped to the La Liga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid on a dramatic final day on Saturday. Real said in a statement that they “must now respect” Zidane’s decision. They thanked Zidane, 48, for his “professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid”. Former France forward Zidane, who played for Real from 2001 to 2006, won three consecutive Champions League titles and a La Liga title in his first period as manager between 2016 and 2018. He left in May 2018, but returned 10 months later and secured a second La Liga title last season. “Zidane is one of Real Madrid’s great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club,” Real said. “He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid.” Real finished two points behind Atletico in La Liga as they failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2009-10. They suffered an early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of third division side Alcoyano and lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. Earlier this month, Zidane, who had a year left on his contract, denied reports that he had informed his squad he would leave at the end of the season. His future was a constant topic of discussion in the Spanish press this season, contributing to several spiky exchanges, with Zidane saying he and his players deserved more respect. Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: news: Kano: lagos:

ven before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the globe in late 2019, Africa’s 1.3 billion people were already facing the worst development indices of all the world’s regions combined with poverty, disease, socio-economic crises, political instability and insecurity rocking the continent. There has been no let-up to the growing list of calamities. From the assassination of President Idriss Deby of Chad to the unprecedented deadly attacks on Mozambique by Islamist terrorists to the military coups in Mali and Niger, insecurity in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa, and the Sahel, coupled with the unending civil war in Somalia, the raging conflicts in Ethiopia, Libya, the rebel attacks and latest volcanic eruption in DR Congo, the adversity prognosis and projections are grim for Africa. For some unexplained reasons, the catastrophic consequences projected for the continent from the Covid-19 pandemic have not materialized, at least not yet, going by the level of reported cases and fatalities in comparison to other regions. However, scientists have warned that it is still premature to celebrate. Covid-19 is still around, and perhaps, will remain for some time to come. And as Africans mark Africa Day on 25th May, part of the lingering challenges from the pandemic is the inequality in Covid-19 vaccine supply or distribution, perhaps, a metaphor for the age-long inequity in the World, with Africa always at the short end of the stick. Formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, Africa Day is observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, a precursor of the African Union, which was launched in 2002. It provides an opportunity for stocktaking on the political and socioeconomic achievements of African governments and African citizens, the challenges, lessons, unmet aspirations and the way forward. The African Union Commission is using this year’s observation, themed Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want, for the continental launch of entry into force of the African Cultural Renaissance. But coming on the heels of the recent Paris summit on the financing of African economies in the wake of the Covid-19 devastations, there is the fear that without urgent collective actions, the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s 2063 Agenda could be jeopardized.

0806 564 8620 0814 292 9046 0803 587 5846 08074420617

Guest columnist

By Paul Ejime Meanwhile, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) virtual Africa Conversations 2021 themed Africa to the World, took place on Tuesday. It featured discussions on wide-ranging topics from vaccine distribution to recalibrating Africa’s economic growth through structured investments in human capital, infrastructure development, making Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMSE) a priority, improving intraAfrican trade leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) scheme, the role of youths, and how to maximize the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution of digital/ technological development, especially internet penetration. Moderated by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the UBA and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, the panellists were President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus WHO Director-General and, Mr Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank. In his interventions, President Kagame, under whose watch Rwanda has shaken off the ashes of the 1994 genocide to become one of the fastestgrowing economies, said the way out of chronic conflicts in Africa “is for a change of mind-set and change in politics“ as well as “investment in one another.” “To address the root causes of conflicts, we the leaders must exercise the political will and walk the talk,” he said, stressing that “a sense of urgency” must be brought to bear on the tackling of the problems of poverty, exclusion of women and youths and utilizing the

“

opportunities for growth by “building systems and institutions.” Continuing, he emphasized that “the big elephant in the room is the politics,” adding as “leaders, we must make things work.” The Rwandan leader, known for his straight-talking approach, affirmed that he usually spoke with conviction and from experience, saying that Africa must insist on “mutual respect” from its dealings with the rest of the world. “Poverty is not our (Africa’s) identity, and this is not where we should be,” Kagame said, adding that overcoming the myriad of problems and challenges required individual and partnership efforts. He also advised that Africa should capitalise on the CFTA initiative “not just in name but in reality.” To the African youths, he said, “believe in yourselves; know your strengths and the limit of what you expect from others, because other people will never supply all your needs.” Dr Okonjo-Iweala pledged the support of the WTO to re-catalyse the recovery and growth of African economies. She said the economies needed “fiscal space to breathe,” noting that the US$34 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDR) support promised to Sub-Saharan Africa by the IMF would not be enough to revive the struggling econoies, particularly the badly hit service sector. “But we have the chance to change the tenor of growth and the WTO stands ready to lend its support,” she assured, adding that the “youths must be part of the conversation today and the future,” in the ecosystem of policy formulation and implementation. The WTO chief therefore, enjoined African youths “not to be too riskaverse or let anything stop your

Poverty is not our (Africa’s) identity, and this is not where we should be,” Kagame said, adding that overcoming the myriad of problems and challenges required individual and partnership efforts.

imagination.” Speaking earlier, Dr Tedros had outlined the challenges posed by covid-19 to Africa, compounded by its weak and under-resourced health systems. The continent is 90% dependent on pharmaceutical supplies and 99% dependent on vaccine supply, amid the so-called vaccine inequality or nationalism, against Africa and the developing world. For instance, while Africa has only vaccinated some 20 million of its estimated 1.3 billion people, the UK has reached more than 50 million of its 67 million people with the first doses of the vaccine. Dr Tedros called for “candid engagements and discussions” by all Africans, and the need to involve the youths given their vibrant energy and enterprise, in seeking collective solutions to Africa’s problems. “We must be kind to one another and also change our mind-set,” the WHO boss added. For his part, the IFC Managing Director Diop harped on the need for Africa to shift from the reactive to a proactive mode in conflict management and the documentation of best practices so that “lessons learned can be pieced together” for sustainability. More importantly, he said the continent “must set goals for infrastructure development, improve Internet/digital capacity, empower and strengthen SMEs and boost intraAfrican trade. Diop counselled that Africans “must not let anybody set your limit or limit your aspirations.” On the need for collective actions, he said, “individual success is only valued if it is part of a collective success.” *Paul Ejime, an Author and former Diplomatic/War Correspondent, is a Consultant on Communications, Media, Elections and International Affairs.

DAN GAYE Dangai

Economic council says another lockdown will be last resort - News

Man must wack

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kaduna office: K6 Ahmadu Bello Way, opposite Kontagora road, Kaduna. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewseditor@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141

Friday, May 28, 2021 Edition

Articles inside

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, mAY 21, 2021