Friday, July 31, 2020 Edition

Friday, July 31, 2020/ DhuĘťl-Hijjah 10, 1441 AH

2254 Days after

Benue govt rejects Miyetti Allah vigilante group pAGE 3

Vol. 34 No. 041 N150

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

FG rolls out schedule for national examinations >>pg 3

Eid-El-Kabir celebration:

IGP urges citizens to obey ban on public gatherings page 5

Buhari to cushion lockdown hardship Gbajabiamila calls for sober reflection

Some of the158 stranded Nigerian migrants from Niamey, Niger Republic, during their arrival at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, at about 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday (29/7/20), courtesy of European Union and International Organization for Migration (working with the Nigerian mission); PTF on COVID-19, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Emergency Management Agency, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

Murder of traditional ruler Lawyers offer free service in defence of service in Benue: Troops arrest chiefs, constitution criminal gang leader pAGE 5

pAGE 6

Nigeria can confidently confront her challenges – Lawan says pAGE 15

We wish all our dear readers, Happy Eid-El-Kabir celebration

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

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News CONTENTS News

2-10,14

Editorial

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Op.Ed

12-13

Politics Business

15-17 19-20

Metro

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World News

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Africa News

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World News

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CAN President commends Buhari over Rev.Pam appointment as NCPC boss

By Albert Akota

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he President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Rev. Dr. Supo Ayokunle has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing one of their own, Rev. Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission.

He made this commendation

recently in Abuja at the prayer and dedication of NCPC. Rev. Ayokunle stated that God had used the appointment of Rev Yakubu Pam to remove shame from CAN. He explained that CAN had existed for 44 years and this is the first time the body is being honoured with such an appointment and this explains why the entire CAN leadership gathered in NCPC to pray and

dedicate the office. He affirmed that they were given back to God what He had given to them.

He admonished that the burden of NCPC is not his, because God is a burden bearer and so.

He would bear the burden of the office for him. Speaking, the NCPC boss Rev. Yakubu Pam thanked the leadership of CAN for their solidarity and concern for him.

He affirmed that CAN is a

family and as such should be able to resolve whatever dispute they might have when they come together as one, especially under a good father like Rev. Ayokunle.

He promised he would not let the church down, but would leave a legacy that would send a signal to the Government that CAN has worthy members who would oversee effectively at any leadership level. Celestine Toruka, Head Media NCPC.

Governor Sule Charges Muslims on selfless living Page 4 Feature Sports Back Page

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From left: Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq; Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Sen. Basheer Mohammed; Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, retired AVM Muhammadu Muhammed; and Executive Secretary, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, to receive the158 stranded Nigerian migrants from Niamey, Niger Republic, in Abuja on Wednesday (29/7/20).

Timi Frank alleges Buhari silent over $2.5bn stolen crude

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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ormer Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank on Thursday expressed concern over alleged silence by the President, General Muhammadu Buhariled regime’s concerning the $2.5billion stolen crude oil.

Frank claimed that documents recently uncovered showed how 48 million barrels of Nigeria’s Bonny Light Crude, valued at $2.5 billion, was stolen and sold in China by some officials of the

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) allegedly in connivance with top functionaries of the Buhari’s regime.

Frank who made the allegations in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja said that the failure of the presidency to condemn the heinous crime and act to bring the conspirators to book can only point to tacit support by the Federal Government.

The activist lamented that his earlier call on General Buhari to sack, arrest and prosecute government

officials responsible for the reprehensible act fell on deaf ears.

He insisted that the silence of Buhari and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, over the international embarrassment is a direct insult on Nigerians.

Frank vowed to mobilize both local and international mass protests against the federal government if it refuses to act, to ensure that “this crime against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, perpetuated by influential members of the present regime is not swept

under the carpet as usual.”

Frank said: “It is almost a month since this international scandal against top officials of the present administration became public knowledge, yet, no action or reaction from the Federal Government as to seeking redress and sanction against perpetrators and their collaborators.”

He, however, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), other labour unions and prominent Civil Society Organisations to speak up against what he described called looting of public treasury in the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

News

Eid -el-Kabir: CP tasks Area Commanders, DPO on surveillance, intelligence From Femi Oyelola’Kaduna

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he Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri, has charged Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers on surveillance and intelligence to ensure adequate security cover for the state during the Eid -elKabir Sallah celebrations.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Kaduna state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Jalige, and made available to the media in kaduna yesterday The CP said, “the Kaduna State Police Command wishes to state that adequate security measures have been emplaced for the people of Kaduna state ahead of this year Sallah Celebrations (Eid-El-Kabir).

“The Commissioner of Police have directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and HODs to ensure an intensive security coverage of their areas and immediately commence aggressive stop and search patrols, purposeful vehicular patrol and robust intelligence gathering to ensure security of lives and property before, during and after the festive period.

“All and sundry are implored to be security conscious, watch out for strangers and hoodlums who are all out to disturb the peace equilibrium being enjoyed by the good citizens of the state.

“All rules and regulations to prevent and curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state must be strictly observed as the command would not relent in its collective efforts to enforce and ensure total compliance. All citizens are to take responsibility against the spread of COVID-19, while physical and social distancing must be maintained at all levels.

“In the event of distress call or dissemination of useful information, citizens are advised to call the Police Control Room Numbers, 08075391105 or 07039675856.

“The CP warns all criminally minded individuals or groups who are hell bent on causing mayhem to stay clear from the state. He advised celebrants to be conscious of their security, the environment, suspicious parcels and movement from criminal elements.

“They are to also assist the police with prompt and credible information to enable us to serve the people better.” the statement reads

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News Editor, Ese Awhotu

FG rolls out schedule for national examinations Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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he Federal Government has released a comprehensive schedule for various National Examinations for exit classes, spanning from 17th August to 18th November, 2020.

Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba, who made the announcement in Abuja after series of meetings with Chief Executives of examination bodies in the country said, the West African Examinations Council, (WAEC-SSCE) will start on the 17th of August, 2020 while the National Business and Technical Examination Board, (NABTEB) examinations will start on the 21st September and end by 15th October, 2020.

Other details of the schedule indicate that the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations, (SSCE) for SS3, conducted by NECO will start on the 5th of October and end on 18th of November, 2020.

The Basic Education Certificate Examinations, (BECE) for JSS 3 also conducted by NECO, will start on the 24th of August and end on the 7th of September, 2020.

Furthermore, the National Common Entrance Examination, (NCEE) which is a one-day NECO examination for intending applicants into Unity Colleges (JSS1) will run in-between the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations i.e. on Saturday, 17th October, 2020.

Registration for the NECO

(SSCE), which is on-going, will end on the 10th of September, 2020 and there shall be no extension for the registration whatsoever.

The statement further indicated that the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, (NBAIS) examination will commence on Wednesday, 23rd September and end by 17th October, 2020.

The Minister therefore directed all examination bodies to release details of their examination timetables in the next seven days.

Present at the meeting which was chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Arc. Sonny Echono, Registrar,

Joint Admissions Matriculations Board, (JAMB), Prof.

Is-haq Oloyede; Registar, National Examinations Council, (NECO), Prof. Godswill Obioma; Registrar, National Business and Technical Examination Board, (NABTEB) Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe; National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, (NBAIS) Dr. Raji as well as the Acting Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. J.O. Oke. For the one - day National Common Entrance Examination conducted by NECO, it is compulsory for parents and pupils to wear face masks on the exam date, while also carrying along with them, alcohol-based sanitizers.

L-R: House of Reps’ Committee Chairman on Defence, Rep Jimi Benson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Femi Gbajabiamila, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Gov Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the SSG, Tokunbo Talabi during a courtesy call on the Governor by Speaker Gbajabiamila, yesterday in Abeokuta

Benue govt rejects Miyetti Allah vigilante group From Uche Makurdi

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Nnorom,

enue State government has outrightly rejected the establishment of Miyetti Allah Vigilante group in the country, warning that such group will not operate in the State.

In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom, Terver Akase and made available to Peoples Daily yesterday, the State government emphatically said it does need the Miyetti Allah Vigilante, maintaining that government is working with conventional security forces and has already established a vigilante group at

the state, local government and ward levels.

“We have read the statement credited to the Fulani sociocultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, in which the group announced that it has established its security outfit called ‘Miyetti Allah Vigilante’ to operate nationwide.

“As much as we do not have any problem with Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore floating a security outfit in other states, it is important to say that such a vigilante group WILL NOT OPERATE IN BENUE STATE. Miyetti Allah has no constitutional right to establish a nationwide security outfit.

“Benue does not need the

Miyetti Allah vigilante. The State Government government is working with conventional security forces and has already established a vigilante group at the state, local government and ward levels. This is evident in the ongoing recruitment of personnel for Community Policing who will soon be trained as recommended

by Inspector General of Police”, the Governor said.

Ortom noted that the idea of running a nationwide vigilante group is a mere strategy by the Fulani socio-cultural organization to elevate their nefarious and inhuman activities to another level.

“They have repeatedly claimed responsibility for the killing of

thousands of children, women and other vulnerable people in different states, yet, members of the group walk freely in Abuja and hold press conferences threatening to unleash terror on the people of this country.

“We once more call for the arrest and prosecution of officials of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, to end the spate of crime in the country.

“We urge the Federal Government to stop looking elsewhere for bandits who have been killing innocent Nigerians.

Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore are coordinators of banditry in the country, and officials of the group reside in Abuja “Governor Ortom advised.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

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News

Eid-el-Kabir: Goje fetes constituents

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he Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has doled out financial support to his constituents to enable them fulfill their Sallah obligation of animal sacrifice.

The beneficiaries are orphans, the underprivileged, elders, party leaders as well as traditional and religious leaders in his Gombe Central Senatorial District.

Speaking during the occasion, Sen. Goje, represented by his personal assistant, Alhaji Adamu PA, announced that each of the beneficiaries would receive a cash donation. He added that the gesture was in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Goje maintained that the gesture would also give his constituents a sense of belonging. “As usual, this gesture today will no doubt put smiles on the faces of many families in Gombe Central Senatorial District as they would be able to fulfil their religious ob­ ligations,” he said.

He congratulated the bene­ ficiaries in advance and urged them to imbibe the spirit of Eid-El-Kabir by extending goodwill to all the people of the constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, APC chairman of Yamaltu Deba local government area, Alh. Sule Mailantarki, thanked the senator for his allinclusive representation of his constituents. He added that the cash donations would help them abundantly during and after the Sallah celebrations.

Eld-El Kabir: Reps Minority Caucus charges Buhari, others on selfless service

By Christiana Ekpa

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he Minority caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration.

The minority leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu in a statement on Thursday, also called on leaders at all levels across the country to use the occasion to reflect on the demand of selfless service to the people.

According to Elumelu, “the Eid-el Kabir offers us all, especially the leaders, great lessons in

selflessness and sacrificial living in all our dealings.

“Those in leadership must bear in mind that the positions they occupy are bestowed on them

by God and as such requires total obedience to God and selfless service to the people”.

The lawmaker also urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to strengthen their trust in God as the only solution to the challenges they face, for which all must continue in supplication and obedience to His will.

The minority leader also called on all citizens to use the Eid-el Kabir “to reinforce their

commitment towards the unity and stability of the nation as well as strengthen their love for one another especially at this critical time in our national and global history”.

The Minority Leader also urged our moslem worshipers across the nation to pray that God intervenes in the corruption and insecurity that are ravaging every sector of our economy and communities respectively.

Hon. Elumelu however assured that the minority caucus in the House of Representatives will not relent in protecting the interests of Nigerians by applying

all legislative instruments to effectively champion their demand for good governance in all sectors of our national life.

The lawmaker also counseled Nigerians to remain vigilant in their celebration mood, particularly in strictly adhering to all COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, personal hygiene and other government directives, especially as related to public gatherings at this time.

The Minority leader congratulated Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful and wished the nation a happy Eid-el Kabir celebration.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Femi Gbajabiamila (left) and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun exchanging pleasantries during a courtesy call on the Governor by Speaker Gbajabiamila, yesterday in Abeokuta

Governor Sule Charges Muslims on selfless living From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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asarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule has called on Muslims Ummah to live a life of selflessness, brotherhood, sacrifice and adherence to Allah’s commands as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

The governor who made the call Thursday in his Sallah message to Muslims in Nasarawa on behalf of the Government and the good people of the state as according to him “we are all aware that the feast of Eid-el-Kabir is a test of faith in commemoration of the sublime submission by Prophet Ibrahim (May Peace

Be Upon Him) to the call for sacrifice. This, indeed, symbolizes a call to all Muslims to live a life of selflessness, brotherhood, sacrifice and adherence to Allah’s commands”.

According to him “My brothers and sisters, I wish to remind us that occasion such as this calls for the Ummah to reflect on their relationship with God and fellow human beings as a yardstick for righteous living, love and peaceful co-existence in the society. It is in view of this that I urged you to continue to preach peace, show love, understanding, tolerance and good neighbourliness amongst ourselves and humanity

at large. I, therefore, call on you to pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are resident in Saudi Arabia and have the opportunity of performing this year’s Holy Pilgrimage”.

He continued “I want to use this opportunity to remind the MuslimsUmmah of the challenging times we find ourselves today as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world. As a Government, we prioritize the lives of our people and would spare no effort in protecting same during this trying times. As Muslim Ummah celebrate this Eid-el-Kabir, let me once again stress the need to

adhere to all preventive measures particularly, maintenance of social distancing, wearing of face mask, regular hand sanitizing, among others as part of preventive measures to control and contain the spread of Coronavirus for the wellbeing of the society. I call on the clerics to ensure that worshippers comply with the health guidelines issued for the benefit of our people”.

Governor Sule added that on the occasion this Sallah celebration, “I beseech you all to re-affirm your obedience to Allah’s injunctions as contained in the noble Qur’an and follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad

(SallallahuAlaihiWasallam). It is also an obligation on us to pray for our leaders at all levels to govern with the fear of God and the virtues of justice, humility and service for the good of humanity”.

He however calledon the people of Nasarawa State to continue to accommodate each other’s beliefs and values in order to sustain peace, harmony, socio-cultural and economic prosperity as well as assured brothers from the other regions of the country that Nasarawa State is a cosmopolitan society that accommodates everybody irrespective of tribe, region or religion.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

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News

Eid-El-Kabir celebration: IGP urges citizens to obey ban on Socio-Religious Gatherings

Buhari promises more relief to cushion lockdown hardship Gbajabiamila calls for sober reflection

By Tobias Lengnam Christiana Ekpa, Abuja

and

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s part of efforts to ensure a crime-free Eid-el Kabir celebration in the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has directed the Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the FCT as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the seventeen (17) Zonal Commands to intensify confidence building patrols in all nooks and crannies of the country particularly on major highways and around critical national infrastructure.

This is according to a statement yesterday by The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP frank Mba. The IGP, while assuring Nigerians of adequate security, congratulates the Muslim Faithful in the country as they join other Muslims across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-elKabir festival.

The IGP also calls for voluntary compliance with the ban on all mass socio-religious gathering and other prevention orders directed at protecting the citizens and checking further spread of the COVID-19 virus in the country. He enjoins the citizens to cooperate with the Police, noting that the measures have become imperative due to the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila also yesterday urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to their Creator and pray for the country during this period of Eid-el-Kabir.

Gbajabiamila said the need for prayers became more pressing at this time that the coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the world, including Nigeria.

The Speaker said with fervent prayers, Nigeria would be able to surmount the numerous challenges bedeviling the country, including insecurity.

In a Sallah message by his spokesman Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker also urged Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to embrace one another and be united for the progress of the country.

He called on religious leaders to preach unity and peaceful coexistence among the citizens at this time and always.

He further urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of selflessness,

generosity, brotherliness and accommodating nature of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Gbajabiamila used the opportunity to call on leaders to keep their contracts with the Nigerian people, as that is the only way they can make meaningful impact in the lives of the citizens.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the sacrifices of Muslims and Christians in abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines for the good of society.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that Buhari gave the commendation in his Sallah message to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-elKabir celebration.

Buhari assured Nigerians that, “On our own part, we shall continue to provide economic reliefs to the

people to minimize the unintended hardships these guidelines have inflicted.’’

The president reminded worshippers that COVID-19 is worldwide affliction with Churches and Mosques closed and social distancing imposed to safeguard public health.

He, therefore, reiterated his call on Nigerians to continue to exercise patience and understanding over the inconveniences created by the precautionary measures taken, especially the regulations on places of worship.

He said the outbreak of coronavirus had made it ”difficult for people to gather in places of worship as they are used to”, urging worshipers to follow the guidelines for the safety of their lives and loved ones.

“The coronavirus has had devastating adverse impacts on our social, economic and spiritual lives.

“The preventive guidelines we

have introduced to contain the spread of this deadly disease have unfortunately limited people’s freedom to gather and worship in large numbers in Mosques and Churches.

“Every measure that has been introduced to contain this disease may have its unintended consequences on the daily lives of our people, and I, therefore, call on Muslims and other faiths to continue to show more understanding with the government as we take correct steps to protect our people through the social distancing.

“No elected government would intentionally take away its people’s religious freedom by limiting the number of people that will gather in worship centres at the same time.

“These guidelines are dictated by necessity in order to safeguard public health and should therefore not be perceived as infringement on people’s

right to worship,’’ he said.

While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the President called on worshipers not to forget the symbolic significance of the sacrifices of the Eid-el-Kabir.

“Muslims should imbibe the noble virtues of our great prophets in order to establish closer connectivity between religious teachings and practice.

“We can create the greatest impact by putting into practice the noble teachings of our religion. In whatever we do in life, we must put the fear of God in our daily activities in order to make our society better.’’

The president reminded the people of his efforts to root out corruption in the country, stating that the efforts had so far brought a lot of changes in country.

He, therefore, appealed for support and understanding as ”investigations are carried out into both legacy cases and fresh cases”.

L-R: Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, North Central zone Rev. Israel Akanji; Chairperson Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), (Northern Zone) Mrs Elizabeth Azizi Ajegena Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) Rev. Yakubu Pam and Vice chairman northern zone of Christian Association of Nigeria Rev. James Joseph Hayab during a courtesy visit by the northern CAN to the ES in Abuja yesterday.

Murder of traditional ruler in Benue: Troops arrest criminal gang leader From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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roops of the joint Military operation codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke OPWS, yesterday, reportedly arrested one criminal kingpin and notorious gang leader known as Asaaghar Igye in Zaki Biam, Ukum local government area of Benue State.

Asaaghar Igye was allegedly linked to the recently killing of

the district head of Kundav, Chief Awua Alabama who was murdered by gunmen on July 21, 2020 at his residence in Ukum LGA. Our correspondent gathered that troops of OPWS deployed at Zaki Biam and Jootar in Ukum local government area of Benue State on Thursday morning responded to a distress call from some locals on sighting the gang leader Asaaghar Igye who was earlier linked to an attack and

killings in and around Alabar Village in Kundav council ward of the area.

It was further gathered that the troops swiftly mobilized to the area in search of the criminal kingpin, Igye and subsequently arrested him.

A member of Kundav community who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said, the arrested criminal gang leader is already

helping the military in providing information that would lead to arrest of other members of his gang before he would be handed over to the police for further investigation.

“It was a thing of joy for our community today to see one of the killers of our district head arrested.

“We are very grateful to OPWS for what they have done for us.

They have drastically reduced

criminal activities in the Sankara axis of the state. I am appealing to President Buhari to allow the troops to remain in Benue”, he said When contacted, the Force Commander of OPWS, Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini said he cannot comment on the arrest of the criminal gang leader and referred journalists to the Defense Head Quarters (DHQ) Information Department.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

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News

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) Rev Yakubu Pam (left) receiving a presentation from the National Chairperson, Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Mrs Victoria Bola Ihesuilor during a courtesy visit by the WOWICAN to the executive secretary in Abuja yesterday.

Eid-el-Kabir: Monarch calls for moderate celebration From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Chairman of Yoruba Council of traditional Obas and Chiefs in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Ambassador Muhammad Arigbabuwo has urged Muslim faithful in Nigeria to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir on a low key due to the existing government protocols on COVID-19.

He stated this in his Goodwill massages to Muslims on this year celebration.

The Royal Father added that the COVID-19 pandemic was still at an aggressive stage and all the safety measures should be adhered to during the celebration.

Ambassador Muhammad Arigbabuwo reassured all Nigerians that the COVID-19 Pendemic siege would soon be over as the faithful seek Allah’s intervention.

He felicitated with the Sultan of Sokoto,Dr.Sa’ad Abubakar 111 , the Emir of Zazzau Dr Shehu Idris and the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari on the celebration .

He advised Muslims faithfull to observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.

Lawyers offer free service in defence of service chiefs, constitution

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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ome legal practitioners have pledged to defend Nigeria’s constitution and sovereignty for free against persons attempting to undermine the powers of the President and efforts of the Service Chiefs.

This vow is following the call for the sack of the Service Chiefs by the spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Ikenga Ugochinyere.

The group vowed to rise up in “defence of the letters of the 1999

Constitution (as amended) and other laws of the land, defend our selfless men and women who on daily basis risk their life whilst we are asleep”.

The groups, under the aegis of Patriotic Nigerian Lawyers (PNL) and Concerned Citizens, warned paid saboteurs to stop taking Nigeria for a ride.

The Executive Secretary of the group, Barrister Abdulmalik Alfa, described the suit calling for the sack of the Service Chiefs as an “exercise in futility”.

He added that Ugochinyere’s

actions isn’t surprising owing to his known alliance with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and utter desperation with other “enemies” of the country.

However, the legal practioners, welcomed the CUPP spokesperson to meet them in court and assured that neither Mr. President nor the Security Chiefs would be distracted by his paymasters’ antics.

Patriotic Nigerian Lawyers assure Ugochinyere that Nigerians will meet him in

court to ensure that neither Mr. President nor the Security Chiefs are distracted by the antics of his paymasters and will neither be stampeded by him. ‘’Nigerians already know him and his associates, he can be assured that very selfless and patriotic Nigerian lawyers will rise up in Defence of the letters of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other laws of the land to defend our selfless men and women who on daily basis risk their life whilst we are asleep,’’ they vowed.

We ‘re committed to peace in southern Kaduna—El Rufai From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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aduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El Rufai has said his administration has done everything within its constitutional powers to bring peace in Southern Kaduna and all parts of the state for over five years.

He made the assertion in his welcome address to the high-level security meeting which held at the council chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House . ‘’We answered the decades old demand for a permanent military base by working with the Federal Government to deploy a forward operating base of the Nigerian Army in Kafanchan. ‘’Our government purchased an estate to provide accommodation for a permanent mobile police squadron in the area. Also, deployed in area aretroops

from Operation Safe Haven and Nigerian Army Special Forces, complemented by two mobile police squadrons,’’ he added.

The governor however said that in spite of these measures, ‘’ the best guarantee of peace is the willingness of communities to live in peace and harmony, and a resolve to settle differences through exclusively lawful means.’’

El Rufai recalled that his government ‘’established the Kaduna State Peace Commission to engage communities and nudge them towards accord and conciliation as a better alternative to the breaking of bones and the shattering of lives.’’

According to him, the current crisis is as a result of ‘’the tragic aftermath of events of 5 June 2020 when youths from two communities clashed over farmlands in Zangon-Kataf and the upsurge of violence in the

same area that started on 11 June 2020.’’ ‘’Like an unwanted virus, the violence has spread to and has necessitated extraordinary measures in four local government areas in southern Kaduna,’’ he added.

The governor said that he called the security meeting ‘’ to hear from you the leaders of the security agencies deployed in the area what further measures can be taken to end the agony. ‘’On our part, we continue to support the efforts of the security agencies as best as we can,’’ he added.

El Rufai promised that his government ‘’will also continue invest effort in the urgent necessity to create and sustain a constituency for peace by persuading elected officials, traditional rulers and community leaders in the affected areas to live

up to their responsibilities, respect diversity and the rule of law. ‘’We have nudged stakeholders in Kauru and Zangon-Kataf LGAs on this path and will continue to do so. We have also resolved to address lingering issues from the 1992 crisis in Zangon-Kataf by producing a White Paper on the recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry and the Reconciliation Committee,’’ he added.

The governor lamented that ‘’so much unhelpful narrative is being spun, but the priority is to stop the bleeding and encourage communities to live in peace.’’

The governor warned that ‘’no one should be allowed to get away with crime just because they can hide it under an ethno-religious veneer.Respect for the rule of law compels us to prosecute anyone indicted for involvement in the wanton violence’’

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

CRIME News

Human trafficking: NHRC calls for more sensitization, speedy trial of offenders

By Albert Akota

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s Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to commemorate the 2020 International Day Against Human Trafficking (IDAHT), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) calls for the uprooting of the root causes and drivers of trafficking, more sensitization and speedy trial of human trafficking cases so as to tackle the disturbing malaise which is a major violation of human rights.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu Esq. stated this in Abuja on the eve of the 2020 remembrance of the IDAHT which is observed annually on 30th of July.

He emphasized that there is need for diligent prosecution to curtai delay tactics by defense counsel in courts, empowerment

of rural households and communities, education of girlchild as major challenges in fighting the malaise.

These coupled with nonchalant attitude of some members of the public towards the illicit trade have unfortunately combined to pose a serious challenge in bringing perpetrators of human trafficking to book.

Hence the illicit trade has become the most lucrative for criminals, after drug trafficking and economic fraud in the Country.

Ojukwu stated that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Committed to the causeworking on the frontline to end human trafficking” is very apt because it recognises the efforts and sacrifices of human rights defenders towards addressing human trafficking which is a

serious global problem.

“This year’s theme which focuses on the first responders to human trafficking is therefore challenging all human rights defenders, particularly the law enforcement agencies, frontline Ministries, Departments and Agencies like, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Women Affairs, NHRC, the Police, the Judiciary, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission etc. to double their efforts in tackling issues of human trafficking and other related criminalities to ensure that people’s rights are not violated”, the Executive Secretary said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission expressed concern that despite the efforts of

the federal government ( through NAPTIP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to contain human trafficking, Nigeria remains a source, transit and destination of human trafficking as released by the latest Global Slavery Index (2018), making Nigeria to rank 32 out of 167 countries with the highest number of trafficked slaves.

Besides, the Executive Secretary expressed worries over a statistics by the Italian authorities revealing a high number of Nigerian women working in prostitution in the streets of Italy, saying that the trend is no longer acceptable and therefore requires urgent and collaborative efforts of all the frontline agencies to change the ugly records.

He said that the NHRC, NAPTIP and the Police are already

Foundation Calls for family court to try rape cases

New Commander of Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Dikko (L) taking over from his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Msheilia, in Niger state on Wednesday (29/7/20).

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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group under aegis of Arridah Relief Foundation has called for establishment of family court to try rape cases in Kaduna state.

The founder of the organization, Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim Salisu, stated this while speaking to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to her, Kaduna should borrow a leaf from Lagos and Oyo states where family courts has been established to try gender-based violence and rape cases.

She added that the court has led to accelerated judgments and within four to five months, suspects are convicted and sentenced. But here in Kaduna state suspects would be in magistrate court for a long period before the file is returned to the Ministry of Justice for advice.

She said this is very discouraging, saying that if judgments are quickly passed, it will serve as a deterrent to others.

Speaking on a recent call for castration for rapists, Hajiya Salish, said this is not new because in 2016 her organization was part of the people that contributed to the Child Right Bill and they supported castration as punishment.

“We will have sanity in our society, we are in support of castration, if they castrate them let them leave them and go back to society. If they bring castration and implement it in Kaduna, it will be in our favour.

Castration is the best key to all this rape problems,” she said.

collaborating to holistically tackle Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), human trafficking and other related offences, which synergy he noted is gradually yielding fruitful results.

In conclusion, he advocated for the domestication of all relevant regional and international treaties and protocols to adequately address the increasing cases of human trafficking in the country which have brought untold hardships to the survivors and families of victims.

He urged victims and survivors and their families to continue to reject the illicit trade and encouraged Nigerians not to stigmatize victims but rather support them to contribute to national development and protection of human rights.

Alleged Delta Police extortion rocks tricycle operators in Ughelli From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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llegations of extortion and its related activities by the police in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday unsettled the tricycle operators in the area.

Eyewitness Richard Ejiro said that commercial activities and vehicular movement were temporarily paralyzed as the angry tricycle operators took to various streets in the community including the Area Command of the Nigeria Police in Protest to press home their anger against the allegedly continued extortion perpetrated by the police The protesters were said to have been armed with placards alleging that the police were collecting between N5,000 and N40,000 from violators of a new directive of the state government which had placed a ban on the

operators from plying Federal roads in the state.

It was gathered that the Delta state Government through the Ministry of Transport had barely announced the ban on Monday, July 27, 2020 when men of the Nigeria Police force attached to the Area Command swung into action by arresting and collecting money from the operators, some of whom claimed ignorance of the new directives.

The protesters were reported to have barricaded the East / West road, Isoko road and the ever busy post office roundabouts leading to Ughelli Area Command and the Local Government to press home their grievances before the police moved into the situation to placate the protesters.

Speaking to Journalists in the area, Pastor Sunday Okorie said” we are protesting over the Challenges that we are faced

with the following series of government’s directives that tend to hinder our effective Operations, and during this Covid-19 period, we have been restricted to carry only two passengers, and Meanwhile some of us are balancing between N1.2million and N1.5 million for the Keke, yet we are complying with the directives of the Delta state government. Now the state government has come up again to say we should not ride on the Federal highways and it is difficult for us to meet up with our daily balancing, the highway is the major route of some of our colleagues and the Police are already capitalizing on this new directives to arrest and extort money from our people” But the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Hafiz Muhammed Inuwah who Confirmed the Protest to Journalists, dispelled

as untrue allegations of extortion among others, adding that the Police were already working out modalities for peaceful Coexistence among the tricycle operators in the area, warning that the Police will not tolerate any act of indiscipline and breakdown of law and order in the state.

Also, Mr Akpevwe Akpos who spoke to our Correspondent on telephone lamented the hardship the new directives by the state government would tell on some of them, adding” for instance, I am paying N1.2million for my Keke because I don’t want to be involved in crime. Some of these tricycles are given by banks and the federal road is our route because we carry heavy loads in other to meet up with our daily balancing, but now with the new directives, the government should find another alternative for some of us”

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

PAGE 8

News Tension in Dibi feild, Warri North over zero electricity Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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ndications have emerged that six Communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state may be gearing up for a show down over several years of total blackout following lack of electricity and water Projects in the Communities The six Communities: Tisun, Eghoro, Kolokolo ,Ureju, Usor and Sagharatie under Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dibi feild Operations, arguably are the highest marginal production field in Chevron’s Swamp operations, and are currently facing palpable tension fueled by the growing feeling of marginalization when compared to a neighbouring feild reportedly resuscitated into floating market Projects at Ogheye and water Project in Olero.

Secretary General of Tisun Management Council in Warri North Local Government Area, Prince David Odeli who spoke to Journalists in Asaba on Thursday explained that efforts were on going by Community leaders in Dibi feild to Calm frayed nerves so as to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the Communities Prince Odeli who refused to be dragged into the argument of Marginalization of Dibi feild when compared to its neighbouring feild, however appealed to the Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency institute process for the execution of electricity and water Projects in Tisun, Eghoro, Kolokolo, Ureju, Usor and Sagharatie Communities.

While stressing that electricity and water Projects are very essential to Indigenes and residents of the Chevron host Communities, Prince Odell a PDP Chieftain and Frontline development activist, also called on Delta state government to construct the Tisun, Kolokolo link road to Sagharatie Community and emphasized that if the Tisun Kolokolo link road to Sagharatie Community is Constructed, It would not Just open up the Six riverine Communities and Create a new socio economic hub in warri North Local Government Area but decongest the population spread in Warri and Sapele Meanwhile, some areas in Uvwie and Warri Local Government Area are still waterlogged days after the present rainfall subsided.

Some of the affected areas at the time of this report are Chris Street, Alaka Quarters, and PTI road by masodje area among others in Uvwie Local Government Area.

Some residents who spoke on the issue expressed concern, calling on warri Uvwie and Environs Development Agency to take advantage of the break in the rains to solve the perennial problem in the affected areas adding that the situation might be worse if urgent steps are not taken to make repairs.

UNIABUJA distributes face masks, sanitizers to staff

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ver two thousand face masks and hand sanitizers have been distributed by the Management of University of Abuja to staff in a bid to ensure that the University community is free of COVID-19.

The Management has also directed the vigorous enforcement of its “No Mask No Entry” order and regular washing of hands, stressing that henceforth no staff, student or visitor would be allowed into the campuses if they fail to comply.

According to a statement by Dr Habib Yakoob, Head Information and University Relations, the items (face masks and hand santisers) were distributed to the staff through the University of Abuja

COVID -19 Committee, which the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah had set up in April 2020 to ensure, among other responsibilities, that the University is free of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beneficiaries of the items include staff in Registry, Bursary, Student Affairs, Physical Planning and Development and all the Faculties of the University.

Chairman of the Committee, Professor Abubakar Jamda, said since COVID-19 remained active and spreading, it was necessary to continue to encourage staff to protect themselves and their loved ones.

He said, “The Management

of the University headed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah is determined to ensure that we do whatever we can to reduce the spread of this disease into the University community.

“So far we are grateful to God that we have been alive to our responsibility in keeping the University safe from COVID -19.

However, to make it easy for our staff to adhere to the guidelines for protection against COVID-19, we have to keep encouraging and supporting them. That’s why the University is making these items available, so that you don’t say you don’t have a face mask, that’s why you are not using one, or that you do not have a hand sanitizer

that’s why you leave your hands unwashed.”

Jamda stated that aside from distributing the COVID-19 prevention materials, his Committee had also been involved in risk communication and community engagement, adding that “because we believe that once people are fully aware of the danger this disease poses to them and their loved ones, they will take necessary precaution.”

He added that the University was taking all these measures in preparation for full resumption of academic activities whenever the federal government considered universities safe for reopening.

Minister of State for FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu (M) and other officials during her visit commiserate with victims of the recent flood incident in Gwagwalada area of Abuja, on Wednesday (29/7/20). She tasks on behalf of the FCT Administration residents to stay off the waterways in order to prevent future occurrence of flood

Niger LG commissions market to improve IGR From Yakubu Minna.

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Mustapha,

osso Local Government in Niger State has commissioned a modern market aimed at improving its revenue base so as to reduce over dependence on statutory allocation for developmental projects in the council.

While commissioning the project that was named after Dr Yahaya Abubakar Bawa Bosso at Western Bye pass opposite Lawu Estate outskirt of Minna the state capital.

An elder in the community and Ubandoma Bosso, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Bosso described the council chairman, Arch. Abubakar Suleiman Gomna as a focused and experienced leader who responds to the yearning and aspirations of

his people’s demand and needs.

Ubandoma in his speech drew the attention of the state government to its developmental efforts of the council who is hosting the state capital and Chanchaga local government hence they are living on over stretched basic amenities.

He explained that the establishment of the modern market will go a long way in enhancing self sufficiency in times of revenue drive and development through its Internal Generated Revenue IGR. Alhaji Abubakar Bosso warned that the council and community leaders should not relent in checking the influx of different categories and characters of people into the council communities to ensure security of lives and properties.

He decried the extent of high death rate witnessed in Bosso through vehicular accident just as the relocation will bring succor to such menace therefore, commended the chairman for ‘thinking outside the box’, urging other politicians to emulate him to achieve mass development in the council.

Ubandoma further urged Upper Niger River Basin Authority (UNRBDA) to embark on Corporate Social Responsibility so as to reactivate years of neglect and abandoned Bosso Dam constructed since 1947 that used to serve Bosso, Minna and environs with water supply, irrigation farming before now.

The council chairman, Arch.

Abubakar Suleiman Gomna said that the project was one of his

campaign promises fulfilled as to increase revenue drive assuring to make a difference as a professional architect.

Gomna noted that naming the market after the late first Gbagyi man to obtain Doctorate Degree and in Harvard University USA, was a highly honest, intelligent, sincere patriotic and trustworthy person who lived a moderate life deserved to be emulated in all spheres of life.

He added that late Dr. Yahaya Abubakar Bawa Bosso proffers a lit of ideas of peace, progress and development for the Bosso Kingdom that cannot be easily forgotten and deserve to be remembered hence the need to name the newly constructed modern market after him.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

Positive tuberculosis patient can infect 15-20 individuals annually-TB Supervisor From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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he positive case of tuberculosis in every individual sufferer has been identified as an infectious disease with the capacity to infect 15 to 20 people by a specific carrier within a year.

The Supervisor of Tuberculosis (TB), Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mrs.Mary-Anne Paul stated this in Okpanam during TB/Malaria Reach 6 Scale up Project for Community Outreach, organised by a non-governmental organisation,known as Excellent Community Education Welfare Scheme(ECEWS) on Thursday Mrs. Paul who said that tuberculosis could cripple it’s patient particularly when not diagnosed and treated on time, stated that over the years, Oshimili North had recorded low cases of tuberculosis hence the need for ECEWS decided to assist those local governments with low profile cases of the disease with a view to curtailing the infection through diagnosis and treatment While enumerating signs of tuberculosis to include persistent cough especially at nights, chest pain, weight loss , sweating at nights, and fever among others, Mrs. Paul disclosed that xtray for children suffering tuberculosis for ages one to fourteen years was free.

She advised any individual with symptoms of tuberculosis and malaria to always go for the testing.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, some beneciaries of the tuberculosis/malaria health outreach including Mrs. Mary Ozor and madam Anna Esobi appreciated the organisers of the programme, adding that they were happy to have benefitted from the initiative.

They appealed to other related non-governmental organisations to emulate the gesture of the Excellent Community Education Welfare Scheme and called on governments at all levels to always take the health care needs of the citizens particularly the elderly as one of their topmost priorities.

PAGE 9

News Pray for coexistence, PDP House Caucus urges Muslim faithful

By Christiana Ekpa

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he people’s Democratic Party caucus in the House of Representatives has felicitated with Muslim faithful all over the world particularly Nigeria as they celebrate this year’s Eid El Kabi.

The caucus in a press statement signed by its leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PRP Rivers State) enjoined muslims to use the pray for sober reflection and pray for the peaceful coexistence

of Nigerians.

“We hereby for ourselves, our families and constituents join well-meaning Nigerians to felicitate with Muslim faithfuls across the globe, particularly those in Nigeria, on the occasion of this year’s Eid El Kabir celebrations.”

“As a caucus, we most heartily rejoice with our muslim brethren and urge them to use this occasion to continue to exhibit the spirit of tolerance, sacrifice, mutual love and peaceful coexistence with others.”

The Caucus also prayed that the event will further afford muslim brothers the opportunity to continue to pray for the unity, peace and progress of the county.

He said “particularly in view of the numerous manmade challenges facing us as a people to include the several killings, kidnappings and general state of insecurity across the county” “Moreso coupled with brazen and bold face corruption promoted by an inept and unsustainable public policies and programmes;

divisive tendencies occasioned by invidious governmental policies and actions, prayers are needed” “Equally of concern to us is the need for everyone to stay safe and help stop the spread of the dreaded Corona virus which is a global pandemic ravaging several countries of the world.”

Rep Chinda said “We are confident that God is on our side and with us playing our individual and collective parts, we shall triumph in the end”.

Minister of State for FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu (R), presents some palliatives to the Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council, Adamu Danze (M) and Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Mohammed Magaji, for onward distribution to Gwagwalada flood victims during her visit to the flood site in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Wednesday (29/7/20). She tasks on behalf of the FCT Administration residents to stay off the waterways in order to prevent future occurrence of flood.

Army investigates Boko Haram attack on governor’s convoy

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igerian Army is to investigate Wednesday’s attack on the convoy of Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Musa said that the governor’s convoy came under terrorists fire while visiting Baga town.

He said the governor had earlier paid a visit to the Commander, 19 Brigade at the Nigerian Army Super Camp

Baga where he was briefed about the prevailing security situation in the general area.

According to him, the unfortunate incident occurred shortly after the Governor and his entourage departed the Super Campaign to visit other parts of Baga town.

“The incident forced the Governor to abort his planned movement to Baga.

“Although, details of the unfortunate incident is sketchy and under investigation, efforts are ongoing to comb the area

where the incident occurred with a view to track down and deal decisively with the attackers.

“An investigation is also in progress to identify the circumstances that led to the attack,” he said.

Musa however, said that the attach was an isolated and most unfortunate incident owing to the fact that normalcy had since been restored to Baga with socio-economic activities picking up.

“Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that

it will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally with respect for the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians and in compliance with the extant rules of engagement.

“The good people of Baga town and indeed the entire Borno State are enjoined to continue to provide credible information that will assist the security agencies to successfully combat terrorism as well as apprehend and flush out the perpetrators of the attack,” he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

PAGE 10

News

Eid-el-Kabir: Okowa congratulates Muslims, seeks prayers for the nation From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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elta Governor, Mr, Ifeanyi Okowa, has felicitated with Nigerian Muslims as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

He urged the Islamic faithful to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the prophet.

In a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, the Governor said that Eid-elKabir was a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

He urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence and pray to God to heal the land from the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging nations of the world, adding that God would use the celebration to better the lots of Nigerians who struggled daily to eke out a living amid numerous challenges confronting the nation.

He assured of a peaceful celebration in the state as the government was in touch with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrated the Sallah in peace and harmony.

Okowa congratulated the Muslim community in the state on the holy occasion and assured them that his administration would continue to partner them to move the state forward.

He commended the community for the support of its members to his administration and said, “we must use the Eidel-Kabir celebrations to reflect further and pray for our country to overcome the many problems confronting it.

“This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration amid prevailing COVID-19 pandemic calls for a sober reflection, especially on the many lives already lost on account of the scourge.

“As the pandemic continues to ravage our people, it requires the concerted effort of all to combat it and halt its transmission among our people.

This, we can achieve if we all obey all the necessary protocols prescribed by the relevant health authorities. ``So, as you congregate for prayers and for celebration, you must wear face masks, maintain physical-distancing, wash hands in running water regularly and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. ``Let me advise that it is less cumbersome to wear the face mask than to be on a ventilator,’’ the governor said..

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our Muslim brothers all over the country on the occasion of the 2020 Eid-elKabir,” he added.

14 killed as gunmen invade Kogi community From Lokoja

Ahmad

Ibrahim,

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o fewer than fourteen people have lost their lives, while several others were fatally injured, following the invasion of Agbudu village, a sleepy community in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Peoples Daily reliably gathered that the gunmen stormed the village around 1.am in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, firing sporadic gunshots into the air, before unleashing terror on the community.

Reacting to the ugly incident, the state commissioner of police, Mr. Ede Ekpeji disclosed to newsmen that fourteen people

were killed by the rampaging gunmen.

He pointed out that thirteen of the victims were from one single family, with only one member escaping unhurt, describing the incident as most unfortunate.

The police boss further assured that the command was on the trail of those who carried out the dastardly act, even as he stressed that investigation was on to unravel the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police has paraded 28 suspects for allegedly committing various heinous crimes, ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery and culpable homicide across the local government areas of the state.

Among those apprehended, according to Mr. Ekpeji, is one Vincent Omogor, who is presently assisting the police to get the killers of Mr. Nicholas Ofodile, the owner of the popular Chuks Supermarket in Lokoja, who was murdered in cold blood along Lokoja-Abuja highway, last month.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Omogor disclosed that the businessman, Nicholas Ofodile was killed by one of his boys popularly known as “Chairman” among his peer groups.

He said “Chairman” told them while lying in wait for the late businessman along the highway, that he ( chairman)

would not rest until he eliminated the businessman, for being responsible for the death of the chairman’s father.

Omogor further explained that “Chairman” said while he was working at the Chuks Supermarket, his father got sick and all efforts to convince his master to pay him half salary to treat his father fell on deaf ears.

He said although the Chairman robbed his master, Nicholas Ofodile on three occasions, he expressed the desire to completely eliminate him, following the death of his (Chairman’s father), as a result of his inability to get money to attend to his health challenges.

A boy attends to some rams displayed for sale ahead of Eid el-Kabir celebration at the Ram Market in Sabo, Ikorodu in Lagos state on Thursday (30/7/20).

Health facilities in Kaduna promote breast milk substitute - NGO From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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Group under the auspices of Save the Children International (SCI), has alleged that some health facilities in Kaduna state are engaged in promoting infant formula also known as Breast Milk Substitute

(BMS).

SCI stated this in a report entitled, “Periodic Monitoring and Reporting of Health Facilities Compliance on BMS Code and Nutrition Services in Kauru and Soba Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State”.

According to the report made available to the media in kaduna yesterday stated that the practice contravened the International Code of marketing BMS. The NGO said that the practice was also against Nigeria’s Marketing of Infant and Young Children Food

(IYCF) and other Designated Products Regulations 2019.

It explained that the BMS Code and Nigeria’s IYCF marketing regulations were designed to end inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children.

Environmental challenges: Buni seeks support from development partners From Uche Uche, Damaturu.

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obe state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has appealed for support from development partners in combating challenges associated with environmental challenges facing the state with a view to restore the land, mitigate climate impact, ensure food security and engage the youth in the state environment restoration process.

He made the appeal yesterday on the occasion of the launching ceremony of 2020 tree planting campaign held at Dusuwa forest reserve, along Damaturu, Potiskum road in Damaturu local government area of the state “I would like to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Great Green World, African LandScale Restoration Initiative and other development partners, to collaborate and support Yobe State Government to ensure that we achieve the desired results in this respect,” the governor stated.

He similarly enjoined farmers

in the state to imbibe the culture of practicing Agro-Forestry where trees are planted and flourish on the farms.

According to him, the occasion which marks the formal launching of the 2020 Tree Planting Campaign and the state Climate Change Action Plan, with the theme “Plant Tree for a better tomorrow” is indeed very significant to the socio economic future of Yobe state.

He used the occasion to reiterate the government’s commitment to safeguard the environment against man-made and natural factors that have over the years affected the vegetation cover, rainfall pattern,agricultural yield and general climatic condition.

He regretted that human activities, especially illegal tree felling had continuously depleted the hitherto rich vegetation, sound and healthy environment, threatening food security and economic growth of the people.

It is equally disheartening, he stated, that Yobe state is one of

the frontline states with severe environmental challenges in Nigeria and classified by international organizations such as the European Union and the United Nation Food and Agricultural Organization among states with high rate of deforestation, adding that his administration would not allow this to continue, “we must change this ugly trend to save our environment and people” he stressed.

It is for this reason therefore, he said, it is imperative for the state to kick-start its innovative drive at raising at least 5 million assorted tree seedlings annually to reach the target of raising 20 million trees in four years in other to provide the much needed impetus for land restoration and increased vegetation cover in the State The State Government through the Ministry ofEnvironment has so far raised three million assorted tree seedlings for this planting season and is currently reviewing the Environmental and Forestry law to make it up-to-date to address the

peculiar environmental challenges facing the state.

He directed the state ministry of education, state universal basic education BOARD (SUBEB) and the state media outfits to introduce programs on environment to build environmental protection culture in the people.

He also directed the ministry of environment to plant trees along the Trans-Sahara road linking Yusufari to Kanamma to serve as wind breakers and save the road from soil erosion.

The state government, he assured, would encourage competition among the emirate councils, local government councils, tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools on tree planting and nurturing to maturity and would reward the best performing institution while at the same time.

Government would also support communities and individuals to raise date palm farms, other economic trees and Gum Arabic to provide them with means of livelihood.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Happy Eid-el-Kabir

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across the country to take necessary preventive measures against the ravaging coronavirus disease while they celebrate the Sallah. We urge them also to use the period to engage in sober reflections and prayers for the peace and progress of our nation. We further appeal to the Muslim faithful to imbibe those lessons that can be learnt during this period, especially drawing from the complete subservience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah, which teaches us to be patient, tolerant and obedient to God and the constituted authority. Besides, Muslims are enjoined, during this period, to be nice to fellow human beings, most especially the poor, the needy and whether ust as he was wayfarers, or not they belong to about to apply the same faith. This should encourage the knife, us to show concern the Almighty for the plight of fellow human rescued beings through the the child by sharing of food and providing a other gifts, thereby inculcating in us the ram in the of kindness, place of the virtues compassion, love, child. The tenderness, warmth affection, all of Eid-el-Adha and which negate all forms is usually of hostility, conflict preceded by and aggression that now prevalent in millions of the are the Nigerian nation

uslims all over the world will tomorrow, Friday, celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir (Greater Festival), also referred to as Eid-el-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). The festivities will officially commence with the two rakaat prayers. This particular Eid, which is usually celebrated on the 10th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja, is celebrated to commemorate the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to use his only child then, Prophet Ismail, for a sacrifice, in obedience to God’s command.

Just as he was about to apply the knife, the Almighty rescued the child by providing a ram in the place of the child. The Eid-el-Adha is usually preceded by millions of the Muslim faithful standing on Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijja. These are the ones who have been fortunate to travel to Mecca for the Hajj, itself one of the major pillars of Islam.

“

In Nigeria, the federal government has declared Thursday and Friday as public holiday in commemoration of this solemn festival.

The celebration usually involves durbars, Muslim faithful Beyond the call exchange of gifts, visits, standing on on the Muslim greetings and other forms of merriment.

Sadly, Mount Arafat faithful to thoroughly though, some states in the on the 9th of imbibe the spirit of patience, tolerance North have cancelled the Dhul Hijja. and obedience to durbar and all elaborate constituted authority, celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This measure we seize this opportunity to is understandably to prevent the urge our leaders at all levels of spread of the deadly disease that governance to eschew all forms has so far infected a total of 41, of corruption and injustice that 804 people and killed 868, while have smeared Nigeria’s image 18, 764 people have recovered. globally, and have been at the root To ensure trouble-free festivities of the insurgency and other forms nationwide, the police and other of criminality we are witnessing. security agencies have made While calling for self-restraint among all and sundry, we wish elaborate security arrangements. our Muslim brothers and sisters in We wish to particularly enjoin Nigeria and the world over happy our Muslim brothers and sisters Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

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Letter to the Editor

Farmers Leveraging NIRSAL’s Agro Geo-Cooperative Model

By Ann Ihugba

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ice, maize, cassava, sesame and soybean farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi and Benue states as well as the FCT are positioned for an increase in yields and improvement in livelihoods following The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System’s (NIRSAL Plc) support for their 2020 wet season farming activities under the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).

The development comes following NIRSAL Plc’s structuring of farmers in the FCT into 16 established Agro GeoCooperatives, 12 of which are included in the ABP for wet season 2020. As more AGCs develop around the territory and beyond, NIRSAL continues to provide trainings on bookkeeping & modern farming practices, mechanization for pre-planting, planting & harvesting activities and distribution of improved, high-yielding seed varieties.

NIRSAL Plc has also linked the 926 FCT farmers cultivating 1,140 hectares of land with guaranteed offtake markets thereby protecting them from price fluctuations and the exploitative tendencies of some middlemen. Other forms of support include the provision of fertilizer, crop protection products and round-the-clock technology-driven project monitoring services.

Symbolic of input distributions that occurred across the north-central region of Nigeria, some farmers in Dobi area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recently received further support for their on-going farming activities from NIRSAL. They met with NIRSAL’s officials at Passo where the Head of NIRSAL’s Project Monitoring, Reporting and Remediation Office (PMRO) in the FCT, Mr. Ayo Olaleye, relayed the Federal Government’s and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to agriculture to them.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a host of economic challenges globally, the Federal Government’s resolve not to undermine the agriculture sector is visible in the continued injection of funds into the sector through the CBN’s ABP. Moreso, NIRSAL’s Agro Geo-Cooperative® model, upon which it is performing its role as a Participating Financial Institution (PFI) in the ABP, is a demonstration of increasing multisectoral support to agriculture in spite of the times.

Olaleye told the farmers that NIRSAL’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, will continue to prioritize farmers’ needs, not just in the implementation of the CBN’s ABP, but also in the development and delivery of frameworks that will further open the banking sector to agriculture – the Agro Geo-Cooperative® model being one of them. In the meantime, he said, NIRSAL will continue to ensure that farmers get the best of inputs at the right times and locations for their production purposes.

The gathering was an opportunity for different farmer groups to meet after busy weeks in the farms to discuss how their crops are faring after planting and to confirm the extent to which they benefited from the mechanization component of the ABP in the area of land preparation. As their crops sprout and grow, the ABP, which is basically

an input loan scheme, also provides for cash component that empowers farmers to weed and maintain their farms personally.

Speaking on behalf of his members, the President of the Dobi AGC, Rev. Emmanuel Afolabi, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government and NIRSAL for their inclusion in the ABP, promising that they would ensure its successful implementation.

He solicited for the sustenance and expansion of the programme to include more farmers in Dobi community in the future.

In Afolabi’s words, “We are grateful to the Federal Government for remembering us and bringing this project to us, rural dwellers. On our part, we will strive to ensure that the project is a success in our community.

We pledge that we will not fail the Federal Government and NIRSAL. We are requesting that the programme will not end this year and we want more farmers to be accommodated next year”.

Also present at the gathering was Mr. Nmadu Benjamin who was representing the Head of the CBN’s Development Finance Office (DFO) in the FCT, Mr. Nuhu Muazu. Nmadu encouraged the farmers to make good use of the ABP opportunity and ensure that they repay the loan so that they can access more benefits in the future.

The sentiment has been the same across the region as Agro GeoCooperative leaders express delight in the tenets of the model and in the prompt implementation of the CBN’s food security initiative by NIRSAL. Trainings were delivered to selected officers of the PMRO who have been crisscrossing the region, building the capacities of farmers and handholding them throughout the project cycle to ensure that they adopt good agronomic practices that will optimize their yields, which will in turn foster prompt loan repayment.

As an institution created by the CBN to link agriculture and finance, NIRSAL Plc continues to develop and deploy bespoke, technologydriven risk-mitigation mechanisms designed to boost farmers’ productivity and encourage financiers to lend to agriculture. The support extended to farmers through the ABP is another example of how NIRSAL Plc continues to deliver on its mandate.

Since its inception, NIRSAL Plc has facilitated over N105 Billion across the Pre-Upstream, Upstream, Midstream and Downstream segments of the Agricultural value chain in Nigeria from public and private sources of finance.

This finance has had a profound positive socio-economic consequence, resulting in the creation of over 400,000 jobs and impacting 2 million lives positively.

At the forefront of its finance facilitation drive is the NIRSAL Agro Geo-Cooperative® formation process through which NIRSAL Plc is structuring farmers by creating 16,000 Agro Geo-Cooperatives made up of 8 million farmers cultivating 4 million hectares of farmland. To date, over 452 Agro Geo-Cooperatives covering over 270,000 hectares of land have benefitted from the process through the ABP. Ihugba wrote in from NIRSAL in Abuja.

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

Insecurities and our guilty elites

By Philip Attah

T

he Holy scriptures admonishes us in Matthew 5:9 that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” It is a sacred charge on all humanity to be partakers in the process of restoration of peace anywhere it is punctured. God Himself acknowledges the inevitability of wars and conflicts, precipitated by crisis among people, which culminates into what we generally categorize as insecurities.

But the King of the universe and King of Kings has told us through His messengers that “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing,” Ecclesiasticus 3:1-22.

Nigeria is facing dire and very serious resurgent insecurity situation in parts of the country. From Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism to armed banditry, herdsmen marauders, ethno-religious and communal clashes to acts of kidnapping, armed robberies among others.

The severity of the insecurity dilemma is well known to every Nigerian.

We have indulged in this self-destruction for too long and it is time to heal and reconcile ourselves and the nation. But some Nigerians are shirking on this divine command for egotistic interests.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Military have battled this insecurity menace in the last five years with an exceptional determination and commitment. For reasons best known to the actors of this illegal warfare on the Nigerian state, all entreaties and pleas to their conscience to drop their arms and ammunitions against their compatriots have failed to touch their hearts. Every day, fresh plots of horrendous atrocities on the Nigerian people

are hatched and delivered on the country by these devils and their veiled paymasters.

For a country desirous of peace, its citizens collectively unite to confront insecurity threats.

Peace cannot just descend from the skies; we must consciously work to have it.

But the thinking in Nigeria is ironic and different. All Nigerians erroneously think, the responsibility of blighting the fires of insecurities which have engulfed our land is the sole burden of Mr. President, the Service Chiefs and the troops on the battlefield. The rest of Nigerians are apathetic to it and have only assigned to themselves the infantile and inglorious role of wailing over the killings and blaming other leaders.

Some of those who blame Mr. President and disparage the Service Chiefs for not doing enough are also leaders in their respective capacities who have a role to play in the entrenchment of peace and security in the country. But they have unrepentantly ignored it.

We have forgotten that there is nowhere wars or conflicts are settled through military might alone. The dialogue table is the most fertile and potent weapon of resolving issues of war than guns. That’s why Malvin Gaye has told us that “War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate.”

But we are all accomplices in failing ourselves.

Everyone is guilty for failing our people and the nation. No matter how much we pretend or try to conceal this reality, but it smoulders with the flames of our guilt. All the stakeholders or leaders of Nigeria are guilty in same decree we delight in blaming the President or anyone else.

How long shall we continue with this dodgy posture on rising in unison to assail the insecurities besieging us? Depending on Mr. President to tackle it alone is like waiting for a tomorrow that may never come. Why have other leaders relinquished their basic and crucial roles of intervention in the respective capacities they preside over the people.

A few days ago, I was extremely cold, upset and astonished with the blitzkrieg of media criticisms of President Buhari when he jetted

out to the Republic of Mali to officially mediate in the crisis in that country generated by electoral dispute. Buhari did not decide to busy himself with internal matters of another African country because he has finished solving all the problems of Nigeria. But the President had to act under the banner of ECOWAS and officially as demanded of him.

But some Nigerians deridingly scolded President Buhari and described his actions as abandoning crisis in his country to mediate on the same issues in another country. It is the loud confirmation of our posture of abandoning the entire insecurity crisis in Nigeria to the President alone. This is foolhardy.

None of the critics gave a thought to the symbolism of the President’s actions, which signifies collective actions to solve crisis of monumental proportion. His actions sent the message that leaders are not left alone to handle conflicts of such dimension and magnitude.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we have abandoned insecurities to Mr. President. Some simpletons even feel the President should again wear his military uniform and jump into the jungle to personally battle the armed criminals terrorizing Nigeria because he is the leader of the nation.

Therefore, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and activists are silent. When they find it necessary to voice out, they are lamenting or protesting the insecurities in the country. It means these Nigerians can’t think beyond these actions by working on initiatives which can assist government solve the problem of insecurities in Nigeria?

The religious leaders and clerics have also adopted the sit-down look attitude. In fact, some of them even preach inciting sermons in worship places to embolden or lure fresh Nigerians into such crimes against their compatriots, instead of peace. They hardly condemn the actions of the criminals and their sponsors who are dragging our country into this mess or ruination.

And the politicians only exploit the insecurities for politicking advantages. Some are beneficiaries of the insecurities, by using

A

s the COVID19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, leaving citizens of the world a new world order, businesses need to navigate their financial and operational obligations. They are also expected to meet the needs of their greatest assets- customers and supplier. whilst ingenuously trying to meet the needs of their greatest assets; customers and suppliers.

The crises may have paved way for uncertainties, but it has also created opportunities for sectors to emerge and grow, while some will fall and vanish if not properly managed and strategized as the companies who will stand firm in this era will be those that implemented risk management as part of their business strategy.

While this crisis is first and foremost a public health issue, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people worldwide and still counting, the economic would no doubt be overwhelming and is likely to create major economic meltdown in both the formal and informal sectors The train must be primed to chug along now! In the new normal, business owners are faced with overwhelming, competing challenges. They are surrounded by treacherous waters now darkly infested with covid-19 sharks. Still, they must continue to dive into the deep end of the global pandemic.

A business’s success depends in part on the economic systems of the countries where it is located and where its sells its products. A nation’s economic system is the combination of policies, laws, and choices made by its government to establish the systems that determine what goods and services are produced and how they are allocated. The resources of a person, a firm, or a nation are limited. Hence, economics is the study of choices—what people, firms, or nations

choose from among the available resources.

Every economy is concerned with what types and amounts of goods and services should be produced, how they should be produced, and for whom. These decisions are made by the marketplace, the government, or both.

In the United States, the government and the free-market system together guide the economy.

Business owners therefore should have their priorities clearly mapped out; providing support and being a backbone to their people, customers and suppliers. They must achieve all this, whilst simultaneously addressing supply chain disruptions, maintaining a stable profit margins, aligning their businesses with evolving demand and changes and identifying potential pitfalls and new growth trends.

Businesses in the new normal requires a new mindset to recover from the crises, thereby identifying, analyzing and addressing effective strategies that would help the business return to normality and grow. This is the time to build organizational relationships with strategic partners for proper execution of effective strategies.

Management personnel and stakeholders are quickly turning their attention to the ‘next’; that moment of unpredictable and probably muted economic recovery with newly identified threats and opportunities.

This is a new era defined by fast changing initiatives to shift the cultural norms, societal beliefs and values, such as renewed brand purpose.

Leaders, corporate and political, are faced with the urgency to reopen their businesses.

To bridge the gap of uncertainty, reopening would require a series of ‘reinventive’ thinking. The pandemic offers a big opportunity to have companies invest in areas they wish they’d paid more attention to before the crisis. Now, to be more digital,

data-driven, and in the cloud; to adopt a variable cost structures rather than fixed, to find its root in e-commerce and security are no longer deferrable agendas.

Consequent to the pandemic, organizations globally are experiencing an unfamiliar change in their work flow processes and harnessing their workforces optimally. Companies are yet to fully understand and determine how working remote working will help achieve corporate objectives beyond the survival hump.

Profitability and business models are being cautiously reviewed. Teams and workforces try to function and perform in line with expected deliverables whilst struggling to cope with even more sombre personal and existential challenges in the new normal.

Organizations, teams and workforces need new and bespoke fitting plans today.

They need to formulate strategies and drive policies that can position them advantageously to work out and around the emerging challenges as the state of global health and economic unfolds. All stakeholders have critical roles to play in developing and establishing systematic approaches that promote shared workforce resilience, flexibility and intelligence.

Similarly, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed customers, employees, citizens and humans’ experiences, attitude and behavior forever. The norms of behavioral consumer psychology are deviating from the expected curves. Results, though displaying expected changes, are creating sweaty anxiety for boardroom decisions. The crisis has caused a fundamental change in human-human interactions and behavior.

In the new world order, companies would necessarily need to review and redesign operational flow and operating models.

These changes would impact greatly on design, communication, running expenses, remunerations, investments etc. The

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Comment

Federalism in Nigeria: Emergence, features, problems and solutions it for commercial value or as a means to grab and permanently hold unto to power. They arm the youths during elections. In the last general elections in the country, some aggressive votes catchers invaded IDPs camp in different parts of the country, manipulated the traumatized and helpless victims of violence to snatch votes.

Traditional rulers have been most disappointing. It is hard to belief that some of them have not only lost their voice, but no initiative of dialogue with subjects or stakeholders to explore ways of complementing government efforts in the fight against insurgencies, armed banditry and other crimes. Regrettably, some of them are even agents of these armed criminals and tormentors of Nigeria.

Bureaucratic bottlenecks are another pain in the neck. For the President to have the National Assembly (NASS)approve budgets for the purchase of weapons for the military to battle insurgencies and insurrections as well as carter for their welfare is usually a tug of war or a combat itself. NASS has refused to grant many requests from the Military to assist them win the war.

Time has come for us to either face the truth or continue with the hellish experiences in our communities. We must begin to collectively act now; we must come together to defeat Boko Haram and the ideology of our killers to appease those the criminals have sent to untimely grave.

Excluding ourselves from the battle confronting us is a wrong perception.

Every one of us has a role to play and let’s begin to exercise it now. It is not the responsibility of Mr. President or Service Chiefs exclusively. If we continue with this inclination, it implies that we have all failed ourselves and country. And passing the buck to someone else like Mr. President or the military will do us no good neither can it rescue this nation. For now, we are all guilty. Let’s stop licking our wounds and whining, but embark on appropriate actions.

Attah is a pastor and Christian evangelist based in Abuja.

The new normal in business and economy

By Abraham John Onoja

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

definitions of that people need and want has been reshaped and businesses need to blend into the new, emerging ecosystem so they can properly reposition for sustainability and profitability. The global pandemic has created uncertainties and forced companies to reevaluate and reinvent how business operations units are leveraged. It has redefined how digital platforms can be used in supporting and ensuring continuity in the business through and beyond the crisis.

The state of the economy affects both people and businesses. How you spend your money (or save it) is a personal economic decision. Whether you continue in school and whether you work part-time are also economic decisions. Every business also operates within the economy. Based on their economic expectations, businesses decide what products to produce, how to price them, how many people to employ, how much to pay these employees, how much to expand the business, and so on.

The crisis has fundamentally changed supply chain management economics and dynamics; we are in uncharted waters.

Routes to market are evolving which would inevitably kick some companies off the market and make some others tether on balance. In response to the pandemic, leaders have been mandated to increase their adoption of value chain transformation to help outrun uncertainty. For those who are able to successfully navigate to the other side of this new normal, it becomes imperative to establish strategies for greater resilience and apply lessons learnt to create systems and models that would better prepare companies and stakeholders for further future disruptions.

Abraham John Onoja is a Public Affairs Analyst.

By Aniekpeno John Inyang

A

dopting a system of Government that suits all ethnic groups in Nigeria has been a source of Concern for every Government whether military or Civilian. Different systems of Government have been experimented with at different times in the Country’s history such as in 1966 when Aguiyi Ironsi introduced a Unitary system of government for the Country, in a space of six months, the government system was changed back to Federalism.

The system of Government that best suits the polity known as Nigeria has been a subject of great debate for a long time. This is mainly because Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society with each ethnic group having a unique set of cultural practices which differ fundamentally from each other. A system of government in very simple terms, refers to the practice of sharing political power in a country between a Central Government and its Component units. The percentage at which this political power is shared is what differentiates one system from the other. In governance, there are three major systems of government that exist for political leaders to choose from, these are: Federal System: Power shared between a central government and its Component units with the Central Government having about 60 percent of the political power while 40 percent is left for the components.

Unitary system: Under this system, political power is still shared but the Central Government will have significantly more power than the Components in a manner that looks like 80 percent to ten percent.

Confederal system: This is a system in which the component units of Community has far more powers than the Central Government. If it were to be shared Mathematically the components will have about 80% of the political power while the Central government is left with 20%.

Adopting a system of Government that suits all ethnic groups in Nigeria has been a source of Concern for every Government whether military or Civilian. Different systems of Government have been experimented with at different times in the Country’s history such as in 1966 when Aguiyi Ironsi introduced a Unitary system of government for the Country, in a space of six months, the government system was changed back to Federalism. Confederalism was also strongly advocated for in 1967 by a part of the Country during talks that were organised then to quell their secession desire.

Amongst these three systems, Federalism has been the most trusted in Nigeria, from the time of its introduction to-date, it has been adjusted various times to cater for emerging demands with little or no success. This write-up intends to unravel the nature of the Federal system of government in Nigeria with a view to providing adequate understanding on the concept and possible solutions to some of

its problems.

Emergence of Federalism in Nigeria The British colonised Nigeria and to a large extent established the Federal system of government in the Country. It was Frederick Lugard who amalgamated Nigeria but cannot be said to have been the one who introduced federalism in Nigeria as he is only credited with only having created the Country by bringing together two separate protectorates. The British Governor of Nigeria that is credited with haven laid the foundation for federalism in Nigeria is Authur Richards.

Arthur Frederick Richards was the British colonial administrator of Nigeria from 1943 to 1948 who promulgated the 1946 Richards Constitution. A key feature of the Richards Constitution was the division of the Country into three parts known as the Northern, Eastern and Western regions, to share power with the Central government based in Lagos at the time. the creation of these regions effectively laid the foundation for the practice of federalism in Nigeria as there now existed component units to share governmental or political power with the Central government. Although these regions existed, there had little to no power to actually make and enforce decisions. It was only in 1954 with the promulgation of the Lyttleton Constitution that the three regions were given relative autonomy to rule over themselves. By giving autonomy to the three regions, Sir Oliver Lyttleton officially introduced federalism in Nigeria. Nigeria practiced this system until 1966 when the military regime of Aguiyi Ironsi abrogated the Federal structure in exchange for the Unitary system of government. The Unitary system didn’t last for too long as Yakubu Gowon came into power through a counter coup d’état and returned the Country back to a federal system. From 1966 to date, Nigeria has kept faith with the federal system with only modifications to the system, however, despite these modifications, there are still constant complaints about the system from Nigerians seeking for it to be further modified.

Features of Federalism in Nigeria.

The following are some of the key features of the Federal system of government in Nigeria: Three tier Government: Federalism in Nigeria can best be described as the constitutional division of governmental power between the Federal Government (Central Government with about 60% of power) and the state and Local Governments( component units with about 40% of power). The Constitution clearly stipulates that the governmental power in the country be shared between these three tiers or levels of government known as the Federal, state and Local Governments.

Bi-cameral Central Legislature: In Nigeria’s federal structure, the central legislature is divided into two houses or Chambers collectively called the National Assembly. It is believed that this division enhances better involvement of citizens from the different states in the law making process. The

process of having this two Chambers of law makers operating simultaneously is known Bi-cameralism.

Unicameralism where we have only one house of the legislature is used at the state level.

Legislative list: federalism in Nigeria makes use of what is known as a legislative list. A legislative list is a kind of document that stipulates what areas of governance the tiers of government can act on. This list is broken down into three which are: Exclusive List: the things that are found on this list can only be handled by the Central government.

Examples of things on this list are: defence, foreign affairs, immigration, printing of currencies, the police etc.

Concurrent List: The items on this list assigned to both the federal government and the state governments, although the federal government has superior say in times of Conflict. Items on this list include health, education, agriculture, housing etc.

Residual List: The items on this list are the leftover powers not included in either the exclusive or the concurrent list. The powers in the residual list are left for the component units. Examples of items on this list are chieftancy titles, naming of streets, construction of markets etc.

Written and Rigid Constitution: Federalism in Nigeria derives its power from a rigid constitution written down in a single document. This fact is what gives the practice of federalism in Nigeria a legal backing. It also helps to ensure that the system cannot be arbitrarily changed to suit only level of government. In case of the need to change the system of government, all the levels of Government have to be in agreement.

Revenue Allocation Formula: This refers to the accepted strategy for the sharing of government funds in the country between the tiers of government in the Country’s federal system. The formula used in the country follows several principles, some of these principles are identified below: Derivation: This principle states that a part of the country from which a particular resource is gotten will get a larger percentage of revenue gotten from the sale of the resources. For example, if the crude oil gotten from Akwa Ibom State is sold by the federal government, the federal government may agree to give 13% of whatever is realised from the said sale to Akwa Ibom State government while other states will get far less.

Principle of Need: This principle states that a part of the Country that has a particular financial need due to something like a conflict or health crisis may receive more government revenue in comparison to other states to take care of that need.

An example is where Borno state receives more revenue than other states because they need to tackle the Boko haram insurgency.

Principle of Population: This principle emphasizes that a component unit with more population will receive more revenue than other states with lesser population. In this instance a state

like Lagos state with over twelve million PEOPLE (NBS, 2016)will receive more revenue from the federal government than state a state like Bayelsa with two million (NBS, 2016) people.

Principle of Even development: The federal government may also decide to share revenue equally based on the fact that they seek to achieve even development in the country.

Problems of federalism in Nigeria and possible solutions The following are some of the problems of federalism in Nigeria: There is usually an unfair division of resources in the Country between the different component units due to the various principles of revenue allocation which is mostly unequal.

Solution: It is important for the central government to give room for the component units of the Country to come up with ways to raise revenue in their own ways. In the course of revenue allocation, the principle of even development should be given greater preference over other principles.

Smaller groups occasionally have the fear of being marginalized by larger ethnic groups which leads to the constant demand for more states or the threat of secession.

Solution: The federal government should put in measures to allay fears of marginalization. Things like the Federal character should be enshrined in the Constitution and practiced to the latter with no form of politics.

Federalism is very expensive to run especially in the area of revenue allocation. This sometimes creates inter-state conflicts in the country.

Solution: If the country must practice federalism more avenues for raising revenue must be looked into.

There are claims that the federal government in Nigeria is too powerful than it ought to be. This claim is usually thought to be the cause for unhealthy quest to get into the federal government at all cost.

Solution: States and local government au should be given more autonomy in comparison to the central government. This will go a long way in ensuring that the federal government does not go beyond it boundaries in governance. This can easily be done by taking off some of the 68 items in the exclusive list and giving them to state governments.

Federalism makes it difficult to attain national unity as the component units are free to operate in whatever manner they wish to without any form of consideration to ethnic harmony.

Solution: National unity and ethnic harmony should be treated as the most important element of Nigeria’s Federalism. States and local government should be allowed to act how they wish but without Tampering with matters bordering on national unity. Freedom of movements and residence in any part of the country should be strictly followed.

Aniekpeno John Inyang is a Public Affairs Analyst

Strive beyond the class room: First class doesn’t guarantee success

By Peter Adoyi

S

o many things have changed over time. The approach to job recruitment in the 60s is far different from what’s being practiced today.

In this contemporary world, employers often request for recommendations without minding your class of degree. Interaction with any Human Resource officer would give you a hint about job recruitment.

We all at some point being encouraged by parents to go to the university, acquire a good grade, then look for high-paying jobs. This is exactly the dream of every Nigerian. It’s a good thing anyway. But then we can not undervalue the real essence of life after graduation i.e life beyond the class. Until we put this in our perspective, the supposed First Class graduands would continue to suffer distress that may increase the unemployed youths in our society.

Life ambitions differ from person to person.

Individual differences and personal desires also play a vital role in one’s pursuit of success. Thus, restraining one’s success to good grades is not always feasible. “What counts the most is the ‘Skill’ and ‘Technology’ based knowledge.” The

realistic approach to being successful in life is to acquire a ‘streetwise’ knowledge. Knowing how things work outside the school, irrespective of your grade; is the way to go. Being a First Class graduate does not make you, having the full knowledge of the society and your ability to solve societal problems. Of course, your parents would be proud of the result, no doubt.

To put things in perspective, it is more rewarding to have a balanced life. The living culture outside the classroom is what distinguishes us, not the grade we acquired. Unfortunately, attaining high grades is viewed as a means to find a lucrative job and future accomplishment.

Certainly not! This school of thought has posed a devastating blow to many First Class graduates roaming around the street, searching for nonexisting job. A visit to federal agencies and ministries would convince you that majority of the staff doesn’t even have a university degree to start with. Nature would always play its part.

University is more like a crowded sourcing environment. You network with people; with different experiences and ideas. This nurtures your ability to salvage and navigate through life after graduation which is also regarded as

post- NYSC life. It is so difficult to see one out of 100 that exercise these techniques throughout their stay at the university. Hence, cause the explosive unemployment rate in society. The worst frustration behold people in this category after the National Youth Service Year – NYSC because they rely more on the 2.1 grade written on their certificate, while the Cs students are busy networking and scribing business ideas to fall back on.

It is one thing to memorize and regurgitate information, and another is to solve life problems.

It is an irrefutable fact that anyone who can concentrate on cramming and regurgitate lecture notes can invariably bag A’s or B’s.

However, this essay is not written to justify poor academic performance. We must be factual and as well understand how life is outside the classroom.

Without prejudice, one has to put the certificate at one hand and face the reality of life to survive. Therefore, the need to embrace selfdevelopment and skill acquisition is paramount.

Most successful and wealthy individuals in the society aren’t First Class nor Second Class degrees holder.

On the contrary, it is always good to equip oneself for any eventuality as scholarships are one of the merit base interest of people in the First Class or Second Class category. When nature works in your favor, you would definitely make ‘skyway’ with good grades. The job market is saturated, hence the need for competition. In this growing population, this opportunity is not almost there.

Moreso, so many things have changed over time. The approach to job recruitment in the 60s is far different from what’s being practiced today.

In this contemporary world, employers often request for recommendations without minding your class of degree. Interaction with any Human Resource officer would give you a hint about job recruitments.

Lastly, having a good grade is good but it’s not enough. But having a ‘Streetwise’ knowledge of the society is the way to go. A First Class students should be humble enough to put the certificate aside and blend with the society and the ‘Street’ in other to survive, relying on a class of degree is a devastating journey in the Nigerian society.

Peter Adoyi is a Public Affairs Analyst.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

Eid-el-Kabir: Ekweremadu Salutes Muslims at Sallah, Tasks FG on insecurity

By Ikecukwu Okaforadi

F

ormer Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has sent warm felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, urging them to pray for the peace, unity, and security of the nation.

This was even as he called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to end the killings in the country, warning that Nigeria was fast becoming a killing field.

Ekweremadu stated these in his Sallah message to the Muslim faithful on Thursday.

“I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on this occasion of Eid-El-Kabir. The occasion calls for rededication to the fine principles of sacrifice, justice, and equity as exemplified by the Prophet and without which no nation can ever make any progress.

“It is also not lost on us that this is a very dire time for Nigeria, as our Muslim brethren and the nation celebrate Sallah in a state of grave apprehension, with many of them displaced by the worsening insecurity. This Sallah, therefore, serves as an opportunity to offer special prayers for the peace, unity, prosperity, and security of our country.

“I equally call on the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, to take every necessary and urgent step to arrest this parlous situation where Boko Haram and allied insurgents, bandits, criminal aliens, kidnappers, and all manners of predatory elements have field days killing civilians and even men of the armed forces alike without corresponding or greater consequences”, he said.

Ekweremadu wished the Nigerians a happy Sallah celebration, charging them also to stay safe, observing the protocols and guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Nigeria can confidently confront her challenges – Lawan says

By Musa Adamu

S

enate President, Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated with all Nigerians and in particular the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid El Kabir, saying with the help of God, the country can confront the security and governance challenges.

In a Sallah message the muslim ummah, Lawan said Eid El Kabir, Islam’s feast of sacrifice, is very significant to the faith as it reminds faithfuls of the imperative of unconditional obedience to Allah, the Most Merciful.

It said “Through total submission to His will, we can confidently confront our challenges as individuals and as a nation, assured that Allah will intervene decisively at the most appropriate moment.

“As people of faith, therefore, let us continue to seek the face of the Almighty in our various national wars, be they against insecurity or the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we strive to make Nigeria a comfortable home for all its citizens.

“As we celebrate the feast of sacrifice with worship, I enjoin us to be mindful of the risk of the

COVID-19 pandemic and adhere strictly to the safety protocols prescribed by our public health authorities.”

He said the National Assembly is collaborating with the Executive in responding to the pandemic as it affects our economy and general public system.

He said those in leadership positions must continue to be aware of their covenant of service with the Nigerian people, saying “our part as your elected representatives and lawmakers, we pledge to always respect your trust and serve your best interests.

“In this regard, the National

Assembly in the past one year, has passed many bills and resolutions and conducted many public hearings to strengthen the operations of government and enhance public service delivery.

“We shall continue on the same path and are confident of making the desired impacts, with your understanding and invaluable support.

“While wishing you all a happy festival, I again urge us to celebrate responsibly, in line with the general dictates of our faith and in the spirit of the august occasion”, he said.

Permanent Secretary, Enugu state Government House, Mr Emmanuel Ugwu (5th, L); Representative of the National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Modesta Okoli and some other officials from Enugu Government House and Executive Members of NANS, during presentation of ‘Icon of Hope’ award by NANS to the Permanent Secretary, in Enugu on Thursday (30/7/20).

Eid-el-Kabir: Omo-Agege urges Muslim ummah to obey Covid-19 guideline

By Musa Adamu

P

revailing circumstances may test the faith of many across the world but Nigerian Muslims have continued to demonstrate deep faith as the country moves towards overcoming various obstacles to its development, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie OmoAgege has said.

In a goodwill message to mark the Eid El-Kabir festivities, Senator Omo-Agege called for celebrations that must necessarily include

cautiousness about the lingering Covd19 pandemic, adding that there is hope for humanity to prevail over the disease as well as other challenges that continue to ravage countries across the world.

The Senator also emphasized the significance of having a strong belief in God’s words, adding that as Muslims across the world come together to celebrate Eid-el Kabir, it is an opportunity for Christians to celebrate with their compatriots.

“Eid el-Kabir or Eid al-Adha is another name for the “Festival of the Sacrifice”, also called the

“Sacrifice Feast” or “Bakr-Eid”; it honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his only son, Isma’il (Ishmail) as an act of submission to God’s command.

“God intervened through His angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) and informs him that his sacrifice has already been accepted. Today, our collective faith brings us all closer towards God’s intervention in the current progressive administration’s efforts to overcome various challenges and realise a better Nigeria for us all.

“I commend the police and other security agencies for

making adequate preparations towards ensuring hitch-free Sallah celebrations across Nigeria.

“In view of subsisting Covid-19 guidelines, it has become even more necessary for all of us to ensure strict adherence to health and safety rules in our various religious places of worship and prayers.

“Once more, I felicitate with our dear Muslim brothers and sisters as they renew their faith in the preeminence of Almighty Allah through celebration of Eid-elKabir,” he stated.

Omo-Agege congratulates Orodje of Okpe on 14th anniversary

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie OmoAgege has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) Orhue I, Orodje

of Okpe Kingdom, on the occasion of his fourteenth anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.

In a goodwill message to the revered traditional ruler, Senator Omo-Agege described the Orodje as a highly principled

traditional ruler, adding that his style of leadership has continued to endear the Okpe Kingdom to many.

Omo-Agege asserted that having served the nation meritoriously in several capacities,

the Orodje’s contributions to the peace, unity and progress of the society transcend ethnic or regional boundaries.

He prayed God to grant His Majesty more years as he continues to contribute more to

humanity.

“I wish you God’s blessings and wisdom as you keep on the best tradition of impacting lives not just in your kingdom but in Delta State and the country generally,” Omo-Agege stated.

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Politics Akwa Ibom APC rejects creation of 39 new political wards

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has rejected the creation of 39 new political wards by the State Independent Electoral Commission, saying that it has no powers to do so.

A statement by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Nkeruwem Enyongekere, in Uyo Thursday, described the exercise as dubious, illegal and unilateral and urged Akwa Ibom people to disregard it.

He said that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowered only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create wards.

The APC spokesman cited the Supreme Court’s nullification of similar wards creation in Cross River to buttress the party’s position.

“In line with the resolution of the State Working Committee issued at its meeting of July 28, 2020.

“The All Progressives Congress, Akwa Ibom State chapter, rejects in totality the dubious, unilateral and illegal creation of 39 electoral wards in the state by Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission as announced by its Chairman, Mr Ikoiwak on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

“The party, therefore, calls on Akwa Ibom people to disregard this illegality, as the state has no such powers to create electoral wards.

“The Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria vests the power of creating wards only in the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“The nullification of similar wards creation by the Supreme Court when it happened in Cross River State attests to our current position,” he said.

He expressed surprise that such an important issue of wards creation was not part of the agenda during the stakeholders’ meeting convened

by AKISIEC on July 17 to discuss the upcoming local government election.

He argued that even if the state was vested with such power to create electoral wards, it was unconstitutional for the state electoral umpire to create wards in total exclusion of political parties, stakeholders and communities in the state.

“During the stakeholders meeting in which all other political parties including APC were in attendance to discuss the upcoming 2020 local government elections in the state, the creation of additional electoral wards in the state was not mentioned at all for discussion.

“The non-inclusion of that on the agenda by the AKISIEC for deliberations exposes the sinister motives of the AKISIEC and PDP led government.

“With the upcoming Local Government Elections just around the corner, this impromptu creation of wards amounts to shifting the goal posts in the middle of the match and it is absolutely not acceptable to APC in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

The party spokesman said that APC as a party would use every constitutional means at its disposal to ensure that “the illegality does not stand.” (NAN)

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Politics

Akwa Ibom PDP elects new chairman, others

P

eoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State chapter, yesterday held its state congress where new executive members were elected to pilot the affairs of the party in the next four years.

The 39 state executives were elected by about 3,845 accredited delegates across the 31 local government areas of the state.

The Congress, which was conducted at the Nest of Champions Uyo, the state capital, was supervised by the chairman of the Congress Committee, Hon. Eric Acho Nwakanma and the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by A.B, Pata.

The Chairman, Hon. Nwakanma, who adjudged the congress as peaceful, announced

Hon. Udo Ekpenyong as the chairman-elect, and Hon. Lawrence Udosen as the deputy Also, Hon. Harrison Ekpo, Mfon Nkanteen and Borono Bassey, emerged as the Financial Secretary, Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively.

Nwakama lauded the cooperation and level of organisation in the party in the area and tasked elected officers to give maximum cooperation to the leaders of the party and the new chairman in the State.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing chairman of the party in the State, Paul Ekpo, recounted how he used persuasions to create harmony and peaceful coexistence among members.

He said, “Years after, I can look back with pride and

proclaim, indeed ‘There was a Party’. We used persuasion to create harmony and peaceful co-existence within, while we wielded the rod against those who sought to divide us through the employment of selfish schemes “Our burden in the management of the party was how to be both friendly and firm. Friendly to invite and keep people but firm to instill discipline.”

In his acceptance speech shortly after the exercise, the newly-elected chairman, Hon. Ekpenyong, attributed his election to God and promised to be focused and determined to consolidate on the gains made and take the party to greater heights.

He commended the outgoing SEC for laying a good foundation for the new SEC and promised political inclusion and consultation while giving the party a human face even as he solicited for loyalty from party members.

Also the leader of the party, Governor Udom Emmanuel at the occasion said the party was challenged to do more for the growth of the state despite its numerous achievements and commended the efforts of the outgoing SEC in repositioning the party and enthroning peace in the affairs of the party.

The Governor urged the new chairman to maintain the the democratic tradition of the party and remain close to God and be faithful to the ideals of the party.

Yoruba leader, Ayo Fasanmi is dead

A

From left: National President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima; Secretary of Initiative for Fostering Unity in Diversity, Youths and Nation Building (IFUDYNB), Mrs Beauty Cletus; President of IFUDYNB, Mr Ebhodaghe Cletus; and Project Consultant, Mr Steve Eboh, during a pre-launch news conference to unveil a new Pan Nigeria Reality Show themed: “Naija Unity House”, in Lagos on Thursday (30/7/20).

Boko Haram: Freed repentant terrorist has killed father – Ndume

By Musa Adamu, with agency report

C

hairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has said one of the repentant terrorists freed by the Nigerian military murdered his father.

He made the disclosure in an interview on television station programme.

The lawmaker representing Borno South has been vocal against the deradicalization programme.

Ndume told the President Muhammadu Buhari government to rehabilitate Boko Haram victims not insurgents.

“If the government is serious about a programme like this, it should start with the victims first and not the perpetrators”, he said.

“The so-called deradicalised are released into society, there is no monitoring device. One of them that came back killed his father and took away his two cows.”

Coordinator, Operation Safe

Corridor, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Shafa, said: “The clients went through documentation processes to obtain vital background information and were subjected to comprehensive medical screening to determine their health status.”

Shafa added that their DNA samples were collected and biometrics captured by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for future references.

Yoruba leader, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, is dead. The Afenifere stalwart died on Wednesday night.

His demise was confirmed on Thursday by his son, Folabi.

Folabi noted that the elder statesman died “at the ripe age of 94 years”.

Fasanmi was a Second Republic Senator. “He was until his death was a leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere (Ilosiwaju Yoruba) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, it noted The statement confirmed that Fasanmi passed on peacefully in Osogbo Burial arrangement will be announced by the family in conjunction with his political associates and South West Governors. Fasanmi was born on 25th September 1925.

APC mourns Senator Fasanmi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi with agency report

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has described the death of Senator Ayo Fasanmi, the Jagun Osin of Iye Ekiti, as an unquantifiable loss to the progressives fold.

Fasanmi, who died in Osogbo on Wednesday, is from Iye Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government.

Chairman of the party in the state, Barrister Paul Omotoso said in Ado Ekiti that the second republic senator, who represented

Ekiti while still in old Ondo state, remained an encyclopedia of knowledge to his people.

According to Omotoso, as a committed Awoist, who stood firmly till the end with the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Baba Fasanmi was trustworthy and committed to ideals of the Progressives.

“His death at age 94 can best be described as a great loss to the Progressives fold in Nigeria, especially the southwest.

“As a founding member of the defunct Action Group,(AG), Unity Party of Nigeria, (UPN), he never

deflected from those political parties and their ideals, despite that he lost the opportunity of governing the old Ondo state to late Pa Michael Ajasin.”

A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of APC in Ekiti State, Hon Ade Ajayi, explained that Pa Fasanmi was equally not found wanting at the formative stages of the AC, ACN and the APC as he was always ready and free to offer advice when necessary.

“His leadership role in the socio-political organization, Afenifere, turned the organization to a credible and formidable

one always ready to defend the position of the southwest region in the comity of other regions in the country.

“Until his passage on Wednesday evening, Senator Fasanmi, despite his old age, was never absent at any meeting of the organization.”

The statement also noted the late Senator’s support for the present administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi and its programmes and prayed God to give the family fortitude to hear the irreparable loss.

AMAC: Candido assures delivery of democratic dividends to residents

Governor Ugwuanyi signs Enugu’s revised 2020 budget into law

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

G

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has signed the revised 2020 budget of N146 billion (N146,374,641,080) into law, as against the earlier approved budget of N169,557,658,300.00.

The revised 2020 budget of N146.4 billion represents 13.67 per cent reduction in the initial budget size of N169.6 billion, which amounts to N23.2 billion The revised budget, which was in response to the negative consequences of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economy, was passed

by State House of Assembly on Wednesday, after its presentation to the public for inputs.

According to details of the new budget, the earlier approved recurrent and capital expenditures of N68,790,000,000.00 and N100,767,658,300.00 were revised to N69,790,000,000.00 and N76,584,641,080 respectively, representing 48 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.

Also in the approved revised budget, the state government made savings of N53,617,927,900.00 and added the sum of N27,455,910,680.

Ondo 2020: Deputy Governor Ajayi meets Mimiko, to run under ZLP

D

eputy Governor of Ondo state, Agboola Ajayi, is expected to officially announce his move to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and will be adopted as the candidate of the party for the October 10 governorship election, according to sources.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ajayi who lost the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to Eyitayo Jegede, has completed plans to join ZLP having met with state and national leaders of the party.

One of those who is said to have endorsed Ajayi is a former governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko.

Mimiko is the leader of the ZLP in Ondo. He was adopted as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2019 general elections

but suspended his presidential candidacy to run for senator in Ondo West. He lost the senatorial election.

Three associates of Mr Ajayi and two of Mr Mimiko confirmed that both parties held a series of meetings, mainly in Abuja, which ended on Wednesday with a resolution that Mr Ajayi will be announced next week as the ZLP candidate.

The officials asked not to be named because they were not authorised to talk to the media and a formal announcement was yet tot be made.

“The deputy governor returned from Abuja yesterday (Wednesday), he has made all consultation with leaders of the party and he will unveil his new party before Monday,” an aide who spoke under anonymity

disclosed.

Another close associate of Mr Ajayi told PREMIUM TIMES that “it is true that he’s moving to ZLP because the party has existing structure in the state. We want to play on Mimiko’s template and populate it. There’s still room for substitution of names with INEC. The party will just withdraw the name of the person put there as a decoration. We expect the deputy governor to officially announce before next Monday.”

Mr Ajayi’s name would be used to replace that of the governorship candidate of ZLP, Rotimi Benjamin, this newspaper learnt.

Such substitution is still allowed now based on the timetable released by the electoral commission, INEC. When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy

governor, Tope Okeowo, did not deny nor confirm the development.

The State Chairman of ZLP, Joseph Akinlaja, is yet to respond to PREMIUM TIMES enquiries as of the time of filing this report.

Mr Ajayi’s ZLP candidacy is expected to increase to three, the major candidates for the October 10 election.

Although INEC has cleared 17 parties for the election, it was expected to be a two-horse race between Mr Jegede of the PDP and incumbent governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ajayi, who recently decamped from the APC to the PDP and now to the ZLP, will now be expected to challenge his former allies for the governorship position.

Senate President mourns Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Fasanmi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

P

resident of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has sent his condolences to the family, friends and political associates of Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi, the leader of Yoruba socio-cultural and political association who died on

Wednesday at the age of 94 years.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan also commiserated with the government and people of Ekiti State and the Yoruba people in general over the demise of a leader who throughout his life

was committed to the cause of his people and Nigeria.

The Senate President said the late elder statesman made immense contributions to nation-building as a two-time parliamentarian, public office holder and political party leader.

Lawan said Nigerians will

miss Pa Fasanmi’s forthrightness, consistency, wise counsel and wealth of experience.

The Senate President prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased perfect peace and grant those that he left behind the fortitude to bear his loss.

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Page 19

‘Dangote cement promo will support economy, covid-19’

By Etuka Sunday

T

he ongoing Dangote Cement bag of goodies season 2 promo will help the country cushion the effects of the economic strains brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, cement consumers in northern states have said.

Cement end-users which include, block makers, artisans and distributors in Abuja and some northern states welcomed the new promo, describing the Dangote Cement as a brand of ‘integrity and trust.’

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

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

Chairman of the Association of Abuja Block Producers (AABP), Sir Johnson Aka, expressed optimism that like the previous promos by the Dangote Cement, the new promo will induce more sales, profitability and investments in the cement subsector of the economy.

“With one thousand new millionaires, Nigerian economy will be better off, especially now that the covid-19 pandemic has depleted economic activities,” he said.

He said the over one thousand members of his Association are already aware of the Dangote Cement bag of goodies season 2 promo, adding that, “Our members and several other people

have been calling me to enquire about the promo and I told them, like the previous ones, it is real.”

Speaking in the same vein, chairman of the Abuja Concrete Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Mr. Uzor George Tiga, said: “We are happy by the quality of Dangote Cement brand and the quality of the promo. It would significantly increase our yield, more so that you win instantly without any raffle draw.

“We are the greatest beneficiaries, because this is downtime for the industry but because of Dangote cement’s innovation, business and sales will be gingered, and there will be more money in the hands of people despite the Coronavirus effects.”

He said the ongoing cement and block works in Abuja is in

the region of N25billion, and ACMA controls most part of it, “therefore we are also partnering with Dangote Cement to support our technology innovative drive.”

A major distributor with Dangote Cement and Chairman/ CEO of Phildos Nigeria Limited Johnson Olushola described the new promo as a “welcome development and well timed given the season and the ravaging pandemic.”

He said the Dangote Cement is a company to partner with because it supports its clients and contributes to their growth.

“Dangote Cement is very supportive, “he declared.

Chairman of the Progressive Block Makers in Tafa, Niger State Hon Yau Ahmed described the promo as reliable and credible, adding that the Dangote Cement

AfDB commits $1.04m towards COVID-19 research projects in Angola

By Etuka Sunday

F

unds from the African Development Bank’s ongoing Science and Technology Development Project have been committed towards two research projects to mitigate the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Angola.

The Science and Technology Development Project which is being executed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, aims to contribute to Angola’s economic diversification through scientific and technological research, and by promoting an innovative enabling environment.

The Angolan Government intends to promote research and enhance capacity in the health sector, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Epidemiological, Clinical and Laboratory Profile of COVID-19 in Angola and the Building COVID Capacity in Angola research projects received $431,590 and $613,029, respectively. A signing ceremony organised by the Angolan Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation was held on 20 July in the Angolan capital with virtual participation.

The event included a presentation of the research projects, as well as the signing of the funding agreements between the project implementation unit coordinator, Ricardo Queirós, and the respective principal researchers: Fernanda Dias, Professor at the Medicine Faculty of Agostinho Neto University, a local university; and Joana Afonso, General Director of the National Institute Research of Health Research.

These research projects include the participation of reference research entities from Brazil, Portugal, Sweden and UK. The project is also being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Minister for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Maria Bragança Sambo, who spoke at the ceremony, reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health’s efforts through a ‘One Health’ approach towards strengthened research on COVID-19.

Joseph Ribeiro, African Development Bank Country Manager for Angola, who attended the ceremony virtually, commended the Government of Angola for its well-articulated efforts toward combating and mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The results of the scientific research will contribute to the construction of new knowledge about the virus, while strengthening national capacity in terms of staff training and availability of laboratory equipment for the health sector,” Ribero said, emphasising the importance of the presented research projects.

He further highlighted the significant participation of women researchers in the coordination and composition of the project teams, which is in line with the objectives of the Bank-financed project.

Angola currently has over 800 confirmed cases, 226 recoveries and 33 deaths, representing one of the highest death rates within the southern region of Africa. The country remains under a continued State of Calamity, declared on the 25th of May 2020.

has built its brand reputation even beyond the shores of Nigeria.

The Managing Director of First Block Makers in Lokoja, Oluwafemi Feri urged the Dangote Cement to distribute the winning bags evenly across the federation, saying a car and other prizes were won in the last promo by the Dangote Cement.

Meanwhile, Mallam Umar Bala the CEO of Zariyawa Blocks in Zaria, Kaduna State said during a phone interview that while commending the Dangote Cement for trying to reach its consumers, there was also the need to support them with training, financial empowerment and tools so that modern machines can be deployed in block making business.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami (M) and Director General, Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta (L), arrive the Communications and Digital Economy Complex to virtually commission various projects completed by the Ministry, yesterday in Abuja Photo: /NAN

Pantami commissions NCC’s Emergency Communication Centre, five other IT projects in Kaduna

…Projects’ll drive digital economy, says Danbatta

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Kaduna Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside five Information Technology projects by other agencies under the Ministry Communications and Digital Economy have been commissioned by the Hon. Minister Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

The NCC’s ECC project, which makes it possible for people of Kaduna and environs to dial 112 Emergency Number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies, is aimed at supporting the Federal Government agenda of enhancing security of lives and property in the country.

NCC had built ECC in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Nineteen of the ECC have been activated while efforts are ongoing to extend it to other state.

The Minister also commissioned the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of NCC. Three other projects by the National

Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), are IT Community Centre in Katsina and IT Hub each in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Main Campus, Kaduna and University of Lagos were also commissioned.

The sixth project commissioned was the opening of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)’s Northwest Regional Office in Kaduna.

Speaking during the virtual commissioning of the projects, which took place at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja and attended by all heads of agencies under the ministry, Pantami said the projects were all connected to the country’s digital economy drive, as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by the President in November last year.

According to him, “these projects are connected to some of the pillars of the NDEPS, especially with respect to developmental regulation, digital literacy and skills, solid infrastructure, among others,” urging Nigerians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects to take advantage of the opportunities.

He added that he would continue to

work with other ministries, departments and parastatals of government to ensure teething challenges facing ICT infrastructure deployment in the country are addressed in other to deepen digital economy.

Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the occasion, Babagana Zulum; as well as Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna and her counterpart in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who were guests of honour commended the ministry and its agencies for expanding the footprint of digital economy across the country.

Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other heads of agencies under the Ministry, have commended the Minister for promoting synergy among the agencies under his supervision.

According to Danbatta, “the projects will help in leading the country into a truly- digital economy.”

He restated the Commission’s commitment to ensure a robust broadband infrastructure in the country, to support government’s initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

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METRO

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The flight conveying the158 stranded Nigerian migrants from Niamey, Niger Republic, on its arrival at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, at about 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday (29/7/20).

COVID-19: FCTA relaxes market operational days

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday relaxed market operations in Abuja, the nation’s capital city from three days a week to all seven days in the week.

This was disclosed by FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who chaired a virtual meeting between members of

the FCT COVID-19 Response Team, senior members of the Administration and members of the Coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries led by its Chairman Mr. Raphael Okorie.

Bello revealed that the meeting deliberated on the request by the Coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries for the operational days of FCT markets to be extended to all 7

days of the week Recall that as part of measures to decongest markets in Abuja, so as to check the spread of Coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19, market operations were restricted to three days a week.

According to a statement from Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, the extension, which is from 7:00am to 6:00pm

effective today, as against the 3 days weekly that was hitherto in effect.

“The Abuja Market Management Limited and various market associations will continue to carry out sensitisation activities to enlighten market users on COVID-19 and the necessity of obeying all extant health and safety protocols.

“Access to the markets and operations within the markets

will only be permitted with the wearing of facial coverings and adherence to all extant health and safety guidelines inclusive of hand washing and maintenance of physical distancing.

“However, failure by the Coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries to fully implement these guidelines, the FCTA will be compelled to withdraw this extension,” the statement stated.

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world news

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Hong Kong bars 12 opposition candidates from election

H

ong Kong authorities have disqualified 12 pro-democracy candidates from upcoming elections, deepening political tensions in the Chinese territory.

Opposition legislators had hoped to obtain a majority in the Legislative Council (LegCo) in September’s poll after Beijing’s imposition of a highly controversial national security law.

Among those barred are high-profile activists Joshua Wong and Lester Shum.

The government said the candidates were not fit to run for office.

It said they could not be considered to be abiding by the constitutional duty required of lawmakers if they: advocated for, or promoted, Hong Kong’s independence solicited intervention by foreign governments in Hong Kong’s affairs expressed “an objection in principle” to the imposition of the national security law by central authorities in Beijing expressed “an intention to exercise the functions of a LegCo Member by indiscriminately voting down” any legislative proposals introduced by the Hong Kong government, “so as to force the government to accede to certain political demands” In its statement announcing the disqualifications, the government said the decision was taken in line with Hong Kong’s mini-constitution - the Basic Law. “There is no question of any political censorship, restriction of the freedom of speech or deprivation of the right to stand for elections as alleged by some members of the community,” it said, adding that more disqualifications could not be ruled out.

Joshua Wong, who rose to prominence as a teenage activist during protests in 2014, said the decision showed “a total disregard for the will of Hongkongers” and “tramples upon the city’s last pillar of vanishing autonomy”.

The new national security law has been highly controversial in Hong Kong, a former British colony which is now part of China but was given unique freedoms in an agreement before the transfer of sovereignty.

The law was widely condemned by Western governments, but China says it is necessary to restore stability in the territory, which was hit by months of pro-democracy protests last year which often turned violent.

The opposition candidates disqualified on Thursday include four incumbent lawmakers, four district councillors - including Mr Shum - and activists Ventus Lau Wing-hong, Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam and Alvin Cheng Kam-mun, in addition to Mr Wong.

The Civic Party, one of the city’s prodemocracy parties that had members among those barred, said the disqualifications “exploited the right of Hong Kong people to vote”, Reuters news agency reports.

Its four disqualified members were Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki and Cheng Tat-hung.

A widely anticipated move

By Grace Tsoi, BBC World Service, Hong Kong The mass disqualifications of prodemocracy candidates had been widely anticipated after young candidates were barred from the previous legislative poll in 2016. They came as a heavy blow after the pro-democracy camp held primaries in which

Joshua Wong said the decision showed a “total disregard for the will of Hongkongers”

File photo of the chamber of the Legislative Council more than 600,000 voted, just a little more than two weeks ago.

Many of the barred candidates are young and support more confrontational tactics to fight for their cause. But it came as a surprise that four candidates from the Civic Party, which was founded by a group of lawyers in 2006, were also banned. The party is considered a more moderate wing of the democratic movement.

There has been speculation that the government is planning to postpone the

Legislative Council election by one year amid a new outbreak of coronavirus. Critics say the government wants to delay the election because the pro-Beijing camp faces a stunning defeat, as they did in last year’s district council elections.

On the other hand, the government says candidates cannot perform the duties of lawmakers if they vote down any proposals and force the government to meet political demands after securing a majority. Then the next question is: will any opposition

candidates be allowed to run in the future?

At a news conference in Hong Kong, Mr Kwok, a founding member of the Civic Party, said it was clear Beijing was trying to silence opposition.

“Today we are seeing the results of the relentless oppression that this regime is starting, not only just to take away the basic fundamental rights and freedom that was once enjoyed by all Hong Kong people under the Basic Law... but they are also trying to drive fear and oppression into our hearts and [in] this we must not let them succeed.”

The UK’s last colonial governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, said Beijing was carrying out “an outrageous political purge”.

“The National Security law is being used to disenfranchise the majority of Hong Kong’s citizens. It is obviously now illegal to believe in democracy... This is the sort of behaviour that you would expect in a police state,” he said in a statement.

The office of Beijing’s top representative in Hong Kong said it firmly supported the disqualifications and that those who were disqualified wanted to paralyse the government and subvert state power, Reuters reported.

Amid speculation the government could postpone the election due to coronavirus, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Wednesday Hong Kong was on the verge of a “large-scale outbreak” that could cause hospitals to “collapse”.

What is LegCo? The Legislative Council helps to make and amend Hong Kong’s laws.

It is made up of 70 seats - but only 35 are directly voted for by the public.

Another 30 represent “functional constituencies” - these are voted for by smaller groups representing special interests, primarily businesses, banking and trade.

Historically these sectors have been largely pro-Beijing.

The last five are made up of district councillors who are elected by the public.

This system, where only a proportion of councillors are chosen by the public, has been called undemocratic by critics, but supporters of the system say it helps avoid populism and protects Hong Kong’s business interests.

Donald Trump calls for delay to 2020 US presidential electionto close by US

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onald Trump has called for November’s presidential election to be postponed, saying increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results.

He suggested a delay until people can “properly, securely and safely” vote.

There is little evidence to support Mr Trump’s claims but he has long railed against mail-in voting which he has said would be susceptible to fraud US states want to make postal voting easier due to public health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

In a tweet, Mr Trump said “universal mail-in voting” would make November’s vote the “most inaccurate and fraudulent election in history” and a “great embarrassment to the USA”.

Earlier this month, six US states were planning to hold “all-mail” ballot elections this November: California, Utah, Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

These states will automatically send postal ballots to all registered voters, which then have to be sent back or dropped off on election day - although some in-person voting is still available

in certain limited circumstances.

About half of US states allow any registered voter to vote by post on request.

Critics of postal voting argue that people could vote more than once via absentee ballots and in person. Mr Trump has in the past said there was a risk of “thousands and thousands of people sitting in somebody’s living room, signing ballots all over the place”.

However, there is no evidence of widespread fraud, according to numerous nationwide and state-level studies over the years.

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Killer of Rafiki, Uganda’s rare silverback mountain gorilla, jailed

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he killer of one of Uganda’s best known mountain gorillas, Rafiki, has been jailed for 11 years.

Felix Byamukama pleaded guilty to illegally entering a protected area and killing a gorilla.

Byamukama had said the gorilla attacked him and he killed Rafiki in self defence, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Mountain gorillas are endangered with just over 1,000 in existence and the UWA said “Rafiki has received justice”.

Byamukama also pleaded guilty to killing a small antelope, known as a duiker, and a bush pig, as well as being in possession of bush pig and duiker meat.

He admitted to the UWA previously that he, and three others, had gone to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the intention of hunting smaller animals and that he killed Rafiki in self-defence when he was attacked.

Investigations showed Rafiki was killed by a sharp object that penetrated his internal organs.

The gorilla went missing on 1 June and his body was discovered by a search party the following day.

A UWA team tracked Byamukama to a nearby village, where he was found with

Coronavirus: Kenyan governor backs unproven Covid-19 cure

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he controversial governor of Kenya’s capital Nairobi has voiced his support for claims that the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine can cure Covid-19, despite a lack of evidence that it’s effective.

Mike Sonko shared a viral video by a group called America’s Frontline Doctors.

In the video, members of the group promote hydroxychloroquine both as a preventative measure and as a cure for Covid-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) say “there is currently no proof” that hydroxychloroquine is effective as a treatment or prevents coronavirus.

It warns that “the misuse of hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and even lead to death.”

In July, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against the use of the drug outside a hospital setting because of possible heart problems in patients.

Mr Sonko said a relative working for the Kenya Ports Authority had been cured after being treated with hydroxychloroquine.

He tweeted “I have tried the preventive part of it which seems to be working for me.”

The video was broadcast online by rightwing online platform Breitbart, viewed more than 17 million times on Facebook before it was taken down.

It was also shared on Twitter by US President Donald Trump and many of his supporters.

The drug’s effectiveness when used early during treatment is still being studied, as is its use as a preventative measure.

Rafiki was thought to be 25 years old when he died hunting equipment.

Three others denied the charges and have been remanded in jail, awaiting trial.

Byamukama will serve several sentences concurrently, leading to 11 years in jail which falls far short of the life sentence it was predicted he could have been given.

This was because he was not tried in a special wildlife court, a UWA spokesperson told the BBC. The silverback, believed to be around

25-years-old when he died, was the leader of a group of 17 mountain gorillas.

This group of gorillas was described as habituated, meaning that its members were used to human contact.

Conservationists were worried that the group would be taken over by a wild silverback who would not want to come into contact with humans, which could have affected tourism.

But UWA has since confirmed that the group is now led by a black-back from within

the family and is stable.

The mountain gorillas are a popular draw for visitors to the country and the UWA relies on the tourists for revenue.

Rafiki himself was very popular with people who had come to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

But parks have been closed during the coronavirus pandemic and the UWA said there had been an increase in poaching. It has counted more than 300 incidents during the months of the lockdown, reports the BBC’s Patience Atuhaire.

The mountain gorilla species is restricted to protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

They can be found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a network of parks in the Virunga Massif range of mountains which straddle the borders of the three countries.

In 2018, the mountain gorilla was removed from the list of critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, after intensive conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, paid off.

The IUCN now classifies the species as endangered.

Source: bbc

ANC criticised for disregarding lockdown rules

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outh Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has come under fire for breaching lockdown rules on social distancing while mourning anti-apartheid hero Andrew Mlangeni.

Mr Mlangeni died last week at a military hospital in Pretoria. He was the last surviving anti-apartheid activist convicted with Nelson Mandela at the infamous Rivonia Trial.

A photo of party officials congregating in large numbers to hand over Mr Mlangeni’s coffin to the family on Tuesday was shared online: Transport Minister Fikile Mbalule defended the party saying the number of people increased spontaneously but the handover was done quickly.

“The people came forward and the marshals tried to push them back but it was held up for about 10 minutes and the coffin was released into the house and everything came to normal.

Nonetheless, the ANC would not gather people and seek to address them in an environment of the coronavirus,” he said.

The late Mlangeni’s funeral is ongoing at the University of Johannesburg campus in Soweto and those in attendance have sat metres apart. He will be buried at the Roodepoort cemetery.

Rwandan agency denies torturing suspects

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he head of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has denied accusations that the agency uses torture to make suspects plead guilty to crimes.

Some 13 suspects facing terror charges, including freelancer journalist Phocas Ndayizera, told a court that they were tortured by officers from the agency who wanted them to plead guilty.

But RIB chief Col Jeannot Ruhunga told journalists on Tuesday in the capital, Kigali, that the claims of torture were a “way of denying charges by suspects”.

“Torture is not something we use today to get information or accuse someone of charges,” Col Ruhunga said.

Some members of the opposition party FDU-Inkingi recently claimed

to have been tortured after being arrested by officers from the agency.

A recently published posthumous book by popular singer Kizito Mihigo speaks of his alleged torture in order to plead guilty to charges of conspiracy against the government.

Mr Kizito died in February while in police custody in Kigali. Police said he took his own life.

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Yemen conflict: Southern separatists give up on self-rule S eparatists in southern Yemen have given up on the self-rule they declared in April.

The separatists, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), agreed the move in an accord with the internationally recognised government.

The accord gives the STC representation in a new Yemeni government to be formed within 30 days.

It could also heal a rift in the Saudi-led coalition backing the government against Houthi rebels in the north.

The accord builds on a ceasefire between the separatists and government signed in June.

The southern separatist issue has strained the Saudi-led antiHouthi alliance. The STC is backed by the United Arab Emirates, which is also part of Saudi Arabia’s coalition.

The United Nations has meanwhile warned that time is running out for any possible deal on ending the larger conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, which has left thousands dead and displaced millions. The UN has been trying to get the warring parties to start peace talks.

“There is a real risk that these negotiations will slip away,” the Yemen envoy, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council on

Children are disinfected in Sanaa to combat coronavirus before receiving food rations Tuesday.

Severe food shortages caused by the conflict are worsening the impact of the coronavirus.

The Saudi-led coalition and the internationally-recognised government have been at war with the Houthis since 2014. Yemen’s President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi lives in exile in Riyadh.

The conflict within a conflict involving the United Arab

Emirates-backed STC presented a further complication.

The STC and government forces have been at loggerheads in the port city of Aden and other southern regions. In June, the STC took control of an island known as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean” and famed for its striking flora and fauna.

The latest deal sees the STC, which took over Aden last

August, and the government implement an accord first negotiated in November - the Riyadh Agreement.

The new government of technocrats will be split equally between the north and the south, and will include STC ministers, Saudi Arabia’s SPA news agency reported. All military forces will be required to leave Aden.

President Hadi has also

appointed a new governor for the city - the government’s current seat of power. The capital, Sanaa, has long been occupied by the Houthis, who are linked to Iran.

Saudi Arabia described the latest deal as a positive step and an acceleration of the Riyadh Agreement which collapsed over the failure to agree representation in a new government.

Any agreement is good news for Yemen’s long-suffering people.

But there’s scepticism too.

The warring sides in the south now have to prove they can and will move faster in the next 30 days - to form a new cabinet and forge a new calm - than they did in the months since the Riyadh Agreement was first signed under significant Saudi pressure in November.

It may be even harder now after all that transpired in recent months. But Saudi Arabia is desperate to find a way out of this quagmire - an even more difficult deal with the Houthis in the north is the priority.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who’s been conducting endless rounds of face-to-face and virtual negotiations, warned this week of a “real risk that these negotiations will slip away”. Yes, that means this colossal crisis could get worse - much worse. That should be the greatest pressure of all on Yemen’s many leaders.

Coronavirus: Hong Kong on verge of ‘large-scale’ outbreak, says Carrie Lam

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ong Kong’s hospital system could face “collapse” as it grapples with a sharp rise in coronavirus cases, the city’s leader Carrie Lam has warned.

She said the city was “on the verge of a large-scale community outbreak” and urged people to stay indoors.

New regulations, including mandatory face masks and the closure of dine-in restaurants, kicked in on Wednesday.

Hong Kong - which had early success against Covid-19 is now regularly reporting over 100 new daily cases.

Less than a month ago, the average number of new daily cases was under 10.

What did Carrie Lam say?

In a statement late on Tuesday, Ms Lam warned the city was on the “verge of a largescale community outbreak, which may lead to a collapse of our hospital system and cost lives, especially of the elderly”.

She called on residents to adhere “strictly to social distancing measures and stay at home as far as possible”.

Her remarks come as Hong Kong confirmed another 106 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, and reported its 23rd overall death.

A record 145 cases were recorded on Monday.

What are the new

restrictions?

From Wednesday, dining in restaurants is banned, and only two people from different households can meet, under the toughest rules Hong Kong has adopted so far.

It’s also now compulsory for face masks to be worn in all public places.

It was earlier announced that spaces like bars, gyms and beauty parlours would be closed.

Lunching in the rain

By Grace Tsoi, BBC News, Hong Kong Social media here has been inundated with photos showing cleaners and construction workers having lunch outdoors in the heavy rain.

No dining-in is allowed in restaurants for a week as part of new stringent social distancing measures. The city is battling a new wave that has seen more than 100 new cases for eight days in a row. In total, Hong Kong has recorded 3,002 cases with 24 deaths.

There’s fresh anger against the government for exempting some 200,000 people, including seafarers and aircrew, from quarantine when they entered the city. Public health experts have said the latest outbreak was likely caused by such imported cases.

Hong Kong’s public

Carrie Lam has urged residents to stay home as the city grapples with a growing outbreak

hospitals have been stretched thin and more than 78% of isolation beds are occupied.

An exhibition centre is being converted into a temporary hospital for patients with mild symptoms and it will open its doors from this Saturday at the soonest.

Wasn’t Hong Kong a virus success story?

It definitely looked that way to begin with. At the start of the outbreak earlier this year, cross-border travel with China was sharply reduced, “track and trace” was introduced, and other restrictions were imposed.

The city went weeks without a locally transmitted case.

But as life started to go back to normal, a rise in locally

transmitted cases was recorded.

The average number of new cases rose from single figures at the start of the month, to more than 120 now.

One professor at the University of Hong Kong said the cases had probably emerged due to “flaws in border procedures in Hong Kong”.

Jin Dongyan told the Global Times that “patients from overseas may have brought the virus to communities which resulted in the current local transmission”.

The latest person to die from the virus was a resident of a care home where at least 45 infections have been recorded.

Local scientists have voiced fears that a strain of the virus circulating in Hong Kong could

cause greater damage.

It is said to have not mutated for at least 22 days, meaning it could have adapted well to humans, becoming easier to transmit.

Will the election still take place?

The new measures come amid reports that elections to Hong Kong’s parliament - the Legislative Council - could be postponed by a year.

News outlets HK01, Hong Kong Economic Times and TVB said the government had made the decision, which is yet to be formally announced, because of coronavirus concerns.

The elections were set to be held on 6 September.

Opposition figures, however, have suggested the postponement is designed to dissipate anger over the new national security law.

The wide-ranging law, imposed by Beijing last month, criminalises acts of “secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion”.

It was seen as curtailing criticism and freedom of speech - while increasing Beijing’s control of Hong Kong, which has been a special administrative region of China since British ruled ended in 1997.

Source: bbc

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

Nile dam row: Egypt fumes as Ethiopia celebrates

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s Ethiopia celebrated rains which began filling a controversial dam on a tributary of the River Nile, Egypt was fuming.

The North African nation had long been opposed to any development on the Nile upstream that could reduce the amount of water it receives from the river and has regarded the Ethiopian project as an existential threat.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd), which has been in construction since 2011, is now holding back water - and contains 4.9 billion cubic metres (bcm) of the Blue Nile’s water after this season’s rains.

This is despite Egypt’s insistence that no filling should take place without a legally binding agreement about how the process will be managed.

In another four to six years the reservoir, which sits behind what will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant when it comes into operation, is expected to reach 74bcm.

Egypt and Ethiopia, along with Sudan through which the Blue Nile also flows, have been negotiating for the best part of a decade, but all the while the dam has been built.

They signed a declaration of principles in 2015 which spoke about the “spirit of co-operation”, but Egypt feels that has been missing.

In the past year, it has invested time and political capital by lobbying at the highest international level and seeking help from the US and the UN, but to no avail.

Egypt appears to have lost that battle.

It has failed to force Ethiopia to abide by what it saw as longstanding international convention requiring upstream countries to consult the downstream states before embarking on projects of this magnitude.

At this point it is hard to imagine what else Egypt could possibly do today other than acquiesce and do as much damage limitation as possible. However, a military option has never been explicitly ruled out.

The Egyptian leadership has repeatedly said it remains committed to resolution through negotiation. But it usually adds the caveat that “all options remain on the table” - a phrase that often alludes to possible conflict.

The government has repeatedly described the issue of the Gerd project as a matter of life and death. This will be especially true if there is a substantial reduction of the amount of the water that reaches Egypt as a result of the dam.

But now, with the filling a reality the Egyptian government has tried to put a brave face on things.

The US tried, but failed, to get Egypt and Ethiopia to sign up to an agreement

The Nile is seen as Egypt’s lifeblood - without its waters the country fears for its survival Officially, it said that Egypt remained committed to the current diplomatic process which is being handled by the African Union, and repeated its old mantra that it will not accept unilateral action from Ethiopia.

Water poverty It has also insisted that any future agreement must endorse what it sees as its established Nile rights to 55bcm of water from the river.

On average 49bcm of water flows through the Blue Nile tributary a year and Ethiopia has consistently refused to concede to giving Egypt a commitment to a specific amount that it will allow to flow through the dam. It sees Egypt’s demands as a legacy of agreements that were made without its involvement.

Egypt’s official response betrayed powerlessness rather than resolve.

Describing the Gerd as an existential threat is not hyperbole.

Egypt is an arid country and is seen as very water-poor.

The World Bank classifies

water scarcity as when there is less than 1,000 cubic metres of fresh water per person a year. In Egypt, the figure is 550 cubic metre per person annually, according to the government.

Just take a look at the map, where 90% of its 100 million

“The Ethiopians refuse to believe that without the Nile we would die, literally. They have many rivers and receive around 950bcm of rain water annually.

We receive a paltry 55bcm, half of what we actually need, which is also half of what their livestock consumes annually,

population are squeezed into the narrow Nile valley, 6% of the country’s total area, beset by vast deserts on both sides.

‘Outmanoeuvred’ The Nile provides Egyptians with their primary source of water, for both drinking and agriculture.

Its current annual share of the Nile waters, the now endangered 55bcm, already falls far short of its needs.

This explains that while on an official level Egypt has so far exercised verbal restraint, the media and commentators have not held back.

To them, Ethiopia had used the drawn out negotiations to blindside the Egyptians while creating facts on the ground to exercise total control over the river.

A triumphalist tweet celebrating the first year’s filling of the Gerd by Ethiopia Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew - which read in part “the river became a lake... the Nile is ours” - particularly inflamed passions.

It confirmed what Egyptians

had long feared and some replied with all sorts of threats.

An Egyptian columnist begrudgingly acknowledged that Ethiopia had outmanoeuvred his country, but it is not over yet, Imad-al-Din Husayn wrote in the daily Shorouq newspaper, in an effort to reassure his readers.

“The Ethiopians refuse to believe that without the Nile we would die, literally. They have many rivers and receive around 950bcm of rain water annually.

We receive a paltry 55bcm, half of what we actually need, which is also half of what their livestock consumes annually,” he added in exasperation and summing up the imbalance that many Egyptians feel.

Diplomatic wrangle On its part Egypt has launched several water management schemes, which include the recycling of waste water in agriculture, desalination plants, and an ambition program to change traditional forms of irrigation to the more water saving method of drip-irrigation.

But the argument about Egypt’s water poverty is perhaps its strongest card in the diplomatic wrangle, if it can be used to galvanise international support.

Apart from a short advert made in several languages, the Egyptian administrations has so far failed to launch a concerted information campaign to win over global backing.

Both in sub-Saharan Africa and even in the US, the Ethiopians appear to have fared much better.

The current chairperson of the African Union is South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Many Egyptians believe that South Africa is biased in favour of Ethiopia, which does not augur well for the talks.

If these fail to produce a satisfactory result, Egypt believes it can take the issue back to the UN Security Council for a resolution that ties the hands of Ethiopia.

But it is far from certain that it can secure the support of all the five permanent members.

Recent reports have suggested that both China and Russia will oppose such a move, because they do not want to set a precedent as they both have their own river disputes with downstream neighbours.

Failure to bridge the gap between Egypt and Ethiopia could spell disaster for both.

Turmoil in Egypt as a result of drought and potential mass displacement could have far reaching consequences across the whole of North Africa and Europe. And an armed conflict between two of Africa’s largest and greatest nations should be a scary prospect not just for the Africans, but for the whole world.

Source: bbc

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Sports

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Greatest Nigerian female athletes in history

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ho is the greatest female athlete in Nigeria’s track and field history? This is the million naira question Complete Sports editor and track and field expert, Dare Esan has attempted to find an answer to.

A shortlist of five athletes has been drawn up based on the quality of their performances at major global Championships/Games, records set and how long the record have stayed as well as the quality of medals won at global track and field events.

Today, Complete Sports has provided readers with a brief summary of how each of the five shortlisted athletes fared at major global events and records set.Readers are free to pick who they consider the greatest Nigerian female athlete of all-time.

Ajunwa may not be the most decorated Nigerian female athlete of all time but her feat at the Olympics in Atlanta where she leapt to an historic gold medal in the long jump pit has made her a candidate for the greatest Nigerian female athlete of all time award.

Ajunwa’s road to Olympic glory started in 1990 when she jumped 6.46m to place fifth at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Two years later,she jumped an impressive 6.90m in Lagos to serve notice of a big star in the making.She was unfortunately off the scene for the following four years.

Ajunwa however returned with a big bang in 1996.She began her Olympic conquest with a 6.81m leap in the qualifiers before returning the following day to make the most important leap of her athletics career,a massive 7.12m in her very first jump in the final.

It was a new Nigerian and African record.The first long jump medal by an African woman at the Olympics.

The first and so far only individual Olympic gold medal by a Nigerian in the history of the Games!.

Ajunwa proved her feat in Atlanta was not by happenstance as she went to the IAAF World Indoor Championships the following year in Paris,France to make the podium again.

This time she was beaten to the gold by Fiona May,the Italian she defeated to win Olympic gold just a year earlier.Her 6.80m leap was however good enough for a silver medal finish.

She was on her way to becoming the first Nigerian woman to win a medal at the IAAF World Championships indoors and out before injury cut short her historic ambition in Athens at the outdoor championships where her 7.01m leap was the best in the qualifiers.

Ajunwa also holds the Nigerian indoor 60m (7.02 seconds) and long jump (6.97m) records.

Onyali was the greatest sprinter that came out of the African continent in the 1980s and 90s. She dominated the Nigerian and African sprint scene for nearly two decades but it is her global accomplishments that made

her a candidate for the award of greatest Nigerian female athlete of all time.

Onyali led the Nigerian 4x100m relay team to a historic bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympics. It was historic because it was the first time an African nation made the podium in the event.

Four years later, Onyali ran the race of her life to win her first and only individual Olympic medal-a bronze in the 200m. She instantly became the first Nigerian to win two medals at the Olympics.

She followed it up with a 100m bronze at the IAAF World Cup in Athletics in Johannesburg in 1998,running 11.05 seconds behind Marion Jones (10.65) and Bahamas’ Chandra Sturrup (10.97).

Four years earlier,she led an allNigerian 4x100m quartet to win gold for Africa in the IAAF World Cup in London.She won a bronze medal in the 100m at the competition.

She however began her five-medal winning spree in the competition in 1989 in Barcelona where she won two silver medals in the 100m and 200m.

What has eluded her in her storied career is a global individual title as she was also beaten to the gold medal at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Athens,Greece in 1986 by her compatriot, Falilat Ogunkoya.

What Alozie lacks in size, she made up for with an incredible talent that made her a household name in the 100m hurdles globally.

She began her race to stardom as an U20 athlete,racing to a silver medal finish at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Sydney,Australia in 1996.

The following year,she became the third Nigerian woman to run a sub-13 seconds over the 100m hurdles after Taiwo Aladefa (12.87 in 1995) and Angela Atede (12.63 in June,1997).

It was in 1998 that Alozie showed her true elements as she broke the Nigerian and African record thrice.

She started with an impressive 12.46 seconds in Salamanca,Spain in July before improving twice in August to 12.44 seconds,first in Monaco at the Herculis Zepter and then at the Memmorial Van Damme in Brussels,Belgium.

She was a world champion in the event at the IAAF World Cup in Athletics in Johannesburg,South Africa after winning a silver medal at the Grand Prix Final in Moscow, Russia. That year,Alozie won 15 of

all 17 races she competed in and was deservedly named the year’s best sprint hurdler by the influential Track and Field News.

If 1998 was spectacular,the following year was extra-special.

This was the year she made history as the first and so far only Nigerian woman to win a medal at the IAAF World Championships indoors and out.

She began the year with a new 7.82 seconds African record in the 60m hurdles in February before going to Maebashi, Japan a month later to win a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships.

In the summer of the same year,she equalled her personal best and African record (12.44 seconds) to win a silver medal in the 100m hurdles

Mary Onyali final at the IAAF World outdoor championships in Seville, Spain.

In 2000,she made history as the first Nigerian woman to make the podium at both the Olympics and the IAAF World Championships when she raced to a silver medal finish in the 100m hurdles at the Sydney Olympics.

Alozie’s incredible achievements donning the green and white colours of Nigeria was achieved in just three years-1998 to 2000 before switching allegiance to Spain.

Fali, as she is fondly callled is one of the greatest quartermilers the African continent has ever produced and also one of the most decorated.

She is one of the very few Nigerian athletes who have been crowned world champions.

Fali first showed signs of a star in the making in 1986 when she outran

Glory Alozie compatriot,Mary Onyali to win the 200m title at the inaugural edition of the IAAF (now World Athletics) World Junior Championships in Athens, Greece.

She followed it up with an IAAF World Cup (now Continental Cup) bronze in 1989 in Barcelona, Spain before prematuredly quitting the sport later that year.

Fali would however return in 1995 to begin an incredible journey to real stardom. After becoming the first set of Nigerian nay African

400m runners (with Fatimah Yusuf) to race in the final of the event at World Athletics’ flagship event,the World Championships (in 1995 in Gothenburg,Sweden),Fali would go on to race in three more finals.

A 50.31 seconds runner in 1995,Fali made history in 1996 at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia,USA where she became the first Nigerian track and field athlete to win an individual medal courtesy her bronze medal feat in the 400m.Her bronze-winning 49.10 seconds finish remains the fastest in the Nigerian and African all-time list.

She also led Team Nigeria’s 4x400m quartet to a silver medal finish and a 3.21.04 seconds Nigerian and African record.In the process she became the first and so far only Nigerian to win two medals at the same Games.

If 1996 was spectacular for this two-time African 400m queen and the second Nigerian woman to successfully complete a 200m/400m double in African championships history,1998 was her crowning glory at the time as the greatest African 400m runner in history. It was the year she was crowned the best at the IAAF World Cup in South Africa and the Grand Prix Final in Moscow.It was also the year she was ranked the best 400m runner in the world and joint fourth in the overall women’s ranking (with compatriot,Charity Opara),a feat no other Nigerian has achieved in the international circuit.

Falilat Ogunkoya In 1999, Fali raced to a silver medal finish at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan to become the first and only Nigerian 400m runner to run in the final of the event indoors and out.She broke 50 seconds a record 19 times,13 more than Charity Opara and 16 more than Fatimah Yusuf.

Unarguably one of the greatest sprinters the African continent has ever produced,Okagbare carved indelible niches for herself on the track and in the field and her accomplishments have made her one of the candidates for Nigeria’s greatest female athletes of all time award. But is she the greatest in Nigeria?

She is the second Nigerian woman after Glory Alozie to win medals at track and field’s two biggest stages viz the IAAF World Championships where she became the first to win two medals at the same championships and the Olympics where her fortuitous bronze win later transformed to silver.

Okagbare began as a jumper,both long and triple.While she won both global and continental medals in the long jump,she set a Nigerian record in the triple jump-14.13m (record broken barely three months later by Chinonye Ohadugba).

Her journey to stardom began at the 2008 Olympics where she won a silver medal in the long jump event.

Blessing Okagbare She served notice of her talent a year earlier at the African Games in Algiers where she leapt to a 6.46m silver medal finish.It was also the year she became the first Nigerian woman to hit the 14m mark in the triple jump courtesy that 14.13m leap at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos in May. All eyes were on her to follow in the footsteps of Chioma Ajunwa and probably break the 7.12m African record in the long jump. But destiny and coach Bob Kittens saw the sprinter in her and the very attractive Okagbare grabbed the opportunity to race to stardom on the track with both hands.

After showing how good a sprinter she was in 2010 when she won the 100m and long jump titles at the NCAA championships final, the longlegged Okagbare took her talent to the the global stage.

In 2013 she made history on two fronts viz the 100m and long jump.

In the 100m she became the first Nigerian nay African woman to legally break 10.90 seconds when she set a new 10.86 Nigerian and African record.

Barely 90 minutes or so later, she rewrote her history books as she stopped the clock at 19.79 seconds at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in London.It was the first time a Nigerian and African woman would also break 10.80 seconds in the blue ribband event!.

That same year,Okagbare made history as the second Nigerian nay African woman to hit the 7m mark in the long jump after jumping 7.00m to win at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco.

She also made history not only as the first Nigerian to win medals in both track (200m) and field (Long Jump) events but also the first to win two medals in IAAF World Championships history.

Okagbare has raced inside 11 seconds a record 18 times,16 more than Mary Onyali and 17 more than Glory Alozie,the two other Nigerians who have legally broken 11 seconds in the blue ribband event.

PAGE 30

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NFF plans to snatch Saka from England

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he Nigeria Football Federation are looking to tempt Bukayo Saka to snub England and play for the Super Eagles.

Saka has had an excellent campaign at Arsenal and recently penned a new long-term contract at the club.

The 18-year-old made his Gunners first-team debut under former head coach Unai Emery.

He has reportedly caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate with his displays for Arsenal.

Saka has represented England at youth level but is still undecided

on the country he will play for at the senior level.

According to the Daily Mail, the NFF are prepared to offer Saka an invitation to play for the Super Eagles ahead of England.

The versatile winger currently plays England U- 19 side and is in line for promotion to the U-21s The NFF have previously been successful in getting English players born to Nigerian parents to switch their allegiance to play for Super Eagles with Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Victor Moses having chosen to represent the three-time African champions.

Bukayo Saka

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

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Indiscipline cut short Sunday Mba’s career - Amokachi

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ormer Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Amokachi says indiscipline and a failed move to French Ligue 1 club Girondis Bordeaux affected Sunday Mba’s career.

Mba shone at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored two goals, including matchwinner against the Stallions of Burkina Faso, which helped the Super Eagles clinch the the trophy for the third time in their history.

The midfielder last played for Yeni Malatyaspor in 2017 and has been without a club since he was released by the Turkish outfit.

“I spoke with Mba three weeks ago when Ahmed Musa was in Nigeria. Musa called me and said other guys like Sunday Mba and Emmanuel Emenike were with him and they were reminiscing about their time in the (national team) camp and we all laughed about it,” Amokachi told Brila FM. “Mba has been going back and forth. He played in the second division in Turkey , he was playing, I think his lifestyle didn’t help him a bit and the contract he had in France after the A FCON destabilised him a bit.

“Uptill today, we don’t know

Sunday Mba what really happened, with the Bordeaux deal, only Mba and those involved can really tell us what happened and why the deal didn’t work out and things just broke away from him.

“But I think he is a quality player and probably age is not on his side but I think he can give the world few years of quality football

if he really want to do that.”

The 31-year-old played for Nigeria Professional Football League clubs Rangers and Warri Wolves before joining French side Bastia in 2014.

Mba then moved to Turkey to team up with Yeni Malatyaspor before he was released on September 2017.

Pinnick commends adhoc committee on late Martins as panel submits report

By Albert Akota

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resident of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick yesterday praised the efforts of the Federation’s Adhoc Committee on Safety and Security, set up to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of Nasarawa United player, Chineme Martins during an NPFL game in Lafia on 8th March 2020, and to recommend stronger safety, security and medical protocols for matches within the country.

At the virtual presentation yesterday, Chairman of the committee, Dr. Peter Singabele (a former Member of the NFF Executive Committee and presently Member of the CAF Committee on Sports Medicine), enunciated the committee’s key findings, submissions and recommendations at both the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City and the Lafia City Stadium where it visited, as well as short-term, medium-term and

long-term recommendations to forestall such heartbreaking incident in the future.

In his response, Pinnick was categorical that the country’s supreme football –governing body would study the nittygritty of the committee’s recommendations with a view to implementing all.

“I want to give kudos to the Chairman and Members of this committee for the thorough job they have done. I am not surprised because we brought together perhaps the best team possible in the land for such an assignment.

“Your job was made more arduous given that it was at a time of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, and at a time, it was only your committee that was doing any work in football.

Yet, you never wavered in painstakingly attending to every detail of the assignment.”

The NFF boss said that the Federation would convey the full report, after it must have been signed by the members and

at the resumption of football activities in the country, to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare. He also assured that the NFF will compel all the relevant organs concerned with security, safety and medical protocols at domestic matches to up their game, while insisting that any club that fails to comply one hundred per cent with the requirements of the Club Licensing regulations will be barred from competing in the league.

“If at the end of the day, we have to scale down to playing league matches in only a few stadia that can provide functional ambulances and qualified medical personnel with capable referral hospitals, so be it.”

Among the committee’s key findings were: Nasarawa United FC, late Chineme Martins’ club, had neither a medical doctor nor a physiotherapist, with a retired community health assistant heading its medical team, and this led to the mismanagement of

the rescucitation process; there was no functional ambulance at the stadium as at the time of the incident, which led to a faulty evacuation process, and the player died before he could reach the hospital and; Nasarawa FA and Nasarawa United FC failed in their duties to put in place emergency medical services for the match.

However, following the refusal of the family of the deceased player to allow for a post-mortem examination on the corpse, the committee could not make a categorical statement on the actual cause of death.

Among the committee’s recommendations are: that all clubs should have a minimum of one qualified medical officer and a physiotherapist; all club players must undergo mandatory PCMA in line with CAF and FIFA standards; clubs must keep adequate medical records of players and officials and; there must be mandatory pre-season basic medical screening.

There were also

recommendations on what home teams must provide before games should start; safety and security precautions to be assured by the State Football Association and; sanctions for Nasarawa FA and Nasarawa United FC. “The Nasarawa FA should be temporarily suspended from hosting all NFF-organized matches (including domestic league matches) until some clearly stated conditions are met.

The player must be immortalized.

Nasarawa United FC should pay a fine of N10million to the LMC for non-compliance with Club Licensing Regulations and violation of NPFL Framework and Rules, and should pay all financial entitlements of the late Martins immediately, including arrears of salaries and insurance benefits, if any.

“The NFF should empower its Medical Committee, Technical Committee, Club Licensing Department and the LMC to exercise fully their statutory powers and functions,” Dr. Singabele added.

Enugu State on Friday.

A wake held at his family compound in Obinagu Uno Akpugo on Thursday, preparatory to be final burial of one of the most charismatic and eloquent football administrators Nigeria has ever produced.

Football administrators,

government functionaries, stakeholders, friends and family members were on hand Tuesday, as a service of songs was held in his honour at his Akutu Crescent, Independence Layout, Enugu residence.

Family members have confirmed that the body of

Okenwa, who was also Chairman of the Nigeria National League and Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association before his death, would be taken to Saint Stephen’s Methodist Church before final internment on Friday.

The Nigerian Football

family continues to mourn a diligent, industrious and cerebral administrator, who exemplified simplicity and humanity in everything he did, and approached tasks and projects with gusto, humility and the adorable spirit of a team player.

Okenwa to be buried today

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he remains of the Member of NFF Executive Committee, Hon. Chidi Ofo Okenwa, who died on Tuesday, 5th May 2020 after a brief illness, will be interred at his country home, Obinagu Uno Akpugo in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, JULY 31, 2020

Page 31

. . . putting the people first

friday, JULY 31, 2020

SPORTS latest

Arsenal ready to offer Aubameyang new £250,000-a-week deal

A

rsenal are ready to offer club captain, PierreEmerick Aubameyang, a new £250,000-a-week contract in a bid to keep him at the club.

Aubameyang has one-year left on his current deal but Mikel Arteta is desperate to keep the Gabonese star as he considers him vital to making the club top-four contenders once more.

And according to The Telegraph Arsenal, are set to put their improved contract offer to the striker in the next few days but must convince him they are willing to back Arteta in the transfer market.

Aubameyang currently earns £198,000-a-week but improved offer would still see the 31-year-old on less money than the club’s highest earner Mesut Ozil, who is on £350,000-a-week.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker has been linked with a move to Barcelona as well as other European clubs including Inter Milan and Manchester United.

But Aubameyang has formed a close relationship with Arteta since the Spaniard took over in December and is willing to consider signing a new deal at the Emirates.

The Gunners will have another season without Champions League football and are set to finish outside the top six for the first time since 1995.

Aubameyang has 20 Premier League goals this season and is three behind top scorer and Leicester City’s striker Jamie Vardy.

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Prof. Alao, Adeleke University VC, takes a bow A

nything with a beginning, must have an end. For Prof. Samuel Ekundayo Alao, that truism manifested on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 when he bowed off the stage as ViceChancellor of Adeleke University, Ede. Osun state after a four year tenure - a journey he started in 2016. He achieved remarkable milestones, including securing approval for 40 postgraduate programmes, producing two sets of MSC graduates, with the first set PhD students graduating next semester. The appreciative assemblage at the July 22 exit ceremony gave him encomiums.

Like all his transitions, this was also smooth as he handed over to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Solomon Adebola, who was part of the team he brought from Babcock University in 2016.

Generally known as Prof.

Dayo Alao, this Professor of Mass Communication has the uniqueness of being a journalist who reached the peak in media hierarchy as acting chairman/ CEO of the iconic Daily Times newspaper and also reached the peak in academia as a ViceChancellor. He is part of trail blazing journalists/media practitioners turned academics who are making waves in the Ivory Towers – Prof. Femi Onabajo, former Vice-Chancellor, Lead City University, Ibadan, a former NTA broadcaster, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, who cut his journalistic teeth at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Prof. Innocent Okoye, HOD, Mass Communication Department, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, a former newspaper editor. Prof.

Alao was among the foundation members of an organization serving as a bridge between media academics and media practitioners – The Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria ( ACSPN) which has Prof. Lai Oso, another former journalist of the News Agency of Nigeria, as president.

Prof. Alao started out as a reporter with the Daily Times in the mid 1970s at a time when the Doyen of Journalism in Nigeria, Alhaji Babatunde Jose, was experimenting with recruiting university graduates into journalism, a field that had been dominated by those with secondary school education or

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GUEST Column BY Dr. Bisi Olawunmi less. Among the graduate pioneers were Prince Tony Momoh, who later became Minister of Information, Idowu Sobowale, later Prof. Sobowale, Dr. Doyin Aboaba, Dr Hezy Idowu and Mr. Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, the celebrated master of stylistic writing. Prof. Alao who joined Daily Times with a Bachelors degree in religious studies from the relatively unknown Adventist College of West Africa in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun state, was apparently intimidated by this array of swaggering stars and felt he also deserves to swagger. So, off he went to the United States . He studied with a vengeance earning a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication, two masters degrees - in Mass Communication and Political Science and two PhD degrees also in Mass Communication and Political Science. With such formidable academic armament, it was no surprise that on his rejoining the Daily Times , he had a meteoric rise, culminating in his chairmanship of the organization, in acting capacity.

Prof. Alao hails from Oke-Oyi in Ilorin East LGA of Kwara state and Kwara people are perceived more as traders, but this is one of those Kwarans who don’t follow the trodden path. He had mapped out a post-media career in academia, hence while in the Daily Times he had been part-time Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos and the Times Journalism Institute, in Iganmu, Lagos. So, when in the early 2000s he joined Babcock University, IlishanRemo, it was a smooth transition and a home coming of sort. It was the old Adventist College, his alma mater, that has transformed to Babcock University. His meteoric rise had continued at Babcock University, earning him Professorship, Deanship and Deputy Vice-Chancellorship in rapid succession.

Prof. Alao and I have connections – we both started our journalism careers in the Daily Times in the mid 70s and my daughter and his son were both pioneer students of Mass Communication at Babcock University, where he was HOD. A go-getter, he persuaded me for us to jointly author a book on News Reporting, always pointing out that my experience as a Foreign Correspondent in the United States, based in Washington D.C, for four years will greatly enrich such book. That book got published in 2014 while he was Deputy ViceChancellor at Babcock University and I was at Bowen University, Iwo. Osun State. I had literally gone to sleep about academics until I joined Bowen University in 2008 and a Masters degree became inadequate. So, that same 2008, I enrolled for the PhD Programme at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. We finished the course work there, had our results, then crisis erupted and all the professors left and we could not continue.

Prof. Alao came to the rescue by facilitating our transfer to Babcock University to be part of its pioneer PhD class. And to top it all, he became my Project Supervisor !! That was in 2010, graduating in 2012.

At Adeleke University, Prof.

Alao was like a father-figure to staff and students and was able to maintain a crisis-free tenure. He is humility personified. He taught courses in Mass Communication Department, in spite of his heavy workload as VC, and will always submit his results on time. I joined Adeleke University in October 2016.

There are unique circumstances to Prof. Alao’s position at Adeleke University, one of which is the lesson to treat the young with kind sensitivity because you don’t know how far they will go in life. Prof.

Dayo, right from his early days, was an epitome of humility and a teacher

who treated his students well, was remembered and appreciated.

Adeleke University was founded by one of his former students at the Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School, Ede, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke. In recognition of the sterling qualities of his former teacher, Dr. Adeleke had appointed him as chairman of the planning committee for the university. He had worked with others to secure the licence and had been part of the Governing Council until four years ago when the proprietor invited him to help take the institution to higher level.

When he came in, there were 14 undergraduate programmes which he increased to 41. There was no postgraduate programme.

At his exit, there were 40. Some describe universities owned by sole proprietors as ‘’private-private’’, meaning that such proprietors lord it over the university management, requiring a special accommodative temperament by Vice-Chancellors to manage the relationship. Thank God, Prof. Alao is not one to lose his cool, whatever the challenges, and the proprietor of Adeleke University, Dr. Deji Adeleke, is also reputed as respectful, hence the amity that prevailed in four years of Prof. Alao’s tenure such that at his exit, he can proudly proclaim : Mission accomplished.

Dr. Bisi Olawunmi, former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is Acting HOD, Department of Mass Communication, Adeleke University, Ede. Email: olawunmibisi@ yahoo.com Phone ( SMS ONLY) 0803 364 7571.

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FG: DISCOs have failed, incapable of power supply -News

Say the truth please

Sack them!

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