THURSDAY 13TH JANUARY 2022

Report: 1.88m NMSMEs Killed by COVID-19, Insecurity, Others Sub-sector’s contribution to GDP drops by 3.5%

James Emejo in Abuja The total number of Nano, Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (NMSMEs) operating in the country dropped by about

1.88 million to 39.65 million in 2020, compared to about 41.54 million in 2017, a new survey has shown.

According to the 2020 National NMSME report, authored by the

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector also witnessed a 3.5 per cent drop in its contribu-

tions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The survey, however, stated that the sub-sector’s contribution to employment increased by 3.7 per cent within the review period.

The survey findings attributed the decline in total number of enterprises to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the worsening insecurity in the country as well as the negative impact of

the open global competitiveness on local enterprises.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Abuja, the Director GenContinued on page 39

214 Days After, President Unbans Twitter... Page 39 Thursday 13 January, 2022 Vol 26. No 9774. Price: N250

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Buhari: Alao-Akala Served Nigeria, Oyo with Dedication

Makinde cancels state event to mourn predecessor Obasanjo, Jonathan, Atiku, Tinubu, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, others pay tributes

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti, and James

Sowole in Abeokuta President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, commiserated with the family of former governor of Oyo

State, Otunba Christopher AlaoAkala, and the government and people of the state on the demise of the ex-governor. Alao-Akala, who was governor of Oyo State

between 2007 and 2011, died at his Ogbomoso country home early yesterday at 71.

A statement by the family, signed by his son, Olamijuwonlo

Alao-Akala, said their father died peacefully.

The statement read, "With humble acceptance of the will of God, we announce the passing of our

grandfather, father, husband, and leader, His Excellency, Otunba (Dr.) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, JP, Continued on page 8

FG Sends 6-man Delegation to Zamfara, Says Recent Killings Extremely Unfortunate Vows terrorists’ days are numbered Matawalle calls for comprehensive review of fighting strategy Lawan flays incessant bloodbath across country Says Nigerians are tired of stories on carnage Wants military to address security challenges Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has described as “extremely unfortunate” the mass killings of innocent people by bandits in Zamfara State, as he conveyed his condolences and that of his government to the people over recent bloody incidents in some communities in the state. Buhari reiterated his earlier commitment to tackle the monster of terrorism head on, assuring that the terror will not survive for much longer.

The president gave the assurance in a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, following a condolence visit to Zamfara State by a six-man presidential delegation led by Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd).

Speaking during the visit by the presidential delegation, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State Continued on page 39

CELEBRATING LAWAN AT 63...

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan (middle), flanked by Senators while cutting his birthday cake on the occasion of his 63rd birthday celebration in Abuja... yesterday

Babangida: Okongwu’s Death Leaves Me with Painful Pang... Page 8

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

GRIEVING WITH THE SHONEKANS...

Former Chairman of PDP, Dr Barnabas Gemade (left) with the Chairman, Cisme Consulting Limited, Prince Lekan Fadina, during their condolence visit to the family of former Head of Interim National Government, late Ernest Shonekan in Lagos ... yesterday

Nigeria to Pay More for Petrol Subsidy as Oil Price Hits $85 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil prices continued their surge yesterday, hitting a two-month high amid projections that lack of production capacity and limited investment in the sector could lift crude between $90 and $100 a barrel this year.

Specifically, tight supply and easing concerns about the potential hit to demand from the Omicron combined to jack up prices as Brent sold for $85.04 a barrel yesterday and the United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up to $82.90.

But the news is both good and bad for Nigeria which should ordinarily earn more foreign exchange from the sale of crude, but now has to contend with paying more for petrol subsidy.

There is a positive relationship between the international prices of the commodity and the pump price of the petrol in Nigeria.

On December 22, the National Assembly approved a N17.126 trillion ($38 billion) budget for 2022, anchored on an oil price

benchmark of $62 per barrel.

The approved oil price assumption was higher than the $57 per barrel price that President Muhammadu Buhari had proposed to the parliament on October 7, and also higher than the oil price benchmark of $40 per barrel adopted by the government for the 2021 budget.

Nigeria retained the oil production target of 1.88 million bpd, including condensate production of between 300,000400,000 bpd, for the purpose of its revenue calculation in 2022.

While oil exports account for about 80 per cent of Nigeria's foreign exchange revenue, the country has battled with a sharp drop in revenue amid a drop in crude oil production for months.

Potentially, Nigeria has the capacity to pump around 2.2 million bpd of crude and condensate, but in recent months its output has been weakened to below 1.55 million bpd.

The country's crude oil production averaged 1.42 million bpd in November, according to

an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) survey. So, Nigeria has not been able to reap the expected gains since the country cannot meet its allocation.

Brent prices have not touched $90 and $100 since 2014, when they were retreating from a record high above $115 to as low as $57 by the end of the year.

The OPEC+ oil producers have continued to hold back more than three million barrels per day (bpd) in output, although it continues to raise output targets each month.

Meanwhile, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has upgraded its oil demand outlook, for the Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), saying that crude oil prices will fall from 2021 levels.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the price of Brent crude oil, the international pricing benchmark, averaged $79 per barrel. “We forecast that the price of Brent will average $75 per barrel in 2022 and $68 per barrel in 2023,” the EIA stated.

The agency said it expects

global petroleum production to increase by 5.5 million bpd in 2022, driven by production increases in the United States, OPEC, and Russia, which together account for 84 per cent, or 4.6 million bpd, of the growth.

“We forecast increased tight oil production in the United States and gradually increasing crude oil production from OPEC+ (which includes OPEC members and Russia) will account for most of the increased crude oil production,” it added.

According to the organisation, global petroleum consumption will increase by 3.6 million bpd in 2022, driven by more consumption in the United States and China, which together account for 39 per cent of the consumption growth.

Also, Morgan Stanley in a note, stated that with the prospect of depleting crude inventories and low spare capacity by the second half of 2022, and limited investments in the oil and gas sector, the market will have little margin of safety.

In the same vein, JPMorgan

Court Reserves Ruling in Case against NLNG, Former MD Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A Rivers State Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt has reserved ruling in a case of alleged obtaining by false pretence brought against the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), its former Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, and General Counsel, Akachukwu Nwokedi, for February 7, 2022.

Arguments commenced at the Magistrate Court, Port Harcourt, before Justice Blessing Vick-Jumbo, in respect of the preliminary objection filed by the NLNG, Attah, and Nwokedi, regarding the criminal summons, issued against them by one of its vendors, Macobarb International Ltd and its Managing Director, Mr Ogboru Shedrak, as complainants.

The preliminary objection dated December 8, 2021, was supported with an affidavit and a further affidavit dated 8th and 20th December 2021 respectively.

Arguing the objection in court, Dr. Bayo Adaralegbe submitted that the complaint was based on a

contract awarded by NLNG to the vendor, which NLNG terminated due to lack of performance.

The vendor had petitioned at least 10 federal and state government agencies, characterising the dispute between the parties as one of breach of contract. He submitted that the facts could not have given rise to the offence as obtaining by false pretence under the Criminal Code of Rivers State as alleged by the complaint.

The counsel to the NLNG argued further that the complaint failed to satisfy Section 89(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State, which stipulated that there had to first be a police investigation before the court could deal with private prosecution.

He argued further that based on Section 92 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the complaint was statute barred, and having been filed outside the maximum six years permitted by law and urged the court to quash the charge.

Responding, Mr. M. Uzoma, who

appeared for the complainants, argued that despite the objection, the court should proceed with prosecution.

An oil services firm, Macobarb International Limited and two others, had dragged the NLNG Limited and two others – Attah and Nwokedi –before a Rivers State Magistrate Court over an alleged breach of contract.

In a criminal summons before the court and filed by the firm against NLNG, the firm claimed infractions through obtaining by false pretence.

"Complaint has been made this day by Macobarb International Limited and Ogboru Shedrack, that you, Nigeria LNG Ltd, on the various dates inclusive the month of April, 2018 and December, 2020 and at various fora, inclusive in Bayelsa and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, of the above mentioned Magisterial District did: "By way of false pretence, fraudulent tricks and misrepresentations ‘which you knew to be false working in conjunction with

NIGERIA LNG LTD and Mr. Tony Attah, prompted the complainants to mobilise both equipment and personnel to the contract site at their expense on false representation that they would be paid on 'work done' as defined in your contract documents with monetary valuation of 'work done' assessed at various sums inclusive that of N32,079,723.10, N33,588,401.76 amongst other monetary sums incurred by the complainants and of which the complainants were tricked and not paid.

"You are hereby summoned to appear before the Chief Magistrate Court Sitting at Court 12 PH on the - 9th day of December, 2021 at the hour of 9am to answer to the said complaint", it said.

But, an affidavit filed in support of its preliminary objection by Mr. Toochukwu Nwankwo, of the law firm of Babalakin and Co, on behalf of the defendants, said the counter affidavit deposed to by the 2nd Respondent, Ogboru Shedrack, was false and calculated to mislead the court.

analysts said Wednesday that they could see oil prices rising by up to $30 after the EIA lowered OPEC capacity estimates for 2022 by 0.8 million barrels per day (bpd) and 1.2 million bpd respectively.

The bank added that it also expects oil prices to "overshoot" to $125 a barrel this year, and $150 in 2023.

In the same vein, Rystad Energy's said if OPEC was disciplined and wanted to keep the market tight, it could boost prices to $100.

But the Omani Oil Minister, Mohammed Al Rumhi, has agreed

with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari that oil at $100 may be bad for the market. "The world is not ready for that," Al Rumhi was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

Kyari had said that the commodity at $50 to $60 was good for Nigeria, so as not to compel its customers to begin the search for alternatives.

Standard Chartered, meanwhile, has raised its 2022 Brent forecast by $8 to $75 a barrel and its 2023 Brent forecast by $17 to $77.

FG Urged to Seek Debt Relief to Promote Access to Universal Health Coverage Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The National Summit on COVID-19 has urged the federal government to galvanise other nations to demand for debt relief from international creditors so that such resources could be funneled towards improving access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and building national bio-security.

The resolution was one of the issues adopted by stakeholders and members of the international community involved in the national response towards ending the pandemic.

In a communiqué released yesterday following the summit held in Abuja, participants noted it was auspicious for Nigeria to take such step given the impact of COVID-19 on developing economies, which had worsened their debt situation.

Among other resolutions, the federal government was urged to consider building a structure for the management of national bio-security in view of the global experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as sustain the current level of engagement with the organised private sector in strengthening the health sector.

The participants also wanted the “One Health” Strategy and the requirements under the international health regulation to be pursued vigorously.

The summit with the theme: “Pushing through the last mile to end the pandemic and build back better,” called on government to strengthen the collaboration between the national and sub-national entities for improved partnership on primary health care delivery and vaccination uptake.

In addition, it recognised the need for building the capacity for local vaccine manufacturing and ramping up of COVID 19 vaccination uptake in the country.

Also the stakeholders emphasised the need for the strengthening the Accountability Framework for COVID-19 Response and Health Security in Nigeria, fill identifiable gaps in governance and resourcing and noted the significant role for the private sector in bridging resource gaps on national health security.

The communiqué was drafted

by Coordinator Africa Health Budget (for Coalition of CSOs), Dr. Aminu Magashi; representative of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Frank Mounemeh; the Cross River State Health Commissioner, Dr. Betta Edu; Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe and Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

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NEWS

STANDING WITH ZAMFARA PEOPLE...

L-R: Director General National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai: Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, during a condolence visit by the Federal Government delegation to Zamfara over the January 5, massacre ... yesterday

Report: Solar Adoption in Nigeria, Socio-economic Game Changer Peter Uzoho The use of solar energy to power businesses has been found to significantly improve the socioeconomic status of Nigerians, according to findings of a study conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and All-On- a Shell-funded impact investment company.

The study was conducted to analyse the impact of solar energy implementations on health, education and food security

outcomes as well as its effect on the environment and commercial activity in the country.

The study assessed the developmental benefits that Nigeria had already realised from its limited solar installations and what impact could be achieved from scaled deployment by engaging six different user groups across five socioeconomic dimensions.

According to the study, the Nigerian solar off-grid market was among the fastest-growing in Africa, increasing at a 22

percent average annual rate during the past five years, but has underperformed its peers in Africa in penetration of off-grid solar – and has a long way to go before its solar market could be considered robust.

“Nigeria’s installed photovoltaic (PV) panel per capita amounts to only about 1 watt compared to an average of 8 watts in similar emerging market, indicating a big opportunity for further growth in the country. Given the dynamics favouring solar deployment in

the country, Nigeria's PV per capita could reach 5 –8 GW by 2030,” it stated.

A survey of the Nigerian Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with solar electricity showed that they witnessed a 60 to 70 per cent improvement in antenatal care coverage and a 40 to 60 per cent reduction in vaccine waste.

In addition, the report discovered that at Nigerian public boarding secondary schools that installed solar equipment, students’ study hours increased

Kwara: Customs Area Command Remitted N19bn to Federation Account in 29 Months Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Kwara State Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated and remitted over N19 billion to the federation account in the last 29 months.

The area command also disclosed that it intercepted 3,620 rounds of live ammunitions during the period under review.

The Area Comptroller of the NCS in the state, Mr. Hussaini Bello Ahmed, disclosed this in Ilorin yesterday, while speaking with journalists on the activities of the command in the last 29 months.

He explained: "The Command has generated and remitted the sum of N9, 848,505,922.48 which surpass the revenue generated in the year 2020 with N2, 942,090,047.48.

Under my leadership as the pioneer Customs Area Controller from July 2019, to December 2021 (that is about 29 Months) the command has generated and remitted N19, 159,240,134.19 to federation account."

Ahmed also said, "the command has made seizures of large quantity of ammunition packaged in 25 packs of 25 rounds each, contained in fourteen cartons, worth N1,444,000.00.

"This landmark seizure was made around Bukuro axis in Baruten local government council area of Kwara state".

He added, "Based on intelligence report, the command intercepted a Peugeot 504 vehicle with registration number AP 448 AKD. "On searching the vehicle, it was

found to contain a large quantity of pump action cartridges suspected to be smuggled into the country.

Section 149 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) of April, 1958 Cap 45 LFN 2004 (as amended) gives Customs officers powers to search vehicles/ships.

"It might also interest you to know that Arms and Ammunition is classified under schedule 4 of Absolute Prohibition List of the Common External Tariff of Nigeria Customs Service.

"This epic seizure is very commendable at the backdrop of the heightened insecurity in the country. Should 3,620 rounds of live ammunition of this magnitude escaped into the country and fall into wrong hands, the result will be appalling, devastating and disastrous. I wish to reinstate here that our intelligence network in the command is still very strong.

"We deploy intelligence in virtually all our operations and greater successes are continuously being recorded on daily basis and that had yielded positive results.

"For instance, the command at a time got credible information of large heaps of foreign parboiled rice from neighboring country, offloaded at Dagi village and Arobaji axis along Mai-gida Road both in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, about to be smuggled into different parts of the country.

"We immediately mobilised officers from the command and stormed those areas. Despite resistance, threats and confronta-

tions with charms, stones and other dangerous weapons by the perpetrators of this criminal act, officers were able to evacuate a total number of 402 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, using about 21 official patrol vehicles to convey the goods to the Command Headquarters."

Ahmed said further: "We wish to reiterate that the continuous attack on our officers will not deter us from performing our legitimate duties in Kwara State.

"I want to warn the perpetrators of this act to desist as any method or techniques used will be uncovered.

"We will continue to confront

the challenges that militate against our successes and build on the achievements made so far in the course of carrying out our mandate."

He, however, said that, "Within the period under review, the Command has recorded 101 seizures as against corresponding year 2020 with 84 seizures.

"These include 2,971 bags of foreign par boiled rice, 3,620 live cartridges as earlier mentioned above with a suspect 420 Jeri cans of petrol, 39 used vehicles, 20 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 17 motorcycles used as a means of conveyance of foreign parboiled rice and petrol.”

by over 200 percent and the number of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) teaching hours rose by 30 per cent.

Also, the study showed that farmers that adopted solarpowered cold storage reduced postharvest loss (PHL) for perishable goods by up to 30 per cent.

Furthermore, the study revealed that around 500,000 Nigerian households (1.25% of total households) use solar energy, which resulted in upwards of 160,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions being avoided.

“In markets that have been powered by solar panels in Nigeria, the study found that there is a 20 to 40 percent increase in operating hours of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) and that they avoided the substantial inventory and sales losses resulting from fires caused by generators,” it stated.

Commenting on the findings, the Managing Director and Partner, BCG (West Africa), and Head of BCG Nigeria, Tolu Oyekan, said installing solar in 18,000 PHCs that do not otherwise have access to reliable power could increase antenatal care coverage from current levels of 50 to 70 per cent of pregnant women and with improved refrigeration vaccine wastage would be reduced by

as much as 20 per cent.

He also projected that providing solar to about 1,200 public boarding schools would increase average student study hours across the country from about 8 hours to 18 hours per week and improve ICT teaching hours by as much as 60 percent.

Oyekan added, “Based on current solar-powered cold storage adoption data, by electrifying 600,000 Nigerian farmers who currently don’t have cold storage facilities PHL could be slashed by as much as 60 percent, producing enough additional food to feed 6.5 million people annually.

“Assuming solar penetration among households in Nigeria reaches peer nation average of about 30 percent by 2030, an additional 5 million tonnes of CO2 can be avoided as emissions from households would be reduced by nearly 30 percent.

“Deploying solar to around 15 to 20 million MSMEs in markets without reliable grid electricity could increase income at these companies by $7 billion to $10 billion, some 40 percent of annual MSME earnings.”

BCG and All-On discovered that improvement in access to capital for consumer solar purchases, simplified import policies and skills development are required for Nigeria to fully experience the socioeconomic benefits of solar energy.

AuGF Indicts NPA over Unremitted Funds to FG Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation has indicted the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) over its failure to recover and remit N40.126 billion, $921.636 and £289,931.82 to the government’s treasury from various revenue sources in the 2019 financial fiscal year.

These were contained in 13 audit queries for the NPA signed by the Auditor-General, Adolphus Aghughu and submitted to the National Assembly for further legislative action.

The report disclosed that an agreement signed between NPA and various terminal operators

stated that, "a fixed annual payment of a sum as specified in the schedule be paid in 12 equal installments in each operating year, the first installment to be paid on the first day of the month after the effective date and then, on the same date of every month thereafter."

It also stated that the terminal operators failed to comply with the lease agreements in terms of their obligations relating to payment of fixed fees over the period, thereby holding back $852,093,730.77 and N1,878,560,509.57 that should have been remitted to the NPA for the period.

It stated further that estate tenant's, shipping companies and service boats operating from the

ports were hugely indebted to the NPA to the tune of $67.425 million and N32.266 billion outstanding as rent, shipping due and service boats.

It noted that sizeable percentages of the debts were non- performing or dormant due to long period of non-settlement, leading to loss of revenue to government and possible diversion of government revenue to unauthorised users.

The Audit report also queried the irregular payment for rehabilitation of Port Harcourt port road network and water distribution system to the tune of N1.847 billion, irregular payment for the restoration of power supply to Tin Can Island Port.

It frowned at the irregularity in the award of contract for the construction of delivery and commissioning of MDPE channel marking bouys in foreign currency, irregular payment for the supply for fire alarms communication and office equipment for Lagos port complex and irregular payment for the supply of fire alarms communication and office equipment for Ikorodu lighter terminal.

The Public Accounts Committees of both Chambers of the National Assembly are expected to grill the management of the NPA on resumption with a view to recovering the missing funds as advised by the Auditor General of the Federation.

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TRIBUTES BUHARI: ALAO-AKALA SERVED NIGERIA, OYO WITH DEDICATION PSC, which occurred on Wednesday, 12th January 2022.

"Baba died peacefully in Ogbomoso at the age of 71. Omo Iya Alaro will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace Baba.

“Burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date."

Buhari, in a release by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, said AlaoAkala, as a former police officer and civilian governor with an extensive political career, served the country and the people of Oyo State with dedication, making very important contributions to the development of institutions and communities.

The president hoped that family, friends and associates, who mourned the former governor, would honour his vision of entrenching good governance in the country and passion to lift the downtrodden in the society. He prayed God Almighty to grant the departed eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.

The late All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was said to be full of life Tuesday night, during which he spent time with his children before he went to bed.

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, on learning of AlaoAkala’s passing, abruptly ended the 2022 Inter-faith Prayer Service organised by the state’s civil service.

Makinde called for a minute silence in memory of the former governor, who also served as deputy governor of the state between 2003 and 2007, and prayed to God to grant repose to his soul.

The governor condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, his political associates, and residents of the state.

Makinde stated at the inter-faith prayer meeting, “I am here with the speech prepared for this event but I have just been informed about the death of former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Akala. I pray that God grant his loved ones and all his well-wishers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Obasanjo: An Amiable Cop, Akala Was Above Narrow Precincts

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the vacuum created by the death of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala would be difficult to fill. Obasanjo urged the former governor’s admirers to put their faith in the Almighty Creator in the present situation.

In a condolence letter to the head of Akala Family in Ibadan, Obasanjo said his death "is, indeed, a grievous loss to the entire members of his family, his friends and associates, Oyo State and, indeed, the entire nation." He added that Alao-Akala as a cop transcended

narrow precincts.

Obasanjo’s letter, which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, stated, "Otunba Alao-Akala was an outstanding Nigerian and leader, who contributed immensely to the development and stability of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

"As an amiable cop, he transcended the narrow precincts of what used to be cultural limitation to tower over his peers. From a distinguished career of a crime buster, he straddled the ‘Pacesetter State’ like a colossus. His humble career as a policeman did not stymie his ascendancy to the height of a governor and, unprecedentedly, crowned him as a high achieving deputy governor, who became an acting governor and later governor.

"There seemed to be nothing stopping the effervescent enigma.

His politics had been that of a thoroughbred statesman determined to make the critical difference in the lives of the people he led and he succeeded in building confidence across a wide spectrum of the social strata and validated the mandate bestowed on him as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. Indeed, the vacuum created by his death would, undoubtedly, be difficult to fill. I assure you that we all share your sense of deep grief."

Jonathan: He Was a Committed Public Servant

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, joined other Nigerians to mourn Alao-Akala, saying the deceased was a dedicated public servant, who served the nation to the best of his abilities.

Stressing that the late politician died at a time his services were still needed, Jonathan stated, “He was a public-spirited individual, who excelled in many endeavours in both his private and public life, and never got tired of giving his best to the task of nation-building.

“As a police officer, he rose through the ranks and diligently served the nation in various capacities before retiring as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. He was a key player in the Fourth Republic politics, especially, in Oyo State, where he served as deputy governor and governor.”

The former president highlighted Alao-Akala’s considerable achievements, saying he would “be sadly missed, because he still had a lot to offer, given his experience, wisdom and determination to contribute to the development of the nation.”

Atiku: His Record as Governor Remains Enviable

Former Vice President Atiku

Gbajabiamila said Alao-Akala was at the forefront of efforts to promote progressive politics. Sending his condolences to the Alao-Akala family, the people and the government of Oyo State, the speaker prayed God to grant Alao-Akala’s soul eternal rest.

Sanwo-Olu: His Demise Has Opened a Deep Sore

The late Akala Abubakar mourned the passing of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, but took solace in his enviable record as governor.

While describing his death as a rude shock, Atiku, in a press release by his media office, said Alao-Akala was a prolific politician.

He condoled with the people and government of Oyo State on the loss of a notable leader, and urged his family and associates to take solace in the good legacies he left behind.

Tinubu: Alao-Akala’s Passing is Disheartening

National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said the death of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, a month after the death of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, was disheartening.

In a condolence statement by his media office, signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said, "I received the news of the passing of former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala, with shock and deep sadness.

"Coming a month after the death of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, the loss of Alao- Akala, another eminent son of Ogbomoso and Oyo State,

is disheartening. Alao-Akala was a leader and prominent politician, who did his best not only for his Ogbomoso hometown, but also Oyo State and Nigeria.

"He served the country meritoriously in the police force, rising to the top of the ladder before venturing into politics. As governor of Oyo State, he contributed his quota to the development of the state and tried to enhance the welfare of the people.

"Alao-Akala passed on when the state and, particularly, our All Progressives Congress, needed his services. His wisdom and experience were required to help resolve the leadership crisis in the state and weld the party together once again.”

Alao-Akala Was a Strong APC Pillar, Says Gbajabiamila

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed sadness over the death of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, and described him as a strong pillar of the APC. Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, recalled the good leadership AlaoAkala provided in Oyo State, when he served as governor, saying he made his mark in the state.

As a chieftain of the APC,

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the death of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala had opened a deep sore in the hearts of the people of Oyo State and Nigeria, who looked up to him as a rallying point and a political stabiliser.

Sanwo-Olu, who commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, and the APC family in the state, also consoled the deceased’s family, noting that the former governor’s service to the people of Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole remained his enduring legacy.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, people of Oyo State, the deceased family, friends, and political associates on the death of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.

“The passage of Otunba AlaoAkala hurts me, because of the critical role he was playing in Oyo APC before his demise. My heart was filled with grief, when I was informed about his death.

“Otunba Alao-Akala was more than a politician. He was a man of many parts, whose managerial skills and experience are required at this critical period in our national life, especially, in our party, APC, ahead of the 2023 general election.

“He served Oyo State passionately, first, as a deputy governor and later as governor. He did his best in contributing his quota to the growth and development of Ogbomoso, as council chairman as well as Oyo State as a governor. He also made his mark in the Nigeria Police, where he retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1995 before venturing into politics."

Sanwo-Olu urged the family of the deceased to take heart, saying, “The death of loved ones is usually one of the most painful episodes in peoples’ lives but we must realise that death is inevitable. We all will die someday. Therefore, we must muster enough strength to carry on.”

Alao-Akala Was a Pragmatic Leader, Says Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, condoled with the govern-

Babangida: Okongwu’s Death Leaves Me with Painful Pang He never hesitated to give Nigeria his best, says Buhari Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

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ormer military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday, expressed grief over the death of his former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Chu Okongwu, who passed on at the age of 87 years, saying his demise has left him with a painful pang.

President Muhammadu Buhari also mourned Okongwu, calling him a man of many parts, who never hesitated to give his best to Nigeria everywhere he found himself.

In a statement he personally signed, IBB, as Babangida is popularly called, said no matter how old, whenever loved ones departed, there was always a deep sense of loss and pain.

He stated, "The nostalgic feelings invoke in us grief and some sort of emotional torture. Death, the ultimate end of man, has its hurtful claws clutching at humanity, each time it strikes.

"The death of Chu Okongwu, even at age 87, leaves me with

a painful pang. Chu was one Nigerian, who was devoted and committed to nation-building, using his expertise and rich knowledge to create templates for national development.

"When our paths crossed, his intellect and humane disposition to discourse swayed my attention.

He was incisive and analytical in his deliberations. He was profound in his elocution and didactic in his delivery."

Babangida said Nigeria had lost another brilliant and intellectually fecund professional, with an amazing understanding of the world around, stressing, “Chu was a great man, and he died like all great men do.

"A super economist, Harvard trained, and also a lecturer with a deep knowledge of economics, Chu Okongwu was an exceptional brain that helped to shape the direction of our government.

"As a Minister of National Planning, he helped to create policy implementation strategies that facilitated our achievements in government. He later became Minister of Finance for four years and was able to lead us on the

The late Okongwu path of financial discipline and accountability. Chu Okongwu was a very strict professional and public servant.

"He was meticulous, and had eyes for little details. He enjoyed intellectual engagement and had specific interest in interrogating

figures. He was one of our reservoirs of knowledge on economic and financial issues.

"At 87, Chu was still in his usual elements until the sad news of his death struck me early this morning.

It is painful for me that death has snatched away one of the brightest

economists we have in Nigeria. A very exposed leader of men, whose love for Nigeria knows no bounds, Chu will be sorely missed.”

IBB prayed God to grant Okongwu eternal rest and the family the grace and piety to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Buhari, who also extended heartfelt condolences to the Okongwu family, in a release by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, joined family, friends and associates in paying tribute to him.

The president said Okongwu was “a man of many parts, who never hesitated to give his best to Nigeria as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Broadcasting Service; Sub-editor, Daily Times Nigeria; lecturer, University of Nigeria; and a Minister of National Planning and later Finance.”

Buhari believed the perspectives the late professor brought to governance and economics, which centred on improving the lives of Nigerians, would not be forgotten.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and divine comfort for his family during this difficult time.

ment and people of Oyo State on the death of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, describing him as a pragmatic leader.

Extolling the virtues of the deceased, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi said the late Alao-Akala was a colourful politician, pragmatic leader, and a man of the people in and out of office. Fayemi said he was shocked by the death of the former governor, who, according to him, was in his usual high spirit during their last meeting and showed no sign of illness.

The Ekiti State governor described Alao-Akala as an apostle of politics without bitterness and a leader, whose interaction, influence and network cut across political divides.

He noted that Alao-Akala played a prominent role in the restoration of peace to the Oyo State chapter of APC and inter-party harmony in the state.

According to Fayemi, AlaoAkala's life was defined by service to the people, first, as a police officer, rising to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, and later, as a politician, public servant, and elder statesman, whose doors were always open to the common man.

Buni: He Increased the Fortunes of APC

Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor, Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, described Adebayo Alao-Akala as a man, who increased the fortunes of APC in Oyo and the country at large.

Buni, in a statement, expressed shock over Alao-Akala’s death, stating, "The APC has received with sorrow, the death of former Governor of Oyo State and APC chieftain in the state. It is with grief and sorrow that we lost His Excellency, Alao Akala at this moment of our national life."

Buni said Alao-Akala was a national political asset that was sought after by all political parties, adding, "It is saddening that we lost this asset at a time when we commenced the process to our next general election."

He condoled with Alao-Akala’s family, the government and people of Oyo State over the huge loss.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content and senator for Oyo Central, Senator Teslim Folarin, also said he was heartbroken by the news of Alao-Akala’s death, lamenting that Oyo State has lost a phenomenal statesman.

Folarin, in a statement he personally signed, stated that the former governor's death came “at a crucial time his leadership and wise counsel are needed, especially, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

"I'm deeply heartbroken after receiving the shocking news of our leader's demise. I still could not believe that Oga Akala has left us. Who are we to question God's Decision?"

Similarly, the APC in the state described Alao-Akala’s death as sad and shocking. A statement by the Caretaker Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, said Oyo APC lost one of its pillars.

Olatunde stated, “Less than two years after the loss of His Excellency, Senator Abiola Adeyemi Akanji Ajimobi, APC in Oyo State, on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022, shockingly got the sad news of the demise of one of the pillars of the party, His Excellency, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.

“APC commiserates with party members in Oyo State and diaspora, especially, all Oyo State indigenes on the sad and shocking news.

"On behalf of the caretaker chairman of APC in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke, the state executives, and all the APC members in Oyo State, we commiserate with the family of our departed former governor."

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COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES: FOR GOD, FAMILY AND COUNTRY Ade Adefeko canvasses restoration of public trust between the armed forces and the citizenry

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wo critical elements determine the strength of a nation – the nation’s economy and its armed forces. Of course, the citizenry remains the fulcrum and major driver of the aforementioned duo. It is no coincidence that in a lot of cases, the most prosperous nations also have strong and formidable military forces. This implies that the two elements - economy and armed forces - are inexorably linked, one reinforcing the other, all things being equal.

Conversely, for struggling economies of developing nations, their military, no matter what the various governments want to do to fortify them, often remain, and sadly so, unequal in capacity, reach and sophistication in comparison with their more prosperous counterparts.

Invariably, a strong economy needs a strong military to ward off external aggressors. It is also needed to keep internal rebels and local malcontents who may want to destroy the country, for whatever reasons, at bay. This is a given, taking into cognizance the ever-increasing competitiveness of nations across the globe.

In the context of the foregoing, Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth, is no exception to the aforementioned. Ours is a developing economy whose military is also a modest one, though efforts have been made over the years by successive administrations to make it a truly formidable and competitive one.

At the continental level, the country’s military has recorded incredible feats during peacekeeping operations either through the agency of ECOWAS or the instrumentality of the African Union. At the risk of being immodest, the Nigerian military remains essentially one of the strongest armed forces on the continent despite the challenges it has been faced with in the last couple of years in the hands of outlaws hell-bent on the disintegration of the country.

As stated above, it is public knowledge that the Nigerian armed forces have been facing a lot of strain and stress for over a decade now, starting from 2009 when Boko Haram insurgency birthed in Borno State in Nigeria’s north-east before it escalated to the extent that the insurgents almost brought the nation to its knees, coupled with the menace of industrial-scale banditry in the north-west and many other forms of violent and criminal activities across the other geopolitical zones of the country.

Perhaps it is safe to say that the Nigerian armed forces - the army, navy and airforce - remain the most engaged on the continent in the last few years because of the multiple battles officers and men of the Forces have had to fight simultaneously to keep the territorial integrity of the country intact and ward off multiple forces of evil whose principal ambition is to liquidate the country. But for the sacrifices of the Nigerian military, the country might no longer be in existence as one entity today.

In the course of fighting the Islamic terrorists be they of Boko Haram ancestry or that of ISWAP as well as cross-border bandits and kidnappers, which is an asymmetric non-conventional warfare, our armed forces have suffered untold losses in human and material forms which has led to a loss of fighting morale and sometimes occasional weariness.

A couple of them have lost lives on the battlefronts while there is a handful of them suffering from one trauma or the other. Their relatives, families and dependents have also experienced grief from the loss of

TO BOOST THE MORALE OF OUR ARMED FORCES AND GINGER THEIR FIGHTING SPIRIT AND CAPACITY, THE GOVERNMENT MUST LEARN TO PRIORITIZE THEIR WELFARE, PROVIDE ADEQUATE LOGISTICS FOR THEM AND ALSO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES FOR WARFARE

these gallant men and officers of our armed forces.

There is certainly no doubt that the loss of morale will impact negatively on the fighting spirit of the men and officers of our armed forces. It is also a given that a battle-ready military is always high on morale. Therefore, the Nigerian government and the leadership of the armed forces must do everything within their fold to ensure that whatever is required to boost the morale of our military men must be done, because without them standing guard and watching over all of us, it would not take long before the country goes kaput.

To boost the morale of our armed forces and ginger their fighting spirit and capacity, the government must learn to prioritize their welfare, provide adequate logistics for them and also ensure that they are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for warfare as the terrorists and bandits are also not relenting in the acquisition of sophisticated weapons. Since the arrival of the Tucano bomber jets, one can tell there has been a significant increase in the onslaught against the murderous marauders. Kudos to the federal government in this regard. But like Oliver Twist, the Nigerian armed forces need more of such uber-ballistic missiles to exterminate these terrorists and their cousins – the so-called bandits who, on account of their heinous crimes, don’t deserve to live.

Everything must be done to continue to boost the morale of the military, through prioritization of their welfare and regular meeting of requirements that will enhance their logistics. In this regard, one must commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, whose office has devised other means, beyond the regular, to also provide support for men and officers of the armed forces and the fallen heroes, who have paid the supreme price.

The initiative by the CDS, ‘Tribute To Our Troops’ or TTOT, which debuted last year, is a welcome development and commendable intervention.

According to the brains behind it, TTOT, which is similar in concept to the United States of America’s Tributes to the Troops, is meant to “honour our fallen heroes, celebrate our serving men and women that fight endlessly to keep the territorial integrity of our dear nation Nigeria intact.’’

More tellingly, TTOT is organised to coincide with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day which is usually celebrated every January 15 by the Federal Government as a way to pay tribute to officers and men of the armed forces who have paid the supreme price in the course of their defending the territorial integrity of the country. This year’s celebration, which started on December 18th, 2021 and it’s being featured on DSTV channels, will end on January 15th. In all honesty, nothing set aside in remembrance of our fallen heroes and celebration of those in the line of battle, fighting to defend our nation, the people and our property can be said to be too much. I will say all Nigerian troops at the frontiers across the length and breadth of the country should be celebrated every day, for they truly deserve it.

Adefeko wears three caps and plays in the area of Agriculture as Vice President Corporate and Government Relations; Olam International Nigeria, Advocacy as Chairman Export Group NACCIMA, and Diplomacy as Honorary Consul of Botswana Nigeria

FOR A SMARTER AND BETTER LAGOS

The completion of the Lagos Light Rail project will open a new vista in commuting in Lagos, writes Bankole Salami

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t is trite to say Lagos leads the way among Nigerian states. Yet, it is no fault of the state that it maintains the tempo of its growth.

Given the turbulent 2020 and 2021 which saw the world hampered and recovering respectively from Covid-19, many have prayed 2022 to be a relief. And for Lagos, Nigeria’s economic heartbeat, news of a bumper year seems to have arrived early.

Speaking at the 2022 Lagos State New Year Thanksgiving Service themed, ‘Songs of Thanksgiving’, on Sunday at the Lagos House Sports Ground, Ikeja, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reeled out projects in the state to be completed and those to be embarked on within the year.

“By the special Grace of God, the vision of having the largest Rice Mill in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the largest in the world will become a reality this year,” Sanwo-Olu said at the event which had in attendance dignitaries including the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, former Lagos State governors - Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola - and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God. “Also, this year 2022 will witness a milestone achievement in the rail transportation system in our State, as we expect the 37km Red and 27.5km Blue Line Rail projects to commence commercial operations between the last quarter of this year and first quarter of 2023.

“Equally, construction work on the 38km Fourth Mainland Bridge — which will be the longest in Africa — and the Opebi-Mende link bridge will commence this year.

Aside the feats of projects, Sanwo-Olu also said 2022 will see the “completion of the ongoing reconstruction work on the 18.75km Eleko to

T-Junction in Epe, the 10km Lekki Regional Road, and the section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway that the Lagos State Government is constructing with the permission of the federal government.”

But these projects that are guaranteed to impact development of infrastructure, technology, health, education and security of Lagosians is not all the government is up to.

“These are just a handful of the projects that will be completed or advanced this year,” Sanwo-Olu said.

While all the projects mentioned by the governor are impactful, personally, I’m happy that the trains are expected to start running by the last quarter of 2022. As someone that lives in the Agege axis, this project has been dear to me. Regularly, my commute to work in Mushin and back can be described in one word - hellish. This is because as the trains run by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on that axis is epileptic and inefficient, the alternative is travelling via roads. And my major route, Agege Motor Road, is usually choked during rush hour.

But with the delivery of the dream initiated as far back as 1979 by the former and late governor of the state, Lateef Kayode Jakande, Lagosians are ready to start enjoying better transportation. While LKJ was only privileged to see a blueprint of his conception, it is nice that two years after his passing, the Blue and Red Lines of the Lagos Light Rail project would be up and running. I can’t wait to board the trains.

On Monday, January 3, 2022, Sanwo-Olu spent about four hours inspecting work at the Ikeja Train Station which has facilities for Park and Ride and commercial spaces before proceeding to Oyingbo Train Station and Marina Train Terminal.

“I’m happy to report as you all have seen that the constructions are going on as scheduled,” he said

during the inspection tour.

“Despite today being a public holiday, all the contractors are on site. “You can see where we are coming from, the Ikeja iconic station which will be the most iconic for the Red Line, almost the same size as that of Marina. We were able to see that the last time, they were just at the foundation level but they are now on the second floor before they will get to the fourth floor which will be the final.”

Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said the train project will “help to reduce congestion, have predictable travel time and improve the GDP of the state.”

According to her, the first phase of the Red Line project is expected to carry 500,000 passengers daily and once the second phase is implemented, it would commute one million passengers daily.

By considerably reducing travel time on peak periods on routes it passes, it is envisaged that the trains would be welcomed by residents and visitors whose route it passes. It would indeed open a new vista in commuting in Lagos and permanently change the tempo of life in the city-state.

Like many great cities, there is an interconnection of different transport modes and Lagos would not be different as the Red Line integrates the Bus Terminals at Oyingbo, Yaba, Oshodi, Ikeja and Iju. And with several stops along the route, it promises not just to serve on those at the extremes of the red line. For instance, someone living in Agbado and going to Ojota may simply hop on the train at Agbado and stop at Ikeja to continue their journey via bus. The same can apply for the Blue Line which runs from Okokomaiko to Marina. It is also great to know that following this, an Orange Line, which would go from Ikeja to Agbowa will happen.

Investment in transportation in a state like Lagos with over 20 million people is important.

Hence, it warms my heart that Lagos will begin construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge as well as the Opebi – Mende Link Bridge. These projects, when completed, will ease the transport needs of Lagosians. But beyond its intervention in trains and roads, the state government is also taking enormous strides in the unexpected sector of agriculture. Take the Imota Rice Mill for instance. When completed later in the year, it would be the biggest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a huge feat because despite having the smallest landmass among Nigerian states, Lagos is encouraging and investing in agriculture. As far back as the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, Lagos State has sought new frontiers for its agricultural prowess. It bought land in Osun State for farming. It also has an agreement with Kebbi State and one of the outcomes of that collaboration is LAKE Rice. With the completion of the Imota Rice Mill this year, the only way for Lagos to go will be forward.

Among Nigerian states, Lagos remains a trail blazer. However, because of its successes, it also attracts more Nigerians and foreigners, thereby increasing the burden of administering it.

In December, Lagos raised a N137.328 billion bond from the capital market for key infrastructural projects. But the brilliant thing is that the projects are visible for all to see.

While the New Year gathering saw clergy, politicians, traditional leaders among others in attendance, the real people that the actions would impact are Lagosians. As the Lagos State government is striving to make the city state smarter and better, it needs the cooperation of all Lagos residents.

Lagos can only thrive when Lagosians support it.

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EDITORIAL TACKLING MEDICAL BRAIN DRAIN Only a comprehensive review of the present conditions could make a big difference

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n a graphic display of how our country is losing its best and brightest, the General Medical Council of Britain (GMB) has revealed that 805 Nigeria-trained doctors were licensed between July and December 2021. These additions, according to the regulating body responsible for licensing doctors for practice, increased the number of Nigerian-trained specialists and consultants in the United Kingdom to 9,189. This is most worrying for a country in dire need of skilled professionals to effectively manage the sensitive health sector.

While the issue of brain drain among medical professionals is not new, the recent surge has become increasingly troubling as the trend of doctors migrating to other countries is at an all-time high. Nigeria’s polling agency, NOIPolls survey in 2017 showed that 88 per cent of the medical personnel in our country were considering work opportunities abroad. Only last September, Saudi Arabia, constantly on the lookout for our best, organised a recruitment interview for medical consultants and specialists in Abuja. The specialties TO REVERSE THE COUNTRY’S WORSENING required included anesthesia, Intensive HEALTH SECTOR, AND Care Unit (ICU), peRETAIN THE VERY BEST diatrics surgery, family PROFESSIONALS AT medicine (consultants), HOME, THE AUTHORITIES obstetrics and MUST IMPROVE THE gynecology, Ear, Nose PRESENT WORK and Throat (ENT), ENVIRONMENT Emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, and more. Agencies of the United States, Canada, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and many other countries routinely conduct recruitment exercises in a country of one doctor to more than 5000 patients, a far cry from the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended ratio of one to 600.

Just recently, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Innocent Ujah said over 50 per cent of our doctors are outside the country. “We estimate that about 80,000 Nigerians have been trained as doctors but only about 40,000 are at home, said Ujah, Professor of

Letters to the Editor

Obstetrics and Gynaecology. “And these surely are not enough and adequate. Even where they are going to, their services are better than our own, they also have more doctors than we have.” This was perhaps why many were outraged recently when the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige made light of the serious issue.

Despite being a medical doctor, Ngige asserted falsely that Nigeria had more than enough doctors to take care of its health needs.

H T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

owever, the reasons for the mass exodus of doctors, trained largely at public expense, are obvious. Like academics and indeed other professionals, they are treated with disdain.

They work long hours in poor health conditions. This is exacerbated by inadequate and ageing infrastructure, and poor remunerations. So many doctors and other medical personnel were lost during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic because of inadequate equipment.

Besides, in some states of the federation, doctors are owed salaries for months, thus prompting frequent industrial actions. Agreements with government are hardly honoured. Their hazard allowance was grudgingly reviewed upwards from mere N5000 to N32,000 last month after years of agitations. Even worse, in the face of the prevailing insecurity across the country, many doctors have become easy victims of kidnap for ransom.

This apparent neglect of the health sector is encouraging medical tourism among the middle-class and the wealthy. There are no adequate statistics but there is no doubt that Nigerians are spending a fortune outside the country on health. The British Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) said recently that Nigeria spends about $1billion annually on medical tourism, particularly to India. This is a lot of money that would have made a difference if ploughed to the health sector at home.

To reverse the country’s worsening health sector, and retain the very best professionals at home, the authorities must improve the present work environment. Nigeria has what it takes to equip the hospitals with the best equipment available while remunerations should be adequate for improved quality of life. The pasture should be made greener at home.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

INVESTIGATION OF WITCH-BLOODLETTING IN EBONYI STATE

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he case of Okechukwu Nweke, accused of harmful magic and tortured to death in Ezza North in Ebonyi State, has once again demonstrated the incompetence and lack of diligence in the Nigeria police force. This sordid reality is once again manifesting itself. Mr. Nweke was last seen on August 28, 2021. On this day, a lynch mob abducted him, dragged him to the village square where he was severely beaten. Nweke’s was later thrown into the Akadoro river. His body has yet to be recovered. His alleged murderers went through his phone and transferred five million naira. The case was reported to the state police command in Abakiliki and a police investigative officer (IPO) was assigned to handle the matter. Unfortunately, almost six months since the alleged killing and disappearance of this young man, nothing has come out of the investigation. It has been one excuse after another. A source in Abakiliki told the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, that Nweke’s family members ‘mobilized’ the police to go and carry out an arrest of the suspects.

But the police were unable to arrest the suspects. The IPO claimed that the road that led to the village, Inyere, was impassable. So he, along with his team, had to turn back and return to their station in Abakiliki.

However, some locals who know the Inyere community very well said that this was not the case; that the police officers made this claim to kill the matter. Some community leaders were among the suspects and must have bribed the IPO and the police command in Abakiliki.

AfAW contacted the commissioner of police who pledged to look into the matter. After meeting with the CP, the IPO sent letters inviting the suspects for questioning, which was in December last year. The IPO sent the letter through Mrs. Rose Nwankwo, who is the coordinator, Imoha

Development Center, Ezza North. She is also from Inyere community and is also aware of the case of Mr. Nweke. Incidentally, none of the suspects has reported at the police station. Local sources have confirmed that the suspects received the letters because some of them had called relatives of Mr. Nweke asking to know who included their names in the list of suspects.

Some of the suspects and their allies have invited Nweke’s relatives to the village for a meeting. But the relatives have declined to attend any meeting. At the moment, no measure is being taken to facilitate the arrest of these suspects. There is no movement on the investigation of the alleged murder and disappearance of Mr. Nweke. As in other cases of witch bloodletting, if the police refused to take further action, the matter would fizzle out. The alleged murder and disappearance of Nweke would not be accounted for. The torture of Mr. Nweke did not happen in some dark corner in Ezza North. It happened in the open, in the public, and was captured in a photo.

The state, zonal, and federal police commands should understand that they must ensure that the suspected killers of Mr. Nweke are arrested, investigated, and eventually prosecuted. The police should not allow the matter to die. They should stop giving flimsy excuses for delaying and compromising the investigation of this case. The family of Mr. Nweke needs justice. They want to know what happened to their son and brother since he was last seen in August last year. They need answers and closure to many questions: Is he still alive? Is he dead? If he is dead, what killed him? Who killed him? When? Where and how?

Police in Ebonyi, please do your duty!

Leo Igwe, nskepticleo@yahoo.com

ENOUGH TENNIS CONTROVERSY

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here are some differences between what was available where Djokovic was staying, the Hotel with long term refugees and photos of mouldy bread and where he might be playing, the Melbourne Tennis centre where a special ‘table’ of 16 costs $12479 ($US9000, €6600) although that meal is created by a top chef and restaurant. There is also plenty of good and junk food available for the masses.

Obviously people can pay for anything they can afford but what about considering those less fortunate.

A donation of this size would feed a large number of people including with the option of non-mouldy food. The Karma, and positive publicity, from such a donation would last much longer than the full stomach.

There are so many people that need food even just the basics. Please consider a charitable donation instead, the Tennis will be just as exciting.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com (08114495324 SMS ONLY)

Nwosu: Imo People Won’t Ask Uzodinma How Well He Fought Rochas Former Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Chief of Staff, Government House, and son-in-law to former governor Rochas Okorocha, Uche Nwosu was a 2019 frontline governorship candidate of the Action Alliance. In this interview with Amby Uneze, he reveals his recent ordeal in the hands of his abductors, during a church service after the burial of his mother. Excerpts:

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et’s commiserate with you on the demise of your dear mother.

Having concluded with the burial activities, how did it go?

The burial of my mother did not go well as we planned it because the burial rites had not been concluded when I was abducted right inside the Church.

Of course, we were still on the burial rites when the Imo state government sent her security operatives to abduct me while I was inside the Church for her outing service.

So the burial rites were still on when they came and it is a forbidden and sacrilegious thing in Igboland. Indeed it is a sacrilege to come inside the Church while the officiating priests were still on the pulpit officiating a burial ceremony to abduct someone under gunpoint. For me as far as that memory is still there and to everybody that came; the burial rites were not concluded. But I will find time to still go back to Church to do what we were forced to stop half way.

What do you think that must have led to the abduction saga?

For me it is uncalled for. It is a desecration of the Altar of God. It is something that you and I could rarely think of, just as if it was a movie being acted. This is what every well meaning Christian or Moslem would condemn. What happened was an act that was totally condemnable by any religion. If this group of people could enter a sanctuary where people worship God, one can imagine what they have been doing outside the Altar of God. It is not about me or about my family or about coming to Church to abduct me but it is about destroying what we cherish, that is, the Church of Christ, about what we adore, that is, God Almighty and where we go to pray and ask God for His mercies. And if these people knew where they went to they would know that they have brought the wrath of God upon themselves and on those who sent them. They should ask God to forgive them and to those who sent them. It is a problem to them and the earlier they ask God to forgive them the better for them. And if they refuse; you know our God is a God of vengeance and if you fight God, He will always fight for His people. I pray to God to forgive them for the atrocities which they committed inside His sanctuary.

Agents of Imo state government said that you had ignored series of invitations by the Police, now tell us how many invitations, if any, the Police sent to you and you ignored?

The Imo state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, went on air to say they invited me, now tell me if he is now the Inspector General of Police?

So he is the Commissioner of Police and the Governor is the Inspector General? How did they know that the Police invited me? This is to show that they initiated and carried out the plot of abduction. It is not hidden.

They used the security apparatus attached to them to commit havoc in the state claiming insecurity. What they did in my home town, Eziama Obaire, is the insecurity you are seeing everywhere in the state. They shot everywhere and the entire community was on fire. Some old women and men fainted while some got wounded. There were blood strains in the Church. People were running and some fell on each other. I challenge the Commissioner for Information to produce the invitation letter; otherwise we will meet in court.

You don’t go to the public and make unsubstantiated claims. The truth is that I was never invited by the Police at any given time. The Police authorities did not know about the action. You can imagine that it took the Commissioner of Police several hours to respond because he was trying to know what happened. Had it been that it was on the orders of the Police, the Commissioner would have issued a statement immediately.

They used the security operatives attached to them in the government house to humiliate me inside the Church, to desecrate the house of God and the man would talk on behalf of the Police. That is the level of impunity

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we have in Imo state. This means that somebody is now acting on behalf of the CP and IG. It is a shame on them.

When you were abducted in the Church, where were you taken to and what was the process of taking you out?

The kidnappers or the men that came wore combat mufti, their faces were covered and people in the Church thought they were kidnappers or unknown gunmen. Of course, they were kidnappers because when they came, some entered inside the Altar and some stationed themselves at strategic points and the Parish Priest asked them who they were and what they want? Their were guns were ready and shooting erupted sporadically.

People scampered for their lives, they grabbed me and my wife and the wife of the Senator representing Orlu zone who is my mother-in-law came and they pushed them to the floor. They dragged me outside, tore my clothes and dragged me inside their van and took me away. When they got to Njaba, they transferred me to another vehicle. They came with a

military truck. Imagine a governor using a military truck, gun jeep attached to the governor’s convoy to intimidate, harass the people you said you are protecting?

The governor is not the Commanderin-Chief of the armed forces to be using military trucks, armoured personnel carriers and gun jeeps in his convoy.

He is not supposed to be using the military in his convoy. I wonder why our President or the Chief of Army Staff should allow this to happen in a state where people are supposed to see their governor, shake hands with him, etc. And they use it to intimidate people, desecrate the house of God. When they got to Government House roundabout the other two vehicles went to government house and the one that carried me took me all the way to Enugu.

On the way I asked these people to tell me my offence but they refused to talk to me. Instead, they were talking to one Sheba, the same Sheba that is their hit man in the government house.

It is the same Sheba that led them to shoot at Uzor Anwka, my co-in-law at Royal Spring Palm Estate. I wish the IG could investigate this man called Sheba, who was brought in to maim,

They came with a military truck. Imagine a governor using a military truck, gun jeep attached to the governor’s convoy to intimidate, harass the people you said you are protecting?

The governor is not the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces to be using military trucks, armoured personnel carriers and gun jeeps in his convoy. He is not supposed to be using the military in his convoy. I wonder why our President or the Chief of Army Staff should allow this to happen in a state where people are supposed to see their governor, shake hands with him

kill Imolites. Because he did that one at the Royal Springs Palm and nothing was done against him and he decided to do another one, this time at the Altar of God. At Okigwe as they were talking to Sheba in Hausa language and telling him the process they were carrying, they did not know that I was looking at the phone they were calling and I understand Hausa very well. Every discussion they had with Sheba I heard them, and Sheba was telling them that the plane that would carry me was approaching. When we got to Enugu, the same Sheba told them that I should remove my clothes, they said that Sheba told them to handcuff me as I was forced to remove my clothes and they videoed me and sent it to him. Sheba leaked my picture and my half naked video to social media.

Now on the issue of chartered flight, I want to say that the 20,000 Dollars they used for chartered flight would go a long way to pay the salaries of many civil servants or pensioners. So why should they use that money to humiliate me, an innocent person?

When we got to Abuja, it turned out that they had no charge against me. Everything was designed inside the Imo state government house in order to humiliate me. And the IG saw that there was no merit in their action and lies, and asked me to go the same day. If what they accused me of were true, I would not have been allowed to go, but the IG found out that they lied against me. You can imagine the wickedness, the impunity of these people. This is me; the former Commissioner for Lands, former Chief of Staff, government house, and former governorship candidate being treated this way, then you can imagine what happens to the ordinary people in the streets that nobody can talk for. It is an eye opener and God wanted to use it to show the world what has been happening in the state for a long time. Imagine if this type of action took place in one remote village, the innocent person would have been wasted and flimsy charges would be laid against the person. I want to urge that our dear president Muhammadu Buhari should look into this matter and bring the perpetrators to book. I commend the IG for his professionalism and I wish he would investigate this matter and exonerate the police from those gangs that called themselves security operatives that operate inside the government house.

I don’t know why the governor hates Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his family.

During the primaries, I defeated them in APC and because of the party’s instance, I left for AA and I also defeated them. When the Supreme Court gave her judgement, we supported him because of our party.

Apart from what is happening now, you have not seen or heard me talk anything about this government. I said I was not going to criticize the government because where he is today, it could have been anybody and moreover, it is my party. So what is the issue of Rochas this, Rochas that? At last, Imo people would not ask him how he fought Rochas, it would be his achievements to the state. That you collected Rochas property is not an achievement. The achievement would be his projects, how he impacted the lives of Imo citizens, how he paid civil servants and pensioners, etc. His achievements should be his legacy projects and not the roads built by Rochas and he resurfaced it. Legacy projects are the Courts Rochas Okorocha built, the Accountant General office, the dualizing of Okigwe road, Orlu road, the Akachi road, the Rapour road leading to DSS office, the flyovers, etc. So I pray that the governor should look for legacy projects and face them and forget Rochas, for God’s sake.

Owelle Rochas Okorocha is a peaceful man.

I worked closely with him for eight years and I did not see him fight anybody. This governor should allow Rochas’ family to face his governance. In the next two years he would be out of office and by the grace of God another person would take over.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JANUARY 13, 2022

POLITICS

Ikya: Buhari Has Recorded a Lot of Achievements in Infrastructure Devt In this interview with Adedayo Akinwale, a member of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Terlumun Ikya, speaks on his governorship aspiration and his plan to turn Benue State around. Excerpts:

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he world of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) created skills and also give a sense of independence. How far have you gone into that as the coordinator or the brain behind it in this government?

Not exactly the brain behind it but our company offers advisory services to the office of the Vice President who are the owners of the project. So, we advise them basically on a wide range of issues including from conceptualization of some things. The MSME space in any country is the bedrock of any society and when you look at Nigerian MSME space, you can say it has not had a good deal because if you don’t stimulate them, they cannot provide the kind of services that is due to a society including the large corporations because where you have large corporations, you must have SME who provide certain services to them, not matter what the services are. The MSME space is very important because they account for almost 85 per cent of the jobs in Nigeria and account for as much as 47 per cent of GDP but when you look at things like export, I don’t think they account for up to 10 per cent . So, there is a problem because if I am providing you 47 per cent of GDP and I am providing you only 7 per cent of export then there is a problem. When this current administration came in, towards the end of 2016, a conversation started from the Vice President about how to come up with an initiative on how to target this space and support it. So, a lot has been going on. The programme, the MSME clinics which we are involved in, I mean it is very unique in the sense that it gives government at both the federal and state levels an opportunity to interface directly with these businesses that have these challenges and I know these clinics have been galvanized in 29 states and His Excellency, the vice president has been to 28.

So, he is having a firsthand discussion with these businesses to know their challenges, to know their needs because you know most of the time, you do a very big research and at

Let’s travel at ease. I had an opportunity to ply the Onitsha Bridge and I saw the Second Niger Bridge, it is not completed but a lot of work has been put into it; the prayer is that if this government doesn’t finish it, the next government will not abandon it because it is such as important trade route in Nigeria. So, there has been some gains in infrastructure.

Ikya

the end of the day, they might not address the core issues because the issues the businesses are facing in Lagos might be different from the issues businesses are facing in Kaduna, in Benue or Cross River or in Aba or wherever it is.

The President recently said he has done his best for Nigeria; how do you assess him and his government in the last six and half years?

I think he has his strength and he also has his weaknesses.

Well, let me not personalize it because government is a collective issue. I will say in the area of infrastructures, I have seen a lot of improvement and I will give you an example. I am from Benue state, the road from Keffi to Makurdi is being dualised. In my life I have never felt it will be dualised. All we wanted was to please come and repair this road.

What’s your take on the rejected Electoral Bill?

Let me analyse this way, there is a lot of cry for direct primary to be reintroduced and people who made these cries have a genuine reason for this and the reason is simple because their fears of imposition at all levels and I mean like I said everybody has a right to that and it is a genuine cry.

But my take I want to look at it as to law making. We have seen several judgments from the courts up to the Supreme Court that says internal issues of parties as to how they operate are issues of the party. And I will give you an example; if you want to register a cooperative society, the body responsible for it at the federal level is the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. They do not impose a constitution on you, you write your constitution as to the kind of offices you want to have as to your mode of electing people and replacing people into the executive of that cooperative. So, I think it is my belief that every association should be allowed to operate and determine the way it wants to operate.

So I don’t necessarily disagree with him for rejecting that particular clause but I will tell you that I understand why many people are clamouring for that to be inserted.

Do you have a political ambition for 2023? If yes, tell us about it.

Yes, I do. I have a desire to lead Benue state as the governor and desire is hinged on the fact that poverty is high in Benue. I have read reports in the past that said when we operated a regional system in Nigeria, in the northern region, in Benue Province or was it

Tiv Province as it was known contributed the second highest taxes to the northern region only after Kano, what has happened? Today, we can’t even generate enough money to pay salaries not to talk of fixing infrastructures and provide other basic amenities, so we need to look at these issues and I believe I have some ideas and working with my people if elected as governor of Benue state we can address those issues and make the state more prosperous.

Benue as a state has tried PDP and APC. Many would place the results as the same. So on which party platform are you contesting?

I am contesting under the APC. I am a loyal party member. But I will tell you, the issue is not in the party, the issue is in the individual and how that individual, he or she is able to galvanize the support across the board and make the society work. Like I said, I am in the APC. Some of the closest people to me are in the PDP. At times, we argue and it gets heated up, we go back and come back tomorrow. And where I see that the APC has done wrong, I admit and where I see the PDP has done wrong, they admit. So I think when you aspire to be governor, you are not aspiring to be the governor of a party but the governor of a state and you don’t have a choice, you must work with everybody because the laws you make, the policies you implement affect everybody. I am not sure you can go around and separate APC members houses and build a road to only benefit them, you cannot because on that the same street there is somebody from APGA, there is somebody from YPP, there is somebody who doesn’t even care about politics but he is an indigene and a resident of your state and you have a moral and social responsibility to ensure that your policy affects that person positively.

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Musa: APC Will Have a Hitch-free National Convention Senator Sani Musa, Niger East, tells Nseobong Okon-Ekong that even his opponents in the race for national chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress acknowledge that he is a better candidate. Excerpts:

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hat are unique selling points in this race for National Chairmanship of the APC? I have a clear vision of where I want to take the party as encapsulated in the three Rs.Reconciliation, Reorganisation and Redirection. I am not just seeking the office of the chairman of the APC for the sake of it but to reposition the party to win elections and take Nigeria to its pride of place in the world.

I want to provide for the party leadership that will continue making Nigeria stronger, more tolerant, more prosperous and fairer by giving every member of our party equal opportunity. If found worthy to lead, I will devote my all in adhering to the goals and aspirations of the party, abide by the nation’s constitution, rule of law, the APC constitution and manifesto.

Can the APC survive its many travails and go on to conduct a national convention?

This in itself is not a disadvantage because it allows people to learn from such disputes and even matters that end up in courts afford the judiciary the opportunity to expound and develop the law regarding issues in dispute which serve as precedents for the future.

So I don’t see how disputes will affect the convention. I do believe that once I emerge the chairman of the APC, my reform agenda will address most of these challenges and reposition the party for the better.

ernors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Baguduhad earlier disclosed after his meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House that the convention will hold in February 2022. This is enough time for the States that are yet to hold their congresses at the State level to do so. The APC reconciliation committee is also working round the clock going from States-to-States to find solutions to all grievances either before or after the congress. So I am optimistic that we are on the right course, and the convention will be a success come February 2022.

Musa

Would you say any preparation is going for the APC national convention?

I have no reason to be anxious.

I believe we are ready and we are going to have a hitch free convention that other parties will even emulate. So far, I believe that all the indications for the conduct of the National convention of our party are positive. As you’re aware, the Chairman of the Progressives Gov-

What is so attractive about the National Chairmanship of the APC that you are willing to leave the Senate?

Before I was elected a Senator, I have worked in the public and private sector. I have been a leader in the APC since 2014 and served as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) from 2019 to date. If you look at the antecedents, you will notice the consistency.

As a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the good people of Niger east Senatorial District and Chairman Committee on Senate Services. I have served my people well as a first term Senator, and it has been an amazing experience.

So my interest in the chairmanship of our great party, the APC is another call to national service just like my current position as a Senator of the Federal Republic. You must bear in mind that as a Chairman of the APC I can leverage on my experience here in

the Senate to push the manifesto of the party to the National Assembly more efficiently. It will also give me vantage position to deliver reconciliatory leadership which the party needs now to navigate out of its present challenges. And my leadership of the party will reinforce our commitment to keep the towering legacy and leadership of our amiable President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, whom has given our party an ideology and presence in the international community, his democratic ideals and work within the sub-region and Africa, fight against corruption and his efforts at providing security.

Hence the need to have a leader that will continue to give full support and attention to such progressive efforts. There’s going to be a continuation and all of my efforts will be directed to support the deepening of democracy in Nigeria. It is a necessary sacrifice I must make to build our party in particular and the nation in general.

Are you convinced that you have a political structure that covers the whole country?

Across the leadership of the party at the state level, down to the grassroots and back to the Federal level, those who are sincere will tell you I am the candidate to beat. Even my opponents know in the recesses of their hearts that I am a better candidate based on my pedigree, my contribution to the party and my sincere commitment to ensure the stability and success of the party.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Obiakalusi: Submission, Love, a Prerequisite for Lasting Marriage Marriage Counselor and Convener of Valiant Women Awards, Lovett Obiakalusi, has harped on the power of love and submission, as a tool to achieve a long, peaceful, and lasting marriage, Sunday Ehigiator reports

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or a lasting and peaceful marriage, Counselor and Convener of Valiant Women Awards, Lovett Obiakalusi, recently reiterated the power of love and submission.

She made this known recently while speaking with THISDAY, at a zoom conference held in commemoration of her 28th marriage anniversary which she celebrated on October 27, 2021.

According to Obiakalusi, a grandmother and mother to eight children, it's very important for four couples to define their marriage and understand the definition if they truly aim at making the marriage last forever.

She said, “It is the definition you give to marriage that enables you to live through it. If you give it Godly definition, it answers to it, if you give it worldly definition, it answers to it.

“To me, marriage is an act of God. An institution crafted by God himself for his glory.

It is an agreement that is spiritually blinded with God in the middle of it all. If you see marriage in this light, you will realise that all you will be doing in marriage would be in the consciousness of God. “So even when the marriage is not going as you want it to be, the God factor brings it together.

“Going forward, as I said, I have been married for 28 years, and if I tell you that there are no challenges, then I'm not telling you the truth, but there are principles that have guided me all these years.”

“In marriage there are principles. God designed marriage to be enjoyed not endured. He gave us principles. There are two of them that are very powerful arsenals that when you apply them in your marriage, you won't have a problem, and that is, submission and love.

“We play down these two things because we think we know too much. In marriage, you need love and submission. Love is for the man and submission is for the woman.

“God said a man should love his wife just as Christ loves the church. Christ loves the church even to the point of death. I interpret a love for the man in terms of leadership, direction, and provision.

“Leadership is not in terms of making the woman your slave, but you giving her direction

Mrs. Lovett Obiakalusi and she is secured under your custody and aware or understanding that you can take care of her needs. This is the way to interpret the love that God is talking about to man.

“But you find out that these days, men

don't have much to do anymore, and it's like the woman who now provides for the home. This is not the original plan of God for the woman. If a man is bringing, the woman's own is to be eating. That's how God created it.

“So leadership, provision, and direction is my interpretation of the love that God is talking about.”

Speaking about the woman, she said submission comes with a lot of respect, humility, and a lot of love which are displayed towards the husband.

“If you interpret submission in God's way, you will agree it is not supposed to be seen as slavery, or suffering. This isn't the submission God is talking about.

“In essence, you need to put these things in their right perspective. You might be a woman, and you are the one that God has blessed to provide for the family, don't see it as a punishment.”

She said it was wrong for society to address a woman as the husband for being the one providing for the home, and the husband as the wife for his inability to provide for his family.

According to her, “that you can provide for the family shouldn't change the fact that your husband remains your husband and he is the head of the family. This is where the problem starts from.”

She said the true definition of submission means that, even though a woman has the power and capacity to lead and to rule, she should decide to still rule and lead while under the leadership of her husband.

You want to do something; you give suggestions and let your husband take the decision.

You let him lead even though you know that you are the one that is financially capable of carrying out those decisions.

“This is for peace to reign according to God's desire in marriage; you should allow the man to be in the forefront.

“So I think what this generation lacks is these two things. The bible says wisdom is profitable to direct. In these 28 years, I have given my husband submission, and the submission I have given to him has made him become a better man.

“Because he trusts me more than I have the best of his interest at heart, and so he gives me a free hand to operate because he's not scared.

That's what submission does. The submission makes a man trust you, and see that you have his best interest at heart,” she said.

Ten Nominees Cart 115,000 Dollars at Future Africa Leaders Awards Precious Ugwuzor At the recently held Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA 2021), 10 nominees across the continent were awarded with 115,000 dollars for their contributions to humanity in their respective fields.

While the star prize award winner carted away 25,000 dollars, the remaining nine were also given 10,000 dollars each.

Prior to the award day, 30 individuals from 20 African countries were nominated for the highly-coveted global recognition awards before it was narrowed down to 10 persons.

With its commitment to recognise young leaders who are all for the progress and development of the continent, Future Africa Leaders Foundation, the initiators of the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA 2021), unveiled the nominees at an event organised on December 31, 2021.

The event was part of the December 31st New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris which was broadcast across over 2,000 Satellite and terrestrial stations worldwide, including the Loveworld Networks, Internet and all available Social Platforms and Networks, and watched by billions of viewers.

R-L: President/Founder Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Rev Dr. Chris Oyakhilome; fomer Permanent Representative of African Union to the United Nations, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao; Star Prize Winner of FALA 2021 Nzometiah Nervis Tetsop (Cameroon); former Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, at the Future Africa Leaders Awards 2021 The winner of the award was Camerounian Nervis Nzometiah Tetsop, who bagged the Star Award with a sum of $25,000.

According to the organisers, Tetsop is an exceptional innovator and community builder with great enthusiasm for youth leadership development.

By motivating others to aspire for relevance through several workshops and seminars on career orientation, leadership, and impact

opportunities, he is leading positive change in his nation with the use of technology.

Also, Anna Maneno Michael Milla (South Sudan - 20 years), Cesar Komi Aguidi (Togo - 23 years), Prince Funsani Zulu (Zambia - 21 years), Hillary Nakitare (Kenya - 23 years), Manzi Guevara (Rwanda - 23 years), Isaac Bitrus Nggida (Nigeria - 23 years), DeoGratias Meyou (Benin Republic - 24 years), Prisca Torboal (Chad - 23

years), Emmanuel Gyan Finawah (Ghana - 23 years), and Nzometiah Nervis Tetsop (Cameroon - 23 years) bagged $10,000 each.

The winners said they were grateful for the opportunity and promised to keep supporting their community in other to have a greater Africa.

Delivering his opening speech, the president of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, who also doubles as the president of the

Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, highlighted the need for the continent to look within in its quest for solutions.

He also encouraged every young African making a difference in various spheres of life not to give up, just as he charged them to do more in achieving the Africa of their dreams.

While applauding the dauntless spirit of the winners, he

also highlighted the importance of technology and technological advancements as a vital tool and ingredient in solving peculiar African problems.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the chairman of the occasion, encouraged Africans, especially young people to be relentless in the pursuit of their desire for change in the continent.

Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan who was the Special Guest of Honour, praised African Youths as one of the continent’s most valuable asset.

He said: “Africa’s youthful population is one of the continent’s most valuable asset in the emerging 4th and 5th industrial eras.

"Our youths have demonstrated commitment and dedication to making Africa proud across the globe.

"On the African continent, the youths have not failed, but they can do better to end contemporary problems in the continent. I believe that African youths are critical stakeholders in our quest for socio-economic transformation as a continent.

"They have the strength and possess the creativity to spur innovation for production, manufacturing and technological advancement.”

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#THISISNIGERIA –Yemi Adamolekun

FUEL SUBSIDY: THE DISHONESTY CONTINUES 10 YEARS ON

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came here scared; I cannot tell you I came confidently I came scared of my life, but I came because I want to see a New Nigeria I grew up seeing Nigeria without light I grew up seeing Nigeria without water I grew up seeing people on the street Sometimes, I’m almost close to tears when I see children roaming about It is sad Our governments have failed us We just want the government to stand up and be responsible If they cannot be responsible, they should resign... words of a young protester captured on video at Ojota in January 2012.

January 2011: EiE began formal operations.

April 16, 2011: Presidential elections.

May 29, 2011: Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was sworn in as Nigeria’s President.

October 2011: EiE started engaging various stakeholders on the Fuel Subsidy Scheme and it was clear to us that the fraud in the scheme could be exposed and eliminated in other ways without removing subsidy.

November 2011: Nigerian lawmakers began an inquiry into the increase in fuel subsidy payments from a budgeted N250 billion to N1.3 trillion (then ~$7.67 billion) in 2011.

A debate on subsidy removal raged in the country, duly amplified by the media - traditional and new media spaces - and EiE served as a secretariat for young Nigerians meeting to plan a response.

EiE proposed a town hall meeting to engage young Nigerians on the critical issues and the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala agreed in principle to participate. The meeting was tentatively scheduled for January 2012.

December 12th: EiE issued a statement titled - The Federal Government’s Games with Fuel Subsidy that was published as a full-page advert in two papers.

President Jonathan submits the 2012 budget to the National Assembly and fuel subsidy is not included. Nigerians questioned the upkeep costs in the Presidency and an unprecedented N930 billion security budget.

December 22nd: “Removal of Petroleum Subsidy: In Whose Interest?” - The televised Lagos Town Hall / Debate on Fuel Subsidy with major stakeholders anchored by Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of ThisDay newspapers.

Participants included Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Central Bank Governor; Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources; Issa Aremu, NLC President; Femi Falana, SAN and Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, human rights advocates and senior lawyers. The government’s position was that our Fuel Subsidy Scheme was inefficient and fraught with corruption, but because the cartel was too powerful for the government to control, it would simply remove the subsidy.

We thought that was a very lazy and unacceptable response.

January 1, 2012: President Jonathan announced the removal of fuel subsidy and the price of fuel / premium motor spirit (PMS) rose from N65/litre to N141/litre. In many parts of Nigeria, it sold higher. This action disregarded the government's announcement that the removal would not take effect until the 2012 Budget Year (April 2012) to give time to put social welfare structures in place. The Minister of Finance was later quoted as saying she also found out about the removal

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in the media.

January 2nd: First #OccupyNigeria protests in Abuja and Lagos.

January 3rd: Nigerian youths kick off the #OccupyNigeria movement in different states.

Muyideen Mustapha Opobiyi is killed by security forces in Ilorin. He was the first known protester to die.

January 5th: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announces the “mother of all protests” if the federal government does not reverse its decision.

January 9th: NLC, TUC and other organised labour groups join citizens on the streets.

Government offices are closed nationwide and economic activity is largely disrupted.

January 12th - 13th: Labour enters meetings with the government and announces a 2-day break. Unfortunately, citizens who had started the protests without labour ceded leadership to the unions and by Monday, January 16th, when citizens tried to return to the streets, the army had been deployed.

Labour reached a compromise with the government and N97/litre was agreed instead of the N141/litre announced.

2012 - 2015 The Ad-Hoc Committee to Verify and Determine the Actual Subsidy Requirements and Monitor the Implementation of the

Subsidy Regime in Nigeria presented its report to the National Assembly on April 18, 2012. Contrary to the N1.3 trillion (~ $8.125bn) initially being stated as the cost of subsidy as of October 2011, the Committee established payments of about N2.6 trillion with outstanding claims of N500 billion for a total of N3.1 trillion (~ $19.375bn) in subsidy payments in 2011 when N600bn (~$3.75bn) had been budgeted.

The Committee also found that Nigerians consume about 31.5 million litres of PMS per day. With 445,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude assigned to NNPC, local refining and offshore swaps (crude for PMS), our local needs will be met and there would be no reason for 3rd party marketers. In context, between 2006 and 2011, the list of licensed importers of PMS had increased from 3 to 77.

May 2015: A few days before being sworn in as President, General Buhari promised to look at the economics of fuel pricing when he resumed office. The main thrust of his communication was that he did not believe there was a subsidy. Therefore, when one year into his administration, serving as President and Minister of Petroleum Resources, the price of PMS was increased without consulting stakeholders or a public address of his findings after reviewing the economics of fuel pricing, it was clear that the country was in for a ride! While his posture was pro-poor, it was clear that he did not understand the impact of his policies on the poor nor

"It’s now 2022, 10 years since the historic #OccupyNigeria protests and unfortunately, the government has learnt nothing. In the poverty capital of the world; in a low trust environment, there is still no understanding that the government must work to win over its citizens! How do you ask citizens to cut down in a year leading to elections and you have already started spending foolishly? "

deem it appropriate or necessary to engage.

This has been a very instructive hallmark of his administration.

2016 - 2021: N97/litre eventually ended up at N162.50/litre with NNPC trying different tricks to fully deregulate/modulate/remove subsidy etc.

January 2022: The proposed increase in fuel prices is part of Nigeria’s deepening energy crisis, adding to rising gas prices and the threatened increase in electricity tariffs. The combination of the three price hikes will have an immediate economic impact from the ripple effect on goods and services, especially food and transportation costs.

While there’s nothing wrong with a subsidy, what the Nigerian government continues to classify as a subsidy is the outcome of its failure and incompetence to ensure that as an oil-producing country, we have adequate domestic refining capacity to meet our domestic needs for refined petroleum products. Over the last 40 odd years, we have squandered the revenues accrued from our God-given resources - either through government misspending or diversions to private pockets. Nigeria is the only member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that imports over 90% of its fuel consumption. Others import less than 20%.

Functional refineries would have reduced the quantity of PMS we import, but that would also curb corruption so the refineries stay moribund. It was one of our demands in 2012 - to show good faith that you mean business, restore or sell the refineries so they can be operated optimally.

In the words of a Yoruba proverb, over the last decade, the Federal Government has consistently left leprosy to treat ringworm.

While it is clear that the cost structure of our fuel subsidy regime is unsustainable, Nigerians can also not afford to pay for the government's inefficiencies. It’s too expensive (financially; productive man-hours and human lives) and it’s also NOT sustainable. t:FNJ "EBNPMFLVO JT UIF &YFDVUJWF %JSFDUPS PG &OPVHI JT &OPVHI /JHFSJB &J& /JHFSJB

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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THURSDAY JANUARY 13, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

25

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

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OBB

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Despite Cyber Threats, Stakeholders Optimistic Digital Transformation, Tech Adoption Will Thrive in 2022

Emma Okonji Following the incessant cyber attacks on private organisations and government agencies globally in 2021, which led to loss of data, including sensitive information and huge financial losses, stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria, have said such losses will not deter them from using technology to achieve Nigeria’s digital technology goals

in 2022.

According to them new technology solutions would continue to emerge and Nigerians would continue to take advantage of emerging technologies to explore the opportunities in the cyberspace.

The stakeholders promised to ensue that technology adoption and the country’s digital transformation vision would continue to thrive in 2022, despite attacks in cyberspace.

President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesina Sodiya,

told THISDAY that cyber attacks have come to stay globally, since technology has also come to stay to drive innovation in all sectors of the global economies.

“Yes, cybercrime like other physical crimes will continue to be with us. Due to COVID-19, the rate of cybercrime skyrocketed all over the world because more individuals, organisations and governments increased their dependence on information technology infrastructure for their day-to-day operations and

activities. This is to the advantage of the cybercriminals as there are more digital assets as targets.

“The situation has not changed because digital transformation and adoption will continue to gain the attention of government and private organisations all over the world. In Nigeria, digital transformation and technology adoption will definitely thrive in 2022, despite serial online attacks on government agencies and private organisations,” Sodiya said.

He however advised on closer

collaboration between government agencies and private organisations, in order to collectively build resilient networks and systems that will withstand any form of attacks on their systems.

He also advised on timely reporting of the slightest cyber attacks through the appropriate channel.

“The truth is that many of the attacks in 2021 were not reported.

In 2022, we need to be more proactive. Nigerian organisations

and governments need to adopt smart defense strategies. We need to be proactive and adaptive. We need to adopt intelligent approaches in conducting threat analysis.

Threats and intrusion forecasting are also other strategies we can adopt for enhancing the security of cyberspace,” Sodiya further said.

Addressing the issue of financial losses to cyber attacks, Sodiya said the losses globally was huge in 2021.

Continued on page 26

Political Marketing: Ad Practitioners Foresee Increased Budget in 2022 Raheem Akingbolu As a preceding year to Nigeria’s general election, there will be a boom in advertising revenue from political marketing and corporate environment in 2022, practitioners have predicted. They have also pointed out that the industry will record a whopping increase in digital advertising budget coupled with acceleration in digital penetration and innovation this year.

The President of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Emmanuel Ajufo, who pointed out that the marketing communication industry, has become stronger after overcoming the challenge thrown at it by the gloomy realities of the last two years, said 2020 will be a stabilizer year as a result of beehive of marketing activities within and outside politics.

“It’s no more news that the world economy was threatened

in the last two years and this also greatly affected marketing.

However, things are beginning to take shape. For Nigerian practitioners, this year will be a multiple blessing as we will explore both the corporate and political spaces. As I speak, preparations for elections in Ekiti and Osun have started and the 2023 general election is also around the corner. Politicians are beginning to understand the need to engage professionals and this will impact our industry

positively. We should expect more print ads, television commercials and out of home advertisements.

Our people should get prepared, the time for the work is now,” Ajufo said.

A former President of Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria, Kehinde Salami, has also described 2021 as a robust year of activation agencies, stating that the possibility is high that 2022 will be more financially rewarding for the industry.

He said, “the surge in experiential marketing activities in 2021 has given us the 2022 outlook. Every day, brand owners are waking up to the importance of experiential marketing because the results are measurable faster than any channel of engagement. This year, we are convinced that there will be more activities because the environment looks better than last year when COVID-19 challenge left us all in fear. Even though it is not yet uhuru, we are hopeful that

things would be better this year,” In his submission, Managing Director, Starcom Media Perspectives, Jude Odia told an online marketing portal that he was optimistic that there will be growth in the market this year as well as “a proliferation of platforms especially micro sites and blogs”.

“I hope to see the budget shift to digital and more potential in our overall media spend. I also hope Continued on page 26

ATA AASS AT AT WWEEDDNNEESSDDAY, AY, JAAUNGUUASRTY 1112, , 22002212 MMAARRKKEETT DDATA ONNDDSS FFGGNN BBO DESCRIPTION 11.668 FGNSB 12.75 27-APR15-AUG-2021 2023 10.301 FGNSB 14.20 14-MAR16-AUG-2021 2024 11.150 FGNSB 13.53 23-MAR11-SEP-2021 2025 12.364 FGNSB 12.50 22-JAN12-SEP-2021 2026 12.175 FGNSB 16.2884 1710-OCT-2021 MAR-2027

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XXXI MREP CP XXXVI 13-AUG-21 11-FEB-22 III 27UNCP CP VI AUG-21 2-MAY-22 VAAG CP I 2427NEVE AUG-21 MAY-22 TTNG CP II 2531DANC AUG-21 MAY-22 .SIBP CP I 2-SEP21

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS…

L-R: The newly Inaugurated Members of Institute of Leadership Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance (INSLEC), Mr. Tijani Abdulsanni; Prof. Iyabode Adekemi Kehinde;President/ Chairman of Council, INSLEC, Prof.

Gabriel Ngozi Emecheta; and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, at the inauguration of some members of the Council of the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance in Lagos recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

FG Set to Commission Digital Nigeria Project in Osun State Tomorrow Emma Okonji

The federal government, through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami and his counterpart in the Ministry of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will tomorrow, commission a Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC) project in Osun State.

The Digital Nigeria Centre project, is in line with item two of the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 20202030, and it is expected to enhance the underlining principles and fundamental philosophy of the emerging digital culture in Nigeria.

The Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, is also expected at the event as a special guest of honour.

The DNC, hitherto known as School Knowledge Centre (SNC), targets students and youths for skills acquisition in order to increase Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy among school teachers and students; provide a platform for accessing online educational resources; equip students with ICT skills; facilitate ICT

adoption in teaching and learning; and increase pass rate in mathematics, English language and other science subjects.

The project, which is the first to be commissioned in Osun State since the modification of the project as DNC, is located at the Ijesa Muslim Grammar School, Ilesa.

The four components of the DNC include ICT Tool component, made up of 40 desktop computers with embedded operating systems, server,

printer, remote-controlled projector, high resolution scanner, and e-learning software. Another component is the Power Structure, consisting of an inverter that comes with its charger, solar panels, batteries and automatic changeover.

There is also a Connectivity Component, made up of routers, switches, firewall for network protection, modem, fibre/microwave radio or VSAT and bandwidth for internet connectivity. Finally, there is

a non-ICT component constitutive of the furniture, cabinet, cooling systems, and allied appliances.

The DNC is a project of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), an arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), established under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 with the overarching objective to carry out the Commission’s statutory mandate of expanding the frontiers of universal access and universal service by ensuring

service provision to unserved and under-served areas of the Nigerian economy.

As mandated by NCA 2003, the USPF promotes the widespread availability and usage of network and application services throughout Nigeria by encouraging the installation of network facilities and the provision of network services and applications services to institutions, particularly in unserved and underserved areas and for underserved groups within

Zinox Boss Commits over N500m for Job Creation, Peace in Imo Emma Okonji Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh has committed the sum of over N500 million towards a novel initiative to create jobs and promote peace in Imo State.

Ekeh, a native of Mbaitoli in Imo State, announced the contribution during a quarterly Stakeholders Meeting/Luncheon hosted by the Imo State government recently.

The session, which was held at the Government House in Owerri, the Imo State capital, had in attendance Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, members of the expanded State Executive Council, as well as serving and past Imo State House of Assembly members and representatives from the National Assembly. Also in attendance was President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, elder statesman Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu, as well as traditional rulers, members of the clergy and academia and other distinguished sons and daughters of Imo. Speaking during the event, Ekeh, who was the Chairman on

the occasion, asserted that the 21st century is a knowledge economy which demands a new attitude and mindset. He added that hard work, brilliance, humility and a firm belief in God are essential ingredients for success, even as he revealed that Imo state is blessed with a number of youths with these qualities.

Using himself as an example, Ekeh held that if he could achieve so much from nothing, certainly the

Medallion CEO Optimistic over Digital Realty’s Acquisition of Teraco in $3.5bn Valuation Emma Okonji The Chief Executive Officer of Medallion Data Centre Limited, Ikechukwu Nnamani, has said the recent acquisition of Teraco in a $3.5bn valuation, by Digital Realty, will boost data operations across Africa.

According to Nnamani, the transaction, which valued Teraco’s Data Centre assets at $3.5 billion represents the biggest data centre transaction on the continent.

the community.

Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said since inception in 2006, the USPF under NCC supervision and directive of the Minister, has implemented series of programmes and projects that promote ICT inclusion and adoption to mainstream accessibility to communication services for citizens and position Nigeria for global competitiveness in the emergent digital culture.

This, he stated, would lead to significant foreign direct investment into the economy, boosting the GDP of the African countries, creating employment, and improving the quality of the lives of the citizens in the areas of education, healthcare, e-commerce, entertainment, security, governance, and agriculture amongst others. With the digitisation of the economy and implementation of Internet of Things services, data centres are essential to support these emerging services.

Digital Realty acquired controlling stake in Africa’s largest data centre operator, Teraco Data Environments of South Africa.

Teraco is the largest and most densely interconnected data centre platform in Africa, with seven state-of-the-art facilities strategically located in the key South African metros of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Teraco serves over 600 customers, including more than 275 connectivity providers, over 25 cloud and content platforms and approximately 300 enterprises.

Teraco facilitates approximately 22,000 interconnections between customers and its Isando campus in Johannesburg is one of the most densely interconnected sites in the world, with over 13,000 cross-connects. Teraco also hosts seven on-ramps to leading global cloud service providers in Johannesburg and Cape Town and currently provides direct access to seven subsea cables in Durban on the east coast and Cape Town on the southwest coast In October last year, the Austin

Texas, USA based Digital Realty also announced the acquisition of the data centre assets of Medallion Communications Limited in Nigeria.

“That marked the first time a global pure real estate investment trust (REIT) will be entering the country and beats rivals including Equinix, CyrusOne and CoreSite Realty on entrance into the market.

With the additional acquisition of Teraco, Digital Realty now controls the two most important data center assets on the continent,” Nnamani said.

current crop of young people in the state are better exposed, more brilliant and in a better position to achieve even more.

The digital entrepreneur explained that the N500 million fund would be utilised in establishing a finishing school which would polish fresh graduates as well as the unemployed, equipping these beneficiaries with world class skills that would transform them into highly sought-after prospects that can compete with their peers globally. He added that the products of the school would become more marketable and would secure gainful employment in Nigeria and abroad, while also adding that he would sourceresource persons from around the world to mentor the beneficiaries and equally re-train their trainers.

Ekeh, who seized the opportunity to sue for peace in Imo State, also appealed to all aggrieved parties to forgive and forget the wrongs of the past, even as he urged them to join forces with the current administration to restore the glory of the state. In addition, he called on the media to exercise some restraint in their reportage and to refrain from unfairly portraying the state in bad light as a hotbed of insecurity.

DESPITE CYBER THREATS, STAKEHOLDERS OPTIMISTIC DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, TECH ADOPTION WILL THRIVE IN 2022

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

“The losses are in billions of dollars globally. As professionals and security experts continue to evolve mitigating strategies and technologies, the bad guys continue to activate the salvo.

We should be expecting more attacks in the future because the landscape, might and scope of attacks will continue to change,” Sodiya said.

President, Information Security

Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN), Dr. David Isiavwe, also told THISDAY that although hackers would continue to attack the cyberspace for their personal gains, the attacks would not stop technology experts from taking advantage of the many benefits in cyberspace.

“Cyber attacks on financial institutions and organisations, including government agencies, are

on the rise. Everyone in cyberspace must be be more proactive and ensure full protection of the cyberspace in order to mitigate the effect of cyber attacks,” Isiavwe said.

Isiavwe, therefore, called for collaboration and information sharing, which he said was key to securing the cyberspace that would enable emerging business realities.

Reacting to the recent attack on the servers of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which NIMC has however debunked, Sodiya said: “I am aware that NIMC servers are well protected. Meanwhile, you have to know that no system nowadays is completely secured.

I will only advise that NIMC needs to constantly review and update its security strategies and

technologies.”

It was alleged that NIMC’s servers were recently hacked and over three million National Identification Number (NIN) were stolen, but NIMC, in a statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, said NIMC servers were not breached adding that the servers were secured and safe for identity management.

POLITICAL MARKETING: AD PRACTITIONERS FORESEE INCREASED BUDGET IN 2022 to see an exponential growth of content and that will be a drive for mobile and the kind of growth we also hope to see in the digital media space. Digital will fundamentally be the primary beneficiary of that growth because it will grow more at the expense of the traditional media.”

“Fortunately, 2022 is ushering

in positive expectations for the ad world as advertising across all digital channels have been projected to exceed 60% of global adspend for the first time this year, reaching 61.5% of total expenditure according to market reports from Publicis Groupe media agency, Zenith.

WPP’s GroupM also predicted an additional 13.5% growth in 2022

as digital now makes up the lion’s share of advertising spending and is expected to account for 64.4% of total advertising this year, up from 60.5% in 2020.

The steady growth of internet users globally has become an important factor fueling the growth of the online internet advertising market.

“With marketers leveraging internet advertising to achieve their marketing goals, the rise of social media bloggers, growing trend of influencer marketing, growing demand for e-commerce and social commerce accelerated by the pandemic, and the continuous increase in penetration of internet across the globe has

presented a great opportunity for internet advertising. Some of these channels include banners, remarketing, pay-per-call ads, pay-per-click ads, and popups through e-newsletters and personalized email marketing, search engine optimisation, social media ads, and online magazines,” he stated.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

27

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Bolt Raises €628m Funding Round to Accelerate Shared Mobility in Cities Emma Okonji In order to offer better alternatives for shared mobility in cities, Bolt, a mobility platform in Africa, with presence in Nigeria, has announced its largest ever funding round that would help it to further scale its existing products and accelerate the transition from owned cars to shared mobility in cities.

The €628 million investment round was led by Sequoia Capital and Fidelity Management and Research Company LLC with participation from Whale Rock, Owl Rock (a division of Blue Owl), D1, G Squared, Tekne, Ghisallo, and others, and takes Bolt’s valuation to €7.4 billion.

Founder and CEO at Bolt, Markus Villig, said: “For decades, cities have been built for cars, not people. That has led to unsustainable traffic, pollution, and loss of public space to parking places. We think this approach is outdated.

“Over the past eight years we have developed products that offer better and more affordable alternatives for almost every purpose a private car serves.

We are partnering with cities to help people make the switch towards light vehicles such as scooters and e-bikes and shared mobility options like ride-hailing and car-sharing to transform urban areas back into sustainable,

people-friendly spaces. That is why we are pleased to announce this new round of funding, the biggest in our history, which will help us build a future in which cities have less congestion, less pollution and more green spaces where people can easily move around in a safe and sustainable way.”

Country Manager, Bolt Nigeria, Femi Akin-Laguda, said: “Bolt is redefining urban mobility by helping people move seamlessly and helping the environment and the cities grow sustainably. We plan to continue expanding our services in Nigeria and offer a better alternative to move around cities and towns

and receive their food. Bolt is an innovative company and with the investment the mission is to ease mobility for every Nigerian.”

Last month, Bolt announced a range of new safety features to be incorporated on its scootersharing network, the largest in Europe, demonstrating how the company is a reliable partner for cities. These features include a tandem riding prevention system, which can detect more than one person riding a scooter at the same time, a cognitive reaction test to ensure riders stay as safe as possible, and a skid prevention system meaning

scooters are only used in a safe and responsible manner.

Scooter-sharing is just one part of Bolt’s suite of mobility and delivery products, which are currently used by more than 100 million customers in 45 countries and over 400 cities across Europe and Africa. Other products also include its ride-hailing service; car-sharing service Bolt Drive; Bolt Food, which enables customers to order meals from restaurants; and Bolt Market, a 15-minute grocery delivery service.

In August 2021, Bolt raised €600 million in a funding round backed by Sequoia Capital and other investors to boost its new 15-minute grocery

delivery service and to accelerate the expansion of its existing mobility and delivery products. With this new investment Bolt will accelerate its expansion rapidly in 2022 and plans to have hundreds of stores operational by the end of the year.

Bolt currently has 100 million customers in 45 countries, Nigeria inclusive, and over 400 cities across Europe and Africa. The company seeks to accelerate the transition from owned cars to shared mobility, offering better alternatives for every use case, including ride-hailing, shared cars and scooters, and food and grocery delivery.

Dettol Protects Super Quantum Xchange Partners Spire Solutions Eagles as they Set Out on Network Security, Data Protection for AFCON 2021 Trophy Emma Okonji

Dettol, a leading Nigerian hygiene brand and the official hygiene partner of the Super Eagles, has thrown its weight behind the Nigerian national team participating at the 2021 African Nations Cup in Cameroon by ensuring the health and hygiene of the Super Eagles.

The players and officials of the national team have been equipped with Dettol products that provide them with adequate protection from illness causing germs as they prepared for the AFCON competition, and during the competition.

In June 2021, Dettol became the ‘Official Hygiene Partner of the Super Eagles when it signed a deal with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The objective of the partnership is to leverage Nigerians’ love for football to raise their health consciousness and to promote hygienic practices that will become habits.

According to General Manager, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Akbar Ali Shah, “Football is a unifier that brings Nigerians from all walks

of life together. A vital part of healthy living is good hygiene, and no other brand in Nigeria epitomizes this like Dettol, for over 55 years, Dettol has helped to protect Nigerian lives and reduce the burden of illnesses.”

Akbar Ali Shah continued, “Dettol will provide hygienic protection for the Super Eagles during their pre and post-match activities during their AFCON tournament matches in Cameroon, powering them on their quest to bring home the 2021 African Cup of Nations and over 200 million Nigerians will be cheering them on. The Super Eagles can focus on giving their best because they know they have the Dettol protection.”

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dettol took the leadership in driving hygiene awareness amongst Nigerians, and with the same commitment, it is extending its efforts towards protecting the Super Eagles and its fans by bringing the football games back to normalcy with its gold standard hygiene protection.

Quantum Xchange, delivering the future of encryption with its leading-edge key distribution platform has entered into a strategic partnership with Spire Solutions, a top value-added distributor and preferred cybersecurity solutions provider servicing the Middle East and Africa. Spire customers, partners, and prospects will benefit from access to Phio Trusted Xchange (TX), Quantum Xchange’s out-of-band key delivery system that enables users to futureproof the security of their data and communications networks; overcome the vulnerabilities of present-day encryption techniques, e.g., keys and data traveling together; and protect against man-in-the-middle, harvesting, and future quantum attacks.

Phio TX from Quantum Xchange acts as a simple architecture overlay that works in tandem with conventional encryption systems and any TCP/IP connection (wireless, copper, satellite, fiber) to decouple key generation and delivery from data transmissions. With Phio TX a second, quantum-enhanced encryption key is sent out-of-band down a separate quantum-protected tunnel and mesh

Tizeti Boosts Oyo State with High-speed 4G LTE Emma Okonji In line with its commitment to widening digital inclusion in Africa with affordable broadband connectivity, particularly to the continent’s underserved populations, Tizeti, West Africa’s pioneer solar-based internet service provider is launching its 4G LTE network in Oyo State.

The service comes with an introductory offer N2,222 or $5 for monthly fixed broadband and installation costs.

The launch will provide significant opportunities for cities in Oyo State, that have not had sufficient broadband infrastructure and will improve the state’s competitiveness with high-speed, and affordable broadband internet from Tizeti.

Speaking about the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti, Kendall Ananyi, said the 4G broadband internet would empower more Nigerians in Oyo State, stimulate economic activities and provide unlimited access to affordable and reliable broadband services as well as complement the initiatives of Oyo State Government’s efforts in driving eGovernment implementation, digital access and investment promotion.

“Launching our 4G LTE internet offering in Oyo State is a strategic

decision after we saw what the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde is doing through the ICT & eGovernance ministry. Oyo State is a leading state in digital technology infrastructure development and digital technology human capital development, as evidenced by the state’s achievement in the area of ICT infrastructure development, harmonized fiber infrastructure policy, and proposed zero tariffs on Right of Way costs,” Ananyi said.

He added: “The governor’s efforts at implementing reforms in investment promotion, prioritizing Information Communication Technology (ICT)-compliant digital skills for civil servants and students as well as individuals in rural clusters, persons living with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups are signposts of the state’s agenda in enabling digital inclusion.

When the efforts of the state are placed side-by-side with its large population of vibrant, young people, and its high number of higher institutions - a foundation for a robust and thriving digital ecosystem - it made sense to provide residents of Oyo State with our low-cost broadband service. This effort, we believe, will encourage employment, educational and economic opportunities in the state and help its government to quickly build digital leadership in Nigeria”, Ananyi added.

The company promised to expand to 10 new cities in Nigeria, building brand-new, solar-powered, 4G-capable towers in these cities and leveraging expansive fibernetworks built by some of its partners, including MainOne and Facebook, to bring millions of people online, and deliver the life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the Internet provides. Tizeti is currently available in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Edo States.

Tizeti’s Chief Operating Officer, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, said: “Tizeti was built to tackle poor internet connectivity not only in Nigeria but on the continent as a whole, by developing a cost-effective solution from inception to delivery, for reliable and uncapped internet access for potentially millions of Africans.

“The launch in Oyo State is a commitment to becoming the number one ISP in Africa.

With this initial promo price of N2,222, this is the cheapest fixed internet package in Africa! This will go a long way in driving the adoption of broadband internet in Oyo State, with huge implications for online learning, eCommerce, and entertainment, especially interactive games, video, and music consumption. installations will commence in Ibadan on April 1st, 2022.”

network to multiple transmission points. Continuous key rotation takes place on every transfer, further heightening the system’s security.

Founder and President of Spire Solutions, Sanjeev Walia, said: “We are in the early stages of the greatest migration in the history of computing as nearly every organization in the world will need to update and transition their legacy encryption to new quantum-safe standards.

“Quantum Xchange’s unique technology greatly eases this burden, offering an affordable and dynamic next-generation key delivery architecture for stronger data security

today and quantum-safe protection from future threats. We are pleased to have QXC as a partner and to add Phio TX to our portfolio of the world’s best security products and services.”

Phio TX embraces crypto agility, supporting quantum keys generated from any source, i.e., Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), or a combination, and all PostQuantum Cryptographic (PQC) key encapsulation candidate algorithms being evaluated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) scheduled for standardization

in 2022. The FIPS-validated network security appliance also meets the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) protocol for QKD. With Phio TX, users can start with PQC, then easily scale to QKD protection levels with no interruptions to their underlying infrastructure and no network downtime. Quantum Xchange will join Spire Solutions stand H1 A120 at #LEAP22, the inaugural global platform for the most disruptive technology professionals taking place at the Riyadh Front Expo Centre in Saudi Arabia from Feb. 1-3, 2022.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Dania: FG, Fintech Collaboration Will Attract More FDI in 2022 Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tradefada, a mobile platform for online transaction, Mr. Seun Dania, speaks about the prospects of Fintech business in 2022, vis-a-vis the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in 2021. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: As an entrepreneur, how will you describe 2021 in terms of business growth and challenges?

021 had its own peculiar challenges, even though it also came with several opportunities to innovate. COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot of global business uncertainties, which also stretched into 2021. It affected businesses, but entrepreneurs had to device new ways to remain in business, while still offering the best of services to their customers. There was also the challenges brought about by the changes in government regulations and policies. Although they came as challenges, but like most entrepreneurs, I saw the challenges as opportunities for innovation and business growth. In the process of finding lasting solutions to the challenges that we faced in 2021, the team at Tradefada worked tirelessly to ensure the best of service delivery to our customers.

funds by providing frameworks for operating within the various Fintech spaces. Lack of regulation permits for organisations to operate without being held to any industry standards.

Retailers will adopt cryptocurrency and e-Naira, increasing embedded finance thereby making it easier for consumers to complete checkout on their personal devices. As the crypto adoption rate increases, more and more retailers, e-commerce platforms have been getting requests from their customers to accept cryptocurrencies.

Mastercard and Visa, two of the largest payment gateways have also working on crypto adoption. For retail businesses to stay relevant, they will need to adopt and embed cryptocurrency payments into their business models.

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What were the specific challenges that entrepreneurs faced in 2021, and how prepared is Tradefada to address those challenges going forward?

In my primary industry, which is blockchain and cryptocurrency, we faced a major challenge with the position taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on cryptocurrency trading. It is necessary that the subject of regulation is addressed as Nigeria is loosing great talents and businesses to countries who have clear cut regulation and licensing regime for cryptocurrency activities. Going forward, we intend to enter into dialogue with the CBN to address all grey areas in cryptocurrency and online trading.

What are your predictions for the Fintech ecosystem in 2022?

Africa is the present and future continent for FinTech business and as such, I see the Fintech ecosystem getting more Foreign Direct Investments in 2022, more unicorns will arise from within Africa, which will aid in the building of projects that will solve the persistent challenges faced in Africa and across the world.

To achieve this, there should be increased collaboration between the federal government and the Fintech platers. I also see more traditional banks embracing Fintech players and working closely with them. In return, I also see the FinTechs providing better digital services for financial transactions.

As we continue to build in Africa, the rest of the world also views Africa as the emerging and future market which has the potential to yield higher growth rates than advanced Nations, thereby making Africa the go-to destination for higher yield investments.

Legacy infrastructure is also a major stumbling block for financial institutions, some of which have been using the same mainframe systems for decades.

Executives face frequent decisions about whether to allocate capital to keeping the lights on in the existing infrastructure or allocate it to digital development. One of the realisations from the COVID-19 pandemic is the fact that people can work virtually and be effective and efficient. Hence, to remain competitive in this constantly changing environment, transitioning from complex

Dania

legacy technology environments to more agile operations, and creating more efficient compliance processes that fully satisfy evolving global and local regulations has moved Fintech adoption to the top of the growth agenda for financial institutions.

The banks will also embrace Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.

Blockchain technology without a doubt has been well discoursed within the bankers and the pros as we know, outweigh the cons especially the significant reduction in the cost of doing business, ease of scale and ability to limit theft/ forgery. Building on the blockchain will provide the financial institutions the best foundation for further tech development.

Customers will be addressed more as king, giving the kind of solutions that Fintechs will develop this year for seamless financial transactions.

“I foresee a situation where retailers will adopt cryptocurrency and e-Naira, and there will be increasing embedded finance thereby making it easier for consumers to complete checkout on their personal devices.”

With more fintechs providing solutions aimed at solving day-today customer needs from Agri-tech, insure-tech, health-tech etc, every tech entrepreneur now needs to think about the customer first before launching a product. This will take the power away from the corporations and deliver it back to the customers. Fintech provides easier on and off-boarding than traditional services.

Financial institutions have long felt the pressure to both modernize their infrastructure and respond to changing customer demands and expectations. The obstacle for many is that they already face a complex array of urgent issues that constantly vie for management attention and investment. Customer expectations and preferences are redefining how traditional financial institutions deliver services.

As the Fintech space expands, more businesses will start to focus on more customer-centric solutions.

As these begin to take place soon, more stringent regulation will be seen within the Fintech space.

I foresee a situation where retailers will adopt cryptocurrency and e-Naira, and there will be increasing embedded finance thereby making it easier for consumers to complete checkout on their personal devices.

How will government address the challenges that are associated with it?

As more fintech solutions are introduced, there will definitely be bad players within the space, and the government will rise to the occasion to protect customers

In what ways will companies like Tradafada play an active role in the digital economy space being championed by the federal government?

Tradefada as always, will continue to engage with all industry stakeholders including the government on how to best position Nigeria and take advantage of the digital economy. We have actively supported educational brands and sponsored conferences which are in the business of disseminating information to all. We are open to working with the CBN to achieve the full potential of the e-Naira. We believe that giving Nigerians access to crypto via the e-Naira will be a game changer for Nigeria, considering the large volumes trade across peer-to-peer platforms.

How will you rate the transactions of Tradefada in 2021, especially with among its competitors?

I will rate Tradefada very high above its competitors, based on the volume of transactions carried out last year, even though we all faced the same challenges from the CBN. For me, it was a test for innovation. In the course of the year, we at Tradefada sought out options for safe and compliant ways to do business, one of which is a cash voucher payment system, which has become highly recommended and it does not contradict the concerns of the apex bank. In 2021, we expanded our services to over 30 different countries, providing easy access to buy and sell crypto for various fiat currencies, from USD, GBP, RND, YEN, and so much more. We also developed and launched a spot exchange where people can trade crypto-to-crypto in our bid to ensure the Nigerian populace do not miss out in the benefits that cryptocurrencies have to offer. This spot exchange also come with mobile apps for iOS and Android.

What are some of the services and products that Nigerians should expect from Tradefada in 2022?

In 2022, Tradefada will be launching a brand-new app that be focused on the African markets. We will also be exploring the new waves in the crypto space i.e. Metaverse, NFTs. We will also be providing a staking platform where our customers can safely stake their crypto and earn yearly percentage returns.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Ending Illegal Trafficking of Endangered Animals Nigeria has emerged as the top transit point in the world for illegal ivory and pangolin scale trafficking from Africa to Asia. Between 2016 to 2019, over half of the pangolin scales seized globally came from Nigeria, Ugo Aliogo reports

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survey by WildAid has stated that the growing appetite for bush meat among urban residents increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, and threatens wildlife populations in Nigeria and its surrounding countries. The survey also explained that the consumption also overlaps with the illegal trade networks, fueling the trade in protected species like elephants and pangolins.

While studies have shown that bush meat consumption in Nigeria is influenced by a number of factors such as taste, health, and culture, there is little information on the attitudes, awareness, preferences, and reservations of the public in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.

The survey explained that 75 per cent of all emerging infectious diseases in the last decade have originated in animals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreaks of Ebola, HIV, and SARS have been linked to the wild or bush meat trade, with COVID-19 also potentially spreading through this activity and causing tremendous health and economic impacts.

The survey remarked that Nigeria has a flourishing bush meat markets in major cities selling both legal and illegal bush meat, adding that the trade remains largely unregulated.

The survey espoused that the process of trapping and transporting wild animals in stressful and unhygienic conditions in which they come into contact with people and domesticated animals greatly increases the risks of new disease introduction and transmission.

The survey further argued that a commercial trade serving large urban centers poses a significantly higher risk and a larger rate of outbreak than subsistence use in rural areas, stating that the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa killed over 11,00 people3.

“Several governments launched large-scale mass media campaigns that discouraged people from consuming bush meat. Consumers quickly adjusted their preferences away from bush meat, especially fruit bats and monkeys6, and switched to alternatives such as fish. Bush meat sellers complained bitterly about the poor sales during the epidemic; however, by 2018 sales of bush meat had rebounded in Nigeria,” the survey noted.

Beyond the survey, it is worrisome to state that Nigeria has no surviving Cheetahs, Rhinos, or Giraffes, and more than 50 lions, 100 Gorillas, 500 elephants and 2,300 Chimpanzees left in the wild. Despite efforts, poaching for body parts and meat along with habitat loss from deforestation, infrastructure development, and agriculture expansion threaten wildlife in the country.

In 2022, WildAid decided to raise the stakes in the fight against illegal bush meat consumption with the launching of a massive public awareness conservation campaign in the country to reduce demand for illegal bush meat in major centers, support enforcement activities to tackle the illegal wildlife trade and raise awareness of the disappearing wildlife using.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT

Nigeria is endowed with amazing biodiversity and houses comparable levels of endemic species due to a complex topography and wide variety of habitats, which include the freshwater swamp forest, mangrove forest and coastal vegetation, lowland forest, derived savannah, guinea savannah, Sudan/Sahel savannah, and montane ecosystems. There is also the unique vegetation of the Jos plateau, as well as the montane vegetation of the isolated highlands of Mambilla and Obudu. Each of these ecosystems has its own unique characteristics of wild fauna, flora and a huge collection of marine and freshwater aquatic species.

Speaking on the development, the Minister for State for Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, stated that statistics shown that Nigeria has an endemic flora of 91 species

belonging to 44 families.

Ikeazor further explained that according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) Red list of 2013, Nigeria has a total of 309 threatened species namely: Mammals (pangolins, lions, elephants, manatees), Birds (grey parrots and the black crowned crane, which is our National Bird), Reptiles, Amphibians, Fishes, Molluscs, and Plants (Costus spectabilis, our National Plant).

She remarked that some of the country’s biodiversity sites includes: the seven National Parks (Old Oyo, Cross River, Gashaka-Gumti, Okomu, Chad Basin, Kainji Lake, and Kamuku); 27 important bird areas, which are found in all our National Parks, as well as 60% of our 11 Ramsar Sites (such as the Hadejia-Nguru); two World Heritage sites of Sukur Kingdom and Osun Osogbo Grove; 994 Forest Reserves in the 36 States of Nigeria; and 32 Game Reserves.

She stated: “In year 2020, Nigeria secured three additional Biosphere Reserves, bringing the total number of Biosphere Reserves to three, as approved by UNESCO: the Omo Biosphere Reserve in Ogun State, Oban Biosphere Reserve and Okwango Bioshphere Reserve, both in Cross Rivers State; and Hadejia-Nguru-Bade Biosphere Reserve, straddling Yobe and Jigawa States.”

She espoused that biodiversity plays a vital role in the economy, ecology and social lives, adding that it is a source of food, fibre, domestic and commercial products, medicine, and for aesthetics and culture, agriculture, knowledge, and industrial processes.

According to her, “You will agree with me that our survival and overall wellbeing depends on how sustainably the environment and its biodiversity are managed. However, there are serious environmental challenges that have led to the loss of biodiversity and threaten our very existence. Habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change are the drivers of biodiversity loss.

“The alarming rate of over-exploitation of these natural resources calls for urgent, increased and proactive actions to reverse this trend. Poaching, possessing, taking, trading (supply or selling) and consumption has put Nigeria on the spotlight of wildlife crime. Collaborative efforts with organizations such as WildAid would help to address this menace.

“The campaign by WildAid represents one of such actions bearing in mind the quantum of impacts wildlife crime has left on our biodiversity and the ecosystem. If we all join forces in this laudable initiative, quite a lot would be achieved in rescuing and protecting these animals most of which are already facing extinction. We have the duty to spread the awareness that the more these animals are allowed to live in the wild, the better the planet would be for all of us.

“Nigeria as a Signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) commits to the implementation and adherence to the CITES laws and regulations as well as to other global agreements, conventions and treaties focused on conservation of biodiversity.

“Nigeria has also played a vital role in the creation of the West Africa Strategy on Combating Wildlife Crime, in its position as Chair of the Steering Committee responsible for establishing this important regional strategy. We will not relent in our resolve to regularly review, develop and implement the appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework as necessary just as we are taking a bold step towards ensuring adequate implementation of the recently validated National

Strategy on Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria, as supported by UNODC, which will be launched in March this year.

“Being conscious of the multi-stakeholder nature of the fight against wildlife crime, the Federal Government has continued to maintain collaborative partnerships with the key stakeholders within and outside the country. WildAid is one of such great Partners that have not only complemented our efforts but also proved that the efficacy of public campaign and awareness creation is inevitable in the quest to combat the menace.

“The Department of Forestry under the Federal Ministry of Environment will continue to embark on public awareness and sensitization campaign on CITES and Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species of flora and fauna, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and sustainable development through International Days Celebrations, Formation of Young Foresters Clubs in Schools as well as Community Outreach Programmes.

“We will be reviewing our National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan immediately after the second part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity in the second quarter of this year. The update will require integrating biodiversity into national programmes aimed at reducing poverty and developing a secure future in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Nigeria is taking a leadership role in seeking the adoption of bold international commitments for the recovery of biodiversity and for the expansion of protected areas to at least 30% by 2030 with matching funding commitments in the on-going negotiation process of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

This will provide opportunities for investments in Nigeria’s ecosystems while preserving ecosystem services for future generations.”

and fauna resources is one of the main environmental challenges confronting Nigeria. Food and Agriculture Organization FAO of the UN (2010) reported that Nigeria has the largest deforestation rates in the world with loss of 60% of its primary forest. The annual rate of deforestation in Nigeria is approximately 3.5%, which is between 350,000 and 400,000 hectares per year. From 1990 to 2010 Nigeria nearly halved their amount of Forest Cover, moving from 17,000 to 9,000 hectares.

Forests convert carbon into oxygen, cool down the environment, provide protection for numerous plant and animal species and most importantly create rain and fresh water and replenishes our lakes, streams and rivers. The combination of extremely high deforestation rates, increased temperatures and decreasing rainfall are all contributing to the desertification and drying out of the country. Desertification leads to loss of livelihood for millions of people and this in turn leads to competition for resources and conflict.

“The carbon emissions from deforestation is also said to account for 87% of the total carbon emissions of the country. So instead of sinking carbon and reducing green house gases which leads to global warming and climate change we are actually increasing the release of carbon in the atmosphere that has been stored in our forests for hundreds of years. According to the 2010 Global Forest Resources Assessment, deforestation releases nearly one billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere per annum.

“While the United Nations recommends a minimum forest cover of 26% for countries, Nigeria’s forest cover is said to be less than 6%. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) situation analysis on West Africa also reported serious and rapid wildlife depletion in the region. IUCN reported that about 10% of amphibians, birds and mammals species native to West Africa are threatened with extinction, as well as about 17% of the more than 1600 fresh water fish species.

These statistics represent a present danger for Nigeria and all stakeholders should work towards salvaging Nigeria’s forest and environment.”

THE ROLE OF LAGOS STATE

CAUSES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN NIGERIA

On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said humanity can no longer stand by in silence while the animal and plant resources in the forest and other biomes are being exploited, abused and depleted.

“It is very important we stand together to speak against environmental degradation and wildlife destruction in Nigeria before it is too late. Extinction means forever. Every day, countless rare plant and animal species go into extinction. Destruction of all types of ecosystems and lack of wildlife conservation measures is a serious biosecurity threat that leads to increase in likelihood of natural disasters, global warming and a significant change in food production,” he said.

He further stated that the forest is also a natural reservoir for many unknown diseases, adding that but a healthy ecosystem keeps its self in check and cleans the environment.

He posited that the society needs to learn to respect the immense functions and roles that the wilderness systems play in protecting everyone, noting that wild animals, insects, birds, reptiles and amphibians belong in their eco habitat where they provide these protective roles.

In his words: “Destruction of the forest disrupts symbiotic harmonies and increases migration of wild animals and this leads to increasing contact between wild species and urban dwellers causing rising cases of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases of animal origin.

“Deforestation that leads to loss of our flora

The forests in Nigeria are under threat from many different kinds of human activities, from directly destroying habitat to spreading invasive species and diseases. Most ecosystems are facing multiple threats.

Each new threat puts additional stress on already weakened ecosystems and their wildlife. Some of the causes of deforestation and wildlife loss in Nigeria are listed below: Bush Burning: Bush burning involves the removal of forest by using fire to burn out the existing vegetation.

The burning can either be caused by accidental or intentional actions. In most rural areas of Nigeria, hunters set forests on fire in order to force the animals to flee their hiding places, or in some cases this can happen accidentally especially during the dry season.

Poaching of wildlife for bush meat and export: Over exploitation of wildlife for eating and illegal trafficking is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity loss in Nigeria. Wildlife meat is a major source of protein and livelihood to many families in Nigeria.

Uncontrolled killing and poaching of wildlife for meat has lead to serious depletion in wildlife in Nigerian forest. Nigeria is also a major player in the global illegal wildlife trafficking. Illegal trade is decimating populations of elephants, pangolins, rhinoceros, sharks, chimpanzees, gorillas, and numerous tree species in Nigeria.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 13, 2022

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Chiemelie Ezeobi ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Expectations for Nigeria’s Health Sector in 2022 For the health sector, many key areas are demanding for urgent measures despite efforts by government to tackle it.

Onyebuchi Ezeigbo reports that this year, government is expected to double up its strides in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and its many variants, health emergencies, vaccine hesitancy and growing apathy to health insurance, as well as apply strict enforcement of the various health advisories needed to check spread of infectious diseases

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he outlook of the country’s health sector for the new year is a very challenging and difficult one, with many key areas demanding urgent and tasking measures.

Last year, the sector performed fairly well as the country was able to contain the various health emergencies ranging from COVID19 pandemic, cholera, measles, Lassa Fever and new polio variant. However, despite impressive efforts by the federal government in tackling emerging health emergencies, the preceding year had many unmet targets.

COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 pandemic has continued to prove a major threat to the people with challenges of meeting vaccination targets. The preceding year was a very busy one in terms of the efforts by the country to push up vaccination of eligible populace.

With the advent of more active variants of the COVID-19 virus like the Delta and Omicron variants, the federal government had issued an order making proof of vaccination a prerequisite for civil servants gaining access to their places of work. It also rolled out mass vaccination programme and encouraged vaccinations at private facilities.

However, at the end last year, Nigeria was only able to vaccinate a little over 10 million persons less than the target of 40 per cent of eligible Nigerians expected to have been vaccinated in line with the projections of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The implication is that the federal and state governments have to redouble efforts at implementing more rigorous mass vaccination campaign early in the new year if the country is to be able to meet the target of immunising 70 per cent of her eligible population and for us to achieve the much expected herd immunity.

The government will be expected to address the issue of vaccine hesitancy and growing apathy in the observance of the health protocols meant to curb spread of COVID-19. Current vaccination statistics in the country does not give hope that the country will be able to meet the target of vaccinating 70 per cent of her eligible populace.

No doubt, efforts at further containment of COVID-19 pandemic will take centre stage in the priority list of the government in the New Year.

Ehanire had assured the nation that government was making serious efforts to roll out a vaccine manufacturing facility in the country in a year’s time through a special purpose vehicle - Bio-Vaccine Company.

In the same vein, the country’s drug and food regulatory body, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had given hint that the road was now clear for local manufacturing of vaccines having met the requirements of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in terms of providing standard regulatory instrument.

The main objective of restoring NAFDAC’s regulatory capacity is to help resolve the problem of vaccine inadequacies and to attain some level of medicine security.

Going forward in the new year, federal government will be expected to apply strict enforcement of the various health advisories needed to check spread of infectious diseases.

More importantly, the government will be expected to make good its pledge to revamp the country’s vaccine manufacturing capacity in order to improve on vaccine availability.

Fighting Malaria Scourge Malaria has continued to pose major health concerns to Nigerians and indeed Africans as a whole. Efforts being made to stamp out malaria in the country appears to be experiencing a lull with federal and state governments not being able to meet their obligations in terms of paying up their counterpart funding obligations and for the states showing reluctance in owning up various Anti-Malaria initiatives set up in their domain.

According to the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) about 55,200 under-five deaths were recorded in Africa in 2020 due to malaria illness in the last one year. Quoting the latest World Malaria Report, ACOMIN said there were “241 million cases of malaria in 2020 compared to 227 million cases in 2019, an increase of about 14 million cases”.

It said the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000 in 2020 an increase of 69,000 deaths over the previous year. About 80 per cent of all malaria deaths in Africa came from children

Minister of Health, Ehanire between the ages of 0 and 5”.

Speaking at a quarterly advocacy meeting of the group held recently in Abuja, ACOMIN National Coordinator, Mr. Ayo Ipinmoye said half of the world’s population are now at risk of malaria, with the most vulnerable groups being pregnant women and children below the age of five.

Ipinmoye lamented that one of the problems observed in the implementation of the malaria intervention programme in Nigeria was that most state governments were not doing enough to take ownership of the health facilities provided by the Global Fund.

With the increase in malaria morbidity and mortality, it has become necessary to look into some of the existing gaps that are yet to be adequately resolved. Funding of anti-malaria intervention programmes is suffering set back in it’s implementation. Ipinmoye expressed concern over the continued delay in the approval of funds to defray federal government’s counterpart obligation in the malaria intervention programme.

The partnership programme is being used to execute one of the most potent anti-malaria intervention initiative in Nigeria by providing mosquito tested nets for pregnant women as well as other malaria treatment regimen for rural dwellers.

While speaking in comparative terms, Ipinmoye said: “ If we are spending billions renovating the buildings of the National

Assembly, that same National Assembly has no justification not to support investment in the provision of quality healthcare for Nigerians”.

On his part, the representative of the Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund, Mr. Ibrahim Tajudeen has expressed disappointment over the poor attention being given to the funding of malaria intervention programmes in the country.

He particularly frowned at what he described as misinformation about the $200 million loan being sought from the World Bank for the execution of the anti malaria intervention programme. He said that contrary to the erroneous report, the loan is intended to pay federal government’s share of the counterpart funding to enable the country access the over $1.1 billion grant from the United States and the Global Fund.

Tackling Challenges Posed by AIDS Federal government had said that an estimated 1,629,427 persons living with HIV have so far been put under regular anti-retroviral treatment as at 2021.

It also said that out of about 150,000 children infected with HIV only 80,000 are currently receiving regular treatment. Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Dr. Gambo Aliyu said the agency has been implementing a programme

“Ehanire explained that government was implementing an innovative digital health technology reforms and building a network of well equiped National Primary Health Care centers across the country to take healthcare delivery to the grassroots”

to drastically curtail the spread of HIV infection in the country.

But he said that the agency is experiencing some challenges limiting the progress at ending HIV transmission in the country. Some of these challenges include; poor access to retroviral drugs, stigmatisation, lack of funds, poverty and gender inequality.

Speaking on the areas for further interventions, Aliyu said that the aspect of Mother-to-child transmission of HIV represented a large source of new infections nationally and is the largest source in several states. Aliyu said a study of the formation and dissolution of partnerships among these groups may help in understanding the dynamics involved.

According to him, most of the women who do attend Antenatal check up (ANC) get tested for HIV but the problem is that over 60 per cent of pregnant women do not attend ANC. He said that increasing ANC attendance would have benefits not only for reducing HIV transmission but for the overall health of the child and the mother. NPHCDA boss canvassed the need for development of alternative funding sources to serve as a buffer for the dwindling funds from donor partners.

Industrial Crisis The health sector last year also witnessed industrial crisis which dragged on up to the court of arbitration and is yet to be fully resolved. The new year will definitely prove a decisive one for the government in being able to manage the crisis that may be precipitated by the poor funding being witnessed in the health sector and the disagreements amongst various professional bodies over welfare issues. Indeed, government will need to brace up to deal decisively with the existing dichotomy between medical doctors and other allied health workers. The matter has continued to fuel disagreements and industrial unrest in the country’s health sector.

Health Sector Outlook/ Projections for 2022 and Beyond Adequate funding for health sector remains a

T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 13, 2022

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NEWS EXPECTATIONS FOR NIGERIA’S HEALTH SECTOR IN 2022 major challenge for the country. There is no better way to look at the challenges and prospects of the country’s health sector than to take a cursory look at the outcome of the last National Council of Health meeting held in Abuja towards the end of last year, between December 3rd and 5th.

The annual event also considered the thorny issue of the growing finding gap in the country’s health sector and how to improve on investment to help achieve overall health security for Nigeria.

At the National Council of Health meeting, Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire gave hint on the direction the federal government was pushing it’s policies in the health sector in the next few years. He said government is working on a strategy to improve on health financing.

Part of the strategy is the formulation of a new law on a mandatory health insurance scheme in Nigeria, as part of the health sector reforms aimed at revolutionising funding in the sector. Ehanire explained that government was implementing an innovative digital health technology reforms and building a network of well equiped National Primary Health Care centers across the country to take healthcare delivery to the grassroots.

He said: “We have come a long way in expectation of a law for mandatory health insurance in Nigeria, a critical health sector reform to revolutionise funding and undergoing innovative digital health technology reforms. one of these ways of ensuring proper funding of the health sector as well as making health services affordable for the citizens is the implementation of the Nigeria Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

In order to widen the scope of coverage of the health insurance scheme, federal government has presented a Bill to the National Assembly to make the health insurance scheme mandatory for all Nigerians.

Side by side with this, is the plan by government to set up a network of National Primary Health Care centers to take care to the healthcare needs at the grassroot level. Ehanire said that models of the new Primary Healthcare Centres designs have been sent to all state governors adding that each PHC will have staff quarters, assured water supply, solar powered aggregates and a sound complement of human resource for health. According to the minister, primary healthcare centres are the most important building blocks of the country’s health system and should be prioritised by all states as the platform to attain the Universal Health Coverage (UHC)”.

Ehanire added that benefits from COVID-19 pandemic included construction of a total of 50 oxygen plants by the federal government and Global Fund, and importation of thousands of oxygen cylinders to make oxygen available to all hospitals, as well as the setting up of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS). The minister said the target of government is to establish an innovative care system that will

make medical services available at the site of medical emergency ambulance with just a phone call. While speaking at the Council of Health meeting, UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Eduardo Celades said meeting will provide the much-needed opportunity for Nigeria to holistically review the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and response on the health sector and propose appropriate strategies for building back better from the pandemic.

He listed some of the challenges Nigeria should BEESFTT UP JODMVEF QFSTJTUFOU EFDMJOF JO IFBMUI expenditure as a proportion of GDP from 1.20 percent in 2004 to only 0.58 per cent in 2018, inadequate financing of primary healthcare services at service delivery point and the current allocation of 1.5million naira per ward under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund which it said was suboptimal. In addition, UNICEF listed other challenges to include: inadequate human resources for the health sector, suboptimal primary healthcare infrastructure and equipment, erratic availability of essential commodities and supplies and poor maintenance culture, weak coordination and accountability mechanisms resulting in duplication, inefficiencies and lack of value for money.

According to Celades, hopes to partner with Nigeria to tackle the problems using tried and true strategies and available best practices. Celades said the body is finalizing the next Country Program Document for 2023 – 2027, with an increased emphasis on coordinated multisectoral action, PHC system strengthening and improved generation and use of data and evidence to drive action, accountability and results.

“We are committed to continued partnership with the Government of Nigeria to protect and promote the right of every to survive, thrive and transform. We are determined to use our comparative advantage as a multisectoral agency to support Nigeria’s development efforts within the health sector and beyond,” he said.

On his part, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said COVID-19 has provided Nigeria a unique opportunity for a thorough evaluation of existing resources and mechanisms and for it to build back better towards a more resilient system for the future.

At the National Council of Health meeting, stakeholders resolved to set up a committee to review all guidelines, policies and data on diseases JO MJOF XJUI HMPCBM BOE 8)0 HVJEFMJOFT DBQUVSJOH tools in use to reflect current diseases, emerging and re-emerging ones. 2022 definitely will be very critical for health sector because the attention of federal government will be divided due to heightened political activities ahead next year’s General Election.

This implies that health budget may be negatively imparted upon. At the same the year might an opportunity to engage in robust debate with political actors on setting agenda for the next government on health issues.

WASCO Sensitises Health Writers on Aji-no-moto Safety Campaign Sunday Ehigiator West African Seasoning Company Limited (WASCO), makers of Aji-no-moto food seasoning product, in its renewed awareness drive, has taken its safety campaign on the food seasoning to Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN).

Speaking at an annual symposium aimed at building confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, which was recently held also to introduce the company’s newest addition, ‘DeliDawa’ seasoning to the association, WASCO’s Corporate $PNNVOJDBUJPOT NBOBHFS Francisca Ikediashi affirmed that Aji-no-moto food seasoning also known as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), was safe for consumption as the product had long been scientifically proven safe for consumption.

According to her, Aji-no-moto which has been in existence for over 100 years is consumed in over 130 countries by enhancing taste and increasing the deliciousness of food.

“It helps in salt reduction in our cooking and also enhances the deliciousness of our meals.

The Umami taste harmonises

the overall flavour without any compromise to the delicious taste of our meals.

“Aji-no-moto is simply made from sugarcane through the natural process of fermentation and therefore, 100 per cent safe for consumption.”

Educating participants further, Ikediashi noted that Aji-no-moto has been safely used as a food ingredient since 1909 after it was discovered by a Japanese scientist, Dr. Kikunae Ikeda, adding that the product is registered in Nigeria by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“The benefits of the seasoning include enhancing and promoting the deliciousness PG PVS NFBMT JU JT FDPOPNJDBM it reduces salt intake and it is rich in glutamate one of the free amino acids.

“WASCO is committed to helping Nigerians eat healthy by bringing out the natural taste in cooking through safe and cost-effective seasonings, urging them to dispel any myth or misconception about Aji-nomoto through their write-ups.

“Umami substance is present in most natural foods such

as meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese, and milk. Glutamate is also abundant in breast milk.

Umami seasoning enhances the taste of dishes and is a universal taste.

“It is one of the five basic tastes along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. We have a lot of glutamate in our local foods. Iru, for instance, is umami. When you take Iru, you take a lot of glutamates,” she explained.

President of HEWAN, Mrs. Chioma Obinna in her response, commended WASCO for supporting and contributing to the success of the symposium, assuring that members of the association would continue to provide consumers with factual information about the product through their stories.

“This awareness is a welcome development. A lot of our members have today been sensitised about the safety of your product as a brand that is an essential seasoning for every meal.

“Now that the company has partnered us for awareness creation, we are very happy. We now must take the information to the public,” she said.

FERTILITY

With Dr. Kemi AILOJE drkemi@lifelinkfertility.com www.lifelinkfertility.com +2348033083580

Resolution to Healthy Fertility (Part 2)

L

ast week, we started on this topic. We discussed some positive resolutions that can be made towards healthy fertility. This week, we will conclude with more resolutions.

Lifestyle changes: A positive lifestyle change will in turn maintain a healthy fertility. Quit smoking as tobacco use is associated with lower fertility. Smoking ages your ovaries and depletes your eggs prematurely. If you smoke, ask your health care provider to help through the process to help you quit. Reduce alcohol consumption and caffeine intake. Heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of ovulation disorders. If you would like to get pregnant, consider limiting /avoiding alcohol completely and limiting your caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee a day.

Reducing stress and vigorous exercises: Too much vigorous physical activity can inhibit ovulation and reduce production of the hormone progesterone. If you have a healthy weight and you are thinking of becoming pregnant soon, consider limiting vigorous physical activity to less than five hours a week. Women with higher levels of hormones linked to stress (cortisol) have more difficulty in getting and maintaining pregnancy as compared to women who experienced less stress. Stress has been found to alter hormonal levels and inhibit ovulation.

Adequate sleep: Getting a good night’s rest helps to refresh and restore the brain and organ system functioning, thus regulating important body hormones including fertility related hormones.

Sleep enhances release of the hormone LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which usually enhances maturation and rupture of the egg in the process called “ovulation” thus increasing the chances of achieving pregnancy.

Use of Cosmetics: Most cosmetics, including nail polish, anti-bacterial soap, anti-aging creams, hair sprays and perfumes have negative effect on the female fertility due to toxic chemicals/heavy metals (e.g. lead) present in some of them. The use of lead based cosmetics has been associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion and infertility in some women.

RESOLUTION TO HEALTHY FERTILITY FOR COUPLE TRYING FOR BABY Oh! How often we relinquish the matters of fertility to chance and trust that it may soon happen. Most couple continues until they are over 40years, which is the age of fertility decline.

Some couples have been on the waiting list of conception for a long time but until they take certain bold steps they may never achieve it.

Here are some of the list of resolutions we can make this year regarding fertility. r *EFOUJGZ XIBU UIF DBVTFT PG ZPVS JOGFSUJMJUZ BSF most fertility centers offers fertility counseling for

free. The couple attempting pregnancy should be seen together, this facilitates unity and cooperation as they both have same understanding of the fertility options available. r $PVQMF TIPVME UBLF EFDJTJPO UP VOEFSHP fertility investigations known as Fertility profiling / know your fertility status which is usually aimed at: Establishing ones fertility potential, identifying risk factors that may predispose one to infertility in the future. Diagnosing abnormalities that may need prompt management to avoid compromising one’s fertility.

Our fertility potentials vary from one person to the other and we usually may not have control over it, some genetic conditions like Endometriosis, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), may adversely affect fertility. Some women may suffer from early shut down of their ovaries called “Premature Ovarian Insufficiency” (POI).

There will be the need to carry out other tests which may come in form of blood test, semen analysis , pelvic ultrasound scan, Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or Hysterosonogram (HSN) which should often reveal the cause of the fertility challenge and likely treatment the couples could benefit from. r 'JOBODJBM QMBOT UPXBSET GFSUJMJUZ JT WFSZ important, most fertility treatment are not covered by insurance. They are majorly “ out of pocket processes”. They may be expensive and financially draining. Long term savings may be required for most low income earners to be able to assess fertility treatment.

As the cliché goes, stop crying over spilled milk.

It is advisable to move on with the recommended treatment options. Some couple are indecisive for years refusing to do nothing after they have been diagnosed and counseled toward appropriate fertility options. They keep living in denial of the real scenario and hoping that results would change with time or fertility improve with age, such attitude have resulted in couple eventually presenting later to fertility clinics to accept their fate and having children at a very late age, after retirement from active service. The best recommendation for couples saddled with fertility challenge is to “make hay while the sun shines”.

Knowledge is power. Resolve to get fertility empowerment this year. Make plan to take advantage of the peak of your fertility for having babies. Certain things in life are time bound and reproduction is one of them. Planning to have babies earlier in life (though in some cases we do not have control despite all effort ) can save us the roller coaster of infertility treatment in the future.

Wishing you success as you go through series of highlighted steps in trying for your dream babies and surely this year they will come by God’s grace.

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T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 13, 2022

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NEWS

y y

Nigerian Breweries Donates N48m Equipment to UBTH Neo-Natal Unit

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Rebecca Ejifoma

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L-R: Vice Chairman, New Year Outreach for Health Workers and Patients, Lion Mark Ebare; District Governor, Lion Kayode Oshinuga; Committee Member, Lion Scholastic Onyeyiri; Cabinet Secretary, Lion Babatunde Raji and Media & Public Relations Chairperson, Lion Blessing Umebali at the event

Lions Club Fetes Patients, Health Workers at LASUTH Mary Nnah The New Year Outreach organised by the Lions Club International District 404 B2 Nigeria in collaboration with Miracle Caring Hands Foundations was targeted at the Health workers and patients at the Paediatric Wards of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

The initiative, which was initially planned for last Christmas but shifted to the New Year, was held to make the patients feel sense of belonging at a period of the year when everyone is usually in a cheerful mood.

It was also let them know that they were not alone in their present condition, rather members of the Lions Club share in their pains.

To this end, items including bedsheets, fans, water bottles, bags, food packs and drinks were distributed to over 150 patients at the Paediatric section of LASUTH, while a few patients were given cash as well to settle outstanding hospital bills.

The health workers at this section were not left out as they were also given gifts to encourage their hard work and dedication.

Speaking during the occasion, District Governor, Lions Club International, District 404 B2, Nigeria, Lion Kayode Oshinuga said: “Lions usually come here to see the baby of the year on every 1st of January but we discovered that so many people, business organisations and non-governmental organisations also come to see that same baby, so the baby and the family end up getting excessive gifts at the detriment of other patients.

“So this year, we said we were going to spread it around rather than concentrating on the baby of the year, which is a blessed baby anyway, we want to make the gifts go round, we want everybody to be part of it.

“That is why we decided to expand it and make more gifts so that we can give to so many other people.”

The District Governor explained that originally, the club planned to reach out to over 150 patients who got various gifts but in addition, 20 people who were identified by the ward manager as indigents, in addition, got cash of N10,000 each to sort out their medical bills.

“Some of these patients have

not been able to afford the little drugs they were told to buy while some of them have remained even after they were discharged because they cannot afford the hospital bill”, he revealed further.

Speaking on the impact the gesture would have on the beneficiaries, he said, “At least they would know that they are not alone in their present condition; even going in there to see them, we have lifted their spirits so much that even with all the gadgets some children have on their bodies, they were able to stand up, smiled and receive us.

“That is one of the greatest satisfactions we have. We also have gifts for the health workers and the parents too.”

Speaking also, the Vice Chairman, New Year Outreach for Health Workers and Patients, Lion Mark Ebare, said, “We have delivered some items to the CMD`s office which include bed sheets, fans and other items that would be needed in the hospital.

“We have also distributed other items like food packs, drinks, water bottles and other items to the patients in

the wards as well as the staff that attend to them. We are also giving out money for those patients who are unable to pay for their drugs and hospital bills.”

Chairman, Miracle Caring Hands Foundations, Mr. Adeola Emmanuel Adebayo who was represented a Lion member, Clementina Uzoegwu, said the foundation believes in the Lions Motto, which is “We Serve”, the reason the foundation is spurred to collaborate with District 404B2 Nigeria to put smiles on the health workers and the patients in this beginning of the year.

The foundation gave cash support to eight Paediatric patients along with other gift items.

Responding, Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof Adetokunbo Olusegun Fabamwo, thanked the club for making the donations, adding that the items would go a long to better the lives of the patients and workers in the department.

Fabamwo, recalled many other projects the club had undertaken for the teaching hospital. He urged the club to do more for the institution because the government alone cannot do it all.

Smile Train, Kids OR, Refurbishes Children Operating Room in NOHE Sunday Ehigiator World largest free cleft care charity organisation, Smile Train, in partnership with Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) have refurbished the children operating room of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu (NOHE), Nigeria, with an aim of bringing safer, more timely paediatric surgery closer to the community.

This was revealed through a jointly signed statement made available to THISDAY by the two organisations, after the unveiling of the theatres. In her remarks, Smile Train’s Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Mrs Nkeiruka Obi underscored the need to prioritise safer paediatric surgery through the provision of adequate infrastructure and trained personnel.

She said there was dire need

for surgical and anaesthesia infrastructure as well as providers trained in paediatric care in the country.

“Smile Train is committed to working in partnership with local medical professionals to ensure that people impacted by cleft lip and palate have access to world-class treatment in their own communities.

“Through Smile Train’s partnership with KidsOR, to renovate these theatres and create dedicated paediatric operating rooms, we’re bringing high-quality, more sustainable surgical care to children in need,” she said.

KidsOR Director for Africa, Rosemary Mugwe equally emphasised the importance of having dedicated pediatric rooms.

According to her, “in this

theatre, we have delivered approximately 3,000 state-ofthe-art equipment. Our model is to give the right tool to skilled personnel to enable them to care for the children of Enugu and Nigeria at large.”

Further, representing KidsOR at the ceremony, the past President of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), Professor King David Terna Yawe, celebrated the unveiling of the theatre and the value it will bring both to children and the medical professionals.

“Our desire is to narrow the gap among children, in Nigeria, lacking access to safer surgery.

As we know, of the about 200 million people in the country, 46 per cent, are under the age of 15.

“We are also keen on growing the number of qualified surgeons providing the much-needed

skills among the underserved communities.”

In his acceptance note, Head of the Plastic Surgery Department at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Onah, hailed the transformation, noting that it has instilled morale among the surgical teams, with children feeling more at ease in their recovery journey.

“Working in the upgraded theatre boosts the morale of the surgical team not only aesthetically but also using more child-friendly equipment. This theatre is now the benchmark operating space at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu.

“Every surgeon, no matter their specialisation, desires to operate on their paediatric cases in it. Additionally, calming the children before their surgery has become easier.”

The Nigerian Breweries Plc through the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation has donated various equipment worth N48 million to the neo-natal unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The equipment include one Ventilator Humidifier, five Neonatal Tubing Ventilators, one Bubble CPAP with stand, five Nasal Masks, five Nasal Prongs, five Infant head bonnets, five Flexi-trunk, five CPAP circuit, one Incubator.

Others are one Infusion Pump, one Resuscitaire/warmer, one Phototherapy, one Neopuff, one Syringe Drive, one Suction Machine, and one Portable Oxygen Concentrator.

At the handing over, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sade Morgan, said that the investment in health care forms part of the company’s contribution towards reducing infant mortality, thus complementing the efforts of the Federal Government.

Morgan, represented by the Corporate Affairs Manager West, Danjuma John-Ekele, further noted that the provision of incubators and other facilities was to complement the efforts of FG in addressing one out of the myriad of challenges faced by the health sector.

In his remarks, the Provost UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, commended HAF and NB Plc for the donations.

40-years-old in Dire Need of N9m for Kidney Transplant Rebecca Ejifoma The family of Mr. Fatai Opayemi is desperately calling on Nigerians to help them with N9m for kidney transplant to save their father.

Opayemi, who is only 40, was said to have been diagnosed with kidney failure last November and has since been going to dialysis.

As noted in his medical report by St. Nicholas Hospital, Opayemi is hypertensive and diabetic with end stage renal disease.

Speaking on behalf of the family, his daughter, Omolode, called on Nigerians to kindly save her father. “Please, I don’t want to lose my father”.

For donations, donations can be sent to his UBA 2229685587 Fatai Opayemi Jimoh. He can also be reached via his daughter’s line 08024727338.

Final Year Student Solicits N15mM for Kidney Transplant Rebecca Ejifoma Twenty-five year old final year student of Pharmacy from the Bartholomew College of Health Technology Kwara State, Mustapha Abdulmumini Oyinwola, is in dire need of N15million for kidney transplant. Oyinwola is said to be suffering from kidney infections which resulted in kidney damage according to Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where he was diagnosed and managed before his transfer to Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital in Kaduna.

In his words: “I am under medical facilities for seven weeks on account of a six-week history of general prolonged weakness, a week history of reduction output, and a feature of Uraemia. I am seen to have developed alterations in level of consciousness.”

He also decried generalised body swelling involving the face and lower limb, adding that the only way to get cure and save his life is by kidney transplant worth N15m.

Oyinwola, therefore, appealed to the general public for financial aid to live. Donations can be made to the account details of the patient’s father: UBA, 2052390043 Oyinwola Abdulmumini Owolabi or his GTB 0021856364.

The father can also be contacted on 08035864562 or his brother Ridwan Abdulmumini Oyinwola 08176143280.

Nigerians in Turkey Solicit $8,000 for Student with Brain Tumour Rebecca Ejifoma National Association of Nigerian Student Turkey Chapter (NANS TR) is desperately soliciting $8,000 to keep Blessing Chinekwu Okeke, a student who is suffering from brain tumour alive.

Okeke, who lives and studies in Esenyurt, was said to be diagnosed with a brain tumor at a popular hospital in Istanbul, Hospital Reyab.

“They are requesting $8000. The tumor is growing bigger everyday and if nothing is done in time her survival chance will be just five per cent,” the association said.

Okeke is said to be in acute pain, hence, the need for immediate treatment. Donations can be sent to her dollar account, 85690920, IBAN number, TR560001000318856909205003 Blessing Chinekwu Okeke, Zirat Bank.

For more enquiries, kindly contact NANS TURKEY National President on +908528792560 or +90 5376746340.

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T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 13, 2022

INTERVIEW

Otufowora: How Pregnancy Cravings Birthed a Multi-million Naira Healthy Enterprise In this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, the Chief Executive Officer of Boomsky Smoothies, Olubunmi Otufowora, speaks on how her unusual craving for fruits during her first pregnancy 12 years ago, has now turned out to become a multi-million naira venture in the cold-chain industry, with her healthy products now famous in the refrigerators of major supermarkets and restaurants in Lagos state Who exactly is Olubunmi Otufowara? am a pharmacist by profession with an MBA from the University of Lagos. I worked with a telecommunication company for 14 years before transiting into my current role as CEO of Boomsky Smoothies.

Upon graduation from the university, practicing as a pharmacist was the last thing on my mind. I had lost interest in the profession even while still at school and was looking for other opportunities that would be exciting and more fulfilling.

When I got the job offer from the telecommunications company post-NYSC, I felt it was the way to go and started my career with them as a management trainee. Throughout my stay with the organisation, I grew through the ranks to become the head of its special relationship unit, which I ran until I resigned.

I

How did you enter the cold-chain business?

My business started as a side hustle while still working full time for my previous employer with my colleagues and friends being my first customers. When the business grew to the point where it became impossible to combine it with my nine-to-five employment, I had to resign from corporate employment to focus on the business.

Cumulatively Boomsky Smoothies and Juices have been around for about 12 years with me being at the helm since inception, being a hands-on person with a passion for business, and a special love for creating healthy drink options, which are 100 per cent natural with no preservative or additives.

Of all businesses, why smoothies and juices?

I have always loved fruits, so transitioning the love into a business was simple. It all started when I got pregnant and had no appetite to eat chunks of fruits, so I blended the fruits I had at home and didn’t realise what I had created until my husband informed me it was called a smoothie.

I researched more about it and I discovered smoothies were not a new phenomenon as they were quite popular in other parts of the world. Smoothies found me.

This business started with N3,000 12 years ago (money used to purchase the first fruits that I blended). When I took some samples to the office to get feedback about the drinks, a lot of my colleagues loved them and responded positively when asked if they would be interested in paying for the drinks.

I took their orders which amounted to N12,000, thus becoming our first sales ever in what could be termed our first week in business. I informed my husband about this pleasant outcome and he suggested I give the business a name and register it.

That’s the short story of our humble beginnings.

What’s the number of employees now?

We have a total of 18 permanent staff, comprising our production, delivery, and marketing teams, supported by a few office assistants, alongside a variety of others that collaborate with us in an ad hoc manner.

What is the uniqueness of your products?

Over the years, we’ve had to overcome many challenges, but our goal to ensure that Boomsky Smoothies and juices become essential items in every home has been our primary driver to stay in business.

Buying our product can be compared to our customers getting fresh oranges and squeezing them into a bottle for consumption.

We have done all the work for them with no preservatives, additives, or added sugar.

They are 100 per cent natural.

We bottle hygienically prepared nutritious drink options that are available off the shelf at most retail outlets for our customers to simply purchase and enjoy instantly or at any time of their convenience, once stored in a fridge or freezer.

If refrigerated, it is best to consume our products within five days, however once frozen, they can retain their integrity for up

CEO of Boomsky Smoothies, Olubunmi Otufowora to a month in the freezer and simply need to be defrosted and consumed. Once the drinks have been defrosted, it’s advisable to consume immediately and not refreeze.

Our products are freshly made daily with fresh fruits, without preservatives or additives, the essence of this is to give our customers products that would improve their health and as such, we would never compromise on the quality of what we put out in the market.

What are some challenges associated with the cold chain business?

The major challenge is that our products are highly perishable, and we need constant power supply to remain in business. That is our major struggle.

How did you feel the first time your product appeared on a supermarket shelf?

The feeling was incredible! We mainly retail in QSR’s and supermarkets. The first outlet that accepted to sell our product was an eatery. I remember vividly.

A friend had advised me to approach a particular eatery to ask if they could stock our products. I offered them a sample of my product to display in their chillers, but they rejected it because it had not been attractively packaged.

They however advised that we improve the packaging of the drinks and revert

to them afterward. This process took a year to achieve and they subsequently accepted to stock our products for sale in their outlets.

It’s always been my dream to walk into a major store and see my products displayed on the shelves. I cried when this eventually happened after two years.

How many products do you have now?

We currently have 11 flavours’ made from various fruit combinations and also sell customised combinations fitting customer preferences. All our products are NAFDAC approved.

They have also been analysed by the Federal Institute of Industry Research Oshodi (FIIRO) towards determining the content of nutrients in every bottle.

We only use fruits sourced locally as nothing is imported. We are strictly committed to showcasing the beauty of Nigeria in all our dealings.

Which of the products is your best seller?

Our best seller is the Banana and Coconut Milk, and there is an interesting story around it.

The variant was developed while I was still in my telecoms job with the input of a colleague who patronised me frequently and offered constant feedback towards

“Our products are freshly made daily with fresh fruits, without preservatives or additives, the essence of this is to give our customers products that would improve their health and as such, we would never compromise on the quality of what we put out in the market”

arriving at a perfect blend. It took us six months to perfect the unique mix that has become our best seller since then.

How are you able to maintain a work-life and family balance?

Balance is not something you find, but something you create, and the secret lies in the delegation. It would help if you leveraged the relationships around you for assistance.

It might be your friend, your husband, your sister, your cousins, etc. People are there to help, but all you need to do is ask. Don’t be an island.

I would give the credit of my success to the great support system I have because they were there to motivate and encourage me when the chips were down and I felt like giving up.

What’s the future for Boomsky Smoothies?

Currently, our circulation is still within Lagos State because of the perishable nature of our products; we haven’t expanded to other locations. Our goal is however for every home in Lagos state to adopt a healthy living and make our product their first choice of drink.

We are working tirelessly to reach the whole of Nigeria in the next five years; even though we will be operating from Lagos, with the proper logistics, we hope to be able to get our products into every part of the country.

The event side of our business is different because we can serve at any event in any part of the country.

Also, we are working towards a larger fully automated factory where all our processes are fully automated, so we can produce in higher capacity towards supplying the entire country.

How would you like to advise today’s youth and their attitude towards work?

It’s so sad that the desire to work by today’s youth is dwindling. I however believe that with the right incentive they will be better motivated. My advice is for our young ones to pursue whatever is of interest to them as long it’s legitimate.

34

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

business/MOnEYGUIDE

Sterling Bank Commits to Grow Tourism Sector, Empowers Nike Art Gallery Nume Ekeghe Sterling Bank Plc has restated its commitment towards tourism by partnering with the Nike Art Gallery to install solar panels at the gallery via the bank’s Imperium outlet.

This follows recent partnerships with the gallery to drive an appreciation as well as the investment opportunities available in the arts and tourism sectors in Nigeria.

The Nike Art Gallery, owned by Nike Okundaye is one of the largest of its kind in the West African sub-region with a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists.

Group Head for Renewable Energy at Sterling Bank, Dele Faseemo, who disclosed this in a statement issued by the bank

in Lagos recently, said the bank’s entire strategy is founded on the idea of improving lives by providing varied chances to its clients and prospective customers with an infusion of the Bank’s HEART strategy.

Divisional Head for Retail and Consumer Banking at Sterling Bank, Shina Atilola, added that the bank attempts to enrich lives and unlock new opportunities in Nigeria’s tourism sector through partnerships with key tourism industry players as well as other sectors where investments are being focused under its HEART’s of Sterling programme.

Atilola said the partnership with Nike Art Gallery is an indication of the bank’s unwavering commitment to assisting and growing the tourism sector as well as its long-standing

commitment to developing an alternative energy system for a better Nigeria. Chief Nike Okundaye has commended the bank over the gesture, stating that this installation will bring an infusion of sustainability and take the gallery into Nigeria’s energy future.

Atilola further opined that the commitment to install the solar panels, which was completed in January 2022, began at the World Tourism Day organized by the bank at the gallery.

Faseemo called on Nigerians to take advantage of the green and sustainable power solutions available through Imperium and also engage the bank on tourism discussions to explore opportunities that can be beneficial to individuals, businesses and the environment.

FirstBank to Lead Discussions on Economic Recovery Nume Ekeghe First Bank of Nigeria Limited is set hold its Nigerian Economic Outlook Webinar convened to reflect national and global economic trends that shaped 2021, whilst forecasting the economic outlook of 2022.

The virtual event themed, “A rearview look at 2021, lessons learnt-Outlook 2022,” is scheduled by 1 pm on tomorrow the 13th January 2022 via Zoom meeting and its free to their customers and non-customers.

The webinar, the bank said in a statement aims to set the tone for the year by providing an opportunity for participants to learn directly from economic experts to stay informed and knowledgeably empowered to make the right decisions in their socio-economic activities in 2022, which will be impacted by the micro and macro-economic activities of the country.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19 over two years ago, the global economy has witnessed viral economic shocks that adversely affected socio-economic activities.

These have left many individuals and businesses struggling to stay afloat amid the economic downturn. As a leading financial inclusion services provider in the country, FirstBank has remained committed to providing products, services and initiatives that have been crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of Covid-19 on individuals and households, “the bank said.

Speaking on the event, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications of FirstBank, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney said, ‘being woven into fabric of the society for over 127 years means that we provide value, support and innovation-driven solutions for our stakeholders regardless of the challenges of the pandemic. Our commitment to nation-building is anchored partly on our thought leadership role designed to relentlessly drive growth and scale for all through engagements that showcase versatile subject matter experts endowed with expertise, knowledge and valuable insights.

The webinar provides a platform for cross fertilization of ideas and

opportunities to learn and grow.

Nigeria is a country rich in human and natural resources and these have helped in the reforms and resilience reflected in the economy in 2021.”

“The COVID 19 pandemic brought disruption and challenges and largely Nigeria adopted measures to contain it. The pandemic also provided opportunities for rebuilding and facilitating economic transformation to close the gap with the rest of the world.

These include innovations in information technologies, which have been critical to ensuring business continuity and productivity among firms that have re-designed their work processes as well as telecommunications and payment systems in the e-commerce subsector.

“Whilst many of the current government policies are aimed at absorbing the shocks induced by the pandemic, it is important to note that an economy that seeks to recover and build resilience should be one that focuses on innovation and creativity in driving its goal, “she said.

Customs Area Command Remits N19bn to Federation Account in 29 Months Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara State has said that, it has generated and remitted over N19billion to the federation account in the last 29 months.

The area command also said that, it has intercepted 3,620 rounds of live ammunitions during the period under review.

The Area Comptroller of the NCS in the state, Mr. Hussaini Bello Ahmed disclosed this in Ilorin on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the activities of the command in the last 29 months.

He said that, “the Command has generated and remitted the sum of N9, 848,505,922.48 which surpass the revenue generated in the year 2020 with N2, 942,090,047.48.Gentlemen of the Press, under my leadership as the pioneer Customs Area Controller from July 2019 to December 2021 (that is about 29 Months) the command has generated and

remitted N19, 159,240,134.19 to federation account”.

Ahmed also said that, “the command has made seizures of large quantity of ammunition packaged in 25 packs of 25 rounds each, contained in fourteen cartons, worth N1,444,000.00. This landmark seizure was made around Bukuro axis in Baruten local government council area of Kwara state”.

He added, “Based on intelligence report, the command intercepted a Peugeot 504 vehicle with registration number AP 448 AKD. On searching the vehicle, it was found to contain a large quantity of pump action cartridges suspected to be smuggled into the country. Section 149 of Customs and excise Management Act (CEMA) of April, 1958 Cap 45 LFN 2004 (as amended) gives Customs officers powers to search vehicles/ships.

“It might also interest you to know that Arms and Ammunition is classified under schedule 4 of ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION

LIST of the Common External Tariff of Nigeria Customs Service.

This epic Seizure is very commendable at the backdrop of the heightened insecurity in the country. Should 3,620 rounds of live ammunition of this magnitude escaped into the country and fall into wrong hands, the result will be appalling, devastating and disastrous. I wish to reinstate here that our intelligence network in the command is still very strong.

“We deploy intelligence in virtually all our operations and greater successes are continuously being recorded on daily basis and that had yielded positive results.

For instance, the command at a time got credible information of large heaps of foreign parboiled rice from neighboring country, off-loaded at Dagi village and Arobaji axis along Mai-gida Road both in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, about to be smuggled into different parts of the country.

“We immediately mobilized officers from the command and stormed those areas.

mega draw…

L-R: Regional sales Director, Access Bank, Mrs. Njideka Esomeju; Winner of 10 million DiamondXtra mega draw,Mr.Osita Nwose; Group head, Retail Marketing and Analytics, Access Bank, Chioma Afe; and Team Lead, Consumer Banking, Mr.Jacob Danjuma, during the cheque ETOP UKUTT presentation of star prize winner of DiamondXtra mega draw in Lagos recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

January 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

• Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

• Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At THURSDAY, october 7

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͱ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Dangote Cement Stock Price Hits 2022 High over Proposed 170m Shares Buyback Kayode Tokede The stock price of Dangote Cement Plc hits 2022 high yesterday amid the management proposed plans to repurchase 170,003,074 ordinary fully paid-up ordinary shares of 50kobo each from shareholders in the second tranche of its share buyback programme.

The buyback presents one per cent of the currently issued shares.

Bullish sentiments returned to the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), as investors’ interest in Dangote cement advanced the All-Share Index by 1.7 per cent to close at 44,608.82 basis points yesterday.

The stock price of Dangote Cement upon the announcement gained 6.2 per cent to close at N275 from N259 it opened for trading.

However, Deputy Company secretary, Dangote Cement,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

Edward Imoedemhe, in a statement on the NGX yesterday said the programme will run from January 19 to January 20 or when the entire shares have been repurchased.

A buyback is when a corporation purchases its own shares in the stock market.

The cement manufacturing company said it would be repurchasing 170 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, representing one per cent of the

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

company’s issued shares.

According to the company, this includes 40.2 million shares held as treasury shares, following the conclusion of Tranche I of the share buyback programme.

It said the transaction would take place at the open market on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), subject to prevailing market conditions and under the current daily trading rules of the NGX.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

It also appointed Meristem Stockbrokers Limited and Vetiva Securities Limited as stockbrokers for the second tranche of the programme.

“Through its appointed Stockbrokers, the Company will, at its discretion, purchase DCP’s shares in the open market over the duration of Tranche II, subject to prevailing market conditions and under the current daily trading rules of the NGX,” the statement reads.

O F

“DCP would, however, not be under any obligation whatsoever to purchase any or all of the DCP shares put on offer over the duration of Tranche II. “The shares being repurchased by the company under the Share Buy-Back Programme will be held as treasury shares and may subsequently be cancelled.

Execution of this Tranche II is not expected to have any material impact on the company’s financial position.

1 2 / 1 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

36

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, January 13, 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌĞďŽƵŶĚĞĚ͕ ƵƉ ϱϳďƉƐ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌĞďŽƵŶĚĞĚ͕ ŐĂŝŶŝŶŐ ϱϳďƉƐ ƚŽ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϴϯϳ͘ϲϱ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ ŝŶ DdEE Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϳϰ͘ϴϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ;нϮ͘ϮйͿ͕ E/d, ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E' D ;нϲ͘ϮйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

t W K ;Ͳϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ h ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂͲ

ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϵ͘ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘

^/ ƵƉ ϭϭďƉƐ ĂƐ E' D 'ĂŝŶƐ ϯ͘ϯй

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^ŚĂƌĞ

ŝŶĚĞdž

ƌŽƐĞ

ďLJ

ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ďLJ ϵ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ϰϯ͘ϱй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƌĞůĂƟǀĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƐͲ

Price Change Index to Date

Ticker

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,837.65

0.57%

-0.9%

83.8%

15.0%

3.5%

1,050.50

0.0%

35.0%

10.0%

10.0%

14.7%

5.2%

190.00

2.2%

8.2%

-3.6%

-3.6%

179.2%

14.1%

13.7x

20.8x

68.50

0.0%

7.2%

2.2%

2.2%

19.1%

11.2%

32.9x

6.2x

25.45

-0.2%

6.6%

-2.1%

-2.1%

24.8%

3.9%

3.9x

dŚĞ ƵůůƐ &ĞĂƐƚ ŽŶ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϳй zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ E' D ;нϲ͘ϮйͿ͕ DdEE ;нϮ͘ϮйͿ͕

Previous Price Current Price Change Weighting Change YTD

Current Price

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ROE

ROA

P/E

5.2x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.8x

5.4%

16.6%

1.8% 5.6%

7.3%

1.0x

11.8%

26.0% 29.0%

3.0%

25.45

0.2%

6.2%

1.2%

1.2%

20.9%

2.8%

3.5x

0.7x

11.8%

275.00

6.2%

4.9%

7.0%

7.0%

40.4%

16.7%

13.7x

5.3x

5.8%

7.3%

1,435.00

0.0%

3.4%

-7.8%

-7.8%

106.8%

15.6%

27.8x

32.8x

4.2%

3.6%

12.00

0.0%

3.7%

5.3%

5.3%

8.4%

0.8%

7.1x

0.6x

3.7%

14.1%

25.80

0.0%

3.7%

7.7%

7.7%

11.6%

8.4%

9.6x

1.1x

3.9%

10.4% 37.5%

ϭϭďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϱϱϬ͘ϯϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC

ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ͳϭ͘ϴй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ

10 Access Bank PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC

9.50

0.0%

2.9%

2.2%

2.2%

17.0%

1.4%

2.7x

0.4x

8.9%

8.20

1.2%

2.3%

1.9%

1.9%

19.5%

1.8%

2.1x

0.4x

6.7%

48.5%

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

37.30

0.0%

1.8%

3.6%

3.6%

15.4%

2.0%

8.6x

1.4x

11.0%

11.7%

45.50

0.0%

1.5%

-9.0%

-9.0%

5.3%

1.9%

41.9x

2.2x

2.4%

2.4%

14 SEPLAT Energy PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc

690.00

3.0%

1.7%

6.2%

6.2%

3.4%

1.9%

15.8x

0.6x

6.0%

6.3%

8.60

-0.6%

1.4%

-1.1%

-1.1%

14.8%

0.9%

2.3x

4.95

0.0%

1.2%

0.0%

0.0%

-10.3%

-3.9%

142.00

0.0%

1.1%

0.0%

0.0%

38.8%

25.2%

9.7x

3.4x

5.2%

10.3%

28.30

0.0%

1.0%

-0.2%

-0.2%

16.4%

5.1%

4.4x

0.7x

5.8%

22.9%

2.58

1.2%

0.7%

1.2%

1.2%

12.0%

1.1%

2.3x

0.3x

8.5%

43.8%

2.31

0.4%

0.6%

-0.4%

-0.4%

9.7%

3.0%

6.2x

0.7x

9.5%

16.2%

17.00

0.0%

0.5%

-2.3%

-2.3%

15.3%

6.3%

11.1x

1.7x

8.8%

9.0%

3.05

0.0%

0.5%

2.0%

2.0%

10.0%

1.0%

0.3x

4.9%

ƐŝŽŶ ƚŽ Ϯϲϲ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ േϯ͘ϴďŶ͘ dZ E^ KZW ;ϴϵ͘Ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϯϬ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ : / E< ;ϭϰ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ^ W> d ;േϵϯϬ͘ϮŵͿ͕ E' D ;േϱϴϴ͘ϲŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ

ǁŚŝůĞ

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ƚŽ ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ DdEE ;േϰϴϱ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ ƵůůŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕

18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC

E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐΖ ĐŚĂƌƚ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů

20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϯ͘ϭй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ E' D

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϱ

;нϲ͘ϮйͿ͘ dƌĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ ϭ͘ϰй

0.3x

42.6%

0.9x

-11.5%

11.00

-1.8%

0.4%

11.1%

11.1%

2.5x

6.3%

42.20

2.9%

0.4%

8.2%

8.2%

8.1%

3.8%

15.0x

1.2x

1.1%

6.7%

1.03

5.1%

0.4%

7.3%

7.3%

11.1%

2.3%

5.5x

0.6x

1.0%

18.3%

4.40

0.0%

0.3%

-2.2%

-2.2%

35.6%

18.5%

4.4x

1.1x

4.5%

22.8%

87.80

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

2.1x

1.2% 3.1%

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ d ZE ;нϬ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ DdEE ;нϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ

26 NEM Insurance PLC 27 Presco PLC

ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ

28 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 29 AIICO Insurance PLC

13.10

0.4%

0.3%

-0.8%

-0.8%

21.3%

6.9%

12.3x

2.5x

0.78

-3.7%

0.3%

11.4%

11.4%

7.2%

1.1%

433.3x

0.8x

ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ h ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ E/d, ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ h &KK ^ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ

30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance

221.90

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

46.2%

9.3%

5.0x

2.0x

1.8%

19.8%

7.90

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

24.7%

7.5%

3.9x

0.9x

7.0%

25.7%

32 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 33 Unilever Nigeria PLC

21.00

0.0%

0.2%

-6.7%

-6.7%

36.8%

14.7%

6.1x

2.1x

7.1%

16.5%

13.40

0.0%

0.2%

-7.6%

-7.6%

-1.3%

-0.8%

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

22.00

0.0%

0.2%

-1.6%

-1.6%

20.7%

2.5%

3.8x

0.7x

1.7%

26.1%

4.4%

15.7%

ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ^ W> d ;нϯ͘ϬйͿ͕

;нϮ͘ϲйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ 'h/EE ^^ ;нϮ͘ϵйͿ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ // K Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ;нϯ͘ϳйͿ ĂŶĚ Z ' >/E^ ;нϴ͘ϳйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶͲ

ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ ĚĞdž ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘ϱй͘

ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕

hE/> s Z

;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕

>/E< ^^hZ

;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

8.1% 0.2%

1.2x

-1.1%

5.65

0.0%

0.1%

-4.2%

-4.2%

7.1%

0.8%

6.4x

0.6x

36 Oando PLC 37 Wema Bank PLC

4.73

0.0%

0.0%

7.0%

7.0%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

0.89

2.3%

0.2%

23.6%

23.6%

13.7%

0.8%

4.2x

0.5x

4.5%

38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

1.51

-1.9%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

10.1%

0.9%

3.3x

0.3x

3.3%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-41.3%

-9.2%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

49.1%

2.3x

23.8% 30.5% -20.3%

0.9x

ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘ϲdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϳdž ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϭϱ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͘ Dz ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ : / E< ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕

Ğƌ͕

ƵƉ

ϭ͘ϴй

ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

ďLJ

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

ĂŶĚ hE/dz E< ;нϴ͘ϳйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ,/W> ;Ͳ

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

A C A D EM Y

0.66

10.0%

T R A N SC OR P

89.0

5.1%

ϴ͘ϳйͿ͕ Z ' >/E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ^hEh ^^hZ ;Ͳϴ͘ϭйͿ

J A IZ B A N K

0.66

10.0%

FB NH

30.5

0.0%

ůĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ dŽĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ

UN IT YB N K

0.50

8.7%

J A IZ B A N K

14.2

10.0%

SOVR EN IN S

0.26

8.3%

ST ER LN B A N K

11.7

-1.9%

M B EN EF IT

0.29

7.4%

GT C O

9.8

-0.2%

D A N GC EM

ǁŽƵůĚ ƉĞƌƐŝƐƚ ŽŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲdž DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ĂŶŐŽƚĞ ĞŵĞŶƚ WůĐ ;ƚŚĞ ͞ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ͟Ϳ ĂŶŶŽƵŶĐĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐŽŶĚ ƚƌĂŶĐŚĞ ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ƐŚĂƌĞ ďƵLJďĂĐŬ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ

275.00

6.2%

ET I

8.3

-0.6%

LIN KA SSUR E

0.53

6.0%

A C C ESS

8.0

0.0%

T R A N SC OR P

1.03

5.1%

WEM A B A N K

6.9

2.3%

C OR N ER ST

0.55

3.8%

M B EN EF IT

6.3

7.4%

C H A M P ION

2.43

3.4%

SOVR EN IN S

6.0

8.3%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚƵŶĞ ŽĨ ϭϳϬ͕ϬϬϯ͕Ϭϳϰ ĨƵůůLJ ƉĂŝĚͲƵƉ ŽƌĚŝŶĂƌLJ

< Z ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ

ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ ϱϬ ŬŽďŽ ĞĂĐŚ͘ dŚŝƐ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƐ ϭ͘Ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ

ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ

ŝƐƐƵĞĚ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ E'y͕ ůĞƐƐ ƚƌĞĂƐƵƌLJ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ͘

^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ

dŚŝƐ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ ǁŽƵůĚ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ϭϵƚŚ ŽĨ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϮϮ

ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

C H IP LC

0.63

-8.7%

SEP LA T

930.2

3.0%

R EGA LIN S

0.42

-8.7%

D A N GC EM

588.6

6.2%

SUN UA SSUR

0.34

-8.1%

M TNN

485.8

2.2%

365.7

0.0%

T ic k er

P ric e C hg %

ĂŶĚ ĞŶĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĞĂƌůŝĞƌ ŽĨ ϮϬƚŚ ŽĨ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϮϮ͕ Žƌ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĞŶͲ

A IIC O

0.78

-3.7%

FB NH

ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůLJ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘ ƟƌĞ ƚƌĂŶĐŚĞ ƐŝnjĞ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞĚ͘

N EIM ET H

1.80

-3.2%

GT C O

250.3

-0.2%

-3.2%

NB

224.5

0.0%

-2.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

98.9

0.2%

-2.7%

T R A N SC OR P

89.9

5.1%

1.51

-1.9%

N GXGR OUP

84.6

-0.2%

11.00

-1.8%

A C C ESS

75.9

0.0%

C ON OIL H ON YF LOUR C OUR T VILLE ST ER LN B A N K UC A P

21.30 3.40 0.36

THURSDAY JANUARY 13, 2022 • T H I S D AY

37

38

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

IT'S ALL MADE HERE...

L-R: Managing Director of Proforce Limited, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Takabi, during the visit to the armour vehicles manufacturing company at Ode Remo … recently

500 Osinbajo Support Groups Strategise to Beat 'Moneybags' During Presidential Primary Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Representatives of about 500 Osinbajo Support Groups yesterday met in Abuja to strategise and mobilise delegates with the aim of beating those they described as ‘moneybags’ during the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.

The meeting of the support

groups drawn from the six geopolitical zones was to mobilise delegates for the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, during the presidential primary of the ruling party.

The Head of The Progressive Project (TPP) Situation Room, Mr. Jeffry Omoh in a statement made available to journalists urged attendees to go home, study their environment more, improve

their interactions with people and return with suggestions and ideas that TPP and its constituent teams would work with.

He said, "Their strategy shall emphasise mobilisation of delegates’ patriotism, not mobilisation of naira. We thank all members of the approximately 500 support groups who are already identifying with us, with firm commitment towards mobilising

Nigeria towards achieving an Osinbajo Presidency in 2023."

The statement also quoted the Niger State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Mustapha Jibril, to have said the loyalty demonstrated to President Muhammadu Buhari, his disciplined focus and other good qualities of Osinbajo drew attendees from various parts of

Bode George: 2023 Election, Matter of Life and Death Urges Nigerians to vote credible candidates Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie Following the recent visit of former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu to President Muhammadu Buhari to inform the latter of his resolve to contest for the Presidency in the 2023 general elections, a former National Vice -Chairman, South-west zone, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has described next year’s presidential election as a matter of life and death for the nation.

He, therefore, advised Nigerians to come out in millions to vote and ensure that only credible persons are elected into political offices.

The PDP leader spoke yesterday on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme monitored on Arise News Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

However, he pointed out that regardless of the circumstances , the APC leader has the right to make his intentions known.

George expressed displeasure with the APC-led federal government on the issue of indirect primaries, arguing that direct

primaries would ensure transparency in any given election.

He also revealed that persons who are completely dissatisfied with the APC in Lagos would be joining the PDP in the coming days.

The former lawmaker also condemned Tinubu’s statement of ‘being a kingmaker and now wanting to be a King’ calling it a fallacy.

“In a civilised society, democracy is so vital and it’s important to do whatever it takes to make it succeed. Looking at his past and all he has done, his wanting to run for president is an insult to us.

“My party is ready and it will not be a dog fight as we centre ourselves on justice, fairness and equity,” George said.

He reiterated the fact that he had no personal issues with Tinubu, but insisted that he knew some facts about the former Lagos governor.

Speaking further, he alleged that the APC leader appropriated all the resources of Lagos State for his personal use when he governed the state.

He said: “We should have

people whose character is sellable anywhere in the world.”

He also used the platform to plead to the media to be on top of their game, stating that this year would be critical for the future of Nigeria.

Fielding questions about his political party, the PDP chieftain, however argued that even though they disagree on some issues, they have a culture, norms and methodologies by which they manage themselves in the opposition party.

“There is no God-fatherism in PDP and it is not the private company of any individual. All of us unanimously own that party and before we come out, there will be meetings and discussions as that is the essence of democracy,” George said.

Reacting to claims that he was jealous of the APC leader, he clarified the air stating that he had no personal vendetta against him, maintaining that the day of reckoning for him would definitely come.

On the other hand, the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba has confirmed

rumors that George was indeed bitter towards Tinubu.

According to him, the PDP chieftain believes that Tinubu has a hand in his problems.

“He has a right to make comments and he displays his bitterness because he attacks me unfairly but as usual, I’ll take him for what he is,” he said.

Speaking about the late interim Head of state of Nigeria, Ernest Shonekan and how the emergence of the Interim National Government (ING) was a catalyst for further division in the country, the ex- governor explained that the situation was a high power conspiracy theory by Sani Abacha.

He maintained that it all tested on the late Abacha and his determination to take over government in Nigeria.

“Shonekan was unfortunately just being innocently used particularly by Abacha who eventually asked him to sign a resignation letter almost at gun point. It was a high power coup to get rid of Ibrahim Babangida, Shonekan, MKO Abiola and gear towards Abacha becoming the Head of state,” he said.

the federation together to pursue a common cause.

Also, Mr. Precious Elekia who led the Cross River State Coalition for Osinbajo 2003 group stressed the need to vote for a

competent Nigerian and, “not vote for Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba.”

He described Osinbajo as a viable and sellable candidate that appeals to all dimensions of national interest.

UN Partners FG on National School Feeding Programme Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has concluded plan to collaborate with the federal government in form of technical support on the National HomeGrown School Feeding Programme that was launched in 2016.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development and the WFP stated that the partnership was an outcome of a joint assessment conducted in the first quarter of last year to identify ways of improving, scaling-up and sustaining the programme to provide a meal per day for nine million children in 53,000 public primary schools.

The WFP is backing the next stage with a significant transfer of ICT equipment including tablets with access to the Plus Schools Menus – a free tool to help state nutrition officers design nutritious menus for schools.

The WFP Country Director, Ronald Sibanda, said one of the best ways of fighting hunger and preventing malnutrition among children was to provide them with a healthy school meal.

She described Nigeria as a good example of where the government had taken the lead from day one by investing resources and funding into the

design and implementation of its national home-grown school feeding programme, adding the WFP was very pleased to provide technical support for the federal government of Nigeria.

“The hardware will not only support the ministry’s efforts to digitalise its monitoring and evaluation system, but also enable the national roll out of the PLUS School Menu Tool developed by WFP to standardise cost-effective menu development,” she said.

The Minister Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq lauded the technical support from the WFP as timely, relevant and well appreciated.

She said the investment was fully funded by government because of its sheer potential as a development driver, adding the programme was strengthened and sustained so that it could continue to support the needs of the children, families, women and communities it targets.

The school feeding programme had led to a significant increase in school enrollment across the country as well as providing a much-needed boost to local economies by buying the products of smallholder farmers and providing jobs to more than 107,000 cooks from low-income families.

39

THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THIRTY-NINE

214 Days After, President Unbans Twitter Says social media platform has agreed to respect Nigeria’s laws Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government of Nigeria has lifted the ban on Twitter effective from 12 midnight of January 13, 2022.

This comes exactly 214 days after the government suspended the Twitter in the country.

The lifting of the ban was announced yesterday in a statement issued by the Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and the Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

Abdulahi, who said the approval was granted following a memo written to the President by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim, after the social networking platform agreed to respect Nigeria’s laws and culture.

The NITDA DG said, Pantami in the Memo, updated and requested the president’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.

"The federal government directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022.

"You may recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed.

"Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team," Abdulahi explained in the statement.

The federal government had suspended Twitter's operation in the country on June 5, 2021, after the social media platform deleted some tweets made by the president which it had perceived were not appropriate.

However, Abdulahi said the ban

was lifted after Twitter agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation had been built.

In addition, he said the company has agreed to collaborate with the federal government and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries.

Other conditions which Twitter accepted included committing to setting up an establishment in the country in the first quarter of this year.

The company would register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with the establishment of the entity being Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.

Also, Twitter has agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities as well as complying with applicable tax obligations on its operations under the Nigerian law.

The statement stressed that Twitter has agreed to enroll Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals, which provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules.

The federal government said the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws.

"Therefore, the FGN lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations

digital platforms and their operators wield enormous influence over the fabric of our society, social interaction and economic choices. These platforms can be used as either a tool or a weapon. Every nation is grappling with how to balance its usage efficiently. Without balancing, every citizen’s security, privacy, social well-being, and development are at stake. Therefore, our engagement has been very respectful, cordial, and successful," he said.

He added that the process of resolving the impasse between the federal government and Twitter has helped lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities.

He described Twitter as a platform of choice for many Nigerians ranging from young innovators to public sector officials who find it

helpful to engage their audience He said the engagement will help Twitter improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria, adding government looks forward to providing a conducive environment for Twitter and other global tech companies to achieve their potential and be sustainably profitable in Nigeria.

Abdulahi noted that given Twitter’s influence on the country’s democracy, its economy, and the very fabric of its corporate existence as a nation, government's priority is to adapt, not ban, Twitter, adding the country is committed to working with Twitter to do anything possible to help Nigerians align and navigate Twitter algorithmic design to realise its potentials while avoiding its perils.

FG SENDS 6-MAN DELEGATION TO ZAMFARA, SAYS RECENT KILLINGS EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE said there was an urgent need for review of the military’s anti-terrorism strategy with the introduction of modern equipment and technology.

President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, also expressed concern over the escalating killing of innocent citizens by bandits in many parts of the country. Lawan emphasised that Nigerians were tired of hearing stories of carnages and challenged the military to live up to expectation by urgently addressing the myriad security issues facing the country.

In an address to the governor, commissioners, Emirs, the Chief Judge and Grand Khadi, legislators, council chairmen and political leaders in Zamfara State, Buhari, who was represented by Magashi, expressed the strong determination of the federal government to get rid of the bandits, who had now been classified as terrorists.

The president said, “There will be no let-up in the on-going campaign to rid Zamfara and other affected states of the menace of these terrorists. Since they have no regard for the sanctity of life, so shall they be dealt with.

“The government is fully informed of what is going on and will do whatever it takes to end this. We are here to talk to the governor and to assure

the state that the administration is determined to do more to defend the life and property of the people."

Buhari condoled with the government and the people of the state over the loss of lives and directed the military and other security agencies to intensify the on-going campaign until everyone and everywhere was safe.

The delegation conveyed the approval of the president for palliative items to the Anka and Bukkuyum emirates, the latest to be attacked, and for other areas equally affected by the attacks in the recent past.

Welcoming the delegation earlier, Matawalle said the condolence visit was a testimony to the strong support of the president and the government at the centre. He appreciated the wisdom and vision of the president in approving the on-going military campaign in the state, the effect of which led to the dismantling of terrorists' hideouts used as launching grounds for kidnapping, rustling and terrorism.

But he said there was still need for more to be done.

The governor said Buhari was an example to the world in the establishment of democratic values and commended him for responding positively to all the requests so far placed before

REPORT: 1.88M NMSMES KILLED BY COVID-19, INSECURITY, OTHERS eral/Chief Executive of SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, stressed the need for more collective and sustained actions aimed at creating the enabling environment for NMSMEs especially in the areas of funding, compliance, infrastructure, technology and markets.

He said the new survey was necessitated by the need to provide realistic, robust and useful data to economic planners given that the previous reports in 2010, 2013 and 2017, had been outdated.

Radda said, “This is an area that the agency has been assiduously working on to address even in the face of dwindling resources.”

He said the absence of data that clearly profile NMSMEs or adequately explain the peculiar challenges they face in their operating environment, had been a major source of worry to SMEDAN. He, however, expressed confidence that the revised National Policy on MSMEs which was unveiled recently and the 2020 survey on the sub-sector would provide suitable platform for initiating and implementing special interventions for NMSMEs going forward.

The SMEDAN boss further explained that in a bid to address some of the factors that have negatively impacted the sub-sector,

in Nigeria from midnight of 13th January 2022.

"We encourage all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform.

"As patriotic citizens, we need to be mindful that anything illegal offline is also illegal online and that committing a crime using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction," Abdulahi said.

He described government’s action as a deliberate attempt to recalibrate its relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for the nation without jeopardising the justified interests of the company.

"The new global reality is that

the revised National Policy on NMSMEs had made provision for a national, regional, state and local government coordination mechanism to ensure that the challenges confronting the operators, particularly access to funds, infrastructure, compliance, skills development among others are properly and effectively tackled.

He pointed out that the full impact of the implementation of some of the recommended key strategic actions in the national policy would be evident in the form of increase in the number of enterprises, wealth creation and increased contribution to employment as well as non-oil export earnings.

Also, speaking at the occasion, the Statistician-General of the Federation (SGF)/Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr. Simon Harry, said the concept of nano enterprises which hitherto was considered as micro enterprises was introduced.

He said nano referred to enterprises that have only one or two persons engaged in business operations, while the micro-enterprises now refer to those enterprises with three to nine persons engaged in business operations.

He pointed out that while MSMEs remained critical to the economy as evidenced by their contributions to GDP, employment

and exports over the years, there are still challenges hindering its rapid growth and development.

He listed the dearth of robust, timely and reliable data on MSMEs as one of the key challenges hampering the growth of the sector.

Harry said the fourth round of MSMEs survey was necessitated by the need to generate up to date data on the sector with a view to determining the effect of the recent socio-economic development as well as global occurrences including COVID-19.

Essentially, he said the NMSMEs sector was composed of Micro Enterprises (ME) which accounted for 38. 41 million or 96.9 percent of total enterprises as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which accounted for 1.24 million or 3.1 per cent.

According to the survey, Lagos State accounted for the highest number of enterprises across all the classes.

The SGF said a total of 61.95 million persons were engaged in MSMEs sub-sector in 2020, adding that 16.04 million micro enterprises employments were generated across the informal sectors with agriculture generating 61.1 per cent of the jobs while 7.49 million jobs were generated in the formal sector with manufacturing accounting for 21.6 per cent, the highest employment among SMEs.

him by the state government. He called on the federal government to fortify the security of the state with additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and roll out a special intervention fund for Zamfara and other states equally affected by the scourge of insecurity.

Other members of the delegation were Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruk: National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Munguno (rtd); Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

Matawalle Calls for Review of Fighting Strategy

Matawalle stated that a major problem the military faced was lack of modern equipment to prosecute contemporary warfare, despite their zeal. According to him, the prosecution of modern warfare depends largely on modern equipment and gadgets.

The governor stated, “It is very vital for these modern war instruments to be provided to our troops if we are to win this fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North-west. It is evident that unless enough modern equipment is provided to our security forces to fight the war effectively, the country faces the danger of anarchy. This could be foreseen from the recent calls by some leaders for their people to take up arms to defend themselves. It is a recipe for lawlessness when the state loses its monopoly over the instruments of coercion.

“As a matter of urgency, the federal government should procure Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and deploy them across all parts of the country. If 1,000 APCs could be made available, they would go a long way in turning the tide of the war against the bandits in a short period of time, Insha Allah.

“I want to draw the attention of the federal government to the fact that the pockets of insurgencies in many parts of the north are interrelated. In some instances, evidence has been found of connection between Boko Haram and some of the bandit groups operating in the North-west.

“There should be a comprehensive review of our strategy of fighting insurgency. We need a more workable plan of action tailored explicitly in tune with the realities on the ground. This is a clarion call for us to step up efforts in this fight before the dreadful monster consumes our region and the country as a whole.

“I would like to add that any strategy to be drawn for fighting banditry and all forms

of insurgency should focus greater attention on Zamfara State. Our forests have become fortresses for bandits, from where they plan and launch attacks to other parts of the North-west.”

Lawan Flays Incessant Killings across the Country

Meanwhile, Lawan, who spoke yesterday at a brief reception to mark his 63rd birthday, lamented that Nigerians were tired of tales of killings, saying the situation is bad for the country.

The senate president said, "Few days ago, reports have it that over 200 people were killed in Zamfara. This is not the kind of story we want to hear as a people and as government. The situation is not too good as far as the wanton killings by all manners of criminals are concerned.

"I, however, believe that things can be turned around for better within the remaining one and a half years left for this present administration, inclusive of the Ninth National Assembly."

He added that though the armed forces and security agencies, generally, had been putting in their best to try to curtail the killing spree, more efforts and results were still expected from them.

Lawan disclosed that the National Assembly in 2022 would focus on security through oversight of funds appropriated in this year’s budget to the armed forces and security agencies. He explained that doing so would guarantee transparency in the procurement process and ensure the welfare of military and security personnel tasked with restoring security across parts of the country.

Lawan said, “Today, the security situation still begs for more attention. We will give a lot of attention to the security situation.

“We have appropriated about a trillion for our security agencies and armed forces, now it is for members of the National Assembly to ensure that the procurement process by the armed forces is transparent and everybody there is accountable.

“And, of course, we should do oversight as much as possible for the welfare of our soldiers and security personnel. They need to continuously be motivated.”

The senate president added that the upper chamber would also in the first quarter of this year focus on addressing the challenges of revenue generation, collection and remittance to shore up earnings by the federal government.

According to him, an improvement to the country’s revenue figures would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on external borrowings for the execution of capital projects captured in the national

budget.

He said, “We still have a huge responsibility, and, in fact, it is something that we wanted to do last year, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic we couldn’t do so. This year, by the grace of God, we are going to resuscitate that plan, and it is to keep and maintain focus on revenue generation, collection and remittance.

“Our revenue to GDP ratio is very low, and the economists will tell you Nigeria’s problem is not debt but revenue. So, if that is the case, it means those of us in government must focus on dealing with the challenges of revenue generation, revenue collection and remittance.

“This year, we are going to have engagements with the revenue generating agencies, such as Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Customs, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and so on, on a quarterly basis, to have their targets set for them, and we want them to come and brief us on their performance every quarter.

“We hope to start the first meeting, which is an exploratory kind of meeting with them either this month or early February.

“The government owned enterprises are supposed to give us more money. In 2022, we are expecting, maybe, about a trillion, I’m not an economist, but I believe that we should be expecting maybe double or triple from them.”

On the current National Assembly, Lawan said Nigerians would remember the legislative arm under his leadership for its outstanding legislative achievements after the end of its lifespan in June 2023.

According to him, the upper chamber and, by extension, the National Assembly remains committed to serving the interest of Nigerians in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

He added that no amount of name-calling by critics would deter the upper chamber from considering and passing propeople legislations needed for the development and advancement of the country.

According to him, “We believe that there is a price to pay for anything, but we are patriotic. Let us be called any name, what we want to do and achieve is for our country to be better. Tomorrow, some of these people that are calling us all types of names will be writing very good commentaries about what we have been able to achieve in this Ninth National Assembly.

“Majority of Nigerians are happy with what we are doing, we are not perfect, we make our errors and we will correct them.

“We identify with our citizens but we will always do what is in the best interest of our country.”

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ON A WORKING VISIT...

L-R: Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku; State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Imo State, Prof Francis Ezeonu, when the latter paid a working visit to the Governor in Owerri...yesterday

Shonekan Saved Nigeria from Conflict, Says APC, as Sanwo-Olu, Okowa Pay Tribute Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri As Nigerians continue pay tribute to the late head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, who died on Tuesday, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said he saved Nigeria from conflict.

Similarly, the governors of Lagos and Delta states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ifeanyi Okowa, respectively, joined other Nigerians to pay tribute to the late boardroom guru.

Shonekan headed the interim

government formed following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

National Secretary, Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement yesterday, expressed sadness over Shonekan’s death.

Akpanudoedehe stated, "I received with a deep sense of sadness, news of the passing of a one-time Head of the Nigerian Interim National Government (ING); the Abese of Egbaland; and my late father's colleague,

H.E. Chief (Dr.) Ernest Shonekan, GCFR, CBE. "Late Shonekan's credentials as a committed nationalist inspired his choice as a worthy intermediary to serve to douse the tension at the time, when Nigeria was at a crossroads, and almost on the brink of conflict.

"I recall with nostalgia my father's views about late Chief Shonekan's broad-mindedness, candid views, and wealth of international business and political connections."

Akpanudoedehe also recalled Shonekan’s passion for the

Nigerian Economic Summit Group, which he founded as an advocacy group and think-tank for private sector led-development of Nigeria's economy, saying Nigeria, and indeed, Africa, have lost a great elder statesman.

Sanwo-Olu described Shonekan as a renowned technocrat, seasoned administrator and passionate leader, who served his country meritoriously as a public servant during his short tenure as number one citizen in Nigeria. He said the departed elder statesman did his best for the country in contributing to the growth and

PDP Screens Adeleke, Others for Osun Governorship Election Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship screening committee for Osun state headed by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mohammed Adoke yesterday screened all the six governorship aspirants that purchased the nomination forms.

The chairman of the committee who spoke to newsmen after the screening exercise said the committee tried to be fair and transparent in the exercise Adoke said the committee was thorough during the exercise because, "As a party in opposition preparing to win the next election, we ensured we built the necessary trust within the party members so that we can work in tandem with our objective which is to win the Osun State election."

Asked why the screening committee spent more time with Dele Adeleke than other aspirants, the chairman of the committee said, "There were just some few petitions which we needed to clarify."

On when the committee would submit its report, Adoke said: "I can assure you that we shall turn in our report by the next 48hrs. Six of them turned in for the screening and we screened all of them and we are satisfied with the answers they gave us.

“We ensured that the process was transparent, we ensured that they were given fair hearing and we ensured that we executed the mandate given to us by the party. We also ensured that we worked with the dictates of our conscience and dictates of fairness."

In an interview with newsmen, Dele Adeleke said he was optimistic that he would cleared by the committee.

According to Adeleke, "The panel is made up of people of integrity. They have done this in the past. If you look, the PDP actually sustained the membership of registering committee.

"In fact the national convention screening committee has been made standing committee for the party. So, I'm very confident that they would be fair and justice done.

"Like they told us, they are not here to disqualify anybody, but at least just to assess us and whatever is their finding, they will make the recommendation to the NWC.", Adeleke explained Hon. Omirin Emmanuel Oluseye, also an aspirant said he has absolute confidence in the screening committee with the caliber of the people and the conduct of the exercise, saying, “they really meant well for the

party and for the nation.”

"My expectation is that they will do what is just and fair because they have told us that they were not here to witchhunt anybody, but to protect the image of the party," he said.

Also, another aspirant, Alhaji Abdulateef Akinbade, expressed optimism that he would not be disqualified following the way the screening committee conducted the exercise.

development of Nigeria during his tenure as Head of the Interim National Government.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, praised Shonekan’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria as boardroom guru and employer of labour, especially, during his tenure as Chairman and Managing Director of the United Africa Company (UAC). He commiserated with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of the state, especially, indigenes of Abeokuta, on the demise of their illustrious son and elder statesman.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of Chief Ernest Shonekan,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, associates and the people of Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he added.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, also commiserated with the Alake of Egbaland over the loss of the Egba chief and great boardroom player, recalling that the late head of state founded Nigerian Economic Summit

Group in 1994. He said Nigerians would miss the deceased’s regular counselling on national issues and his mediations for peaceful co-existence.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I join the entire nation and the people of Ogun State to mourn the passing of former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan,” Okowa said.

He added, “Chief Shonekan worked assiduously to improve the economy and livelihood of many poor and underprivileged Nigerians in the short period he served as Head of State.

“As a senior lawyer and foremost boardroom professional, Chief Shonekan was a legendary leader in public and private sectors, where he dedicated his life to the service of our nation in several capacities.

“His unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria had been a major encouragement to many governments, and I recall the personal sacrifices he made in helping to sustain governance in the twilight of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

“As a country, we will miss his wise counsel on national issues and peaceful co-existence, especially, now that the nation is largely divided on political, ethnic and religious lines.”

UAE Opens Visa Application Centre in Lagos Chinedu Eze The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has inaugurated a visa application and document attestation centre at the office of the UAE Consulate General in Lagos.

This was disclosed to the media by the office of the UAE Consulate yesterday.

The inauguration was led by the Consul General, Dr. Abdulla Al Mandoos and was attended by the Special Adviser to the

Lagos State Government on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Solape Hammond; Comptroller General of Immigration for Lagos State, Ahmed Aliyu; Country Manager of Emirates Airlines, Paulos Legesse; Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gbenga Ismail; Head of UAE Visa Centre, Abdulla Alqahtani and several media houses.

Leading the visitors on a

tour of the centre, Mandoos reaffirmed that the UAE had worked towards fostering its bilateral relations with Nigeria.

He said, “The vision to establish a Visa and Attestation office in the Centre of Excellence has been in the works for a while now. Lagos being the economic capital of Nigeria with over 20 million in population, the centre aims to put to ease the bilateral business processes between both countries.

“The best equipment has been installed to ensure the process remains fast and convenient with a target of six minutes to complete the entire process from the walk-in.

“With this new development, we anticipate that the people of Lagos and neighbouring states no longer feel compelled to travel to Abuja to process visas and attest their documents as they can now achieve all that in Lagos State.”

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POLY GOVERNING COUNCIL VISITS MINISTER OF TRADE...

L-R: Member, Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Ronke Okusanya; Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Dayo Oladebeye; Chairman of the Governing Council, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo when the Governing Council of the polytechnic visited the Minister in his office ... yesterday

In Fresh Attack, Gunmen Kill 18, Torch Several Houses in Plateau Community Police arrest suspected killer of UNIJOS student

At least, no fewer than 18 persons have been reportedly confirmed dead following attack on Ancha community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State by unknown gunmen, who also burnt several houses in the early hours of yesterday.

An eye witness from the community said the gunmen stormed Ancha and shot sporadically into the air before they began their operation.

National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Mr. Davidson Malison, confirmed that 18 persons were killed in the midnight attack that lasted for over two hours.

Malison said, “The attack, which lasted for over two hours, from 12:00am to 2:30am undistracted and unchecked led to the killing of 18 persons with six others injured, while 24 households with over 100 residential rooms razed down. Other properties like motor vehicles, motorcycles, and harvested food crops were also destroyed with many valuables stolen and carted away.”

Also confirming the attack, the military Special Task Force on security in Plateau (Operation Safe Haven), in a statement by its Information Officer, Major Ishaku Takwa said, “In the late hours of Tuesday, 11 January 2022, troops of Operation Safe Haven received a distress call of an attack

on Ancha Community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

“The troops responded swiftly and mobilised to the village. On reaching the community, the attackers had fled the village. Houses were destroyed and some villagers lost their lives during the attack.”

He added that the troops were on the trail of the assailants and details of the pursuit would be made available later.

Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj Gen IS Ali, however, commiserated with the families of those that lost their lives during the attack, and reiterated his resolve to ensure perpetrators of evil in the state face the consequences of their dastardly acts.

Meanwhile, vexed by repeated

attacks in the state in recent days, Governor Simon Lalong, has ordered security agencies to fish out the attackers at all costs, as bringing such perpetrators to justice was the only way to halt the barbaric killings.

Lalong, in a statement by his director of press and public affairs, Simon Macham, said the attack carried out on Tuesday night was another sad tale in the unending cycle of violent attacks in the area, which has continued despite several measures taken by government.

He asked the GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, the Commissioner of Police, Department of State Services, Operation Rainbow, and other security organs in the

state to utilise intelligence available from survivors and other sources to ensure that the perpetrators of the attack, and others were apprehended and exposed.

While commiserating with the families of those killed and survivors, the governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to move in and assess the damage as well as offer immediate humanitarian interventions.

In another development, the governor has commended security forces for bursting a kidnap group and rescuing some victims in Barkin Ladi, describing the action as heart-warming and a proof that criminals would not be allowed to rest in the state.

At the same time, the state Police Command, has arrested the killer of the 300 Level student of the University of Jos, Miss Jennifer Anthony, whose lifeless body was found mutilated on January 1, 2022 at Domus Pacis Guest House, Jos. Briefing the press, Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, paraded Moses Oko, a 20-year old boy as the suspect and boyfriend to the deceased, adding that he fled after committing the crime.

“The Command, in a bid to arrest the perpetrator, launched an aggressive manhunt on the suspect and tactically trailed him to Benue State, where he was arrested by hawked-eye police operatives of the Command. The suspect will be arraigned in court as soon as

...Plateau's Indigenous Tribe Laments Forceful Occupation of Their Lands Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The Berom Youth Moulders' (BYM) Association, has alleged forceful occupation of their ancestral communities by Fulani herders, who now occupy their homes and farmlands after attacking and displacing them, calling on government to take decisive action against the land grabbers.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, the

group lamented that, “No fewer than 65 Berom communities have been forcibly taken over by Faluni herdsmen as a result of attacks and crisis, which has engulfed communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South LGAs.” It added that most native inhabitants have now been sent to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, having been sacked from their ancestral communities and their lands grabbed due to incessant attacks for over two

decades with no attention given to end the avoidable man-made crises that have been taken over by criminals that now operate freely, terrorising innocent citizens.

Tengwong said the development called for “legal and restorative justice, especially, now that the Plateau State Government has come up with Anti-Land Grabbing Law of which there's a provision for establishment of Special Task Force saddled with the requisite mandate of entertaining such

matters. In essence, the law ought to be tested so as to ascertain its veracity and validity test at this juncture, where there are pressing calls for such a gallant step.

“We call on government to, as a matter of urgency, have an interface with relevant stakeholders so as to come up with ways of addressing the pending matter since lands that have been grabbed appear to be harbouring dens for kidnappers and other terror elements.”

Kwara APC Warns Adamu-led Reconciliation Committee against Impartiality Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state loyal to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has warned the Senator Abdullahi Adamuled APC national reconciliation committee against indulging on any act of impartiality, injustice and favoursim so as to move the party forward in the state.

The Abdullahi-led national reconciliation committee of APC on Monday visited Ilorin, the state capital to mediate on the warring factions of the party.

The APC in the state had been factionalised into two groups since the party won the 2019 governorship poll in the state.

One group is led by Moham-

investigation is completed,” he assured the people.

The CP said the command has also rescued one Dr. Micah Samaila of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, who was kidnapped by gunmen, adding that the kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, engaged them in gun duel but were overpowered by the superior gunfire of the Police and in the process, abandoned the victim and fled into the bush.

The Police urged residents to cooperate and synergise with the Police by giving timely and useful information in order to fight all forms of criminalities.

Other criminals arrested by the Police included cultists, armed robbers, and human traffickers.

med while the other group is led by the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Each group has its own state secretariat located at different areas of Ilorin.

However, in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Sharafdeen Alli in Ilorin, the APC faction said the body language and conduct of the chairman were at variance with stated objective of the committee.

The APC faction recalled that the committee chairman, Senator Adamu, had said during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Monday that, "I am in Kwara state to reconcile genuine aggrieved members of the party in the State, adding that, "we will not accept any action or utterances that can

deepen division or rubbish the APC led administration in the state."

The statement said the statement credited to Adamu was, "prejudicial remark from a man who is expected to be neutral in view of the volatile nature of his assignment.

"We view such belligerent tone as a prelude to what should be expected as the outcome of his input to the committee's report."

The statement added, "It is our belief that anyone who uses reason to escape history will end up repeating history. As a prudent statesman heading a reconciliatory committee of this nature, we expect that he would have approached this assignment with caution and tact rather than resorting to emotions by referring

to his primordial relationship with one of the parties to the dispute.

This, we consider as a clear case of a judge descending into the arena of dispute.

"Regarding the erroneous assumption by the Senator Abdullahi Adamu that the appointments of both Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Senator Gbemisola Saraki as Ministers of the Federal Republic was influenced by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, we wish to put on record that the appointments were graciously made by Mr. President even against the wish of the Governor."

The faction noted that, "The governor had no inkling neither did he make any contribution or exert any influence on both appointments. His major candidate whose name he submitted for

appointment was rejected.

"Besides, the governor went further to stop the appointment of the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hajiya Farida Dankaka, an attempt which also failed.

"Needless to say that prior to the arrival of the Committee in the state, on January 10, 2022, the parties had been requested to make their presentations in writing which was done."

The group said further that, "However, while we appreciate the intervention of the committee in finding lasting solutions to the lingering crises in the Kwara APC, we noticed the unpleasant body language and conduct of the Chairman were at variance with the stated objective of the committee.”

Commending Security Operatives led by the Special Task Force (Operation Safe Haven), vigilante group and hunters in Barkin Local Government Area for carrying out a joint rescue operation that led to the rescue of the wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff of Plateau State Government House, Dorcas Vem and a Director in the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Samuel Audu, BYM said, “the success of the operation has rekindled the hope of citizens of Plateau State in the ability of the Nigeria Security system to safeguard lives and property.”

It lamented that increase in criminal activities in the state has recently become a thing of concern to all residents, urging security operatives to do more to get rid of all criminal elements within Jos and its environs.

“The suspects who are in the custody of the STF for further interrogation are said to have confessed to be Fulanis from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

“In order not to truncate justice, which is an indispensable pivot for peace and harmonious coexistence, we unambiguously state that all criminals arrested should be handed over to the police for preliminary investigation and prosecution, where necessary, and not to be taken out of Plateau state.

“Similarly, there should be an eviction order to all land grabbers across the state. This would go a long way in addressing the unaddressed insecurity bedevilling the state,” the statement noted.

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Zulum Calls for Urgent Security Measures to Curtail ISWAP Says Boko Haram still controls villages, LGs in Borno

Michael Olugbode inMaiduguri The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called for urgent security measures to curtail the recent growth in activities of terrorist groups in the state.

Zulum, who received in courtesy, the Senate Committee on Army led by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, at the council chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri, expressed strong concern over the increasing presence of terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in some parts of the state.

Zulum said: “Borno State has started witnessing the gradual return of peace to the state. This will not be possible without the support of the federal government.

The service chiefs are giving us the desired cooperation. Indeed the current Theatre Commander and the GOCs have been giving their cooperation,” but, however, admitted that ISWAP was threatening to reverse the successes recorded.

“Honestly speaking, we have to do something about the operations of ISWAP in Borno State, if nothing is done to check them and chase them out, it may be bad not only for people of the North-East, but the entire Nation at large.”

The governor added that the “ISWAP fighters are better armed, better equipped, more intelligent and more sophisticated than

Boko Haram, and they grow spontaneously. Hence, the need to pursue the ISWAP now.”

Zulum admitted that Boko Haram is still in control of some villages and local government areas in the state.

The governor acknowledged that peace is gradually returning

to the state and emphasised the need for the army to redouble its efforts in order to secure Abadam and Guzamala Local Government Areas in Northern Borno, which Boko Haram seemed to be in control.

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that we have started

witnessing a gradual return of peace, but more need to be done, because, presently, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.

“Although, the current service chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and indeed our General Officer

Commanding 7 Division are up and doing. “We want to commend the military and other paramilitary personnel for their gallant efforts to see to the end of terrorism in this part of the country.

Just a few days ago, I received a security report that in some

communities of Mandaragirau axis in Biu Local Government Area, there are reports that over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP groups have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages amongst themselves without confrontation.”

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L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Beneficial Cameroon, Brain Nkwenti; Chief of Staff and General Secretary Office, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Sandra Latorre; Chief Representative Officer , Prudential Northern Africa Region, Eric Mboma, and Marketing and Partnership Director, CAF, Javier Oleo, at a press conference to announce Prudential’s sponsorship of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Douala, Cameroon…. recently

Herdsmen Attacks: Akeredolu NDLEA Arrests Skit Maker, Three Others in Lagos paraphernalia for drug use, the drug joint in the estate, (aka De General).

Olugbode in Abuja Cautions Residents against Self-help Michael When the operatives adding that this was after the where three suspects were A skit maker, Sunday Joshua, arrested with illicit drugs approached the house, suspect had requested to record Fidelis David inAkure

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has charged residents in the state, especially farmers, to report any invasion of farmlands and unauthorised grazing to the South West Security Network (Amotekun), the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies, rather than resort to self-help.

This is coming after three persons were shot dead last Thursday by suspected herdsmen who invaded Molege Village in Ose Local Goverment Area of Ondo State, while Several houses were set ablaze during the incident.

The governor, who gave the warning yesterday said: “ This reinforced directive, which is the outcome of the State Security

Council meeting is pertinent following renewed hostilities between farmers and herders resulting in casualties in some boundary towns between Ondo and Edo States.

“Undoubtedly the latest killings are barbaric and condemnable even as efforts have been deepened to apprehend the culprits through inter-state co-operation and synergy.

“Goverment however, believes strongly that such situations are avoidable if security agencies are always afforded the opportunity to intervene before the escalation of violence”.

Akeredolu therefore, urged residents to abide by the directive and trust in the capacity of our security agencies to enforce to the fullest, provisions of the Anti-open Grazing Law that is in operation in the State.

Kano Commercial Tricycle Operators Suspend Strike Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Association of Commercial Tricycle Operators in Kano State, has suspended the strike action it embarked upon on Monday.

The lawyer of the association, Barrister Abba Hikima announced the suspension of the strike while addressing journalists shortly after a joint meeting between officials of the association and State Government Officials yesterday.

The meeting, which was held at the NBA headquarters, was led by the State Chairman

of Nigerian Bar Association, Aminu Gadanya.

The Managing Director of the Kano Road Traffic Agency, Baffa Dan’agundi represented the state government while Barrister Abba Hikima represented the Association of the Tricycle Operators.

Hikima said among the resolutions reached at the meeting members of the association would resume work from Thursday (today).

The association would write to the state government to request for a reduction of the registration fee from N8,000.

popularly known on social media as De-General has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday during an early hour raid of a notorious drug joint at Orchid Estate, Lekki area of Lagos state.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said some narcotics officers acting on credible intelligence stormed

including 200 sachets of 225 milligrammes ofTramadol and 1.5 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, adding that in the course of the operation, some persons including the suspected dealer ran away with bags suspected to contain exhibits.

He said a trail showed they ran into a house located at 2B Saula Akinlolu way, Orchid estate, which is the residence of 22-year-old Sunday Joshua

according to Babafemi, the young men started to make noise to prevent a search and the operatives had to introduce themselves as officers of NDLEA and submitted themselves for search before entry, before they conducted a search on the residence.

He disclosed that the search led to the recovery of drug exhibits including cannabis sativa; Tramadol 225 milligrammes , and some

on video the search, which the officers out of sense of civility allowed, noting that the video now trending on social media was the moment the suspect and his friends decided to disrupt the bid to conduct a search of the house.

Babafemi said in his (De-General) confessional statement in custody, he admitted ownership of the drugs recovered from his house.

Ihejirika: Sleepless Nights Await Next Abia Gov Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia With the enormity of problems facing Abia State, the next governor after Dr Okezie Ikpeazu must be ready to have sleepless nights in search of solutions, the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Azubuike Ihejirika(rtd) has said.

He expressed this view yesterday at a media chat he hosted at his country home in Ovim, Isuikwuato

Local Government of Abia State, noting that fixing Abia to regain its past glory is not going to be a tea party.

Speaking passionately on the need to reposition Abia to meet the expectations of citizens, Ihejirika noted that Abia which used to be the hub of industrial activities after Lagos has degenerated hence the need to find somebody to steer it back to the path of growth.

“He must be somebody

who is ready to have sleepless nights to tackle the enormous problems in the state,” he said, adding that Abia is still groaning under the pangs of huge infrastructure deficit.

The former Army Chief, who is being speculated as a possible governorship aspirant, listed the qualities that should be possessed by those aspiring to occupy Abia government house when Ikpeazu completes his tenure in 2023.

“Abia will require highly

qualified candidates with proven character and integrity, who would provide visionary leadership (and) is broadminded such that they would treat every Abian and all Abia issues without fear or favour,” he said.

‘We are looking forward to the emergence of leaders that will run inclusive government, highly patriotic individuals that the problems of Abia will give sleepless nights, day to day,” he emphasised.

Okowa Sets up Panel of Inquiry on Collapsed Building Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has constituted a Panel of Inquiry to determine the cause of the collapsed building of the Okpanam branch of Salvation Ministries in the state.

Also the Delta State Police Command yesterday confirmed that only three person’s died in the church building collapse

at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government area of the state.

The victims included two female children and a woman while others sustained severe injuries. THISDAY observed that the incident occurred at about 5.50 pm trapping several worshippers.

Though it was reported that 10 people died, State Police

Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP the state police confirmed only three death in the incident.

“Rescue Operation is over, 18 people rescued initially, four person’s discharged, 11 persons still receiving treatment, three deaths recorded which include two female children and one woman, their names unknown

for now, kindly debunk the rumours making rounds that ten people died, that’s not correct,” he stated.

The Governor, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, expressed shock and sadness to receive news of the collapse of the building” situated on Okpanam Road, Asaba on Tuesday.

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NEWSXTRA

Alleged N6bn Fraud: EFCC Docks Internet Celebrity, Mompha Wale Igbintade The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned internet celebrity, Ismailia Mustapha, also known as Mompha and his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Limited over alleged money laundering to the tune of over N6 billion.

Mompha and his firm were arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court on eight count-charge bordering on the offences.

They were accused of conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of such funds, transfer of funds for a suspect Olayinka Jimoh a.k.a NappyBoy, and unlawful transfer of funds for a record label, among others.

The sums named in the charge were N5, 998,884,653.18, N32 million, N120 million and N15.960 million, totalling over N6 billion.

The anti- graft agency also alleged that Mompha concealed his interest in expensive wristwatches and other movable assets valued N70 million.

When the charge was read to him, Mompha pleaded “Not

guilty,” to each of the counts.

Following his plea of not guilty, his lawyer, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, informed the court of his client’s

bail application, which he said had been served on the prosecutor.

Meanwhile, Justice Dada ordered Mompha to be remanded

in the EFCC’s custody, and adjourned the hearing of his bail application till January 18.

Mompha is also standing trial

before a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos alongside Ismalob Global Investment Limited on an amended 22-count charge

bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N32.9 billion brought against him by the EFCC.

WE WISH YOU WELL…

L-R: Deputy Head of Mission, Turkey Embassy, Alper Haner; Current Commercial Counselor, Erbay Ongun; Chairman, Nigeria Turkey Business Council and First Deputy National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., Outgoing Commercial Counselor, Onur Akgul and National Vice President, NACCIMA, Chief Kola Akosile during a dinner in honour of Akgul in Abuja…. recently

Enugu Communities Battle Gunmen Abduct Kano Lawmaker’s Mother Govt over Land Grabbing Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Obinagu and Eziachi communities of Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Governmant Area of Enugu State have appealed to Enugu State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to use his good offices to prevent a state agency from taking their lands.

The communities, which share common boundary with Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, in a press conference in Awka said that they were on the verge of being removed from their ancestral land by the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC).

The elders of the Obinagu

village that comprised of many aged persons had first gathered at their village square to curse anyone trying to forcefully take their land, before proceeding to address journalists in Awka.

Ninety Six years old Mr. Boniface Igweze, who spoke on behalf of his people, cried bitterly over plans of the ESHDC to forcefully dispose the community of 88.9 hectares of ancestral land.

Igweze said: “We have restrained our youths from engaging in violence over the ownership of the land because we believe in lawful pursuits and the governor’s understanding and intervention for peaceful resolution.

Parents of Deceased Student of Anambra School Seek Justice from IG David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Parents of a deceased student in St Michaels Boys College, Ozubulu, Master Bright Chidalu Onyekwuluje, Prince and Mrs. Cornelius Onyekwuluje have called on the Inspector General of Police (IG), Usman Baba Alkali to ensure justice for their son.

The parents in a petition to the IG urged him to unravel the true circumstances behind the death of their son, with the aim of punishing those involved.

Master Bright Chidalu Onyekwuluje, a junior secondary two student of St Michaels Boys

College, Ozubulu died on December 17, nine days after he was released to his parents, after he fell ill, while in the school.

Prince Onyekwuluje had told THISDAY that his son died out or negligence by the school authorities, as they failed to notify them when he fell ill.

A petition written on behalf of the parent by their lawyer, Barr OC Onwugbufor read: “It is our instruction that Bright Onyekwuluje was sick, but the school management failed to inform his parents are send him to hospital for proper treatment.

Kano State Police Command has confirmed that suspected gunmen in the wee hours of yesterday abducted the mother of the Minority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Isiyaku Ali Danja.

The state Police spokesman, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident to

journalists, saying: “Effort was being intensified with a view to rescuing the victim and arresting the hoodlums.”

The criminals were said to have gained entrance into the mother of the lawmaker, Hajiya Zainab Danja, in the town around 1 p.m. with sophisticated weapons before whisking her away to an unknown destination.

The suspected gunmen, numbering about 10, stormed Gezawa, headquarters of Gezawa Local Government Area in about four vehicles.

Also, Danja confirmed the abduction of his mother, saying the abductors were yet to communicate with the family.

He said: “Even before I went to Gezawa, the

IYC Demands Action on Niger Delta Wetland, Hails Amina’s Reappointment Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Worldwide, has tasked the recently reappointed Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation, Ms. Amina Muhammed, on the conservation of the Niger Delta wetland, which is rated as the third largest in the world.

A statement signed by the President of IYC, Mr. Peter Igbifa, described her reappointment as an acknowledgement of Nigeria’s

contributions to global economy.

Igbifa stated that Muhammed’s reappointment has placed Nigeria on a vantage position globally to address the country’s environmental and other challenges.

He said that federal government’s neglect of the Paris Agreement on the preservation of wetland has led to reckless abandon of the natural endowment located in the Niger Delta.

He said that such sad

development had worsened climate change and led to avoidable natural disasters like heavy flooding.

Igbifa, therefore, called on Muhammed to visit the Niger Delta in order to assess the damage done to the country’s wetland and use her vantage position to actualise the Paris Agreement.

He said that such visit would help her to gather facts on the devastation of the Niger Delta economy and enable her to make case for the Niger

based violence, and improving lives in sub-Saharan Africa.

Chief Executive Officer, WHO Foundation, Anil Soni applauded Mrs Saraki’s tireless Commitment to improving global health through her advocacy work.

“I am deeply honoured to have Toyin serve the WHO Foundation as our first Ambassador for Global Health.

Delta in the next UN’s General Assembly.

Igbifa said: “As a council, we congratulate Ms. Amina Mohammed on her reappointment as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“Her reappointment is an eloquent testimony of global acknowledgement of Nigeria’s contributions to the global economy. We call on Amina to use her office to address the abandonment of the Niger Delta wetland conservation.

Oversight Function of Legislators Not Witch-hunt, Says Niger Speaker Laleye Dipo in Minna The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdullahi Bawa Wuse, has stated that the oversight function of legislators should not be construed as a witch hunt exercise, “rather a legislative tool that could correct wrong doings in the system for socio economic growth of the society.”

Wuse made the remarks in

a welcome address to the state lawmakers that resumed their legislative duties for the year 2022 last Tuesday.

According to him, “We have a mandate as elected representatives to enhance the economic growth of our state, and this can only be achieved through effective oversight,” urging “All committees to ensure that oversight is carried out on quarterly basis on the activities of the MDAs.”

He disclosed that the leadership of the assembly would develop a template and timetable to receive and discuss the report and findings of all standing committees, and as such, challenged his colleagues to “rise to our responsibility and do just what is right.

“I urge all committees with outstanding assignments to ensure quick completion of those assignments as this is our primary duty.”

Wuse disclosed that the Assembly has so far passed 38 bills into law out of which 32 have been assented to by the governor, pointing out that nine other bills, including a private member bill to repeal the edict establishing the Board for the control and monitoring of prices, and replace it with the Niger State Price Control and Monitoring Board, and other matters are before various committees.

The tenure of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, has come to an end.

This became apparent following the directive of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, which stated that Mr. Mathew Lawrence Pwajok should replace Akinkuotu until the appointment of a substantive managing director

for the agency.

Akinkuotu’s tenure expired on January 7, 2022.

Pwajok, who retired from service in December, was directed by a letter from the Ministry of Aviation, Human Resource Management FMA/ PS/ APPT/ CEO/014/1/23 and addressed to the managing director/CEO of the NAMA. The letter titled: Appointment of Director to Oversee the Office of the Managing

Director/ CEO and signed

by A.D Muhammad for the Honourable Minister reads: “I am directed to inform you that the Honourable Minister has approved that Mr. Pwajok, Mathew Lawrence, Director of Operations oversee the Office of the Managing Director/ CEO pending the appointment of a substantive MD/CEO” The letter also urged Akinkuotu “to kindly accord the director all the necessary

support and cooperation he needs while overseeing the office. While thanking you for your usual cooperation, please accept the esteem regards of the honourable minister.”

Akinkuotu, who is a seasoned pilot and aeronautical engineer, was former Rector, International Aviation College, Ilorin, former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and former Managing Director of Aero Contractors.

WHO Foundation Appoints Mrs Saraki Ambassador for Global Health Akinkuotu Ends Tenure as NAMA MD The WHO Foundation yesterday announced the appointment of Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki as WHO Foundation Ambassador for Global Health. According to the organisation in a statement, Mrs. Saraki, a former first Lady of Kwara State is a highly esteemed global advocate with decades of work dedicated to women’ and children’s health and empowerment, ending gender-

Divisional Police Officers had called me and told me that he had deployed his officers to the scene. He said they have already launched an investigation into the matter.”

THISDAY gathered that immediately after the attackers left the house, one of the old woman’s caregivers raised the alarm, and police were immediately alerted.

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THURSDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Onyema Offers Super Eagles N50m Pledge if they Win AFCON 2021 Gifts team N10m for goal scored in win against Egypt Chinedu Eze

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, in his characteristic culture of philanthropy and nationalism, has promised to give the Nigerian Super Eagles N50million if they win the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Onyema, who made the pledge in Garoua, Cameroon, while speaking with the Super Eagles during the half time of

their opening game against Egypt, stressed that the players carry the hopes and aspirations of over 200 million people and 350 ethnicities.

He therefore urged the threetime African champions to give their best and win the trophy.

To show his appreciation for Kelechi Iheanacho’s lone winning goal against the Pharaohs, the Air Peace CEO promised to give the team N10 million for the goal.

His words: “We believe in

what you can do, you have the strength as a team. Remember what I told you during the qualifying series. That it is not just an ordinary football match.

You are carrying the hopes and aspirations of over 350 ethnic nationalities of our beautiful country.

“You’re playing for the unity of Nigeria. This is your time to

play your part in cementing the unity of this nation, as Nigerians from North, South, East and West will celebrate in unison.

Do us proud and when you come back with the cup, I’m going to give you N50million,” concludes Onyema.

The aviator par excellence used the medium, again, to harp on the uniting powers of football as

whenever the Eagles are playing, Nigerians jettison their ethnic and religious sentiments and forge a united front in support of the team.

During the qualifying stages, the Air Peace helmsman delivered a similar unity-themed and motivational speech to the Super Eagles on board one of the airline’s brand new Embraer

195-E2 aircraft, and gave them a cheque of N20 million. The Falcons of the 1999 squad were also beneficiaries of N10million from the aviation cognoscente during the 3rd NFF-Aiteo Football Awards last year in Lagos.

Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, is the official airline sponsor of the Nigerian National Teams.

...Buhari Lauds Eagles Win over Egypt Deji ElumoyeinAbuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the Super Eagles of Nigeria for an impressive start at the ongoing 33rd Africa Cup of

RESULTS Tunisia 0-1 Mali Mauritania 0-1 Gambia E’Guinea 0-1 Ivory Coast

(THURS Jan 13) Cameroon v Ethiopia (5pm) Cape Verde v B’Faso (8pm)

(FRI Jan 14) Senegal v Guinea (2pm) Malawi v Zimbabwe (5pm) Morocco v Comoros (5pm) Gabon v Ghana (8pm)

(SAT Jan 15) Nigeria v Sudan (5pm) G’Bissau v Egypt (8pm)

Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, defeating seven-time champions Egypt 1-0 in their opening Group D encounter on Tuesday in Garoua.

The President, according to a release issued on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, strongly believed, like millions of football-loving Nigerians, that the spectacular outing in Garoua, Cameroon is a foretaste of what to expect from the dedicated team as they square up against Sudan and Guinea Bissau in their remaining group stage phase of the tournament.

He, therefore, urged the Ahmed Musa captained to keep their eyes on the ball, remain good ambassadors on and off the field, and give loyal fans and all Nigerians more exciting moments to celebrate.

President Buhari assured the team of his unflinching support as the team coached by Augustine Eguavoen continue to soar like an eagle to write another chapter in the annals of Nigeria’s rich football history.

TIT BITS (MATCH DAY-5) *Indomitable Lions Seek Another win When host, Cameroon take on Ethiopia this afternoon in attempt to reach the second phase of the tournament, it will be the second time both teams will meet in AFCON history. The previous meeting was at Group Stage of the 1970 tournament.

Cameroon won 3-2.

*Ref Janny Sikazwe Not Good PR for Africa

The controversy in the clash of two Eagles, that is Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and Eagles of Mali, no doubt is a bad public relation for the premier continental football showpiece.

Mali won by penalty goal scored in the early minutes of the second stanza but Zambian referee, Janny Sikazwe is the first man in the world to blow his whistle twice for full time before the end of 90th minute. Shame.

*Cameroon Aiming to Keep Feat Intact Cameroon is unbeaten in their last seven group stage games at the Africa Cup of Nations (W3 D4), since their last such defeat

in January 2015 (0-1 against Côte d'Ivoire).

*Vincent Aboubakar Targets Etoo’s Scoring Record Having scored in his last two Africa Cup of Nations appearances (three goals in total), Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar is looking to become the first player to net in three consecutive games in the tournament for the Indomitable Lions since Samuel Eto’o in January 2008 (five in total).

*Goal Draught Added to Penalty Misses The tournament is still maintaining low score win because no team yet to record more than two goal margin wins. This means, the quest to beat the 52-goal record at the last edition may be far from reality following penalty misses

by Wahbi Khazri of Tunisia and Pele’s for Guinea Bissau in the goalless outing against Sudan.

Only Cameroon scored more than one goal in the 12 goals scored in the first matches of the six groups.

-Compiled by Femi Solaja

Super Eagles gave their AFCON 2021 campaign a perfect start with the 1-0 defeat of Egypt on Tuesday evening in Garoua, PHOTO: CFP Cameroon. Now, they looking to consolidate with the match against Sudan on Saturday

Texas Man Charged with Distribution of Banned Drugs to Olympians, Including Okagbare TO KYO 2 0 2 0 FA L LO U T Duro Ikhazuagbe

With the charging of a Texas man on Wednesday by U.S prosecutors for providing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, hope dims for Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare escaping long term ban from World Athletics.

Documents made available to THISDAY revealed a damning implication of Okagbare in the information made available to the U.S prosecutors by the FBI that investigated the case.

The Nigerian and Commonwealth Games double sprint champion at Glasgow 2014 was provisionally suspended from the semi final of the women’s 100m in Tokyo after Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) found her testing positive for human growth hormone in July 2021.

Okagbare tested positive for the drug in an out-of-competition test.

The Texas man, Eric Lira, 41, of El Paso, is the first person to be charged under a new U.S. anti-doping law governing international sports competitions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan said Lira distributed the drugs, including human growth hormone, “for the purpose of corrupting” the 2020 Games.

Lira also is accused of conspiring to violate drug misbranding and adulteration laws. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could comment on the charges.

Although the criminal complaint did not name Okagbare, a World Championships silver medalist, the details forwarded by the FBI in their investigation suggested the Nigerian was among Lira’s clients.

A criminal complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court alleges that Lira, a kinesiologist and naturopathic doctor, brought “misbranded” versions of the

drugs to the United States from Central and South America before distributing them to athletes.

Authorities searched Okagbare’s cellphone as she was

returning to the United States and found she had been communicating with Lira over using an encrypted app, according to the complaint.

Blessing Okagbare...tough time ahead

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SPORTS

Confusion Reigns in Limbe as Mali Shock Tunisia

Mali and Tunisia's Africa Cup of Nations game ended in chaos after the referee first signalled for full-time on 85 minutes, then ended the game when the clock showed 89 minutes and 47 seconds.

Tunisia coach Mondher Kebaier and his technical staff raced on to the field to confront referee Janny Sikazwe after his final whistle consigned them to a 1-0 defeat in Group F. Twenty minutes later, after

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Mali manager Mohamed Magassouba's post-match press conference had started, tournament organisers ordered

the game to be played to a conclusion.

However, in more farcical scenes, Tunisia's players did

not return to the field and Mali were declared winners.

Kebaier called the referee's actions "inexplicable", adding: "He blew for full time and asked us to go to the dressing room, so the players were in their ice baths and then he asked us to come back out.

"In 30 years in this business, I have never seen anything like it,” observed the Tunisian manager.

At the end of an actionpacked second half, which saw two stoppages for video assistant referee checks as well as a drinks break and several substitutions, Sikazwe became the centre of attention.

The Zambian - who refereed two group-stage games at the 2018 World Cup in Russia - had appeared to blow his full-time whistle with five minutes

remaining, before checking his timings and continuing the game.

Then he signalled the end of the match in the 90th minute - without adding on any additional time for stoppages.

Kebaier and his staff angrily confronted Sikazwe and his assistants on the pitch, pointing to their watches and remonstrating about the lack of added time.

The officials were given an escort off the pitch by stadium security as the Malians celebrated in front of their fans, but the controversy did not end there.

More than 20 minutes later, the Malian side ventured back on to the field for the game to restart, but were awarded the victory after the North Africans failed to emerge.

Separatist Rebels Hit City Hosting Tunisia, Mali, Others BAD ADVERTISEMENT FOR AFRICAN FOOTBALL...

Zambian Referee, Janny Sikazwe (left) who ended the Mali versus Tunisia match abruptly being questioned by Tunisian officials reasons for his action. This same referee ended Nigeria versus Egypt game abruptly during a 2017 AFCON qualifying PHOTO: Reuters game at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Battles for Round of 16 Slots Live on DStv, GOtv

Round 2 of the Group Stage of the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 begins with Cameroon taking on Ethiopia in a Group A clash in Yaounde in an early evening fixture today with the matches live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. The Walia Ibex will be underdogs against the Indomitable

Lions, but Coach Wubetu Abate is backing his side to make life tough for the hosts.

“We need to remain focused and disciplined, these will be the important things for us at this AFCON,” said Abate. “We know the challenge that lies ahead of us, but we are capable of qualifying

for the next round,” he added.

Friday 14 January opens with heavyweights, Senegal, tackling Guinea in Baffousam in the afternoon clash and the Teranga Lions looking to underline their status as one of the tournament favourites. “I want this Africa Cup of Nations. I have been running

Djokovic Admits Breaking Isolation after Positive COVID Result

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has admitted there were mistakes on his immigration forms and to meeting a journalist despite testing positive for Covid, as Australia mulls deporting him.

Djokovic made the admissions in an Instagram post to clarify "ongoing misinformation" about his movements.

The men's tennis number one is hoping to play in the Australian Open next week.

But his participation has been overshadowed by the row over his visa.

Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, had his visa revoked on 6 January shortly after arriving in Australia amid questions over the vaccine exemption that would have permitted him to enter.

On Monday, however, a judge dramatically overturned the decisionand ordered the release of the player from detention.

But the government has not ruled out further action - and the possibility remains that the country's immigration minister could cancel his visa for a second time just days before the tournament begins.

Alex Hawke could cancel the visa based on prior Covid infections not counting as an exemption. But Djokovic's visa

could also be cancelled on "character grounds" based on an investigation into his arrival form and potential breaches of Serbia's Covid rules.

If Djokovic wins the Australian Open - his 21st grand slam he would become the most successful male tennis player in history.

In his Instagram post, Djokovic said he had gone ahead with the interview for French title L'Equipe because he had not wanted to "let the journalist down".

"(I ensured) I socially distanced and wore a mask except when my photograph was being taken," he said.

L'Equipe confirmed in an article that the tennis star had worn a mask the entire time, even when their reporter asked him to take it off for five minutes.

The journalist, Franck Ramella, said he had been told not to ask Djokovic about his vaccination status or the forthcoming Australian Open so "therefore did not ask if he had considered doing a test".

after it since 1999,” said Senegal Coach, Aliou Cisse.

Friday also features Malawi v Zimbabwe and Morocco v Comoros, before Gabon set to upset Ghana in a Group C clash at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in the late kick-off.

The Panthers will hope PierreEmerick Aubameyang is firing on all cylinders following his recent troubles at Premier League club, Arsenal.

Saturday 15 January is all about Group D, with Nigeria tackling Sudan, before Egypt take on Guinea-Bissau. The Pharaohs are the most successful team in AFCON history and Coach Carlos Queiroz is feeling the pressure to deliver a record-extending eighth continental title.

The second round of Group Stage games will be wrapped up on Sunday 16 January, with the pick of the clashes coming from Group F, with Gambia looking to upset Mali at the Limbe Stadium.

The Scorpions are debutants at the AFCON and claiming the scalp of a heavyweight like Mali would be a glorious chapter in their football history.

El Rufai to Tee off Maiden Armed Forces Pro-Am The Executive Governor of disclosed that Governor El Rufai to the armed forces to ensure Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is expected to tee off the maiden Armed Forces Pro-Am Golf Tournament in Jaji, the home of the armed forces infantry.

The event which would run between February 1 and 6 would be the first professional golf tournament the Ola Saad Ibrahim Golf Club situated inside the massive complex of the Armed Forces Staff College would be hosting in its five decades in existence.

The Captain of the Club, Navy Commander JO Shaibu,

was specially chosen to perform the ceremonial ‘tee-off’ of the great event because of his extra ordinary synergy effort with the armed forces in ensuring that Kaduna is free from banditry and kidnapping. The grand event would see in play by 150 golf professionals and 350 amateurs from across Nigeria.

“The Governor has done a lot to ensure that Kaduna is enjoying peace once again”, Shaibu who is equally the Commandant of the Secondary School inside the Staff College noted. “The Governor is always reaching out

that safety prevails in Kaduna State. And the fact that peace has returned is reason over 500 golfers would converge on Jaji for a week-long golfing activity”.

The Patron and in fact one of the moving spirits behind the Jaji club, Major General MG Ali, is equally elated that the Ola Saad Golf Club would be welcoming professional golfers for the first time in about 50 years in existence. The General who is also the Commandant of the Nigeria Army School of Infantry reasoned that this was a dream come true.

Separatist rebels on Wednesday killed a soldier during an attack on Cameroon’s western city of Buea, the home base for four soccer teams competing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a senior militant said.

An army spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

Africa’s premier soccer tournament kicked off on Sunday amid security concerns, especially in western regions where a separatist insurgency seeking to establish a breakaway state called Ambazonia has carried out deadly attacks on civilians and the army since 2017.

Mali, Gambia, Tunisia and

Mauritania from Group F are all based in Buea in the South West region, where many clashes between the army and the rebels have occurred.

The soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) during the attack in which rebels exchanged gunfire with the army inside the city, said Cho Ayaba, the head of the rebel Ambazonia Defence Forces.

“Our forces launched an IED attack that killed one soldier.

A sister force known as the Mountain Lions also engaged the military in an hour-long combat,” Ayaba told Reuters yesterday.

ALL THE GROUPS Team.

Cameroon Cape Verde B’Faso Ethiopia

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

1.

0.

0.

GROUP A D L 0.

0 0.

0 0 1.

0 1.

GF 2.

1.

1.

0

GA 1.

0 2.

1.

GD 1.

1.

-1.

-1.

PTS 3 3.

0 0.

GF 1.

1.

0.

0

GA 0.

0 1.

1.

GD 1.

1 -1.

-1

PTS 3 3 0 0

GF 1.

1.

0 0

GA 0.

0 1.

1.

GD 1.

1.

-1 -1.

PTS 3 3 0 0

GF 1 0 0 0

GA 0.

0.

0.

1.

GD 1.

0.

0.

-1.

PTS 3 1 1 0

GF 1.

0.

0.

0

GA 0.

0.

0 1.

GD 1.

0 0.

-1.

PTS 3 1 1 0.

GF 1.

1.

0 0

GA 0 0 1.

1.

GD 1.

1.

-1.

-1.

PTS 3 3 0.

0.

GROUP B Team.

Guinea Senegal Malawi Zimbabwe

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1 1.

0.

0.

Team.

Gabon.

Morocco Ghana Comoros

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

1.

0.

0.

D 0.

0.

0 0

L 0.

0 1 1.

GROUP C D 0.

0.

0 0

L 0 0 1.

1.

GROUP D Team.

Nigeria G’Bissau Sudan Egypt

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

0.

0.

0.

D 0 1 1 0

L 0.

0.

0.

1.

GROUP E Team.

Ivory Coast.

Algeria S’Leone E’Guinea

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

0.

0.

0.

D 0.

1.

1.

0

L 0.

0.

0 1.

GROUP F Team.

Gambia Mali Mauritania Tunisia

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

1.

0.

0.

D 0.

0.

0 0

L 0 0 1.

1.

THURSDAY JANUARY 13, 2022 • T H I S D AY

47

TR

Thursday, January 13, 2022

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Ifasola Opeodu to Dapo Abiodun

“A dead man has no right again under the law. How can they say Christians and Muslims should come and be burying Obas, traditional heads? If there is anything that they don’t want during their burials, they should say, but traditionalists must be the ones to bury Obas. Why don’t they say that Christians or Muslims should be the ones to install the monarchs?”—The Oluwo of Iperu on the proposed Ogun State Bill on burial of traditional rulers

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Porous Armouries and ‘Missing’ Guns A

police officer was arrested in Kwara State for selling his Station Officer’s pistol to suspected cult members less than 24 hours after report of the Auditor General of the Federation, Adolphus Aghughu, revealed that approximately 178,459 different types of arms and ammunition had gone missing from the Police armoury in 2019 without explanation.

Unaccounted for weapons included 88,078 AK47 rifles and 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols from police formations across the country as of January 2020. So we can begin to connect the dots as to why the national security challenge continues to mount.

But what I find interesting is the collective amnesia that has become our national ideology.

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, every annual report from the Office of the Auditor General has detailed the number of arms and ammunitions that ‘disappear’ from police armouries. Neither the National Assembly to which the report is statutorily submitted nor the authorities concerned have ever taken steps to follow up, despite the danger this portends for our national security.

The lack of accountability in the armouries of our armed forces is an open secret and I have written extensively about it over the past two decades. In November 2017, Godwin Eteng, then a director (probably still is) in the State Security Service (SSS), told the House of Representatives Joint Committee: “We had a situation where in one of the armouries belonging to one of the armed forces, many pistols just got missing with quantities of ammunition and all the pistols are new. In the armoury, no place was broken into, but the weapons were missing.”

Of course, nobody was held to account, neither was there any investigation when the Conflict Armament Research (CAR), an international conflict research group, disclosed that some of the weapons deployed in the intermittent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the country were traced to “stockpiles of Nigerian defence and security forces”.

Figures from the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Petroleum Commission (NURPC) last week published by THISDAY revealed that while Nigeria was expected to pump approximately 635 million barrels of oil by last November, only 441 million barrels were produced within the period. This aligns with the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report that Nigeria annually loses about 7% of its total production to criminal cartels. We may look away at the lack of accountability in the oil and gas sector and the implications for our national well-being, but we cannot afford to do same with security without serious consequences.

We already see evidence of this across several states in the North and Imo in the Southeast.

That is why we must pay attention to the audit of our armouries.

In 2001 (that is 21 years ago), the then acting Auditor-General of the Federation, Vincent Azie was sacked following the release of an audit report revealing how billions of Naira were collected for purchases not made, contracts not executed and supply of what in most cases were simply listed as “various items”. But the most critical aspect of the 301-page report which did not receive much attention at the time had to do with the audit of weapons in police armouries. In my column on 13th March 2003, I brought out this critical issue in a piece titled “Murder Made Easy, By Vincent Azie”.

Auditor General of the Federation, Adolphus Aghughu Before I conclude, let me share some of what I wrote in that column published almost 18 years ago, which still resonates: “...The most alarming aspect of Azie’s report is the audit of police weapons. While lack of accountability in funds management can be tolerated as Nigerians have been doing for decades, lack of accountability as it relates to weapons in the hands of law enforcement personnel portends great danger to all of us.

Many people have in recent times wondered why there are so many guns in the hands of armed robbers, assassins, and the likes. Well, Azie’s report may provide some clues because guns are neither cheap nor easy to come by.

However, since Azie’s report covers only the police, one can then imagine what happens in the Army, Navy, Air Force, State Security Service (SSS) etc.

“In the period under review, at the Jalingo police command, the examination of Arms and Ammunition Register indicated that the underlisted rifles and pistols were missing: 12 G.3 Rifle, one AR Pistol, one SMG Rifle, one Baretta Rifle, two Riot Gumers, five FNC Rifles, one Mark 4 Rifle, two K.2 Rifles and one Long Range Pistol. At Enugu Mobile Force, according to Azie, audit examination revealed that seven arms were missing, four of them Lar Rifles numbers 1692706, 1693708,1693891 and 1693464 while the other three were SMG Rifles with numbers 16579,165778 and 24162.

“At Federal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (FIIB), Alagbon, the following observations were made by Azie: ‘Eight Brownie pistols issued to eight officers of the Force CID, Alagbon between 1993 and 2001 were yet to be returned to the Arms store as at the time of the audit in June 2002. Some of these officers had either been retired or re-deployed to other departments.

Similarly, three Brownie Pistols issued to three officers of the FIIB, Alagbon were reported to have been lost. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance and non-recovery of these arms were not explained.’”

I went on to catalogue from Azie’s report the arms and rounds of ammunition that were either ‘missing’ or ‘snatched’ by armed robbers in suspicious circumstances. “During the examination of the accounting records maintained at the Nigerian Police Force, MOPOL 4, Ibadan, it was observed that seven officers who had been transferred to other commands left with seven Baretta pistols issued to them. ‘The anomalies have been brought to the attention of the Permanent Secretary whose response is being awaited,’ Azie stated as he listed the weapons that could not be accounted for at virtually all police formations across the country before his conclusion: “Considering the alarming rate at which arms and ammunition disappear from the various formations, it has become imperative that the mechanism for the issuance and control of these weapons be reviewed so as to enhance their safe keeping and prevent their getting into wrong and dangerous hands.”

It goes without saying that many guns are already in ‘wrong and dangerous hands’. In Zamfara and other states in the Northwest bandits have practically seized control, killing and maiming dozens almost every other day while levying heavy taxes on rural dwellers. It is also obvious that there are syndicates who specialise in selling arms from official armouries to these criminal gangs. Yet, if there were measures to instil accountability for those responsible for these weapons, we may not be in the situation we find ourselves with the nation practically under the gun!

In my book, ‘Power, Politics and Death’, I detailed how criminals operated from 1 Base Ordnance Depot Kaduna (1BODK) arms sheds, the Ordnance Sub Depot (OSD) in Jaji and the Ordnance Field Park (OFP) in Calabar, carting away heavy weapons. “The extent of the theft was so staggering and the crime so well organized that the investigating team could hardly determine the exact number of arms removed due to deliberate false accounting and destruction of stock cards by the perpetrators.

But the army chief noted that the arms and

ammunition removed included GPMGs, Sterling SMG, Bren LNG, AK 47 rifles, Uzis, FNs, 3G, Cetme, M12 She Berettas, grenades, rocket launchers, and several fragmentation jackets.

Instructively, he said all the new UMGs, as well as the used but serviceable GPMGs, RPG 7 and AK 47 rifles were stolen,” I wrote, relying on the report of an investigation carried out by a former Chief of Army Staff, the late Lt. General Luka Yusuf, submitted to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

While problems like this may not be peculiar to Nigeria, the real challenge is in the lackadaisical manner we tackle them. In most countries, cases of missing arms are considered very serious and are treated as such. For instance, when last June the Associated Press (AP) published an investigative story that the United States military lost about 2,000 small-arms weapons within a period of ten years, it provoked an immediate response from relevant authorities.

Senator Richard Blumenthal described the report as “blood curdling” during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing where he sought an explanation from Army Secretary, Ms Christine Wormuth. When Wormuth referred to the number of missing weapons getting into civilian hands as “likely to be a small number,” Blumenthal responded that 2,000 weapons that could not be adequately accounted for are “not exactly a small number.”

What is particularly instructive in that report is the line that “entire large units — sometimes entire bases — are frequently locked down when a weapon goes missing, usually leaving behind broken or damaged careers.” The implication is that there are consequences for missing arms in the United States. The same goes for several other countries. Yet, several thousands of weapons go ‘missing’ every year in Nigeria without anybody being held to account!

Unfortunately, now that we have entered the season of ‘lifelong ambitions’, audit of weapons is the least of what would worry people in authorities and those who aspire to replace them.

The Tragic Drama in Mali

R

ight from the day in May 2012 when thousands of Malians descended on the Presidential Palace in Bamako to give then Interim President, Dioncounda Traore, the beating of his life, the French-speaking West African country has known no peace. But the entire crisis began on 22 March 2012 with the coup by Captain Amadou Sanogo that toppled the civilian administration of President Amadou Toumani Traore. Despite a successful intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders who effected a transitional arrangement led by the Parliamentary Speaker of the ousted government, disorder in the country continued due to a typical African malaise.

In January 2012, five months before the Sanogo coup, an armed insurrection had broken out in the northern part of the country where Tuareg rebels took control of a territory they called Azawad and declared their secession from Mali. The intervention of French forces eventually helped to restore a measure of peace and presidential and parliamentary elections held in 2013. But on 18th August 2020, following street protests that

lasted weeks, the military again seized power and arrested President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, who resigned, apparently at gunpoint.

That was the background to Sunday’s extraordinary summit in Accra, Ghana, where ECOWAS leaders rejected the five-year transition programme announced by the Malian military government and imposed tough and unprecedented sanctions on the country. These include withdrawal of all ECOWAS Ambassadors in Mali, closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Mali, freezing of all Mali assets in ECOWAS Central Banks, suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali, among others. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who represented Nigeria at the summit, was effusive in his praise as to how “ECOWAS has shown that it has not lost its bite where there are concerns about issues of good governance and democratic enterprises in the sub-region.”

We wait to see whether these sanctions will move the Mali junta that has already condemned ECOWAS intervention as “illegal and illegitimate.”

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