WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2020

In New Policy, CBN Restricts Milk Importation to Six Firms Says policy aims at boosting local production Obinna Chima in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has limited the number of companies involved in importation of milk, its

derivatives and dairy products to six.

The companies are: FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Chi Limited, TG Arla Dairy Products Limited, Promasidor Nigeria Limited,

Nestle Nigeria Plc and Integrated Dairies Limited.

The CBN listed the companies in a circular titled: ‘Milk and Dairy Products Importation,’ dated February 11, 2020, signed by the

Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji, which unfolded the new policy. THISDAY yesterday obtained a copy of the circular from the CBN website.

The new policy brought to

an end the old regime under which the importation of milk was an all-comers' affair.

The circular explained that the move was part of efforts to increase local production of milk, its derivatives and

dairy products.

“As part of efforts to increase local production of milk, its derivatives and dairy products, the central bank has engaged Continued on page 10

Airlines Spend $3.5bn Yearly Overseas on Maintenance, Others... Page 9 Wednesday 12 February, 2020 Vol 25. No 9074. Price: N250

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Buratai: We Have Defeated Insurgency, But Facing the Challenge of Terrorism Says Boko Haram is everywhere, including Lagos “There is no where you will not find Boko Haram, even in Lagos here, there are Boko Haram. In Kaduna, there are Boko Haram. There are more across the North-east.

Many have been arrested here in Lagos. We have been tracking them. We arrest them and take them into custody” Tobi Soniyi in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has disclosed that members of Boko Haram having been dislodged from their base in the North-east, are now scattered all over the country.

Speaking at an interview with THISDAY and ARISE News Channel, Buratai said the military has defeated insurgency in the North-east, but is now facing the challenge of terrorism.

He revealed that Boko Haram

members are everywhere in the country, including Lagos, adding that there are more across the North-east.

The Army chief insisted that even though insurgency had been defeated, terrorism would remain in the country for years.

He said: “We have defeated insurgency, but facing the challenge of terrorism.

"There is no where you will not find Boko Haram - even in Lagos here, there are Boko Hatam. In Kaduna, there are Continued on page 10

Full Interview in THISDAY tomorrow, thisdaylive.com and ARISE News Channel today

Buratai

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NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Amotekun to Tackle Kidnapping, Cattle Rustling, Cultism in South-west Draft bill details powers, operations of South-west security outfit

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The bill for the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), code-named Amotekun, has proposed that the operatives of the security outfit will tackle crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and cattle rustling, THISDAY has learnt.

The security outfit, according to Section 14 of the bill, will be headed by a commander in each state, who shall be a retired law enforcement officer or military officer not below the rank of a Major or its equivalent in other security services.

According to the bill, sighted

by THISDAY, which was drafted by the six attorneys-general and commissioners of justice in South-west states, the outfit will also tackle cultism in the region.

The bill explains that Amotekun operatives, who will be majorly locals, would work in collaboration with the police for intelligence gathering on how to curb crimes in the South-west.

According to Section 4 of the bill, the objectives of the outfit are: “(a) to gather information and share intelligence about crime, crime in progress, suspicious activities, criminal suspects and other criminal activities; (b) Collaborate with similar security network agencies, particularly in Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Osun and Oyo, Ekiti States to deter kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling, cultism, highway robbery and other offences and to assist the -police in apprehending such criminals; (c) Protect lives and property within the state;

(d) Ensure that all persons travelling along the highways, major roads, remote areas, hinterland, forest and inland waterways are free to participate in their normal social and economic life without fear or hindrance; and “(e) Assist the police to carry out any other lawful activity for maintaining law and order in the state”.

Section 5 listed the functions of the security outfit to include: 1. “(a) collaborate with and assist the police and other security network agencies in gathering information about crime, crime investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons suspected or involved in kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling, cultism, highway robbery and other criminal activities; “(b) Collaborate with and assist the police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order within the state by: “(i) making available relevant information on crime, crime-inprogress, crime- related activities, suspicious activities and criminal suspects; (ii) undertaking routine day and night patrol on major roads, remote areas, hinterland, forests and inland waterways; (iii) ensuring that offenders are identified, arrested, registered and promptly handed over to the nearest police station or post; (iv) giving timely report of suspicious activities and crimes in progress to aid in the effective policing of the state; (v) providing the police and other security agencies with relevant information to aid in

the effective policing of the state; “(c) Disarm unauthorised persons in possession of arms and other dangerous weapons; (d) Render prompt assistance to crime and accident victims; (e) Undertake routine day and night patrols on interconnected roads and surveillance on highways, major roads, remote areas, hinterland, forests and inland waterways; (f) Undertake joint operations with the police and other security agencies in furtherance of the objects of the agency; (g) React and respond promptly and

strategically to distress calls; (h) Prevent highway crimes and any other criminal activities by way of local intelligence gathering and use of technology; (i) Collaborate with the other security agencies in carrying out its duties; and (j) Carry out such other directives as the governor may expressly give to the Amotekun Corps in relation to security and the maintenance of public order and safety. “(2) The agency shall in the course of carrying out its duties safeguard the human rights of

every person as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other relevant human rights instruments”.

The attorneys-general from the six states in the region had drafted the bills that would be passed and signed into laws to legalise Amotekun, whose formation by governors in the geopolitical zone had stirred up a controversy.

Speaking on Monday at Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while receiving the draft bill from the state Attorney General

and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi had stated that law to give a legal backing to the security outfit would be ready on February 14 in all the six states in the geopolitical zone.

Fayemi had assured the people that the bills would be signed into laws simultaneously in all the six states.

He added that his state would convene an emergency executive council to deliberate on it before sending it to the House of Assembly for passage.

ONE STEP AHEAD...

L-R: The book launcher, Chief Remi Makanjuola; former First Lady, Mrs. Turai Yar’Adua; wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo; former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri; and former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), during the presentation of Waziri’s book: ‘One Step Ahead,' in Abuja... yesterday kingsley adeboye

Transcorp Group Announces New Board Appointments Dike Onwuamaeze The Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) has announced significant appointments to its Board and Executive Management.

Transcorp is Nigeria’s leading listed industrial holding company, whose interests include Transcorp Power, Nigeria’s largest power generator, Transcorp Hotels, owner of the iconic Transcorp Hilton, and significant upstream oil and gas assets.

According to a statement yesterday, Owen Omogiafo has been appointed as President/ Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, with effect from March 25, 2020.

She succeeds Valentine Ozigbo, who is retiring to pursue a career in public service, having served Transcorp for close to a decade.

Owen is currently the MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc and has over two decades of corporate experience in organisational development, human capital management, banking, change management and hospitality.

She holds a B.Sc. in Sociology & Anthropology from the University of Benin, an M.Sc. in Human Resource Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and IESE Business School, Spain. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, UK and a

Olusola

Iwuchukwu

Ezeafulukwe

Ohizua

Omogiafo

Certified Change Manager with the Prosci Institute, USA. She has received multiple awards and been named as one of Africa’s top 100 Female CEOs. Also, Dupe Olusola, has been appointed as the MD/ CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, effective from March 25, 2020.

She is currently the Group Head, Marketing at United Bank for Africa Plc. Olusola, has over 21 years of corporate experience including MD/CEO of Teragro Juice Concentrate Plant. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Leicester and a Masters in Development Economics from the University of Kent. She is a certified Project Manager, with qualifications in PMP and Prince 2. She has received numerous awards and was named by the Ventures Africa’s as one of the 10 Most Influential Nigerian CEOs of 2015.

Similarly, the Board of Transcorp Hotels Plc approved the appointment of Helen

Iwuchukwu as an Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of the company. She is currently the Group Company Secretary of Transcorp Plc. She holds an LL. B. (Hons) degree in Law and was enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1993 (BL Hons) and holds a Master of Laws degree (LL. M.) from Middlesex University Business School, London.

Iwuchukwu, is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, with over 25 years in legal advisory, corporate law, corporate governance, administration, human capital management and government relationship management.

Furthermore, the statement disclosed that Christopher Ezeafulukwe, has been appointed as the MD/CEO of Transcorp Power Plant Limited.

He was previously the Executive Director, Business Development & Legal, Transcorp Plc. He has over 21 years’ experience

in business development, legal advisory and company secretarial roles. He holds an LL.B from the University of Lagos, a B.L from the Nigerian Law School, an LL.M from the University of Lagos and further LL.M in Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Law from the University of Houston, Texas.

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria, the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators and was a member of the Executive Council of Association of Power Generation Companies of Nigeria.

The Board of Transcorp Power Limited also approved the appointment of Okaima Ohizua as Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of Transcorp Power Ltd. She is currently Executive Director, Customer Services at Transcorp Hotels Plc. She has over 25 years working experience

and has been key to the continued service transformation at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, since joining the Board and Management in 2013. A graduate of law from the University of Benin and the Nigerian Law School, Okaima also holds an Advanced Management Programme certificate from the Pan-African University – Lagos Business School (now Pan-Atlantic University).

Also, Ozigbo, has been appointed a Non-Executive Director, following his resignation as MD/CEO of Transcorp Plc. Speaking on the appointments, the Chairman, Transcorp Group and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, expressed confidence that the newly appointed chief executives and non-executive directors would further, strengthen Transcorp’s mission of improving lives across Nigeria.

“These appointments demonstrate our commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding success. We have a deep

pool of highly qualified and dedicated employees, who can be challenged with more responsibility in attaining our corporate vision. We remain committed to diversity and inclusion; are delighted by the depth and quality of experience that this leadership team brings to our group. These appointments further indicate our internal succession capacity and strong corporate governance practices,” he said.

Elumelu, thanked Valentine Ozigbo for his achievements as CEO. He said the Board of Transcorp would continue to implement its defined strategy, which has led its investee companies being leaders in their chosen sectors and has seen significant transformation, since Elumelu’s holding company, Heirs Holdings invested in 2011.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) is a publicly quoted conglomerate with a diversified shareholder base of over 300,000 investors.

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Airlines Spend $3.5bn Yearly Overseas on Maintenance, Others Chinedu Eze

Expenditure by airlines for maintenance, training of personnel and funds repatriated by foreign airlines yearly has been put at $3.5 billion, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

The expenditure also included cost of reinsurance with international companies and purchase of aircraft spare parts.

The figures were compiled from data made available by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and two other companies involved in Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) – Aero Contractors and 7 Star Global Hangar Limited.

The amount, according to industry experts, is huge considering the low contribution of the aviation sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

A breakdown of the amount showed that about $1 billion was spent in 2019 on maintenance and $1.3 billion on training and insurance.

Aircraft insurance cost has also risen from an estimated $560 million in 2018 to $720 million last year due to the country’s security challenges and the failure of some airlines to abide by leasing agreements with lessors.

In addition, in 2019 over $1 billion was repatriated as earnings in Nigeria by foreign airlines, which was about 20 per cent higher than the $800 million repatriated in 2018, according to records from IATA. The Accountable Manager of 7 Star Global Hangar Limited, a start-up MRO facility in Nigeria, Chief Isaac Balami, told THISDAY in an exclusive interview at the just-concluded MRO Africa Conference, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that the total cost of aircraft maintenance in West Africa was over $1 billion annually.

He said Nigeria had the highest number of aircraft ferried overseas for maintenance and therefore expended about 75 per cent of the said amount.

“When you talk about Nigerian airlines you are talking about West Africa because Nigeria is actually West Africa, whether you like it or not; and across the sub-region, over $1 billion is spent annually on aircraft maintenance and that is a fact. Nigeria contributes about 75 per cent of this expenditure.

“That is a huge capital flight.

Those of us that are in the sector and in MRO business we feel frustrated about it.

“This is obviously a serious blow to Nigeria’s economy because I think that if the Aviation Ministry has $1 billion, you can imagine what they will do with it. So the point is that we must stop that leakage. It is not a matter of let’s try; we have to stop it. The private sector has to be involved because government cannot do it alone.

“Yes, there is 100 per cent interrelationship between cost of airline failure and cost of maintenance overseas. Aside aviation fuel, maintenance is the second biggest cost for Nigerian airlines and it is affecting our airlines badly.

“The issue is when you put Boeing 737 on the ground and it is not flying, you will be losing over $100,000 every day. This is because your fixed cost and your variable cost are known.

You cannot change it because whether you fly or you don’t fly you will still do maintenance; whether it is after 500 hours, 1,000 hours or 18 months, whether it is D-check, whether it is C-check; that you are not flying does not mean that you won’t conduct checks on the aircraft,” he stated.

Balami identified high cost of maintenance overseas as the major reason why Nigerian airlines go under after a short period of operation.

“Aircraft maintenance is determined by the calendar and cycles. So when you are not flying, you may not be getting the cycles, but the calendar is affecting it; so at the end of 18 months, you must do it.

“When you do it overseas you spend extra cost, including visa for your crew, allowances you have to pay, hotel accommodation and time you are going to spend.

You are also going to pay for navigational charges. If you are going to the US, you will be losing about three to four days. You will stop and fuel.

What you will spend on your aircraft taking them overseas will be enough to pay your staff for a certain period,” he explained.

The head of Aero Contractors MRO, Mr. James Ominyi, also told THISDAY that for Nigerian MROs to develop the capacity to take over the maintenance of aircraft and stop airlines from ferrying their equipment overseas, they have

to ensure that they have modern equipment and personnel.

He stated that huge foreign exchange was being expended

by Nigerian carriers on overseas maintenance of their aircraft.

“MROs in Nigeria first need to spend money to improve their equipment, training, tools to be able to compete with MROs outside the country. One thing airlines think about is if I go to Aero will they have everything to do what they need to do? But thank God that our chief executive officer has been buying new equipment every month.

“Last month, our set of jacks came in. So the truth of the matter is that in Aero MRO and other MROs locally, once you patronise us, your man-hour rate is lower than you can get in Europe. That is already a saving. If an airline has to leave Nigeria and fly six hours to Europe; that is a huge cost you would have saved if you towed your aircraft to Aero Contractors’ hangar.

“The growing MRO subsector in Africa is a $3 billion business. Most of that business is going outside. We need to

retain that business within Africa. For Nigerian airlines they need to retain their hardearned foreign currency by patronising Nigerian MROs,” Ominyi said.

On expenditure, training and insurance, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, had told THISDAY that in addition to Nigeria being responsible for over 70 per cent of overseas aircraft maintenance in West Africa, $400 million was being expended on aircraft spares while training costs about $300 million.

On insurance he said: “Cost of insurance increased globally since the crash of Boeing 737 MAX in Indonesia and in Ethiopia but domestically aircraft insurance has increased because of the global record of security breaches in Nigeria and the cost of leasing has also increased because of the failure of some airlines to abide by the leasing agreements.

“Insurance goes up because leasing companies may think that they may not retrieve their aircraft because of uncertainty occasioned by the countrywide insecurity and this has also

increased insurance premium in Nigeria. So we pay more for insurance premium.”

In the Insurance Digest publication that shows quantum of each insurer’s business in the last five years, 2018 recorded about N21.4 billion on aviation insurance while in 2017, insurers recorded N22.1billion; N19.5billion for 2016; N19 billion for 2015 and N20.7billion in 2014.

But the Managing Director and CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, told THISDAY in a telephone interview in Lagos that it would be wrong to designate the money spent overseas in the aviation industry as capital flight, noting that in accordance with global practice, this are costs of services rendered. He added that such expenditure could only be described as capital flight if money from Nigeria is taken and invested elsewhere.

“This is obviously international transactions, which means whatever you have to pay for trade, tourism, education. It is value for money.

These are services we pay for travel, reinsurance etc. We can only call it capital flight when it (the money) is taken and invested elsewhere. This is services received for money,” he said.

It is believed that this amount could be halved if more local carriers begin to operate international destinations and reciprocate the service of foreign carriers in Nigeria.

Industry experts believe that the lopsided foreign receipts would be corrected when Nigeria airlines conduct most of their aircraft maintenance locally, carry out retraining of airline personnel locally and when Nigeria begins to refine aviation fuel locally.

Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Captain Abdulsalami Mohammed, told THISDAY that the federal government was working towards conducting recurrent training for pilots locally with the acquisition and installation of B737 simulator at the college with a plan to acquire another aircraft type soon.

MOURNING SENATOR LONGJANG...

L-R: Deceased Plateau State senator, Ignatius Longjang’s daughter, Mikang; the widow, Maureen; Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, and President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, during a condolence visit by the Senate leaders to the late senator’s family in Abuja… yesterday

Dangote Remains Africa’s Wealthiest for Ninth Successive Year Alike Ejiofor For the ninth year in a row, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been declared as the wealthiest person in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $10.1billion.

In the latest ranking of the world’s billionaires by Forbes, the American global media company, focusing on business, investment, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership, Dangote’s present worth is down from his estimate of $10.3 billion a year ago; largely due to a slightly lower stock price for his flagship company, Dangote Cement.

Africa has 54 nations, but only eight countries have billionaires according to Forbes, with South Africa and Egypt dominating not

only the top 10 richest people in Africa list, but in the rankings overall with five billionaires each.

Nigeria comes second with four billionaires, including Dangote.

Dangote founded and chairs Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer. He owns nearly 85 per cent of publicly-traded Dangote Cement through a holding company.

Dangote Cement produces 45.6 million metric tonnes annually and has operations in 10 countries across Africa.

Dangote also owns stakes in publicly-traded salt, sugar and flour manufacturing companies.

Dangote Refinery has been under construction for three years and is expected to be one of the world’s largest oil refineries

once completed.

The largest employer in Africa’s most populous economy, Dangote is also seen as a stabilising force within the economies of several countries across the continent.

Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which has the objective of reducing the number of lives lost to malnutrition and disease as well as combating Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children, thousands of children have been saved from death.

Just two of the 20 billionaires are women: Isabel dos Santos, the eldest daughter of Angola’s former president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos; and Folorunsho Alakija of Nigeria. Dos Santos’ fortune has declined to an

estimated $2.2 billion, down $100 million from a year ago.

Nassef Sawiris of Egypt is the new number two richest in Africa, with a net worth of $8 billion, up from $6.3 billion last year.

Number three on the list is Nigeria’s Mike Adenuga, worth $7.7 billion.

Sharing the third position with Mike Adenuga with $7.7billion worth is a South African, Nicky Oppenheimer.

Johann Rupert is the fifth richest African. He is the chairman of Swiss luxury goods firm Compagnie Financiere Richemont.

Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu is in number eight position among the top 20 African billionaires.

Rabiu is the founder of BUA

Group, a Nigerian conglomerate active in cement production, sugar refining and real estate.

Isabel dos Santos is one of the two women in the top 20 African billionaires coming in 13th position with a net worth of $2.2 billion. Aged 46, Dos Santos is the oldest daughter of Angola’s longtime former president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who stepped down in 2017.

In the 19th position is Strive Masiyiwa with a net worth of $1.1billion.

Following the introduction of a weaker currency in Zimbabwe, Masiyiwa’s fortune fell to $1.1 billion from $2.3 billion in January 2019.

Masiyiwa, 58, overcame protracted government opposition to launch mobile phone network

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in his country of birth in 1998. He owns just over 50 per cent of the publicly-traded Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, which is one part of his larger Econet Group.

Closing the 20 top African billionaire bracket is Nigeria’s Folorunso Alakija with a net worth of $1billion.

Country rankings are unchanged from a year ago: Egypt and South Africa are tied with five billionaires each, followed by Nigeria with four and Morocco with two. Forbes found one billionaire each from Algeria, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. That’s the same as last year but a better representation than nine years ago, when only four African nations were home to ten-figure fortunes.

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Amidst Constant Attacks, Buhari Restates Pledge to Crush Terrorism Says National Assembly to decide on diaspora voting Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reaffirmed the determination of his administration to defeat Boko Haram and other terror and criminal cartels threatening the nation’s security.

He spoke in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, a day after Boko Haram attacked stranded travellers in Auno, a village in Borno State, the epicentre of the insurgency ravaging the country in the last one decade, killing some 30 people and destroying many property, including vehicles, goods and houses.

In his reaction to the Borno attack, the president who condemned the Sunday night killing and condoled with families of the victims, had on Monday vowed not to allow Boko Haram to hold Nigeria to ransom.

The president’s pledge came just as the military raised the alarm that fleeing Boko Haram fighters have dispersed across Abuja and Plateau State following crackdown on the terror group in the North-east.

The president, at a meeting with the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia (NICE), said his administration was fully prepared to fight and crush all acts of criminality, banditry and terrorism.

He appealed to all Nigerians to support and cooperate with security agencies that are ready to defend and preserve the unity of the country.

Buhari also said though he was in support of diaspora voting, only the National Assembly could facilitate it by enacting a legislation to make it practicable.

A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the forum,

coordinated by the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, observed a minute silence in honour of Nigerians killed in Borno State.

According to the statement, Buhari restated that issues bordering on protection of the lives of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora as well as the battle against corruption and promotion of prosperity of all remain the key priorities of his administration.

Buhari also spoke on economic issues and the business climate in Ethiopia, saying he has been briefed on the challenges confronting some Nigerian companies doing business in the East African country, particularly the Dangote Group and Lubcon.

He said he had "directed the relevant ministries to take up these issues with a view to resolving all complaints

amicably with the Ethiopian authorities."

Responding to a question from the leader of the group, David Omozuafoh, on diaspora voting, Buhari said though he was in support of the exercise, a legislation must first be put in place to make it practicable. ''I have said it severally that I am not against it. However, you will need to convince the National Assembly to amend the relevant laws to make diaspora voting a reality,'' he said.

The president expressed concerns about the conduct of Nigerians in the diaspora, saying that some of their actions have deleterious effects on the positive image of Nigeria.

He urged them to change their ways of life and obey the laws of their countries of residence.

He commended Nigerians in Ethiopia, adding that they had the highest concentration

of professionals working in international organisation such as the African Union and United Nations agencies. ''This is a correct representation of the Nigerian spirit of excellence and high achievement,'' he said.

Buhari also told the meeting that his government was committed to supporting and protecting all law-abiding Nigerians, at home and abroad, to the level of success, urging those in the diaspora to key into this vision by being good citizens and worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

"The president also encouraged them to be the best in all their legitimate engagements in their host country, reminding them: “while you are out in the Diaspora, do not forget home as you represent some of the best human assets that Nigeria possesses.'

"He, therefore, urged them to

use their resources, skills and talents to help the development of Nigeria," the statement said.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, Bankole Adeoye, lauded the huge investments of the federal government in Ethiopia since independence.

He described the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa as one of the Nigerian missions in the whole of Africa with the largest diplomatic and residential premises. ''Nigeria has continued to live the saying that Africa is the centerpiece of her foreign policy especially with the many impacts in the AU, the United Nations Economic Community for Africa (UNECA) and Ethiopia as a whole,'' he said.

60 years.

"Today, the import of milk annually stands at $1.2-$1.5 billion. That is a very high import product into the country.

Given that it is a product that we are convinced that can be produced in Nigeria.

"The reason some say that our cows are not producing much milk is that our cows roam around; they don't have water to drink.

"When the policy on the restriction of FX started, we considered including milk to the list. Then we thought that based on the sentiments that people would show, that we should be careful."

Prior to the latest policy, the central bank had in August last year, banned commercial

banks and other authorised dealers from accepting Bills for Collections as means of payment for milk importation and its related products, and had directed that only Letters of Credits (LCs) should be accepted.

The CBN had then stated: “As part of efforts aimed at streamlining payment modes for imports, all authorised dealers are hereby directed to discontinue the processing of imports of milk and its related products on Bills of Collection basis. “For the avoidance of doubt, the mode of payment in respect of milk and its related products shall henceforth be on the basis of Letters of Credit only. Please ensure strict compliance.�

Continued on page 51

IN NEW POLICY, CBN RESTRICTS MILK IMPORTATION TO SIX FIRMS with some companies in the industry who have keyed into the bank’s backward integration programme to enhance their capacity and improved local milk production. “Accordingly, all authorised dealers are to note that all Forms ‘M’ for the importation of milk and its derivatives shall only be allowed for the following companies: FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria; Chi Limited; TG Arla Dairy Products Limited; Promasidor Nigeria Limited; Nestle Nigeria Plc and Integrated Dairies Limited. “For the avoidance of doubt, all established Forms ‘M’ for the importation of milk and its derivatives for companies other than the

above for which shipment has not taken place should be cancelled immediately. Please ensure strict compliance,� the circular stated.

A Form ‘M’ is a mandatory statutory document to be completed by all importers for importation of goods into Nigeria. It is mandatory for all importers to complete and register Form 'M' with authorised dealers at the time of placing orders.

Clarifying the intent of the circular, the Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, explained that the bank engaged the six companies because they showed sufficient willingness and ability and had keyed

into the CBN’s backward integration programme in order to enhance their capacity and improve local milk production.

Okorafor said the objective of the bank in that sector was to increase milk production from the current figure of 500,000 metric tonnes to about 550,000 metric tonnes within the next 12 months.

According to him, in addition to facilitating easier access to funding for dairy investors, it is the bank’s desire to ensure that the country conserves foreign exchange as well as to formulate policies that will trigger economic growth and boost employment opportunities in the sector.

The CBN had expressed disappointment that the country was spending between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion annually on milk importation, which it had described as unacceptable.

Owing to this, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had stressed the need for domestic production of milk.

Emefiele had said: "We believe that milk is one of those products that can be produced in Nigeria. Milk importation has been going on in Nigeria for over 60 years. If you Google West African Milk or Friesland Campina today, they say that they have been importing milk and that they have been in Nigeria for over

BURATAI: WE HAVE DEFEATED INSURGENCY, BUT FACING THE CHALLENGE OF TERRORISM Boko Haram. There are more across the North-east. Many have been arrested here in Lagos. We have been tracking them. We arrest them and take them into custody.

"We must differentiate between insurgency and terrorism. I have tried to tell them at the National Assembly.

Someone said three local governments are under Boko Haram. How? These guys are not controlling any territory.

They attempted to establish their territory, caliphate in Gwoza but they have not been able to because they were flushed out. That is insurgency.

They are not holding any territory.

"Typically, that is the end if insurgency. But what of terrorism? Terrorism will outlive you and me and probably everybody in this house because terrorism, since it started, just like armed robbery, like kidnapping, burglary, cultism, it would continue. These are all smaller parts of terrorism. It is when it goes higher that you have arsons, like it happened in Borno yesterday, murder and so on deliberately, no cause.

"What is happening now is just criminality. Since last year, we have not given them any respite. They are now blocked. They no longer have access to foods; their movements are constrained; they no longer get the fuel they needed easily because we have strangulated them. They are now in depressed state; so,

they go out with vengeance to attack commuters to abduct individuals and targeting certain religious persons just for their propaganda. This is also is one of the Boko Haram terrorist’s strategy - propaganda."

Buratai gave an insight into how Nigeria dealt with the potential threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity arising from the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

The Army chief, who was appointed the first commander of the rejuvenated MNJTF in May 2015, said the MJTF that was in place prior to the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, allowed foreign troops to be stationed in Nigeria to help in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

He explained that it took smart thinking on the part of the new leadership to realise that allowing foreign troops to be stationed in Nigeria would be counter-productive.

He explained that his leadership of MNJTF made him conscious of the implications of allowing an intervention force in Nigerian territory as contrary to the initial concept of MNJTF that envisaged that each country remains within their territories, they were to be deployed in Nigeria in the wake of the insurgency.

It would have been a major risk to allow foreign forces to remain in Nigeria’s territory, he added.

He said: “Let me start by making this point very clear.

As at 2015 and up till the time the multinational joint task force was established and when the operations of the MNJTF started to contend with the insurgency and the Boko Haram terrorists, at that point, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria was at stake and this is within the concept of operation of the MNJTF. He said: "Before we know where we are now we must know where we were before the present situation. Let me start by making this point very clear. As at 2015, up to the time the Multinational Joint Task Force was established and started to contain the Boko Haram insurgency. At that point, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria was at stake. This is within the background of concept of operation of the Multi National Joint Taskforce.

He explained that the conceptualisation of the MNJTF concept of operation envisaged that a peace-keeping force was to be established and deployed within the Nigerian territories.

"You and I know very well that once an intervention force is put in place, then be rest assured that your territorial integrity, your sovereignty will be infringed upon. That was the idea", he added.

He said the MNJTF initially had three main sectors- the first sector is in Cameroon,

which was to be deployed in far northern Cameroonian province with headquarters at Mora.

"Sector 2 is where the issue of sovereignty came in. Chad was to deploy in the northern part of Nigeria up to section of Gamboru Gala, Maute and some part of Bama and Gwoza. They were to be under the Chadian troops deployed there. Then Sector 3, which is Nigeria, with headquarters at Baga to be stationed at that place in conjunction with Nigerien troops; that is, the troops from Niger Republic.

They are to operate there with the mandate to defeat Boko Haram terrorists; to rescue the adopted persons, including the Chibok girls and also to facilitate humanitarian activities and to equally get the restoration of law and order by bringing back the civil administration in those areas.

"That is the key mandate of MNJTF. The point is at what point did this change? I was privileged to command the MNJTF. I have the concept operation in my fingertips. I realised the dangers of having an intervention force deployed in one's territory. Although the concept provided for the operations of those countries’ armed forces or military within their own territory but that of Nigeria was an exception because the Chadian troops will be on our territory; the Nigerien troops would be on our territory although partially

not completely, not until later when they created the fourth sector which had been deferred.

"These are the complexities.

If we had allowed the foreign forces to be on our territories, our country will be divided along that line. Clearly, the adversary - the terrorists’ territory would be clearly defined as against our own sovereign territory.

"This is key. When Mr. President came and saw the implication and I have been appointed the Chief of Army Staff, my first priority is to ensure that we don't allow a full implementation of that concept of operation where the Chadian troops would be on our territory on permanent basis. That was the action I took. Within the first two months, we were to move - take over Gamboru Gala, and that is the end where we now said the other force from Chad had to find alternative location within their own territory. This is major achievement of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief where he saved the territorial integrity of this country from falling into the hands of foreign interests, foreign interference - let me use that word and if that decision was not taken, that we were able to recover that aspect and deployed our troops by now, we would probably be negotiating between the terrorists as well as our own government and that is quite dangerous and we would be fighting at so many fronts.

"Nigeria must be grateful to Mr. President and Commander -in- Chief and by extension they should be grateful to the armed forces of Nigeria for keeping our territorial integrity and that is our constitutional responsibility, which would have been able to safeguard and ensure that is in force until today," Buratai added. r5IF JOUFSWJFX XBT BMTP KPJOFE CZ 5)*4%": DPMVNOJTU BOE QVCMJTIFS PG 5IF$BCMF .S 4JNPO ,PMBXPMF

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11

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

WHO: First Coronavirus Vaccine Could be Ready in 18 Months Names virus Covid-19 Martins Ifijeh The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the first

vaccine for Coronavirus could be ready in 18 months.

It also named the strain of Coronavirus that has killed 1,

Explosion Rocks Residence of Edo APC Factional Secretary Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A suspected bomb yesterday exploded at the home of the factional Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Lawrence Okah.

The explosion, which was suspected to have emanated from an Improvised Explosive Device (EID) blew off the ceiling and shattered the windows.

Speaking on the incident, Oka alleged that gunmen had last Tuesday fired at his bedroom, and accused the state government of being behind the incident.

“On Tuesday last week, I heard gunshots. They shot at my bedroom. The police came and picked 52 bullets here.

“Yesterday at about 12.30a.m, I heard a noise like boom. I called my security and they said it looked like a bomb. The

one they threw at my bedroom did not detonate. If that one has detonate, you would not have seen me to talk to.

“That was targeted at my room.

If it had exploded it would have been a different story.”

“By the grace of God we are alive to speak to our people to let them know what is going on. We pray to God for those we help not to turn around against us”.

One of the governorship aspirants, Pastor Ize-Iyamu who was present at Okah’s residence alongside other APC chieftains, said they would arrest the perpetrators if the police failed to arrest them.

He said the perpetrators do not have the capacity to sustain what they are doing because if they push them to the wall, the consequences would be disastrous.

017 persons and infected 43,141 others across 28 countries as ‘Covid-19’.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday in Geneva, the Director General, WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the name was designed to avoid inaccuracy and de-stigmatise China and Chinese people in relation to the virus.

He explained that the name was coined from “Coronavirus, Disease and “2019”, the year the strain was first discovered.

He added that a new name had to be coined to avoid stigmatisation.

“We now have a name for the disease and it’s Covid-19

,” Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.

“We had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease.

“Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising- it also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks.

“As of 6a.m. Geneva time this morning, there were 42,708 confirmed cases reported in China, and tragically we have

now surpassed 1,000 deaths – 1,017 people in China have lost their lives to this virus. Most of the cases and most of the deaths are in Hubei province, Wuhan.

“If the world doesn’t want to wake up and consider the virus as public enemy number one, I don’t think we will learn from our lessons.

“We are still in containment strategy and should not allow the virus to have a space to have local transmission.

“The development of vaccines and therapeutics is one important part of the research agenda – but it is only one part. They will take time to develop, but in the

meantime, we are not defenceless.

There are many basic public health interventions that are available to us now, and which can prevent infections now.

“The first vaccine could be ready in 18 months; so, we have to do everything today using the available weapons to fight this virus, while preparing for the long-term.

“We’ve sent supplies to countries to diagnose and treat patients and protect health workers, ” he added.

The disease, which first broke out in the Wuhan province of China, has infected 42,708 people and claimed 1,017 across at least 25 countries worldwide

Military Frees 1, 400 Repentant Boko Haram Suspects Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Borno State Government has said that a total of about 1,400 repentant Boko Haram suspects have been released by the military and rehabilitated into the society.

The Borno State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Babakura Jato, said yesterday that 1, 400 had been released in three tranches since the ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ programme began.

Jato said most of the persons released were not actually Boko Haram members but were relatives of terrorists or persons found in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The commissioner said, “There have been a series of releases. They were released in three tranches.

The first set was released during Governor Shettima’s time while two sets have been released under

Prof. Zulum.

“The total number of persons released is 1,400. Out of the 1,400, the majority of them are cleared, suspects. These were people who were suspected of being members of Boko Haram and it was discovered that they were not.

“The rest are children of Boko Haram or actual Boko Haram members. I cannot give you a breakdown of the figure now for security reasons.”

The government’s spokesman said he was aware of allegations that some of those released had gone back to terrorism but argued that most of these allegations were mere speculations.

Jato said after the training, they were handed over to the Borno State Government for proper integration into their communities.

Aisha Buhari, Patience Jonathan Meet at Aso Rock The First Lady Aisha Buhari, has met with her predecessor, Mrs. Patience Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and shared experiences on issues relating to women’s development in the country.

Mrs Buhari disclosed this yesterday on her Twitter handle.

The first lady said, their discussion centred on issues affecting the growth and development of women in the country, especially girl-child education, women’s participation in politics at the local level.

“Yesterday, I received my predecessor, Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan at the State House.

“We discussed my efforts with regards to the greater involvement of women in politics and the

participation of women at a lower level of governance. ”We also discussed girl-child education and her pet project “Women for Change,” she tweeted. She expressed the need for spouses of Nigeria’s former leaders to always keep-in-touch and share experiences for the betterment of women and children in the society. ”I got to hear her experience during her tenure and listened to her perspectives on issues affecting women and children in the society,” she said.

Mrs Buhari expressed her deepest gratitude to the former first lady for the visit.

“It was really nice having her around and I look forward to having more of such moments,” she tweeted.

STRENGTHENING BOND...

L-R: Former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan; and the incumbent, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, during Mrs. Jonathan’s visit to the State House, Abuja...Monday

PDP Resumes Protest at UN, EU, French Embassies Chuks Okocha in Abuja The leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday resumed their protest at the United Nations, European Union (EU) and French embassies in Abuja to draw attention to what they described as the deplorable state of affairs in the country.

The protest, which was led by the PDP’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Suleiman Nazif, took off from the party’s campaign headquarters, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, at 10.40a.m.

The convoy of vehicles conveying the protesters first headed for the European Union (EU) secretariat, located at the Central Area.

An official of the EU received the party officials at the gate, from

where they were ushered into the main building at about 11.10a.m.

The party in a petition submitted by its leadership urged the international bodies to put pressure on the federal government so that it preserves the democratic institutions and ensure that the votes of the people count at all times. They further reminded the international organisations that most of their reports on election observations in the country recently have turned out negative, urging them to urge the federal government to urgently review and sign an Electoral Amendment Bill that will ensure that the votes of the people count.

Addressing journalists after the submission of the petition at the EU, Nazif expressed the party’s dissatisfaction at the intimidation

of the legislature and judiciary which has made it very difficult if not impossible to have a credible electoral system. He demanded that the judgment in Imo State governorship election be revisited, reviewed and reversed so as to deepen democracy in the country.

He said, “We are not happy; we are not satisfied with the way democracy is being run in Nigeria.

We have come here to complain because we have realised that the National Assembly is being intimidated by the executive. The judiciary is being arm-twisted; the rule of law has become mockery and we thought it wise to come and lay our complaint because they no longer listen to anybody and that is why the Peoples Democratic Party decided to

reach out to the international community to lay complaint with respect to the Electoral Act that has not been accented to up till now; this is five years since the inception of this administration.

“You are aware of the systematic collapse in our electoral processes, the way elections are being conducted; in Kogi, we saw what transpired in the last election; Nigerians have seen for themselves what the opposition party is going through. We saw what happened in Bayelsa; we saw what happened in Imo with respect to the Supreme Court judgment and we are calling for a review of that judgment and we believe that with the amount of pressure from international organisations, I think the right thing should be done.”

Oshiomhole Inaugurates APC Reconciliation Committee Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the national reconciliation committee set up by the party to do whatever it can to facilitate peace in all the state chaptera of the party and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Oshiomhole stated this yesterday in Abuja while inaugurating the committee chaired by the former Interim

National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande.

He said: “Do whatever you think in your opinion can help to facilitate peace across the 36 states and FCT. Giving the nature of the assignment, the committee may decide to c-oopt or involve anyone or persons or person who in his opinion is in the position to assist the committee in the discharge of its mandate.”

Oshiomhole mandated the committee to identify intra-

party conflict or squabbles or misunderstanding in any of the 36 states of the federal and the FCT; and also identify those involved in the conflict with a view to resolving the issue and enthroning lasting peace in the party.

The national chairman stressed that the committee would make appropriate recommendation at the end of its exercise or from time to time as it deems fit.

He added that the committee

is free to sit at anytime, place or location at its own discretion.

Oshiomhole added: “Although, this can be term to terms of reference, but in truth, the members of this committee in your own rights, who are members of the party in your respective State and you have played roles in resolving conflict in your respective state and even beyond, so there is nothing here that is strange. The bottom line is that at the end of the day, we expect the party to become stronger.”

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Supreme Court Affirms Lyon’s Candidacy in Bayelsa Governorship Election Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday cleared one of the legal impediments to the inauguration of Bayelsa State Governor-elect, Mr. David Lyon, on Friday as it affirmed his nomination as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election in the state.

The court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed an appeal filed by a governorship aspirant of the APC, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, challenging the nomination of Lyon as the APC candidate in the November 16 governorship poll.

The court, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice John Okoro, held that Lokpobiri failed to file his suit within the mandatory 14 days stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Justice Okoro stated that the provisions of Section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution was categorical and emphatic that all political cases must be instituted within a 14-day time frame.

The apex court disagreed with the appellant that the cause of action arose from September 7, 2019 when Lyon’s name was submitted by the APC to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s

candidate, adding that the cause of action actually arose from September 4, 2019 when the result of the primary election was declared by the party.

The Federal High Court in Yenagoa had on November 14, 2019, nullified Lyon’s candidacy and ruled out the APC from the contest.

Justice Jane Inyang gave the order in a judgment in a case filed by Lokpobiri.

Lokpobiri, a former Minister of State for Agriculture, had approached the court for a declaration that he, and not Lyon, should be the authentic candidate of the APC. But Lokpobiri’s lawyer, Mr. Fitzgerald Olorogun, said the court ruling was not part of their prayers.

“The court pronounced that the governorship primary conducted by the APC in Bayelsa State was not done in compliance with the guidelines and the constitution of the party, and therefore, the party has no candidate,” Olorogun had told reporters immediately after the court ruling, adding: “It’s strange.”

However, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, last month upturned the Federal High Court’s decision, declaring that

the APC had a candidate in the governorship election.

Delivering judgment in Lyon’s appeal at the Court of Appeal, the presiding justice, Justice Isaiah Olufemi Akeju, ruled that the suit before the Federal High Court,

which was filed on October 18, 2019, was statute-barred, considering the fact that election matters are time bound.

Not satisfied with the Appeal Court’s ruling, Lokpobri had approached the apex court,

seeking to set aside the decision.

Lokpobiri had prayed the apex court to void the decisions of both the trial court and the appellate court and uphold his request to be declare the APC’s candidate .

He averred that the two lower

courts erred in law when they held that he ought to have filed his grievances from the date the result of the primary election was announced and not from the date his opponent’s name was submitted to INEC.

ROYAL VISIT…

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyemi III; and the newly-installed Alapomu of Apomu, in Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Kukah Accuses Buhari of L-R: Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, Atoyebi II, during a courtesy visit on the Alaafin at the ancient Yoruba palace in Oyo…recently Insensitivity in Managing Protesters Ask Amnesty International to Leave Nigeria Nigeria’s Diversity John Shiklam in Kaduna The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of displaying the highest degree of insensitivity in managing Nigeria’s rich diversity.

In his homily yesterday at Good Shepherd Seminary, Kaduna, during the funeral mass of the late Seminarian Michael Nnadi, who was murdered by terrorists, Kukah urged Christians to rise up and defend their faith with all the moral weapons they have.

Kukah said Nigeria is “like a ship stranded on the high seas, rudderless and with broken navigational aids”.

“Today, our years of hypocrisy, duplicity, fabricated integrity, false piety, empty morality, fraud and Pharisaism have caught up with us. Nigeria is on the crossroads and its future hangs precariously in a balance. This is a wakeup call for us,” he said.

Kukah said Nigeria is at a point where the people must call for a verdict, adding that there must be something that a man should be ready to die for.

He lamented that Nigeria, does not possess that set of goals or values for which any sane citizen is prepared to die for her.

“This President has displayed the greatest degree of insensitivity in managing our country’s rich diversity. He has subordinated the larger interests of the country to the hegemonic interests of his co-religionists and clansmen and women. The impression created now is that, to hold a key and strategic position in Nigeria today, it is more important to be a northern Muslim than a Nigerian,” he said.

According to him, the Fulani, who are his innocent kinsmen, have

become the subject of opprobrium, ridicule, defamation, calumny and obloquy, while Buhari’s “north has become one large grave yard, a valley of dry bones, the nastiest and the most brutish part of our dear country”.

“Why have the gods rejected this offering? Despite running the most nepotistic and narcissistic government in known history, there are no answers to the millions of young children on the streets in northern Nigeria, the north still has the worst indices of poverty, insecurity, stunting, squalor and destitution,” he added.

Kukah noted that both the Sultan of Sokoto, and the Emir of Kano, who are the two most powerful traditional and moral leaders in Islam, are not happy with the situation in Nigeria.

“Every day, Muslim clerics are posting tales of lamentation about their fate. Now, the Northern Elders, who in 2015 believed that General Buhari had come to redeem the north have now turned against the President,” he added.

He argued that the persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria is as old as the modern Nigerian state, adding that their experiences and fears of northern, Islamic domination are documented in the Willinks Commission Report way back in 1956.

Kukah disclosed that nobody had thought that the President who ran his campaign on a tank supposedly full of the fuel of integrity and moral probity in 2015, “would bring nepotism and clannishness into the military and the ancillary security agencies, that his government would be marked by supremacist and divisive policies that would push our country to the brink”.

Protesters yesterday besieged the Abuja office of Amnesty International, asking the rights watchdog to leave Nigeria.

The protesters who arrived at the office located at Maitama at about 12p.m., barricaded the road leading to the entrance.

They expressed solidarity with the federal government in songs, while preventing entry and exit into the office premises.

They accused the organisation of fuelling insecurity in Nigeria and unduly interfering in the affairs of the country.

‘You are the wheel behind Boko Haram, IMN, IPOB and ISWAP,’ one of their placards said.

Others read: ‘Amnesty International bury your head in shame,’ ‘Leave now or we will force you to leave.’

About six months ago, a similar

protest was held at the group’s office, with aggrieved persons also asking them to vacate the country.

They alleged the human rights group was taking sides with the opposition, and was “attempting to destabilise Nigeria”.

The organisation said the protests were “sponsored”, and that they are “not affiliated to any interests, political, religious

or commercial”.

Isa Sanusi, AI spokesman, had said in a statement: “Despite sponsored protests, we will not stay silent. In the face of efforts to evade responsibility or to smear our organization, we will continue to raise our voices whenever and wherever we see injustice, sexual abuse, discrimination against women, or any other violations of human rights in Nigeria.”

Plateau Senator Was Committed to Nigerian Project, Says Lawan Deji Elumoye in Abuja Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has described Senator Ignatius Longjang, who died on Sunday in Abuja as a legislator who was committed to the Nigerian project.

Lawan, who spoke yesterday at the late Senator’s residence in Abuja during a condolence visit, stressed that Longjang was a peaceful man and a bridge builder committed to the Nigerian project.

“The late Senator Longjang was a peacemaker; a very peaceful person. He proved himself to be

a very faithful and loyal person.

He was committed to the ideals of the Senate. He built bridges. He wanted to ensure that everything went on well. And as one of our elders in the Senate, he was highly regarded and respected. This loss is a loss to all of us”.

The Senate President further said “our late colleague is someone who believed that as a people, we must live in peace and a very peaceful man.

“And having served as a deputy governor once and coming to the Senate after his ambassadorial tours, he was an accomplished

leader in his own right but what always endeared him to me was his sense of commitment to the Nigerian project.

“We know from time to time; we have disagreement across the country but he would always preach that we must live in peace.

We must create understanding.

Let there be fairness, equity and justice in all part of the country.

He lived and died for that.

“For us in the Senate, this is one lesson, one take away we have to ensure that we stick with. That whatever we do as a Senate and indeed as a National Assembly,

we should do so to ensure that every citizen is protected; gets fairness, equity and justice and at the end of the day, just like he wished, this country must prosper,” Lawan said.

He assured the family members that the upper legislative chamber will be with them during this period of grief.

“We are going to be together.

We are going to have the two Senators from Plateau working with the family very closely so that we can participate and support the arrangement for his interment,”

Gunmen Kidnap Driver, Passengers, Demand N1m Ransom James Sowole in Akure About 10 unidentified Abujabound travellers from Ondo State were last week abducted by gunmen along Obajana-Abuja highway in Obajana, Kogi State.

A source said the owner of the commercial bus which the victims boarded, Mr. Abdulganiyu Hakeem said the vehicle took off from Akoko and was stopped

by the bandits, who abducted the occupants.

Hakeem, who is member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ajowa Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, said all the victims were still in the den of their abductors.

“The 10 passengers in the bus including the driver were kidnapped and were led to the bush very close to Obajana in

Kogi State. One of the passengers is a student of law school in Abuja.”

“We were told that almost 30 passengers from other commercial vehicles were kidnapped at the same time last week, “Hakeem said.

According to Hakeem, the hoodlums had contacted the families of the victims demanding a sum of N200,000 for the driver and N100,000 for

each of the remaining passengers before they would regain freedom.

When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Femi Joseph, said the incident did not take place in the jurisdiction of the Ondo State Police Command.

“Since it did not happen here in Ondo, the matter would have been reported at the Kogi State Command,” Joseph said.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

COMMENT

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

THE BEHEADING OF CAN CHAIRMAN

Sonnie Ekwowusi urges government to be alive to its responsibilities of securing life and property

H

e was captured on or around January 3, 2020

by Boko Haram insurgents. A few days after his capture, he was shown in a video released by his Boko Haram captors. In the video, he was firm and resolute. His faith remained unshaken. He was serene. “All conditions that one finds himself are in the hand of God‌By the grace of God, I will be together with my wife and my children and all my colleagues ... If the opportunity has not been granted, maybe it is the will of God‌Don’t cry, don’t worry, but thank God for everything.â€?, he said in the video.

Nevertheless he requested his fellow leaders in the Christian community, state government officials and all lovers of humanity to render him assistance in securing his freedom. Days rolled on.

All were hopeful that within a couple of days he would regain his freedom. But they had all hoped in vain. His Boko Haram captors refused to release him even after they were offered a whopping N50 million ransom. They wanted his head instead if not for anything to send a strong message to the adherents of Christianity that similar tragedy awaits them if they refuse to renounce their faith. So on January 20, 2020 they beheaded Andimi alongside one soldier.

Engulfed in deep grief I write today to bring to you the sad news of the ignominious beheading of our brother Rev. Timothy Lawan Andimi. We claim as our brothers and sisters all men and women of every epoch who subscribe to one ideal that has led us.

Besides being our brother, Andimi is a member of our human family. In his death we have lost a courageous defender of religious freedom. Whenever the history of Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria is written the uncommon courage displayed by Andimi in the hands of his Boko Haram captors will be told in great memory of him. Until his murder, Andimi was an ordained Christian minister at Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. He served as EYN district secretary for the Michika area. But he is most remembered as the chair of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Michika area. A Seminarian of the Good Shepherded Seminary, Kaduna who survived the sporadic shooting unleashed on the Seminary

by Boko Haram insurgents on January 8, 2020 recounts how he met Rev. Andimi shortly before he was murdered. On Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 10.27 p.m., he said, he had gone to the room of his friend and classmate called Michael Nnadi. Suddenly they started hearing thunderous noises all over the Seminary. Before they knew what was happening there were gun shots all over the Seminary followed intermittently with the following command in Hausa language: “Ja su waje, Alsaabiun‌Kafirai, !, Ja su wa je!

Alsaabiun‌Kafirai !! (Drag them out‌infidels! Drag them out‌ infidels!!). Thereafter two heavily-armed men in military uniform entered the room where he and Michael were lying flat on the floor in great trepidation. After collecting their laptops and other personal belongings, the two men wasted no time in whisking them away to a waiting vehicle. On getting to the abductors’ abode located inside a thick forest, they were stripped of their clothes and dumped in a cell where they met Rev Andimi, Mrs. Phillip Ataga, the wife of Dr. Philip Ataga, a Kaduna-based medi-

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT NIGERIA IS EXPERIENCING THE WORST INSECURITY CHALLENGE SINCE THE ATTAINMENT OF INDEPENDENCE

cal doctor whose two children were abducted by Boko Haram alongside their Mum (Boko Haram has since murdered Mrs. Ataga and freed her two children upon the payment of ransom).

Also sharing the cell with the Seminarian and his friend Michael were elderly Muslim couple-Alhaji and Hajia Bisiriyu and Usman their first son.

According to the survivor Seminarian, 11 of them were jam-packed in one tiny cell. They were fed thrice a week. They saw life slipping away from them. Suddenly Michael started “bleeding profusely and gasping for breath� owing to the Boko Haram bullet that hit his neck during the shooting. Noticing that Mike was dying, the Seminarian cuddled him in his arm and called him, “Mike! Mikky!!� But it was too late. Mike had died.

Before dying he whispered the following words to the ear of the Seminarian; “pray for me�. A few days after the death of Mike, Boko Haram came and took Usman, the son of the Muslim, and killed him. His parents wept uncontrollably. Thereafter they came in and forcefully dragged out the CAN chairman and beheaded him.

There is no doubt that at the moment Nigeria is experiencing the worst insecurity challenge since the attainment of independence. Not only is Nigeria one big theatre of Boko Haram killings and maiming today, she is also perceived as a den of bandits, militant killers, kidnappers and rapists. The painful aspect is that rather than devise meaningful military strategies to stop Boko Haram, President Buhari is going about beating his chest that his government is conquering Boko Haram. Speaking at the official induction of the Nigerian Air Force Helicopters at the Eagle’s Square last Thursday, Mr. President said, inter alia, “I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities that have bedeviled our country during my inaugural speech as President. You will agree with me that the successes we have achieved so far have restored our pride and honour the world over‌.â€?

It is obvious that Mr. President is not in touch with the reality otherwise he would not have credited his government with any “successâ€? in the fight against Boko Haram. The simple truth is that the Buhari government has not recorded any significant success in the fight against Boko Haram. Over the last couple of weeks, Boko Haram has increased attacks on the road from Maiduguri to Kano, the only remaining safe highway of the six major roads that connect Maiduguri with the rest of the state and country. In fact, since the beginning of 2020 there has been a resurgence of Boko Haram killings, kidnappings and violence in Nigeria. Considering the series of kidnappings on the Abuja- Kaduna highway, commuters have resorted to travelling by train. But On Thursday, 2 January, 2020 a group of gunmen attacked an Abuja bound train with ‘ballistics’. On 3 January 2020 it was reported that as many as 50 people may have been killed in an attack by Boko Haram on an island in Lake Chad since last December. On 6 January at least 32 people were killed and over 35 injured when a Boko Haram explosion occurred on a crowded bridge in Gamboru, Borno State, Nigeria‌ Are we winning the war?

WANTED: ARMED PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS (2)

Private security guards could free up policemen and military resources to focus on the bigger picture, argues Okhai Akhigbe

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y the time you finish your long busy day, get back home, have some dinner and retire to bed tonight, seven people would have been kidnapped for ransom, 16 would have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen, bandits and unknown gunmen, 13 would have dispossessed by armed robbers, 74 would have been displaced from their homes, and most likely two soldiers or one policeman would have been killed in the line of duty. Welcome to the Crime State of Nigeria.

According to a sample of Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (2013 – 2015), there were over 12,920 robbers and 11,661 convicted armed robbers in federal prisons nationwide, alongside 6,852 murderers and 1,600 kidnappers. These figures represent the male detainees only. Our prisons are teeming with convicts and those awaiting trial for violent crimes. The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) is looking to recruit 7,475 trainees this year to bolster its personnel strength. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that the number of people in these prisons will continue to increase exponentially, especially where law enforcement agencies become more effective.

This is another variable in our complex security equation. The budget for correctional facilities will continue to increase alongside budgets required to fight crime. This is coming at a time where funds are desperately needed to build and maintain critical infrastructure, create a conducive business environment and properly equip those tasked with providing the protection we need to thrive. These numbers paint a messy picture and it’s a tough one to accept.

Avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings: This is the current travel advisory on Nigeria by the Canadian Government. In other words, travel to Nigeria at your own risk.

Security advisories are not designed to sugar coat, they project the worst-case scenarios to save lives.

Our police, paramilitary, security and military forces seem to be overstretched. They are

chasing insurgents all over the North East, while rampaging kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers and herdsmen wreak havoc on the rest of society.

Nigeria has become a profitable hunting ground for criminals. Bounty hunters are traversing the length and breadth of this country in search of victims they can exchange for a hefty ransom. The capture and exposition of Evans, the high-profile body snatcher may have only served to showcase how lucrative kidnapping can be: $1 million dollars ransom of one of his hostages. New entrants into this growing crime are ready to settle for lower ransoms like N500,000 per victim snatched off a commercial bus. It is also extremely likely that a significant number of armed robbers are turning to kidnapping for obvious reasons. There are more potential targets and the risk may be less if they go after people without police or military protection.

Creating another layer of security by enabling armed private security guards is one approach that could free up policemen and military resources to focus on the bigger picture. This system would be sustained through private sector funding and structured so remittances to a technical fund provide police with equipment they so badly need. This fund may achieve N100 billion per annum at optimal levels, which will positively impact on the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) anti-crime strategy.

These armed private guards will have very specific tasks and high value clients. They are not rent-a-cop. These are highly trained close protection professionals who are not just armed with semi-automatic weapons but also armed with the discipline, skills, intelligence to carry out their duties. These guards will take over roles of police and other services providing such services so that these policemen can protect everyday Nigerians. It is an international practice even in countries with low incidents of crime to avail such clients personalised services which come at a premium cost.

A few Nigerians find the idea of armed private security guards rather unsettling.

However, most of these individuals may not

have realised that they are already living in this system, albeit some quasi-legal arrangements, and in other cases completely illegal security arrangements. Increasingly across the country, the use of armed vigilante groups to secure living areas while residents contribute to their upkeep, is becoming the norm. An increasing number of these ‘private’ security forces are armed with locally made shot guns, pump action shot guns, double barrels shot guns, Dane guns and a range of other weapon types.

The question therefore arises, which should inspire more confidence? Should we have more faith in vigilante forces who have little or no training in security management, information security, arrest, weapons handling and firing in conflict situations, etc? Furthermore, what backgrounds do these individuals come from, are they vetted and cleared of having ties with criminal groups, abstain from the use of narcotics substances, etc? Where do these arms originate from and how are the ammunition procured? Do they carry weapons permits that authorise them to not only possess but to put these into action which could result in the death of another human being? Under what laws do they operate if they shoot and kill an alleged criminal, or are they left to their discretion? Are we slowly creating a monster that will become another security problem in the years to come?

Alternatively, the armed private guard system is organised such that all weapons are legally owned by the federal government, which are leased out to companies licensed to provide such services, alongside the accounting system for the storage and deployment of such lethal equipment and personnel. The entire system is managed using a computer application. The guards (SPARTAN) are trained under a standard system which also incorporates their obligations under the enabling laws, so they are aware of the consequences of professional misconduct.

The guards can only be approved for training after the government appointed security agency or delegated security companies carry out these investigative services to ensure that only those that are free of criminal records can participate in the scheme. Guards are subject to annual

weapons proficiency tests to ensure that they have the requisite skills and safety awareness needed to operate. These proficiency tests are carried out by private security companies that have the capacity to do so. Again, remittances are made to the government purse towards police empowerment. This system will also ensure that a projected 400,000 jobs are created directly and in the value chain.

This should not be a rent-a-cop type arrangement where having lots of cash guarantees you the ability to be able to acquire a team of armed guards. There should be a preliminary process which determines if a potential client qualifies to have armed private guards. This process will involve risk assessments that can be carried out by accredited assessors who determine if the risk to the client, private or corporate necessitates such a bespoke service. This assessment would also recommend the manpower requirements and general security plan to be put in place for the duration. Again, this service is not a perpetual service and such assessments are valid for maximum of a year, after which a reassessment would need to be carried out.

At any point within the approved year for the service, the client would be entitled to call for a reassessment where they believe that the risk has increased, and this could require more manpower or protective measures. Such risk assessments would be fed through the computer platform to the supervising government agency for approval before companies can provide the service.

Guards licenses can be issued on an annual basis and subject to laid down conditions. The guards can be part of a learning programme delivered via the platform. This will ensure that they develop other skills to transfer into other areas of security or a different sector if so required, and especially in a situation where crime statistics dip and the need for these guards drops. This is to avoid creating another social problem that has been experienced by police and military forces. t$BQUBJO "LIJHCF JT B SFUJSFE NJMJUBSZ JOUFMMJHFODF PGmDFS UFSSPSJTN SFTFBSDIFS BOE $&0 PG #FBDPO )JMM $POTVMUJOH

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

EDITORIAL VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR NIGERIANS Government should do everything to ensure the ban is lifted

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n a typical replay of shutting the stable after the horse had bolted, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama last week scrambled to Washington, D.C., in order to “understand the reasoning” behind the US visa restrictions on Nigerians. Yet while speaking at a joint news conference with US Secretary of State, Mr. Mike Pompeo, Onyeama said Nigeria was indeed aware of its obligations. “We’ve identified all those requirements and we have actually started working on all of them”, he said. “We look forward to being taken off this visa restriction list.”

While it remains to be seen when Onyeama’s wish will be realised, the visa restrictions on Nigeria and three other African nations subsist.

Thus, as from 22 February, Nigerians will no longer be able to obtain visas allowing them to permanently immigrate to the US. But this is an avoidable deprivation. The conditions for the visa ban had long been spelt out and sufficient time was given to all affected nations to put their house in order.

According to ALTHOUGH THE BAN WILL Acting Secretary of NOT AFFECT BUSINESS Homeland SecuTRAVELLERS, STUDENTS rity Chad F. Wolf, AND TOURISTS, IT Nigeria and the CERTAINLY WILL EXPOSE other five countries THEM TO MORE SCRUTINY “lack either the will or the capability” to adhere to new screening and vetting criteria imposed by the U.S. government since March 2017.” The US said that Nigeria did not comply with the established identity-management and information-sharing criteriaassessed by the performance metrics. In addition, the country did not have adequate public-safety and terrorism related information “necessary for the protection of the national security and public safety of the United States.” Besides, the country’s diplomatic channels did nothing for weeks to talk itself off the list when it was being speculated that

Letters to the Editor

T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY 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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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.

STILL ON AIRPORT TOLL GATE CONCESSION

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he attention of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been drawn to the “Epistle” of Anthony Kila, published in THISDAY of 7th February, 2020. Some clarification has become necessary in the light of the inaccurate and misleading views expressed in the piece under reference.

The concession awarded to Integrated Intelligent Imaging West Africa Limited (I-CUBE), to collect toll on behalf of FAAN at the airport gates, expired in February 2019. The company that had operated the concession since 2008, that is, for 11 years, has resisted all attempts by FAAN to review the terms of the concession, including the amount it was remitting to FAAN, after the expiration of their first contract in 2014.The company also continued to operate even after the expiration of their second concession in February 2019.

It took the unilateral action and combined efforts of the three aviation agencies’ labour unions, namely, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), to force out ICUBE. In fact the morning after the takeover of the toll gates by the union members, they

Nigeria might be banned.

The visa ban again heightens the levity with which issues of serious concerns are treated. Basic information on individuals is lacking. For years, the country has been struggling to establish a reliable database of its citizenry with little success.

After four decades, and after billions had been spent, the country is yet to make any meaningful headway. For more than a decade, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now saddled with the duty, has managed to enroll some 37 million people out of a population of 200 million. Many of those enlisted are without the electronic cards. It is ridiculous that a country locked in a battle with Islamic State- backed terrorist groups has no reliable means of identifying who’s who among its citizens. The true identity of a man caught trying to bomb a Church in Kaduna is still a puzzle two weeks after the incident. In contrast, it took India nine years to enroll 1.2 billion people.

The implications of the visa ban will be pronounced. Our citizens will be deprived of living in the US, an attractive destination for many and with that, job opportunities would be lost to a country whose economy is on life support. As many as 8000 Nigerians were granted immigrant visas in 2018 alone. Besides, although the ban will not affect business travellers, students and tourists, it certainly will expose them to more scrutiny.

Even before the ban, Nigerians are increasingly being vetted as exemplified by their long wait.

Indeed, Nigeria reportedly recorded the largest global drop-off in visitors to the United States last year.

Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari launched a committee to “study and address” the ban. “Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and other international allies especially on matters of global security,” the president’s office said.

It is in the nation’s interest that everything is done swiftly to ensure the ban is lifted.

were confronted by a large group of armed partisans, whose only goal was to reinstate the concessionaire. The conflict was expeditiously resolved and peace restored only after the management of FAAN, working with the Avsec, Police and the Nigerian Airforce personnel, issued a written “vacate premises” order to I-CUBE, to avoid further escalation, and pending a final decision on how best to restructure the concession.

Kila wrote in his letter that the concessionaire’s contract was terminated, but the truth is that no contract was terminated precisely because there was no subsisting contract between FAAN and I-CUBE. The responsibility for operating the toll gates was handed over to the Commercial Department of FAAN. Kila’s “epistle” therefore contained inaccurate assertions on the facts surrounding the toll gate concession.

FAAN remains committed to providing and maintaining first rate infrastructure in the nation’s airports, with a view to delivering to all users of the facilities a pleasurable experience, and protecting the overall interest of our nation. t)FOSJFUUB :BLVCV (FOFSBM .BOBHFS $PSQPSBUF "GGBJST '""/

RE: LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES IN THE REAL WORLD

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read Ugo Aliogo’s appraisal of Professor Dele Owolawi’s book, Dialogue with the self, published in THISDAY of February 7, 2020.

Values define standards and mutual goals, values should stimulate collective action.Modern societies should not only influence each other, but must be influential. I have read the book ‘Dialogue with the self’ twice. It was sent to me by the professor, personally signed and with these words, “to Simon Abah my friend and brother.”

Nigeria needs thinkers in government for the creation and dissemination of governing philosophies, knowledge, enlightenment and common sense.

The people of the city of Niyod as illustrated by Owolawi believe in spirituality and not religiosity. Religious persons celebrate signs, symbols and customs instead of values. They only love people whose traits are similar to theirs.

Spiritual persons do not diminish the light of other people in order for their light to shine more brightly; they all work together for the common good and believe in the humanism of the collective man.

Even though self-discovery is very important, what is equally important is what man could become.

I support gender equality and was happy to read that women’s issues in the City of Niyod were given the seriousness it deserves as women were included in governance; and represented in all walks of life. In that city people are not covered in false glory and ranks are not celebrated. Respect is earned by a dint of hard work and achievement.

I learned a lot about environmental justice and the need to protect the environment for the next generation. t4JNPO "CBI "CVKB

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

A N A LY S I S

In Kogi, Bello Matches Words with Action Ibrahim Oyewale writes that Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello of Kogi State has inaugurated the state executive council, as he kicks off his second tenure on a promising note

Bello

Buhari

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ew minutes after his inauguration for a second term as Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello has matched his words with action in line with the new direction of his administration.

Bello announced commissioner nominees without delay and subsequently sent the list to the State House of Assembly for screening.

Following the governor’s example, the State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mathew Olushola Kolawole wasted no time in screening and clearing the 17 nominees, while the governor inaugurated the new state executive council promptly.

Addressing the new commissioners shortly after inauguration Bello expressed thanks to the Almighty God, pointing out that it was time to work hard to justify the mandate from the people. He said in due time “we will bring other category of aides on board,” but the commissioners form the nucleus of ‘our’ administration.”

While hinting that change was the only constant thing in life, he anticipated that the commissioners-designate will be there for the next four years.

Bello added, “It is because we found you worthy in learning, and above all in character. If you were with us in the first term, we reappointed you because you proved worthy of a second chance but also because the exigencies of time and politics, especially the zoning method applicable in your various constituencies, permitted it. There are some of your former colleagues who also deserve this second chance but the circumstances were not as accommodating as in your cases. So, be humble.”

“You will join me and the Deputy Governor to form the next cabinet along with the Secretary to the State Government and other aides we may wish to receive into the Kogi State Executive Council from time-to-time.

The governor warned against sectionalism.

“Your most cardinal sin against this administration will be the practice of sectionalism in any form. Tribalism, nepotism, clan, class or religious sentiments as the actuator of any action in your office will get you fired. We have spent the last four years dismantling the division and distrust long engendered amongst our people by these evil and those who practiced them and we will never countenance the same in our appointees, neither will we retain anyone practicing them in our midst.”

“I am the Governor, not any of you. The New Direction blueprint is my roadmap for

accelerated development of Kogi State in all its constituencies and I charge you to study it, understand it and implement it. The five thematic areas will remain but we are pulling out four sub-thematic areas and making them full-fledged in this second term. These are Human Capital Development, Cooperation and Integration in Kogi State, Security and Agriculture. Bring your suggestions to the table and they will be given fair consideration, but run my blueprint and not your agenda if you want things to remain fine with you.”

He noted that the government must be as open and transparent as possible. “All of us must be open to endless scrutiny by those we serve. Opacity and cult-like secrecy is how skeletons get into cupboards in the conduct of government business, and it is expressly forbidden, so avoid it. The Ministry of Information and Communications will deploy the Kogi State Open Governance and Accountability System (KOGAS) for live feedback to and from the public. Every MDA must get on the platform which my office will monitor directly through the Chief of Staff with weekly status analysis by the Blueprint Team,” he said.

According to him, fiscal responsibility is part of the open door philosophy. “We have developed robust financial transparency laws and regulations over the last four years.

Let them guide you to embrace probity and accountability as well as thriftiness with public resources, especially money. The anti-

corruption and financial crimes agencies have scrutinized us following petitions by those who feel so inclined but have found nothing incriminating in us. None of you is permitted to ruin our clean record with acts of corruption or moral turpitude. I will not take it kindly with anyone who dares.”

On funding governance, the governor said that it was well-known that government never has enough money to fund all that it has planned for the people. It means government must find resources elsewhere, stating that, “Money follows ideas and the commissioners have been chosen as people of ideas because you convinced us that you are innovative and enterprising. This appointment is your chance to prove it. Government will try to release appropriated funds to your ministry as much as is practicable, but you must network in your sector to fund the Blueprint relative to your office. Your ability to attract outside funding for your assignment is a key performance indicator and carries a lot of marks in your rating. Woo the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government which correspond to your office and activate all areas of partnership and support. Look to international donor agencies and develop functional Public Private Partnerships and Foreign Direct Investments. Do all of these in compliance with global best practices and the principles of cost-effectiveness.”

However in line with new zeal and deter-

Fiscal responsibility is part of the open door philosophy. We have developed robust financial transparency laws and regulations over the last four years. Let them guide you to embrace probity and accountability as well as thriftiness with public resources, especially money. The anti-corruption and financial crimes agencies have scrutinized us following petitions by those who feel so inclined but have found nothing incriminating in us. None of you is permitted to ruin our clean record with acts of corruption or moral turpitude. I will not take it kindly with anyone who dares

minations to move Kogi forward ,the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Ashiru Idris disclosed that the state has decided to borrow 100 million Dollars in order to fast track the development of the state.

The commissioner made this known while briefing while briefing newsmen after the executive meeting of the state in Lokoja.

Idris also said there was no cause for alarm over the intended debt as the state was buoyant enough to sustain its present and expected debts, explaining that the state has already paid a visit to the senate to defend its need for the 100 million Dollars which will be channeled towards developing the Staple Crop Processing Zone (SCPZ) in Alape, Kabba-Bunu area of the state.

Ashiru said, “We can still borrow. The fiscal sustainability of the state gives room for borrowing. If the state debt has not gone beyond 250 percent of its income. Kogi is presently on 147 percent.

“Also, a state that is not using more than 40 percent of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to service loan can still borrow. Kogi is presently using only 28 percent of its IGR to service loan. We still have a difference of 12 percent to borrow.

“We are not borrowing for consumption. We are borrowing to build capital projects. This is in line with the state governor’s fight against insecurity. Because if you don’t provide food security, then any fight against insecurity will be a mirage.”

The Commissioner for Finance also said the state government at the Executive meeting approved the creation of a new Department of International Cooperation to coordinate funds from World Bank, and other donor agencies.

On the Security situation, the Kogi State Government restated commitment to provide security of live and property of the residents and as well as assured travelers across the state that measures have been put in place to apprehend kidnappers that attempted to poach its cherished peace and security and to also step up patrol operations across the state.

The Government of Kogi State will stop at nothing to retain its ratings as the second most committed to security, as the lives of our citizens and those of travelers within its NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020

POLITICS

Abiodun and the War of Ogun Political Godfathers

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Kayode Fasua writes that Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State may be struggling with meeting the expectations of the G-5, comprising Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Bola Tinubu, former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; and Senator Solomon Adeola, who provided the support base that enabled his victory in the 2019 governorship election

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ike rivulets trickling down the cottage rack, aggrieved women in large numbers had marched in a protest to the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently, to complain about what they described as the marginalization of the womenfolk in the constitution of the state cabinet by Governor Dapo Abiodun. This was at the time 19 commissioners composed including two women had been nominated for screening before the state’s House of Assembly.

On the surface, it was seen as a genuine protest aimed at checkmating a culture of untamed male chauvinism. But not a few political observers saw through the smokescreen. Most of the protesters, it was averred, were political loyalists of Ogun’s respected statesman and former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Though there were many political forces that coalesced to ensure the victory of Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last year’s governorship election, Osoba’s factor was considered exemplary. Apart from him, the senator representing Lagos West at the National Assembly, who is an indigene of Ilaro in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, better known as Yayi, is also believed to be one of the governor’s political backbones.

Besides Yayi, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Leader, Chief Bola Tinubu; a former governor of the state, Chief Gbenga Daniel, and lately, Senator Kashamu Buruji, were all considered to have made considerable inputs in making Abiodun governor.

This was against the backdrop of the fact that outgoing Governor Ibikunle Amosun, at the period, was determined to make his anointed candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, succeed him.

When the groundswell of opposition from political heavyweights that count for Ogun barred Amosun from solely installing a successor, the former governor, who is now a serving senator, played a quick game by asking Akinlade to go pick the ticket of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) a relatively unknown party. While oiling the engine of APM, Amosun remained in the APC, thus wearing two faces; an action that later led to his suspension from the APC. In the long run, Amosun’s candidate and other contestants were trounced by Abiodun’s political blitzkrieg, which was then fortified by those who have come to be known today as political godfathers. Essentially, those considered as the governor’s political godfathers, especially at pub talks, are Osoba, Yayi, Tinubu, Osinbajo, Daniel and Kashamu, whom some people who are given to jocosity now classify as The G-5.

Out of the pack of five, however, Osoba and Yayi are considered most dominant, especially when the recent appointment of commissioners and special advisers in the state is used as yardstick. The women who protested were seen by those who should know, as Osoba’s supporters, noting that the women were tacitly drafted out to protest the domination of Abiodun’s cabinet by Yayi’s loyalists.

Yayi, when dissected in Ogun politics, had launched a cross-over from Lagos politics to Ogun’s, as he wanted to become governor.

But Amosun would have none of it. The then governor, re-collectors say, literally gave Yayi a hot chase, as in the virulence of a taunted tiger.

It was at that stage that the political godfathers formed an alliance and brought in Abiodun, a taciturn politician, whose commitment to private business outclassed political scheming.

After Yayi sacrificed his governorship ambition and returned to Lagos to reclaim his senatorial ticket, he reportedly handed over his political structure, which cut across Ogun’s

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, flanked by the State Commissioner of Police, Amba Azukwo; (left); Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Alawe of Ilawe, HRM, Oba Ajibade Alabi (second left) and Director of State Security Service, H.M. Halilu; when the Governor visited the scene of the early morning explosion at the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) office at the Old Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti....recently

Abiodun three senatorial districts, to Abiodun. As for Osoba, however, the old man only strengthened the deal by the immeasurable respect he enjoys among the people of Ogun State, who see him as a legend.

Now, the Osoba group seems to be crossed that the population of Yayi’s men in Abiodun’s government outweighs that of Osoba, whom the group believes is on ground in the state.

Funnily, however, neither Osoba nor Yayi is willing to speak on the hoopla, as both keep reserving kind words for the performance of the governor since he assumed office on May 29, last year.

In public circles, therefore, many have held on to the believe that the seven-month delay in the constitution of Abiodun’s cabinet was a by-product of the prolonged headache caused him through disconcerting whispers from political godfathers.

But largely bemused by such insinuations, Governor Abiodun has come out on many occasions that none of his actions had ever been influenced by the directive of a godfather.

He said as respected political leaders in the state, those described as godfathers could offer him suggestions, but that he was not under compulsion to take them.

His gale of denial against being railroaded by the godfathers came to a head on the day he was to swear in his commissioners and special advisers.

Abiodun had declared to the new entrants to his government, “Let me say that your appointment comes at a very important period in the history of our dear state. Some have insinuated the appointment of members of the State Executive Council is late.

Nevertheless, to procure the very best, that is, game-changers who believe in our all-handson-deck-approach, team players who will make an impact, one must consult widely. We have thus made sure that the best hands emerged. I must also state that no individual or group is solely responsible for your emergence. You are therefore not answerable to any one individual, group or godfather. You are accountable to the people who must be at the centre of your work at every point in time.”

Nevertheless, Abiodun has also come out with an olive branch to assuage the feelings of those who felt aggrieved by the composition of his cabinet, saying there is still room for more appointments.

He made this known recently while receiving the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last election, Mr. Ganiyu Nasir Isiaka, widely known as GNI, into the APC fold.

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

Representative of the Governor, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro (left) and Director-General National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during a courtesy call on the Governor, by the Director-General in Government House Asaba

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (left) with President Muhammadu Buhari during the Induction of 2X Agusta 109P Helicopter Gunship and 1 MI-171 Medium Lift Helicopter in Abuja

Minister of Environment, Hon. Muhammad Mahmood (left) and Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola during the Governor’s visit to the Abuja office of the Minister

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Drumming Support for Nigerian Youths Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edwards’s visit to Nigeria was to drum support for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, a global, non-formal education and learning framework touted to be the world’s leading youth achievement award

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward with the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Ms. Harriet Thompson and others

HRH, Erelu Abiola Dosumu,The Erelu of Lagos; Chairman Coscharis, Cosmas Maduka, Deputy Director, DIT Nigeria, Lami Adekola, and Chairman, LTF foundation, Supo Sharore

L-R: Executive Assistant to the British Deputy High Commissioner, Leticia Tikyaa, Managing Director of Lufodo Film, Mrs. Joke Silva, Nigerian Actress, Rita Dominic and Press and Public Aairs OďŹƒcer, British Deputy High Commission, Amaka Eze

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward meets with the Kalakuta Queens

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward with students of Children International School in Lagos

A

s a keen supporter of the Arts, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was in Nigeria to drum support for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

Demonstrating the Royal Family’s interest in supporting young people across the Commonwealth, his visit sought to raise the profile of the

award, licenced in the country as the International Award for Young People Nigeria, through engagement with government officials, supporters, donors and young people, including participants in the award and award holders.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global, non-formal education and learning framework.

Founded by The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, award is the world’s leading

youth achievement award and is available to all young people aged 14 to 24 years and equips them with life skills regardless of their background, culture and physical ability.

Already, the award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives, and participating in the award pushes young people to their personal limits while recognising their achievements.

To entertain the visiting prince,

theatrical performances ranging from iconic music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Opera and Poems.

Afterwards, addressing guests, Founder of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, urged government to support the theatre sector, describing it as the next revenue-generating industry and “a gold mine� in years to come.

Noting that in Nigeria, the theatre sector was relegated to the back-

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FEATURES

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward; British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Ms. Harriet Thompson; Company Secretary, Legal Adviser, Executive Secretary, LASWA, Mr Oyekanmi Elegushi; Deputy Director, DIT Nigeria, Lami Adekola, and others

Managing Director, Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters making her address as the guests cheer on

L-R- The Chairman, LTF foundation, Supo Sharore; Publisher, The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex- Ibru; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu,The Erelu of Lagos and the Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward; The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Ms. Harriet Thompson; and others keenly watching the performance

R-L: The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Ms. Harriet Thompson; HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward; Political Adviser, British Deputy High Commission, Adewale Adebajo; Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Executive Director, the Guardian, Tive- Alex- Ibru,; Publisher, The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex- Ibru and others

Performance of a musical called Fela and the Kalakuta Queen

ground, she added the sector globally created the most jobs and it was important to continue to get support from the government to ensure that more youths were employed. “The business world needs to realise that there is power in the arts to impact society. The world is taking note of the theatre industry and the power the sector holds in shaping the society,’’ she said.

Austen-Peters said one of the solutions to unemployment was entrepreneurship and the creative sector had created multiple jobs for youths across the country.

She noted that the theatre industry had also contributed immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, urging the government to tap into the potential of the sector.

In his brief speech, the Earl said the energy and live dimension that Africa, particularly Nigeria, brought to the theatre sector was fantastic. He

further noted that with the efforts the Nigerian theatre was putting into the sector, it would definitely achieve more progress in years to come.

Stressing that the arts was a language which has the ability to communicate across businesses and borders, telling stories in a way that engaged the audience, he however noted that there is a very close relationship between business and the arts.

As patron of The Duke of Edinburgh Award, which operates in over 100 countries around the world, including Nigeria, he emphasised that the award is providing many opportunities for the youths in Nigeria and stated that government and employers of labour needed to recognise and encourage non-formal education.

Also speaking, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Harriet Thompson, said the creative industry

was bringing back links between peoples by giving opportunities to raise and discuss issues that were hard to do in other forms.

She said: “The industry is very important on many levels and that is why today we are celebrating theatre, considering the strong links between Nigeria and United Kingdom. The arts industry in Nigeria have impacted the lives of many young people.�

At the event were captains of industry, Nollywood stars, media moguls and art lovers.

The visiting monarch also paid a courtesy call on the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the government house, Alausa, Ikeja, who said his visit was a welcome development as it reflects the government’s plans at aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said: “This award programme, which is designed to grant young people opportunities to develop

their skills, showcase their talent and build confidence outside formal education, is open to pupils in both the public and private schools in Lagos State. “We had engaging discussions on our robust plans for equipping our state owned schools with ICT infrastructure, power and work tools such that the pupils are given the opportunity to actively participate and ultimately compete with their counterparts globally. “We welcome future collaborations with the International Award for Young People and Prince Edward, as this is a reflection of our plans at aligning with the Global Sustainable Development Goals, which is to support initiatives, provide opportunities and empower our young ones in their journey towards self development and in so doing, ultimately build their confidence and expose them to a world of opportunities.�

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

Íľ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ Í° ÍŽ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 6.33 5.50

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

4.50 7.50 8.75

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

497.47% 0.09% -0.14%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

3.39% 3.39%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.95/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Ndlovu Now ARC Insurance CEO

INVESTMENTFORUM

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, First Registrars & Investor Services Limited, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi; Directors, Emerging Africa Capital (EAC) Limited, Mr. Funmbi Akinluyi; Dr. Joe Mekiliuwa; Group Chairman, EAC Limited, Mrs. Nike Akande; Group CEO, EAC Limited, Mrs.Toyin Sanni; MD, Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited, Mr. Segun Sanni, and MD, EAC Trustees Limited, Mr. Olubusayo Adeniyi, at an event organised by the EAC Limited to unveil investment opportunities in Lagos‌.recently.

‘Aggressive Revenue Mobilisation Will Address Nigeria’s Debt Challenge’ Dike Onwuamaeze and Peter Uzoho Standard Chartered Bank’s Chief Economist for Africa and Middle East, Razia Khan, has advised the federal government to focus more on how to raise more revenue to enable it fund the country’s deficit budget.

The economist stated this recently in Lagos, when she presented the bank’s economic outlook for Nigeria in 2020, pointing out that with the new minimum wage, more was needed to be done to ramp up revenue to face the challenges.

She added that the Finance Act which raised the ValueAdded Tax (VAT) from five per cent to 7.5 per cent was a laudable step towards increasing revenue.

Khan said: “It is very clear from the concerns that were outlined by both Moody and

ECONOMY Fitch last year that the one thing Nigeria will have to focus on in a big way is revenue mobilisation. “We have seen the announcement of the minimum wage increase and it is clear that something need to be done to address the challenges that will be created for state governments’ finances. “The VAT increase was the obvious solution at the time it is going to be implemented even though some will argue that the rate of 7.5 per cent is not really that high. It is still well below the regional peers. It is still a step in the right direction.�

The chief economist also noted that the closing of land borders was a way of scruitnising leakages in customs’ revenue, adding that the impact of that from

official data looked to have been positive. “The question now really is why we see so much weakness in other elements of revenue within the short term. Will the Q1 2020 deliver something different? Will we see sustained progress quarter after quarter? As the Nigeria economy recovers will, we be seeing better revenue mobilisation? “But it is clear for the fiscal authority the most important driver of the policy platform will be what they do with revenue mobilisation. This is Nigeria’s biggest challenge but it is also an opportunity because it wants to preserve space for borrowing it has to do that by addressing revenue at the very outset,� she added.

However, throwing more light on the bank’s view about the revenue challenge versus debt burden controversy,

Khan explained further: “A very key matric that everyone needs to pay attention to is the revenue to debt service ratio. We think the fiscal authority is already reacting to this. They have outlined their intention to seek more concessional sources of financing wherever they are available. “I think there is this realisation at the Ministry of Finance level that the room to keep on borrowing to drive the spending intent is not unlimited. And that Nigeria needs to show that it is making a difference in controlling the near term cost of debt servicing as much as possible by ramping up the revenue. “It is not going to do one without looking at the other.

It has to do both at the same time. The key to this success Continued on page 24

Don Warns against Use of Pesticides in Food Production Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A university don at the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ilorin, Prof. Suleiman Ambali, has stressed the need for an increase in the level of awareness and advocacy on the dangers associated with indiscriminate use and disposition of pesticides on farmlands and environment.

This, he said would go a long way to boost food production in the country.

Ambali, stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 192nd inaugural lecture of the university with the theme: “Preventing Pesticides from

ECONOMY Poisoning Away Our Health and Future - The Oxidative Approach.�

Ambali, called on governmental and non-govenmental organisations to mobilise on the task.

He said members of the public should be enlightened on the danger of indoor use of pesticides, especially pregnant mothers and children who participate in farming activities.

He said, “measures aimed at encouraging safe usage of pesticides by farmers, pesticide applicators and other individuals whose occupations are related to

pesticides should be put in place. “Apart from this, policies aimed at reducing the use of pesticides in agriculture should be put in place.

Farmers should be encouraged to use an integrated approach in controlling pests and where necessary develop alternative cropping systems less dependent on pesticides, revert to traditional hand hoeing, hand weeding, use of pest-resistant seeds and organic farming systems. “There is a need to strengthen the regulatory framework and processes for the continuous re-evaluation of all registered pesticides in line with currently available information, especially on all

aspects of safety to people and the environment.�

While lamenting the high rate of many pesticides that are in markets, Ambali said many of them do not have sufficient testing other than the traditional acute and chronic toxicity studies.

He noted that, “Many of the tests related to specific end-points are absent from regulatory directives of the National Agency for Food Drug and Control (NAFDAC) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

He also said pesticides that are poorly labeled or labeled Continued on page 24

The African Risk Capacity Limited (the ARC Ltd) has appointed Mr. Lesley Ndlovu as its new Chief Executive OďŹƒcer following the expiration of the tenure of Ms Dolika Banda, the former CEO. Ndlovu was the former CEO of AXA Africa Specialty Risks, a Lloyd’s of London insurance syndicate and has extensive international experience spanning 14 years across corporate ďŹ nance, audit, tax advisory, insurance and investment management sectors in several countries including Bermuda, Singapore, France and the United Kingdom. As CEO, Ndlovu would work under the guidance of the ARC Limited Board in deďŹ ning and implementing the ARC Limited’s strategic vision and would be accountable for its ďŹ nancial sustainability.Ndlovuwillhavefullstrategic,ďŹ nancialandoperational accountability for taking the company forward and growing pool membership, among other key roles. “We are deeply appreciative and grateful to Ms. Dolika Banda for her seless hard work, leadership and sterling commitment to ARC’s missionthroughouthertenureinthepastthreeyearswhichhelpedsee the Agency through many challenges in the start-up phase,â€? said the BoardChairman,MrDeleBabade.“Wehavereasonableexpectations that Mr. Ndlovu will leverage his expertise, vast experience, deep knowledge and impressive networks to chart a new path with good partnerships to ensure that ARC remains a continental leader in disaster risk management and ďŹ nancing,â€? he added.

NdlovuisagraduateoftheUniversityofOxfordinEnglandandatthe Institut EuropÊen d’Administration des Aaires (INSEAD) in France.

IFAD to Boost Aquaculture in Mozambique

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has announced support for a new project to reduce poverty and increase production and incomes for more than 88,000 rural small-scale ďŹ sh farmers through aquaculture.

Mozambique’sclimaticconditionsarefavourabletothedevelopment ofaquaculture.ThecountryishometoawidevarietyofďŹ sh,whichcan befarmedandthushelptoaddressthecountry’snutritionalchallenges, as well as providing exports for regional markets. Aquaculture development in the country has been challenging due to the lack of access to inputs such as ďŹ sh feed, seeds and ďŹ nancial services.

TheďŹ nancingagreementfortheSmall-scaleAquacultureDevelopment Project (PRODAPE) was signed today by Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President of the IFAD, Programme Management Department, and Victor Gomes, Vice-Governor of the Bank of Mozambique.

This US$49 million project aims to move the aquaculture sector from a subsistence basis to a commercial level, underpinned by the involvement of small-scale farmers, particularly women and unemployed young people ready to embrace “aquapreneurship.�

The project will contribute to livelihood development, food security and resilience, all of which are critical for Mozambique in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality and life below water (SDGs 1, 2, 5 and 14).

SUNU Assurances Promotes Sta

SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, a member of SUNU Group, recently promoted37membersofitsstafortheirhardworkanddedication.

The company said the exercise took eect from January 2020.

Managing Director and Chief Executive oďŹƒcer of the company, Samuel Ogbodu, said the gesture was part of the company’s eorts to encourage outstanding members of sta and to make them keep up the hard working spirit and remain dedicated.

Thepromotions,whichcutacrossvariouslevelsrangedfromexecutive to senior manager level in dierent departments of the company.

Speaking, the Managing Director / Chief Executive OďŹƒcer of the company, Mr. Samuel Ogbodu, said the promotion was necessary steptowardsrewardinghigh-performingemployeeswho havebeen the backbone of the company over the years. “These promotions reect SUNU Assurances’ commitment to excellenceaswestrivetobuildahighperformingteamthatrequiresus recruit,retainandrecogniseindividualsfortheirsterlingcontributions.

Hesaidthepromotedstaexemplifythecompany’shigheststandards of integrity.

“If recommendations made after accident investigations are not implemented airlines suffer, the public suffers but it helps the win-win situation and give people the confidence to fly��

Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB

Akin Olateru

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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‘AGGRESSIVE REVENUE MOBILISATION WILL ADDRESS NIGERIA’S DEBT CHALLENGE’ is to improve revenue growth otherwise creditors will lend at higher rate of return if they think that the risk is higher because the revenue growth isn’t there.�

Also on the issue of investors’ confidence in Nigeria in terms of policies and regulations like the recent ban of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in Lagos, which had been protested by the investors in that space, she said investors were still very confident in Nigeria.

Khan said: “I haven’t seen the big picture but I will say that this is going to be a short term issue in the Nigerian economy. I think the bigger issue is the settling of some disputes that have captured investors’ attention with the imposition of fines on some companies making headlines around the world and people reacting to that in such a way that there will be a lot concern around investment environment in Nigeria. “And those concerns have really faded in the recent past. So, I don’t think that investors are taking much more negative view about Nigeria. There is always an element of regulatory risk and investors have to be nimble enough to be able to read how local conditions are likely to change.�

DON WARNS AGAINST USE OF PESTICIDES IN FOOD PRODUCTION with foreign languages should not be allowed to be imported into the country.

Ambali opined further that, “There should be provision for more storage facilities by the government at all levels in order to ensure that chemicals and methods used for storage of agricultural produce are in line with the global best practice.�

He, therefore, urged the government as a matter of urgency, to address economic inequalities that have made peasant farmers poorer so as to boost food and cash productions in the country.

DPR Shuts 10 Gas Plants, 40 Retail Outlets in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Warri Zonal Office has sealed 10 gas plants and 40 gas retail shops over various offences in Delta.

The Manager, Gas Division, Warri, Engr.

Victor Ohwodiasa, led a surveillance team of the regulatory agency on the routine exercise on behalf of the Operations Controller, DPR, Warri, Mr Antai Asuquo.

Addressing newsmen recently, Asuquo said the gas plants and shops were sealed between in Asaba, Agbor and its environs.

He said eight of the gas plants were shut down for operating illegally, while the other two plants were sealed for inadequate safety facilities.

He said the gas shops were closed over offences bordering on operating without valid licenses, operating in an unsafe environment and decamping from bigger cylinder to smaller cylinders.

Beyond sanctioning, Asuquo said the regulatory agency also used the opportunity to sensitise members of the public on things they needed to know about gas. “DPR will continue to monitor gas plants and gas retail outlets with a view to ensuring that they operate at best and safest manner as possible, we want to ensure that the environment they

Capital Market Editor

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Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Senior Correspondent

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Finance) ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? åÙÔÓ (Insurance) Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ě™(Energy) Reporters

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cite their gas plants are conducive. “The federal government says gas utilisation, penetration and commercialisation should be encouraged and it is trying to drive the policy.

In driving the policy, DPR being the regulator must ensure that whatever is being done in that respect is done safely and by applying international best practices. “This is why we would

continue to visit gas plants, retail outlets and do environmental assessment, to check the safety concerns in those places and ensure that the operators are properly trained to handle gas being a very volatile substance. “If you are doing business, you should not endanger people’s lives and properties, we will not tolerate that,� he said. Asuquo, said the DPR would continue to sustain

the surveillance to ensure that gas and LPG were properly handled in the safest manner. He, however, said the level of compliance was on the increase hoping that the development would be sustained. “The level of compliance has increased tremendously; we now carry out surveillance on weekly basis as against monthly because of what is happening in

the country. “The awareness is high, aside looking at their facilities, we equally use the opportunity to call people around the environment, market places and motor parks and do sensitisation. “We tell them what they need to know about gas and also encouraged them to notify us whenever they see people handling gas in an unsafe manner,� he said.

DISCUSSINGTRADE FINANCING

L-R: KLM Rao, Group Finance Director, Enpee Group, Seyi Soetan; Head, Financial Institutions, RMB Nigeria, Madhuka Khetan; CEO, Agro Allied Resource Processing,Tosin Olatunji; SeniorTrade FinanceTransactor, Afeez Rabiu, and Finance Executive, Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Limited, at the GTR West AfricanTrade Conference sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank, that took place in Lagos‌recently

Farmcrowdy Acquires Firm to Boost Livestock Production Farmcrowdy has acquired Best Foods (L&P) to boost its livestock production in Nigeria.

Farmcrowdy, in a statement added that the acquisition would see it own majority stakes in Best Foods L&P Limited, including its assets, team and customer contracts to supply meat across Nigeria.

According to reports Lagos alone consumes 6,000 cattles every day while Nigeria processes over 1.2 billion chickens annually. “In this light, the acquisition of Best Foods L&P Limited will provide Farmcrowdy the opportunity to continue to grow

its Livestock value chain with an improved process for livestock production and processing to reach the desired high standards fit for local consumption and export were necessary,� the statement added.

Farmcrowdy said the expansion of the business would also enable it become the most preferred source of processed livestock across Nigeria starting from Lagos, stressing that the expanded business will serve over 50 meat markets (including beef and poultry) across the south-western zone in Nigeria and would manage over 100 consumer endpoints. “Best Foods offers an

exciting opportunity for Farmcrowdy to strengthen and expand its service offering in livestock production, processing, and supply. “With a range of high profile clients, the acquisition supports Farmcrowdy’s strategy to lead the market and meet the requirements necessary to process approximately 45 cattle every day for meat consumption in Lagos,� Farmcrowdy said.

Commenting on the deal, the Founder of Best Foods, Emmanuel Ijewere, said, “This deal with Farmcrowdy is a welcome development for us as it provides a major growth opportunity for both businesses. We are

excited about the many possibilities.�

The Founder & CEO of Farmcrowdy, Onyeka Akumah, said, “Farmcrowdy is Nigeria’s leading Agtech company using technology to change the way people invest in Agriculture then grow the food they eat. “Today, this acquisition of Best Foods L&P Limited is a major milestone for the entire team knowing that we only launched Farmcrowdy 3 years ago with a bunch of 20 and 30-year-olds. “I grew up learning about the impact Best Foods and Mr. Ijewere had in the Agriculture space in Nigeria and we are absolutely

delighted to welcome him to the Board of Farmcrowdy as we continue to grow this space together�.

He added: “Expect more collaborations and deals like this to grow the Agriculture sector but more importantly for us in Farmcrowdy, we are happy to now make plans to launch our Farmcrowdy meat hubs where every day people can sponsor livestock farms on Farmcrowdy, we manage the farms until harvest and finally, same people can now order for the meat they sponsored at our meat hubs for consumption. We are completing the full-cycle for livestock on our platform.�

AIICO Partners EdFin MFB to Boost Education

Group Business Editor

ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹

Ebere Nwoji AIICO Insurance Plc is partnering with EdFin Microfinance Bank to provide support on sustainable education in Nigeria.

At a recent stakeholders’ forum tagged: “EdFin’s Stakeholder Forum on Education,� organised in Lagos, participants deliberated on issues affecting education with the aim of proffering solutions for the growth of the sector.

The event, featured sessions such as financial

literacy training which was facilitated by Fate Foundation followed by an interactive session between the AIICO Insurance Board of Directors and all the participants.

In her remarks, the MD/ CEO, EdFin MFB, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the event, among which was AIICO Insurance, which provided life insurance for all students in the bank’s network of schools and FlexiSAF (a software development company providing school management system

for schools for their support towards making the event a success.

In demonstration of its commitment to education, AIICO exposed the participants to several innovative product offerings targeted at risk protection for sustainable education of the Nigerian child.

Speaking at the forum, the Executive Director and Head of Retail Business at AIICO, Mr. Olusola Ajayi, said education remains a key area of focus in

the company’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability function. “We contribute our quota to the development of education through diverse initiatives and form strategic alliances with relevant stakeholders like EdFin to meet our objectives.�

He said the partnership with EdFin MFB was strategic, given their niche, reach and positioning within the Nigerian educational sector.

According to him, founded in collaboration with Gray Matter Capital (GMC) USA;

a US-based impact investor concerned with improving the quality of education for underserved children in developing countries, EdFin was formed out of the need to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

He said the bank which is dedicated solely to funding the education eco-space in Nigeria aims to positively disrupt the standard and quality of education in Nigeria, by providing the much-needed financial resources and services to the education sector.

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Experts Seek Growth of Mining Sector Peter Uzoho Global law firm, Hogan Lovells, has hosted a forum at the recently held UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, that discussed best practices and path to sustainable growth of the Nigerian mining and steel sector.

The symposium chaired by Partner/Head of Africa, Hogan Lovells, Andrew Skipper, equally featured the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite.

Participants at the discourse were informed that the federal government had embarked on several economic initiatives to make the mining industry attractive, robust and conducive for investors and operators.

These initiatives included tax incentives on equipment and practical steps to encourage export and downstream processing, which are in line with the government’s agenda

of diversifying the nation’s economy.

Addressing stakeholders, Skipper highlighted the significance of gaining insights into the Nigerian mining sector, stressing the need to understand the different laws backing the industry.

He noted that there are huge opportunities in mining in Nigeria, which need to be recognised and harnessed by stakeholders. “It’s vital that there is a thorough understanding of mining legislation, including applications for and renewals of exploration rights, mining rights and permits in all of the various mining sectors,� Skipper said in a statement.

Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, reiterated efforts of the federal government towards attracting

the desired attention to and investment in the nation’s mining sector.

He explained that because Nigeria had primarily been known as an oil and gas producer and explorer, the country’s focus for the past four decades had been on the oil sector.

According to him, this has led to 30 years of underdevelopment and stagnation in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.

He, however added that the government now wants to diversify from oil and gas and revive Nigeria’s rich mining sector with attractive incentives for investors. “Our approach to the enactment of a ‘Nigeria Beyond Oil Era’, is holistic.

This integrated method involves the development of the necessary infrastructure to support the mines and mining communities�, Adegbite said.

Fidelity Bank , Gazelle Academy Empower Undergraduates in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Fidelity Bank Plc, in collaboration with Gazelle Academy have trained 200 undergraduates of the Sokoto State University (SSU).

The training was focused on fashion and design, handset repair, cocktail and make up.

Speaking at the event the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, who was represented by the Head, CSR and Sustainability, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Chris Nnakwe, said the programme under Fidelity Youth empowerment Academy stream 7 (YEa7), was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) of giving back to the society. “We in Fidelity Bank have targeted programmes on education, environment and youth empowerment. This one you are witnessing today is part of fulfilling our promises to

the society,� he said.

Nwankwe, added that the programme started far back as 2016, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, saying that since then the bank and its partner Gazelle Academy, have visited more than five higher institutions in the country.

This year’s edition was the stream 7 of the programme.

According to him, the youths were trained to acquire skills to enable them to be self- reliance and also make them to be employers of labours even while in school.

He disclosed that at the end of the training, starter packs would be given to each participant to enable him or her to commence business.

On her part, the founder of Gazelle Academy, Mrs. Muna Unuozo, said the programme was aimed at equipping the students with skills that they could use while still in school

or after graduation .

She further explained that with the knowledge of the skill acquired they would be able to fend for themselves, even while in school.

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Sokoto state Aminu Tambuwal, thanked Fidelity Bank and Gazelle Academy for chosing the school for the programme.

Tambuwal, stressed that as a responsible government his administration have prioritised the welfare of the youths in the state.

He enjoined the participants to be focused and concentrate in order to benefits from the training.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Prof.

Sani Dangogo, thanked Fidelity Bank and Gazelle Academy, over the gesture, saying the training would go along way in alleviating the financial burden of the students.

Old Mutual Nigeria Names Omosehin MD The Board of Old Mutual Nigeria has announced the appointment of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin as the Managing Director, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited.

In a statement, the company expressed confidence in the ability of Omosehin to steer the affairs of the Life business in Nigeria.

According to the Chairperson of the Board, Ms. Fola Laoye, “the Life business is of strategic importance to Old Mutual as it is an important growth area in Nigeria. “We intend to give this area significant focus so that many more Nigerians can enjoy the comfort of financial security in the future. Olusegun Omosehin is an experienced professional and he is uniquely positioned to steer this area appropriately.�

In a separate statement, the Group CEO, Old Mutual West Africa, Mr Samuel Ogbu, welcomed Omosehin describing him as, “an important addition to the Old Mutual West Africa team.�

He stated that Omosehin’s appointment as Managing Director was, “ further evidence of Old Mutual’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the Nigerian market, by making significant investments in human and financial capital.�

He added that Old Mutual has great confidence in the Nigerian market.

Omosehin holds a BSc. in Political Science, a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy and Masters in Economics from the University of Lagos. He is an alumnus

of the Lagos Business School and Said Business School, University of Oxford in the UK. He started his career in the insurance industry in 1993 at Crusader Insurance Plc. He was MD/CEO Admiral Insurance Company Limited (2003- 2007). Omosehin later became the Managing Director/CEO of AIICO General Insurance Company Limited from where he joined the Mutual Benefits Assurance team as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer in April 2010.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Directors, a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Nigerian Society of International Law.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

Your Workplace Friend Can Make or Break You I have had some really good friends in the office and some not so good friends.

The thing is do you think organisations should support staff having friends in the office? Human beings are social so, it is unlikely that any policy can stop people making friends. The question for me is, is it really wise to have friends where you make your living?

Some people will say yes, and others will say no. My best friend and I worked in the same office and it had little effect on the job. Research has shown that people who have “best friends at work� are more likely to be healthier, happier and more engaged than those without.

It has also been discovered that those who have friends at work have higher levels of productivity, retention and job satisfaction than those who don’t.

Anna Seppala and Marissa King revealed that, “many companies have tried to support office bonds through perks, but the reality is that most of us don’t have close friends at work. Research shows that, after food and shelter, belonging is a fundamental human need. Given that we spend between 8 and 9 hours of our day at work (not including commute time), we have significantly less time to fulfill our social needs outside of work.

When we’re not working, we’re either dealing with family, errands, or trying to grab some rest when we can. The workplace, where we spend such a large portion of our time, is an ideal place to foster the positive connections we all need — not just for our well-being but also for our productivity and health.�

They went on to say, ‘that said, friendship at work is often tricky for a reason. It can be a mixed blessing; people who are friends with coworkers tend to perform better at work but they also report being more emotionally exhausted and having difficulty maintaining their friendships. When conflict (inevitably) arises among work friends, relationship conflict leads to negative outcomes in teams composed of friends, but positive outcomes among teams without prior friendships.

The difficult truth is it just may not be possible to have friendships at work without some degree of fallout. There are real entanglements that can arise when the boundaries between work and friendship become blurred. Work responsibilities need to take precedence over socializing. Managers and leaders need to continue being able to assign

tasks and role hierarchy does need to be respected. Performance evaluations need to happen authentically and honestly.

Competition is often part of workplace culture — will you or your peer get promoted? — which can lead to lack of trust or willingness to get too close.

After all, how would your friendship fare after you become their manager?

Alongside these factors is a fear of being vulnerable, of disclosing too much in case this disclosure makes you look weaker or less competent — worse yet, you might get thrown under the bus for it.

Finally, the need to look and act professional creates a desire not to get too informal or familiar with anyone else — after all, “professional distance� ensures that people will maintain respect for you.

All of this can make friendship at work hard — or at least somewhat scary.

Maybe that’s why, despite the benefits of having friends at work, some people still choose to avoid it. Some just aren’t comfortable having real friends at work.

They may benefit from a more formal relationship with their colleagues. And that’s OK. Many of the benefits that come from having friends at work likely emanate from values like vulnerability, authenticity, and compassion. Emphasizing these values, rather than the relationships, can allow workplaces to feel “friendly� even if there aren’t real friendships. Moreover, research by John Cacioppo, professor at the University of Chicago and author of Loneliness, shows that the true health and happiness benefits of social connection stem less from how many friends you have in your circle and more from how connected you feel to them (after all, you can feel lonely in a crowd). So nurturing that internal and subjective feeling of connection and friendliness is really most important.�

However, having friends is a fundamental human requirement and organisations should play its role in this space because having friends and a supportive network where you spend a substantial amount of your time is important to employee well- being.

What can employers do in this regard to nurture friendships in the work place? r &MJNJOBUF QPMJDJFT UIBU EJTDPVSBHF friendship. r -JHIUFO VQ BOE SFMBY SFBMJ[F UIBU friendship is your friend, not your enemy. r 8PSL XJUI ZPVS UFBN UP FMJNJOBUF UIF barriers to interaction. r 1SPWJEF PQQPSUVOJUJFT GPS DPOWFSTBUJPOT to start - volunteering in the community as a team, for example.

The difďŹ cult truth is it just may not be possible to have friendships at work without some degree of fallout. There are real entanglements that can arise when the boundaries between work and friendship become blurred

r 5BLF DBSF IPX ZPV CSJOH OFX FNQMPZFFT on board. Make them part of the family from Day One. The truth is, “while some people will always be hesitant to make friends at work, for these or other reasons, social connection is a basic human need. All friendships have hard moments. Work friendships just have different ones.� .

Marie-Therese Phido is a Sales & Mareting Strategist and Business Coach Email:mphido@elevato.com.ng Tweeter handle@osat2012

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Khan: Why Nigeria Must Move Away from Oil The Chief Economist at Standard Chartered Bank for Africa and Middle East, Ms. Razia Khan, during her recent visit to Nigeria held an interactive session with journalists, where she spoke about her expectations from the Nigerian economy in 2020. Dike Onwuamaeze and Peter Uzoho provide the excerpts: Africa and Nigeria’s Economic Outlook We had taken the view that 2020 might be the first year that while we see a deceleration in global growth, we might for the first time in many years see the Sub Saharan African (SSA) economy growing a little bit faster than the global growth rate. A month into the New Year it seems likely that will be the case. Fortunately, for one reason because of the expectation that the global economy might be slowing even faster as previously hold. The concern was around the trade tension in the last year between United States and China and its impact multinationals decision about were to be producing from.

All of these ultimately have dampened the effect of global growth. It has been evident for the emerging market for some time. The dovish way that we saw with the emerging market last year and monetary authorities trying to add more stimulus was a symptom around this ground of slowing global growth.

This year, with the Corona virus in China, concerns are more significant. We have revised downward our Q1 GDP growth for China to 4.5 per cent. Our concern is that we should not see an escalation of the virus to a level that it might have impact on the oil prices.

When we were formulating our views on Nigeria’s GDP growth, this was based on a fairly constructive view of foil price. The believe was that OPEC was in control of oil prices owing to the commitment by member countries in its December meeting to produce in line with OPEC quotas. This seemed to be strong support for oil prices. Since then, there has been concern on what might happen to global demand for oil, especially aviation fuel as global travels are impacted significantly by the Coronavirus. For the moment, our attention is focused on if the spread of the virus will affect oil demand in any significant way. But I think anyone looking at the Nigerian economy and looking at the susceptibility of the Nigerian economy to external shocks, especially a decline in oil prices in particular, will have to be concerned about this. We have taken the view that a lot of this relative acceleration in the SSA growth in 2020 will be down to the fact that we see growth prospects in the three largest economies. If one puts Nigerian growth in perspective, for much of last year in Nigeria, we know that growth from Q2 to Q3 were driven by the oil sector and growth in production and prices. But we didn’t see the same strength in the non-oil sector, which accounts for 90 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP. This means that ultimately growth will come to very low level to about 2.4 percent which is below the population growth of 2.7 per cent. In fact, the income per capita of Nigeria has been contracting.

The risk of course is if we will see a weak oil environment and that will impact activity in Nigeria’s environment. The susceptibility of external influences hover much in place.

Monetary Policy and its impact on Economy On monetary policy, first of all, we have seen a lot of efforts by the central bank to encourage banks to lend much more aggressively to ramp up private sector credit creation in the Nigerian economy. We know that between May last year and the end December, in the last economic report, there was a N2 trillion rise in private sector credit extension.

Some of that, roughly N400 million, I believe, was credit to manufacturing. There is a fair chunk of it that is credit for consumption purposes. But with N2 trillion for additional lending stimulation coming into the Nigerian economy from a reasonable low base, our expectation is that this will help to feed demand in 2020. The other point that we need to take into account is just how fiscal policy has operated in Nigeria since the late 2014 collapse of oil prices. For a long time,

by private companies for their own use, but ultimately, the beginning of an investment cycle that looks a lot healthier. So, on both Nigeria and South Africa we are in fact above consensus in terms of our growth expectations; and those two economies are over 50 per cent of sub-Saharan African GDP. It has never been the case that the whole region had experienced weak growth, the commodity importing-countries of East Africa did particularly well. We saw the delivery of fairly-robust growth rate there. Countries in Francophone West Africa, Ivory Coast that you see that is still here, Senegal which you don’t, but those are countries that gave been experiencing accelerated growth. Senegal has made the transition to becoming an oil and gas producer, growing above six and half per cent every year. Ivory Coast still one of the regional champions, even Ghana which went through an IMF programme.

Normally, we think of IMF programmes involve fiscal restraints, great austerity, a slowdown of growth. Ghana was fortunate enough to be emerging as an oil and gas producer over that time, and so growth has not necessarily been that unhealthy. Southern Africa of course, if you look at the colour map of Africa, you can see that that is probably the weakest part in terms of the African story.

But nonetheless, the expectation is that we should see just enough of a turnaround in both South Africa and Nigeria to lift African average growth.

Khan fiscal policy was constrained by the authorities which announce big budget with a big capital expenditure intention. But what we have been seeing year after year was that the budget cycle ultimately meant that Nigerian budget, only being signed into law around May or June was subject to significant delay. For the first half of the year, the country will be operating on the recurrent expenditure budget of the previous year. And ultimately, we didn’t see the benefit of that because of the slowness of the budget cycle and how slowly budgets were actually being signed into law. The difference of course in 2020 is that for the first time in many years we have reverted to a more normal budget cycle. So, even though there is officially a very small material reduction in the amount of planned capital expenditure, the very fact that that can be put into operation, we think it will add to the economy. So, two factors are present now that have largely been absent since early 2015, in the Nigerian economy: the strong impetus to encourage private sector lending. One can understand that the immediate

On monetary policy, ďŹ rst of all, we have seen a lot of efforts by the central bank to encourage banks to lend much more aggressively to ramp up private sector credit creation in the Nigerian economy. We know that between May last year and the end December, in the last economic report, there was a N2 trillion rise in private sector credit extension

aftermath of the oil price collapse, there is great risk aversion in terms of the intention to lend. It is not exactly the kind of macro environment where financial institutions will have been thinking this is when you will really ramp up lending in the economy. Things are different now, and knowing that there has been N2 trillion of additional private credit extension alongside a more effective budget cycle, this really underpins our expectation that GDP growth in Nigeria in 2020 will be better, just modestly better, but still better than what we have become very used to in past years. The Nigerian economy of course still has the potential to be growing much more significantly, but we think this will be an encouraging start and hopefully the return of more positive momentum hoping to attract more private investment into the country again, the return of confidence and the ability of the Nigerian economy to grow.

The other thing that underscores our belief that we are going to see this acceleration in sub-Saharan African growth in 2020, is of course the weakness that we have seen in South Africa in recent years for entirely different reasons, really driven by domestic political factors. Right now, electricity issue is at the front and center of the weak South Africa growth story and whilst a lot of analysts are focused on the problems of the stateowned electricity company- ESKOM, it has just announced the maintenance schedules.

That will mean effectively there will be low shedding in place for a lot longer than has previously been believed, and that would be growth negative that takes away from growth. Nonetheless, there have been very important developments. The Government of South Africa in response to this crisis has essentially lifted restrictions that had been in place in private companies and their ability to generate renewable energy to meet their own consumption need. That we think is really important. Investment growth in South Africa has been weak for a long time. If you take away that restriction on at least on the renewable side, you will be seeing g a lot more investment and generation capacity

Increasing China Lending to Africa Another theme that has been especially topical in Africa has been what is China doing in the region? How much of the debt accumulation is basically happening with respect to China?

And what we constructed here is a chart of the percentage of external debt that is owed to China in different economies. Now, we sense that as much as there has been a lot of attractiveness to Chinese lending, typically this is not available necessarily on purely commercial terms, it is not quite concessional either, but it tends to be available on more attractive terms than would be available from other commercial sources. Chinese lending also tends to come with a much longer time horizon. The maturity of the loans tends to be 15 to 20 years, and for borrowing countries it can be very attractive, such that that there is an initial grace period typically of around five years before any interest payments are do. So, if you are an African sovereign or government and you are thinking how do you build infrastructure, then borrowing from China starts to look a lot more attractive. But we also know that many of these countries have had debt sustainability issues in the recent past. Zambia is in the process of negotiating with Chinese creditors. The re-profiling of its debts is trying to stand the debt maturities. So it has left to pay while it has got its bonds with Eurobonds that it also got to think about repaying or refinancing. Angola and Ethiopia have actually had some elements of debt forgiveness from China, and this means the behaviour that we have observed of a lot of policy bank lending -China policy bank lending in Africa in the recent past is that it is no longer the case that China seems to be increasing the amount that it is willing to lend without any consideration for credit risks. We think that policy banks are probably focusing on a lot more on credit risks. They are looking at the projects that look more sustainable, that look as though they can be repaid. And it sounds surprising that against this backdrop, we have started to see headlines suggesting stepped up engagement between China and Nigeria. From September last year it seems as though there wasn’t a week they went by CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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KHAN: WHY NIGERIA MUST MOVE AWAY FROM OIL without there being an announcement of a new project being financed by different Chinese banks. It is clear that Nigeria has been a clear beneficiary of this closer look at credit quality in Africa. Nigeria still considered to be one of the more credit where the economies in the region with good long term prospects, and we are still seeing signs of very strong Chinese engagement in terms of Nigeria.

We think is a point worth mentioning. Of course, when it comes to foreign exchange and the sustainability of current exchange rate regime, an important driver of this is just the amount of foreign ownership of local currency debt securities.

Nigeria’s preparation for oil price shock Well, investors might look at foreign exchange reserves and get a little bit nervous about the sustainability of a stable exchange rate, and they might in return therefore demand higher risk premium from Nigeria. The want to know that they will gather higher return Khan because of the perceived higher risks; and this could well emerge as a challenge that Africa-wide basis, so far we have a lot of the monetary authorities in Nigeria will credit deterioration in the sense that when it need to look at. Just broadly speaking in an comes to rating agency decisions on different

economies, there have been far more credit rating downgrades in the recent past that there have been upgrades. There has been far more assigning of a negative outlook to credit ratings than there has been necessarily assigning of a positive outlook, which will suggest that the next move may well be an upgrade to the ratings. And this is a feature of the macroeconomic cycle that we have seen. What we think it will take to change this trend is a return to growth-based growth in the region. The hope that we would see actual fiscal reforms, that revenue mobilisation might start to rise. These tend to be important drivers of the ratings perceptions of other African countries and no less so for Nigeria.

On DiversiďŹ cation of Nigeria’s Economy The expectation that the collapse in oil prices in 2014 and 2015 would led to more diversification of the Nigerian economy has not been a reality. The oil export proportion to total export is still around 90 per cent. This doesn’t mean that there have not been the building blocks. There are, but what that is needed to move away from oil there need to be more economic debt outside the monthly

allocation model that Nigeria has had over the decades. The question is, are we really seeing a new building block to drive a new longer term growth? Allocation is a challenge faced by many resource economies. Higher oil prices will effectively lead to higher FAAC allocations. There will be much more liquidity slushing around the economy. But when oil prices fall the reverse will be the case. The problem with this model is that it creates more importance for the government in the economy. If government is spending the private sector will do well and everyone will feel good. If government is not spending because oil price is not strong that feel good mood will disappear. The Nigeria’s challenge is to really move away from this model to a one that the 90 per cent of the GDP will become much more resilient and the country less susceptible to external shocks. Even the CBN has called on the federal government to stop the FAAC allocation and start building fiscal buffers. Oil is not a renewable resource. It is what you do with the proceeds of the sale that will be important. But the question is whether there will be enough liquidity from other sources to compensate for that.

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Flour Mills Reaps Benefits of Border Closure Goddy Egene writes that closure of Nigeria’s land borders has led to an increased market share for Flour Mills of Nigeria, which recorded impressive financial performance in the third quarter ended December 31, 2019

One of the challenges faced by local manufacturing companies is the influx of imported goods from China and some other Asian countries. Nigerian consumers, with weak purchasing power, partly due to high inflation, prefer going for the imported goods that most times are of low quality and cheaper price.

This development always affects the financial performance of many listed manufacturing companies. Therefore, when the federal government announced the closure of its borders last October, many stakeholders hailed the policy, saying it would impact positively on the performance of some of the companies.

That positive impact has begun to manifest in the performance of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc going by the company’s third quarter (Q3) ended December 2019. The company recorded marginal increase in both top-line and bottom-line for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, which fell under the period of border closure recorded significantly improve results.

Precisely, FMN recorded a revenue of N423.48 billion in the nine months in 2019, showing an increase of six per cent compared with N400.64 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. Profit before tax (PBT) rose marginally from N11.278 billion to N12.292 billion in 2019, while profit after tax (PAT) increased from N7.896 billion to N8.161 billion.

However, in Q3 2019, FMN posted a revenue growth of 17 per cent to N152.7 billion, from N130.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. PBT grew by 23 per cent to N3.7 billion, while financing cost fell by 20 per cent from N5.3 billion to N4.3 billion.

Commenting on the result, the Group Managing Director, FMN, Paul Gbededo, said: “I am pleased with our Q3 results. We have recorded impressive growth in our volumes, and profit before tax increased by 23 per cent.

In line with our purpose of ‘Feeding the Nation, Everyday,’ I am positive that we are on the right track as we continue to deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders. “Going into the final quarter of the financial year, continued growth is envisaged as we continue to implement targeted strategies,

invest in our branding and distribution network and reduce operational costs that will bring even more value in the long run for shareholders.�

According to the company, the Q3 2019/20 results shows impressive performance across key segments of the business. “The agro-allied, sugar and food value chains all had impressive results this quarter, with the food business now moving towards expected projections. Gains in the sector can be attributed to a combination of ongoing brand loyalty and refined regional strategies that are designed to increase market penetration. “These strategies have been boosted by recent improvements in the domestic market as a result of gains from the boarder closure.

The management’s strategy on increasing the efficiency of its balance sheet and improving working capital continues to yield the desired result, with finance cost recording a steady decline,� the company said.

Analysts’ assessment Looking at the results, analysts at WSTC Securities Limited, said following the border closure policy by the federal government last year, and just at the start of the third quarter of FMN’s financial year, smuggling activities and influx of imported goods subsided significantly, thus creating an increased market share. “Resulting from the supply gap induced by the border closure, FMN was able to push more goods in the market. Consequently, revenue grew by 17 per cent in Q3’19, as volumes grew by eight per cent. “The food business segment, which had hitherto reported revenue decline in the last two quarters, bounced back to growth as the business segment grew by 14 per cent in Q3.

The sugar and agro-allied business segments also grew by a double-digit of 20 per cent and 52 per cent respectively. However, the upside recorded in the three business segments mentioned above was partially offset by the support services business segment, which declined by 27 per cent to N6.10 billion in Q3 from N8.30 billion in the previous Q3.

In summary, for the food, agro-allied and sugar business segments, the revenue growth

reported majorly resulted from improved sales during the period as the Group took advantage of the border closure in terms of increased market share,� they said.

The analysts said a spike in operating expense made its operating profit to decline by10 per cent year-on-year, to N24.68 billion in nine months from N27.92 billion in previous period.

According to the analysts, the factor that drove operating profit to a decline despite a growth in gross profit was higher operating expense during the period, which increased by 13 per cent and resulted from higher personnel expenses and general expenses.

The effective balance sheet optimisation also added to the value delivery witnessed by the company. The higher profit recorded during the period nine months, WSTC said, was due to lower finance cost incurred during the period. “Finance cost declined by21 per cent, saving the group as much as N3.00 billion. The lower finance cost reported was a manifestation of the deleveraging efforts by the management of the group. “Specifically, total borrowings declined by 21 per cent to N112.56 billion in nine months (9M) 2019 from N141.86 billion in 2018. In addition, the portion of short term debt to total borrowings reduced significantly from 51 per cent in 9M’ 2018 to 37 per cent in 9M’ 2019 20,� they said.

The company explained that the slower growth in PAT posted in 9M of 2019 was due to higher effective tax rate during the period. “According to the management, prudent steps were taken in estimating the tax bill due to uncertainties regarding the recently implemented Finance Bill. An effective tax rate of 34 per cent was reported in 9M 2019 (9M’19:30 per cent in 2018),� they said.

WSTC analysts said that in the Q3 forecast, they underestimated the positive impact of the border closure on the revenues of the group due to their thought that increased competition in the industry, weak consumer demand, and an overall challenging business environment would limit the upsides associated with the border closure.

“However, it appeared that the group, in the absence of cheaper smuggled products, was able to establish its leadership status in the market,� they said.

Similarly, in their assessment, analysts at FBN Quest said they had adjusted their earnings forecasts for FMN following strongerthan-anticipated recoveries in the flour and agro-allied businesses in Q3. “PBT for food, which mostly includes flour and had declined by 94 per cent in Q2, but up 19 per cent year-on-year to N1.8 billion, while that of the agro-allied segment climbed out of negative territory to deliver a PBT of N192 million. “As such, group PBT for the quarter grew by 23 per cent to N3.7 billion and overshot our estimate by 87 per cent. The results were, however, suggestive of strong headwinds in the sugar business as its PBT fell by 19 per cent despite a nine per cent volume growth,� they said.

According to FBN Quest, their 2020-22E average EPS forecast increase of 16 per cent is therefore well below the Q3 positive surprise. “Nevertheless, given the forecast changes, our target price of N27.4 is around 15 per cent higher than previous. FMN shares are currently trading at a 2020 P/E of 11.5x for a 2020-22E average EPS growth of 26 per cent.

The shares have gained 16% year-to-date, outperforming the broad market index by 11 per cent. Our new price target implies a potential upside of 20 per cent. Despite the upside, we are retaining our Neutral recommendation on the stock given the persisting headwinds,� they said.

FBNQuest noted that earnings supported by improved top-line Q3 PBT growth of 23 per cent was driven by a 17 per cent increase in sales to N152.7 billion.

The other positive was a 20 per cent decline in finance charge. Opex was up 26 per cent but this was offset by the strong top-line.

On a sequential basis, PBT grew by 17 per cent q/q on the back of a 12 per cent q/q increase in sales. Relative to our forecasts, Q3 sales beat by 16 per cent, contributing to the PBT positive surprise of 87 per cent,� the analysts said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Deepening Support for SMEs Small and Medium Scale Enterprises are globally recognised as engines of socio-economic transformation and must be given the required support, writes Hamid Ayodeji

CEO, FCMB, Adam Nuru Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) are very important in any economy because they contribute to improved living standards, bring about substantial local capital formation and achieve high level of productivity and capability.

They have also been identified as a vehicle for employment generation and providing opportunities for entrepreneurial sourcing, training, development and empowerment. Developing nations such as Nigeria characterised as low income earners by the World Bank, value MSMEs for several reasons.

That is because, for instance, in Nigeria, together with micro-scale ventures, these businesses contribute almost half of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employ 76.5 per cent of the national workforce and account for 7.64 per cent of export receipts. This was disclosed in a joint survey by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2017.

MSMEs also make up more than 90 per cent of the total businesses in Nigeria.

There are said to be about 41.5 million in Nigeria, which can help re-distribute wealth, improve local manufacturing and diversify the economy.

As such, the policies and institutions that support their growth are important variables for Nigeria’s economic ends.

One of such institutions is First City Monument Bank (FCMB), one of the leading financial services providers in the country.

FCMB Limited is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments.

Having successfully transformed into a retail banking and wealth management-led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself through innovation and the delivery of exceptional services.

To this end, the mid-tier lender last year proved its mettle in the Nigerian banking industry, emerging the best bank in customer experience for SMEs. The bank leapt to the first position in the SMEs category from a third-place ranking in the prior year. FCMB in 2018 also emerged the third most customer-focused in retail banking.

This is according to the 2019 Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey (NBICES) report by KPMG, one of the Big four global consulting firms.

EmeďŹ ele According to the 2019 report, analysis of performance in the SME segment reveals dynamism in the latest ranking, with FCMB edging other banks to emerge top.

The 2019 research was conducted via face-toface and online survey methodology, involving SME owners across Nigeria. It was anchored on six pillars of assessment and performance, namely personification, integrity, expectations, resolution, time and effort as well as empathy. “While the Nigerian banking landscape has constantly been faced with steep competition, the stakes have been raised even higher and performing well on customer experience is the new minimum standard,’’ said KPMG. “As the race for the customer intensifies, front-runners will be those who demonstrate an understanding of the customer’s specific circumstances to consistently deliver a personalised experience�, it added.

The latest positive affirmation received by FCMB was a demonstration that the various support the bank offers to boost the performance of SMEs and its overall contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy are yielding the desired results and appreciated by the market.

FCMB is known for its bespoke products and excellent service offerings cutting across retail, SMEs, transaction, commercial and corporate.

The leap in the rating of FCMB as the number one Bank in Customer Experience for SMEs is a proof that the bank is on the right path towards achieving its goal of attaining the highest levels of customer advocacy in the industry and a major contributor to economic development.

Support for SMEs FCMB, on several occasions, has restated its commitment to consistently deliver exceptional

While the Nigerian banking landscape has constantly been faced with steep competition, the stakes have been raised even higher and performing well on customer experience is the new minimum standard

service and offering the right propositions to help SMEs and other customer segments fulfil their individual and business aspirations.

For instance, the bank recently organised a training with theme, “Supporting Women Businesses to Scale Up in 2020,� a free and comprehensive capacity building and empowerment programme for women entrepreneurs in Ogun State.

The programme aimed at enhancing the productivity and profitability of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through funding, capacity building, advisory and other forms of support, held recently in Abeokuta, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady of the State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.

The bank said it would continue to assist SMEs to overcome the challenges they usually face, especially at the take-off stage, because it wants to be part of their success story.

According to a report, the FCMB has built a strong base in the SME segment by consistently championing and executing several cutting-edge solutions that have impacted on businesses nationwide under the following pillars of support; access to capital, capacity building, advisory services, networking opportunity and technology.

The lender is one of the top participating banks in the various intervention funds of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). FCMB has been commended by the CBN, Bank of Industry, Development Bank of Nigeria, among others, for its strong support to SMEs. The lender also partners local and international DFIs to provide various forms of funding, guarantees, grants and capacity building programmes to entrepreneurs. Also, FCMB offers free banking transactions for three months to new to Bank SME customers. It also has in its bouquet tailored products to suit the needs of SMEs customers, such as free accounting applications, Payroll solution and so on.

FCMB has equally automated its lending process for SMEs by adopting digital banking solutions to penetrate and deepen its intervention in the segment through its Quickloans platform.

Since the launch of the platform in July 2019, over N10billion unsecured loans have been disbursed to SME customers within three to twenty-four hours of application through the Quickloans platform.

For women entrepreneurs, FCMB’s SheVentures initiative, launched in March 2019 to offer enhanced support to existing and start-up women-owned

SMEs through access to finance, training and mentoring, has continued to encourage entrepreneurship, while also turning around the fortunes of existing businesses. Apart from other benefits, it comes with a zero-interest rate for an initial period of three months for beneficiaries. Also, over 2000 women entrepreneurs are being mentored by the Bank through the SheVentures initiative.

Capacity Building Beyond financial support, FCMB has trained over 10,000 SMEs, while also championing and executing several value-added capacity building programmes that have fast-tracked the growth of businesses, thereby upscaling their contributions to the development of the country. The lender organises a comprehensive programme, tagged, ‘’Business Enterprises and Sustainability Training (BEST)’’, SME Clinics and Masterclass for business owners nationwide to equip them with management skills and ensure effective networking. “FCMB has ensured the development of emerging markets, such as renewable energy, agribusiness and creative industry. The bank hosts several workshops and exhibitions for these sectors. “For instance, it organised a workshop on Climate Finance Awareness, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), under the theme, ‘’EnergyEfficiency and Solar Energy Solutions for Your Business�. This was a follow-up to the one held in August 2018 on Sustainable Energy Finance (SEFi). There was also a seminar on tax matters, in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, for SMEs in June. “In the same vein, FCMB in November last year hosted a workshop on Energy-Agric Nexus for Rural Economic Development, under the theme, “Stimulating the Agricultural Sector through Off-Grid Energy Development�, in Abuja. It was in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), The European Union, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) Foundation and Power for All. “The workshop provided a rare opportunity for operators in agribusiness and the power sector to engage in constructive and interactive sessions with industry experts and decision-makers on harnessing and deploying alternative, renewable, clean and affordable sources of energy, particularly off-grid ones, to stimulate agribusiness,� the report added.

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Insurance Market at Mercy of Few Operators The recent market performance indices of insurance firms released by the Nigeria InsurersAssociation showed market dominance by few firms, writes Ebere Nwoji The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), recently in its annual published Insurance Digest, released the score cards of the 59 insurance firms operating in Nigeria, showing the market share of each firm in terms of their business outing in 2018.

From the figures released, between January to December 31st 2018, the 59 insurance firms raked in a total of N413.8 billion as gross premium, showing that the industry recorded an annual growth rate of 13.4 percent from N365 billion gross premium the operators generated in 2017.

Out of this, General Business underwriting, yielded N235 billion premium showing 15.6 per cent growth from the 2017 figure of N203 billion, while life business yielded N178 billion, signifying 10.6 percent growth from the 2017 figure of N161 billion. Looking at the individual companies’ performances as depicted by the publication, one could see that the industry’s performance in terms of individual firms’ efforts and result was lopsided; indicating that only a particular set of firms dominated the market.

From their performances, it was apparent that the industry did not have a balance in its trading structure during the year under review as available businesses were dominated by a particular set of firms while some set of firms kept sliding down in their performance. This happened in 2016, 2017 and repeated itself in 2018.

2019 in focus Similarly, as the industry is collating results from 2019 activities, from their unaudited financial statement, there were signs that the trend would continue.

From the data on individual firm’s performance, Leadway Assurance, cornered the largest chunk of the market, thus occupying 21.18 percent of the market.

Indeed, a glance at individual company’s performance showed that the following firms dominated the available businesses: Leadway Assurance Limited possessed the largest share of the market having 21.18 per cent.

AIICO insurance Plc, followed with 8.95 per cent; FBNInsurance Limited, had 6.23 per cent; Custodian & Allied Insurance limited, 5.76 per cent and Axa Mansard Insurance Plc, 5.57 per cent.

NEM Insurance Plc, had 3.64 per cent; Custodian Life Assurance Limited, 3.31 per cent; Zenith General Insurance Limited, 2.65 per cent; Royal Exchange General Insurance Company Limited, 2.59 per cent; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, 2.54 per cent and Cornerstone Insurance Plc, 2.54 per cent.

Wapic Insurance Plc, had 2.51 per cent; LASACO Assurance Plc, 2.18 per cent; Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, 1.94 per cent; NSIA Insurance Limited, 1.67 per cent; Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, 1.64 per cent; Linkage Assurance, 1.30 per cent; African Alliance Insurance Plc, 1.25 per cent; Niger Insurance Plc, 1.23 per cent and FBN General Insurance Limited, 1.12 per cent.

Thomas Contrary to this, 29 insurance companies did not get up to one per cent share of the available business. Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Limited, has 0.92 per cent; Sterling Assurance Nigeria Limited, 0.91 per cent; Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, 0.82 per cent; Capital Express Assurance Limited, 0.82 per cent Veritaskapital Assurance Plc, 0.78 per cent.

Others are, Saham Unitrust Insurance Nigeria Limited, 0.77 per cent; Royal Exchange Prudential Life Plc, 0.93 per cent; Sunu Assurance Plc, 0.61 per cent; KBL Insurance Limited 0.41 per cent.

Also Industrial and General Insurance Plc; Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company Limited; Metropolitan Life Insurance Nigeria Limited and a few others, fell within the same category.

Experts’ views But analysts, who spoke to THISDAY on this, urged firms to ensure that their solvency margin remains intact, adding that they should strive hard to make a difference in their product offerings. This, they said would attract the targeted members of the public.

The analysts also said they should ensure spread in their marketing channels to reach

the unreached in the market and be able to expand their market share.

According to the analysts, the firms should take full advantage of the huge capital that will be available to them after the recapitalisation exercise.

However, the immediate past president of the Nigeria Council of Registered insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr Shola Tinubu, said the situation in the industry is such that while inflation has caused prices of goods and services in other sectors of the economy to go up, in insurance, the reverse is the case in that instead of going up, the rate is going down. “During and after the naira devaluation in 2016, while business operators in other sectors of the economy up scaled their price rates to be in tune with naira value, insurance operators for fear of losing businesses due to hardship experienced by the Nigerian business community coupled with the fact that by its position as the last item in the scale of preference of consumers that could easily be scrapped out in time of scarcity of resources, insurers for fear of losing their businesses, failed to effect necessary upward changes in the premium rates,� he added.

According to him, some underwriters,

rather than increasing their rates, decreased to dance to their customers’ tune and retain such customers.

He said now that risks from such businesses are crystallising and the underwriters are expected to pay claims at the prevailing rate of value of Naira this according to him has left most insurers struggling to pay claims.

He said this was part of the reason Nigerian insurers seem not to match their counterparts in other climes.

He, however, said insurers are to be held accountable for the situation because they supposed to set their pricing right while customers should adapt to such prices.

Obviously, the current situation in the industry has spelt the need for drastic action to be taken in the area of capital improvement which the regulator is on top of at the moment, so that the present situation in which according to statistics, the industry loses average of N2.8 trillion annually to foreign insurers due to lack of financial capacity to handle high technical and capital intensive businesses will stop and such huge fund channeled to indigenous operators’ coffers.

Tinubu, who said any company that would not meet the new capital requirement on stand-alone status or merger would definitely loss its license. He, however, said capital raising was not the main issue that would bring major turnaround in the fortunes of the insurance sector.

But at a recent forum in Lagos, the Deputy Director General of NIA, Mr Lanre Ojuola, had lamented that the problem was not just that insurance rate was not increasing with inflation rate, but that a major problem was that while rates were going down instead of up, insurance claims increase has maintained geometric trend.

According to him, whereas claims grow astronomically, premium growth was in trickle form.

He said the industry needs speedy growth in the number of policy holders, adding that as at December 2018, the industry only recorded 1.6 million policy holders.

He said this was why operators are anxious to see that more and more Nigerians embrace insurance through the federal government’s financial inclusion strategy. He said if this happens, it will help to push up the industry’s contributions to the GDP of the economy.

Presently, the contribution of insurance to the national GDP is 0.34 per cent. Insurance penetration in the country during the year under review was 1.6 per cent, total assets of the industry stood at N1.2 trillion, profit after tax of the industry stood at N315 billion while share holders’ funds stood at N378.3 billion. Clams paid during the period stood at 193.5 billion management expenses at the period stood atN88. billion.

AXA Mansard Partners IT Firm Ebere Nwoji AXA Mansard Investments, a leading multi-expert asset manager, is partnering REACH Technologies, a pan-African transaction informatics firm on the distribution of its money market fund.

The firms said the partnership, would enable them continue to provide top-notch savings and investment solutions to members of the public. “AXA Mansard and REACH Technologies have

partnered to bring Money Market Investments closer to the public and to make it easier to invest in. “In addition to AXA Mansard’s MyAXA app, AXA Mansard’s Money Market Fund is now accessible through the REACH app. “The AXA Mansard Money Market Fund was identified as the ideal investment fund suitable for deployment on the REACH App. This means that users of the REACH App, can now sign up to the money market fund

within the application and access all services related to the fund including account monitoring, making payments and initiating liquidation requests,� the companies explained in a statement.

Speaking on the partnership, AXA Mansard Investment Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Deji Tunde-Anjous said, “developing a savings/ investments culture is now much easier and achievable using the AXA Mansard Money Market Fund which

is now accessible using the REACH app. “The AXA Mansard Money Market Fund is a highly professionally managed fund which enables a subscriber to access a diversified portfolio of securities, and is also liquid – enabling a subscriber enter and exit conveniently. “We believe that by collaborating with REACH Technologies, we can reach out to many Nigerians who are on their journey to financial freedom and hold their hands in order

to achieve their aim. “Investing allows you to grow your money at a much quicker rate than just leaving it in your bank account.

Determine your objectives, the amount of risk you’re prepared to take and put your money to work using the AXA Mansard Money Market Fund and other available investments.�

Also speaking on the partnership, the CEO, REACH Technologies, JR Kanu, said, thousands of persons use the platform

to manage their finances.

According to him, Using REACH, individuals in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Qatar can track their spending, budget smart, get personalised finance tips and obtain small hassle-free loans. “We have admired the superior performance of AXA Mansard’s funds over the years as well as the professionals leading the company. Thus, when it was time to onboard a fund manager, AXA Mansard was a natural first fit.

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Revitalising Manufacturing Hub of Africa: Role of Public Policy Kingsley Moghalu

Nnewi manufacturers such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing by both the federal governments and state governments in Nnewi.

Some manufacturers appear to be more loved and favoured by the federal government than others.

This has resulted in a crony-capitalist approach to industrial policy in which waivers and access to foreign exchange in the past were given to specific business corporations rather than general policies for specific sectors, which would create a more level playing field. This is a politically induced policy failure. Nnewi manufacturers have been “political orphans� for far too long.

Background The Ford Foundation, TBWA and C&F Porter Novelli, in partnership with Nnewi Chamber of Commerce have begun a great and necessary initiative by sponsoring and organizing the first Nnewi Investment Summit to develop a pathway to the revitalization of Nnewi a major manufacturing hub in Nigeria and Africa. I am honored to have been asked to serve as the Keynote Speaker for this event. Although I happen to be a “son of the soil� as an indigene of Nnewi, I was just as impressed by the sponsors/organizers of this summit, the Representative of the Presidency, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Ease on Doing Business, and the representatives of the Anambra State Government, by the creativity and drive of Nnewi manufacturers – against all odds, I must say – as we visited and toured various factories yesterday, the first day of this event.

Nnewi has been a famous commercial town since the 1920s, mainly for the generations of the lorry/bus transportation business (Ojukwu Transport, Ekene Dilichukwu, Chidi Ebere, Ekesons Transport, etc) and the auto and motorcycle spare parts trade. Nnewi indigenes also have a strong reputation for shrewdness and business savvy.

Hence the popular phrase in Eastern Nigerian society: “Nnewi sense�.

In the 1970s and 1980s Nnewi businessmen began a process of backward integration- a shift from trade, mainly in motorcycle and auto spare parts, into industrial manufacturing. While this was partly forward-looking business sense, it was also a response to government policy challenges, especially politically-associated difficulties with access to foreign exchange for importation in the early 1980s when oil prices were depressed and Nigeria’s economy was still largely a statist, “command� one. (The situation today with forex access should leave us with a sense of deja vu, but I’ll get to that later on!)

Four decades later, alas, the promise and potential of manufacturing in Nnewi-Africa’s Taiwan- has not been fulfilled. Several industries are still standing, notably Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Cutix Plc (electric cables and electric switch gears), Ibeto Group (synthetic marble, brake pads and linings), Intercontinental Feed Mills (animal feed), Tummy Tummy (noodles), Chicason Industries and Ngobros Industries. But many other industries have shut down. Several manufacturers have resorted to importation, mainly from China, in order to survive as going concerns. These stresses are largely due to macroeconomic headwinds, crony-capitalist favoritism by successive Nigerian governments, and the absence of a policy-prioritization of Nnewi’s manufacturing potential.

Why Manufacturing (Still) Matters Nigeria has made the consistent policy error of focusing largely on economic growth, but not enough effort has been made to achieve real human development and structural economic transformation. These are three different but interrelated concepts, and all three of themeconomic growth, human development, and structural transformation- are necessary to achieve broad-based national prosperity.

Economic growth is the annual growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), the total sum of goods and services produced in a country in a given year. Human development is measured by factors such as access to quality healthcare, education and human capital (skills), availability of potable drinking water, and average life expectancy.

Structural economic transformation means the diversification of an economy away from reliance on subsistence agriculture and raw natural resources such as crude oil and minerals to one in which complex, value added manufacturing and competitive export of such products makes a significant contribution to national output and to global manufacturing.

Africa has 70% of the world’s strategic minerals but contributes only 1% of global manufacturing. More than 50% of world trade is based on manufactured products, while just 7% is based on agriculture. The strength of manufacturing as a component of the economy is measured partly by the ratio of manufacturing to GDP, but also by the quantum of economic output of whatever manufacturing takes place in a given economy, the nature of other economic activities that contribute to GDP (e.g. services, tourism and others), and

Moghalu by the percentage of global manufacturing such national manufacturing constitutes.

Nigeria has a manufacturing to GDP ratio of only 10%, despite the efforts by the government to support manufacturing- which has been largely ineffective for reasons we will discuss shortly. This is a low score in our national context because agriculture makes up about 30% of GDP. Our agriculture is mostly subsistence agriculture and not innovation and value-added agriculture. Besides, Nigeria’s contribution to global manufacturing is statistically non-existent. It would have been for better if our manufacturing made up 30% of our GDP and agriculture made up 10%.

China is the world’s leader in manufacturing output ($2 trillion as of 2015 statistics), with manufacturing making up 27% of the country’s overall national output, and China has 20% of global manufacturing. The United States, with a manufacturing output of $1.8trillion, has manufacturing as 12% of its total national output, and that 12% of its national output is 18% of global manufacturing. South Korea, with $372 in manufacturing output (roughly Nigeria’s TOTAL GDP!) has that manufacturing output as 29% of its total economic output and 4% of global manufacturing.

Manufacturing matters. It has mattered for centuries of global economic history. It will continue to matter even with the rise of digital economies.

We can therefore ignore the conventional wisdom that African countries should now skip aspiring to industrialization (on the assumption that its relative importance is declining) and jump to the “post-industrial� economy. Speaking realistically, we are not yet competing with the already mostindustrialized countries, but rather are seeking to build a sustainable and sophisticated industrial economy relative to our current stages of growth.

In that context we must has an industrial economy before we can have a post-industrial one. We therefore need effective industrial policy to promote manufacturing in places such as Nnewi. A populous country like Nigeria, with millions of jobless youth, also cannot afford not to have a strong manufacturing component in its economy; with special attention to the efficient productivity of labour.

As Mordi Englama and Adebusuyi have argued in “The Changing Structure of the Nigerian Economy (2010); “Industrialization tends to propel economic growth and quicken the achievement of structural transformation and diversification of economies. It enables a country utilize fully its factor endowments [labour, land, capital] and to depend less on the external sector for its growth and subsistence. Through industrial development, an economy gains the versatility and resilience that would enable it raise the standards of its people and cope with internal stress and strains.�

There is a general debate today about the pros and cons of industrial policy- government intervention in an organized manner to guide the economy by supporting investment in manufacturing and in targeted industries. Governments tend to utilize taxes, subsidies and investment incentives to do so.

Several industrialized countries in Europe and Asia, such as Germany, France, Sweden and Japan, as well as the “Tiger� economies of South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan made use of industrial policy. Despite frequent market failures and concerns today in some western intellectual circles about how compatible industrial policy can be with the ideological “purity� of market capitalism, industrial policy broadly worked for the western economies at a certain stage of their growth. Nigeria should be cautious about policy arguments by some Western economists to “Kick away the ladder� (to borrow the Cambridge university economist Ha--jun-Chang’s famous phrase) after climbing with it. There is no question my mind that Nigeria needs an effective industrial policy, and a comprehensive one.

Public Policy Mis-Steps and Nnewi’s Industrial Decline Against the backdrop of the arguments above, I believe that Nigerian government policy and its inadequacies have affected Nnewi negatively as a manufacturing hub in the following ways.

In discussing these policy missteps that require correction, we should divide this matter into, first, those that are predominantly political in nature, and second, those that are more of a failure of the technical public policy.

Political Factors Manufacturing in Nnewi has suffered from Nigeria’s constitutional structure as a “federation� that is in reality more unitary than federal. Power and decision-making (including economic decision making) in the federal government under the 1999 constitution is over-centralized. It has therefore sucked up policy space for states in terms of potential policy approaches to manufacturing. Our constitutional structure also has led to politically-driven economic policy that focuses on the sharing of oil rents and created commodity dependency rather than a policy focus on creating a productive economy driven by manufacturing. Industrial policy, to the extent it exists, is thus half-hearted in reality- lots of lip service but little success in economic diversification over several decades.

The Land Use Act, while serving as exception to extreme centralization of economic decision-making power because it vests authority for land in state governors, nevertheless remains a complicating factor because it still vests all land in the hands of the government. This limits the efficient use of a major factor of production - land- by the private sector. There has been a tendency by the state governments to encourage the use of land for agriculture, less so for manufacturing.

Nnewi’s manufacturing has in the past been neglected by the federal government, and even state governments. But economic decisions that affect the viability of manufacturing, in particular rail and ports infrastructure, and the possibility of creating economic zones, are in Abuja’s hands.

The federal government has consistently focused almost exclusively on Lagos in this context e.g. the creation of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, ports policy etc, and by-passed Nnewi, Africa’s Taiwan.

There is, as well, room for greater patronage of

Policy Perspectives There has been a generalised failure in public policy that affects prospects for the manufacturing industry in Nigeria generally, and in Nnewi in particular. That failure is the tendency to make economic policy in silos rather than in a comprehensive, joined up manner that considers linkages between various parts of the economy such as trade and fiscal policy, and infrastructure provision. Economic policy-making in Nigeria is also often ad hoc in its approach, and lacks philosophical and intellectual depth, realistic measurable targets, and effective monitoring and evaluation capacity.

Nigerian economic management places a misplaced priority on attracting foreign investment instead of supporting local investors such as Nnewi manufacturers. The benefits realised through foreign investment in Nigeria, however, have not been structural and thus not optimal. Our investment environment lacks structural location factors such as adequate infrastructure and skills. Our environment is also marked by high levels of political risk, insecurity, and weak rule of law.

A policy focus on import substitution, represented by “banns� on forex allocation for import, and protectionism that lacks strategic focus and is haphazardly implemented, has prevented Nigeria from building a competitive manufacturing export sector. It has more often than not created virtual monopolies for favored businessmen and women and their companies.

Closely coupled with this is the fundamental matter of how the naira and its value are managed in relation to foreign currencies. As things stand today, the subsidies on the value of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s “pump-action� injections of forex into the forex market (which has steeply deeply depleted Nigeria’s external reserves) will only continue to encourage an import-dependent economy rather than a competitive, manufactured goods export one that would favour Nnewi manufacturers amongst others. This keeps the forex market on steroids. The performance of that market is therefore artificial, just like that of an athlete taking performance enhancing drugs. This policy focus is misplaced, because it directly feeds into the structural imbalance of our national economy. Where the middle class can purchase relatively cheap dollars to train their children in schools abroad, there is little incentive for this class – which is where many of the policy-makers belong – to fix Nigeria’s educational system at home.

Observations from Other Economies There are five factors that drive successful manufacturing economies. These are (a) Innovation, based on research and development (R&D); (b) Costs; (c) Investments in skilled workforces; (d) infrastructure; and (e) Industrial Financing.

Innovation: innovation is the secret of wealth of nations. The discovery of new inventions that improve the quality of life and new ways of doing things that are more efficient, coupled with the mass productions of inventions, is what has created the wealth of the industrialized world. Fortunately, Nnewi is well known for innovation in certain areas, especially in the area of vehicle parts. But this attribute has not been harnessed through systematic research and development by manufacturing companies in Nnewi because they struggle with an oppressive macroeconomic environment. It also requires stronger protections for intellectual property.

Costs: the efficiency of production or otherwise makes a fundamental difference to the profitability of manufacturing companies. While much of the costs in manufacturing in Nnewi come from weak infrastructure environments (in particular, electricity), a focus on a use of innovation and production- process efficiencies can help reduce costs Prof. Moghalu delivered the keynote address at the 2020 Nnewi Investment Summit NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: Executive Director, Inlaks,Olufemi Muraino; Relationship Manager, Services and Growth Sector, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Vivian Okoloigwe; Managing Director/CEO, Africa Operations, Inlaks, Femi Adeoti; Head, Primary Market, Nigerian Stock Exchange,Tony Ibeziako; and Team lead, Services and Growth sector, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Lanre Odufuwa,, during a visit by Nigerian Stock Exchange to Inlaks in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

President AOSA, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade with the Criminated body of late Chief (Dr.) Guy Gcugiulo on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos...recently

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L-R: Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson; Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Bayelsa State, HRM, King Alfred Diette Spi; and Pere of Akugbene-Main Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Pere S.P.Luke-Kalanama VIII (JP), during the OďŹƒcial Commissioning of Bayelsa State International Airport in Amassoma, Bayelsa State‌recently

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Sen. Lawal Ashiru; Secretary to Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji; Ag. Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr, Folasade Yemi-Esan; and Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mamman Ahmadu, at the 2020 Public Procurement retreat for Federal Permanent Secretaries in Kano State... recently

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L-R: Communications and Government Aairs Director GSK, Mr. Omongiade Ehighebolo; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Managing Director GSK Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Oyelana and Regional Manager, North, Mr. Orugba Onwah during a courtesy call on the Minister by GSK team in Abuja...recently

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EDUCATION Research on Brazilian Cultural Heritage Will Boost Learning among Students, Says Ajayi Professor Tayo Ajayi is the Director, Lagos State University Centre for Afrobrazilian Studies (LASUCAS) and a Professor of Linguistic and Portuguese Studies. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, he highlighted the efforts the centre has been making to portray the rich culture of Lagos and Nigeria to Brazil through constituting a research group that will work on the rich Brazilian cultural heritage, so as to arouses learning among students, among other issues. Excerpts:

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foreign languages compared with any other programmes, which means the interest and awareness on the study of foreign language is rising.

hy was the Centre for Afrobrazilian Studies established?

The centre is a creation of the senate of Lagos State University. A year ago, February 6, 2019, it was inaugurated and on March 1, when I took over as the director of the centre, the governing board was constituted. The centre was established to promote commercial relationships between the Afrobrazilian descendants’ entrepreneurs in Lagos and their counterparts in Brazil and serve as a liaison centre in partnership with the Brazilian descendants association. It was also established to promote tourism in Lagos in particular and Yorubaland in general, a greater understanding of Brazil and the Afrobrazilians through a programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences; research projects and publications.

How will the centre promote in-depth research on the Brazilian cultural heritage in the institution?

The centre was established primarily to bring the town and gown together in terms of cultural and economic activities between Brazil and Nigeria, Lagos in particular and between Brazilian descendants here in Lagos and in Brazil. If you go to Lagos Island today, you have the Brazilian quarters otherwise known as Popo Aguda or Gbamgbose, most of these people could actually still trace their history to Brazil. Already, a research group comprising staff and students working on the rich Brazilian cultural heritage in Lagos have been constituted. Interviews have been conducted and many archives from the National Library, the Catholic Mission and the National Museum in Lagos have been consulted. So there is a lot for us to learn.

How would you describe the relationship between Nigeria and Brazil?

A lot of people were taken from Nigeria to Brazil and most of those taken to Brazil were taken to the northern part of the country; the State of Bahia now known as the city of Salvador and that is why after Nigeria, Brazil has the largest population of blacks. Both countries have been having mutual relationships and in 2005, when Brazil’s former President came to Nigeria, a bilateral agreement was signed to promote culture and economic activities between the two countries. In terms of culture, when you talk about traditional religion in Brazil, you are actually talking about the Yoruba traditional religion. In Brazil, the Yoruba traditional deities such as Ifa, Ogun, Yemoja, among others are venerated in that country till today. As a matter of fact, they make more money from organising such festivals to boost their tourism. They have the festivals of Oya, Sango and Yemoja; and each time they celebrate the Yemoja festival every year, they will first go to the seaside to do that.

They see Africa, Nigeria and indeed thd Yorubaland as their ancestral home. Most of them always love to come to Nigeria.

What is the implication of Brazilian traditional culture to Nigeria?

For us here, the basic thing is for us to know that wherever we are, our culture will remain our culture. Unfortunately,

What is the role of the curriculum in making foreign language attractive to learners?

We have students who are studying Portugese/English. What that means is that what a student of English Language can do, a student of Portuguese can also do.

Today, when you talk about international organisations in Nigeria, for instance, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), graduates of French and Portuguese have opportunity to get lucrative jobs in such a place either as translators or interpreters. So the awareness is there. Part of what the students studying foreign language in school had to do is that once they get to their third year, they have to travel out to countries where Portuguese is their official language so they have a choice to either go to Brazil or Sao Tome and Principe. It is part of what the curriculum stipulates. Once they know the advantages inherent in studying foreign languages, the sky is not the limit for them.

Professor Ajayi people mix culture with religion here and they believe that anything that has to do with black religion is that of the devil, but

Every year, Brazil awards scholarships to foreign students to study any ďŹ eld of their choice in their country, but before you get that, you must pass at least one Portuguese course for foreigners which is called CELPEBras; it’s just like TOEFL, but in this country, the awareness on that is not much. Sometimes Nigeria will send ďŹ ve or 10 students in a year, while some other countries like Togo or Benin Republic will send about 30, 40 or 50 students. So we have a course here where we train students on Portuguese so that they can beneďŹ t from the scholarship to go to Brazil. We currently have about 25 students that we are training for the scholarship because we just started

it is not. If you go to Brazil and see the way they promote our culture, you will think the culture emanates from them.

That is why our culture and festivals in Yorubaland is supposed to attract tourists and that is why the centre is trying to portray the rich culture of Lagos and Nigeria to Brazil and the outside world which will attract tourists from that country and beyond to Lagos State. It will encourage business partnership between the Afrobrazilian entrepreneurs in Nigeria and their counterparts in Brazil. If the Yorubaland were to be a single nation, we will be making more money from tourism, but we are in a larger society influenced by ethnicity. The Yoruba states are supposed to unite to promote our culture, security and transportation.

The Nigerian Brazilian history seems to have been lost among students, what effort is the centre making to awaken the learning among them?

It is unfortunate that history was once struck out from our curriculum. When we were growing up, we were taught about the history of Jaja of Opobo, Master Musa of Mali, Alafin of Oyo, among others. We thank God that history has been brought back into the curriculum and we are trying to ensure that we teach our students these history. The centre is aimed at creating awareness about the historical background that led to the relationship between Brazil and Nigeria.

How would you describe the perception of students who are just learning foreign language?

First we should have it in mind that we live in a globalised world and anybody with another language has an added advantage.

We discovered that at the university here, people who are studying foreign language are more than those who are studying any other course. In our last UTME admission, we had 150 students who are learning

Your centre recently organised the ďŹ rst international conference on Sharing Understanding on the Black Diaspora in the new world, what would you say was your major take away from the programme?

We had about 30 Brazillians that came all the way from their country to Nigeria for the conference and most of them were coming to Africa for the first time. They felt that they were in their ancestral home.

They were happy to be here. I saw that the interest the Brazilians have for African language and culture is very high and I could see that if we are not careful, we will be studying our culture especially the Yoruba culture from them. Today, there are likely to be more Ifa worshippers in Brazil and America than we have here because our culture is more appreciated. We have a department of foreign languages here and we study Portuguese, so the centre has a lot of programmes for people. Every year, Brazil awards scholarships to foreign students to study any field of their choice in their country, but before you get that, you must pass at least one Portuguese course for foreigners which is called CELPE-Bras; it’s just like TOEFL, but in this country, the awareness on that is not much. Sometimes Nigeria will send five or 10 students in a year, while some other countries like Togo or Benin Republic will send about 30, 40 or 50 students. So we have a course here where we train students on Portuguese so that they can benefit from the scholarship to go to Brazil. We currently have about 25 students that we are training for the scholarship because we just started, but for Portuguese degree programme, we have about 150 students now. They are very enthusiastic about learning the language.

Some of the 100 level students were able to relate well with the Brazilians during the conference. We have a certificate course for people that want to learn Portuguese and diploma course for two years. We also have Yoruba for non-foreigners in conjunction with African Languages Department.

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EDUCATION

ASUU Raises Alarm over FG’s Plot to Trample on Rights, Dilution of Members’ Academic Ranks Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) has raised the alarm over the current move by the federal government to trample upon its rights and the “dilution� of academic ranks of its members across the country’s universities.

Already, the union said the federal government has directed the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folasade Yemi Esan to set up an 11-member committee to review the rights and dilution of ranks of academics Nigerian universities.

The union therefore charged its members to come together to resist the plot saying, “no one will come to fight for you except we fight for ourselves so as to protect the university autonomy in the country.�

The Ibadan Zonal Coordinator of the union, Dr. Ade Adejumo said this in Ilorin when he addressed members of the University of Ilorin branch, alongside other members of the national executive committee of the union as part of ongoing efforts by the union to mobilise its members across the country for an impending strike in case the federal government fails to pay this month salary due to ASUU’s continued resistance of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in universities.

According to him, “As we are here seated, I know some of us want to go on sabbatical, collect our accumulated leave, contracts appointment and host

of others, before our very eyes, very soon, that will be taken away from us by the federal government. “And a tone has been set on that plots and anytime from now because an 11-member committee has been inaugurated by the acting Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folasade Yemi Esan to review sabbatical and contract appointments and what that means now to academics? “And when you listen to the comment from the government circles especially when the issue of IPPIS lasted, there was insinuations that lecturers worked on multiple campuses. “Even during our meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Mustapha Boss said lecturers worked in multiple campuses but we let him know that accumulated and sabbatical leave, contract appointment and others are our rights that cannot be infrigned upon and the government quickly set up committee to look into our rights. “Don’t be surprised that by the time the committee is being set up, the report is already written to put an end to our rights like accumulated and sabbatical leave, contract appointment, among others thereby putting you permanently where you belong.�

Adejumo added: “To average politicians in the country, members of ASUU are too arrogant, we cannot be controlled and they need to bring us down like that but we will resist the plot.

16 Schools Get Free WAEC Registration Fees from Lawmaker Emmanuel Ugwu in Umahia A total of 16 secondary schools in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency will this year register candidates for the senior school certificate examination of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) without any cost to parents.

The burden of paying the examination fees has been lifted by the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha after she issued cheques totalling N12,450,500 to the benefitting schools.

Onyejeocha, who represents the constituency, had last December promised to pay examination fees for SS3 students after she encountered a girl who dropped out of school due to inability to pay WAEC fees.

She said the 16 benefitting schools were identified during a verification exercise during which they were found to be SS3 students preparing for WAEC examination this year.

Among the beneficiaries are 14 public schools while the remaining two are owned by churches, including Methodist Girls Memorial School, Ovim (formerly Ovim Girls), Onyejeocha’s alma mater.

The fourth term federal lawmaker was quick to point out that there was no political

motive in the payment of the examination fees, adding that the scholarship scheme she instituted for indigent persons in her constituency has produced many graduates. “I believe that any good thing you do, you do it for God and for yourself.�

The Chairman of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, who handed over the cheques to the students that represented the schools, commended Onyejeocha for her responsiveness to the needs of her constituents.

He urged the lawmaker to sustain her pursuit of “progressive agenda of the people�, noting that education remains the best legacy one can give to the people. “Onyejeocha is opening the gate of the future to the people, asking them to go and become a higher human being.�

He urged the beneficiaries to imbibe the spirit of doing good to other people just like the lawmaker who paid their examination fees.

The Principal of Nunya Secondary School, Mrs. Haniel Chinedum said what Onyejeocha did was the first of its kind in the area, adding that some SS3 students did not return to school when the second term commenced because of examination fees.

“Apart from this, there is another plot to dilute the academic ranks of union members in universities. Normally, appointment to academic positions must originate from the departments because the department is supposed to identify who may need such position. “By the time the IPPIS runs its circles, the government will start posting staff from Abuja. When you get to your department,

you will start seeing new faces. “Don’t be surprised also that your students that managed to pass your courses will be sitting with you in your offices and by the time they have achieved that, they have diluted you and lowered your ranks and it rests on us to resist the plot so as to protect our rights and ranks in the universities.�

Adejumo added that the policy of IPPIS by the government was a distraction and scam,

adding that, “it is a deliberate effort to ignore the implementation of the agreement reached with the union that led to the suspension of its last national strike.

He called on the government to respect the agreement and implement it so as to bring new lease of life to the university system in the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of UNILORIN branch of ASUU, Professor Salihu Moyosore

Ajao, who lauded the massive attendance of the union at the meeting, said the development has changed the past notion the national leadership of the union has been having about the branch. “The UNILORIN branch of ASUU is now more committed to the national ASUU and ready to be part of any struggle of the union in order to restore the past glory of the union in the country.

L-R: The Senior Category Manager, Cocoa Beverage, Cadbury West Africa, Ifeoma Chuks-Adizue; Assistant Head Mistress, Faith Heritage Gold (third prize winner), Olafare Oluwakemi; Head of Administration, Mona School (ďŹ rst prize winner), Ejiro Akinyomi; Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Oyeyimika Adeboye; and Proprietor, Dierence Academy (second prize winner), Abolude Kolawole, at the prize presentation to winners of the BournFactor School Talent Competition in Lagos... recently

Bourn Factor: Cadbury Nigeria Hones, Rewards Students’ Talents Uchechukwu Nnaike Cadbury Nigeria Plc, producers of Bournvita cocoa beverage recently rewarded the top three winners of its maiden Bourn Factor Talent Hunt Competition.

The winners were unveiled at a media parley held at the head office of the company in Lagos. Mona School, Sapele, Delta State, won the grand prize of N3 million; Difference Academy, Ile-Ife, Osun State, came second and won N2 million, while Faith Heritage Gold Schools, Abeokuta, Ogun State, got N1 million as the third-place winner.

Announcing the winners, the Managing Director, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye said the company holds in high esteem, efforts by the federal government to ensure youth development in Nigeria. In this regard, she said Bournvita, as a brand is committed to supporting the government through initiatives like the Bourn Factor Talent Hunt. “Part of our value in Cadbury is to love our

consumers and our brands. “As a business, we are not only concerned about making money from our communities, but we are also supporting people in the communities to grow and develop as a people. The idea of Bourn Factor was generated while we were thinking about how we can pay back those who are buying our products and mainly for our younger children.

Looking at the population of Nigeria, over 60-65 per cent are under the age of 14 and that is a big catchment area for our business. We want to make sure we touch the lives of these children and nourish them for the future.�

Adeboye added: “We are proud of where we are today and for me it is a start of a journey. In the near future, we hope to come up with more ideas that would connect with our consumers. According to her, the company is in collaboration with Helen Keller International (HKI) for CSR, “which helps us to touch our communities in

a way that is transparent and will not distract our business.

We agree that the future of our nation is in the hands of our children. Therefore, if we keep collecting money from the parents and do not do something beyond that, then we might not be helping the children in our communities.

While congratulating the winners, she said, “we are looking forward to more schools winning in our subsequent editions and many more children touched by our brand Bournvita.�

Speaking on behalf of the winners, the Head of Administration at Mona School, Mrs. Ejiro Akinyomi said the schools are happy to be associated with Bourn Factor because the competition afforded them an opportunity to discover the talents in their students. “When our parent representative told us about the Bourn Factor competition, the school management considered the proposal and decided to give it a trial.�

Akinyomi said her school

produced branded T-shirts for the competition, adding, “although some of our parents were skeptical about the process, we eventually engaged with the children to convince their parents. Today, we are the first prize winner and we are very glad.�

In her remarks, the Senior Category Manager, Cocoa Beverage, West Africa, Ifeoma Chuks-Adizue, said the brand appreciates the cooperation of the management of the participating schools, particularly for giving the students the time required to complete the process of the competition.

She said: “Cadbury Bournvita believes that there is a seed of greatness in every child, which manifests through academic prowess or some other unique gifts and talents. In reinforcing this belief, Cadbury Bournvita decided to provide a platform for the children to display some of the unique gifts and talents they possess with the opportunity to win fantastic prizes for their schools.

Lagos Preparatory School Wins Medals at World Games The Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School (LPSS) recently joined 22 other schools from around the world at the World School Games in Dubai and won gold and bronze medals in a number of athletics and swimming competitions the students participated in.

The games, which held between January 30 and

February 1, saw the girls team of the school fighting hard for the top spot especially in football, but emerging the third position in their group and second in their tier. They put up a good fight and all the LPSS athletes beat their personal best records at the games.

As it has become the practise, the school community

came out to see the team off and welcomed them to school on their return.

According to the Headteacher of LPSS, Mr. Stephen Sibthorpe, “this tradition is important because it boosts the confidence of the team and also encourages other students to aspire to be school ambassadors. “The spirit of comradery is encouraged at

LPSS, so our students become adults who identify positively and express loyalty to their primary environment.�

He said now that the competition is over, plans are already underway for the 2021 games in Dubai. “The first step is usually through the school’s sports’ day which will be held on February 13, 2020.�

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EDUCATION

Greensprings School Turns 35,Vows to Educate Students for Future Opportunities Uchechukwu Nnaike From a humble beginning with only three children in 1985, Greensprings School has over the years increased in all fronts; now operating in five campuses with a population of over 3,000.

The school recently marked its 35th anniversary with a special ceremony, which held at the Anthony, Lekki and Ikoyi Campuses.

While sharing the school’s success story, the Executive Director, Mrs. Lai Koiki recalled that she initially wanted to pursue a career in accounting, but the desire to provide quality education for her daughter and to contribute to the development of education in the country made her change her career path.

While expressing delight that the dreams and aspirations of so many years are being fulfilled, she emphasised determination and focus to overcome challenges, which are inevitable in any business venture. “In life there will always be valleys, but those valleys are not meant to drown you, they are meant to spur you on even to greater achievements for the future. So just keep your focus and just keep moving on and God will take care of the rest.�

Highlighting the achievements of the school and its future plans, Koiki said in its quest

to become a leading educational institution of the 21st century, Greensprings offers pre-school, elementary, secondary and IB Diploma programmes and has recently established a teacher training college, as well as Anthos House for children with special needs.

Over the years, she said the teaching methodology continues to change, “we recognise the fact that the 21st century children have to learn in a different way and so we continue to evolve our teaching methodology to reflect this.�

Stating that the future will be determined by artificial intelligence, she said the school is preparing its students for the future.

The school which prides itself as the first thinking school in Nigeria, recently inaugurated the career college and university readiness centre. It is also building technology labs such as the virtual reality lab, the air and sea lab. “In these labs, students will conduct research, explore and learn about all aspects of air and water eco system, in fact they will build under-water robots and all sorts of robots. All these are part of our commitment to provding a sustainable, holistic education for our students. “Our graduates have become highly accomplished professionals, some of them have started bringing their children to the school.�

She also stressed the importance of giving back to the society by supporting public schools, saying that the proceeds from the ‘Mufty Day’, organised by the students are used to improve public schools.

She urged the students to make good use of the opportunity they have to be a blessing to others and to know that there is something they can also give other children that are not as privileged as they are.

While thanking the parents for their support over the years, Koiki also urged them to look into the plight of public school students, noting that the alarming number of out-ofschool children and those in schools, but are not learning, should worry everyone because such children could join cult and other groups and endanger the lives of members of the society.

The Head of Anthony Campus, Mrs. Bola Kolade, who described the school as unique, said it is not just the students who are always learning, but also the staff. “The initiatives, innovations, especially the passion to work with children where they are and then extend them to where they could be is always a moment of celebration when you work together and together you see what you can achieve. That is the reason I love working here.�

Kolade, who has worked in the school for the past 16

years, described Mrs. Koiki as an educationist at heart, who loves children and believes in education as a transformation vehicle.

While calling on other school owners to borrow a leaf from Koiki, she said: “She believes in children and the younger generation that they are the future of the country, they are the future of everything good we are looking forward to. The best resources any nation has is its human resource and if the resource is well trained, well looked after that country will be well skilled, well looked after and there will be joy and happiness.�

A parent, Mrs. Tosin Iyayi said she read about the school and talked to other parents before enrolling her children and she has seen a lot of improvement in the way they carry on generally.

So and she is convinced that the school is the best for them.

On his part, the Head Boy, Ayomide Adejuwon said he feels proud to be a part of the celebration of a school that is pioneering education in Nigeria and Africa.

He stated that the school has many systems that help the students to give back to the society like the mufty day, adding that he would encourage his parents to support the less privileged by showing love to them and engaging in charity work.

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

DON’T MISS YOUR DOWNTIME

No, don’t give up your break-time for any goodies oered to you.

As a matter of fact, you need to impose brief breaks upon yourself after every hour or so of intense absorption and concentration on a task. A preferable observation of your break time would be: leaving your work table or station; changing your environment; going to another area and switching o executive functions like: problem solving; planning; decision-making; calculating and executing. You constantly engage the frontal lobe region of your brain, many times to breaking point, at work. This area is the seat of your: cognitive functions; concentration; interest; motivation; emotions; language (speaking and writing) and your personality. Your frontal lobe also controls your social behaviours and responses. Little wonder then that a tired, fatigued brain is more prone to engendering impulsive and irrational behaviours.

Don’t wait until you’re stumped by a problem or stooped over a decision before you intentionally take a break daily at work.

Once you have established your job rules and you have negotiated the statutory time allocated to you for break at work, you must consciously use this allocated times to refuel so that you don’t burn out. The following are 15 beneďŹ ts of regularly taking your break at work: Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă–Ě‹ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Þ˛ Ëž Ă?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă“Ă—ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒ˛ Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà ÓÞã˛ Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒã Ă’Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ăž ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă‹ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒã Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?ÞãÖĂ?Ë› Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœË Ëž Ă?ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ÞÓ×Ă? Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà ÓÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ăœ ĂŽĂ?Ă?ĂšĚ‹ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ can directly reduce your stress levels. Ëž Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?âÒËĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?ÞËã Ă‹Ă–Ă?ĂœĂž Ă?Ă™ ÞÒËÞ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? ×ËâÓ×Ă&#x;Ă— Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă?Ă&#x;ÓÞã ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ëž Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ enabling you to display the virtues of emotional intelligence in the face of daily challenges. Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÞÙ ĂœĂ?ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă™ ÞÒËÞ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ù×Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă? to having more valuable ‘aha moments’ than other people. Ëž Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă“Ă—ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă—Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? approachable member of sta. Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ?ÚÖĂ?Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™ ÞÒËÞ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; are a more talented team member or leader. Ëž Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? ×ÙÞÓà ËÞĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ inspired to continue in a task. Ëž Ă™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ relaunch your work with zest after having had a break. Ëž Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂšĂ? ÞÙ Ă•Ă?Ă?Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÑÙËÖĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ë› Ă?Ù×mon Yoruba saying holds that the life of a job is lengthier than the number of years you’d ever live for. Lengthening your life is very much your responsibility in as much as you take extra Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒã Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ÞãÖĂ?Ë› ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă? to a healthy lifestyle.

Mrs Kehinde Omoru writes from the UK

26 Bridge Nigeria Pupils Get Scholarships Funmi Ogundare

A cross-section of Bridge Academy pupils who are beneďŹ ciaries of the scholarship award

NNPC/Chevron JV Inaugurates Six Classrooms in Aruakpor-Umah Community, Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri In line with its corporate social responsibility, Chevron Nigeria Limited and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Joint Venture, in collaboration with the Delta State Government, has inaugurated a six-classroom block for the use of pupils of Abe I Primary School in AruakporUmah Community, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The six-classroom block, with eight toilets and teachers’ office, was funded by the NNPC/ Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC/CNL JV) and executed under a Project Specific Agreement (PSA) basis by the Aruakpor-Umah community.

The community awarded the contract to one of its own, Pyrammidt Company Nigeria

Ltd in December 2017.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of Chevron Nigeria, Esimaje Brikinn, said the project was one of the social investments made by the NNPC/CNL JV to improve the welfare of the people in its areas of operations and beyond.

He thanked the state government for approving, managing and creating the enabling atmosphere for the successful execution of the project and also commended the Aruakpor-Umah Community for good project execution.

Brikinn, who was represented by the Area Manager, PGPA Field Operations, Mr. Sam Daibo, said: “Through partnership with the government of Delta State, as well as community stakeholders,

we have been adding significant values to people’s lives through our corporate responsibility and community engagement initiatives. This is the trail of goodness we leave behind in every community where we operate.�

The state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary education, Chief Patrick Ukah, who was represented by the Chief Inspector of Education, Uvwie Local Government Area, Mrs. Jane Awoyinka, lauded the NNPC/CNL JV’s commitment to its social responsibility by giving back to communities around its operational areas. “I am aware of several similar projects in the area of educational support by the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture and I commend the company for not relenting on its efforts to

execute its social responsibility programmes.�

Similarly, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRH Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, accompanied by his most senior chiefs, thanked the NNPC/CNL JV for the achievement, adding that he was impressed by the speed of execution.

He urged other citizens and corporate organisations to emulate the sponsors in improving educational and other infrastructural development in host communities.

He recalled the time when the school, which was named after him, was started and informed guests that the first five pupils, who were foundation members of the school, were on his palace scholarship till the completion of their education.

A total of 26 indigent Bridge Nigeria pupils have recieved scholarships from a financial expert and former Managing Director of Coronation Trustees Limited, Mrs. Oghogho Osula, as part of activities marking her 50th birthday celebration.

Speaking during the award presentation held recently at Bridge’s support office in Lagos, Osula said the scholarship was her way of thanking God for His many blessings and putting smiles on the faces of families.

She said the scholarship covers each pupil’s tuition from primary one to six, adding that basic education is pivotal to the overall development of a child. “It is during this stage that children learn to engage better with others and acquire vital skills that allow them to develop and express their own ideas.�

She noted that it is based on this belief that she decided to sponsor primary school children to enable them have seamless access to quality education at Bridge on the occasion of her 50th

birthday.

She appealed to their parents to ensure that their children are always in school and maintain good grades as these are the prerequisites for them to keep benefitting from the sponsorship.

One of the recipient’s parent, Mrs. Seidu whose daughter, Pelumi attends Bridge Oke Oyinbo Academy, in Ikorodu, said the scholarship would lift a huge burden off her shoulders. She added that since she lost her husband some years ago, it’s been challenging taking care of her family. “This is a dream come true for my family. With this scholarship, my daughter can finish her primary education without me worrying about school fees.�

The Public Relations Manager at Bridge Nigeria, Mr. Femi Awopetu said: “At Bridge, we believe that a child’s potential should not be limited by the family income, which is why we work with partners to provide sponsorships for the outstanding pupils from struggling families trying to fulfil their academic dreams for their children.�

37

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

ABSU Students Rally against Cultism, Rape, other Social Deviations Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The student leadership of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu has launched a campaign to eradicate all forms of social deviations that hinder wholesome academic pursuits.

The campaign, which was among the activities lined up for the 2020 ABSU summit with the theme ‘Eradicating the Pervasive Social Deviations of the Youth’, was organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

The President of the students union, Mr. Ike Ohuoba told journalists that the anti-social deviation rally was an awareness campaign to educate students on the dangers of getting

involved in such societal ills like cultism, rape, drug abuse, abortion, prostitution, suicide, among others. “We are telling students and youths in general that social deviations would do them no good,� he said, adding that 100 level students constitute the most vulnerable group on campus because of their naivety.

He said it was necessary to start exposing new students to the dangers of getting involved in social deviations as soon as they become bona fide students in order for them to make right choices.

The SUG president said the campaign enjoys the support of the university management, adding that

the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uche Ikonne has zero tolerance for cultism and other social deviations.

At the rally students marched around the campus denouncing the social deviations and calling on others

to avoid being trapped by the deceptive attractions of the social vices They carried placards with inscriptions expressing strong sentiments against all the identified social deviations that potentially

ruin youths that engage in them.

Some of the placards read: ‘Say no to Cultism’; ‘Say no to Rape’; ‘Say no to Drug Abuse’; ‘Do not Allow Your Life go up in Flames’; and ‘Say no to Suicide’.

Addressing the rally, the SUG president urged them to stay away from cultism, drug abuse, rape, other antisocial behaviours that could truncate their academic pursuits and even make them lose their lives.

Jesuit Memorial College Student Wins Interswitch SPAK Contest A student of Jesuit Memorial College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Master Oyindamola Aje, 16, has emerged winner of the second Interswitch SPAK National Science Competition.

The competition which held in stages in Lagos, saw him defeating eight other finalists in an intense quiz session to win the grand prize of N7.5 million worth of tertiary education scholarship which will spread over five years.

He also smiled home with a laptop and a monthly stipend for the duration of the scholarship.

The first runner-up, Master Oluwatobi Ojo, 15, of Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State won N4 million worth of scholarship spread over three years; while the second runner-up, Onyekachi Madumere, 15, from Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ogun State, received N1 million worth of scholarship for one year.

In his remarks, after the announcement, Oyindamola said he wasn’t looking forward to the competition as he did not know what to expect knowing that he was competing against brilliant minds. “I am very happy that I won the Interswitch SPAK 2.0 first prize. It has been a very long and exciting journey for me and I am grateful to God that I am the overall winner.

I did not see this coming at all, but I’m very excited.�

He said he feels proud to be part of a project that is giving Nigerian students opportunities to use their talents and skills to impact the nation positively. “I would like to use this opportunity to thank Interswitch for creating the Interswitch SPAK project and giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. I also want to thank my parents, teachers, friends and the other participants. My success today is as a result of their

support, encouragement and challenge. I thank them all.�

The programme featured the presentation of the founder’s award to Team Earth; winners of the innovation challenge. The team, made up of nine SS2 students, collaborated to identify a problem in the agricultural value chain in Nigeria, proffered a solution, leveraging technology.

Each student alongside their mentors received a medal and a laptop. The nine students will also get a chance to participate in a twoweek internship programme at Interswitch group head office in Lagos during the long school holidays.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/ Founder Interswitch Group, Miitchell Elegbe stressed the importance of science and technology to the Nigeria economy. “Consistently as a nation and even a continent, we will keep having challenges, I am therefore challenging all of you seated here today to develop an entrepreneurial mindset to face these challenges and overcome them.�

He appealed to the students to broaden and challenge their perspectives to think about the impact they can make in Nigeria using science and technology.

He also advised young graduates to develop and explore skills that can help them become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. “These are interesting times to be young and indeed to be an entrepreneur. With the huge advantage the internet portends, the increasing consciousness for mentorship and the plethora of success stories at your disposal, the Nigerian and African youths, cannot but rise up to the occasion. As a matter of fact, I believe you all can do it, at least the Interswitch SPAK has proven that, twice.�

Students of St.Patricks’s International College, Awka, Anambra State showing Mr. Peter Obi one of the inspirational portraits in their school, during his recent visit to the school

ABEC Celebrates 20th Anniversary, to Set-up Diagnostic Centre for Special Students Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Archdeacon Brown Education Centre (ABEC), Port Harcourt, last week rolled out the drums to celebrate its 20 years of existence.

It also announced plans to set up a diagnostic centre to cater to the needs of students with hearing difficulty and impaired vision.

The Managing Director of ABEC Group of Schools, Dr. Christie Toby disclosed this in Port Harcourt while briefing journalists as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the school.

Toby stated that the school, which was established in January 2000, has six different schools, including a special learning centre for physically-challenged

children and a football academy.

She described education as the only way to avoid poverty and instil discipline in the society, saying that much would be achieved in the education sector if government could work together with private school operators.

Toby said the 20th anniversary of the school is a celebration of the faithfulness of God on the private school, which runs the Nigerian, British and American curricular. “We are 20 years old, we are excited and we are celebrating God’s faithfulness.

When we look back, I have seen the children, the girls.

Some of them are married now and raising families. It is most gratifying. “We believe that there is

still much to do; so much to contribute through quality education in our land. It is the only way we can eradicate poverty, it is the only way we can instil discipline.�

On the challenges confronting the school, Toby regretted that some people feel because the fees are affordable to many, it is below their class. “It is unfortunate, but some people equate high fees to class and they feel they can show their class only when many people cannot afford the same education as their children.�

She also said some parents believe their children cannot do anything without external aid, which she said runs contrary to the school’s zero tolerance for examination malpractices.

Also speaking, former Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman of ABEC, Alabo Gabriel Toby, commended the staff of the school for the successes recorded in the past 20 years. “We have a team of competent and dedicated heads of schools. They take the children as their own and they go beyond the call of duty. When we look back at our records, we are proud of what we have done. “We have zero tolerance for examination malpractices and no child passes through ABEC without being computer literate.�

He however said the school has a brighter future as it is already investing in new facilities and technology as well as the continuous training of teachers.

FUTO-SSANU Commends VC for Promoting Staff, Returning Positions to Non-teaching Staff Amby Uneze in Owerri The Federal University of Technology (FUTO) branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Eze for keeping faith with progress of the senior staff of the institution through regular promotion of staff and returning positions held by teaching staff to non-teaching staff.

This was contained in an address read by the institution’s SSANU Chairman, Franklin Matthews during

the Pre-NDC/NEC meeting of the association held in FUTO. Matthews recalled that the vice-chancellor did not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that no SSANU member was affected in the recent disengagement of staff at the staff school, never wasted time in paying any allowance released by the federal government, and approval of training for staff within and outside the university.

He however reminded the institution’s authorities to settle some welfare to staff such as promotion of staff

from CONTISS 11-12; CONTISS 13-14; implementation of directorate system; creation of more units in the bursary; and conversion of members who had obtained higher degrees while in service.

In his remarks, the National President of SSANU, Samson Ugwoke expressed dismay over the rising insecurity in the country, bad roads and lack of sensitivity on the part of the federal government, saying, “we are using this opportunity to draw the attention of the federal government to the state of bad roads in the country

to reduce the level of road carnage in every part of the country. “In our last communiquĂŠ, we asked for the retirement of the security chiefs and introduce new and energetic men so that fresh ideas would be introduced in the system. “SSANU calls on the federal government to look into restructuring of the national security architecture. Nigeria is in a state of war. The president and the National Assembly should join hands to look into the security architecture of this country.â€?

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

38

CITYSTRINGS

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă? äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

Admiral Patrick Suebo Koshoni, Matchless Master Mariner Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe(Rtd)

I

have had my binoculars trained on him for the past thirty-three years.

It started first as an official duty and then ripened into the sweet pleasure of a hobby. I witnessed as sickness crept in and saw the brave fight he put up to the end.

I peered into the press to see if they understood the weight of our loss. I saw the bare mention and the near mocking indifference of an institution that should have been our light, collective memory and social vanguard. I looked, but there was little else to see. Only the bell tolled ceaselessly in my mind‌ Within the rigid structures of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Office of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) has always been a hallowed one. Between this high office of the CNS and my position as a junior Naval Officer in the mid 1980s, there certainly was a whole world. My little stream was not supposed to flow near the river of the CNS – ordinarily. But the extraordinary happened one day while I was tucked away in Warri, doing my official duties. It was announced that the new Chief of the Naval Staff was coming over to Warri on a familiarization tour. We were all ready and expecting him. I too, thought I was ready. I didn’t know how unprepared I was until the August visitor arrived.

Rear Admiral Patrick Suebo Koshoni was the CNS; we all knew him by name and by his picture which hung ubiquitously, wherever we turned. That afternoon, the CNS strode in confidently and cast a sweeping gaze at the naval personnel on deployment at the entrance of the Base. He was sparkling in his appearance and carriage. All eyes feasted on him as if he came from outer space, our faculties switched to high-pitch alertness. His official business proceeded with military dispatch, then things relaxed a bit. Not long after, I felt his gaze rest on me and I noticed that he made enquiries about me. I didn’t know him from Adam, but the strangest thing soon followed.

By the time I knew what it was, he had appointed me his Flag Lieutenant(aide de camp-ADC). I was stunned. I didn’t know what qualified me. People of his pedigree often appointed to such sensitive positions staff who shared close kinship ties with them; it was the norm in this hemisphere. But, apparently, this CNS was not made for the standards of this hemisphere!

I try not to speak too much about people in the superlatives so as not to be caught in the act of aggrandizement.

But there are no other qualifiers appropriate for describing Admiral Koshoni except the superlatives. I will devote the rest of this short piece to snapshots from memory to narrate why only the superlatives merit the description of this spectacular officer and gentleman of the Nigerian Navy- One of the very few who left a legacy of glittering wits, excellent training and top-notch professionalism.

People who have an inkling of the rigour of training and the sheer intellectual and professional discipline that officers are called upon to bring to duty in the Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, will understand that for me to speak in this manner is to testify to the end that I indeed found one in the noblest cast of the lords of the Nigerian Navy who was unequalled among his peers and who left a legacy that is nonpareil. I saw him at close quarters and at many theatres of engagement, so I will share just a bit of what I saw for you to be the judge.

It is a huge understatement to say that Admiral Patrick Seubo Koshoni was professionally sound and very brilliant.

He was much more than that. I recall a visit we made to the United Kingdom

Admiral Patrick Suebo Koshoni in January 1987 to see the First Sea Lord(as the Head of the Royal Navy is called). We were given only 10 minutes to conclude the visit, but we ended up spending about an hour. The First Sea Lord, Admiral of the Fleet, Sir, William Stavele, was amazed at the quality of discussion he was having and was so deeply engrossed in it that his staff forgot about time. The man was dazed because the encounter turned out to be vastly different from the stereotypical encounters with most African leaders. As both men sat at a diplomatic distance from each other on the sofa, I saw the First Sea Lord gravitating towards Koshoni.

He was so engrossed he probably didn’t notice. He obviously didn’t care either.

Admiral Koshoni made a deep impression on the minds of the British military elite with this single meeting, and I felt immensely proud just standing behind him as he made the Nigerian and African military proud even if they didn’t know it.

Still on this same official visit to the United Kingdom, it was arranged for Admiral Koshoni to meet some parliamentarians, some members who had something to do with the Royal Navy.

As usual, Koshoni took the podium and when he finished, the leader of the British team didn’t hide the fact that he was stunned. He said it was unusual for him to respond after a visitor to them had spoken but that he couldn’t but respond to what the CNS of Nigeria had said. He said he was so impressed by Koshoni’s eloquence and that if he had been told it was the Secretary-General of the United Nations speaking, he would not have doubted it! What the Britons saw in that one visit was what the Nigerian political elite of that time saw every day in the Federal Cabinet but which most Nigerians knew nothing about.

If there is something to be said of the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, it was that he made a point of recruiting the very best talents and brains in the country into his cabinet. Professors Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Bolaji Akinyemi and Tam David-West and Dr Chu Okongwu were among the impressive minds in that cabinet. And what’s more? even these great minds seemed to have a deep respect for Admiral Koshoni! In

a rare personality interview granted by Professor Tam David-West, (who also passed on recently) regarding members of the Federal Cabinet, he said: “I am a professor of several years standing, but the depth of knowledge of this man [Patrick Koshoni] baffles me�. He said the way Koshoni handled issues in Council was simply baffling. He observed that if cabinet members had big memos to read, Koshoni would be the first one to read, summarize and make notes such that his summary would easily be adopted as the working paper for the meeting.

David-West concluded by saying: “I doff my cap to him any day, he is a professor of professors�.

An indication that Professors DavidWest’s opinion of Koshoni was largely shared by other people in the government occurred during one of General Babangida’s visit to Rev. Father Joseph Slattery, Founder of Patrick Koshoni’s alma mater, Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. Wanting to discover Patrick Koshoni’s secrets from his old school principal, IBB had asked Father Slattery: “How did you teach Patrick that he came to master the use of English language so well?� Father Slattery couldn’t help laughing. When I got the news of his passing away on Saturday, 25th January, I sent text messages to some of his colleagues in the Cabinet, to which Prof Akinyemi responded as follows, “Oh dear. Eternal rest grant him O Lord. I had a lot of respect for him�. I had the privilege of visiting his military alma-mater, National Defence Academy, India, in 2005 and I listened with joy in my heart when the College told my team of some Nigerians that came years back and won laurels. Among the names given were Zamani Lekwot, Ndubuisi Kanu and of course, Patrick Koshoni.

Admiral Koshoni was a thoroughbred seaman, and his professionalism shone brightly. He became CNS at 43, by which time he had served as the Hon. Minister of Health; Hon. Minister of Employment, Labour & Productivity; as well as the Hon. Min. of Transport and Aviation. To the best of my knowledge, he was the only non-medical Minister of Health. He took his ministerial responsibilities so seriously that becoming the CNS at 43 was like the icing of the cake for him.

He was young in age but a dynamite in experience and management. A detribalized leader per excellence. By the time he retired as CNS at 46, his level of maturity, commitment, professionalism was high profile. I have never met anybody as neat as Admiral Koshoni. His carriage is out of this world.

Nigerians were deprived the opportunity of having a truly transformed Navy under his watch because of the antics of some of his colleagues who didn’t allow him to operate the Navy the way he wanted to. Each time he took memos to Council on behalf of the Navy, these people- for self-seeking reasons, shot them down. I witnessed his frustrations in this respect.

I am certain now that most Nigerians have forgotten that it was Patrick Koshoni who chaired the Civil Service Reforms of 1989 that introduced among other things professionalism into the Public Service and re-designated the head of public parastatals as Directors-General.

The Committee had eminent members such as Chief Olu Falae, Alhaji Adamu Fika, Mrs Abisola Willams, Professor ‘Dotun Phillips, and so on. These were all very senior and highly cerebral public servants, yet Patrick Koshoni earned the respect of all of them as their chairman.

I recall that after the work of the Committee had been done, Government felt there was a need to defend that report in the media; hence President Babangida summoned the Chairman of the Committee and told him to go and feature on an NTA Network programme. Admiral Koshoni had less than two hours to prepare for the interview, yet he received incredible accolades nationwide. Not long after the interview was aired, I ran into His Excellency, Ambassador A Adekuoye, a highly rated diplomat who was serving then as Nigeria’s Ambassador to China.

Ambassador Adekuoye asked me to tell Admiral Koshoni that he had always had great respect for him but that the respect doubled because of the level of intelligence he, Koshoni, displayed at that interview.

Admiral Patrick Koshoni took many of these accolades in his strides and did not allow them to get into his head. He was a deep and down to earth person. He mentored me so expertly, showed great respect and extended much courtesy to me, the subordinate role I played notwithstanding! He always valued good work and energized his staff to keep producing top quality harvest. Admiral Koshoni was outstanding and endeared himself so greatly to my heart. In all, simplicity and the fear of God were the two golden rules that governed his life.

They were the principles by which he lived.

A major strength of the Admiral was his love for his family. He received tremendous support from his indefatigable wife, Mrs Margaret Aderoju Koshoni with whom he worked closely to give their children the best. He had immense respect for this great woman.

In closing, I dare say that had this been in another clime, the experience and brilliance of Admiral Koshoni at the age of 46 on retirement, would have earned him a top job at a national or an international level. Either as a brilliant member of a Defence or a Navy Committee in the National Assembly. He could well have been engaged as a minister in a strategic ministry or deployed as an envoy, probably at the United Nations.

Unfortunately, that was not to be!

Adieu dear Admiral Patrick Suebo Koshoni!

-Rear Admiral Komolafe(Rtd) was the Flag Lieutenant(aide de camp-ADC) of late Admiral Patrick Suebo Koshoni!

(Rtd).

39

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

CRIME&SECURITY

How Teenage Casualty of Okada Ban Cheated Death Contrary reports that she died after a stray bullet hit her during last Wednesday’s clash between the police and commercial motorcyclists at the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, the family of 15-yearold Mariam Shobukola, who presently lies in pains at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, is seeking justice, Sunday Ehigiator writes

F

ifteen year old Mariam Shobukola recently cheated death. She was a victim of last week Wednesday’s clash between the police and commercial motorcycle riders, also known as Okada at the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos.

In what was already reported as a case of another innocent girl killed by a stray bullet from another trigger-happy unidentified policeman, the recent riot over the ban on Okada and tricycles (Keke Marwa) by the Lagos State Government was to protest their ban on six local government areas and the subsequent impounding of 86 motorcycles in the area.

After the clash, reports had it that the teenager in the viral video had bled to death, a claim that THISDAY’s investigation revealed to be false. In the viral video. But in the ensuing pandemonium, some miscreants hijacked the protest, vandalised cars and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), as well as accosted motorists and pedestrians.

Commercial activities naturally ground to a halt given the violent nature of the protest.

Banks, shops and markets were forced to shut down as the rampaging riders set bonfires as they destroyed whatever was in their path.

When the police reinforcements were deployed to quell the situation, the rioters repelled them, prompting the police to fire into the air, which hit the victim. Kitted in her mint green shirt and check skirt, the victim was on her way home from school with her classmates when the stray bullet hit her on the stomach.

Passersby tried to perform first aid on her by contributing clothes to stop the blood from flowing, while her parents wailed. Meanwhile, the police beat a retreat to avoid being lynched by the enraged mob.

Over the weekend, THISDAY had gone on a fact finding mission on the circumstances surrounding the incident, which revealed that although she survived her ordeal, she is presently groaning in pains at the medical ward of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. Already, her family is seeking for justice, while calling on the government and other well meaning Nigerians to come to their aid.

A Survivor’s Story All she did wrong was take a moment out to spit out cough while awaiting her new headmistress, whom she had volunteered to show where to carry out a POS-transaction for the school. The next minute, she was on the ground battling for her life after being hit by a stray bullet shot by a trigger happy policeman.

For the teen, a secondary school two student, whose long term dream is to someday become a renowned accountant-cum-business woman, her life flashed before her face.

Earlier, THISDAY had paid a visit to her school, ‘De Light International School’, located at number 35, Yisa Street, Aboru Iyana-Ipaja, where the school Proprietor, Mr. Abiodun Samuel, narrated how Mariam, whom he described as the brightest student in her class, and also the Social Prefect of the school ended up at being caught in harm’s way at the time of the day she was supposed to be in the classroom learning.

Interestingly, the school had suspended academic activities for the week till the following week in solidarity to Mariam and to likewise calm all arising tension from the incident. “On that Wednesday, we realised N50,000 and there was a company that we owed money for textbook and wanted to settle the bill. So we asked the headmistress to go and post the money to the company through POS transaction. “But the HM is new here, we just employed her. And she told me that she couldn’t locate where the POS agent was. Hence, she called Mariam to take her to the place. Afterward, I got notified by the company that they have received the money.

Fifteen- year-old, Mariam Shobukola after her ďŹ rst surgery at LASUTH with plans for second surgery to ďŹ x intestines damaged by police stray bullet “Not too long after, I saw the HM run in panicking and informed us that a stray bullet had hit Mariam where they stood making the transaction. She said they heard three gun shots and one met her beside her waist.

Initial Hiccups at Hospital Shockingly, the lapses in the medical field became more glaring in this matter and it took hours until she was operated on in the third hospital they went to. The proprietor said: “Immediately, I rushed down to carry her. We took her first to a private hospital where she was rejected on the grounds that they don’t have the facility to treat her. They referred us to the general hospital here at Aboru. After they conducted an x-ray, they also said they cannot handle the case and they then referred us to Ikeja General Hospital. “When we got to LASUTH, they said their scan machine was not okay that they were fixing it. Then I had some altercation with few of the white doctors we met their, to at least try to stabilise her first so we don’t lose her. “He however calmed me down, and eventually they fixed the machine and gave us list of thing we should go and buy which we spent a lot of money buying. After which, they finally took her into the theater for surgery at almost midnight the next day. But we thank God it was a very successful surgery Bigger Complications Despite the successful operation carried out, the teenager developed some complications. “Sadly however, after the surgery, we were informed by the doctor that the bullet penetrated her bladder and large-intestine, hence she can’t store urine nor pass out excreta at the moment normally. They have to fix pipe in her body at the moment to help her out with that, till she is strong enough to undergo a second surgery aimed at rectifying that. “She is still recovering at the hospital as we speak at the moment and as at Wednesday, February 5, 2020 which the incident happened and now, the school together with her family and family friends, had spent over N200,000 so far. “For the next phase of the surgery I just confirmed from the father minutes ago that they would need about N300,000, and this doesn’t even include discharge fee yet,� the proprietor revealed.

Family Reacts Much earlier, THISDAY made a stopover at the victim’s house located at Church Street, Aboru, a suburb of Iyana-Ipaja, where Mariam’s eldest brother, Wasiu Shobukola, first broke the news of her survival.

He said: “We thank God, she is alive, contrary to what we read in the news this morning. She made it.�

Narrating the preceding incident which led to Mariam’s ordeal, Wasiu said, “Early on Saturday morning at about 7am, some group of men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad

(SARS), attached to Ile-Epo police station, invaded the community. “They attacked a motorcycle dealer’s shop in the area who has not yet opened for business for the day and wasn’t even around the vicinity at the time. They broke the locks of his shop and started packing motorcycles into their van. “Some of them held bottles with both hands while some were armed with guns to scare people away. Bothered about the incident, some youths in the area decided to challenge them, especially since the area wasn’t part of the area that the ban of motorcycle was announced by the government. “However, instead of granting audience, they began to shoot sporadically into the air.

They were more like people on an illegal business to rob the man. This scared everyone away and we began to scamper for safety.

This was what eventually resulted to the protest, but it never stopped them. “They succeeded in carting away the motorcycles but as they were about leaving, they kept on shooting, and that was how one of the bullets hit my sister. It was one of her peers in the area who came to inform us. “We immediately rushed out, and on getting there, the police was still around and they even cracked their guns on us to chase us away from going close to her helplessly bleeding on the ground. “Even when my mum started screaming that she was our daughter, they kept pointing their gun at us, but we defied the odds and damned the consequence of whatever happens, and went ahead to rescue her. “We first took her to Peak Hospital located in the area, but they rejected her. Then we took her to a general hospital in the area where after carrying out x-ray on her, also rejected her but referred us to LASUTH. “Finally, it was at LASUTH that they commenced her treatment, but not until after we had bought everything they asked of us, did they commence treatment on her at midnight of the next day. It was only God that sustained her life.�

Upon entering the ward which Mariam was being resuscitated at LASUTH, this reporter could not fight his tears at the sight of the Abeokuta-born Mariam, who was generally described as a brilliant, cheerful, quiet and easy going girl, being confined to a sick bed, with several strings attached to her body for various medical purposes.

Though aware of THISDAY’s presence, she could only faintly mumble. However upon speaking with her mother, the picture became clearer that not only was Mariam the last of six children, but is indeed the apple of her parent’s eye.

As tears slid down her cheeks, her mother, a petty trader, revealed to THISDAY that Mariam was a child with big dreams of one day becoming a major captain in the banking and textile industry someday.

Negligence by Police For the family, the most painful part is that, the police who perpetrated the act have not even cared enough to show any concern on the matter so far.

According to the proprietor, “they best they did was to go to the hospital and tried to offer the parents N20,000, which they rejected because it solves nothing. We pray the government help us hold the officers that committed this act accountable. No one is above the law.�

On this, Mrs. Shobukola explained that, “after the incident, the DPO of Aboru police station sent two female officers to us. When they came to meet us here at Ikeja, they said they were sent by the DPO to come and investigate the matter. Then they left. The second day, which was Thursday, February 6, one other female officer returned who claimed to be the IPO on the case. I was the one she met. She entered the ward were my daughter was and saw her condition. “Perhaps moved by that, she said some words of prayers. Eventually, she brought out N20,000 and wanted me to have it. But I rejected it, and asked her to locate her father and give him the money. But the father as well rejected the money because we have spent over N200,000 already at that time, and the money appeared to us as a move by the police to shut us up.�

Her father, Mr. Samuel, a graphic artist, told THISDAY that by the time they were rallying around to save Mariam, “we felt the need the need to have a police report just in case the hospitals requested for it since it was a gunshot incident especially, since none of the officers that committed the act volunteered to follow us to the hospital. “Hence we sent the headmistress to go to Ile-Epo police station for it. She went there around some minutes to 2pm. Surprisingly, instead of them honouring our request immediately, they detained her for about eight hours. They didn’t release her till about 10pm on that Wednesday night.�

Calls out across to the state Police Spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana was ignored, same as a subsequent text message sent.

Dealer’s Dilemma THISDAY likewise visited the dealer’s shop where the illegal raid occurred, UzoTex Okada Ventures'. The dealer, Mr. Uzor, who was not on seat later revealed in a telephone conversation that though he is yet to ascertain the number of his motorcycles that were whisked away by SARS officials, they carted away over 20 motorcycles in the area and also several phones. “As I am talking to you now, I don’t think I would ever return to that shop because of the safety of my life. When they arrived, it was my boy that was in the shop. They broke into several dealers shop including mine and started packing our goods (motorcycle) unchallenged. In my estimation, they went away with nothing less than 20 motorcycles that Wednesday, including those of one of my customer who is an Alhaja. They even arrested the Alhaja’s sales boy who was still sleeping. They took him to their office at Ikeja.�

Call for Justice As Mariam continues to recuperate at the hospital, her family are however beckoning on the federal and state government and all well meaning Nigerians to come to their aids, and ensure that justice is served.

More importantly, they called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu to wade into the matter and ensure that not only the officers that perpetuated the offence are publicly exposed, but the police commission takes responsibility of the treatment of Mariam and compensate her family in whatever capacity deemed feat.

Speaking with THISDAY, an old friend to the victim’s family who simply identified himself as Alhaji W.A Akala, said the hospital did their best to save Mariam's life. He however called on the police to show better responsibility.

40

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Real Estate Holds Promise of Higher Return in 2020, Says Ibaru Dike Onwuamaeze The Chief Operating Officer/ Director of Advisory, Northcourt, Mr.Ayo Ibaru, has said the real estate market will be a good destination for investors in Nigeria in 2020, because of the higher returns it promises in the face of declining treasury bills and equity market yields.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), with the theme: “Investment Opportunities in 2020,� Ibaru, said the real estate sector could fetch a return on investment that would be as high as seven to 30 per cent per, which is much more attractive than the five per cent yields on treasury bills.

He said commercial banks are now willing to finance real estate projects as the residential market stabilises, adding that people are more willing to spend money on building construction. “There will be stability in the residential projects as more outlets will come on stream. People are more open to investing in Nigeria’s retail segment. But

there will be caution on office projects,� he said.

The real estate advisor noted that, currently vacancy rates in residential market are falling in Lagos, because developers now find out what people want and can afford. “Co-living is now the trend as residential projects are dominated by a single bedroom and two bedroom apartments, which is what people are demanding for three years now. This is where the trend is going,� Ibaru said, adding that, “investment in land can earn up to 30 per cent return in a year along the Epe-Aja axis because of the anticipated boom the Dangote Refinery project will bring to those areas.�

According to him, the real estate sector provides a better option for investors that are looking for long-term windows to invest in, because real estate has greater chance of appreciation.

He added that land for instance, is not static, which explains why it kept appreciating even during recession.

He also stated that the 38km Lagos fourth mainland long

bridge estimated to cost N844 billion, may cost more because of exchange rate risk if the project was delayed further.

The bridge estimated to be completed in 10 years, is expected to connect Lagos Island through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeku towns and runs through Igbogbo River Basin to Itamaga in Ikorodu.

He noted that the 4th Mainland Bridge would be on two levels: Vehicular traffic on the upper level while pedestrian, social, commercial and cultural interactions on its lower level.

He identified cost of constructing residential houses, lack of social and affordable amenities among the challenges facing the real estate sector. Ibaru, said the new Finance Act would increase the cost of services in the real estate sector and advised every developer who wanted to build and make money to conduct proper research before taking such step. “That 2.5 percent increase in VAT, though small, will amount to something substantial when you do transactions that run into tens and hundreds of millions of naira,� Ibaru said.

CBN Injects Additional $210m into Forex Market The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again injected the sum of $210 million into the interbank foreign exchange market to boost liquidity in the sector. The Bank disclosed that of this amount, authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market received the sum of $100million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment received the sum of $55 million. Similarly, customers seeking foreign exchange for

invisibles such as tuition fees, medical payments and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), among others, were allocated a total of $55 million. Confirming the figures, the Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said the CBN’s commitment to sustaining liquidity and ensuring stability in the market remained paramount on the minds of the Bank’s management. According to Okorafor, the continued intervention by the

Bank underscored the resolve of the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to guarantee access to all those who genuinely required foreign exchange from the forex market.

The Bank had last Friday, injected the sum of $218.41 million and CNY18 million into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) segment.

Meanwhile, the naira yesterday remained stable, exchanging at an average of N358/$1 in the BDC segment of the market.

Novarick Homes Fetes Customers Bennett Oghifo Property companies are exploring unique ways to boost their business, using discounts and flexible payment plans. Others, in addition to these, build business relationships that will transcend the sale and purchase platform.

It is for this reason that Novarick Homes and Property Limited decided to launch its “Share the Love� campaign to reward loyal customers of the brand this Valentine week.

Vovarick is a real estate development company leveraging green technology in building smart and eco-friendly communities across Nigeria.

According to a statement, the company is using this medium

to show its appreciation towards their existing customers who have bought into the company’s dream of building greener communities across Nigeria from the launch of their maiden project, Earls Court, the first renewable powered community in Ibeju-Lekki, to the introduction of Nova Gardens and Wazobia Courts to the Lagos market. Chief Executive Officer, Noah Ibrahim, in the statement said the campaign was introduced as a way of showing love to loyal customers and their loved ones. “Many real estate companies use every opportunity to sell and collect from clients and only a few ever think of giving back.

We value our loyal customers and we would like to seize this opportunity to show our apprecia-

tion this month of love by giving our customers the opportunity to pick someone special to them that Novarick Homes will give a Valentine’s day surprise gift � he said According to him “Valentine’s day is about love and giving selflessly, this is our own unique way of giving back to our customers whilst opening our arms to welcoming prospective clients who wish to partake in this lifetime experience,�

He described customers as being strong pillars to the continued growth of every company, stating that Nigerian companies should do more not only by providing quality services to their customers but taking out time to appreciate them in their own unique way.

Maiden Edition of WAAS Set to Hold Oluchi Chibuzor Organisers of the first West Africa Agribusiness Show (WAAS) 2020, have stressed the need for a single platform that will connect every agribusiness stakeholder in the sub-region. This, according to them, necessitated the need for an indigenous agricultural fair that would offer a viable platform through innovations in technology, equipment, procedures and processes in the agribusiness sector.

The countries expected to participate in the sub-region include; Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Niger, Liberia,

Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Togo, Mali and with Nigeria serving as a host nation.

The Convener and Managing Director, Agri Supplies Limited, Idowu Asenuga, in Lagos, recently, said the show would further enhance the value chain throughout West Africa and Africa at large, noting that it would promote rich agricultural heritage of the sub-region According to him, “It my belief that the new experiences which participants will gain in the course of this show will equally lead to a major boost in the further creation and

improved management of existing small, medium, and large farming concerns in the different areas of agriculture like arable farming, poultry, snailery, piggery, aquaculture and others. “Participants will equally have the opportunity to create and enhance their brand visibility as well as establish business alliances with potential partners.

This show would bring together stakeholders across West Africa in order not only to attract new prospect in agribusiness, but to make West Africa an investment hub for the agricultural and allied sectors,� he said.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

11,007,422.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MONDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2020

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $54.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $55.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (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).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

41

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

MARKET NEWS

NSE’s Demutualisation Progresses as Members Meet on Share Allotment, Board Goddy Egene The demutualisation process of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is nearing its peak as the members of the exchange will meet on March 3, to approve a change in the name of the exchange and allotment of shares in accordance with the scheme of arrangement.

At the court-ordered general meeting, members of the NSE will approve the conversion of the exchange from a company

limited by guarantee to a company limited by shares and it will be re-registered in the name of Nigerian Stock Exchange Group Plc. The company will have authorised share capital of N1.250 billion dividend into 2.5 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. The will also approve the shares allotment ratio of 78:22 for dealing members and ordinary members respectively.

The members will similarly approve the transfer of the regulatory functions of the exchange

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

to a new entity to be known as NGX Regulation Limited.

Apart from the court-ordered general meeting the an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) would be held on the same in Lagos to elect board members for the company among others resolutions to the considered and passed. The Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema had last month said plans to demutualise the exchange were on top gear, following the receipt of ‘No Objection’ approval letter

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month December. “Now that we have seen the ‘No objection’ letter from the SEC in December, we are now putting in place final touches to have the court ordered meeting and the EGM. There will be significant engagement with investors, press and our primary constituency, the brokers and other members of the exchange and the general public. So there is a very robust plan already in place. We are

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

working as quickly as we can to complete it and we hope that very soon, we will put out the notices for the EGM,� he said.

According to him, the demutualization of the NSE will bring the Nigerian capital market at a par with other international jurisdictions, result in enhanced governance, transparency and visibility whilst attracting strategic partners, investors and good quality issuers. “The demutualisation will lead to an agile exchange

O F

thereby consolidating its innovativeness and strengthening its leadership both at local and international levels whilst also adding value to its stakeholders.

As a demutualized entity that is profit-seeking, the NSE will be in a better stead to capitalise on new income opportunities, free from any limitations arising from conflicting member interests and existing laws and more importantly be able to better support the economic growth of Nigeria,� Onyema said.

1 1 / 0 2 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

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42

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Listing of Interswitch Limited’s N23bn Bond on NSE Excites FBNQuest Goddy Egene

of the Interswitch Limited’s Programme. bond on the Nigerian Stock FBNQuest Merchant Bank FBNQuest, the investment Exchange. Interswitch Limited explained in a statement that banking and asset management recently raised N23billion in its role as lead issuing house subsidiary of FBN Holdings bond with a tenor of seven assisted the Interswitch Limited Plc, has said it successfully led years, at a fixed rate of 15 per in arranging, structuring and a consortium of five issuing cent as part of the company’s issuing the Series 1 Bond out of houses on the recent listing N30 billion Debt Issuance the Bond Issuance Programme A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 10shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Feb-2020, unless otherwise stated.

launched in May 2019. order book was N51billion out The bonds were successfully of which a total of N23billion distributed to a diversified mix bids were accepted meaning of investors which included the offer was 222 per cent Pension Fund Administrators subscribed.

(PFAs), banks, asset managers “The success of the and others. According to transaction with an order book financial institute, the final of 222 per cent is a testament Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

to the leading role of the company in the technology and payment processing space where they have consistently led innovation and product development.

FBNQuest is proud to have led this milestone transaction,” it said.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 150.80 154.26 4.56% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 2.95% Nigeria International Debt Fund 318.62 318.62 2.46% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.89 4.75% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.86% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.36% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.47 2.52 0.16% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.53% Anchoria Equity Fund 103.28 103.66 1.30% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.18 1.18 3.38% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.96 1.96 17.87% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.87% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 104.14 104.69 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 113.73 114.40 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.72% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.94 0.95 1.67% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.38 1.38 4.13% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,321.35 1,322.52 2.35% FBN Balanced Fund 150.07 151.24 2.21% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.13% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 120.50 120.84 1.06% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 121.15 121.50 1.10% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 126.30 127.97 -2.94% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.55% Legacy Debt Fund 3.69 3.69 0.85% Legacy Equity Fund 1.14 1.16 0.75% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 0.47% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,098.50 3,132.51 3.86% Coral Income Fund 3,131.69 3,131.69 14.24% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 7.84% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.80% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 118.58 119.08 10.31%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.29% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.26 2.29 4.96% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.25% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.50 141.03 12.60% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.19 1.21 1.81% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,113.17 1,113.17 1.35% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.32 10.42 5.30% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.67% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.40 1.42 14.41% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.52 12.61 10.82% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.30% PACAM Equity Fund 1.14 1.15 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.34 110.22 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.01 134.95 8.97% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 1.28% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 3.19% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.76% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 3.93% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.16% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 3.43% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.24% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 2.96% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 0.72% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.20 1.22 -0.01% United Capital Bond Fund 1.75 1.75 1.17% United Capital Equity Fund 0.70 0.71 -0.56% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.89% United Capital Eurobond Fund 112.45 112.45 0.52% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.10 0.15% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.50 10.65 2.29% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.72 11.86 1.00% Zenith Income Fund 23.01 23.01 3.53% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.38%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.40 119.99 52.31

-64.85% 0.75% 0.50%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.27 96.71 74.71

9.37 98.78 76.10

6.40% 4.58% 1.34%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.64 5.16 12.94 11.79 176.73

3.68 5.24 13.04 11.99 178.73

2.57% -12.55% 6.54% 13.37% -5.82%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.69

17.60%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Sudan Agrees to Transfer al-Bashir to ICC for War Crime Sudan has agreed to hand over those wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, a top Sudanese official and spokesman said Tuesday, although he did not mention by name ousted leader Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the ICC for genocide.

The Hague-based ICC has charged Bashir and three of his former aides with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Sudan’s western region of Darfur, which was the site of a brutal conflict that began in 2003.

“Those who have been indicted by the ICC, they have to go there,” Mohammed Hassan al-Taishi, a member of the ruling sovereign council, was quoted as saying in a statement.

Taishi, a member of the Sovereign Council and a government negotiator, said the council had agreed with rebel groups in Darfur to hand over those wanted by the International Criminal Court to face justice. He did not say when they would transfer those wanted by the ICC, and the transitional administration would need to ratify the ICC’s

Rome Statute to allow for the transfer of the former president to The Hague.

He spoke at a news conference in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, where the government and rebels are holding talks to end the country’s decades-long civil war.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sudanese Information Minister Faisal Saleh told reporters in Khartoum that the government and Darfur rebel groups had agreed that all those wanted by the ICC should appear before the tribunal.

Along with Bashir, the ICC has indicted two other senior

US, Kenya Set up Joint Terrorism Task Force The United States and Kenya have set up a Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the U.S Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said in a press statement.

The task force will operate in Kenya. It is the first of such to be located outside the U.S., the statement said.

The U.S.-funded task force, which will be led by Kenya, will be a multi-agency counterterrorism investigative force as part of a “comprehensive program with Kenya to promote terrorism investigations and prosecutions,

enhance crisis response, and strengthen border security”.

Forty-two Kenyan investigators have already been selected for counterterrorism training in the U.S. “The 42 selected Kenyan investigators will receive a 12week intensive counterterrorism training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The FBI will administer the curriculum and provide training with assistance from other agencies, as applicable.

The FBI and the CT Bureau will collaboratively assess the

program.

“The team will adopt methodologies used by U.S.based JTTFs and be trained to handle sensitive counterterrorism intelligence shared with the Kenyan government. The investigators will be trained and equipped to investigate all terrorism matters deemed of significant importance to Kenya’s National Security Council.

Upon completion of the course, the JTTF-K officers will return to Kenya, where they will be assisted by an FBI special agent mentor,” the statement said.

figures in his regime: AbdelRahim Muhammad Hussein, who was interior and defence minister during much of the conflict, and Ahmed Haroun, a senior security chief at the time.

During the Darfur conflict, rebels among the territory’s ethnic Central African community launched an insurgency in 2003, complaining of discrimination and oppression by the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum.

The government responded with a scorched-earth assault of aerial bombings and unleashed the Janjaweed, a militia of largely

Sudanese Arabs. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million driven from their homes.

Responding to the announcement, a lawyer for Bashir told Reuters that his client refuses to deal with the ICC as it is a “political court” and that Sudan’s judiciary is capable of dealing with his case.

Bashir has said the allegations made by the ICC, the world’s first permanent court for prosecuting war crimes, are part of a Western conspiracy.

A spokesman for the ICC declined to comment. The

Hague-based court issued its first arrest warrant for Bashir in 2009 – its first for a sitting head of state – and a year later issued a second one.

Bashir faces five counts of crimes against humanity for murder, forcible transfer, extermination, torture and rape; two counts of war crimes for attacks against civilians; and three counts of genocide for killings and creating conditions meant to bring about the destruction of the targeted group, allegedly committed between 2003 and 2008 in Darfur.

Egypt’s Population Hits 100 Million Egypt’s population has reached 100 million, the statistics agency said Tuesday, highlighting the threat of overpopulation in a poverty-stricken country where many live in crowded megacities.

The North African country retains its position as the most populous Arab nation and Africa’s third most populous country behind Ethiopia and Nigeria.

A counter installed atop the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics ticked over into nine digits for the first time, the agency said.

A new baby is born in Egypt roughly every 17.9 seconds, the

statistics body calculated.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told a cabinet meeting last week that “population growth is the single largest challenge facing the state … and affects national security”.

Most Egyptians live on the eight per cent of national territory that is the stretch of arable land along with the River Nile basement.

The lifeline, which Egypt shares with Sudan and Ethiopia, critically provides around 97 per cent of Egypt’s water needs.

Birth rates in Egypt have skyrocketed in the past three decades with around 1.5 million

babies born every year — but they have recently slowed down as Egypt’s government has encouraged smaller families.

Egyptians numbered around 57 million 30 years ago.

The latest census in 2017 showed nearly 95 million citizens residing in the country.

President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said at the time that terrorism and overpopulation represented the two most important threats for Egypt.

As with the majority of Arab countries, Egypt has a youthful population with just over 60 per cent under the age of 30.

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

NNPC, US, GE Sign Agreement for 1,350MW Abuja Power Plant Peter Uzoho in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the United States and the General Electric Nigeria (GE) have signed an agreement that will unlock $1.1 million as grant to partly fund the NNPC-Abuja Independent Power Project (IPP).

The plant, when completed, is expected to generate 1,350 megawatts (MW) of electricity to help address the nation’s power challenges.

NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, signed the gas project agreement for the corporation; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Mary Beth Leonard and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director, Mr. Thomas Hardy, signed for their country while the Chief Executive Officer of GE Nigeria, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, signed for his organisation.

The USTDA grant will complement the ongoing feed project in order to make the Abuja IPP initiative more bankable for strategic investors’ participation.

The Abuja 1,350mw project

would leverage on the existing huge natural gas resources from the NNPC upstream and the proposed AKK gas pipeline to boost the nation’s power generating capacity.

The project is planned to be located on a 54.7 hectares of land in Dukpa, Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony yesterday at the ongoing Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja, Kyari explained that the plan to build the power plant in Abuja was part of the national strategy towards monetising the abundant natural gas resources in the country.

Leonard also said once built, the Abuja power plant would be yet another example of how the United States and Nigeria were working to develop durable solutions to meet the needs of Nigerians.

She added that the project would create jobs and foster increased bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

“This is so important to

NLC Seeks New Strategy in War against Terrorism Dike Onwuamaeze The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba Wabba, has called on the government and the security forces to evolve an entirely new strategy in the war against terrorism that would break the spinal cord of the evil sponsors of the Boko Haram insurgency.

According to Wabba, “the adoption of a new security strategy to the anti-terrorism fight has become acutely necessary given the grave danger that a much more prolonged insurgency portends for the socio-economic survival of our people. There are already fears that the recent upscale in violence along the Maiduguri-Damaturu corridor could be geared at cutting off this critical transportation artery and thus isolating Maiduguri from the rest of the country. The humanitarian impact in terms of the supply of food and other basic life supporting amenities can only be imagined.”

He made this call in a condolence message he sent to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, on the recent Boko Haram

attack that left more than 30 people dead and 18 vehicles burnt in Auno, a town located along MaiduguriDamaturu Federal highway. The attack also led to the abduction of scores of children and women.

Wabba said in a letter dated February 10 that: “On behalf of my family and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, I write to commiserate with Your Excellency and the entire good people of Borno State on the recent gruesome attack by the Boko Haram terrorists at Auno Town which is twenty-four kilometers from Maiduguri metropolis along the Maiduguri – Damaturu Highway.

“This is the umpteenth time that insurgents would be attacking innocent commuters and villagers along this very important road artery in North eastern Nigeria.

This attack is clearly aimed at undermining the good efforts that your administration and our security forces are making to bring the current wave of terrorism and insurgency in the North East to an end and to restore the peace.”

Sowore’s Trial Resumes Today Hearing in the trial against Revolution Now convener, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, would continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja today.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu had on December 6, 2019 adjourned the matter to February 11, 12 and 13, 2020 for definite hearing.

But the court did not sit yesterday because Justice Ojukwu was sitting outside division.

Sowore and co-defendant, Mr. Olawale Bakare, are facing trial over charges of treasonable felony for organizing the Revolution Now protest on August 5, which the government saw as an attempt to disrupt peace in the country.

He was arrested on August 3, 2019 by the Department of State

Services (DSS) and was in custody until December 5, 2019, despite court orders to be released on bail.

In November, the DSS had acknowledged receipt of the order but said the reason for still keeping him was that the appropriate sureties had not come for them.

But following an order of Justice Ojukwu on December 5, 2019 that the Sowore and Bakare be released under 24 hours and a cost of N100,000 awarded against the DSS, they duo were released at about 5pm on the same day.

However, after his appearance in court the following day, December 6, 2019, he was rearrested by the DSS on fresh charges.

Nigeria’s continued development and USTDA has showed a serious commitment to Nigeria in the development of its energy sector,” she noted.

On his part, Hardy stated that the gas project was the agency’s largest programme in Africa and within Nigeria.

He added that investment in the energy sector was the largest

venture by the US and its agency in the world, noting that they have been successful in many countries through working with credible partners and associates.

“Today, we are here to take that next step, working with NNPC to invest over $1 million to driving US private sector engagement with continued associates, partnering with GE

energy to help lay the foundation for the development of 1, 350 megawatts gas power plant.

“We are fortunate, when I look at the partners we brought together. NNPC has reached out and selected our continued associate, who has been involved with power generation of over 30 Giga watts globally,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kyari, while

presenting his keynote address to set the tone for a panel discussion at the summit, said electricity was a luxury specially for the elite in Nigeria and subSaharan Africa.

He spoke on the topic: ‘Oil and Gas: Future Scenarios and Implications for Security, Environment and Economic Growth.’

SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during a meeting at the Nigerian Air Force headquarters, Abuja... yesterday

Our Facilities Not Dumping Ground for Detainees, Says EFCC Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said its holding facilities were not dumping ground for detainees.

It said human rights of suspects on trial for corruption were not violated contrary to insinuations on social media that its Port Harcourt detention facility was below standard.

The commission said its holding facilities across the country have well-equipped medical centres that attend to the health needs

of detainees.

“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has been drawn to a trending tweet from @TheRealDayne showing pictures purported to be the EFCC Port Harcourt Zonal Office Holding Cell.

“The commission hereby states that the tweet is not just the imagination of its author, but a mischief and a calculated attempt to smear the hard-earned reputation of the commission”, it said.

The commission said “contrary

to the fake pictures circulated by @TheRealDayne, the facility in Port Harcourt Zonal Office, like all other EFCC cells, boasts of a high degree of decency and therefore, cannot be the open dumping facility, surrounded by razor-wired walls, depicted in the picture that was mischievously circulated.

“It is important to further clarify that EFCC detention centres are known for their remarkable care for detainees in line with our avowed respect for human right and dignity”.

The commission said the Port

Harcourt detention facility, like all others across the country was further bolstered by a well-equipped medical centre that attends to the health needs of detainees, saying they are “fed three square meals daily from the same canteen that service officers and men of the commission”.

“Were it not so, suspects standing trial for corruption would not prefer to be remanded in the custody of the commission to those of the nation’s Correctional Centres.

It is on record that no detainee has challenged the commission for rights violation in court.

Consider Amnesty for Bandits, Kidnappers, Northern Coalition Tells FG An Arewa group under the auspices of Northern Coalition for Peace and Development has called on the federal government to consider amnesty for armed bandits and kidnappers terrorising the country.

The group said amnesty and dialogue with the bandits might bring an end to the current insecurity bedeviling the nation.

Addressing a press conference

in Kaduna yesterday, the northern group also described as mischievous calls for the sack of service chiefs, saying such call is not in the best interest of the country in the present circumstance.

National Secretary of the Coalition, Mr. Attahiru Adamu, said that, efforts of governors of Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states, particularly on their role in achieving effective resolutions by way of

reconciliation and peace accord with bandits are quite commendable.

“We commend the efforts of governor of Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states, particularly on their role in achieving effective resolutions by way of reconciliation and peace accord with bandits so as to remedy the issue of security challenges confronting their states.

Such actions have meritoriously brought a relative peace among

people in different parts of their states. We call on presidency to create an environment of synergy with these governors and put it on trial.

“Majority of those calling for the sack of service chiefs are not sincere, as they failed to offer reasonable alternative before now to Mr. President on how to tackle issues of insecurity and way forward on other challenges facing our country.

Osinbajo Has Revolutionised Judiciary in Nigeria, Says Emir of Lafia Segun James Emir of Lafia, retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, has credited Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the revolution going on in the judiciary sector in Nigeria.

The Emir, who is a former Supreme Court justice who stated this when he received the vice president at his palace in Lafia, recounted Osinbajo’s achievements as the Attorney General of Lagos and how it impacted the country

as a whole.

“Your Excellency, today, I feel happy to receive you in this ancient palace. It has always been my dream in life that one day God will bring you here.

“I have my special reason for that, because those of us in the profession, the legal profession, we appreciate the fact that, Your Excellency, you are a pacesetter.

We remember your revolution as the Attorney General of Lagos State, which led to the first major

review of the rules of court we had in Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory borrowed from Lagos at that time to review its judicial system,” he said.

The Emir added that it was during Osinbajo’s tenure as Attorney-General of Lagos State that far-reaching reforms were introduced to the Centre of Excellence.

“Your Excellency, it’s during your time that we witnessed innovations in the delivery of

the justice. You indeed made the system so easy. We witnessed during that time the existence of the multi-court house. Many states borrowed from Lagos and this has become norms in many states. I wish to task the federal government to borrow from Lagos on how you were able to implement those reforms in Lagos. As the vice president, I believe you have so much work to do.”

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

NUJ to Mobilise Members to Court over Agba Jalingo Alex Enumah in Abuja The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo yesterday disclosed that the union would mobilise its members to attend the next court proceedings of the detained Cross River State-based journalist, Mr. Agba Jalingo.

Isiguzo said the move is to show solidarity to the plight of Jalingo, who has been in custody for over 170 days.

The NUJ president made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Abuja on the level of preparations for the NUJ Press Freedom Awards 2020.

Responding to question from

a journalist, Isiguzo said the body takes the issue of security, safety and freedom of its members in the discharge of their lawful duties very serious, hence its decision to attend the next court proceedings to show solidarity.

He said, “It is sad that Agba Jalingo is still in detention. We have spoken with the government of Cross River State and they told us that they are not the ones keeping him.

“However at the next court appearance I will be leading a delegation of journalists to show solidarity and demonstrate the fact that we are serious about the matter”.

Isiguzo added that further steps

would also be pursued by the union to ensure Jalingo’s release from detention.

Jalingo is standing trial on a four-count criminal charge bordering on alleged acts of terrorism and cybercrime.

Though he pleaded not guilty to the charges he was however denied bail on two occasions.

Speaking on the NUJ Press Freedom Awards, the President said the event is to honour those who have contributed immensely to the growth and sustenance of press freedom in Nigeria.

“Many journalists in Nigeria have faced harassment, threat, physical injury, improvement and even death in the course

of discharging their legitimate duties.

“It is the courage and sacrifice of these journalists that we are celebrating by organising the third edition of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Freedom Awards 2020.

“The event will also honour media owners, corporations,

political and public office holders who have actively supported press freedom in Nigeria”, he said.

Isiguzo however said because of funds constraint the body would need the partnership of lovers of press freedom to ensure a successful hosting of the event slated for May 5, 2020.

Wabba Tasks FG on Funding Technological Research Dike Onwuamaeze The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba Wabba, has challenged the federal government to prioritise the funding of technological research in order to achieve real diversification of the Nigerian economy.

Wabba threw the challenge yesterday when he delivered the goodwill message at the National Association of Academic Technologists’ (NAAT) Fourth National Delegates Conference.

The theme of the conference was “The Role of Technologists in the Economic Diversification Policy of Government: A Look at the Agricultural Sector.”

He said that the time has come for Nigeria to begin to take technological evolution and adaptation serious as no country would willingly give up its technological leverage in the name of technological transfer.

“We must take our destinies in our own hands. We can no longer afford to wait endlessly for foreign technology to deploy and fix our refineries, iron and steel plants and fertilizer companies.

We have waited long enough.

My fellow comrades, let us show the world that we can fix our refineries and build new ones.

That we can revive our steel plants

and successfully run fertilizer companies and that we can add real value to every grain of crop and pound of animal produce grown in our land. Yes, we can!” he said.

He added: “I am happy that the theme for today focuses on diversification with special lens trained on the agricultural sector. About 22.86 per cent of our national GDP is supplied from the agricultural sector.

More than 70 per cent of our population are engaged in one form of agricultural activity cum enterprise or another.

“Unfortunately, agriculture in Nigeria has hardly ever evolved from the subsistence form it was at the end of colonial rule to secondary or even tertiary forms of production. Our agricultural sector still majors on the production of raw materials for export to other countries where they are technologically transformed to finished products and subsequently imported back to us at highly inflated costs. Sadly, it is not only the high costs of finished goods that are imported but also unemployment and poverty.

For every agricultural raw material exported out of Nigeria unprocessed is a job lost. It is poverty deepened.

No Controversy over TSA in Imo, Says State Govt The Imo State Government has reiterated that there is no controversy in the state over the adoption of Treasury Single Account (TSA).

A press release issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary/ Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, explained that Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, had on assumption of office warned that all funds meant for the state must be domiciled in TSA. Nwachukwu pointed out that the governor’s directive to that effect “is being complied fully by all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government in the state.

“This explanation has become necessary following insinuation

in some quarters as orchestrated by a few ragtag local publications and social media loafers, that the state government has abandoned the TSA.” According to him, the Uzodinma’s administration is not only committed to due process and accountable governance, but is determined to use all the resources meant for Imo people to work for them.

He also said that the governor frowned on mismanagement of scarce state resources by past administrations and is putting in place mechanisms to achieve commendable accountability in office.

“Governor Uzodinma will not be party to any attitude that promotes financial malfeasance in Imo under his watch,” he said.

WORTHY HONOUR...

L-R: Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote; and the Chief Executive Officer of SHI-MCI, Mr. Jaebeom Kim, during the collection of A ‘ ward for Technological Breakthrough” won by Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN) Limited at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja…yesterday

Fayemi Approves 180 Days’ Maternity Leave for Female Workers Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti In a bid to make life easier for nursing mothers, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has approved six months (180 days) maternity leave for female workers in the state public service.

Fayemi made this approval in line with the administration’s determination to key into global best practices that would improve

the quality of lives of the citizens.

Before the new policy, nursing mother had been enjoying 90 days maternity leave from the state government.

The new policy was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti yesterday.

Fayemi said the new policy would be operational from

February 1, 2020.

He added that it is aimed at improving maternal health and encourage nursing mothers to observe the six months exclusive breast feeding campaign of the United Nations Intervention Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

According to him, “The six months exclusive breast-feeding campaign is aimed at reducing to

the barest minimum, infant and maternal mortality rate as well as facilitates work life balance for female workers in the state.

“The Ekiti State Government continues to show strong political will towards ensuring gender inclusiveness.

“This policy is one of many other frameworks in place aimed at promoting the rights of women and children.”

PDP Tasks Buhari on Boko Haram’s Renewed Attacks Chuks Okocha in Abuja Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the inaction of the Muhammadu Buhari administration on the spiralled wave of killings, banditry and kidnapping, particularly, most especially the Sunday carnage in Auno, Borno State, by insurgents, had left the nation with no other option than to hold that the Buhari Presidency has abandoned Nigerians.

The party, in a statement by

its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described as alarming that all the Buhari Presidency could offer in the face of the killings of the citizens were condolence statements with no decisive and significant action to track down the perpetrators and end insurgency in the country.

The PDP said it’s disheartening that instead of settling down at home and attending to the worsened insecurity under his watch,

the President and his officials were busy globetrotting.

The party noted that in normal climes, with the situation in Auno, where insurgents viciously massacred the citizens, a concerned President would have immediately left everything, wherever he is and return home in solidarity with the nation as well as the victims and lead from the front, in confronting the insurgents, in line with the demand of his office and the promise he made

to Nigerians.

“But no! All the Buhari Presidency could do is to issue statements of condemnation, without a corresponding decisive action; thereby leaving the citizens at the mercy of insurgents, marauders and kidnappers.

“Indeed, what Nigerians want from the Presidency is a significant action and not press releases full of empty claims and worthless assurances,” PDP said.

House to Partner Nigeria’s Film Industry Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja House of Representatives has said it would partner with the Nigerian film industry to make it perform optimally and boost government’s revenue.

House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said this when he received a delegation of the Movie Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) in his office in Abuja on Monday evening.

The speaker urged those packaging movies in the country to promote more of Nigeria’s culture.

Describing the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, as a very critical industry, Gbajabiamila said he has been fascinated and impressed by the output of the industry over the years.

“Nigerian film industry has come a long way and that all well-meaning Nigerians, especially

governments at all levels, should support it for the betterment of the country. Yours is an important industry. Your industry has a way of communicating our culture to the outside world. So, you’re very critical to the country.

“It’s in our interest to support and partner with you to make things work better. Ours is to partner with you to make sure that you get the best,” the speaker said.

Gbajabiamila noted that one

of the challenges bedevilling the Nigerian film industry is piracy, adding that in working with the industry, they would have to make legislation that would make them work better.

“It’s only in Nigeria that you see people hawk movies on the streets. The country is losing revenue as a result of that. I don’t think you guys have tapped enough into the potential of the tourism industry.

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AIB Releases Preliminary Reports on Max Air, Air Peace Incidents Bush fire reported near Imo airport

Chinedu Eze The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has released two preliminary reports on incidents involving aircraft owned and operated

by Air Peace Limited and Max Air, just as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has alerted airport users of inferno in the bush near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.

AIB reported that Air Peace Boeing 737-500 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BUJ was en-route Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri on November 5, 2019 when the incident occurred at about 23,000 feet above Mean Sea Level (FL230).

On the other hand, the incident on Max Air Boeing 747-400 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-DBK occurred at Runway 05, Minna International Airport on September 7, 2019.

For Max Air incident, the Bureau stated that during the incident, “the aircraft crossed the threshold right of centre line, was in a left bank, the left main wheels

touched down and the number one engine nacelle contacted the runway on the centre line, 203 metres from the threshold, and was dragged on the runway along the centre line for approximately 44 metres”.

AIB further explained that the body wheels touched down; followed by the right main wheels and the aircraft gradually steered to the centre line.

“On examining the number one engine, the bottom surface of the nacelle was abraded, thereby releasing the cowl latches resulting in the fan cowls being blown off the engine by the slipstream.”

The Bureau observed that damage was done to the bottom intake of engine number one, fan cowl (left and right) on engine number one and the thrust reverser cowl on engine number one.

It further observed that the left wing was punctured and damage was done to the transfer tube between angle gearbox and main gearbox For Air Peace incident, the Bureau noted that the the pilots

Ohanaeze Expels Secretary-General, FormerYouth Leader Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday announced the expulsion of its embattled Secretary-General, Chief Uche Okwukwu, and former President of its youth wing, Mr. Okechukwu Isiguzoro, from the organisation.

The group in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Uche Achi-Okpaga, which was made available to journalists in Enugu, said the decision to expel the duo was endorsed by the Imeobi (Inner Caucus) meeting held at the weekend.

Their expulsion was sequel to a motion moved by Chief Damian Okeke, the President of the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo while the Deputy National Treasurer, Chief Eric Ebeh, seconded the motion.

According to the statement, the mover of the motion had accused the duo of constituting unmitigated embarrassment to the organisation through their actions and utterances,

and as such should be expelled.

Okeke gave an instance of Okwukwu’s intransigence in his repudiation of the unanimously adopted stand of Ndigbo to endorse the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential elections, former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi; and his unguarded utterances against the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He also recounted how Okwukwu invaded Ohanaeze NEC meeting with truck-load of fierce-looking and battle ready mobile policemen, and insisted he was still the National Secretary General even after he had been suspended, to the utter consternation of NEC members.

On the former Youth Leader, Okeke said Isiguzoro had at several times issued statements that contradicted the stand of Ohanaeze Ndigbo long after he had ceased to be the president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, his tenure having expired more than three years ago.

New Osun Monarch Hails Alaafin The newly-installed Alapomu of Apomu, in Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi (Atoyebi II), has lauded the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyemi III. Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit on the Alaafin at the ancient Yoruba palace in Oyo, Alapomu expressed appreciation for the warmth reception of the Alaafin for him and his entourage.

He also praised the Alaafin for taking time out of his busy schedule to be physically present during his coronation ceremony.

The Osun monarch prayed that God will continue to grant him more wisdom, understanding,

good health, vitality, peace, progress and prosperity in his domain and the entire Yorubaland.

The visit was the first he embarked upon since his coronation barely a week ago.

In his response, the Alaafin thanked the Monarch for his visit and prayed that God will make his reign a peaceful one that will bring progress, and prosperity to his people.

The Alaafin prayed that God will grant him long life on the throne of Apomu town, which was the main commercial nerve centre of Yorubaland in the olden days.

were qualified and licensed to fly the aircraft.

It also observed that while the first officer was the Pilot Flying

(PF), the captain was the pilot monitoring.

The Bureau disclosed that the captain took control of the

aircraft at FL230 after the loud bang and yaw, adding that the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.

It also noted that metal debris were found around the tail cone of No Two engine during postoccurrence inspection.

HONOUR TO A SAGE…

L-R: Former Chairman of Udenu LGA of Enugu State, Dr. Godwin Abonyi; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; media aide of National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ike Abonyi; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; and Chairman of PDP in Enugu State, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, during the inauguration of Chief Michael Odo Abonyi Ichakporoko Foundation at Obollo Etiti, Udenu LGA…yesterday.

AMIDST CONSTANT ATTACKS, BUHARI RESTATES PLEDGE TO CRUSH TERRORISM The ambassador commended Buhari for reciprocating the visit of the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia to Abuja in view of the country’s zeal to develop stronger ties with Nigeria.

Adeoye noted that Buhari had appointed the highest number of career ambassadors so far, attributing such gesture to his flair for professionalism.

Omozuafoh, who is the president of NICE, in his remarks at the meeting, commended the president for establishing NiDCOM, adding that Buhari’s leadership and contributions has cemented Nigeria’s role as a central player in strengthening the AU. He appealed to the federal government to fast-track

the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UN on Junior Professionals’ Programme, which provides young Nigerians the platform to access opportunities in international organisations.

“Similar opportunities should be explored with the UN Volunteers Programme, the AU Volunteers Corps as well as the ECOWAS Youth Volunteer Programme,” he said.

Fleeing Boko Haram Fighters Dispersed around Abuja, Plateau, Military Warns Meanwhile, the military yesterday alerted the public that fleeing Boko

Haram fighters have dispersed across Abuja and Plateau State following crackdown on them in the North-east.

The Commander of the military task force in Plateau State, Operation Safe Haven, Major General Augustine Agundu, raised the alarm while parading a fleeing member of the terrorist group, Mr. Umar Musa Tello, who was arrested in Plateau State during a routine patrol by the troops of the task force.

Agundu said: “Our troops, while on routine patrol apprehended a suspected fleeing Boko Haram terrorist member, Mr. Umar Musa Tello, who was seen loitering around Zawuran village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect fled from Damagum village in Yobe State due to the ongoing crackdown by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole. The suspect confessed that he has been a member of Boko Haram for over three years, but decided to abscond due to hardship.

“Furthermore, he explained that some other Boko Haram fighters have equally absconded and dispersed around FCT Abuja and Plateau State.”

He added that 21 suspects were equally arrested for other crimes.

While 10 persons were arrested for cultism, two were arrested for kidnapping; eight for cattle rustling and one for armed robbery.

Boko Haram Has Impoverished Residents, Borno Govt Laments Michael Olugbode inMaiduguri Borno State Government has lamented that Boko Haram crisis has left many residents of the state relying on handouts and food aids.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Borno State Food and Nutrition (Technical and Steering) Committee

yesterday, the state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, said: “The over a decade security challenges facing Borno State has contributed majorly in compounding further the already existing fragile security situation resulting from desertification, drying up of the

Lake Chad as well as pervasive poverty.”

He lamented that: “Currently, some farmers are still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, relying mostly on handouts and food aids to feed themselves and their families.

“Food security and nutrition

programme is cross-cutting, and as such, the state committee on food and nutrition involving line ministries and agencies of the government to implement programmes geared towards tackling food insecurity and malnutrition challenges in the state.”

Obaseki/Shaibu Support Group Backs APC Reconciliation Committee Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A political pressure group, Obaseki-Shaibu Movement, yesterday threw its weight behind the recently reconstituted reconciliation committee headed

by Chief Bisi Akande to reconcile warring parties in the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country.

Convener of the group, Mr. Damian Lawani, said the decision

by President Muhammadu Buhari to reconstitute the committee was a right step in the right direction, adding

that Governor Godwin Obaseki has done well and should be supported for a second term.

The group in the past had faulted three different committees set by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to reconcile warring factions in the party in Edo State, including the reconstituted one which was initially headed by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

Reading a communiqué shortly after the meeting of the group in Benin City, Lawani said: “the leadership of ObasekiShaibu Movement (OSM)

commends the good governance of Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, because they have repositioned Edo State in the area of infrastructural development, education, job creation, security, healthcare, human capacity building and many more.”

The group also commended Mr. President for his fatherly role in repositioning APC by way of fostering peace and unity amongst its members which has led to the appointment of Akande, a seasoned politician and a man of character to head the long awaited APC national

reconciliation committee.

“It is hoped that this committee will bring peace in its great quest to our party APC in Edo State and Nigeria in general.

Furthermore, it is hoped that the wisdom and leadership style which President Buhari has displayed in setting up the APC national reconciliation committee will be applied in all areas of APC in the conduct of the forth coming election in Edo State, the gubernatorial primaries and other states affected in the area of elections.

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Gbajabiamila Urges US to Review Visa Ban on Nigerians Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged the United States Government to review its visa ban on Nigerians.

The Speaker stated this yesterday when he hosted the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, in his office on a courtesy visit.

Gbajabiamila, who noted with displeasure the visa ban decision, said Nigeria should not be treated that way.

He declared: “We’re excited that you’re here because the US and Nigeria have a wonderful relationship. There are two nagging issues which I would like to bring forward this time around, which underscore the importance of our relationship.

“One is the issue of the ban

on Nigerian immigrants. There’s still no clarity on the issue. For some, it’s very hazy, and for others, they need to understand what’s going on. Even those who want to visit the US are being affected in one way or another.

“The United States or whichever country has the right to know who comes into their country, but I think sometimes it’s important to look at things and understand why some set of people are being denied the visa. There are ways we can sit down and figure out what the issues are.”

The Speaker also asked what the US Government was doing to assist Nigeria in the area of insecurity, which he said has become a major challenge in the country, adding that the Nigerian National Assembly would always be ready to play a diplomatic role between both countries with a

view to addressing issues that may come up.

Gbajabiamila said: ”Security is always on the front burner. I’ll like some clarity on what exactly

America is doing to assist Nigeria on the issue of insurgency.

“I’m aware that there are certain legislations in the United States that may be an impediment to the arms

purchase agreement. That’s why I talked about legislative diplomacy so that we can address it.”

While responding, the US Ambassador said the visa issue was

not a ban and that the action was not meant to be a permanent one, adding that it would hopefully be resolved “in a single-digit month.”

Shettima Urges DHQ to Investigate Killing of 30 People by Boko Haram CONGRATULATIONS… Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri A former Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima has advised the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to set up an inquiry into the killing by suspected Boko Haram of 30 travellers along the MaiduguriDamaturu highway on Sunday.

Shettima, who is now representing Borno Central senatorial district, gave the advice in a statement released yesterday.

He said the Defence Headquarters should speedily constitute a credible panel that should transparently generate facts on how 30 passengers lost their lives on Sunday night in Auno, Borno state.

He said: “In recent days and weeks, there has been growing resurgence of unfortunate attacks by the callous Boko Haram in some parts of Borno state. Of them all, the incident at Auno on Sunday night has been the most

dehumanising and disturbing.

“As Senator representing Borno Central where Auno is situated, I have the option of lobbying my colleagues and sponsoring a motion for the Senate to constitute an investigative panel on the Auno incident, which clearly begs for some answers.

However, as someone who knows first-hand the number of soldiers that have given their lives to protect the people of Borno State, I will prefer to concede to another option.

This option is that the Defence Headquarters, which coordinates and supervises all components of the Nigerian military, should immediately constitute a multistakeholder panel of credible persons that should speedily gather all the facts relating to the Auno incident.

“The panel should as a necessary condition, request representatives from Borno State Government, Auno community, bereaved families, transport unions etc.”

SCI Donates N8.7m Vocational Materials to Five LGs in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina To enhance vocational and adolescent education in the state, an organisation, Save the Children International (SCI), has distributed vocational training materials to five local government areas of Katsina State worth N8.7 million.

The organisation had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development for continued collaboration and sustainability of various interventions in the areas of child survival and welfare.

Speaking while handing over the items to the benefiting councils yesterday, the SCI Project Director, Dr. Modupe Taiwo, said the organisation had trained 144 health workers in improved reproductive services in obstetric emergency management.

She explained that the nonprofit organisation had in the last two years engaged 498 safe spaces facilitators in Sandamu and Rimi

Local Government Areas, adding that 11,847 adolescents had so far graduated from the programme.

Taiwo said: “In the last two years, we commenced the implementation of a gender transformative project targeting adolescents in ages of 10 to19 in Sandamu and Rimi LGAs called ‘Reaching and Empowering Adolescents’ to make informed choices for their health reach.

“We created safe spaces for children out of which a total of 11,847 adolescents have so far graduated from both ASRH and choices safe spaces. We also trained 144 health workers in improved reproductive health services, including basic obstetric emergency management and new born care.

“Other areas include the post-partum and long active reversible contraceptive, exclusive breast feeding, prevention and treatment of STIs, post-abortion care, age and life stage counseling among others.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Grace Olabisi; and Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, during the swearing-in of new five permanent secretaries at EXCO Chamber, Governor’s Office Secretariat, Ibadan… yesterday

Delta Police Uncover Illegal Arms Factory Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, Mr. Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, has assured law-abiding citizens of the state of his command’s “preparedness to reduce crime rate in the state to a tolerable level,” saying the review of the security architecture since assuming office about five weeks ago has begun to yield fruits.

Inuwa, who stated this at a press briefing in Asaba yesterday,

disclosed that in one of the recent achievements, the command’s special Eagle-Net Squad arrested a man and his son for running an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Patani area of the state, harping on the importance of community policing.

The commissioner, who also paraded 22 suspects before newsmen for their alleged involvement in various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, internet fraud, murder, impersonation and forgery, said the

squad also recovered five single barrel guns, a locally made pistol and cartridges from the suspects, noting that the access to illegal source of arms and ammunition was fuelling the rate of crime in the state.

“Following the confession of two notorious robbery and kidnap suspects, Omoefe Fortune (22 years male) of Odufura community and Emmanuel Eferobo (26 years male) of Ibesiga community in Patani, who have been terrorising Ughelli-Patani Road, arrested on

January 9, 2020 and February 4, 2020, respectively by operatives of the command’s Eagle-Net Squad.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of a gun manufacturer, one Ezekiel Idoghor and his accomplice son, one Prosper Idoghor, both of Ibesiga community in Patani Local Government Area, and the discovery of their gun manufacturing site in Patani forest where all instruments used in the illegal manufacturing of arms were recovered.

Samsung Wins Technological Breakthrough Award Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN) was honoured with the “Award for Technological Breakthrough” at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS).

SHIN had also been nominated for awards in the categories: “Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility” and “Award for Project of the Year”.

The summit took place from February 9 to 12 in Abuja.

The conference brought together key Nigerian political decision-makers, government officials and experts from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other relevant governmental bodies along with representatives from

national and international companies operating in the oil and gas sector, multinational and multilateral organisations, academia and other relevant stakeholders.

SHIN was awarded the award for technological breakthrough for the innovations introduced during the construction of the Egina, the world’s largest FPSO which was built for the Egina oil field, the deepest offshore oil and gas field in Nigeria.

During the construction phase 3D scanner technology and software was used, which simulated how the modules could be integrated in advance.

The use of these innovations improved quality, optimised planning and significantly sped-up construction.

“We seize every opportunity

to deliver world-class marine services, fabrication & integration, ship maintenance and repair and manufacturing to the regional maritime industry.

Winning the technological breakthrough award is important not only to Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria but for the nation of Nigeria. I thank you, and I accept this award with honour and pride,” said CEO of SHI-MCI, Mr. Jaebeom Kim, while collecting the award on behalf of SHIN and their partners.

Kim yesterday delivered a keynote speech titled ‘Shaping the future of Offshore and Marine Energy together’ at the Offshore and Marine energy session, where he drew attention to Africa’s growing demand for energy, as outlined by the recently published

African Energy Outlook Report 2020.

He said that as the African continent continues to urbanise, the demand for energy will only increase.

In order to meet the surge in Africa’s energy demand and local political realities, domestic policy-makers are increasingly encouraging operators and contractors to expand their collaborations with local industry players for services and supplies and encourage technology and capacity transfers.

Kim also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari government’s initiatives to protect investments made by international companies such as Samsung, noting that Nigeria’s business environment is improving to allow more investments into the country.

Osun Begins Massive Road Construction across Senatorial Districts The Osun State Government has disclosed its readiness to commence massive road construction across the three senatorial districts in the state.

The road network according to the state would help to decongest traffic within and outside the state and make life easier for the residents, particularly the motorists.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Remi

Omowaye, at a press conference jointly addressed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, shortly after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting on Monday, in Osogbo, the state capital.

The 54.3km road will cost the state a sum of N5,245,729,794.95.

Omowaye who described the move as a swift response to the people’s yearnings, said the state decided to embark on the roads

in order to mitigate the hardship being experienced by the residents of the state.

He said the roads when completed would go a long way to drive the economy of the state and facilitate investment as the government is working round the clock to reposition the economy of the state for the betterment of the citizens.

While giving the breakdown of the roads, Omowaye revealed that five major roads had been

approved by the Council across the three senatorial districts for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

According to him, the state will expend N1,569,734,774.00 for the construction and rehabilitation of Ada-Igbajo 13.15km road, while N644,734,203.03 will be expended to fix the 2.87km Akindeko-Awosuru link road via Adejumo street, with Oremeji spur, Akinlade street, Adewale Street with loop to WAEC road.

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Terrorists Recruiting New Followers, Coordinating Attacks Via Social Media, Minister Alleges The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Isa Pantami, yesterday raised the alarm that terrorists now use social media as a medium for communications and the recruitment of new followers who will commit crimes in Nigeria.

Pantami while delivering a lecture on leadership in counter-terrorism and counter violent extremism in Abuja, said, “It is evident that terrorists are exploiting social media, encrypted communications, and the dark web to spread propaganda, recruit new followers and coordinate attacks.”

The minister noted that this rapidly evolving phenomenon requires the use of innovative

approaches to both “counter” and “prevent” terrorism and extremism.

According to the minister, the development of new and emerging technologies such as, “Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” will help counter and prevent the terrorists’ latest ploys.

He said the military and intelligence agencies can use big data to fight the war against terrorism. Data can be analyzed to understand background, motives, modus operandi and methods of communication of persons or groups of interest.

Pantami cited an example of a

project by the Qatar Computing Research Institute, in which big data was used to scrutinize and analyse social media such as

Facebook and Twitter in order to locate the origins of supporters of the terrorist organisation ISIS. Pantami explained that the

internet access is available to wearables and household devices such as fridges and washing machines, the IoT technology

can easily be used for monitoring, location tracking, identification, surveillance and gaining access to networks.

Militants Bomb Agip Pipeline in Bayelsa Suspected militants have bombed a major trunkline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Bayelsa State.

The pipeline linking the Tebidaba flow station at Olugbobiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was attacked on Monday night.

A source from the community, who spoke in confidence, said the

development forced Agip to shut down the major trunkline.

He said the pipeline conveys crude oil to Agip terminal at Brass adding that security operations were ongoing to identify and arrest the attackers.

Some suspects were nabbed by operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

EXECUTIVE JOKES…

L-R: Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu; and Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, during a condolence visit by the Abia State governor over the passage of Wike’s uncle, the late Chief Charles Wike. at the Government House, Port Harcourt... yesterday

Oyo to Recruit 7,000 Teachers, N’Assembly to Approve $3.3bn Eurobond Sale concessional lenders before high-indebted African nations.

President Muhammadu Buhari approval of lawmakers.

3,600 Non-teaching Staff Gabon, one of the lowest-rated The Minister of Finance, considering fresh loans. has asked the National Assembly Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has given a directive to the state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to recruit 7,000 teachers, 2,000 non-teaching staff and 1,600 night guards, six years after the state last recruited secondary school teachers, TESCOM Chairman, Pastor Akinade Alamu, who confirmed the development during a press conference yesterday, said Makinde equally directed that applicants should be given the forms free of charge.

Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said the application forms would be in circulation for two weeks after which the applicants

would write an aptitude test.

He lauded the governor’s compassionate directive to give forms to applicants for free, adding that all applicants could access the forms at any of the six TESCOM zonal offices in the state and its headquarters at the secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.

The zonal offices include: Ibadan Zone 1, Ibadan Zone 2, Saki, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Eruwa.

Alamu disclosed that applicants would only need to present their local government identification before they could get a form, hinting, however, that this was not by any means discriminatory or shutting the door against applicants who are not indigenes of Oyo State.

Fire Guts Offices in Anambra LG Secretariat David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Wild fire said to have emanated from a burning refuse bin close to Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday gutted offices in the secretariat complex.

A source told THISDAY that the fire razed several important documents of the local government council in a few offices before it was contained.

Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, ASC Edwin Okadigbo.

He said: “The fire started at about 2.00 p.m. and preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started from a trash bin at a refuse dump site which was on fire, but

the harmattan breeze extended the fire to the surrounding bushes and it went out of control.”

He added that NSCDC officers from Idemili South led by the Divisional Officer, Superintendent Ochie Paul, and some local government staff, who rushed to the scene, assisted in putting off the fire and stopping it from escalating to other surrounding buildings.

“No casualty was recorded.

In view of the foregoing, the state Commandant of NSCDC, Comdt David Bille, has therefore urged the public to be at alert and refrain from putting on fire near or inside the trash bin to avoid this kind of incident.”

Yesterday’s incident was just one of series of fire incidents involving houses and petrol tankers since October last year.

to approve the sale of $3.3 billion in Eurobonds.

Finance Ministry spokesman, Mr. Yunusa Abdullahi told Bloomberg a road show for the bond sale would start after the

Budget and National Planning , Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had said in December that the country was seeking funds for the implementation of the 2020 budget and will first talk to

Investors’ appetite for high-yielding debt remains strong despite growing concerns about the impact the coronavirus outbreak could have on the economies of

sovereigns in Africa, sold $1 billion in Eurobonds last month followed by Ghana that sold the longest-ever Eurobond as part of a $3 billion.

Political Parties Form Interim Committee for New IPAC Chuks Okocha in Abuja The registered political parties that scaled through recent deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday set up an Interim Management Committee for the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

INEC on February 6 announced deregistration of 74 parties over their inability to fulfil requirements based on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

National Chairman, African Action Congress (AAC), Dr. Leonard Nzenwa, at a press briefing in Abuja, said the decision was reached by the remaining 18 parties at an emergency meeting held to analyse latest political development in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Nzenwa said the decision was necessary in order to avoid vacuum

in IPAC leadership.

“IPAC being the vehicle through which the political parties collectively engage with INEC and other stakeholders in the electoral system recognises that this sanitisation also created a vacuum in the leadership of the council.

“In other to ensure a seamless contribution of the political parties to our electoral development, the parties resolved to set up an interim management committee to run the affairs of the council.

“The membership of this is drawn from only the existing and registered political parties and shall serve for maximum of three months within which time a proper election will be conducted,” Nzenwa said.

Members of the committee include Nzenwa as Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle of the Allied Peoples Movement as Secretary, Major Agbo of New

Nigeria Political Party as National Publicity.

Other include: Mohammed Nalado of Accord Party as National Treasurer, Prince Chinedu Obi of National Rescue Movement as National Organising/ Welfare Secretary, Abdul Isiaq of Social Democratic Party as Financial Secretary,and BishopAmakiri ofYoung Progressives Party as National Youth Policy Advisor.

Nzenwa said the committee would commence work immediately with INEC and other stakeholders including the National Assembly “with a view to ensuring that the electoral reform processes which shall clean up our electoral system is elaborate and conclusive.”

“As political party chairmen, we are resolved to ensure that our polity, electoral processes and systems are re-jigged in such a manner to inspire confidence amongst all stakeholders especially as it

relates to our members who are the electorate,” he said.

Nzenwa, while endorsing INEC decision, expressed IPAC mixed feelings about the deregistration exercise, saying the chairmen of deregistered parties had at many cases and various places stood up for Nigeria and defended her cause.

“Hence our mixed feelings and sobriety. We are still discussing the way forward for these our colleagues. However, the action of INEC flows from the provisions of Section 225(A) of the 4th Alteration No.9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“It is therefore based on the lawfulness of the action of the commission, the desirability of the need to sanitise the electoral space that we, the 18 political parties in Nigeria, hereby endorse this bold step by INEC and commend it for this worthy cause,” he said.

UNICEF Renovates 39 Primary Health Centres in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) yesterday said it has renovated 39 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), supplied standard health equipment and drugs to the 323 PHCs to ensure child survival and improve the healthcare infrastructure across the state.

This was coming as

UNICEF also handed over a renovated PHC in Isawa ward in Giade Local Government Area of the state.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Bhanu Pathak, disclosed this yesterday in Itas-Gadau Local Government Area of the state during the official handing over of Gadau Primary Health Care Centre to the state government.

The Chief of Field Office said the EU-UNICEF project titled: “Strengthen Primary Health Care and Community Resilience for Improved Maternal, New-born, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN), which is in its final year of implementation has so far renovated 39 Primary Healthcare Centres out of the targeted 107 earmarked for renovation, have been

completed.”

He added that 37 PHCs were previously handed over to Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

According to him, “We expect that health services should start from today since this is a big centre which has the capacity to offer effective services to the entire population, particularly pregnant women and children.”

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Ighalo to Kick off Man Utd Loan Spell against Chelsea on Monday Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Manchester United gaffer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is prepared to hand former Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo, his debut in Manchester United’s crunch clash with Chelsea next week Monday OGS confirmed the striker, who signed on loan on transfer deadline day, would travel with the squad and that they are keen to get the former Watford hitman in the team as soon as possible. “Yeah, he is going to travel

with us, Solskjaer told the club’s website yesterday morning. “We will just see his fitness work this week and I think we will get him sharp. We want to integrate him as quickly as we can because, of course, he is desperate to play for us,� stressed Solskjaer to UK’s Daily Mail yesterday United have spent the winter break in Marbella, having opted for a warm-weather training camp in the south of Spain, but Ighalo has not been included as part of the trip.

On loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of

the season, Ighalo has been trying to get up to speed away from his team-mates, with his exclusion down to fears he would not be allowed back into the UK following the Coronavirus outbreak.

He shared a video of himself catching his breath after a workout on Tuesday morning and United said that Ighalo is ‘back at home... giving everything to be ready for United!’ But Ighalo, who is a lifelong

United supporter, cannot wait to make his debut once he has proved his fitness. “I’m very happy. First, I want say thank God for making this happen and it’s just like a dream come true for me,� he said. “People that know me, even back in Nigeria, and even when I was playing at Watford, my team-mates knew that I loved Man United, I support them. When I played against Man United, that

emotion is there, because it is my dream. “It is a nice reality, so I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to start,� stressed the former Super Eagles forward on assumption of his loan spell at United.

Although he earns ÂŁ330,000 per week at Shanghai Shenhua, Ighalo was more than willing to take a huge financial hit to make his dream a reality.

Daily Mail learnt United have paid the Chinese side

a £4million loan fee and are paying Ighalo £165,000 per week until the end of the season – a financial hit the forward said he didn’t care about as long as the deal went through.

Solskjaer takes his side to Stamford Bridge on Monday, February 17. United are six points behind Chelsea, who currently occupy fourth place - and the final Champions League spot - in the table.

WNBA Star Chiney Ogwumike Advocates Education for Basketball Players The Vice President of the WNBA Players Association, Chinenye “Chiney� Ogwumike, has advised aspiring basketball players in Nigeria to focus on education as they climb the ladder to become professional athletes.

The Nigerian-American basketball star who was recently on a working visit to Nigeria while meeting with students, upcoming and Premier Women Basketball League players in Lagos said the need to have a successful career in basketball cannot be compared to having the minimum standard of education required by the society. “Education is very important no matter how successful you become in life. Although, it may not be initially easy to combine sports and education, but with the right level of discipline, going to school while playing basketball is possible.�

Addressing women league players at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on the last day of her

working visit, the Los Angeles Sparks player advised players not to be scared of taking on new challenges and exploring unknown terrain.

She revealed that her father made her and the younger sister, Nneka (already committed to the USA National Basketball Team) change from gymnastics to basketball which has brought them fame and glory.

Ogwumike who is one of the fastest rising basketball analysts in the world with ESPN paid a visit to Avi-Cena International School in Ikeja and Queens College, Yaba, where she donated basketball kits and commissioned a renovated basketball court as part of her give-back programs.

Ogwumike said that as young and aspiring sportsmen and women, there is more to basketball than having the regular skills set.

She also donated kits to aspiring basketball players who she met at the Teslim Balogun stadium.

2020 GTBANK LAGOS POLO

Dattaku, Trappco Shine in Low Cup Battles for Majekodunmi Cup to begin today The final week of the 2020 GTBank Lagos International Polo Tournament galloped off on a blistering note yesterday with Lagos Dattaku claiming a 7 ½ - 6 win over Lagos GDF in the Low Cup. Kaduna Trappco also out galloped Lagos Al-Dusar 6 – 5 ½ in another Low Cup game with Aliyu Tijani’s six-touch 200 yards solo goal at the last seconds of the first chukka drawing an all-round applause from the crowd.

Dattaku, formed by Hadi Mutallab, Danjuma Kubarachi, Glory Mbano and Aminu Ahmed started on a half a goal advantage due to their handicap inferiority and they extended their lead to 2 ½ goals with Ahmed scoring twice in the first chukka.

Lagos GDF Global which featured Kabiru Saidu, Ahmadu Umar, Funsho George and Abdulahi Jugunu laboured all through to keep in touch with hitman Umar reducing the deficit by converting a 60 yard penalty.

Cascalito, as the former groomer from Ibadan Polo Club is fondly called, scored two more goals to put GDF on the lead heading to the penultimate third chukka.

Jugunu kept GDF further in front scoring in the third chukka but the game was turned around by Mbano and Kubarachi - the latter scoring from a near-impossible angle despite challenge by Umar for.

4 Âź - 4 lead.

Dattaku patron Mutallab then converted a 40 yard penalty to widen the lead going to the last chukka. Kubarachi scored two quick-fire goals at the start of the closing chukka to put the game to bed rendering Umar and Saidu’s goals which were GDF’s fifth and sixth inconsequential.

There are four matches on the schedule for today with the Majekodunmi Cup tie between Leighton Kings and Keffi Ponys/Western Bet the pick of the pack.

Odion Ighalo is primed to play his ďŹ rst game in Manchester United colours next Monday against Chelsea

Akure All-Comers is Selection Trials for 1st AFN Classics, Says Ebewele The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will use this weekend’s all-comers competition to select the first set of athletes that will qualify for its first Classics competition which holds in Ado Ekiti at the end of the month.

The Technical Director of the federation, Brown Ebewele, disclosed that a certain number of athletes will qualify either by position or time for the classics while the all-comers that will come a day before the Ado Ekiti event will be used to get the remaining set that will complete the line-up for each classics event. “We are re-introducing a model that worked perfectly for us in the past where athletes will qualify to run in the classics. We will have four athletes who will qualify from a classics event while the remaining four that will make up an eight-lane event will be

selected at an all-comers event that precedes each meeting,� said Ebewele. “What this will do is that it will engender competition among athletes as you will need to qualify for the Classics before you can be entitled to accommodation and transport subsidy. This is in addition to the prize monies on offer for each event,� explained the AFN technical supremo. “It was during that time we got home-based athletes running very fast and worldclass times. I remember Deji Aliu ran 10.02 seconds in Bauchi in one of the legs of the event in March,1995. Davidson Ezinwa completed a sensational sprint double in January,1990 in Bauchi where he ran 10.05 seconds over the 100m and 20.30 seconds in the 200m.There was so much competition then and this present board of the AFN wants to bring it all back.�

Ebewele is confident this weekend’s all-comers competition will be of great help to the athletes who have been training so hard without having an opportunity to gauge how far they have gone with their training, what needs to be corrected and how ready they are for the new season, especially the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival which will be used to select athletes for the first phase of camping for both the African Championships in Algeria this June and the Olympic Games in Japan in July/August.

The AFN technical director advised athletes not to participate in competition(s) not sanctioned by the AFN under the leadership of Honourable Olamide George.

He also advised states not to allow their stadium to be used to organise events not sanctioned by the federation,

especially events fraudulently organised in the name of AFN. “There is only one AFN recognised by the Federal Government and only known to Nigerian laws,� said Ebewele while quoting article one of the AFN constitution that made it abundantly clear that the federation is one of the 38 sports associations under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

Ebewele reminded state associations that they must be in good standing with the AFN before they can be allowed to participate in AFN events.

The AFN All-Comers competition holds on Friday and Saturday at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

The athletes will arrive on Friday while the event proper takes place the next day.

Little League Girls’ Softball Tournament in Ibadan Gets Support United States Consulate General, Lagos has announced its support to the Little League Girls’ Softball Tournament and Clinic taking off today at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke Ado, Ibadan.

A press statement by the Little District Administrator and Secretary General

Nigerian Baseball and Softball Association, Mr Kehinde Laniyan confirmed the support from the American consulate.

He added that this will be the second time that the American mission in Nigeria will be giving tremendous support to Little League programme.

The first support came in April 2019 and was for the organisation of the Little League Baseball Clinic and Tournament.

In a related development, an American-based Nigerian, Ronke Champion Adeyemi has announced a donation of $1000 (about

N360,000) to support the event.

Ronke Champion Adeyemi, a sports enthusiast and CEO of Peace Hospice & Palliative Care Chicago (Illinois) in the United States, has been supporting the children empowerment programme since 2012.

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Coronavirus: Asian Football Confederation Cup Matches Postponed The Asian Football Confederation has postponed all cup matches due to be played in East Asia until April because of concerns over coronavirus.

Several countries have imposed travel restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

The AFC Cup preliminary, play-off and group-stage

FIFA Offers to Help Players with Unpaid Wages World football administrators yesterday unveiled plans to help players left in difficulty by clubs who fail to pay their wages.

Several recent reports have highlighted the gravity of the problem caused by clubs failing to pay their players, notably after shutting down.

The $16 million (14.6 million euro) fund agreed by players union FIFPRO and FIFA world football’s governing body, will offer income support worth $11 million over the next three years with the rest set aside for retroactive protection from July 2015 and June 2020. “More than 50 clubs in 20 countries have shut in the last five years, plunging hundreds of footballers into uncertainty

upstage the two other former Manchester United players against Napoli in the other last-four first leg on Wednesday.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli, despite their current slump, ousted holders Lazio in the quarterfinals. “There’s a new king in town,� a jubilant Lukaku wrote on Twitter after scoring the fourth goal for Inter in Sunday’s derby. “We run this town.�

The Belgian was replying to Ibrahimovic’s pre-derby post saying that “lions don’t compare themselves to humans�.

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri has reason to be worried by his side’s away form, with the defending Serie A champions having lost their last two games on the road. “I hope that someone will help me, it’s something we have to resolve,� Sarri said after the loss to Verona.

FIXTURES Semifinals, first leg TODAY Inter Milan v Napoli THURSDAY AC Milan v Juventus

Paralympians Beg Suspended Idris to Return their Trophy The victorious Paralympians that came tops at the just concluded World Power Para-weightlifting World Cup held in Nigeria have made a passionate appeal to the suspended President Mrs Queen Oboh-Idris to return the overall trophy they won at the competition .

Speaking during the reception organised in their honour yesterday in Abuja, Team Captain, Lucy Ejike said: “ We appeal to the former President to return the overall trophy we won which we are supposed to present to the Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Sunday Dare who has been a great motivator.

with matches featuring Chinese clubs delayed until spring.

The AFC said: “Taking into consideration the overall logistical arrangements as well as match preparations of the East Zone participating clubs,

the AFC has decided that the AFC Cup 2020 (East Zone) will be postponed.�

Vietnam had already cancelled all sporting events in February because of the virus and forced the AFC to change the dates of home

games for Vietnamese clubs.

The Women’s World Golf Championship in Singapore and the LPGA Thailand event have also been cancelled because of concerns about the epidemic.

and hardship,� said FIFPRO president Philippe Piat. “This fund will provide valuable support to those players and families most in need.�

FIFA has bolstered its measures against so-called ‘successor clubs’ set up to replace debtor clubs with the prime aim of avoiding paying players their overdue wages. “Many of these clubs have shut to avoid paying outstanding wages, immediately re-forming as so-called new clubs,� Piat said in a FIFA statement. “FIFPRO has long campaigned against this unscrupulous practice and thanks FIFA for combating it in its Disciplinary Code.�

Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic Set for Italian Cup Clash Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are set to go head-to-head in Thursday’s Italian Cup semifinal, first leg between Juventus and AC Milan at the San Siro.

Both Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic scored at the weekend in defeats as Juventus fell 2-1 at Hellas Verona, while AC Milan threw away a two-goal lead in a 4-2 defeat by city rivals Inter. “It wasn’t the result we wanted,� said the 35-year-old Ronaldo despite becoming the first Juventus player to score in 10 successive league games, just one game short of the Serie A record.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season.

Ibrahimovic, 38, has scored three goals since returning to Milan last month.

The Swede headed in the second goal on Sunday after setting up the first, but Inter hit back with four second-half strikes. “I showed that I can still make a difference, even at 38,� he said.

But Inter striker Romelu Lukaku will be looking to

matches will now be played from 7 April.

Coronavirus has killed more than 1,000 people in China, with more than 40,000 cases diagnosed worldwide.

The AFC Champions League has also been affected,

“Today, we are not with our pride because Queen Idris has taken it away. This trophy is our sweat, commitment and efforts to make Nigeria proud. We are begging her to please return the trophy so that we can present it to the minister who will hand it over to President Muhammadu Buhari . No body should deny us our pride,� she affirmed.

The minister saved Nigeria from banishment when he insisted that only Team Nigeria athletes could represent the country at the competition.

Idris was suspended by the board for allegedly running the federation as her personal estate.

Ousmane Dembele (left) was consoled by Lionel Messi after injuring his thigh against Borussia Dortmund

Barca’s Dembele out of Euro 2020 after Hamstring Surgery Ousmane Dembele will miss Euro 2020 after Barcelona announced yesterday the France international will be out for around six months following surgery on his right hamstring.

Dembele’s absence also means he will be sidelined for the rest of this season for Barca, who will be without another attacker after losing Luis Suarez to a long-term knee injury last month. “The first team player Ousmane Dembele has successfully undergone surgery ... for a ruptured tendon in his

proximal hamstring in his right thigh. The Frenchman will be out for around six months,� the La Liga champions said in a statement.

The 22-year-old has suffered a number of hamstring problems since joining from Borussia Dortmund in August 2017 in a deal worth up to â‚Ź147 million.

Dembele has made only nine appearances this season.

He was close to recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in November before suffering a relapse in training

last week.

The former Rennes attacker also missed the majority of his opening year at Barcelona with a similar problem which kept the forward out for four months.

Dembele’s latest disappointment is a blow to France’s hopes of following up 2018’s World Cup triumph by winning the Euros this summer, while Barca coach Quique Setien spoke earlier this month of his excitement at the prospect of the youngster’s return.

His long layoff could prompt

Barcelona to buy a replacement up front, if the club are allowed to make an emergency signing by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Barcelona can apply for permission from the RFEF but any new arrival would have to be playing in La Liga or out of contract, and would not be allowed to feature in the Champions League.

Real Sociedad forward Willian Jose, Getafe’s Angel and Lucas Perez from Alaves are all reported targets.

Adebayor Joins Paraguay Club Olimpia Asuncion Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has signed for Paraguay club Olimpia Asuncion.

The 35-year-old former Arsenal striker was a free agent having ended a brief spell with Turkish side Kayserispor in December for personal reasons.

Adebayor will be reunited with ex-Manchester City teammate and current Olimpia captain Roque Santa Cruz.

Aside from Turkey and

England, the forward has also played in France and for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Named the 2007 BBC African Footballer of the Year and the CAF African Player of the Year the following year, Adebayor’s only silverware at club level was the 2011 Spanish Copa del Rey he won with Real Madrid.

Despite his on-off relationship with the football authorities in Togo, he remains his country’s

all-time top scorer with 32 goals and played for them at their only World Cup appearance in 2006.

He has played for the Sparrow Hawks in four Africa Cup of Nations in 2002, 2006, 2013 and 2017.

Adebayor’s last appearance for Togo was in a 2-1 away defeat to neighbours Benin in March 2019 in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Fed Cup: Great Britain to Face Mexico away in Play-off Tie Great Britain will travel to Mexico in April for a Fed Cup play-off tie that they must win to avoid relegation.

They failed to reach this year’s inaugural Fed Cup Finals, losing a qualifying to Slovakia last weekend.

If they win in Mexico they will get the chance to qualify for the 2021 Finals but if they lose they will be relegated to the Europe/Africa zone. “Mexico will present a challenge. But we’ll go there with the belief that we can win,�

said captain Anne Keothavong. “I know the players and fantastic backroom team will do everything they can to make sure we get another chance to qualify for the finals again next year.�

The tie will be played on 17-18 April.

Mexico, who as hosts will be able to choose the surface the best-of-five tie will be played on, will confirm the venue at a later date.

Last year, Great Britain ended a 26-year wait for promotion

to the World Group level of the women’s team competition.

They had reached promotion play-offs five times in eight years before finally getting out of the notoriously difficult to escape Europe/Africa zone, and will be keen to avoid slipping back so soon.

Britain were without world number 14 Johanna Konta for the 3-1 defeat in Bratislava after she opted to sit out the Fed Cup this year to protect her body following a knee injury.

Keothavong has said she will try to persuade Konta to change her mind and return to the team for the play-off.

THE FULL DRAW: Poland v Brazil Mexico v Great Britain Serbia v Canada Latvia v Asia/Oceania Nation TBC Japan v Ukraine Romania v Italy Argentina v Kazakhstan Netherlands v Asia/Oceania Nation TBC

Wednesday February 12, 2020

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MISSILE

NAS to FG “The federal government should declare Lassa fever disease a public health event of national concern attaining an emergency status. An interdisciplinary One-Health Committee should be set up to advise and assist the NCDC in investigating and managing Lassa fever outbreaks” – The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) calling on the federal government to declare Lassa fever a national emergency.

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kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Another Focus on Inequality I

n a recent lecture in honour of Professor Muyiwa Awe in Ibadan, people’s lawyer Femi Falana drew a vital link between the physical and social dimensions of security.

The topic of the forum put together in memory of the celebrated physicist at the University of Ibadan was actually the “Legal Framework of Policing in Nigeria”.

Falana said inter alia: “Even though Amotekun and similar security initiatives are a positive development in the area of internal security, they will not fundamentally solve the problem of insecurity in the country. It is submitted that a socioeconomic system that denies the majority of people their means of livelihood is bound to generate instability. In other words, a system which alienates millions of young people from society produces its own contradictions as the instinct to survive brings about a desperation, an alienation from society. Young people who feel alienated from society are bound to react by devising ways to protest including joining criminal gangs to fight the society”.

In different tones and tenors, faith leaders have made similar observations in churches and mosques.

Even officially, the reviewed National Security Strategy which President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated two months ago has as its nucleus “human security.”

Incorporated in the strategy are job-creation, food security and other basic elements of people’s welfare.

So, it may not be correct to say that no one is talking about the burgeoning inequality that is fast defining national life.

It should, therefore, not be a surprise if the response in some quarters to the World Bank report on social protection in Nigeria is that it’s no news. Some pundits may even say that you don’t need the World Bank to draw the nation’s attention to the parlous state of social protection.

The grim story is a familiar one: Nigeria is home to more of the extreme poor today than any other country and the country has the highest number of children out of school.

The prognoses are even scarier, according to the sober report. It is projected that just in a decade from now 120 million people may be living in extreme poverty while the population may rise to 400 million in two decades.

The picture of the Nigerian political economy painted in the report is that of a nation in which poverty is already high and it is still rising. It is the story of a country in which more people are becoming socially and economically vulnerable and are, therefore, falling into the poverty trap.

The report punctures the position of those celebrating jobless growth as it points out frankly that the increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has not translated into appreciable poverty reduction. If anything, economic growth has benefitted the rich and not the poor. The consequence of this negative trend has been worsening inequality, according to the report.

And widening inequality is the corollary of the lack of social protection.

The World Bank Report entitled “Advancing

Buhari Social Protection in a Dynamic Nigeria,” duly acknowledges the social protection programmes of the Buhari administration.

However, the verdict is damning: Nigeria is adjudged to be spending less on social protection compared to any of its regional peers. Nigeria is reportedly spending only 2.6% of its GDP on the three social sectors combined. Hence the coverage of the safety net programs remains extremely low despite recent programmes rolled out by the government.

Worse still, there are no linkages to productive opportunities for those who fall into the segment of working population.

There are, of course, ample suggestions in the report to government on how to improve on social protection and tackle

The report on social protection is especially instructive because it is from a rather unlikely quarter, the World Bank. It is another chilling reminder that the state has to intervene decisively to tackle poverty and inequality plaguing the land. This is not a job to be left to some phantom market forces

inequality. Notable among these is the need for a synergy of purpose on social protection among federal, state and local governments with a lead agency coordinating.

This again throws up the question of planning. A scandalously unequal nation like Nigeria must deliberately make anti-poverty programmes the bedrock of its economic plans.

The report also highlights the importance of the protection of those in the informal sector while suggesting that government should ensure better targeting of social protection programmes especially in conflict zones.

Another aspect of the report that can hardly be missed by the reader is the regional character of Nigerian poverty. The report estimates that 87% of the extremely poor people are located in the north with about 50% in the northwest alone. Being a World Bank document the report , of course, falls short of putting it that it is in the nature of capitalism to have regional inequality just as the system promotes inherent inequality among social classes.

The thing to do about the report is neither to dismiss it as the work of some prophets of doom nor take it as a gospel truth.

But the report should not be ignored.

This report on social protection is especially instructive because it is from a rather unlikely quarter, the World Bank. It is another chilling reminder that the state has to intervene decisively to tackle poverty and inequality plaguing the land. This is not a job to be left to some phantom market forces.

Anywhere in the world, it is governments that make economic development plans, not market forces. The Nigerian government should muster the sufficient capacity to perform this role.

The present Nigerian condition of gross inequality is the consequence of decades of a policy direction in which the welfare of the people is left to market forces to determine while the rich help themselves in the skewed system.

It is not just happenstance that even among the western capitalist countries crime rate is lowest in the Scandinavian nations where the primacy of social security is an article of faith.

Nigeria has come to this socio-economic debacle of soul-depressing indicators because of the path of development chosen. Nigeria’s condition today is the cumulative result of the anti-people socio-economic policies of at least the last 40 years in which the common good has been virtually taken out of the national agenda.

Insecurity is a symptom of this condition.

Advancing social protection is a structural question. So, this report is also a timely reminder that the problem of Nigeria is not only with the structure sustaining the distorted federalism.

There is hardly any formulation of how restructuring Nigeria should be done that has clearly incorporated this huge gap of social protection.

Making mass poverty history is not part of the battle cry of our ethnic, regional and religious champions. All faiths, ethnic groups and regions are represented in the classes of the rich and the poor alike. The proportion may differ as the report indicates.

But then, that is part of the contradictions of capitalist development as pointed out in the foregoing. The poor don’t all speak the same language; neither do the rich all practise the same religion. There is no region where poverty is yet eradicated.

Beyond the issues with the vertical structure of the federation, there is a more fundamental problematic about the horizontal social structure of the country. The class question is not as stale as the right-wing ideologues proclaim in their usual hubris.

The import of the foregoing is that those in charge of policy should make planning against mass poverty, misery and inequality a priority.

Social protection is a veritable instrument in this direction.

Only a selfish society makes inequality a virtue. Hence in their cold economic reasoning our free marketeers would lecture you about how ‘”nothing of value is free” and how capitalism is all about the self-interest of the individual.

The right-wing elements are very smart at rationalising inequality.

They often quote Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations in dismissing as “emotional” and “sentimental” calls for compassion and humaneness in the running of the country.

Yet, a more philosophical work of Adam Smith preceded the Wealth of Nations; it is entitled The Theory of Moral Sentiments.

Upholding a more positive perspective on humanity in this less celebrated work, Smith said, “…how disagreeable does he appear to be, whose hard and obdurate heart feels for himself only, but is altogether insensible to the happiness or misery of others!”

Still talking about sentiments in public policy, Smith said: “Though our brother is upon the rack, as long as we ourselves are at ease, our senses will never inform us of what he suffers. They never did and never can carry us beyond our own persons, and it is by the imagination only that we form any conception of what are his sensations... His agonies, when they are thus brought home to ourselves, when we have this adopted and made them our own, begin at last to affect us, and we then tremble and shudder at the thought of what he feels.”

If Adam Smith is considered too distant in history, some contemporary liberal economists are already warning against the dangers of the societal divide caused by inequality and the negative effects it has on GDP and even growth rates.

So, inequality doesn’t even make liberal economic sense.

Inequality, as some interpreters of the Nigerian situation now agree, fuels insecurity.

Above all, any government whose policy thrusts result in worsening inequality is actually violating Section 16 (2c) of the constitution which is clearly a provision for equity and social justice.

According to this section in the very important Chapter II of the Constitution, the state shall ensure that “that the economic system is not operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group”.

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