MONDAY 22TH MARCH 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Police: Ayeni’s Allegations against Hosa Okunbo Baseless, Malicious and False

EFCC, Attorney General copied Okunbo family fears there are attempts to influence police report

The police have cleared business mogul, Capt. Hosa Okunbo, of an allegation of theft and criminal diversion of company funds brought against him by his erstwhile business partner, Dr. Tunde

Ayeni, saying the petition of the latter could not be established. Ayeni had through his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), filed a petition on December 7, 2020, with the

police accusing Okunbo of theft of the funds of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, a company they, in company with others, had formed. But the police in a letter to Okunbo’s lawyer, Mr.

Augustine Alegeh (SAN), copied to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice as well as the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and titled: "Police Investigation

Report," signed by Head, IGP Monitoring Unit, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Mr. A.A. Elleman, an assistant commissioner of police, dated 16 March 2021, the police said the businessman was

blameless. After reviewing the testaments of the disputants, the police said: “From the foregoing, it is pertinent to Continued on page 10

Sanwo-Olu Assured of Lekki Deep Seaport's Take-off in 2023... Page 8 Monday 22 March, 2021 Vol 26. No 9479. Price: N250

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PDP to Establish Technical Committee on Panel’s Report on Zoning Revolt looms over dominance of returnees

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to set up a technical

committee to review the report of the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed’s, committee, which recommended that the 2023 presidential ticket of the

party should be thrown open to the six geopolitical zones of the country. Mohammed’s committee was set up by the main opposition party to find out

why it lost the 2019 general election. In its report, the committee recommended that even though there was a clamour for the 2023 presidential ticket

to be zoned to the North-east and South-east, it should, however, be open to the entire six geopolitical zones. South-east and South-south leaders have since rejected the

recommendation and insisted that power should shift to the South in 2023. However, THISDAY learnt Continued on page 10

Buhari, Others Express Outrage over Suspected Herdsmen’s Attack on Ortom President cautions against politicising incident, mandates police to unmask attackers IG orders probe, beefs up security around Benue gov Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Kingsley Nwezeh, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and George Okoh in Makurdi President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned Saturday's attack on Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and welcomed the decision of the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to unveil those behind the assassination bid with the aim of bringing them to book. The bid to kill the governor, by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, drew more outrage yesterday as the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), the umbrella body of the 36 state governors, Northern governors,

Ortom's colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, expressed shock over the incident. Adamu yesterday deployed a special squad in Benue State to assist the state police command to investigate the incident at Tyo Mu along Makurdi/Gboko road, less than 20 kilometres from the state capital, Makurdi, while returning from his farm. Adamu, who ordered an investigation into the attack, directed the Benue State Police Command to strengthen the security around the governor and the entire state. According to the Press Continued on page 10

Makinde, 10 Other Govs Yet to Take COVID-19 Vaccine...Page 5

EXPANDING MINING FRONTIERS... Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite (left), and Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, during a courtesy visit by the governor to the ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Abuja…recently

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

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

Makinde, 10 Other Govs Yet to Take COVID-19 Vaccine

Our Reporters

No fewer than 11 state governors are yet to publicly take the COVID-19 vaccine jab after taking delivery of their consignments from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), THISDAY’s investigation has revealed. THISDAY gathered that while some of the governors asked their deputies and health commissioners to launch the vaccination without publicly taking the vaccine, others are yet to kick-start the campaign. The governors who are yet to publicly take the COVID-19 jab include Mr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Chief Nyesom Wike (Rivers State), Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River State), Mr. Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Mr. Samuel Ortom (Benue State), Mr. Bello Matawalle (Zamfara State), Mr. Yahaya Bello (Kogi State), Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Mr. Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi State), Chief Darius Ishaku (Taraba State) and Mr. Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State). In Cross River State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, explained that Ayade was not among the first people that received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine because frontline health workers, according to the guidelines, were supposed to be the first set of people to take it. She added that the governor had been away in Abuja. The state received 53,840 doses of the vaccine on

March 10. In Oyo State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello, confirmed that the state received a total of 127,740 doses of the AstraZeneca brand of the vaccine but was still putting in place measures to perfect the vaccination process, especially in view of complaints in some countries, particularly European nations such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and France. He said the state had put in place precautions to protect anyone vaccinated from risk. He explained: “We, too, in Oyo State have to take some basic precautionary measures. One of the measures was that we ensure first of all, because of the potency of the vaccine, the type we got was the one that can only operate within two degree centigrade to eight-degree centigrade, which we have at our Jericho Cold Store. “We are trying to ensure that the state modifies its own website because it is a national website for those intending to take the jabs and this has given rise to some misconceptions because some people wrongfully thought Oyo State has got the vaccine and they don’t know what we are doing. “So, we are trying to take the precautions along with the vaccination procedure.” The Akwa Ibom State government on Saturday officially commenced the public vaccination but the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr.

Emmanuel Ekuwem, kickstarted the exercise on behalf of the governor. The governor, however, told the residents of the state that the vaccine is safe, adding that no report of life-threatening side effects has so far been recorded. The state government had on March 10, 2021, taken delivery of 69,030 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government. In Bayelsa State, the vaccination was kicked

off by the state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as the governor was said to be outside the state. THISDAY also gathered that the vaccination of frontline workers and others was scheduled to be launched in Yobe State at the weekend but the exercise did not hold because Buni was in Abuja for another state function. It gathered that since the vaccination was launched in Rivers State by the Deputy

Governor, Dr. Ipallibo Banigo-Harry, Wike has not publicly taken the jab. It was not certain if he took it privately. In Kogi State, the governor, Bello, had said that he would not take the vaccine. However, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Audu, had said the state government was ready to receive 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Although the Benue State government has also launched the vaccination but

Ortom and his deputy, Mr. Benson Abounu, were not present to publicly take the vaccine. However, Ortom, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea, urged the citizens to be available to take the second dose in 12 weeks. In Zamfara State, a source at the Government House told THISDAY that “Matawalle has been away attending to security issues.”

HEARTY CHEERS TO THE PASTOR... L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; the governor’s wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Senior Pastor, Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle Zilly Agre; and Governor Godwin Obaseki, during the pastor’s birthday thanksgiving service, in Benin City...yesterday

DHQ Probes Igboho’s Spying Claim, Warns against Disparaging Military Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched a probe into claims by an activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, that some soldiers were deployed to spy on his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It also warned individuals and groups disparaging the military for political gains to desist from doing so. A statement yesterday by the Acting Director, Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Brig. Gen. Ben Onyeuko, said following the development,

the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force had commenced a probe into the allegation. "Investigations are currently underway by Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army to unravel the actual circumstances which played out on the day," it said. The DHQ debunked claims that some soldiers were sent to spy on Igboho. It said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained a highly disciplined and professional organisation with extant laws and regulations, which guide the actions of its personnel in the conduct of their duties.

The military said it is impossible for its personnel on official duty to conduct themselves in such manner as alleged by Adeyemo and his group. "The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a trending video clip on social media, and some other media reports, alleging that some Nigerian military personnel were on a spying mission to the residence of one Sunday Adeyemo otherwise known as ‘Sunday Igboho’ before they were apprehended,” it added. The Defence Headquarters

stated that in the viral video, which was released on Friday, March 19, 2021, the alleged 'soldiers' were seen being accused of having been sent by the government to do a ‘survey’ of Sunday Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The statement said Igboho also alleged that the action of the soldiers was orchestrated by the federal government as a result of his comments that the Yoruba are no longer a part of Nigeria. The Defence Headquarters stated that the military would not stoop so low to spy on an individual.

"For the records, it should be noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, are highly professional in the discharge of their duties, with well-defined roles, responsibilities and duties in its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the Nigerian nation. "As such, the military cannot stoop so low to such extent to 'spy' on one individual as wildly and loosely alleged," it said. The statement noted that preliminary investigation had so far revealed that one of the alleged “soldiers” was a serial impersonator.

It said witnesses and sources had also revealed that some associates of Igboho went in pursuit of some individuals when the motorbike conveying the impersonator and one Nigerian Air Force personnel ran into them. "The duo were immediately apprehended and taken to the said “Igboho House” at Soka before Ibadan toll gate where they were branded as spies. "Furthermore, investigations are currently underway by Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army to unravel the actual circumstances which played out on the day," it said.

Adopt 2014 Report on Restructuring, Akinyemi Urges Buhari Wants Nigeria to acquire nuclear power Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately adopt the report of the 2014 National Conference convoked by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which recommended that the country should be restructured to enhance governance. Akinyemi, who was the deputy chairman of the conference, stated this

yesterday on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, in a response to the concern that Buhari had dumped the report. He said the country should be restructured because the centre has become overloaded and inefficient, especially in light of some of the security challenges like banditry and kidnapping ravaging some parts of the country. He also proposed that the central authority should have a subsidiary function and perform only those tasks,

which cannot be performed at the local level. Akinyemi's view lent weight to the agitations by different groups at the forefront of the clamour that the country should be restructured. He said: “Well, the main recommendation really of 2014 National Conference was the restructuring of Nigeria, which everybody has embraced, including those who say they don’t understand what it is. “Everybody now believes that the centre is overloaded; has become inefficient and

everybody has hopped into the doctrine that local issues are better managed at the local level. This is the doctrine of subsidiarity. And that unless you just want to hold on to power for power's sake, you need to decentralise in Nigeria. That is basically the result of the conference and its main recommendation. “The reason it has been pushed aside has nothing to do with the rationality behind the resolutions and recommendations that we came up with.” He reiterated his call for

Nigeria to become a nuclear power, saying its emergence as a nuclear power will enhance its relevance in global politics while being in possession will be ultimate protection against intimidation from those who have it. He also singled out former Heads of State, the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed and the late Gen Sani Abacha, as leaders with the character to set the country on the path of a nuclear development programme. Akinyemi stated that he had a fascinating conversation with

the late Abacha on the subject when the latter emerged head of the military junta in 1993. He said Abacha indicated he found nothing wrong with Nigeria becoming a nuclear power. Akinyemi added that the United States was not happy about the concept of medium powers that he developed, which was aimed at making Nigeria become a global player among the developing nations. He said the US saw it as a challenge to its monopoly of global politics.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Sanwo-Olu Assured of Lekki Deep Seaport’s Take-off in 2023 Segun James Managing Director of Lekki Port and representative of China Harbour Engineering Company, the major investor of the project, Mr. Du Ruogang, has assured Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, that commercial operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) will begin in 2023. According to Ruogang, the port, which is being constructed by China Habour Engineering firm, is occupying 90 hectares in the entire 830 hectares of land carved out for the Lagos Free Zone, created in 2012 to enhance the economic position of Lagos as manufacturing and logistics hub in West Africa. The first phase of the project, which is being financed with a $629 million facility from China Development Bank (CDB), is at 48 per cent completion. After going through the project master plan, Sanwo-Olu, who embarked on a two-day working tour of the three free trade zones established in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos said his administration remained committed to delivering the project, adding that the deep seaport and other investments in the corridor could increase the state’s GDP in multiple folds. He said: “Given the report I got and what I have seen here, I can say that the Lagos Free Zone has made tremendous improvement. We have seen the level of partnership Tolaram Group is bringing in terms of international investment and local brands on this corridor. “I commend all stakeholders that are with us on this journey we have found ourselves. With the level of work we have seen, I’m truly excited. It is more

gratifying that we are taking up this assignment with all energies required and we all can see what we can achieve when we work together. “Since we signed a loan agreement less than 18 months ago, we have demonstrated strong capability in bringing the project to reality. This is the first quarter of 2021 and we have seen the project is about 48 per cent completed. The investors have given us the commitment on the first quarter of 2023 completion date. We will fulfill all our parts to make sure this date becomes reality.” Sanwo-Olu stated that he had been part of the conversation for the development of the free zones as Commissioner for

Commerce and Industry in 2006, adding that his administration has recorded progress in bringing the project to reality. The governor said the priority accorded to the construction of complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor was a demonstration of his government’s fulfilment of its pledge to Lagos residents. He promised the state would work with the timeline to ensure all projects mapped out in the zones are delivered. Sanwo-Olu said the size of the deep seaport would accommodate 18,000 TEU capacity vessels, which are four times bigger than the ones berthing at Apapa seaports, thereby scaling down the cost of container transportation

from any part of the world. He said: “The interesting part is that our youths and young women will be the beneficiaries of this project. The project managers have engaged a large number of our citizens in the construction parts of the work; all personnel are not expatriates. All the technical work and technology deployed have local components to them. “For us as a government, this is the strongest point we have made with the project. I am fully convinced that the delivery of this project will transform the commercial architecture of West Africa and bring about quick turnaround time in the maritime sector.” When it is completed, the deep seaport is expected to generate more than 170,000

direct and indirect job opportunities and serve as an alternative in an effort to decongest the federal government-owned seaports in Apapa. Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, said Tolaram Group, a Singaporean company, initiated a $2 billion investment in the Lagos Free Zone, out of which the investor committed $950 million to developing manufacturing hub in the zone. When the deep seaport is completed, Rathi said the maritime project would generate over 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents. Chairman of Lagos Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, hailed

the state government for its commitment to changing the face of commerce in Africa, stressing that all statutory permits, licences and endorsement for the Lekki port project are already secured. “There is a strong guarantee that the port will be delivered before time, going by the inflow of capital investment and technical services,” Dabiri said. The governor and his entourage also visited Africa’s second-largest manufacturing plant of Kellogg Tolaram, manufacturer of cornflakes, which is built in Lagos Free Zone. The governor toured the processing unit of the firm and inspected the production chain.

PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY... L-R: Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Former Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu; Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; and Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, during the closing ceremony of the Technology and Innovation Expo 2021 in Abuja ...recently enock reuben

Fayemi: Suspected Killers in Ekiti By-election to Face Murder Charge Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said perpetrators of the violence that led to the death of three persons in Omuo-Ekiti during Saturday's Ekiti East Constituency 1 House of Assembly by-election will be charged with murder today. The governor, who paid a condolence visit to the palace of Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti,

Oba Noah Omonigbehin, in Omuo- Ekiti, said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Mobayo, had confirmed to him the arrest of those responsible for the violence. Fayemi, accompanied by the Senator representing Ekiti South, Senator Abiodun Olujimi; Mobayo; Special Adviser on Security Matter, Brig-Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd) and other stakeholders said the development had

nothing to do with politics, adding that the law will take its course in the matter to serve as a deterrent to intending criminals. The governor who visited the crime scenes also paid a condolence visit to the families of the deceased. He also visited some of the injured at the Methodist Hospital in Omuo-Ekiti and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI), where

he promised that the state government would settle the medical bills of those in the hospital and assist the families of the deceased in order to cushion their pains. Fayemi said prior to the election, he had engaged Olujimi and other major stakeholders in the community on the need for peaceful conduct of the by-election and the progress of the constituency. The governor told journalists

at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido- Ekiti that he was disturbed by the violence during the election. He said: "There is no election that is worth the blood of any citizen of this state. "This is unacceptable and those who are found culpable will have to face the maximum wrath of the law, but that can't bring back those whose lives have been lost. "I have visited all those who

were injured and I have assured their family members and I have also spoken to the Chief Medical Director here and I think they are being looked after with competent care. "Government shall be responsible for all the expenses of the people who were injured and those who have lost family members too whatever we can do to reduce the level of pain, the government will try and do that.”

Buhari’s Administration Supporting Growth of Entertainment Industry, Says Osinbajo Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has in the past five years introduced initiatives to harness the abundant potential of the entertainment and creative sector. Osinbajo, in a message delivered at the opening of the Ogidi Studios, a Lagosbased creative complex, hosting recording, film production, animation, and writing studios, said the

federal government last year handed over the control of the National Theatre to the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee, and had committed to invest N25 billion as initial funding for the development of the Nigeria Creative Centre at the National Theatre, Lagos. He said: ''The sector will receive support from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Creative Industry Funds Initiative, an initiative that gives financial support to the technology and creative sector at single-digit interest

rates. The Bank of Industry in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture also has a N300 million loan package for the creative sector. The package provides the funds to the sector at a single-digit interest rate with a tenor of four to five years.” Osinbajo added that the sector and the country are now better positioned to benefit from the entire value chain. He said: “But perhaps more importantly, with the Ogidi Studios, Nigeria now operates on the same level of sound

and video technology with the major global players. Now the stars, not just Nigerian stars, but from all over the world have a place in Lagos that is as good as any studio they have ever recorded in. “World-class script writing, music recording, video making, and editing can take place under one roof, at the Ogidi Studios. The entire value chain in music and entertainment can now be local. So we are at the cusp of a revolution in entertainment production, creative talent and services,

and a major economic opening for business in Nigeria.” He stated that with the quality of investments, the future is promising for the sector. According to him, the private sector is putting its best foot forward in the entertainment industry and the future is looking bright for the industry. Referencing the stories of Burna Boy and Wizkid who won the Grammy Awards, Osinbajo noted that the environment has been prepared for Nigeria to

produce more creative talents across the value chain in the industry. “On the 14th of March 2021, Burnaboy and Wizkid took the entertainment industry by storm winning the Grammy Awards and established themselves as amongst the best musicians in the world. Burnaboy won in the “Best Global Music Album” category for the “Twice As Tall” Album and Wizkid; the real star boy, in the Best Music Video category for his feature in the song ‘Brown Skin Girl," the VP said.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BOOK EXCERPT

Preparing for Entrepreneurship In LEAVING THE TARMAC: Buying a Bank in Africa, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, immediate past CEO of Access Bank Plc, captures how he and his friend and present CEO Herbert Wigwe, bought in 2002, one of the smallest and most crisis-prone banks in Nigeria and built it to one of the top five banks in the country today, highlighting their business model, challenges, setbacks and triumphs. THISDAY begins an exclusive publication of excerpts from the memoir described as a “financial thriller” and scheduled for presentation on 29th March, 2021, focusing on Aig-Imoukhuede’s preparation, vision and entrepreneurial dreams

hen I told my mother I was going to buy a bank she couldn’t understand what I was talking about. Only 18 months before, she pointed out, quite rightly, we had attended a big party hosted by Chief Gbolahan Osibodu to celebrate my appointment as one of three executive directors at the Guaranty Trust Bank, a respected bank in the country, as renowned for its ethical values and good governance as it was for its enormous success. It had taken me just 14 years from attaining my law degree at the University of Benin to becoming an executive director. ‘Why would you want to give up such a good job when you have worked so hard to get it?’ she wanted to know. ‘You are the youngest executive director in the country, why can’t you be happy with that? And how are you going to buy a bank anyway?’ I am sure most mothers would prefer their sons to have secure careers with blue chip companies rather than risk everything by setting up businesses of their own. It is so much easier to explain to friends, family and acquaintances what your son does if the listener already knows and respects the name of his employer, so much more reassuring to know that your grandchildren have the protection of a steady salary coming in while they are young and vulnerable. There was also the question of the negative publicity that so many owners of banks had received over time. There was a general perception amongst the Nigerian public that a large proportion of the many banks then operating in the market were backed by wealthy individuals, known generally as ‘Ogas’ or ‘Godfathers’. In Europe or America the term ‘godfather’ would suggest senior figures in a criminal organisation, but in Nigeria it is closer to the original religious role of someone who provides support and protection to another of lesser standing. In Nigeria the ‘Godfather’ is like the traditional feudal barons of Europe, men of wealth and influence who extend their patronage to protect and assist others. Many of these godfathers would have amassed both their fortunes and their networks of contacts while serving in senior positions in the army and the government, or as contractors to the government. Having grown wealthy through their influence they would then use their banks to consolidate their positions within society. There was generally believed to be a godfather behind every bank and there was also a perception that without such a person it was not possible to even start, let alone build such a business. Inevitably, as political and military reputations waxed and waned, the fortunes of their various banks would follow suit. The assumption, therefore, was that such banks had not been founded for the good of their customers, but rather for the benefit of the godfathers and their friends and families, and that they were therefore not truly professionally run. In many cases these assumptions were well founded, although not in every case. ‘The issuance of banking licences was abused,’ Seth Apati writes in his highly recommended book, The Nigerian Banking Sector Reforms, ‘and became a “smart” way of gaining access to foreign exchange at the official rate, which was then sold off at parallel market rates.’ Why, my mother was wondering, would I be even considering buying a bank when I had no such person to back me? ‘You are a good professional,’ she said, ‘you have proved that, but if you have a godfather you certainly have never told me about him. So how are you going to do it? How are you going to play the necessary political games to acquire a licence? Who will do the introductions for you? How are you going to survive in such a heavily regulated industry? Banks are not owned by professionals like you.’ I believe that God endows each of us with different skills and talents and you have to pray that you recognise these and are able to improve on them and work on them to the best of your ability. One

thing that people who know me well tell me is that I have an ability to see a long way into the future, that I can spot things that other people miss. I can analyse a set of scenarios and project what the likely end result will be. It allows me to make decisions that sometimes appear very courageous to other people, but seem less courageous to me since I am pretty confident that I can predict the outcome. My mother was by no means unusual in her misgivings. I would imagine that at that stage about ninety-nine per cent of the population would not have been able to understand the concept of banks being owned by professional managers. But in fact she was wrong, because a number of other professionals were already changing the way banks were owned and operated and in so doing causing a revolution within the banking industry’s competitive dynamics. Things had changed even in the fourteen years that I had been working in the industry. When I commenced my banking career in 1988 there were two main banking models that characterised the sector; Merchant Banking and Commercial Banking, the first also called wholesale banking involved providing corporate loans, debt/capital advisory services and other financial solutions to large corporate customers, the second commonly referred to as retail banking involved cheque/cash handling services, and other financial solutions to individuals and corporate customers. The leading Merchant Banks maintained technical partnerships with well-respected American Investment Banks and I recall that four Merchant Banks stood out namely Continental Merchant Bank, (Chase Manhattan Bank), International Merchant Bank (First Chicago), ICON Merchant Bank (Morgan Guaranty) and NAL Merchant Bank (American Express Bank). The involvement of foreign technical partners influenced the strategies and cultures of these four banks to the extent that Merchant Banking in Nigeria took on the persona of America’s Wall Street. Embracing the ‘yuppie’ culture, the Merchant Banks recruited the best and brightest Nigerian graduates from local and foreign universities and exposed them to the best training. It is not surprising that many of the men and women who would go on to redefine Nigerian Banking earned their stripes in these four institutions. The Commercial Banks were dominated by the ‘Big Four’, namely First Bank (originally Standard Bank), Union Bank (originally Barclays Bank), United Bank for Africa (UBA), a joint venture led by the French bank BNP and Afribank, formerly the International Bank for West Africa (BIAO). All of them had been indigenised as public companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange; their ownership comprised the Nigerian Government as well as the general public. Employees of the big four started at the bottom rungs of the career ladder rising through the ranks as clerical officers into positions of management in a somewhat pseudo colonial working environment. Unlike their merchant banking counterparts, the older generation of commercial bankers had obtained their professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Bankers and only later in their careers did they obtain university degrees. It is not difficult to appreciate that while they existed side by side

within the same banking industry these two models were in fact worlds apart. Around 1988, when I started my banking career, the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida had commenced the issuance of new banking licences as part of its economic liberalisation programme, ostensibly to support the country’s economic growth and development. You needed a minimum capital of N3 million, ($600,000), for a merchant banking licence and N6 million ($1.2 million) for a commercial banking licence. Most investors applied for merchant banking licences, believing that the ‘Big Four’ commercial banks were just too enormous to compete against. It was also much easier to raise N3 million than N6 million. The licence applications were typically sponsored by godfathers, who funded the licensing requirements. There was a great deal of political horse trading and lobbying required to obtain a banking licence. I chose to make my career in banking even though I grew up as the child of civil servants who had risen to senior positions in government. Herbert Wigwe, who came into Access Bank with me, grew up in very similar circumstances. Our fathers were career civil servants who had always displayed honesty, working hard throughout their careers and content to serve the nation for a remuneration which afforded them a comfortable standard of living and allowed them to send their children to good Nigerian schools. The damage done to the Nigerian economy in the early 80s, however, had decimated the living standard of such honest civil servants. It became hard if not impossible for our parents to maintain the standards of living that they had become accustomed to and it was impossible for children like us not to notice. We could also not help but notice that our peers, whose parents worked in the private sector for companies like United Africa Company (UAC) were not affected in the same way. The choice of career path seemed to be a no-brainer; once we graduated we were heading for the private sector. Immediately after law school I joined Continental Merchant Bank, one of the yuppie merchant banks. I soon discovered that I enjoyed the practice of banking far more than functioning as a legal officer and decided that at the right time I would make a move to core banking, a decision I have never regretted. My three years as a legal officer, however, would prove invaluable throughout my banking career. Nothing is ever wasted when it comes to accruing knowledge, experience and skills. I found that many lawyers working in banks (at least at that time) did not see their jobs as going beyond the role of ensuring adherence with laws and regulation. I approached my responsibilities with a solutions mindset, always seeking ways of enabling core bankers to serve their customers better, and soon built a reputation as a lawyer to whom bankers could go for good counsel. I was consulted even by very senior bankers and I gave advice freely, taking full advantage of the opportunity to build high-level contacts within the industry. Some of these senior bankers must have noticed something promising about me because

within a year of joining Continental I was recruited to join a high-profile team of bankers, several of whom had worked in Continental Bank, to set up the new Prime Merchant Bank. Coincidentally, around the same time Herbert had started his banking career in another new merchant bank called Kapital Bank, after qualifying as a chartered accountant at Coopers & Lybrand. By 1991 over a hundred of these new banks had come into existence, bringing the total number of banks in Nigeria to approximately a hundred and forty. Within nine years, however, there would be less than ninety still in business and by 2005 just twenty-five. Throughout my career the Nigerian banking industry has witnessed a high rate of corporate mortality. The concept of the professional owner/managers in banking was first championed by Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, the founder of First City Merchant Bank, (FCMB), and I must disclose a family connection as my younger sister is married to one of his sons, but I was already an admirer of his achievements before that union took place. A successful entrepreneur, he blazed the trail for professional managers within Nigerian banks, showing them that if they pooled their resources, even if those resources seemed relatively modest, invited investors to back them and went on to run good, professional banks, then they would prosper. Many others chose to follow his lead. The early stand-out successes in this new banking model were IBTC, founded by Atedo Peterside, Diamond Bank founded by Pascal Dozie, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where Herbert and I both went to work (avoiding the collapse of Prime and Kapital), which was co-founded by Fola Adeola and Tayo Adenirokun, and Zenith Bank founded by Jim Ovia. There were a few others but these names stand out for me. There was a fresh entrepreneurial dynamism driving these banks despite the constraints of the monetary and fiscal frameworks that Nigeria had adopted to deal with the macroeconomics challenges of the early 90s. The banks that stood out then still stand out today for their professionalism. Zenith and GTB in particular continue to be recognised as well-run institutions with enduring track records of performance. All of them have solid teams of professionals coupled with winning customer value propositions. Above all else, however, they all possess a shared vision that they have remained committed to. All of these banks have also, in one way or another, made successful transitions from their founding chief executives, a key step in the journey of corporate sustainability. The professional owners owned significant stakes in their banks at inception but also raised capital from others, typically high net worth individuals whose accounts they had managed in the past or institutional investors such as insurance companies and pension funds. From inception these entrepreneurs were under pressure to deliver returns in the form of dividends and appreciation in the value of their banks, even as private companies. t4FF EFUBJMT PG UIF CPPL QSFTFOUBUJPO BU XXX MFBWJOHUIFUBSNBD DPN

MONDAY, ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

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Rising Unemployment, Inflation May Top Agenda as MPC Meets Obinna Chima Members of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will today begin their two-day meeting in Abuja amid concerns of rising inflationary pressure and worsening unemployment. The committee is expected to review the domestic and external macroeconomic conditions and financial markets developments since its last meeting in January and provide forward guidance on how it intends to balance the competing goals of price and exchange rate stability.

Commenting on today’s meeting, analysts at Cordros Capital Limited noted that the persistent increase in inflation was primarily due to the combined effects of ongoing security challenges in the country, forex liquidity challenges, and poor distribution networks. “Although a dovish monetary policy contradicts rising inflationary pressures, we expect the committee to reiterate that a hike in interest rate will oppose its current growth mandate, given the adverse impact on the rising cost of borrowing for households, businesses and the government,”

the Lagos-based firm stated. Also, analysts at Greenwich Merchant Bank envisaged that the committee should back its pro-growth stance by holding the key parameters at their current levels. “On the domestic scene, the committee would assess the economy’s surprise exit from its recession (thanks to the non-oil sector growth of 1.7 per cent), along with the optimistic outlook for 2021. The analysts noted that “higher oil prices, which have returned to pre-pandemic levels sustained inflationary pressures (inflation

rate rose to 17.3 per cent in February, from 16.5 per cent in January), higher unemployment readings (unemployment rate settled at 33.3 per cent in Q4:2020, up from 27.1 per cent in Q2:2020), pressure on external reserves from ongoing FX difficulties, and the country’s ballooning debt levels will all be factored in.” They pointed out that overall, the policy-setting committee remains faced with three options: to tighten, hold, or lower the key policy rate. They said: “Although, we opine a tightening stance could drive back capital flows to help boost

external reserves, stem inflationary pressures and bring in the muchneeded price stability, it could also distort the progress achieved so far in supporting growth. “On the other side, while a loosening stance could hasten an economic recovery, helped by the lower credit environment, it could also worsen the real rate of returns and persistent price pressures. “Against this backdrop, we see the committee embracing its current stance. We remain conscious of the MPR’s weak transmission effect, which supports the bank’s use of

unorthodox policies, as assets remain unanchored by the policy rate. “Case in point, the steep rise in Open Market Operation (OMO) yields appears to have set the tone of fixed income rates, pushing up stop rates at the Primary Market Auctions (PMAs) for T-bills and the bonds to 6.8 per cent (average 364-day) and 11.8 per cent, from 1.2 per cent (average 364-day) and seven per cent respectively.” It added that a possible increase in the MPR just might suggest that authorities are prioritising efforts to control inflation over economic growth.

BUHARI, OTHERS EXPRESS OUTRAGE OVER SUSPECTED HERDSMEN’S ATTACK ON ORTOM Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Terver Akase, the suspected herdsmen opened gunfire on the governor but he escaped unhurt. Ortom, while briefing journalists after the attack, said he ran over 1.5 kilometres to escape the ambush. Reacting to the incident, the president, in a statement by his media assistant, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the string of brutal attacks on individuals and communities in the state, with the latest one targeting the governor was unacceptable to his administration. He, therefore, asked the police to investigate the incident involving the governor and into all other attacks on individuals and communities in the state. “Let there be an open and transparent investigation and whoever is linked to it should be caught and be made to face the law,” the president said. He welcomed the dispatch of a team of crack investigators to the state from the Police headquarters in Abuja to unmask the attackers, urging the officers to uncover the suspects and bring them to justice. Buhari sympathised with Ortom and all Benue indigenes, and cautioned against politicising the incident. He reiterated that an attack on one Nigerian is an attack on all Nigerians. Also condemning the attack, NGF charged security agencies to unmask the identities of those behind the attack. They said evil would not be allowed to triumph over good in Benue State and in Nigeria. In a statement yesterday by the NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governors said: "The news of the broad daylight attempt to cut short the life of the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, is

shocking and a rude awakening. The Nigeria Governors Forum empathises with the governor and the people of Benue State on this sad, cowardly, and wicked plan and vehemently condemns the act in its entirety.” The forum said all hands must be on deck to uncover the identities of those involved in the heinous crime, pointing out that it was only recently that the brother of one of the former governors of the state was mowed down in cold blood. “This dishonourable and shameful act of resorting to violence, for whatever reason, to eliminate citizens of Benue State by brutal means, must not continue," it said. In a separate statement, Northern governors described the attack on Ortom as a disturbing development, which must be thoroughly investigated. Chairman of the forum and Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, in a statement yesterday, said the attack was yet another daring attempt by criminals to cause mayhem not only in Benue State but in the nation. While praising the security details of Ortom for repelling the attack and securing the governor and members of his entourage, the forum said security agencies must probe the incident and fish out those behind the attack and their sponsors. According to it, all stakeholders must unite to tame the degeneration of security that threatens the corporate existence of the nation. It assured Ortom and the people of Benue State of continued engagement and support for security agencies in their duty of securing the region and the nation. In his reaction, Mark warned the federal government against pushing Nigerians to resort to self-help.

Mark, in statement by his media adviser, Mr. Paul Mumeh, charged security operatives to live up to the challenge of securing lives and property. He said: “If our government and security operatives can no longer guarantee peoples’ safety in their homes, farms or places of business, I am worried that the situation may compel citizens to resort to self-help. That is the situation we cannot contemplate and must not be allowed to happen because the consequences would be catastrophic.” He called on the federal government and all the security agencies to come to terms with the painful reality of the unabating insecurity in the land and resolve to end it. He said the deteriorating security situation had become scandalous and made Nigeria a subject of ridicule before other nations. He stated that if a state governor can be so brazenly attacked, then the criminals are capable of doing anything to the ordinary citizens. "Benue people are receptive and accommodating but this should not be misconstrued or mistaken for weakness; enough of this malady," Mark said. In their reaction, PDP governors warned that ‘enough is enough’ of the insecurity in the country. The PDP Governors’ Forum charged security agencies to investigate the attack and fish out the culprits. In a statement by its Chairman and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the PDP governors warned that any attempt to harm any Nigerian will be viewed by the forum as an attempt on its members. It said: "We believe strongly that any dispute or perceived dispute should be and must be resolved amicably without

resort to violence. Nigeria is not a Banana Republic, even though certain retrogressive elements and centrifugal forces are trying to consign Nigeria into a failed state." However, the PDP governors said every Nigerian deserves equal protection of the law. "Nigeria is still a democracy and a nation of laws and not men. Nobody, or group, however, highly placed should take the laws into their hands, even though some highly placed federal government ministers seem to have surrendered to the nefarious activities of miscreants and mischief makers, bent on destabilising the nation. "Self-help is an invitation to anarchy and must be nipped in the bud," the PDP governors said. The PDP governors called on the security agencies to investigate the matter swiftly.

APC Condemns Attack on Ortom's Convoy The All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the attack in a statement by the National Secretary of its Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, yesterday, saying the ruling party has confidence in the security agencies to unravel the criminals behind it. It said: "We thank God for his safety and praise the dutiful security details for repelling the attack. We are confident our security services will do everything to unravel the criminals behind the attack and bring them to book." It called on Nigerians to collaborate to end all forms of criminality. The ruling party noted a crime is a crime and should not be politicised in any way.

IG Orders Probe, Beefs up Security around Benue Gov Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has ordered an investigation into the attack on Ortom. He directed the Benue State Police Command to beef up security around the governor. A statement by Force Public Relations Officer and Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Frank Mba, said the IG ordered investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack on the governor. The IG, who condemned the attack, also directed the Benue State Police Command to strengthen security around the governor and the entire state. "The IG has also specifically directed the CP to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons indicted in the course of the investigations," it said. To ensure a speedy, and

POLICE: AYENI’S ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HOSA OKUNBO BASELESS, MALICIOUS AND FALSE state that the allegations of stealing and criminal diversion of company funds as alleged by the complainant – Dr. Tunde Ayeni- against the suspect, Capt. Hosa Wells-Okunbo, could not be established as there were documentary evidence that was provided by the suspect – Capt. Hosa Wells-Okunbo, which clearly shows that Capt. Hosa Okunbo has lawfully acquired Dr. Tunde Ayeni’s interest in Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMS) for the valuable consideration of

PDP TO ESTABLISH TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON PANEL’S REPORT ON ZONING last night that a revolt by some members who regard themselves as loyalists of the party is in the offing against the PDP leadership over what they call its sellout to the returnee members who had left the party to pursue their ambitions elsewhere but came back after their wishes met a brick wall. They referred to the former presidential candidate of the party in the 2019 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who had left the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the pursuit of their aspirations only to return when they had been worsted in the APC. “We feel taken for granted,” said an aggrieved member. “How could they yield the party’s privileges to these turncoats at the detriment of those of us who remained in the party through thick and thin? We won’t agree.” Sensing the impending upheaval, said a reliable source, the NWC wants the technical committee to look at the panel’s report, which the agitators feel panders to the wishes of the said

returnees, and advise the party on the vexed issues raised in the report. The source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak because of the sensitive nature and the controversy the report has generated, said: "The party is aware of the perception of Nigerians and, therefore, will subject the report to serious scrutiny and will come out with what is in the PDP’s interest and the expectations from Nigerians." According to the source, "The technical committee will study the report and pass its findings to the NWC, which will in turn send it to the various organs of the party. "The report is, to say the least, a recommendation. There are other important issues in the report that we need to study. Basically, the report of the committee, which is a product of the National Executive Committee (NEC) will eventually be sent to the NEC. "Apart from the NEC, we have the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party; there is the PDP Governors’ Forum. We have the

committee on Reconciliation and Strategy headed by the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. "There would be consultations with the various organs and I can assure you that a decision of the NEC would be needed. NEC is the final decision-making body apart from the NWC." THISDAY was told that the report contained many other important issues relating to why the PDP lost 2019 presidential election. According to the source, "This aspect as to why the PDP lost the presidential election would be treated as a top-secret as it will help the campaign strategies in the 2023 presidential election. "Throwing the presidential ticket holder open is just one of the recommendations. There are other issues, like the role of the military and security agencies. The role the military played in the 2019 election is a study itself because it shows how partial or impartial the military and other security agencies were at the election. "There is the role of the judiciary during elections and

electioneering campaigns and how to ensure the neutrality of the judiciary and what role, expected of these organs during the electioneering period. "So, the throwing up the presidential ticket to all the zones is just one out of the various recommendations that the NWC has to study. Thereafter, we will approach the NEC, which has the final say on these matters." Explaining that PDP is still afar on how its presidential ticket holder will emerge, it added: "On a final note, all our organs will make their contributions and at last, the NEC or the national convention will decide on what best is for the party." The secretary of the panel, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, had said over the weekend that the report did not exclude the South and indeed the South-east from contesting the presidential ticket of the PDP. Rather, he said, the panel is looking for a nationalist and not a regional leader that would pull Nigeria out of its present predicaments. He repeatedly stated that the south-east was not excluded in its report. However, the PDP had said

thorough investigation, the statement said: "The IG ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja to Benue State to provide additional investigative support to the Benue State Police Command." While calling for calm, the IG assured the people of Benue State and the country that the police will strive to stabilise the security situation in the country. Adamu also promised to continue to work with stakeholders to advance the fight against violent crimes and other criminal activities nationwide. The Benue State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Audu Madaki, yesterday condemned the attack on the governor and his entourage and commended the officers for repelling the attackers. Madaki, in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr. Sewuese Anene, said the police would fish out the attackers.

severally that the report of the committee is not final and still subject to study and approval by the relevant organs of the party. According to the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the party is going to study and analyse the report meticulously and come up with a position that will be beneficial to the party. Also reacting through his tweeter handle, the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said: "Due to enquiries from our members and the general public, it has become imperative to clarify that @OfficialPDPNig is yet to adopt any of the recommendations proposed by Senator Bala Mohammed’s Committee on the Review of the 2019 Elections. "As such, it will be incongruous for anyone to assert that any decision has been taken @ OfficialPDPNig on the zoning of the presidency ahead of the 2023 elections. "@OfficialPDPNig leaders, members and supporters are enjoined to note that the party is yet to take any decision on the proposals presented by the

committee."

N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) only. So also the allegation of criminal diversion of company funds is baseless, malicious and false as it hasn’t be proven by the complainant.” The police had noted that whilst it found that the company was formed with the following shareholding, Wells-Okunbo (46 per cent), Ayeni (38 per cent), Garth Dooley (14 per cent), and Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (5 per cent later sold to Okunbo), they said they found that Ayeni had legally and voluntarily sold his stakes to Okunbo. The Okunbo family welcomes the report which they said was professionally done by the police, but expressed fears that attempts are being made to influence the police to change its report, whilst their father (Capt. Hosa) lies critically ill in a London hospital.

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% 9.9 8.3 7.3 6.4 6.2 % 9.0 9.0 6.6 6.3 5.6

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021

COMMENT

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

INSECURITY: STATE POLICE TO THE RESCUE? It is time for state police, argues Josef Omorotionmwan

e remember Alexander Pope (1688-1744). He remains the most quoted English poet after William Shakespeare. He also cannot be easily ignored when it comes to evaluating systems. Based on his assessment of governmental systems, if he were asked to assess the Police System in Nigeria, he would easily have come up with something along this line: “for forms of policing in Nigeria, let fools contest; that which is most favourable is best”. This is something to keep in mind when considering the raging debate about the desirability or otherwise of the State Police for Nigeria. Over time, the police have become a glorified messenger that must obey the master’s voice while doing his bidding. Your acceptability or otherwise of the State Police will depend on how favourably disposed it is to you at any particular time. A few instances will suffice here: When we were growing up in the late 1960s, it would have been an Herculean task convincing this writer that the Native Authority Police (NAP), was not the best thing to ever happen to humanity in any part of the world. We were growing up in an Action Group (AG), family where our late uncle, Justin Erimwinoghae Igbinedion was the chairman of the defunct Akugbe District Council. My uncle was one of the arrow heads charged with the responsibility for bringing the AG into Benin East Division in which the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), was already fully entrenched. All one saw at work then was the use of brute force for the acquisition of power. The NAP was the principal instrument here. Election into the council consisted of the following shenanigans: Asovberimwin of Ike village was the principal able-bodied man (A.B.M.). A day before the date scheduled for the collection of nomination forms, Asovberimwin presented himself to a local dispensary where they arranged to bandage one of his hands above his shoulder with a lot of iodine poured on the bandaged hand. Asorverimwin proceeded to the NAP at Abudu to complain that the NCNC aspirants for the election beat him up and mistook him for dead. The NAP rounded up all those NCNC aspirant and charged them to court immediately and they were also quickly remanded in Agbor Prison. They were released only after the election. That’s how the AG had all its candidates “returned unopposed”. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Only a thin line separates the old brutality from the present system of 24 over 24 or 18 over 18, particularly when after the election, we can still arbitrarily pick and choose who to invite to the inaugura-

THE STRONGEST ARGUMENT AGAINST THE STATE POLICE IS THAT THE STATE GOVERNOR WILL INFLUENCE THEM. OF COURSE, THAT IS STATING THE OBVIOUS. IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NOT INFLUENCING THE NIGERIA POLICE TODAY?

tion table and who to leave out! We are certainly not out of the woods yet! In Rivers State, things have changed. Governor Nyesom Wike could be heard arguing in favour of the State Police. True? Wike is aware that if the All Progressives Congress (APC), had got its act together during the party’s primaries for the last general elections, the story would have probably been different in Rivers state today. The same police that Wike used to run a parallel government in the state would have been used to over-run him in that state. The strongest argument against the State Police is that the state governor will influence them. Of course, that is stating the obvious. Is the federal government not influencing the Nigeria Police today? Since when did he who pays the piper stop dictating the tune? In some national elections, we have seen some pictures of policemen on election duties, hanging their guns and helping actively to thumb-print ballot papers. In some cases, policemen have been seen administering the vote-buying system, which they were sent to prevent! What greater influence is any one talking about? Elsewhere, police are known to be established at the local government, county, state and federal levels, with each knowing its limits and where to stop. But in Nigeria, one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter; and this can hardly be avoided. All we can do is to look for how to work around it. What has brought us this far in this argument is our search for ways and means of curing the insecurity question around the country today. There is no doubt that in this connection, the State Police will be more effective than the foreign army of occupation that we now have in the name of the Nigeria Police. More so, the Nigeria Police can exist side by side with the state police. On balance, when insecurity is gone; and when crime and criminality are drastically reduced, all else is tolerable. If we work with this mind frame, we can let the governors enjoy the little influence they may have over the State Police in much the same way as they do in other spheres in the state – the government ministries, departments, and agencies, school system, the media, the revenue collectors, etc., being number one citizen is not a term in the abstraction, it is real! After all, to the victor belongs the spoils of office. Let there be state police and let the state police be! Omorotionmwan wrote from Benin-City

E-COMMERCE THROUGH AND THROUGH Edward Mekoma shares his experience with Konga.com

ith the Covid-19 pandemic still threatening global economies and altering hitherto established social orders, the world is looking to e-commerce as both today’s and tomorrow’s trade solution to overcome the drawbacks created by the pandemic. Last December, in the midst of the pandemic and its many restrictions on movement, online purchase came in handy for my family. We had stocked up for the Yuletide but we needed to add more choice wines to our wine cellar and guaranty our power supply with a backup generator. Having not been an e-commerce freak and still old-fashioned about shopping, my wife and I turned to our children for a guide in online shopping. It was no brainer for them to recommend Konga as our surest bet. On matters of this nature, it was easy to trust their judgement. They are internet denizens and cyberspace is their playground. We had no locus whatsoever to doubt their recommendation or suspect their verdict. But why Konga? Almost in unison, they ran up a SWOT analysis of the top e-commerce outfits in Nigeria and concluded that with Konga, what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG). They also added that while others may not only deliver a lower or substandard version of what was advertised, they are more likely not to deliver in good time. We trusted their judgement and decided to take the risk with Konga. An assortment of bottles of wine and a generator was on our shopping list. Because as at the time we placed our order, the hours have raced from morning to afternoon, we had concluded that delivery would happen the next day or in the next 48 hours. But to our pleasant shock, we got our order delivered

same day, in the evening which was our preferred option. This was a pleasant shock. Knowing all the downsides listed by our children about delivery services offered by almost all the other e-commerce houses, we were ecstatic when the delivery man made a call and in a matter of minutes showed up at our gate. Our shock did not end with the urgency in delivery. Guess who showed up with our order? A senior manager at Konga whom we have never met but was well known to us by reputation. So, why would you be the one to make our delivery, navigating through the often crazy Lekki, Lagos traffic to locate our address? We asked. “All our delivery staff are on transit, making deliveries. This period is usually our busiest and I thought to make the delivery myself as I reckon you might be needing the services of the generator tonight,” he intoned, betraying no emotions but only exuding a rare sense of dignity in labour and professionalism. We could barely suppress our elation at such sense of duty. He did not only make our delivery, he took time to give us a short tutorial on how to identify sub-standard generators in an apparent show of confidence in the product (a 7.5kva iTEC generator) he has just delivered. And then, another pleasant surprise: the 7.5kva iTEC generator was able to power the same appliances that a 9.5kva of another brand could not power which include the two air-conditioning units in our sitting room. Suddenly, it was the turn of our children to say ‘we told you so.’ This singular encounter stirred an emotional and perception switch in me, especially with the sad tales usually told about online shopping in Nigeria. Making physical in-store bargains in Nigeria often presents some challenges, particularly challenges bordering on product quality. You could

therefore imagine our apprehension when placing our order online. But all that disappeared with the professionalism demonstrated by the Konga staff. Amazon is currently the largest online store in the world and by current rating one of the biggest companies on earth valued at $1.7 trillion. But, it has not always been so. Jeff Bezos, a rabidly unconventional character who pumped in huge cash into the business for over one decade when many people scuffed at his ‘folly’, has turned the table with a diversity of unique offerings and deliberate quest for customer satisfaction. Obviously, Konga is building on pleasurable customer experience as one of its key strength. Making customer experience pleasurable is an essential ingredient in the success of any e-commerce company. Make the customers happy. Give them a feel good service. Treat every customer like a king or queen. If you have to break protocol to pleasantly surprise a customer, please do. My recent experience with Konga despite the drawbacks associated with online shopping in Nigeria has eroded every cynicism. Customer experience more than anything else sells a brand. In this era of social media buzz and expanding internet penetration, a shabby treatment meted out to a customer will spread globally like wild fire. Same with giving a customer a pleasurable experience, it will trend and become a marketing tool for the company. We were made to understand that such culture of ‘get the job done’ even if it means breaking protocol runs from top to bottom at Konga, a company that showed great promise at launch but later floundered until it was acquired by the Zinox Group which injected the philosophy of ‘innovation, quality service and promptness.’ In Konga, there is no boss. The real boss is the customer and every staff,

from top to bottom, has ingrained this value into their work ethics. This is why the value of devotion to duty and sacrifice to make customers happy by the staff of Konga is commendable. It’s the type of commitment that has shot top global corporations to the zenith. And this is the work ethic that makes Asians sought after all over the world – individuals rolling up their sleeves to do little things conscientiously in order to create big things. It is lacking in Nigeria where a manager considers himself a big man and therefore should not condescend to do the job of a driver even in moments of emergency. There has been reports that Konga is considering listing at the London Stock Exchange. It’s these positive attributes exhibited by its staff that would make it a huge success in the global arena. Global e-commerce market is growing faster than anticipated. Valued at USD 9.09 trillion in 2019, e-commerce is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7% from 2020 to 2027. This is further enhanced by the deepening of internet penetration and growing preponderance of internet-enabled smart phones. In Nigeria, the number of active telephone lines has significantly increased from about 400,000 (analogue) in 2001 to over 204 million as of December, 2021. This a great leap forward and its direct implication is a boost for e-commerce. Going forward, the exponential growth in internet deployment and its concurrent expansion of broadband penetration is a plus for e-commerce and will ultimately drive indigenous e-commerce players into the global stage. For the old-fashioned analogue shoppers like us, Konga has given us a sense to believe and a reason to convert to on-line shopping. Mekoma, an estate developer, wrote from Lagos

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021

EDITORIAL THE SOUTH EAST EROSION MENACE The erosion problem in South-east requires comprehensive intervention

tabilising the constantly shifting earth in the South-east region is an urgent imperative. While the federal government recognises the gravity of the problem, there have not been any meaningful intervention to address the challenge. About eight years ago, the federal government came up with the multi-sectoral Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). Designed to be implemented by both the states and the federal government with funding support from the World Bank, there was a pilot scheme in seven states: Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu and Imo. The project, at the time, included 19 states, namely Anambra, Abia, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Oyo and Sokoto. It is a multisector operation involving MDAs concerned with water resources management, public works, agriculture, regional and town planning, earth and natural resources information, and disaster risk management. The development objective of NEWMAP is to rehabilitate degraded lands and reduce longer-term erosion vulnerability in targeted areas. At state level, NEWMAP activities RECENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT ANAMBRA involve medium-sized civil works such STATE ALONE HAS OVER as construction of 500 ACTIVE EROSION SITES WHILE THERE ARE infrastructure and/or stabilisation. ABOUT 1,500 GULLY SITES By the claim of its national coordinator, NEWMAP has addressed over 70 active gully erosion sites across the country, and as at December 2019, “reclaimed 1,722.41 hectares of degraded lands, with reduction in loss of lives and infrastructure.” Regrettably, these claims still fall short of the expectation of most communities and they have voiced their indignation as the residents of Omaba in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, did recently. They alleged that no fewer than 30 family members have been killed by erosion which perennially washes away their homes and property. The protesting residents called on both

Letters to the Editor

the federal and state governments to come to their rescue, and prevent them from being refugees. They also alleged that the contractor working on the erosion problem has abandoned the site and that even some pillars erected as part of the initial remedial work they did had been washed away by ravaging storm water.

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 HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

ecent reports indicate that Anambra State alone has over 500 active erosion sites while there are about 1,500 gully sites. Responding to the global awareness on sustainable environment and bio-diversity, the federal government in 1988 established the Federal Ecological Fund and set up the Federal Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. Later a Ministry of Environment was established. At its inception, the Federal Ecological Fund was backed with a 2% direct deduction from the monthly federal allocation account, but later topped with additional 1% deduction from the derivation account. In all, the Ecological Fund gets 3% monthly from the nation’s receivables. Unfortunately, the impact of the ecological fund in tackling the issues for which it was set up has remained very minimal across the spectrum of our society. Apparently the money has become a sort of slush fund for governments at both federal and state levels. The main challenge in the South-east is gully erosion which is an advanced stage of land damage by water. Studies have shown that gully erosion can reduce land available for agriculture, generate sediments and increase flooding that affects fences, farms, roads, railways, culverts and bridges, as well as wash sediments into waterways and water supplies. Apart from causing huge soil losses and destroying farmland, it also results in reduction of water quality by increasing the sediment load in streams. We believe the erosion problem in South-east requires comprehensive intervention through a well-defined soil conservation measures anchored on farming systems and practices. This, scientists believe, will ensure sustainable soil productivity while maintaining a balance of the ecosystem. Going forward, it is important for the Southeast states and the federal government to give the NEWMAP the financial support it deserves to avoid abandonment of projects

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.

Ehingbeti And The Power Of Ideas

n the words of Harvey Firestone, foremost American Businessman, “Capital isn’t so important in business. Experience isn’t so important. You can get both these things. What is important is the idea. If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn’t any limit to what you can do with your business and your life.” Similarly, famous Nigerian success coach and motivational speaker, Sam Adeyemi, once affirmed, and rightly so, that ideas rule the world. The quality of ideas available in a given society determines the quality of life and opportunities available in such society. Many people seem not to understand that the quality of our lives as human beings is substantially a reflection of the quality of ideas we generate. Many still seem not to comprehend that the ideas which we conceive, like kola in Igbo culture, is life itself. It is the kind of ideas that we give to our space that it gives back to us. In Lagos State, the Lagos Economic Summit, popularly referred to as Ehingbeti, is one of the several innovative ideas that the government initiated to promote sustainable growth and development. It is a platform through which the state engages the organised private sector and the international community to generate policies that will enhance the state’s socio-economic development. Since the first edition was held in 2000, the Summit has developed into a constructive and engaging forum for the stimulation of socio-economic growth not only in Lagos, but the country as a whole. As a result of the need for realistic assessment of implementable goals against set benchmarks, the summit, which

started as an annual event turned biennial in 2008. The first three editions were deliberately planned to be diagnostic in nature. This is to ensure that the challenges are properly identified and articulated so that short, medium and long-term solutions could be found for them. However, by the 4th Summit in 2008, a blueprint had been developed for implementation. The government has since implemented over 150 resolutions reached at past editions of the summit. For instance, a review of the implementation of the resolutions and recommendation of the 2012 Summit with the theme, ‘’From BRICS to BRINCS: Lagos Holds the Key” revealed that successes have been recorded with achievable targets in full focus. The core areas of the summit in 2012 were power, agriculture, transportation and housing, which gave rise to the acronym PATH. In 2014, the summit with the theme: ‘Powering the Lagos Economy: Real Opportunities, Endless Possibilities’, focused mainly on the crucial issue of constant and sustainable electricity supply in the state. The essence of the 2014 summit’s focus on power was for the private sector to draw the attention of the government to places where its activities would enable the private sector achieve its potential in terms of delivering of service, provision of opportunities and growth of the economy. Massive investments and initiatives have since been undertaken by the government in those sectors in conjunction with the private sector and other development partners. This is a clear evidence of the resolve on the part of government to ensure that the summit is not just another talk shop. Through the summit, the delivery of

landmark projects such as Independent Power Plants (IPPs), LekkiEpe Expressway, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Pen Cinema Bridge, Agric Isawo Road, International Airport Road, opening of regional road and rehabilitation of Ibeju Lekki-Epe road network, among others have been made possible. It is not, therefore, surprising, that Lagos, in the last 21 years, has become a model for governance in the country. To sustain and surpass the current pace of development, the 2021 Ehingbeti Summit with the theme: ‘“Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone for the Next Decade”, was recently held on both virtual and physical platforms. Over 11,000 people in 10 countries participated in the event, with an average record of 5,500 participants globally attending sessions daily. There were 146 speakers and panelists who facilitated six plenaries and 20 deep discussion sessions held during the event, which focused on six thematic areas, including making Lagos investment destination, strengthening governance and institutions, Fourth Industrial Revolution opportunities, funding growth and ensuring inclusive human capital development and sustainability, resilience and impacts. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged that the learning and recommendations emanating from the summit would be developed into a policy framework to forge a new action plan and implementation that would bring the envisioned future of Lagos to reality. Tayo Ogunbiyi is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

Has Peace Finally Returned to Rivers APC? Adedayo Akinwale writes that the recent Supreme Court judgement has ﬁnally put the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State to rest, but will all interested parties sheath-the-sword?

Buhari

he leadership crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state and the consequent litigations trailing it was finally rested with the Supreme Court judgement affirming the Isaac Ogbobula-led Caretaker Executive Committee as the Executive Committee of the party in the state. What is however not certain is whether the Supreme Court’s judgement will bring the lasting peace to the Rivers State Chapter of the party or whether it mark the beginning of a fresh crisis. How the crisis started The leadership crisis that rocked the Rivers State chapter of the APC and the litigation that followed dates back to 2018 when the supremacy battle between the former governor of the state and the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe started. It was an open secret that Abe desired to become the governor of the state. He sought to achieve this goal on the platform of the APC, while Amaechi as the leader of the party in the state was accused of having a preferred or anointed candidate for the plum job against the wishes of stakeholders of the party in the state. Clearly, there was no love lost between Amaechi and Abe. For a season, the hostility was muted. As the date for the governorship selection process in the state became closer, the high stakes in view required that every possible risk be taken. Things could not be kept in the closet anymore and the main characters in the drama went for each other’s jugular, without a care. Because of the alleged vested interest of Ameachi, his political opponents accused him of frustrating Abe’s governorship ambition in the state. But if Amaechi thought would be an easy target to punch, he was badly mistaken. Abe proved to be a tought nut to crack, some say, because he received help from Amaechi’s traducers within and outside the APC. They readily found in Abe a willing horse they could ride on to enter Amaechi’s fortress and inflict damaging injuries on his reputation. Supporters on both sides were equally matched, or so it seemed to many dispassionate observers. As the supremacy battle raged on between the two party stalwarts and their supporters, it later resulted in the hostilities and confusion that characterised the APC congresses and primaries. Abe’s faction fingered Amaechi’s faction

Buni

of denying all those who paid for forms from participating in the ward and local government congresses. They vowed that rather than allow the Amaechi faction to run away with a ‘stolen’ victory, ti did not mind if the interest of the party was sacrificed and that is exactly what it did by sinking the APC ship that was on a seeming steady course to berth safely. Like what happened to the party in Zamfara Statè, when it lost all the elective position to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ensuing legal battles in Rivers led to the APC not being on the ballot during the 2019 general election. It was a bitter pill had to swallow very close to the polling day, when it was apparently late and all doors to exploit other options were shut. This led the Amaechi faction of the APC to adopt the governorship candidate fothe African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpomabo Awara. Ever since, efforts to reconcile the warring factions and reconcile the aggrieved party members in the state have been futile. Rather, the two factions loyal to Amaechi and Abe respectively have engaged in blame games.

Abe

When it appears that all efforts to ensure that peace returns to the party in the state proved abortive, parrallel excos of the party emerged in the state, with the Isaac Ogbobula-led Caretaker Committee and the Igo Aguma-led Caretaker Committee, laying claims to being the authentic exco. While the Ogbobula-led Caretaker Committee is loyal to Amaechi, Igo Aguma-led Caretaker Committee is loyal to Abe. However, Ameachi finally had the last laugh with the recent Supreme Court judgement declaring the Isaac Ogbobulaled Caretaker Committee, which is loyal to him as the genuine committee. The judgement ensured that the two-year supremacy battle was finally laid to rest. By way of legal battle, it is apparent that Abe has reached the end of the road. Abe’s reaction to the judgement Following the Supreme Court judgement, Abe has extended his hand of fellowship to the Ogbobula’s exco. In a statement, personally signed by him, Abe pointed out that the crisis that engulfed the state chapter of the

Party members, you will all recall, who paid monies for forms were not only denied their rights to participate in the congresses contrary to the constitution of the party and for which they parted with their monies for the forms, but were tear-gassed, and summarily excluded from all party activities and denied every privilege of membership. It was this exclusion and this treatment that led to the emergence of alternative structures within the party. The battle to establish their rights and have the APC to acknowledge its wrong-doing, led to the crises and to the courts. The party, as all of us know, paid dearly, almost fatally, for this indiscretion. The rest, as they say, is history. Abe said he agreed with the Learned Justices that those issues cannot be finally and effectively resolved by the courts. The courts had several times, pronounced on them, condemned the actions of the party, and acknowledged the injustice meted out to the members contrary to the party’s own rules and norms

party was never about party structure which was actually not in dispute. He said it was rather about the treatment meted out to party members who felt betrayed when the reason for which they voluntarily joined the party in pursuit of justice, fairness and respect for their rights, were dismissed, with impunity, by the leadership. He stated, “Party members, you will all recall, who paid monies for forms were not only denied their rights to participate in the congresses contrary to the constitution of the party and for which they parted with their monies for the forms, but were tear-gassed, and summarily excluded from all party activities and denied every privilege of membership. “It was this exclusion and this treatment that led to the emergence of alternative structures within the party. The battle to establish their rights and have the APC to acknowledge its wrong-doing, led to the crises and to the courts. The party, as all of us know, paid dearly, almost fatally, for this indiscretion. The rest, as they say, is history.” Abe said he agreed with the Learned Justices that those issues cannot be finally and effectively resolved by the courts. The courts had several times, pronounced on them, condemned the actions of the party, and acknowledged the injustice meted out to the members contrary to the party’s own rules and norms. He noted that indeed, all the courts in this country, from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, itself, pronounced on these issues, condemned them, yet every pronouncement of the court ended in frustration as the party, to this day, has never acknowledged any wrong-doing neither has the summary exclusion and expulsion of party members been addressed. He decried that the millions of Naira collected from the party members for the forms which were never issued to them after collecting their monies, remained with the party till this day. Abe added, “While the Friday, March 5, 2021 pronouncements of the Supreme Court are now viewed, rightly, as conclusive on the issue of party structure, earlier pronouncements by the courts, including the Supreme Court, have equally resolved, long before now, the originating issues of mistreatment of members with underhand tactics. It is for the party to possess the humility and political will to address these originating issues. “In the coming days and weeks, we

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021

MONDAY DISCOURSE

Amaechi

will carefully watch the statements and actions and utterances of the party as it is the resolution of these issues that will bring lasting peace to the party and restore its standing, not only amongst its members, but also in the eyes of the justice-loving Nigerian public especially Rivers men and women.” “Finally, I want to thank members of the party who have been resolute in their demand for justice, fairness, and internal democracy within the party. It is clear that there are other political options to achieving our desires.” Abe’s loyalists dump APC Meanwhile, Abe’s loyalists - factional leaders of the party in Rivers State, Igo Aguma, and a chieftain of the party, Mr. Livingstone Wechie, have exited the party. Aguma and Wechie announced their departure from the party shortly after the Supreme Court rested their longdrawn legal battle with the APC over the authentic leadership of the party in the state. Aguma in a statement said he left the APC because the party failed to protect the rights and privileges of its members. He said, “I have received the Supreme Court judgement which dismissed my appeal challenging the Court of Appeal decision which upturned the High Court judgment that declared me as Acting Chairman of APC in Rivers state. “It is now clear that it is not within the purview of the court to protect the rights and privileges of members of a political party, in this case, the APC. It is the APC that should protect the rights of her members but has failed to do so. “I cannot continue to be a member of a political party that endangers and does not give any form of protection to the rights of its members and has no respect whatsoever for its own constitution at all but chooses to be run against democratic principles for self-destructive purposes. Therefore, I announce my exit from the All Progressives Congress immediately.” On his part, Wechie said he was at the Supreme Court when the judgement was delivered adding that he respected the decision of the apex court. He said, “I was present at the Supreme Court this morning to witness the judgements touching on the Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress particularly the case of Igo Aguma v. APC. “I respect the Supreme Court judgement which today dismissed the appeal challenging the Court of Appeal decision which upturned the High Court judgment that declared Rt. Hon. Igo Aguma as Acting Chairman of APC in Rivers state.” Wechie said the Supreme Court in its view decided that it was not within the purview of the Court to protect the rights and privileges of members of a political party particularly the APC because it is an internal party matter. He stated categorically that he viewed development as an unhealthy judicial precedent which should be intellectually interrogated moving forward. Wechie added, “Moreso it is dangerous for politics and political party de-

Aguma

mocracy in Nigeria that for any reason the jurisdiction of the Court should be ultimately ousted as it affects grievances by party members not minding political party arbitrariness which the Court ought to restrict in the interest of our democracy in Nigeria. Regrettably, the APC that preaches respect for the rule of Law rather than protect the said rights of her members as enshrined has failed to do so and celebrates the violation of its own constitution traditionally. “It has been a long battle for internal democracy in the APC Rivers state to give genuine stakeholder opportunities to members. However, the status quo is unsafe for my political struggle and future which I must sustain for the good of my fatherland. “I cannot continue to be a member of a political party where asking questions is a death sentence and a party that sabotages and trades mindlessly and selfishly with the rights of its members. Therefore, I announce my exit from the All Progressives Congress immediately. This is my decision.” Amaechi’s faction hails judgment Nevertheless, Amaechi’s faction of the APC in Rivers State has, understandably, applauded the judgment, saying it removed the obstacles in Rivers APC. The spokesman of Amaechi’s faction of the party, Ogbonna Nwuke, described the judgement as an upright decision. He said, “The Rivers people are elated by the ruling of the apex court. The decision has lifted the veil and put all who were behind the action to destabilise the APC to shame. “We thank our leader, Rt. Hon Rotimi

Princewill

Amaechi, for his sterling leadership qualities and commend all those who fought on the side of truth. We cannot thank them enough. Now that the storm is over, we wish to state categorically that our doors are open to receive all who believe in the mission of the APC.” A former Governorship aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State, who is an unapologetic ally of Amaechi, but is also known to put in painstaking efforts to reconcile both sides, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, while welcoming the Supreme Court judgment said it has finally cleared all obstacles in the way of the state chapter of the party. He said, “I have received the news of the victory of our great party, the APC Rivers State chapter in the Supreme Court on Friday. This is a most welcome victory that has finally cleared all obstacles that has seen us unable to achieve our full potential. I congratulate our teeming and loyal supporters who have had to endure a series of unfortunate stop and starts. I say thank you for your unshakeable faith in our leader.” Princewill, however, regretted that he will miss Hon. Igo Aguma who immediately resigned from the party. “At this point, let me also reflect on the loss of a friend. I received the news of the resignation of my my brother, Rt. Hon. Igo Aguma from our great party. Even though I celebrate the win in court, I cherish the time we spent in politics. I wish him well in his future endeavours whatever he decides to do. Let us reaffirm our support of the party if we are in it or join us now that our unity is certain. As leaders, we will continue to do all that

Abe’s metaphorical statement can at best mean two things - to wait and if the national leadership of the party will genuinely reconcile aggrieved members or stay within the party, plan a spider’s game or rather explore an alternative platform to realise his ambition. But party sources believe that for peace to reign in the state’s APC, the leadership must rise up to resolve these fresh challenges. A party source noted that beyond the victory at the Supreme Court, the leaders of the party in the State should humble themselves and act in the interest of all. The source, however, lamented that what is being witnessed at the moment is quite the opposite. He added that what is being witnessed now is a divided house, where some are dancing in celebration and others are angry. Analysts believe that rather than choose between Ameachi and Abe, it would be better to resolve the differences and embrace everyone for the party members to become stronger

we can to ensure that peace and progress continues to be the goal for our party. “I congratulate Hon. Isaac Abbot Ogbobula and his team on their victory. I charge them to use the instrument of their office to ensure the improved success of the Rivers State chapter of the APC under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The challenge now is to add to our numbers and make the APC a home for winners in the courts and in the field,” Princewill stated. Fresh hurdles Political analysts believed that the decision of some of the loyalists of Abe to dump the party and a careful perusal of the statement issued by Abe after the judgement shows that he still feels hurt. The analysts added that Abe’s metaphorical statement can at best mean two things - to wait and if the national leadership of the party will genuinely reconcile aggrieved members or stay within the party, plan a spider ’s game or rather explore an alternative platform to realise his ambition. But party sources believe that for peace to reign in the state’s APC, the leadership must rise up to resolve these fresh challenges. A party source noted that beyond the victory at the Supreme Court, the leaders of the party in the State should humble themselves and act in the interest of all. The source, however, lamented that what is being witnessed at the moment is quite the opposite. He added that what is being witnessed now is a divided house, where some are dancing in celebration and others are angry. Analysts believe that rather than choose between Ameachi and Abe, it would be better to resolve the differences and embrace everyone for the party members to become stronger. They said that the party needs to convince all the members that they would be treated like brothers and sisters, and the first step towards achieving that is to declare a ‘no victor, no vanquished’ position And forge a united front. They added that if the national leadership of the party fails to reconcile the aggrieved members, it would further deplete the ranks of APC in Rivers State, while some aggrieved members may deicded to stay to play a spolier ’s role, and ensure that they tear the party apart from within. Without mincing words, the Supreme Court ruling is not the end of the matter, but it only helps in setting the stage for APC leaders to show leadership. It equally offers an opportunity to resolve the crisis once and for all. The major step to ensure that the aggrieved members are pacified is for Agbobula and his team to be humble in victory and reach out to all as a demonstration of seeking genuine reconciliation. The national leadership of the party should also ensure that Amaechi, Abe and their supporters are genuinely reconciled, because it when their foollowers see them holding hands that they can truly work together as friends and comrades, sharing the same interest.

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021

POLITICS

That Presidential Shoot-on-Sight Order Segun James writes that while many welcome the presidential directive to security agents to shoot-atsight anyone in possession of AK47 riﬄe illegaly, there are concerns that the order may be abused

Buhari

Sultan Abubakar

Ooni Ogunwusi

Irabor

sleepy community was the number of weapons stockpiled in the community by Togo. The military authorities were alarmed that a civilian had so much weapons along the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta. The deadly escapades of arms-bearing marauders suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have become increasingly unsettling. They have left their sanguinary footmark in practically every part of the country that has had the misfortune of receiving them in their seemingly unstoppable march, ostensibly, in search of pastures to graze their cattle. In their latest outing, they have been very unsparing of the host communities. They have inflicted a gaping wound on some villages in Benue State, spewing forth a river of human blood. No immediate reasons have been proffered for the latest attacks. Neither has anybody been able to give the precise number of people killed; but reports say it is in their hundreds. When the President ordered that any AK47 wielding person should be shoot at sight by security forces, it brought a welcome relief to so many Nigerians that the President and the government has started to live up to their responsibilities. But how sincere is the presidential pronouncement? At a meeting with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria at the State House, co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the President in Abuja emphasised that security chiefs have received marching orders to go harder on criminals, including to shoot anyone found illegally with AK-47. The meeting was attended by security chiefs including the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno

(Rtd), Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the Director-General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. The president, who apprised the meeting of efforts by the government to improve the security situation in the country, said his administration has recorded appreciable successes in the North-east and South-south parts of the country. ‘‘But what surprises is what is happening now in the North-west, where the same people, with the same culture are killing each other, taking their livestock and burning properties. ‘‘As a result of that, we had a four-hour meeting of the National Security Council attended by the Ministers of Internal Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Service Chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and others and we gave clear instructions. ‘‘One thing that got to the press which I read myself was that anyone with an AK-47 will be shot. This is because AK-47 is supposed to be registered and it is only given to security officials. ‘‘We closed the borders for some years but the intelligence report I’m getting on a daily basis is that those who are conducting the abductions, the killings and so on are still not short of arms and ammunition,’’ he said. The following royal fathers made interventions at the meeting: the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; King Jaja of Opobo, Dandeson Douglas Jaja; Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu; Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Iliyasu and

the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Adebanji Ajibade Alabi. Following outcries across the country on their activities, Nigerians started calling for the creation of militia to curb them. In the South-west, a regional security outfit, Amotekun was created to battle the menace. Tired of the uproar that followed the herdsmen activities, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) urged Fulani herdsmen to return to the northern region if their security could not be guaranteed in their host communities in the southern part of the country. The NEF also told northern governors to commence preparation to receive the Fulani communities being ejected from southern states. NEF Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in a statement said the relocation advice became necessary following alleged attack on Fulani herders, families and communities in some states of the south. The forum warned that the nation would be treading dangerous grounds if it continued to tolerate demonisation of entire groups over particular types of crimes. The elders called on President Muhammadu Buhari and state governors to “protect law-abiding members of Fulani communities from killers and criminals who apparently believe that Fulani have no rights in Nigeria.” The statement read in part: “NEF is deeply worried by reports of ejections, under threats and attacks, of Fulani herders, families and communities in some states of the south. The forum has been receiving these reports since the night of Sunday, January 31, and has taken the responsible step by drawing the attention of authorities to the dangers, which these attacks represent for all Nigerians. “We have also advised law-abiding Fulani communities to seek protection where it is available, and have appealed to other Fulani to resist temptation to take the law into their own hands. “It is necessary to warn people who threaten law-abiding Fulani communities in all parts of Nigeria, but particularly in some parts of the South, to desist. Majority of Fulani are law-abiding and have rights to live lawfully wherever they can find means of subsistence. “The Fulani will not be ejected from any Nigerian community only on the basis of being Fulani or herding cattle within the limits of laws and regulations. States that seek to limit criminal activities are perfectly entitled to do so, but they must follow due process, and avoid exposing innocent citizens to danger at all cost. The forum demands that the Nigeria Police must live up to its constitutional responsibility to detect crimes and arrest and prosecute criminals, whoever they are.” The President until recently had been silent on the activities of suspected killer Fulani herdsmen. At every turn, he had spawned all criticism while giving seeming tacit support to their activities. His behavior may be explained by the fact that he is not only a cattle farmer himself, until he was elected president, he was the grand patron of Miyetti Allah, the association of the herdsmen.

hen President Muhammadu Buhari gave the matching order to the police and the military that any unauthorized person found wielding AK47 rifle anywhere in the country should be shot. Many critics cried out that given the activities of the men of the Nigerian security services in the past, the decision may be a license to kill at will. Besides, such shooting may end up as extrajudicial killing. To them, the order was too broad and could signal a call to arms among the people. To many Nigerians, however, the order was a pleasant surprise. Until recently, the President had been taciturn concerning violence in the country, especially those involving suspected Fulani herdsmen. Since the farmers-herders clash assumed a worrisome trend with attendant loss of lives and property, the Presidency has been accused of doing too little or outright complicity and taking sides with the AK47 carrying herders believed to be Buhari’s Fulani kinsmen. Though the Presidency has consistently denied it was working hand-in-glove with the violent herders, its seeming reluctance to take a tougher stance against them (until the recent shoot-at-sight order) belie the situation. The Presidential directive to shoot armed herders at-sight may be the strongest indication yet that the Buhari Presidency has no hand in the the nefarious activities like killing, rape and kidnap perpetrated by alleged Fulani herdsmen. The encounter of Mr. Jola Ekuntin with the suspected herdsmen may be instructive. When he saw armed men herding cows striding towards him from across the road, Ekunrin’s first thought was that it was contract killers or kidnappers out for him. Instead they ignored him. But after a brief moment, he watched as the cattle entered his farm and proceeded to eat his crops of yam and cassava at Iseyin, in Oke Ogun area of Oyo state. The cattle later trampled upon the under growth as they move out. The herdsmen never spoke to him as they went about herding their cattle. Ekunrin was speechless and dumbfounded. He realized that any attempt to confront them would be suicidal. He went home a sad man and a lot poorer. His was not the first farm destroyed by the marauding herdsmen. Many farmers who had confronted them never lived to tell their story. For the people of Ogodobiri in Burutu local government area of Delta state, it was sunset at dawn when men of the Nigerian Army invaded the town on a doomsday mission. By the time they were done, the entire town was turned into rubble as the natives fled into the mangrove forest. The destruction of Ogodobiri followed the killing of 12 soldiers by their son, John Togo. Togo in his audacious nature had attack the soldiers who were on guard duties at a nearby oil facility. What prompted the destruction of the

The deadly escapades of arms-bearing marauders suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have become increasingly unsettling. They have left their sanguinary footmark in practically every part of the country that has had the misfortune of receiving them in their seemingly unstoppable march, ostensibly, in search of pastures to graze their cattle. In their latest outing, they have been very unsparing of the host communities. They have inﬂicted a gaping wound on some villages in Benue State, spewing forth a river of human blood. No immediate reasons have been proﬀered for the latest attacks. Neither has anybody been able to give the precise number of people killed; but reports say it is in their hundreds. When the President ordered that any AK47 wielding person should be shoot at sight by security forces, it brought a welcome relief to so many Nigerians that the President and the government has started to live up to their responsibilities. But how sincere is the presidential pronouncement?

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FEATURES

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

Making Case for Improved Structures within Nigeria’s Informal Sector With the havoc caused by COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant consequences on the economy, some experts have harped on the urgent need for improved structures within Nigeria’s informal sector given that they bear the brunt of the economic loss, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Policy Lead, Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Financial Services initiative (SIDFS), Prof Olawale Ajai

ED, Bank of Industry (BOI), Ms Toyin Adeniji

Former CEO, LAPO Microﬁnance Bank, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe

igeria’s informal sector makes up about 65 per cent of the entire economy and this makes them the backbone of the economy. But since COVID-19 pandemic struck a year ago, this same sector has borne the brunt of the economic impact of the pandemic. Coming almost at the heels of the 2018 World Bank report that tagged Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic gravely exacerbated the critical issue. Although the pandemic affected global economies and different sectors too, the worst hit was the informal sector. Its negative ripple effect on the informal sector made up of individuals, micro and small enterprises, daily wage earners, street traders and vendors, repair and service provision, and other online or home-based enterprises, further made them vulnerable as their income generating activities are more closely tied to the daily whims and caprices of the market. The truth remains that Nigeria’s informal sector like most others around the world are very strong pillars of the world’s economy and increasingly, more must be done to see that the work they do and the impact they make - in terms of job creation and income contribution is more sustainable and not easily eroded by pandemics or other social challenges. Phenomenal Loss Thus as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic even as several countries are implementing a phased approach to administer vaccines it is important not to lose sight of an equally fatal phenomenon affecting our informal sector. One which has been described by many as a second pandemic resulting from eroding income levels and struggling economies caused by a year's worth of inactivity. In a country like Nigeria where the informal sector makes up about 65 per cent of the entire economy, the resultant effect of COVID19-curbing activities, including lockdowns, border closures, has started to materialise in the form of an economic recession, widening poverty gaps, increasing inflation and unemployment rate. This gaps were highlighted as the Quarter Four (Q4) 2020 unemployment rate showed that about 23.2 million Nigerians are unemployed, representing a 6.2 per cent increase from the 27.1 per cent recorded in Q2 2020. Also, February 2021 inflation rate was placed at 21.79 per cent, the highest recorded in over 15 years. These results make it very crucial for the government and private sector players to move quickly and ensure that recovery policies take into consideration the peculiarities of our informal sector players so that they are not left behind and can thrive post-pandemic. Parley Recently, these formed the basis of a conversation between key industry players and the media centred around the theme, "Securing our Informal Economy amidst a Post-COVID Reality'. The parley sought to bring together

Chief Impact Oﬃcer, Rendra Foundation, Ms Onyeka Akpaida stakeholders to discuss and share insights on the impacts of COVID-19 on the informal sector and on people at the bottom of the pyramid with a specific focus on what needs to be done in the new phase of reopenings, vaccine procurement and distribution, NIN deadlines and what this could mean for business continuity and financial access in the informal economy. The conversation was moderated by Policy Lead, Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Financial Services initiative (SIDFS), Prof Olawale Ajai; and included ED, Bank of Industry (BOI), Ms Toyin Adeniji; former CEO, LAPO Microfinance Bank, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe; Chief Impact Officer, Rendra Foundation, Ms Onyeka Akpaida; and CEO, Bankly, Ms Tomilola Adejana. Concerted Partnerships Against the backdrop of the economic challenges being experienced by Nigeria’s informal sector, BOI's Adeniji emphasised the need for continuous concerted efforts and partnerships between the government and private sector players to deepen solutions to reach a wider number of vulnerable groups in our informal sector. She highlighted some of BOI’s interventions, including - reducing interest rates by at least two per cent and expanding the reach of its services through its technology platform to onboard additional micro-enterprises to benefit from BOI initiatives. She further mentioned that survival funds, artisan grants are still being disbursed with micro-enterprises receiving payroll support and guaranteed offtake support. Existing initiatives like the Government’s Economic Empowerment Program (GEEP) served as a channel for effective targeting of some of these interventions. Beyond this, she said the BOI is also working with the World Bank on a national intervention through the state and has become instrumental in providing the data points needed to direct the World Bank’s interventions to where they are most needed across the country.

CEO Bankly, Ms Tomilola Adejana She also stressed the need to embrace digitisation to drive key solutions as the pandemic revealed in no small way the very important role of technology in creating an inclusive economy. Digitised Solution On the private end of the spectrum, Ms Tomi Adejana opined that securing our informal sector, post-COVID-19, lies in leveraging three key themes: digitisation, collaboration and data. Using the Bankly solution as an example, Adejana described how a study of the savings culture of the informal sector led to the development of a digitised solution that imitated the typical saving mechanism of the informal sector and improving on it by offering an added security against fraud, insurance coverage and access to the formal sector. The result of this was increased and easily accessible savings that provided a safety net for Bankly users during the peak of the pandemic. The trend was a spike in savings withdrawals, and subsequent return to regular savings by most of their users after lockdown measures were lifted. She also added that data gathering provided a means to identify the extent of support required by a person or groups, provide useful insights to design customised solutions and determine vital collaborations for more inclusive solutions. Speaking on a post-COVID and beyond solution, she recommended continuous education within the informal sector on the need to save digitally to enable them to withstand future shocks and avoid loan sharks with predatory interest rates that drive the cycle of poverty, scaling innovations that track the credit history of vulnerable groups to give them access to other incentives like health insurance and credits and deepening financial inclusion among women as a way to reduce domestic violence. Institutionalising Interventions Mr. Ehigiamusoe while sharing his views said, the impacts of the pandemic on poor people, mostly drivers of microenterprises, was

far worse than the medical impacts because their businesses were already operating on a fragile and slim economic base, adding that many micro-enterprises closed down and amongst those that survived are many still struggling and underperforming. He also spoke on the need to not just use data for quick fixes or interventions, but to institutionalise programmes that have worked so the informal sector can actually start to build wealth and grow, rather than look to it as a fallback for hard times. For him, institutionalising these interventions means going beyond business credits and looking into other areas like micro-insurance for healthcare, educational support, both of which require huge expenditure from lean financial resources by households at the bottom of the pyramid. Furthermore, he recommended private sector-led social interventions that create direct supply linkages and collaborations with micro-enterprises as well as a consideration of the concept of social business as a way to reduce poverty rates and improve economic outcomes. Impact on Women Speaking on the impact of the pandemic on women in the informal sector, Akpaida who works directly with women talked about how it has further exacerbated pre-existing gender inequalities and vulnerabilities including gender pay gaps, access to finances, education and resources, adding that many women-owned businesses experienced closures and drops in income levels thereby affecting their ability to support their families, given that five out of 10 women are breadwinners. With regards to policies, Akpaida believes that the interests and peculiarities of the informal sector are not well represented in policy formulation and existing policies are not well implemented. She says that carrying beneficiaries along, by either working directly with them or partnering organisations who already work with them, is one of the most effective ways the right structures can be built and made to work, as this will help policymakers understand real pain points and how they can solve them. Instituting Sustainable Solutions In his closing statement, Prof. Ajai said that in building back better from the pandemic, the nation needs to institute sustainable solutions that will enable the economy most especially the informal sector to withstand future shocks. He highlighted the need for discussions and solutions around sustainable economic and national development for the informal sector to not only focus on financial inclusion but also on economic inclusion because they present an opportunity to fast track development. Therefore, he posited that financial and economic inclusion must form an integral part of policy discussions while efforts and investments must be directed at leveraging the latent energy of the informal sector.

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FEATURES

All Eyes on EFCC After Italian Court Decided OPL 245 The acquittal of Eni, Royal Dutch Shell and their officials in the Malabu Oil and Gas deal by an Italian Court last Thursday has thrown up fresh call on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission on the need to have a rethink on its ongoing prosecution here in Nigeria. Davidson Iriekpen writes

fter more than three years and a total of 74 hearings, an Italian court sitting in Milan last Thursday acquitted energy companies, Eni and Royal Dutch Shell along with a series of past and present managers, including Eni Chief Executive, Claudio Descalzi in one of the oil industry's biggest corruption scandals. The trial judge, Marco Tremolada, who read out the judgment in court, held that the companies and defendants had been discharged as there was no case to answer. Italian prosecutors had alleged corruption in the deal while campaigners said the Federal Government of Nigeria was short-changed in the deal. They said $1.1 billion of the purchase price was siphoned off to politicians and middlemen, including the then Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete. They also called for Eni and Shell to be fined and for a number of past and present managers from both companies, including Descalzi, to be jailed. The defendants all denied any wrongdoing. They said the purchase price for OPL 245 was paid into a Nigerian government account and subsequent transfers were beyond their control. Recall that on April 9, 1998, the Federal Military Government of Nigeria awarded OPL 245 to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, which was said to be owned mainly by Mohammed Abacha, the son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and Dan Etete, who served as his Minister of Petroleum. On July 2, 2001, President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s licence and assigned the oil block to Shell without a public bid. Malabu went to court, and ownership was reverted to it in 2006 after it reached an out-of-court settlement with the federal government. Shell challenged the decision and commenced arbitration against the federal government, but when President Goodluck Jonathan came to power in 2010, the controversy appeared to have been resolved with Shell and Eni agreeing to buy the oil block from Malabu for $1.1 billion. The oil companies also paid $210 million as signature bonus to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Both payments were made to the government account at JP Morgan, London, from where Malabu’s share was transferred to Nigerian bank accounts of Abubakar Aliyu, owner of AA Oil Limited. When President Muhammadu assumed power 2015, EFCC under Ibrahim Maga, as part of his effort to hound down officials of the previous government, in 2017, charged Adoke, Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Co. Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Eni Spa and seven others at the Federal Capital High Court in Abuja with various offences involving their alleged roles in the transactions in which Nigeria was said to have been defrauded of about $1.8billion. The transactions involved the chains of transfer of the ownership of the OPL 245 covering a lucrative oil field. While the charge was pending, Adoke went to the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge it with suit marked, FHC/ ABJ/94/446/2017, against the then AGF, Abubakar Malami, praying to be freed from any criminal liability in respect of the transactions and declaring his prosecution by the EFCC null and void. The suit was opposed by Malami. But in her judgment, Justice Nyako said Adoke cannot be held liable for his roles in the OPL 245 transactions since he acted on presidential directive. The judge noted that contrary to the defendant’s contention that the plaintiff exceeded the directive of the President

EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa

and in the process committed a crime, Exhibits 19 and 20, which remained uncontradicted and unchallenged, confirmed that the plaintiff actually remained within the confines of the lawful directives given to him by the president and is therefore protected by law. Exhibits 19 was a letter written by the AGF to the former Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to the effect that Adoke had no case to answer in respect of the actions he took pursuant to the directives/approvals of the president in respect to the implementation of OPL 245 Resolution Agreement. Exhibit 20 was a letter from the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources to the Chief of Staff to the President in response to the latter ’s request for advice on the letter by the AGF to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC on OPL 245 Settlement Agreement implemented by the plaintiff, in which the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources agreed with the opinion of the AGF. Justice Nyako ruled that by the provisions of sections 5(1), 147, 148 and 150 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the executive powers of the federation were vested in the president and which he could exercise either personally or through any of his appointed ministers. The judge held that Adoke could not be personally held liable for acts done in furtherance of the lawful directives/ approvals of the President. She said the former AGF in that situation acted as an agent of a disclosed principal. Just when many observers thought the EFCC would withdraw the charge in view of the judgment, last April, its counsel, Aliyu Yusuf, surprisingly brought a motion ex-parte before the FCT High Court praying for a warrant of arrest for Adoke and others. Yusuf also prayed for an order for leave to execute the warrant outside of the jurisdiction of the court. After listening to the application, Justice D. Z. Senchi of the FCT High Court, issued a warrant of arrest against Adoke and others. He ruled that the Nigeria Police, the INTERPOL and any other law enforcement agency should arrest them anywhere they are found. But the former AGF asked the court to set aside the warrant and strike out his name from the charge sheet. He contended that the bench warrant

was issued without jurisdiction and in breach of his judgment to fair hearing as guaranteed under the 36 (1) of Constitution. The former AGF who has always vehemently denied taking any bribe in the Malabu deal, said he was neither served Charge No FCT/HC/CR/124/17, nor any proof of evidence in respect of the criminal charge pending before the court. He stated that in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/446/2017 he secured a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja against the AGF representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria wherein he was exculpated with respect to the same facts and circumstances over which he was erroneously charged and the basis upon which the bench warrant was issued against him. Adoke also contended that the exparte application for the bench warrant against him was obtained upon gross misstatements, misrepresentation, concealment and suppression of the material facts. He concluded where a court of law makes a void order, it reserves the right and power to set it aside. Observers are wondering why the EFCC filed the charges against Adoke in the first place when there was nowhere it stated that the former AGF collected $2.2 million bribe from the Malabu deal. They also wonder how the anti-graft commission hopes to sustain the charges. While the former AGF has maintained his innocence, he stated that he advised former President Jonathan to resolve the OPL 245 dispute to prevent Shell from getting a colossal arbitration award of $2 billion against Nigeria over the revocation of the oil block in 2001 by the former President Obasanjo’s administration. Incidentally, his exoneration in the scandal was confirmed when a former Russian Ambassador to Colombia, Ednan Tofik ogly Agaev, who is also being tried over the OPL 245 affair, said in an Italian court last month that he was pressured, under interrogation by the FBI, to mention Adoke’s name as one of the recipients of the $400 million bribes allegedly paid to government officials in the deal. Agaev refused to adopt the FBI interview in court, insisting that he did not mean for it to be used against him. In July 17, 2019, in Milan, Italy, Mr.

Vincenzo Armanna, the former ENI manager who is also standing trial over the Malabu scandal told the court that Adoke warned ENI officials against discussing kickbacks and threatened them with arrest. Even though judgment in Italy can be appealed and only become enforceable once they are final, it has vindicated Adoke who has all long maintained his innocence. It further confirms that his trial in Nigeria is a mere witch-hunt. While no official comment has come from the federal government and Adoke on the acquittal,it has thrown up fresh challenge to the EFCC to have a rethink on its ongoing prosecution of the same matter here in Nigeria. This is why the Chairman of Society of Equity and Justice, Frank Idemudia, has demanded that all prosecutions ongoing in Nigeria be dropped. He called for repentance, apology and possible restitution on the part of the persecutors, otherwise posterity will not forgive them. Idemudia said it was shame that the same Adoke that is being vilified and called names is the same man that foreign witnesses in their testimony before a foreign court, testified to the sanctity of his character and integrity. He wondered why Nigeria does not always appreciate and commend people with good intentions and those who have served the country meritoriously. “I pray for repentance, apology and possible restitution on the part of your persecutors, lest they rot in the hottest part of hell.” “Isn’t it an eternal shame to all of us that the same man we vilify and contrive all sorts of stories against is the same man that foreign witnesses in their testimony before a foreign court where there is visible respect for rule of law, justice and fundamental rights are testifying to the sanctity of his character and integrity? he asked. Also, the Director of a UK-based advocacy group, Friends of Justice, Marcos Williams, said the Federal Government of Nigeria owes Adoke and apology for vilifying him and his detention both in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and at the EFCC at the behest of Magu. He chided the former EFCC boss for allowing himself to be used against the former AGF. Williams said since the transaction has been found not tainted but legitimate, the government and the Attorney General of the Federation, Malami should terminate the ongoing trial in Nigeria and apologise to Adoke for the malicious use of state agencies to harass him. He also called for the former AGF to be compensated, adding that likes of Magu should be allowed access power again. “The Nigerian state owes Adoke an apology for the vilification of his name and the detention both in UAE and EFCC at the behest of Magu who allowed himself to be used savagely against me in order to get confirmation which never came. “Now that the transaction has been found not tainted but legitimate the government and the HAGF should bite the humble pie and do the needful by terminating the trial and apologising to Adoke for the malicious use of state agencies to harass him and possibly compensate him. “The USA and the Dutch governments found nothing wrong with the transaction. The EFCC should going forward be wary of some their so-called activists and their dubious antics which is mainly to sustain their grant at the expense of innocent persons’ image and integrity. Stern actions should be taken against false whistleblowers and informants.”

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͰ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

REPO 25.50 25

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

25.00 25.00 27.50

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Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

M A R C H

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

567.58% -0.31% 0.90

1 9 ,

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

2 0 2 1

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EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes Group Insists on Compliance to Regulations

HONOURINGOKONJO-IWEALA

L-R: Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Yewande Sadiku; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Managing Director/CEO,Transcorp Hotels Plc, Dupe Olusola, and Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Segun Awolowo at the reception dinnerinhonourofthenewWTODG,DrNgoziOkonjo-IwealainAbuja....recently

Equities Attract N20bn Investment Despite Bearish Trend Goddy Egene The equities market attracted a total of N19.272 billion invested in 2.342 billion in 20,173 deals last week amidst the continuing bearish trend that led to a negative close for the seventh consecutive week. The value of investment was lower than the N23.541 billion staked on 1.675 billion shares in 21,732 deals the previous week. The persistent weak sentiments made the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) to depreciate by 0.69 per cent to close at 38,382.39, while market capitalisation close lower at N20.082 trillion. Consequently, the year-to-date decline printed at 4.7 per cent. Analysts said they expect the

CAPITAL MARKET bearish trend to continue this week as investors await the outcome of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which begins today. “We expect investors’ attention to be focused on the outcome of the MPC meeting as they seek clarity on the direction of yields in the fixed income market. “We expect the choppy trading pattern that played out last week to persist in this week, as investors continue to cherry-pick dividend-paying stocks and at the same time remain cautious about leaving gains in the market. “Notwithstanding, we advise investors to take positions in only

fundamentally justified stocks as the unimpressive macro story remains a significant headwind for corporate earnings,” analysts at Cordros Securities said. Meanwhile, a breakdown of the performance showed that investors’ preference remained high on banking stocks as the Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 1.888 billion shares valued at N12.446billion traded in 12,019deals. The sector, thus contributed 80.6 per cent and 64.58 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Natural Resources Industry followed with 201.260 million shares worth N41.295 million in 27deals. The third place was Conglomerates Goods Industry, with a turnover of 62.053 million

shares worth N65.672 million in 612 deals. Trading in the top three equities namely: Unity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust BankPlc and Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc accounted for 1.471billion shares worth N7.114billion in 2,317 deals. A total of 33 equities appreciated lower 35 equities in the previous week, while 25 equities depreciated in price, lower than 38 equities in the previous week. Eterna Plc led the price gainers with 20.7 per cent, trailed by Northern Nigerian Flour Mills Plc with 9.7 per cent. Unity Bank Plc appreciated by 9.0 per cent, just as Smart Products Nigeria Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc Continued on page 24

Insurance Industry Recorded 15% Growth in 2020 Ebere Nwoji The Nigerian insurance industry in 2020, grew its gross premium income by 15 per cent. This was slightly lower than the 15.55 per cent growth recorded by the industry in 2019. The industry had recorded a 10 per cent growth in 2018, from gross premium of N363 billion in 2017 to N400 billion in 2018. According to a report on the sector released by the Augsto &Co, a pan African credit rating agency, the industry in the face of the pandemic evolved innovation in product distribution. It also witnessed some regulatory-backed opportunities such as digitalisation of marine insurance certificates and increasing awareness of the benefits of insurance products. These, according to the rating agency helped to drive growth of the industry during the business

INSURANCE year ended December 31st, 2020. According to Agusto & Co, the violence that trailed the #EndSARS protest in October 2020, adversely impacted the industry in terms of additional claims, which in turn impaired profitability for the 2020 financial year and would moderate the performance of some insurers in 2021. Nonetheless, the riot that trailed the protest emphasised the importance of insurance products, particularly with the absence of a robust social security system in Nigeria. According to the report, the violence/riot that trailed the protest could be a catalyst for insurance uptake, given that the insurance penetration rate has remained less than one per cent in Nigeria.

It expects the suspended recapitalisation exercise to change the structure of the Industry. Furthermore, it noted that persistent naira devaluation had reduced the strength of the industry’s capital since the last recapitalisation exercise in 2007. It estimated that as at December 31, 2020, the industry had an estimated capital base of $1 billion, significantly lower than $2.2 billion recorded as at December 31, 2007. The agency in the report noted that notwithstanding the setback, the recapitalisation exercise could be a watershed in the industry. It added that in addition to the benefits accruing from a larger capital base from a risk underwriting perspective, improved investment management practices would be upheld by a larger investment portfolio driven by a need to generate adequate returns. “The recapitalisation exercise

has elicited mergers and acquisition transactions in the Industry. Agusto & Co. anticipates an uptick in these transactions as the deadline draws near. “The shareholding structure of most insurers is expected to change in the near term as some investors leverage the exercise to either gain or increase exposure to the industry. “With the gradual rebound of the global economy, more foreign investors are expected in the Industry, given that the naira devaluation has reduced the value of insurance companies (in USD terms), despite the undisputed opportunities in the Nigerian insurance industry,” the report stated. It further noted that the entry of new players after the embargo that lasted over a decade was a key point in the industry. In November 2020, six new

Stakeholders’compliancewiththedivingatworkregulationsisimperative for the growth of the diving sector, the Hyperbaric Medical Practitioners Society of Nigeria (HMPSN) have said. This is just as the group disclosed plans to hold a diving conference in partnership with the Diving Advisory Board next June. President of the Association, Dr. Kayode Ogunleye, made this disclosure after the group paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Inspector of Diving, Nigeria, Mr. Julius Ugwala at his oﬃce in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He stressed the need for collaboration among critical stakeholders so as to realise a more safety standards compliant diving sector. He said, “The visit created an opportunity for discussions on areas of collaboration by relevant stakeholders in the industry to ensure compliance with the country’s recently passed Diving at Work Regulations. “Other areas of mutual interest that will aid the advancement of the diving sector in the country were also extensively discussed. Furthermore, we toured of Subweb Commercial Diving and ROV Training Centre run by Mr. Julius Ugwala, the Chief Inspector of Diving and discussed modalities for a Diving Conference in the second quarter of the year.” Also speaking, Ugwala hinted that the Diving Advisory Board would be working with HMPSN to authenticatemedicalcertificates,curbforgeries and improve on current industry standards. Besides Ogunleye, President – HMPSN; Dr. Samuel Umoren (Secretary General-HMPSN)andMrMarkSevern(CountryRepresentativeofUnique Group) were also present at the meeting.

GOtv Enhances Decoder Notiﬁcation

GOtv Nigeria has concluded plan to introduce an Enhanced Decoder Notification (EDN) functionality to keep its customers informed and in control of their viewing experience. This EDN functionality which will be activated onTuesday, 6th April, 2021, refers to a set of icons that appear on the screen containing valuable information like how many viewing days are left before a customer’s next payment is due, the latest special offers and discounts, as well as information on new content, campaigns and upcoming celebrations. Customers can access the information by pressing the “okay” button on their remote, followed by “messages” on the menu bar and then use the arrow keys to scroll through the different messages. Speaking on the latest update, Chief CustomerOfficer,MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said: “We are constantly driven to ensure our customers enjoy our services and are always looking to offer innovative ways to give them better control and improved customer support. The Enhanced Decoder Notification functionality is another way we are delivering on this promise.” Mabutho added that with the new EDN service, customers will have fewer interruptions whilst viewing.

Facebook Launches Book on Female Leaders

As part of its celebration around International Women’s Month, Facebook recently announced the launch of ‘LeadHERs: Life Lessons From African Women’, a collection of beautifully inspired stories & life advice from 19 women who are breaking boundaries in ﬁelds such as media, entertainment, politics, education and business. Available for free in digital and physical formats, the book provides inspirational real-life stories for future generations and young leaders. Each chapter focuses on a personal experience and life lesson around how these women have navigated their path to success, alongside the challenges they have had to overcome along the way. ‘LeadHERs: Life Lessons from African Women’ is aimed at encouraging, inspiring and guiding the reader - no matter the background, age or ambition. ‘LeadHERs: Life Lessons from African Women’ followed the successful 2020 launch of ‘Inspiring #Changemakers: Lessons from Life and Business’ in South Africa. The 2021 book, according to a statement, was further brought to life through a series of beautifully illustrated artwork specially commissioned from four female artists fromacross the continent - Massira Keita from Côte d’Ivoire; Lulu Kitololo from Kenya; Karabo Poppy from South Africa; and Awele Emili from Nigeria.

“What is important is that the new rate as approved by the two regulators, is far cheaper than what was initially charged by the banks and it is believed that this will help deepen financial inclusion in the country” Chairman, ALTON,

Continued on page 24

Mr. Gbenga Adebayo

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BUSINESSWORLD EQUITIES ATTRACT N20BN INVESTMENT DESPITE BEARISH TREND chalked up 8.3 per cent and 7.6 per cent in that order. Berger Paints Nigeria Plc garnered 7.4 per cent. NASCON Allied Industries Plc, United Capital Plc and Vitafoam Nigeria Plc gained 6.4 per cent, 6.2 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively. Conversely, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc led the price losers with 14.8 per cent, followed by Africa Prudential Plc with a decline of 10.1 per cent. NCR Nigeria Plc shed 9.7 per cent, while Linkage Assurance Plc and LASACO Assurance Plc went down by 9.0 per cent and 6.9 per cent in that order. Other top price gainers included: Associated Bus Company Plc (6.6 per cent); BUA Cement Plc (6.4 per cent); Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc (5.8 per cent); Nigerian Breweries Plc (5.3 per cent) and Dangote Sugar refinery Plc (5.2 per cent). INSURANCE INDUSTRY RECORDED 15% GROWTH IN 2020

operators were licenced in the life, non-life and reinsurance segments of the industry. The firm anticipates the entry of more players, particularly from existing financial institutions seeking opportunities for diversification of income. Agusto & Co. believes that the new players will intensify competition in the Industry. “New insurance products and business practices are also expected from these new players,” it added. The agency, in the report, stated that it expects a better performance by the industry in the near term if opportunities accruing from the pandemic and the #Endsars is optimised. “The gradual increase in the prevailing interest rate will also support the investment income of insurers. It is expected that more innovative product distribution channels will be introduced to reduce the dominance of insurance brokers. “Notwithstanding, Agusto & Co. believes the insurance brokers will remain strategic to the Nigerian insurance industry given the wholesale focus of the Industry,” it added.

NEWS

AMCON Takes Possession of Centage’s Assets over N3.5bn Debt Obinna Chima The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over 13 assets linked to Centage Savings and Loans Limited and its Chief Promoter, Mr. Johnson Gabriel Ndukwe, over an indebtedness of over N3.5 billion. This followed the order of Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court Lagos Division. The development in the court case between AMCON and Centage Savings and Loans Limited was disclosed in a statement from the Head of Corporate Communications Department of the government recovery agency, Jude Nwauzor, obtained at the weekend. It explained that in compliance with the enforcement order, which Justice Aneke gave on October 8, 2020, AMCON commenced detailed and strategic enforcement plan amidst the rampaging coronavirus pandemic, stating that the assets are scattered around different locations in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. It stated that having met all the requirements needed for a lawful enforcement execution AMCON last Friday simultaneously took effective possession of the properties in Lagos and Abuja through its Debt Recovery Agent– Elite Law - amidst mild resistance from some resident associations members who apparently may not have anticipated any encumbrances

having supposedly bought from Centage Savings and Loans Limited who unknown to them is heavily indebted to AMCON. “The properties in question as listed by the court order, which AMCON effectively took over include properties situate at 18 Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos; Plot 1, Unit 2, Imam Abibu Street, Adetoro Victoria Island, Lagos; Centage Trade Centre, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos; Block B, Plot 19 Maiyegun Village, Lekki, Eti Osa LGA, Lagos; Block C, Plot 15, 17,

19 & 20 Maiyegun Village, Lekki, Eti Osa LGA, Lagos; Ivory Garden Estate, Isheri North, Magoro, Lagos; 20 Plots of Land at Ibu Ominla, Ogombo Village, Ajah, Lekki; No 4 Otunba Tunde Seriki Close and Igo Efon, Lekki, Lagos. “The rest include property situated at Ologolo Road, Maiyegun Village, Ajah, Lagos; No 18 Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island, Lagos; House J25A & House J25B, Road 3 Close, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos; Centage Estate, Apo, Abuja; and Plot MF 472, Sabon Lugbe, Abuja.

In addition, the court ordered the freezing of all accounts belonging to Centage Savings and Loans Limited and its Chief Promoter, Mr Johnson Gabriel Ndukwe,” it added. Centage Savings and Loans Limited and its chief promoter had been a protracted issue since the loan was purchased during the first and second phases of Eligible Bank Assets (EBA) purchase from the then Finbank (now FCMB) and GTBank, over 10 years ago. Since then, AMCON has offered the obligor a good measure of

olive branches and explored all avenues to resolve the matter amicably, but the obligor and his company, Centage Savings and Loans Limited have remained recalcitrant and unwilling to repay the huge debt owed the Corporation. As a matter of fact, the value of the Collateral tied to the loan paled into insignificance considering the debt, which prompted AMCON to carry out asset tracing in line with the powers granted to the Corporation under the AMCON Act, 2019 (As Amended).

COURTESYVISIT

L-R: Executive Director, Infrastructure Business, Inlaks, Tope Dare; Head Enterprise Innovation Unit, First Bank, Ayodeji Aina; Head, Branch Experience Management, Abimbola Ibikunle Aina; MD/CEO, Africa Operations, Inlaks, Femi Adeoti; Group Executive,Technology & Services, First Bank, Callistus Obetta;

NSC Threatens to Sanction Service Providers Eromosele Abiodun The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has warned regulated service providers in the maritime industry that they will be sanctioned if they fail to register with the council within one month. The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, disclosed this in Lagos, at a sensitisation clinic for regulated service providers, which include shipping companies, terminal operators and inland container dry ports. Represented by Director, Consumer Affairs Department of NSC, Mr. Cajetan Agu, Bello

said the service providers would be given the chance of first and second warnings before it employs actions such as delisting, sealing off of business premises amongst others. He noted that since the first sensitisation clinic that took place on January 31, 2019, only few regulated service providers had registered. He listed those affected by the directive as: ports authority, seaport terminal operators, shipping companies, offdock terminal/ bonded warehouses. Others, he added, are: cargo consolidators, logistics service providers, freight forwarders, inland container depot operators, stevedoring companies and others.

The registration, Bello stressed, is in line with part 2, section 41 of the NSC Port Economic Regulation of 2015. According to Bello, “The purpose of this clinic is to provide guidelines, rates and modalities for registration online with the NSC portal. At the first sensitisation programme in 2019, participants raised issue of high registration fee, stating that it adds to cost of doing business and this was reviewed downwards, but surprisingly some regulated service providers did not pay. “It is hoped that stakeholders will avail themselves this opportunity and participate in the sensitisation clinic and

equally register with the NSC thereafter for those who are yet to register with us. Stakeholders should not take our persuasion as a form of weakness, they should utilise the one month grace period and register or sanctions will be meted out.” The NSC boss said some benefits attached to the registration included regulatory incentives, creating a pool of operators in the port sector, economic planning, ability to monitor the conduct of providers, free access to complaint mechanism and platform for consultation. He added, “When appointed a port regulator, assignments were given to the NSC for them to create

an effective regulatory regime at the ports for the control of tariffs, rates, charges and other economic services. “For shippers’ council to express these functions as prescribed under the regulation and under operation “Know Your Customer”, Part 2, Section 4 listed all the regulated service providers at the port.” “And again, under section 4, the listed providers shall register with the council. It is line with this section that we are meeting today, carrying out this sensitisation training for stakeholders. So failure to comply will amount to a breach of this regulation and shall attract sanctions as stipulated by the regulation,” he added.

DigitalLearningWillBoostEconomicEmpowerment, Says Minister Folalumi Alaran in Abuja Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum has said women have the ability to take children off the streets especially in northern part of the country, if they embrace digital learning of the Hausa language. She noted that digital learning could boost contribution to the needs of their families mentally, medically, socially, academically and financially and keep children away from social vices. Speaking during her goodwill message to the soft launch of the Lorewa Academy Initiative in Abuja, the minister said the platform will not only expose

Northern women and young girls to the digital world but also create networking to enable them tackle common challenges and equip them with various technical skills, knowledge in practical reality. Katagum said: “If the Women accept and come forward and embrace digital learning of the Hausa language which is a new initiative and begin to contribute to the needs of their families mentally, medically, socially, academically and above all, financially, eventually many children of the North will be taken off the streets and from other social vices”. Lorewa Academy is an initiative of Sapphital Learning Limited aimed at utilising the power of digital technology and languages

to take learning to more communities in Nigeria. Specifically, Lorewa learning for Northern Women aims to deliver critical skills and knowledge in the Hausa language to Arewa Women, girls, teenagers to become self-reliant as well as becoming entrepreneurs. The minister explained that the platform will not only expose the Northern women and young girls to the digital world but also create network among them in tackling common challenges and equip them with various technical skills, knowledge in practical reality. The Borno State Social Investment Coordinator, Aisha Waziri Umar, however, lamented that absence of role model among the

womenfolk as well as poverty which she said are responsible for early marriages in the Northern part of country. Umar said that girls are given out for early marriages because there are only few role models. She said: “If a girl has a way or opportunity to have the needed finances, she will definitely have that interest to go to school, the parents will also be happy. “I am particularly happy for this Lorewa Academy initiative to train girls in Hausa language via digital platforms”. In a presentation, the Founder, Lorewa Academy, Ebere Okereke, pointed out that the platform is for all Arewa women that have the desire to either teach or

learn something new, they can share their knowledge and build more women entrepreneurs and professionals. Also, Group Chief Executive, Sapphital Learning, Amu Ogbeide said the academy had first seen the impact of a learned women in a family and society hence the particular arrangement seeks to target more women starting with Arewa communities before streading to others across the country. He said: “We have seen firsthand, the impact of a learned woman in her family and society and this is why, this particular is targeted at women starting with the Arewa communities. We are going to more communities in the near future.”

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Emuwa:BanksEvolvingtoAlign withCustomers’Needs The outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, in this interview speaks about how he was able to transform an old institution into a vibrant, innovative, and technology-driven and customer-focused bank. Nume Ekeghe presents the excerpts:

fter about eight years, your tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank will come to an end on March 31, 2021. How will you describe your time at the bank? My time at Union Bank has been one of the richest experiences of my 30-year banking career. I have enjoyed the challenge of leading this institution over the past eight years. I would describe it as a tasking but also very rewarding journey, one with several highpoints along the way. The team and I have managed to successfully transform this 104-year-old institution, and that was no small feat. I am grateful to have had the firm support of my Executive and Senior Management team, all Union Bank employees, and the Board of Directors. I am pleased with the progress we have made over the past eight years, but even more excited about the path we have set the Bank on, and what the future holds for Union Bank.

also at the core of who we are, and so remains a major focus for us as well. We supported the government, private entities and our communities in the fight against COVID-19 with a total donation of N350 million towards the fund for Private Sector Coalition against Covid-19 (CACOVID); 54gene to support testing and research, working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); and the Lagos State COVID-19 Emergency Food Response programme to support families affected by the pandemic.The #UnionRiseChallenge which we launched in June last year, recognised and rewarded individuals and small organisations, who, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, rose to support their communities. The bank awarded N15million to 90 winners, enabling them to do more. As a bank, we are focused on raising long term liability offshore and onshore as we continue to engage with our foreign currency funding partners to maintain existing credit lines. We have continued to review our credit portfolio and obligor engagement in vulnerable sector like. oil & gas, agriculture, and manufacturing, towards collateral strengthening and restructuring, leveraging CBN’s forbearance. With a deliberate effort to grow our digital efforts and incentivise usage of channels to grow fees and commissions while reducing costs. Finally, we have also intensified cost optimisation efforts to reduce OPEX and improve cost to income ratio.

When you took up the appointment as CEO, were you apprehensive about the journey ahead, especially since Union Bank was facing serious challenges at the time? I joined Union Bank with a clear vision and mandate to drive its transformation and rebuild it into a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria. Yes, it seemed like a daunting mission, but it was one I looked forward to carrying out, especially considering my penchant for fixing things and solving problems. And so, the team and I set out on this journey, aware to some extent, of the enormity of the task we were faced with, but also excited about the challenge ahead and the success story we were weaving every day as we set about our work. Union Bank has been in business for 104 years now. What factors would you say have been essential in helping the bank reach an anniversary that several other banks and institutions haven’t made it to? A solid foundation is essential. This has helped us deliver value and engender goodwill with generations of Nigerians who have come to know us as their most reliable and trusted partner through various stages of life. Another thing that has sustained us and continues to set us apart is the fact that we are customer centric. Our customers are at the core of our existence, so we focus on providing them with the support they need to succeed. We help them succeed, and in turn they stay with us and they help us succeed. Also, we realise that we live in a highly dynamic world, and any organisation that will go the distance must be nimble, innovative and resilient. As a bank, we have survived and thrived by sheer grit, agility, and a laser-like focus on exceptional service delivery, each time, every time. There is no doubt that Union Bank has recorded signiﬁcant progress over the past eight years of your tenure. What are the key highlights for you from the past eight years? Looking back, I remember many high points and many milestones we achieved in our journey to rebuild this institution. One of the first things we set out to do in 2013 was to focus on redefining our strategy and setting out a clearly defined roadmap to re-establish the bank as a leading financial institution in Nigeria. Following that process, we kicked off a deep and far-reaching transformation programme in 2014, involving an upgrade of our technological platforms, our processes, and a remodeling of our workforce. All these were done to improve the quality of our operations, upgrade the bank’s distribution network and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality customer service. In October 2015, we unveiled a new brand identity, revealing a vibrant, re-energised brand, ready to serve Nigerians for the next century and beyond. As part of our transformation, we

Emuwa also made significant, strategic investments in innovation and digitalisation, including the launch of a bouquet of exciting digital banking platforms in 2017. We introduced some exciting industry-first features on our mobile banking App, UnionMobile, such as ‘Locate-an-ATMwith-cash’ and ‘Agent Locator’. In 2017, when the bank turned 100, we held our centenary anniversary celebrations across the country. I will always cherish the opportunity I had to connect with our customers and stakeholders from Benin to Kano, Port Harcourt to Ibadan and Enugu. We wrapped up the celebrations with the final event in Lagos where we gave a call-to-action for increased private sector collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. In 2019, we raised the largest 10-year bond ever issued by a corporate institution in Nigeria demonstrating the strong confidence the local capital market

Over the years, we have seen the banking landscape evolve from a dominant player industry with only a few big banks, through a period of rapid change where we saw many new entrants into the market. Then there was a consolidation phase, and now I see where we are at a period of revolution driven by technology, rapidly changing consumer needs and ﬁnancial inclusion

has in Union Bank. The N30 billion tier-2 bond was fully subscribed from the Nigerian capital market. Another major highpoint for us was paying dividends to our shareholders at the end of the 2019 financial year. That was the first time since 2008, so understandably, it was a major achievement for us. Along the way, we have received validation for our efforts from several quarters. We have seen increased acceptance of the brand - between 2018 and 2019, our customer base increased by 33.3 per cent. We have also received awards in key areas like Retail Banking, Sustainability, Branding and Advertising, Digitisation, among others. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world last year, with its attendant negative impact being seen across several sectors. How has Union Bank been mitigating against the negative effect of the pandemic? As we navigate these unusual times, we are focused on our customers, employees, and the communities within which we operate. We also continue to promptly address business risk and ensure business continuity through our strong operational risk framework. To safeguard the health and wellbeing of our employees and our customers, we have adopted strict health and safety protocols at our operating branches and offices. We were one of the first in the Nigerian banking industry to adopt the work-from-home model, with over 70 per cent of our workforce operating remotely at the height of the pandemic. This seamless pivot was possible due to strategic investments in our digital technologies pre-Covid. To support our customers, we upgraded our digital channels to ensure reliable, uninterrupted service and continue delivering value. We also developed new features on our platforms including straight-through account opening on our mobile banking app (Union Mobile) and a home delivery option for cards. In addition, we offered temporary and time-limited restructuring of tenor and loan terms for businesses affected by the outbreak of Covid-19 particularly in the oil & gas, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Supporting our host communities is

How has the pandemic affected your risk assets and what impact has it had on Union Bank’s bottom-line and balance sheet at the end of the 2020 ﬁnancial year? At the start of the pandemic last year, there was initial pressure on oil prices and foreign exchange availability, impacting oil & gas, import dependent manufacturing and general commerce and consumer segments. Thankfully, the Central Bank proactively introduced COVID-19 related forbearances on loans which allowed for short term moratoriums and extensions in impacted sectors. This cushioned the impact of the pandemic especially during the lockdown when economic activities slowed. With relatively more stable oil prices the portfolio outlook is positive, and Union Bank continues to grow its portfolio in resilient and focus sectors and areas where there are opportunities in line with its appetite. Close monitoring of the loan portfolio with emphasis on high-risk sectors and implementation of the CBN programmes has also led to an overall improvement in asset quality over the period. Through your eyes, how has banking changed in recent years and how would you describe banking of the future? Over the years, we have seen the banking landscape evolve from a dominant player industry with only a few big banks, through a period of rapid change where we saw many new entrants into the market. Then there was a consolidation phase, and now I see where we are at a period of revolution driven by technology, rapidly changing consumer needs and financial inclusion. In today’s world, banks need to think critically about the role we play in lifting our citizens up - both the banked and unbanked. The more Nigerians we can lift out of poverty, the larger the pool of potential customers we all have. Collaboration, partnerships, and collective responsibility are key to tackling the big issues facing us as a people. I see the future of banking as heavily customer led. We already see banks evolving to align with customer needs. I expect to see a change in the role of brick-and-mortar banking establishments as adoption of digital banking platforms continues to increase. The concept of a bank in the traditional sense of the word will take on a new meaning as banking evolves over the next decade and beyond. What’s next for you post Union Bank? After my last day at Union Bank on the 31st of March, I look forward to taking a well-earned break and catching up on some much-needed sleep!

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ACCAReiterates Commitment to Gender Equality James Emejo in Abuja The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has restated its commitment to promoting gender equality in the accounting profession. Speaking during the association’s weeklong virtual activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2021, themed:”Inclusion in Action”, ACCA Country Head Nigeria, Mr. Tom Isibo, said, “Our commitment is to promote gender equality across our global community and achieve gender equality across our employee population.” He said the theme highlighted its commitment to ensuring that ACCA remained an open community to all, pointing out that, “For the past few months, we have driven all our activities and work at ACCA around the theme.” The programme, which was declared open by ACCA Global Chief Executive, Helen Brand, had one of Africa’s 50 powerful women as listed by Forbes in 2020, Tara Fela-Durotoye, challenged women to take a lead in inspiring and supporting the next generation of women leaders in all facets of life. Head Investor Relations at Dangote Cement, Temilade Aduroja, also tasked participants to be more adaptable and forward thinking in business, adding that women should take more risk to create more sustainable wealth

and diversify their savings and investment portfolio to hedge against shocks. The forum further articulated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wealth creation and how people can guard against the impact of inflation on their savings as well as the rise of fintechs and digital currencies. Also, speaking at the forum, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, during her presentation titled, “Busting the Myths of Meritocracy”, commended ACCA for its research on “Slow to the Top” adding that “I am a huge protagonist of empirical evidence as the most effective means for argumentation on matters that pertain to institutional barriers and prejudices because these are often difficult to establish.” Also, Director ACCA Africa, Jamil Ampomah, also reiterated the position of the professional accounting body on above other factors. Also, in his intervention at the forum, Non-Executive Director, Emerging Africa Asset Management, Oghogho Osula, addressed the role of men in enabling and supporting the strategies for female inclusion to be effective. Among other things, ACCA further showcased how it was able to champion diversity and inclusion by promoting various themes including accelerating gender parity, smashing the glass ceiling and finding a career balance.

FG Orders APCON, NBC to Create Enabling Business Environment for Media Houses Raheem Akingbolu The nation’s media industry may soon overcome issues related to advertising debt and other business challenges as the federal government has directed the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to implement key policies to guarantee the advertising income of media houses by creating a healthy environment for media outfits to operate. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this known during the unveiling of the Digital Switch Over (DSO)/Analogue Switch Off timetable in Abuja recently. The Minister in his speech said the government will also support channel owners and content providers through the implementation of the audience measurement system to guarantee a sustained stream of revenue from advertising for them to invest in

the development of compelling content. “Very soon, APCON and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on zero advertising debts to ensure that revenue from advertising goes to the media owners,” he added. The Registrar/CEO of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, commended the Minister of Information and Culture for his directive. He further stated that similar directive had been given by the Minister to APCON on the need for the full implementation of the advertising industry reform guidelines. The industry reform guidelines was aimed at creating a healthy business environment, sanitised the industry, set minimum acceptable business engagement rules and ethical standards, create jobs for Nigerians as well as encourage local content in advertising productions.

He expressed confidence in the partnership with NBC on the implementation of the Minister’s directive which will further foster growth and development of the industry. He enjoined stakeholders to put all hands on deck to ensure the success of the Digital Switch Over project Last year, the two government agencies regulating advertising practice and the broadcast media, had agreed to collaborate in ensuring the resolution of the age-long industry debt, adherence to advertising code among other critical industry issues. The APCON Registrar had dropped the hint when he paid a courtesy visit to the NBC to seek collaboration and promote policies that will improve the advertising industry and strengthen intersectoral relationship. Fadolapo, disclosed the plan by APCON to develop a new business framework and Standard Operating Procedure for the advertising industry. He stated that the business

framework would not only be comprehensive, but equally address critical industry concerns, which include industry debt, payment policy, inter and intra sectoral relationships among other issues. The APCON registrar stated that NBC was expected to make substantial input and adequately participate in the formulation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the industry. While the SOP will require stakeholders’ participation, Fadolapo sought the mutual collaboration of NBC as a government regulatory agency to support and ensure compliance. He also solicited the support of NBC in ensuring that all broadcast media organisations comply and enforce the advertising code. He noted that the visit was in line with the directive of Mohammed, requesting that all agencies regulating the advertising and media industry should collaborate and seek solution to the age-long media debt.

Fate Foundation Launches Programme to Support Young Entrepreneurs FATE Foundation aims to support 2,000 young entrepreneurs whose micro and small businesses have been especially hard-hit by COVID-19. Funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, the project is part of futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative to tackle inequality. The global economy is suffering from catastrophic economic shocks as a result of COVID-19. With typically tight margins, micro, small and medium businesses are vulnerable to economic downturn. The current pandemic and the resulting lockdowns are having a particularly serious impact on business owners and entrepreneurs from underserved communities, including young people (aged 18-35 years), women, refugees and other migrants and those with disabilities and visual impairments. Many are struggling to get through the crisis and need support now. Micro small and medium businesses have a crucial role to play in economic recoveries post-COVID and ensuring supporting a diverse range of young entrepreneurs will contribute towards a richer, more varied and more resilient economy for everyone. A statement quoted Funmilayo Hannah Awoyomi, an entrepreneur who owns 701 Stitches and is based in Kaduna to have said: “Small businesses like me have suffered a lot since March, 2020. Business has not been the same since the lockdown was first implemented. “We need to know how to compete without spending our entire savings on

this digital marketing thing that everyone is talking about. I look forward to being part of a program like this.” It stated that FATE Foundation will provide a holistic package of support including Digital Transformation Workshop, Resilience Building Series, and Remote Consulting & Advisor services to be delivered virtually to 2000 entrepreneurs across Nigeria. “We will specifically target underserved entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-35 who have been hardest hit by the crisis,” it added. Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi said: “We are committed to supporting young Nigerian entrepreneurs contribute to the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and are excited to be part of their success stories. “We are also excited about the potential of this program in making significant impact in the Nigerian Entrepreneurship space”. Youth Business International and Standard Chartered Foundation are working together to provide crucial support to over 33,000 underserved young entrepreneurs in six countries across Africa, Asia and Europe. They stated that priority will be given to traditionally disadvantaged business owners who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 economic crisis, including rural, micro and female entrepreneurs, business owners with disabilities and visual impairments and those excluded from formal financial support.

Banks Urged to Apply Technology in Balance Sheet Management Emma Okonji Financial experts who spoke at a recent webinar about the future of balance sheet management, organised by CWG Plc, have stressed the need for banks and other financial services providers to apply technology solutions in addressing the complexities of balance sheet management. According to them, the application of emerging technologies would help banks to address the new complexities in their balance sheets, occasioned by the spread of COVID-19 pandemic that has altered the usual banking operations. They were of the view that in order to build customers’ confidence, banks must continue to enhance customer experience through a robust and diversified balance sheet, which can be achieved through the application of the right technology tools to drive growth. The Guest Speaker, who is the Senior Vice President and Head of Market Risks at Axis Bank of India, Mr. Pravat Dash, said adequate use of the balance sheet in managing risks, would lead to exponential growth in the banking sector. Looking at the

strength of the baking sector, Dash said the responsibility to keep public money lies with the banks, and that banks must build that confidence in their customers. According to him, banks needed to pay more attention to balance sheet management in order to understand the complexities of balance sheet, the transition in balance sheet and to understand how to use technology as an enabler in driving growth. “From a micro banking perspective, using Axis Bank of India as a case study, we have realised that efficient banking is about managing the currency risk, currency flow, and accessing the market and managing financial risk. All these can be achieved through a robust and detailed balance sheet,” Dash said. Founder and Chairman of Surya Software System in India, D. N. Prahlad, in his presentation, said balance sheet management remained key to banks with small and large customer base, especially in managing the structured and unstructured data of banks. He stressed on the data value chain of banks, adding that since data has become the new oil, banks must consider managing risk though aggregated data information. “Today’s world needs extremely

fast data processing to address fast cash flow and the banks need technology solutions to help them navigate complex variables in balance sheet management,” Prahlad said. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed who was represented by the Director General, Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze, who spoke on the theme: ‘Disruptive Innovation in the Financial Sector’, said disruptions could be positive or negative, adding that positive disruption is propelled by innovation. She advised banks to be innovative in order to win the confidence of their customers, and to remain competitive. During the panel session, the Chief Financial Officer, GTB, Mr. Adebanji Adeniyi, said: “The objective of balance sheet management focuses around efficiency, diversification capital planning, returns and risk, but above all, COVID-19 has compelled us to watch out for early triggers and to put more measures on survivability and growth.” Chief Financial Officer, Wema Bank, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku, said driving growth of the bank and ensuring returns to shareholders, using balance sheet has remained

critical for as at Wema Bank. Head, Internal Control, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Adenike Odukomaiya, said Stanbic IBTC has a system put in place for reconciliation of its balance sheet from the various departments of the bank. Chief Financial Officer, Union Bank, Mr. Joe Mbulu, said: “Balance sheet management is critical to the banking sector, but the spread of COVID-19 pandemic has compelled banks to focus more on balance sheet management.” Managing Director and CEO, CWG, Mr. Adewale Adeyipo, said CWG would continue to use technology to enhance banking operations. “Over the years we have been able to demonstrate our ability to support the customer base in the financial services sector and other sectors that we service today. “We have been at the forefront, providing innovative technology solutions to our customers for the growth of their businesses,” he added. He said the bank that would remain relevant in the next five to ten years, are those that would focus largely on customer experience and deploy technology that would enhance customer experience.

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Group Seeks Proactive Action on Gender Issues Ugo Aliogo As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day (IWD) event to raise awareness on issues affecting women globally, the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) has urged stakeholders in government, businesses and civil society to take proactive actions on myriad of issues affecting women and girls. Speaking in Lagos, NNNGO Executive Director, Oyebisi Oluseyi, explained that there was need stakeholders and industry

champions to lead conversations, plans and actions on addressing gender equality and supporting women to thrive across different fields of endeavour. He said that to achieve the expected future for women and girls, it was important to embark on active implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to build back better from the pandemic, adding that it can no longer be business as usual. Oluseyi advised leaders to pay conscious effort to growing an

army of women and girls that can challenge stereotypes, break ceilings and become who they want to be without leaving any gender behind. He further stated that as a matter of national importance, there should be proactive steps to reinforce and manage diversity, equity and inclusion, which leaders across industries must champion and publicly commit to. According to him, “From investments in STEM education and training for girls, bridging the gender pay gap, breaking

AccessBanktoRewardCustomerson RemittanceTransactions Nume Ekeghe In a bid to promote diaspora remittances into the country, Access Bank has restated its commitment to pay customers who receive diaspora remittances with N5 on every $1. A statement from the bank stated that the N5 for every dollar cashback would be paid to Access Bank customers irrespective of their preference to receive funds as US dollars cash pick-up over the counter or direct transfer into their domiciliary accounts. The reward scheme is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s “Naira 4 Dollar Scheme,” aimed at encouraging inflow of diaspora remittances into the country and

the scheme will run from Monday, March 8 to Saturday, 8 May 2021. Commenting on the initiative, Executive Director Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, stated: “Remittance Services are a key aspect of our economy and it is still vibrant and viable today because people still take care of family members, loved ones, and friends and invest at home even as they live abroad. “As part of our promise to create value and meet the needs of our customers, we are happy to announce that our customers can now receive the N5 for every $1 incentive, at any of our branches nationwide, when their loved ones or associates send funds

from the diaspora.” He added: “The bank’s promise to deliver more than banking services is even more relevant at this time as customers are looking for convenient products and services to facilitate their lifestyle needs. “As a pioneer in international transfer services, we still maintain a strong relationship with our remittance partners: Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, WorldRemit, Transfast, Paysend, Shift, Sendwave and other international money transfer services and we are committed to delivering excellent service to all our customers. “Our remittance services are available to both customers and non-customers of Access bank” Victor concluded.

the glass ceiling, ensuring both women and girls shows up each day to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment whether at home, workplace, schools, places of worship or other public spaces. “With civil society organisations across communities doing so much for women and girls through access to quality education, access to water and sanitation, addressing issues around gender based violence, disability, STEM, raising awareness on harmful practices against women and girls, the time and

resources already invested must be built upon through a concerted national programme that captures the lessons from the various interventions delivered to women by non-profit, scale them up towards a clear path for meeting and exceeding the SDGs. “Our success as a nation over the next 10years will rest on our ability to attract the resources that both men and women can bring to the table in addressing many of the developmental challenges facing Nigeria, Africa and the

world at large. “To do this we must fully unlock the potentials of women and men, girls and boys to achieve the best they can be. States, local government, businesses, and society must choose to challenge stereotypes that prevent women from being sent to school or relegated to the background. Religious and community leaders must work with critical stakeholders in advocating against biases that limits women participation in issues that matters to them.”

NetflixtoSpend$5mtoUpliftWomenin EntertainmentIndustry To mark International Women’s Day recently, Netflix Head of Global TV Bela Bajaria has announced that the first $5 million of a recently announced Creative Equity Fund will go towards programs that help to nurture, develop and uplift women in the entertainment industry globally. The fund dedicates $20 million annually over the next five years to setting underrepresented communities up for success in the TV and film industries, as well as bespoke Netflix programs that will help us to identify, train and provide job placement for up-and-coming talent globally, especially Africa. Sharing her thoughts on the announcement, Kemi Adetiba, who expressed her support for the initiative said

that when she first started off in the industry years ago, she was constantly asked about the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male dominated industry. “First, I always took the time to correct this notion. The filmmaking industry is not a “man’s industry.” It might be ‘male-dominated’ for now, but certainly not an industry for only men. This is also why, I never answer even the revised question. “I don’t want another potential “Kemi” or a 12 year old Chioma watching the interview on TV, only to see only my highlighted obstacles and limitations in the piece, simply because I am a woman. “They would not be encouraged to explore positions of

interest within the industry, thinking they don’t stand a chance. I’d rather speak on and highlight that they do. While it could be better, they have solid representation within the industry. “I want them to see that I am HERE, I have a VOICE, and I’m doing my ‘darn thang’ without needing to engage in anything outside my principles, this is why this investment by Netflix couldn’t come at a better time.” “For a young woman growing up in Nigeria, watching a film at home meant trying to put yourself into a character’s shoes that probably wasn’t relatable and left you wondering why roles played by women truly didn’t depict the woman’s point of view.

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LASG, WaterAid Nigeria Seal Deal on Regulation of Water Sector Ugo Aliogo The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) and WaterAid Nigeria has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve on its capacity to effectively regulate the water sector in the state. The MoU would contribute to delivering the objectives of the National Action Plan for the revitalisation of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

sector in the state. Speaking at the signing ceremony recently in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, LSWRC, Funke Adepoju, said for the collaboration to enhance ability to function and improve performance; the need to strengthen institutional capacity and regulatory framework benchmarking against international best practices must be in place. Adepoju further stated that the partnership would strengthen service delivery in the state.

She added that it would serve as an avenue where the state government would champion water regulation in Nigeria because it was critical to integrated water resource management. The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Meere, remarked that currently, Nigeria was off track from achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. She hinted that with the chal-

lenge posed by climate change, the task has become even more daunting and the emphasis on water quality, “the crucial role of regulation becoming even more relevant and inevitable.” She maintained that such partnership was timely and necessary to generate the needed momentum in fulfilling its mandate to the people. Meere, urged stakeholders in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector and government parastatals,

to continue to prioritise access to WASH and increase investment in the sector to cater to the needs of the residents of the state. She stated that the allocated funds are used effectively to strengthen WASH access for better health, socio-economic, gender and education outcomes, thereby contributing to ending poverty, inequality and ensuring adequate pandemic preparedness. According to her, “WaterAid recognises that strong partnerships

are central to achieving our goals and are very delighted to deepen this partnership with the LSWRC. “We believe that such a partnership is timely and necessary to generate the needed momentum in fulfilling our mandates to the people. “Together, we are set to make a big difference through ourr collective efforts in changing the lives of people for good, by providing access to sustained water supply to the good people of Lagos State.”

Ethiopian Airlines Partners AU on COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Chinedu Eze Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for the implementation of the African Union Trusted Travel Pass to make continental travel easier and safer amidst the COVID -19 pandemic. Africa CDC has mobilised a broad multi-stakeholder public private partnership with the help of its strategic partners, the PanaBIOS Consortium and Econet, and with the objective of addressing current challenges posed by citizens’ and institutions’ difficulty in accessing accurate health information, high costs and inconvenience in cross border travel, and poor data for health policy and biosecurity planning. The airline said in a statement that the Trusted Travel pass program would ensure country regulations regarding COVID-19 travel requirements are met with minimal room for error and hassle to the travelling public. It stated that Ethiopian Airlines’ customers would now enjoy hassle free travel experience with their travel pass helping them verify whether their medical information meets various COVID 19 regulations of their destination.

“Ethiopian Airlines has been the pioneer in introducing new technologies to make travel contactless and convenient in an effort to curb the spread of the pandemic and restore passengers’ confidence in air travel. “This latest partnership considerably deepens this longstanding tradition by boosting the safety of passengers and nations alike; and reaffirms Ethiopian’s strong commitment to being a major part of the African pandemic recovery effort,” the airline said. Commenting on the implementation of travel pass, Chief Information Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Getinet Tadesse said, “We are offering new digital opportunities to our passengers so as to fully and safely restore air travel. We are pleased to have introduced a digital platform that will be pivotal in increasing the number of passengers while making air travel safer. “The solution is capable of addressing passengers’ travel needs during COVID -19 pandemic as it helps them validate their test and vaccination documents before departure. As a safety first airline, we are striving to make travel safe and seamless especially with regard to the implementation of COVID 19 prevention strategies.”

Firm Joins Accelerator Program Oluchi Chibuzor Plentywaka, a bus-hailing solution startup in the country has announced a new investment from Techstars as it set its sights on global expansion. Also, aside from the funding received, the startup will also join nine other startups in the Techstars Toronto accelerator program, Class of 2021. Speaking about the new development, Co-Founder and CEO of Plentywaka, Onyeka Akumah, said, “We are very excited about this new investment to partner with Techstars. This is the second time a startup I founded will go through a Techstars accelerator program and we are truly happy they have believed in our ability again to execute. “The Plentywaka team will join the Techstars Toronto program to gain further funding, mentorship, and access to a rich network of entrepreneurs and experts in the travel industry. This will also see us expanding globally to other countries, starting with a city in Canada on or before the fourth quarter of 2021”. With new capital from Techstars and the launch of its interstate city-to-city services, Plentywaka said it is poised to provide the most affordable ‘uber-for-buses’

platform across Africa and the North American market. To kickstart this service, the firm revealed it would be partnering with some major bus travel companies in Nigeria that has over 300 buses in their fleet along with four other players with a capacity of 2000+ buses plying over 100 routes across Nigeria. On his part, Managing Director, Techstars Toronto, Sunil Sharma said, “Our only goal is to leverage the broader ecosystem to support and grow these incredible companies. “Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, and strong partners and mentors help make this happen.” Speaking on the new cityto-city service, President and Co-founder of Plentywaka, Johnny Ena, said, “This is a major step towards developing a robust and reliable transport system in the country. We want to make the bus booking service a lot easier and accessible for over 20 million Nigerians that commute from one state to the other on a daily basis. “We believe this would change inter-state commuting for not just stakeholders like bus-operators but also the riders themselves with more options.”

IFC Supports Boltwith€20m toIncreaseAccesstoMobilityServices Bolt, a ride-hailing company is partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to promote access to on-demand mobility services in emerging economies. To this end, the company has received IFC’s €20 million investment and advisory services to expand mobility solutions that create earning opportunities, stimulate small-scale entrepreneurship, and improve access to transportation in Eastern European and African markets. According to a joint statement issued by the companies, IFC’s funding will be targeted towards Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, and African markets, such as Nigeria and South Africa.

Bolt is currently piloting a ‘Women Only’ ride-hailing category in South Africa – a new service aiming to address safety needs and improve women’s mobility by connecting women drivers with women passengers. IFC will support Bolt’s ongoing work to empower women passengers and drivers by improving their access to safe and affordable transportation and creating new economic opportunities. Reacting to the development, CEO and Founder, Bolt, Markus Villig, said the company was looking forward to partnering with IFC to further support entrepreneurship, empower women and increase access to affordable mobility services in Africa and Eastern Europe.

“Together with the investment from the European Investment Bank last year, we are proud to have sizable and strategically important institutions backing us and recognising the strategic value Bolt is providing to emerging economies.” The company’s Country Manager, Femi Akin-Laguda, also added that as leaders in ride-hailing, Bolt is committed to improving the way people move in Nigerian cities. “Safety and affordability are at the core of our operations and with this partnership, we’re even more dedicated and committed to increasing earnings, and providing entrepreneurial opportunities for citizens.” IFC’s Senior Vice President

of Operations, Stephanie von Friedeburg, said: “Technology can and should unlock new pathways for sustainable development and women’s empowerment. “Our investment in Bolt aims to help tap into technology to disrupt the transport sector in a way that is good for the environment, creates more flexible work opportunities for women, and provides safer and more affordable transportation access in emerging markets”. Bolt launched Nigeria – its second African market – in 2016. The ride-hailing company currently operates across seven African countries, providing earning opportunities for over 400,000 drivers in 70 cities across the continent.

IBEDC Introduces New Initiative to Enhance Customer Experience Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has introduced another initiative to its electronic billing platform, which enables customers demand for their bills promptly and conveniently via SMS. The e-billing scheme called Bills on Demand (BOD) is in continuation of the desire of the electric distribution company, to leverage innovation and technology to improve customer experience. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company, Mr. John Ayodele, who made the announcement of the new service

in a statement made available to THISDAY, said it was designed to deliver bills on request directly to the customer, thereby eradicating challenges such as misplaced bills or delayed delivery and other issues which are associated with distribution of physical bills. He explained that the BOD would aptly take care of customers who are far flung and those on the fast lane line of businesses who may be too busy to monitor physical bills. According to him, “What we have done with Bills on Demand is to create dedicated telephone number 07015555379 through which post-paid customers can

pay the normal SMS rates to get their bills within seconds” Ayodele also disclosed that the IBEDC PayVending Mobile App has equally been upgraded to provide customer with information on their Service Bands and Tariff Rates with respect to the new Service Based Tariff. The upgrade he said has also created the opportunity for customers to be able check their last six vending or payments history, for a quicker turnaround time on bill related complaints. He said, “As a service oriented organisation, we understand that a critical element for successful product development is customer

convenience and flexibility. “This is what we intend to achieve by providing our customers with these value-added services, and we believe that our customers appreciate services that offer convenience, eliminate hitches and also fit their lifestyle” He further pointed out that IBEDC PayVending App is currently available on Android Playstore and will soon be available on IOS and other Operating Systems, stating that customers can get more information by visiting the company’s websiteibedc.com, Customer Care Units or the nearest IBEDC service centers.

9mobile Calls for Equal Opportunities for Women Emma Okonji 9mobile has felicitated with women in Nigeria, while emphasising on the need to promote equal opportunities for them in society. Sharing his thoughts on the immense contribution of women to society, 9mobile’s Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Abdulrahman Ado,

highlighted the importance of celebrating equality for women from the stay-at-home mom to the business leader in corporate boardrooms. “International Women’s Day is significant and helps us celebrate women’s achievements in politics, sports, religion, business, and indeed, every area of endeavour. “Women in all spheres of life

are excelling across the globe and achieving new heights than ever. As men and leaders, we must call out gender bias and inequality and help to create a more inclusive and balanced world,” Ado said. He further said: “At 9mobile, we create an environment that ensures that every person thrives regardless of gender. “We believe in the advantage

that derives from harnessing all perspectives and leveraging the unique power of diversity in our decision-making process.” International Women’s Day is a global day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also provides an avenue to call for authentic affirmative action towards improved gender inclusivity and parity.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Free Zone: Lagos to Attract Additional $5bn in 4 Years The Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) which already has a committed investment of $2 billion is poised to attract an additional $5 billion over the next four years. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer, LFZ, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, at the headquarters of the company in Ibeju-Lekki during the official visit of Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet members to the zone at the weekend. Rathi, further explained that the zone, which was established in the year 2012 was being promoted by Tolaram Group, a leading conglomerate in Nigeria - who have already attracted about $2 billion committed investment to the Zone currently. On the ease of doing business, he stated that the LFZ was simplifying the entry & operations for

foreign investors in Nigeria & by extension improving the EODB situation. Speaking during the visit, a statement quoted Sanwo-Olu to have lauded the management of the Lagos Free Zone and its promoters - Tolaram Group, for their commitment and investment in the zone which would boost the economy of the state and the nation. He praised Lagos Free Zone for being one of very first settlers in the area and for making tremendous improvements and progress, in partnership with other international and local businesses and brands. He also commended the LFZ for making the Nigerian youth part of the development conversation and creating opportunities for empowerment. Sanwo-Olu noted that with over $2 billion already committed investment in the zone and the forecast of another $5

billion inflow expected within the next 4 years, the Lagos Free Zone is a key driver for the future of the economy of the state. The Governor pledged that his administration would prioritize the issue of the infrastructural development projects that would act as catalyst to speed up investments in the Zone. Making a presentation to the Governor and his entourage, the Manager, Business Development & Marketing, Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Chinju Udora explained that the Zone which is integrated with the Lekki Deep Seaport is strategically located 65KM south-east of Lagos City on 830 Hectares of land and has already generated more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs with 80,000 more jobs to be generated in the next 10 -15 years within industrial and services sector.

Coca-Cola Supports Female Entrepreneurs Raheem Akingbolu More than two million women in Africa have benefitted from the Coca-Cola Company’s 5by20 programme, the company announced recently as part of its International Women’s Month celebrations. According to the company, the 5by20 initiative enabled the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs across Africa by providing access to business skills, financial services, and support networks. The company stated that the Coca-Cola Company and its partners are proud to celebrate exceeding Coke’s 5by20 goal by enabling the economic empowerment of more than 6 million women around the world. It stated further that 34 per cent (just over 2 million) of those women enabled by the 5by20 program live and do business in Africa. 5by20 aimed to assist women entrepreneurs across the Coca-Cola value chain – agricultural producers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, recyclers, and artisans – overcome challenges when establishing and growing their business. By providing access to business skills, financial

services, assets and support networks of peers and mentors, women entrepreneurs are enabled to overcome social and economic barriers and succeed as entrepreneurs, while also helping create sustainable communities. The Coca-Cola Company executed 5by20, a global initiative implemented across 33 countries in Africa, where we rolled out locally relevant initiatives. The 5by20 goal was ambitious, and we knew that we could not achieve it alone. Over the last 10 years, we have worked with countless partners including our bottling partners, civil society organisations, government stakeholders, other private sector actors, and generous financial grants from The Coca-Cola Foundation to recipients within its Women’s Entrepreneur Empowerment priority giving tier. The Coca-Cola Foundation has funded some of our 5by20 initiatives, and the Coca-Cola system has worked with several partners to implement over 300 programs in 100 countries to provide women entrepreneurs with business skills training, mentoring networks, financial services and other assets to help enhance their businesses

and lives as well as provide more for their families. Women empowerment and progress against all the Sustainable Development Goals requires the collective effort of governments, civil society, NGOs, and private sector organizations. “Over the last 10 years, we have worked with countless partners who helped us bring our aspiration to life. Partnerships with organisations such as UN Women, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), Department for International Development (DFID), USAID, International Finance Corporation (IFC) MercyCorps, TechnoServe, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hand in Hand Southern Africa, and several other regional and local partners were critical to the success of the 5by20 program. “These partnerships are a demonstration that through collective action we achieve more together than we can on our own,” it added. In 2012, The Coca-Cola Company signed a global agreement with UN Women to enable the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in three pilot countries, which included South Africa.

AfDB Funds $530m Electricity Project in Angola The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed $530 million to finance the construction of a 343 km, 400 kV central-south transmission line that will connect the north and south transmission grids in Angola and allow for the distribution of clean energy between the two regions. The north of Angola has a surplus of more than 1,000 MW of mostly renewable power, whereas the south relies on expensive diesel generators, supported by government subsidies. Transmission capacity will increase by 2,250 MW and eliminate the need for polluting, diesel-powered generators

in southern provinces. The project, once operational in 2023, will avert the consumption of 46.8 billion litres of diesel per year in the south, cutting 80 Megatonnes of CO2 emissions. The government of Angola will save more than $130 million per year in diesel subsidies. The finance package, approved in December 2019, by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank, consists of $480 million in financing from the Bank, along with $50 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund, a $2 billion facility sponsored by the People’s Bank of China and administered by the

African Development Bank. The funding covers the first phase of the Energy Sector Efficiency and Expansion Program (ESEEP) in Angola, which will assist the government to connect the country’s transmission grids and tackle limited operational capacity within the Angolan power distribution utility ENDE. Around 80 per cent of residential customers in Angola are not metered, resulting in financial losses and reliance on government subsidies. As part of the ESEEP, 860,000 pre-paid meters will be installed and 400,000 new customers will be connected to the grid and effectively metered.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

IMAGES

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, during the courtesy visit of the FCC delegation to Government House, Yenagoa,...recently

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L-R; Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Orumba South Local Government, Sudsy Nwokike; Hon Edozie Madu and some ward Chairmen of the local government during the declaration of Madu to contest for the November 6th, 2021 Anambra Governorship election in Orumba...recently

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L-R: Managing Director, OList, Gbenro Dara, and Head, Marketing, Lead Management & Marketplace, Cars45; Patricia Duru, during the Cars45 and OList partnership agreement signing ceremony at the Cars45 Head Oﬃce, in Lagos...recently

L- R : The Chief Financial Oﬃcer, Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Ashish Khemka; the Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Dinesh Rathi; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Manager, Business Development, Mrs. Chinju Udora during the visit of the Governor to Lagos Free Zone...recently

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (middle) ﬂanked by the family members of the Late Chief Alhaji Lateef Jakande after a special Jumaat Service organized in honour of the deceased at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja...recently

L-R: Digital Marketing Executive, Indomie, Edien Omotola; Nigerian Actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie; Matron, Living Fountain Orphanage, Victoria Solomon; and National Coordinator, Indomie Fan Club (IFC), Faith Joshua, during the 2021 Indomie Mother’s Day celebration to show mothers love to the pupils of Living Fountain Orphanage in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Representative of International Visitor Leadership Program, Mr. Joseph Iorwuese; Sole Administrator, Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Bayo Kelekun; Executive Secretary, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, Mrs. Agharese Onaghise and a Team Member, Mr. Taiwo Adewale; during the official flagoff of Ekiti State Recycling Project in Ado-Ekiti.....recently

L-R: Public Relations Manager, GOtv Nigeria, Jennifer Ukoh and a GOtv Max customer, Joseph Ternenge, during the 1st prize presentation ceremony in the ongoing GOtv Awoof Overload promotion held at MultiChoice Oﬃce in Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

L-R: Honourable Minister of Mines and steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite and Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, during the courtesy visit by the Governor, to the ministry of Mines and steel Development in Abuja... recently

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

CITYSTRINGS

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

Rising Wave of Kidnapping in Abuja Upsurge in kidnapping across the area councils of the Federal Capital Territory has increased call by residents on authorities to improve security, Olawale Ajimotokan and Kingsley Iwezeh report

ases of kidnapping have been on the increase in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In fact, the kidnappers have been terrorising the FCT and causing apprehension among the residents since the start of the year. Checks revealed that the sharp cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, drug peddling, and other crimes are a fall out of the intensified activities of armed bandits in the North-west and Northcentral parts of the country. The escalation has also prompted several community leaders to voice support for security to be improved to stem the unwholesome practice. The Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro and the Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido were among notable public figures that raised alarm. These criminals made headline when they carried out a high-profile abduction in Tuganmaje area of the Gwagwalada Area Council. During that raid, a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Abdulahi Rakieu and three others were abducted. The undesirable persons reportedly kidnapped the senior immigration officer and others, after they destroyed the anti-burglary irons on the windows to break into the residence of their victims. The nature of the shooting in the early morning raid left many residents glued to their beds in fear while others cowered under their beds even as others went into prayers. The long, sporadic gunfire left residents wondering if even a police command would be in possession of such an amount of ammunition discharged by kidnappers in Tuganmaje. "They started shooting from 1 am to 4 am. I was so scared I was just praying that they should not come near my house", a resident, Joy, said. Another resident, Mrs Rebecca, said: "We have never seen this level of shooting before. We went into serious prayers because it looked like it will never stop". Mr Julius, a businessman told THISDAY that the shooting rattled the entire town. "I was sleeping and I woke up hearing so much prolonged shooting. I slept and woke up three times and they were still shooting. This is not the first time they have kidnapped people here but the shooting was just exceptional", he said. In an unprecedented fashion, two gunmen suspected to be kidnappers sustained non-stop sporadic gunfire in Tuganmaje, for more than three hours, after abducting their victims. Rakieu and the victims have since been released after the payment of ransom. The FCT Police Command has battled criminal gangs especially in the outskirts and the spillover of armed banditry in contiguous states. The Police Command arrested the head of a community in Abuja and three others for their alleged involvement in the crime at Tunganmaje. The FCT Administration later suspended the Chief of Anagada, Malam Alhassan Musa of Gwagwalada for aiding and abetting criminality in his domain. Apart from Tuganmaje, there have been kidnapping incidents in Maitama, Kubwa, Pegi, Tuganmaje and Abaji. A journalist with the Punch Newspaper, Mr Okechukwu Nnodim, was on February 3, 2021 kidnapped by four armed men with two other persons in a house in Kubwa. Also recently the FCT Police Command, acting on a tip-off, arrested six suspects in Apo, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) over alleged kidnapping. The kidnap kingpins were said to have abducted three persons before

FCT Police Command Commissioner, Bala Ciroma

they were caught by eagle-eyed cops as they were about to relocate one of their victims. It listed the suspects to include Frank Ozor, 26; Nweke Uche, 19; Chester Uzor, 25; Chukwu Bethrand, 27; Chukwu Samuel, 25; and Kelechi Ngene, 26. It said further investigation led to the successful rescue of two other victims who identified the suspects. "Consequently, the command deployed covert and overt crime-fighting strategies to strengthen security across the Federal Capital Territory especially areas with cumbersome terrain", it said. The command said it launched a strategic counter-kidnapping operation to checkmate the emerging security concerns. "Furthermore, the command is working closely with sister security agencies, key stakeholders, and community leaders to rid the FCT of criminal elements. "While urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding, the command enjoins FCT residents to report any suspicious persons or activities around their vicinity at the nearest police division or report the same through any of the FCT Police Command". The command had between January and March, arrested 77 crime suspects while the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bala Ciroma, recently announced approval by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, for the deployment of 150 policemen under Operation Puff Adder II launched to counter criminal elements in the territory. It’s given the frequency of these kidnappings and the brazenness of the acts, regardless of the psychological effects on the victims that have prompted many communities in the FCT to resort to self-help against kidnappers. Pegi in Kuje Area Council is a metaphor for kidnapping in the FCT. Such is the intensity of kidnapping in the isolated community that criminal elements have literally forced many people in Pegi to either relocate or reserve their safety to fate in the light of random abduction of residents and visitors. The innocence of the area was once again violated on February 5, 2021 by four gun-bearing men, who seized some persons from the community. The Chairman Pegi Community Development Association (PECDA), Mr Taiwo Aderibigbe, gave vivid accounts of the latest encounter with the gang.

He recalled that on the fateful day, unwary residents were attacked about few metres from the community gate, while they were returning from work. According to him, three persons, including a woman and two males, sustained injuries from the assailants’ gunshots while one person, whose identity is yet to be known was kidnapped. “Three occupants of the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries. Two persons were initially kidnapped. The second person who was released had issues with walking and because he is aged, they left him after extorting money from him. So he trekked back to the community and raised alarm. But we are yet to identify the person that was kidnapped. It seems he is not a resident: he was either going out of Pegi after visiting or doing business. “We still do not know the fate of the person that was kidnapped. But I got an unconfirmed report that the sum of N20 million was placed on his head as ransom. I also sought from the informant the name of this person that was kidnapped. Although it was not revealed, he told me the person, who resided in Kuje was in Pegi to supply goods,” Aderibigbe said. He bemoaned the failure of FCTA to complete the 14 kilometres link road which contract was awarded in 2011 by the administration of Senator Adamu Aliero even after the construction firm was mobilised to site with the sum of N110 million. “Nothing meaningful has been done. The situation of the road is even worse than we have been managing it in the last 14-15 years and the FCTA keeps promising. There were provisions for this road in the 2020 budget. We are in possession of the contract document. We requested it through the FOI. All of these things are detailed there. "What happened to the N200 million that was appropriated for the project? The worse of it all and the most embarrassing aspect was on October 12, the present Permanent Secretary gave the assurance that in the next four months, something meaningful would be done, only for the contractor to return to the site on October 18 and in November they dug a pit about six feet deep for thoroughfare, which later served as a pit for criminals on the road”. Meanwhile, the Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro has expressed

worries about the spate of kidnappings in the Bwari Area Council particularly around Shere-Kawu axis. The traditional ruler called for the government to enhance the capacity of security operatives to confront the kidnappers. He said that Bwari as the food basket of the FCT is the worst hit as farmers can no longer go to farms to harvest their produce. “But the major concern we are having now is around Shere-Kawu axis, the issue of kidnappers there is bothering us seriously. Bwari is the food basket of FCT but some of our farmers cannot go to the farm to harvest their produce which they have suffered to farm. They find it difficult to harvest because of the kidnappers. We are appealing to the federal government to look into this issue and see how they can create a mini barrack along that Shere-Kawu axis as it would help a lot,” the Sarkin pleaded. He also offered support for the creation of a local vigilante group to complement community policing, saying it will improve security in the community and give the residents some form of assurance. He said the vigilante and local hunters are essential to the security apparatus because they are the ones that mainly roam the forests where the victims of kidnapping are kept, adding when they see strange things inside the forests, they can pass information to the authority. “Community policing is a good concept but you can see that the Banga—that is the vigilante is helping matters a lot. These vigilante and hunter groups are helpful because they are the ones in the bush and when they find strange things and they report to the traditional institution from there we forward the complaint to the security agency. So I believe in this community police they are helping matters and we make sure we give them support and see how we can fight this problem,” Alhaji Ijakoro said. The Chairman of AMAC, Abdullahi Adamu Candido insisted insecurity is a national issue but not peculiar to the FCT. He made the remark against the backdrop of the arrest of six suspects by the FCT Police Command in Apo for kidnapping and the increase in the number of communities in AMAC that are setting up vigilante groups to mitigate the unwholesome activities of kidnappers and other criminals.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

CRIME&SECURITY

New AOC Charges Personnel to Add Value, Key into NAF Vision

R-L: Air Oﬃcer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Olanipekun Makinde and former acting AOC, Air Vice Marshal CC Ozougwu during the signing of the handing/taking over Stories by Chiemelie Ezeobi

he Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Olanipekun Makinde has charged the personnel serving at the command in Lagos to redouble their efforts and add value to the system. AVM Makinde, who made this disclosure while taking over as the 43rd AOC, Logistics Command, also enjoined them to key into the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, to move the Nigerian Air Force to greater heights. Stressing that personnel must always remember the vision of the CAS, which is “to enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint

force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”, Makinde noted that to achieve this and more, the right attitude must be imbibed. He said: "It is unpardonable not to put in one’s best especially when the person has the capacity to deliver." He further enjoined the personnel to ensure that work goes unhindered even if others are unavailable. Speaking specifically to the Principal Staff Officers of the command and other commanders of units under the command, the AOC said the “best way to introduce yourself to me, is to let your effective work speak for you and be your best introduction, as I am looking forward to achieving results and to move this command forward with your contributions, supports and hard work”. He also congratulated the former

AVM Makinde ﬁelding questions from journalists after he took over oﬃce as AOC Logistics Command

acting AOC, the Command’s Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Cosmas Chiebonam Ozougwu, for holding forth admirably for eight weeks before his recent appointment. Speaking earlier, the former acting AOC, who is the substantive Chief of Staff, AVM Ozougwu, said that on the appointment of the CAS, the former AOC Logistics Command, AVM LS Alao willingly and honourably resigned his appointment and handed over the reign of the leadership of the command to him pending NAF Headquarters posting of a substantive AOC. “I have acted in that capacity for eight weeks and with the support and cooperation of the Principal Staff Officers of the command, and now with the postings and new appointment from the headquarters, we now have the

43rd AOC LC, hence the handing/ taking over ceremony”. Welcoming the new AOC, Ozougwu said "having served in Lagos earlier in your career, you are welcome back home to a very familiar terrain”, just as he promised the new AOC, that the command has capable PSOs who are willing to work assiduously to make sure that his tenure becomes a success. Highlights of the colourful event include the signing of the handing/ taking over note and the presentation of the command’s colours between the former acting and new AOC. Present at the occasion were all the PSOs, commanders of units under the command, commanders of NAF units in Lagos area, senior officers, officers, selected airmen and air women serving at HQ LC.

School Abductions: Ekhomu Advises Privatisation of Protective Measures

oremost security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, has advised the federal and state governments to immediately privatise the security of schools in the North-west to prevent incessant abduction of school children by bandits. He said “Clearly the governments don’t have the security personnel resources to protect all schools. So they should award contracts for school security to private security companies who have the manpower and technology to protect schools and prevent abductions." Reacting to the recent rash of school kidnap incidents within the last week in Kaduna State, Dr. Ekhomu, who is President of Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), said that “private security will act as force multiplication mechanism for government security forces if they are contracted to guard schools". He said that bandits have kidnapped over 600 students since January 2021 including the seizure of 39 students from the School of Forestry Mechanisation in Afaka, Kaduna State; attempted mass kidnap of students at Government Science Secondary School, Ikara, Kaduna State and the abduction of three teachers from the Universal Basic Education School, Rema, Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State. Ekhomu, who is the first chartered security professional in Nigeria, argued that at present public schools all over the country are neglected in terms of security protective measures (or countermeasures). He described the vulnerabilities in the school security as “observable and exploitable”. He said this makes the schools irresistible and tempting target

Dr. Ekhomu for bandits. The private security contractors will place personnel at the schools and install

physical protection systems that will result in more robust protection for them such as perimeter fencing, gates, metal doors

on classrooms and dormitories, electronic alarm systems and air raid siren that will alert security forces if schools come under attack. “As part of the force multiplication process, the privatised guard resources will maintain phone or radio contact with military or police agencies nearby who can give rescue in the event of a security breach", he added. Ekhomu deplored the current security architecture in the country and said that any state that does not have a central monitoring station like Lagos, Edo, Kaduna is a “failed state”. He asked rhetorically: “where should citizens call, in the event of a distress?” He urged state governments to get serious about protection of their citizens. He said that there is a huge social cost when bandits target schools and victimise school children. He added: “aside from ransom payments to the bad guys which invariably increases their capability, each incident of successful school abduction deters northern school kids from gaining western education which will lift them from endemic poverty in future." Dr. Ekhomu called for the design and installation of physical security systems in government schools in the Northwest and provision of at least five uniformed private security guards per school. He advised that the measures should be uniform in all government schools but must provide concentric layers of deterrence, detection and delay in the event of an attack. He said: “Soft targets must become target-hardened to prevent the destruction of northern Nigeria’s educational system”.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͰ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

RIMAN Urges Banks to Embrace Digitalisation to Manage Liquidity Risks Nume Ekeghe The Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) has urged risk management practitioners to adopt digital means in assessing liquidity and other emerging risks within their institutions in a bid to protect their assets. The was a consensus by speakers at a webinar organised by RIMAN and an international financial services and risk management consulting firm, Aptivaa recently. In his keynote address, the Executive Director/ Chief Risk Officer, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Biyi Olagbami, urged all RIMAN members in attendance on the need to adopt a quicker response by embracing digital means to risk analysis in banks assets and liquidity. Olagbami said: “It is our duty and responsibility as risk managers and risk practitioners that we put the financial institution and the financial system in a position where we

can manage all of these issues and challenges in a manner that guarantees consistency and resilience in our operations and in our profitability both in the current position and the future. “The issue around limits, we have to have our systems in place to immediately flag breeches in limits. Having to know that at the end of the month can be a dangerous thing because every day is critical now. “And that is why there is need to move from analog to digital so that everyone can at the same time know when limits are being breeched and where evasive actions need to be taken.” Furthermore, he noted the need to move from analog practices to digital. “We have moved from statutory risks management to what we call dynamic risks management. We have moved from analog, review, past review-based risks management to more digital online and forward-looking

risk management. What that means is that more than ever before, scenario analysis must be at the center of what we do,” he added. On his part, the Director, Aptivaa, Mr. Satya Vemireddy said: The Covid-19 crisis has definitely brought a paradigm shift in terms of our work culture and how companies operate and in terms of how the global economies are operating. “From a risk management perspective, there has been a significant impact. Pre-Covid-19, risk management had largely played a more reactive and static approach where most of the risks management was driven by regulatory requirement from a liquidity perspective. “Certain advanced jurisdictions have taken more dynamic analysis with more stress testing-based approach but is still yet to catch up. We think that Post-covid, regulators across regions would look to a more dynamic approach towards managing and measuring risks within the banking system.”

Wema Bank Appoints Obiagwu Executive Director The Board of Directors of Wema Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Chukwuemeka Obiagwu as an Executive Director of the bank effective April 1, 2021. According to a statement, Obiagwu is a multidisciplinary professional with a background in accounting, insurance, corporate finance, stockbroking and public finance. He has over three decades experience in banking, financial services and the public service. Early in his career at Fidelity Bank Plc, he successfully repositioned and grew a subsidiary which he eventually led as the Group Managing Director & CEO. “At different times, he creditably led the Human Resources, Corporate Services,

Transaction Support Services, Corporate Finance, Regional Banking as well as the Retail and Commercial Banking arms of the bank. He was a Non-Executive Director of Fidelity Pension Managers where he also served as Chairman of the Board, Audit Committee. “He left Fidelity Bank Plc. in 2015 after 20 years of meritorious service and in January 2016, joined the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a Director with responsibility for Enforcement. “He was also a Member of the Technical Committee of the Board and Chairman of the Budget Committee of FIRS, among many other roles,” the statement added. Obiagwu is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School

(SMP 16) as well as Harvard Kennedy School of Government Boston, Massachusetts USA, where he obtained an Executive Certificate in Economic Development. He has had the privilege of studying at some of the world’s leading institutions for Executive Business Education, such as, INSEAD Business School, Fontainebleau, France; Kellogg School of Management to mention a few. Obiagwu is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; Honorary Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation; and Associate, Chartered Insurance Institute (London).

FITC Celebrates 40th Anniversary The FITC, an innovation led and technology-driven organisation is celebrating 40 years of providing transformative knowledge solutions to the financial services, and other sectors of the economy. A statement from the organisation explained that for four decades, FITC has delivered best-in-class knowledge solutions and services to a pool of over 150,000 multidisciplinary and versatile professionals ranging from directors of banks and other financial institutions, top management, and middle level staff of other sectoral organizations from both the public and private sectors of the economy, and across 53 countries and six continents. FITC was established in 1981 as a limited by guarantee non-profit professional service organization, based on the Company’s Act of 1968. It was created in response to the recommendations of the Pius Okigbo committee, which was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1976 to review the financial

service system. Under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Nigerian Bankers Committee, FITC has since remained committed to the advancement in knowledge content that is creatively designed to reinforce the Nigerian financial system. In refocusing to be better equipped to deliver value, even amid disruptive trends and the impending changes the VUCA times presented, FITC recreated and re-engineered its processes and programmes, making them more applicable for the future of work, and more impactful to individuals and organisations. This was accomplished through the organization’s visionary and proactive steps to become nimble by promptly adopting and embracing enterprise agility as part of its corporate strategy even before the COVID-19 pandemic chanced upon the world. Speaking on the anniversary, as well as the strategic organization-wide transforma-

tion of the knowledge institute in the past year, the Managing Director/CEO FITC, Chizor Malize noted “In a rapidly changing world, we realized the need to significantly accelerate the pace of transformation in our organisation to remain dynamic, forward thinking, contemporary and relevant. We recognize that organizations are successful at improving performance and sustaining impact through its change efforts, hence the re-engineering of our products and portfolios. “For four decades, FITC has been an innovator from the start, enabling people and organizations to excel. With our expertise, we have helped individuals, and its organizations realize the power of their potentials through knowledge solutions that drive superior performance by helping them to implement solutions for capacity development through learning, organisational structure design and business performance strategy development.” she noted.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

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

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 17 MARCH 2021

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $66.76 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $66.89 the previous day, 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), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Union Bank Records N25bn Profit after Tax, Recommends 25k Dividend Goddy Egene Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has released its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, showing sustained growth in key income lines and significantly improved fundamentals. The bank recorded gross earnings of N156.9 billion, compared with N159.9 billion in 2019. Net interest income rose 10.1 per cent

from N51.7 billion to N56.9 billion, non-interest income grew from N43.3 billion to N44 billion. The bank ended year with profit before tax(PBT) of N25.4 billion, indicating a growth of 2.8 per cent, while profit after tax (PAT)improved from N24.366 billion to N25.129 billion. Based on the performance, the bank has recommended a dividend of 25 kobo per share. Commenting on the results,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa, said: “The bank has delivered a strong set of results notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 on our operations and the wider economy, enabling the Board of Directors to continue to return value to shareholders with a proposed dividend payment for the second year in a row. This demonstrates the strong

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

foundations we have built, as we continue to deliver against our target of becoming a leading financial institution in Nigeria. For the full year, we grew across key income lines. Net income after impairments grew 8.3 per cent from N95.5 billion to N103.4 billion and translated into 2.8 per cent growth in PBT to N25.4 billion from N24.7 billion.” According to him, the core

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

of the performance was driven by the growth in the loan book, with 23.8 per cent increase in gross loans, to N736.7bn from N595.3bn in 2019. “The pandemic accelerated trends in customer behaviour and we have seen rapid increase in digital adoption with a 38 per cent increase in active users on our UnionMobile channel with total active users now at 2.9 million. Our UnionOne and Union360

O F

platforms for businesses grew by 11 per cent from 25,000 users to 27,700 users. And 94 per cent of transactions in the bank are now done digitally, up from 89 per cent in 2019,” he said. Also commenting, Chief Financial Officer, Joe Mbulu said: “We are pleased with both our top and bottom-line performance in 2020, in light of the impact of the pandemic and economic challenges.

1 9 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021

േ

േ േ

േ

7 R S * D L Q H U V T ic k er IKEJ A H OT EL ET ER N A

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

1.10

10.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

66.1

2.3%

5.58

9.8%

UN IT YB N K

51.8

2.9% 4.0%

5.10

7.4%

GUA R A N T Y

39.4

UB N

5.30

5.0%

A IIC O

26.8

3.3%

A F R IP R UD

5.35

4.9%

A C C ESS

12.7

2.5%

J OH N H OLT

0.46

4.5%

UB A

12.1

0.7%

H ON YF LOUR

1.23

4.2%

FB NH

7.9

1.4%

GUA R A N T Y

31.00

4.0%

UC A P

7.4

7.4%

LIVEST OC K

2.07

3.5%

M A N SA R D

5.2

2.1%

A IIC O

1.24

3.3%

T R A N SC OR P

4.6

2.5%

T ic k er LA SA C O B UA C EM EN T

P ric e

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H T ic k er

Value

1.21

P ric e C hg % -6.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

1481.2

P ric e C hg % 2.3%

69.95

-6.4%

GUA R A N T Y

1227.8

4.0% 0.0%

N EIM ET H

1.78

-6.3%

SEP LA T

246.9

C OUR T VILLE

0.20

-4.8%

M TNN

234.9

-1.8%

OA N D O

3.05

-4.4%

A C C ESS

101.1

2.5%

D A N GC EM

220.00

-3.4%

UB A

86.3

0.7%

OKOM UOIL

90.00

-3.2%

CA P

68.6

0.0% -3.4%

R EGA LIN S M TNN UA C -P R OP

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

P ric e C hg %

UC A P

7 R S / R V H U V

Vo lum e

0.32

-3.0%

D A N GC EM

65.6

157.00

-1.8%

FB NH

57.6

1.4%

0.79

-1.2%

B UA C EM EN T

52.3

-6.4%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Rombert Omotunde | romo-

Abiodun Keripe |akeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Oluwadara Olunuga | oolunuga@afrinvest.com

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Dangote Cement Approves N16 Dividend, Confirms CFO Goddy Egene

has approved the audited financial statements of the company for the year ended December 31 2020 and

The Board of Dangote Cement Plc A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

recommended a dividend of N16 per share to the shareholders at the forthcoming annual general

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 18Mar-2021, unless otherwise stated.

meeting(AGM). In a notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) the

company said the board also confirmed the appointment of Mr. Guillaume Moyen as the

substantive Group Chief Financial Officer, with effect from March 18, 2021.

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.

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 152.44 147.21 -7.85% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.75% Nigeria International Debt Fund 352.09 352.09 -11.55% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.22 110.22 -1.66% 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 1.03 1.04 14.30% ACAP Income Funds 0.65 0.65 -11.06% 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 2.39% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.27 3.43 -7.77% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 18.10 18.64 -0.21% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 402.05 414.17 0.42% ARM Ethical Fund 35.40 36.47 5.01% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.20 -1.96% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.05 -6.94% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.48% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.13 103.13 1.40% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 120.13 120.97 -4.79% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.09% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.04 2.04 -25.34% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -17.56% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.02% Paramount Equity Fund 15.29 15.57 -4.40% Women's Investment Fund 130.15 131.57 -2.23% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.04% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 125.72 126.57 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.41 110.41 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 0.82% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -3.98% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.45 1.45 -8.32% 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 100.00 100.00 2.06% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.94% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,162.05 1,165.77 -3.13% 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 1,350.25 1,350.25 5.49% FBN Balanced Fund 181.36 182.63 -3.36% FBN Halal Fund 110.26 110.26 4.62% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.45% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.86 123.86 2.81% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 146.44 148.32 -3.14% 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 N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 3,753.10 3,801.97 0.13% Coral Income Fund 3,336.46 3,336.46 1.84% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 1.72%

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 N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.86% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.67 2.73 16.53% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 153.19 153.57 -1.45% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 5.25% 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 1.36 1.38 -0.69% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,143.14 1,143.14 1.75% 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 N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.59 1.62 7.49% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.24 12.36 0.04% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.74% PACAM Equity Fund 1.53 1.55 -2.92% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.58 112.29 0.16% 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 125.66 127.80 4.22% 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 3.19% 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 3,081.47 3,105.18 -4.20% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 227.15 227.15 1.02% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.13 1.14 -3.81% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 297.62 297.62 1.00% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 209.84 212.46 -3.97% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.84% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,716.82 9,841.50 -7.47% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 1.24% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 112.76 112.76 1.51% 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 1.31 1.33 -4.29% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 1.21% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.90 1.04% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.54% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.62 118.62 1.31% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 -2.53% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.42% 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 11.94 12.05 0.63% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.26 13.37 8.50% Zenith Income Fund 24.22 24.22 0.99% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.02%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.01 52.85

1.05% 0.86%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.45 114.94 92.41

12.55 114.94 94.14

-5.75% -5.59% -7.00%

Fund Name 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 Money Market 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

3.63 5.28 16.65 1.00 19.49 174.35

3.67 5.36 16.75 1.00 19.69 176.35

-3.74% -7.24% 1.90% 0.40% -4.97% -20.93%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

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.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Kidnappers Kill Abducted Onitsha NBA Chairman Lawyers to stage protest Obiano bans tinted glasses, touting in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Kidnappers have killed the Chairman of the Onitsha Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Francis Onwuachi. Onwuachi, President General of Omor, a community in Ayamelum Local Government Area, was kidnapped a week ago on his way to his town by persons suspected to be herdsmen. Following the deteriorating state of insecurity in Anambra State, the state governor, Chief Willie

Obiano, has read the riot act to criminals due to the recent attacks on police and naval personnel in the state. A source said attempts to rescue the NBA chairman proved abortive, until he was found dead on Friday night. Efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, to react to the news were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

SERAP Sues Lawan, Gbajabiamila over Missing N4.4bn N’Assembly Funds Udora Orizu in Abuja The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for failing to probe, and to refer to appropriate anticorruption agencies, allegations that N4.4 billion of public money budgeted for the National Assembly is missing, misappropriated, diverted or stolen, as documented in three annual audited reports by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. The suit followed the publication of the annual audited reports for 2015, 2017 and 2018 in which the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Anthony Anyine, raised concerns about alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds, sought the recovery of any missing funds and asked that the evidence of recovery should be forwarded to his office. The SERAP, in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/366/2021, which was filed on Friday at the Federal

High Court in Abuja, is seeking an order directing and compelling Lawan, Gbajabiamila and the National Assembly to perform their constitutional oversight functions to ensure prompt and transparent investigation into the allegations. It said: “This suit seeks to vindicate the rule of law, the public interest, and to promote transparency and accountability. It would be recalled that the SERAP had in a letter dated January 30, ,2021 requested Dr. Lawan and Mr. Gbajabiamila to use their good offices to urgently probe and refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies allegations that N4.4 billion of public money budgeted for the National Assembly may have been misappropriated, diverted or stolen. “The auditor-general noted in his 2015 report that the National Assembly account spent N8,800,000.00 as unauthorised overdraft, contrary to Financial Regulations 710. The National Assembly also reportedly spent N115,947,016.00 without any documents. Another N158,193,066.00 spent as cash advances to 17 staff between January and June 2015 is yet to be retired.

Flooding: Fayemi Orders Relocation of School from RiverValley Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has ordered the immediate relocation of a public primary school at Ikun Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of the state from its present location at the Ero river valley to a safer place to prevent being subsumed by flooding during rainy season. The Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi, disclosed this during an on-thespot assessment of the premises of the school and the new site at Ikun-Ekiti last Friday. Akinwumi noted that the school, United Primary School, which was established in 1944, had been bedeviled by perennial flooding over the years. He explained that “the governor’s decision to relocate the school is to guarantee the safety of both teachers and pupils of the school as well as to arrest the continued destruction of public property by flood.” Reiterating the commitment of the Fayemi-led administration to the welfare of the people in the state, Akinwumi stressed that “the administration places

a high premium on the safety and security of pupils and teachers in the state. According to him, “The governor also directed the speedy construction of additional classrooms at the school’s new site and the work would commence at the erection of the new buildings.” He lauded the support of people in the community to the efforts of the state government at providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the state, stressing that bringing the attention of the government to the danger posed by the Ero river to the school’s old site as well as providing new site for the school are worthy of commendation. The Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Akorewolu, in his remark, expressed appreciation to the state government for promptly responding to the request of the community. He said: “Apart from providing six plots of land for the construction of the new school, the community would also provide additional logistics support for SUBEB to ensure the early completion of the planned school buildings.

branches in Anambra State has bemoaned what it described as the worsening security situation in the state. The group called on the federal and Anambra State governments as well as heads of security agencies to wake up to their responsibility of protecting the citizens. In a in a statement signed by all the chairmen and secretaries of the various branches, the association said there was tension in the whole state. The statement read: “The Committee notes that the security situation in Anambra State is highly tensed up and frightening, to say the least. “Just last week Friday, 12/3/2021, a lawyer, Mr. Frank Onwuachi, who is also the President General of Omor in Ayamelum LGA of Anambra State, was kidnapped along Ezu River/ Anaku road and gruesomely

murdered the following day by his captors. “The Committee urgently calls on the state government to as a matter of urgency summon a meeting of various security agencies in the state to address this worrisome security situation and tackle it headlong. Failure by the state government to act immediately may lead to a descent to anarchy. “We all cannot continue to downplay the security situation or pretend that all is well. The time to act is now.” The committee also resolved that all lawyers in Anambra State would boycott all courts from Monday to Wednesday. It said lawyers in the state would stage a protest march to Government House, Awka, to express their dissatisfaction with the current security situation. The committee also sent its condolences to the family of

the deceased Onwuachi Meanwhile, the Anambra State Governor, Obiano, has read the riot act to criminals following the recent attacks on police and naval personnel in the state. In a state broadcast yesterday in Akwa, the governor noted that another incident was foiled by security operatives, adding that the security operatives have been directed to resist such attacks going forward. According to the Channels TV, the governor stated that any attack on security operatives in the state is an attack on the entirety of the people. He said it is time for all security agencies, the vigilante services, and all task forces to rise in the defence of the state. As part of efforts to check the recent trend of security challenges in the state, he declared that fitted tinted glasses on vehicles, as well as

covered plate numbers, would no longer be allowed on all roads within Anambra. Obiano stated that the security agencies would be conducting special and strategic operations aimed at neutralising the emerging threats to the collective safety of the people. He also ordered a clampdown on all cultists and their activities, saying the state government would no longer tolerate violence in the name of cultism. The governor appealed to the youths to shun cultism and embrace meaningful lifestyles, adding that the government would no longer tolerate touting in whatever guise, especially in Onitsha. He, therefore, directed the security agencies to arrest anybody hanging on the road with sticks and molesting innocent residents.

WE SHARE YOUR GRIEFS…

L-R: The Bishop, Diocese of Lagos (Anglican), Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye; wife of the deceased, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, during a special thanksgiving service in honour of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja…yesterday

Ekiti By-electionViolence: Injured Policewoman Recuperating, Says CP APC, YPP condemn bloodletting Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Mr. Babatunde Mobayo, has clarified that the policewoman, who was shot during the Saturday’s House of Assembly bye-election in Ekiti East Constituency 1, is responding to treatment. Mobayo said the victim only sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to the hospital for Medicare. Three persons were shot dead on Saturday by suspected party thugs while five others sustained

gunshot wounds during the House of Assembly bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state constituency. Mobayo, who responded yesterday via the Police Command’s Spokesman, Mr. Sunday Abutu, said: “No police officer died during the shooting. One of our officers was shot, but she didn’t die as wrongly speculated. “The policewoman, who though was in a critical condition yesterday, is now responding to treatment. She is getting better.”

He said his men arrested three suspected perpetrators of the shootings who are now being detained at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti. “Yes, three suspected party thugs have been arrested. They were picked up where they were hiding and are now being detained in our headquarters. “Murder is a capital offence and police won’t watch and allow anyone to take laws into his own hands freely. Nigeria is a nation being guided by laws. Just like we assured our people on Saturday, everyone who had hands in the

killings will be brought to book. “And I am assuring that all those that were arrested will be taken to court as soon as we conclude investigations and gather enough evidence,” the commissioner of police said. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Sam Oluwalana, condemned the unwarranted shootings by suspected thugs at unit 7, ward 7 which is the polling unit of Senator Biodun Olujimi’s ward.

Group Urges Political Parties to Zone Presidential Tickets to South-east Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahead of the 2023 general election, a group under the auspices of United for Better Nigeria Initiative (UBNi) has urged all the political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the South-east region. The National Coordinator of the group, Mrs. Nkolika Mkparu-Okeke, while responding to the report submitted by the committee of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP), which advised that the presidential ticket should be thrown open to all zones, in a statement issued yesterday, said zoning the presidency to the Southeast would bring unity to the country. She noted that Southeast and Northeast are the only regions that have not had a shot at the presidency. Mkparu-Okeke said no one from the South-east region has been a

presidential standard bearer of a major political party in Nigeria. According to her, “It is, therefore, a worthy cause to adhere to the conventional method of zoning by the PDP such that a candidate from the Southeast becomes the next president of our dear country. This will bring about cohesion and further bind the cords of unity that have brought us this far as a country, and which is greatly needed at this juncture in our

collective life. “We advise that other political parties, including the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), zone their presidential standard bearers to the South-east region because it is the right thing to do and it is a way of compensating the zone for their longstanding dedication and unalloyed support garnered in previous elections, including the 2019 presidential elections.”

˜ ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

FA C U P

Iheanacho’s Double Sink Man Utd as Leicester Reach S’ﬁnal First Time in 39 Years

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho (on the turf) celebrating his good fortunes with compatriot Wilfred Ndidi after “sacking” Manchester United from the FA Cup...yesterday

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Nigerian international, Kelechi Iheanacho was the hero last night at the King Power Stadium as Leicester City

defeated Manchester United 3-1 to reach their first FA Cup semi-final for the first time in 39 years. Brendan Rodgers’ side will face Southampton at Wembley with Chelsea and Manchester

EDO 2020 NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Compulsory Covid-19 Vaccination for All Athletes, Officials Team Nigeria’s contingent to Tokyo Olympiad to use facilitiesAlready, for preparations as parts of the Duro Ikhazuagbe

All the 8,000 athletes expected from the 35 states and the FCT to participate at the 20th National Sports Festival scheduled to begin in Edo State on April 2, 2021 are to be vaccinated against Covid-19 pandemic. Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC)/Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu said yesterday in a statement that it was one of the conditions reached in the meeting between the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development and the Edo State Government at the weekend. “The MOC has decided that all athletes/officials from the 35 states and the FCT, participating in the National Sports Festival must take Covid-19 tests 72 hours before arrival for the tournament. “All athletes/officials are to take Covid-19 vaccine at least 12 days before arrival for the tournament,” the statement from the LOC secretariat of Edo 2020 announced yesterday. The LOC Chairman also stressed that while the Games Village is scheduled to open on April 2, 2021, for athletes/ officials it was conditional for “Athletes/officials to present certificates and documentation of Covid-19 tests and vaccination before they can be admitted into the accommodation.”

measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic at the festival, officials of the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been scheduled to arrive Benin City four days before the commencement of the festival to monitor compliance with Covid-19 guidelines. The statement further hinted that it was also part of the measures for a safe Festival that the number of athletes and officials expected to participate was reduced from 14,000 to 8,000 participants. Unlike previous Festival, the organisers warned that attendance at this edition was going to be strictly regulated. “The general public is advised to follow the activities across media platforms, including social platforms, as it will be streamed live.” The Torch of Unity is to arrive Edo State on April 3, and go round the 18 local governments in the state before arriving at the mainbowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on April 6 where Governor Godwin Obaseki would light it up. As part of the immediate legacy of the world-class facilities provided by the Edo State Government to host the Festival, an agreement has been reached that Nigeria’s contingent for the Olympics would be camped in the state for their preparation for Tokyo Olympic Games.

City meeting in the other semi-final. Leicester, who lost to eventual winners Tottenham in the 1982 semi-final, were the more vibrant and positive team against off-colour United as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again tasted defeat in the latter stages of a cup competition, his ploy of resting the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw failed to produce the desired result. The Foxes’ hero was in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who

struck twice and now has nine goals in nine games. Iheanacho took advantage of Fred’s awful backpass to round Dean Henderson to score in the 24th minute after the hapless Brazilian was played into trouble by captain Harry Maguire. Mason Greenwood crowned a crisp United move to equalise before half-time but Youri Tielemans restored Leicester City’s lead with a fine low shot seven minutes after the break before Iheanacho took advantage

of shocking marking at a freekick to head in Leicester’s third after 78 minutes. Iheanacho has had mixed fortunes since his £25m move from Manchester City in August 2017 but it is testimony to the player’s own attitude and persistence, alongside the patience and coaching of manager Rodgers, that he has re-emerged as such an influential figure. He has always had the natural scorer’s instinct but here he provided goals and link-up play while the

cultured Belgian Tielemans was the architect of most good things. Manchester United have shown progress this season but Solskjaer can now add an FA Cup quarter-final loss to his four semi-final defeats since taking charge at Old Trafford - and he can have no complaints here. Solskjaer ’s team were uninspired, with captain Maguire having a torrid time with the pace and ru n n i n g o f I h e a n a c h o a n d Va rd y.

Balogun’s Assist Extends Rangers’ Unbeaten Run at Celtic Femi Solaja with agency report Super Eagles’ central defender, Leon Balogun, contributed the assist that kept Rangers unbeaten run intact at eternal rival Celtic yesterday as the runaway Scottish league champions fought back to claim a one-all draw. Although the duo of Nigerian star players, Balogun and Joe Aribo were second half substituted, they were part

of the action as the Scottish Premiership kings, trailed the rivals following a goal in the 23rd minute. Rangers conceded a goal following Norway international of Moroccan descent, Mohamed Elyounoussi, but the AFCON 2019 bronze medal winner with Nigeria, Balogun, helped Rangers level scores in the 38th minute in the derby. Borna Barisic’s corner was met by Balogun at first, and then squeezed the ball at the

back post, with Alfredo Morelos getting the ball over the line in the Old Firm fixture as the first-half ended one-goal apiece. Although the game was a dead-rubber encounter for Steven Gerrard’s team, the result saw them extend their unbeaten league run to 34 matches. The former Wigan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Mainz star was in action for 56 minutes before he was substituted for Nathan Patterson, while his compatriot Aribo played for

77 minutes before coming off for Scott Wright. Celtic interim boss John Kennedy spoke in discontent concerning what was a dominant performance from his players. Both Balogun and Aribo are expected to join the rest of the Super Eagles squad today as the three-time African champions tackle Benin Republic and Lesotho next week for a place in AFCON 2022 in Cameroon.

Only the Best Will Represent Nigeria in Tokyo, Says NBBF The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has advised Nigerians to stop speculations over the final 12-man roster ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo for the Men and Women’s national teams. This call became necessary following self-declarations of top NBA players who have pledged their support and international career to Nigerian basketball programmes. The NBBF announced that no player is guaranteed an automatic shirt on the team based on many factors ranging from technical,

tactical setup of the coaches as well as unforeseen circumstances such as injuries. NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida, described it as the golden era of basketball in Nigeria when everybody wants to be a part of history being written. “Many high profiled players have started giving a thought to what D’Tigers and D’Tigress stand for. Many who would have turned us down in the past if invited are now hustling to get our attention which for us is a good thing. “The tide where Nigerians

aspired to, and left the country has completely changed where qualified nonNigerians have expressed interest in playing for Nigeria,” he added. With series of camps lined up for the D’Tigers before the summer games in Tokyo, the NBBF assured stakeholders that all eligible players have equal chances of getting invited to camp and making the final list. Despite being the apex administrative body in charge of basketball in Nigeria, the NBBF president reasoned that with many players still

in talks with the coaching crew led by Mike Brown, the technical crew are in the best position to handle such. He enjoined basketball stakeholders to enjoy the moment and attention the national team brands are getting across the world. “Let us just enjoy these moments because it’s the first time it’s happening in Nigerian Basketball, It is now a case of people wanting to play for us which is my opinion can only be good development,” the NBBF chief concluded.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Peterside Seeks National Debate over $1.5bn Vote for Refinery Repair Segun James The founder of Stanbic IBTC and Anap Foundation, Mr. Atedo Peterside, yesterday called on the federal government to subject the approval of $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State to “an informed national debate.” Peterside, in a tweet yesterday, asked the federal government to halt the repair of the refinery

pending when the debate is held. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had on Wednesday announced the approval of the $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the refinery. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said the rehabilitation would be done in three phases of 18, 24, and 44 months. He said the contract had been awarded to Tecnimont

SPA, an Italian company, and that funding would be sourced from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) internally generated revenue (IGR), Afreximbank and budgetary

provisions. TheCable reported that Peterside, who served as a member of the National Council on Privatisation between 2010 and 2015, said experts preferred the

outright sale of the refinery to qualified investors. “FG should halt $1.5 billion approval for the repair of Port Harcourt refinery and subject this brazen and expensive adventure to an informed

national debate. “Many experts prefer that this refinery is sold “as is” by BPE to core-investors with proven capacity to repair it with their own funds,” Peterside tweeted.

Senate Queries Finance Ministry over Unaccounted N2.8bn Service WideVote Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (SCPAs)has queried the Federal Ministry of Finance for failing to account for N2.8 billion service wide vote it collected in 2018 from the Federation Account as estacodes and other allowances for representing Nigeria in internationally organised annual board meetings, conferences and workshops. Of this amount, payment vouchers were raised for the sum of N113, 558,372.85 leaving the sum of N2, 772,214,120.42 unaccounted for. The Chairman of the SCPAs, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, relied on the 2018 Auditor General’s report to query the unaccounted expenditures. The query reads: “During our audit, it was observed that the sum of N2,885,772,493.27 was released to the Federal Ministry of Finance from the Service Wide Vote. This is to take care of estacodes and other allowances for representing the federal government in internationally organised annual board meetings, conferences and workshops including contribution to the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Of this amount, payment vouchers were raised for the sum of N113,558,372.85 leaving the sum of N2,772,214,120.42 unaccounted for. “This infraction was due to the failure of the permanent secretary to seek approval from the appropriate authorities to incur the above expenditure, which is seemingly unaccounted for. The ministry may carry out such unauthorised or unapproved expenditure that may lead to diversion of public funds for other purposes. It may also lead to mismanagement and underutilisation of public funds.” But, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, told the committee that he could not respond to the query at the moment, pleading with the committee to give him another time to appear before it. The committee, therefore, asked the permanent secretary to appear on Tuesday (tomorrow) to respond to the query before the lawmakers. Urhoghide insisted that somebody must account how the money was spent. He expressed dissatisfaction with the abuse of service wide vote by government agencies and vowed to investigate its management by the MDAs in 2021 budget.

Face Justice for Defaming Me, Ganduje Tells Lawyer Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano State Government has stated that the legal practitioner and activist, Sa’ida Sa’ad Bugaje, who was dragged to court for allegedly defaming the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and his family, is trying to draw sympathy for herself instead of facing justice. In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, the state government dismissed the claim of harassment by Bugaje, who is also accused of allegedly inciting the public against Ganduje’s administration. Garba pointed out that the lawyer, in a video clip which has become viral on social media platforms, maligned allegedly Ganduje and his family over an alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, with the intent to create mistrust in the public. He said the governor, who felt personally touched by the allegation, sought legal redress

with a view to finding out the truth of the lawyer’s allegation. The commissioner explained that while nobody is harassing or intimidating her, as a lawyer, she ought to have understood that she must have the facts to prove her claim, saying if she is evading arrest, then she must have made the allegation without understanding the consequences. He added that all the governor is seeking is for her to prove her case before a court of law, as the state government would no longer allow such “careless and unsubstantiated allegations to go unpunished, particularly from a learned person who is supposed to have appreciated the consequences of making unverified statement.” The information commissioner added that while every citizen has the right to make comments on matters that affect public interest, including public spending, when it involves allegations or infringement on the rights of individuals, there has to be facts to defend it.

WAR AGAINST INSECURITY…

L-R: US Consular General, Ms Claire Pierangelo; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa; Chief of Staff, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Cosmas Ozougwu; and Commander, NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetima, during the flag-off ceremony of the exercise ‘Obangame Express 2021’ on board NNS Thunder in Lagos...weekend.

NDLEA Intercepts 200kg of Hard Drugs at Lagos, Abuja, Kano Airports Michael Olugbode in Abuja Attempts by some defiant traffickers to export hard drugs through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano have been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who seized 200 kilogrammes of the illicit substances from them. Spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr.

Femi Babafemi said in a statement yesterday that at the Lagos airport, a 41-year-old Adewuyi Olayinka was arrested while trying to export 650 grammes of cocaine wrapped in two parcels to the United Kingdom through the SAHCO export shed of the MMIA cargo, Ikeja. The statement quoted the Commander, MMIA Command of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Garba, as saying that the drug was concealed in dry local pepper and herbal concoction popularly called ‘agbo’ In the same vein, 107

kilogrammes of hard drug suspected to be Khat has been seized at the cargo shed of the Kano airport while being exported to Canada. According to the Acting Commander, MAKIA Command of the NDLEA, Mr. Mohammed Ajiya, “the drug, which weighed 107kilogrammes was concealed in golden colour nylon bags covered with textile materials and labelled tea with a view to deceive and mislead our officers. “The so-called tea arose the suspicion of officers at the

cargo shed who insisted that it must be subjected to laboratory analysis and test before it will be allowed to go, because the so called tea came from Lagos by road to Kano and our operatives wondered why the owner did not ship it via Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. Hence, the reason the shipment was delayed until sample was taken and sent to our forensic lab for analysis. The result came out positive for Khat, it has since been seized and is now in our custody.”

Katsina Moves to Reform Almajiri System, Identifies 106,000 Pupils Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Government has identified 106,000 Almajiri pupils across 5,558 Islamic schools in the 34 local government areas of the state in a bid to modernise the Almajiri system of education and avert the menace of street begging in the state. The state Committee Chairman for Data Collection on Almajiri Pupils, Schools and Reformation of Allo System of

Education, Husseini Adamu Karaduwa, stated this in an exclusive interview with THISDAY yesterday. He said the committee had submitted its report to the state government, and that plans have been concluded to repatriate 7,893 Almajirai to their respective states, adding that 2,058 out of the number to be repatriated are from Niger Republic. He explained that what the committee recommended for their repatriation is in accordance

with the terms of references given to it, adding that: “We have made a submission to the state government, and the government had made an approval on how to go about it.” Karaduwa said: “At the end of the committee’s assignment, we discovered that the state has 106,000 Almajirai. 7,893 are none indigenes studying Qur’an at various Qur’anic schools across the state; out of this, we have 2,058 who are from Niger Republic. So, 7,893 are the ones that are

due for repatriation right now.” He added that the state government was in the process of reviewing the law that established the state Islamic Education Bureau in order to implement the intending reformation of the Almajiri system of education in the state. He, however, attributed crimes associated with the Almajiri system to many years of neglect by parents, communities, operators of the system and successive administrations in the country.

N’Assembly Clerk Constitutes Panel to Avert Strike by Parliamentary Workers Deji Elumoye andUdora Orizu inAbuja The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Olatunde Amos Ojo, has constituted a nine-man committee to resolve parliamentary workers’ demands in order to avoid a proposed strike. The setting up of the committee was sequel to a 14-day ultimatum given last week by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), which threatened to embark on strike if their demands

were not met. The Special Adviser to the clerk on Media and Labour Matters, Austen Adesoro, in a statement issued yesterday, said the CNA, while inaugurating the committee, said the Assembly management would continue to make staff’s condition of service and welfare a matter of priority. According to him, the nine-man panel, chaired by the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, Felix Orunwese, was set up by management in

order to attend to issues of welfare raised by staff. The statement quoted the CNA as saying that the National Assembly’s management would do all within its powers to ensure that staff members get what is due to them on proactive basis. Ojo stressed the need for dialogue as a pragmatic panacea to the situation on ground instead of unnecessary agitations. He noted that the management under his leadership, upon assumption of duty, had on its

own volition, without threats, paid three separate allowances to members of staff, namely: leave bonus, legislative duty allowance (LDA) and end-of-the-year bonus. According to the clerk, “The management also ensured the prompt release of its promotion list,” adding that the National Assembly management has concluded plans to provide staff buses to ease staff transportation, especially in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021, ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Ugwuanyi Reiterates Commitment to Peace, Security, Good Governance PDP leaders laud Enugu gov at 57th birthday Ejiofor Alike Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reiterated his commitment to peace, security and good governance in the state. Also, in keeping with his long-held tradition, the governor, on Saturday, celebrated his 57th birthday with the elderly at the “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” managed by Little Sisters of the Poor, at Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of the state. This is coming as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus and other leaders of the party have hailed the Enugu State governor for his achievements in the state. Ugwuanyi, who arrived the home for the elderly, shortly after a symposium organised in his honour by the Association of Nsukka Professors and his friends, identified with the aged and made a donation to enable them celebrate his birthday with him. In return, the elated elderly, presented gift items to the governor and thanked him for his consistency in caring for them. At the Symposium, the governor, who noted that “over the years, it has become more of a routine for me to celebrate my birthday principally with a section of our society that are hardly part of those we meet in our daily public and social life”, maintained

that “this year is no exception to this rule”. The governor expressed gratitude that his friends kept faith with his standing principle “by defraying very huge hospital bills for discharged indigent patients in many hospitals across the state, saying: “For this, I am indeed very grateful”. According to him, “this honour really challenges me in a manner that aggravates rather than mitigates my commitment to peace, security and good governance. “It compels me to restate that my obligations to the people do not come from mere social contract and/or from the commonplace political deal between the voter and the elected but, in addition, from a spiritual bond of a Godgiven humanity to which we all belong”. Pointing out that Enugu State, in the last five years, has witnessed a peaceful and secure environment, in spite of the unfortunate incidences across Nigeria and the world, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that his administration has been investing heavily in security and peace. “Following the resolution of the South East Governors Forum, I became the first Governor to constitute and set up Enugu State Forest Guards backed by legislation, in addition to the Neighbourhood Watch to check the menace of criminals especially in

Sanwo-Olu Intervenes in Six-year-long Power Outage in Eight Lagos Communities After six years of blackout in Magbon Alade and seven surrounding communities in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged to intervene with the aim to restoring power back in affected towns. The issue was formally brought to the governor’s notice at the weekend during his two-day working visit to Free Trade Zones in the area. The affected towns are Magbon Alade, Alasia, Orimedu, Eleko, Osa Oroko, Ise, Akodo, Solu - all in Ibeju Local Government Area. Sanwo-Olu held a parley with traditional rulers and villages’ heads in the area during which Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Liasim Ogunbekun, presented the problem before the governor. According to the monarch, the cause of the power outage could not be traced, while the power distribution company operating in the area has not given specific reasons for the blackout. Ogunbekun said despite the repairs carried out on the transmission cables that bring electricity into the affected towns by the council leadership, members of the communities have not had electricity for more than 30 minutes in the last six years. The monarch said: “This is the sixth year that we have had electricity in our communities. Nobody has explained to us what the problem is, but we were told it is due to faulty transmission

cables that takes electricity into the communities. Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area chairman rose to the occasion and changed all the cables. Yet, we only had light for 30 minutes. Since then, all the towns have been in darkness. We make passionate appeal to you, Mr. Governor, to intervene in this matter.” The disclosure surprised Governor Sanwo-Olu, who said the matter was never brought to his notice. He said the council chairman only informed him during the tour of the free zones. The governor promised to personally take charge of the process towards restoring electricity back in the affected communities. He said: “I was taken aback when I was informed by the local government chairman that the whole communities have not had electricity in the last six years. I asked if the problem was caused by transformer, he said the issue was beyond that. I didn’t believe the story until you (the traditional rulers) are telling me now. This is so bad. I will find out whether the issue came from Ibeju. “God willing, I will personally take full charge of the situation and ensure we solve the power problem for you. Your only task is to constantly remind the state government through your local government chairman. This is a problem we cannot neglect; we must solve it with the urgency it demands.”

our rural communities”, he said. While thanking the people of Enugu State, all the stakeholders and the Church for their support and prayers, the governor stressed that “my desire as Governor is to continue to work with Ndi Enugu and other stakeholders until peace and security can be

taken for granted by all citizens and residents of Enugu State”. In their goodwill message at the event, the national leadership of the PDP felicitated with Ugwuanyi on his 57th birthday, describing him as “an amazing individual” who has not been influenced by power since the

advent of his political career. Speaking, the National Chairman of the PDP, Secondus, represented by the National Organising Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), who led the delegation from Abuja, said that the party is delighted at Ugwuanyi’s uncommon

leadership qualities as “a humane, simple, humble, focused and accessible leader”, stressing that “he has brought all the attributes of a good leader to bear in the governance of Enugu State; Enugu State has remained very peaceful”.

FUTURE PILOTS…

L-R: Master Eminimo Iwok of AFCS, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, who emerged fourth in the National Science Competitive Examination; Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao; and Master Edeani Izuchukwu of Air Force Comprehensive School (AFCS), Agbani, Enugu State, who emerged first in the competition, during their visit to Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja...recently

FCT Police Nab 10 Suspected Drug Peddlers Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said weekend it arrested 10 suspects involved in armed robbery and drug peddling along Mpape, Kado-Biko and Life-Camp axis of the territory. It said the suspects were arrested by police operatives from Mpape Division during a routine raid. A statement signed by the Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Yusuf Mariam, said the suspects were arrested while attempting to break into a container.

It said the suspects confessed to being members of a 12-man robbery gang terrorising Mpape axis. The suspects are Ibrahim Abdulrasheed, 26; Abubakar Rabiu, 23; Abdulmumini Bello, 19; Abubakar Mohammed, 20, and Shaban Abubakar, 19, an ex-convict. Exhibits recovered are two cutlasses, two iron cutter, one iron bar, one axe, one rope and wallet containing counterfeit currency notes. The statement said efforts were on to arrest other members of

the gang. In a related development, police operatives from Life-Camp Division have arrested one Emmanuel Idowu, 61; and Ede Chinedu, 27, along Dappe, Life-Camp axis during a routine patrol for being in illegal possession of firearm while one Bright Effiong, 37, was arrested with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Exhibits recovered from them are one locally-made pistol and one unexpended cartridge. In another development, police operatives from Gwarinpa Division weekend arrested one

Musa Bari, 20; and Harisu Aminu, 18, for peddling drugs at Kado-Biko axis of Gwarinpa. Exhibits recovered from the duo are one bottle of DSP syrup with codeine, one bottle of Barcadin Syrup with codeine, 130 pieces dizapam tablets, 30 pieces of Hypnox Tablets, 500 pieces of Valium D5 Tablets, 242 pieces of Exxol Tablets and wraps of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana. The command said all the suspects would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigation.

Jang Seeks Presidential Pardon for Dariye, Nyame Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang has appealed to President Mohammadu Buhari to consider granting a presidential pardon to his predecessor, Senator Joshua Dariye, who is currently serving a prison term. Jang was speaking yesterday at the finals of the Plateau

North Peace and Unity football tournament at the Rwang Pam township stadium in Jos. He said, “It is time for us as Plateau people to speak with one voice. “I want to plead with Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari to grant our son, Senator Joshua Dariye pardon so that he can come back and join us.”

He charged politicians in the state to emulate Senator Istifanus Gyang of Plateau North, organiser of the maiden peace and unity football tournament in the state. Jang said, “we need more of such initiatives so we can identify and encourage local talents that will represent Plateau and Nigeria in local and international competitions.”

He equally appealed for Presidential pardon for former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame. He said: “These two are dear to us in Plateau and Nigeria and it is our earnest prayer that the President considers our request, as we continue to pray for him (Buhari) to succeed in his tenure.”

Anglican Church Vows Not to Compromise Faith over Use of Hijab in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Ecclesiastical Province of Kwara has vowed not to compromise its faith or trade away its heritage as a result of the current intimidation and harassment over the use of Hijab in Christian missionaries’ schools in the state. The church, during the weekend, also aligned with state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

over the total rejection of wearing of Hijab in missionaries’ schools in the state. A statement issued in Ilorin and signed by Archbishop, Most Revd. Israel Anoo, stated that “the use of Hijab has negated their belief and doctrinal principles on which the schools were founded in the first place. “These schools have been in existence for many years. We even learn on good authority that the incumbent Executive

Governor of Kwara State, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, attended one of them. “Over the years Christian and Muslim students have co-existed therein without acrimony on religious basis and why are we now creating this problems to heat up the polity unnecessarily. “Furthermore, we are aware that there is a matter in the Supreme Court concerning these schools, as such being law abiding citizens, we ought to maintain status quo pending

the outcome of the matter. “We as Christians are peaceful, law abiding and God fearing people. However, we would neither compromise our faith nor trade away our heritage as a result of intimidation or harassment of any magnitude or intensity. “The resort to attacks on our people and properties will do no one any good but may result in conflagration, the effect of which no one will be able to imagine.”

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Banditry: Matawalle Swears With Quran, Dares Zamfara Residents to Prove Innocence

Zamfara State Governor, Mr. Bello Matawalle, has sworn with the Quran that he has no connection with bandits terrorising the state. He also challenged residents of the state, irrespective of their status, to do the same to prove that they have no hands in the security challenges bedevilling the state. The governor gave the challenge yesterday in Gusau, the state capital while receiving an award as the Khadimul Quran conferred on him by the Centre for Quranic Reciter, Nigeria. “As I’ve been mentioning, the issue of insecurity is not just for federal government, governor or other security agencies; the issue of insecurity is for all of us, and we should not politicise the issue of insecurity. “I have sworn with the Holy

Quran that if I know, or if I am part of, or I know anybody who is coordinating this (banditry), or with my hand or any of my family, may Allah not give me (speaks in Arabic) in this life,” he said. Matawalle added, “I dare all the people from Zamfara State, from our father, Aliyu Gusau to Yarima Bakura and all the cabinet members, right from the inception of the political dispensation of the state, to take this oath as I did.” He explained that in taking up the challenge, it would be easy for residents to identify those behind the prevailing insecurity and ensure peace was restored in the state. The governor described the present security situation as worrisome, despite efforts to tackle the menace. He stressed that as the Chief Security Officer of Zamfara, he

Sylva Urges Nigerians to Hold Him Accountable for $1.5bn Refinery Rehabilitation The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, has promised to ensure that every cent of the $1.5 billion proposed for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery is accounted for. Speaking on a live TV programme last night, the minister asked Nigerians to hold him responsible in the event of anything otherwise. “I can look at the camera; they (Nigerians) can hold me accountable and hold this government accountable for every dollar, every cent on this project and ensure that we deliver a refinery that works,” the minister said. The decision of the federal government to rehabilitate the refinery in Rivers State with the sum has triggered debates in the country. While the government’s critics accused it of corruption, others were concerned that adding such an amount of money to the country’s debt burden would be dangerous. Sylva, however, stated that there was no cause for alarm, stressing that the government does not intend to borrow all the funds to rehabilitate the refinery. He noted that a subsidiary of

the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) – Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd (NPDC) – and others would contribute the money to be used for the project. According to the minister, part of the money will come from NNPC’s internally generated revenue and the Federal appropriation, while a little fraction will come from the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank). He also explained how the repayment plan was designed, saying the operations of the refinery would pay back the funds to be used. “The NNPC is going to spend about $200 million from its internally generating revenue sources, while the Federal appropriation will put in about $800 million and it is already broken down into three parts,” he disclosed. Sylva added, “The 2020 appropriation will give $350 million, 2021 appropriation will give another $350 million, and 2022 appropriation will give another $100 million, making it all $800 million from appropriation, and then the rest of it will now come from Afreximbank.”

Anambra Guber Poll: No Need for Consensus Candidate, Says PDP Aspirant Chuks Okocha in Abuja As the Anambra State governorship election gradually draws closer, an aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Witson Udeh, has called on the leadership of the party to jettison any consensus arrangement to determine the standard bearer of the party in the state. Speaking after picking his governorship and Expression of Interest forms, Udeh said the best path to walk is to allow all aspirants to test their popularity among party delegates, whose duty would be to pick a sellable candidate for the party ahead of the election. He said governance models adopted in running the state in the last few years have not availed

the state the mileage required to transform its economy for the good of the people. According to the gubernatorial hopeful, “Consensus arrangement is not democracy. That we choose to do some things the way we like for our own selfish interest does not mean that these are tenets of democracy. You must understand the people’s wish, and that is why in most of the advanced countries, we don’t find the party making the decision as to who will be the candidate. “How do we know how popular the candidates are? You have to go out there and test your popularity even at the primary. At the end of the day, they will find out who has the highest votes, and make such person the candidates for the general election.

would do everything possible to provide a secured and peaceful environment.

Matawalle said it was important for residents to be able to go about their lawful businesses without

fear of anyone harming them. He assured the people of his administration’s commitment to

addressing the lingering security challenges in Zamfara in the northwest region of the country.

CONGRATULATIONS...

L-R: Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Jos, Mr. Duniya Yusuf; representative of Plateau State governor, Dr. Hosea Finangwai; and the best farmer of the year, Mr. Gariwani Kathiah, during the official presentation of Central Bank of Nigeria State Award to the outstanding farmers of 2020 in Jos...weekend

Ortom Worships at RCCG,Thanks God for Saving His Life George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, yesterday appreciated God for preserving his life during the attack launched on him on Saturday by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen at Tyo-mu along Makurdi – Gboko road. Ortom, who worshiped at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Signs and Wonders Mega Parish, Makurdi, narrated how he ran 1.5 kilometers to escape from the gunmen. He called on Nigerians with good conscience to save the country from drifting into anarchy and lawlessness. He restated that his life is in

the hands of God, adding that no man can kill him. He wondered why a certain ethnic group in the country would be shielded and allowed to use its militia arm to wreak havoc on perceived enemies. Ortom had lauded his security operatives for successfully repelling the attackers. “I appreciate the security personnel attached to me. They were able to repel the attackers, so they could not have access to me. I thank God for my fitness to have run for more than one-and-a-half kilometers without stopping. It means that God has given me strength. I’m grateful to God,” he said.

Ortom, who said he had to call for reinforcement from security agents, expressed dismay that with the heavy security around him, he could no longer go to the farm in peace. He wondered how his people would be able to go to their farms in the state. “Like I always say, my life is in the hands of God, not in any Fulani man’s or anyone else’s hands whatsoever. I still remain firm. I will fight for truth, equity and fairness till when God permits that I will not be here again. “It is only God who can permit my exit from this earth, not any Fulani man. I want to say it boldly they will continue to fail just like

they did today. I had an intelligence report before that these people said that they were going to kill my security aides and then capture me alive and give me a slow killing. “They came out with a statement. I was alarmed. They singled me out as the only person who is creating problems for the entire Fulani race. I also heard that at their meeting, I was targeted for elimination. I got information that they would go after me wherever I go, whether at home, in my home, farm, anywhere,” he said. Ortom said he did not have any issue with the Fulani herdsmen except those who had vowed to take over Nigeria as their ancestral home.

Anambra Police Repel Attack on Station By Gunmen David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Gunmen yesterday attacked a police outpost in Mgbakwu community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Sources said the men, who invaded the police outpost early morning, attempted to set the facility on fire but were quickly repelled by policemen on duty. The state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO),

DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack, stating that the criminals were repelled immediately, and that no live was lost. The PPRO quoted the state Commissioner of Police, M.B kuryas, as assuring the Anambra people that the command is not deterred by the criminal actions of some unscrupulous individuals and groups in the state, adding that they will continue to provide security to the people of the state. Ikenga said: “The commissioner

reiterates that the command will not relent in its commitment to delivering on its mandate of ensuring that peace, safety and orderliness reign supreme in every nook and cranny of the state. “The hoodlums armed with guns and dangerous weapons had attempted to burn down the police station, but were successfully repelled by the police personnel on duty. “The CP warns the criminals not to test any further the resolve

and ability of the police and other security agencies in the state to apprehend and bring them to book. “He also calls on Anambra people to speak out in unity against the unwholesome and unwarranted criminal attacks on security agencies and critical infrastructure in the state. He urged them to avail the security agencies with information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the criminal elements.”

Insecurity: NSCDC Kicks as Onitsha Indigenes Float Local Security Outﬁt David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Indigenes of Onitsha in Anambra State have reportedly floated a security outfit known as Onitsha Ado Vigilante Network to check the increasing wave of crime in the commercial city. The traditional ruler of the Onitsha Kingdom, Obi Alfred Achebe, who unveiled the security outfit at the weekend, said there was need to keep the security of the city, especially being a commercial hub. The monarch also unveiled branded Toyota Sienna vehicles

said to have been donated by good-spirited individuals in the city to fight against insecurity in Onitsha. The commercial city has lately fallen for criminals and hoodlums, who dispose visitors and residents alike of their belongings, even in broad daylight. Meanwhile, the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has protested the choice of colour for the branding of the vehicles donated for the Onitsha Ado Vigilante Network. The NSCDC said the colour

conflicts with theirs, urging the vigilance group to immediately repaint all their vehicles to avoid clash of interest. A statement issued by the state Commandant of NSCDC, David Bille, said: “The attention of the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been drawn to the branded vehicles painted in Civil Defence colours presented to the Onitsha Ado Vigilante Network. “The Corps, while appreciating the Onitsha

community for taking a bold step in complimenting the functions of the federal security agencies in the fight against crimes in the state, urges the community to as a matter of urgency effect a change of colours on their vehicles to avoid clash of interest.” The commandant wondered why the initiators of the said vigilante network could not have known that white, red and black colours are being used by the NSCDC before unveiling the same colours to the public.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Nigerian Children Lack Sufficient Water, Says UNICEF Michael Olugbode in Abuja United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lamented that one in every five children on the globe does not have adequate water to meet everyday’s need. The UN body said the situation is more worrisome in Nigeria with 26.5 million Nigerian children (about 29 per cent, nearly one-third of Nigerian children) experiencing high or extremely high water

vulnerability. A statement issued by UNICEF yesterday decried that: “As the world commemorates World Water Day, globally, more than 1.42 billion people, including 450 million children, are living in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability.” The statement citing an analysis, part of the Water Security for All initiative, identified areas where physical water scarcity risks

Suspend All Allocation to NDDC until Constitution of Proper Board, Orbih Tells Buhari Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The newly elected Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend all allocations to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) until a proper board is inaugurated. He added that the nonconstitution of a board to run the affairs of the NDDC was responsible for the fraudulent activities being witnessed in the commission. Orbih stated this when political leaders from the zone converged on the residence of the late Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, in Benin-city, Edo State, to celebrate his emergence as the South-south national vice chairman at the zonal congress held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The occasion attracted leaders of the party in the state and the South-south region, including Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Marcus Onobun, among other leaders. Speaking at the occasion, Orbih noted that Obaseki’s last week

victory at the Court of Appeal is a reaffirmation of the party’s victory at the September 19, 2020, governorship election in the state. He said: “I condemn the failure of the federal government to constitute the NDDC board in accordance with the Act. The NDDC is now a celebrated institution of fraud and scandals denying the Niger Delta people of accelerated development as envisaged in the Act. Until a proper board is inaugurated, the government should suspend all allocations to the commission. “These are part of the problem the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government has created. How do you pick somebody from a state where you have a government? Have you ever taken pain to look at the Act setting up the NDDC? “The nominations should come from the states, but what we have is appointment for party’s patronage. The whole idea of the NDDC should be considered on the special need of the people and the fact that a lot of environmental damage goes with the drilling of oil from the region, as the government thought it wise to have a commission that will address the special need of the development in the region.”

Yiaga Africa Condemns Violence in Ekiti By-election Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Victor Ogunje in Ekiti A group, Yiaga Africa, yesterday described the reported electoral violence witnessed during the Ekiti East bye-elections held on March 20, 2021, as despicable and antithetical to the democratic rules of credible elections. Yiaga Africa further stated that the unleashing of mayhem on the electoral process, which resulted in the death of Nigerians performing their civic duty and gunshot wounds sustained by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and a female police officer at their duty post, was an assault on democracy and the sanctity of life. The foremost election group in a statement issued by its Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, condemned in its totality the onslaught on the by-election in Ekiti State which has cost innocent lives. According to Yiaga Africa, “No citizen deserves to die in the course of exercising his or her civic right and responsibility.

The desperation of political actors to capture power by all means remains a threat to our electoral democracy. “It is embarrassing to watch our political class violate the electoral laws with impunity and utmost disregard for the sanctity of life and good practice. No democracy can thrive if politicians circumvent the rule of law; deploy violence and other rigging tactics to win elections at all costs. “We commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decision to suspend the process indefinitely as credible elections cannot be conducted in a chaotic atmosphere. “The commission and the police should immediately investigate the electoral violence and prosecute everyone guilty of it. The prosecution must include both the sponsors of the violence and the individuals deployed to cause the violence. Nigeria’s democracy can no longer be driven by renegades pretending to be political leaders/politicians.”

overlap with poor water service levels as one of the major causes of the problem, lamenting that people living in these areas depend on surface water, unimproved sources of water, or water that can take more than 30 minutes to collect. The statement quoted the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, as saying: “The world’s water crisis is here, and children are its biggest victims. “When wells dry up, children are the ones missing school to fetch water. When droughts diminish food supplies, children suffer from malnutrition and stunting. When floods hit, children fall ill from waterborne illnesses. And when water is not available in

Nigerian communities, children cannot wash their hands to fight off diseases.” The statement said the UNICEF data has shown that children in more than 80 countries live in areas with high or extremely high water vulnerability. Eastern and Southern Africa have the highest proportion of children living in such areas, with more than half of children (58 per cent) facing difficulty accessing sufficient water everyday. It noted that it is followed by West and Central Africa (31 per cent), South Asia (25 per cent), and the Middle East (23 per cent). South Asia is home to the largest number of children living in areas

of high or extremely high water vulnerability-having more than 155 million children. “Children in 37 hotspot countries face dire circumstances, in terms of absolute numbers, the proportions of children affected, and where global resources, support and urgent action must be mobilised, includes Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Tanzania and Yemen,” it noted. The statement recalled that last year, the Nigerian Government and UNICEF released a Wash Norm Study which showed that while there has been some progress, thanks to efforts

by the Ministry of Water Resources and its partners to strengthen the sector’s planning and monitoring, there is still much more work to be done in the country to ensure that all Nigerians have access to adequate and quality water as well as hygiene services. It emphasised that sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water remains a challenge in Nigeria, with over 86 per cent of Nigerians lacking access to a safely managed drinking water source. The problem is compounded by poor drinking water quality and lack of equity in access, the statement added.

WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNER...

US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard (left), and Director General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, during the Ambassador’s visit to the agency in Jos...recently

Alleged Extortion by Security Agents: NBA Urges Obaseki to Review Curfew Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin-city branch, Edo State, has canvased for a review of the 10 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew imposed in the state by the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging that security agencies were using the opportunity to extort the public. A statement issued by the branch Chairman and Secretary, Pius Oiwoh and Andrew Lawani respectively, said the NBA has received several complaints about the attitude of some police personnel, alleging that the security forces have turned it into an extortion ring and a huge money spinner.

The statement alleged that a matron, who was conveying a diabetic student to St Philomena Hospital in Benin-city, was detained by the police last Friday night before the intervention of the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, “who had to personally come to the scene at Dawson-Akpakpava axis to facilitate the movement of the matron and the patient to the hospital where they could access medical attention. According to the statement, “Prior to this latest incident, we have had reports of some security personnel who detain pregnant women and their family members going to labour wards, and were only released after they have been

extorted. The state Commissioner of Police has been kind enough to intervene at the behest of the Bar in some of these very pathetic situations.” The NBA cautioned the security personnel to be mindful of the fact it was the several cases of injustices against the people that triggered the #EndSARS protests last year. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Kotongs Bello, denied the allegation of extortion, saying: “The intervention by state deputy governor is not an issue of extortion, but that of stopping people from moving during curfew.”

He said “There is a law by the state government which we are enforcing. When it is 10 p.m., except for reason of ill-health, there is no other reason to move around in the state. When apprehended, you are taken to a mobile court where you will pay a fine for violating the law, which is not extortion. The police are not doctors; if somebody is ill, you have to seriously verify that the person is ill before the person can be considered for movement. We are working by the directive of the governor through the state Commissioner of Police. If you don’t want to be taken to a mobile court to pay a fine, then don’t come out.”

Okonkwo Promises Massive Development of Anambra North A frontline aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 6, 2021, governorship election in Anambra State, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, has promised massive development to uplift the Anambra North senatorial district if elected governor. In a statement issued by the media unit of his campaign organisation, the politician made the promise while addressing PDP stakeholders, statutory delegates, local government and Ward executives of Anambra West Local Government Area

at Mmiata-Anam yesterday. Okonkwo, who said he would turn the region into a construction site to boost its economic potential, added that as a governor, he would connect the senatorial district with Kogi State by constructing a bridge to link both states. According to him, “I promise to construct a bridge that will connect Anambra and Kogi States, and cut down travel time between Anambra State and Abuja to three hours.” He said Anambra West LGA,

known as the food basket of the state, has the potential to become the agro-allied industrial heartbeat of the South-east region, adding that increasing the capacity of the people for technology-driven agriculture would improve yield and return on investment. The governorship hopeful also promised to improve the valuechain of agriculture in the area and create more jobs in the sector. “You are great farmers but you don’t make the most of your land because of poor farming techniques. But we will change

all that. We shall improve your capacity for technology-driven agriculture. “We shall also improve on the value-chain in the sector and use same to create jobs. That will make farmers richer as they will now export finished products,” he explained. Okonkwo also promised to put in place a master plan for the development of the district, saying Anambra North shall be the state signature destination for developmental projects.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Olubadan Elevates Ladoja’s Wife, Other Chiefs in Ibadan The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji at the weekend, elevated a former Head of Service in Oyo State, Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke and wife of a former governor of the state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja. While Alhaja Adeleke was elevated to the position of Abese Iyalode of Ibadanland, the wife of a former governor of the state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja was also promoted to Agbaakin Iyalode of Ibadanland. Other chiefs promoted by Olubadan are: Chief Taye Soyege, as the Balogun Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Yewande Durosaro, as the Osi Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Onikepo Akande, as the Iyalaje Iyalode

of Ibadanland; Chief Nimota Agbaje, as the Ashipa Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Ayo Adegbite, as the Ekerin Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Kuye, as the Ekarun Iyalode of Ibadan land; Chief Wosilat Ekeolu, as the Maye Iyalode of Ibadanlanand Chief Mojisola Oyebola, as the Ekefa Iyalode of Ibadanland. Speaking on the uniqueness of Ibadan traditional title, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Adetunji said, Ibadanland has reserved its customs and traditions which according to him include chieftancy title. The monarch said women folks are playing a very crucial role in development of Ibadanland. He said: “To show the

uniqueness of our tradition, if anyone dies, each member on the line will get automatic promotion and that is what we are doing here today. We thank God that

there is no rancor in filling the vacancy.” Speaking after her elevation on behalf of others at the Popoyemoja Palace of Olubadan,

Alhaja Adeleke said, her new position was well deserved, having served Ibadanland meritoriously for its progress and development.

She, however, affirmed her commitment to the progress of Ibadan land, urging all the indegenes of the ancient city to maintain peace and unity.

LG Chairman in Kogi Averts Crisis in Ayetoro Gbede The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Council and Kogi State Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Taufiq Isa, yesterday averted breakdown of law and order in Ayetoro Gbede community. THISDAY gathered that the youths and women of the community came out to protest against the injustice of Nigeria Police Force. It will be recalled that few days ago, one Mr. Sule from Ilorin, out of recklessness, and drunkness, hit four persons, and two died

on the spot, including a pregnant woman. It was alleged that the Nigeria Police Force, unconditionally released the suspect on the second day, and this sparked anger among the youths of the community. But the Executive Chairman has doused the tension and assured the youths of justice. He has also directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ayetoro Gbede Division to re-arrest him for further investigations.

2021 Budget Gets Boost as FG Auctions Bitumen Fields The funding of Nigeria’s N13.58 trillion 2021 budget may have received the desired boost as the federal government has announced plans to commence a bid licensing round for bitumen fields across the country. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr.Olamilekan Adegbite, made the revelation during the first quarter webinar series organised by the Institute of Change Management (ICM) with the theme: ‘‘Unlocking Opportunities In Disruptive Times: The Mining Sector as the Game Changer for Nigeria. Adegbite said the bid round process has been slated to commence between June and July in the four rich bitumen states of; Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo. He disclosed that companies in Canada, Europe and other parts of the world had already indicated interest to explore the bitumen potential in these States. The minister cited a particular village in Ondo State where the bitumen is already coming to the surface and sacking the entire community, saying farming and other agricultural activities is already being negatively impacted. He said government has already spent a lot of money around exploration works in these states and would not want to give out the licenses for free, hence the decision to auction them to interested entities. Adegbite disclosed that interested bidders would be given access to the data report from where they could signify their choice bitumen field.

He said the bid process would be carried out and opened in a transparent manner with license given to the highest bidder so that they can start mining bitumen. He assured that within the next one year, successful bidders would have commenced mining on the fields, thus making Nigeria self-sufficient in bitumen mining. ‘‘In the next one year, Nigeria should have stopped importing bitumen but rather exporting same to neighboring countries, thereby helping the country to conserve foreign exchange. On illegal mining, Adegbite said the Ministry is doing all it can within its limited resources to ensure that the menace is curtailed to the barest minimum. He said the Ministry in addition to having a mining police which includes the Civil Defence, Army, DSS, also set up a remote sensing station in the Ministry in the form of a satellite which covers every area where activities are going on, lamenting that by the time the security agencies get there, the illegal operators would have dispersed. Adegibite said because Nigeria is a vast country and the lack of resources which prevents the Ministry from having a standing force makes policing of all mining sites difficult. Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of ICM, Mr. Nathaniel Osewele, said the pandemic has changed the world order, thus forcing companies, individuals and countries to change strategies in the way things are done.

CRIMINALS IN TROUBLE…

Obi of Onitsha Kingdom, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (right), cutting the tape to unveil a new local security outfit to tackle criminalities in Onitsha, Anambra State…weekend DAVID-CHYDDY ELEKE

NAFDAC Urges Nigerians to Confirm Original Astrazeneca Vaccine Labels The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged Nigerians to check for the original label on the Astrazeneca vaccine being administered on them. In a statement issued yesterday, the agency said the warning was imperative to ensure people did not risk being vaccinated with the fake Astrazeneca vaccine. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who signed the statement explained that the original Oxford Astrazeneca University (AZOU) vaccine, had been contracted to India’s world

largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India (SIIPL), to produce in large quantity. “AZOU gave the license of its vaccine to Serum Institute of India PVT Ltd, (SIIPL), to manufacture this vaccine at a commercial scale. SIIPL is the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world and the company got the license by signing the manufacturing agreement. “SIIPL gave the vaccine the trade name COVISHIELD, it is the result of a cooperation and a technology transfer from AstraZeneca – University of

Oxford to SIIPL. “SIIPL is now the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally. “More than 1.5 billion doses, which include Polio vaccine, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella,” she said. Adeyeye added that the vaccines manufactured by SIIPL were accredited by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and were being used in about 170 countries across the globe in their national immunisation

programme. She added that both COVISHIELD manufactured by SIIPL and COVID-19 vaccine Astrazeneca, manufactured by Astrazeneca/Oxford University vaccine are the same vaccine. According to Adeyeye, ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 coronavirus vaccines (Recombinant), COVISHIELD, was granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the World Health Organisation on Feb.15, and that it was one of the listed vaccines under the COVAX Facility.

Sanwo-Olu Excited over Refinery, Fertiliser Plant, Lauds Dangote Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Dangote Group for building the biggest investment in the country in Lagos State, and for the positive development which the Dangote Oil Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Complex would bring to Lagos and the Nigerian economy. President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on his part thanked the governor for his support and for making Lagos a haven for investors, and said the Dangote Group would do its best to make the Epe axis a hub of industrialisation through job creation and other economic empowerment activities. The governor, during a facility

tour of the Dangote Oil Refinery, Petrochemical Complex, Fertiliser Plant and Subsea Gas Pipeline Projects at Ibeju-Lekki weekend, said the refinery and fertiliser projects would meet the yearnings of Nigerians, and also bring exciting times ahead for government. Sanwo-Olu was received by the President/CE Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio Development, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, and the Chief Operations Officer, Dangote Oil Refinery Company, Giuseppe Surace, who guided him and his top officials around the vast complex.

The governor, who said he was impressed with the progress of the projects, noted that Dangote had taken into account gender inclusion and secured the future of the youths in the host communities, in Lagos and Nigeria in general. On his part, he pledged to complement the efforts of the Group and boost infrastructure with adequate road networks. He further thanked Dangote for his investments, and stated that the Lagos state government would create an enabling environment to foster a symbiotic relationship. To allay the fears of Nigerians, Sanwo-Olu said “for all those who are doubting, the Dangote refinery is

activated, the fertiliser plant is activated, and these investments will rejuvenate theentireIbeju-Lekki-Epetradecorridor.” The governor said “This is an exciting time for government; fuel shortage will be a thing of the past with the Dangote Refinery.” Hefurtherstatedthatduetothelevelof developmentalreadyseenregardingthe refineryandpetrochemicalplantprojects, MDAs of the Lagos state government will be relocating offices to the Lekki corridor, jobs are already being created by the Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser complex, and government can see all these and has to encourage it. “The state government will also ensure that the master plan for the free trade zone is followed”, he added.

Insecurity: Media Charged Not to Celebrate Criminals, Criminalities LaleyeDipoinMinna The role of the media in fostering national unity and cohesion as well as curbing insecurity at the weekend came under spotlight in Minna, the Niger State capital, during the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger Press Week, where most participants harped on the need for the media to avoid celebrating criminals and criminalities. The media organisations, both privately and publicly owned, at the forum were admonished to

publish reports thatwoulduniterather than divide the country. Thespeakersattheeventincludedthe National Secretary of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), and Publisher of Blue Print Newspapers, Alhaji Ibrahim Malagi; the National President of the NUJ, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, and the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello. At the event, Malagi delivered the lead paper at the forum with the theme: ‘Media and Insecurity: Niger State in Perspective’ where he noted

that the media “has critical roles to play in the struggle to tame the monster (insecurity) that is giving everyone, including the low and mighty in the society, sleepless night. “In confronting the escalating challenges of insecurity in the country, the media, government, and security agencies at all levels, including the citizens, must be on the same page.” Malagi noted, however, that journalists should report security matters with caution being also ethical and principled in their

reportage to avoid over harping on certain issues that have the capacity to dampen the efforts of the security agencies thereby threatening national security. Represented by a former Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State governor, Jibrin Baba Ndace, the NPAN scribe challenged “the media and the public to rise to the challenge of combating rising insecurity in the country by embarking on communication–based approachesthatwouldeffectivelystigmatise such act (crime) in the society.”

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Azman Disowns Letter that Defamed NCAA DG Chinedu Eze Azman Air has disowned the letter addressed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in which the Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu was accused of unprofessionalism and extortion. In another letter addressed to the NCAA, the Accountable Manager of Azman Air, Mr. Muhammad Abdulmunaf, said the earlier letter didn’t emanate from its management, stressing that it was a “deliberate falsehood targeted at discrediting the Director General and the airline.” The NCAA had last week announced the suspension of Azman Air’s operations, citing safety concerns after the airline suffered three serious incidents in six weeks.

Following the announcement, a protest letter purportedly emanating from the airline, accused the NCAA Director General, Nuhu of unprofessionalism and being too hasty in taking the decision suspending the airline. The NCAA in response issued a statement defending its decision and also addressed allegations that the Director General had benefited financially from the airline. However, Abdulmunaf in this second letter vehemently denied the earlier one. “We wish to state categorically that the recent publication making the rounds in the media in which an attack purported to be masterminded by Azman Air in reaction to NCAA’s suspension of its operations was launched

on the integrity of the NCAA DG, Captain Musa Nuhu never came from Azman Air. “We had our request for expatriate pilots turned down but this has nothing to do with the integrity of the DG as a person as other airlines were so treated, hence we have decided to conduct an internal investigation to find out the

source of the letter. “How could we allege extortion against the DG for requesting that we pay for an advert featuring Azman Air in an ICAO magazine when the said payment wasn’t for him but for the publishers? That we didn’t pay as and when due wasn’t a sign of refusal to pay but an innocent oversight

on our part. “How could we have alleged any wrong doing against the DG for carrying out his duties? It is within his core mandate to take the decision he took suspending the operations of our 737s and we are not unaware of the very high premium the agency under him places on safety.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our resolve to fish out the authors of this falsehood calculated to damage our rating. We wish to state that Azman Air is willing to cooperate fully with its investigations of our operations as safety is our watchword,” Abdulmunaf said.

Delta Commissioner Lauds College of Bishops Debunks alleged marginalisation of Delta Central by Okowa Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor (SAN), has lauded religious leaders for their modest contributions towards peace and support for stability of the state government, including spiritual intercession. Mrakpor, who made the commendation in Asaba, the state capital, during a grand reception party for the Association of Delta North College of Bishops, attributed his stream of successes in the legal profession to divine intervention, and thanked the bishops for their consistent prayers, especially “since he became their Legal Adviser, which had paid off through my emergence as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.” He revealed that becoming a SAN had been a long-cherished dream “since I was called to Bar in December 19, 1989. “Out of the 172 persons that applied for the Senior Advocate of

Nigeria, only 72 were successful,” he observed, adding that his appointment as a SAN was an act of God, especially against the backdrop of the orchestrated attempts by “certain mischievous elements that tried to pull him down, including through baseless petitions.” Mrakpor expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for giving him the platform to render public services especially in the area of the dispensation of justice in the state. The state attorney-general also thanked the judges of the state judiciary for their overwhelming support before and during his struggle to attain the position of SAN, noting that apart from being recognised with the appointment, “it had also been one of my topmost priorities to become a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration.”

Akwa Ibom Distributes Relief Materials to Victims of Disasters Okon Bassey in Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Government has ended a week-long distribution of relief materials to victims of flood and fire disasters across the state. The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Moses Ekpo, urged residents last weekend while presenting materials last weekend to those living in riverine communities to ensure the safety of their houses and property against flooding and windstorm disasters as rains set in. Epko said the advice become necessary as this year’s early rains were marked by thunder storms with great potential for heavy flooding and destruction, especially in vulnerable areas. Ekpo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Nkopuruk Ekaiko,

said the distribution of the relief materials should not be seen as compensation but as the government’s means of ameliorating the pains visited on the victims whose property were destroyed. He said that one of the cardinal principles of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration was to identify and show empathy to indigenes in time of disasters. The state government, he said, was currently embarking on gigantic flood control projects spanning about four local government areas in the state through the collaboration of World Bank and NEWMAP. The deputy governor said that most parts of the state would be spared the ravaging effects of flooding when these projects are completed and tasked the beneficiaries to make good use of the relief items.

A NEW DIVIDEND OF DEMOCRACY…

L-R:Ex-DeputyGovernorofLagosState,Dr.OlurantiAdebule;SpecialAdvisertoGovernorBabajideSanwo-OluonWorksandInfrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye; and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during the inauguration of the Ariyo (Mile 10) - Ira Muwo – Tedi Bridge (Phase 1) in Ojo Local Government Area … weekend.

Anambra Poll: Groups Hold Prayer Rally for Soludo’s Aspiration David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Twenty Four political groups working for the actualisation of the governorship aspiration of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, under the aegis of All Soludo Support Groups (ASSG), held a prayer rally yesterday to mobilise support for him. The rally featured prayers from all Christian denominations,

including the Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches. Soludo is aspiring to emerge the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State. The groups have been wooing Soludo since 2019 to join the governorship contest on the premise that he has the capability to salvage the state and move her

to greater development. The Chairman of the event and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, berated those who claimed that Soludo had no political structure and stated that the groups would constitute his structure. Ibezi said: “All the 24 support groups are now his structure. We urge all the other people who are going around as aspirants to step down for Soludo.

“We will use Soludo to teach other political parties the same lesson we have always taught them. In 2017, most people said Obiano will not return, but at the end, he won 21 out of the 21 local government areas.” Soludo, who also addressed the groups during the rally, said that he was moved to tears seeing the crowd of people from all the 24 groups working for his emergence as governor.

Banditry, Insurgency, Patterns of Jihad, Says Intersociety Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja A human rights research and advocacy group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), last weekend raised the alarm that the Nigeria is under the reign of jihadists disguised as insurgents and armed bandits. The alarm came in the wake of the assassination attempt on the life of the Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, by unknown gunmen. It said the deployment of Muslims to head military,

intelligence and security formations in the southern part of the country was part of the jihadist agenda. A statement issued by the group and signed by Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi, described the raging twin evils of insurgency and armed banditry in the Northeast and Northwest as Jihad. Umeagbalasi said: “For instance, Nigerians, media practitioners and international watchers are respectfully invited to check out or investigate identities, ethnicities and religions of the present Brigade Commanders of 63 Nigerian

Army Brigade (Asaba); 34 Brigade (Obinze/Owerri); 14 Brigade (Ohafia/Abia) and Cantonment Commandant of 302 Army Artillery (Onitsha). “Others are Commanding Officers of Ogbaru (Anambra) and Owerre-Nta (Abia) Naval Bases; Onitsha and Abakiliki Army Engineering Regiments; 144 Nigerian Army Battalion (Asa/ Aba) and those in charge of army battalions and artilleries in Enugu, Ebonyi and Cross River States.” The Intersociety also made reference to “the present Air Officer Commanding Nigerian

Air Force Bases in Enugu and Port Harcourt and their sub heads; the Principal Officers of Nigerian Army’s 82 Division in Enugu and 6 Division in Port Harcourt (including its new GOC) and army formations in Warri, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa as well as Police AIGs in charge of Zone 9 (Umuahia), Zone 5 (Benin), Zone 6 (Calabar) and Zone 13 (Ukpo-Anambra) and State Commissioners of Police and SSS Directors of Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States.

Catholics Celebrate Laity Week, Honour Members EmmaOkonji Catholic faithful across Nigeria yesterday celebrated the grand finale of the 2021 Laity Week, where it recognised members of the Catholic Church that have shown exemplary commitment to the service of God and to the growth of the church. At St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Ojodu, Lagos State, Catholics had

colorful celebration of the grand finale, which began with the celebration of mass. Rev. Fr. Raymond Enaigbe from the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, who celebrated the second mass at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Ojodu, reflected on the role of Catholic faithful as laity. During the mass, 18 persons were recognised and decorated as Friends of the Laity, while other

awardees were recognised during the celebration that held immediately after the second mass. In his welcome address, the Parish Priest of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Fidelis Umole, encouraged Catholic faithful to embrace the word of God everyday in their lives, and constantly relying on God’s illuminating power in the journey through life’s turbulent seas.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s Laity Week celebration: ‘The word of God: Dependable Light and Hope of Survival inAdversity’, Umole said: “The world in which we live is one that was created by God and sustained by His word. We can testify therefore that this theme presents to us a statement of fact that resonates truth, which is fundamental to our very existence in the word.”

˜ ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

MONDAYSPORTS PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal Fightback to Draw with West Ham in Six-goal Thriller &KHOVHD EHDW 6KHIÀHOG 8WG WR UHDFK )$ &XS VHPLV

Arsenal came from three goals down to rescue a point in a stunning 3-3 game against London rivals West Ham in the Premier League. The Hammers raced into a three-goal lead at London Stadium through Jesse Lingard, Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek, who touched in a Michail Antonio header. The visitors gave themselves hope when an Alexandre Lacazette effort went in off Soucek for an own goal just before half-time. West Ham defender Craig Dawson turned in Arsenal fullback Calum Chambers’ low cross for another own goal in the 61st minute. And Lacazette completed the comeback with a thumping header from Nicolas Pepe’s cross, before both sides had late chances to win the game. The result leaves the Hammers two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in fifth, while Arsenal move above Aston Villa into ninth.

Arsenal were second best in the first half and looked almost certain to lose further ground in the race for European places after a frantic opening. At 3-0 down, they looked a beaten side but Lacazette inspired Mikel Arteta’s side to a point. A defeat would have opened up a 10-point gap between the two sides and arguably end Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for a European competition through a top-six finish. Elsewhere, eight-time winners Chelsea moved into the FA Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought home win against Sheffield United. The Blues, beaten finalists last season, went ahead in fortunate circumstances as Ben Chilwell’s low cross was steered into his own net by Blades midfielder Oliver Norwood. Christian Pulisic was twice denied by away goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Callum Hudson-Odoi shot over as the hosts looked to finish off the game. David McGoldrick wasted a

glorious chance to equalise as he sent a close-range diving header wide following John Lundstram’s right-wing cross, before home

goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved from Oliver McBurnie. With Sheffield United pushing for a goal to take it into extra

time, Chelsea broke in injury time and Hakim Ziyech scored their second with a low strike to take them into the last four for

the fourth time in five seasons. The semi-finals will take place at Wembley over the weekend of 17-18 April.

Arsenal’s Alexandra Lacazette (2nd right) header secured the 3-3 draw for the Gunners against West Ham...yesterday

Polaris Bank Promises Ekong, Aina, Ahmed Musa, Amongst Early Eagles Long Term Sponsorship of in Camp Super Eagles camp at Eko are expected to arrive today for from where they will make the to Lagos to play the Crocodiles Unity Golf Tourney Hotel in Lagos roared to life proper training to begin soonest. trip to Port Novo by bus. of Lesotho in the last game of Polaris Bank has announced its sponsorship of the Unity Golf Tournament organised by the Golf Section of the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938. The three-day tournament is scheduled to receive guests from Thursday, March 25and tee-off on Friday, March 26and run through Saturday, at the lush green of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Course in Lagos. The Unity Golf Tournament is one that promises to gather the very best golfers around the country. Expressing delight at the partnership with Polaris Bank, the newly elected Captain of the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club, Dr M.I. Okoro thanked the bank for its support for the tournament and expressed optimism that the partnership

would strengthen the already existing relationship with the Ikoyi Club community. Speaking on the competition, the Acting Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Innocent Ike, said the bank is pleased to associate with the Ikoyi Club 1938, adding that sponsorship of the tournament underscores the Bank’s conviction on the role of sports and golf in particular, in enabling national unity, and socio-economic growth. Other highlights of the three day, tournament according to the organisers include a cocktail at the Club house on March 25.On the second day March 26, ladies, veterans and some guests will take to the field.

Davies: Ottasolo FC Will be a Model Club in Nigeria Excited by team’s promotion to NNL Erstwhile Stationery Stores FC defender and owner of wavemaking Ottasolo FC, Gabriel Davies, has described his side’s qualification to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in only their first try, as a dream come true, adding that his resolve is to make the club a model in the country. Ottasolo FC remarkably stormed through their Nationwide League One campaign at the Ilorin centre by winning five matches and drawing 2-2 only against Remo Stars to secure their spot in the playoff against the City of David. In the ensuing qualification match on Friday in Ilorin, Ottasolo came out smoking with an impressive 2-0 win against their equally determined contender much to the joy of the club’s owner. “Victory against City of David

and qualification to the NNL is a great achievement for us and I’m happy we came through despite all the odds,” Davis who also laced boots for Mogas ‘90 in Gabon in his playing days, remarked.“ This is just the beginning and we want to create history by working our ways up to the ladder of Nigerian football.”

Gabriel Davies...excited by Ottasolo FC promotion to NNL

yesterday as Nigeria’s top stars started arriving ahead of the double header AFCON 2022 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho. Amongst the early birds in camp include; free agent, Captain Ahmed Musa and his Vice Captain, William Troost-Ekong of Watford; the duo of English Premiership players of Ola Aina (Fulham) and Semi Ajayi (West Brim) and Galatasaray of Turkey pair of Oghenekaro Etebo and Henry Onyekuru. Most of the invited players

Super Eagles are likely to make the journey to neighboring Benin Republic by boats to Cotonou

The first of the double header AFCON qualifiers is scheduled for this weekend before returning

the series at the refurbished Teslim Balogun Stadium three days later.

NPFL (Match day 17) Kwara Utd 5-0 Adamawa MFM 1-2 Akwa Utd Wikki 1-2 Kano Pillars Heartland 1-1 W’Wolves Abia Warriors 3-1 Katsina Utd Lobi Stars 4-1 Rivers Utd TODAY IfeanyiUbah v Jigawa Stars Sunshine v Enyimba Rangers v Nasarawa Dakkada FC v Plateau Utd

L-R: Super Eagles trio of Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi were amongst the early birds to arrive the team’s camp at the Eko Hotel in Lagos...yesterday

National Men’s Cricket Championship Gets Underway in Benin Eight teams will be on parade from today March 22 to March 31, 2021 when umpire calls play for the National Cricket Men’s Championship at the Edo Boys High School, Cricket High Performance Centre in Benin City, Edo State. President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Yahaya Ukwenya said the 10-day Championship is a key event on the federation’s calendar given the weight of international commitments that the country is committed to later in the year. “The National Men’s Championship for us, is the

first on the list of activities that will form the molding of a stronger national team both for the Under-19 and more importantly the senior men’s team. “We have three World Cup tickets to vie for later in the year, hoping that the Covid-19 pandemic’s tide will continually be stemmed as it is presently being done now. The Under-19 World Cup, The Senior Men’s T-20 World Cup and the Women’s World Cup Qualifier,” he stressed. Nigeria would be hosting two of the World Cup Qualifiers in October and November and

Ukwenya believes the National Men’s Championship will serve as a key preparatory event for the challenges ahead. Lagos, Edo, Anambra and Kwara states are drawn in the Pool A that will open the championship today. The second group, Pool B has Kaduna, Rivers, Delta and Oyo states slugging it out. Endurance Ofem, who is player’s representative on the board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation and also doubles as the tournament coordinator corroborates Ukwenya’s assertions that the event will be the first test for any player

willing to pick a shirt in the national team later in the year. “This event is very crucial to future engagements both locally and internationally. We have provided the best condition for the top teams to thrive and we believe the venue too will help us better in allowing the players express their latent talents as well,” he noted for emphasis. The National Coach, SriLankan Asanka Gurusinha will be on hand with his Nigerian assistants to watch the event and perhaps extend trial invites to deserving players for the national team he’s been building

Monday March 22, 2021

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“If our government and security operatives can no longer guarantee peoples’ safety in their homes, farms or places of business, I am worried that the situation may compel citizens to resort to self help. That is the situation, we cannot contemplate and must not be allowed to happen because the consequences would be catastrophic.” – Former Senate President, David Mark, condemning the attack on Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

ISSAAREMU GUEST COLUMNIST

Okonjo-Iweala: Trade and Devt in Discourse

“N

igeria’s share in world trade is 0.33 per cent”. “Nigeria’s share in Africa’s trade is 19 per cent, below its share of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”. And that is official! At every engagement in Abuja during the week, (the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Presidency and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first female African Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) opened her remarks with the unpleasant miserable statistics about Nigeria’s status in Manufacturing Value Added (MVA). Nigeria we were told currently “ranks 103 out of 167 counties in terms of logistics”. It was her first working visit since she came into office as the seventh Director-General, on the 1st of March this year. Inadvertently the WTO DG appreciatively changed the narrative of Nigeria from increasingly predictable boring hysterical headlines about serial schools kidnappings, banditries to sobering underlying numbers of economic underperformance and underdevelopment, the real situation which fuels anything but peace and stability. Remarkably she commendably turned despair into hope when she pointed to the opportunities in the abysmal national disability of low global trade and poor value addition. “I like to look at the optimistic side, when I saw this (the numbers) I knew that there was potential for us to do much. And that is the message I want to convey to the country. This means we can turn it around,” she said. I agree with Dr Ngozi that certainly opportunity exists for Nigeria to return to production in place of imports and crass consumption. President Buhari had while hosting her conveyed optimism that she would “represent us so well.” In fullest of time, I bear witness that she has started “representing” Nigeria and Africa “well” by naming the facts of underperformance with a view of hopefully taming the decline. At the height of the historic contest for the Presidency of WTO, I had imagined how Candidate Okonjo-Iweala must have felt as the only contestant for the head of WTO from “a non- trading dependent, cargo/container economy in which there is official preference for imports from tooth picks to Covid-19 Vaccines! I have been in similar situation, of being appreciated but weightless on account of a national economic meltdown. IndustriALL Global Union of which your comradely is the Vice President representing Africa, has 50 million workers in 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors fighting for better working conditions and trade union rights around the world. It was founded on 19 June 2012, in Copenhagen, Denmark, following the merger of three former global union federations: International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM) and International Textiles Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF). Following the massive closures of textile and garment factories and attendant

Okonjo-Iweala job losses, the National Union of Textile and Garment workers (I represented) together with Nigeria’s affiliate unions combined had few delegates compared to South African unions who controlled highest delegates and vote. Nonetheless, I emerged first as Executive Committee Member as well as Chairman of the sub Saharan African Region from 2012 to 2016 before being elected Vice President at the 2nd World Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in October 2016 largely due to the support of South Africa’s Unions who with huge manufacturing base have more industrial workers. President Muhammadu Buhari was on the point when he told Dr Ngozi that: “You also earned it. We are happy you made it”. The point cannot be overstated that Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala truly “earned” it, notwithstanding the legitimate robust support a non-trading country gave her. If it were to be on the number of “0.33 per cent” of Nigeria’s share of global trade, Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala would not have been a preferred candidate compared

to South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee. South Korea is a trading exporting economy. It is the world’s seventh largest exporter of goods. In 2019, trade represented almost 76,7% of its GDP. South Korea is a manufacturing country “exporting mainly electrical equipment (14.6% of total exports), vehicles (7.5%), petroleum oils (7.2%) and parts and accessories for vehicles (3.5%)”. I agree with the new DG that the country’s low performance with respect to manufacturing “showed a small fraction of what Nigeria could do”. But we can even add that it shows a free fall from what Nigeria once did with remarkable success in immediate post independence era and right up to 80s thanks to national development plans that promoted industrial revolution. There was once a manufacturing Nigeria with value adding industrial estates producing manufactured goods for domestic markets and and West African market. It was not by accident that Nigeria championed the formation of ECOWAS to promote economic integration, growth and development through regional trade at the time neo-liberal globalization of WTO and World Bank was not as fashionable. Until the notorious structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) aimed at paying dubious external debts, Nigeria was successfully building its own brand of market capitalist economy with almost full employment, value addition and beneficiation in the 60s and 70s. There was once a developmentalist Nigeria leading in textile production, oil refinery, tyre (remember Dunlop and Michelin) and shoes production (remember Bata!). Indeed the miserable trade and manufacturing numbers of today are fallouts of the past SAP policies. Precisely because of the SAP legacy, most African countries have not reaped the benefits of the first industrial revolution yet we must live in a globalised world of digital and smart manufacturing and value addition. The promoted high sounding Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) had since run its full cycle in 2018. But basic targets

It’s gratifying that the new WTO promises to build capacity for Africa on trade facilitation. But much more desirable would be to impress on Europe and America to stop erecting trade barriers against Africa’s nascent new exporters and dismantle huge subsidies and numerous protective measures for their own agricultural products in particular even as they press Africans to have none of such measures for their economies

were not met such as the promised 80 per cent local refining capacity for petroleum products by 2017. I can imagine how my friend, HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkind, OPEC Secretary General feels to be from the only oil producing country without a functioning refinery, in the knowledge that this country used to have four functioning refineries and had planned under Shagari-aborted democratic government two refineries for exports in the 80s. There is no doubt that we are already reaping the impact of Dr Ngozi‘s Presidency in terms of loud voice for value addition in Africa. I agree with her that “We have to get from a position of where we are exporting raw materials to a position where we are adding more value.” But the challenge raises the question of unrestrained trade liberalisation for national development. Certainly the new DG holds the conventional view that trade liberalisation is necessary and has automatic positive impact for growth and development. Nigeria joined the WTO uncritically almost without consultation in the 90s under the Sani Abacha military dictatorship. The results were lowering of tariffs and removal of imports restrictions with attendant massive closures of labour intensive industries like textile. It’s time to question the notion that in WTO “all are gainers and there are no losers”. Indeed Nigeria has been a loser of bigbang trade liberalisation with worsening terms of trade and balance of payments. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, spoke for a new manufacturing Nigeria and indeed many of us when he defended the apex bank’s restrictive trade policy, stressing that it was meant to protect local industries from unfavourable competition and to create jobs for Nigerians. Obviously with the country’s high unemployment rate, it was inevitable to create job opportunities and provide an enabling environment for the unemployed to live a gainful life. It’s time that Africa and Africans got strategic with WTO to make sure that trade becomes a means of re-industrialisation of Africa and not under development. There must be alternative trade policies that would factor the needs of working people around the world, inclusive of economic growth and sustainable development. It’s gratifying that the new WTO promises to build capacity for Africa on trade facilitation. But much more desirable would be to impress on Europe and America to stop erecting trade barriers against Africa’s nascent new exporters and dismantle huge subsidies and numerous protective measures for their own agricultural products in particular even as they press Africans to have none of such measures for their economies. The European Union just announced considering “giving member states more power to block Covid-19 vaccine exports, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. So much for international trade an era of pandemic!! Aremu, mni, is the Vice President of Industriall Global Union

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