FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2021

FG Mulls TCN’s Unbundling, Partial Concession to Boost Power Supply Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government is considering the unbundling and partial concession of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to boost its efficiency in the government’s bid to improve power supply.

Director, Energy, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Yunana Malo, said during the March edition of “the Electricity Hub” conversation series on power that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) had directed that a proper strategy

should be mapped out for the unbundling of TCN. He stated that the government believed that all the players in the energy value chain should be able to align with the needs of the power sector seamlessly, adding that the right environment is being

created for the transmission component to match generation and distribution.

Malo said data was key to making decisions in the power sector, which needs clear-cut rules for its operations.

He said: “Government has not taken a decision on TCN.

distribution is also becoming incrementally more efficient with the kind of interventions that are going on there. It is this kind of reasoning that made us to say, let us see how the transmission component

We are on the drawing board, looking at all the possibilities.

We need to plan and strategise, know what the objectives are; how to attain them and that’s what we are currently doing.

The NCP has said that we should look at all the issues.

“Generation is growing and

Continued on page 9

CBN Works to Slash Wheat Importation By 60%... Page 8 Friday 26 March, 2021 Vol 26. No 9483. Price: N250

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Power Must Shift to South in 2023, Says Zulum Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Borno State Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum, has again aligned himself with the calls by the growing list of

prominent Nigerians insisting that power must shift to the South in 2023.

Zulum spoke yesterday in Abuja at the golden jubilee lecture and public

book presentation titled: Strategic Turnaround by the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr.

Dakuku Peterside.

Speaking on the topic: “Security and Economic Growth: Leadership in Challenging Times,” the governor said: “The issue of

power rotation is a covenant between us hence the need to shift the power to the South.

“I have advocated for power to shift to the South and I will continue to do so. Nobody

should say that I am saying this because I am looking for the position of vice president; I don’t have an interest. I Continued on page 9

Kyari: N130bn Monthly Loss to Petrol Underpricing No Longer Sustainable Corporation records N2.1tn from petrol sale in one year Sylva explains why Nigeria wants to import fuel from Niger Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, yesterday made a case for a prompt conclusion of talks between the federal government and the organised labour to resolve the dispute over the appropriate pricing of petrol.

He expressed concern about the current underpricing of the commodity, which he said has resulted in the NNPC losing N130 billion monthly due to the sale of the commodity below the market price.

He warned that the corporation could no longer continue to bear the loss.

He, however, told State

House reporters in Abuja that plans were underway to exit the underpricing regime.

The corporation also yesterday said it generated N2.197 trillion from the sale of petrol between December 2019 and December 2020.

In addition, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has explained why Nigeria wanted to import fuel from Niger Republic and justified the federal government’s plan to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery with $1.5 billion.

Kyari said the pump price of petrol in the country was far lower than in neighbouring countries.

He stated that that was why the underpricing would have to be addressed soon to bring Continued on page 9

Ortom Seeks New Security Team for Protection... Page 5

FERTILISING AGRICULTURE… L-R: Jigawa State Governor, Mr. Abubakar Badaru; Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, during a meeting with Fertiliser Producers and Supplier's Association of Nigeria in Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

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

Ortom Seeks New Security Team for Protection

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, sought an overhaul of his security details during his Wednesday’s meeting with the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, THISDAY learnt yesterday.

Ortom, at the meeting, had submitted a petition to Adamu, urging him to investigate the attack on him last Saturday.

Gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, had shot at the governor and his entourage while returning from his farm in the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.

A group, which identified itself as Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM), had in a statement, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ortom met the IG on Wednesday to formally present a petition on the attack.

He had on Tuesday met President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

THISDAY gathered that during the meeting with Adamu, Ortom requested that his security details be overhauled.

It was learnt that the security of the governor had become a source of serious concern in view of the rampaging attacks by herdsmen in the state.

Investigation revealed that the governor was under pressure by prominent leaders in the state to overhaul his security following concern that the security operatives in his convoy might be the source of information to his attackers.

A security source told THISDAY that the latest attack on the governor was not the first time his convoy was targeted.

The source said: "The governor has been a target of some people for some time.

One group boldly claimed they missed him narrowly.

"Concerned people of the state think he should call for fresh hands around him because somebody close might be giving his attackers information about his movement.

"How did they know in the first attempt that he was in a place near his village? In this second attack, how did the attackers know that he was on his farm and that he was leaving?

"Sometimes, for security reasons, a governor's movement is not always known but these people knew every of his movement.

"This is the issue in Benue.

The people want the security around the governor changed and they also want tight security. It will be a big shame if a governor is killed and there are security agents around him.”

When asked if the governor discussed the issue of overhauling his security arrangement with the IG, Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police, denied knowledge of such discussion between the duo.

"I am not aware of that. Our position has been made in the press statement we issued on the matter," Mba added.

Following the attack, the IG had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

He also ordered the deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja in Benue State to support the Benue State

Kaduna Reports Nine Killed in Fresh Bandits’ Attacks

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Bandits terrorising Kaduna State have again killed nine people in communities in Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas of the state.

The killings were confirmed in a statement yesterday in Kaduna by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan.

Aruwan said security agencies reported the killings to the state government.

He said the security report indicated that the bandits barricaded the Dogon DawaKuyello road, Birnin Gwari LGA, and shot six people dead.

The commissioner said in a similar attack on Ungwan Maje, also in Birnin Gwari LGA, the bandits killed two people.

The statement added that the bandits further attacked Kwama village in Giwa LGA and killed one Nasiru Rufai, after he resisted their attempts to kidnap him.

“Security agencies have reported that armed bandits killed nine citizens in separate attacks spanning Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government

area.

“According to the report, the armed bandits barricaded the Dogon Dawa-Kuyello road, after Ungwan Gajere village of Birnin Gwari LGA, and shot six people dead.

“They were identified as: Nura Rufai, Sanusi Gajere, Yakubu Labbo, Usman Dangiwa Alhaji Abdulhamid and Janaidu Tsalhatu “Similarly, at Ungwan Maje, also of Birnin Gwari LGA, armed bandits shot and killed two persons, identified as: Haruna Dotu, Hamisu Mohammad “Armed bandits also attacked Kwama village in Giwa LGA and killed one Nasiru Rufai, after he resisted their attempts to kidnap him,” Aruwan added.

Kaduna State has been under intense attack by bandits who raid communities, loot, kill and abduct people, almost daily.

The bandits were yet to release the 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry, Afaka, Kaduna, who were abducted on March 11, 2021, when they invaded the school.

Police Command.

A police source told THISDAY yesterday that the team departed Abuja yesterday.

The IG had ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Tijani Baba, to expedite action on

the investigation.

Benue State has had a history of attempts on the lives of its chief executives.

On March 3, 2004, the then Governor George Akume escaped death by a whisker following an attack on his convoy by bandits near Nasarawa-Eggon in Nasarawa

State on his way to Kaduna to attend a meeting of the governors of the 19 northern states.

His friend and former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways, Mr. Andrew Agom, who sat beside him in his official Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, was hit by bullets and

died on the spot.

Akume's successor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, was also attacked on March 10, 2014, by suspected herdsmen.

The attackers exchanged gunfire with his security details at Tee-Akanyi village in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

DINNER WITH THE EAGLES...

L-R: Wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Super Eagles’ Captain, Mr. Ahmed Musa, during the governor’s dinner with the senior national football team in Lagos…recently

Buhari Blames Unemployment in Rural Areas for Insecurity Says new $1.3bn chemicals’ plant ready soon Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday attributed insecurity in parts of the country to lack of employment opportunities in most rural communities.

The president, in a statement in Abuja by his media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, expressed concern that for decades, previous government policies focused on urban development at the expense of rural inclusion.

He said: ‘‘In the last four years, we have worked hard to bridge some of these economic imbalances through our various agricultural and financial policies to attract employment opportunities to rural areas. As we continue to expand our security operations to bring an end to these challenges, it is important to note that peace and prosperity can only be sustained if we collectively and actively support investments that take opportunities to our rural citizens. ‘‘I therefore urge our governors, bankers, investors and entrepreneurs to look beyond our cities when it comes to investments. As we have seen from Nigeria’s five-year fertiliser revolution, if investors are willing to endure the short-term ‘start-up’ pains, they will surely benefit from long-term sustainable and substantial gains."

The president, while playing host to a delegation of Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria

(FEPSAN), stated that a new basic chemicals platform worth $1.3 billion, to produce ammonia and fertilisers in the country will soon be ready for inauguration.

He said the new plant, whose location he didn't disclose, would be built in partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco.

The federal government and the Kingdom of Morocco had earlier this month, signed five strategic Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to foster Nigeria-Morocco bilateral collaboration and promote the development of hydrocarbons, agriculture and commerce in both countries.

Under the agreement between OCP Africa, NSIA and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria will import phosphate from the Kingdom of Morocco and use it to produce blended fertiliser for the local market and export.

Nigeria will also produce ammonia and export it to Morocco.

As part of the project, Nigeria is to establish an ammonia plant in Akwa Ibom State.

Buhari said: ‘‘His Majesty, the King of Morocco and I have agreed to extend the current phosphate supply agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and Nigeria. We both believe that to consolidate and expand on the successes recorded thus far, we must secure raw material supplies for our blenders. ‘‘Furthermore, to improve the balance of trade between Nigeria

and Morocco, the two countries have signed an agreement to develop a $1.3 billion basic chemicals platform in Nigeria which will produce ammonia, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid and various nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilisers using Nigeria’s gas reserves."

The president added that the new plant, when completed, would complement the those of Dangote and Indorama Chemicals facilities which produce urea, ammonia and other industrial raw materials. ‘‘When we combine these projects with the existing 44 blending plants, Nigeria will indeed become a regional and global fertiliser power house,’’ he said.

Commenting on the activities of the FEPSAN, Buhari expressed delight in the progress they have made over the past five years, saying despite the country going through recessions during the period, investments in the fertiliser and agricultural inputs sector continued to grow. ‘‘Though many investors chose to take their monies out of Nigeria, you continued to invest. Today, we are seeing the fruits of your smart, long-term and patriotic decisions. This is why all Nigerians should be proud of the personal commitments and sacrifices you all made in getting us to where we are today. ‘‘Another commendable trait

worth mentioning is that all your investments have been balanced between urban and rural Nigeria. These are the types of investments needed to address the unemployment and security challenges our nation is facing today,’’ Buhari stated.

According to him, the federal government will continue to ensure a conducive business environment for investments to flourish.

The president also commended Jigawa State Governor, Mr. Badaru Abubakar; Mr. Thomas Etuh and his FEPSAN team, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), security and intelligence agencies and all federal and state government agencies for their collaboration in making the project possible.

Earlier, FEPSAN President, Etuh, had recounted that at their first meeting with the president five years ago, he committed the association to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on import, enhance fertiliser availability and affordability and create jobs over a four-year period. ‘‘Today, four years later, Mr. President, I am proud to inform Your Excellency, and indeed all Nigerians, that mission is accomplished,’’ he said.

Etuh stated that from three blending plants operating at 40 per cent capacity in 2016, Nigeria today has 44 blending plants most of which are operating at full capacity.

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CBN Works to Slash Wheat Importation by 60% James Emejo in Abuja The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday restated the bank's commitment to improve local production of wheat and reduce importation by 60 per cent over the next two years.

He also urged Nigerians not to panic over the current prices of major food items as the prices will soon fall.

Emefiele, at the launch of the 2020 wet season harvest aggregation and dry season input distribution for the Northeast region under the CBNRIFAN Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), in Gombe State, added that the apex bank is also positioned to ensure the integration of farmers into the federal government’s Economic Sustainability Programme, aimed at providing five million homes with electricity using

FG: No Bias against South in Distribution of Sukuk-funded Projects Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday defended the distribution of projects under the Sukuk roads funding programme, saying that there is no plan to favour the North at the expense of the South.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, stated that allocation of funds under the SUKUK funding scheme is being done equally across zones.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information at the ministry, Mr. Boade Akinola, said Hussaini, represented by the Director Highways Construction, Mr. Funso Adebiyi, spoke while inspecting the Suleja-Minna road and the Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road in Niger State.

The statement, he said, was a reaction to insinuations that the federal government was spending more money on projects in the North than in the South.

He stated that many factors were involved in the construction of a road to determine the cost, including the level of deterioration before the intervention, topography of road alignment, soil texture of the area, water table, nearness to borrowed construction materials and the cost of haulage.

“The amount provided for South-west was the same for the North-west but the length of kilometres you would cover with that same amount in North-west is by far more than if it were in the South-south.

“The landmass up North is by far more than what is in the South and these are factors that determine the cost of road

construction. Government is not biased, we are doing our best,” he added.

On the Suleja-LambataMinna road, Hussain said the road was an important route linking part of the North-central and North-west to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

It also serves as major haulage for petroleum products, farming and other commercial activities.

He expressed satisfaction with the work done so far on the Suleja-Minna road, which has reached 80 per cent completion stage while working on the Lambata-Lapai-Bida road is at 20 per cent stage.

He added that with favourable weather, the contractors would achieve more progress on the work to align with the scheduled timeline, while part of the component of the project is to make the road passable while the project is going on.

The Project Manager of Salini Nigeria Limited in charge of Suleja-Minna road, Daniel Kassa, informed the inspection team that phase I of the project was already at 82 per cent completion stage while phase II has recorded 20 per cent completion.

“We have a target to complete phase I, Dikko interchange and another 4km from kilometre 33 to 77, including its asphalting work while in phase II, they still have 3km to be completed and another 4km ahead to catch up with before the rains come,” he said.

The Project Manager of CGC Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tang Pengwen, said the company was determined to complete the project and provide a good road network for Nigeria.

Buhari Reappoints Okoh as BPE DG

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the renewal of the appointment of Mr Alexander Ayoola Okoh as the DirectorGeneral, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for the second term of four years in accordance with the provision of Section 17 (1)(a) and (2)(a) of the Public Enterprise (Privatisation & Commercialisation) Act, 1999.

The renewal, according to a statement yesterday by the media assistant to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. Laolu Akande, will take effect from April 10.

The BPE is the federal government agency that is charged with economic reforms, especially the privatisation and commercialisation of government-owned enterprises.

Okoh It also serves as the secretariat of the National Council on Privatisation.

It added that in the last four years, BPE has witnessed a notable invigoration in its activities.

solar energy.

He said under the arrangement, every farmer in the ABP would be eligible to get a solar home system to provide electricity to power their essential home appliances. They will also use produce from the farms to offset the amount of electricity consumed.

He, however, commended the resilience of farmers who continued to farm to ensure food sufficiency despite the challenges of insecurity in some parts of the country.

He also warned hoarders and smugglers of agricultural products, particularly rice, to desist from the malpractice.

He added that the CBN is working with agencies to ensure stability of food prices.

He cautioned those seeking to take advantage of scarcity of

some products to hike prices to desist from such unpatriotic acts, which according to him, undermine the country’s economic plans.

Recounting the history of the ABP, which was launched

by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, Emefiele said the scheme had become a game-changer for financing smallholder farmers and would help in achieving some of the goals of the government to stabilise and sustain the economy.

He said the collaborative efforts towards self-sufficiency in food production had now turned into a movement, while the symbolic display of crop pyramids from various fields in the region reinforced the massive potential in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which should encourage more private sector

investment in the agricultural value chain.

He said the ABP had led to improvements in agricultural outputs as well as in improving incomes in rural communities.

According to him, the ABP achievements have demonstrated that Nigeria can achieve self-sufficiency in the production of staple food items within the shortest time possible.

He said: “It is also encouraging news, which presents different narratives which portend that most of our farmers are unable to go to their farms due to nationwide insecurity."

Emefiele said the CBN had financed 3,038,649 farmers cultivating 3,805,844 hectares across 21 commodities through 23 Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) in the

36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, from the inception of the scheme till date.

He said the CBN equally financed 221,450 farmers to cultivate 221,450 hectares in 32 states under the 2020 wet season CBN-RIFAN partnership, adding that the North-east zone, with 44,870 farmers that cultivated 44,870 hectares, represented 20.26 per cent in total number of farmers and hectares financed, respectively.

He assured the gathering that the bank was committed to financing one million hectares of rice farms over the dry season to boost availability of food.

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, commended the gains made under the CBN-ABP.

WELCOME ONBOARD...

Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole (left), and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during a courtesy visit to the governor by the former speaker who recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress in Abeokuta…yesterday

UAE Bows to FG’s Demand, Stops Antigen Test for Passengers Restricts outbound passengers to 200 in first two weeks N100bn spent on aviation sector, says Sirika Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the host country for Emirates Airlines, has conceded to the demands of the federal government to remove the requirement of Rapid Antigen test for outbound Nigerian passengers.

However, the UAE government has limited the number of outbound passengers to the country to 200 for the first two weeks.

This is coming as the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, said yesterday in Abuja that the federal government had spent about N100 billion in developing the aviation sector from 2015 till date.

The UAE, on February 4, 2021, had directed that outbound passengers from Nigeria travelling to Dubai on Emirates must take the Rapid Antigen Test four hours before

boarding their flights.

The test was in addition to the federal government’s recommended PCR test carried out 48 hours before travelling.

However, the federal government rejected the UAE’s requirement and the Nigerian government temporarily banned Emirates Airlines from operating in the country over its continuous refusal to fly passengers without a preboarding rapid diagnostic test (RTD).

But the UAE, in a letter dated March 24, 2021, issued by the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Protocol Department) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with reference to the ministry verbal note No K.521/2021, bowed to the federal government’s demand.

The letter stated that the UAE has decided to remove the requirement for a Rapid

Antigen test at the airports in Nigeria while demanding reciprocity from Nigeria.

The UAE also required that only direct flights between UAE and Nigeria would be allowed, adding that passengers need to present a valid negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours before boarding.

The federal government is also required to provide the embassy with updated lists of all approved PCR test centres in Nigeria.

Airlines are required to ensure the accuracy of the passengers' information contact details and the place to stay during their stay in the UAE. "The embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the assurances of its highest considerations.

"The embassy has the honour

to convey the response to the competent authorities in the UAE regarding the ongoing flight halt between UAE and Nigeria as well as the travel requirements for travellers to the UAE," the letter said.

Meanwhile, Sirika yesterday said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had spent about N100 billion in developing the aviation sector from 2015 till date.

Sirika, at the aviation workers' week and award night organised by the Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC) and the Ministry of Aviation, added that the funds were spent on staff welfare, training, facilities upgrade, and remodelling of the airports, among others.

Sirika, represented by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr. Abdullahi Mohammed, stated that the funds were also spent on infrastructure and equipment.

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British University to Return Looted Benin Bronze to Nigeria The University of Aberdeen has promised to return a Benin Bronze to Nigeria within weeks, the first institution to do so more than a century after Britain looted the sculptures and auctioned them to Western museums and collectors.

The university said yesterday that the sculpture had left Nigeria in an “extremely immoral” manner, leading it to reach out to appropriate authorities in 2019 to negotiate its return.

The bronze, which depicts the Oba of Benin, was part of a haul of thousands of religious and cultural treasures were taken when British forces looted Nigeria in 1897, and will be

sent back “within weeks.”

The university, which has had the bronze since 1957, said in a statement that the “punitive expedition” of 1897 was one of “the most notorious examples of the pillaging of cultural treasures associated with 19th-century European colonial expansion.”

“Thousands of metal and ivory sculptures and carvings were looted by British forces in 1897 during the destruction of Benin City in present-day Nigeria by a British military expedition,” the university said It added that many of the soldiers and administrators involved sold Benin objects to museums or private collectors.

Others were later given as gifts to museums or sold at auction or by art dealers.

“Over the last 40 years, there have been growing calls for the return of such items, which have become symbols of injustice,” the university said.

George Boyne, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the decision was in line with Aberdeen’s “values as an international, inclusive university,” adding that keeping the bronze would have been wrong.

“It would not have been right to have retained an item of such great cultural importance that was acquired in such reprehensible circumstances.

We, therefore, decided that an unconditional return is the most appropriate action we can take, and are grateful for the close collaboration with our partners in Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian government has welcomed the university's gesture, saying the reaching out by the University of Aberdeen and “eventual release” of the “priceless antiquity” are a step in the right direction.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said other holders of Nigerian antiquity ought to emulate this to bring fairness to the burning issue of repatriation.

The Director-General of the National Commission for

Museums and Monuments, Mr. Abba Tijani, according to Premium Times, noted that “the world looks forward to further release of other purloined Nigerian antiquities to the Nigerian nation. Not just Benin bronzes, but the Ife, Nok, Esie, Owo and other Nigerian ancient arts. We welcome collaborations and agreements of all sorts. We love the fact that others cherish these great art-works. International travelling exhibitions of these art-works are part of what we offer the world.”

Bronze artefact

you cannot be refining at a cost and selling at a subsidised rate.

Now those constraints will be taken away by deregulation.

That is the more reason why we must fix our refineries so that our refineries can now function optimally.”

The minister stated that the government resolved to rehabilitate the refinery based on experts' recommendations.

"Which is better - to privatise a non-functional refinery or to privatise a functional refinery? A functional refinery will definitely fetch more for the government than a non-functional refinery.

That's why we feel that we have to rehabilitate this refinery and then the government will later decide on whether to privatise, whether to commercialise. But at this point, we want to give Nigerians a functional refinery," Sylva said.

He expressed optimism that the Petroleum Industry Bill, which was repackaged and sent to the National Assembly, last year, will be passed next month.

He said: "From the way both the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, and House Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, spoke on the PIB recently, I know they will get the bill passed as soon as they return from the Easter break

in April."

Sylva, however, stated that he could not say if the 2.5 per cent provided for host communities as their profit share in the PIB has been addressed based on the request by the representatives of the host communities to increase it to 20 per cent.

According to him, the two chambers of the National Assembly have the final words on this "and I think the leadership of the Assembly will be in a position to talk about this."

Meanwhile, the NNPC yesterday announced that it generated N2.197 trillion from the sale of petrol between December 2019 and December 2020.

The figure was contained in the December 2020 edition of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR).

A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the corporation, Dr. Kennie Obateru, that 2.26 billion litres of white products were sold and distributed by the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) in December 2020 compared to 1.72 billion litres last November.

It added that this comprised 2.254 billion litres of petrol, translating to 72.72 million

litres per day, 11.40 million litres of diesel and 0.48 million litres of kerosene.

Total sale of white products from December 2019 to December 2020, the corporation stated, stood at 18.456 billion litres, with petrol accounting for 18.325 billion litres or 99.29 per cent.

NNPC said the volume translated into a value of N288.77 billion recorded on the sale of white products

by PPMC in December 2020 compared to N226.08 billion sales in November 2020.

“Total revenues generated from the sales of white products for the period December 2019 to December 2020 stood at N2.217trillion, where petrol contributed about 99.09 per cent of the total sales with a value of N2.197 trillion,” the NNPC stated.

According to the corporation, it also posted an increase of 80.12 per cent in “trading surplus” for December 2020, which stands at N24.19billion compared to the N13.43 billion surplus recorded last November.

NNPC stated that its trading surplus or trading deficit is derived after deduction of the expenditure profile from the revenue in the period under review.

Zulum said: “There must be a clear demarcation between competency and loyalty and our leaders must be chosen based on performance.”

He added: “I would advocate as a starting point that good governance is the

heart and soul of security and development. Bad governance will spread insecurity and destroy the possibility of development as trust is broken between the elected and the electorate.

“A weak system breeds

corruption and in order to survive, people will try whatever means to circumvent due processes and over time this will lead to insecurity.

“The search for alternative means of survival that is not legal constitutes insecurity.”

KYARI: N130BN MONTHLY LOSS TO PETROL UNDERPRICING NO LONGER SUSTAINABLE it at par with the actual value of the product.

He said: "Today as we speak, I will not say that we are in a subsidy regime but we are in a situation where we are trying to exit the underpriced sale of petrol until we come to the full value of the product in the market. We want to use this opportunity to tell you that petrol today sells at above N200 per litre across our borders and in some places about N500 per litre.

"In some countries, the Nigerian fuel is their territory fuel and we are supplying almost everybody in the West African region. We cannot continue to afford this because we have our own issues. That's why the eventual exit from this is completely inevitable.

“When that will happen I don't know, but I know that some engagements are going on.

The government is concerned about the natural impact of price increase on our transportation and other consumer aspects of our society."

He put daily consumption of petrol at 60 million litres, at a selling price of N162 per litre, while the actual market price is N234, leaving the NNPC with an extra cost of about N130 billion monthly.

"The current consumption is

about 60 million litres per day; we are selling at N162 per litre and the current market price is N234, the actual market price today. The difference between the two is to multiply 60 million by 30 which will give you per month. I don't have the numbers now, this is simple arithmetic we can do. But if you want the exact figure from our books, I do not have it at this moment, but it is between N100 billion and N130 billion per month. I don't have the exact number.”

Kyari said NNPC remains the sole importer of fuel.

He said the federal government would continue to engage the organised labour with a view to arriving at a right price regime for petrol as well as coming up with relief measures to cushion the effects of the planned fuel price hike on the people.

Sylva, while speaking on the agreement between Nigeria and the Niger Republic for the importation of petrol from the neighbouring country, stated that it was to boost trade between the two countries.

According to him, Nigeria wants to legalise the thriving illegal petroleum products sale already going on between the countries, and it also needed to share its experience in the oil exploration sector with

neighbouring countries.

He said: “You know that Niger is a smaller country and Nigeria is more experienced in oil exploration than most countries in Africa. You find out that most of these countries have these constraints. Although we have this agreement with Niger, but they have constraints on how to deliver it to this country because of the contract they have with the Chinese. So, if we realise that they have constraints we can change.

“The whole idea is that Niger has 20,000 barrels per day (bpd), which is even bigger than their consumption.

“There is already illegal trading going on between Nigeria and Niger. So, what we want to do is to see how we can legalise it. We want to begin to create business with our neighbours. This is what ECOWAS and AU are trying to encourage. That is inter-regional trade and we begin to trade among ourselves.”

On why the federal government planned to invest $1.5 billion on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery when it was talking about privatisation and commercialisation, he said: "I have always said that our refinery cannot survive with the regime of subsidy because

POWER MUST SHIFT TO SOUTH IN 2023, SAYS ZULUM don’t have an interest in becoming the president or the vice president now. Let the Southerners compete among themselves – be it South-South or South-east or South-west. “This is something we need to do,”

he said.

He argued that every part of the country should be given a sense of belonging, insisting that the time has come for Nigeria to do the right thing.

Zulum argued that

restructuring, state police and devolution of powers would not solve Nigeria’s problem.

According to him, only a holistic solution to the security challenges would solve the country’s challenges.

FG MULLS TCN’S UNBUNDLING, PARTIAL CONCESSION TO BOOST POWER SUPPLY can even be stronger.

“We are looking at the experiences of other countries and how they have been able to bring in private sector finance into the transmission component in a relatively short period of time and were able to achieve the kind of expansion and reduce levels of redundancy.

That is the reason that the government is beginning to think that we should really look at the transmission component.”

He added that there are currently different levels of interventions in the industry with the most formidable and comprehensive being the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is setting up a data management facility.

He stated that unbundling will require firming up the institutions and making sure each one plays the role and

responsibilities assigned to it, including the three components of the TCN, namely the System Operator (SO), the Market Operator (MO) and Transmission Service Provider (TSP).

“Maybe it can be compartmentalised with the MO and SO coming together as one institution to be called the Independent System Operator (ISO) while the transmission component, which is highly operational and highly technical, can now be undertaken by another institution,” he added.

While the TSP oversees the development and maintenance of the transmission infrastructure, the SO manages the flow of electricity throughout the power system from generation to distribution companies, while the MO administers the market rules

and promotes efficiency in the market.

Malo said Manitoba had previously tried to do the compartmentalisation of the system, but met with frustrations which made it difficult to achieve, leading to the rescinding of the contract by the federal government.

According to him, unbundling the TCN will require the federal government looking at the dynamics of the sector and working to ensure its independence.

“It has been highlighted that TCN takes care of five per cent of the value chain. But that five per cent is very critical. We are in the process of making sure we attain that objective,” he said.

On how to guarantee the independence of the system operator, Malo said the federal government had taken a step

in this direction by naming a board, comprising seasoned operators for TCN. He added that the beginning of real independence would be when tariffs are able to take care of the ISO, which will run like a mini regulator or as the police of the sector, without having to beg for resources.

“Operators will be part and parcel of the management process like having a board with the membership of the operators. TSP will remain government-owned but can be ‘concessioned' to other operators to manage, to maintain and expand,” he stated.

According to him, the government will bring in those with technical wherewithal as well as the deep pocket to undertake long term projects so that whatever is being done will be in accordance with the

guidelines set for the sector.

In his remarks, Power Systems Operations Specialist, Manitoba, Mr. Harold Wiens, urged the government to get a handle on its Available Transmission Capability (ATC) as opposed to the market deals being made.

He identified one of the problems in the country as the high transmission voltage lines going to the North with little load, saying that though the lines will be needed in the future the problem should be rectified in the interim.

On the planned unbundling, he stated that the government has to give the ISO the authority to run the system in real-time and respect the planning of the ISO, adding that none of the entities within the system must be allowed to gain an unfair advantage over the other.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

COMMENT

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

WHAT IS THE BUZZ ABOUT FAYEMI?

The Ekiti State Governor has what it takes to be President, argues Obed Awowede

I

n less than two years from today the clock would be winding down fast on President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration. As the regime winds down, we are confronted with familiar problems - an economy that is in terrible shape, insecurity, social and ethnic conflicts.

That Nigeria is in a mess does not need anyone’s say-so. The indices, whether social or economic, are not good at all, and do not need a repeat here to make the point. If the country is working for the benefit of the political and business elite, it is clearly not working for the average Nigerian. Take the index of employment for instance, the figures tell the story in the street. The National Bureau of Statistics’ Fourth Quarter report for 2020 released mid-March 2021, puts Nigeria’s unemployment figure at 33.3 percent as of December 2020, with underemployment at 22.8 percent, which gives a total of 56.1 percent. What this means is that more than half of the working age population is either without jobs or doing jobs below its training or/and financial needs. This is a social problem that expressed itself in rather graphic terms during the EndSARS protests in October last year, when shops and warehouses were looted and the law gave way to anarchy. The scourge of kidnapping for ransom by bandits, reports of killer-herdsmen in bushes and farms across the country, add to a combustible mix that present us with a clear and present danger.

The current crisis has exposed the failure of leadership at all levels.

In its stead, we have disparate interests pushing different agendas. So toxic is the messaging today from all the actors, including the political leadership, that we cannot even have a clear-headed conversation on the issues that need to be addressed. These issues include, but not limited to, our inchoate union, and why Nigeria’s greatness is measured only in its potential, why we have not made the transition from potential to greatness.

The Buhari administration says it has a handle on some of these issues, especially the spate of kidnappings and banditry across the country. It doesn’t appear so, however. If it does over the next two years before it winds up, that will be a boon indeed! The president sure needs to leave a legacy of good works to his name. But, given that the 2023 national elections are around the corner, Nigerians, however, are looking to what comes after the current administration.

We are at a point where we must carefully and diligently seek out a national leader with the temperament and skills to navigate the ship of state in an inclusive and result-oriented manner. That is because our redemption, if or when it comes, must be through politics. This, I know, does not give rise to optimism considering how broken our politics is today and our tendency to elect the worst of us. But there cannot be any salvation for this country outside a responsible and inclusive leadership with a pan-Nigerian outlook.

As usual, several names will be thrown up as we get closer to the 2023 election, among them the good, the bad, the ugly. Some of the aspirants will burnish their jaded pro-democracy ‘credentials’, others their ‘experience’, and yet others will come with an entitlement mentality.

WE ARE AT A POINT WHERE WE MUST CAREFULLY AND DILIGENTLY SEEK OUT A NATIONAL LEADER WITH THE TEMPERAMENT AND SKILLS TO NAVIGATE THE SHIP OF STATE IN AN INCLUSIVE AND RESULT-ORIENTED MANNER

At a time like this, when we are assailed by ethnic distrust, besetted by social and economic problems, buffeted by threats of secession, we need to focus on leadership because, as we can all relate, it is the key to dousing the tension and redirecting our collective national focus toward development issues. In 2023, we need that person who can reach across social, class and political aisles to create a national conversation of inclusion. It is perhaps needless to add that the first step to getting Nigerians to speak with one voice again is to get a leader who speaks the language of inclusion, and walks the talk.

For me, over the last few months, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Ekiti State Governor, has come across to me as that person. There may be others I don’t know but Dr Fayemi’s grasp of the issues, his public communication, his mien and his pacifist outlook commends him as an excellent choice. Dr Fayemi’s appeal is his knowledge base, training, calm, elan, comportment and his capacity to reach across the aisles of the divides that challenge our unity.

I watched Fayemi’s interview on Arise TV and he was non-committal on a run for President. If he does, however, he would be doing the contest a lot of good, in the choices before us, especially as we crave more inclusive leadership at the centre.

Fayemi easily comes across as a temperate politician with a focus, not just on the big picture, but on the little things that are often left unconsidered in the adrenalin-soaked battle for political power. One instance that commands my attention to him is his sense of bipartisanship and moderation, even from as far back as 2013 when as Governor of Ekiti State, he led a solidarity visit of some APC Governors to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. At that time Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan had a toxic relationship. It was a time of great political ferment when the APC had just been born and many in the party were making political capital out of sensationalizing conflicts.

Rather than key into this toxic adrenaline, Fayemi focused on tempering the tone of the conversation. I recall that he told reporters after the meeting: “We do feel strongly, having listened to him (Amaechi) that it is quite important for him to actually go and brief Mr President, who is our leader and the chief security officer of the country on the very challenging security situation here in Rivers.” Yet on another occasion in Port Harcourt on national television, ever the peacemaker that he is, Fayemi advised the governor that “Mr President is your brother, please sit down and talk as brothers.” It Is no surprise therefore that he was elected Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in which position he has conducted himself with remarkable bipartisanship, given the knifeedge political interests that are the underlying currents in that forum.

No doubt, many names will surface as the rules for the 2023 presidential contest in the parties become clearer but we can see an understanding that the presidency would shift to the south. That should be sacrosanct, as Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari stated last week, after eight years of the Buhari Presidency.

Awowede, a journalist and public commentator, lives in Warri, Delta State

REDRESSING SECURITY SITUATION IN SCHOOLS A. A. Gadzama canvasses the need to beef up security in schools

T

he menace of banditry, particularly the abduction of school pupils across the country, has worsened insecurity in the country in recent years. Some states in the Northern parts of the country especially Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna have in the last one year become the epicentre of acts of banditry and hostage takings, with many post primary schools regularly raided. In addition to these acts of criminality are the raiding of communities and abductions. There have also been attempts to assassinate prominent personalities like the recent attempts on the Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, that would have plunged the country into serious upheavals. In other parts of the country especially Borno and Yobe States, these acts of lawlessness are compounded by attempts by insurgents to regroup and launch fresh attacks on several communities.

It is not surprising that the President and Commander-in-Chief has repeatedly warned that acts of lawlessness by individuals and groups would be severely dealt. Unfortunately, the warnings have fallen on deaf ears. The persistence of acts of lawlessness has left the government and the security forces with no option than to resort to reprisals.

Some communities have similarly resorted to self -help in the face of continuous attacks and seeming lack of action by security forces and the government.

The failure to arrest the deteriorating security situation in the country could be attributed to several factors by any discerning mind. These include failure of governance, leadership and law enforcement. The inability of the government to meet its obligations to the citizenry also plays some role in almost all cases.

The proof of these are indications that some of the attacks are fueled by disenchantment in the citizenry.

Compounding the situation is the spill over of political animosity among the political elites in their quest for supremacy. In some cases, communities and students have found themselves caught in avoidable

conflicts. Without doubt, a larger percentage of some cases of banditry and hostage taking in the country are driven by economic interests. For example, in parts of the North, cattle rustling and theft are the main driving forces of attacks and abduction of students from schools. Other reasons in recent years are the breakdown of communal control at the local level and loss of relevance of traditional institutions and the general rise in crime. But by far the major motivating factor responsible for rise in violent criminal acts in the country is the absence of decisive actions by the government that could serve as deterrence. There have been observations that the payment of ransom is the major reason behind most cases of the invasion of schools and the abduction in most communities. Unfortunately, this is a dilemma facing the government, the security forces and the parents of pupils.

The rise in criminality in the country can be associated with what is perceived as systematic decline in security enforcement and collapse of security in the country. There are also acts that have political undertones that translate into raids and hostage taking. Some of the current security threats in the country are plain acts of veiled sabotage, orchestrated to discredit the government in power. Masterminding acts of criminality and insecurity are apparently old strategies employed to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari and the present leadership in the country. Some of the raids on schools and attacks on communities are also driven by political differences between groups.

It is therefore not surprising that there is a strong coincidence between political groups in the country and the spate of banditry. The sad thing is that there is the likelihood of the trend continuing or intensifying in the coming months. The other reason it would be hard to overlook is the brazen acts of criminality by non-state acts like the herdsmen.

As a matter of fact, these groups are behind most

invasions and abduction of school children in the country in the past one year. A critical examination of raids and hostage taking in the country reveals greed and the temptation to benefit from ransom as a factor. Some criminal acts are emboldened by absence of decisive actions from the government and security forces. It is counter- productive that the most drastic punishment meted on those behind raids on schools and abduction of school children is appeasing them with pats on the back from political leadership. It is unfortunate that despite the gravity of raids and kidnap incidents, the heaviest punishment culprits have been given is inviting the culprits to the negotiation tables. The approach definitely ends up encouraging the criminal groups.

An informed analysis of recent acts of banditry also implicates proliferation of dangerous weapons as another driving factor that compounds the deteriorating security situation in the country. The country is incidentally a popular destination for dangerous weapons. Some dangerous weapons most often fall into the hands of criminal elements.

Investigations by security forces reveal other users of dangerous weapons to include perpetrators of inter and intra group conflicts who often source them from leakages in official armouries facilitated by unscrupulous security operatives.

Also known to play very crucial role in arms proliferation are the country’s porous borders.

Intelligence sources reveal that the quantum of dangerous weapons smuggled across the country’s porous borders is enormous. This is the reason there are arguments that violent crime in the country cannot be checked without dealing with the free flow of dangerous weapons and foreigners at the country’s borders.

Many who are conversant with the country’s security challenges and inadequacies in recent years have pointed out that weaknesses in the country’s security architecture and practices are

other contributory factors that lead to kidnapping of students, etc. This underscores the importance of a critical review of the entire security architecture and procedures in schools in the country. For example, school premises should under no circumstance be thoroughfares or places for trading in any form. Also, the grazing of livestock within school premises should be disallowed throughout the country. There is also the need for an ECOWAS sub-regional approach to dealing with the issue.

It is also necessary to beef up vigilance and security presence in schools to prevent compromising security, as schools are soft targets that could easily be monitored by criminal elements. The other weakness that needs to be addressed is doing away with the practice of recruiting worn out ex-service personnel as security guards in schools.

In the light of the current state of insecurity in schools in the country, the recruitment of agile and able-bodied persons should be explored. A system of close supervision should in addition be employed. Also, security guards in schools should be adequately paid and be put through basic security drills to enable them know how to handle security eventualities. It is gladdening that the menace of raid on schools and the kidnapping of school children are currently issues of critical examination at the National Institute of Security Studies.

This article is intended to help underscore the importance of stopping the current invasion of schools and taking students hostages in the country. As reiterated in a seminar recently, political leadership especially state governors should in addition resist the temptation of negotiating the payment of ransom to criminal groups involved in such activities. Appeasing criminals in any form will only embolden them.

Gadzama OFR, mni is Chairman, National Institute for Security Studies

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

EDITORIAL ABUSE OF THE NATIONAL CURRENCY The CBN act on improper handling of the Naira should be enforced

D

espite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s threat to arrest and arraign before mobile courts those who spray Naira notes at parties and people who habitually deface the national currency, the sordid practices have continued.

And the culprits most often are members of the business and political elite who seem to be above the law. Yet given the level of the abuse and how prevalent these practices have become in recent times, the cost to the economy is enormous. The egregious handling of Naira notes by users leads to the large stack of mutilated or dirty currencies that have to be constantly replaced.

Sections 20 and 21 of the CBN Act of 2017 outlaw any action by anyone who hawks, sprays, squeezes, dances on or writes on the Naira.

Culprits convicted by the mobile courts deployed nationwide to enforce the law risk a jail term of about six months or payment of N50,000 fine. But because nobody has ever been penalised for this infringement of the law, politicians and CONSIDERING THE business people ENORMOUS COST openly abuse the OF PRINTING THESE currency while CURRENCIES, IT IS TIME holding naming, NIGERIANS WERE MADE birthday, burial or TO STOP THIS BAD HABIT wedding ceremoOF ABUSING THE NAIRA nies.

Meanwhile, the CBN has had to explain the implications of some of these sordid acts even though many Nigerians still do not get the message. “We spend a lot of money printing these bank notes. If we print a N500 and issue it to you on Friday, on a Saturday you might probably take it to a wedding for spraying… by Monday, it is already old and mutilated. It is so unfortunate,’’ the CBN once lamented. But the

Letters to the Editor

fact that nothing has ever been done to bring culprits to book explains why the practices continue.

The wanton mutilation and careless handling of Naira notes is indeed a serious infraction. The implications are quite obvious. Currency notes that are poorly handled get defaced and as people do not like worn-out money, they reject them when they are given. Money which government can use for other projects is then diverted to print new notes to replace bad notes.

M 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

eanwhile, given the volume of wornout currency in circulation, CBN should not hesitate to sanction money deposit banks (MDBs) across the country for recirculating dirty Naira notes, when their obligation is to sort the money, mop them and return them to the CBN vault. In case many people are not aware, filthy notes in circulation predispose people to many health risks, including upper and lower respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, protozoa infections and allergies because such currencies can carry germs that make people feel unwell due to handling. This is unacceptable in a country where the health indices are among the worst in the world.

However, it is important to deal with the issue of disrespect for our national currency which manifests in the manner business people, politicians and ordinary citizens handle the Naira at parties. There is also an urgent need for the CBN to upscale its public awareness campaign because the mass of our people, particularly the taxi drivers, market women and street beggars still need reorientation on how to properly arrange money.

The way we handle money is the reason why we have many dirty Naira notes in circulation. And considering the enormous cost of printing these currencies at a time of lean resources, it is time Nigerians were made to stop this bad habit of abusing the Naira.

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.

End Of The Road For Cultists In Lagos?

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ultism is one of the social ills that has bedeviled our society for quite some time. It has become so bad that primary schools’ pupils are reportedly getting initiated into the evil practice. Cultism has brought nothing but pains and anguish to affected individuals.

Across the country, it is not unusual to hear news of deadly cult wars that left in its trails wanton destruction of property and sometimes lives. Such attacks do not portray our society in a positive light. Since development only thrives in a peaceful and conducive environment, the dastardly activities of these cult warriors not only impede development, they also depict our society in bad light.

The predominance of cultism in higher institutions across the country has become alarming and it has caused a lot of damage ranging from destruction of academic calendars, loss of lives and property, unsafe and inhabitable environment within and sometimes outside the school’s vicinity.

Severally, the government has tried to clamp down on their activities by publicly creating awareness of the ills created by the groups in the society and even as far as publicizing the punishment meted to victims when apprehended. Sadly, cultism has gone beyond the four walls of tertiary institutions as it has crept into other sectors of the society.

Being the nation’s commercial and economic nerve centre, Lagos has had its own fair share of shameless cult battles. In places such as Ikorodu, Somolu, Bariga, Mushin and Ojota among others, activities of cultists have become a source of worries to the citizens.

In a bid to frontally tackle the evil of cultism in the state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently signed the bill for the Prohibition of

Unlawful Societies and Cultism of 2021 into law, approving a 21-year jail term for convicted cultists in the state.

The anti-cultism law repeals the Cultism (Prohibition) Law of 2007 (now Cap. C18, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015) and provides for more stringent punitive measures, as well as makes its application all-encompassing and applicable to the general public, as against the restriction of the previous law to students of tertiary institutions.

Sanwo-Olu said the state had suffered the negative effects of unlawful societies and cultism, stressing that the new law sought to make parents more responsible and show more interest in the up-bringing of their children and wards to ensure that they do not become a burden to the society.

He said the new law sought to make parents show more interests in the upbringing of their children and wards to ensure they did not become a burden to society.

The State House of Assembly, in February, passed the anti-cultism bill, which stipulated a 15-year jail term for anyone found guilty of abetting cultists and residents who willfully allowed their property to be used as meeting points by cultists.

The anti-cultism law also made its application all-encompassing and applicable to the general public, as against the restriction of the previous law to students of tertiary institutions.

The passing of the new Law by the State House of Assembly as well as the speedy ascent to same by Mr. Governor, no doubt, underscores the government’s resolve to bluntly address the evil of cultism in the state.

It, however, needs to be emphasised that for the new Law to achieve its mission, which is the elimination of cultism in the state,

every stakeholder must be on the same page with the government.

No matter how good the plans of the government for the citizenry are, if the government does not get sufficient buy-in from the people such will amount to nothing.

Therefore, the society must collectively rise up against every habit or practice that makes cultism thrive in our society. Of course, one of such is drug abuse. It is rather worrisome that drug abusers are mostly youth. This should be a source of great concern to everyone.

This is why the pro – health campaign in Lagos State is very strong with usage of multi-sectoral approach and collaborative and synergetic efforts of many MDAs. Lagos State structured its fight against drug abuse around the Inter-ministerial Drug Abuse Committee that consists of Ministries of Health, Youth and Social Development, Information and Strategy, Transportation, Education, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Lagos Television.

Commendably, Lagos State has established a drug-free club and included drug abuse in its school curriculum to target the school pupils/students. The Lagos State anti-drug war has always attracted support from NDLEA and private sectors with organizations like Emzor Pharmaceuticals Ltd as reliable allies.

Parents and guardians are enjoined to pay close attention to their children. Since every person in the society is first and foremost a product of a home, the role of parents in stemming the tide of the evil of cultism and other such vices in the society cannot be overemphasised.

Mobolaji Adebayo, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Court Jails Professor for Manipulating 2019 Election Results Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State High Court 2 sitting in the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, has sentenced one Professor Peter Ogban of the University of Calabar, Cross River State to three years imprisonment for the electoral fraud he committed during the 2019 elections in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the judgment, saying it was a signal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) that alteration of election results would not be tolerated in the 2023 elections.

Ogban, a professor of Soil Physics and Conservation, who acted as the Collation/ Returning Officer during the National Assembly elections, was standing trial on two

counts for manipulating and falsifying the scores of election results in Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas in favour of the APC. In his ruling yesterday, the trial judge, Justice Augustine Odokwo, said the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubts that the accused was guilty of the charges and accordingly sentenced him to three years imprisonment and a fine of N100,000 for the two counts, respectively, after the accused had pleaded for mercy.

The accused pleaded for mercy on the premise that he had dependents, including a 90-year-old mother to cater for, adding that he was a respectable member of his community and a very valuable and sought after lecturer in the department of Soil Science at the University.

Bandits Kill 20 in Niger Community Laleye Dipo in Minna No fewer than 20 men of the local security outfit in Kotonkoro town of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State have been killed by bandits.

The incident, according to a very reliable source, occurred yesterday morning.

The vigilante were said to be on their way to some areas affected by banditry in the local government area when they were ambushed by the bandits.

According to the source, a highly placed government official, who preferred anonymity, said a reinforcement sent to Kotonkoro to rescue men of the vigilance group

that were abducted also ran into an ambush and were also killed by the bandits.

“The casualty is very high,” the top government official told THISDAY yesterday.

It was said that a military post in the area was also attacked by the bandits but was not confirmed if there was any casualty on their side.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, when contacted, confirmed the report, saying so far, 20 vigilantes have been lost in the attack by the bandits.

Matane also said the military post in the area was also attacked, and “we lost one soldier.”

Man Gets Two-year Jail Term for Trafficking 30 Women to Libya Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A Federal High Court in Kano, Kano State, has sentenced a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Suleiman, to two years in prison without any option of fine for trafficking 30 women to Libya.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic In Persons (NAPTIP) charged Suleiman, a residence of Kadawa Miltara quarters in Ungogo Local Government Area of the state, with onecount charge of trafficking in persons.

The prosecution counsel, Abdullahi Babale, told the court yesterday that the defendant on February 10,

2021, conspired with one Salele (a Nigerien) now at large to transferred 30 woman from Edo and Lagos States to Niger Republic through Babura border in Jigawa State enroute to Libya.

He said the defendants deducted N5,000 from each of the women from the N50,000 paid per person from the sponsors in Libya and Niger Republic as commission.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of Section 13(2) (c) of the Trafficking in Persons(Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded guilty to the charge.

He said: “If I lose my source of income; it means all of my dependents; I have mentioned will suffer, especially the condition of my aged mother.

“This is an eye-opener for anyone who participated in local, state or national activities

to do so with dexterity and not take anything for granted to avoid an innocent person being embarrassed.

“I should be pardoned for the inability to do this which is why I am here today. I plead that you grant me 100 per

cent mercy and allow me to go and continue with my responsibilities.”

Earlier, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Anthony Ekpe, had prayed the court to pardon the accused, saying the act for which Ogban was

found guilty had not affected the said elections.

He argued that as a Professor of Soil Physics and Conservation, the accused was highly sought after in the academic world and should not be deprived of his freedom.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE…

L-R: Chief Medical Director, Lagoon Hospitals, Dr. Olakunle Onakoya; Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olujimi Coker; and Director, HYGEIA Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Folashade Laoye, during a press conference in Lagos… yesterday

Sokoto Police Confirm Killing of Village Head, Two Others By Bandits Sokoto State Police Command yesterday confirmed that gunmen attacked a community in Illela Local Government Area of the state According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sanusi, the gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked a community in Sokoto killing the village head of Tunga and

two others in Illela LGA of the state on Wednesday.

He said the command had dispatched men of Operation Puff Adder to the areas Also a source who spoke with THISDAY, confirmed that that the bandits attacked the village during the sunset prayer on Wednesday.

He further disclosed

that the attackers operated unchallenged for more than an hour before they left. In a related development, THISDAY also gathered that, Nasarawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area was attacked same day but no life was lost.

A resident of the community, Ibrahim Adamu, who spoke with THISDAY, said the attackers

came by foot around 10:30pm.

“They ransacked all our houses, collecting money and other materials.

“They also flogged married women whose husbands fled the attack,” he said Adamu added that nobody was killed or kidnapped in the area but they rustled all their animals.

Housewife Kills Mate in Minna Laleye Dipo in Minna

The police in Minna, Niger State, has confirmed the arrest of one Mrs. Amina Aliyu, a house wife, for allegedly killing her mate, Fati Aliyu.

Amina, and Fati, the deceased, were married to Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, with Fati being the junior wife.

According to state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun,

the incident occurred at the family residence at Mandella Road in the outskirts of Minna, the state capital, last Tuesday.

The senior wife, Amina, according to the report, allegedly hit the deceased on the head with a pestle before reportedly setting her on fire.

Abiodun said the police found the deceased in her pool of blood in the living room of their house, with part of her body also burnt.

The PPRO said: “Immediately the information was received, the police command swung into action and arrested one Amina Aliyu, 24, of the same address, a senior and co-wife to the deceased, whom was alleged to have killed the deceased (Fati) with a pestle by a witness who is also a sister to the suspect.”

The state police spokesman also disclosed that some exhibits used by the suspect were

recovered while investigation into the case has commenced.

Abiodun said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

It was learnt that Fati, an indigene of Katsina State, was married to Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi about two months ago.

The remains of the deceased have been interred according to Islamic rites.

Negotiate With Bandits to Release Our Children, Parents of 39 Students Beg El-Rufai The parents of the 39 abducted According to him: “It is the move because these bandits security measure on ground, it students in Kaduna State have appealed to Governor Nasir elRufai, to negotiate with bandits to release the kidnapped Afaka students.

A parent of two of the abducted students and representative of the parents of the kidnapped Afaka students, Mr. Sani Friday, disclosed this in an interview with Channel TV yesterday.

same state government, which sometime ago, told the entire Kaduna State that if it costs him paying bandits to stop killing the citizens of Kaduna State, he will pay them. But that statement was about a year or two ago.

“One of the fears we have is if the government feels they can use force to bring out these children, it will be a disastrous

are well-equipped. They may decide to eliminate the children if they discover that the government is trying to use aggressive force on them because they are using our children as a shield for themselves.

“The best way we want government to go about this is to first of all, negotiate. Even if they want to put any other

should be after this. “Parents are crying; why is it that it’s in our time that we are going through all this? If the state government feels they cannot negotiate, let the federal government do something for our children to be reunited to us.”

Meanwhile, the state government has scheduled a meeting with the parents today (Friday).

Explains Payment of N3.7bn to Ex-agitators, Contractors NIJ Appoints Kalesanwo Dikio by his Special Adviser on He further explained that he contribute to the development Tobi Soniyi Media, Nneotaobase Egbe, was in the process of putting of the Niger Delta region, while First Female Registrar The Interim Administrator Dikio admitted that he was things in their proper place so also correcting the anomalies The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos, has appointed Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo its first female Registrar since its establishment in 1971. The Segun Osoba-led Governing Council of the

NIJ, Nigeria’s premier monotechnic, confirmed the appointment at its meeting of March 17, 2021.

She worked at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria before joining the NIJ.

of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), has cleared the air on his inability to account for about N3.7billion paid to ex-agitators and contractors.

In a statement signed

unable to account for the monies because the payments were made by the previous leaderships of the PAP within the period of 2015 to 2016, while he assumed office as the interim administrator in September 2020.

that the purpose for which PAP was set up could be achieved.

Dikio said he’s focused on restoring the mandate of the programme to its original intent of transforming the delegates into skilled and employable citizens who can meaningfully

that he met on ground.

The PAP boss added that he did not intend to focus on past administrations for the mistakes that truncated the advancement of human capital development of the Niger Delta region.

FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021

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POLITICS

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

Makinde Scores High Marks on Security Issues Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo Stare Insists that his principal has made vast improvements on the capacity of security agencies, leading to 45 percent reduction in crime

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n December 25, 2020, a popular Nigerian newspaper ran an editorial with the title “Makinde, insecurity is getting messier in Oyo State.” To that newspaper, its piece was an adumbration of the January to December situation in Oyo as far as crime reporting was concerned in 2020.

But that report was shocking in many respects. First, Oyo State was nowhere near the ‘theatres of war’ that the North-east, North-central, and North-west of Nigeria had become. Again, statistics from the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command had debunked that conclusion.

According to the statistics prepared by the office of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, the crime rate in Oyo was lower in 2020 compared to 2019. In fact, the rate was reduced to as much as 45 per cent, something the police described as a signal that “the governor’s efforts to secure Oyo were working.”

In the State Crime Index published by the Police, the Force stated that whereas a total of 182 armed robbery cases were recorded in 2019, the figure went down to 123 in 2020.

“Armed robbery appeared to be on a good decline with about 45/50 per cent decline,” the police said, declaring that efforts of the governor on crime-fighting are yielding results.

Besides that, the incidents captured in the said editorial are still under investigation by the Police. Investigation is still ongoing on the killing of Dr. Fatai Aborode in Ibarapa and others, while the killing of Alhaji Fatai Yusuf (Oko Oloyun), on Eruwa-Igbo-Ora road, was busted by the Police as an insider job that had to do with suspected fraud in his Lagos office. Kidnappers of the Chairman of Iganna Local Council Development Area Chairman, Jacob Olayiwola Adeleke, have since been nabbed by the Police. They are among the more than 50 other criminals being tried for offences of kidnapping and banditry in the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun axes of the state.

That the editorial opinion was featured on Christmas Day would draw close attention from operators and close watchers of Oyo State politics. With no instance of insecurity in the days immediately preceding Christmas, red flags of suspicion were raised when the publication coincided with the birthday of the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

Incidentally, the said newspaper ran several pages of congratulatory adverts for the state’s chief executive in that same edition.

So, it was a strange birthday gift indeed from the newspaper, one which opened the editorialist to binoculars of some emerging conspiracy theorem.

An editorial is a weighty opinion of the newspaper, backed by in-depth research into facts and figures. It is never beholden to the sentimental perspectives of basic opinion articles, because it is regarded as the height of commentary.

Questions are, therefore, bound to be raised when an undue coincidence is noticed between ordinary street talks among a vocal opposition and aspects of the respected view of a media house.

That insecurity is getting messier in Nigeria under the incumbent Federal Government is not debatable. Even the editorialist had noted that help may not come to states from the largely inactive Federal Government. But you cannot permit the federal authority to abdicate the assignment it has been well-empowered to execute and then heap all the blames on state governors who are largely only custodians of logistics as far as security is concerned in Nigeria.

Yes, security is the whole duty of government and a secured world/state is a haven for all. But nothing ordinarily should pigeonhole the professional duty of the editorialist in the political gab. He

should not be seen wittingly or unwittingly parroting unfounded lines of the opposition, especially as every knowledgeable Nigerian is aware that the command and control of the military, the police, and paramilitary agencies reside in Abuja.

The conclusion in the editorial was obviously reached without reference to the National Crime Index and statistical data from the Police, which are the authority in internal security operations. It shows thus

that the attempt to classify Oyo in the frontline of insecurity paints the editorialist as forum shopping for circumstantial evidence to justify a walk to the answer scenario.

The editorialist had painted his narrative as of December 2020. Early in 2021, as if the editorial had only perfected the job of John the Baptist, war mongers seized the airwaves, with ‘Ibarapa/Oke-Ogun on fire’ tunes. In truth, there were issues of kidnapping, farmers/herders’ clashes, and ban-

Why Northern Elders Forum Stand by the Truth Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, Founder: Igbo Youth Movement urges the Northern Elders Forum to remain resolute in their support for restructuring of Nigeria

E

veryone agrees with the salient points raised by the Northern elders forum on the precarious state of the nation, but nobody could understand why they danced around the inevitable restructuring of the polity that would save Nigeria, if Nigeria would survive. The truth is the truth. Shying away from the truth is unhelpful.

Advising that the country “sits down” to sincerely appraise the way forward, isn’t enough, shying away from the truth, isn’t very helpful. The days of decorating the needful with diplomatic language, is long gone. We have entered “injury time”. We must tell ourselves the truth only, if Nigeria should be healed.

No rational person believes Nigeria will survive without a new peoples constitution affirmed at a referendum. Delay to set the ball rolling is the big issue today. Why are some people still humouring themselves, talking about constitutional amendment by the National Assembly, why are leaders and elders across board silent and reluctant to speak up. This is the plain truth today, why Nigerians are worried.

Now, how did we get here? Yes, there’s been clamour to restructure Nigeria, for years, hence numerous national conferences.

But the harsh economic situation, the hopelessness in the land, the horrific insecurity, and the brazen impunity fearlessly exhibited by armed herdsmen, brought nightmares and the urgency to address this multi faceted monster, before it consumes us all. Armed bandits in love with abducting school children, confirmed to all that our government is overwhelmed.

It is important we do not forget that all hell was let loose, when a certain pastoral and nomadic tribe, suddenly announced

that they owned every inch of Nigerian soil. Things were bad enough before this, but this singular statement sent grave fear down the spine of Nigerians, who waited in vain for the government to reprimand those who made this frightening claim.

The unholy silence by Aso rock, confirmed the worst fears of many Nigerians.

Bewildered citizens concluded that the horrific brigandage, rape, beheading, decapitation and ruthless slaughtering of farmers nation wide, must be a well planned, well organised, carefully orchestrated land grab agenda and internal colonisation scheme, deliberately instigated by invading farmlands with cattle.

This claim of owning every inch of Nigerian soil and the attendant silence by the authorities, more than any thing else, spiked an unhelpful and unhealthy frenzy amongst every region, especially communities that have consistently suffered invasion and attacks by the herdsmen to organise how to defend themselves.

Diaspora tribal unions began raising funds to acquire and smuggle in weapons to defend their ancestral lands from the herdsmen who claimed they owned every inch of Nigerian soil, the disturbing silence by the Presidency, was seen as agreement and acquiescence with the frightening claim of the herdsmen over every inch of Nigerian soil.

Overnight Sunday Igboho emerged a hero. Non-state actors began flexing their muscles, fear and trepidation over the claim by the herdsmen that they owned every inch of Nigerian soil seems to justify the emergence of militias and regional security outfits every where.

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

ditry in parts of Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun, but such incidences were happening in greater magnitude and intensity across the 36 states and even the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The loudspeakers in Oyo, however, deliberately made it look as if everything was happening only in the state.

And even though many of those behind the loud sound bites are resident in Abuja, and are fully aware that governors are only Chief Logistics Officers, rather than Chief Security Officers as granted by the 1999 Constitution, their goal was to paint Governor Seyi Makinde as a ‘do nothing governor’ on the side of insecurity. It was an orchestrated plot to wean the people away from the governor and prepare a route for themselves into the Agodi Government House in 2023.

They would refuse to utilize their access to the council chambers of the presidential villa, Abuja to propound arguments that can enhance security in their home state, and indeed, across the country, but would rather grandstand in the media about suspected failures of the state governor in the area of security. Some of the actors have access to the legislative chambers and have never been seen raising ‘Points or Order’ or “Matters of Urgent National Importance” in the hallowed chambers to draw attention to the events they mouth loudly around Oyo State.

What is obvious is that the naysayers in Oyo are not just the common type. They come across as arch-enemies of the people they seek to lead. They gloat about any form of attack on the people as if they were mocking the victims. They propagate words to paint the governor as unconcerned and uncaring about the security situation in the state and they do nothing to keep in check the hoodlums whose loyalty they have bought way before the 2019 election.

However, despite the shenanigans of the opposition elements who have refused to instill in themselves any scent of patriotism, Governor Seyi Makinde has continued to soldier on in a bid to ensure the state is firmly secured. Only last week, he launched a war room called the Task Force on Security, which will operate the same way as the State’s Task Force on COVID-19. Recall that the COVID-19 Task Force broke many grounds and led the entire country in seeking containment methods for the dreaded coronavirus.

The governor had declared at the inaugural meeting: “You are welcome to the war room created by the government of Oyo State. This became imperative because of the challenges that we are apparently facing, security-wise. At the exco meeting of last Tuesday, we set up a State Security Task Force.

“I will be chairing the Task Force. This is our inaugural meeting and it is similar to the Task Force we set up when COVID-19 just broke out. We are supposed to be on top of the security situation almost on a daily basis, so the scheduled meetings for this Task Force will hold on a weekly basis and you should expect to be briefed once we are done with our weekly meeting.

“We also hope that we can call an emergency meeting anytime depending on the security situation. The members have been carefully selected.

“We want to take this opportunity to ask for support from our people, from the traditional institution to our political stakeholders and also the different ethnic nationalities that are residents of Oyo State.

We do not support ethnic profiling.

“We are looking for criminals and we know that if we are not careful, what goes around will come around.”

With the absolute dedication to the cause of serving the state by Governor Makinde, fondly called GSM by his people, it is certain the insecurity and orchestrated criminality are headed for the backwaters in Oyo State.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021

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PERSPECTIVE

100 Days of Biden’s America and Nigeria’s Buhari Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline posits that President Joseph Biden of the United States of America is on course to restore a wholesome relationship between his country and Africa, while President Muhammadu Buhari’s prevarication on security is worrisome

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s we approach the first 100 days of the presidency of Joseph Biden and vice presidency of Kamala Harris, it is so clear that a new level of dignity and constructive focus on the job has emerged.

He has since moved away from the conflict and confrontation and division tactics and mannerisms of his predecessor, the most unusual but colourful Donald J Trump. Especially the handling of the expansion of the vaccination of Americans against the Coronavirus pandemic.

More persons have been vaccinated and more lives have been saved through a programmatic and disciplined approach to medical and healthcare needs of the people. And, they have placed priority and demonstrated necessary commitments by wearing masks in order to reduce the deadly coronavirus from affecting more persons.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, was born November 20, 1942, elected and served in the U.S Senate 1973 to 2009.

Let me also underline the former Sen. Kamala Harris remains a credible and influential voice in the choice of cabinet appointments and officials of government.

By the fact of it, she is the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States, the first Black-American and first person of South-Asian descent to be elected to the position.

For the African-American community, they clearly have an ally. Biden has started well through key appointments of Blacks including Nigerian-Americans.

For the African continent, the restart button of mutual respect, consideration and constructive dialogue are opening on many fronts. It is certainly a remarkable difference from the condescensions, name calling and disregard of Africa and its people by former President Trump.

But to Trump’s credit, the merchants of mayhem and death and banditry and AK-47 bearing Fulani herdsmen were mindful as were their sponsors reportedly in powerful and high places in Nigeria.

They were a little more restrained knowing that Mr. Trump will not hesitate much to unleash fire and brimstone on them.

I don’t think it is an accident that there has been an escalation of radical jihad

movements’ attacks who boldly and violently, challenge and brazenly question the sovereignty and terms of the existence of the borders and the internal/domestic location of actual power in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Even the most passionate defenders of President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Army General, count among those suffering the bloody impact of Buhari’s disastrous and serial failures to fight the medieval troops and thugs of terrorism.

Somehow, these terrorists and farmers and herdsmen have increased in the number of their squads in Nigeria and across the Sahel regions — atop of West Africa.

Again, Nigeria has become what I classified a long time ago as the ‘Federal Republic of Insecurity.’

These blood-thirsty brigands were a lot more cautious and restrained, knowing that Trump was very practical in his disdain for the wanton violence, venal methods and religio-ideological carnage unleashed by those people.

Hopefully soon President Biden will elevate to “high alert” the U.S national security focus on the increasing descent of almost every section of Nigeria’s often and recently cited six main regions of the country into a theater of carnage and killings; kidnappings and assorted depravities. Especially, as we all witness, daily, Nigeria’s acceleration into a a playground for regional anarchists, foreigners, commercial bandits, religious fanatics and political goons of some supremacist arrogations and associated neo-feudalist who, now openly announce and advertise claims to Nigeria as their own inheritance and booty.

It is very critical and important to make the point and implications whereby and when Nigerians and indeed the citizens of any country believe that they can no longer be protected by the government: it is a decline into a Hobbesian state, where life is short, brutish and cold. You may recall that the 17th Century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes’ book, ‘Leviathan’, espoused the justification for what became known as the “social contract theory” — that needed to be made among what’s another scholar classified as “suitably situated rational, free, and equal persons.

He is infamous for having used the social contract method to arrive at the astonishing conclusion that we ought to submit to the authority of an absolute—undivided and unlimited—sovereign power.”’

The long and short of it is that we give up some of our liberties and freedoms to a more powerful body, for example in Nigeria, to the government with the understanding and contract that it will protect us from all the natural forces and human beings especially whose disposition — state of nature — are those of conflicts and wars.

However as we all know, as in many things, whenever it concerns Nigeria and Nigerians the game changes. After all every Nigerian will testify to the fact the Leviathan — our all-powerful government sticking on the bar has taken most of the powers yet they cannot protect Nigerians.

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

Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy, Promoting Her Image Through Tourism Fidelis Nwangwu commends the administration of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation led by Mr. Folorunsho Coker for collaborating with technology giant, Google to launch the prime tourist bouquet of experiences, ‘Tour Nigeria’, which has been the game-changer that has taken the beauties and sights of Nigeria to the whole wide world

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igerian tourism and the experience of it have changed quite radically in the past four years, from a time when there was a fairly vague idea about the country’s tourist assets and what they offered, to the present moment when it is on a very bold showcase across Nigeria and to the larger world, through the digital platform. The country’s tourism has been integrated into the world of knowledge and massive information flows, which is the direction of a future permanently breaking away from an uninspired past.

This has come about as a result of the collaboration between the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and the technology giant, Google, through which the prime tourist bouquet of experiences, “Tour Nigeria”, was launched online last year, 2020.

This has been the game-changer that has taken the beauties and sights of Nigeria to the whole wide world on the Google Arts and Culture platform! And a first achieved under the present administration of the NTDC, as led by Mr. Folorunsho Coker, who came on the saddle at a time the need to diversify the economy of Nigeria became highly exigent.

Tour Nigeria is central to the strategy of the NTDC to promote domestic tourism, in order for Nigerians – and ultimately foreigners – to experience more of our country, and thereby support the local economy, whilst enabling jobs.

While great aspects of our reality, from continent to continent, have migrated online, from education to e-commerce, the coming of COVID-19 subsequently deepened our need of online channels and platforms, and have made them clearly a necessity of the times we live in. Hence, with tourism gradually resuming its significance at this dawn of the COVID-19 recovery period, and in order to achieve it’s positioning as big business, as conceived by the honchos at NTDC, the creation of a new major headway for tourism through the digital platform is a foremost milestone attained.

As Mr. Folorunsho Coker, the DirectorGeneral of the NTDC put it recently: “At the NTDC, we have been at the frontline of marketing the wonders of the Nigerian world”. And, “Through this, a global online audience has been availed the opportunity to Tour Nigeria and witness the stories and cultural treasures of Nigeria. From our festivals to museums, renowned locations, and iconic landmarks, the images and online stories, as offered on Google Arts and Culture, unfold a rich tapestry that equally documents Nigeria for posterity.”

Also, “It is about exploring Nigeria virtually in a manner that will awaken adventurers, taking them on a journey into an authentic national experience that showcases the true spirit and essence of the country, encompassing historic, cultural and heritage sites, to sun-kissed coastlines, beaches, breath-taking waterfalls, natural springs, the grandeur of festivals, wildlife and magnificent plateaus”, according to Coker.

In utilising digital tools for the promotion and development of tourism assets in Nigeria, which was unprecedented till done by the present leadership of NTDC, this implements the policy outlay of the Coker administration of the Corporation, summed up in the acronym of CHIEF. This encompasses Corporate Governance and Regulations; Human Capital Development; Infrastructural Development; Events and Marketing; alongside Finance and Investment.

As such, Google’s programmes and

services, such as maps and street views, are now being deployed towards exhibiting and cataloguing Nigeria’s tourism infrastructure and assets, to stimulate the desire to experience them physically, as governed by the protocols of COVID-19 safety. This is set on having major economic impacts on local industries, including entertainment, hotel and hospitality, catering, etc.

The NTDC partnership with Google is also enabling human capital development, in terms of improving the knowledge base of personnel in the tourism sector, who are getting trained in the use of Google tools for data gathering and usage. The digital platform is equally helping to propagate information about Nigeria’s diverse festivals, concerts and shows in the efforts to attract investments that would expand and re-invent them for a newer generation.

The past four years of the Folorunsho Coker administration in NTDC have been ones in which the Nigerian government has been making spirited efforts at freeing the country from its revenue quandary, as the price of oil has tanked repeatedly in the international markets, leading to huge financial shortages for fulfilling the country’s obligations to its people and engaging in development projects.

Hence, a newer focus on non-oil exports, growing the local economy, and seeking alternative means of income generation have been central to the Federal Government’s endeavours. In this regard, tourism has been one of the sectors of renewed interest, as expressed in fiscal plans like the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and alluded to in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

The NTDC under Folorunsho Coker took this mandate seriously, evolving into a 5-point Action plan defined by the mentioned CHIEF strategy around domestic tourism. The assured indices for this direction of NTDC is hinged on the advantage of population, as many countries presently harnessing huge tourism revenues, such as Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles, do not have the blessing of the massive Nigerian demography. And with Nigeria’s booming creative industries, from Nollywood to music to fashion; its GDP; and other potentials, the country is in stride to become the economic and entertainment hub of Africa.

-Fidelis Nwangwu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.

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

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FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

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CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

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Quick Takes

Experts Highlight Aviation Sector Challenges

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Prof. Idris Abubakar; Managing Director, Hadiza Bala- Usman; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh and Executive Director Finance & Administration, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko during Jamoh’s visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos… recently

Stakeholders Call for Passenger Protection by Airlines Chinedu Eze Stakeholders in the aviation industry have called on airlines to develop a collaborative system that will ensure that the interest of passengers is protected when they cancel or delay flights.

The objective of the collaboration is to enable a passenger to travel with any available flight to his destination as long as he has valid ticket from any of the domestic carriers.

Many industry players who spoke to THISDAY said such an initiative would have evolved many years ago, disclosing that airlines in many countries of the world have adopted the system to protect air travellers and also help themselves by

AVIATION not putting their operations under severe strain.

This, they said, would enable an airline to still airlift its passengers even when its aircraft is AOG (aircraft on ground) due to technical hitches or any other problem, which are the major reasons why flights are delayed or cancelled in Nigeria.

Such passenger protection agreement will provide settlement platform, possibly supervised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), where the airlines will share revenue according to given guidelines, including whether base or average fares would be used for such tickets, they said.

The Managing Director and

CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Abdullahi Mahmoud, told THISDAY that such cooperation would ensure that passengers’ interest was protected.

He lamented the lack of cooperation among Nigerian carriers, saying this has adversely affected their operation. According to him, if they have been working together they would have been reaping the benefits of such cooperation, which include providing alternative choice of flights to their passengers.

“I have said it severally that one of the biggest challenges that airlines in Nigeria have is that they find it very, very difficult to come together. There is dirty professional politics that is being played, which is very, very unfair. And it is so

disappointing because when an airline is having problem another airline will feel happy about it.

“But if the airlines come together, even if there no interline, you will have what they call passenger protection.

You will sign a protection agreement with other airlines.

When you have a challenge, you will call the other airlines and seek the protection of your passengers,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Cargo Limited, Seyi Adewale, told THISDAY that it would be a pleasant experience to witness collaboration among airlines operating within the country.

Continued on page 22

Apapa: FG Denounces Moves to Sabotage NPA’s Electronic Call-up System Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has denounced pockets of attempts by some entrenched interests to sabotage the new electronic call-up system introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to solve the protracted Apapa gridlock.

Known as Eto, the electronic call-up system has achieved some success in its one month of operation.

Also, the government commended the NPA over the introduction of the electronic call- up system to ease the perennial gridlock on the Apapa ports access roads.

Speaking with the media on behalf of the federal government in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, commended NPA and its ingenuity at deploying technology to solve

MARITIME the problem that seem to have defied all solutions.

He called on maritime stakeholders to be patient with the system adding that innovations are associated with progressive phases for success.

“I commend the NPA for the introduction of the e-call up system. The system is workable.

People should have patient. Innovations are associated with teething problems; so, all that is required are some adjustment which NPA is already doing.

“We must be mindful of those who have seen the innovation as a problem to their personal interests in the system. These are the people trying to derail the system. NPA, however, is on top of the situation and we see all the challenges becoming a thing of the past soon,” he said.

He, therefore, called on the

maritime industry stakeholders, especially truckers and terminal operators, to cooperate with NPA to make this system workable.

“I am happy that NPA has identified the problems, procedures and the infrastructure to make this system work,” he said.

Bello assured NPA of the cooperation of NSC to make the e-call up work and change the fortunes of the nation’s ports and Nigerian shippers.

According to him, “the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will work with NPA to ensure the success of the new system on the ports access roads.”

Bello also lauded the promoters of the Lekki Deep Seaport over their commitment to the project which he described as a game-changer that will actualise the economic ambition of the nation, saying, “This is one huge step in the aspiration of Nigeria to be hub in the sub-region. So,

I commend the federal government, NPA and the investors for building such edifice.”

He called on the House Committee on Ports and Harbours to facilitate the legislation on FAL Convention for domestication.

FAL Convention is the convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic adopted in 1965 by the International Maritime Organization(IMO) to achieve the most efficient maritime transport as possible, looking for smooth transit in ports of ships, cargo and passengers.

FAL Convention encourages exchange of data between ships and ports, while statistics have shown that countries with more efficient FAL infrastructure have better import and export figures, thereby creating a link between reducing red tape and competiContinued on page 22

TheaviationindustryhassufferedmostduringtheCOVID-19pandemic, due to the lockdown imposed by most countries, experts agreed at the 2021ArabAviationSummit.Underthetheme,“ArabAviationintheNew Normal”, the 2021 Arab Aviation Summit, which started on Monday brought together experts to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and provide ways to overcome it.

According to Aviation Pros, experts agreed on how “catastrophic” the pandemic’s impact has been on the aviation industry, describing it as “the most brutal and most challenging crisis the aviation industry has ever faced”.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said earlier that airlines would lose $84.3 billion in 2020.

“Aviation has a huge contribution into every country’s economy. Most of the businesses were impacted negatively by the pandemic, but the pandemic’s impact on the aviation sector is the most difficult, as we have the most expensive liabilities,” Air Arabia Group CEO, Adel Al-Ali, said during his opening remarks.

Al-Ali said the aviation sector was resilient and agile, as people want to travel.

“It is about connecting; people want to be connected which is our job, to connect people together,” he explained.

“The Arab Aviation Summit was created to promote the knowledge of aviation to the public as people know a little about aviation,” he added.

“IntheMENAregion,peoplehavetheneedtotravelbecauseeverybody hassomeoneinanothercityorcountryandthatdictatesforustotravel.

People travel for all kinds of purposes. This need brings creativity, so our goal is not to go back to the way things were before but to adapt and have a new norm,” Al-Ali said.

Facebook, Google Suggest Reform

FacebookChiefExecutiveMarkZuckerberghaslaidoutstepstoreforma keyinternetlawonWednesday,sayingcompaniesshouldhaveimmunity from liability only if they follow best practices for removing damaging material from their platforms.

In testimony prepared for a joint hearing before two House Energy and Commerce subcommittees onThursday, Zuckerberg acknowledged the calls from lawmakers for changes to a law called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which gives companies like Facebook immunity from liability over content posted by users.

According to Reuters, the hearing titled ‘Disinformation Nation: Social media’sroleinpromotingextremismandmisinformation’wasdesignedto addressconcernsDemocratshavehadaboutthespreadofmisinformation during the coronavirus pandemic and the presidential election.

It is also likely to discuss ways to hold tech platforms accountable by reforming the internet law.The chief executives of Google andTwitter will also testify at the hearing.

Google’sSundarPichaiwillmakesuggestionstoreformthelawbut,unlike Zuckerberg, will not advocate for adoption of a set of best practices, according to his testimony.Twitter’s Jack Dorsey will lay out steps the platform has taken to tackle misinformation.

Dawn Project Announces Competition

TheDawnProjecthasannouncedthecommencementofthe2021edition of its annual competition targeted at raising consciousness about the need to protect the environment from climate change.

Its theme for this year: “Climate Change: Poetry and Pictures - A View from the Heart and Eyes,” was announced as part of the celebration of the World Poetry Day held in Lagos. The competition challenges participants to generate emotionally and visually gripping messages around climate change using poetry and imagery.

Speakingattheevent,PresidentoftheHealthcareFederationofNigeria andFounderoftheDawnProject,Dr.PamelaAjayisaid,“TheDawnProject aims to use Poetry and the Arts to imbue a love of nature and the desire to effect change into others who previously did not realise the impact our actions are having on the world.

“The competition this year is different because we are all going to write our own poems and create our own pictures. Everyone is called upon to reach deep within, understanding the ecological issues with climate changethathavebeencausedbyusashumansandexpressthemselves clearly in a poem or picture form.”

The group believes that the structure of the competition this year will motivate participants to take a more critical look at the issues at hand from a more personal angle.

“The water level across the World ocean including the one along the coastal belt of Nigeria has been rising due to changing climate” Director-General/CEO, NIMET,

Professor Mansur Bako Matazu

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BUSINESSWORLD STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR PASSENGER PROTECTION BY AIRLINES He explained: “Indeed, it typifies a maturing system.

If codeshare agreements are made, then passengers can have the ease of convenience in ticket purchase without the need to search for multiple airline schedules or particular ticket sales point.

“If interline agreements are available, then a passenger does not have to be limited to a particular carrier, which schedules a particular (long distance) location.

“For example, a passenger going from Lagos to Maiduguri can buy ticket from Air Peace and the arrangement could be first flight LOS-ABV on Air Peace and second flight ABVMAI on Azman, each operating from its area of comparative advantage or vantage point.

“These arrangements also have good handshake for smooth and seamless airport transfers. Another backend benefit to the passenger is that downtime and rescheduling will reduce because an airline can also fill in for the other airline in operational or technical difficulties. In fact, an airline can support the other in the area of technical support, equipment or spare part leasing etc, since they now have a joint or complimentary focus and interest. This should be our aviation industry in the immediate future.”

APAPA: FG DENOUNCES MOVES TO SABOTAGE NPA’S ELECTRONIC CALL-UP SYSTEM tiveness as well as enhancing trade facilitation.

Similarly, he said, “NSC is also working on an important legislation, which is, ‘Carriage of Goods by Land Bill’. I call on the House Committee on Ports and Harbour to see its urgency and facilitate its legislation process.”

The NSC boss also called on the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Amendment to set up a think-tank committee made up of agencies in the maritime industry, “So that we can advise the House Committee correctly on how to concentrate on drastic but good economic policies and laws that will allow the transport industry to make contributions to the economic development of Nigeria.”

NEWS

Shell Offers Advice on How to Enhance Efficiency in Nigeria’s Oil Sector Chineme Okafor in Abuja International Oil Company (IOC), Shell, has offered a number of actions it said would help Nigeria’s oil and gas sector recover its operational efficiency.

It said the list of activities it proposed could help the sector get back to being competitive having largely declined in this regard and lately struggling with attracting steady investment inflows.

In a presentation made by Mr. Sam Ezugworie, Shell’s Development Manager for Nigeria, recently at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) annual Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF), the IOC explained that embedding operational excellence as a way of life with full organisational weight, prioritising low oil cost production, renegotiating contracts and assigning capital based on values and adopting a data-driven system of decision-making to improve production and reduce cost could help the sector regain its declining efficiency level.

It also noted that ensuring fiscal and regulatory clarity in the sector through the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), encouraging strategic partnerships for policy cocreation, innovation and Research and Development (R&D), as well as building

a diversified, resilient and competitive portfolio for a sustainable future were essential to keep the sector competitive.

Shell stated that at $28 per barrel cost of oil production, Nigeria remained an expensive and unsustainable jurisdiction.

It added that Britain and Brazil with $44 and $38 per barrel respectively were the others ahead of Nigeria in this regard

while Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq have low rates of $9, $9 and $11 respectively.

However, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Aiteo Eastern E&P, Mr. Victor Okoronkwo explained that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global oil market have forced Nigeria and other producers to adopt new paradigms in their oil

business.

“The oil and gas industry is still grappling with the aftermath of the twin tragedies of the dramatic crash in oil price on one hand, and the collapse in demand on the other hand, both tragedies triggered by the COVID-19 Black Swan.

“This phenomenon has accelerated new paradigms

in portfolio optimisation and supply chain balance in the industry. With the price volatility, geo-political tussle between Russia and Saudi Arabia experienced during the first wave of global COVID lock down, financial leadership and liquidity risk management will remain major areas of focus for upstream oil and gas companies,” Okoronkwo said.

ENHANCING DOCKWORKERS’ WELFARE

Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup (right), and Managing Director, PTML Terminal, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, Mr. Ascanio Russo, during the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement on minimum standards for dockworkers held in Lagos…recently

Terminal Operators Sign Agreement to Enhance Dockworkers’ Welfare Stories by Eromosele Abiodun Members of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

The agreement, according to STOAN, will enhance the welfare of dockworkers operating at the ports across the country.

The latest Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was signed at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) headquarters in Lagos, would lead to an increase in the wages, allowances and retirement benefits payable to the dockworkers. The agreement would be operational for three years.

The Chairman, STOAN, Vicky Haastrup, who led

other members of STOAN to sign the agreement with the union, noted that terminal operators had ensured industrial harmony at the seaports since 2006 by prioritising the welfare of dockworkers.

She said: “We are happy as employers of labour to give the dockworkers the wages they rightly deserve. It is always our joy to bring succour and joy into the hearts of our workers. Before the 2006 port concession, the monthly income of an average dockworker was less than five thousand naira but today, we make bold to say that we now pay our dockworkers very well.

“Our dockworkers are now well respected and well compensated for the work they do. This is because we acknowledge dockworkers as the bedrock of port operation. Before we became their

employers, dockworkers were not respected. They were seen as troublemakers and thugs at the ports. But today, we have worked together with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria to change narrative.”

She added: “Dockworkers are professional quayside workers who are vital to port operation. They are essential workers and we are happy to treat and remunerate them as such. I am proud to say that the present crop of dockworkers at the various ports across the country are well trained and they conduct themselves professionally.”

Also speaking, the President General of MWUN, Mr. Adewale Adeyanju, commended the federal government for concessioning the ports to private terminal operators.

Adeyanju said the port conces-

sion programme had impacted positively on the lives of port workers through the improved welfare package instituted by terminal operators.

He said prior to the port concession in 2006, the wages of dockworkers were “nothing to write home about” but all that has changed since the concessionaires (terminal operators) took over.

He added: “The era of using dockworkers as slaves in their fatherland no longer exists.

We want to thank the federal government for concessioning the ports because that reform has changed the lives of dockworkers all over the nation’s seaports.

“Before concessioning, the wages of dockworkers was nothing to write home about.

In those days, an average dockworker that worked for eights hours a day would go

home with four thousand naira at the end of the month. We used to have stevedoring contractors but they did not care about the welfare of the workers. Some of the stevedoring contractors even ran away with the pensions of dockworkers.”

Adeyanju added, “But since the terminal operators came in, we have seen the difference between the stevedoring contractors of those days and the terminal operators of today. We have been enjoying the present arrangement. My happiness today is to see the dockworkers retire back home with something reasonable as retirement benefit.”

Also speaking, Executive Director, Cabotage and Maritime Labour at NIMASA, Victor Ochei, commended STOAN and MWUN for signing the new agreement.

NPA Clamps Down on Illegal Jetty and Barge Operators Group Business Editor

ÌÓØØË ÒÓ×Ë Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

Comms/e-Business Editor

××Ë ÕÙØÔÓ Asst. Editor, Money Market

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Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) ÌÏÜÏ áÙÔÓ (Insurance) ÒÓØÏ×Ï ÕËÐÙÜ (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

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Following increasing reports of abuses of process in the operation of barges and private jetties, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has clamped down on unsea-worthy barges while three illegal jetties have been sealed The NPA in a statement said the decision followed the establishment of an interagency committee comprising representatives of the NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority

(LASWA).

The NPA in the statement, signed by its Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru, said the committee is spearheading the clearing of the waterways of lay-by barges and tugboats along Ibeji/Ilashe axis and as far as the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and Mile Two Bridge, as well as the removal of wrongly anchored barges that are obstructing visibility along the Kirikiri channel.

While soliciting for the cooperation of stakeholders at

ensuring that barge operations are executed according to laid down regulations, the committee expressed its commitment to sustaining the current tempo of enforcement until operators totally comply with all laid down regulations.

“To this end, regular patrol of waterways will be carried out and sustained,” the statement assured.

In another development, the NPA announced that as part of efforts to improve access into, and service delivery at the Lagos Ports Complex and the Tin Can

Island Port, it has imposed a 14-day suspension of export receipts at both ports and all satellite truck parks, with effect from Monday, March 22, 2021.

The development, it added, is necessitated by the need for consultations with export cargo stakeholders, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council(NEPC) on the harmonisation of procedures required of owners of this category of cargo.

“Stakeholders should please note that this suspension does not affect export refrigerated cargo and trucks whose opera-

tors have secured call up tickets as at Friday March 19, 2021. All other segments of port users are enjoined to continue carrying on their businesses by using the designated truck parks and booking for access into the ports on the Eto platform.

“The Authority thanks all stakeholders for their support towards the success of Eto since its introduction three weeks ago and seeks continued support in the determination to end truck congestion on access roads into the ports and improve service delivery, “it stated.

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Tackling Insecurity with Cargo Tracking Note Eromosele Abiodun writes that the decision by the federal government to reintroduce Cargo Tracking Notes will check insecurity fuelled by sophisticated arms smuggled into the country via seaports

Buhari

O

ver the years Nigeria has been bedeviled by insecurity and the problem has become worse in the last five years.

The situation seems to have defied all effort by the federal government to check the menace. Apart from banditry and kidnaping for ransom, piracy in the nation’s waters is at an all-time high.

Also, the country has been besieged by the outbreak of violence and conflicts, which have claimed thousands of lives and property.

For instance, Boko Haram has, in the last decade, killed over 25,000 people in North-East of Nigeria. The group has sustained its attacks on the nation, brutally killing thousands of people including soldiers, women and children. All these armed activities continue unabated, partly because of unchecked arms proliferation in the country.

Although the extremist groups also use locally made arms, their most sophisticated arms are usually imported, concealed and smuggled into the country via seaports and porous land borders. It is estimated that 70 per cent of over 10 million illegal weapons in circulation in West Africa are in Nigeria.

The ceaseless tragic developments have given the impression that the nation’s security intelligence has either failed or is heavily compromised. This, therefore, calls for new approaches to taming the monsters already casting blight on the unity and future of the nation. To security experts, the precarious condition of the nation now, demands that technology be deployed.

Apart from insecurity, corruption at the nation’s seaports has reached an alarming rate. The menace has also defied every solution. Recently, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), apparently angered by the level of corruption in the ports, made effort to address the issue. The association inaugurated a compliance team to check corruption in the ports. Vice President of the association, Western Zone, Tanko Ibrahim said the association wants to partner with the federal government to ensure that corrupt practices in the ports are stamped out.

FG takes action Meanwhile, in a bid to curb the proliferation of arms and increase in banditry across the nation, President MuhammaduBuhari has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to reintroduce Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN).

Buhari, who has been shopping for ideas to beef up security in the country, is convinced that CTN could play a crucial role in enabling the nation address the growing spate of banditry, kidnappings and restiveness fueled by easy access to guns.

CTN or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note(ECTN), is a system for collecting documents and processing information, when exporting by sea in order to obtain prior information, to participate in security

Bello measures, statistics, and generally in order to participate in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) recommendations on trade facilitation and security. In Customs operations, activities of under declaration, false declaration, which leads to loss of revenue, would also be curtailed with the reintroduction of CTN at the ports.

Although the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made giant strides in recent years in terms of revenue collection, CTN also represents a new development to eliminate loopholes in port operations, as cases of false declaration and under declaration will become history.

While efforts to get the data on false declaration and under declaration from top Customs Area Commands like Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port were futile as at press time, THISDAY findings showed that the need for 100 per cent physical examination and numerous interceptions by different Customs units, is a result of non-compliance by freight agents and importers. This, however, would be reduced with CTN in place and the Service could channel its efforts to more productive aspects of trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling.

In 2017, 2,671 pump-action rifles were intercepted at Nigerian seaports. The guns were legally registered for export in Turkey as pump-action rifles for hunting but the manifests were changed in Morocco to become steel doors to enable the container gain entry into Nigeria. With CTN, however, Nigeria would have been able to see the original manifests from Turkey and intercept the guns before the consignments arrived in Nigeria.

Addressing port users’ fears To eliminate the fears of port users that the new platform will increase the cost of doing business at the ports, NSC has been encouraged to introduce the system in a way that shouldn’t add to the cost of doing business at the ports.

An ideal system in the administration of CTN will be one that would only attract administrative charges, instead of increasing the already over-bloated cost of utilising Nigerian ports.

It is also important to stress that it is not only Nigeria that has introduced the technology. Twenty-four African countries currently use CTN. They include: Angola, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic Congo, Equato-

rial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana and Guinea.

Others include; Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Togo.

As a result, maritime experts have over the year called on government to introduce the system alleging that the nation’s ports currently witnesses more corruption than ever before.

Responding to experts’ concerns, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Col Hammed Ali (Rtd) had threatened to jail and sack officers found to be involved in fraudulent practices in December 2020.

Also, with CTN, the NCS will be under less criticism on valuation, interception of cargoes already released by its officers at the ports, even as the service could reach new revenue feats.

Some analysts posit that it was surprising that despite surpassing its targets, the Customs seized goods, which Duty Paid Value (DPV) was put at close to N100 billion in 2020, another misnomer which could be addressed with CTN. While most seaports across the country as well as the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) are littered with hundreds of billions of goods seized and detained, experts say the current port system has failed adding that a new approach with CTN should be a welcomed development.Although CTN has had two stints at Nigerian ports previously, under the administration of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and later NSC, Nigeria would have to prequalify the possible companies via a bidding process.

Ensuring shipping development Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, described CTN as, “another instrument that will add tremendously in shipping development.”

According to Bello, “It will boost the revenue of the government in customs revenue collection in the sense that it will abate under – declaration and concealment.

It will boost the revenue of NPA because there will be no more alteration of the manifests. “It will boost the revenue of NIMASA because under – declaration on the weight of ships will not be there any longer. But most important, the beauty of it is that CTN is a veritable source of data.

“You will know everything that is coming into your country. We have had many African countries having this because it is the initiation of Union of African Shippers Council (UASC). Cameroun, Niger that is

One of the problems that CTN will address is a situation in which importers under-invoice their goods from the suppliers at the point of purchases to pay less duties.

Similarly, CTN will check the trend in which manifests are not tampered with by ships for the purpose of cheating

even landlocked and many other countries have Cargo Tracking Note. So, you got to know what is coming to your country.”

He added: “It is a security document and it will help the country check proliferation of firearms. The question now is if the CTN could do so much for the country, including security and economic benefits, who are those who do not want it in Nigeria? Is their opposition genuine or just for the ills in the system to continue?”

Stakeholders’ view Speaking on the development, the new Assistant Inspector General, (AIG) Marine Command, Muhammad Uba Kura, said the CTN has the potential of addressing issues on criminal activities in the nation’s ports.

Kura, said this when the management team of the NSC paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

According to the AIG, CTN is capable of curbing activities of those whose intention was to commit criminal act in many ways.

The Director of Consumer Affairs Department, NSC, CajetanAgu, who led the management staff, congratulated the AIG on his appointment.

He explained that the purpose of the visit was to enlighten him about NSC’s activities as port economic regulator, and highlighted the Council’s roles in ensuring the Ease of Doing Business in the maritime industry.

Agu listed such roles to include freight forwarders rate negotiation, recovering monies from imposed charges and enforcement, amongst others, and urged Kura to visit the ES/CEO at NSC Headquarters to further cement the relationship between the Council and the maritime police.

Responding, Kura assured NSC of the full support of the Nigerian Police Force, adding that the Police was positioned to fight and reduce to the barest minimum, the activities of criminals who make the mistake of operating anywhere within the coverage area of the Marine Command.

He also assured of the Police continuous support and cooperation with the NSC at all times.

On his part, maritime lawyer, technocrat and Director of Education and Research in the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Alban Igwe said CTN remains the best answer to issues of anomalies and security challenges in the country.

Igwe explained that CTN would improve the security and safety of supply chain,“as it will profile cargoes being imported into the country. It will help us know the origin and destination of cargoes and help us know our enemies. Our enemies may be far away and stockpiling, with the CTN we are able to fish out these anomalies.”

He added, “One of the problems that CTN will address is a situation in which importers under-invoice their goods from the suppliers at the point of purchases to pay less duties. Similarly, CTN will check the trend in which manifests are not tampered with by ships for the purpose of cheating.”

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Umar: Employees, MostValuable Asset in Organisations Chief Human Resources Officer of 9mobile, Dr. Ibrahim Umar is a professional in organisational effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. In this interview with Chinedu Eze, he discusses his role, milestones and vision for the company

G

ive us an encapsulated view of what you do and what your company does?

The 9mobile brand emerged following the changes in the ownership structure. The current owners took over about two and a half years ago, in November 2018. They have set about repositioning the business so it takes its rightful place within the industry. And the first thing to do was to create financial stability and then make sure that we have the right strategy and the right people to run the business. That was what brought me on board. We have resourced some key roles, some local, some international. We have been able to stabilise the company towards the middle of last year, and we are starting to see growth. In the last half of 2020, before the NIN (National Identification Number) directive was given, we were growing consistently month on month up until December. So, by and large, I think there is a vast improvement. We can do more, and we are certainly getting ready to do more.

How has been your training and personnel engagement?

The new capacity development strategy is what some call ‘70-20-10’ or ‘80-20’. Seventy percent of capacity development happens on the job; 20 percent from learning from others, and ten percent from training. So, coming back to your question, how do we develop our people? First, we work with the best technology firms in the world to ensure that we have the right processes, the right system, and the right technology. In 2019, we took on a new solution from one of the major global vendors whereby we sent about twelve people overseas to understand the system so that they could return and pass on the knowledge to their colleagues. We do that a lot, and we know there are additional soft skills that people will need to imbibe. Despite the COVID situation last year, we partnered with a global brand that offers virtual learning development. Over five hundred employees have benefitted as part of our capacity development. The majority of what we are doing is learning on the job, coaching, and mentoring people. We have several interventions internally, for example, job rotation. We move people around from one part of the business to another to understand what is going on and the business direction.

We do that for people to understand areas that are not their core functional areas and the bulk of what is happening in the business.

When you came in 2019, how did you deal with the staff looking at the transition and the anxiety that followed it?

It was not easy, honestly, and everybody looked up to HR. It was a difficult time to join the organisation. After a very detailed engagement with the board members to understand their vision and commitment for the business, I joined the organisation, and I laid out a plan which they bought into. Coming on board, the first thing I had to do was build trust in the leadership because there was a communication gap of sorts. Employees were finding out things about the organisation from the media and not from the leadership. That was quite unsettling so, I had to go around the country to build trust between the leadership and the employees. That was the first thing we did.

We went around to assure people about the business’s future because they were kind of apprehensive. We had to reassure people about their future and the future of the business. We needed to demonstrate strategic clarity across the business; to tell people, “okay, your future is secured, but this is why.” That also took much time because we had to do town halls and roadshows crowned by a strategy session featuring most senior management leaders at the end of 2019 to walk them through the direction of the business. It is critical to provide strategic clarity. We also brought in some of our board members who explained the reason, the intent for investing in the company, and why they want to keep the business.

Richard Branson has been widely linked to the quote, “take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business.”

Do you share the same sentiment?

I share the same sentiments, but I must commend our people who have remained with the company despite the challenges we faced in the past. They built that resilience to stay with the business, to hang in there. There is nothing that we have now in this business more valuable than our employees, not even the technology.

They are the most critical resource that we have today, and our shareholders know that. That is why they support the HR position on “we grow together”, ensuring that our people will benefit in the future growth of the business.

Umar

What role does HR play in the branding of the company?

HR must do employer branding. It is part of what we do because we need to make the organisation attractive to people to come and work. Also, to make sure that we make it attractive for the people inside because our employees are our most significant assets and our biggest ambassadors. If you treat them well, they will sell you right to their family and friends. We have also been deliberate in some of the things we have done and plan to do. We have several things that we are trying to do this year. One of them is to launch a massive internship programme to bring onboard about 100 young graduates through a comprehensive cross-functional engagement process. We are trying to do that to make sure that we open ourselves up for Nigerians to come in and experience the authentic 9mobile brand.

We also want to continue to do our campus engagements. We currently have several relationships with Nigerian universities. We have a long-term relationship with Ahmadu Bello University, where we have sponsored some masters and doctoral students in telecommunication engineering. We want to expand that portfolio to include other universities. This year, we are doing something massive with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to offer that employer branding to young Nigerians to see us for what we indeed are, representing that youthful brand.

We are now witnessing the rise of a new normal, which changes the entire dynamics for how brands earn customer attention, deliver value, and build relationships.

How vital is employee experience (EX) in the brand’s design thinking so much so that brand experience (BX) and customer experience (CX) feeds off it? What is the experience so far?

We generally believe in co-creation because it is very simplistic to sit down and think you know it all and can fix everyone’s problem, but what we know in business is that you are better off co-creating solutions with your consumers and subscribers, so we do believe in co-creation. Internally last year, we launched something called “Idea Hub”. It aims to bring ideas into the business to foster better product development, better customer experience management, and employee engagement.

So, the Idea Hub is more like an innovation hub whereby people can bring their ideas, we explore them, and regardless of the level you are in the organidation, everybody is saying what they think. The whole process is to filter

those ideas to then be able to externalise them, and that is key.

The next phase of the Idea Hub is to take it out to a situation where we can co-create solutions with our customers, and so, in terms of our philosophy, it is that of co-creation. We believe that our consumers know what their pain point is, and we will serve them better if we engage with them to understand that.

Last year, despite the COVID-19 situation and observance of approved guidelines and protocols, we held some customer and consumer forums that were open, transparent, and a learning opportunity for all of us. We took senior management leaders to the forums. We were taking notes from our customers who were telling us, this is what we want, this is how we want it delivered, and for us, that process is what we want to take further and expand. We are doing the same thing inside the organisation. So, for us, it is the future of design thinking where you co-create solutions with your customers and with your employees for the betterment of the business.

Does 9mobile’s HR design look at a sequential end-to-end process that aligns people, processes, and systems to deliver service seamlessly?

HR has changed, and we must change along with what the new requirements are.

Human Resources Management today in major corporations is about Business Consulting. And so, if you are going to do Business Consulting for the business, you need to be agile. It is not sequential. When I first came, we had to evolve our processes. All HR processes had to be revised to ensure that they are agile and adapted to the business requirements. You cannot put rules and say, well, this is what everyone needs to do even if that is hurting the business. So, we are agile in both the spirit and the implementation of our policies. We identify the business needs and goals, and we support it to get there. We are your internal consultants. So, yes, I think it is not sequential.

We have got a process. For example, let us take recruitment; recruitment usually assumes a particular process, but the business said to us that we want to approach it differently. We do not want to do interviews. We want to do presentations so that we understand the skill set that people have during presentations. We will adopt that. We are flexible to their requirements; ethical settings and professional standards guide us, and that for us is the framework that we guide ourselves with. Anything in-between is responsive to what the business wants.

Today, organisations adopt employeefriendly measures such as flexible timings, work-from-home options, paternity leave, and longer paid maternity leave to make work more adaptable and enjoyable.

Considering the recent happenings with COVID-19, how is 9mobile plugging into this trend?

All that you have mentioned; paternity leave and all the rest, we have the policies, and I think it is good. I am proud of the telecoms sector because it has been one of the key drivers of flexibility right from the onset. I remember that things like paternity leave for many sectors are quite alien to them, but for the telecoms sector, it is there, and it is not just us alone.

The other key players are on board. But when you talk about adopting flexible working and especially with the advent of COVID-19, I think we started “work from home” earlier than most organisations in the country. We started the pilot last year in March, even before the government directive set in. We trialed this. I remember specifically between the 14th and the 16th, we had this meeting, and we thought, you know what, this is getting out of hand. Let us see what will happen, and we decided to shut down our offices and mandated a certain percentage of staff to try working from home and see what will happen. We gave people access, including our call centres. Weeks later, it came in pretty much handy when it became almost impossible to go to work, and so, we have been quite flexible in terms of how people work and where they work. Last year, we allowed about 50 staff to relocate permanently to their preferred locations across the, and now everyone in the business is working flexibly, working where they want to and how they want to. We enabled that by removing several barriers by giving people access to their work tools, special data packages, and zero-rating several applications.

As CHRO, you are the vanguard of 9mobile’s organisational culture, philosophy, and approach to business, as well as its reputation among its internal stakeholders.

What is the one thing or the lofty place you will want to take the organisation to?

What I want to see more than anything else is the culture of openness and innovation. I want a situation whereby people would be able to speak truth to power, whether you are the CEO, the CHRO, the ED. You go into a location or in our organisation; people should come to you honestly and talk to you as a colleague.

If there are challenges, people should be open to you and tell you what those challenges are.

We are working towards ensuring people are as open as possible, and we are beginning to see results in those areas. I think that is the one thing that will gladden my heart; if by the time I am leaving this organisation, we have a complete culture of openness. People are transparent, and management is transparent, and people can work together without any barriers: that ‘Oh, he’s a senior executive or he’s that, or she’s this.’ Let us treat each other respectfully based on the culture of openness and innovation. I want this organisation to establish itself as the most innovative telecom company in this country. For me, those are the two things that would give hope to our employees in terms of all the opportunities that lie ahead.

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PERSPECTIVE

Akwa Ibom’s March to Industrialisation

Emmanuel

Edidiong Rodney

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he eight-year tenure of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State still has a little over two years to run out.

But the landmark achievements that have been recorded by his administration are such that make it obvious that when the curtain finally falls on his era on May 29, 2023, the people of the state, indeed, Nigerians, would be unanimous in agreement that he has left the state better then he met it.

The governor came into office on a mission to change the status of Akwa Ibom from a predominantly civil service to a private sector-driven state that would not only be Nigeria’s industrial hub, but would also be a major player in the economy of the West African sub-region.

He made industrialisation a major plank of his Five-point Agenda, with focus on making the state less dependent on monthly allocations from Abuja, but one that would be made economically self-reliant by a strong and vibrant private sector.

With a rich pedigree that was built by more than two decades of hands-on experience in the private sector, he knew what needed to be done to bring about the transformation of not just the status of the state, but the standard of living of the people as well.

He made a promise to give the state a new face, and the people, a new lease of life through job creation, wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

“We hope to make Akwa Ibom State an industrial hub in our country”, the governor had said in one of his budget presentations to the state house of assembly. “In this regard, more energy and vigour will be given to small and medium enterprises to act as drivers of our viable economy.

“We will make sure that adequate and sufficient modern infrastructural facilities are provided which are quite necessary for effective and efficient industrialisation”.

He explained how the goal of industrialisation would be achieved. “This will be achieved by creating more job opportunities through opening up the state to encourage private investments, creating a welcoming environment for investors, strengthening existing industries and establishing new ones, as well as improving our IGR processes and drive.

It is expected that these, as well as the provision of basic infrastructures, enhancement of security, development of human capital and boosting services in education and health care, will lead to an overall improvement in the living standard of our people”.

Today, barely six years down the road, Akwa Ibom has shed the toga of a civil service state and is gradually emerging as an investment destination. Industrial establishments that employ thousands of indigenes now dot the landscape, signaling a revolution that is gathering momentum.

The immediate fallout of this revolution is the improvement in the standard of living of the people in terms of job creation, as well as wealth creation through increased participation in small and medium scale entrepreneurship in all sectors of the state’s economy.

The multiplier effect of this type of development in a state where government was hitherto the only source of livelihood is improvement in the general well-being of the people.

One of the iconic industrial establishments of the administration is the flagship 450 million-capacity Syringe Manufacturing Company, reputed to be the biggest in Africa.

The company has, since coming on stream, been making contributions to healthcare delivery in the country with its product that is being used in health facilities, apart from boosting the economy of the state.

The Kings Flour Mills located in ONNA Local Government Area, with production capacity of 400 and 500 metric tonnes, respectively, of flour and wheat daily, has been providing raw materials to big and small scale bakers and confectioneries.

Other industrial establishments are the toothpick and pencil manufacturing company in Itu Local Government Area (the first of its kind in Nigeria) and Greenwell Technologies, a fertilizer blending company, in Abak Local Government Area.

Some industries are either nearing completion or are about being set up, an indication of the administration’s recognition of the fact that it is still a long way before it reaches the finish line.

Popular opinion in Akwa Ibom suggests that the governor enjoys the trust and confidence of the people of the state because he is generally seen as a man of integrity who makes his word his bond – a virtue most people find lacking in many politicians.

This, they say, is not unconnected with the fact that he sees himself more as a servant than a politician and governor.

Added to this is the fact that he is known to be a deeply religious man.

“The governor is more religious than he is political”, says Effiong Bassey, an Uyo-based estate surveyor who has seen many administrations in the state.

“He is a man that can be trusted, and is also dependable and reliable. He has been able to fulfil most of the promises he made because he has the fear of God in him. Since he came into office he has been doing more of working than talking; and the results are there for all to see, especially in the area of industrialisation. This is an area that was non-existent before he came into office.”

Bassey said evidence in the state shows that the governor did not promise what he could not deliver.

“You can see the number of industries his government has built; and all this was done under four years – mostly in his first term.

“I’m not sure you can look around the country today and see state governors that have achieved so much in so short a period in the area of industrialisation.

Despite what he has achieved, we haven’t seen the end of industrialisation by his administration.

“It takes a man of integrity and someone that has the fear of God to be able to do that. If the constitution allowed for a third term, I’m very sure the governor would get another term” At an anniversary to mark the creation of Akwa Ibom, Governor Emmanuel had told Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was guest of honour, his own understanding and definition of governance.

It was a definition that left no one in doubt about why his style of governance is different, and the driving force behind the soaring performance of his administration in the area of industrialisation.

“We are trying to make governance touch the heart of the grassroots”, he had told Osinbajo.

“We want to make people to understand that politics has moved from blackmail, propaganda, mischief and falsehood into development all over the world”.

The transformation that is going on in the industrial sector in Akwa Ibom is such that will change the story of the state permanently. The results of the transformation are beginning to manifest in the changing socio-economic life of the people.

Direct and indirect jobs are being created. Families are being empowered to be able to provide decent living through food and healthcare (education is free at primary and secondary levels).

This has fostered a new spirit of commitment by everybody to the overall progress of the state, which is a response to the clarion call by the governor on the people to collectively move forward and not look back.

-Rodney writes from Uyo

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ANALYSIS

Addressing Challenges in Documents’ Authentication The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety protocols have made it more imperative to seek such signature solutions, writes Chris Paul

O

ne of the many drawbacks of the Covid-19 pandemic is the fact that many Nigerians who are in the high net worth circle are very wary of conducting meetings and businesses in person.

To make the already sad situation more worrisome, particularly for those resident in Lagos, especially and Nigeria at large, traffic problems and the state of insecurity have virtually all combined to fiercely restrict business operations indoors and isolated as much as is possible.

While in-person meetings may have been effectively addressed by the video calls and conferencing, one of the major components of business deliberations that retains, to a great extent, its in-person imperative, is signatures.

No matter how much you escape physical meetings, business partners must meet to append their individual signatures to a document.

Thankfully, technology has also found an answer to the issue. Headquartered in South Africa, a tech firm has created an app that can store signatures of individuals in a manner that they would not need to meet necessarily to sign a document.

In other words, with the app, all a person needs to do will be to access his signature via the app.

The app, which is already in Nigeria, is being administered, among a few, by the Nigerian branch of the South African signature app firm.

Digital signature is a digital version of the paper-based method of signing and is used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message, software or digital document.

Redefining contract signing in Africa’s digital signature services, the Nigerian arm of the company, KolmeSigns, is one of the reputable digital signature solution providers in Nigeria, catering for the administrative and security needs of a wide range of organisations cutting across diverse industries such as finance, technology, law and real estate.

Established to create digital solutions for corporate management, the KolmeSigns, CEO, Tayo Adelakun, said: “We are poised to dominate and continue to lead the way in innovation in the corporate management space.”

Applying asymmetric cryptography, Adelakun said: “Digital signatures provide the highest security for document and other electronically shared data. This process ensures the security, authenticity and accuracy of the document. The fact that a digital signature is unique to an individual reduces or eliminates the chances of having your document forged or tampered with.”

KolmeSigns CEO further cautioned that: “Your digital signature is your virtual fingerprint. It helps in reducing instances of document tampering and forgery as every digital signature is unique to an individual or entity and is used for electronic verification of the sender.

“It also enables you to automate how you draft, sign and exchange agreements with customers and shareholders from anywhere, at any time.”

He explained that Kolmesigns servers can be used to process and manage sensitive information reliably.

“With an end to end document encryption tool, high level security and protection of document content is assured,” he said.

Qatar to Resume Flights to Mykonos Qatar Airways said it is resuming its service to Mykonos, Greece, for the summer season as the islands welcome visitors once again.

The airline is planning to operate three flights a week using a modern A320 aircraft featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class.

The news has been welcomed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, who said, “We first started flying to Mykonos in May 2018 and the route proved very popular with our customers. Due to the global pandemic, we had to suspend services last summer so we are really delighted to be returning helping support Greece’s

efforts to restart tourism.

“We know the authorities in Greece are taking precautions to ensure public safety and visitors will be required to adhere to public health measures put in place in view of the pandemic. Equally we will be maintaining our own very high standards.

“Qatar Airways was the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax. We look forward to continuing to provide the safest possible experience for travellers across the world, and expanding upon our role in assisting the recovery of the commercial aviation industry.”

The Greek Minister for Tourism, Harry Theoharis, said, “I am proud to welcome Qatar Airways back to Mykonos. It is very pleasing for us to have our luxury destination included in the planning of the airline’s new summer programme.

“In this difficult time this development comes when all of our efforts have been put into the safe opening of Greek tourism. ‘All you want is Greece’ is our new motto and with this, we invite friends of Qatar Airways, from all over the world, to visit us.”

Qatar Airways recently became the first global airline in the world to achieve the 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by the international air transport rating organisation,

FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Hon. Babajimi Benson: The People’s Representative

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Hon. Babajimi Benson: The People’s Representative Honourable Babajimi Benson is the House of Representatives Member for Ikorodu Constituency in Lagos, and also doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Defence. Over the years, his expertise has cut across the legal,private,publicandsecuritysectorincludingadministration.Butwithhisforayintopolitics,hehasendeared himself to his constituents as the ‘People’s Representative’ with his grassroot drive, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a warm handshake with Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon Babajimi Benson, while the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan smiles during the graduation ceremony of Course 27 of National Defence College (NDC), Abuja @BAYOOMOBORIOWO

H

ouse of Representatives Member for Ikorodu Constituency (on the platform of the All Progressives Congress) and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Honourable Babajimi Benson is not just your ordinary politician but also an astute administrator whose career progression has taken him through both the private and public sector of the nation’s economy.

According to his profile, he is an experienced senior boardroom executive and legal practitioner. In addition, he has proven track record in public administration.

But since his foray into politics, he has set out to not just be a politician but one entrenched in day-to-day grassroot initiatives of his constituency and the nation at large.

While his role as the House of Reps members directly affects his Ikorodu Constituency, his capacity as Senate Committee Chairman on Defence impacts the entire nation as they make legislative laws that supports and builds the capacity of the military in protecting the internal and external territorial integrity of the nation.

Background According to his dossier, before his election into the Nigerian House of Representatives he was the Company Secretary / General Counsel at the Lagos State Development & Property Corporation (LSDPC) and was also a Non-Executive Director of the Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Nigeria.

Between 2003 and 2004, he was the Deputy Manager (legal) at Lead Bank PLC. Before then, he worked as legal counsel at Ecobank PLC. Jimi also worked as a legal officer (General Counsel Division) at the United

proactive representative.

Having concentrated on education and job creation in his first term in office, his campaign drive before his re-election was to give more attention to youth empowerment, ICT education and follow up on the concession of Ikorodu lighter terminal in order to create business and employment opportunities for residents.

Defence Advocate As the chairman house of reps committee on defence, Hon. Benson is a firm believer in enhancing defence capabilities to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Among the bills he has passed includes the bill for an Act to provide special financial support, training and modern security equipment for the revamping of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Hon Benson with the National Leader the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu last year

Nations HQ, New York between 2000 and 2001. Earlier, he served as legal officer in the law office of Babatunde Benson (SAN).

He holds an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) from Warwick Business School (UK); LLM in Comparative International Business Law (Merit) from London Guildhall University; Bachelor of Law (Honours) of the Nigerian Law School and LLB Honours (Degree in Law) from Lagos State University.

He is a Member of Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.

He has vast experience in working collaboratively with senior executives to review performance, develop strategic plans and shape overall future direction of government

policies and action. He is also equipped to lead due diligence, bid tender evaluations, investment appraisals and rigorous selection processes aligned to specific Lagos State guidelines for awarding development and PPP contracts.

Constituency Development To his constituency members and the councils under it, he is a visioner, philanthropist and innovator with a penchant for supporting grassroot initiatives. From attracting projects like road construction, and palliative works on bad community and link roads, and construction of schools, his constituents have often described him as a

ICare Foundation A firm believer that no one deserves to go to bed hungry, he launched the iCare Foundation project on October 16, 2016. The Food Bank idea was conceptualised to cater for the aged, widows, needy and vulnerable as a means to cushion the effect of economic recession on the people.

Establishment of Community Radio As part of his several community and grassroot drives, Hon Benson set up a community radio in his Ikorodu constituency.

Recently, the radio, IKD 106.1FM officially commenced transmission.

The radio station was designed to ensure that the voices and needs of his constituency members will be captured. The station offers English, Yoruba, Pidgin English as well as Ijebu dialect to its teeming listeners.

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NEWS

Royal Fathers Seek Entrenchment of Traditional Roles in the Constitution

Royal fathers in a group picture with the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and others during the visit

Stories by Mary Nnah The traditional institution is an integral part of every community as it plays significant roles as custodian of culture, norms and values while it also supports government in maintaining peace and order.

In view of this, the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, led by the Coordinating Chairman of the Council, Etsu Nupe, HRH Yahaya Abubakar, recently met with the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan to demand for the reinstatement of its roles in the Nigeria constitution as the constitutional review is ongoing. In the course of the visit, the traditional rulers presented a memorandum on the entrenchment of roles for traditional rulers in the nation’s constitution. While presenting the memorandum, signed by the Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, His Eminence, Alh Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and the co-Chair, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, to the Constitution Review Committee, the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar recalled that the Nigerian First Republic Regional Governments had bi-cameral Legislative arrangement with the Houses of Chiefs serving as the Upper chambers to those of the elected Houses of Assemblies.

“The society was at that time progressive, peaceful, decent and full of beautiful traditions and cultures. Lives and properties were sacrosanct and accountability and honesty were the hallmarks of the traditional local administrations,” he said.

The Etsu Nupe lamented that under the present arrangement, “Traditional Rulers do not have the Constitutional or other legal backing to perform effectively as they are not even mentioned in the 1999 Constitution.

“This is a great departure from all earlier Constitutions that recognised them and even gave them some functions to perform.”

The traditional ruler stressed that no community or nation would thrive successfully without due consideration of its historical evolution, customs, values and beliefs.

While calling on the National Assembly to intervene in safeguarding the sanctity of the Traditional Institution, the Etsu Nupe said that, “Undermining the Traditional Institution through unsavoury politically motivated actions will reduce the respect accorded it by the citizenry.

“This will translate into its ineffectiveness in performing its roles. It will also affect its capacity to mobilise the people towards government’s programmes and projects and in managing communal, ethnic and religious conflicts and crisis.”

Egbere Emere Okori and

Oneh Eh Nchia X, HRH, Appolus Chu, Chairman Interface Committee for National Assembly Committee on amendment of constitution, joined other royal fathers to make their demands known.

He advised that Traditional Rulers should be accorded specific responsibilities for conflict and security management in their domains.

“We are here not because of our personal interests. We are here because of the general interest of our people. And you at the National Assembly were elected into this office to preside over our national interest as well.

“One thing I want you people take home is that, although you all are distinguished members of the senate, little do you know that after your retirement, you could become the next king of your community and the reason why you have to play a part in reviewing the role of the traditional institution in our constitution”, Chu said.

King of Nembe Kingdom, HRM Edmund Daukoru, on his part, said the nation cannot be complete without the traditional institution being recognised for the roles it has been playing for centuries.

The traditional rulers insisted that if all the demands contained in their memo were granted, most of the challenges in the present day will be tackled. President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, expressed belief that the traditional institution needs

to be given constitutional roles to combat issues like insecurity in the country.

“I’m here to show the commitment of the National Assembly in its entirety, to listening and supporting our royal fathers on the Constitutional Review currently going on, and in what many of us believe that is the right thing; that we have our royal fathers properly and formally given some roles in the governance structure or the administration of our country.

“The pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial history of our royal fathers gives us indication of how important our traditional institution was in those days. So, we have a very peculiar history when it comes to our traditional institutions playing some roles in the affairs of our people”, he said.

Lawan stressed that the current security architecture should not be limited to the armed forces, police and other paramilitary organisations alone, adding, “actually, what we need is to secure the lives and properties of our people.

“How do we achieve that?

This is where the meeting of today, between our Constitution Review Committee headed by the Deputy President of the Senate, and the National Council of Traditional Rulers would be very critical.”

Leadership of the National Assembly, however, gave assurance of its commitment to ensure that the mission of the traditional rulers is achieved.

Oladipupo Clement, Sam Adeyemi, Olumide Emmanuel, Others Set for Global Wealth Creation Summit

LIFEPAGE Group is set to host the 2021 edition of the Global Wealth Creation Summit come Saturday, March 27 at 5 pm (WAT).

This year’s edition is taking place both virtually and physically. It is targeted at reaching a wide range of entrepreneurs, professionals, industry leaders and students across the world.

The convener, Oladipupo Clement, who is a global investor, trusted wealth creation and retention coach with a career spanning over two decades has gathered a phenomenal panel of wealth creation experts; leadership expert, bestselling author, Parable of Dollars and member of the Forbes Coaching Council; Dr. Sam Adeyemi, as well as one of the World’s leading relationship expert, international motivational speaker and bestselling author, The School of Money; Dr.

EAUHonoursPrinceWilliams-Joel withDoctorateDegree European American University (EAU) has recently awarded Cerebral Lawyer, Prince Onwenieke WilliamsJoel Esq, with an honourary doctorate degree in recognition of his immense contributions to real estate development and corporate leadership in the legal industry across Africa.

The astute legal practitioner, who was bestowed the award of Doctor of Arts in Legal Practice, Real Estate Development and Corporate Leadership, Prince Williams-Joel honoris Causa, lauded the university as an epitome of high standard academic excellence and discipline in his acceptance speech during the event.

He said: “This came as a pleasant surprise for me and I feel honoured. I have never expected this prestigious honour from the European American University. I see it as a reward of the hard work I have put into real estate and corporate legal practice over the years.

“I do not take this honourary degree for granted and I will take it as a challenge to make more contributions to the legal practice in Africa.”

The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr.(Mrs) J.C Ahamefula Egbuta, confirmed that the award of Doctor of Arts in Legal Practice, Real Estate Development and corporate leadership, honoris Causa with all rights, and privileges of the university was conferred on Prince O. Williams-Joel.

“The honorary doctorate degree is the university’s initiative to reward African ambassadors who have conquered the world due to the quality, important and continuous contributions to humanity and academics.

“Prince Joel was chosen on the basis of his distinguished reputations, outstanding achievements, exemplary leadership and extraordinary contributions to humanity, academics and legal practice in Africa”, she noted.

Dubai Food Festival Announces New Dates for 2021 Dubai Food Festival (DFF), the annual culinary celebration, has announced updated dates for this year’s festival holding from 25 March – 17 April 2021, with a calendar full of foodrelated concepts representative of Dubai’s rich gastronomy scene. The annual food festival will be shining the spotlight on Dubai’s diverse culinary scene.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s festival will feature an exciting line-up of bespoke dining experiences and gastronomic activities, including Etisalat Beach Canteen, Dubai Restaurant Week, Hidden Gems and Foodie Experiences; showcasing the best of Dubai’s diverse food offering.

Now in its eighth year, this year’s DFF will focus on four highlights of Dubai’s food scene: rich culinary diversity, authentic and homegrown cuisine, unique restaurant experiences and exceptional value for money.

Dubai entices the most enthusiastic food connoisseur with tempting flavors from all over the world – everything from world renowned chefs and global restaurant brands to street food, food trucks and home-grown restaurants inspired by the over 200 nationalities living here in Dubai. DFF is the best time of the year to enjoy Dubai’s spectacular food scene

TitanFarmsMakesOlubadanPatron

L-R: Raji Damilola Kazeem, Temitope Adeyemi, Engr. Gbenga Olatunbosun Eyiolawi, Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olajumoke Agbetanmije, Tobi Roleola, Tolu Oluwo, Gbenga Soyombo, Femi Olatunji and Olamide Akanni during the visit to Olubadan palace Oladipupo Clement and co-hosts

Olumide Emmanuel.

Clement stated that this year’s edition has been put together as part of the company’s long term vision and commitment to see Nigerians own their homes and create durable wealth. He added that this is a power-packed event designed to explore ideas, opportunities and strategic collaborations that can help bring sustainable and catalysing financial solutions to Nigerians home and abroad

and interested persons could register for the summit on bit. ly/GWCS2021.

The summit which has set ground-breaking sessions in previous editions that featured famous speakers such as Wealth creation experts; Dr. Olumide Emmanuel, Cash Flow Entrepreneur; Tade Cash, Leadership Expert; Niyi Adesanya, Founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Adenike Ogunlesi and so much more is prepared to make this year’s edition

more remarkable.

Speaking on this year’s edition, the convener added: “The Global Wealth Creation Summit is always distinct in its positioning – Coming at the most challenging time in our economy. The uniqueness of this summit is in the selection of its keynote speakers, which consist of world-renowned administrators, entrepreneurs, social and economic influencers, industry leaders, religious leaders and humanitarians.”

The management of Titan Farms, a fast-growing agribusiness company in Nigeria recently made the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso its patron. This is coming few days after the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Eyiolawi and team visited the revered monarch at his palace in Ibadan.

According to Titan Farms CEO, Oba Adetunji has displayed so far, fatherly support to ensure that the company and Ibadan in particular, experience rapid growth.

In the words of the revered monarch: “Identifying with Titan Farms is as a result of the sterling way we have carried out our work since inception and the Olubadan is personally impressed with the leadership qualities of the CEO; and the brand’s genuine desire to put smiles on people’s faces by virtue of its products and services”. The king also charged people to embrace indigenous-oriented companies and help be a part of their success stories.

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MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

It’s Showtime for The Voice Nigeria Stories by Vanessa Obioha The singing competition TV series The Voice Nigeria will finally premiere its third season tomorrow, Saturday, Match 27. Producers of the show UN1TY Limited and Livespot360 revealed this recently. Audiences across Africa and in Nigeria can now enjoy the music show which has been in the works for over a year now.

“Since we kicked off registration for The Voice, season three in 2020, we have been amazed by the reception that we received. The array of Nigerian talents we have seen has been nothing short of exceptional and we are excited to show the world the quality of talent and entertainment in Nigeria,” stated the Managing Director, UN1TY Limited, and Executive Producer, Akin Salami.

The show was earlier scheduled for 2020 but due to the constraints of the pandemic, it didn’t take off as planned. Now back for an exciting show, the third season will feature four stages of the competition, beginning with the Blind Auditions where contestants perform for coaches and

Hosts and Coaches of The Voice Nigeria season

if lucky enough, get one of them to turn their chairs for a ‘yes’. If more than one coach turns, then the contestant will have to decide which of the coaches he/she wants.

The Blind Auditions will be followed by the Knockouts, where contestants find out only minutes before performing which member of their

team they are paired with. The contestants will select a song of their choice and perform, while the direct competitor sits and waits.

In the Battle Rounds, the contestants are paired again with members of their team. They are both given a song to perform together and will be judged by the coaches.

Joeboy Thrills at Samsung New A Series Launch ‘Baby’ crooner and Samsung Galaxy A series ambassador Joeboy entertained guests at the recent unveiling of the new Galaxy A series. He performed a new song dedicated to the new models A32, A52 and A72. The phones are part of Samsung’s commitment to making its products available to all, particularly the trendsetting Gen Z. The phones A32, A52 and A72 come with a higher quality camera that allows users to immerse themselves in a clear viewing experience with a smooth scrolling display and enjoy greater peace of mind with innovative Galaxy foundation features including water resistance and a long-lasting battery.

This new powerful innovation makes communication seamless.

“Samsung strives to give consumers what they want and need most. That’s why we set out with a vision for the Galaxy A series to democratise Galaxy innovations for everyone,” said Iretiogo Oke, Head of Marketing at Samsung Nigeria. “The Galaxy A32, A52and A72 encapsulate the Galaxy brand philosophy with cutting-edge innovations, services and features at an accessible price.”

The latest A series stands out with its unique camera features. The A52 and A72 allow users to turn 4k videos into 8MP resolution images with 4K video

Joeboy

snap; create sharp and steady images day or night and add style and unique flair to content using AR Emoji, My Filter and AR lenses from Snapchat with Fun Mode.

To enable users to enjoy their phones without the fear of running low on battery, the new A series provides a longlasting battery for users. For instance, the Galaxy A32 and A72 come with a 5,000mAh battery while the A52, a 4,500mAh battery.

The A52 and A72 are equipped with the Galaxy essentials including stereo

speakers and external memory up to 1TB. Also, the redesigned One UI 3 enables more intuitive experiences and consistent interactions by increasing speed, reducing distractions and highlighting important information. The Galaxy A52 and A72 will support software upgrades for three generations, and regular security updates for a minimum of four years.

With a sleek design, the new A series can be found in violet, blue, black and white colours.

Eyimofe Gears Up for Lagos Premiere After a successful run at top festivals across the globe, ‘Eyimofe’, the awardwinning film from GDN Studios is set for premiere and cinema release. The studio announced recently that the film will have its Nigerian premiere on Sunday, April 18, and will be available in cinemas on Friday, April 23.

Directed by brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, the film takes an unflinching look at the pressures of everyday life in Nigeria, the desperate measures people take to survive, and the unrelenting desire to escape to a better life abroad, by whatever means. It traces the parallel lives of Mofe, a stoic electrician and part-time security guard, and Rosa, a struggling hairdresser, both trying to navigate illegal ways of fleeing the country.

‘Eyimofe’ has represented Nigeria globally, having been selected for festivals in 20 countries to date. These include Berlin International Film Festival 2020,

Eyimofe

where it had its world premiere; the British Film Institute’s London Film Festival; and the American Film Institute (AFI) Film Festival. It has garnered several festival awards including Best Fiction, New Filmmakers at the São Paulo International Film Festival (Brazil), and Achille Valdata Award at the Torino Film Festival (Italy).

“We’ve been encouraged by the tremendous reception the film has received in London, Berlin, São Paolo, Los Angeles and other cities. It’s really

exciting to bring ‘Eyimofe’ home to Nigeria and see how audiences react to seeing our lives portrayed onscreen in such a realistic way,” said executive producer, Toke Ibru. “‘Eyimofe’ is very special to both of us,” said the Esiri brothers. ‘Not just because it’s our first full-length feature, but due to the amazing support we have received from the cast, crew, and a host of backers. We’re grateful to GDN Studios for allowing us to tell this touching story without compromising on production values and for helping to give the film the global exposure it has received. Audiences abroad have taken this movie to their hearts and we look forward to having Nigerians embrace it, even as they discuss some of the issues it raises about the human condition.”

The premiere will be at EbonyLife Place.

The final stage is the Live Performances where audiences get to vote who will emerge as the winner of the season.

For this season, the coaches Darey, Yemi Alade, Waje and Falz will seek twelve talents for their teams who they will work with during the show to hone their skills and prepare the successful acts who make it to the live performance to battle it out on a global stage.

The season will be hosted by TV host, Nancy Isime alongside popular On-Air Personality (OAP) and entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa. Also, talents and fans alike will go home with over N100,000,000 in prizes, while the winner walks away with a monetary reward, a brand-new car, and an international recording contract.

Sponsored by First Bank Nigeria, Baba Ijebu, Airtel Nigeria and Minimie, the show will air on African Magic Showcase (DStv 151), Urban (DStv 153), and Family (DStv 154, GOtv 2) on Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and on Sundays on AIT, Views TV, Wazobia TV and Max at 6:00 pm.

Creating an Ecosystem to Boost Local Content Quality In the past few years, several Nollywood films and TV shows have demonstrated improved storytelling, scriptwriting, cinematography, and film direction. These have boosted the quality of the industry, thereby attracting local and international audiences, and increasing box office returns.

This boost is characterized by a new crop of brilliant storytellers and filmmakers and an increased investment in developing local content. One of the companies betting big on the potential of Nigerian content is MultiChoice.

This investment has produced highquality shows like Big Brother Naija, Riona, Enakhe, and Nigerian Idol. Thus, exposing Nigerian talent and culture to a wider African audience.

To further build capacity in the local creative content industry, MultiChoice introduced the Talent Factory Academy to train the next wave of African film and television professionals.

MultiChoice’s approach to supporting the local content industry in Nigeria provides a model that can be adopted to improve the film and TV industry in its entirety. With the world’s attention on Nigeria’s creative industry, it needs a structured ecosystem, now more than ever.

The film and TV industry has four main stakeholders: the filmmakers, the private sector, the government, and the

audience.

A lack of synergy between these stakeholders results in an unstructured industry that churns out mostly poorly executed content due to limited funds or skills. A good example is the Nigerian film and TV industry.

While a few players have found ways to achieve success without other stakeholders, the industry is still struggling because most of its players are unable to achieve success.

For a healthy industry, a few key elements need to work efficiently to form a structured ecosystem. One is education—film academies that will produce skilled professionals (actors, writers, producers, cinematographers, etc.), much like MultiChoice’s Talent Factory Academy.

The government also has a part to play in providing funds to build similar academies and implementing policies that will improve the quality of university education in film and TV. Another element is the film studio to help filmmakers create their content.

There are investors who fund content creation; investors could be private individuals, investment firms, or the government. And, marketers and distributors, including pay-TV services such as DStv and GOtv that ensure the content reaches a wide audience.

Versatile Female Singer Rachel Ogunyemi and Live Band Group, Xcellentos, Set to Release Singles Adedayo Adejobi Following the global celebration of world’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Versatile Female Live Band Group, Xcellentos, soaring amidst male-dominated space, has perfected her plans to make the best out of 2021.

This is just as talented singer, Rachel Ogunyemi is set to storm the industry with three singles; ‘Inspirational dance medley’, ‘Ololufemi’, and ‘Praise jazz medley’ already having massive hits.

The Osun State born lead vocalist who started her music career professionally in 2004 with a music teenage group known as the fountain singers, has raised her game of recent.

Rachel, a graduate of Theatre Arts and Music from the Lagos State University (LASU) and her Xcellentos live band, play all genres of music ranging from Rhythm and Blues to Hip Hop, Oldskool, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Fuji, Alujo, Apala, Folk music, Highlife, Indigenous music amongst many more.

Reverred for her versatility, the female sensation switches from any genre to another easily and professionally, Xcellentos band has played at so many top notch events both herein Nigeria and also outside the country.

They were at the Oasis hall London, Love of Christ Church at Clapham United Kingdom, Ilford East London, Escape Lounge, Essex, London to perform very recently.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

World Poetry Day 2021: Soyinka Leads Formation to Save the Earth Earth, the only habitable planet, was the crust of the poetry performances in honour of the UNESCO-acclaimed WorldPoetryDay.Yinka Olatunbosun reports

Cultural Festival Honours 30 Years of Jesuit Education

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hentheWorld P o e t r y Day Celebrations, sponsored

by Providus Bank, kicked off in 2019, it was held at an unconventional venue- the banking hall. But then, the pandemic and its cancel culture impacted last year’s edition and so, last Sunday’s was the second edition of the World Poetry Day with the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

With the theme “Voices in the Cause of Earth,’’ the audience at this year’s edition was drawn to the environmental issues of global warming, plastic waste, deforestation through a series of poetry performances from the cross-generational line-up of poets.

The nerve-calming voice of Jazz singer, Yinka Davies opened the grand-event in an atmosphere of social distancing and measured camaraderie at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. One of the inspiring goose-pimple moments at the event was the appearance of Prof Soyinka on stage alongside actress, Mrs. Taiwo AjaiLycett and actor, Bimbo Manuel- all three clad in astronaut-styled jumpsuits. It was a mind-blowing moment for the audience as they listened to the leading lyricist’s reading of his poem titled “2009: A Space Odyssey’’ with a humourous foreword by Soyinka, the “Ogunkanako of NASA.’’ Based on his brief stint at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the poem takes a retrospective look on the shelved celebration of the 50th anniversary of humanity’s first landing on the moon with the first commercial space flight. The 15-page poem is divided into several parts: the prelude, the Countdown: Zero-Gravity, Cosmos (Un) Bound, Nirvana, Recessional.

Postscript-2019 and Post-Mortem.

Asides the stellar performance by the Nobel Laureate, five select poets namely Evelyn Osagie, Akeem Lasisi, Umar Abubakar Sidi, Reginald Offodile and Efe Paul Azino also defined the night with their unique voices.

The journalist-poet Osagie, adorned in white robe and bags of plastic waste, stunned the audience with the strings-accompanied

A display of paintings at the group exhibition

Yinka Olatunbosun

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka flanked by Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (L) and Bimbo Manuel (R) at the World Poetry Day celebrations

performance of ‘Nature’s Irate Screams’ which highlights themes of toxic waste and global warming.

Akeem Lasisi also dazzled the audience with his top-class bi-lingual performance of “The Divination.’’ Spiced up by chants, his intro to the show was in itself poetic. The centre-stage performer is the publisher of the online newspaper, Phenomenal.

Although currently serving at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College as a commander and helicopter pilot, Umar Abubabar Sidi gave a witty account of himself in the poem “Poets and Salamanders’’ where he questions the gradual extinction of the green life.

For the poet, actor and culture advocate Reginald Ofodile, his poem “Deadly Device’’ burrows into how profiteers have jeopardized the purity of the earth with activities such as pollution and industrialization that destroy

the ozone layer and threaten green life.

The Director of Poetry, Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFEST) Efe Paul Azino took the audience on an imaginary travel through Nigeria with the poem titled “After the Floods.’’ In it, he bemoaned the economic devastation as well as loss of precious human lives occasioned by the floods.

Other young poets at the event include Phebe Benjamin, Bestman Michael, Increase Nathaniel and Bariga Poets Collective. The event also had as special guest poet, Odia Ofeimun who turned 71 recently. The prolific author and scholar has over 30 publications including poetry collections such as The Poet Lied (1980), A Handle for the Flutist (1986), Under African Skies (1990), London Letter and Other Poems (2000), A Feast of Return (2000), Go Tell The Generals (2010) amongst others.

A Solo Show with Aguddah Yinka Olatunbosun The prolific artist known for his cardboard painting signature, Sylvester Aguddah has unveiled his first solo exhibition in 2021 on March 25 at the Radisson Blue Hotel, Ikeja.

Titled, “My Art, Your Space,’’ Aguddah’s shows have fast become an inextricable part of the cultural life in Lagos, having exhibited his works at Freedom Park, Murtala Mohammed Airport II and other unconventional spaces.

For him, the pandemic presents a unique opportunity for him to stay positive and explore more creative ideas.

“Creative minds are always looking for something new, engaging, exciting with great value. Collectors are ready and willing to pay for a good artwork with an excellent finishing. I feel walls and spaces without beautiful works of art are like prisons.

My artworks bring life to your space,’’ he explained.

As a restless artist from childhood, his parents used art as a rewarding distrac-

Aguda

tion for him. In this show, he is moving

away from the cardboard style that he is known for.

“I found a new style of art. I use broken frames to make my recent works of art. I will be sharing with you in this exhibition works made from broken frames, fabric and paint. I feel very fulfilled knowing I can transform waste to wealth. These broken frames were through away but God opened my eyes to the beauty I can create with them. I am known as the African collage artist because I started by making paper collage artworks over 30 years ago.

I work with different variety of papers and cardboards,’’ he recounted.

In addition to his collage pieces, he had done spray paint on canvas, photo art, and wearable art. He started with four samples and they sold out almost instantaneously.

Since then, his works had generated lots of referrals. Apart from being affordable, his art is a product of evolving ideas.

“My primary objective is to have more works of mine in people’s spaces,’’ he expressed. The show runs till March 28.

The 30th anniversary of St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu was marked by a low-key Cultural Day celebrations.

A series of dance performances were held outdoor in compliance with the Covid-19 protocols. The Cultural Day had been a massive tradition in the school which featured Broadway style stage productions. In lieu of that experience, a group art exhibition of works in different media lined up the art studio. With students as curators, the works are expressions of ideas and emotions for the participating students. Other events held outdoors included the kolanut ceremonies, cultural dances, multi-state parades, long service awards and recognition.

In his welcome address, the school administrator, Rev. Fr. Maduabuchi Leo Muoneme said that the school values culture as well as the beauty and unity in diversity.

“In our quest to provide quality, transformative and wholistic education for our children, we cannot but promote cultural formation. We desire that our children be rooted in their culture so that they can be better prepared to become global citizens,’’ he stated.

The Head of Arts Department, Barry Erho expressed his delight at being a part of the school’s history of academic excellence where creativity and art are largely encouraged.

“We are happy to be working for a school like this. Most schools underrate art but I am working in a school where we have an administrator who promotes arts,’’ Erho said.

One of the student curators, Akinola Ireoluwa Glory explained how the body of works for the 30th anniversary of the school was assembled.

“In this art studio, students come here to express themselves in different forms like printmaking, bead making, mixed media, painting and sculpture. They use the art to express themselves. Sometimes, they cannot voice out some things but they can show it through the art. They can express themselves not just in writing but in art or craft. Over there is the Benin crown made of paper. Anyone can submit works to the studio,’’ she said.

The Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred AdewaleMartins who described the anniversary as an “opportunity for thanksgiving, reflection and rededication’’ also voiced his concern on the state of insecurity in the nation.

“Kidnapping is certainly a terrible dimension of the general insecurity in the land and is an indication of the failure of security operatives and agencies that we have in Nigeria. I hope that as we have new men who are in charge of security, we hope that this will make a difference to the whole security situation in our country.

Children are being kidnapped from their schools and that is a worrisome dimension of the whole thing. It is a wake-up call to government and security agencies that whatever the problems are, they should tackle it head-on,’’ he said.

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Debola Deji-Kurunmi: The Transformation Coach Internationally recognised and sought-after speaker, coach and consultant on global development projects by African governments, Debola Deji-Kurunmi is a transformational catalyst, equipping a new breed of African visionaries to rise and enthrone the continent into global prominence. As a two-time Mentor at the Queen’s Young Leader Awards (a UK Government fellowship for exceptional young leaders in the Commonwealth), her work of coaching, consulting and capacity building cut across Faith-based Ministry; Personal Transformation Coaching as well as Public Policy and Impact Advisory. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she disclosed her achievements so far and how she has impacted on the younger generation through her various activities

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s an internationally recognised speaker, coach and consultant on global development projects, Debola Deji-Kurunmi is no doubt a transformational catalyst.

Across her various organisations, she leads a 70,000+ strong community of change makers, thought-leaders, innovators, and passionate people– empowering them to seize a compelling vision and contribute meaningfully to the world.

An author of 20 books till date, she has been severally recognised for her outstanding leadership impact and has received several awards including 2014 New Leader for Tomorrow at the Crans Montana Forum in Geneva; 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, 100 Most Inspiring Nigerian Women 2019 and currently serves as a Youth Representative at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

What does being a two time mentor at the Queen’s Young Leaders’ Award in the UK mean to you?

It is completely humbling to mentor some of the most outstanding young leaders in the Commonwealth. First of all, I am so proud of the Queen’s commitment to highlight the extraordinary work and achievements of young outstanding visionaries across the Commonwealth and to invest in a program that equips them for even greater effectiveness.

Being a two-time mentor is an honor that afforded me the opportunity to directly impact those building solutions particularly for Africa, and creating change for vulnerable communities.

This is at the heart of the work I’ve done in the last ten years, and I found it a source of great joy to provide guidance, support, and practical advice to these young leaders during their time at the Queen’s Young Leaders’ Programme.

How did you get into coaching?

I got into coaching by accident literally, because I had always been the go-to counselor for friends and colleagues as far as 2002 while on campus.

In 2003, I started a mindset empowerment community on Obafemi Awolowo University, which grew into a movement of young ladies who were awakened to a sense of purpose and personal power.

Also because of my passion to transfer knowledge and show others whatever I find to be working for me, I naturally found myself in the coaching context from my early twenties.

By 2010, my desire to create transformation for people and help them fulfil their higher potential had become a full-blown passion; thus, leading me to create safe spaces for people, especially women, to meet up, learn and connect with the insights they needed to improve their lives.

Back then, I led what we called Life Academy for Women and freely produced Introspective Journals to aid personal reflection and journaling.

In 2014, I officially founded IMMERSE Coaching Company as a personal transformation coaching firm for men and women seeking life clarity, intentional growth, elite productivity and visionary execution.

What inspires and motivates you as a coach?

I am inspired by transformation and moti-

of the world who have taken our courses and joined our coaching programs. Today, we have many of our members creating change within their industries and countries.

You are also an author of 20 books, what was the inspiration?

Well, I believe that books are a powerful way to store transgenerational wisdom and preserve legacy. Books are a way to remind the next generation of the mysteries you uncovered in your time. Books are gateways into realms where men lived and wisdom they discovered.

I write books because I want to connect with people in intentional ways, and allow them to experience mental awakenings at their own pace.

I love writing, and I have so many more books within me which would be released in the days ahead by the grace of God. Some of my most loved and widely read books are the 4 books in the FIRERBAND Series; My Life is Full of Encounters, and Kingdom of Words.

Deji-Kurunmi

vated by transformation. When I see people, institutions and nations experience transition from one state to another state of growth; it gives me a rare degree of joy! The work that I do as a Coach is founded on the firm belief that anybody can transform their lives, if they transform their minds.

As at now, I have moved beyond transforming minds only, to raising other thought-leaders and visionaries who can transform many more lives. This is the discipleship model that allows us expand our impact in the next 10 years. This is the way we will shift our continent into its purpose and prosperity.

We’ve recently launched Visionary Compass, which is a 40-week Accelerator Program for founders, executives and leaders who want to clarify, launch and scale their ventures, and next-level assignment. The program is a truly revolutionary mentorship system that moves visionaries into impact, authority and legacy.

This way, we are accelerating a pipeline of leaders who will influence our society.

What was the experience like at the beginning?

Actually, I am always fascinated by the memory of how we started. We have been well received by our audience from the beginning.

I started out providing coaching to 20 women at a time over a 30-day period, helping them clarify their goals, craft a commitment to healing and create their Life Plan.

Every woman who went through the IMMERSE Academy as we called it at the time, would go and invite others. We quickly grew our clientele base simply by the power of crusadership. Our impact was significant and undeniable. We witnessed women starting businesses, stepping out domestic abuse, focusing on their goals and solving real problems in their communities.

As our audience grew, we also started to expand our courses and programs, as well as

began to recruit other Coaches, whom we trained and certified, to join the organization, so we could reach even more women. The journey has been amazing! What started as a community of 20 women, has grown into a global community of over 45, 000 members in 99 countries including men and women.

Tell us more about your organisation.

IMMERSE Coaching Company has three distinct arms. We’ve got IMMERSE Inner Circle which is our women-only coaching membership with thousands of super-achieving and leading women who use our courses, programs, and resources as tools for their growth and personal transformation. Within this membership, we have served over 3, 000 women since we launched it in 2019 and we’ve built over 80 courses, accessible to our members.

What inspires me the most about IMMERSE Inner Circle is our Changemaking Projects.

Every 90 days, our members adopt a community, orphanage, hospital, school etc. to provide charitable support and directly impact the vulnerable persons there.

The second arm at IMMERSE is Men’s Arcade, which is our men-only coaching practice helping men attain real success and elite performance through mentorship, game-changing courses and valuable support systems for the work they do. We are excited about the partnerships we have with father-figures, male mentors and inspirational leaders who provide guidance to men on their path to elite performance and true success.

The third arm is Visionary Compass, a 40week high-tier coaching and mentorship system that helps visionaries and leaders elevate their income, impact and influence through their life’s work.

At IMMERSE, we help people actualize their higher potentials and achieve their goals through personal transformation. Our biggest proofs are the over 45, 000 people across 99 countries

What was your experience as a Mandela Washington Fellow?

Oh! That was actually a significant experience for me. In 2018, I was selected by the US Government as one of the most outstanding young leaders in Africa alongside other brothers and sisters of mine on the continent. It was definitely validating to be recognised for my commitment to build Africa by building its people. This has always been my desire and dedication.

Being selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow took me to the United States, touring exceptional businesses, charities and government parastatals across the State of Minnesota, as well as undertaking an Executive Education Program at University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. At the end of the fellowship, I was selected to deliver an IGNITE Talk to my colleagues at the Summit in Washington DC. That IGNITE Talk “how to fry fish to solve a wicked problem” became a source of inspiration to many visionaries home and abroad.

Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

I am that child raised by the entire village, honestly! My growth and leadership capacity has been radically influenced by so many kind, exceptional and balanced role models, mentors and spiritual guides who have supported me in no small measure.

First of all, God is the biggest influence in my life. He is the standard by which I choose to define success, the yardstick for my decision making and the only One whose script I’ve chosen to live by. I am a lover of God, and a servant of His will.

Also, my biological parents, Pastor Dayo and Ayo Adeoye, have played a great role in shaping my ideologies and grooming me into a life of godly values, excellent work ethic, humility and personal responsibility.

Aside all the authors whose books have changed me, I am specifically thankful to my mentors, coaches and spiritual leaders - Deji Kurunmi, Segun and Funke Obadje, Dele and Morin Osunmakinde, Vincent and DotunArifalo, Architech Jumoke Adenowo, and Dr. Cindy Trimm for their love, guidance and counsel.

They remain very strong influences in my life, not only because they teach me wisdom but because they embody the truths they teach.

God bless them.

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

METRO

…Your city life in print

UBA: Making a Difference in Social Impact, Customer Satisfaction Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that United Bank for Africa Plc has carved a niche as a Pan-African financial institution whose key derivatives are social impact across board, as well as the satisfaction of its teeming customers and shareholders

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nited Bank for Africa Plc has carved a niche as the leading Pan-African financial institution which offers banking services to more than 21 million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence also in New York, London and Paris, the bank is bent on connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

But beyond lip service, the bank, which is known for its culture of excellent service, has continuously innovated all of its business segments, whilst delivering topnotch operational efficiencies and best-in-class customer service. Over the years, the reward for creating such superior value has come in form of customer satisfaction and numerous local and international awards, thus consolidating their leadership position in Africa. For the bank, those awards are a testament of the diligent execution of its strategic initiatives geared towards customer service.

Social Impact Beyond the multiple zeros that are the underlying goal of every financial institution, UBA is also big on social impacts and customer satisfaction, the latter being a requisite for a rewarding year for the bank. Through its UBA Foundation, its CSR arm that is committed to being a socially responsible company and role model for all businesses in Africa, the foundation is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of education, environment, economic empowerment and special projects. The UBA Foundation was incorporated in January 2004.

The bank performs all these social functions while maintaining a sound pedigree as an institution that helps millions across the continent meet their financial goals. In fact, as one of the oldest surviving financial institutions in Nigeria, UBA holds a distinctive position as a general wealth distributor, which makes its financial performance more profound and impactful.

With about 274,000 shareholders, about 72 per cent holding between one and 10,000 ordinary shares, UBA has the most diversified shareholders’ base. It is also one of the most actively traded stocks at the Nigerian stock market, and a major influence in the traditionally most active banking sector. A total of 6.95 billion ordinary shares of UBA were traded at the stock market in 2020 while the bank’s share price rose by 21 per cent, more than a double of average return of 10.1 per cent recorded by the NSE Banking Index.

With more than 21 million customers and 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries, UBA is a systemically important, tier one financial institution. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the group remained a major developmental partner for its host communities, environment and economy as it donated N5.10 billion to various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives during the year, through its foundation.

Digital Upgrade With its mantra to keep giving the best to its teeming customers, the

work based on frequent transactions.

He added that “it can also speak to the specific country where it is being used as the new mobile app runs concurrently in the 20 countries of UBA’s operation interacting in the different languages and cultures in line with the specific needs and regulation of the country in focus. This all-encompassing platform which boasts of a new user interface because of its sleek, modern nature of delivering seamless experience across several devices; can be used as a budgeting tool, loan application and also allows customers view their expenses according to their various categories such as the amount spent on data within a particular period.”

Kennedy Uzoka

Pan African financial institution recently embarked on a digital upgrade with a new mobile banking application that is set to change the face of digital banking services. This digital upgrade will serve more than 20 million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries and will give the customer more control and convenience.

The new app, which is a total upgrade from the former app, has new features including four amazing themes and a more amazing graphical interface, just as it has another never-been-seen before feature where it blurs your account balance when you cover your phone’s censor.

Armed with benefits and features designed to give its customers increased control and accessibility to carry out transactions with ease, UBA Digital Banking Group Head, Kayode Ishola, said the app has been tailor-made to give customers what they want, how and in the way they want it. He made this disclosure during a recent virtual press parlay with both local and international media, adding that a lot of investment in cutting edge technology and attention to details was put into the new mobile app.

According to him, the new UBA Mobile App is “your personal finance manager built with a distinctive user interface that will change the face of banking. “With this app, we are reimagining banking as our engagement has moved from being channel-based to being platform-based.

“The speed of the platform has been made to match the speed of light as we have cut down significantly on the number of processes expected to carry out your transactions. Interestingly, we have worked towards creating behavioural insight for our customers and working around this to address the real needs of our customers using the Omni channel platform and running on our open digital platform, which is very interactive and armed with lifestyle services. It is sleek and trendy with seamless user interface”, he added.

On the security features of the app, UBA’s Group Chief Information Officer, Onyebuchi Akosa, said the new platform will revolutionise the way banking services are offered as it will deliver increased personalised banking via a watertight and highly-effective security system.

He said: “The new app has also been built with the best-in-purchase security features and has been modelled appropriately to ensure that all the features are working properly to secure transactions maximally. It is also important to mention that the bank took into consideration the virtually impaired, and thus has used voice recognition as a channel for transaction which suits both convenience and the visually impaired customers.”

Head, UBA SME Banking, Sampson Aneke, on his part noted that the app has been created with a high-level of intelligence because it can

Performance Despite the challenges the year brought including the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank’s performance stood out- while the deposit base increased by 48.1 percent, the bank’s profit before tax rose to N131.9 billion compared with N111.3 billion in 2019; profit after tax rose by 27.7 per cent to N113.8 billion compared with N89.1 billion in 2019 and earnings per share thus rose by 26.8 per cent from N2.52 in 2019 to N3.20 in 2020.

A further breakdown showed that the total assets last year leapt two spaces to N7.70 trillions from N5.62 trillion in 2019, about 37 per cent increase. The balance sheet performance is reflective of the overall performance outlook for the pan-African banking group. Market pundits are placing a “buy” note on UBA on the heels of the 2020 performance. UBA has the highest upside potential among the five stocks recommended by Cowry Asset Management Limited as the stock market reopened.

The 12-month report showed that gross earnings rose by 10.8 per cent to N620.4 billion in 2020 compared with N559.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2019. The overall top-line performance was driven by growths across the income lines. Interest incomes had grown from N404.83 billion in 2019 to N427.86 billion in 2020.

Net interest income stood at N259.47 billion in 2020 as against N221.88 billion in 2019, fees and commission incomes also rose from N110.56 billion in in 2019 to N126.94 billion in 2020 while net trading and foreign exchange income increased from N37.63 billion to N59.45 billion. Further segmented analysis showed the continuing growth and profitability of the group’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, providing diversification that helped to cushion and insulate the group from market fluctuation.

Meanwhile, the “Rest of Africa”-other African subsidiaries excluding the main Nigerian market, saw turnover growth from N166.27 billion in 2019 to N232.06 billion in 2020, repeating the same trend in pre-tax profit, which rose from N52.15 billion to N75.12 billion. The group also recorded increased incomes and profit across its business lines with corporate banking, retail and commercial banking and treasury and financial markets recording N201.02 billion, N214.39 billion and N204.96 billion respectively in 2020 as against N181.4 billion, N193.46 billion and N184.95 billion respectively in 2019.

The businesses also sustained improved profit. Corporate banking netted N62.32 billion in 2020 as against N47.9 billion in 2019. Retail and commercial banking recorded net profit of N30.23 billion as against N24.36 billion while net profit on treasury and financial marker dealings improved from N16.23 billion in 2019 to N21.22 billion in 2020.

On the cost side, operating expenses grew by 10.1 per cent to N249.8 billion, as against N217.2 billion in 2019, well below average inflation rate of 13.2 per cent for the year, thus

reflecting the bank’s cost effectiveness. Despite the challenging business environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant effect on economies globally, the bank’s profit before tax rose to N131.9 billion compared with N111.3 billion in 2019. Profit after tax rose by 27.7 per cent to N113.8 billion compared with N89.1 billion in 2019. Earnings per share thus rose by 26.8 per cent from N2.52 in 2019 to N3.20 in 2020.

The balance sheet also showed that UBA recorded a remarkable 24 per cent growth in loans to customers at to N2.6 trillion while customer deposits increased by 48.1 per cent to N5.7 trillion, compared with N3.8 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2019, reflecting increased customer confidence, enhanced customer experience, successes from the ongoing business transformation programme and the further deepening of its retail banking franchise. While the paid up capital remained unchanged at N17.1 billion, total equity funds rose from N597.98 billion in 2019 to N724.15 billion in 2020, driven mainly by increase in retained earnings and other reserves.

Management Outlook Re-echoing the stance of analysts on the strong performance of the bank despite the global pandemic, UBA Group Managing Director, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka said last year was important for the UBA Group, as it gained further market share in most of its countries of operation.

According to him, the bank ended a very challenging year on a reassuring note as shown by double-digit growth in both top and bottom lines. Despite the tumultuous impact of the pandemic globally and across UBA’s 23 countries of operation, the group created N519 billion additional loans as it continued to support customers and their businesses.

He outlined that customer deposits grew 48.1 per cent to N5.7 trillion, driven primarily by additional N1.8 trillion in retail deposits, assuring that as a global bank, UBA remains well capitalised and determined to successfully drive financial inclusion on the continent through innovative products and vast network.

He pointed out that the bank’s capital adequacy and liquidity ratios came in at 22.4 per cent and 44.3 per cent were well above the respective regulatory minimum of 15.0 per cent and 30 per cent.

“Our primary strategy will continue to focus on providing excellent services from our customers’ standpoint, putting the customer first always. Looking ahead, I am inspired by the achievements we have made since the launch of our transformation programme. We have expanded market share considerably across the geographies where we operate and are consolidating our digital banking leadership in Africa. We will continue to leverage our diversified business model and dedicated workforce to further strengthen our position as ‘Africa’s Global Bank,” Uzoka said.

Group Chief Financial Official, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Ugo Nwaghodoh said the persistent low interest rate environment in 2020 exerted significant downward pressure on margins, notwithstanding, the bank’s interest income for the year grew by 5.7 per cent to N427.9 billion, driven by 8.2 per cent and 7.5 per cent year-on-year growth on interest income on loans and investment securities respectively.

Essentially, the 2020 performance no doubt shows the resilience of the uniquely diversified operating model of the UBA, and brings to bear the gains from continuing investments in its pan-African outlook. Analysts are optimistic the group will sustain its growth trajectory, given expected improvements in national and global environments in 2021.

36

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

POLSCOPE

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

The Enigma Called Lagos Traffic

Canticles….

Refinery Refurbishment: Familiar Path to Perfidy

Mele Kyari

I

s it true that the Federal Government, has once again resumed the bureaucratic wastage?

Lagos traffic

A

bout a year ago, the Lagos State government in an attempt to both ensure free flow of traffic and also promote safety on the roads, banned for the umpteenth time, the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, from designated roads and routes in the metropolis.

I am not sure that order was obeyed for more than six weeks. One year after, not only have all such laws been broken, there are now more motorcycles and in fact more menacing. If you doubt me, take a bike ride to Tin Can Port from Mile 2.

In all the previous attempts by successive administrations to keep the motorcycles out of the major roads in the city, it had always been a contest between propriety and politics.

No doubt, the bulk of the voting public in Lagos State are such persons like the Okada riders, as many “Big Men” do not bother to vote.

So, the fear in the political circles, most times, is that any government that decisively locks these Okada riders out of “business” , will receive the corresponding backlash at the polls.

So, governor, after governor, have learnt to either speak from both sides of the mouth on the matter or devise ways of threading carefully on the ‘Okada lane’.

It is also a worry that most of the Okada riders (some of them graduates) are into such “engagements” out of sheer choicelessness. So, they argue that hounding them out of the Okada business is tantamount to goading them into armed robbery.

In all, the Lagos state government has remained weak and equivocal in dealing with the Okada riders’ menace.

Something has to give. No responsible government can allow or tolerate, no matter what the contra-arguments are, the level of trouble, brigandage, disquiet and ill-image the Okada riders give the city. The presence of the Okada riders celebrate the irony in the state’s slogan: Centre of Excellence. What is the excellence in having a maddening crowd (like in Mile 2 to Apapa or Mile 12 or Gbagada etc) that not only dirties the metropolitan template of the city, but also poses great danger to other road users. Is it not said that an entire ward is dedicated to patients of Okada accidents at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi? How can a responsible and caring government knowingly permit such gradual destruction of its people, all because they expect to reap electoral gains at the end four years?

To peak the nuggets of excellence, the state government must be decisive on what it wants. If Okada riders are banned, let them remain banned, elec-

tion or no election. Heavens will not fall! Accommodating the Okada riders is a sign of weakness and indecision on the part of government.

The Okada trouble is just one bit of the larger menace called Lagos traffic.

Many years back the government had introduced the use of odd and even numbers on the car plates, and allotted days which odd number cars can ply the roads and the days even number cars can ply the road.

That soon got abandoned, as its effect and gains were short-lived.

The Bola Tinubu administration had gone ahead to establish the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) with the aim of effectively controlling and managing the traffic issue in the state. More than 20 years after, it cannot be said that LASTMA is actually the solution to the traffic problem in the state.

The Tinubu/Fashola administration furthered the effort by introducing the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) scheme, with the intent that less cars will be on the road as the BRT buses will come to the rescue.

Sadly. It has also not worked. The BRT corridors have not been expanded to connect more areas. It has largely remained what it was over ten years ago, thus discouraging its mass patronage by car owners. The consequence is that more and more cars are on the road every day. And the choke gets really problematic.

In fact, the BRT lanes have indeed narrowed the width of the roads and helped to get the vehicles crowded on the roads, resulting in slower pace. And everyday, Lagosians groan and whine on the roads. Some even die on the steering.

It is instructive that a report by Danne Institute for Research has released its finding that confirmed that Lagosians lose N4 trillion annually to traffic snarle.

The report further indicated that there is a growth in Lagos but there is no productivity. In other words, the huge population is not necessarily translating to huge productivity.

Very true! In fact, life is getting nastier and more brutish in Lagos.

More people, less opportunities, leading to the feasting on the few and fading amenities. The sociometrics of the city are heading south.

Sadly, the State government does not seem to have any new idea on how to manage the mess. The talk about Transport Master Plan is neither here nor there. For years, the other modes of transport like water transport or rail transport have remained elusive or at best irregular and unsafe. Water transport which should have been a possible alternative is unregulated or

poorly supervised and so we often hear of boats capsizing with multiple casualties.

The result is that everybody hits the roads, all day long. The traffic control measures too often, get overwhelmed.

The Sanwo-Olu-led administration has toyed with the idea of building rail lines… there is much talk about red line and blue line, and even the more ambitious talk about Fourth Mainland bridge. Anytime I listen to Gov SanwoOlu talk about these projects, he speaks with so much oracular certainty, but almost two years down the line, there is not a whiff of progress on the projects, or so it seems. The much-talked about public-private partnership expected to float these projects appear stuck and cold-footed, if not jinxed.

Not even the mono-rail project started by the Fashola administration has progressed beyond where Fashola left it.

There are more cars than the roads can accommodate. The avalanche of private cab companies like Uber, Bolt, InDriver, etc, with their thousands of cars cockroaching every nook and cranny of the city has further complicated the traffic mix in the city.

Worse still is that many of the existing roads are poorly maintained.

Despite the huge maintenance effort of the state government, there are still a plethora of pot hole-ridden roads or undulating earth roads. But even more terrible is the despicable driving culture especially among the commercial drivers in the state.

Their recklessness and illegalities, like driving against traffic, all help to make a mess of the traffic situation in the city.

Recently, the state seized and sold off vehicles involved in ‘one-way’ driving in accordance with the state’s traffic laws. But it has not quite reined-in the dangerous drivers. The state needs more of such laws that can help in curbing the danger such drivers pose to the other unsuspecting driving public.

Gov Sanwo-Olu cannot or should not be comfortable with the findings of the research Institute. How can a people be losing that huge sum every year and expect the GDP of the state to grow? Perhaps more than anywhere else in Nigeria, the ease of doing business is highly an illusion.

It is not enough mouthing a certain Transport Master Plan, it should be reviewed, updated and activated with a view to solving the problems it is meant to solve. It is then and only then will the problem of traffic in Lagos not become a killer agent.

First published February 12, 2021

What does that mean?

Are you asking me? Did you not hear that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the expenditure of $1.5 Billion for the repair of the Port Harcourt Refinery?

Yes, is it the repair of our biggest refinery that you are describing as Bureaucratic wastage? Are you happy that we have been importing petroleum products? Or are you enemy of progress?

I am surprised that even you fell for the gambit, like most of the FEC members. Did the same federal government, in the past, rule out this routine Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) which keeps gulping huge money without we seeing any result? Is that not why till today, none of the refineries is actually functioning, hence we have been importing petroleum products for years unend now? And now we are back to that ancient crap?

Be sure of your facts, this time, it is not Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) it is full rehabilitation. It is costing $1.5 Billion because it will go beyond normal TAM. The rehabilitation shall include replacement of major components, all inclusive costs including taxes and major shift in the status of the plant. The GMD of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr Mele Kyari, made this point very clear the other day.. He insisted…, (cuts in) Please spare me your naivety! Again, you fell for their packaging! What is full rehabilitation and what is Turn Around Maintenance? They are dazzling you with ill-fed semantics and you are carried away. My brother, be sure it is the same thing. Did you notice that they broke the so-called rehabilitation into three phases, with the earliest one being 18 months? It is so we can forget to monitor them on the project.

Don’t fall for the pranks of the bureaucracy. $1.5B for refurbishment indeed. Take notice that it is not N1.5b. How much do they use in building new refinery?

The GMD said it costs $10billion to build new refinery of that stature.

Don’t mind them. They will say so, so that we can settle for the refurbishment deal. Go and do your independent check.

Pray, why have they suddenly remembered to refurbish the refinery when the Dangote refinery is almost ready for production?

Why are they not supporting the idea of modular refineries?

In any case, what is the guaranty that even after the rehabilitation

that we won’t still be importing petroleum products? At full production capacity, the Port Harcourt Refinery, both the old and new units can only produce 210,000 bpd. Can that satisfy the local demand? Would that stop importation? Or don’t you know that the importation deal itself is some people’s “oil well”?

Some people think that this whole refurbishment deal is aimed at preparing some persons for the 2023 election.You know MrTimipre Sylva , the Minister of State for Petroleum is a politician. Don’t forget he was the former Bayelsa governor from whom 48 houses were once seized by EFCC, but got a court order to get them all released to him in 2017.These guys know how the system works. Hold your peace. Be circumspect with government. They are a suspect almost all the time.

I think some people in government are honest. Some of them have credible backgrounds. Did you not hear the GMD, Mr Kyari, say if we have to build a brand new refinery, it will take about four years and we shall continue importation of petroleum products?

Is that what we want?

I say stop believing them! I can bet you that even after the refurbishment, importation of petroleum products will continue. In any case, ask them why they refused to privatise the nation’s four refineries? Is it not so that the deals will continue to run unhindered? Do you realise that this same Port Harcourt Refinery in 2018 made $1.45 billion and incurred expenses of $240 billion in the same year? And government paid! Which organisations runs at such ungodly loss and remains standing?

All reasonable and patriotic Nigerian leaders have criticised the refurbishment plan. It is a crying shame that all four refineries are down for years now. That an oil producing country like Nigeria depends on the importation of petroleum products to service its people.

Imagine the number of metric tonnes we consume everyday!

Imagine the amount of jobs we create and sustain in the countries from where we import the products, whereas our people are dying in hunger and wretch, with some university graduates struggling to be Okada riders.

As late Chinua Achebe would write, There was a Country!

When they finish the refurbishment of the Port Harcourt refinery, they will do that of Warri and then Kaduna…. At which time, we shall even start exporting petroleum products and save Nigerians the hassles of landing cost jargon, just as we shall be making more and more money, all thanks to the visionary leadership of Mr President and his team!

FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

37

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ 2021

38

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NEXIM Bank Wants FG to Establish More Functional Ports to Improve Exports Bassey Inyang ÓØ ËÖËÌËÜ The Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the Nigeria ExportImport Bank, NEXIM, Mr. Abba Bello, has advised the federal government to open up more functional ports so as to expand economic growth and ease the Apapa gridlock.

Bello, who made the call during a ceremony to flag-off the loading of 7,000 metric tons of cocoa beans onboard a chartered vessel from the Calabar Port to the United States, said the event was significant because it would help decongest the Apapa port as well as increase in business opportunities, not just for the state, but the entire South-south region.

Bello said: “Apapa Port nightmare is partly a reflection of the increase in the volume of business activities in the Apapa and Tincan Ports and associated high volume

of human and vehicular traffic without corresponding improvement in road network and other port infrastructure.

“The attendant challenges have had serious implications for the business climate contrary to the objective of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that Nigeria ranks among the top one hundred countries of the world on ease of doing business by 2023.”

He lamented the challenges created by the Apapa gridlock, saying exporters continue to suffer hardship and in some cases inability to satisfy their contract obligations, as well as bearing additional cost saying.

“This is even more so against the background of the expected increase in the volume of trade with the commencement of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the ongoing efforts by the federal

government to diversify the economy and promote non-oil exports,” he said.

Speaking about some of the activities of NEXIM Bank, the Managing Director said at the moment, the institution was working in partnership with the public and private sectors at improving maritime transportation system through the establishment of a regional shipping company, the Sealink Company Limited.

He said the establishment of the Sealink Company Limited would bridge the infrastructure gaps existing in the maritime industry, thereby easing trade connectivity for coastal and hinterland trade, and also promote the export of solid minerals, and goods manufactured in Nigeria.

He said, “Having made significant progress, preparatory activities for the Sealink project have reached advanced stage.

Obiano to Increase Broadband Penetration in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË Anambra State Government plan to improve internet connection in Anambra State.

The Executive Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), Chike Maduekwe stated this yesterday, during a media briefing to announce a broadband stakeholders’ forum to facilitate infrastructure deployment in the state.

Maduekwe said the stakeholders forum was part of plan the governor was making to ensure the deployment of broadband internet service in the state, saying the before Governor Willie Obiano leaves office in March 2022, he would have commenced

e-governance in the state, linking all government offices, for ease of administration.

Maduekwe said, “In June 2020, Anambra State Governor under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, waived the charges for Right of Way (RoW) for fiber optic cable deployment.

“Exorbitant RoW charge is chief among hindrances to deepening broadband infrastructure deployment and access, but the governor waived the charges from N600 per linear meter to zero Naira.”

He said since last year June when the RoW charge was waived, several telecommunication companies have written to the state government, signaling their interest to invest in the

telecommunication sector in the state.

“The waiver was to encourage telcos to see Anambra as a viable place for investment, and we have achieved that. Many telcos have written us of their willingness to invest in the state, but we are trying to be very careful.

“The idea is that broadband can enhance the ease of governance and doing business too and many others. There is e-government, e-commerce and what have you, and you know Anambra is a commercial hub. Before Governor Obiano leaves office next year, he will bequeath the incoming administration with e-government.”

Anchoria Asset Management Wins Award Anchoria Asset Management (AAM) has disclosed that it recently emerged Fixed Income Manager of the year at the 2021 Mutual Fund Outlooks and Awards organised by Business A.M. “Your company emerged after a rigorous quantitative analysis of NAV (Net Asset Value) data that compared performances of funds against standard benchmarks and active peer groups.

“Our research also analysed the consistency in the performances of the winning funds,” the statement signed by Award Coordinator Anthony Alakofa, read.

This win in the Silver Category ranked organisations with up to N500 million worth of assets under management (AUM).

According to a statement,

Anchoria Asset Management is a provider of active investment products and services to institutions and individual investors.

Some of its most popular products are Anchoria Fixed-income Fund, Anchoria Equity Fund and Anchoria Money Market.

According to the Managing Director, Ete Ogun, “it’s a huge honor to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Anchoria Asset Management. “Receiving this in the month that celebrates women is a special testament of the value that empowered women can contribute to the economy and world at large.”

Meanwhile, in order to further the ‘Choose to Challenge’ theme of the International Women’s Day 2021, AAM has stated that it kicked off a webinar

series featuring LinkedIn Visibility Expert, Glory Edozien; Founder, Gaia Africa, Olatowun Candide-Johnson and MD Ete Ogun. All three panelists spoke to more than 100 attendees on “Taking Your Place.”

Speaking on ‘Women and Corporate Governance,’ Candide-Johnson was quoted to have stressed the importance of putting checks and balances in place to check senior managers and CEOs so that the interest of the company is front and center at all times. “Instituting a system of accountability, check and balances through policies, procedures, reporting, auditing, investigation, sanctions, due process in decision making, financial integrity and training, is very crucial,” she added.

LEAP Africa Appoints New Board Members LEAP Africa, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-profit leadership development organisations has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.

Coming from diverse backgrounds and sectors, the new board members Adesola Sotande-Peters, Micheline Ntiru and Amal Hassan - are expected to bring their years of experience and leadership to the work that LEAP Africa does across the continent.

In addition, a statement revealed that the organisation has created a seat on the Board that will be occupied by the President of the LEAP Africa Alumni Network (LAAN), and welcomed David Lanre Messan, the President of LAAN to the Board.

Sotande-Peters is a seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience leading global organisations including the BBC UK, Diageo and Unilever,

in multinational markets.

She is currently the first Nigerian and first female Vice President, Finance in the almost 100 years of Unilever Nigeria and Ghana.

She oversees the Controls and Governance agenda in Unilever Africa, providing strategic finance leadership. She is the Executive Board Director of Unilever Nigeria; Non-Executive Board Director of Unilever Ghana, LONADEK Nigeria, Sygen Pharmaceutical, among others.

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, 24 MARCH 2021

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $61.61 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $62.27 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

39

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Flour Mills Commits to Enhancing Value, Enriching Lives Goddy Egene Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), one of Nigeria’s leading integrated food business and agro-allied companies said it remains committed to creating value for all stakeholders enriching lives through sustainable operations.

The Group Managing Director/ CEO of FMN, Mr. Omoboyede Olusanya, stated this during the presentation of its 2019/2020

sustainability report at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to FMN, the report was developed with input from stakeholders and in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) covering the group’s progress in each of its focus areas, as well as commitments to contribute to global efforts in order to combat climate change and promote a more prosperous and inclusive future.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

He disclosed that apart from recording improved profit and declaring dividends for the shareholders, local vendors made supplies worth N199 billion during the review period.

Highlights of the report include: FMN’s multifaceted stakeholder engagement strategy which helps the group build strong relationships; FMN’s backward integration programme which acts as a strategic imperative to

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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create value in its supply chain and reduce dependence on imported raw materials and FMN’s responsibility towards the environment including their operational ecosystem which covers sustainable packaging solutions, waste management, and energy efficiency among others.

“We pride ourselves in being one of the biggest companies in Nigeria and want to take our place in pushing the sustainability agenda

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

not just for ourselves but for the rest of the country. As FMN explores more significant ways to shape a more sustainable business through improved stakeholder engagement, innovation in our processes and driving our local content agenda, we are optimistic of remaining in a position of strength. In contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria and Africa, we remain proud of our legacy and reaffirm

O F

our commitment to creating shared value and continue in our purpose of feeding the nation, everyday,” Olusanya said.

In his welcome address, Group CEO, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said the Facts Behind the virtual Sustainability Report series, was designed to promote the adoption of environmental, social and governance disclosure, while encouraging long-term approach to investment.

2 5 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

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40

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Dangote Cement Plans N300bn Bond Issuance Programme Goddy Egene

obtained approval from its Board of Directors to access the capital market to support business

Dangote Cement Plc has 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

growth and maximize available sources of its debt funding. The company said it had submitted

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 24Mar-2021, unless otherwise stated.

an application to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the registration of a bond

issuance programme of about N300 billion. The proposed funding will be used for

expansion projects, short term debt refinancing, and working capital requirements.

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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.05 15.15% ACAP Income Funds 0.65 0.65 -11.02% 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 2.40% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.36 3.52 -5.22% 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 100.00 100.00 0.38% Anchoria Equity Fund 126.53 127.97 -4.82% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.29% 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 18.22 18.77 0.46% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 403.18 415.33 0.70% ARM Ethical Fund 35.45 36.52 5.17% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.19 1.20 -2.18% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.05 -6.81% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.03% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.22 103.22 1.48% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 122.73 123.59 -2.73% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.54% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.05 2.05 -23.44% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.15 2.19 -15.50% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.34% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 127.04 127.92 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.49 110.49 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 0.70% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -4.24% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.46 1.46 -8.12% 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 2.24% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.14% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,163.52 1,167.54 -2.99% 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 1,351.28 1,351.28 5.49% FBN Balanced Fund 183.30 184.58 -2.33% FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.91 123.91 2.76% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 147.19 149.05 -2.64% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.40% Legacy Debt Fund 3.91 3.91 0.96% Legacy Equity Fund 1.54 1.57 0.93% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.15 1.15 1.12% 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 3,767.50 3,817.30 0.52% Coral Income Fund 3,347.96 3,347.96 2.19% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 1.74%

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.82% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 126.64 127.17 17.71% 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 2.07% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.68 2.74 16.90% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 145.74 146.12 -6.24% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 5.06% 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 1,144.10 1,144.10 1.83% 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 7.48% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.35 12.48 1.00% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.74% PACAM Equity Fund 1.57 1.59 -0.53% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.80 112.55 0.38% 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 125.66 127.81 3.84% 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 3.31% 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 3,101.56 3,125.38 -3.57% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 227.35 227.35 1.11% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.13 1.15 -3.39% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 297.91 297.91 1.10% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 208.77 211.40 -4.45% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.75% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,693.96 9,818.11 -7.69% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 1.32% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 112.82 112.82 1.57% 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 -4.14% United Capital Bond Fund 1.92 1.92 1.32% United Capital Equity Fund 0.88 0.90 1.55% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.05% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.73 118.73 1.41% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 -2.50% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.03 1.03 2.51% 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 11.98 12.08 0.93% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.25 13.36 8.47% Zenith Income Fund 24.23 24.23 1.04% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.05%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.90 52.85

0.96% 0.86%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.39 117.40 93.04

12.49 117.40 94.78

-6.25% -3.56% -6.37%

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

3.70 5.34 16.74 1.00 19.15 174.24

3.74 5.42 16.84 1.00 19.35 176.24

-2.03% -6.11% 2.42% 0.42% -6.63% -20.98%

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.

FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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42

FRIDAY MARCH 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Falana Recommends Awolowo’s Policy to End Insecurity in South-west Kemi Olaitan inIbadan Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, yesterday prescribed the late Obafemi Awolowo’s template on animal rearing as a way out of the incessant kidnapping, attack by herdsmen and other related security issues in the country.

This is just as he called on Yoruba leaders to go back to the drawing board and discuss how to make the land great.

He said there was no security threat in Yorubaland by Fulani

herdsmen during the era of Awolowo when the late sage created six ranches for cows across the South-west region, stating that no cow was brought from the Northern part of the country to the South, which reduced the influx of herdsmen.

Falana, while speaking yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a programme organised by the Assembly of all Yoruba Groups Worldwide with the theme, “The Paramount of Yoruba Unity in Tackling the Insecurity Menace in Yorubaland,” maintained that Yoruba needed

to go back to Awolowo’s policy, so as to checkmate activities of Fulani herdsmen in Yorubaland According to him, “Nobody brought cow from the North to the South-west during the era of Obafemi Awolowo, who created almost six ranches in Yorubaland located in Iseyin, Epe, Ondo and Ekiti. All the cow we ate in

Yorubaland then were reared here in South-west; there is no tribe in Nigeria today that can override the Yoruba; let’s fight for our rights so that we can control our economy ourselves.”

The Convener of the event, Dr. Victor Taiwo, said it was time for all Yoruba people to bury their individual ego and come together

in unionism for common purpose, adding that if Yoruba people were united, no forces in the world could come against them.

He pointed out that merely being united was not enough but to put on ground solidly built structures so as to sail through the challenges on ground, stating that all atrocities committed by the

herdsmen must stopped.

He then suggested that a seven-man Central Coordinating Committee should be established which would consist of three most prominent royal fathers of Yoruba nation so as to have secretariat which would serve as Central Coordinating Centre and to be named Oduduwa Centre.

Killer of Kogi PDP Women Leader Gets 12-year Jail Sentence A High Court in Idah, Kogi, has sentenced one Ocholi Edicha to 12 years and six months in prison over his involvement in the killing of Mrs. Salome Abuh, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women leader in the state.

Abuh was burnt alive in her house in Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Area of the state, during the collation of the November 2019 governorship election result.

After the incident, the police paraded six suspects, including Edicha.

He was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, mischief by fire, and culpable homicide.

In a judgment, Justice Fola Ajayi, the judge, convicted the

defendant on all the counts levelled against him.

Justice Ajayi who delivered on Wednesday, held that he agreed with the oral testimony canvassed by witnesses and statements made to the police.

Although the defendant had denied making a statement to the police, he accepted some aspects of the statement, which was later admitted by the court.

A total of five witnesses were called during the trial.

Reacting to the judgment, Mr. Otigbe Joseph, prosecuting counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, said the court’s decision was surprising, adding that the punishment handed down to the defendant was not enough compared to the offences committed.

WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNER…

L-R: Zamfara State Governor, Mr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle; Katsina State Governor, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen; and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, after a meeting at the headquarters of the European Union in Abuja…yesterday FRANCIS SARDAUNA

Lagos Assembly Approves Sanwo-Olu’s Request to Purchase 355 Vehicles Segun James The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday approved the request of the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to purchase 355 vehicles for government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The governor initially requested for 916 vehicles, which he said were needed by various officials of the government.

The approval was done through a voice vote supervised by the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

The Assembly had on March 22 announced during the plenary that it received a letter from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget seeking the approval to expend from the special expenditure to procure vehicles for official use by officials of the MDAs to aid

effective services.

The Speaker subsequently committed the request to the Assembly Committee on Economic Planning and Budget headed by Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2), and the committee was told to report to the Assembly yesterday.

Presenting the report during plenary yesterday, Yishawu revealed that the committee invited the state Head of Service

(HOS), Mr. Hakeem MuriOkunola, and the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Abiola Liadi, among others to defend the request.

According to him, the three requests to expend from the special expenditure votes included the sum of N464, 375,000, N1, 395, 300 000 and N2,567,535,000 totaling N4,427,210, 000 billion.

been shut down indefinitely till further notice.”

Umar explained that the incident started at the early hour of Thursday when some final year students were cerebrating what they tag as “signing out celebration” shortly after their final examination.

The rector said he was advised by the security of the institution to stop the celebration because they were reported to

be taking alcohol and smoking Indian hemp, and consequently misbehaving.

Umar said he sent the school security to disperse the students when they went wild and started attacking people and destroying property on campus.

According to him, “The rioting students burnt down the Students Union Government (SUG) building, 500-capacity multi-purpose hall, Block E and

A male hostel, among others.

The rector added that an investigation committee has been set up by the institution to unravel the reason for the crisis.

When contacted on the matter, the Adamawa State Police Command spokesman, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, said the police personnel have arrested some students in connection with the riot.

Navy Chief Vows to Punish Officers Involved in Oil Theft, Criminality Adamawa Poly Shut down Indefinitely over Students’ Riot expansion policy of the navy Onungwe ObeinYenagoa The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, has warned that the Nigerian Navy would deal decisively with naval personnel caught colluding with oil thieves, economic saboteurs, drug traffickers, bandits and kidnappers.

Gambo gave the warning at the headquarters of the Central Naval Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he visited as part of his familiarisation tour of naval formations in the country.

He said the navy would not condone laziness and ineptitude among its officers and men, and promised to reward those who prove themselves to be gallant and excellent in service.

The CNS warned that the

would not deter it from flush out personnel found wanting in handling responsibilities assigned to them.

The naval chief said the force would not relent in the marching orders given to security agencies by the president to restore the security of the country.

He said: “Nigerians are not patient, and they want quick action. We have started by hitting the ground running.

“Professionalism is needed, and good conduct must be upheld alongside discipline and integrity. While efforts are being made to improve welfare, I shall not hesitate to review values and contributions of every personnel in the line of duty.”

Associates, Aides Celebrate Ihedioha at 56 Chuks Okocha in Abuja Political associates, aides and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last Wednesday celebrated former Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, as he marked his 56th birthday anniversary at Maitama, Abuja.

Former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Uche Onyeagocha, who spoke to journalists at the occasion,

said the event, which was also attended by members of the National Assembly among others, was put together to celebrate Ihedioha’s legacies for the brief period he was Imo State governor.

Onyeagocha noted that the Ihedioha’s administration, which lasted for about seven months, gave the people of the state a new lease of life and inspired confidence in public service.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola has been shut down over students’ riot, which led to the destruction of the Student Union Government (SUG) building, 500-capacity multi-purpose Hall and the male hostel.

The school Rector, Professor Ibrahim Umar, disclosed this to journalists in Yola yesterday, adding that: “The institution has

Nigeria’s Multi-city Beach Cleanup Initiative Gets Board

The multi-city beach clean-up exercise initiated by the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, has announced seasoned environmentalists as its governance board members.

They are Taiwo Adewole, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola and Akanbi Williams. In this role, they will provide support, guidance, and oversight to the continent’s most ambitious clean-up programme

seeking to keep beaches clean and fresh on Nigeria’s extensive 853km coastal line, which cuts across nine states.

Unveiling the committee, Abubakar said, “We are pleased to welcome Taiwo, Bilikiss and Akanbi formally. Their vast experience in recycling, environmental management and science will hugely benefit our movement of almost 2000 volunteers committed to keeping

beaches clean and safe from a leadership perspective. And to be clear, we are not just cleaning beaches to feel good. We are protecting marine life, creating jobs in coastal communities and recycling waste to promote project sustainability. This is about acting as one to better society, and I am humbled by the trust this represents. We will not solve all our problems with this gesture but will showcase

what happens when the people take centre stage.”

Taiwo is Executive Director at Recycle Points, a waste recycling and social benefit venture based in Lagos. The seasoned environmentalist and waste management consultant hold a bachelor’s degree in Geography and a master’s degree in Environmental Resources Management from Lagos State University.

Insecurity Has Hindered Nigeria’s Development, Says Martins Segun James Following rising insecurity in the country, it has been gathered that Nigerians now spend trillions of naira annually to provide security for themselves and their property.

Former Chairman of the Police Equipment Fund, Dr. Kenny Martins, stated this at the

fourth annual lecture of the BAT Communication Company with the theme: ‘Security Challenge and Implication on National Development’, held in Lagos.

He placed the issue of insecurity in the country on all the tiers of government, saying while the people were doing their part, the government is not.

Martin said: “Every day we are lectured that security is a collective responsibility. We are doing our bit, using tall fences and barbed wires to protect our houses, spending trillions of naira every year to hire security guards as well as purchasing and installing very expensive security devices to

protect our businesses, residential premises and estates. We also pay our taxes to maintain our three tiers of government, their elaborate security services and the Armed Forces. We, therefore, expect our governments at all levels to play their part as well in ensuring the security of lives and property in our country.”

43

FRIDAY MARCH 26,2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

APC Chieftain Urges Party, PDP to Zone Presidential Tickets to South-east Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a staunch ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Osita Okechukwu has appealed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to “rig” its unwritten zoning

arrangement to favour the north and disfavour the South-east in the 2023 presidential election.

Okechukwu, who is the Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON) said if the PDP zones the presidency to the north, it would be difficult for South-east members of the APC to convince the

FG, ASUU Agree on Periodic Review of Implementation of Agreements Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have resolved to carry out regular review of the progress made in the execution of Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) reached by both parties.

Speaking at the end their meeting last night, the Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige said the discussion was very fruitful.

He said they had agreed to reconvene before the end of May. Speaking on the issue of the N30 billion revitalisation fund, the minister said they looked

at the payment and how to streamline the outstanding payment into the national budget or into a special system fund.

Ngige said they also discussed the issue of check- off dues, adding that both OAGF and ASUU were asked to go back and look at their records and reconcile issues With regards to Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), Ngige recalled that the government paid N40 billion to all the unions while the National Universities Commission (NUC) provided a formula, which was used for sharing it among all the university workers.

party’s leadership to zone the presidency to the South-east.

He said this yesterday, on ‘The Morning Show,’ a breakfast programme of ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

Also, he said he was in favour of an extension of the tenure of the Governor Mai Mala Buni- led caretaker committee of the APC as against a hurried congress that would bring

rancour and disunity.

He praised Buni’s appointment of the contact and reconciliation committee, adding that extending the tenure of the committee would enable them to properly reposition the party towards the upcoming general election.

According to him, “The confusion we have on ground is the bid by the PDP to rig the zoning convention. If you look at

the Governor Bala Muhammed’s committee report, you would see that they have gone out their way to target Buhari’s 12 million vote bank in the north. They are reasoning that if President Buhari is not in the ballot it will be easy ride for them with a northern candidate.

“They are trying to breach their own constitution that clearly spells out the convention of zoning. On our own side

we are telling them that equity, national justice and good conscience dictates that the zoning convention that started in 1999 should be upheld.”

Okechukwu who has been Buhari’s ally since 1999, called on both APC and PDP to zone the presidential tickets to the South-east in 2023 as was done for the South-west in 1999, when both the ANPP and PDP fielded candidates from the region.

PROMOTING ART…

L-R: Music Artiste, Mr. Paul Okoye; Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), Mrs. Tolulope Adedeji; Veteran Nollywood Actor, Mr. Nkem Owoh; and People Director, IBPLC, Mrs. Marilyn Maduka, at THE HERO’S WALK Premiere held in Lagos…yesterday

Court Affirms Lagos Govt’s Dangote Group Sponsors Training for South-east, South-south Journalists Powers to Regulate Real Estate Transactions David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A Federal High Court in Lagos has affirmed the powers of the Lagos State Government to regulate the practices of real estate transactions within the state.

In a statement signed by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), a judgment delivered on March 22, 2021 by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, struck out the originating motion filed by the Estate

Surveyors And Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) and the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors And Valuers (NIESV) to challenge Lagos State Government’s authority to regulate the market sector.

The applicants ESVARBON and NIESV had filed the suit against the Lagos State Government and the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who were listed as first and second respondents, respectively.

The Lagos State Police Command has released an American lady, Kari Ann O’Rourke, held in custody since February 9, 2021, over the death of her Nigerian host, Ayomide Michael.

O’Rourke’s lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), announced his client’s release in a statement yesterday.

O’Rourke was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on February 8, 2021, following the death of her host in Nigeria, whom she left with his family in good health.

Her lawyer had raised the alarm over her continued detention by the police, saying he was “scared that something devastating may happen to O’Rourke if she is not released forthwith.”

Adegboruwa said the police refused to release the American despite that the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions

Representative of the Dangote Group at the training, Mr. Okey Nwankwo, the Dangote Group is deeply involved in corporate social responsibility for communities hosting its businesses.

Nwankwo said: “Today, we are moving away from just our usual corporate social responsibility to communities where our businesses are sited, to also impact on a very critical

arm of the society, which is the media.

“This training is meant to equip you with knowledge for the job you do, and we hope that it will impact on the society.”

The Chairman of the FMCA and publisher of Daily Times Newspaper, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, charged journalists to sit up and perform their duties effectively as the watchdog of the society.

Minister Kicks against Reducing President’s Powers in PSC Bill Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Dingyadi, has kicked against the whittling down the power of the President in the Police Service Commission (PSC) amendment bill.

Dingyadi stated this yesterday at the public hearing on the said there was no prima facie “Bill for an Act to Repeal the case against her and three others. Police Service Commission Act The American was said and enact the Police Service to have arrived in Nigeria on January 22, 2021, on the invitation of the late Michael.

She and Michael were said to The Bayelsa State Government have lodged in a hotel on Victoria would embark on a review of Island on the same day, while the Global Memorandum of Michael “became unconscious Understanding (GMoU) between and lifeless” in the early hours Cluster Boards and Community of February 8.

Trusts and international oil After intercepting O’Rourke companies (IOCs) in the state at the airport, the police had in order to forestall conflicts in submitted a case file to the Lagos oil-bearing communities.

DPP, seeking legal advice on the It said that such agreements possibility of prosecuting her would have to be approved and three Nigerians for murder. and monitored by the state But a certified true copy of the DPP legal advice sighted by our correspondent indicated that the Lagos State Director of Ahead of his 69th birthday Public Prosecutions, Mrs. A. O. coming up on Monday, former Adeyemi, on behalf of the state’s governor of Lagos State and All Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Progressives Congress National Onigbanjo (SAN), advised Stalwart, Senator Bola Ahmed against the prosecution of the Tinubu, is to chair this year’s American and other suspects, Arewa House Lecture holding citing insufficient facts to sustain on Saturday in Kaduna. murder charges.

The lecture, which is the 11th

Lagos Police Free American Lady after 44 Days in Detention Davidson Iriekpen

The Dangote Group, owned by Africa’s Richest Man, Mr. Aliko Dangote, has sponsored training for 60 journalists from South-east and South-south geo-political zones of the country.

The journalists who were trained for three days on various aspects of journalism were drawn from diverse sectors of the media, including print,

broadcast and online media.

The training was done in partnership with Folio Media Creative Academy (FMCA) and African Institute for Public Policy (AIPP), with top trainers, including the Executive Secretary of AIPP, Professor Sylvester Monye, Dr. Charles Anosike, MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Dr. Uche Nworah and a renowned media trainer, Mr. Lekan Otufodurin.

Commission Bill, 2020” and a “Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Institute for Police Studies” at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The two bills were sponsored

by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (APC Plateau), to address issues of gender bias in the former Police Act where a woman can’t rise to the position of Commissioner of Police or the Inspector General

of Police (IGP) and to ensure that anyone appointed would spends four years as provided in the constitution in order to have enough time to effect reform in the force.

Dingyadi said: “The ministry has about four or five observations to make.

First one has to do with what is contained in Section 5 of the draft bill where the power of Mr. President to remove the

Chairman and members has to some extent been deleted, leaving only the power of members to resign at their own time. We cannot see Mr. Chairman, if it is for the removal of this provision, especially since the Chairman and members of this commission are appointed

by Mr. President, whoever has the power to appoint should naturally have the power to remove.”

Bayelsa to Review Host Community, Oil Firms’ GMoU government in the future.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Douye Diri, gave the directive through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, and stated that the agreements should align with policies of the state government in order to foster better relationship between the host communities and the oil companies on the one hand and the indigenes

of such communities on the other hand.

He said: “The state government is interested in being a party to such agreements to ensure all parties comply with the terms. A situation where oil firms breach agreements with their host would no longer be tolerated. This often resulted in conflicts in communities.

“Consequently, no community

in the state, especially those in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, should sign any GMoU with the IOCs and security companies operating in their area. Where such agreements have been inadvertently entered into, they remain invalid subject to a review by the Office of the Attorney-General through the Ministries of Local Government and that of Mineral Resources.

Tinubu to Chair Arewa House Lecture on Saturday in Kaduna edition of the annual Arewa House lecture, will take place at the Arewa House Banquet Hall, Kaduna.

According to the organisers of the event, the theme of this year lecture is “Reduction of the Cost of Governance for inclusive Growth and Youth Development

in Northern Nigeria in a PostCOVID-19 era.”

Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong who is also the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum will deliver the lecture. The Arewa House Lecture Series is organised every year in honour of one of the

most distinguished founders of modern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Sardauna of Sokoto.

The occasion provides a forum for prominent elder statesmen and other distinguished Nigerians to address issues of national importance.

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FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

FG Tenders $1.3m Cash Retrieved from Presidential Panel Member’s Home The prosecution yesterday tendered before a Federal High Court in Abuja $1.3million cash among other currencies in the trial of a member of the Presidential Committee on the Procurement of Arms and Equipment in the Armed Forces, Air Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd).

Umar and his firm, Easy Jet Integrated Services Limited, are being tried on a three-count charge of alleged money

laundering, illegal possession of firearms and classified documents without authority.

Umar is accused of receiving $1.3million cash from a firm, Worldwide Consortium PTY Limited in 2016, through Easy Jet, an act said to constitute a violation of the Money Laundering Act 2011.

At the resumption of proceedings yesterday, lead prosecution lawyer, Mr. Labaran Magaji tendered the

cash, through a witness, Mr. Stephen Olatubosun.

Magaji also tendered some other currencies, stating that all the items were recovered from the defendants’ possession.

When Magaji was done with the witness, lead defence witness,

Mr. Hassan Liman (SAN) crossexamined Olatubosun.

Liman later told the court that his clients intended to make a no-case submission.

He said the prosecution had not been able to establish a prima facie case against the

defendants to warrant their being required to enter a defence.

Trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that the cash tendered by the prosecution should be deposited in an account with the Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN), by the court’s Chief Registrar pending the conclusion of trial.

Justice Ewko then adjourned till May 27 for the adoption of parties’ written submissions in relation to the defendants’ no-case submission.

FG Releases N288bn for COVID-19 Intervention Programmes Deji ElumoyeinAbuja The federal government has released N288 billion out of the N599 billion appropriated for COVID-19 intervention programmes under its Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who made this disclosure yesterday at the meeting of the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC), which he presided over at the State House, Abuja, explained that since the introduction of the ESP few months back no fewer than 2.1 million jobs have been saved, including creation of new ones, while over 4,000km of federal and rural roads are at least 30 per cent completed.

While noting the considerable progress recorded, Osinbajo affirmed the President’s resolve

to always look out for the Nigerian people, and urged members of the committee “to bear in mind that the vast majority of our people are not allowed to suffer.”

Commenting on the reports presented by ESC members at the meeting, the VP said “I think that it will be fair to say that on account of the very good work that you all have done, we were able to get out of recession much faster than anyone would have imagined, although only marginally.”

Urging ministers and heads of agencies implementing key programmes of government not to rest on their oars, he noted that “it is important for us to continually bear in mind that we really have a duty to ensure that the vast majority of our people are not allowed to suffer.

Drug: 126 Nigerians Jailed in Plateau, Kano, Ondo, 11 Others, Says NDLEA Michael Olugbode in Abuja A total of 126 Nigerians across 14 states have been sentenced to various jail terms for offences bordering on drug trafficking between January and February 2021.

Of the convicts, Musa Ibrahim who was prosecuted for trafficking 40 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in Akure, Ondo State was sentenced to 16 years, eight months imprisonment by a Federal High Court in the state capital in charge number FHC/ AK/10C/2021.

Another convict, Mr. Ibrahim Haladu bagged 15 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of trafficking 6.7kg of cannabis in Bauchi in charge number FHC/ BAU/CR/22/2010. Also in

Bauchi state, Haruna Aliya was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for trafficking 609kilogrammes of cannabis.

According to a statement by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, “Justice Hassan Dikko of the Federal High Court, Bauchi, convicted both Aliya and Haladu.

“In Jos, Plateau state, Eke Chibuke was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for trafficking Tramadol and Diazepam, while Idan Kenneth charged with unlawful possession of 220 grammes of cannabis, 4.3 grammes of Tramadol, and 3.3 grammes of Rophynol, was convicted on all three count charges and sentenced to two years on each count.

Senate Slams NERC for 13% Performance in Mass Metering Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Senate yesterday expressed concern over the poor performance of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in the Mass Metering Project in the country despite N33.4 billion already released for this purpose by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Its Committee on Power gave the verdict at an interactive session with NERC officials and representatives of the various Electricity

Distribution Companies (Discos) The project, which targets one million metering of houses across the country between October 2020 and April 2021, according to the NERC Chairman, Mr. Sanusi Garba had only recorded 13 per cent implementation as at March 19, 2021.

According to him, ‘’while N403, 000 out of the targeted one million meters, have been delivered to the various Discos, only 127, 000 have been installed, representing 13 per cent performance”.

MY NAMESAKE…

Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde (left), and Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics of Nigerian Air Force, Ikeja, Air Vice Marshal Olaonipekun Makinde, during a courtesy visit to Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan…yesterday

Let’s Fight Insurgency, Terrorism Together, Buhari Tells International Community Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has again rallied the international support against some of the major threats such as terrorism, insurgency, displacement of persons, and climate change, reiterating that the growing challenges pose real threat to human existence.

He has also described

Nigeria as a peaceful nation like Gambia, South Korea, Slovak, Australia, Bagladesh and Guinea Bissau.

Speaking yesterday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving letters of credence from the envoys of the six countries, the President identified peace as another common thing among the seven countries apart from the fraternal relations between

Nigeria and the nations.

He said: “In addition to the fraternal relations between us, the one thing Nigeria has in common with your countries is peace. Peace is priceless, desirable and crucial to sustainable development and achieving the targets set by the UN global initiatives.

“It is therefore imperative for us to work individually and

bilaterally for sustainable peace.

Achieving global peace is vital to attaining food security. Peace and food security should be pursued simultaneously”.

He assured the new Ambassadors that Nigeria enjoys very good bilateral relations with each of their countries, and there was need to enhance the cordial relations for the joint benefit of citizens.

Former Speaker, Bankole Meets Abiodun Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Governor of his home state, Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the Oke-Mosan Secretariat.

The two leaders held a closed-door meeting that lasted about two hours.

Also at the meeting was the

Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Tunji Egbetokun.

The former Speaker had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress last week. He, alongside a former Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Gbenga Daniel, also visited President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.

The new APC members made the list of the 65-member Strategy and Contact Committee of the APC inaugurated on Tuesday by the chairman of the Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni in Abuja.

Accosted by reporters,

the former lawmaker was evasive, saying: “Yes, I was in the building. I met with the Governor”.

When asked of his impression of the Government of Dapo Abiodun, he quipped: “So far, so good”, adding that his meetings with both the President had “good outcomes”

COVID-19 Lockdown in France Causes Acute Water Scarcity in FCT partners, SCC that ordered “We are currently cutting and the water to get into the pipe, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The FCT Water Board has attributed the acute water shortage in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to its inability to acquire the equipment to fix a damaged pipeline feeding a major water treatment plant, in Usuma Dam, in Bwari Area Council, due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19 lockdown in France.

He said that their technical

for the Viking Joint to fix, the damaged Plants 3 and 4, which led to disruption of water supply to Kubwa, Gudu, Gwagwalada, Airport and University of Abuja areas for over a week, reported the unavailability of the spare parts because of the lockdown in France.

Lawal assured that by Monday evening, the treatment Plants 3 and 4 for the affected areas would start working again.

filing the pipe, which will take us to the evening of today (yesterday) and tomorrow (today); we are coming back to install all that that have been removed, so that the waterline can be put into use again, and by then we would have finished welding works.

“Thereafter, we will do the coating on Saturday, and we need to leave it to dry. But it will take us about one day for the process to be completed and

and the water treatment plant,” Lawal said.

The Acting General Manager, FCT Water Board, Mrs. Joy Okoro, also assured that all things being equal, by Monday the damaged treatment plant would start working again within the period.

She said apart from the affected areas, customers in phase one of the FCT- Garki 1&2, Wuse 1&2, Asokoro, and Asokoro Extension were having regular water supply.

VBank Rolls Out New Version App with Innovative Features VBank, Nigeria’s foremost fully digital bank unveiled new and better features of its app at an online press briefing on Monday, March 1, 2021 to kick off the financial year, as well as promote ease of use for its customers. The new app, Version 3.0, boasts of exciting features, including Cardless Withdrawals, Multiple Funds transfers, Recurring Transactions, Proximity Payments and Advance

Budgeting.

The new VBank app will enable users securely access their accounts to automate recurring bills, manage multiple cards from different banks, send and receive funds using a unique QR code, track spending, generate virtual cards for online payments, buy airtime and data, fix deposits and make free transfers, all within a sleek, responsive and easy-to-use

interface.

Speaking at the press briefing, Senior Product Manager VBank, Ebere Ahaotu, “Virtual banking is all about supporting the needs of every user. We are committed to ensuring that all our customers find banking enjoyable and remain satisfied with the banking process thereby encouraging them to do more. That’s why it takes less than 2 minutes to set up an active bank

account.”

According to Osifo Anosike, Head of Engineering at VFD Tech, ‘it was important for us to ensure that the app becomes even more convenient to use and that informed the design and features that we introduced or enhanced in this version. Building Version 3.0 was an opportunity to relearn what it takes to satisfy our users.

˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

45

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Salat: The Believers’ Mi’raj - 2

Spahic Omer/IslamiCity (Continued from last week) The five significant aspects of every life circle According to Fakhruddin al-Razi, every aspect of existence – including people’s lives – features a full circle that consists of five major stages or points.

First is the stage of birth and joining the phenomenon of existence (after which growth inevitably follows).

Second is the stage of attainment of perfection, which remains so for a while. The third stage is one of elderliness and maturity when severe defects start emerging. Fourth is the stage of death, and fifth in the post-death stage when some faint signs and traces of a formerly living thing are still perceptible.

However, very soon, they too disappear, leaving nothing conspicuous whatsoever about that thing.

The cycle thus becomes complete. It starts with death (nothingness), exhibits successive phases of life, and ends with death (nothingness) again. Everything returns to its original primordial state.

This cycle applies to the day as a unit of measurement of time. The sun is God’s significant sign in the creation and its rising and setting as the main events.

Firstly, dawn as the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise indicates the sun’s birth and its imminent “joining” of the rest of creation. Secondly, the sun rises until it reaches the highest position in the sky at noon. Soon after that – thirdly - it starts declining until its power and intensity noticeably wane in the afternoon. Fourthly, the declining process then dramatically intensifies until the sun sets or disappears completely (it “dies”). Fifthly, after the sun’s “death,” some of its traces and residues remain on the horizon for a short time (twilight), following which they too completely disappear as if the sun and its awesome powers were never present.

In the morning, a new cycle again begins, making life nothing but a series of identical processes with identical existential stages that feature every aspect and component of creation. These cycles are as evident in the smallest and least consequential as in the grandest and most significant elements of creation.

With this, the Qur’an, to some extent, debunks the mystery of time. It also proves the transience of

everything except the Creator and Master of life. The Qur’an declares: “All that is on earth will perish.

Only the Supreme Essence of your Glorious and Gracious Lord will remain forever” (al-Rahman, 26-27).

All these happenings on earth signify the undeniable evidence of Almighty God’s greatness and care for his creation. A single day is packed with the portents of the spectacles of life and death, resurrection and renewal, of matter and spirit, of rising and fall, and of tranquillity and buzz. A single day is a microcosm of existence in its totality. It also exemplifies the lifecycle of man with his recurring cultural and civilization quests.

It stands to reason that the five daily salats were prescribed at their meticulously fixed times to commemorate the five most critical points in the circles of life, along with the five most significant phases in the biological, spiritual, cultural, and civilization growth of man. Man is likewise bidden to contemplate through his five salats and reflect on the divine patterns and laws that govern the world.

God reveals: “Verily, salat is enjoined on the believers at fixed times (hours)” (al-Nisa’, 103).

The five daily salats are al-Fajr (dawn, before sunrise), al-Zuhr (midday or noon, just after the sun passes its highest point), al-‘Asr (the late afternoon), al-Maghrib (immediately after sunset), al-‘Isha’ (night-time before midnight).

to elevate man’s status and facilitate his constant remembrance of God and his celebration of God’s name.

Prophet Musa (Moses), for example, was instructed to establish salat when he was directly conversing with God. The Qur’an says: “And when he came to it, he was called: “O Musa, indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed (to you). Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish salat for My remembrance” (Ta Ha, 11-14).

Prophet Musa’s appointment as a prophet, during which he received the obligation of salat, was perhaps the most dramatic event on earth prior to the final prophet’s arrival: Muhammad (pbuh). During the prophet-hood of Muhammad (pbuh), the exuberance and otherworldliness associated with the concept and institution of salat were completed. That was done in the most spectacular fashion and under the most extraordinary circumstances: right in Heaven and in direct proximity to the most significant metaphysical realities.

Hence, it was only appropriate that Musa and Muhammad (pbuh) met during the latter’s mi’raj (ascension into Heaven) journey and that their conversation revolved mainly around salat.

Salat as the believers’ Mi’raj

Salat as a heavenly thing Salat is the only injunction that was given to the Prophet (pbuh) during his ascension into Heaven, on the night of the mi’raj (ascension). It was not prescribed like the rest of Islamic injunctions, which were brought down to earth from God by an angel.

The Prophet (pbuh) was honored by being taken up to Heaven and by being addressed directly by God concerning the matter of salat. It could be that all prophets received the obligation of salat directly from God, for if salat was most important for Muhammad (pbuh) as the Seal of prophets and his followers, the same might have been the case for the rest of the prophets and their own followers.

Such is the value of salat. No righteous life on earth, and no success in this world or in the Hereafter, are conceivable without it. Salat transcends the bounds of time and history. It is a heavenly thing. It aims

It is therefore rightly said that salat is the believers’ mi’raj (ascension towards and into Heaven). Some even attribute this statement to the Prophet (pbuh), which nevertheless is incorrect.

Salat is a form of mi’raj because through it, in spiritual terms, we most directly face Almighty God and talk to Him. We are closest to Him when we perform our salat. Our spiritual faculties are sharpest and most disposed to the truth in our salat.

Synchronization of the body, mind, and soul is most effective in salat. In his salat, a person is most human, most sensible, and almost otherworldly. He operates at full capacity and lives “to the fullest.”

In every physical condition of his, when he duly performs his salat, a person is able to free his soul – his spiritual being - from the fetters of matter, human ego, and animal desires and rise indefinitely through the vastness of spiritual spheres. There is

no challenge that is unbeatable and an obstacle that is insurmountable.

While rising towards the spiritual fulfillment (and Heaven), a person’s vantage points improve, and so do his judgmental capacities. He can see and understand more and more and can judge more appropriately how inconsequential matter and this world, in general, are when juxtaposed with the merit of spirit and Heaven.

Every salat is expected to be a step higher in the right direction, guiding a person through the hierarchy of spiritual degrees and stations. The lower his station is, the closer this world and the farther Heaven appear; and the higher his station is, the more distant this world and the closer Heaven appear.

When he comes to the verge of his spiritual fulfillment and approaches completing his personal existential mi’raj, a person sees, and craves for, nothing but Heaven. The physical world, with all its temptations and false splendor, simply disappears over the horizon. The ultimate objective of salat – and life in general – will then be accomplished.

A person needs to “die” in the material world if he wanted to be “born” in the world of spirit.

There is a vast amount of attractive and repulsive forces at play. Salat is that which can control and coordinate them all.

There is a bit of symbolism here as well. The Prophet’s qiblah at the time of his mi’raj was alMasjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Before the mi’raj, he was first taken to Jerusalem, to the very place of his qiblah. That part of the occasion is called isra’ (night journey). Thence, the Prophet (pbuh) ascended the heavens for the mi’raj.

Similarly, during our salat and personal mi’raj experiences, we also have to face our qiblah: the Ka’bah and its al-Masjid al-Haram. That way, additionally, we face the exact location - that is, al-Masjid alHaram - where Archangel Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet (pbuh) and took him on his historic earthly and heavenly journeys (isra’ and mi’raj).

Like so, in every salat of theirs, the believers establish an axis that connects them to the most critical pivots of the spiritual presence both on earth and in the heavens. They tap into their inexhaustible resources and capacities, generating enough spiritual energy needed for the journeys ahead.

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FRIDAYSPORTS

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

AFCON 2021 QUALIFIERS

Sanwo-Olu Charges Super Eagles to Win Against Benin, Lesotho Fulfills three-bedroom apartment pledge to Atlanta ‘96 Gold Medalist, Pascal

Segun James As the Super Eagles depart Lagos this morning for Cotonou in Benin Republic, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, has charged the three-time continental champions to beat the Beninoise as well as the Crocodiles of Lesotho in the crucial 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who promised to support the team, tasked the technical crew and players to work tirelessly to defeat Benin national team on Saturday at Porto Novo and

beat Lesotho during Nigeria’s final AFCON 2021 match scheduled to be played at the refurbished Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Tuesday.

Speaking during a dinner reception he organised for the players and their technical crew at the State House in Marina on Wednesday night, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said his administration was committed to improving sports activities in Lagos State.

The Governor who during the dinner surprised a member of the Atlanta 1996 Football Gold Medalist, Patrick Pascal

Comoros Make History, Qualify for Cameroon 2021 Comoros made history on Thursday when drawing 0-0 at home to Togo to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

The match may have been low on incident but that will matter little to the island nation of just under one million inhabitants.

For they are now celebrating one of the biggest achievements of a country which has been more famous for its history of political coupsand music than any sporting success.

Wild scenes of celebration broke out on the final whistle as fans, players and politicians celebrated the shock qualification for next year’s finals in Cameroon.

Comoros had never won a major qualifier until 2016 when they beat Botswanain what was their 20th attempt to win either a Nations Cup or World Cup qualifier.

Five years on, they are top of Group G - featuring record African champions Egypt no less - with three wins and two

draws from their five matches.

Although Kenya can catch Comoros on nine points, they cannot overtake them courtesy of the Harambee Stars’ inferior group record against the islanders.

Even before this qualifying campaign began, expectations were low that the Coelacantes could sit at Africa’s top football table - but they have achieved the feat with a game to spare.

Much of the credit will go to Amir Abdou, national coach since 2014 and whose insistence on bringing in players from the diaspora to play for the team has revolutionised their fortunes.

“I think I was the only professional when I arrived in 2010,” captain Nadjim ‘Jimmy’ Abdou, formerly of Millwall and AFC Wimbledon, told BBC Sport Africa before the game.

“We were 5 or 6 expatriates at the time. It’s clear that we started from the bottom but year after year, with the addition of other professionals, the whole organisation became more professional.”

Air Trip to Abuja Excites National Principals’ Cup Zonal Winners The students of the six zonal winners in the ongoing national Principals’ Cup are happy with the plan by the organisers to fly them to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, for the national finals of the competition.

North West winners, Fosla Academy Abuja, North Central Champions, Christ Comprehensive Mrinka, Kaduna, South West Kings, Orile Comprehensive High School Ogun State, South East champions, City Comprehensive College, Imo State, North East Winners, Abdulkadir Benisheik and South South kings, Obule Integrated School Delta State are the schools to compete for honours in Abuja.

The national finals take place at the package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium between March 27thand 30th.

Shortly after the zonal hostilities, the organisers,

ministry of sports in conjunction with the marketers, Hideaplus told the students to be ready to fly to Abuja.

The CEO of Hideaplus, Tony Pemu, told journalists that the qualifiers are excited about the air trip.

Pemu said: “The ministry is concerned about the safety of all participants in this competition and we are happy that so far it has been a smooth story on transportation from one venue to the other.

“For the opening match in Lagos, Government College Kaduna, flew to Lagos and we have to maintain the tradition.

They are our future champions.

We have information from all the schools that the students are happy. Most of them are yet to have an experience on air travel before now.

“It is a thing of joy that we are touching the live of the young ones on and off the pitch through the National Principals Cup,” he concluded.

by giving him a new threebedroom apartment in the 360 units Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, expressed his excitement that the senior national team has returned to Lagos, their traditional home, to play competitive match for the first time in 20 years.

“When it was said that we are going to have the match (against Lesotho) in Lagos, we did not only jump at it, we saw it as an opportunity to rewrite our history again.”

Sanyo-Olu recalled that Lagos used to be home for everything around football and sports in this country. “Over 80 former national team footballers came out of Lagos. Henry Nwosu,

Samson Siasia, Jonathan Akpoborie, Odion Ighalo and many others were discovered in Lagos.

“We are supporting sporting activities in different parts of Lagos so that we can get younger ones that will be coming behind and after you so that Nigeria can get back her glory; the glory of 1996 when we won the Atlanta Olympic Gold Medal in the football event. It was a glorious time for some of us.

“We have here, Patrick Pascal (Super Eagles team coordinator), who was part of the team that won the gold medal in Atlanta 96.

“Surprisingly, what we promised him and the other

members of the squad as a nation has not been fulfilled, but Lagos will fulfill that today. Patrick will get a three-bedroom flat in Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate, which I commissioned today (Wednesday).

“Sports is a unifier for all of us. Sports is a detribalised means of identification. Sports speaks no language, it speaks no tradition, it speaks no religion.

It is something that usually heals our country. Even when things are down, when we have security issues and all sorts of negative things in the country, you can use sports and football to heal that wound for us. And it is on that note that I want to charge you, encourage and

appeal to you to do everything you can to win the matches.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration would build a stadium in Igbogbo and Agboyi-Ketu parts of Lagos, added that his administration will support all the local teams in the State with necessary infrastructure they need to boost sporting activities.

Speaking earlier, Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support for the team and for putting the necessary infrastructure in place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere for next Tuesdaymatch.

He assured the governor that his team will win the two matches.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Fourth, right) and his wife, Ibijoke, flanked by Super Eagles players, coaches and chiefs of the NFF, during the governor’s dinner reception for the team at the State House in Marina, Lagos...on Wednesday night

33” Export Lager Charges Eagles to Win on Two-fronts As the qualification series for the next Africa Cup of Nations enters its home stretch with two match days remaining, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are targeting getting six points from these matches.

The matches would be played at Porto Novo in Benin Republic where the Super Eagles face their hosts and in Lagos, where they welcome Lesotho on the final match day.

It is no doubt an “Operation 3-3” as they go for a perfect finish

of getting three points from the two matches. “33 Export Lager” the official beer of the Super Eagles has urged the team to go for a perfect finish of getting all the available six points spread across the two remaining matches.

Undoubtedly, that possible feat would give the team a huge psychological boost ahead of the final tournament scheduled for next year in Cameroon.

At the moment, the Super

Eagles sit atop Group L with eight points and a successful execution of ‘Operation 33’ will not only assure them of top position and qualification, but will vastly improve their global ranking which offer additional advantage.

The Brand Manager, “33” Export Lager Beer, Rex Anieke, said the brand is a proud partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and “33” Export Lager, the official lager of the Super

Eagles, has decided to back Nigeria all the way into the final tournament.

“33” Export Lager is known for nurturing friendships among Nigerians and is encouraging the national team to pick the maximum three points away against the Squirrels of Benin this weekend and another three points at home few days later in Lagos to resonate with the identity of the “33” Export lager beer,” he remarked.

Dangote, CONCACAF, Zenith Bank Congratulate Pinnick The list of major figures and leading entities felicitating with President of the NFF and new FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has soared with one of the richest men in the world, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), the Confederation of Central American and Caribbeans FAs and Zenith Bank PLC throwing in their own words of salute.

Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, wrote: “Once again, you have shown your acceptability by a landslide victory, with 43 votes

out of 51. Your achievements in revolutionising the face of football in Nigeria and Africa have not gong unnoticed by your peers around the continent and beyond. Indeed, you now have a unique opportunity to showcase your competence at the global level.

“Your emergence at this period is timely as Nigerians are making their mark internationally in various fields of endeavour. As you have earned a place in the main decision-making organ of the world football’s governing

body, I have no doubt that you will contribute your quota in reforms aimed at modernizing the governing bodies of CAF and FIFA.” Victor Montagliani, President of CONCACAF stated that “this is an important personal achievement for you and rewards your dedication to the game. I look forward to working with you and to your valuable contributions to the development of football around the world.”

Zenith Bank, in its message signed by Ebenezer Onyeagwu,

Group Managing Director/ CEO, said: “Your election into FIFA’s main decision-making body is a testament to your visionary leadership style and an affirmation of your outstanding contributions to the game of football. Through your work at Delta State Football Association, Nigeria Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football, you championed the cause of Nigerian and African football, creating opportunities for millions of young people on the continent.”

47

FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

FridaySports

Lagos Dreams Sports Hub Status with Inauguration of 43 Sporting Associations The moniker Centre of Excellence that Lagos is known by is about to manifest in its sports sector with the inauguration of 43 sporting associations to drive the project. DURO IKHAZUAGBE who witnessed the oath taking ceremony reports...

Penultimate Wednesday, oaths were administered on the newly appointed 43 Sports Association chairmen in Lagos State. The event which held inside the the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, witnessed the emergence of three new associations to bring the total number of governing bodies for sports in the state to 43. The three new associations include; Monopoly, (added to Scrabble to form the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association), Lagos State Netball Association, Lagos State E-sports Association and the Cheerleading Association.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, emphasized that the new Sports Association board members were painstakingly selected to refocus and change the face of sports in Lagos State.

“We are glad to welcome you all and hope to have a better relationship,” he said.

Unlike previously held notion that funding of the sector rests at the door steps of the state government, Mr Aiyepeku insisted that that perception about government being the sole financier of sporting events had to change. He therefore urged the new Sports Associations to work independently of government to source private sector financing and sponsorships to enable them meet the target of holding/ organising at least two sporting events each per quarter.

The Chairman of the commission didn’t mince words in telling the sporting association chiefs that part of the Governor Babajide SanwoOlu’s government’s plan “ Is to reposition Lagos as the hub of sports and focus more on the girl-child.

He also charged all Association Chairmen to come up with a detailed plan for each Association in order to drive the Commission better. In total, 277 members were inaugurated as board members of the various associations.

Some of the newly appointed chairmen who spoke with THISDAY at the venue of the inauguration expressed their burning desires to effect a new direction for their various sports associations in the state.

Chairman of the Lagos State Boxing Association, Jenkins Alumona, admitted that Lagos has always been the hub for boxing in the country with so many clubs scattered all over the state.

“We are already working towards a proper organization and formalization of the relationship between the clubs and the association and finding ways of harnessing the benefits that come from the states huge number of amateur boxers.

Mr Alumona who is in a familiar turf as the Chief executive of Flykite Promotions, organisers of perhaps, the most successful boxing competition in the country today, the GOtv Boxing Boxing Night series, pledged to go down to the grassroots to fish for talents.

“We know that we have a good number of boxers at the grassroots level training everyday and we just need to put together

a system that enables us to recognize them and harness this huge opportunity. This is work in progress,” he noted.

“Two years ago, I got the Chairman of Gotv Boxing Night, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN to sponsor an inter club boxing tournament in Lagos state.

It confirmed to us, once again, just how many young boxers are available to Lagos. Our hope is that we can organize many more of such competitions and some more grassroots based competitions for boxers from Ikorodu to Badagry to Isale Eko, to Ajah and everywhere else. This is Lagos. The best of everything is here and that is why we are best,” Alumona stressed with pride.

He insisted that Lagos has always produced champions “and we are not about to stop now. We want to extend our dominance and we will.”

The new LSBA Boss further pledged to put more life into the monthly Boxing Hall of Fame led by the doyen of boxing in the state, Mr Wale Edun, whose activities have been slowed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The monthly boxing show still exists. It’s a partnership between the Lagos Boxing Hall of fame led by the doyen of boxing of Boxing in Lagos state, Mr. Wale Edun and the Boxing Association. The slow down you noticed is because of Covid-19. But this will pass and the shows will return with even more rigor and additional flavor.”

Now that the nomenclature has been changed from a purely amateur boxing, is the new chairman promising more robust events like the GOtv boxing?

“Big time boxing are products of sponsorships. And big time sponsorships follow success in the areas of followership, eyeballs and footfall. This is what we are working on at the moment.

“As we do this, we hope for growth in the economy which is a sine qua non for the required support which drives the kind of sports participation you have referred to.

“What Gotv has done for professional boxing is what is required for boxing in Lagos state. Gotv’s commitment is uncommon. It’s a brand that has put its money where it’s heart is. It’s commitment is not purely attached to business benefits. But that is not necessarily the only way.

We need to create an enviroment that ensures that the relationship is symbiotic.

We can create it. We have to create it. On the change of the nomenclature, I will have to ask our Executive Chairman, Mr. Sola Aiyepekun and the DG, Mr. Gafar Bolowotan the reason for this.

But off the top of my head, I would think Lagos is taking a wholistic approach to growing the sport of boxing . Let’s not forget that Lagos is the hub, as you called it, of both Professional and amateur boxing in our country.

Both aspects of the sport need direction, assistance, improvement and development. Until we are told differently, that’s how our board will view it,” concludes Alumona who is enthusiastic to make a change.

In the words of the newly appointed Chairman of the Lagos

CATCH THEM YOUNG..…

One of the many youth volleyball teams in the state. There is a new drive to reach out to grassroots in the state State Golf Association, Mr Biyi Fetuga, part of the policy direction of the board led by him would be to to continue to change the perception of golf as an elitist sport.

“This perception has been the major bane of developing talent at the grassroots. So through advocacy we have developed a schools programme that has enabled us introduce the game to pupils at both public and private schools in Lagos State .

“There are plans underway also to develop golf ranges in the six divisions of Lagos State to enable the grassroots access to the basic rudiments of the game. The people and the government of Lagos will benefit from golf. We hope that soon Lagos will be the first state in Nigeria and possibly West Africa to benefit from the existence of a public course where anybody can come and play Golf,” revealed Mr Fetuga.

Like every other sports in the country apart from football, he admitted that funding has been a major challenge. “However, we (golf association) are fortunate that we now have a government under the able leadership of Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is determined to make Lagos State a sporting hub for the sub-region.

“There has been a renewed vigor in that direction and I think as a result of this, Corporate organizations are stepping up to the plate with sponsorships particularly with our youth programmes. We are not where we want to be yet but trust that as we go by, the various initiatives that are being embarked upon by the Lagos State Sports Commission will further

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ESTHER NANYONGO MALAFA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER DENNIS KIME. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

encourage sponsors.”

He describes golf as an $80 billion economic engine that creates millions of jobs. “The major drivers of the industry are the talents available and the enjoyment it brings to millions of tourists and visitors world wide, not to speak

of resident .

“Lagos is poised to be a global golf destination and this will lead to creation of many jobs and useful engagement for our youths.

“Socially, there’s no gain saying the enormous positive social impact of teaching the rules and

etiquettes of golf to our youths.

Golf also contributes to charitable causes more than any other major sport, so it’s a huge way of giving back to society whilst protecting our environment as well,” Fetuga capped.

CONTINUED ONLINE

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Oyedepo to Kwara Govt

“Leave the schools for the owners, go to your schools. Is there any fight? Stop putting fingers in the eyes of others, the world should be warned against the church. The church is a time bomb. When God turns his back on anyone or any system, that system is cursed” – Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, advising Kwara State to leave the mission schools for their owners

FEMIFALANA How FG Frustrated Ibori’s Trial in the UK GUEST COLUMNIST

I

n opposing my position on the legitimate right of the people of Delta State to the sum of £4.2 million confiscated and recovered from the James Ibori loot some colleagues have argued that the fund should be forfeited to the federal government on the grounds that the Uduaghan regime had said that no money was missing from the coffers of the state government. No doubt, the former Delta State Government had denied any loss of money during the proceedings of the Federal High Court for the confiscation of the $15 million bribe given to Mr. Nuhu Ribadu by Chief James Ibori.

Hence, the presiding judge, Kolawole J. (now JCA) directed that the fund be paid into the Federation Account for distribution in line with the provisions of the Revenue Allocation Act. But the Delta State Government never said that the over £100 million confiscated from Chief Ibori in the London trial did not belong to the people of Delta State.

However, it is on record that the federal government openly opposed the trial of Chief Ibori in the United Kingdom. In fact, in utter breach of the provisions of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the then AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Chief Michael Aondoakaa SAN rejected the request to make relevant documents available for the trial in the United Kingdom on the ground of sovereignty. In particular, Chief Aondoakaa refused to entertain the request of the UK Metropolitan Police and made under bilateral mutual assistance to Nigeria on the grounds that the request was not made by the Home Office.

The request was to question Chief Ibori about his involvement in corruption and money laundering that occurred in the United Kingdom. Aondoakaa said: “I think Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, deserves some respect. They (the Metropolitan Police) knew they were wrong, otherwise why did they now write through the Home Office requesting mutual assistance to quiz a prominent Nigerian. ... I cannot compromise the sovereignty of this country, if they make incompetent requests I will turn them down 20 times. Any request from Metropolitan Police would be refused by this office, period.” (See Kolawole Olaniyan, Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa, Oxford: Hart, 2014, p 15).

Dr. Olaniyan criticised the use of “Sovereignty, technicalities, and ‘small details’” as justifications for refusing requests for mutual cooperation and assistance in cases of corruption involving high-ranking state officials.

Similarly, African representatives who participated in the negotiation of the UNCAC insisted that any reference to protection of sovereignty should not be interpreted in a way that would undermine the efforts of countries

AGF , Abubakar Malami

seeking to recover illicit assets. Article 51 of UNCAC on asset-recovery explicitly states that the return of stolen assets is “a fundamental principle of the Convention.”

The effectiveness of the asset recovery provisions of UNCAC depends to a large extent on the measures for mutual legal assistance. Thus, states are required to establish a legal framework to enable them to provide assistance to other states in the recovery of assets acquired through corrupt practices recognised under the convention.

To ensure effective international cooperation in the fight against corruption and money laundering, the UNCAC in article 60 requires states “to consider” various potential methods to provide technical assistance to each other in their plans and programs to prevent and combat corruption.

As far as international law is concerned, the recovered fund belongs to the people of Delta State who are the victims of the

corrupt practice of Chief Ibori. Having ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) both Nigeria and the United Kingdom are bound by Article 35 thereof which states that: “Each State Party shall take such measures as may be necessary, in accordance with principles of its domestic law, to ensure that entities or persons who have suffered damage as a result of an act of corruption have the right to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for that damage in order to obtain compensation.”

The British Government is releasing the stolen money to Nigeria in strict compliance with international law and not out sheer generosity as erroneously argued by some lawyers. According to the travaux préparatoires to the UNCAC, “this article is intended to establish the principle that States Parties should ensure that they have mechanisms permitting persons or entities suffering damage to initiate legal proceedings, in appropriate circumstances, against those who commit acts of corruption.”

Notably, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan aptly captured the growing international community’s concern with corruption and its negative impact on human rights during the 2003 adoption by the General Assembly of UNCAC when he said: “Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. Corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a government’s ability to provide basic services.”

From the foregoing, it is undoubtedly clear that the huge success recorded in the prosecution of the case was anchored on the collaboration between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Metropolitan Police. To that extent, the federal government which had set out to frustrate the trial of Chief Ibori cannot turn round to lay claim to

It is undoubtedly clear that the huge success recorded in the prosecution of the case was anchored on the collaboration between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Metropolitan Police. To that extent, the federal government which had set out to frustrate the trial of Chief Ibori cannot turn round to lay claim to the fund confiscated on the orders of the British courts

the fund confiscated on the orders of the British courts. Having regards to the facts and circumstances of the case the Ibori loot belongs to the people of Delta State in toto under domestic and international law. After all, the federal government had handed over the fund stolen by two former governors, in similar circumstances, to the people of Bayelsa and Plateau States.

Nigeria through the EFCC has consistently returned huge sums of money recovered from local criminal elements convicted by Nigerian courts for swindling foreigners including European and Americans. Sometime in November 2005, the EFCC returned US $17 million to a Brazilian bank – the first installment of $242 million siphoned by a group of Nigerian scammers to William Richey, a lawyer representing the defunct Banco Noroeste of Sao Paolo, Brazil. On that occasion, the head of the EFCC, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu said that “By making this restitution to the victim of the scam we also want to send a strong, unequivocal message that we will no longer harbour such fraudulently acquired funds no matter where the victim is.” The return of the huge fund was based on the orders of forfeiture made by Olubunmi Oyewole J. (now JCA).

But out of sheer colonial mentality, some lawyers are asking the Nigerian people to clap for the British Government for returning £4.2 million out of Ibori loot of over £100 million warehoused illegally in the United Kingdom in defiance of the money laundering laws of that country.

It is interesting to note that many Nigerian lawyers are not aware that banks and other financial institutions in the United Kingdom have recently been ordered to pay hundreds of millions of dollars as damages for aiding and abetting corrupt public officials and drug barons who live in foreign countries.

Finally, no doubt, the former Delta State Government was irresponsible to have denied that Chief Ibori looted the treasury of the State at the material time.

But such denial cannot be a justification for the confiscation of the Ibori loot of over £100 million that is expected to be repatriated to Nigeria by the British Government. After all, before his assumption of office as President in May 2015, General Mohammadu Buhari had repeatedly maintained that the late General Sani Abacha did not steal a dime from the account of the federal government. But the federal government under the President’s watch has continued to recover the remaining Abacha loot and no one has suggested that such recovered loot be paid to the account of the United Nations or African Union on moral grounds. r'BMBOB 4"/ JT UIF *OUFSJN $IBJS PG "MMJBODF PO 4VSWJWJOH $PWJE BOE #FZPOE

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