SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 2020

WHO: No Evidence People That Survived COVID-19 Can’t be Reinfected

Oyo to enforce compulsory use of facemasks 49 new cases recorded, total now 542, while 166 have been discharged Global death toll hits 160, 755; over 2.3 million people infected Tobi Soniyi and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo There is currently no evidence to support the belief that people who have recovered

from coronavirus (COVID-19) are immune to the virus and may not catch it again, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. The United Kingdom's Daily

Mirror quoted senior WHO epidemiologists as warning that despite the hopes governments across the world have piled on antibody tests, there is no proof those who

have been infected cannot be infected again.

Nigeria recorded 49 new cases as at 10.40pm yesterday.

The breakdown is as follows: Lagos 23, FCT 12, Kano 10,

Ogun 2, Oyo and Ekiti 1 respectively; bringing the total of confirmed cases in Nigeria so far to 542, while 166 people have recovered from the disease and 19 succumb

to the virus. As at yesterday, Nigeria has 357 active cases.

Meanwhile, Nigeria continued to record recoveries Continued on page 9

World Bank Forecasts 5.1% Contraction for Sub-Saharan Economies... Page 11 Sunday 19 April, 2020 Vol 25. No 9141

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Buhari: Kyari was the Very Best of Us, a Loyal Friend Pages 5, 8, 9 and 12

ABBA KYARI September 23, 1952 to April 17, 2020

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ABBA KYARI: SEPTEMBER 23, 1952 TO APRIL 17, 2020 BUHARI: KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US, A LOYAL FRIEND Our Correspondents President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to his late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on Friday night at the age of 67 following complications from the coronavirus disease. Kyari had tested positive for COVID-19 about three weeks ago and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lagos, before he succumbed to the virus.

He was buried yesterday at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, amid outpouring of tributes

by Nigerians from all walks of life. Many acknowledged his invaluable role in the success of the Buhari administration and presidency.

In an emotional statement, Buhari praised Kyari for being a loyal friend and compatriot of 42 years, particularly acknowledging him as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, and “the very best of us”.

The statement personally signed by the President and titled, TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI, said, “Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friend and compatriot for the last 42 years – and latterly my Chief-ofStaff – he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.

“He was only in his twenties, when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad – first at Warwick and then law at the University of Cambridge. But there was never any question Abba would bring his first-rate skills and newly acquired world-class knowledge back to Nigeria – which he did – immediately upon graduation.

“Whilst possessing the sharpest legal and organisational mind, Abba's true focus was always the development of infrastructure and the assurance of security for the people of this nation he served so faithfully. For he knew that without both in tandem there can never be the development of the respectful society and vibrant economy that all Nigerian citizens deserve.

“In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself.

Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria's political establishment – who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a by-product of possessing political office.”

After becoming his Chief of Staff in 2015, Buhari said he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement his agenda.

He stated, “There are those who said of him that he must be secretive, because he did not have a high public profile. But Abba was the opposite: he simply had no need, nor did he seek the cheap gratification of the crowd; for him, there was nothing to be found in popular adulation.

He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.

“Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one – whether minister or governor had access beyond another – and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally.

“He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian – regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty – was heard and treated respectfully and the same.

“Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great.

“Rest In Peace, my dearest

friend.”

Buhari added, “To his loving wife and doting family, who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.”

Another statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said, “On the sad occasion of the demise of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff, the president has directed on three things.

“First, that this tribute be issued in recognition of the enormous sacrifices and contributions made by the deceased to the success of his politics and administration, and to the overall development of the nation.

“Second, the president wishes to direct strict observance of the social distancing rules as prescribed by the National Centre for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health; and other safe hygiene practices as advised by relevant local authorities.

“In this regard, the president will not be available for condolence visitors but urges, in place of that, prayers be offered for the repose of soul of the departed Chief of Staff.

“Third, the president wishes to convey his deep appreciation to foreign leaders and all Nigerians, from whom a stream of messages have been reaching him over this irreparable loss.”

How Kyari Was Buried Kyari’s body was interred at 11.21 am by men dressed in protective gear, after prayer for the repose of his soul was held at the Defence House in Maitama, Abuja. His remains had arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 9am from Lagos, where he died on Friday.

The corpse was moved from there to the Defence House, where it was received by government officials, including the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Abubakar Rufai, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, at 10am before heading for the cemetery.

Kyari's sudden journey to the world beyond was the fallout of his trip to Germany on March 7 along with the Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. There, they held meetings with officials of Siemens, a German energy company, over the on-going power deal between the company and Nigeria.

He developed symptoms of COVID-19 on March 23, when he reportedly coughed profusely at a meeting and consequently went into isolation.

He tested positive to the disease 24 hours later and was in isolation in Abuja until March 29, when he announced his movement to Lagos for further treatment.

In a statement he personally issued on March 26, Kyari for the first time, formally announced that he was infected with the disease and hence, his decision to move to Lagos for "further testing and observation."

Kyari, who assured Nigerians that he was "well" and showed no sign of high fever, which is one of the symptoms of the disease, expressed confidence that he would resume at his duty post very soon.

However, his wish was not to be as he breathed his last on Friday, returning to Abuja in a casket and leaving his dream to return to the State House to continue his work aborted.

A statement issued by Shehu after the burial yesterday said the interment of Kyari marked the end of all ceremonies surrounding his transition. It added that there would be no condolence visits to both his family and the presidency.

The statement, which said well wishers should rather pray for the repose of his soul, added

The late Kyari and his family that a condolence register would be opened in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) from Sunday, April 19.

The statement read, "The remains of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, arrived in Abuja Saturday morning from Lagos, and have been buried at Gudu cemetery after funeral prayers at his residence.

"As advised by the protocols put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health on social distancing, the burial marks the end of all ceremonies and there will be no condolence visits to family and the Presidency.

"Well-wishers and all other Nigerians are instead advised to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Chief of Staff.

"A condolence register will be opened at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) from Sunday for those who are able to use the window permitted for movement by the FCT administration."

His Brief Profile Until he tested positive for COVID-19, Kyari was a formidable force in the administration of Buhari since 2015, determining along with few others, who got what in the government. His image loomed large in the government and every government official and presidential aide was careful not to have any issue with him due to the consequences.

So powerful was he that even the president asked his ministers, who wanted audience with him, to report to Kyari.

Born on November 17, 1953, Kyari, a Kanuri from Borno State, was educated at the University of Warwick in England, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1980. He proceeded to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law from the University of Cambridge, England, and was called to the bar in 1983. He went further to obtain a Master's degree in Law in 1984 from the University of Cambridge.

Kyari was versatile. He was a journalist, lawyer and banker who rose to the peak of the professions.

As a journalist, he was an editor of Democrats, a newspaper published by a former President of the Newspapers' Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Malam Isa Funtua, between 1988 and 1990. He briefly served as Borno State Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Resources

in 1990 and became Secretary to the Board of African International Bank Limited from 1990 to 1995.

Kyari was an Executive Director, Management Services, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and was appointed Managing Director of the bank in 2002.

He was until his appointment as Chief of Staff to the President a member of the Editorial Board of THISDAY and also served on the board of UAC and ExxonMobil.

The Tributes…

It’s a Personal Loss to Buhari, Says Mustapha Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, described Abba Kyari’s death as a personal loss to Buhari and a great loss to the nation. Mustapha said his demise was also a personal loss to him, because the deceased was a good man, who did a great job for Nigeria.

The SGF stated, “It is a personal loss to me, the president and to the nation. I believe Malam Abba will be remembered for so many things. He has done a great job for the nation. Malam Abba was a very good man and very determined, intellectually upright and he had a lot of foresight.

“A lot of people didn’t understand Malam Abba but I worked with him for three years and I can tell you that he was a wonderful person. He was a good man; deep down in his heart, he always meant well and I looked up to him as a senior brother in the course of the work that we did in the last three years.”

Osinbajo to Buhari: Sympathise with You

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, condoled with the family of the late Kyari over his demise, praying God to comfort the them.

"Dolapo and I express our sympathies to the President, Mrs Kulu Kyari, the children, and members of the family on the passing of the late Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President. May the Lord comfort and be with you all in Jesus name. Amen," Osinbajo said in a tweet.

Aisha: May God Forgive His Shortcomings The First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, also offered her sympathies to the Kyari family and prayed God to forgive his sins. She wrote, "From God Almighty we came and to him we shall return. I condole

with Mrs. Kulu Abba Kyari and the entire family of Late Malam Abba Kyari over the death of their husband and father.

"I pray that Allah (SWT) will forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdausi and give the family the fortitude and patience to bear the loss, Ameen.

“While wishing all those infected a speedy recovery, I pray for an end to COVID-19 pandemic."

Lawan: Kyari Played His Role Well President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who said he received news of Kyari’s passing with shock, wrote regarding the deceased, "He was a man of deep convictions and courage, who understood his role and performed it with uncommon dedication and effectiveness.

"He shared the values of President Buhari and his passion for the emancipation of the poor in Nigeria and the all-round development of the country for the benefit of all its people.

"Mallam Kyari played his role well and will always be appreciated, more so now that the Almighty Allah has called time on his earthly sojourn."

Lawan’s message was contained in a statement by his media assistant, Ola Awoniyi.

Obasanjo: I Received the News with Great Sadness In a one-page condolence letter personally signed and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said, "I received the news of the demise of Alhaji Abba Kyari, your Chief of Staff, over Friday night, with great sadness, as he lost the battle against the dreadful killer disease, COVID-19.

"Abba Kyari’s death must be painful to you and to his family and friends, but you can all take solace in the fact that he died in harness, in the service of his country.

“His death must be a solemn reminder to all of us that COVID-19 requires all hands on deck, soberly, cooperatively, humanly, humanely, justly, equitably, fairly, consolidatedly, and comprehensively to be able to fight it successfully and to get all Nigerians back to good health and healthy economy. God will give you and Abba Kyari’s family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May Allah receive his soul.”

Jonathan Prays for Kyari,

Family Former President Goodluck Jonathan condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari and the family of his late Chief of Staff, praying God to grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

Jonathan, who tweeted his condolences, wrote, “I condole with H.E @MBuhari, the Kyari family & all sympathisers on the demise of Mallam Abba Kyari, who until his death was the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria. May Allah grant him Al Jannah Firdaus & strengthen his family & friends during this moment of grief.”

Tinubu: His Influence Was Profound National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Kyari as a man of accomplishment, whose death should not be in vain.

Tinubu said, “I'm deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Malam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President. He was an extremely able, loyal and talented man, who dedicated his considerable skills to the success of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Whatever someone will try to say about Mallam Kyari, the words will prove insufficient.

His influence in government and throughout the land was substantial and profound. He will surely be missed. My deepest condolences go to President Buhari, the people of Nigeria and, especially, the family of Mallam kyari over this tragic loss.

“May Almighty Allah comfort the president and the Kyari family at this difficult moment.

“This death came at a time the government is working assiduously to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. We must not allow the passing away of Mallam Kyari and the other Nigerians who have lost their lives to this terrible disease to be in vain. Although we are today made sad, we must also use this moment to strengthen our resolve in fighting the pandemic.”

Atiku: Our Prayers Are With You Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said he was saddened by the death of Kyari and prayed that Allah should comfort his family and those left behind Atiku stated, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. I am saddened by the death of Chief of Staff, Continued on page 8

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ABBA KYARI: SEPTEMBER 23, 1952 TO APRIL 17, 2020 BUHARI: KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US, A LOYAL FRIEND Abba Kyari. May Allah SWT comfort his family, forgive his sins and grant him AlJannah Firdaus. Ameen.

“I have received the death of your Chief of Staff with profound grief and sorrow, and I convey to you my deepest and heartfelt sympathies at this sombre moment.

"Mr. President, my heart and prayers are with you at this emotionally challenging moment as you come to terms with the death of your dedicated Chief of Staff. We are bound by common humanity and I therefore feel and share your grief at this moment.

May Allah forgive the deceased and grant him eternal bliss in paradise."

Saraki: I Pray God Forgive His Sins Former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who also took to his twitter handle to commiserate with the deceased’s family, said, “I commiserate with President @ MBuhari and the Kyari family over the passing away of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Omo-Agege: He Was Hardworking Patriot

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Deputy Senate President, Senator Omo-Agege, said Kyari’s death was a rude shock, stressing that Nigerians must pray for divine help for President Muhammadu Buhari in charting the way forward.

“Mallam Kyari was a very hardworking patriot. I still recall his last official statement in which he admonished us all about the coronavirus pandemic's virulent threat to everyone without any consideration for class, creed or place of origin.”

It’s a Heavy Loss, Says Ekweremadu Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on his Twitter handle, @ iamekweremadu said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari. It is a heavy loss to the Presidency and the nation, which he gave his all. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, the Presidency, and the entire nation. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”

Amaechi: He Was Forthright Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, described Abba Kyari as a forthright, seasoned and remarkable administrator, who took his job seriously and contributed immensely to the Buhari administration.

Amaechi said in a chat with THISDAY, “Today, I join Nigerians, members of the cabinet and staff of the presidency to mourn late Abba Kyari and pray for the repose of his soul. I also pray that his wife, Mrs. Kulu Abba Kyari, his family and loved ones find strength in this very trying time to bear this heavy loss.

“Abba Kyari was a great patriot, who loved Nigeria and his job. You may disagree with him, but you can’t deny his forthrightness. He will be missed in the cabinet, where he displayed great brilliance and intelligence. He will be missed by friends, family and the nation and may his gentle soul rest in peace.”

APC: Buhari Lost a Competent Hand The leadership of APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-

Onilu, said the president had lost a competent, trusted, loyal, strong right hand man and long-time adviser, who promoted, protected and defended his interest in good times and adversity. The statement said, “Even in death, the fond memories and indelible strides Mallam Abba Kyari left on earth will be celebrated for a long time. We remember a cerebral Nigerian, who excelled in his private dealings, professional endeavours, and public service.”

Says Bauchi Governor Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, said he received the news with shock and sympathised with President Buhari, family and friends of the late Abba Kyari over the loss, stressing that every human being must taste death.

A statement by Lawal Muazu Bauchi, Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, stated, "The governor, on behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State, prayed Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannat Firdausi and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“We are sad to hear about the death of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari. May Allah SWT forgive his sins, comfort his family and grant him the highest place in Jannah. Ameen.”

It’s a Painful Loss, Says PDP The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, comforted Buhari, the Kyari family, the government and people of Borno State and the nation at large for the painful loss, and prayed that the Almighty Allah grants Kyari eternal rest.

PDP also commiserated with families of all the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and prayed for the speedy recovery of the sick receiving treatment in various isolation centres.

Obaseki: He Stood With Buhari

Gbajabiamila, CUPP: We’re Saddened!

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also expressed sadness over the passing of Kyari.

The Speaker, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said Nigeria had lost a patriot in the person of Kyari.

The message said, "With Kyari's and other Nigerians' death as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the country needs to do everything possible to avoid further spread of the disease, while taking care of those that tested positive so far.

I am particularly saddened and shocked at the demise of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Here was a person, who was highly patriotic and who showed the highest level of commitment and dedication to duty.

"Malam Abba Kyari would be remembered for his contributions to the development of the country at various stages of his life, including the last few years that he had served as the Chief of Staff to the President. I believe Kyari died while serving the country as he contracted the disease during his trip to Germany in March on a national assignment as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the intractable electricity problem in the country.

"This is, indeed, a great loss to Nigeria. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this trying time. I also want to extend my condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari for this loss. Death is inevitable for every human. The deaths of Malam Abba Kyari and other Nigerians at this time call for us all to rise as a nation and fight the COVID-19 pandemic in every possible way we can."

CUPP, in a statement by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said, "At the breaking of the news that the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, had contracted the dreaded COVID-19, we prayed for his quick recovery. However, we are saddened by the news that he could not make it and has passed away.

“This is an irreparable loss to the President and capable of affecting him in the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians. We pray for the repose of his soul and also that God Almighty grants the President the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Senate Minority Mourns

Caucus

The PDP senators in the National Assembly, in a statement by

Kyari Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, consoled the president, the presidency, the federal government, and the family of the deceased.

"We in the Senate Minority caucus condole with President Buhari, the federal government and the family of Mallam Kyari and pray that the Lord receive his soul and grant him eternal rest," Abaribe said.

Fayemi: It’s a Devastating Death Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, commiserated with Buhari and the family of the deceased. A statement by Fayemi’s media aide, Yinka Oyebode, described Kyari's death as saddening and devastating, saying it is a great tragedy and a monumental loss to Nigeria at a very critical period.

It described Kyari as a committed patriot and altruistic servant, who dedicated his life to the service of his fatherland, both in the private and public sectors. Fayemi said the late Chief of Staff was a go-getter, who delivered on any assignment committed to his hands, because of his belief that service should always come first.

"While the nation is mourning the death of Malam Abba Kyari, his death should unite all Nigerians, irrespective of their leanings, to join hands with the government to defeat COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a common enemy that we must all defeat. Mallam Kyari's death should further fire our collective resolve to fight the pandemic to a standstill,” the governor stated.

Sanwo-Olu: His Death, a Monumental Loss Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, while condoling with President Buhari, said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, that the death of Mallam Abba Kyari was shocking, painful and a monumental loss to the nation, the people and government of Borno, and the Kyari family.

“I received the sad news of the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, an astute public servant, with a heavy heart. Mallam Kyari was a dedicated Nigerian, a deeply committed and patriotic citizen, who contributed remarkably to the smooth and successful running of President Muhammadu Buhari’s

administration,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He described Kyari as a “conscientious, competent, cerebral and outstanding administrator whose life traversed the fields of law, journalism, banking and politics.” Sanwo-Olu said Kyari’s death was a great loss to Nigeria, happening at a time the country was desirous of more deeply patriotic individuals to contribute selflessly towards the development of the country.

Bagudu: A Call for Unity against COVID-19 Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Atiku Bagudu, in a statement on Saturday, said the death of Kyari was a further call on all Nigerians to be united in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

"We received the death of Mallam Abba Kyari with heavy heart and gratitude to Allah (SWT) for a life well blessed.

We, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), join the family, President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation to pray for the repose of the soul of our dear and beloved Mallam Abba Kyari.

His death is a loss to the nation and the Nigerian progressive community.”

Yahaya: We Lost a Dedicated Gentleman Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said Nigeria had lost a fine and dedicated gentleman, a patriot and a reliable administrator, who was always mindful of his duties and responsibilities.

"On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. President, the family of the deceased as well as the government and people of his home state, Borno, over this great loss,” Yahaya stated.

Abdulrasaq: We’ll Sorely Miss Kyari Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement in Ilorin by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, said, “The death of the Chief of Staff is a huge loss. We mourn Mallam Abba. He will be sorely missed.

"On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, we commiserate with Mr. President, the Federal Executive Council, and the immediate and extended family of Mallam Abba. We pray Almighty Allah to grant him

Al-jannah firdaus.”

Malami: I’m in Deep Pain The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the news of Kyari’s death flung him into deep pain and agony. Malami said, “Malam Abba Kyari was a paragon of virtue, patriotic citizen, who rendered selfless service to Nigeria. As a dedicated individual with an unflinching commitment, his passion to nation building was unwavering. He was, indeed, loyalty personified.

“I express heartfelt condolences to the Presidency, the family of the late Malam Abba Kyari, and the entire nation on this irreparable loss. The death is, indeed, a crumble of a giant pillar.

May the Almighty Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.”

He Was an Experienced Administrator, Says Gambari The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a condolence message by his media aide, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, described Kyari’s death as a national loss and disaster He stated, "Late Abba Kyari's contributions to the national growth and development as a trusted hand and confidant of President Muhammadu Buhari cannot be over emphasised in the space of time.

"The deceased was an experienced administrator and nationalist, who demonstrated his worth through his discharge of unquantifiable support for the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to give Nigerians quality leadership and governance.

"He led the federal government delegations to the ancient palace of Ilorin to commiserate with us during the demise of our beloved mother, Hajia Aishat Nma SuluGambari, as a sign of love and honour for the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large."

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, in a statement, said Kyari’s passing was a personal loss and he would be greatly missed.

Obaseki stated, “Having associated with Abba Kyari for over two decades, I found him to be a complete gentleman, very intellectual and a true Nigerian patriot. He was a forthright man, who was resolute in his conviction and loyal to any course he believed in.

“I admire how he stood with President Muhammadu Buhari through thick and thin.

I, therefore, express my personal condolences and that of Edo people to President Buhari, who we know will also miss Abba Kyari greatly.”

Zulum: It’s a Big Loss to Us In his own way of mourning Kyari, the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday mobilised internally displaced persons at different camps in Ngala local government to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Chief of Staff.

Zulum said he received the sad news of Kyari, who hailed from Bama in the state, at Gamboru, a border town in Ngala, where he passed the night, while on humanitarian visit to supervise the distribution of food, cash and textiles to about 50,000 internally displaced persons in different camps.

On the governor’s request, the Chief Imam of Ngala town, Goni Kadiri, led a gathering of other imams and displaced persons to offer prayers of forgiveness and eternal peace for the deceased.

A statement by spokesperson to the governor, Malam Isa Gusau, said, “We have lost one of our own, Alhaji Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President.

It is a big loss to us, because Borno has just lost a rock.

“I was really shocked by news of his demise. I last spoke with him exactly weeks ago and he was in good spirit. I share the grief of his immediate family, His Excellency, Mr. President, and the Presidency as well as his larger family, the people of Borno State.”

ANAP Foundation Sympathises with Buhari

The state chairman of APC, Hon. Bashr Bolarinwa, described Kyari’s passing as a great blow to Buhari’s administration.

"He has been a pivotal and critical force in the running of the presidency. While late Abba Kyari may not have been a particularly flamboyant and popular figure with his friends and foes alike, he was, no doubt, a dutiful, hardworking and unrepentantly loyal aide to Mr. President.”

The Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank sympathised with the president over the death of Kyari, and extended their sympathies to his immediate family. In a statement by Atedo Peterside and Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, the group, however, stated, “We noted with sadness and concern the fact that the strict rules of social distancing

Death, a Debt We All Owe,

Continued on page 9

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ABBA KYARI: SEPTEMBER 23, 1952 TO APRIL 17, 2020 BUHARI: KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US, A LOYAL FRIEND were flouted at his burial today.

This has serious implications for the good work that is being done by various agencies to keep our people safe. We call on the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to note this and apply the laws across the board through leadership by example.

“Going forward, we appeal to the authorities to lead by example and help ensure that all and sundry obey the well thought out rules for burials and all other gatherings at this time.”

OPEC: He Was a Gallant Officer The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) described Kyari as a gallant public servant, who was fiercely loyal to the common good. A statement by OPEC Secretary General, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, said, “When one was in his company, it was very clear that he was somebody, who joined public service for all the right reasons. While this is, of course, a time of profound sorrow, we also take succour from his exemplary life, his courage and his dedication to duty and love of country.

“Mallam Abba’s passing is another stark reminder of how COVID-19 has cast a terrible shadow over all of humanity. At this dreadful hour, we give thanks for your strong leadership and look to the timeless principles of cooperation and fraternity among

all nations and peoples of the world to guide us through the darkest period in living memory.

“May Almighty Allah give you, Mr. President, and the people of our great country, Nigeria, the fortitude to bear this rude shock. Please, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this tragic time.”

Adesina: Buhari Lost a Friend!

The President of African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, described the death of Abba Kyari as a personal loss to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“For you personally, Mr. President, this is a deeply personal loss; a loss of your close confidant; a loss of your close associate; a loss of your friend. I pray that God will grant you the solitude, comfort and strength at this time, as you deal with this tragic loss.”

Ibori: Dependable and Godfearing Former Delta State Governor James Ibori described Kyari as an unassuming man, who was loyal and dependable to a fault, in addition to being God-fearing.

In a letter personally addressed to his wife, Kulu, Ibori, who said he had hoped Kyari would survive his battle with COVID-19, said, “Those of us that knew your husband from his days in Lagos can testify to his humane

nature. He was very unassuming, loyal and dependable to a fault and he remained God-fearing till the end.

“This aspect of him has been on public display; no Chief of Staff anywhere has shown as much loyalty and commitment as he showed to President Muhammadu Buhari. History will be kind to him for giving his best in directing the affairs of the nation for almost five years.”

Abba Kyari as a humble man, who had a distinguished career in the banking industry, among others, and died in the service of his country. In a press release by his media aide, Joe Anatune, Soludo said, “Death is a debt that all mortals must pay at God’s will and, time…We pray God to spare the lives of Nigerians from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic."

TUC

Fintiri: We Celebrate an Extraordinary Life

The leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) urged the federal government to immortalise the late Abba Kyari by setting up state-of-the-art hospitals in the six geo-political zones of the country for the treatment of infectious diseases. The union, in a condolence letter to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, signed by its president, Comrade Quadri A. Olaleye, sympatised with Buhari, saying the country has suffered a great loss.

TUC therefore urged the government to immortalise him by setting up hospitals to "ensure the pandemic does not consume more Nigerians needlessly".

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in a release by Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, and addressed to the president, said, "We mourn with you and celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable man, who devoted his life to the service of the nation.”

Fintiri said Nigeria owed a debt to Kyari’s patriotism and he must be remembered for his courage, unselfishness and devotion to duty that sustained the country through all its trials.

He described Kyari as a powerful force for peace and democracy, praying Allah to reward his good deeds and forgive his imperfections.

Soludo: He Distinguished Himself

CAN: He Sacrificed in Service to Motherland

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, described

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in a Letter of condolence to

Immortalise Urges FG

Kyari,

Buhari, personally signed by its president, His Eminence, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, said Kyari sacrificed his life in service to motherland.

“We are particularly sad that he contracted the virus while on duty abroad. He has, thus, sacrificed his life in the course of service to his motherland.

That spoke much of his patriotic devotion to greatness of our nation.”

Describing the death as a “big blow” to the Buhari administration, CAN prayed that God will give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss. It assured all that it would “continue to pray for the president for enhanced wisdom and patience to lead a great country like this.”

FEC: He Served Nigeria with Passion, Dedication Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) described the late Kyari as a loyal, committed and focused public officer, who served the country with passion and dedication.

Another condolence message by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, on behalf of FEC, recalled that Kyari's last assignment before he was diagnosed with COVID-19 was the composition of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

The SGF noted that the

FEC would miss his service to the nation, particularly his rich, analytical, insightful and invaluable contributions to issues.

He prayed to the Almighty to grant Buhari, the nation and the Abba Kyari family the fortitude to bear the loss.

NGF: He Only Wanted Nigeria’s Progress The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) yesterday said the late Abba Kyari wanted nothing but the progress of the country. In a condolence message to Buhari, chairman of the forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said, "The late Abba Kyari steered the activities of your office with the passion and integrity of a patriot who wished nothing but progress for his country and demanded nothing but decorum, care and respect for those who sought your attention as the President."

Fayemi said Kyari steered the affairs of his office with wisdom and foresight, stating that he forged strong ties between the president and the ministers, and strengthened the bond between the governors and the Buhari administration.

"As we condole our president and country in this trying moment, the NGF avails this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of our highest consideration," Fayemi said.

Continued on page 12

WHO: NO EVIDENCE PEOPLE THAT SURVIVED COVID-19 CAN'T BE REINFECTED from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Saturday, with Lagos, Edo, and Osun states discharging patients.

In Oyo State, the governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, said the state government had resolved to produce one million facemasks for use in the state as a way of curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Makinde said the state had also decided to enforce the compulsory use of facemasks in public.

Johns Hopkins University stated at the weekend that COVID-19 had infected more than 2.25 million people worldwide and killed at least 158, 000.

Daily Mirror reported that the British government had bought 3.5 million serology test kits, which measure levels of antibodies in blood plasma, even though they were not definitive of growing levels of herd immunity.

“Many tests being developed are pin prick blood tests similar to widely used instant HIV tests and measure for raised levels of the antibodies the body uses to fight the virus," the Mail reported.

But speaking at a press conference in Geneva, an American infectious disease epidemiologist, who works for WHO, Dr Maria van Kerkhove, said, “There are a lot of countries that are suggesting using rapid diagnostic serological tests to be able to capture what they think will be a measure of immunity.

"Right now, we have no evidence that the use of a serological test can show that an individual has immunity or is protected from reinfection."

Kerkhove added, "These antibody tests will be able to measure that level of seroprevalence - that level of antibodies. But that does not mean that somebody with antibodies means that they are immune."

She said it was “a good thing” that so many tests were being developed, but cautioned, "We need to ensure that they are validated so that we know what they say they attempt to measure they are actually measuring."

Kerkhove’s colleague, Dr Michael Ryan, said the antibody

tests also raised ethical questions.

“There are serious ethical issues around the use of such an approach and we need to address it very carefully, we also need to look at the length of protection that antibodies might give,” Ryan said.

"You might have someone who believes they are seropositive (have been infected) and protected in a situation where they may be exposed and, in fact, they are susceptible to the disease."

Other experts agreed with them. Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology, University of Reading, Dr Simon Clarke, said, “I agree with Dr Maria van Kerkhove from the WHO. The overconfident assertion by some that having antibodies to the coronavirus causing COVID-19 gives immunity, has been made without any evidence and by some people who should know better. It is reasonable to assume that, as someone recovers from the infection, the immunity they generate will persist for some time, maybe weeks, months or years, but nobody actually knows.

We simply don’t yet know what would make someone immune to COVID-19 or whether long-term immunity is even possible.”

Visiting Professor in Medical Virology, Imperial College London, Professor Richard Tedder, said, “When someone has been infected with the COVID-19 virus, there is an immunological response to the virus, which includes the production of antibody. It is correct to say that we are not certain that the presence of this recovery antibody will necessarily protect the person against re-infection.

There are a number of reasons for this uncertainty.

“Firstly, it has proved very difficult to produce an antibody test which is both sensitive enough to detect antibody in all recovered patients and of sufficient accuracy not to generate false-positive results. Globally there has been an immense amount of work in developing a range of antibody tests some of which are excellent and some of which are not. In addition, the level of the antibody in the recovered person varies quite

widely with a number of studies showing that mild infections are associated with a lower antibody response in recovery.

“Secondly, there are reports of re-infection, but whether these instances are re-infections as such or the persistence of shedding of the virus at low level in the recovery period remains to be defined."

American television outlet, CNN, also reported a similar finding. It said, “In South Korea, health officials are trying to solve a mystery: why 163 people who recovered from coronavirus have retested positive, according to the Korea Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC)."

According to CNN, the same has been recorded in China, where some coronavirus patients tested positive after seeming to recover, although there are no official figures. While experts are still studying the reason for this, a Chinese top respiratory expert, Zhong Nanshan, had during a press conference last week said a recovered person could test positive because fragments of the disease remained in their body.

The Mail also reported that UK government pounced on an early offer of potential tests kits produced in China with the New York Times reporting officials agreed to pay apparoximately $20 million to secure the home testing kits. The paper reported, "However, when the antibody tests were put through their paces they were found not to be sufficiently accurate and as a result could not be used. Officials are now scrambling to try to get the money back.

"Downing Street did not deny the claims but the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said he was not aware of the specific $20 million figure.

"The spokesman said: 'Where tests are shown not to have any prospect of working, then we will seek to recover as much of the costs as we can.'"

More Recoveries in Lagos, Edo, Osun Meanwhile, Osun State Government said on Saturday it had discharged one COVID-19 patient after two negative tests for the virus, in line with the

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, disclosed this.

“This afternoon, another COVID-19 patient was released from our Isolation centre, having fully recovered and tested negative twice for the virus, in compliance with the NCDC protocol,” Isamotu said.

He appealed to citizens and residents of the state to continue to comply with measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of the virus.

“Let me on behalf of Mr. Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, appeal to our people to continue to comply with the sit-at-home order and observe basic personal hygiene habits. Collectively, we shall eradicate coronavirus in our dear state. Kudos to my colleagues in the health sector for their service to the state," the commissioner said.

Lagos State Government also discharged four more COVID-19 patients, bringing to 94 the total number of successfully treated persons in the state. Announcing this Saturday, the Incident Commander on COVID-19 in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said three of those discharged were male while one was female.

Sanwo-Olu said, “The patients: two from the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, and two others from Onikan Isolation Centre, have fully recovered and tested negative twice consecutively to COVID-19."

Edo State Government on Saturday announced the discharge of the sixth coronavirus patient in the state, after the patient tested negative twice for the virus and was cleared for discharge at one of the state’s isolation centres.

In a statement, Governor Godwin Obaseki, said, “Good people of Edo State, I have good news again today. One more coronavirus patient has tested negative twice for the virus and cleared to return home.

“Please, stay safe and stay at home, as we intensify efforts to check the spread of COVID-19 in our dear state.”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, in a chat with journalists, urged residents with the symptoms of coronavirus

to seize the opportunity of the on-going massive screening across the state to ascertain their status, stressing that prompt detection and treatment increases the chances of survival.

Okundia called on Edo sons and daughters to support the state government’s efforts to halt the spread of the virus by coming out for screening, testing and treatment, as well as complying with guidelines to contain the infectious disease.

He explained that the state had recorded a total of 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with six fully recovered and discharged, and contact tracing on-going for about 330 persons who had different levels of contact with those who tested positive to the virus. He said the number of suspected cases had increased to 123.

Assuring that COVID-19 was not a death sentence, Okundia stated, “The government encourages everyone with symptoms of the disease to come out for screening, testing and treatment as prompt detection and treatment increases the chances of survival. COVID-19 is not a death sentence and not a lifelong disease. Once treated and discharged, you are free to live a normal life.

“All citizens of Edo State are hereby encouraged to abide strictly with government directives on social distancing, use of facemask in the public, regular hand washing with soap and running water or using alcohol-based sanitisers, cough etiquette and compliance with the stay-at-home order.”

He added, “COVID-19 is real with immense impact on the health and wellbeing on the general populace and we all have a collective responsibility to contribute our quota in ending this scourge.

“I want to use this medium to commend the health workers of Edo State and our partners for a job well done so far. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call these toll-free lines that have been activated by Edo State Government for assistance: 08001235111 and 08002200110.”

Oyo to Enforce Compulsory Use of Facemasks

Oyo State Government said it had decided to produce one million facemasks. Governor Seyi Makinde, who disclosed this to newsmen at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, said some countries had found the use of masks helpful in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying, “As I stated in an earlier interview, one of the measures we considered to prevent, contain and control the spread of COVID-19 in Oyo State is the compulsory use of facemasks in the public. We reached a decision to implement this measure. What we are saying is, if you must leave your house and come to any public place, you must wear facemask.

“We know that we are in a very tough economic environment right now. So, what Oyo State Government wants to do is to produce an initial one million facemasks to kick-start masks in public place policy in Oyo State.

“What we have also done is to link up with the artisans: 100 of the tailors will be commissioned

by Monday, 20th of April, to make 10,000 facemasks each.

Makinde said the on-going massive “Drive-Through/WalkThrough Testing” at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, was already yielding results, with four new cases confirmed from the tests.

He announced a shift for the resumption of work at the State Secretariat from April 20 to April 27, citing expert evaluation of the virus situation.

The governor said to ensure food security post-COVID-19, the government had embarked on an enlightenment campaign for farmers. He said the state had also gone into partnership with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Institute of Agriculture Research and Training (IAR&T) to achieve a seamless planting season.

On the distribution of palliatives, Makinde said the state’s data for the exercise was ready, explaining that it has been able to identify the poorest of the poor, who will be the beneficiaries.

10

APRIL 19, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

EDITORIAL

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

COVID-19 AND THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED The authorities should reach out to people with disabilities

T

he COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis that also poses serious socio-economic challenges. But no group has been more affected than those living with disabilities. Nigeria has a population of approximately 25 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) and they are among the most socially excluded groups in any community. Every day they encounter difficulty accessing services due to discrimination and stigma. In addition, they are usually forgotten and not prioritised in emergency responses. That is now the case with the COVID-19 responses by the federal government and the 36 states.

From the ‘Nigerians with Disability’ military decree of 1993 which provides “a clear and comprehensive legal The coronavirus protection and security pandemic for Nigerians with disreveals the deepability” to the several efforts by the National rooted level of Assembly culminating marginalisation the Disabilities Act and exclusion faced in 2019, it is clear that the by persons with law is not the problem. disabilities, many of The main challenge which is occasioned has been the attitude of by the gross lack of Nigerians to the plight data on their actual of this vulnerable group. has exposed that number, where they Nothing more than the current live, and how to efforts to fight the COVreach them ID-19 pandemic. Nobody has factored in the reality that containment measures such as social distancing and self-isolation may be difficult for persons who rely mostly on the support of others to eat, dress and bathe, thereby making them more susceptible to contracting the virus. Also, stocking up supplies of food stuff can be difficult due to poverty as many rely on begging to survive. Besides, persons with disabilities generally are more vulnerable to the impact of low quality or inaccessible health-care services and isolation centres than others.

As the authorities therefore continue to ramp up efforts to increase surveillance and prevent the spread of coronavirus, with measures such as

Letters to the Editor

H

e played in the background so well. Abba Kyari was the mystery of the presidential villa. Unobtrusive and self-effacing, yet his influence was palpable beyond the cloistered Aso villa. He understood his job as the president’s right-hand man and never did he outshine the master. He capered as the unseen but dutiful connoisseur of the throne; greatly misunderstood, uncelebrated, but feared.

In August 2015, Kyari was appointed as President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff. There was minuscule information on this figure at the time – basically because there were no records of him featuring prominently in any government in the past. Really, Kyari was a seasoned administrator without the affectations

prohibition of public gatherings, closure of markets and distribution of food items, there is no plan to reach persons with disabilities. To ensure that Nigeria provides an inclusive medical response, states, federal government and service providers can take practical steps like adopting the principle of ‘Universal Design’ to ensure compliance of isolation centres and relief distributions centres with the minimum standards of accessibility. Similarly, testing and isolation centres including toilets and other facilities within them should be accessible to those on wheel chairs. It is critical that all essential personnel in the response, including call-centre operators, doctors and other healthcare staff are sensitized and trained on disability rights and inclusion.

I

S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI 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 DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR 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

ndeed, the coronavirus pandemic reveals the deep-rooted level of marginalisation and exclusion faced by persons with disabilities, many of which is occasioned by the gross lack of data on their actual number, where they live, and how to reach them. As this pandemic rages and passes, it is vital that we institutionalise the collection of disability disaggregated data during COVID-19 response to aid future planning and to support government in taking the needed actions for ensuring that no one is left behind. It is also important that first responders identify specific risks that may be exacerbated for persons with disabilities during a crisis, for instance: exploitation, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, especially of women and girls with disabilities.

It is unfortunate that the physically challenged of our society are still discriminated against and face social stigma. From transportation which allows movement and interactions, through health, recreations and even educational services which can make them compete effectively, people with one disability or another are most often discriminated against and deprived of their rights. Everywhere and every day, obstacles are thrown on their paths. In Nigeria today, in spite of the law, the physically challenged are most often denied employment opportunities. To worsen the situation, many are regarded by their families as a source of shame and treated as objects of charity.

The government as a matter of policy must create a conducive atmosphere for the political and socioeconomic integration of the physically challenged in our society. At this most difficult period when the whole world is fighting a pandemic, they must be empowered to help themselves and their families.

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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

Who Will Tell Abba Kyari’s Story? and contaminations of politics before he enlisted in the Buhari administration.

According to his profile on Wikipedia, Kyari graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Warwick in 1980, and also received a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Cambridge.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School in 1983.

He obtained a master's degree in law from the University of Cambridge in 1984. And he later attended the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland and participated in the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School, in 1992 and 1994, respectively.

Kyari worked for the law, firm Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo

for some time after his return to Nigeria. And from 1988 to 1990, he was editor with the New Africa Holdings Limited Kaduna.

In 1990, he served as a commissioner for forestry and animal resources in Borno state.

From 1990 to 1995, Kyari was the secretary to the board of African International Bank Limited, a subsidiary of Bank of Credit and Commerce International.

He was an executive director in charge of management services at the United Bank for Africa, and was later appointed the chief executive officer. In 2002, he was appointed a board director of Unilever Nigeria, and later served on the board of Exxon Mobil Nigeria.

As a matter of fact, his shadowy disposition fuelled speculations. Let me rephrase that.

His vague posturing was exploited by fortune seekers and opportunists who tinted him in dark and sinister hue. He was ‘’the cabal’’ and the troglodyte impeding the progress of the country. His public persona was that of an overbearing interloper who puppetered the president for insular ends. This was the perception of him by many. But Kyari will not get the chance to be heard.

In the controversies spawned by leaked memos, Kyari was the fall guy. He took the blame. He breasted the slingshots pitter-patter.

He was blurbed as a cankerworm of the administration. But he never revealed his own side of the story. He remained taciturn, acquiescent and non-combative until the end.

I had wished Kyari survived COVID-19. When the news of his affliction broke, I wrote in an open letter: ‘’But Dear Kyari, I really pray you survive this affliction. I believe

you will. And you will. When you come around, push for deliberate action on and sustained investments in the country’s parlous health sector. This should be an epiphany for us all. When it comes down to it; home is home. We must build Nigeria for Nigerians.’’

I saw his affliction as a sign; I reasoned at the possibility of a change in the government’s operations when he turns a corner.

I believed he could have effectuated some change. But life is not mine to give.

I will mourn Kyari for the dead are to be mourned. I will not mock a man who exited this temporary plane for I am a dead man still breathing waiting for my time to be called home.

It is the end of an era. But who will tell Abba Kyari’s story?

––Fredrick Nwabufo, fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ͯͷ˜ 2020

NEWS

11

Acting News Editor ÌÙãÏÑË ÕÓØÝËØ×Ó E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͸΀͹΁΀;ͽ΁͸ ̙Ý×Ý ÙØÖã̚

World Bank Forecasts 5.1% Contraction for Sub-Saharan African Economies Says region may incur $79bn out loss Puts agricultural production slump at 7%

Gboyega Akinsanmi Sub-Saharan Africa, which comprises 46 states located south of the Sahara, may record 5.1 percent economic contraction due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the World Bank Group has said in its latest edition of Africa’s Pulse, a biannual analysis of the state of economies in the region.

The group, one of the world’s largest sources of funding and

knowledge for developing countries, equally projected that the pandemic, which has killed about 1,000 in Africa alone, could cost the region between $37 billion and $79 billion in terms of output losses for 2020.

The group highlighted the forecast in its Spring 2020 edition of Africa’s Pulse titled “An Analysis of Issues Shaping Africa’s Economic Future,” which the Office of the Chief Economist for the Africa

Region recently released.

Sub-Sahara Africa, which excludes Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia, on aggregate, has the GDP that values $1.709 trillion, accounting for about 66.24 percent of Africa’s $2.58 trillion GDP. With the COVID-19 outbreaks, the United Nations Economic Council for Africa had proposed a $100 billion emergency economic stimulus for Africa at large, which

include an estimated $44 billion waiver for interest payments in 2020.

But in its latest report, the group said COVID-19 “has taken a toll on human life and brought major disruption to economic activity across the world. Despite its late arrival, the virus has spread rapidly across Sub-Saharan Africa in recent weeks.”

Specifically, the report estimated that economic growth in sub-

GIVING COVID UPDATES. . .

L-R: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the Commissioner for Health and Human Services; Dr. Moji Yaya-Kolade; during briefing on the new Covid-19 case in Ado-Ekiti…yesterday

Saharan Africa “is projected to decline from 2.4 percent in 2019 to -2.1 to -5.1 percent in 2020, the first recession in the region in 25 years.”

The report acknowledged that the coronavirus “is hitting sub-Sahara Africa’s three largest economies – Nigeria, South Africa and Angola – in a context of persistently weak growth and investment. In particular, countries that depend on oil and mining exports will be hit the hardest.

It said COVID-19 “can cost the region between $37 billion and $79 billion in terms of output losses for 2020. The impact on household welfare is expected to be equally dramatic with welfare losses in the optimistic scenario projected to reach 7 percent in 2020, compared to a non-pandemic scenario.

Also, the report observed that COVID-19 “has the potential to create a severe food security crisis in the region, with agricultural production contracting between 2.6 percent and 7 percent in the scenario with trade blockages.

“Food imports would decline substantially (as much as 25 percent or as little as 13 percent) due to a combination of higher transaction costs and reduced domestic demand,” the group predicted in its 136-page report.

However, the report highlighted health risks due to the region’s

unique challenges, especially the limited access to safe water and sanitation facilities, urban crowding, weak health systems, and a large informal economy.

It said: “Regional governments also lack sufficient room for manoeuvre on the policy side as a result of dwindling revenues, compounded by the larger and riskier debt positions and an increase in external borrowing costs, which will further worsen debt sustainability prospects.”

The report, thus, observed that these fallouts would result from a combination of influences, including the disruption in trade and value chains affecting commodity exporters and countries with strong value chain participation; the reduced foreign financing flows of foreign direct investments, foreign aid, remittances, tourism revenues, and capital flight.

With these consequences, particularly, the report warned that the negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on household welfare would be equally dramatic, noting that African policymakers “need to develop a two-pronged strategy of saving lives and protecting livelihoods.”

Due to deteriorating fiscal positions and increased public debt, according to the report, sub-Saharan Africa’s governments in the region do not have much room for wiggle in deploying fiscal policy to address the COVID-19 crisis.

UK, US Evacuate 886 from Abuja, Lagos Airports Chinedu Eze The United Kingdom and United States of America yesterday evacuated 886 of their citizens from Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

While the UK evacuated 546 from Abuja and Lagos, the US airlifted 340 from the MMIA yesterday, thereby bringing the number of foreigners evacuated from Nigeria 886.

In the case of the UK, a Brit-

ish Airways Boeing 747 aircraft airlifted 301 passengers and 14 crew from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 16.10GMT, while 245 passengers were evacuated from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The US evacuated 340 citizens from the Lagos airport.

Speaking at the Abuja airport while coordinating the operation, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Catriona Laing, expressed gratitude to the federal government for making the evacuation possible.

She said: “To be eligible for all flights, primary residence has to be in the UK and that the embassy prioritised helping the most vulnerable and those who have an underlying medical condition, placing them at greater risk of serious illness if they contact COVID-19.

“I want to say thank you to the government of Nigeria for all the support they have given us. I particularly want to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Capital Territory and the Lagos State government.

“It has been a really challenging process because we have had thousands of British citizens overseas wanting to get back and I appreciate my team that has worked tirelessly to put this together.

“For these first few flights, we have been priotising vulnerable British citizens who are at risk of contracting COVID19, the elderly, the disabled and those with children.

“There will be more flights coming to Lagos. I urge more people to book because the more people book, the better chances

we have when we make a case to London for more flights. Many of the passengers I spoke to have Nigerian-British heritage, so we are seeing the best of both worlds,” Laing said.

The UK had said the nationals would pay £500 each for their seats while the federal government said it would not penalise foreigners who exceed their authorised visa stays as a result of travel restrictions linked to COVID-19.

It added that there “are currently no commercial options available to return to the UK

from Nigeria. All airports in Nigeria are closed to all international commercial flights until 23 April. We know this is concerning for British people trying to leave Nigeria.

“The Nigerian authorities have told us that people who exceed their authorised visa stays as a result of travel restrictions linked to COVID-19 will not be penalised as over-stayers when they depart.”

The US evacuated another batch of its citizens using Boeing B777-200 aircraft operated by Omni International with registration mark, QAE 6204 from MMIA to Dulles Airport, Washington.

FCTA Defends Legality of Mobile Courts Abaribe Asks IGP to Stop to Prosecute Lockdown Violators Extra-judicial Killing in S’East Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday defended the legality of its mobile courts to prosecute violators of the directives of the federal government to lock down the Federal Capital Territory.

The Solicitor-General of the FCT, Mr. Yusuf Wodi made the clarification in a statement following public concerns about the legality of the courts.

Wodi said the mobile courts were legally “constituted by the FCTA through the Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, in line with Section 7 of the Quarantine Act of 2004, which vested jurisdiction to try violations under the

Quarantine Act on Magistrate Courts.”

In keeping with the Quarantine Act, the solicitor-general disclosed that 13 magistrate courts with full complement of staff stationed at strategic locations within and outside the capital city were constituted and are now operational.

He explained that the courts were guided by approved Rules of Procedure in line with the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. He explained that necessary protocols “have been put in place to ensure fairness, justice and above all, the implementation of the primary objective which is to safe guard public health.

“The primary responsibility of the administration as guaranteed by the constitution is to ensure public health and order.

Government does not derive any pleasure in the curtailment of anybody’s freedom. Likewise, government is not interested in causing unnecessary hardship on the residents,” he said.

He said that as a responsible administration, the FCTA “is guided by the rule of law and has taken advantage of existing laws and international best practices in setting up the courts.

“The courts are not new but existing courts only assigned to deal with the enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations as a global emergency.”

Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe yesterday flayed the killing of six youth by security agencies in the Southeast during the lockdown ordered by states in the region in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic.

Abaribe, thus, called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to stop the rising rate of extra- judicial killing of innocent Nigerians in the Southeast by trigger happy policemen hiding under the cover of enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown.

He made the allegation in a statement yesterday, tasking the inspector-general to explain to Nigerians why his men have

found the entire Southeast as most vulnerable in the circumstance to deploy such level of maximum force on the citizens.

He said at the last count, no fewer than six Igbo youth had met their untimely death in the hands of trigger happy policemen, purportedly enforcing the stay-at-home order.

Abaribe said: “Why the concentration in the South East?

In Aba, Abia State, precisely in Uratta junction, one youth was allegedly gunned down, while another was heavily brutalised with gun butts to a point of coma on Friday.

“This came a day after another young man was killed in Umuikaa junction for no just cause. It could be recalled that two weeks ago

a petrol attendant in one of the petrol stations in Ogbor Hill was also shot and killed while on duty by a policeman who claimed stray bullet.

“There are also reports of protests in Ohafia, in Abia State today (Saturday) over alleged killing of some youth in the community by the same police.

Again we have not forgotten the alleged killing of another young man in Nkpor near Onitsha in Anambra State.

“There may be some other unreported cases in this region involving the officers of the Nigeria Police, yet in all of these we have not heard of any decisive action taken by the police high command to stem this ugly tide,” the Senate minority leader said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 19, 2020

ABBAKYARI (SEPTEMBER 23. 1952 - APRIL 17, 2020)... ABBA KYARI (SEPTEMBER23.1952-APRIL17,2020)...

A G ood Man i s Gone Waziri Adio

T

he last time I spoke to Mallam Abba Kyari was in the evening of 29 March 2020. He was on the way to the airport to board that flight to Lagos. He had shared a statement on WhatsApp, which I wanted to confirm was for public consumption. He said sure, and I prayed again for his quick recovery. In that press statement, he had expressed the hope of being back to his desk soon. That was vintage him, a workhorse who approached his brief with near missionary and clear patriotic zeal. Alas, it was not meant to be. That was his last public statement, that day was the last day I had the privilege of talking to him, and the last time he responded to messages. That flight was his last flight alive. A good man, so widely misunderstood and deliberately misrepresented but fiercely loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari and to Nigeria, is gone. A good man is gone.

Gone home.

I woke up on Saturday to the sad news of his passing, completely gutted. It was the least expected outcome, for the news we had received even on Friday evening was that he was getting much better. But the Maker decided to draw the curtain. We can’t question God. Allahu a’lam. Besides, every soul shall taste death. Mallam Abba has just gone the way of all mortals. All his family and loved ones can do now is pray for him and hold on to fond memories.

For me, as I reflected on Saturday over countless conversations and encounters over a nine-year period, the overwhelming sadness of his passing is relieved by an overpowering memory of the good man I had come to know beyond the tendentious caricature energetically sold in the public space in the last four-plus years.

(Full-disclosure: he head-hunted me for my present job, and he went the whole length to ensure I was appointed by the President.

He did this for more than quit a few across the manufactured ethnic and religious divides of our country.)

Even in the week leading to his testing positive to COVID-19, he was immersed, behind the scene, in how to ensure that Nigeria stood a good chance against the virus ravaging the world. He was constantly probing: how many ventilators and ICU beds did we have, how would those stack up against different scenarios, what would be the best strategy to deploy in the circumstances, how could we ramp up capacity for testing and treatment, and how would we limit the definite economic impact of the pandemic? He wasn’t only asking but, as the President’s principal aide, he was also arranging, coordinating, working round the clock, as was his wont, even when diabetes had not put him in perfect health himself.

Despite the constant demonization of his person, I have not come across many in the public space in Nigeria that boast of the intensity, the passion, the meticulousness, and the selflessness of Mallam Abba. As the number one aide and envoy of President Buhari, he constantly preoccupied himself with how to make Nigeria work for all, especially for the disadvantaged and the downtrodden. (Some mistook this preoccupation as socialism, a dirty word in some circles but the Chief I knew was a pragmatist, hardly wedded to an ideology). Unlike previous holders of his office, he held strong opinions and expressed them strongly, and he happen to know a lot about many things on account of education and diverse background as a lawyer, journalist and banker. He also took his job as the gatekeeper to the President very seriously, always insisting that a core part of his job was to ensure that the President had a rounded view of things, and not misled by Nigeria’s legendary predatory elite (yes, I can confirm that he had a thing for the Nigerian elite whom he interacted with a lot from his vantage position, and he was fond of saying he had not seen a set of elite that hated their country as much as ours).

Kyari To be sure, a Chief of Staff having a strong public view and an obvious role in policy and governance was new to our clime and jarring to many, especially to political actors. Legitimate questions could be raised about how an unelected official could be so powerful. But these should also be clear to the open minded: the power exercised by an aide could only be delegated power and an aide could only be as powerful as his principal wants her to be. What could not be disputed was that Mallam Abba enjoyed the trust of his principal and he in turn reciprocated that with unalloyed loyalty. He put all the intellect and muscle he could muster at the service of his principal, and by extension his country. I also know for a fact that his legendary influence was exaggerated. Asizeable number of his ideas or the ideas he bought into didn’t see the light of day, which is not uncommon. But he was always ready to take the bullet. That is what loyal aides, especially Chiefs of Staff, do.

What I and others close to him found confounding however was the ease with which he bore clearly orchestrated and unceasing attacks on his person. As a former journalist and editor, he knew what to do. He would rather explain the details and backgrounds of the latest accusations to us as his friends but would insist that government business should not be done through leaks and that he would not waste precious time in engaging in media wars with his attackers. Even when we begged him to set the records straight even if just for posterity, he would tell us not to bother. He urged us to be more concerned about the verdict of one’s conscience and of God. My sense was that he felt the appropriate place to address the tons of issues constantly thrown at him would be his memoir. Sadly, we won’t have the benefit of reading that, except there is a posthumous one.

He applied the same level of care for this work to personal relations. Despite his impossibly busy schedule and the odious persona woven around his neck, he came across to me as very caring, deeply human. When Olusegun Adeniyi’s brother was diagnosed of advanced cancer, I shared the news with Mallam Abba, just for his information. He called me immediately to find out how bad it was and what could be done, then he called Segun to explore options. Shortly after this time, my mum suddenly lapsed into

BUHARI: KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US, A LOYAL FRIEND Ortom: He Was a Trusted Aide Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State said the passing of a loved one and trusted aide like Kyari could be devastating, describing his death as an inevitable end for which mankind must prepare at all times.

Ortom extended his sympathies to the Kyari family and prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

dedicated to nation building and committed to national integration.” It added that he was “a simple, straightforward and loyal officer” whose “selfless service will be greatly missed in the presidency”

Continued from Page 9 was a national tragedy, even as his innumerable contribution to nation building will always be remembered.

Uzodinma: He Devoted His Energy to Work Sule: We’ve Lost a Patriot!

The governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni, in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Mamman Mohammed, described the death of Abba Kyari as a huge loss, not just to his family and the presidency but also to the government and the nation. He said Kyari “will be remembered for his commitment to good governance, transparency, due process and patriotism.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said with the death of Kyari, the politics of Nigeria had lost a man, who was a powerful force for patriotism, discipline, peace, unity and national service.

“Abba Kyari’s commitment to the highest standards of national service, loyalty and love for Nigeria stands as an example to all of us, particularly, those who are politicians, to be bridge builders and torch bearers of hope,” Sule said.

He added, “Kyari understood the deep connection between local politics and national problems, and he helped Mr. President in no small measure to give Nigeria a respected place of identity and dignity among the comity of nations.”

Bello: He Was Exemplary

Ndume: I’ll Miss His Counsel

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, described the late Chief of Staff as “an exemplary leader, who was dedicated to nation building”.

Bello said in the message that Kyari’s death “is, indeed, a great loss to the nation as he was

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, while submitting wholly to the Will of Allah, described Kyari’s death as shocking, adding that his wise counsel will be missed during the nation’s trying times. He added that his loss while in active service

Buni: He’ll be Remembered for His Commitment

coma. Chief called both of us regularly for updates and to extend his well wishes, and to ask for ways he could help. When Segun’s brother eventually passed away, Mallam Abba visited Segun at home twice: the first time, he was told Segun was not at home and the legendary CoS was thus not allowed into the premises (though I and others were inside waiting for Segun to make his way from the airport); and the second time, he waited patiently in the study for Segun who had gone out without his phone.) And when my mum died earlier this year, he was one of the first set of people to call on the phone and the second person to visit me in the house that same day, the first being Segun.

You would be forgiven to think we are related or that we had known for long. The first time I met Mallam Abba was actually on Wednesday, 10th August 2011. He came for the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted Editorial Board of Thisday, which I belonged to and which was chaired by Segun. The board had 22 members, mostly accomplished individuals from different backgrounds, including Mrs. Maryam Uwais, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Mrs Uju Hassan-Baba, Mrs. Eugenia Abu, Ms. Ekanem Etim-Offiong, Dr. Eddie Iroh, Dr. Chidi Amuta, Mallam Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and Mallam Abba Kyari.

That day, two things immediately attracted me to Mallam Abba: his simplicity and his passion for the downtrodden. He was dressed in his signature style: white, unremarkable babanriga and a red cap. I found this unusual for a former CEO of a bank as high-heeled as UBAand a Cambridge educated lawyer. But his cerebral nature was never in doubt: he spoke and wrote eloquently, his catholic range of knowledge only matched by his infectious passion. I don’t know why but he took a liking to Segun, Simon Kolawole and me, and always plied us with the latest books, his favourite gifts to people (when he came to console me on my mum’s passing he still brought books along). I think he felt an avuncular duty to deepen our knowledge and perspective. And talking about duty, anytime you thanked him for anything, his standard reply was always: duty deserves no gratitude.

Even with all the trappings of high office and his exaggerated influence, he never departed from who he was, chief of which was a remarkable simplicity. As the all-powerful Chief of Staff to President Buhari, he lived in a simple three-bedroom chalet where piles of books were the only remarkable things. The depth of knowledge shone through how he applied himself. He was not your merely administrative Chief of Staff. He was a thinker and a doer. Even when pursued in furtherance of the agenda of his boss, I can testify based on conversations with him that certain things held special significance for him: the fertiliser initiative and other things supported by the NSIA, the take-off and the provisioning for NCDC that is now leading our battle against COVID-19, the amendment of the Production Sharing Contracts Act, the starstudded economic advisory council, the triplets (Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the 2nd Niger Bridge, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway), and the Mambilla Hydro Power Project etc.

There could not be a better tribute to him that he died literally with his boots on. When he had the opportunity, he gave his all to his country, putting in a punishing but solid shift, showing that even in advisory role much difference can be made. He went home accomplished, even when there was still much to be done. May Allah SWT, the ultimate judge to whom we shall all answer and whom he felt he should be answerable to beyond his principal and his conscience, have mercy on him. May Allah SWT forgive his sins, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

May He comfort President Buhari (who has lost a confidante, and a loyal and diligent aide) and Chief’s immediate family, friends and loved ones. Ameen.

––Adio is the Executive Secretary of NEITI.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, in a statement by his media aide, Oguwike Nwachuku, described Kyari as a pan-Nigerian, who devoted his energy and time to the service of his country.

He condoled with President Buhari, Nigerians and the government and people of Borno State on the unfortunate death of Kyari.

Oyetola: He Served Nigeria Diligently Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, described Kyari’s death as a great loss to the president, his family and the entire nation.

“The late Mallam Abba Kyari was a loyal and dedicated Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and served the nation diligently in that capacity. His death is a great loss to Mr. President, his family and the entire nation,” the statement said.

He Served with Dignity, Honesty, Says Northern Governors The Northern Governors Forum described

Abba Kyari as a deeply resourceful person, who provided tremendous support to Buhari and his administration, and served Nigeria with patriotism, dignity, honesty and passion. Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong, in a condolence message by his Director of Press, Simon Macham, sympathised with his immediate family, the president and the entire nation for what he described as a monumental loss.

Obi: Take Heart, President Buhari The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, Peter Obi, condoled with Buhari over the death of Kyari and urged him to take heart. In a condolence message, Obi particularly sympathised with Buhari and the family of the deceased and urged them to take their loss as the will of God, though painful.

Wike: It’s a National Loss!

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike said the death of Abba Kyari was a great loss, not only to Buhari but also the entire nation. Wike described him as a patriot, trustworthy, humble and caring leader, who contributed immensely to the development of the country.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ APRIL 19, 2020

ABBAKYARI (SEPTEMBER 23. 1952 - APRIL17, 2020)... ABBA KYARI (SEPTEMBER23.1952-APRIL17,2020)...

The Best Man

Geoffrey Onyeama

I

first met Abba Kyari in 1977 at Warwick University in England. I had gone there to do law as a second first degree. He had come to do a degree in sociology. I had a pending application to do Law at Cambridge and when the result of that application came and it was positive, I left Warwick during the second semester.

But my five months at Warwick was enough to build a strong friendship with Abba that lasted till his passing. Almost 43 years!

There was a small group of Nigerians at Warwick then, which included former President Yakubu Gowon (who was doing a PhD in Political Science) ; Senator Osereihmi Osunbor (former Senator and Governor); Sitonye Roy Wakama (former Deputy Inspector General of Police) and the lawyer, Desmond Guobadia.

There were a few other Nigerians.

Abba was quite skinny in those days! We became friends very quickly and a life-long bond was formed.

Abba was very simple and humble. He was also very friendly with everyone. He had very litte interest in material things. We had a common interest in politics and I believe it was our socialist political values that cemented our friendship because we were always discussing politics and how to salvage Nigeria right up to his passing.

Abba was also surprisingly sociable for someone who was so self-effacing and we had a lot of enjoyable and memorable experiences at parties and discotheques! Abba also had a very good sense of humour belied by his often stern visage.

When I left Warwick University for Cambridge, Abba came to Cambridge to introduce me to his friends there as he had studied in the city for his Advanced levels.

After graduating from Warwick University, Abba went up to Cambridge to study law. We kept in touch throughout the last 43 years. We ended up together in Lagos in 1982 to attend Law School for a year. When I left Nigeria in 1985 to work in Geneva for 30 years Abba came to Geneva often to stay with me and whenever I was in Nigeria, he made it a point of coming to see me wherever I was.

When I got married in Owo to my wife from Idoani, Ondo State, Abba was my Best-Man. The officiating Vicar was somewhat perplexed because I was a Roman Catholic Igbo, marrying an Anglican Yoruba in an Anglican church with a Muslim Kanuri/Shuwa Arab Best-Man from Borno State!

The officiating Catholic priest in Geneva, Switzerland, two years later, during the baptism of our first son, was equally perplexed when a muslim Abba Kyari and a muslim Muni Attah-Sonibare were the Godfather and Godmother respectively! Abba was a Pan-Nigerian, global citizen, who recognized no boundaries between peoples, be they racial, ethnic, religious, class or political. He made friends with everyone.

Abba was a man of unimpeachable integrity. Absolutely incorruptible! I remember after he got married to

Kyari his wonderful wife, Kulu, he told me how he showed her his first paycheck so she would know that he was not wealthy and would not steal!

It broke my heart to see all the false allegations against him on issues of corruption. He showed me the safe in his office where he put any unsolicited gift .

I remember asking him about the rumours making the rounds that he was making money from the fine imposed on MTN. He immediately showed me the memorandum setting up the Committee to deal with the issue and he was not even a member. He also showed me how he had been able to block attempts by many influential and powerful persons to make a lot of money at the expense of the country. He knew that fighting corruption with such single mindedness and fearlessness would see him at the receiving end of the venom of very powerful forces but was undeterred and preferred to ignore all the defamation against him.

Abba was loyal to a fault. He decided he was going to protect his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, at all costs and would take any number of bullets for him.

And he did!

Since he became Chief of Staff to the President, Abba never rested. He worked day and night, seven days a week. He was a hard taskmaster who did not suffer fools gladly. A very demanding boss. He gave a lot of himself and expected his subordinates and colleagues to do the same.

He was very intelligent, very well-read and had a wide and varied professional experience. He held strong opinions and did not yield position easily. But once he believed in someone or a cause, he would fight with everything he had.Abba believed completely in the Nigerian project and believed completely in President Muhammadu Buhari. During the last five years he gave every second of his life for the success of both.

His health suffered as a result but it was a sacrifice and investment he was happy to make. Nigerians will look back in years to come and see that he was truly the Best Man.RIP my brother.

––Onyeama is Foreign Affairs Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

An Exceptional Human Being Is Gone Louis O. N. Edozien

T

hee sad news of Mallam Abba Kyari’s death is forcing all of us to reflect deeply on life and its meaning.

For those of us who were privileged to observe this exceptional human being at close range and came to love and admire him, the reflections call to mind contradictions which dissolve as we recollect his extraordinary life.

Abba Kyari was a man of profound Islamic faith. That he attended a Catholic secondary school, or combined his deep faith in God with a rational and thoughtful approach to social issues, based on his Warwick, Cambridge and Harvard education, or maintained friendships across all regional and religious divides, is only contradictory for those who don’t want to reflect on the true meaning of faith in God. Abba Kyari rose to very high positions in the private sector in journalism, banking (African International Bank as Company Secretary, and United Bank for Africa as Executive Director then Chief Executive Officer), oil and gas (ExxonMobil as a director), manufacturing (Unilever as a director).

He understood the importance of virile private enterprise in transforming our lives.

At the same time, he strongly believed in a central role for the State in the rapid transformation we need to make

life better for the majority of Nigerians. The contradiction evaporates upon reflection. Private enterprise needs an effective Government to establish a fair system to resolve conflicts, build the infrastructure, safeguard and defend the country, and raise the general level of education and healthcare that a virile private sector needs to thrive. Government has to work for private enterprise to thrive. It is not one or the other.

Accordingly, he was tireless in his efforts, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s direction, to force agencies of Government to work more effectively, without bombast, to get the job done providing these essential ingredients for our national transformation. The extraordinary achievement in agriculture; the seemingly forgotten relegation of the fertilizer distribution racket and debilitating petrol queues to history; the emerging Second Niger Bridge; the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric projects that are moving inexorably from drawing board to reality, to mention a few things, bore his signature and result-oriented method.

The work is far from finished. We will sorely miss his energetic guidance to complete the job.

Abba Kyari was a privileged member of Nigeria’s elite.

But he lived a spartan life and he challenged the elite to remember that most Nigerians are poor, and lack access to education, health care, power and other amenities. This Administration’s commitment to raising 100 million people out of poverty was the stuff that captured his mind. There

is a contradiction only in the minds of those who refuse to learn from history. A rich, privileged elite cannot safely and long endure as an island in a sea of misery and poverty.

Who will keep reminding us of this?

The orchestrated, stubborn smears about the man’s character and actions as a senior officer of Government don’t jive at all with the noble qualities that were plain to see for anyone who interacted with him on an issue. He focused on substance, not form; on results, not stories; on the national interest, not selfish interests. His work ethic from the days I knew him at UBA are exemplary. A little reflection dissolves the contradiction. The purveyors of the smears have either not interacted with the man Abba Kyari at all, or they have taken their narrative from people who wished in vain he would compromise the public good to satisfy a private interest.

I have had the rare privilege of working closely with this extraordinary man since he was an Executive Director at United Bank for Africa. I am proud to say he was my friend, my big brother and my role model.

I will miss him. His family will miss him more. Nigeria will miss him most, at this troubled time when his unique qualities are sorely needed but in short supply. God will help us.

––Edozien, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ APRIL 19, 2020

OPINION

EU AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA The European Union is committed to Nigeria, writes Ketil Karlsen

T

oday the world is facing an unprecedented crisis, one that most global leaders and commentators have described as the most trying event since the World War II. The world is running against time, trying to catch up with a virus that has come upon it with such vehemence and ferocity as never seen in the last 100 years.

The coronavirus is a global pandemic that requires a global response. We must all work together and bring together bilateral and multilateral action. Indeed, now more than ever is the time for togetherness. As individuals we do have to keep distance, but as a community we have to come together.

Already the crisis has translated into human tragedy. In Europe a staggering almost 90,000 people have lost their lives, and globally more than two million have tested positive. Also in Nigeria we already see the impact of the pandemic in people's every-day life. Even if numbers of COVID-19 affected people are still lower in Nigeria, we cannot discard the risk that also here the pandemic could get a firmer grip. I wish to commend the Nigerian authorities for taking bold measures to limit the spreading of the virus, flattening the curve, reducing the adverse economic effects and increasing availability of testing and treatment. Some states are doing more than others, but overall a strong and necessary response based on science.

Nobody, and no country can fight this scourge alone. This is not a moment for blame games, but for uniting forces. This historic crisis requires a fast, massive and coordinated response to protect everyone, save lives and tackle the economic fallout.

What we do today will to a large degree lay the cornerstones of the Nigeria of tomorrow. Both looking at how we tackle the crisis now and finding sustainable ways to rebuild the economy.

And Africa and Nigeria matter. As stated by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell "We are looking in particular at Africa because we want to underline that we will not forget about our sister continent when addressing this global pandemic. We cannot look only at the problems in Europe because the problems in other regions will be, sooner or later, also our own problems. That’s why we must act collectively at the global level".

This is truly more than ever a time for solidarity with those falling ill no matter where they are, but also solidarity between

nations. As the Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen underlined recently "COVID-19 must be fought globally. The EU support is focused on the people most at risk.

Africa and Nigeria are vital priorities, and must not be forgotten or left alone. Now more than ever we want to show solidarity with our partners." There is no greater way to demonstrate this by the fact that despite the current devastation in Europe, the European Union remains committed to our friend and partner, Nigeria. That is why we have teamed up in Europe and together with Member States upscaled and redirected our support.

We welcome the initiative by the government of Nigeria to adopt a national COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan accompanied by the required coordination structures and for the United Nations to echo that effort with the establishment of the One UN COVID-19 Basket Fund. This provides the opportunity for a stringent, coordinated and transparent approach.

In Nigeria, the EU is providing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a N21 billion (EUR 50 million) contribution to the UN COVID-19 Basket Fund with the purpose of supporting Nigeria's national response plan. This is so far the largest single grant contribution to the response in Nigeria and the largest support that the EU is providing anywhere outside of Europe and our immediate neighbourhood. The objective of the action is to ensure optimum care of the confirmed COVID-19 cases and contain a further spread of the outbreak through an inclusive and nationally owned COVID-19 response. Hopefully more partners, international and private sector alike, will use this Basket Fund as the preferred funding modality in the fight against the virus. Establishing the One UN Fund is an excellent example of multilateralism in practice The fund will procure and provide the most urgently needed in

The virus knows no borders.

This global challenge needs strong international cooperation

Nigeria. This includes equipment and commodities required to respond to the outbreak, including those required for surveillance, prevention and control as well as clinical management, improved testing capacity for the NCDC's Lab network, technical support provided to expand communication and community engagement, maintenance of essential health services as well as cash or food transfers.

For the response to be effective it needs to build on Nigerian leadership, Nigerian policies and Nigerian priorities. Focusing of course on the immediate needs, but being very aware as well of the impacts for the most vulnerable in our societies, those who are at greatest risk from the economic consequences: the IDPs; women and children facing intensified risks of gender-based violence; persons with disabilities; older people and poor people depending on the informal sector to get them food on the table every day. They all depend on the government to rapidly upscale support and to provide the necessary safety nets.

Everything will be bought directly by the UN in a quick and transparent manner, setting aside bureaucracy. We count on the support of the Nigerian authorities to help providing the steering, but also the necessary logistical support so that the goods we procure will make it directly to Nigeria without deviation. Having the necessary permits to bring in the goods without delay through airports and open ports will be vital. In a nutshell, smooth processes for import and wider distribution are of utmost importance.

The European Union is demonstrating what it means when it talks about European and global solidarity based on facts, commitments and verifiable actions. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rightly said "The virus knows no borders. This global challenge needs strong international cooperation".

History will judge us on our ability to convert words into action and transforming every Naira put into the fund to real, tangible results. That must be our ambition.

To all Nigerians, I wish to repeat: You are not alone. We stand with you shoulder to shoulder. As international community, as the European Union.

––Ambassador Karlsen is Head of Delegation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States

COVID-19 Has Exposed Africa Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka argues that the pandemic has exposed the fragility of Africa’s health sector and industrial capabilities

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he COVID-19 pandemic is clearly a crisis. This particular crisis has resulted in cessation of economic activities that will lead to a significant decline in GDP, an unprecedented social disruption, and the loss of millions of jobs. According to estimates by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the region’s economies contraction will cost sub-Saharan Africa between $35 billion to $100 billion due to output decline and steep fall in commodity prices, especially the crash of oil price.

More fundamentally, the pandemic has brutally exposed the hollowness of African economies on two fronts: the fragility and weakness of Africa’s health and pharmaceutical sectors and the lack of industrial capabilities. The two are complimentary. In the absence of an industrial capacity, the twin sectors of pharmaceutical and healthcare remain shallow. This is because Africa is almost hundred percent dependent on the supply of medicines.

China and India supply 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s market demand for medicine worth $14 billion. China and India market is worth $120 billion and $33 billion respectively. Consider a hypothetic situation where both India and China are unable or unwilling to supply the African market? Africa surely faces a health security.

I will articulate the root of Africa’s underdeveloped industrial and health sectors in four ways. First, some African policymakers tend to agree with the simplistic notion that poor countries do not need to industrialize. This group believes those “no-industrial policy” advocates who engage in rhetoric that does not fit the facts. The history of both Western societies and that of contemporary lessons from East Asia run contrary to that stance. Clearly, governments have an important role to play in directing the nature and direction of industrialization. Progressive governments throughout history understand that the fastest the rate of growth of manufacturing, the faster the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Writing in Business Day of April 11, Temitayo Fagbule recounts how the pandemic of 1918 affected trade in raw materials, how Nigeria did not plan for the aftermath and how a reliance on commodity trade and lack of diversification leaves us at the mercy of outsiders. Nigeria was the largest exporter of palm oil and palm kernel, demand for both had soared because of World War I. Nigeria made £9.5 million from exports in 1918, the highest since

it was amalgamated four years earlier – 61 per cent was from palm oil and palm kernels.

Export revenues from palm oil and palm kernels were the main source of income for the colonial government. Then as now, Nigeria relied on a single commodity. Before World War I, palm oil was exported to Liverpool to make soap, and palm kernels were shipped to Germany to make cattle feed and the oil extracted from it was sold to the Dutch who made margarine from it. We ship away; others add value and got rich; 100 hundred years after nothing changed.

Then demand for palm oil and palm kernel ended abruptly in 1920. Many big and small British merchants and companies were affected, subsistence farmers, and their families, in the South East and Niger Delta were affected too. As it was then, the economy isn’t diversified, there is no infrastructure to spur growth in other sectors after the crisis subsides, demand for oil has collapsed.

From the Economist magazine five years ago: “By making things and selling them to foreigners, China has transformed itself—and the world economy with it. In 1990 it produced less than 3% of global manufacturing output by value; its share now is nearly a quarter. China produces about 80% of the world’s air-conditioners, 70% of its mobile phones and 60% of its shoes. Today, China is the world's leader in manufacturing and produces almost half of the world’s steel. The key words are: “Making” and “Factory”.

Two, rich countries therefore became rich by manufacturing and exporting to others including high quality goods and services. Poor African countries remain poor because they continue to produce raw materials for rich countries. For example, 70% of global trade in agriculture is in semi-processed and processed products. Africa is largely absent in this market while the region remains an exporter of raw materials to Asia and the West.

Third, central to the production activities of all countries that became rich is a set of policies that one might classify as industrial. The rhetoric of some rich countries does not square with the reality as exemplified by the set of ideas embodied in the so-called ‘Neo-liberal’ Agenda. In other words, rich countries do precisely what benefit their industries at every historical turn.

They advise poor countries to do what benefit rich countries

like: “adhere strictly to free and open market principles” even while rescuing their industries in times of trouble.

The strong emerging countries (India, China and much of East Asia earlier on) deployed industrial policies that benefit their economies while the weak poor countries listened to variants of advice embodied in the “Washington Consensus”.

This is the root of poverty in Africa.

This was precisely what the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was about in the 1980s. The set of “one size fits all” policies replaced the industrial policies in SSA with simplistic macro – economic framework that led to the de-industrialization of the embryonic economies of SSA. These misguided approaches to development has denied African countries the space to create broad manufacturing platforms that offer avenues for large-scale employment and decent wages.

Lastly, African countries are repeatedly told that they cannot compete based on scale economy, and as well, price and quality competitiveness because China will outcompete them.

For this reason, they should jettison the idea of local production of drugs, food and the most basic things. The question is why is it that Vietnam, Thailand coming long after Japan, Taiwan and South Korea among others, able to industrialize even though they are neighbors of China? Vietnam currently exports over 10 million tonnes of rice, coming third after India and China. How did a Vietnam with 95 million population able to emerge from a brutal 20-year war, lift more than 45 million people out of poverty between 2002 and 2018 and developed a manufacturing base that span textiles, agriculture, furniture, plastics, paper, tourism and telecommunications?

It has emerged a manufacturing powerhouse, as the world's third largest exporter of textiles and garments (after China and Bangladesh).

How is it that Bangladesh, a country far poorer than many African countries able to manufacture 97% of all its drugs demand, yet it is next door to an India that is a powerhouse of drug manufacturing?

––Professor Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, is Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President, AfDB. (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ͯͷ˜ 2020

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ENTERTAINMENT

YouTube Music: Harnessing the Power of Google Recently launched in Nigeria, YouTube Music is bound to be a mainstay on millions of music lovers’ devices due to many reasons, including features made possible by its association with tech giant Google, writes Demola Ojo

L-R: Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa,Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade; YouTube’s Content Partnership Manager for Nigeria, Addy Awofisayo; Afrobeats act, Naira Marley; and Product Marketing Manager, Google (Sub-Saharan Africa), Adetutu Laditan, at the launch of YouTube Music in Nigeria...recently

“They say music can alter moods and talk to you...,” is a line from one of my favourite songs of the early 2000’s.

There probably wouldn’t have been a better time for YouTube Music to launch in Nigeria than early March 2020, are my thoughts as I listen to “Friday Evening”

by Chaka Demus and Pliers, this Friday evening in early April 2020.

Like many parts of the world, Lagos has witnessed a restriction of movement for the past few weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For many music lovers, staying home isn’t so bad if you have a steady flow of music from a streaming service that has an inexhaustible catalogue of songs, videos, albums and playlists, and can also predict what you would like to hear based on your listening history. The YouTube Music app is this and much more.

Midway into the Tease Me album by Chaka Demus and Pliers, I marvel at how fast time whizzes by listening to music, and how it helps with vividly recollecting memories of decades past.

It’s been barely a month when YouTube Music launched in Nigeria, the second

African country after a previous launch in South Africa last year. Elaborating on the benefits of YouTube Music compared to other music streaming services at the event held before social distancing became a thing, Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s Content Partnership Manager for Nigeria said; “I prefer not to make comparisons. What I prefer to do is tell you all the amazing features on YouTube Music and allow you as a user to make that decision.

“One of the amazing features is personalising the music to your taste. Once you get to the YouTube music app, we ask you for your favourite artistes, to get an idea of the kind of songs you like. Based on that information, your music tastes and music listening habits, we curate music just for you.”

In the month since she made those comments, I’ve downloaded the app and travelled back in time, evoking memories through albums like Missy Elliot’s Supa Dupa Fly, Tupac’s All Eyez on Me and subsequent posthumous ones, especially Loyal to the Game, the Notorious B.I.G’s Life after Death and Dr Dre’s 2001.

I’ve gone through multiple albums

by Eminem, Nas, Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes. The Fugees, Diddy, Eve, Lil Wayne and Nate Dogg have also helped me breeze through the lockdown.

I didn’t spend time bingeing solely on hip-hop. I’ve listened to albums by Michael Jackson, Linkin Park, The Isley Brothers, Carlos Santana, Shaggy, Sean Paul, R.Kelly, Sade, Akon and Asa among many others.

I’ve made a deliberate attempt to start by listening to songs from the 90’s and early 2000’s and gradually ease to the present.

But I couldn’t help but listen to the Gongo Aso album by 9ice, “My House” by Diana Ross, Jimmy Cliff’s “Hotshot”, Burna Boy’s “Odogwu” and “Rema’s “Beamer”. The latter two are currently on the top 100 Nigerian chart.

There’s also a top 100 global list as well as a separate chart for videos too. For songs with a video, there’s an option to switch seamlessly between both formats mid-song.

Suggestions on the home page include new releases. Today I opt for Drake’s “Toosie Slide” and Future’s “Temptation” as I make a mental note to immerse in Tory Lanez’ spanking new album, The New Toronto 3, once I’m done with this article.

Easy Access, Easy to Use Designed with an excellent, easy to use home screen, YouTube Music has thousands of playlists, the official versions of millions of songs, albums, remixes, covers and live versions from the biggest artists in the world to the freshest voices breaking out, in addition to all the music videos people expect from YouTube.

While fans can access ad-supported YouTube Music for free, YouTube Music Premium is a paid membership that offers background listening, downloads and an ad-free experience for N900 a month.

The March launch also included YouTube Premium, which provides members the benefits of Music Premium, plus ad-free, background listening, and downloads across all of YouTube, including YouTube Originals shows and movies at a cost of N1,100 per month or N1,700 per month for a Family Plan.

AI and Search A Google-owned company, YouTube is the number two search engine in the world after - you guessed right – Google. YouTube has harnessed the power of Google’s vast AI and search capabilities to make Music a mind-blowing experience.

For example, playlists sometimes include Evening Music or Thank God It’s Friday, depending on the time of the day or day of the week. It recommends music based on location; relaxing for home and the airport, or something fast-paced for the gym.

You can also find songs by searching keywords and lyrics. I typed “They say music can alter moods and talk to you...” into the search bar. Top of three suggestions was the one I was looking for; Eminem’s “Sing for the Moment”, a thought-provoking rock-infused rap rendition from his 2002 album, The Eminem Show.

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AP ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL COVID-19 as Expression of Global Power Rivalry: The Case of US-China Cold War

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he United Nations Charter was done in 1945 with the ultimate objective of preventing a new scourge of World War through the fostering of international cooperation at regional and multilateral levels. In this regard, the global community has been lucky not to have had any critical inter-state war since then. What the world has witnessed was not only the emergence of the United States and the former Soviet Union as superpowers, but also intra-state crises and conflicts capable of provoking a fresh world war.

However, the intra-state crises and conflicts, as at today, have been deepening and are now dangerously attracting foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of countries affected, contrary to article 2(7) of the UN Charter, which prohibits such interventions. The political crisis in Venezuela is a case in point. In the same vein, with the superpower rivalry that characterised the Cold War era, which came to an end in 1989, the Chinese appear to have been preparing for the leadership of the world without jot of noise-making. This means that an inter-state war, not hot but cold, may be in the making.

In terms of possible scenarios, while the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump, cannot boast of the unflinching support of the EU countries, China has the critical opponents of the United States as its sympathisers. Russo-Chinese relations, for instance, are warmer than Russo-American ties. North Korea sees the United States as its number one enemy and has, therefore, insisted on acquiring nuclear weapons in the spirit of anticipated, legitimate self-defence against eventual US attacks. The EU countries see themselves as a new centre of power, and therefore, a new counterweight to that of the United States.

As a result, international politics has become a new major source of threats to the maintenance of international peace and security.

More important, deepening nationalism in the current era of climate change and globalisation has compelled many countries to begin to seek, more than ever before, self-preservation by all means available, legally and otherwise. The case of the United States is noteworthy. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy is largely predicated on ‘America First’ and ‘MakingAmerica GreatAgain.’

This simply requires a re-strategy which, to begin with, not only means sustaining the US leadership of the world, but also preventing any other country from surpassing theAmericans.

In this regard, the global leadership tussle between the United States and China raises the theory of Professor Jean-Baptiste Duroselle of the University of Paris-Sorbonne, according to which ‘tout empire périra,’ meaning ‘every empire shall perish.’ But what should we mean by an empire in this case? Is it in the context of colonialism, that is, colonial empire? Should it refer to military regimes or political administrations? Whatever is the case, the theory necessarily implies that whatever has a beginning must also have an end.

In the context of Sino-American understanding, the United States was a great power before it emerged as a superpower after World War II. On the basis of Duroselle’s theory, there must be a time for the status of great or super power to come to an end. The Chinese appear to have subscribed to this type of logic, and by so doing, have been preparing to enter into the shoes of theAmericans without consideration of shooting or manu militari force.

It is from this perspective that the question of COVID-19 is seen and addressed in this column. In other words, it is suggested here that COVID-19 is a resultant of research and development, and therefore, COVID-19 is man-made and is not simply a product of wildlife as argued by some scientists. Without doubt, it may also be a manifestation of biblical predictions, as biblical prophecies are without information on who will or should implement the prophecy and where the manifestations will begin. The material time of occurrence is left to speculation. Probably it is the power rivalry between the incumbent superpower, the United States, and the contending or would-be superpower, the People’s Republic of China, that will determine, the Holy Bible has not told us.

Again, there is the issue of modality, we also are not told whether COVID-19 is to be the instrument of implementation.COVID-19 is no longer a dream or speculation

COVID-19 as Power Rivalry

Explicating COVID-19 in the context of international politics requires the articulation of the main issues involved, before analysing it in the context of Sino-American bilateral ties. There are

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs three secondary issues: genesis of COVID-19 and impact, Western allegations of racism, and Chinese contestation of Western superiority. The main issue underlying the attitudinal disposition of both Chinese and theAmericans is the question of global leadership.

On the first secondary issue, genesis of COVID-19, the virus was reported to have originated in Wuhan City on January 23rd, 2020 in China, but many observers in the West, and particularly in the United States, do not see the virus as a resultant of wildlife, but as man-made. Reference is often made to the 312-paginated book by Dean Goontz (alias Leigh Nicholas), entitled The Eye of Darkness, and published by Pocket Books in 1981. COVID-19 was initially given the name, ‘Wuhan 400’ and its earlier discussions were traced back to September 1979 (vide Vie internationale of last week Sunday,April 12, 2020).

With this background source, COVID-19 cannot but generate fresh controversies: for what purpose is COVID-19? Why the delay in responding to the outbreak of the virus in the West? Why the great caution in quickly accepting China’s offer of help? These are some of the questions around which international politics has been largely driven.

For instance,Americans believe that when the virus actually emerged, for good six weeks, the Beijing government kept silent over it. Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit, complained in his “Why the World Needs to Consider China anAlly in COVID-19 Fight” (https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-04002), about how Chinese are condemned in the United States.As he put it, ‘it took time for many in the West to recognise the importance of general lockdowns in containing COVID-19.As recently as January 24, Human Rights Watch Executive Director, Kenneth Roth, said “in typical Chinese Communist Party fashion, Beijing confines 35 million people rather than pursuing the transparent and targeted approach to Wuhan coronavirus that public health and human rights require.’

In the eyes of the New York Times, China used ‘sledgehammer’ to respond to the pandemic, which forced the people to pay ‘a price in human trauma and economic loss that was severe.’ The Financial Times says China was quite slow, sluggish and hesitant in dealing with the COVID-19. In fact, the China-Friendly Scholars urged the

Donald Trump administration ‘to ignore China’s initial cover-up, lack of transparency and failure to cooperate in order to launch joint research on a vaccine, and get personal protective gear, medicines and clinical experience from China to save lives in the US and beyond.’

In sum, the Chinese are accused of insincerity, politics of generosity, mask diplomacy and propaganda. It is particularly posited that ‘there is a geo-political component, including a struggle for influence through spinning and politics of generosity.’

The Chinese do not share the viewpoints of theAmerican school.

They are contented that they came up with the idea of a regional emergency liaison mechanisms to enable a quick response to health emergencies. They set up an online COVID-19 knowledge centre.

In this regard, they simply refer to what the Director General of WHO had said about the matter: ‘China’s speed, China’s scale and China’s efficiency... is the advantage of China’s system. Paddy Cosgrave expressed happiness that his country (Ireland) ‘rejected the reactionary blaming of China for the pandemic and sees China as an ally in the fight.’

In fact, as Professor Pan Deng, the Executive Director of the Latin America Law Centre of China University of Political Science and Law, has it, ‘when the virus initially appeared inAsia, some Western countries played indifferent onlookers, and even bought into the illusion that the virus only infectedAsians. Therefore, most Western countries believed that as long as the strictest border control is in place, the virus could be kept away from their countries. However, to everyone’s surprise, when the outbreak inAsia was basically under control, COVID-19 began to take over Europe andAmerica, and the number of confirmed cases sometimes doubled in three days in some countries. Now, the situation in the United States looks particularly grim.’

Without doubt, intrinsic in this statement is the issue of superiority: the outbreak took place in China and the outbreak has been quickly nipped in the bud. The Westerners who claim to know better are still in the quagmire. Professor Deng put it better thus: ‘the Western world is used to boasting the most advanced civilisation of mankind... This has also led Westerners to take the vantage point of conquerors and leaders and look down upon other regions, including in the areas of emergency response and health care...The previous Ebola and SARS outbreaks were successfully contained.

But today’s situation proves that self-confidence alone is not enough to beat COVID-19. Instead, it becomes the underlying cause of their persistent panic.’

And perhaps most importantly, Professor Deng noted and asked: ‘in order to secure the much-needed international assistance, countries must let go of their arrogance. But will the West really ditch its sense of superiority overAsia,Africa and LatinAmerica simply for the assistance? The Chinese are directly and indirectly contesting Western claim to superiority. This is the environment of the current anti-COVID-19 fight in the context of which its international politics should also be understood.

Regardless of Chinese claims to defeating COVID-19, theAmerican school of thought tries to hold the Chinese directly responsible for the emergence of COVID-19. They see the Chinese in negative perspectives and have even suggested that COVID-19 is forAsians, and particularly the Chinese, and not for Euro-Americans.

As explained by Zhong Sheng (a pen name used by the People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy), many people allow their deep-rooted racism to repeatedly inject negative energy to the global anti-pandemic efforts. Zhong Sheng says ‘the ridiculous theories in Western countries since the outbreak of the COVID-19 revealed the conventional thinking powered by racism. attempting to label the virus and the pandemic in a racist manner, they called the coronavirus a thing, “a thing only for the yellow race”, and also claimed that the novel coronavirus only attacks the immune system ofAsians.

Probably in reaction and recognition of the implication of this, the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanon Ghebreyesus, had to note at the 56th Munich Security Conference, on February 15, 2020 that the greatest enemy is not the virus itself but the stigma ‘that turns us against each other.’

But true, with the virus now spreading worldwide, COVID-19 has gone beyond the issue of stigma to becoming the problem of every country and compelling virtually everyone to play politics of self-survival and talking about the need for international cooperation in the development of acceptable vaccine against the very deadly and contagious disease.

In this regard, to what extent can there be a meaningful and constructive cooperation between the Chinese andAmericans, bearing in mind that theAmericans believe the Chinese are responsible for the coronavirus saga? Can international politics, the way it is being played now enhance the maintenance of international peace and security? Is COVID-19 not a manifestation of an emerging Cold War between the two countries? Will the purpose of global peace and security be helped with an eventual Sino-American Cold War?

COVID-19 may be a resultant of biblical prophecy, a product of wildlife as posited by some scientists, or a reflection of the man-made school of argument. ‘Wuhan-400’, name given to COVID-19 in 1981, as revealed in Dean Goontz book, The Eye of Darkness, points to COVID-19 as man-made, biological weapon for legitimate self-defence in the event of unwarranted foreign aggression. When this book is espied in the context of Sino-US bilateral ties, especially in light of US frequent allegation that China is stealing its technology, US campaigns against Huawei’s 5G technology and belief that US-China trade dispute is largely because of the Chinese, Covid-19 might have been designed to be a defence Power Rivalry us first look at the case of China, which is believed to be the first weapon in anticipation of a possible US attack in the near or distant future. COVID-19 Let vector of COVID-19. Following the outbreak of the virus, China may be message of Cold War rivalry. After all, have the Nuclear Weapons States stopped adopted the policy of ‘an all-of-government and all-of-society apnew weapons production? In fact, what is the effect of their strategic arms limitation talks proach,’ which the WHO described as having ‘changed the course or that of denuclearisation? In a world of globalising self-deceit, African leaders cannot of a rapidly escalating and deadly epidemic.’ but pay dearly for their myopia and complicity, by remissness or otherwise (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΁˜ 2020

BUSINESS

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:kunle.aderinoku@thisdaylive.com

Adesina (left) after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa, Abuja...recently

Akinwunmi Adesina, Africa’s Bold Reformer The African Development Bank is set to re-elect Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina as its president in May. Buffeted by hastily cooked-up allegations, Adesina is depending on his many accomplishments and growth driving policies to earn him a second term. Nosa James-Igbinadolor looks at the many accomplishments of the AfDB president and reports on why denying him a tenure renewal might be difficult In the Beginning

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n July 14,2019,Dr.Akinwumi Adesina, Nigeria’s highly respected former Agriculture Minister and current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), told reporters in Malabo that he would be seeking to renew his presidency in 2020 when his first term comes to an end.

“I will run again to continue the work we started,” he said at the end of the bank’s 54th annual meetings in Equatorial Guinea adding,“I am driven by Africa so as president of the bank, I can tell you this is no chore for me; it is a labour of love and I feel truly confident when I see the trust the governors have placed in us.”

The AfDB operates under the leadership of the president, who serves as the legal representative of the bank, the chairperson of the board of directors, and the Chief of the Staff of the bank.The president conducts the current business of the bank, under the direction of the board of directors.The president is elected by the board of governors and serves a five-year term, renewable once. The bank’s rules require that it holds the election of the president during the annual meeting closest to the end of the term of office of the serving president.The current president assumed office on 1 September 2015, following his election in May 2015. Accordingly, his term of office will elapse on 31 August 2020.

A President and His Many Achievements Widely respected as a bold reformer, as minister of agriculture in Nigeria from 2011-2015,Adesina in four years, revolutionised the country’s agriculture sector. Under his tenure, Nigeria ended 40 years of corruption in the fertiliser sector by developing and implementing an innovative electronic wallet system, which directly provides farmers with subsidised farm inputs at scale, using their mobile phones. Within the first four years of its launch, this electronic wallet system reached 15 million farmers, dramatically transforming their lives.The electronic wallet system has now gone global and is currently being implemented in Afghanistan and several African countries.

Afirmbelieverinprivatesector-ledgrowth,Adesina radically changed the perception of agriculture in Nigeria from that of subsistence to a viable business that successfully attracted $ 5.6 billion in private sector investments.He also led financing initiatives to support youth engagement in agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ultimately, under his leadership, Nigeria’s food production expanded by an additional 21 million metric tonnes.

The Economic Community ofWestAfrican States (ECOWAS) at its 56th ordinary session of heads of state endorsed the re-election of Adesina as AfDB president.The ECOWAS nod was followed shortly after by an endorsement by the African Union (AU).

According to the ECOWAS leaders,in recognition of the sterling performance of Akinwumi Adesina during his first term of office as AfDB president, the

authority endorses his candidacy for a second term.

The achievements are legion.Within three years of his first term, President Adesina embarked on bold reforms of the bank. On his watch, the bank has been substantially repositioned globally, and he has driven highly impactful programmes that are accelerating the development of the continent. “we are fast-trackingAfrica’s development,”Adesina has posited.

Since his election as president, the bank has maintained itsAAA rating by all the four major global rating agencies,four years in a row.This is a reflection of the bank’s sound financial and risk management, excellent liquidity and strong shareholder support.

In addition,the bank’s income has seen a significant increase.The loan income of the bank rose from $563 million in 2015,when he took over,to $803 million in 2017, an increase of 42.6per cent.The net operating income increased from $492 million in 2015 to $781 million by the end of 2017. At the same time, the highest allocation from net income to reserves ever in the history of the bank was reached in 2017, for an amount of $190.35 million.

AfDB launched the Africa Investment Forum in 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event positioned the bank globally as the driver for investments into Africa. The Africa Investment Forum mobilised $38.7 billion of investment interests for Africa in less than 72 hours.The forum has, in one year, become the leading platform for mobilising global investments to Africa.The second edition of the forum, held in November, 2019, mobilised $40.1

billion of investment interests for businesses on the African continent.Through this platform, the bank and its partners intend to leverage $300 billion of investments into Africa over the next 8 years.

Today,the bank is at the forefront of helpingAfrica achieve accelerated development.The bank’s High 5 strategic priorities: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialise Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa, have been acclaimed globally as the key for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

Independent analysis by the UNDP shows that achieving the High 5s will help Africa to achieve 90per cent of the SDG targets and 90per cent of the Agenda 2063 goals.

His leadership of theAfDB has seen the bank hailed globally for critical interventionist and corporate governance policies. In 2018,“Publish What You Fund”, the global campaign for aid and development transparency ranked theAfDB,as the 4th most TransparentInstitutionamong45globaldevelopment institutions.That same year, the bank recorded an unprecedented first, when it was ranked number one by the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN), a position jointly shared with the World Bank.

Adesina’s reforms, undertaken as president of the bank, are returning excellent results.The bank has been effectively decentralised to get closer to its member countries and clients. It opened five regional development and business delivery offices

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΁˜ 2020

BUSINESS Akinwunmi Adesina, Africa’s Bold Reformer in North Africa (Tunis), Southern Africa (Pretoria), Central Africa (Yaoundé), East Africa (Nairobi), and West Africa (Abidjan); with five director generals appointed to run these offices with an increasingly larger share of the bank’s operations being run from these regional offices. The share of the bank’s operations staff based outside of the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan rose from 29per cent in 2011 to 59per cent by 2018. Similarly, the share of the bank’s operations managed from the regional and country offices rose from 30per cent in 2011 to 76per cent by 2018. The bank was ranked 4th among the top 100 African employers that people want to work for in 2018; a huge jump from the Bank’s ranking of 82nd position in 2015.

It is widely acknowledged that under Adesina, the AfDB is being efficiently managed and has the lowest administrative cost per adjusted common equity among all the multilateral development banks, globally, at just 2per cent.While the cost to income ratio of the bank is 41per cent,the comparable figure for the World Bank is 113per cent, meaning AfDB is three times more efficient on its administrative costs compared to the World Bank.

In the area of human capital development, the bank under.Adesina has continued to strengthen its human capacity.In 2018 alone,the bank recruited 680 staff to deepen its human capacity, the highest ever recruitment in the history of the Bank.The AfDB’s reputation and standing among global financial institutions has never been stronger. The Bank is now seen as a global financial institution that provides huge leverage forAfrica.PresidentAdesina is widely recognized globally and this has helped to lift the image and reputation of the institution while opening up unprecedented global partnership platforms for the Bank.

These partnerships have culminated in Adesina chairing the Group of Presidents of all Multilateral Development Banks for 2019.The Group includes the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Inter-American Development Bank,Asian Development Bank,Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, New Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank,European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.In 2019, Adesina assumed the chairmanship of the Group of Regional Development Banks.

Within four years of the presidency of Adesina, the bank has achieved huge developmental results.

The bank has helped to support 18 million people connect to electricity through“Light Up and Power Africa”, 141 million people gain access to improved agricultural technologies under“FeedAfrica,13 million people benefit from private sector investment projects under“Industrialize Africa”, 101 million people gain access to better transport services through“Integrate Africa”, 60 million people benefit from improved access to water and sanitation under“Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa”.

In October,2019,the bank successfully completed a historic 125per cent General Capital Increase (GCI7), thus increasing the authorised share capital of the Bank from $93 billion to $208 billion, the highest in the history of the bank since its establishment in 1964. Following the approval of GCI7, the bank will help African countries to achieve critical development results in the next 8 years, including ensuring 105 million people will get access to electricity, 204 million people will benefit from improved access to agricultural technologies to achieve food security, 23 million people will benefit from investee private sector companies, 252 million people will gain access to improved transport services, and 128 million people will benefit from improved water and sanitation.

In addition, the AfDB’s concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF) was replenished in December 2019. Donor contributions to ADF 15 increased by 35per cent, which will make more funding available to support Low Income Countries and Transition States on the continent.

It was an agglomeration of these excellent results and high performance as AfDB president, including the impressive financial performance of the bank, strategic global positioning of the bank to drive the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, his excellent working relations with African governments, and bold efforts to drive significant investments into Africa, that led to his unanimous support and endorsement by all 55 heads of state and governments for second term as president. It was a unanimous decision of theAfrica Union which demonstrated the level of excellent support he has in Africa and the very high level of respect he is held by all African countries.

False Allegations “You have enemies? Good. That means that you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”Winston Churchill (1874-1965) It has been often said in one way or the other that, it is virtually impossible to do great things and to please everybody at the same time. Great leaders will, by dint of the strength of their beliefs and convictions, create antagonism from those that cannot share these for a number of reasons, and in particular from those that are close to them.

Adesina’s unopposed candidacy for a second

Akinwunmi Adesina

term, has drawn the ire of a surreptitious ‘Group of Concerned Staff Members,’ said to have been hurriedly coupled together by some non-African shareholders,led by a non-executive director aligned with one of the non-African shareholders that was strongly opposed to his election in 2015. The allegations of multiple abuses and breaches of the bank’s code of ethics which were published in the French daily, Le Monde, contend among others that Adesina intends to make the AfDB a Nigerian affair by giving compatriots key positions, but also by more easily granting lines of credit to leading Nigerian companies, an allegation easily debunked by facts on the bank’s website, which show that Senegal, Cameroun, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia and others are key beneficiaries of about 75 projects worth $64.5billion. These countries have projects specifically targeting them, while Nigeria benefits more from multiple-country focused projects.

The allegations against the AfDB president rebounded dramatically when on March 13th, a break-away group from the rank of petitioners filed a complaint against a key non-African executive director for allegedly misleading and manipulating the members of the group against Adesina. They complained that,“This denunciation is made in accordance with the whistle-blowing and complainthandling policy of the African Development Bank.

It is also made in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for executive directors of the African Development Bank.This note is brought by a group of staff members outraged by the actions of an elected staff member, the executive director, who uses a group called‘Group of Concerned Staff Members’to take hostage our Institution.

“We were members of the group called‘Group of Concerned Staff Members’until we understood that we were being manipulated by a group of non-regional executive directors, not for the good governance of the African Development Bank but to discredit the candidacy of the current President for his re-election.”

The dissenting voices also added that,“Our objective is to trigger investigations that will confirm or infirm the breach of the Code of Conduct alleged below.Cases ofAlleged Breach of the code of conduct by the executive director.”

The breakaway group further alleged that there were serious and repeated breaches of the code of conduct by the said executive director. A damning revelation was the fact that the said executive director had breached the confidentiality requirements of the rules and regulations of the Ethics Committee, by providing“exhaustive reports of all discussions (during meetings or by email) between members of the ethics committee.”They also revealed that the executive director assisted with the preparation, along with the whistle blowers, of all“reactions to be sent following discussions between members of the Ethics Committee.”

Unruffled and Undistracted Adesina dismissed the allegations against him, writing,“an article in Le Monde has come to my

attention. Following its publication, I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous show of support and solidarity I have continued to receive.

“The African Development Bank has a very high reputation for good governance.The bank was rated as the 4th most transparent institution in the world

by Publish WhatYou Fund. I have strong confidence in the governance systems of the Bank put in place by the board of governors of the bank.

“The ethics committee of the board of directors is following its internal review systems and should be allowed to complete its review and work without interference from anyone or the media.

“I am 100per cent confident that due process and transparency, based on facts and evidence, will indicate that these are all nothing more than spurious and unfounded allegations.

“I will stay calm and resolute.I will not be distracted.

No amount of lies can ever cover up the truth. Soon the truth will come out.

“I will continue to discharge my duties and responsibilities as president, with the highest level of professionalism,dedication and unshaken resolve,to lead and support the Bank’s bold mission forAfrica’s accelerated development, and to help protect the continent at this time of the COVID19 pandemic.”

Bank Sources Dismiss Claim of US Being Behind Allegations The fact is, the African Development Bank has a very close working relationship with the U.S.Government and several agencies, including the USAID, the Millennium Challenge Program (MCC),the US Department of Commerce, the US Development Finance Corporation (with whom the Bank signed a $5 billion partnership in November 2019), Power Africa, and the Corporate Council for Africa.

Bank sources say any attempt to suggest a conflict between the Bank and the United States - its second largest shareholder - are inaccurate and ill intentioned.

The United States was actually in the forefront of providing the Bank with strong support for its 2019 General Capital Increase and the replenishment of its African Development Fund.

What the Bank seems to be facing, sources claim, is a U.S. Executive Director, a Mr. Stephen Dowd, who has had a personal vendetta against Adesina from the moment he was seconded to the Bank late in 2017.

Investigations reveal a complex relationship in which Adesina has developed a series of strategic relationships and partnerships with US government agencies, without Dowd’s direct involvement.

As President of the Bank,Adesina,a consummate and highly effective builder of strategic partnerships, has helped build strong institutional partnerships with several US agencies.

When he won theWorld Food Prize in 2017 which was awarded in Des Moine,in the Iowa State Capitol, USVice President Mike Pence sent a message from himself and PresidentTrump stating -“Your devotion to the cause of fighting global hunger is admirable and deeply needed ... your leadership embodies the American virtues of hard work and self determination.

From your upbringing in challenging circumstances to your academic training at Purdue University,your life experience and dedication inspires many people around the world.”

USVice President Pence went on to say“On behalf of President Donald Trump, I extend my heartfelt congratulations as you receive this important award.

The United States is committed to food security,and will continue to work with leaders like you to find innovative ways to end global hunger. Thank you for your commitment and contributions to making the world a better place”.

Adesina has received several distinguished awards and Honorary Doctorates from Franklin and Marshall College, Michigan State University and Purdue University. At Purdue University, the President of the university, Mr. Mitchell Daniels , a former governor of Indiana, conferred on Adesina the prestigious“Order of the Griffin”the highest award the university can award to anyone.Adesina joined a stellar group of only 50 people since the 1890s,to have been conferred with the award.Other recipients include Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.

As the head of Africa’s largest development finance institution, Adesina’s strategic input and insights are highly sought after by US agencies and institutions. As a strong pro-Africa advocate, he has has consistently insisted that partnerships must serve Africa’s best interests, while fostering long term business engagements and development.

Adesina signed a landmark $5 billion agreement withAdam Boehler,the CEO of the US Development Finance Corporation on the margins of the Africa Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2019.

The US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Karen Dunn Kelly, led a high level delegation to the Africa Investment Forum and met withAdesina,along with heads of major US agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development, United States Trade and Development Agency, Prosper Africa, and Power Africa (with which the Bank has a long standing partnership on energy), Prosper Africa, among others.

In a letter commendingAdesina for his leadership, Kelly said“let me congratulate you on the success of the second Africa Investment Forum. I understand that 56 board room deals, valued at $67.6 billion, were tabled - a 44% increase from last yer. This is proof that, as you said yourself,“Africa is winning.

Africa is bankable!”.

Adesina has continued to urge the US to have a more strategic approach to Africa and to move away from a focus on aid to investments.Working closely with the Corporate Council for Africa, he continues to challenge old status quo approaches to development, and instead the favour the establishment of mutually beneficial deals for Africa and the United States.

Adesina has been and continues to be a force for good and a breadth of fresh air in Africa’s development landscape.

He is endowed with incredible insights, and an amazing ability to lead out-of-the-box innovative ideas. His outstanding achievements are globally recognised at the highest levels of the U.S. Government and corporate America.

Looking Forward It is clear that despite the attacks and allegations aimed at truncating his re-election in May,Adesina is set to be returned for a second term. That was again shown by the incredible leadership and efforts that he recently deployed to design with his staff financing at scale to support and protect Africa at this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

The African Development Bank launched on March 26, 2020, a $3 billion Fight COVID-19 Social Bond on the international capital market. It was so successful, raising $3 billion in just few hours at the interest rate of 0.75per cent. It is the largest US dollar denominated social bond in the history of the world, and the largest by the bank since its establishment in 1964.The bond is now listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Adesina went further and led the design and development of the Bank’s COVID19 rapid response financial package. Against onslaughts and roadblocks by non-regional members of the board of directors, he was tenacious, patient and bold in his defence of the need to protect and support Africa, to the maximum possible. The board of directors finally agreed and approved the $10 billion Covid-9 response facility of the bank, which was announced on April 8.This is a bold and unparalleled support for Africa.

This is the man that is called the“Africa’s Optimist in Chief”, who ceaselessly fights for Africa, speaks for Africa everywhere globally, while accelerating the development of the continent.

As he noted in one of his recent tweets on his twitter platform, while quoting Apostle Paul’s words in second Corinthians, which he said brings him much strength,“I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΁˜ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEY

Despite Covid-19, Investors Splash More Money on ‘FIC’ Instruments Investors in the Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets defied the Covid-19 pandemic in March as they raised their stakes by N2.19trillion or 9.33 per cent to N25.66trillion. Investment in foreign exchange (FX) and OMO bills accounted for about 75 per cent of total turnover recorded in the markets in the review period with FX accounting for almost 50 per cent of gross turnover. Bamidele Famoofo reports

T

urnover in the Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets for the month ended March 31, 2020 was N25.66trillion, representing a monthon-month (MoM) increase of 9.33 per cent (N2.19trillion) from the turnover recorded in February 2020 (N23.47trillion) and a year-onyear (YoY) decrease of 11.46 per cent (N3.32trillion) from the turnover recorded in March 2019 (N28.98trillion).

Foreign Exchange (FX) and OMO bills remained the most actively traded products, jointly accounting for 73.45 percent of the total FIC market turnover recorded in March 2020.

Total FX market turnover in March 2020 was $28.92billion (N10.73trillion), representing a MoM increase of 6.64 percent ($1.80billion) from the turnover recorded in February 2020 ($27.12billion).

Analysis of FX market turnover by trade type indicated that the MoM increase in FX turnover was driven by the 39.05 percent ($3.11billion) MoM increase in Member-CBN trade type to $11.07billion, offsetting the MoM decreases recorded in Inter-Member and Member Client trade types which recorded 2.43 per cent ($0.07billion) and 7.65 per cent ($1.23billion) decreases respectively in March 2020.

Further, analysis of FX market turnover by product type indicated that the MoM increase recorded was driven by the MoM increase of 25.77 per cent ($3.07billion) in FX Derivatives turnover, despite the 8.34 per cent ($1.27billion) decrease in FX Spot turnover. In the OTC FX Futures market, the near month contract (NGUS MAR 25 2020) with a notional amount of $1.28billion matured and was settled, whilst a new far month contract, NGUS MAR 26 2025 was introduced at an initial contract rate of $/N405.16.

The total notional amount of open OTC FX Futures contracts as at March 31, 2020 stood at c.$14.53billion, representing a $3.66billion increase on the value of open contracts as at February 28, 2020 (c.$10.87billion), while the total notional amount of OTC FX Futures contracts matured and settled to-date stands at $43.36billion.

The CBN adjusted its Official Spot US$/N exchange rate from $/N306.95 in February 2020 to $/N361.00 in March 20206 representing a depreciation of $/ N54.05 (17.61%). The Nigerian Naira depreciated against the US Dollar in both the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) FX Window and parallel market by $/ N20.30 and $/N55.00 to close at $/ N385.55 and $/N415.00 respectively in March 2020 (I&E FX Window – $/ N365.25; parallel market – $/N360.00 as at February 28, 2020) due to the plunge in crude oil prices and the impact of the Coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic on global economic output Fixed Income Market (T.bills7 , OMO bills and FGN8Bonds).

As at March 31, 2020, total Treasury bills (T.bills) outstanding remained flat at N2.65trillion; OMO bills outstanding decreased to N10.44trillion from N11.00trillion as at February 28, 2020, while FGN Bonds outstanding

CEO FMDQ Group Bola Onadele Koko

increased marginally by 0.85 percent (N0.08trn) to N9.47trillion. Liquidity in the T.bills market segment declined further in March 2020 as trading intensity fell to 0.08 from 0.13 in February 2020 as investors continue to hold their T.bills investment to maturity and discount rates on new issuances fell further by a range of 41bps – 117bps in March 2020. Conversely, the trading intensity for OMO bills increased from 0.61 to 0.76 in March 2020 as OMO bills turnover recorded a MoM increase of 14.04 percent (N1.00trillion) to N8.12trillion despite the drop in outstanding OMO bills MoM. Trading intensity for FGN Bonds decreased MoM to 0.26 in March 2020 from 0.28 as FGN Bonds turnover decreased MoM by 8.02 percent (N0.21trillion). YoY trading intensity for bills (T.bills and OMO bills combined) stood at 1.24 in March 2020, compared to 0.60 recorded in March 2019, whilst FGN Bonds stood at 0.26 in March 2020, compared to 0.18 recorded in March 2019.

In March 2020, bills within the 6 months – 12months maturity bucket remained the most traded across all tenors on the sovereign yield curve, accounting for 62.72 per cent of the total fixed income market turnover.

FGN Bonds within the 20 year – 30year maturity bracket were the most traded among the medium to long-term securities (i.e. 5Y – 30Y), accounting for 6.34 per cent of the total Fixed Income market turnover.

Weighted average yields on shortterm maturities decreased by 267bps, while weighted average yields on the medium-term and long-term fixed income maturities increased by 345bps and 107bps respectively in March 2020, driven by the increased demand for short-term securities by investors in the fixed income market.

Additionally, inflation adjusted yield remained negative across all short-term securities (1M-3Y), whilst medium to long-term securities (i.e. 5Y-30Y) excluding the 5-year tenor, recorded positive inflation adjusted yields in March 2020. The average discount rates for T.bills at the primary market declined further in March 2020, as the discount rates on the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day T.bills fell to 2.40 percent, 3.59 percent and 4.95 percent respectively, from 3.00 percent, 4.00 percent and 6.12 percent recorded in February 2020. However, marginal rates for the 5-year, 10-year and 30-year FGN Bonds increased to 10.00 percent, 12.50 percent and 12.98 percent respectively, from 8.75 percent, 10.70 percent, 12.15 percent recorded in February 2020 Money Market (Repurchase Agreements/ Buy-Backs and Unsecured Placements/ Takings).

Total turnover in the money market increased MoM by 19.07 percent (N0.66trn) to N4.13trillion in March 2020; however, this represented a YoY decrease of 25.33 percent (N1.40trn) from the turnover recorded in March

2019 (N5.53trn). The MoM increase in Money Market turnover was driven by the MoM increase in Repurchase Agreements/Buy-Backs segment which grew by 21.44 percent (N0.69trn) to N3.91trillion in March 2020 from N3.22trillion recorded in February 2020.

Conversely, turnover in Unsecured Placements/Takings decreased MoM by 12.27 percent (N0.03trn) to N0.21trillion in March 2020, but represented a YoY increase of 45.90trillion (N0.07trn) from the turnover recorded in March 2019. Average O/N9 and OBB10 rates both increased by 303bps to close at an average of 11.26 percent and 10.46 percent respectively in March 2020 from 8.24 percent and 7.42 percent in February 2020, indicating a further decrease in liquidity in the inter-bank market.

Market Surveillance Total number of executed trades reported on the Bloomberg E-Bond Trading System in March 2020 was 9,409, representing a MoM decrease of 19.23 percent (2,240) against the number of executed trades recorded in February 2020 (11,649), driven by the decrease recorded across all executed trade types on Bills and FGN Bonds. This decrease can be attributed to factors such as lack of liquidity in the fixed income market due to limited supply of FGN Bonds and bills in the market, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΁˜ 2020

BUSINESS/ ANALYSIS

Nigeria’s Economy Beyond COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic offers another opportunity to initiate bold reforms that would transform the economy, writes Obinna Chima

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he Nigerian economy is currently in dire straits with major economic indicators looking grim amidst increasing vulnerabilities. The disruption caused by the COVID-19, which also contributed to the significant drop in the price of crude oil exposed the economy’s weak underbelly.

Crude oil represents about 95 per cent of Nigeria’s export revenue and a downturn in the market for the commodity always has a ripple effect on the economy. These shocks tend to spook the foreign exchange market leading to a depreciation of the naira and reactive demand management by the central bank to conserve foreign reserves The unfortunate development also has the potency to exacerbate power, unemployment and inequality in the country. Already, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted a negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of -3.4 per cent for the country this year, just as some of the notable international rating agencies have downgraded Nigeria’s rating.

Clearly, the development brings to the fore, the need to urgently diversify the Nigerian economy so as to create institutional structures that would insulate it from oil shocks and ensure strong and inclusive growth.

That is why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has stressed that despite the damage the pandemic is causing to the country and other nations around the world, it presents an opportunity to birth “a new Nigeria.”

Emefiele, in a 27-page speech titled: Turning the COVID-19 Tragedy into an Opportunity for a New Nigeria,” last week, described the disruptions caused by the pandemic as an opportunity to re-echo “a persistent message the CBN has been sending for a long time.”

The message, he said, was the need for Nigerians to start looking inwards as a nation to guarantee food security, high quality and affordable healthcare and cutting-edge education for citizens.

According to him, for a country of over 200 million people, projected to be almost 450 million in a few decades, “we can no longer ignore repeated warnings about the dangers that lie ahead if we do not begin to depend largely on what we produce locally because the security and well-being of our nation is contingent on building a well-diversified and inclusive economy.”

Need for Nigeria to Be Self-sufficient Emefiele, pointed out that when he assumed office in June 2014, importation of fish, rice, wheat, and sugar alone consumed N1.3 trillion worth of foreign exchange but the apex bank under his leadership took steps to reduce the amount.

“In line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari, CBN has indeed created several lending programmes and provided hundreds of billions to smallholder farmers and industrial processors in several key agricultural produce.

“These policies are aimed at positioning Nigeria to become a self-sufficient food producer, creating millions of jobs, supplying key markets across the country and dampening the effects of exchange rate movements on local prices,” he explained.

This philosophy, according to Emefiele, has been the consistent theme of the CBN’s policies over the last couple of years, just as he cited the restriction of access to foreign exchange from some items at its window.

Emefiele said: “Many times, the bank has been accused of promoting protectionist policies. My answer has always been that leaders are first and foremost accountable to their own citizens.

“And if the vagaries of international trade threaten their well-being, leaders have to react by compelling some change patterns of trade

Emefiele

to the greater good of their citizens.

“That is why in response to COVID-19, we are strengthening the Nigerian economy by providing a combined stimulus package of about N3.5 trillion in targeted measures to households, businesses, manufacturers and healthcare providers.”

He said the measures were deliberately designed to both support the federal government’s immediate fight against COVID-19 and also build a more resilient, more self-reliant Nigerian economy.

“We do not know what the world will look like after this pandemic. Countries may continue to look inwards, and globalisation, as we know it today may be dead for a generation,” he stated.

Therefore, he stressed the need for Nigerians to support the federal government in its quest to deliver high-quality infrastructure, support large-scale production of staple and cash crops in the country and develop the educational sector, among others.

Looking Beyond COVID-19 Furthermore, he said the apex bank had designed policy response timeline to guide the management of the crisis and help in rebooting the economy.

And the timelines for the implementation of the policies have been separated into the Immediate (0-3) months, Short-term; (0-12) months and finally medium term, (0-3) years.

Emefiele explained that once the health authorities determine that the COVID-19 transmission curve had been flattened and the ongoing restrictions were eased, CBN would unfold policies to help reposition the economy.

He said the bank would reinvigorate its financial support for the manufacturing sector by expanding intervention all through its value chain.

In addition, he said with the support of the federal government, CBN would embark on a project to get banks and private equity firms to finance home-grown and sustainable healthcare services that would help reverse medical tourism.

CBN would also promote the establishment of a N15 trillion InfraCo Plc, which he said would be wholly focused on Nigeria and managed by an independent infrastructure fund manager.

“This fund will be utilised to support the federal government in building the transport infrastructure required to move agriculture products to processors, raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets, as envisaged by the CBN ‘Going for Growth’ roundtable in March 2020.’

He said the bank would also focus on four sectors to stimulate job creation.

He listed them to include light manufacturing, affordable housing, renewable energy, and cutting-edge research.

“In manufacturing, for example, it is pertinent to note that Nigeria’s gross fixed capital formation is currently estimated at N24.55 trillion, made up of residential and non-residential properties, manufacturing and equipment, transport equipment, land improvement, research and development and breeding stocks,” he explained.

Additionally, he said CBN would pursue the creation of a fund that would target housing construction for developers as well as support the financing of energy production over the next three years.

“COVID-19 may have plunged us into a crisis of unprecedented proportions, but as Winston Churchill once admonished, we must never let a crisis go to waste,” Emefiele said.

Analysts’ Position Reviewing the post-COVID-19 plan that was unveiled by Emefiele, an economist and lead consultant to ECOWAS, Prof. Ken Ife, welcomed the initiatives, saying it would help in fast-tracking the country’s economic diversification process.

Ife, argued that recent development fortuitously showed that what the CBN under Emefiele did in 2016, by introducing forex demand management and restricting access to forex for certain items from its official window, was a step in the right direction.

He pointed out that then, the CBN Governor

made it clear that the revenue the country was earning was about $1 billion, which had dropped from $3.2 billion, but he was faced then with forex request of $4.66 billion.

“He tried all the macro-economic measures, they didn’t work, he also tried capital account control, which didn’t work and the country was being battered on ratings and things like that. Then, he had no choice, but to turn to demand management. Then, he was taken to the cleaners and most people were against him. But he has been vindicated by what has happened now.

“I think it is important that we look at a comparison between how these issues were handled in the 2008 economic crisis, between 2015 and 2016, when crude oil price slumped, and currently with COVID-19. These crises have similarities.

“A few years ago, Emefiele presented a five-year plan for the Bank which looked at how to open the economy and because nobody saw this pandemic coming, he has developed another plan to turn this economic hazard to economic opportunity. After all, they say necessity is the mother of invention and that is what Emefiele is arguing and there are merits in that argument,” Ife said in an interview on Arise Television.

According to Ife, the reason why the CBN has been emphasising that we ‘produce what you eat and eat what you produce,’ was actually from a perspective of demand management.

However, he stated that presently, the economy is facing a supply shock from China that transmitted to the United States, Europe and Africa. This, he said, meant that many of manufacturers in the country couldn’t get their raw materials, which also meant that many of the retailers couldn’t get their products to sell. So, that translated to demand shock and unemployment.

“Then, the second wave came when they refused to send medical equipment to Nigeria.

They are restricting medical supplies and pharmaceutical products to Nigeria. And it is such a tragedy because almost 100 per cent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients we use are imported.

“But the message has always been backward integration because most of the vital materials are here. So, we had the capacity to meet our needs in terms of technology and production. So, now we are caught with our pants down because they are not supplying us the pharmaceutical and other medical equipment.

“Can you imagine that if we didn’t take the action we took on rice and we were having to import those huge volume of rice, how would Nigeria have faced the prospect that they are going to refuse to be selling rice to Nigeria?” he added.

In assessing the N50 billion fund that was introduced by the CBN to cushion the effects of the pandemic on households and firm, the economist, said that what was important about the intervention was how important it was to the order of battle.

“The order of battle was the supply shock, restriction of supply and the impact on demand, unemployment and the impact on aggregate demand. Now, when there is a lockdown, the impact is more unemployment, a contraction in demand and what you don’t want to happen is to have a collapse in aggregate demand.

“So, the first thing you do, which the central bank has done, is to provide liquidity to the banks so to ensure that you don’t convert health crisis into a financial crisis.

The second thing that are also doing is to reach households. If you disaggregate the GDP, in terms of consumption, 85 per cent of its composition is household consumption. So, if you restrict consumption, you are going to have collapse of aggregate demand, which might not only lead to recession, but also depression. Then, the MSMEs account for 48 per cent of our GDP and employ 92 per cent of Nigerians,” he added.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

19.04.2020

OIZA & MEYI ABU Instagram Twins Sensation ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

COVER

COVIDIOT And The Instagram Twins’ Singing Sensation Funny and witty are two words that describe adorable twins, Oiza and Meyi Abu. They are the daughters of former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) broadcaster, Eugenia Abu. The singers have been setting Instagram on fire since they started their bathroom sessions. Vanessa Obioha writes about their rising profile

Oiza And Meyi Abu

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ast February, popular celebrities tweeted about identical twins who perform music in their bathroom. They encouraged their fans to check them out on Twitter and Instagram.

So, the search began. Who were the twins? Where did they come from? Who were their parents? It turned out that the twins Oiza and Meyi were the offspring of former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) broadcaster, Eugenia Abu. This knowledge increased the traffic on their social media pages which are filled with images and visuals of their creativity. They also garnered an impressive number of followers.

Their official Instagram and Twitter pages boast over 13,000 and 12,000 followers respectively.

It’s difficult to tell the twins apart.

They are identical such that their mother once wrote in a publication that it took her a while before she could identify them. That striking resemblance is an intriguing part of their artistry. Not a few fans have trouble distinguishing one from the other. The twins sometimes in their videos introduce themselves to save

fans from the mystery.

Oiza and Meyi evinced their passion for music at an early age. Oiza recalled that they started singing at the age of five and wrote their first song when they were six years old.

“It was a Christmas-themed song called, ‘Santa is Coming, Shake Your Booty’ which at the time we thought meant the same thing as ‘Santa is coming, shake your body’. It was a very awkward Christmas dinner when we performed it for our family.”

The twins considered themselves members of a musical family. Meyi disclosed that their grandmother, father and elder sister sing beautifully but never pursued a career in music.

However, their mother and the rest of their siblings are musically inclined and helped them in creating harmonies and sharpening their lyrics. Though they listened to legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the twins revealed that British singer Adele and NigerianFrench singer Asa influenced their music.

Although none of them studied music — Meyi is an artist and a textile designer, Oiza is a theatre director — they never stopped making music.

Before their fame on Instagram, they used to perform for their mother at

their events and with a father who works in the theatre department, they learnt how to use the stage well. The first stage performance that fetched them a level of recognition was a variety night show at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Abuja in 2010. Since that encounter, the twins have never paused in their musical pursuits. They go wherever the music takes them, including Instagram where they finally found fame.

People are used to watching musicians perform on stage, living room, studio, bedroom but the bathroom, a place reserved for amateurs and wannabes? Rarely. Yet, Oiza and Meyi chose this particular part of their home to entertain their fans.

“It was actually Meyi who came up with the idea sometime in January,” explains Oiza. “We both had makeup on at the same time when we had nowhere to go (a rare occurrence) and she said to me ‘let’s do a video’. She dragged me to the bathroom and that’s how the idea was born. The sound we had in the bathroom is very close to a professional sound because of the natural reverberation. So we just stuck with it.”

That ingenious idea fetched the

twins instant fame. Everyone started talking about the twins performing music in their bathroom. The Yahooze crooner, Olu Maintain, was the first to pay them a compliment.

“We were so excited when we saw it,” gushes Meyi. “We made a noise that day such that our siblings were tired of hearing our voice. We might even frame the comment and put it on our night stand.”

2Baba and Sound Sultan later joined, sharing their videos with their numerous fans. Then, they got a shout out from Mexico, the girls nearly died of excitement. The spread of their music only proved to them the power of social media.

“Social media provides an avenue for more direct feedback between us and our audience,” says Meyi.

“With the right content and targeted audience, Instagram acclaim can become tangible appreciation,” adds Oiza.

Already, some of their friends, Taoma and Maraji, gained endorsements from their content on Instagram, the twins are optimistic that they will get more opportunities after the pandemic.

What attracts most people to the twins is their funny and witty style of delivery. The duo who perform acoustic music — because they believe it’s the easiest and cheapest way to present music in its purest form — are often seen in the bathroom, dressed fashionably with Meyi playing the guitar. Sometimes they start with light banter, other times they launch into their songs (some are originals, others are covers of popular songs) filled with witty and sarcastic lines.

For instance, in ‘IJGB’, an acronym for people who just returned from abroad, they talked about the mannerisms of such persons. One of the lines reads, ‘I just got back from Spain because you flew first class, you now pretend you don’t know my name. This boy is insane.’

“Actually our lyrics are not intentional at all” explains Oiza.

“We’ve always been considered witty and most of our songs reflect the everyday experiences of our lives packaged with funny things. We just write what we see.”

The theatrics they add to their performances make their music more enjoyable and relatable.

Apart from their music videos, the twins never fail to post funny skits about their family. If they are not hosting a quarantine house party, they are having a cooking competition.

With most people forced to stay indoors due to coronavirus spread, the twins revealed that they are ‘managing’.

“Our mother drew up a timetable of games and activities for each day,” says Meyi. “It’s fun to be around family all the time. It brought us closer.”

Oiza adds that “Meyi is the game master. She makes moves.”

They also wrote a song COVIDIOT which they uploaded on their Instagram page. The satirical song encourages people to stay at home during the lockdown.

As their fans await a body of work from the twins, Oiza and Meyi who are not under any pressure to produce an album, will in the meantime keep entertaining their fans with their bathroom songs.

ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͮ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

47

High Life Babatunde Fowler in the News Again!

S

ome things happen that prompt a thousand and one wishes and hopes. For example, one wishes to God that governance in Nigeria were not limited to a meagre four-year cycle; wishes to God that it was until one man died and another took his place.

What if nobody takes his place, anyway? If such wishes would only become real, what is happening in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with relations to Babatunde Fowler wouldn’t be happening.

It is no secret that the incumbent FIRS boss, Mohammad Nami, is not the greatest fan of his predecessor, Babatunde Fowler. Since Nami ascended the FIRS chairmanship stool, he has inadvertently shot arrows against the administration of Fowler, pointing out cracks and crevices that are taking lots of lots of brainpower and resources to fix.

Not too long ago, Nami was reported as saying that the tax agency almost nearly fell apart during the previous administrative powers. In fact, says he, the new powers have had to erect new masts and see new sails, or “build the entire structure of the service again from scratch” – those were the reported words.

Recall that Fowler’s administration had ended somewhat abruptly (that is, without the expected renewal) in December of 2019. Records show that the primary charge against his chieftaincy was that the volume of tax collected over the years had gradually dwindled and dwindled, with no apparent cause for such diminishing returns. In other words, there were “significant variances between the budgeted collections and actual collections”; therefore, Fowler had to go.

In defence, it might be recalled that Fowler alluded the dwindling tax collection to oil matters – crises and whatnot, and was always firmly pointing out that there were still areas (especially VAT and CIT) where the observed law of diminishing returns did not apply).

Thus, as the months go by and more faults are found with Fowler’s management, it is imperative to hold the thought that nobody loves a tax collector, especially one out of favour with the Powers.

Fowler

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

COVID-19: Ibidun Ighodalo Smiles to the Bank with the Pandemic Providence, thou art both dummkopf and darling! After years of abandonment, it would seem that Ibidun Ighodalo has again entered into the good books of Providence.

The tale of Lady Ibidun Ighodalo is multifarious, specially featuring successive Lagos State government, her Elizabeth R. company, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic. It began with Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

While some cities excel in commerce, native culture and prejudice of some sort or another, Lagos State excels in all those and more. Christmas in Lagos in the time of Governor Fashola was beauty and class and exterior design and decorations, with streets lined with the Yuletide sentiments and citizens exulting in the blanket of the sonorous season. Fashola’s card was none other than Ibidun Ighodalo and her company, Elizabeth R. When Ambode came on board, however, he slashed that Christmas tradition and replaced it with one of his making, the Light Up Lagos campaign, a security-sensitive idea that seemed a smart

thang at the time (and still is, curiously).

Consequently, Ibidun Ighodalo and her beautification outfit fell out of favour and into some level of lethargy. All that is passed away; with the Covid-19 pandemic, all has become new again for Elizabeth R. Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) was the first to invite Lady Ibidun to help assemble isolation centres for Covid-19 cases in Lagos. Naturally, she proved her mettle by serving it hot, delivering the best services available, and generally attracting the attention of high-flyers. According to reports, Access Bank in Port Harcourt has also approached her to secure her ace assistance in the management and establishment of isolation centres in the city.

Recall that Lady Ibidun, wife of renowned Pastor Itua Ighodalo, is a former beauty queen who ventured into decorations and event management with her flourishing company, Elizabeth R. Apparently, her craft will never fall to disuse, even in the midst of global pandemics.

Ighodalo

How Goodluck Jonathan’s godson, Keniebi Okoko, Died after Botched Tummy Tuck Surgery

Okoko

Indeed, were an outpouring of eulogies and tears potent enough to rouse a dead man, Keniebi, the filthy rich godson of former President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan, would have reconsidered spending a few more minutes to say goodbye to his friends and family before plunging into his eternal sleep.

The dark-hued politician who died in the early hours of last Tuesday, at a popular hospital in Lekki, Lagos, after a botched tummy tuck surgery, has cast his friends and family into interminable grief.

Once again, the death of Okoko has sent a poignant undertone of the frailty and fragility of man’s hold on life. The world is indeed a stage and life itself is but a walking shadow.

Yes, life is a permanent shuttle in the crypt, and what we have are fleeting

memories, stilled mementoes, fraught memories and the fractured memorabilia of those who are gone forever, alas, never to be seen again.

He was a young man without guile.

Despite being involved in the fickle and fractious world of high society, he exuded a sweetness of character and good nature till the very end. Throughout existence, Okoko, the son of Prof. Kimse Okoko, a notable Ijaw scholar and leader, retained his essential humility and a sense of perspective and proportion.

As a successful entrepreneur, Okoko, who hails from Gbarain, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, contested the last gubernatorial election in the oil-rich state.

By his passage, high society has been thrown into deep mourning and his family and friends are distraught as you read.

Erelu Bisi Fayemi...A Woman with Loads of Substance There’s an old song from an old Nigerian soap opera that dealt with contemporary issues of the late 2000s (including HIV/AIDS, gender bias and equality, etc.). The song went along the lines of “women of substance, women of virtue...tomorrow is our time. Let’s make Nigeria proud”. Today, the hopes and aspirations glued to that song have been actualised; Nigeria is an admirable playground for such women, and Erelu Fayemi is a Queen among them.

Ekiti State citizens are amongst the most fortunate folks in Nigeria, with their association with ace power couple, Governor Kayode Fayemi, and his wife, Erelu Bisis Fayemi.

Needless to say, the duo has upset a countless number of traditional laxities and lethargy that often characterise leadership at the state level. Since they first arrived in 2011 and left in 2015, to the current 2019-2023 term, the Fayemis have shown that they are of firmer stock than a million others.

But curiously, the light of JFK does not frazzle that of Lady Erelu, except to lend it strength and shine.

Fayemi

It was Erelu Fayemi who co-founded the first Pan-African grant-making

organisation, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), and is the serving president of the womenempowerment foundation. In that capacity alone, Lady Erelu has assisted over 800 women organizations in over 42 African countries, touching countless lives on a continental level.

Zoom in a bit further and find that Lady Erelu’s charity extends to home.

Adopting the AWDF template, she established the Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF), employing available resources to train, motivate and empower the women and the youths of Ekiti State. That was in 2011.

Ever since, Lady Erelu’s seeds returned crops of financial empowerment and growth, interaction and participation in politics, better healthcare, promotion of women rights, etc. Her brilliance, unrelenting spirit, and near-divine grasp of the way things work continue to earn her long glances, wallpapers and motifs, and a possible statue or two in the nearest feature.

That’s a woman of substance, and one of virtue, doing Ekiti and Nigeria proud.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

48

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

Muhammed Babangida’s Lifeline He takes after his famed father, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangadia, ex-Nigeria’s military president, in so many ways. In looks, Muhammed Babangida is his father’s split image. But beyond this striking physical feature, he also shares almost similar idiosyncrasies with the retired General. How? Like his father he has entered a covenant of sorts with his Creator to dedicate the rest of his life to the service of humanity.

Perhaps, this explains why he is committed to philanthropy and putting smiles on the faces of people. Therefore, to many who are aware of his dedication to humanity, it was not surprising that he responded to the Niger State Government’s appeal to Nigerians, especially important stakeholders in the state, for assistance towards battling the deadly Coronavirus in the state.

In a swift reaction, Mohammed Babangida’s El Amin Foundation and the entire Babangida family last week made a presentation of kits as well as a property to be used as isolation centre to the state government.

In attendance at the event in Minna were members of the State Executive Council , including the Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane who is the Chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19; Commissioner for Health ,Dr Mohammed Makusidi; and Chief of Staff to the Niger State Governor , among others.

In his remarks , the Head Coordinator, El Amin Foundation, Alhaji Yakubu Alhaji ,welcomed the government team and disclosed that the Foundation was reacting to the call by the state government for help in fighting the Coronavirus Pandemic, which is currently ravaging the whole world.

He also stated that the Foundation was set up to help humanity battle challenges such as the one posed by the virus; hence, the readiness to contribute its quota in helping the state. Items donated include hand gloves, medical face masks, bio-hazard bags, boots, full body kits or overalls, as well as a property to be used as isolation centre by the state.

Babangida

Garlands for Oil Tycoon, Tunde Folawiyo, at 60 If Nigerian businessman and Managing Director of Yinka Folawiyo Group, Tunde Folawiyo, had penned his memoirs as he turned 60 last Sunday, many would have found it simply unputdownable.

Alternatively, if he had engaged a creative writer to document his earthly sojourn from birth to the age of 60, the book would not only have enjoyed rave reviews, but the biographer too would have, no doubt, enjoyed a rising profile.

However, it was not for lack of interesting personal experiences to share with the world that he jettisoned the textual project.

Certainly, he has lived so many seriocomic experiences that can make the yet-tobe-documented book a compelling read.

But for some reasons, Folawiyo, Society Watch gathered, is not in a hurry to release his memoirs for public consumption because he believes that he is still an evolving phenomenon.

Though he would have loved to throw a lavish party to celebrate the day and played host to some of his friends and associates, the prevailing circumstances in the country, in particular, literally robbed him of the opportunity.

For a man who has left his footprints on the sands of time, commendations and

eulogies were literally poured on him by those who have encountered him in life during the birthday celebrations.

Reason? His life is a challenge to those who were born with the silver spoon but, out of sheer indiscipline and lack of focus, abused the privilege; and his life is also an inspiration to people from humble backgrounds that they should never entomb their dreams, even in the face of adversity.

It was gathered that while he was growing up, he had displayed traits of a child destined to be great in life. Also, he had also nursed a beautiful dream to be one of the greatest businessmen in the world.

In the thinking of many, his paths had already been laced with roses because of his background. But what those who hold this view do not know is that he himself has been able to maintain the legacy left by his father with sweats, determination, hard work as well as discipline.

He kept his father’s legacy afloat; and today, the company is not only recognised around the world, but the Lagos State-born oil mogul has been listed as one of the richest men on the continent of Africa. Folawiyo has remained a strong advocate for the exploration of Nigeria’s lucrative crude oil.

In an effort to expand the Yinka Folawiyo

Folawiyo

Group, he founded the Folawiyo Energy Limited in 1989.

This singular effort, in 2004, led to the construction of a world-class storage facility, which has the capacity to contain approximately about 30 percent of the total premium motor spirit of the country.

His contribution to the nation’s energy sector earned him the position of Vice President of Nigeria Association of Indigenous Petroleum Explorers and Productions, NAIPEC. The graduate of the London School of Economics currently sits on the Board of various educational institutions, providing a unique perspective towards improving

Doyin Group Boss, Samuel Adedoyin’s Worthy Intervention

Adedoyin

Without a doubt, billionaire businessman and Chairman of Doyin Group, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, is a great achiever, as bountiful dividends of his labour of so many years are evident to all.

Interestingly, Adedoyin, now in his advanced age, continues to pay more attention to the worship of His Creator, while helping others in the belief that ‘’Wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind.”

In fact, the Kwara State-born octogenarian hates seeing other people languishing in penury. ; he is recognised as someone whose love for fellow human beings beggars description.

As proof of his kind gestures, his company, one of the Nigeria’s leading manufacturing industry, Doyin Investments, donated thousands of packs of noodles to the Lagos State government as a palliative measure to cushion the effects of the economic crisis caused by the spread of the deadly COVID-19.

The food items were delivered to the government through the Managing Director of Doyin Investments.

Prince Adedoyin confirmed that the relief materials were made available to assist the people in Lagos State to battle the hunger

caused by the lockdown, which has crippled commercial activities in Lagos State.

“As we witness a rapidly increasing number of cases of the Coronavirus in the country, we have to work hand-inhand in stemming the spread of the global pandemic.

“I also pray for quick recovery of those who tested positive for the coronavirus already, and who are receiving treatment in our various isolation centers in Lagos and Nigeria”.

He also enjoined all Nigerians to follow the stipulated health guidelines by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in order to keep us all safe and healthy.

“We equally commend the efforts of our state governors in the Southwest, and we are keen in contributing our resources as representatives and individuals to the collective efforts that will ensure the response to the pandemic is swift and effective”, Prince Adedoyin said.

Allen Onyema’s Air Peace Records Another First Hate him or love him, Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, would always give his compatriots reasons to talk about him in a good light.

If you are in doubt, you will have a rethink considering the feat recorded by his airline recently.

His airline, it was gathered, has recorded another first in the history of Nigeria’s aviation, after flying directly to Israel - no direct flight had been conducted between Nigeria and Israel before now.

Air Peace flew to the country penultimate week when Israeli nationals were evacuated from Nigeria amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

It was also gathered that Air Peace also flew 14 hours direct flight to China to airlift COVID-19 materials meant for Nigeria.

Indeed, as a businessman, Onyema has proved that he is blessed with the proverbial magic wand.

Onyema

A cursory look at his profile, especially since he founded his airline company in 2013, attests to his wizardry as a businessman. At the

outset, many had written him off, but the Anambra State-born lawyer was unfazed over the criticisms.

All he set out to achieve is to create an agency that will not only make a big difference but also be among the best.

Interestingly, today, he is being rated as one of the leaders in the industry while his aspiration to turn Air Peace into a five-star value carrier is being met.

Of course, the roads have not been totally paved with either gold or roses, as he has encountered a lot of challenges, including alleged conspiracy from competitors and insufficient freedom to operate commercially.

His meteoric rise in the aviation business is a thing many Nigerians are happy about as he continues to score many firsts.

Many would not forget in a hurry how he evacuated Nigerians free of charge from South Africa in the midst of xenophobic attacks which led to a spike in tensions between the two countries.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

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with JOSEPH EDGAR ̡͸΁͸΁ͽͻͺͽͿ΁͹̢

The Economy on its Knees It was Bill Clinton in a massive election-winning mantra that shouted -It’s the economy, stupid!!!!!!!. Me I have not really said anything about this Covid thing and its lockdown for a purpose. I wanted to look at the thing very well and use my Shomolu sense to analyse the thing. So after the first 14 days and the extension by another 14days with the number of confirmed cases standing at 407 at the time of writing and deaths standing at 12 with over 128 discharges, fear no come catch me again. I have asked my lawyer to return my will make I make allowance for new wife come 2023. When the index patient came, fear catch me and I start to get my statement of affairs together. But seriously, this thing is beginning to look more like an economic issue especially when you see the low rate

of infection viz-a-viz the population size and the numbers other illnesses like tuberculosis and Lassa fever have taken, I am sorry to add that he come be like say na another thing government and them backers dey find with this covid. They keep throwing up fantastic projected figures like 16,000 infections after lockdown and the rest but Nigerians refuse to fall down and die o.

Nigerians have simply just kicked this virus to the kerb and have continued with their subsistence living. Abi you are not seeing the videos of all the fights, struggle for food etc? My take is that we should start looking at the economic consequences of this disease and start facing it because the matter is economic, no be medical again.

I have an 80% chance that I will survive if infected so why are we

shutting down the country for this na? So far violence has killed over 18 Nigerians more than the total tally from this Covid as reported. If others dey fear, must we fear? IMF says the greatest of all recession is coming, dollar is exchanging for N430 and scarce, SMEs are suffering and the so-called palliatives are getting nowhere. When Lagos says it is feeding 200,000 people in a 20million metropolis I cannot cry at such crass – make I no talk, Jide don try. Please open up the economy let us go back to work and take our risk with this thing that will not kill us like that. They say we don’t have facility to cater for a massive outbreak. Who has? Make I ask, US, Italy, Spain or China. Nobody has abeg. The thing is that we push preventive, throw in major public awareness and start work. Hunger

Sanwo-Olu

Emmanuel

Ehanire

JIDE SANWO-OLU – SMALL OBSERVATION My bro, you have tried. Kai, the other day I saw you on your knees in prayer and also with madam next to you reading Bible. You and madam no do social distancing? When Duchess went to buy meat for Sabo Market, I ask her to keep a distance for 14days o. But by the second day, na me beg to come back to the bed when I start to dream some funny dream. Anyways, I once again want to really express our deep appreciation for the wonderful work you have and are still doing since this thing started. Well-done bro. But can I ask one small question don’t vex o, why na ony discharge cases you dey announce while commissioner will be announcing death? Don’t mind me my brother just trying to be mischievous.

God will not let us have more than our own fair share of this wahala. Keep being your proactive self. Welldone bro.

governor saying that it was his ‘inept’ policies that have led to the massive prostitution in the state. As expected, she was fired, come and see all the sleazy accusations – from lesbianism, to diabolism, nothing was spared.

The only thing that remains is that they didn’t accuse her of cannibalism.

In fact if she try herself again, they will throw that one inside. The only problem for me is that the women are all so beautiful o. The type I like, light skinned, curvy and very fresh.

Me I am thinking that maybe I should relocate o and jump into this sleaze o.

Seriously? seriously? Is this a state?

With Covid, economic downturn and all the problems that is doing us in this country. It’s looking between women’s legs that is doing our leaders in the state? No wonder they were contesting COVID results with NCDC. Udom please what is going on?

to fish out the bad eggs and deal with them. He now had a dilemma how was he going to humiliate his men over a ‘bloody civilian’ but he still had to fish out the culprits and deal with them in a way that it would send a very strong signal to the rest of the men that such behaviour would not be tolerated. So he invited Mr. Solarin to base and asked for him to join him in a parade to identify the culprits. After the parade, Mr. Solarin understanding the need to maintain cohesion in the Army told him that he could not recognise them since they all looked the same in uniform. Obasanjo now on behalf of the soldiers offered his unreserved apology and after he had left, dealt very quietly with the whole platoon.

So my lord, let’s see how we can walk this thin line. It is not easy, but I really do not like seeing Policemen being rubbished like that no matter what crime they must have committed. During those heady days of Abacha when they were catching coup plotters every weekend, you never see them slapping and kicking the accused soldiers. Even when they come out of the Black Maria, they still give them their salute, just that they won’t let them wear their cap again.

They still salute them into prison. My lord, just think am.

AKWA IBOM IS ON FIRE Me I am a bonafide Akwa Ibom man even though I have done internal migration to Shomolu, I still guard my heritage very seriously. My people are a bunch of clowns especially at this very serious time. Instead of them to concentrate and see how we can secure ourselves from this Covid, what are we seeing are sex scandals all over the place. Come and see what I am seeing all over social media and this rubbish stinks all the way up to the highest levels. Top government functionaries being accused of sleeping with people’s wives and sleeping with their colleagues complete with the videos all pasted all over social media. I have seen a few, quite gory. A former State Assembly member and very popular slay queen in a 15-minute rant came out to accuse every known prominent Akwa Ibom man of trading sex for favours. She even accused the state

IG – STOP HUMILIATING YOUR MEN I saw a video recently of a full Police Inspector after he must have been interrogated for collecting N40, 000 from someone as bribe. I understand the need to flush out these bad eggs and to also show the world that the Police will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

But me I am looking at it from another angle, I may not be correct but let me just say it sha. I do not think this shaming would do anything positive for the esprit de corps of the officers of the force. You see why soldiers will always be defending themselves even when they are wrong –it’s cos of the esprit de corps. But like I said, public pressure to show that these bad eggs are being dealt with usually used to lead to this kind of thing. Let me tell you one story Chief Obasanjo told me recently. He said, some soldiers had assaulted the late Tai Solarin and he was then a young Commander and his Brigade Commander asked him

OSAGIE EHANIRE – MAKE AMENDS OR I WILL SIGN Before I give you this gist, let me first say like Tunde Thompson that I will die or go to Jail rather than reveal my source of this jist o. You see, his daughter – Tope Omojokun is my friend and I had told her once that I admire what her pop did and as such I will not want to be seen as a yellow sisi by revealing my source. One orthopaedic surgeon sent me an online petition that I should sign that he was collecting signatures for your removal as Health Minister. First I laugh because I have not seen where that one has

Zainab

is looming ooooooooooo and this would be a worst virus than this one. I don talk.

Davido-and-Chioma1

worked in this country. That they will sack someone that strong and vested interest put there because of signatures from disgruntled people who do not know their left from their right. But out of curiosity, I asked why they wanted you out. The man sent me a clip of your appearance at the National Assembly where they said you did not know if health workers were being paid hazard allowance. Even Gbaja took you out. He said, you had dropped the ball. Me sef, shame catch me for you small sha. How can you say that kind of a thing? These health workers are in the forefront and their welfare should be uppermost in your mind. Oga it’s not good and you no try. Pease if all this is true, kindly make amends, if not, no be petition I will sign, it is my naked body you will see in that your ministry and you don’t want to see that my brother. How can?

DAVIDO – I AM TOUCHED How are you bro? Since the announcement of the status of your fiancée, I have not had the time to call and wish both of you well. She is a strong girl and she will be ok. Well the real reason I am writing you is to say how happy I am with what I have just read. One of your fans who is not really well to do was said to have named his newborn baby after you and you in turn have sworn to show that baby what is life. I like this and I am almost in tears just reading it. Kai, such love.

This is genuine love. The man simply had to show his love by naming his child after you and even went ahead to show you the birth certificate evidencing this. Thank you so much for your vow and I pray that God will give you the courage to affect very positively that child’s name. Mbok, anybody that wants to name their child after me, please use the Ibibio name instead – ini Abasi tutu akpa akpa dnifreke. That is better. Thank you.

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

19.04.2020

WHERE THERE IS ART,

THERE IS HOPE...

Gone from Sight, But Never from Heart, by Damola Adeyemo

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

51

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ APRIL 19, 2020

ARTS & REVIEW\\VISUAL ARTS

WHERE THERE IS ART, THERE IS HOPE...

A 14-day challenge, organised by the collective The Artist Ladder for artists, was not only an opportunity for artists to keep visual diaries of the initial 14 days of the lockdown in Abuja -the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states but an inspiration for the artists to position themselves as problem-solvers. writes Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

"H

i, guys. How are we all doing?” chirped the message, which popped up that sultry late Monday (March 30) afternoon on The Artist Ladder WhatsApp group chat. It was from Blessing “Bee” Azubike, who had previously set up The Artist Ladder as “a project under Art for a Reason, Africa -- for Support, Opportunities, Education, Liaison, and Career Advancement for Artists and Creatives”.

In existence since six months ago, The Artist Ladder has been involved in the development of artists through branding support and counselling. For instance, it recently connected an artist with a residency opportunity and offered career advancement and learning opportunities to others along the line.

“I know we’ve all been indoors, but the real deal kicks off tomorrow and will go on for 14 days,” the message resumed.

The real deal? She was obviously alluding to the 14-day curfew imposed on Abuja -the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states by the president, Muhammadu Buhari while delivering his long-awaited speech the previous day. This curfew was the logical sequence to the preceding weeks of anxieties and uncertainties swirling around the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria. Hence, she launched a 14-day challenge, which required the participating artists on the platform to produce an artwork for each day of the 14 days of the government-imposed lockdown.

Tagged, 'The Artist Ladder 14-Day Art Diary' and curated by her, it was meant to be a sort of artistic diary, which would then be shared on social media through the hashtag #TheArtistLadder14DayArtDiary. “It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate, so it doesn’t take more than 24 hours to create,” she further informed the artists on the platform. “So, it could be a painting, a simple sketch, anything at all that can be created and shared before 6 pm daily...”

The whole idea was basically inspired by the following words attributed to the late American painter and graphic artist Milton Ernest “Robert” Rauschenberg: “... The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history.”

Then, she recalled a friend always affirming that the change the country needed would come through the arts. Admittedly, she had no idea how this would happen but absolutely believed that statement.

“As the pandemic took the world by surprise and lingers globally, people turned to political and religious leaders for hope and answers, and I thought to myself ‘who says that artists cannot proffer solutions or give hope in dark times?’ –This inspired ‘The Artist Ladder 14 Day Art Diary’.”

Sixteen initially answered the call for entries. And among these were 10 non-members of the collective, who included these three female artists: the photographer Halima Abubakar-Idrissu, two painters Omovo Odupitan Ayoola and Clara Aden. The other assemblage of participants (including non-members) were: Imomoh Edgar Asemokha, Paul Ogunlesi, Azeez Oladimeji Salami, Damola Adeyemo, Orlu Ozangeobuoma, Damilola Opedun, Kelani Fatai, Paul Ayihawu, Gbenga Oyedele, Adedapo Taiwo, Abdul Ganiu Mustapha, Ayomide Adebowale and Sunny Efemena.

And so the group set to work. Somewhere along the line, the enthusiasm waned among most of the participants. Afew resilient ones stayed the course until the final date of the challenge, which was on Monday, April 13.

“It was an exciting two-week journey as we explored the thoughts and creations of these artists regarding the pandemic and relating subjects, including self-isolation, the economic impact of the stay-athome order, et cetera et cetera,” Azubike reminisced.

“My vision was to see the artists dig deep into their hearts and intellect to come up with powerful messages to be expressed on their canvasses, sheets or whatever medium they chose to express with. I knew a fortnight of staying home would become tiresome for everyone, so I wanted to create pure magic in the form of art.

Blessing Bee Azubike

Lockdown by Azeez Salami 40cm x 31cm

“At the end some of these works were comforting, and perhaps a ray of hope or sunshine during what may be termed a time of darkness. Others were 'Lamentations' - mirroring the conditions and echoing the experiences and thoughts of the populace.”

Like most members of the culture community, Azubike considers the social media the only viable way to keep the creative mills turning under the prevailing circumstances. This is especially so now that the festivals, concerts and exhibitions, among others have suddenly been suspended indefinitely. Hence, the challenge could be seen as her way of getting artists to adjust to this new reality.

During the first seven days of the challenge, she allowed the artists to “soar with their ideas unguided”. This was, of course, with the proviso that they wouldn’t stray beyond the confines of the agreed theme – namely, the isolation/quarantine/stay-at-home exercise.

From the eighth day onwards, the artists were guided by different themes for each day. One of these themes was “If I Were President”, a veiled reference to the vociferous call by Nigerians on the president to address them. This is notwithstanding the fact that the outbreak of the pandemic has left many world leaders groping hopelessly in the dark. “But if the tables [were] turned, would we do any better?”

Azubike wondered. “I was basically saying to the artists '…imagine you were president; if you wore the crown of leadership or bore the title "President", how would you bring hope in a trying time such as this? What would you say to the people whom you lead? What would you do differently?’”

Another theme, 'I’ll Hold Your Hands through This', compels them to see themselves as solitary rocks in the surging sea of despair. Yes, they may neither have all the answers, nor the powers nor even the ability to put an end to the pandemic. Yet, through their artworks, they could hold their viewers’ hands through the chaos of the present time.

The third theme, 'Boxed In', is more like a mental journey into the mind of an artist stuck indoors. How does he or she see the world?

Eventually, this question dovetails into the next theme, 'Who Do You Say You Are?', which doubled as the self-portrait edition/theme. “My thoughts were that during this period of self-isolation, a lot of people seem to honestly be meeting their real selves for the first time. Before now, the world was in too much of a hurry; it was as though, there

was no stop button. Now, this pandemic has hit the world unannounced and everything has been forced to shut down.

"There is too much time on our hands now, and for the first time, many are able to hear themselves, see themselves, spend time with themselves... and it would seem, they are meeting themselves for the first time. In this regard, the artists presented a self-portrait, created by taking an inward look and giving a glimpse into what their reflection was like when they looked into that proverbial mirror. It was also rather interesting as artists usually would have others as their subjects or muses, but rarely ever themselves – and you could tell that a number of them struggled with this theme.”

Looking back now, Azubike affirmed that the feedback was positive – both from both the audience and the artists. “The artists were thankful for the opportunity, and I was glad that one of our goals for the project was achieved, which was to push the artists. Ideally, one piece could take weeks, even months to complete, but these artists were pushed to create daily. They were also pushed to mentally task themselves to work within the scope of varying themes daily, as well as apply themselves to the interesting times we find ourselves.”

Some of the works lift the veil on the inextinguishable flame of hope that burns within every human spirit. Take Azeez Oladimeji Salami’s 42cm x 36cm charcoal on paper entry on April 13, titled, 'Step Out, See No Evil', for instance. It depicts a little girl stepping out from a door with both hands covering her eyes à la one of the three philosophical monkeys and, at the same time, expresses the artist's hope that things would return to normal.

Damola Adeyemo’s April 11 entry – a 14" x 18" ballpoint pen on paperwork titled, 'Gone from Sight, But Never from Heart'– urges compassion for one’s neighbours and positions the artist as a hopebringer in dark times, where both political and religious leaders have failed.

Finally, Halima Abubakar-Idrissu, in her photograph submitted on Easter Sunday, sympathizes with Christians who are forced to celebrate Easter from home and reminds them that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”.

The Kaduna-based photographer, researcher, archivist and artist, writes: “Don’t stare at the closed door too long.. you’ll miss the window opening.”

MUSIC

With Easter E-concert, TuBaba Preaches Social Distancing Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he number of views online kept soaring and dropping till it hit 680 views. The King of Nigeria's pop music, Innocent Idibia otherwise known as TuBaba set the internet abuzz with a first of its kind e-concert for Easter celebration powered by Trophy, a leading alcoholic beverage. Hosted by his beloved wife, Annie Idibia, it was an atypical music concert devoid of physical audience but witnessed by live audience trapped in their homes in compliance with the global lockdown to slow down the rate of Covid-19 infections.

The audience were drawn from different parts of the world and the reactions were quite phenomenal. Relying on social media tools like emoticons, many in the audience were able to express their excitement as TuBaba performed some hits from his early years in music as well

TuBaba as a few from his latest ‘Warrior’ album.

Using a simple set, Annie, the host of the show introduced TuBaba’s one-man show. Though the audience could hear a few backup singers, they were not seen. Not even the other band members were visible. TuBaba punctuated his energetic perfor-

mance with a few moments of Yabis, ranting about the social realities and why Nigerians need to hold the government accountable.

TuBaba stirred emotions in the audience as he sang his classic song of conscience, “U No Holy Pass” from his award-winning 2004 album, titled“Face to Face.” Ordinarily, the nightcrawlers would have danced really hard, but they only posted emoticons to indicate dance while some repeat the lines. For the calland-response hit track from the 2006 ‘Grass to Grace’ album, titled “See Me So”, the audience were responding in kind, just the way they would in a live concert. And when the icon ended the performance of the song with a ritardando in “Edumare Bless You O.” While TuBaba was taking a short break, deliberately distancing himself from his wife, Annie selected three lucky winners from the audience to win a sum of N10,000 each. The trick worked as the show recorded more views afterwards. TuBaba gave a tongue-incheek performance with “Street Credibility”, saying that since no one is on the street, the

song's lyrics might as well change to “House Credibility”.

That was his cue to educating his audience more about the reality of the global pandemic and why everyone needed to stay at home.

He joked about “Amaka” and said, “Amaka should stay at home.” TuBaba's Amaka jokes are not strange to his fans as they are able to connect it with the character he painted in one of his 2018 collaborative songs, “Amaka” which featured Peruzzi. Fired by innate passion to perform, TuBaba's performance was upbeat, unwaveringly entertaining even without the physical audience. Relying on the audience's votes, TuBaba rounded off his first e-concert with the smash pop hit, “Implication” from the 2008 album, titled “Unstoppable”.

TuBaba, in the spirit of audience-performer connection, threw his top into the audience of empty chairs and the online audience reacted simultaneously with witty comments. The legendary artist had made a powerful statement with this e-concert to make lockdown pleasurable and indeed memorable for years to come.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 19, 2020

52

CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

President Muhammadu Buhari teleconferencing with members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 from his office, State House, Abuja.jpg

Covid-19 and the Race against Time President Mohammadu Buhari announced an extension of the lockdown order last week and many had agreed that it was needed to stem the spread of the dreaded virus, which claimed the President’s Chief of Staff on Friday. Samuel Ajayi writes

A

fter all the rumours and unconfirmed stories, the Presidency, late Friday night confirmed the death of the Chief of Staff to President Mohammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Kyari had died from complications arising from the dread Covid-19 having been diagnosed with the virus last month. He was said to have contracted the virus, when he visited Germany where he met with officials of Siemens over the nation’s power issues. Kyari’s death was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, who wrote on his verified Twitter handle: “The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

“The deceased had tested positive for the ravaging COVID-19 and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2019,” adding that the burial arrangements would be announced later.

The death of the highly influential presidential aide brought the number of COVID-19 fatalities in the country to 17, while total cases, as at Friday night, was 493 out of which 159 had recovered and since reunited with their families.

The fear in many circles is that the number of active cases might have been more than the figure announced by the Nigerian Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC), as less than 8000 Nigerians had been tested since the outbreak of the virus in the country on February 27 this year, when the first index, an Italian was diagnosed with the virus in Lagos.

Perhaps, the death of the presidential aide and the disturbing rise in the number of cases in the country would be enough to let Nigerians know that after all, the Coronavirus pandemic was not a hoax.

Worst hit is the nation’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos, which already accounts for over 250 of the cases confirmed. On March 30

this year, the President ordered a total lockdown of Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States for an initial two weeks.

However, a day before the expiration of the two weeks, the President, in another nationwide broadcast, announced the extension of the lockdown by another two weeks.

He commended the efforts of the nation’s health experts and medical personnel, who had been working day and night to contain the spread of the virus. He, however, said the rising number of cases had necessitated that the lockdown be extended.

While there has been massive negative impact on the business and social life of Nigerians as a result of the lockdown and its further extension, the fact remains that the only means through which the spread of the dreaded virus could be contained is lockdown and prevention of free movement of people and gatherings.

Even other states have since followed suit by announcing total lockdown in their states. They include Katsina State, which recorded 21 cases in 24 hours. It also took a proactive measure by the authorities to shut down the private clinic of a medical doctor in Daura, the hometown of President Buhari, who died from complications arising from the virus.

Niger State has also announced a lockdown while there is a ban on all forms of gathering. In Rivers State, the governor, Nyesom Wike, has been very bullish in the way he is going about the lockdown as he has declared that no aircraft would be allowed into the state.

He recently ordered the ‘arrest’ and isolation of 22 staff of Exxon Mobil, whom he claimed violated the lockdown order in the state, days after the release of two pilots initially arrested for same offence.

The NCDC said the danger of quick spread of the disease is the fact that the nation seems to have moved from ‘imported cases’ to ‘community spread’ cases, which is more dangerous and difficult to contain going by the way people mingle and relate in open places like markets, restaurants, shops, places of worship as well as bus stops. That is why it has decided to fast track the process of testing

and detection of cases and subsequent isolation of those who test positive for it.

On Saturday, governors of the Southwest region agreed on joint border closures to stem the spread of the disease. It also said it would order compulsory wearing of facemasks in their states from April 24 this year.

The decision was taken after a virtual meeting between the governors and statement personally signed by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State stated, “The entry points of our six states be closed forthwith to contain the spread of COVIC-19 pandemic.”

He said the state governors “agreed that people involved in essential services or dealing in medicine, water and consumable items in particular traders and market women/men should endeavour to wear facemasks while outside plying their trade to minimise the spread of the deadly virus.”

He stated also that the governors agreed that wearing of facemasks would be made compulsory for everybody coming out of their homes effective from Friday April 24, 2020.

While these measures are commendable, there is still the small matter of implementing and enforcing them. Many observers have criticised the current lockdown, which sees some commercial motorcycles and tricycles still operating in many parts of Lagos.

Massive human and vehicular traffic is still noticeable in some parts of Lagos, especially, the Victoria Island/Lekki axis, which led to many asking if much is being done to enforce the lockdown order and also ensuring that violators are punished.

A public health expert and Director of Laboratory Services of the AIDS Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (APIN), Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, said the nation was not still doing enough to maximise the lockdown to ensure that as many Nigerians as possible are tested.

Speaking on Channels Television programme, Sunrise, on Thursday, Dr. Samuels said the nation needed to test about 3.9million Nigerians in three months and it is a race against time to ensure this is achievable.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

T IGP, Mohammmed

Before Security is Overwhelmed!

he last few weeks have been traumatising for many residents of Lagos and Ogun States, as hoodlums, hiding under the pang of hunger, have been terrorizing many homes, stealing, molesting and harming them.

What this development has suggested is that the security architecture of state might have been overstretched and unable to tame the ravaging menace of these anti-social

elements, who have made the compulsory stay-at-home order a nightmare for many.

Although the police have been responding to the best of their capacity, it is however evident that the state has to come up with some more ingenious approach to policing at this delicate time, before the security is overwhelmed.

For the state, therefore, no excuses will suffice. Action is all that the people want to see.

So, buckle up and get tougher. It’s your call!

53

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 19, 2020

BRIEFINGNOTES

Lagosians working out on the Gbagada Expressway

Different Shades of A Lockdown Poor planning by government and growing defiance by citizens threaten to undo the gains of a lockdown in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Demola Ojo

R

ecently, images showing hundreds of people in sports wear jogging on the Gbagada expressway, Lagos State, went viral on the social media.

On the face of it, it was something to be proud of; a citizenry committed to fitness.

The next day, similar images emanated from Ikorodu, also in Lagos. Unfortunately, the pictures were taken while the state was in a lockdown, a restriction of movement to help curb the COVID-19 disease caused by a very contagious coronavirus.

Just as bad as these images of citizens, who should know better, were pictures from the Lekki-Epe expressway, showing heavy traffic. It was like this part of the state failed to get the memo about a restriction of movement declared by President Muhammadu Buhari, three weeks ago.

To their understanding, this was little more than an extended public holiday. The story was the same at Eko Bridge, which was also gridlocked. Residents of Ketu and Mile 12 in the state were also culpable in flouting the no-movement order.

It is three weeks since President Buhari, in response to the raging COVID-19 pandemic, which has swept across the world, and after incessant cries and prodding by a concerned populace, ordered the restriction of movement in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. Initially for a two-week period, it was extended by another 14 days.

In the initial televised broadcast at 7pm Sunday, March 29, the president gave a little more than 24 hours for the public to prepare, with the lockdown effective 11pm of Monday, March 30. Despite the fact that Lagos State was already considering the same action, it caught the public unawares as residents scrambled to return to base and stock up on supplies to last the period of the lockdown.

Unfortunately, these same citizens are to endure an extra two weeks with little effort to address initial concerns on how to survive in the absence of commercial activity. Even worse, they now have to contend with the menace of hoodlums and armed robbers as a result of the social upheaval precipitated by the lockdown.

While it is fair to say that a restriction of movement was (and still is) the best line of action in containing the spread of the coronavirus, the federal government has shown little capacity in ensuring its success.

Lead-up to the Lockdown

The lead-up to the President declaring a lockdown is instructive in understanding what at best could be described as a kneejerk

reaction. The President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, had become the latest of a growing list of high profile public officials to test positive for the coronavirus. His closeness to the President and the latter’s silence prior to the March 29 broadcast, led to unfounded rumours on social media about the president’s health and whereabouts. Meanwhile, governors like those of Rivers and Kano States had placed restrictions on the movement of citizens without stating the laws empowering them to do so. Lagos followed suit but later rescinded its decision.

The President’s address on March 29 served the purpose of debunking swirling rumours, soothing frayed nerves and serving as a reminder of who was in charge.

The legality of the President’s orders was questioned although later backed up by a Quarantine Act. This was after public figures including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and legal luminaries like Femi Falana and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa challenged the president’s powers to restrict movement without declaring a state of emergency backed by the National Assembly.

The issue of effecting compliance using the military also seemed to have failed the legality test. Already, there have been casualties from soldiers being put on the streets, including threats to civilians by some officers, who – in fairness to the army top brass – are now facing sanctions.

The haphazard approach by the federal government in waging war against the coronavirus is also evident in the deployment of relief measures. The blurring of lines between COVID-19 palliatives and an existing Conditional Cash Transfer initiative has left citizens puzzled amid accusations of favouring some states over others.

For example, while residents of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja are the ones restricted from movement and commercial activity by the federal government, the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, trumpeted cash transfers to the indigent and vulnerable residents of Katsina, Nasarawa and Anambra States among others, as evidence of government’s relief measures.

Enforcement and Communication

Inadequate messaging and insufficient relief measures are largely responsible for the poor adherence to restriction of movement.

In Lagos, for example, security operatives enforcing the lockdown have been arbitrary in their classification of who is an essential worker, amid allegation of bribe-for-passage.

Residents in many parts of Lagos were out on the streets after the first few days of the lockdown, and driving to other parts of the city was met with little hindrance apart from running into traffic. In truth,

enforcement of the lockdown has been lax. The Lagos State government has had to fine hundreds of citizens for flouting the lockdown but preventive measures may have to be escalated.

However, government isn’t the only one responsible for this.

While there has been an outcry over the sustainability of these rules as they affect the many Nigerians, who live from hand to mouth, it is unfortunate that citizens, who should know better and lead by example, are also sabotaging government’s efforts.

Those jogging on the streets in Gbagada are not economically vulnerable Nigerians, neither are those who can afford to be caught in vehicular traffic. If the actions and comments of the elite and many middle class Nigerians are not curbed, the country runs the risk of an explosion in the numbers of COVID-19 carriers.

Funke Akindele, a famous actress and movie producer, who is also a brand ambassador for an organisation that promotes hygienic habits and social distancing, was charged to court (and pleaded guilty) for flouting social distancing rules by throwing a party.

Also, Naira Marley, an artiste with a large grassroots following, who was present at the said party, had previously implied on twitter that the virus was a hoax.

Chris Oyakhilome, a popular preacher touted conspiracy theories, accusing the government of a cover-up to enable it install 5G technology. Little wonder, that a large segment of the populace sees the lockdown as an unnecessary interruption of freedom and commerce.

Going Forward

For the extended lockdown to bear fruit, amendments must be made to how it has been carried out so far. Most important is effective communication. It should be repeatedly stated why the lockdown is necessary, while those considered essential workers should be defined for the benefit of both security operatives and citizens.

Penalties for flouting the lockdown need to be clearly spelt out through different mediums. Also, the strategy for helping vulnerable Nigerians should be modified. There should be other ways beyond the CCT for Nigerians to benefit directly from cash transfers. Already, there have been suggestions, amplified by APC leader Bola Tinubu, for the net to be cast wider by transferring money directly to bank accounts of Nigerians not captured in the CCT database through their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).

Security operatives also need to up their game and be proactive in protecting citizens. The concept of physical distancing is defeated if residents have to form vigilante groups to protect themselves from armed robbers as is the case in parts of Lagos and Ogun States.

NOTES FOR FILE

Please, Ignore the ‘5G Nonsense’!

Prof. Adeolu Akande, NCC Board Chairman

It’s been heartbreaking that amid the global challenge, frustration and fears occasioned by Covid-19, a rather inane conspiracy theory on the ‘5G connection’ almost undermined JHQXLQH H;RUWV DW HLWKHU VWHPPLQJ WKH WLGH RU VWDPSLQJ LW RXW completely.

Even more disturbing is the fact that the theory is being promulgated by rather ‘knowledgeable’ men and women, who should have used their position and status to dispel the insinuations so leadership at all levels and across the globe FRXOG FRQFHQWUDWH RQ ÀJKWLQJ WKH FRPPRQ HQHP\ WR KXPDQity.

Although the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), had come out to intervene in the debate, when it described as false the claims that the switching on of 5G network

in China triggered the spread of the pandemic, it’s important to impress the truth on all given the impact of the virus so far on human lives.

“The 5G is an advancement on today’s 4G technology designed to transform the world positively. Secondly, there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment,” NCC said, clearly putting paid to the crap being thrown around by those who knew little or nothing about the current global health crisis.

It’s therefore important that everyone ignores the ‘5G theory’ being peddled around on Covid-19 as much as those peddling it. There’s no correlation whatsoever but a celebration of crass LJQRUDQFH WKDW·V SRWHQWLDOO\ LQMXULRXV WR WKH FROOHFWLYH H;RUWV DW silencing the deadly virus.

54

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž RIL 19, 2020

ANALYSIS

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P

olitical dynasties reflect an internal contradiction in any democratic milieu. For over three decades, the Kennedylike dynastic political energy and charisma of the Middle Belt icon and erstwhile strongman of Kwara State politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki (Oloye) and his clan held the state imperiously captive.

For two of those tumultuous decades, they firmly pegged back Alhaji Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq’s audacious ambition and unrelenting quest to provide alternative vision of governance for his beloved state.

But then with notable insight, Kamal Mitra Chenoy, professor of politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, India, who probably had the Sarakis in mind, had accurately observed that family links can only take a politician so far. Finally, by neutralizing former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, political protÊgÊ of Senator Abubakar Saraki, scion of Oloye’s dynastic clan, in the feisty 2019 general election, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is now positioned to actualize his development vision.

Significantly, he is not disappointing his doting constituency.

Stooge to none and armed with an intimate understanding of the extreme poverty and very poor state of basic infrastructure and services in his state, Governor Abdulrazaq, the sixth executive governor of the state is clearly impatient with extraneous distractions and devious praise singers.

Perhaps this why, to harness the human and material resources which are in abundance in the state and transform Kwara, alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of the people are his priorities.

More specifically, he strongly believes the state deserves better healthcare, education, transportation, water supply, housing and an improved economy. These top his development agenda. .

Take the critical education and health sectors which indeed any government that fails to provide qualitative, top-draw education and healthcare delivery for its people is bound to witness low growth in diverse development areas. Navigating with notable humility, Governor Abdulrazaq who believes that government is a continuum has left no one in doubt that he is birthing a new paradigm shift in the quest to transform both sectors. This is targeted at making the state a leading light for other states in the region and nation at large to copy.

After touring all the public schools across the 16 local government councils of the state for direct assessment he ordered the design of a new, viable strategy, to tackle the challenges so as to move education forward in the state. Quickly dropping the lethargic non-fulfillment of the immediate past administration in the payment of counterpart funds to the National Universal Basic Education (NUBEC), in Abuja, his administration ordered the fulfillment by paying a sum of over N70 million to the agency so as to assist the state to access to funds that would help fast-track the growth of primary school education in the state.

This move quickly changed the status quo of the educational management in primary schools education as new infrastructural development has come up while the needed instructional materials that can aid the teachings of the pupils have increased. This has improved the academic zeal of the pupils across all the public primary schools in the state.

The quirky idea of teaching students under the trees or in dilapidated buildings has gone for good in public schools in the state and this has improved both the morale and academic excellence of the pupils.

The pupils now have their teaching in a conducive environment in the state. The prompt payment of counterpart funding has also assisted the administration to access more funds for the training of teachers which

Gov. Abdulrazaq hitherto has long been ignored by the successive governments due to non-payment of counterpart funding.

What’s more, this training of teachers has exposed them to modern teaching techniques, Information Technology output among others.

This also has helped the pupils in their academic pursuits in the state. More, the Governor Abdulrazaq set an agenda on the punctuality of teachers in both primary and secondary schools across the 16 local government councils of the state. This has changed the past narratives of the lateness of some teachers to schools and brought a new lease of life to the academic outings of both the primary and secondary school students in the state.

The governor also ensured that unpaid salaries of lecturers in the state tertiary education were paid and this has preempted any strike actions that may have greeted the administration on assumption of office. This singular support to the lecturers has stabilized the academic environment of the affected tertiary institutions in the state.

The administration also ensured the payment of bursary award to over 8,304 final-year students of Kwara State origin across the nation’s tertiary institutions, to boost their academic pursuits and assist their parents, while 89 law students currently at their various law schools in the country were given a bursary to help them pursue their programme with ease.

Out of over 100 schools identified for a total renovation, 31 of them have been approved for complete rehabilitation while free exercise books have also been printed at the cost of over N75 million set to be given out to the students in public schools.

Bringing more clarity to these key changes, the State Commissioner for Education, Hajia Fatimah Ahmed, a trained teacher, commended Governor Abdulrazaq for the giant strides which include settlement of outstanding arrears of N55,077,00.00 feeding allowance of exchange students owed before the advent of his administration, sponsorship of 1,000 brilliant indigent students of the state for 2020 UTME/JAMB at a cost of N5 million, payment of N30.5 million imposed by WAEC as fine over examination in some schools among several others. She also commended the governor for his giant strides in the sector, including the establishment of an ICT Centre in the School for Special Needs.

According to the governor, “Not too much has been achieved since 2013. We are starting the reconstruction of our schools with 31 schools though over about 100 schools need immediate attention. It’s sad that all our major schools are in deplorable conditions and it’s a shame to talk about it. We have seen the conditions the teachers have been working in but we can’t fix the problems in one day. We thank you for staying on the job and doing your best for these students.�

It is also noteworthy that in the 2020 state

budget, 19 per cent of the budgetary allocation was for the education sector.

In the arena of health development, the Governor Abdulrazaq-led administration has taken a giant stride in bringing health care delivery to the doorsteps of the rural populace. On assuming office on May 29, 2019, the governor undertook facility tours of all the existing health institutions across the three senatorial districts of the state, to assess the situation on the ground and evolve a winning strategy in the attainment of good health care delivery to the people of the state. It would be noted that the administration has recorded a huge success in the area of health development in the shortest time of its governance take-off in Kwara State.

Convention of an inclusive health summit in the state was borne out of the facility visit of the governor to health care facilities in the state. The health summit in partnership with other health stakeholders in the health sector had allowed the administration to fundamentally improve the standard of health care delivery services in the state.

Well implemented, the summit report will assist the administration to adapt to the use of telemedicine, better funding, and autonomy for the state’s hospitals to serve as the launch-pad of the 21stCentury medical technology.

The governor has also unquestionably demonstrated exemplary leadership since the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) by unfolding proactive containment and suppression strategies ensure that the viral pandemic disease does not endanger the state.

Although, the state is bordering communities like Baruten Local Government Area and other neighbouring states of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi and Niger, the governor is leaving nothing to chance to safeguard and boost the health and socio-economic wellbeing of the rural communities.

In an adroit policy/administrative move, the Governor Abdulrazaq administration committed the N263,327,800 recovered from looters to revive an oxygen plant and buy ventilators to contain the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the governor, the cash came in handy against the backdrop of dwindling revenue and allocations arising from the global oil crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thisday gleaned that this particular move drew commendations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week. According

to EFCC, in a statement, “As efforts to bring an end to the Coronavirus disease in Nigeria continue, commendations have come the way of the EFCC as the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has revealed that funds recovered by the commission for the state have been helpful in setting up isolation centres as part of its strategic activities to combat the disease. “It will be recalled that among other recoveries, the Ilorin zonal office of EFCC handed over N263,327,800 to the state in March, being recovered money stolen from the Kwara Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) and 16 local governments.�

The administration has since ordered enlightenment and educative programmes in the state’s public and private radio and television stations properly orient Kwara residents to be more conscious of the pandemic disease and imbibe new, safer health habits.

Going forward, the administration ensured that payment of counterpart health funding of N282 million which was allegedly abandoned by successive administrations was achieved in the year under review. The fulfillment of the payment of counterpart funds to related health and donor agencies would go a long way to complement the effort of the government in the health sector.

Among such health facilities that the payment of counterpart funding would be bringing to the state include access to primary healthcare delivery, health insurance and nutrition for under-three children in the state The payment of N282 million counterpart funding covered N100 million counterpart funds for Basic Healthcare Provision Funds (BHPV); N50 million for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN); and another N82 million to access global grants for malaria. The payment of the grant would also allow the state to have access to the World Bank/ Federal Government’s funds to cater for the health needs of pregnant and nursing women and children.

The government believes that such access to such funds will help combat maternal mortality rate and other basic health challenges related to women and children and will also help to fix facilities for primary healthcare and reduce the pressure on secondary and tertiary health institutions.

It would be noted further that experts have decried malnutrition rate among children in the North Central region, where Kwara State falls and because these children are so key to the bright future, the present government in the state urgently keyed into any initiative that would boost their nutrition and give them a brighter chance in life.

It would be noted that the state has recorded a 40-percent increase in public hospitals’ patronage, courtesy of the focused measures the current administration have deployed.

By redefining the governance templates with which to drive the transformation of the education and health sectors development of the state, Governor Abdulrazaq has sent a clear warning that henceforth the lukewarm narratives previously associated with both crucial sectors are changed for good.

Another critical development arena Governor Abdulrazaq is not taking lightly is human capital and infrastructure. His words: “The 2020 budget, which I have just assented to, has been designed to address the questions of human capital and infrastructure in our state. Our government will partner all stakeholders to tackle various developmental challenges confronting our communities.�

With the passion he has invested in governance Governor Abdulrazaq and audacity he has adopted in key human development sectors of the state, it hardly requires a seer to predict the future of Kwara State.

55

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ͯͷ˜ 2020

NEWSXTRA

Bandits Invade Katsina Again, Massacre 34

As gunmen abduct Edo commissioner Adibe Emenyonu in Benin and Francis Sardauna in Katsina Suspected bandits invaded some communities in DutsinMa, Danmusa and Safana Local Government Areas (LGAs), Katsina State Friday night, killing at least 34 residents during the onslaught.

In a similar onslaught yesterday, gunmen kidnapped the Commissioner Science and Technology in Edo State, Mr. Emmanuel Agbale while his security guard was killed during the operation.

Residents of the affected councils recounted their ordeals with THISDAY yesterday, disclosing that separate attacks took place on Friday night and Saturday morning at about 10:00 a.m.

The attacks took place only two weeks after some hoodlums killed 11 hunter while hunting in Danjin Giwa Forest, Kankara LGA One of the residents, who privately spoke with THISDAY, disclosed that the bandits killed 17 people in Makarwaci, six in Kuraichi and two people at Dogonruwa villages in Dutsin-Ma

LGA yesterday.

He, also, said the bandits “killed five persons at Daulai village of Safana Local government and four persons at Aidun Magoro village of Danmusa LGA. “Many corpses have been deposited at the Dutsin-Ma General Hospital and the injured persons are also receiving treatment in the same hospital.

“The bandits invaded the affected villages because of the COVID-19 palliatives given to residents. They stormed the villages and collected all their foodstuffs on Friday.

“The residents got annoyed and mobilised themselves and burnt some camps of the bandits in the villages, which resulted into serious invasion by the bandits on Saturday morning,” he said.

Apart from the cases of death recorded during the attacks, the source disclosed that many residents sustained varying degrees of injury while they were trying to escape from being killed.

Another credible source, blamed security agencies and the state

Torughedi, Ngige Mourn Abba Kyari Chairman, Ex Agitators Forum, Niger Delta, Chief Selky Torughedi and Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN yesterday said they was saddened by the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

In a statement, Torughedi joined other Nigerians in mourning the passing of Kyari.

He said: “Certainly, death comes to everyone and to each a time to die. Surely the reality of battling this novel Covid-19 pandemic has never been more real as today.

Its dangerous manoeuvering mutating characteristics even makes it more daring, but nonetheless we take solace in our firm belief that, this too shall pass if we fight this scourge collectively.

“My sincere condolences to Mr President and the Presidency for this loss. Adieu Mallam Abba

Kyari.”

In his condolence letter to the President yesterday, Ngige condoled the Presidency on the death of former Chief Staff to the President.

Ngige described Abba Kyari as a passionate patriot, a quintessential technocrat and a consummate bridge builder who in his own little way contributed to the socioeconomic and political development of the country.

Ngige further described him as a brilliant journalist, an astute banker and a fine scholar who helped in no small way in stabilising the polity when the present government came into office in 2015.

Ngige further stated that the late chief of staff also helped in guiding the administration in the implementation of change agenda of the government.

He lamented that Abba Kyari’s

Olugbo Disassociates Self from Attack on Deposed Monarch Olugbo of Ugboland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Obateru Akinruntan yesterday said he had no hands in the attacks on the residence of the deposed Olugbo, Adebanjo Mafimisebi.

In a statement signed by his media consultant, Kehinde Oyekan, the imperial majesty was portrayed in obscure manner that portrays him as not at peace with his subjects.

The statement said that as Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas and current Chairman Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Council as well as holder of a national honour Commander Order of Niger, CON, it was against any sensible reasoning that a personality with such pedigree as Kabiyesi would condescend so low to be involved directly or indirectly in an

attack on the residence of one of his subjects the deposed Monarch Adebanjo Mafimisebi.

The statement said: “It is very wrong therefore for anyone to link Kabiyesi to such an absurdity. ‘’Oba Akinruntan, apart from been a man of peace, he is well travelled and exposed and would never stoop so low to engage in a violence. ‘’Sitting atop sprawling local and international businesses, the revered monarch is far too busy and sophisticated to think, plan or instigate attack on any of his subjects.

The statement stated that the said property in question was the ancestral home of any reigning and incumbent Olugbo of Ugboland and is usually the place where necessary traditional rites are performed.

government for not coming to their aid despite their earlier complaints of insecurity in the area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah could not be reached for comments. His telephone lines were switched off as of press time.

In the Edo incident, THISDAY learnt that Agbale, the state’s

Commissioner for Science and Technology, was kidnapped on his way to Ekpoma.

THISDAY checks revealed that the commissioner was kidnapped on Friday along Benin-Ekpoma road around Hartman Oil Palm Estate in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

An eye witness said the heavily

armed men suddenly emerged from the bush and shot directly into Agbale’s car which forced the driver to stop.

“They first killed the police orderly on the spot and abducted the commissioner to unknown destination”, the witness said.

The State Police Command confirmed the incident yester-

day, noting that the command has already put all machineries in motion to track those who kidnapped Agbale and would ensure that he is rescued unhurt.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Chidi Nwabuzor confirmed the attack on the commissioner in a conversation with THISDAY yesterday.

SAFETY FOR ALL...

L-R: Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of South West, Mr. Peter Babatunde Ogunyanwo; Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun and the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Mr. Kenneth Ebrimson shortly after a security meeting with the governor in Abeokuta... Friday

Ganduje Dismisses Commissioner for Mocking Abba Kyari Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday dismissed the Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Mu’azu Magaji for celebrating the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam late Abba Kyari.

Ganduje’s decision was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, noting that Magaji was sacked for making unguided utterance against Kyari’s person.

In a series of FaceBook, Magaji had made unpleasant remarks over Kyari’s demise.

He had said: “Win win …

Nigeria is free and Abba Kyari

dies in epidemic… The martyrdom of man is perfect.”

In another post, he said: “I am not a hypocrite. I won’t pretend!

While at personal level, I pray Allah grant Abba Kyari Jannah…I sincerely believe Nigeria needed a better CoS period!”

But in response to Magaji’s post yesterday, the statement said commissioner was removed following his unguarded utterances against the person of the late Chief of Staff to the President.

The statement added that Ganduje has relieved the appointment of the Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure with

immediate effect.”

“As a public servant, the commissioner ought to have respect the profanity of the office by refraining from any act capable of rendering the office to disrepute.

“The action of a public servant, personal or otherwise reflects back on the government and therefore, the Ganduje administration would not tolerate people in official capacities engaging in personal vendetta or otherwise.”

“Ganduje said as a public servant, the commissioner ought to have respect the profanity of the office by refraining from any act capable of rendering the office

to disrepute.

“The action of a public servant, personal or otherwise reflects back on the government and therefore, the Ganduje administration would not tolerate people in official capacities engaging in a personal vendetta or otherwise.

“Late Abba Kyari had led a life worthy of emulation by serving his country to the best of his ability,” the statement reads.

Just after his dismissal was announced yesterday, Magaji wrote in Hausa: “I have joined the club of dethronement. But I have not been taking to anywhere. I am still in Kano.”

AfDB Official Dismisses Conflict Between Adesina, US Govt Obinna Chima An official of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has described as false, the insinuation that the United States government is opposed to the re-election of the President of the Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for a second term.

The top official of the Bank who pleaded to remain anonymous, stressed that any attempt to suggest a conflict between the Bank and the United States - its second largest shareholder - are inaccurate and ill intentioned.

In fact, he explained that the AfDB has a very close working relationship with the US Government and several agencies, including the USAID, the Millennium Challenge Program (MCC), the US Department of Commerce, the US Development Finance

Corporation, with whom the Bank signed a $5 billion partnership in November 2019, Power Africa and the Corporate Council for Africa.

“The United States was actually in the forefront of providing the Bank with strong support for its 2019 General Capital Increase and the replenishment of its African Development Fund,” he added in a note to THISDAY. He, however, alleged that what the Bank was facing, was one of its Executive Director, who is a US citizen, who has had a personal vendetta against Adesina from the moment he was seconded to the Bank late 2017. “Adesina has developed a series of strategic relationships and partnerships with US government agencies, without Dowd’s direct involvement.

“As President of the Bank, Adesina, a consummate and highly effective builder of strategic

partnerships, has helped build strong institutional partnerships with several US agencies.

“When he won the World Food Prize in 2017 which was awarded in Des Moine, in the Iowa State Capitol, US Vice President Mike Pence sent a message from himself and on behalf of President Trump.

The, letter had stated: “Your devotion to the cause of fighting global hunger is admirable and deeply needed ... your leadership embodies the American virtues of hard work and self-determination.

“From your upbringing in challenging circumstances to your academic training at Purdue University, your life experience and dedication inspires many people around the world.”

Pence had said further: “On behalf of President Donald Trump, I extend my heartfelt congratulations as you receive this important award.

The United States is committed to food security, and will continue to work with leaders like you to find innovative ways to end global hunger. Thank you for your commitment and contributions to making the world a better place.”

Adesina has received several distinguished awards and Honorary Doctorates from Franklin and Marshall College, Michigan State University and Purdue University.

At Purdue University, the President of the university, Mr. Mitchell, a former governor of Indiana, had conferred on Adesina the prestigious “Order of the Griffin” the highest award the university can award to anyone.

The AfDB boss joined a stellar group of only 50 people since the 1890s, to have been conferred with the award. Other recipients included Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.

Sunday April 19, 2020

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Abaribe to IGP “It is the responsibility of the Inspector General of Police to rein in his men and prevent the people from relapsing into total state of hopelessness. It is not acceptable to our people, to watch our youths being killed in such brazen manner” –Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe reacting to the killing of six people in the southeast by security agencies during the lockdown.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Now That Abba Kyari is Dead

O

n January 18, 2020, when I first read of the new coronavirus on the BBC website, my heart missed a beat because of what China means to the world. The headline was: “New virus in China ‘will have infected hundreds’.” And these were the opening paragraphs: “The number of people already infected by the mystery virus emerging in China is far greater than official figures suggest, scientists have told the BBC. There have been more than 60 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, but UK experts estimate a figure nearer 1,700. Two people are known to have died from the respiratory illness, which appeared in Wuhan city in December.” I feared for Nigeria in particular.

After reading the story, I immediately sent a link to Mallam Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, with the note: “Good afternoon Mallam. We need to watch it.” How on earth would I have known that exactly three months later, Kyari would be gone, consumed by the same virus? At the time, as the BBC reported, there were only two deaths from the coronavirus disease in the world — and both were in Wuhan. It had not been declared a pandemic by WHO. No other country had recorded any case. It looked so distant that I was even asking myself: “What do you want the chief of staff to do about it?” The whole experience now looks surreal to me.

We regularly exchanged chats and compared notes as the virus began to cause more concern across the world. Shortly after Nigeria recorded its index case — an Italian — on February 27, he finally began to express his worries to me.

Let me reproduce his chat in whole: “How many intensive care units do we have ready to admit acute cases? How quickly can we increase the numbers if the virus spreads? How many nurses do we have to deploy immediately and how quickly can we increase the numbers?

How many ventilators do we have and how many should we ideally have and how quickly can we increase the numbers?” He said these were his own concerns.

Along the line, Buhari directed Kyari to lead a government delegation to Germany to discuss with Siemens about power infrastructure in Nigeria. The discussions were on how to improve the national grid, which is one of the biggest problems of the power sector. They also discussed building additional plants to improve generation. After the discussions in Germany, he travelled back to Nigeria via the UK. On the weekend of March 21, he was involved in a series of meetings on measures to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. He was said to have coughed frequently, leading to suggestions that he should run a test since he just returned from Europe.

For the record, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had not officially classified Germany and UK as red zones requiring self-isolation as at the time he returned to the country. He was in Germany and the UK from March 8 to 12, and arrived Abuja on March 13. NCDC designated Germany as “high risk” on March 16 and added the UK to the list on March 17. When the result of his test came out on Monday, March 23, he sent me a message that he had tested positive and was going on self-isolation immediately.

I was shattered, shattered because I knew he had an underlying medical condition, but hopeful because his symptoms looked mild: just the cough.

While he was on self-isolation, we had regular

Kyari phone calls. I normally would call him on WhatsApp voice but he would switch to video and I knew why: he wanted to prove to me that his life was not in danger. He knew I was really worried for him. Rumour was all over the internet that he was on a ventilator, that he was at Gwagwalada Hospital, that he had been flown to the UK or Cuba. Ironically, he was not bothered about the rumours. He did not sound bitter. He was even forwarding them to me and we would share a laugh. He said he was more interested in the goodwill messages he was getting. We still don’t know if he caught the virus in Germany, UK, on a flight or in Nigeria.

On March 29, something happened that got me worried again: he was not picking his calls. I later understood that the cough had worsened and he could not use the regular syrups because they contain sugar. That made his treatment more complicated. He later sent me a message that he was coming to Lagos for further checks and observation, and that the cough was not getting better. That was the last time we exchanged messages or made contact. As soon as he got to Lagos, all messages to his phone went unread. I had to rely on family members and friends to get updates and the impression I got was that he was getting better but the recovery was slow.

In the meantime, he was getting bashed all over the internet. His “death” or “removal” was regularly announced on Twitter or Instagram.

But I was assured that, indeed, he was getting better with “encouraging signs”. As of 5pm on Friday, the message I got was that he was “much better” but the doctors were being “cautious”.

A few hours later, Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, tweeted that Kyari had passed away. It was most devastating. What began with mild to moderate symptoms had gone out of hand. I understand that COVID-19 kills many patients that way: when you think it is all over, like it’s one step away from the worst, there comes a sudden lethal blow.

Some people have been rejoicing since Kyari tested positive for the virus. The gloating has been massive. Some are not even satisfied that he is dead. They wish they could kill the dead body as well and desecrate his grave.

They are all over the social media denigrating the dead. They have their reasons, I believe.

I know for sure that the mortal hatred for Buhari was extended to him, so even in death they can’t leave him alone. They said he was Nigeria’s biggest problem. He was to blame for everything that was not going well in the country. Now that Kyari is dead, I am

anxiously waiting for all Nigeria’s problems to be solved finally. It would be a thing of joy.

Some said they hated Kyari because he was the one responsible for the relegation of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in the power structure. Now that Kyari is dead, let us see what happens next. Some people told me Kyari is a “usurper” — that nobody voted for him yet he was the one “running” Nigeria. Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), the national security adviser, wrote a stinging memo last year accusing Kyari of overriding presidential powers and preventing him from buying arms and ammunition for the military. Now that Kyari is dead, let us see what happens next.

My understanding of power is that you can only be as powerful as the president wants you to be.

My biggest disappointment with Kyari is that he refused to tell his story. When he was accused of taking a bribe from MTN, he explained to me how he opposed the reduction of the $5.2 billion fine, how he was excluded from the resolution committee because of his stand, and how some people met in Dubai and drafted a position paper that formed 80 percent of the final settlement agreement. He said he didn’t know if anybody took bribe, but he was not part of it and his conscience was clear to God. So why not grant an interview to clear your name? His reply: “My boss knows I will never betray his trust. I don’t need to defend myself.”

And there is no counter narrative till today.

Anytime a serious allegation, especially of corruption, was levelled against him, I would put him on the spot. He would explain every detail and tell me who was behind the allegation and why they were after him. I would say: “Okay, Mallam, can we publish?” In the most frustrating manner, he would reply: “No. I’m only explaining this for you to know the correct facts. I’m not asking you to defend me. But even if you want to defend me during arguments or discussions, I want you to do it on the basis of facts, not emotions.” I once told him in despair: “It is not about you alone, Mallam!

I worry about the stigma your children will carry for life.” He could not be bothered.

Clearly, there was a well-oiled campaign against him basically because of the allegation that he “usurped” power. On his own, at times, he would forward links to the damaging stories to me. “Simon,” he would say, “don’t forget that I was once an editor. There is a difference between investigative journalism and planted stories. These are planted stories.” The narration of everything that went wrong in Buhari’s government was constructed to put the blame at Kyari’s doorstep. He was definitely not a saint but I know that when one person is being blamed for every wrong, there is certainly an orchestrated agenda at play. I have been a journalist for 27 years of my life.

I knew Kyari closely for 10 years. He was a simple man, deeply intellectual and not one to run away from enforcing the rules. We argued frequently, particularly on economic policy which was his major area of interest. He regularly bought me books on economics and sociology.

He often invited me for lunch or dinner anytime he was in London and all we discussed was Nigeria and the development challenge. He was very passionate about infrastructure and industrialisation. But he always kept quiet on damaging media reports against him. Maybe that is what chiefs of staff do: take the bullets for their bosses and go to their graves with all the secrets. Adieu, Mallam.

And Four Other Things...

SAVE THEIR SOULS Dr Emeka Chugbo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, recently lost his life after contracting COVID-19 reportedly from an emergency operation on a woman. We first heard that he was treating a positive case at his private clinic, although someone has now tried to clarify that the doctor was not informed of the woman’s status. There is no global standard for treating cases; in the US and Europe, some patients are told to self-isolate while some are treated at nursing homes. It is mostly severe cases that go on admission. Nevertheless, we should stop jeopardising the lives of our medical personnel. We must be truthful with information on symptoms and contact history. Vital.

SLEEPING AMOTEKUN Is Amotekun also under lockdown?

We were told, not so long ago, that the outfit would end the security challenges in the south-west, but with hoodlums threatening the peace and safety of residents in recent times, we are yet to see the security outfit and its supernatural powers at work. At least, the bills have been passed into law, equipment bought, recruitment done and commanders appointed. If there is a time Amotekun is needed, it is now. Or is it all about form without substance? It reminds me of when Osun State was changed to State of Osun.

It was supposed to usher in prosperity.

Instead, salaries went unpaid for months as debts piled up. Politics.

BADGE OF HONOUR Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy has just won my heart — by openly coming out to retract his pronouncements linking 5G to COVID-19.

Pastors normally want to be seen as infallible. When they make mistakes, they carry on as if nothing happened.

Unfortunately, their supporters will continue to repeat the mistakes blindly and stupidly. They even created an “I Stand with Pastor Chris” Google ad to perpetuate a message the messenger himself had denounced. Recently, one pastor said COVID-19 outbreak would end on the 27th of “this month” (March 2020) and has been busy revising and reviewing the prophecy when the virus refused to co-operate with him. Ego. CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION In my article, “5G and Other Tales by Moonlight”, I wrote somewhere that “MTN and Globacom have laid nearly 20,000km of fibre optic cable all over Nigeria”. The figure was grossly understated. As far back as 2004, I knew Globacom started laying 10,000km in its first phase. MTN has done over 18,000km. The two combined alone have done 28,000km. Airtel has 10,000km too. Meanwhile, someone drew my attention to a viral video in which the bark of a tree was drying up and dead birds lay on the ground “beside” a 5G transmitter, with a voice over in British accent. That was his “proof” of cause and effect. One location. One country. No video of “before” and “after”. Mischief.

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