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Barkindo: COVID-19 Pandemic Increased Global Debt by $24tn Opposition to PIB grows with Shell's rejection of proposals on gas sector Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic increased global debt by $24 trillion,

taking it to $281 trillion during the crisis.

Speaking at the 135th meeting of the Economic Commission Board (ECB) of OPEC, the cartel's SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Sanusi Barkindo,

urged member countries to be wary of the inflationary effect of their borrowings as the $24 trillion is more than the United States annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Barkindo spoke just as

the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) may, again, run into troubled waters this month as Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) yesterday opposed the passage of the proposed

legislation in its present state, seeking a review of its provisions on the gas sector.

Barkindo also reiterated his earlier position that oil demand will hit pre-pandemic levels by the fourth quarter of 2021

to exceed 99 million barrels per day.

The meeting of the ECB, the organisation’s statutory economic think-tank, which Continued on page 47

W’Bank Lists Measures for Nigeria to Boost Non-oil Revenue... Page 8 Friday 25 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9573. Price: N250

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Delta Urges FG to Constitute NDDC Board

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

IN MEMORIAL...

L-R: CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank; Mr. Segun Agbaje; daughter of Co-founder of GTBank, Ms. Mode Aderinokun; former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; outgoing Chairman, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite; and Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, at the inauguration of the new GTBank Training Complex in Abeokuta named Tayo’s Plaza in commemoration of the 10th memorial of the bank’s co-founder, Mr. Tayo Aderinokun’s, demise in Abeokuta…yesterday

The Delta State Government yesterday called for the speedy reconstitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to avert the 2016 experience when the resurgence of militancy plunged Nigeria into recession.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kingsley Otuaro, while featuring yesterday on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, described the non-constitution of the board as a flagrant abuse of the commission’s Act. He said the situation was doing more harm than good Continued on page 46

Nigeria will Soon Overcome its Security Challenges, Says Osinbajo UN: 350,000 killed in North-east insurgency Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed optimism that

Nigeria will soon prevail over the current security challenges facing it.

He anchored his optimism on various efforts by the

federal government to tackle insecurity, including the recent supplementary budget sent to the National Assembly for approval for the procurement

of military hardware for the use of the military and other security agencies.

Osinbajo, while hosting the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba

Adeola Ajakaiye, yesterday in Abuja rallied Nigerians to support the security agencies to ensure that Nigeria is safe.

He said: "I can assure

you that soon, the issue of insecurity will be a thing of the past, and that we will all Continued on page 46

Lawan: N'Assembly will be Diligent in Approving Loan Requests... Page 5

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NEWS Lawan: N'Assembly will be Diligent in Approving Loan Requests

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has said the National Assembly will always follow due diligence in approving loan requests from the executive arm of government.

Lawan told journalists yesterday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu

Buhari that the National Assembly will not approve frivolous loan requests from the executive as it will always ask for details before any loan is approved.

He said: "What I want to assure Nigerians is that we are not going to be frivolously supporting or approving loans for the executive arm of government.

Whenever we have to

approve any loan, we have to insist on the details of what projects will be funded by those loans. We'll have to look at the conditions that are attached to the loans; they must be favourable conditions before we approve and we will be up to date with our oversight to ensure that what we have approved is directly deployed and on those projects that we

have also approved for implementation. So, we will not be frivolous and will not take it lightly to just approve any loan".

He, however, supported the idea of government sourcing loan to execute projects, saying the revenues are not available while Nigerians cannot be taxed further.

He added: "Our options are really very limited as

a country. First, we don't have the necessary revenues, Nigeria is poor, we shouldn't deceive ourselves. Nigeria is not rich, given the circumstances we live in, given the challenges we have; our resources are so low, our revenues are so low and therefore the option of not doing anything, just to sit because we have no money, we shouldn't go for

infrastructure development is not even an option worthy of consideration. You cannot keep the economy stagnant.

"Two, you cannot, in my view and judgment, tax Nigerians further for you to raise the money for infrastructure development.

Other countries do that, but we have serious situation across the country, so you cannot put taxes on people."

INEC Launches Online Portal for Registration of Voters Chuks Okocha in Abuja Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday launched an online portal for Nigerians to register as voters.

The commission also released the guidelines for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), stating that the exercise will commence as scheduled on June 28 in all the designated 2,673 online centres to be manned by 5,346 staff.

The portal will go live on Monday when the online registration is scheduled to commence INEC’s Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, told journalists in Abuja that the portal was created for intending registrants to commence the process online by providing their details before booking an appointment to visit the commission’s office.

He also denied insinuations that the exercise is aimed at disenfranchising voters, saying that there are no approved cybercafés for the registration and that there would be no payment for any scratch cards before registration.

According to him, among

the equipment for the exercise is a new registration machine called the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED).

He said the IVED device was built around the concept of a tablet computer and would replace the laptopbased old Direct Data Capture Machine (DDCM).

He said the device was developed by the commission's engineers before it was fabricated abroad.

"It is more mobile and efficient than the DDCM and could also be deployed to other activities, particularly the accreditation of voters during elections," he stated.

The new machine, whose battery has a lifespan of maximum of 12 hours, was unveiled yesterday.

Under the new system, it takes about six to seven minutes to register a prospective voter.

"We are now ready to resume the CVR on Monday next week. We have acquired all the equipment for the exercise," Yakubu said.

Those eligible to register include anyone that is 18 years and above and have not registered previously; registered voters who have

had any problem during accreditation for any past election, with either their permanent voters’ cards or their fingerprints not being read by the smart card reader; registered voters who want to transfer their voting location from one place to another; registered voters who want to correct issues with their data, such as misspelt names, dates of birth, and registered voters whose PVCs are lost or damaged.

Yakubu said the commission would introduce a dedicated portal for online registration.

He added: "The idea is for intending registrants to commence the process online by filling the forms and uploading their pictures and required documents, and

then make an appointment on the web portal for a date and time to visit an INEC state or local government area (LGA) office to give their fingerprints and complete the registration.

"In addition, those who are already registered as voters can carry out all the other activities such as transfers, correction of personal details and replacement of damaged or defaced Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) online.

"We hope that through this portal, we shall reduce overcrowding at our registration centres, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, make the registration processes generally easier, thereby giving Nigerians a pleasant electoral experience.”

He reiterated that the online registration is free of charge.

“All you need is a device, including your mobile phones, that can connect to the internet. Citizens can complete the online pre-registration anywhere and at any time they choose. Just follow the simple but detailed step-bystep procedure on the portal and contact the INEC Help Desk where necessary. The details are on our website," he stated.

On the fears being expressed that the CVR will disenfranchise many voters, the INEC chairman said: "The commission is aware that not all Nigerians have computers, smartphones, access to the internet or residing in urban and suburban areas. Some

citizens may also have one form of disability or another to make it impossible for them to register online.

"The commission is also aware of its responsibility under the law to provide every eligible Nigerian with the opportunity to register irrespective of where they live or other circumstances of life. I wish to assure you that in addition to the online registration portal, there will be some 2,673 centres where citizens can register physically nationwide. " He added that the exercise will be carried out continuously for one year to provide enough time for the commission to reach all the nooks and crannies of the country.

Buhari Leaves for London for Medical Check-up Back mid-July Deji Elumoye in Abuja For the second time in four months, President Muhammadu Buhari will be going to London, the United Kingdom for another round of medical checks.

He will leave Abuja today for the scheduled medical follow-up.

According to a statement yesterday by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president is due back in the country in the second week of July.

Earlier in the year, the president went to the UK to see his doctors, leaving on March 30 and returned on April 16.

THANKFUL ROYAL FATHERS...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini; Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Onugu; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN); and Royal Majesty, Kalu Ikenga, during a courtesy visit by the Ohafia Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought to the minister in Abuja…yesterday

FG, States, LGs Share N605.958bn in May Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared N605.958 billion among the three tiers of government as federation allocation for May. The amount is N10.928 billion lower than the N616.886 billion distributed for April.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

did not make any contribution to FAAC last month.

The three tiers of government shared a total of N640.3 billion for January, N640 billion in February and N681.330 billion in March 2021 The Director (Information), Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Charles Nwodo, in a statement yesterday, said from the N605.958 billion, which was

shared at Wednesday’s FAAC's virtual conference, including the cost of collection to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the federal government received N242.120 billion.

The 36 states of the federation received N194.195 billion; the local government

councils got N143.742 billion while the oil-producing states received N26.901 billion as mineral revenue under the 13 per cent derivation principle.

The communique issued

by FAAC, indicated that the gross revenue available from Value Added Tax (VAT) for May was N181.078 billion as against N176.710 billion distributed in the preceding month, resulting in an

increase of N4.368 billion.

From this, the federal government got N25.260 billion; the states received N84.202 billion, while the local government councils got N58.941 billion.

The distributed statutory revenue of N428.198 billion received for the month was lower than the N497.385 billion received for the previous month by N69.197 billion, from

which the federal government received N175.541 billion and states got N89.037 billion.

Others are local governments, N69.644 billion, and 13 per cent derivation (N24.666 billion).

The communiqué said Companies Income Tax (CIT), oil and gas royalties and import and excise duty recorded decreases. nly VAT recorded a marginal increase.

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World Bank Lists Measures for Nigeria to Boost Non-oil Revenue Says FG loses N3.1tn in VAT leakages Obinna Chima The World Bank yesterday reiterated its call for both state and the federal governments in Nigeria to adopt policies that would increase non-oil revenue.

In a presentation yesterday during a webinar titled: “Options to Raise Revenue in Time of Crisis,” Senior Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank, Mr. Rajul Awasthi, listed measures which included enhancing excise rates; implementing the electronic money transfer levy as contained in the Finance Act; rationalising tax expenditures; and reforming key tax statutes at the federal level, as measures that could help improve revenue collections for Nigeria’s weak economy.

Other measures, which Awasthi advised the country to adopt in the long-term, are improving revenue from crossborder transactions and other international tax measures as well as enhancing internally generated revenue.

He also advised both the state and the federal governments to embark on property tax reforms by updating or completing property records.

The World Bank official stated that Nigeria is Africa’s biggest economy, but presently, the country has the lowest tax-to-Gross Domestic Product

(GDP) ratio of just 4.5 per cent.

He said: “We all know that revenues are essential to provide ensure services, provide security and deliver critical services. But what has happened is the COVID-19related slowdown and the very low crude oil prices really took the economy into recession and revenues plunged in 2020.

“Now, given that this is a time of crisis, we really have to calibrate our policy response to ensure that we don’t endanger investment, jobs and growth. That was the critical underlying policy imperative that we kept in mind in crafting these suggestions.

“You cannot increase again, the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT). Those kinds of reforms are out of the question. But there is a lot of potential in Nigeria for what we call low-hanging revenue yielding fruits.

“For example, increasing ‘Sin Taxes.’ The Finance Act 2020 provided for a levy on electronic transfer that hasn’t yet being implemented. There is a revenue potential there.

There is also a need to rationalise tax expenditure.

That means evaluating the tax expenditure to see which of them are actually fulfilling the policy objectives for which they were put in place. If they are not, then you get rid of them because they are only

draining revenues.”

The World Bank estimated that if the aforementioned measures are adopted, the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio could go up to seven per cent within three years, generating an additional N10 trillion in non-oil revenue.

According to him, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates on alcohol and cigarette.

He added that the amount being charged by the country as excise duty on cigarette is even lower than the ECOWAS average.

“So, we estimate that if Nigeria adopts same rate of excise that Kenya adopted, the country can raise significant

revenue. These are ‘sin’ goods; so taxing them will also be good from the health perspective,” he said.

He stressed the need to remove loopholes in Nigeria’s tax administration as well as ensure better tax compliance.

Awasthi said: “According to our analysis, you can double non-oil revenues with minimum disruption of the economy. We (the World Bank and IMF) are working with the tax administration agencies to strengthen capacity and improve the ability to enforce compliance.

“In terms of property tax reform, we are working with the states to ensure

that property registers are updated, laying a strong foundation for them, so as to improve revenues from property taxation. Obviously, this will not impact the poor because they do not have large properties.

“On Personal Income Tax, this is where the states have to take actions by bringing in revenue-raising measures through better access to data so as to improve tax compliance.”

The multilateral institution also estimated that Nigeria loses about N3.1 trillion in VAT leakages.

The estimate of VAT revenue loss covers both VAT

policy choices and compliance gaps, it added.

The World Bank stated that the country has much greater revenue potential from VAT than currently being achieved.

“Given no input tax credit (ITC) on capital goods, Nigeria embeds VAT in capital investment that impacts all sectors. Capital investment is key to productivity gain; an efficient VAT stimulates such investment.

“But, a significant amount of Nigeria’s current VAT revenue likely comes from taxation of capital investment, so this reform will have a significant revenue impact,” it added.

Dangote to Expand into Oil, Gas in Cameroon AMBASSADORIAL VISIT...

Hamid Ayodeji with agency report Africa’s richest man and President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is diversifying his group’s investments in Cameroon, starting with energy.

“We have plans to expand our investment to other sectors beginning with oil and gas,” Bloomberg quoted Dangote as telling reporters on Wednesday, after meeting Cameroonian President Paul Biya in the capital, Yaoundé.

He didn’t provide further details.

He also announced that his company will double cement production in Cameroon.

Dangote opened a 1.5 million-ton cement grinding facility in the central African nation in March 2015 that ended a 40-year French monopoly in the industry.

Dangote Refinery, situated in Lagos, is expected to become operational by the first quarter of 2022. When completed, it will have the capacity to process about 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Dangote had on Tuesday said his company’s new fertiliser plant would export

Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio (left), and Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Conor Finn, during the ayo ajayi its first shipment in late June ambassador’s courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja…yesterday or early July, to Louisiana, in the United States, while the majority of exports from the plant would go to Brazil.

The new plant at the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos State, designed to manufacture three million tonnes of urea per year will also supply all the major disputes, has never entered ordered the seizure of $98.4 running case revolving around markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Ejiofor Alike with agency into production. million from Obi and more the acquisition of a Nigerian Reuters quoted Dangote to reports The main trial, which than 21 million Swiss francs oilfield for about $1.3 billion. have said during a virtual The judges dismissed the economic forum hosted by An Italian appeals court besides Eni and Shell, also ($21.9 million) from Di Nardo.

Prosecutors had alleged that charges against the companies yesterday overturned jail involved Eni CEO, Claudio Qatar.

“Apart from meeting the sentences handed down to Descalzi, and four ex-Shell Obi received a mandate from and defendants saying there domestic demand, we are a Nigerian, Mr. Emeka Obi, managers, including former former Nigerian oil minister, was no case to answer.

Obi and Di Nardo were going to be able to earn quite and an Italian, Mr. Gianluca Shell Foundation Chairman, Mr. Dan Etete, to find a buyer a lot of money exporting the Di Nardo, for their alleged Malcolm Brinded, is expected for OPL 245, collecting $114 convicted in a fast-track trial million. Di Nardo, they said, back in 2018 separate from goods to the South American role in the corruption trial to drag on for months.

But Obi and Di Nardo, took $24 million of that the main one. They were both case involving Eni and Shell countries,” he had said.

The company’s fertiliser hit over Nigeria’s Oil Prospecting accused of being middlemen amount for putting Obi in sentenced to four years in jail and taking illegal kickbacks, touch with Eni. but had not started to serve Lease (OPL) 245. the market this month.

But in a decision taken them.

The long-running case had asked for a separate Dangote had during a recent Under Italian law a fasttour of the plant this month, revolves around 2011 purchase fast-track trial which, under yesterday behind closed stated that the company would by Italian oil company Eni Italian law, allows sentences doors, which was read out track trial, which is based to reporters afterwards, the only on documents with no start exporting fertiliser and and Anglo-Dutch peer Royal to be cut by a third.

Shell had argued that neither three judges quashed the hearings or witnesses, allows would help improve forex Dutch Shell of Nigeria’s OPL 245 offshore oilfield for about Obi nor Di Nardo worked on convictions and said there sentences to be cut by a third. earnings for Nigeria. behalf of the company. was no case to answer.

"An unjust sentence by Many in Nigeria also hope $1.3 billion.

The court had in March The three judges also lifted the court of first instance Obi and Di Nardo were in the Dangote plant will help alleviate chronically low crop October 2018 found guilty discharged and acquitted orders seizing assets worth conditioned by a macroscopic yields in Nigeria, which are of international corruption Shell and ENI, saying they $98.4 million from Obi and violation of the law," Obi's partly due to insufficient access for their role in the deal were not guilty of the charges. more than 21 million Swiss lawyer, Mr. Roberto Pisano, During the trial, Eni had francs ($23 million) from Di said, referring to the original and each given four-year to fertiliser. also reiterated it had acted Nardo. conviction.

According to the World jail sentences.

The prosecution itself had Earlier this month Italy's Milan prosecutors had correctly in the purchase of Bank, Nigeria consumed around 20 kg of fertiliser per alleged that bribes totalling OPL 245, saying it worked asked for the sentences to be justice ministry had ordered hectare of arable land in 2018, about $1.1 billion were paid directly with the Nigerian overturned after a court in an inquiry into the conduct of March acquitted the two two prosecutors in the main compared with 73 kg in South to win the licence to explore government.

The Milan judge had energy groups in a long- case involving Eni and Shell.

Africa and 393 kg in China. the field which, because of

Malabu Oil: Italian Court Quashes Nigerian, Italian’s Jail Terms

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

WORKABLE OPTIONS TO SECURE LAGOS Ade Owolabi writes that it is time for state police

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e governs the state that represents a ray of hope in a country plagued with a myriad of ills. Lagos State has remained a shining example in Africa as a federating unit. The smallest state in landmass yet hosting a burgeoning population of almost 25 million.

Despite unjust revenue accruals from the national treasury, the managers of the state under the able leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu have not relented in providing infrastructure to enhance livelihoods of millions of Lagos inhabitants.

As the microcosm of Nigeria, the state often bears the burdens of inefficiencies and failed leadership of some states. Mass exodus into Lagos caused by lack of economic opportunities in some states especially crisistorn regions predisposes Lagos to scores of social ills and insecurity.

The #EndSARS imbroglio that was hijacked by criminals last October triggered total lawlessness and criminal deviance to constituted authorities within the state. Criminals who were emboldened by the unfortunate incidence of #EndSARS unleashed terror on residents. Motorists were robbed in traffic, shops looted in neighbourhoods and commercial motorcycles became their best means of escape from crime scenes.

In addition to the Sanwo-Olu government directive to the security forces to flush out criminals from the state, the Lagos State government convened a security summit comprising royal fathers, local chiefs, community development associations, (CDAs), security agencies, among other stakeholders. Sanwo-Olu engaged in what is called the Human Centric Approach in Design Thinking field. The approach ensures that solutions that culminate ultimate decisions emanate from the people. In other words, rather than the government assuming the problems and imposing solutions, the model allows the people and other stakeholders to make recommendations.

Like the Asaba Declaration, a far-reaching resolution emerged from the Lagos Security Summit held at Bero Auditorium in Alausa. The gathering resolved to enforce law banning commercial motorcycles and abandoned buildings that are serving as hideouts of criminals should be confiscated by the state government in the interest of security.

Pronto, the governor moved to action. He rolled out about 500 first and last miles buses as an efficient and secure transportation means in addressing the security threats posed by commercial motorcycles. This was done to cushion the effects of total ban on commercial motorcycles in July.

Also giving the menace of insecurity the attention it deserved, the governor also announced in an interview with the Arise Television that abandoned buildings that are serving as safe havens for criminals will be taken over by the state. He said: “Two days ago, I received a report of abandoned buildings across the state from Neighbourhood Watch. The list is about 250 pages with addresses and pictures of the buildings. These are some of the places where the criminals and miscreants hide to launch their activities. We are passing this list to the security

OUR CHALLENGE IN LAGOS IS NOT HAVING FORESTS WHERE KIDNAPPERS HIDE; IT IS MORE ABOUT CULTISM. I NEED TO THINK GLOBAL BUT LOCALISE MY RESPONSE TO THESE CHALLENGES

for immediate response and actions. This surveillance speaks to the necessity of state police. All the preventable criminalities happening are because we have not agreed as a nation that there should be state police.

“We have been an advocate of state police and it is one of the submissions I made at the recent public hearing on constitutional amendment in Lagos. State police are a force whose time has come. Whether it is Amotekun or Neighbourhood Watch, these are all pointers to the necessity of states to have police to make them stronger.

All the kidnappings and killings we have been witnessing can be nipped in the bud. Our challenge in Lagos is not having forests where kidnappers hide; it is more about cultism. I need to think global but localise my response to these challenges.”

As alluded to by the governor, it is high time Nigeria returned to the path of true federalism. The centralized security architecture is not serving us effectively. State policing system is the way to go. After all, states equip police personnel and provide tools to enhance their work.

In Lagos State, there is a dedicated fund called Security Trust Fund that caters for the inadequacy of security hardware for personnel.

In Lagos on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned security patrol vehicles and other equipment that were handed over to the Nigerian Police Force, Lagos State Command. This is among other measures that the Sanwo-Olu government is adopting to keep Lagos safe.

One hundred and fifty units of double cabin vehicles, 30 patrol saloon cars, four high-capacity troop carriers and two anti-riot water cannon vehicles are part of the crime-fighting equipment donated to the police.

The governor said, “No society can survive without a motivated and well-equipped Police Force. Hoodlums and criminals know this, hence the relentless attacks on police installations nationwide.

It is our responsibility as government to ensure that criminals’ nefarious aims are not achieved. They seek to demoralise and destabilise the police and other law enforcement agents, but we will continue to boldly proclaim, ‘Not on our watch!

“Today, Lagos State Government is handing over brand new crime-fighting equipment to the State Police Command as our own way of assisting the Police Force to rebuild, after the violence and massive destruction that followed the #EndSARS protests last October. We are determined to stabilise the security situation in Lagos State, as our own contribution towards lasting national security.”

That is not all. The Sanwo-Olu administration is upskilling personnel of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and recruited more youth to deepen intelligence gathering for security operatives to work with.

The government also legislated a law stipulating stricter punishment for cultists. Twenty- one-year jail term awaits any cultist convicted under the new law in Lagos.

The government is expanding opportunities for Lagosians in transport, ICT, Agric and other sectors. In Sanwo-Olu’s Lagos, there is no excuse to commit crime.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST PUBLIC AGENCIES

Targeted campaigns against individuals and institutions of government are uncalled for, writes Lukeman Omosaka

A

worrying trend that may have contributed to fostering the strained socio-political situation in the country is the prevalent activities of faceless persons whose intentions are clearly anything but altruistic. While some of them may masquerade as victims of the public service or as social crusaders, their real intentions are to drag institutions of state and their functionaries into disrepute.

In the pursuit of their selfish or narcissistic interests, these detractors deliberately damage the integrity of public officials whose only offence is that they occupy public positions of responsibility. More than that, these people erode the credibility of the state, sow the seeds of instability by their actions, and do great harm to the interests of the nation.

Nowhere has this dubious campaign become more obvious and with dire consequences, than when an institution like the National Intelligence Agency and its top officials are singled out for vilification, for reasons that are at best opaque, and at worst, completely false and unfounded.

This blackmail assumed a feverish dimension from 2018 when Mallam Ahmed Rufai Abubakar was named the Director General of the agency. A deliberate campaign of calumny seemed to have been launched against the agency by hideous persons who disregard decency, mangle the truth and peddle outright falsehood to deceive the unsuspecting public. Even

when their blackmail tactics collapsed over and over again, they continued to fish for more falsehood to spread against the agency whose counterparts in other parts of the world are treasured and helped to succeed.

In our increasingly toxic political season, those who somehow seem committed to destroying the reputation of the agency and the integrity of Mallam Rufai are not letting up. Recently, an unknown body that is fancifully called the “NIA Veterans Association” claimed to have sent a petition to the National Security Adviser, which was promptly published in one online news site, Pointblank News, wholly advertising false allegations. Their objective seemed to be to cast the agency, a stable and crucial state institution, into a crisis of confidence. Fortunately, discerning members of the public and relevant state agencies are not deceived by such a ploy.

The latest farcical allegations could have been ignored or dismissed by enlightened experts who have been following the trend, as one more attempt by mischievous persons in the pursuit of their selfish interests, but for the fact that it is the latest calculated campaign to impugn the integrity of the agency and call to question the important work it is doing. These persons seem to be fishing for anything that can be deemed a scandal in an agency that has, since inception in June 1986, become a vital national asset, a pillar of the nation’s governance system, a defender

of democratic ideals and a protector of the utmost interests of the nation.

Whether or not those engaged in this invidious campaign realise it, their action is tantamount to launching an assault on all of us Nigerians whose interests the NIA and its officers have sworn to protect.

It is a reckless and irresponsible attempt to erode the credibility of, and therefore, damage a national institution in a bid to achieve a whimsical objective.

More importantly, it might also raise the question, as to whether these faceless persons, inadvertently or not, are acting as agents of foreign and other enemies of the nation, while shrouding their nefarious activities as personal matters. This is more so as the content of the latest allegations, as published by Pointblank News, delved into the operations of the agency, including postings of its officers.

This is never done, and is, therefore, utterly dangerous. It puts in jeopardy, the interests of the country. It also puts in danger, the lives of serving officers in their duty posts abroad. Were this to happen in a place like the United States, it would have kicked up dust as to who was behind it and whose interest they were serving. Nowhere in the civilized world can such a story be peddled by faceless persons with hidden intentions be countenanced. By publishing the report as detailed above, Pointblank News and other outlets that may have copied it, as well as their sponsors, should know that they are skirting on a serious national

security terrain. They should be aware that there are provisions in the statute books prescribing punishment for such actions.

Those who have studied the way intelligence agencies function, know that no agent, serving or retired of America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or Britain’s M16 or indeed the intelligence services of other countries, allow issues related to the internal operations of the services to be published in the news media. Which is why intelligence and public affairs analysts seem to conclude that what is at play is more than the pursuit of selfish interests; it is a hostile action, intended to damage the nation’s interests, and hobble the agency from providing its essential service.

Those involved in this irresponsible and unpatriotic act should be aware that they are in breach of extant laws and are liable to prosecution. Considering the heightened level of this progressive campaigns, the government is best advised to open discrete inquiry into this worrying trend, not just only to stop it forthwith, but with a view to unmasking the culprits and their real motives, as well as bringing them to book.

The perpetrators of this targeted campaign and similar ones in other official sectors, have got away with their bad conducts only because government seemed unwilling to unmask and make them face the full brunt of the law. This should no longer be the case. rOmosaka wrote from Abuja

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EDITORIAL

ENDING THE RAVAGES OF CHOLERA There is need to raise awareness on sanitation and personal hygiene

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holera has remained a big health menace across the country, claiming no fewer than 289 lives between January and June. The DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said about 11,000 suspected cases have been reported with 112 confirmed cases. The number of cases has increased with increased rains in the last one month, while the most affected states are Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Bayelsa and Kaduna. Seven IT IS SHAMEFUL THAT people were confirmed killed in NIGERIANS ARE STILL AFFLICTED WITH CHOLERA, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja MOSTLY CONTRACTED as of Wednesday.

THROUGH DRINKING OF The mere fact that scores of CONTAMINATED WATER precious lives are AND EATING OF WASTE lost annually to PRODUCTS cholera speaks to our failure to overcome our primitive living conditions.

Nigeria, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), has the highest burden of the water-borne disease in Africa. “Cholera is life- threatening. If you get contaminated with cholera bacteria and you do not receive appropriate treatment within 24 – 48 hours, you can pass on. Dysentery can give you some time to take care of yourself but not cholera,” said the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) water, sanitation and hygiene specialist, Mr Drissa Yeo. Symptoms include severe cramping, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

It is indeed sad that for more than four decades, a preventable disease like cholera has been a recurring epidemic in Nigeria and has led to the death of thousands of people, especially children. While there have been some efforts by the federal government to deal with the challenge, we have not seen a corresponding commitment from the state governments, yet

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cholera appears to be synonymous with rural communities.

The spread of cholera is helped when the environment is dirty; when water system is not treated and when sanitation is not taken seriously. In many of our states, villagers and rural dwellers are left to rely on streams as the only source of drinking water. There are no provisions for disposing waste. Since cholera is more prevalent in rural areas, the problem becomes compounded when and where there are no modern medical facilities to assist in the treatment of the disease.

Goal Six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is on ensuring water and sanitation for all by 2030. This means that nine years from now, every person in Nigeria and other countries in the world should have access to safe drinking water and safe sanitation.

The UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources not long ago signed a document called Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), which aims at meeting the SDGs agenda on schedule. But having a plan is one thing, bringing in the resources and mustering the commitment towards its fulfilment is something else.

It is indeed shameful that Nigerians are still afflicted with cholera, mostly contracted through drinking of contaminated water and eating of waste products. But with the systemic collapse of critical institutions and basic health facilities in many of the states across the country, it is little surprise that many of our nationals are still dying of the preventable disease common among the poor but has been eliminated in many countries.

One of the factors that has worsened the outbreak of cholera in the country is open defecation which pollutes water sources. That Nigeria has one of the worst global records of open defecation is disturbing and must be tackled with utmost urgency in the nation’s bid to check the perennial cholera epidemics. There is therefore an urgent need to raise awareness on sanitation and personal hygiene.

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

BOUNDLESS MENTOR: A TRIBUTE TO BM WIFA

n contemporary corporate governance both in the service- oriented public sector and the profit-driven private sector, mentoring has taken the center stage in human resource management and organizational behavior. Generally associated with application within an organizational setting, be it at home in the school, social groups and organizations or in a profitdriven formal organizational, mentoring has transcended the limits of formal and informal organizations and has become a necessity for cordiality in human relationship towards cordiality in humanity. This tribute epitomizes how mentoring applies to everyday human relationship and the process of character molding outside the confines of formal organizations I came home one day in 1984/85 and my colleague and neighbor, Chioma Nwikina (now Mrs Chioma Don-Lawson), informed me that the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice came looking for me. Me? For what? My heart skipped a few beats. I was single, overdue for the nuptials and, incidentally, under enormous social pressure from the other side of the gender hedgerow; so, I wondered if my monkeying around

town had landed me on a tree of trouble.

Noticing the disconcertment on my face, Chioma quickly said: “He came to shake your hand and said I should shake you on his behalf”. Still startled, confused and worried, I asked in suppressed exclamation: “Shake my hand! For what?” And Chioma added: “For an article you wrote”. Phew! I let out a thunderous sigh of relief. It turned out that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State, Barr B.M. Wifa, read an article I wrote, drove to Rivers State Newspapers Corporation (publishers of The Tide) for my address and came to my house for a handshake with me, a lowly lecturer. I was elated and comforted realizing that some authority figures still stay connected to the citizenry and sense their pulse by reading newspapers.

The story is that the then Minister of Communications, Colonel David Mark, said that Rivers people are lazy. As a result, a barrage of strongly worded condemnations and rebuttals came from notable Rivers men: the legendary Chief HJR Dappa-Biriye, Prince TKO Okorotie and others vociferously condemned the statement in very strong terms

and demanded immediate apology. In disagreement with the write ups and the hullabaloo the statement stirred, I wrote an article titled “In Support of David Mark” and The Tide published it. In the obvious satire, I agreed with Mark and took Rivers people to the drycleaners by harping on our complacence, complaisance, docility, malleability, lack of cohesion, etc. Thereafter, I turned to David Mark and literally stumped all over his face and scantily decorated shoulders and shoved him into the shredder.

That article was the genesis of my relationship with Sir Barinua Moses Wifa OFR, SAN. BM had the demonstrated capacity of gracefully stepping down from his lofty social height and relating to younger ones with disarming ease and contagious congeniality. Each time BM and I met, which was quite often over the years, I came out with an inner sense of self-worth that was comforting, reassuring and, naturally, inspired confidence.

During a conference in Calabar, BM came to my suite with two bottles of vintage red wine in hand and literally dragged me to the lounge downstairs where we joined Dr. Lucky Eleanya and other young lads and legislators from

Rivers State in the exchange of banters and punchy ribcrackers into the night; I still use some of his “one liners” till date.

BM sure was a jolly good fellow and it came naturally with him.

The relationship reflected in the above account clearly spells the concept of mentoring, which is not limited or restricted to teacher-student or boss-subordinate interface in formal organizations. BM was my mentor in the informal scene; he was a boundless mentor (BM). He left an enduring impression that influenced my attitude towards people especially younger ones. In my more than four decades of teaching at the tertiary level, I have related (and still relate) with my students with no air of superiority whatsoever; rather, it is with palpable humility and friendship. Resultantly, I have benefited immensely from the fallouts of that attitudinal disposition over the years from my former students. I have BM to thank for that. Wifa’s boundless mentoring is worthy of emulation.

Adieu my senior friend; adieu BM. Rest in the bosom of God. rO. Jason Osai, ozomogoosai@gmail. com

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POLITICS

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

The Ideal Communique from Igbo Leaders Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, Founder, Igbo Youth Movement presents an alternative communique which he believes should have been issued from the recent meeting of governors from the South-east, Ohanaeze, Igbo leaders and elders

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had no intention of commenting on the communique of the just held meeting of the South-east governors, Ohanaeze, Igbo leaders and elders.

I am forced to present the truth once again, for these reasons.

1 To continue prayerfully, driving the conversation in search of reconciliation, healing and peaceful resolution of the situation. Hoping that the truth I present will be of some use in the search for harmonious agreement that will heal the land.

2 For the sake of the security and intelligence agencies that are never tired of seeking ways to entrap me and catch me in my words in order to rope me in, one way or another. Enormous resources, I learnt, have been voted and expended in the project ‘Rope in Elliot at All Costs’, they just must deliver on their mandate, hence, the desperate hustle to entangle me and get me into trouble by all means. This team will be greatly disappointed and troubled if I say nothing.

3 The group of professional informants, agents, pseudo leaders and elders, who boast that they have mastered the art of manipulating the leadership of the agitators through flattery. They claim to have successfully gone far in the scheme and plot of making incursions into the agitators through their lawyers and are now able to weaken them from within, by turning them against whoever they resent, in order to slowly cripple them. This group hire reporters to call me, record the conversation and then use it to hoodwink the boys, so as to mislead them.

For this three reasons: Here’s my response.

It is impressive to hear our leaders, talk about rules of engagement, careful and cautious investigations and keeping the peace.

That is welcome.

It is also noted that our leaders have shown the desire to reach out, engage and collate grievances to present to the central government. This is encouraging and commendable.

They also condemned the violence, especially the wanton wasting of precious lives. They are in order.

However, the issues are about the anger of the younger generation Ndigbo and their desire to opt out of Nigeria. In that regard, the meeting failed to sincerely inform the world why the agitation continues to grow in leaps and bounds. That would have been the honest thing to do.

How I wish their communique sounded something like this: After deliberations on the situation in our land today, we humbly plead with Mr. President to note our findings on the origin, cause and reasons the unrest in the land is growing instead of abating.

The unitary structure of the government has over the years, created a feeding bottle arrangement that cannot be sustained any longer. This unitary arrangement has given birth to many social, economic and political problems, that are directly responsible for sleaze in the system, inability to pay salaries and pension as at when due, unemployment, overpopulation in the cities and the rise in the level of violent crimes and drug abuse.

This issues that include poverty, inflation, weak electoral process, impunity, hunger and inequality, has festered for long and created cleavages and agitations that have unfortunately remained unaddressed over time.

That our investigations and enquiries have confirmed that the feeling of exclusion and marginalisation, which have grown unchecked in recent time, is largely responsible for the loss of faith in the system, especially by the younger generation and this inspired the agitation for secession.

That unless this issues are addressed from

the root, there seems no likelihood to see an early end to the agitation.

We, as leaders of the region, believe that granting listening ear to the pains, frustrations and fears of the agitators and applying non kinetic strategy in resolving the issue, will much better produce lasting

results.

The agitators are of the argument that the dichotomy applied in the day-to-day life of the average youths, including state-oforigin dichotomy and unkind disparate school admission cut off marks for different regions, creates unfair inequalities and

Quiet Thoughts on Referendum Iboro Otu, a businessman and politician makes a strong case for a referendum, brings he says comes with it a lot of interesting conversations and political awareness even to those who are politically inactive

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was thinking a while back on why I believe in a referendum in so many ways.

My primary reason is ownership.

We don’t feel any sense of ownership or patriotism in this country for many reasons hence why, for example, most Nigerians want to get into positions of power simply for what they can take out of the country than what they can contribute. No one steals from their own house. In a referendum, everyone has a say on where they want to belong. When people decide if they want to stay or leave and the conditions for doing so, they feel a sense of ownership no matter the decision they make and accept the outcome thereof. They work harder to keep it together with a renewed sense of belonging and this sense is what has been missing in present day Nigeria for a long time.

Political awareness: The restructuring voting process, the canvass for votes just like we witnessed during Brexit brings with it a lot of interesting conversations and political awareness even to those who are politically inactive. Referendums are rarely seen as political events but rather as binding forces bringing people and ideologies together. The simplicity of the voting process and the logic for it is to elicit serious soul searching beyond voting for terminal candidates every four years. As such, it leads to serious conversations and canvassing from homes to religious centres. Once the cat is out of the bag on referendums, people become politically active afterwards no matter which side wins as either side feel direct consequences of their engagement. There is a severe lack in political awareness in this country and it is directly proportional

to our sense of irresponsibility to leadership. The closer the people are to the ballot, the better our leadership will get.

System reset: However, the referendum turns out, again, like we witnessed it with Brexit, there usually follows a mind shift and government/leadership paradigm and policy shift. Shock waves caused by the outcome usually positively rejigs the system to move more responsibly towards voter yearnings on recognising that they owe the people who made it happen.

It will bring the government closer to the people and will freshen or reset the relationship between the state and the people.

All of the above work well for the Nigerian situation, stay or leave. Beyond the usual periodic constitutional amendments and national conferences - both of which are now seen as distractions at worst and band-aids at best - on topical issues which include devolution of power, political and economic restructuring, national security, social welfare, electoral matters and many others, we are yet to find the right footing that allows serious solutions to take root and allows all sections of the country to equitably partake in our political system effectively and this has led to years of festering discontent in many quarters now boiling to the fore in the form of IPOB, Oduduwa republic and many others. For equity’s sake, we must allow the people wearing the shoes to indicate to the rest of us where it hurts them and then take proactive steps from there - do they want new shoes or want to fix the old ones?

After the referendum we then can have a national conference of sorts.

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

grave injustices that retards their growth and development and hinders their aspirations, whilst eroding their desire to remain in the same unkind condition.

They believe that the hostile attitude towards them, makes it very difficult and almost impossible for them to be proud of their country, let alone bequeath such humiliating condition to their own children.

Reports from committees mandated to engage the agitators, indicate that the strident refusal by certain people to restructure the polity along the lines of true federalism and devolution of power, over the years, greatly grew the fears of the younger generation, who simply do not wish to continue merely existing in fear and hopelessness as permanent onlookers and eternal spectators in the Nigerian project.

They believe Nigeria does not have a future under the present unitary structure that suffocates development.

Consequently, our children have taken a position that took us quite some time to understand. This has brought us into direct conflict with the angry younger generation, who are in their millions. As is clearly obvious for all to see, out of frustrations, they have mobilized themselves all over the world, share information through globally monitored radio broadcasts and the very powerful social media, deepening their agitation and marching on resolutely to achieve their aim.

They do not have kind words for us, whom they accuse of not doing enough to secure justice and equity for their generation.

We are of the honest view that engaging them in a dialogue as opposed to military action would serve better the interests of all sides.

The several military operations in the past (operation Python Dance) only deepened and strengthened the agitation.

The application of lethal force alone, as the only solution, has not solved the problem, as can be seen by all.

To add salt to an already festering wound, the brigandage of the herdsmen, and the inability of the security and law enforcement agencies to rein them in, for several years now, turned the hearts of the people away from the government and towards the militia, any one at that, that would protect them and save them from the virulent onslaught from the well-armed herdsmen, who kidnap, rape, behead, decapitate hapless civilians at will, without any fears of arrest or prosecution.

As nature abhors a vacuum, the agitators seemed to fill a missing gap in the provision of security.

The vicious destruction of farms and burning of homesteads, by the herdsmen who act as if they are above the law, coupled with the inability of the government to protect citizens, led to the acceptance of the militias by the marooned and stranded citizens. All these helped in no small measure to strengthen the agitation and popularize the agitators.

We are of the view, that an invitation and engagement of the aggrieved youths, and listening to their grievances will help in no small measure to douse the tension in the land.

Finally, as leaders of this region, we stand whole heartedly with the people and leaders of all the regions of this country, who believe that a wholesome restructuring of the polity is the way to go.

Accordingly, we plead with Mr. President to work with all arms of government, regions and leaders of this country, towards an early restructuring of Nigeria, for therein lies the solution to the issues bedeviling the land today.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021

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PERSPECTIVE

Blacks, Republicans and Battle over Voting

Presiding Officers of Nigerian Legislators Push for New Narrative

Adesoro Tolu Austen, Special Adviser on Media and Labour to the Clerk to the National Assembly writes on the significance of the revamped Conference of Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline. Presiding Officers of Nigerian Legislatures

Chido com goes back in time to show that the quest to expand options to vote by minorities in America is an enduring effort that transcends generations

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he struggle and determination to maintain the right to vote and have fair access to the voting process remain a consistent struggle for many minorities in every part of the world.

Unfortunately, since this remarkable year of 2021, here in the great United States, somewhat related struggles especially in the African-American community have entered a new phase to dismantle sophisticated, multiple requirements, needless roadblocks, technical obstacles and quasi-legal shenanigans by the Republican Party especially in the southern parts of the United States.

It is not at the level of the battle in the 1950s and 60s for civil rights and voting rights. The right wing Republican politicians are seeking to, as far as possible, minimize access to voting instead of expanding options to vote.

You may recall that the assorted confederacy of White supremacists, anti-Semites, sophisticated racists, skinheads and neoNazi thugs who on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 invaded the Congress of the United States had one core mission to upstage and overturn the popular, valid and democratic decision of Americans. Decisions are real and these issues are existential.

They all oppose an inclusive multiracial democracy. Hence, they giddily and foolishly sought one solution: de-enfranchise African-Americans. Artfully, the codenames for this bogus masquerade to invalidate minorities and Black votes were “Let’s do the recount”, “reVote”, count only “legal votes”, and so on….

Let’s go back to history.

On May 17, 1957, the prophet and civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. delivered what I consider to be his most practical speech of value and consequence.

He moved beyond the sonorous, honey-laced oratorical flourish of “I Have a Dream” to the canvas of existential realities.

It is the “Give Us the Ballot” speech, wherein he amplified the value and need for voting rights for African-Americans. It was delivered at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The great man demanded with grace and grit: “Give us the ballot and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights ….”

“Give us the ballot and we will no longer plead to the federal government for passage of an anti-lynching law ….”

“Give us the ballot and we will fill our legislative halls with men of good will ….”

“Give us the ballot and we will place

judges on the benches of the South who will do justly and love mercy ….”

“Give us the ballot and we will quietly and nonviolently, without rancour or bitterness, implement the Supreme Court’s decision of May 17, 1954.” [ref: The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute. Stanford University, California].

Fundamentally, there is an evident connection of the 1880s through the 1960s to 2000s civil rights agenda. Every era deals and responds to its unique issues.

Regardless, there are trans-generational challenges of all these times. For example, I will cite racism. Those issues and problems, I believe, form the lingering challenges which the great Mandela called the struggle for the “restoration of human dignity.” [ref: from Mandela speech at the 1998 White House reception in honor of Mandela with African-American Religious Leaders].

Such “human dignity” as access to a decent meal, access to clean, drinkable water and freedom of expression are especially denied continental Africans by their various governments since the indigenous political and business desperadoes took power, after the colonial administrations working water taps fell to disuse from lack of maintenance and corruption! It is not an invitation or preference for continuing the neo-colonial grip on African countries but it is a statement of fact.

For example, the water supplies networks and public taps (by the PWD- public works department in Nigeria) have since remained dry monuments to the serial wickedness, inhumane corruption and gross incompetence of indigenous rulers, from both the military/soldiers and civilians.

A major part of the struggle for the “restoration of human dignity” is the battle for jobs. Where’s the dignity for a Masters degree holder who has been unemployed and has no access to capital to start his/her own business?

Such “human dignity” as access to a decent meal, access to clean, drinkable water and freedom of expression are especially denied continental Africans by their various governments since the indigenous political and business desperadoes took power, after the colonial administrations working water taps fell to disuse from lack of maintenance and corruption! It is not an invitation or preference for continuing the neo-colonial grip on African countries but it is a statement of fact

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ome July 2nd and 3rd, 2021, the Conference of Presiding Officers of Nigerian Legislatures (COPON), which is made up of Presiding Officers and Speakers of the National and States Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, will be having its very important meeting in Abuja.

Coincidentally too, between July 1st and 2nd, 2021, the Forum of Clerks of Nigerian Legislature (FOCON), a body essentially made up of Clerks in the country, will be brain storming to address salient issues affecting the administration of the legislature, in the nation’s capital city of Abuja.

The theme of Conference of Presiding Officers of Nigerian Legislature’s (COPON) meeting is, “Public Perception on The Role of The Legislature: Post Legislative Scrutiny And The Independence Of The Legislature,” while the meeting of Forum of Clerks of Nigerian Legislature (FOCON) will essentially dwell on status report from the states, the training of newly appointed Clerks other related nagging issues.

For obvious reasons, the subject of this piece will be more on the Conference of Presiding Officers of Nigerian Legislature (COPON), more so, as the theme for discussion is not only very germane, but fundamental to the progress and sustainability of parliamentary democracy in our clime.

When Arun Jaitley, the late Indian veteran attorney and former Finance Minister, who worked tirelessly for the progress of his country, wrote that: “Parliamentary accountability is as important as parliamentary debate,” he was looking at the sacred mandate bestowed on parliamentarians in any progressive democratic set up, nay the much expected role presiding officers are supposed to spearhead in ultimately bringing democratic dividends, to the door steps of the electorates.

The public expectations of the legislature cannot simply be overemphasized, and the public perception of its role contributes heavily to the legitimacy of democracy.

Firstly, it must be noted that, the legislature is a key institution of democratic politics and public accountability, therefore, how it is publicly perceived is linked to democratic survival and legitimacy.

We cannot run away from the fact that a key factor in the perception of the legislature, derives from its performance of core constitutional duties of law-making, oversight and representation, as well as other related or associated duties.

As we know legislatures are in place to represent the collective will of their societies, and law makers are expected to carry unique responsibilities.

Through the democratic means of peaceful interaction and compromise, the legislature in Nigeria is constitutionally empowered to fulfill the various tasks of public deliberations over any and all issues of societal concern, such as debate; the creation of legal and budgetary frameworks that stipulate how those issues are to be addressed- legislation; and oversight of programs brought out by the executive arm of government, to attend to those issues, by way of scrutiny.

Because the legislature is seen as carrying the responsibilities of being trustees for diverse groups of communities in various geographical locations in Nigeria, they must be accountable to them, hence the forthcoming Conference of Presiding Officers of Nigerian Legislature (COPON), is long overdue, and a welcome development.

Given the fact that public or citizen participation in the core work of the

legislature, is viewed to be critical to the overall performance of the legislature, the birth of COPON in 1980, during the Second Republic, as a forum for articulating and addressing issues of common interest to the Nigerian legislature, was a watershed in Nigeria.

It is sad to note that the military incursions into Nigerian political system, and some known protracted issues that besieged the early years of resuscitation of democracy from 1999 upwards, made COPON non-existent.

COPON came alive again in 2007, in 2008 and in 2009. COPON again slide into limbo until it surfaced again in December 2013, with its Fifth (5) Conference.

More saddening is the fact that COPON, an organization with such laudable objectives such as :” strengthen the institution of legislatures to play pivotal role in sustaining democracy; ensure liberty, equality justice and dignity of Nigeria; contribute to effective functioning of the Nigeria legislatures; encourage contacts between Nigerian legislatures on one hand, and parliamentarians in Africa and other countries on other hand; and ensure autonomy of the institution of legislature in Nigeria at all levels, has not been meeting as at when due.

Meanwhile, article 8 (1 -3 ) of the rules and regulations COPON of 2008, states that:” The General Assembly shall meet quarterly at such place as the General Assembly shall decide; The meeting shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory; The extraordinary session of the General Assembly may be convened by the (a) Chairman; (b) Executive Committee; and (c) at the request of at least a simple majority of members of the Conference addressed to the Chairman” .

It is imperative to look at how COPON is being funded according to its rules and regulations, perhaps lack of funding is a major reason that this all important legislative organization has not been fort coming in terms of stipulated quarterly meetings.

The article 19: Financial Provisions states as follows. “The Conference shall be funded through: annual levies and contributions of members; donations to the Conference; aid from donor agencies; and any other donation.”

Now, why has the Conference being slowed down in terms of proactive meetings? The onus rests squarely on the leadership and all members, to be alive to the wonderful objectives of COPON, of drastically pulling resources together, by way of prompt response to financial obligations; and the constant need for financial drive to sustain the organization.

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Quick Takes

NCAA Plans Drone Regulation

THIS IS OUR SCORECARD

L-R: Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Hugo Rocha; Non-Executive Director, Michael Ajukwu; and Company Secretary/General Counsel, Muyiwa Ayojimi, at the 44th Annual General Meeting of International Breweries Plc held in Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Concerns over FAAN’s Dwindling Revenue Chinedu Eze Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are lamenting over the failure of the agency to meet its monthly revenue target at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

They attributed the situation to loopholes created by some of the personnel who man the revenue sources of the agency.

A reliable source at FAAN who pleaded to remain anonymous, alleged that since normal operations started after the COVID-19 lockdown last year, there have been excuses given by these personnel as they continue to give the excuse that revenue targets are not being met because of the effects of the pandemic.

The source pointed out that domestic flight operations have

AVIATION returned to normal and international flight have reached over 65 per cent, which according to them ought to be reflecting in the agency’s revenue collection.

THISDAY gathered that beyond documented revenue sources, like aeronautical charges, the major areas officials are allegedly shortchanging the agency, there is also the toll gate between the international and domestic wings of the airport and the car park located at domestic terminal, known as General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

THISDAY visited the GAT car park and confirmed that the commercial staff of the agency in charge of the car park had migrated to manual operations, in a system that was previously automated.

Previously, anyone who drives into the car park is registered automatically and given a tally by the machine. Then, if the user decides to leave the car park he would take the tally to cash kiosk where the time his car spent would be calculated by automated machine and he would pay with credit card, but this process has been disengaged.

But THISDAY visited the airport around 6:00 am last Thursday and observed that everything was done manually, which caused delays and it took the FAAN official about four minutes to attend to each motorist, which involved writing the car’s number in a big, worn out ledger and given him a handwritten number on a piece of paper, as the tally had been discarded.

Spending four minutes on

every vehicle caused traffic gridlock and stirred anxiety among travellers who feared that waiting at the car park to park their cars might make them miss their 6:30 am and other flights.

The FAAN official who was recording the plate numbers told THISDAY that the system had broken down and that the agency was working towards fixing it.

Some travelers also revealed that the FAAN officials wasn’t accepting electronic payment, but was insisting on cash.

“I travelled two days ago and when I came to pick my car they insisted that I should pay cash. I didn’t have cash, but they asked me that I must go and get cash from Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and pay them.

Continued on page 26

STOAN: Port Terminals’ Efficiency Affected by Dilapidated Access Roads Eromosele Abiodun Contrary to claims, the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has said operations inside the port terminals across the country are well organised and professionally coordinated.

Spokesman of STOAN, Dr. Bolaji AKinola, who stated this in a statement, explained that the major challenges facing port operations in the country include dilapidated port access roads, poor traffic management and manual examination of cargo by Customs.

He said terminal operators, like other business entities in Apapa, are victims of the, “dysfunctional state and chaos” on the port access roads.

“The port terminals are well organised and efficient.

Concessionaires have done very

MARITIME well to ensure efficiency in their various terminals.

“The major problem is the road. Terminal operators do not have any role to play or responsibility to bear on the road. We don’t own the road; we don’t control the roads; and we don’t control happenings on the road.

“We cannot control the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of managing traffic on the road,” he said.

He added that terminal operators, more than any other entity in the logistics chain, bear the brunt of the Apapa traffic congestion because it hampers the evacuation of cargo from the port.

“The business of terminal operators is to keep trade moving. We don’t make

money from cargo sitting at the terminal. Our profitability is in the volume of cargo we handle so it is in our best interest for cargo to leave the port as soon as possible.

“Unfortunately, those who profit from the chaos on the road make it difficult for trucks to move freely to evacuate cargo from the port,”he explained.

Akinola added that the fact that the roads were cleared and rid of the notorious traffic anytime President Muhammadu Buhari visited Lagos, “shows that security operatives know what to do to deliver us all from the pains we suffer daily from the gridlock.”

“In 2019 when the President visited Lagos, the otherwise intractable Apapa gridlock disappeared. The gridlock also disappeared on June 10, 2021, when he visited to inaugurate

the rail line and the Deep Blue project.

“It was not terminal operators that cleared the road; it was the same security operatives that manned the road that cleared it. How did they make it happen? Can they continue to do on a daily basis, what they did on those two occasions of Mr. President’s visits?

“It should be noted the problem with the roads leading into and out of Apapa is caused by bad roads, numerous check points mounted by security agencies and rickety trucks.

If these three issues are addressed and adequate parking lots provided for trucks, the gridlock will become history, “he said.

“The trucks that have direct business to do at the port are Continued on page 26

TheNigeriaCivilAviationAuthority(NCAA)hassaiditisinthefinaldraft stageofdrawingtheregulationthatwouldguidetheuseofdrones,known asRemotelyPilotedAerialSystem(RPAS),inNigeria.NCAAsaidthemajor challenge about the planned regulation borders in the area of security where it has no final say.

SpeakingattheAirportBusinessSummitExpo,theDirectorGeneralNCAA Capt. Musa Nuhu represented by the Director Airworthiness, Kayode Ajiboyesaid,thereweresafety,securityandtechnologicalchallengesthat neededtobeaddressedforseamlessuseoftheunmannedAerialvehicle.

Accordingtohim,theupcomingregulationswouldcreatealevelplaying fieldandaddressissueslikeregistration,securityapprovals,operational certification,Airworthiness,licensingofpersonnel,economicauthorisation and privacy.

Nuhu noted that when the final draft is completed, there would be a stakeholders’engagementtogarnerinputstothedraftandanadvisory circular on guidance had been sent to respective operators on how to get certificated.

Onsecurity,hestressedthattherewasneedtomitigateriskstonational securityandpublicsafetyposedbypeoplewhoarenotplayingbytherules.

“We must ensure that the Nigerian Airspace remains safe and that the benefits of UAVoperations is well understood and we’ll implement.”

Headdedthat,theyhavenodoubtthatthecurrentlegalframeworkand collaborationwithoperators,stakeholdersandtheOfficeoftheNational Security Adviser (ONSA) would provide a robust structure and system fortheregulationofdroneoperationanditsstructuredgrowthinNigeria.

Ethiopian Flies Fully Vaccinated Crew

EthiopianAirlinesGrouphasstartedoperatingflightswithfullyvaccinated crewagainstCOVID-19.Thisistokeeptravelerssafeinlightofthepandemic.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr.Tewolde GebreMariam said, “We are pleasedtooperateflightswithfullyvaccinatedcrew–asignificantstep in protecting our employees’ and customers’ health safety.

“We are encouraged by the increasing number of passengers travelling for business and tourism supported by the confidence of vaccination across the world.We have been squarely focused on working very hard to ensure the safety of our staff and passengers since the pandemic broke out and this is another testament to our continued commitment.

“We have bought and imported more than 37,000 vaccine shots for our employees and stakeholders.”

TheairlinesaidithasbeenrigorouslyimplementingCOVID-19precautionary measuresincludingthelaunchofitsowntestingandisolationcenterand digitizationofitsoperationamongothers.Ithasbeenattheforefrontin the fight against the pandemic carrying essential medical supplies and vaccines across the globe as well as repatriating stranded people back to their home.

SkyTeam Celebrates 21st Anniversary

SkyTeam has celebrated its 21st anniversary, a significant milestone in the global airline alliance’s history since it was founded in NewYork City

by Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air. The19-memberallianceiseyeingafuturebeyondCOVID-19asanindustry leader in seamless customer experience, powered by its proprietary innovative technology – the digital spine – to deliver a frictionless, safer customer experience.

“Over 21 years, SkyTeam has created value for members and their customers. We will continue to leverage our position to find synergies and more ways to improve our cooperation, products and services to helpmembersbuildbackstronger,includingadoptingtechnologytohelp get the world moving once more,” said SkyTeam Chairman,Walter Cho. “Korean Air and its partners founded our alliance on a promise of caring moreaboutcustomers.Thehardworkanduncompromisingcommitment of our members and their employees to deliver safe, seamless travel duringthechallengesourindustryhasandcontinuestoface,showsthis promise remains as true today,” he said.

Having recently enhanced its SkyCare & Protect health safety pledge byexpandingalignedmeasuresfrom15to22,SkyTeamsaiditwasgoing further.

The alliance is partnering with member airlines and travel technology providers to enable off-airport verification of passengers’ digital and paper health credentials for every segment of their journey, enabling seamless travel between SkyTeam carriers and reducing customer stress and health safety risks.

“Partneringwithtraveltechnologyexpertsdeliversbenefitsformember airlinesandtheircustomers,somethingthatSkyTeamhasbeenfocused on for 21 years,” said SkyTeam CEO, Kristin Colvile.

“We have trained a number of our accident investigators as pilots to operate our drones. Currently, we are undergoing certification process by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority” Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau,

Akin Olateru

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NEWS

CONCERNS OVER FAAN’S DWINDLING REVENUE

FG Seeks Improved Capital Market Participation

“But even in small shops in the streets, people accept credit card. I was shocked. I witnessed another frustrated passenger call the Minister of Aviation but I don’t know whether he actually got him or what his response was,” he said.

Another loophole, the FAAN officials who spoke to THISDAY identified was the toll gate where they said concessionaire was paying FAAN N40 million monthly two years ago, but when FAAN took over, the revenue has reduced drastically.

THISDAY also learnt that at certain periods in the night the FAAN officials who man the tollgate leave their duty posts and vehicles would be passing freely.

However, the General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu expressed surprise that the automatic system at the GAT car park had been disengaged and assured that FAAN management would soon re-engage the automated system.

She promised to get the details of what happened from the commercial department of the agency.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

STOAN: PORT TERMINALS’ EFFICIENCY AFFECTED

BY DILAPIDATED ACCESS ROADS less than half the number of trucks you see on the road. The other half consists of petroleum tankers heading to petroleum jetties/tank farms and trucks owned by some Apapa-based manufacturing concerns such as Honeywell, Flour Mills and Dangote, among others.

“A few days ago, the Acting Managing Director of Nigerians Ports Authority (NPA) Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko said NPA counted about 30 checkpoints mounted by security and traffic management officials on the roads in Apapa.

“The truth is that those who mount these illegal checkpoints are profiting from the chaos they deliberately create. It has nothing to do with terminal operators. We cannot control the action of these government officials. Only government can call them to order,” he said.

He said private terminal operators at the seaports invested N538 billion in port development from 2006 when the ports were concessioned to December 2017.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has directed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to evolve a savings policy and programme aimed at encouraging Nigerians of all economic status to actively participate in the capital market.

This is with a view to unlocking the vast potential in the market.

Ahmed stated this when the management of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Timi Popoola, paid her a courtesy call in Abuja.

While acknowledging the commitment of NGX’s management, which culminated in the demutualisation of the exchange, Ahmed called on them to leverage on technology and innovations which could ease the processes of trading on the exchange and ensure that ordinary citizens could participate in the capital market.

In furtherance of the objective, the minister stated that the federal government had directed SEC, to marshal out a savings policy and programme that would encourage citizens of all

economic standing to actively participate in Nigerian capital market as a means of unlocking the potential in the market.

In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Aliyu Ahmed, while congratulating Popoola on his appointment, urged him and his team to tap into their experiences and scale up the operations of the exchange for the benefit of

investors and the market.

Popoola had earlier informed the minister that he had come to introduce the NGX’s new management to her and to also appreciate the her support to the Nigerian capital market.

While assuring the minister of the NGX’s support to this administration’s efforts in making Nigeria a destina-

tion for foreign investment as well as attracting investors, Popoola sought for a reduction on Companies Income Tax (CIT), from 25 to 20 per cent , among others, arguing that these would ultimately attract more taxes to government.

He assured the minister of the Exchange’s commitment to support the ministry’s fiscal policy and willingness to

serve on the committee of the Finance Bill 2021.

Responding to the request for a reduction of various taxes relating to the capital market, the minister declared that such requests would be treated on their individual merits, stating that the requests had come at an appropriate time when the Ministry is working on the Finance Bill 2021.

MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

L- R: Management Trainees, IBOM ICON Hotel & Golf Resort, Raphael Ekpenyong; Blessing Monday Udo; Julius Moses Damilola; Mmeyene Ebong; Jonathan Bassey Etim; Rosemary Sylvester Inyang, and Christian Vincent Edem, during a program in Uyo… recently

BPE Urges Kano to Perfect Land Title for KFTZ Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has urged the Kano State government to perfect the land title document of the 262,01 hectares of land as well as additional hectares being occupied by the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ).

The privatisation agency also solicited for collaboration between the federal government and the state for the development and maintenance of the external infrastructure surrounding the KFTZ. These were part of the

demands presented by the BPE Director-General, Mr. Alex Okoh, when officials from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the BPE paid a courtesy visit to the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The delegation, according to a statement by the Head, Public Communications of BPE, Amina Tukur Othman, was led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo.

Okoh, who also called for continued patronage by the Kano State government through the increase in the number of leases it operates currently for various businesses within the KFTZ, said when concessioned, the free trade zone would bring in an export value of $2 billion by 2027.

The BPE chief executive added that it would also become the destination of choice for agri-business, leather and textile companies.

He specifically noted that the Zone would be the largest processor of hides and skins

and integrated leather apparel and goods processing as well as a major processor of key agricultural goods grains, tomatoes.

According to Okoh, it will also be involved in integrated textile and garment manufacturing as well as visioned to be fully integrated and reliable supplier network, partner of choice with large agri-business companies and integrated and strong logistics and distribution capabilities to urban centres in the southern part of the country.

Okoh said the zone was

further visioned to create jobs, promote exports, improve infrastructure development, boost growth and upgrade skills even as he added that the federal government plans to transform two of its two FTZs from their current poor state into world standards.

He said the rationale for the proposed reform arose from poor and inadequate infrastructure, poor investment attraction and low capacity utilisation and that the concession strategy involves, “no divesture of shares in any form.”

‘Pan-African Settlement System to Slash Transaction Costs by $5bn Annually’ James Emejo in Abuja The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Mr. Wamkele Mene, has said that the full implementation of Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) will cut annual cost of transactions by $5 billion.

The amount he said represented the aggregate amount spent on currency convertibility.

While pointing out that the

pilot implementation of the platform had already started in six countries in West Africa, which have switched on unto the system, Mene added that the system is currently running smoothly.

The AfCFTA boss, while on a visit to the country, told THISDAY that it will be difficult to boost intra-African trade with 42 currencies of various countries, thus, the need for currency convertibility.

He expressed confidence

that full implementation of the pan-African payment platform would begin by December.

He said: “We have started a piloting phase of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS); six countries in West Africa which have switched on unto the platform.

“Transactions are already happening within these six countries that are at the advanced stage of pilot project.

“Africa has 42 currencies and the cost of the currency convert-

ibility actually is a constraint to intra-African trade.”

He said: “It makes us inefficient and makes our trade unnecessarily expensive and adds to the cost of doing business for the SMEs. “So the payment settlement platform will really make a significant contribution and our estimates that it would reduce the cost of transactions by $5 billion annually and that is the aggregate amount that is the aggregate amount that is spent

on currency convertibility.”

He explained that when the system is fully up and running, countries will be able to, “transact with somebody in Kenya, you will transact in naira and they will receive Kenya shillings.”

He said Afreximbank will be the correspondent facility, adding that they have, “invested their own funds and we are working with them as the secretariat but they have been very strong in investing in African solutions.”

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

SMEDAN Assures on Competitive MSMEs Sub-Sector James Emejo in Abuja The Director General/Chief Executive, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Dikko Radda, has said the agency will continue to support the growth and development

of a virile micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) sub-sector.

He said the sector remains key to the growth and development of countries across the world.

Speaking at a media briefing to herald the 2021 United Na-

tions MSME Day celebration, in Abuja, Radda said the sector is a major contributor to job and wealth creation, poverty alleviation as well as the bedrock of industrialisation.

He said: “It is therefore, based on the relevance of MSMEs that the United

Nations set aside the June 27 of every year for the celebration of the resilience and significance of the MSMEs. “It is important to note that Nigeria has celebrated the two previous World MSME Day with all stakeholders in the MSME ecosystem participating.

“As we join the rest of the world to celebrate the MSMEs, it is my pleasure to assure you and all stakeholders that the agency will continue to support the growth and development of a virile MSMEs sub-sector of our dream in Nigeria.”

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ANALYSIS

New Trajectory for Nigerian Airlines Nigerian airlines are beginning to choose aircraft types that are appropriate to their routes in addition to acquiring new equipment. Industry experts say this would make their operations more profitable, writes Chinedu Eze

Air Peace Embraer E195-E2

S

ome years ago industry analysts used to excoriate Nigerian airlines at every aviation fora because of their poor choice of aircraft for the routes they operate. Many of the industry experts said for airlines that operate short haul flights of largely less than two hours, it is most inappropriate to operate long haul airplanes.

New entrants into commercial aviation seemed to have taken a cue from the criticisms and have started acquiring smaller body aircraft suitable and economical for short haul flights.

Over 10 years ago Arik Air came in with Boeing 737-700 and 800, but while operating it, it realised that there was need to have smaller body equipment and it acquired Bombardier CRJ 900 and later turboprops, Bombardier Q400.

Air Peace, which joined the market in 2014, acquired Boeing aircraft and shortly after acquired smaller body aircraft, ERJ 145, a 50 passenger capacity aircraft. United Nigeria Airlines, which started operation in February, 2021came in with ERJ 145 and Green Africa, which is under the process of obtaining Air Operator Certificate (AOC) finally chose ATR turboprop aircraft.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that choosing the right aircraft has so many benefits, saying Nigerian airlines in recent time seems to have realised that because they are now choosing small body aircraft which is right for the short haul flights.

He said such aircraft types would help airlines breakeven with less number of passengers. For example, Embraer ERJ 145 is a 50 passenger capacity aircraft. With 35 passengers the airline can break-even a flight, but with a bigger aircraft like Boeing 737-800, which has the capacity of about 145 passengers, the airline needs about 90 passengers to break even.

Akinkuotu said bigger aircraft would make it difficult for an airline to breakeven with in a route where passengers cannot fill more than half of the aircraft. He noted that such airplanes are good but their choice should be dependent on the market.

“For example, if I have an airline that is not yet known, I can use smaller airplane to operate Lagos-Abuja route with a capacity of about 50 passengers; but as I get popular I will use bigger aircraft. With smaller aircraft you can ginger the market,” he said.

Wear and Tear The NAMA Boss said the choice of aircraft is determined by design and market. For a long flight a bigger aircraft is needed, but aircraft utilisation is dependent on cycle and hours of flight. He said that if an airline uses Boeing 737-800 for example, to fly Abuja-Lagos and use the same aircraft to fly Lagos-Dakar, the Abuja-Lagos aircraft would record higher cycle because it would land six times in the same hours of flight, the one on Lagos-Dakar would spend before it lands.

In other words, if you operate Boeing 737-800

Green Africa ATR

between Lagos-Abuja it will operate about 55 minutes in each flight so under one hour it would land two times and in the three hours it would take the one going to Dakar to get to its destination, the one on the Lagos-Abuja route would have landed six times, which is six cycles; while the other would have landed two times, which is two cycles.

He said the more the cycle, the higher the maintenance. But if appropriate aircraft is used it would be cost effective. Boeing 737-800 would be appropriately used from four to six hours’ flight. So there should be a balance.

Akinkuotu noted that there should be other factors to consider in choosing the aircraft type.

“You have to also look at the public perception. In Nigeria, travellers like aircraft that takes them above the clouds. Smaller aircraft are not as tolerant to weather as the big ones, but they may be good to the economy of the airlines,” he said.

Beckoning Airports The Managing Director of Flight Logistics Solutions, Amos Akpan, said in the past most of the aircraft types used by Nigerian carriers were those that have capacity for 120-140 seats, noting that the cost of operating these aircraft types is high in terms of fuel, manpower, spare parts and these aircraft types include Boeing 737, 727, MD11 and DC9.

“These aircraft are expensive for domestic operation in Nigeria. The number of passengers required to break even is high. The volume of fuel used for one hour’s flight is high. Now, people have to reassess their business model and decide to choose aircraft that burn less fuel and the break-even load factor is lower.

“So where there used to be 80-90 passengers to break even, they would need 35-40 passengers to break-even because of the aircraft type and passenger traffic,” Akpan explained.

He also noted that smaller body aircraft could easily fly into airports that have smaller runway and the airports where passengers that are ready to travel by air at anytime could be average of 35-40.

“Such airports where you can have relatively smaller number of passengers are Ilorin, Katsina, Akure, Ibadan, Minna, Osubi, Calabar, the new airport in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital, Kebbi, Bauchi and Gombe. There are some cities where you cannot have a high number of passengers at any point in time, so you deploy smaller body aircraft there. So there are lower number of passengers that can pay for air service there.

“By the time you land there with that

number of passengers, you break even. There are a whole lot of airports that are waiting to be served with smaller body aircraft. These airports are waiting to be exploited. They have a number of passengers with average of about 30 passengers per flight. So they need smaller aircraft, what we call feeder service plane,” Akpan said.

Size Critical as Brand New Last week when Air Peace received third of 13 aircraft it made firm order for from Embraer, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, in eulogizing the airline noted that an airline buying the right size of aircraft for its operations is very critical to the success of that airline.

“Today is another milestone and it is a paradigm shift in the aviation industry in Nigeria. Not since the days of Nigeria Airways when I was quite a young man when I started my career have I seen any Nigerian airline purchase brand new aircraft. It is not only ordering a brand new aircraft but the right size aircraft for the Nigerian market.

“That right size is as critical as being brand new because it further enhances the airline economics, you break even with much lower passengers, the operating cost are lower, your maintenance cost are lower, it is much easier.

“You can fly routes and still come out profitable, even when you don’t have too many passengers. In addition to that, another factor we don’t realise, this new aircraft are environment friendly, less noise, less pollution.

I am really proud to be the DG of NCAA when this change is coming,” Nuhu said.

The Director General also said with the initiative of Air Peace he hoped that other airlines would follow the same way and buy brand new aircraft types that suit the Nigerian market.

“I see a paradigm for other airlines, like the chairman of Air Peace prayed, I also pray that other airlines also will buy brand new aircraft and the right size. So that the air transportation industry can grow much better than it is currently.

“If it grows much better, there will be more jobs; more income and the contribution of the industry to the GDP will grow. Once our contribution to the GDP grows bigger, the government recognises the industry more, with more attention. We are getting good attention now, but the attention will grow and we will become a more relevant sector by increasing our GDP in the industry. We are

In West and Central Africa, we have 600 million people; you can imagine with the right size aircraft, you can easily airlift 150 million passengers. And I promised we would continue to work together, if you need all the assistance we will cooperate to ensure the industry survives

here to work together and grow the industry,” the Director General said.

He described the relationship between airlines and NCAA as partnership, noting that the agency would always support Nigerian carriers in exploiting domestic, regional and international markets.

“We are friends and partners in progress in the industry. If you have issues, we will sit down and discuss and resolve it. Yes, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation spurred airlines to make such bold move to acquire new aircraft. Most importantly, we need entrepreneurs like Onyema that believes in the country to come and invest, tie all loose ends together and grow the sector.

“I look forward to the day that majority of the Air Peace planes are brand new E195-E2s.

Not only will it grow your market domestically, it will grow your market at the regional level. In West and Central Africa, we have 600 million people; you can imagine with the right size aircraft, you can easily airlift 150 million passengers. And I promised we would continue to work together, if you need all the assistance we will cooperate to ensure the industry survives,” Captain Nuhu said.

Cost Cutting Also during the ceremony, the Chairman and CEO of the airline, Allen Onyema, explained that he was encouraged by the Minister’s compelling speech, which urged Nigerian airlines to acquire new aircraft. But at the point the speech was made, many of the domestic carriers were not positively disposed to the speech but with a hind sight, that speech inspired the decision of Air Peace to go for new aircraft and also the right aircraft for its operations.

“The Minster didn’t want Nigeria to be a dumping ground for old planes, not that the old planes are not safe. But at the same time, if you know the amount of money we spend on these planes you will not believe it.

“It is very, very demanding, whatever you make you take it to the MROs (maintenance facility) abroad. So any sensible Minister will be worried. But at that time, we didn’t really understand it but later we started understanding what he was saying. And he started getting us to understand him, trying to explain to us.

“Secondly, this government provided enabling environment for us to thrive. The day we went to the Senate, the Minister was fully behind me when I was making presentation as the Vice President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). The Minister drove me in his car; we went to the Senate to plead with them to pass certain things into law.

“Today we have Customs duties waived, today we have VAT removed from importation of aircraft, if not I will be paying over N1 billion from this aircraft that is arriving today. Today, it is part of our laws even when President Muhammadu Buhari leaves tomorrow, customs duties, VAT, will never depend any longer on the whims and caprices of whoever becomes President because now it is part of our laws.

So government has created the environment for the industry to thrive, it has never happened in the last 15 years,” Onyema said.

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MARITIME

Revisiting Bala-Usman’s Suspension Eromosele Abiodun argues that the recovery of $100 million from Integrated Logistics Services by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the Nigerian Ports Authority shows that the suspension of the Managing Director of NPA was unjust

O

n October 11, 2017, THISDAY had reported that the federal government then directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to void the boats pilotage agreement it had with Integrated Logistics Services (INTELS).

INTELS, a logistics and facilities services provider in the maritime and oil and gas sectors, was co-founded by Gabriele Volpi, an Italian national, and Atiku Abubakar, former vice president of Nigeria.

According to the report, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the contract was void ab inito.

Malami had relayed the government’s decision to the Managing Director of the NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman, in a letter dated September 27, 2017.

The letter was entitled, ‘Request for Clarification of Conflict Between Executed Agreement and Federal Government Treasury Single Account Policy’.

Malami then said the agreement, which had allowed INTELS to receive revenue on behalf of NPA for 17 years, violates sections 80(1) and 162(1) and (10) of the constitution.

The AGF wondered if the management of the NPA and INTELS, did not take cognizance of the relevant provisions when negotiating the agreement in 2010.

“The inherent illegality of the agreement as formed has since been expounded by the TSA policy issued by the Head of Service of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria directing all ministries, departments and agencies to collect payment of all revenues due to the federal government or any of her agencies through the TSA, ”the letter read in part.

He added: “NPA being an agency of the federal government is bound by the TSA policy and has not howsoever been exempt therefrom. Due to the constitutional nature of the TSA, where there is a conflict between the TSA and the terms of the agreement, the TSA shall prevail.

“Therefore all monies due to the NPA currently being collected by INTELS and any other agents/third parties on behalf of NPA must henceforth be paid into the TSA or any of the sub-accounts linked thereto in the Central Bank of Nigeria (information of the account will be communicated in due course) in accordance with the TSA policy.

“In the premise of the above, the conflict between the agreement and the TSA policy presents a force majeure event under the agreement, and NPA should forthwith commence the process of issuing the relevant notices to INTELS exiting the agreement which indeed was void ab initio.”

INTELS Apologises Facing the reality of losing several millions of dollars in commissions for the pilotage services it handles on behalf of NPA on Nigerian coastal waters,Volpi, founder of INTELS apologised to the federal government over the dispute that resulted in the termination of his company’s pilotage agreement with the NPA. The agreement had allowed INTELS to receive revenue on behalf of NPA for seven years.

Reacting to the incident, Volpi had said INTELS would “comply with the directive of government” and transfer all the revenue collected from the boats monitoring and supervision services in Nigerian maritime waters to the TSA. “We want to apologise to the federal government and NPA over this disagreement with INTELS. I was not personally involved in the negotiations with NPA, but we apologise for what has happened.

We intend to comply with the directive of government and transfer all the revenue to the TSA because we are a law-abiding

highest were prequalified. The outcome of the transparent tender process was forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Transportation for onward transmission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its consideration.”

“Upon disqualification from the tender process, INTELS initiated a court action to prevent the Authority from proceeding with the tender process citing a debt owed one of one their sister companies, Deep Offshore Nigerian Ltd for the development of Onne 4B,” a source at the NPA told THISDAY.

Bala-Usman

Amaechi

company, ”Volpi told THISDAY.

and other agents.” THISDAY reliably gathered that the sum of $118 million, which accrued between January 1 and September 30, 2019 as well as unconfirmed accruals between January and August 2020 when the contract finally expired also remain unremitted.”

NPA Takes Action Two years after the purported apology, INTELS and Volpi never fulfilled their promise to the federal government.

Consequently, after about two years of bickering, the NPA gave a notice of termination of its boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement with INTELS. In a letter dated March 27, 2019, addressed to Bala-Usman, NPA’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello-Koko, had accused INTELS of non-compliance with the presidential directive and circular on implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Article 4.1 of the executed supplemental agreement by refusing to remit the sum of $145, 849,309.33 being outstanding service boat revenue generated from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018.

According to Bello-Koko, Article 4.1 of the executed supplemental agreement states, “The total revenue generated on behalf of the principal in each of the pilotage districts from the service boat operations shall be paid directly into the principal’s TSA at designated commercial banks which will be swept daily into the principal’s corresponding TSA at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).”

He stated that Intels neither remitted the sum of $55.72 million, which it pledged to remit in a letter dated February 12, 2019, nor the sum of $145.84 million, which it demanded via various letters.

The letter by Bello-Koko also stated, “Let it be clearly stated that Intels persistent refusal to remit all service boats revenue to TSA as clearly stated in Article 4.1 of the supplemental agreement and the sudden introduction of the ‘concept of reciprocity’ in your letter dated March 6, 2019 is worrisome. The concept of reciprocity is alien to the executed supplemental agreement.

“In a letter dated March 6, 2019, INTELS alluded to the following as defence for its refusal to comply with terms of executed agreement: that the outstanding revenue of $145. 84 million, which covers the period of November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018, is not true, that its pledge to pay the sum of $55.70 million as revenue for period from November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2019 is predicated on authority’s payment of $19.67 million. And added that the authority’s fulfilment of the payment is a prerequisite for the reciprocity of rights and obligations of each party in executed agreement.

“That the unreconciled amount of $145.

84 million included revenue expected from both clients under Intels agency

INTELS Sue FG Not willing to give up, INTELS promptly went to court to stop the termination of its contract. However, the company latter complied with NPA’s directive of remiting to the FG’s single treasury account and the NPA withdrew the termination notice it served the company.

Expiration of Contract As was exclusively reported by THISDAY last year, NPA and INTELS settled out of court wit the understanding that the contract was going to expire hence the need not to spend government resource in legal services.

Contrary to claims in a section of the media, there was no court order existing at the time of the expiration of the boat pilotage contract between the NPA and INTELS by on August 8, 2020.

INTELS was engaged as Managing Agents of the NPA for oil industry related activities in the compulsory pilotage district within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria. The contract commenced in June 2007 with a review of an extension of 10 years in 2011 to culminate in August 2020. As stated above, the NPA had in 2017, served INTELS with a notice of termination for its refusal to comply with the Treasury Single Account policy of the federal government.

Following the receipt of the termination notice, the company complied with the Policy. A supplemental agreement was signed to recognise the compliance to TSA and the notice of termination was accordingly withdrawn. In compliance with the Public Procurement Act, the NPA in December 2019 initiated a public tender process in anticipation of the expiration of the contract in August 2020. The tender was for the appointment a contractor to provide the service for NPA for which INTELS charges the NPA 28 per cent service charge.

However, INTELS was disqualified because it violated one of the criteria advertised for the tender process. THISDAY checks revealed that INTELS, alongside other companies submitted bids to qualify for the tender in line with the criteria spelled out in the public advert.

INTELS, it was learnt, violated one of the criteria advertised for the tender process and was accordingly disqualified.

“The tender process proceeded accordingly and the companies that scored the

NPA MD Suspended Curiously, 58 days ago, eight months after the expiration of INTELS contract, the Bala-Usman was suspended for failing to restore all INTELS’ contracts that were suspended or terminated.

This is, according to a member of the panel of enquiry was set up by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to investigate her.

As reported by THISDAY, a member of the panel who did not want to be named had said that the panel, which was initially set up to probe the earlier claim of not remitting operating surplus of N165 billion to the consolidated revenue fund account would now probe Bala-Usman for insubordination as.

He said: “We are looking at two things.

One, the suspended managing director was in the habit of communicating directly with the president and bypassing the honourable minister. This is gross indiscipline and a breach of public service communication line. That is enough to get her sacked.

“Two, the minister directed her to restore all INTELS’ contracts that were suspended or terminated. What she didn’t know was that the president was in the know of it. She failed to comply. This is insubordination and she is not above discipline.”

However, according to a THISDAY report, a source at the Transport Ministry had volunteered that Buhari actually withdrew his approval for the reinstatement of INTELS’ contract after Bala-Usman wrote to President’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, to explain NPA’s position.

Gambari, the source said, forwarded her response to Malami, for a legal opinion.

The source said Malami wrote to the president to state that the NPA was right and that no contracts were terminated or violated.

Buhari then withdrew his approval for the reinstatement of Intels’ contract and that was believed to have infuriated Amaechi, who accused Usman of insubordination.

EFCC Vindicates Bala-Usman Meanwhile, in a development viewed by pundits as a major vindication of the suspended NPA boss and a testament to the source of her reforms, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, last week disclosed that the anti-corruption agency recovered $100 million from INTELS on behalf of the NPA. Bawa stated this in Abuja when he appeared at the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team at the State House.

He recalled that the commission recovered $100 million for the NPA from some of the outstanding remittances INTELS owed the country.

He noted that he did not refer to any serving minister in his submission on how a minister purchased a multi-million naira property through a bank chief.

On successes recorded by the commission since he took over in the last 100 days, Bawa said the agency does not make recoveries for only the federal government but all victims of fraud.

FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi: There’s Innermost Joy WhenYou Touch a Life

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Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi: There’s Innermost Joy When You Touch a Life Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi has come a long way on the leadership trail of Lions Club. Starting in the clubs’ junior cadre of LEO, she is an exceptional individual with a go-getter mentality and a rush of achievements to show for it. From chartering the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club to becoming the first Constitutional Area Speaker for New Voices for English Speaking West Africa, her climb up the ladder was steady, and it was by dint of hard work, visionary leadership and her result-oriented nature. Today, it is not surprising that she is the District Governor for District 404A2. In this exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, she gives a backdrop on her rise through the years and a hint of the work ahead of her, the big project ahead of her in this Lions Year, the challenges and her resolve to continue her rich vein of performance as a leader

W

What do you do for a living?

I am a civil servant but primarily, just a teacher.

I belong to the Lions Faculty where we groom Lions, people who want to become presidents, people who are presidents who want to become teachers too to teach other people, we mentor them. That’s what I do. I love to teach. I enjoy teaching.

How long have you been a Lion?

I have been a Lion for 22 years. I started as a Leo. I spent 10 years as a LEO. LEO means Leadership, Experience Opportunities. I proceeded to join the Lions Club. I chartered the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club when I was posted to Abuja to serve the National Youth Service. I fellowshipped with the Wuse Abuja Lions Club and I was motivated to form my club since I found that the few clubs there didn’t have young people whom I could flow with.

So I sent out invites on social media and that gave birth to the club and I became the Charter President.

What are the opportunities one gets to enjoy as a Lion?

There is this innermost joy you get when you touch a life or just make someone smile.

You could find someone who is hungry and is likely going to die of hunger and you give them something to sustain them. It is like you are their last hope and the person simply says “thank you and The God bless you” …. Priceless!

There is this project that is very dear to my heart, the visitation to the leprosy colony. Women have a lot of clothes, bags in our rooms and then we have these neighbours who do not have anything to wear. Let’s bring these clothes, wash and iron them then go and share them at the colony. Lions Club allows you to show love, to affect somebody’s life positively. You don’t need any reward, the reward you will get from God, you can’t quantify.

We also offer training. They are very life changing topics starting from mentoring to the art of time management which you will find useful in planning your life. There are many types of training you can get from Lions club, including Project Management things you can apply to your work and daily life. Every Lion who has been through our training can manage even a World Bank Project. So it is good to be a Lion. Plus you make new friends who become family and you have an opportunity to travel the world when you qualify.

What are some of your achievements?

With a sense of modesty, I want to say that as a Leo District President, I performed very well and had International recognition for that. We donated 20 wheelchairs to physically challenged children; we gave scholarships for three sessions to children in Special Education, particularly those that are deaf and dumb. We also sponsored cataract surgeries. There were so many things we did that year. After that, when I moved to become a Lion, I joined the Calabar Doyen Lions Club, the sponsoring Lions club of my Leo club. When I went for my National youth service in Abuja, I chartered the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club which is one of the best clubs in District 404A2 and Nigeria at large.

Odu-Okpeseyi

What we have today as a District wasn’t this grand. Some past Governors and Lions have worked really hard to grow the once sub-district and make it a full District. I am happy to say that I was one of them. I have worked with practically every District Governor since I became a lion. After being a District Secretary, I became a District Chief of Protocol, then the District Global Leadership Team (GLT) Coordinator which has to do with training and grooming of all the club presidents and officers.

So the training of the districts for these 17 states was in my hands and I think I did a great job.

After being the GLT Coordinator, I progressed to become the District Global Service Team (GST) Coordinator. This means that all the projects for the year were planned by me and I gave directions to the clubs. Then I became the first Constitutional Area Speaker for New Voices for English Speaking West African Countries.

New Voices was an initiative of our First female International President to tackle gender parity in the association.

That position is exclusively reserved for those who are past District Governors or past International Directors but just as a Lion, not even a Vice District Governor, I was chosen by the International President to handle it and I excelled at it. I think they saw something in me and after being nominated to become the New Voices Constitutional Area Speaker, I became emboldened and was encouraged by Lions to aspire. And so I started to dream again. The dream I thought I had forgotten was rekindled and I said why Not? Let me give it a try, I did and the rest as they say, is history. Today, I am District Governor.

Give us a clearer picture of your constituency as a District Governor? How large is your District?

My District spans across 17 states all the states in South-South, South-East and part of the North, including Kogi, FCT, Kaduna, Taraba and Benue states. They are divided into regions and zones for easy administration.

How do you feel about your election as District Governor of the seemingly largest district in Lions Club as per the states covered?

I am so excited! I am the youngest female District Governor ever in Nigeria. I have this burning desire to put in my best and see that my district becomes the best in Nigeria. Nigeria

has four districts and I want my district to be the best in Nigeria and even the best in Africa on my watch. My predecessors have worked very hard; I now need to build on the past. I intend to take it to the next level, that’s my dream for my district.

I am the third female of the ten governors we have in my District. The first two governors for District 404A2 were females and we didn’t have any other female till now. I want to work very hard and perform well. My theme is “Excellence through Service.” I want to achieve excellence in service delivery and excellence in all that I do so that more women will be given the opportunity to serve as District Governors in future because of my performance.

When you are a district governor, it means you are the head servant and the head honcho of the district. You take charge of the district on whatever needs to be done, projects to be carried out and the administration of District affairs in all ramifications. It simply means that the buck stops on your table.

However, you do not do all these things alone.

You have your DG – Team, your core cabinet and there’s an army of people that you appoint to help you in the discharge of your duties like region chairpersons, zone chairpersons and a host of others and of course, the elected club presidents and committee chairpersons who help you sail the ship to an expected end.

Because you are in charge, it means that you take responsibility for successes and failures of the district.

How strong is the Lions Club’s presence and outreach in the northern states?

InAbuja, which is the Federal Capital Territory, our presence is very strong! Just recently a club in Abuja built a resource center for the school of the blind. That same club also built a Paediatric Cancer centre in Abuja. We have Lions Clubs that have renovated health centres. We have done so much in Abuja and Benue. The other Northern states are still work in progress.

But does it have spread in other northern states too?

Yes. But like I said, it is work in progress. We are still trying to access Kaduna again, with all the security challenges. Gradually, we will get there; same for Kogi and some others. Kogi just re-joined our district recently after we helped them immensely during the flood disaster. So, now that they are fully back with us, we will try to work hard to sustain those other ailing clubs around the north.

Being a District Governor for one state is a bit much, but for 17 states; that could be overwhelming. How prepared are you for this role?

I have been prepared right from the time I was elected as the first female LEO District President for Nigeria. The LEO Club is the youth wing of the Lions club.

I have been prepared since then, but I didn’t know it was going to come this soon. I decided to contest as Second Vice District Governor and against all odds, I won. I have continued preparing and equipping myself since then.

The Lions Club has a structure: If you are going to become a District Governor, you will start learning as a member of the DG-Team as second vice and then you will go through training including at the District Governor’s School just before you assume the position.

The Association prefers you have a six months preparation period where you’ll be taught what to do and how you can become a successful District Governor. If you listen attentively and put all you have been taught into practice, you will make an excellent, near-perfect District Governor.

What projects are you going to actively work on and where will your focus be concentrated?

Lions Clubs has five major focus areas: Diabetes, Paediatric Cancer, Protecting the Environment, Relieving Hunger and Sight Preservation. For now, We are focused on advocacy and massive screening of Diabetes.

I plan on building a Diabetes Centre in Ogoja, Cross River State. An ultra-modern facility where screening, treatment and advocacy can effectively be carried out. I am happy to inform you that as we speak, the Lions Clubs International Foundation(LCIF), under the wings of the International office of Lions Clubs, are contributing a huge sum of money to enable us carry out this screening in all the 17 states and also to build the Centre.

What is the duration of your tenure as DG? One Lions year starts July 1 and ends June 30.

All the lofty ideas a District Governor has, must be completed within that one year. However, for continuity, your First Vice District Governor is at liberty to key into your project and conclude it if you were not able to do so. Leadership in the Lions Club is a continuum.

Apart from the Diabetes centre, what other projects are you planning to implement?

While continuing with the Diabetes project, we shall maintain our monthly designated activities. The month of October is dedicated for sight; we intend to have free eye screening exercises and distribution of reading glasses and thereafter those who have been identified as needing cataract surgeries will have their surgeries done absolutely free.

We will also give prescription glasses to children. When children do not perform very well in school sometimes it is because they cannot even see the board. We want to focus on children because when you screen the eye at a tender age, corrective measures could be taken before the child becomes an adult. We are also working on sponsoring cornea transplants.

But we have a challenge with that because in Nigeria, in fact, Africa as a whole we have not gotten used to organ donation, especially, the cornea. The myth about reincarnation is a heavy burden on Africans. Hence we always get corneas from India and Kenya. This helps us aid only a few people who are cornea-blind see again. We have done it before and we can still do it again. The month of November is for Diabetes. We have talked extensively about what I plan to do about diabetes. It’ll be a continuous exercise. In December and January, we focus on relieving hunger. We encourage each club in our district to, at least, feed a minimum of 500 people and touch 50 families; either by giving them cooked food or raw food.

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

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Osinbajo Chairs DashMe Foundation Launch

GeretyAwardsNamedInsightPublicis 2021NigerianAgencyoftheYear

˾ Ó×Ý ÞÙ ÜËÓÝÏ ̿͒͑× ËØØßËÖÖã Stories by Mary Nnah It was a grand outing at the launch of the DashMe Foundation - an initiative championed by former Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun with Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and a host of well-meaning Nigerians at the DashMe Store in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

DashMe Foundation is a fully indigenous, youthdriven, social enterprise that seeks to creatively raise funds and awareness for indigenous charities that provide direct care to orphans, vulnerable children, disadvantaged youth, and victims of domestic abuse.

The foundation, at the event committed itself to raising US $10m in funds and resources for local charities within the first year of its existence.

The Vice President, in his remarks, recalled that as minister, Mrs. Adeosun prioritised the Federal Government’s Social Investment Program (SIP) and hence he is not surprised that she has decided to use her talent and influence to establish an organisations that raises funds and provides for indigenous grassroot charities.

He expressed how important it is to reach the grassroots, in order to reach Nigerians, which forms the idea of funding local charities.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who described herself as the enterprise’ Chief Volunteer, shared the long-term vision for the social enterprise.

She explained that donations would be sourced from within Nigeria and from the diaspora community. She also noted that the DashMe Store would sell donated goods to raise funds which would be channeled

Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe of Insight

L-R: Convener of DashMe Foundation, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Vice President of Nigeria,Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and DashMe Chief Executive Officer, Omorinsola Arogundade at the launch of DashMe Foundation at Lekki , Lagos

to various partner-charity organisations.

According to her, the DashMe Store is the first of many projects that the foundationundation would undertake to raise cash as well as through other conventional and unconventional fund-raising avenues to accomplish its vision.

She emphasised the importance of DashMe’s Donor Assurance policy and its commitment to ensuring that all funds raised get to the right people. She stated that the organisation has hired a Director of Donor Assurance who is responsible for validating and reporting on the activities and statuses of Impact Partners.

In her words, “We recognise that throwing money at a problem is not always a solution and so once we are satisfied with the ‘who’ aspect of our Impact Partners, we must also ensure funds are deployed efficiently.

“We will measure impact, benchmark, costs and ensure maximum value. We hope that Dash Me can play a part in the relief mission and truly support changing lives.”

Corroborating, the foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Omorinsola Arogundade, submitted that “DashMe is building a family of supporters within Nigeria, her diaspora and among those (across the

globe) who love all things African.”

Notably, the organisation has an overwhelmingly young leadership team. For example, it has an Advisory Board made up of entirely youth, with its above-mentioned chief operating officer being in her 30’s.

DashMe Foundation is a social enterprise that seeks to creatively raise funds and awareness for indigenous charities that provide direct care to orphans, vulnerable children,disadvantaged youth, and victims of domestic abuse in West Africa.

DashMe has operations in Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States.

Hero MotoCorp’s Roadshow Heralds Hunter, A Made-For-Nigeria Motorbike Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, recently announced that it has developed a specially made for Nigeria motorcycle named Hunter.

Themed after the traditional hunter’s legendary strength, stealth, and wisdom in challenging terrains, the motorcycle is dedicated to the average Nigerian’s renowned ruggedness.

The new motorbike was spotlighted during a grand event in Ibadan to launch the Hunter. The Ibadan Ibadan event attended by the country’s top dealers was a huge success and had a roadshow which spotlighted the Hunter.

Hunter comes in the natural colours of blazing red, vibrant blue and black, as an ‘Unstoppable Machine’ offering customers the multiple benefits of modern

technology, best mileage, longer engine life, and a comfortable long seat at an attractive introductory price.

Commenting on the integration of powerful ride, smart technology, and unmistakably stylish Hunter, Managing Director, Automotive Division, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Anil Sahgal, said, “We are extremely glad to be the exclusive partner of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, in Nigeria. With our expertise in the market and Hero MotoCorp’s global excellence, we will provide the best products and services to customers in Nigeria.”

Sahgal also added that the initial feedback for the Hunter has been exciting noting, “as our bikes travel across the entire country, they will definitely excite

the customers. Our aim is to significantly increase our presence in the market this year”.

He said the Hunter, which also comes with an industry-first 12-month or 75,000 km Engine Warranty, has an engine that has been extensively tested for performance in Nigerian conditions.

One key feature is its utmost safety which includes a metallic bash plate protecting the engine on rough roads, a combi-lock to protect it from theft, and tyre pressure monitoring indicator (accessory) to prevent deflation & puncture while on rugged terrains.

Hero MotoCorp is also planning to have almost forty outlets in twenty towns across Nigeria and will have a pan-country presence through dealers and parts distributors. In addition,

an extensive network of over five thousand trained technicians pan-Nigeria, will ensure easy access to service and parts for all customers.

Hero MotoCorp along with Kewalram Chanrai Group the exclusive distributor of Hero MotoCorp in Nigeria, is aiming to aggressively grow its presence in Nigeria and cater to the continuous demand for great quality products at affordable prices. The new strategy underscores Hero MotoCorp’s commitment towards Nigeria and to providing customers with an appealing and comprehensive range of products across the country. With its extensive experience in the automotive sector spanning several decades, the Kewalram Chanrai Group will play an integral role in Hero MotoCorp’s growth plans in Nigeria.

Prior to the shortlist announcement on Tuesday, June 15 and following the Nigerian judging session, the Gerety Awards, the only creative prize to reward the best in advertising from the female vision, has announced that Insight Publicis is Nigerian agency of the year.

The agency of the year by country is chosen by the local juries from the portfolio cut and requires a single film no longer than five minutes in length and includes up to three pieces of work from the past 12 months.

Insight Publicis were awarded for their portfolio cut entry that included work with the Make it Happen Campaign “Mom-in-Law” and “Junior” for their client Keystone Bank.

X3M Ideas came second place with their portfolio cut entry that included work with, Mani Mother’s Day Hotline, La Casera Super Heroes and the board game Escape 2020.

Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, Group CEO of Insight Redefini said “It is an honour for one of our operating companies - Insight Publicis - to be recognised by the jury as The Nigerian Agency of the Year.

“This award is for the incredible team at Insight Publicis who continue to put in the hard work. They made this possible.

It is very exciting indeed.”

Named for Frances Gerety, the copywriter who in 1948 coined the slogan “A diamond is forever, The Gerety Awards marks the first time that a jury has been brought together to select the best in advertising — all advertising, not just advertising made for women — through the female lens, creating a benchmark that is relevant to the market reality, all while redefining the standard to which advertising has traditionally been held.

9mobileTrainsNewsmenon ReportingAnalytics In keeping with its commitment to strengthen and advance the growth of Nigeria’s media profession, 9mobile recently held the second edition of its capacity-building session for journalists drawn from across different news desks.

Themed “News Reporting: Using Analytics in News Gathering and Understanding of Audience Profile”, the session was facilitated by experienced multimedia producer and social media strategist, Usifo Omozokpea, who is currently the Audience Development Manager (West Africa) at The Conversation Africa.

According to Omozokpea, the use of analytics in news gathering is critical in navigating the ever competitive battle for attention.

“The dynamics of journalism have long changed. In addition to dealing with a dwindling budget, news outlets are faced with attracting audience attention; the audience can no longer be taken for granted.

“This poses a central challenge for journalism as its role is premised on connecting with an audience. Analytics is a two-sided thing, the content and audience analysis. To this end it has become necessary for journalists to equip themselves with the knowledge of their target audience using data and analytics,” he added.

Omozokpea noted that audience data is a complement to the journalist’s intuition. According to him, “there is always the firsthand experience. What analytics does is to provide guidance on how to tell the story better using appropriate headlines, graphics, photos, descriptions etcetera, while keeping the audience in mind.”

Commenting on the session, the Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, represented by 9mobile’s PR Lead, Chineze Amanfo, described the choice of topic and facilitator as apt given the robust response from participants. She said, “We appreciate the fact that this training session was worth the time spent. The immediate feedback of participants indicates clearly that the session has not only been interesting, but very insightful and refreshing.

“We will continue to provide the platform to equip our media partners with the skills required to scale up their practice and adapt effectively to the rapidly changing news landscape.”

She added that given the scope of the topic and the interest it has generated among participants, the next session may also be dedicated to discussing the subject matter more extensively.

The capacity training session was the second edition in the series, and had in attendance journalists from both print and online news platforms as participants.

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Lojede Arouses Curiosity in Eje The South Africa-based Nigerian filmmaker, writer and actor plumbs the blurring line between science and the supernatural in his directorial debut,Eje reportsVanessa Obioha

D

o flying saucers exist (The US may have an answer soon)? What about the greatYoruba pantheons?

Do people have spirit lovers? These are some of the mythological and scientific experiences that intrigued the South Africa-based Nigeria filmmaker and actor, Fabian Adeoye Lojede.

For as long as he could remember, the supernatural fascinated him such that when he discovered Yoruba pantheons as a teen, he found himself falling deeply in love as he did with Greek mythology.

“As Africans, the kind of stories we always end up telling each other has some kind of mystical or spiritual element to them. So you can’t really be African and be connected with your African way of thinking narratively and not necessarily look towards that parallel world,” he told me in a recent chat.

In his directorial debut as a filmmaker, Eje (blood in Yoruba), Lojede introduced that parallel world to his audience, arousing curiosity on the Rhesus negative blood type — a blood type which origin and immunity against parasitic ailments is a mystery to scientists as well as the myths about it belonging to aliens and gods — while using blood as a connecting dot between myths, science and facts. Eje , a sci-fi experimental film, tells the story of Lara (Nqobile Khumalo), a young unemployed woman who lands a babysitter job after responding to an online ad. She arrives at her new employer’s house to resume duties but after a few minutes in the house, Lara, alone with a seven-month-old baby, hears terrifying noises seemingly coming from upstairs. Fear, entangled with curiosity, guides her feet to the direction of the sounds. The next time we see Lara is in the hospital where her befuddled mind works desperately to piece together her assault at the house and the disbelief spread on the faces of the detectives and the doctor did little to help her situation.

Lojede and Khumalo (r) who leads the cast in Eje

With striking imagery, Lojede takes our sensory organs to a world where the line between reality, science and supernatural can be easily blurred as seen in a sex scene, where the filmmaker used artistic colours and objects to deliver his message on these realms.

“The imagery was very important to me,” he said. “Creating a sex scene isn’t that challenging per se, but for what I wanted and how to achieve it, it was very complex. I love visual representation and I knew I wanted to make the journey a visual experience for the audience, so artistically, everything was very well thought out in terms of

colour scheme, art direction and grade. Nothing was left to chance. I spent more time planning the film than actually shooting, and we spent over a year in post-production to get everything right.”

Luckily, he was done with shooting before the pandemic struck hard. Although the film is titled in Yoruba, its characters are predominantly South Africans. Lojede, who kicked off a Pan-African initiative a few years ago, explained his decision this way: “The first working title was Blood Link but I took a step back and thought it best to title it in Yoruba. Personally, I think in Yoruba and Pidgin. I

speak in English at times but my mental language is Yoruba and Pidgin. Even when I saw blood, it always came to me as Eje So, I decided to be true to my creative thought pattern.”

However, he added, that the myths explored are universal. “Mythology to a certain degree might belong to a particular country or region but the stories tend to have universal appeal.”

A critical question raised by Lojede in Eje is if there is a meeting ground for science and myths.

His response was instructive.

“It’s all a matter of perspective. One of Oscar Wilde quotes in the film was that religion dies when it’s proved to be true. What that line is saying is that mythology is something that some people believe is not factual, but the minute it becomes factual to them, then it ceases to be mythological.

“For instance, white people thought us to be ignorant at first when they saw that we took Agbo for malaria treatment but then they discovered that Dongoyaro (neem) contains quinine. We didn’t necessarily need the labs to prove that this thing was effective for us.”

He continued: “I believe there’s a meeting ground to a certain degree, but where that meeting ground is, is still a matter of perspective. The atheist who does not believe in God believes it was the Big Bang that caused the creation. One who does believe in God will also look at the sky and say God is up there. If an alien came down and looked at both the believer and the non-believer, he’d probably laugh at us.

“So there is a meeting point in terms of what we believe in, and the belief in nothing is a belief system in itself. It’s about just having an open mind and realising that the fact that we can’t prove something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,” he concluded.

He noted that the short film will be going to festivals and hinted at plans to turn it into a series.

Other actors featured in the film include Nigerian actor Akin Omotoso, Elizabeth Phoolo, Deborah Lettner among others.

The Voice Nigeria: Who Will ‘Strain’is a Striking Piece on Former BBNaija Housemate Anto Lecky Pays Tribute to Edo be Among the Lucky Four?

Sickle Cell Disorder The third season The Voice Nigeria will kick off the live shows tomorrow.

Already, eight finalists — Anu, Kitay, Inioluwa, Esther, Naomi Mac, KPee, Eazzie and Dapo — have secured a spot in the live shows. But the other eight talents who lost in the Battles are yet to know their fate.

Ordinarily, their defeat would have marked the end of their journey on The Voice Nigeria but the producers introduced a new element in the first round of the Battles, Viewer ’s Save, offering them another opportunity to stay in the show.

However, the power is in the hands of the viewers who have to vote to keep them in the show. There are two talents from each team: Vanilla and Toeseen from Team Yemi Alade; Nuel Ayo and Ayomikun from Team Waje, Tamara

and Peace from Team Falz; and Rachel and Jeremiah from Team Darey.

Only four of these talents will win a second chance.

Who will it be? The live shows are the last leg of the singing competition that will produce the final winner of the show. The ultimate prize for the winner is yet to be disclosed but fans of the show are already winning on First Bank Nigeria social media platforms. A sponsor of the show, the bank introduced First Moments where trivia questions about the talents and their performances are asked.

In a statement, the bank reiterated that it has given voice to Nigerians for the past 127 years, and “will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through its products, services and initiatives while strengthening the creative industry.”

Each year on June 19, the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is marked to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD).

While most programs geared towards educating the masses hinge on explaining only the science behind the genetic disease, this year, film production company Verte View goes beyond the status quo with ‘Strain’.

The over one-hour UduakObong Patrick directed feature film provides audiences with richer context that highlights the effects of SCD on a personal and familial level. The plot centres on the Ezeji family, a seemingly happy family of four, who, amid their financial limitations, strives to attain balance through the love they share.

This balance is swiftly upset when their youngest child, Ekene (played by Kosi Egboruche and Nifemi Lawal), manifests signs peculiar to SCD patients as they depart a nature park in Lagos. A hasty visit to the hospital confirms their

greatest fears – Ekene is an SCD patient. This unprecedented revelation, at first, appeared manageable but soon unveils the previously overlooked cracks within the immediate and extended family. It also presents new challenges with close friends.

With each member struggling to deal with the episodic crises Ekene experiences, they sacrifice their time, resources, affection, and attention to ensure that he enjoys a quality life. But soon, their patience collectively wears thin from the perpetual drain his illness posed. Beyond exposing the effect Ekene’s medical condition has on his family, the film goes ahead to highlight the harrowing experiences of a typical SCD patient with good detailing: from the occasional slumps to enduring immeasurable pain, to candidly venting frustration during a therapy session, ‘Strain’ humanises the experiences of SCD patients, and drives home the message of SCD into hearts of its audience.

Women in New Initiative Former Big Brother Naija housemate, media personality and entrepreneur Munirat “Anto” Lecky kicks off her new initiative ‘Edo Babes Are Fly’ with a photoshoot that pays homage to outstanding women who have shaped Edo’s history.

Partnering some of the known names in the entertainment industry, Anto, as she is fondly called, highlighted the contribution of these women with eye-pleasing images.

These women include Queen Idia, the Queen Mother and a cultural symbol of modern-day Nigeria (Lecky); Princess Elizabeth Olowu, the first female bronze caster in Nigeria (Jemima Osunde); Mabel Dorothy Segun, broadcaster, author, and first Nigerian woman to play table tennis (Idia Aisien); Osaretin Demuren, first Female Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank (Arese Ugwu); Prof. Lilian Salami, current and second female Chancellor of the University of Benin (Vanessa “Vandora” Williams);

Anto Lecky as Queen Idia

Aisha Yesufu, socio-political activist and convener of Bring Back Our Girls Movement (Linda Osifo); Omosede Igbinedion, lawyer and youngest female member into the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives (Winfrey Dania Okolo).

“I’m inspired by the stories of all of these women we are paying tribute to and my colleagues who were so earnest to be the muses for the project. All of these women are role models for girls around the world. We decided to pay homage to these women while encouraging other Edo women that they are “fly”, and can soar above any stereotype,” she said.

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Nigeria, French Navies Strengthen Partnership to Tackle Maritime Crime in Gulf of Guinea Chiemelie Ezeobi In a bid to curb maritime crimes at sea, particularly around the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters, the Nigerian Navy (NN) and its French counterpart recently strengthened its partnership.

This partnership was strengthened after French Navy Ship Commandant Bouan paid a visit to its Nigeria counterpart and was received at the Western Naval Command (WNC).

Over the years, both navies have collaborated in the fight to counter piracy, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes in the GoG waters, and essentially furthering the bilateral relations of both nations.

The Commanding Officer, French Navy Ship Commandant Bouan, Lieutenant General Commander Benoit Renie said the essence of the collaboration was to enhance bilateral relations which would in turn improve economic value in the country.

According to him, the French Ship has been visiting Nigeria

L-R: Western Naval Command Chief Operations Officer, Commodore DN Mathew; WNC Chief Staff Officer, Rear Admiral Halilu Duka Zakaria; Commanding Officer, French Navy Ship Commandant Bouan, Lieutenant Commander Benoit Renie; and Defence Attaché France to Nigeria, Colonel Nicholas Rambaud; and a french naval officer

since 2019, which reinforces its existing partnership with Nigeria and France.

He said during the visit, both nations are expected to work together to increase maritime

security within and around the Gulf of Guinea by involving in exercise and trainings.

He said: “As you can see, the relationship between France and Nigeria is very deep. We

have been able to collaborate together with Nigeria to improve security.”

Also speaking, the Defence Attaché of France to Nigeria, Colonel Nicholas Rambaud,

reiterated the mission of France to strengthen their peaceful co-existence, which he noted would further deepen the existing relationship for better progress. He also commended

the efforts of the NN, adding that they have proved their proficiency, and thus can be adjudged the best in the West African coast.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding, WNC, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, pointed out that the presence of the ship within the GoG shows the strong ties between both navies.

The FOC, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer, WNC, Rear Admiral Halilu Duka Zakaria, said the presence of the French Navy in Nigeria waters would provide a synergy between both French and English speaking West African nations to fight crimes on the sea.

He said: “The presence of the ship within the Gulf of Guinea only goes to show the collaboration the Nigerian Navy has with France. “ One of the Strategic Guidance of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, is international collaboration and this visit goes to show the international collaboration we have with navies in other countries.”

Federal High Court Stops CAC from Revoking BBA’s Certificate of Incorporation ˾ Ý ÞÜËÎÏÜÝ ÍËÖÖ ÐÙÜ ßÜÑÏØÞ ÓØÞÏÜàÏØÞÓÙØ Chiemelie Ezeobi Traders at the multi-billion naira Balogun Business Association, BBA, have raised alarm over alleged plans by a group to conduct elections into the leadership of their association outside the market and called on security agencies to urgently intervene to avoid bloodbath.

The aggrieved traders alleged that one of their past Presidents, Chief Okey Ezeibe, has plans to foist an illegal leadership on the

association by conducting election outside their market and vowed to their his plans.

They claimed the former president has been creating unneccessary disharmony and crisis in the market with a view to perpetuating himself in power by foisting his cronies on the leadership of the association.

According to the traders, he has been humiliating, harassing, intimidating and dragging ‘our duely elected officers from one police station to another,

arresting, detaining and using some unscrupulous security agencies to extort money from us.

“When all his schemings failed, he resorted to mudslinging by using some corrupt officers at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja to claim that our certificate of registration has been revoked and cancelled.

“This issue is still in contention in a court of competent jurisdiction while the former leader who claims to be the founder of the associa-

tion went behind to connive with some unscrupulous elements in CAC to threaten, intimidate and harass a duely constituted caretaker committee ably led

by Chief Amselem Dunu towards submitting to an unpopular decision.”

It was gathered that most of the traders are afraid that the former president will use the police to enforce not just the illegal directive from CAC but, conduct illegal election outside the

market and take over their leadership.

Meanwhile, one of the elders in the market, Chief Ojezie Madueke has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman Baba to ensure that his men were not used to foist illegal and unpopular leaders on the members of the association.

Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Chief Anselem Dunu told reporters that they have informed all the appropri-

ate authorities including security agencies of the need to stop Chief Ezeibe and his cohorts from conducting any election outside the market and using police to foist illegal leadership on the association.

“We have taken all necessary steps and we are sure that the present leadership of the police under the able watch of Baba Alkali will not allow such illegality to take place,” he stated.

Sir & Lady Goodluck Obi Foundation Backs ‘Heart of Gold’ Award Peter Uzoho Sir & Lady Goodluck Obi Foundation, a humanitarian organisation, has won the Champion Newspapers’ Heart of Gold Award for the year 2020.

The foundation received the award which falls under the humanitarian service award category at the newspaper’s annual award ceremony held recently in Lagos.

Sir & Lady Goodluck Obi Foundation is a humanitarian organisation set up to care for the needy especially, orphaned children, widows, the sick and the oppressed in our society.

Presenting the award to the foundation, the Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, Dr. Nwadiuto

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sir & Lady Goodluck Obi Foundation, Dr Goodluck Obi; and wife, Lady Amala Obi, receiving the Heart of Gold Award from the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, Dr Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, at the newspaper’ award ceremony held in Lagos... recently

Iheakanwa, said the award was targeted at acknowledging the contributions of some outstanding individuals, organisations, agencies, and institutions to the development

of Nigeria in particular, and humanity in general. Iheakanwa commended the role the foundation played in uplifting the lives of indigent Nigerians who were helpless, especially

during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020.

She said the selected awardees had not only identified the needs and challenges of the citizens but proffered holistic

solutions, thereby uplifting the standard of living of the people and contributing their best to the country’s socio-economic and political development.

Responding to the award, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Sir & Lady Goodluck Obi Foundation, Dr. Goodluck Obi, who was accompanied by his wife Lady Amala Obi, expressed their excitement and thanked God for the recognition of their little efforts in service to humanity.

Obi said: “It is heartwarming to my humble self to be presented with a HEART of GOLD Award. I am not taking this award as an honour to myself but as a big push to spur me on to greater heights in providing succor to the needy within our society.

“I have always asked myself these questions: what will be my joy if God blesses me so much and yet I cannot use this amazing blessing to uplift the lives of others? What is the joy of wealth if it cannot be used to liberate the indigent members of the society from abject poverty?

“What is the cost of putting a smile on the face of a needy person? So, the passion of the foundation is to put smiles in the faces of people.”

He used the opportunity to thank the foundation’s donors, whose donations, he noted, had made bringing hope to the less-privileged possible.

“We also thank the management and staff of Champion Newspapers, who have thought it wise to honour us this great way,” he added.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

At Obalende Night Market, ‘Duna Dura’ Explores Cultural Memory

‘MyMother’s Daughter’Setfor OnlinePlatforms

The spell-binding sight of‘Emi Olooja Ara’ignited curiosity in passengers-by, traders and other accidental spectators of the Duna Dura Performance Art at Obalende Night Market, Ijeh Village Road, which was curated by Jumoke Sanwo one wet Wednesday evening in Lagos.Yinka Olatunbosun reports

N

ot even the rain could stop that burning fire in these multi-disciplinary artists who worked collectively on this project to deliver a show-stopping performance art on June 9 in Obalende, a major town in Lagos. Jelili Atiku, the globe-trotting performance artist was the centre of the show which was first understood by passers-by as night masquerade.

Sounds of honking from impatient drivers mixed with the voices of a few angry street urchins who attempted to interrupt the creative process. Atiku, who was draped in a heavy costume with multiple metals performed as the Emi, Olooja Ara that is ‘soul, the marketer of the body.’

Simply put, the two-hour performance situated the human soul as a negotiator within the acts of remembrance and forgetting. There’s no gainsaying that the use of the market area was quite symbolic given its cultural roots in negotiation.

Unlike the urban culture of buying at fixed prices, the African traditional market has sustained negotiation over generations.

Thus, ‘Dúna Dúrà’ interrogates spatial and embodied memory through a site-specific cultural co-production, tapping fromAtiku’s practice of investigating psychosocial phenomenology through performance. Curated by the storyteller and Cultural Producer, Jumoke Sanwo, Duna Dura- a sitespecific portal of re-imagination-was one of six regional projects, under Goethe Institutes, continental project Archive of Forgetfulness and engages the interdependencies, between spatial and embodied cultural memory.

Emi Olooja Ara in performance at Obalende

The entourage that followed the performance walked through Obalende Night Market on Ijeh Street, the Ikoyi cemetery to the Obalende bus terminus while it was streamed to a virtual audience via Youtube and Instagram Live. The performance was the evening’s finale that explored the interstitial nature of memory, drawing from acts of negotiation, within the market space, and the traditional role of the night market, as a portal between the corporeal and incorporeal world.

It all started with Aremo Gemini’s spoken word performance titled ‘Messages from Ejigbede’- an ancestral traveller in between earth, heaven and the afterlife of potsherd.’Obasola Bamigbola also led a series of virtual and on-site interviews that featured Prof. Moyo Okediji in ‘We Don’t DieThe Archive is Embodied,’ Stephen Ajadi in ‘The Architecture of the Night market,’ Dr. Taibat Lawanson in ‘Ur-

ban informality -The night market,’ Adeboye Martins in ‘The Place Where the King Chased Us To,’ Oludamola Adebowale in ‘The Night Market and History,’ Dr. Adun Okupe in ‘Ayé Lojà,Ojà L’aye’, Sola Akintunde in ‘Architecture of the Night Market II,’ Mrs. Fatimoh Balogun in ‘Ayé Lojà,Ojà L’ayé,’ Wale Egbeyemi (Baba Oja) in ‘Ayé Lojà,Ojà L’ayé,’ Adenike Egbeyemi amongst others.

In her remarks, the curator, Jumoke Sanwo beamed light on the project and its cultural implication.

“Within the context of a Re-Imagination, we reflected on embodied archives, as spaces of re-experiencing, and producing absences, through acts, objects, places and spaces; where place is associated with the world of the past, and space with the world of the present and future. Negotiators within acts of re-imagination, became a resource of alternate thinking, interlocutor of ‘unstructured’ spaces, and knowledge;

serving as portals into rethinking of archives of the future; one which reflects the societies’ agreed customs, expressions, memory, and identity, within which the future is always present in the now,’’ she said.

The outcome of this event, a short film ‘Dúna Dúrà’ directed by Jumoke Sanwo, will contribute to the discourse of embodying the archives. The Archive of Forgetfulness is a collaborative and collective project, which has three parts: The first is an eight-part podcast series, ‘Conversations with Neighbours’ curated by Huda Tayob and Bongani Kona.

The second part is the online exhibition in response to an open call. The selection committee for this open call consisted of Ali Al Adawy (Egypt) / Bongani Kona (Zimbabwe/South Africa) / Eric Ngangare (Rwanda) / Huda Tayob (South Africa) /Jumoke Sanwo (Nigeria) / Omnia Shawkat (Sudan) / Princess Mhlongo (South Africa) / Zakiyyah Haffejee (South Africa)/ Zoubida Mseffer (Morocco).

The third part, which will unfold over the course of 2021, includes six additional projects developed by the regional curatorsAliAlAdawy (Egypt) / Bongani Kona (Zimbabwe/South Africa) / Eric Ngangare (Rwanda) / Huda Tayob (South Africa) /Jumoke Sanwo (Nigeria) / Omnia Shawkat (Sudan) / Princess Mhlongo (South Africa) / Zakiyyah Haffejee (South Africa)/ Zoubida Mseffer (Morocco) The ‘Archive of Forgetfulness’ holds together acts of remembering: collecting and gathering stories often untold. The contributions renew lines of connections, resurface forgotten conversations, and establish the beginnings of future collaborations. This project is a space for interrogating the archival gesture, from the bodily and spoken, to the written and performed.

OpedunUnfurlsSoloExhibitionMakoveniceforHumanity Yinka Olatunbosun ALagos-based contemporary visual artist, Damilola Opedun creates an artistic solution to alleviate diverse challenges using his new body of work. Christened ‘Makovenice,’ his solo art exhibition of over 30 pieces opens on June 26 at Signature Beyond Gallery, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Needless to say, the theme is derived from two words representing two cities ‘Makoko’ and ‘Venice.’

In a statement preceding the show, Opedun- a graduate of Auchi polytechnic- revealed that the concept of the exhibition is an idea that portrays life as beyond what is seen with mere physical eyes. For him, ‘Makovenice’ involves seeing and living beyond geographical constraints, regardless of the prevailing conditions.

‘Makovenice’ is further described as “trans-dimensional vision or perception of reality and a deep belief that all things are truly possible.” Opedun is highly influenced by the virtual experience. Hence, it is not far-reaching to find some of his works alluding to emoji and smileys in his paintings. In this show, his attention is focused on inspiring the disadvantaged.

“Through my interactions with

One of Opedun’s paintings titled ‘Revelation’

people I come across, especially the children I teach in Makoko OkoAgbon, I have become increasingly aware of the lack of this type of vision, which is an inevitable element for advancement. And this should not be the case for us,” Opedun stated.

“Therefore, with ‘Makovenice,’ I hope to activate in the audience this wonderful intrinsic perception of reality, to live beyond current limitations in our world, also wishing that through this show, I can intelligibly convey

my unflinching love and desire to be the voice for the marginalised people, especially that of the children of the stilt community of Makoko Oko-Agbon.”

Whilst acting as a bridge between them and the intellectual world, he intends to attract the desired assistance to them, especially in the area of education. In 2010, Opedun graduated from The School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo state, as the best student of Higher

National Diploma (HND) in Painting. From 2015, he became a full-time studio artist. Two of the works for the exhibition include Revelation oil on canvas, 36’’ X 48’’ (2019); and transition, oil on canvas, 48’’ X 48’’ (2021).

In the gallery statement, Signature Beyond described Opedun’s show as one of its best exhibits yet.

“The artist goes beyond a master by right in his craftsmanship, he is also behind The Seed of the True Vine Foundation, a non-governmental organization that cares for the education and welfare of children living in ghettos since 2015.”

Asides being an artist, Opedun is a humanist.“Opedunisanamazingartist as well as a great human being,” said Rahman Akar, the Founder, Signature BeyondArt Gallery.Akar said Opedun “is a reflection of what we stand for.”

Signature Beyond boasted of successful impact in its decades of handling artists, with reference to its contribution to the art scene.

“We are professionals, sincere and transparent, purely designated for the art and art alone. When we sell art, we want you to be fully aware of who you’re buying so we are not here to impress you with a glass of champagne or a red carpet,” he added.

Book Cover

Yinka Olatunbosun ‘My Mother’s Daughter,’ the autobiographical book by Chief Taiwo Taiwo is set for Nigerian as well as global audience on Amazon, Apple Books and other online platforms. The book that x-rays the life journey and experiences of Chief Taiwo Taiwo, the Chairman, Lexham Investments (Owners of Shonny Investment & Properties) Trustee, who is also the Founding and Immediate past Chairman of Atlantic Hall. On her feathers of achievement also lies the position of Chairman for the Aart of Life foundation which was launched in February 2021.

‘My Mother’s Daughter’ offers valuable insights in inter-generational Female Entrepreneurship and Mentorship, whilst drumming the importance of mentorship for young entrepreneurs.

As a young lady who was thrown into the family business in her early 20s after finishing school in England, her experience in entrepreneurship, as well as her roles as a vibrant activist in society constitute the expertise which she tapped from in running Atlantic Hall Secondary School, Aart of Life Foundation etc. This is considered to be very valuable to young girls and middle age women of the present

AAFLaunchesArtist SolidarityFund Yinka Olatunbosun The African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) has launched the Artist Solidarity Fund, a series of grants which would be disbursed by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa beginning from June 21 till Monday July 12, 2021.

The initiative was founded on the reality that artists and creatives are particularly vulnerable during an economic downturn. Hence, the Artist Solidarity Fund will bridge some of these gaps for a number of creatives on the continent with three opportunities sectioned into Emergency, Education and Project Support Funds.

The Emergency Support Fund grants 10 artists $300 each to meet urgent financial needs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds will be channelled into studio space rent, art materials and projects.

The Education Support Fund targets seven artists with a sum of $1000 each towards skills acquisition in the arts from accredited institutions or programmes. While the Project Support Fund grants artists or organisations a sum of $20,000, $10000, $5000 and $1000 for short or medium-term visual projects that address pressing social issues.

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POLSCOPE

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

At Last, Farouk Lawan Gets His Due, Wadume’s Loading?

J

ust when we thought the matter had been swept under the carpet, last Tuesday, the court finally ruled that Hon(?) Farouk Lawan, alias Mr Integrity is guilty of demanding bribe from a business mogul, Mr Femi Otedola. The amount involved is huge: $500,000!

Hon Lawan was a member of the House of Representatives. He had been in the House since 1992, the third republic. Somehow, his people in Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency, Kano, kept believing in him such that every four years, he is returned to the House. He was a profoundly experienced lawmaker. He was part of the system just as the system was part of him.

They had mutual knowledge of each other. In fact, his political confidence level had been so built up that he was already planning to contest for the Kano governorship in the 2015 gubernatorial election. But the scandal zipped that ambition.

But for his petite stature, he was more than qualified to have led the House as a Speaker. But since he couldn’t be the King, he became a veritable kingmaker. Nobody became the Speaker of the House of Representatives since the dawn of the 4threpublic that did not pay special obeisance to Lawan. Even his tiny feminine voice was well respected and listened to. He was very often on the winning side. Having him on your side meant victory or supremacy. This niche probably got into his head and took the system and propriety for granted.

In 2012, there was a scandal about how importers of petroleum products were either inflating the figures of their importation or manipulating the process altogether by making false and bogus claims about imported products.

The House of Representatives decided to investigate the matter.

Farouk Lawan, with his supposed saintly credentials, was tipped to head the ad hoc committee set up to investigate the fraud associated with oil subsidy.

It was a vantage assignment. He got the names of all the companies accused of sharp practices.

Based on that, he approached the owner of Zenon Oil and Gas, Mr Femi Otedola, and demanded the sum of $500,000 so the name of the company would be delisted from the list of accused companies.

Although Otedola explained that his company was not involved in the sleaze, he decided to play along, on the prodding of the officials of the Department of State Service (DSS).

CCTV were mounted in Otedola’s home before the latter was invited. He was given the demanded sum (in marked notes), after a hard negotiation.

It was more than a handful bunch. His pockets were filled. There were still some packs of unaccommodated wads. Left with no other space, he removed his Hausacap, upturned it and stuffed the remaining packs into it and merely mounted it on his head, and walked to his car. Mr Integrity did not know that CCTV was capturing all the ‘packaging’ panorama.

Before then, there were telephone conversations between Otedola and Lawan, where Lawan had offered to send his PA to meet Otedola to collect some of the deal. The fellow’s name and number were given.

Enough facts had been gathered to nail Lawan.

L

Farouk Lawan

So when the story broke, it was unassailable. The first statement issued by Lawan had dismissed the social media report as “unfounded”. It was a tepid denial.

He soon after admitted that he went to Otedola’s residence but claimed it was for a different reason.

He sounded clumsy and dubious. He later admitted to a few things, then toughened his stance and reinforced his denials.

Then he got arrested. He was soon granted bail and then the legal shenanigans began. He flexed his muscles and tried to “kill the matter”. For weeks and months, nothing would be heard again. I had written about the muteness of/on the case twice and he sent emissaries to me, asking why I was so interested in the case, with a subtle warning to back off. I did not. I did a third copy. But since then, the case went under; or so we thought. And some of us moaned that the case had suffered an

infection of a legal virus.

So, it was such a pleasant surprise last Tuesday when the news broke that after eight full years, Justice Angela Otaluka ruled that Lawan was guilty of all three counts and sentenced him to a cumulative of 19 years imprisonment on all three counts but the sentence would run concurrently for seven years.

Indeed, the wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely.

The Judge maintained that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. And I dare add that even beyond unreasonable doubt.

The video clip of the “cap banker” plus the audio recordings and the details thereof were all too compelling to be ignored or twisted.

Lawyers must however argue to earn a living and try to weave syllogism and foolishness into some

unwholesome piece. Were it not so, Lawan’s lawyer would not be getting set to appeal the judgement.

I wonder what his argument would be. Lawan did not deny receiving the money. So what is the ground for the $500,000 he received? Was he also a supplier of diesel? Does the business have to be transacted in United States Dollars, and in a private residence?

What does Lawan’s lawyer make of the audio recording? Was it a fluke?

On all sides and fronts Lawan was wholesomely guilty.

Not done, the judgement demanded that the $500,000 be refunded to the federal government.

The DSS, it was, that might have given Mr Otedola the said sum as bait to implicate Mr Integrity.

Yes, it is bad enough that many Nigerians always want to take advantage of every situation to undo the state, but it must be said that the weakness of the structures of state also make it easy for crooks in government to cheat and ruin Government. The Lawan case would not have happened if the nation’s refineries were all functioning and we would not have had the need to start importing petroleum products. Still, it is not to say that crooks will ever stop looking for ways of cheating the system and compromising propriety and order. It is even on the count of such compromise that the refineries are not working, in the first place. So wherever we turn, we appear jinxed and perpetually struggling to free the Nigerian construct from the hands of malevolent crooks.

And that brings me to the case of Hamisu Bala, popularly called Wadume, a notorious Taraba-based kidnapper. He was almost the northern equivalent of Mr Chukwudi Onuamadike, alias Evans.. Both fellows are tycoon kidnappers.

In the case of Wadume, after he had compromised so many police officers and soldiers within Taraba, a crack team of Police Intelligence Unit was sent from Abuja to arrest him. They succeeded.

On August 6, 2019, the set of policemen who had nabbed Wadume, handcuffed him, were intercepted at Ibi, Taraba State, on their way to Force Headquarters Abuja. The three policemen and two civilians in the car were shot dead by soldiers, even after the policemen have been identified. In the ensuing confusion, Wadume was whisked away. The handcuff was cut off and he was allowed to escape to Kano. Days later he was re-arrested.

Then the ‘government magic’ set in. The charges against the killer soldiers were not only dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, the soldiers were not dismissed. They were merely transferred to another state. What’s more, till date, nobody is talking about Wadume anymore, two years after he had caused the death of many innocent people including the policemen and civilians he got the soldiers to kill. It is difficult to understand the legal lethargy on this matter.

Wadume may have protective godfathers today and thus delay the course of justice. But what is sure is that someday, a Pharaoh who knows no Joseph will come to power and the books will be opened. At that time, like it happened to Farouk, Wadume will get his due. It may not be too long from now.

This Project of Lifting People from Poverty

ast Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated a National Steering Committee whose main duty is to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years. The committee is to work in conjunction with National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS).

They way the government talks about this lifting project appears like it is a task that will be executed using some executive cranes. But first, we must commend the president for the initiative which indicates that indeed he knows that there is poverty in the land. What appears foggy is the method of lifting these poor people from poverty.

The promise to lift people from poverty was a major plank of his 2015 campaign. The other dimension of the promise was that three million jobs will be created per year. It sounded good.

Like motivational speakers, they held us bound, and floated us on the wings of hope.

But today, the reality is that not only are jobs or more jobs not created, existing ones have been lost almost irrecoverably. COVID-19 pandemic merely worsened our woes.

I do not know how the committee will function.

I do not even know what technical thing it will do to achieve this ‘lifting’ task. By the admission of Mr President himself, previous efforts to lift people from poverty had also faced some challenges of slow implementation, inappropriate targeting, absence of adequate resources.

Buhari

In the face of a shrinking economy, I do not know what magic this committee will perform to walk 100 million people out of poverty in ten years. President Buhari barely has two more years to be in office.

But come to think of it; do we really need these organic bureaucracy to generate wealth? It is the inability to generate wealth that breeds poverty. I

guess the government should be concerned about what is incapacitating people from generating wealth.

Yes, government cannot do everything. That is why the private sector is there. All that the government needs to do is to enact policies and programmes that create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and blossom.

If the SMEs are active, majority of the people will be gainfully engaged. But when the SMEs are gasping and literally withering, how can they employ others?

There is a huge market in Nigeria. Our population is a great niche. But how have we harnessed it to generate wealth?

At the beginning of this administration, there was a huge talk about the policy of “Ease of Doing Business”. It sounded reasonable and applaudable.

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo was driving it. They talked about clearing goods from the ports within 72 hours. They talked about getting businesses registered within 72 hours. They talked about speed and efficiency in government dealings.

But how long did the talk enjoy validity? It soon got reduced to a tired slogan.

Last February, I cleared my car from the Tin Can Port after three full months, for no fault of mine.

But if Government will ignore all the other issues, does it not know that the lack of stable electricity supply is killer number one of businesses? Does government not understand that many small scale businesses and one-man businesses depend on

electricity to stay afloat? But when they have to split their little profits in buying petrol regularly and maintain their generators, they soon get choked and life is snuffed off them. NBS should have the figure of how many such businesses have shut down in the country.

How can people be lifted from poverty when there is no easy access to capital? What is government doing to ensure that the banks are able to lend money to entrepreneurs at reasonable and affordable interest rates? Banks declare humongous profits every year but are by no means helping to grow the economy. What is government (via the CBN) doing about this?

Programmes like Anchors Borrowers’ Programme, or school feeding scheme, or loan support to farmers are just whimperish efforts that cannot even reasonably lift anybody from poverty. Perhaps government should be reminded that it is better to teach a man how to fish than to give him a fish all the time. It is in fixing the basic needs of the economy (like inflation control, creation of job opportunities, security, and conducive business environment etc.) that will mean teaching Nigerians how to fish and not handing us the head of roasted fish every now and then. It nourishes little.

Government should wake up and brace up with the reality on the ground. The paper works from such committees will just be academic documents. It will not achieve the translation of the good intention of government to a positive impact on the lives of the average Nigerian.

38

FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

39

40

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͳ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Total Targets More Renewable Electricity, LNG Production by 2030 Peter Uzoho Total Companies in Nigeria has unveiled its corporate vision in line with the change of the Total Group to TotalEnergies.

The organisation aims to produce more renewable electricity and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by 2030.

The oil major also outlined its broad energy lineup that includes oil, gas, electricity, hydrogen, biomass, wind and solar.

TotalEnergies is committing $60 billion to investment in renewable energy in the next 10 years, with 10 per cent of that investment expected to come to Nigeria.

Speaking at a virtual parley with journalists, the Executive General Manager, Total Country Services, Mrs. Bunmi PopoolaMordi, highlighted steps that would help in adapting the new name, logo and visual identity of the company.

THISDAY had reported that the shareholders of Total Group, had in a meeting in Paris, in May, approved the resolution to change the company’s name from Total to TotalEnergies, thereby anchoring its strategic transformation into a broad energy company in its identity. She said the change was at the heart of the company’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and that it was also an opportunity to shed light on the Group’s ambition in relation to its operations.

“Beyond our ambition for 2050,

we have set precise, demanding targets for 2030. We will produce more renewable electricity and LNG,” Popoola-Mordi said.

“We will also need new oil projects to offset the decline in output from fields currently in production while decarbonising our hydrocarbon production chain by avoiding and reducing emissions and capturing residual emissions,” she added.

On downstream, the company said it wants to influence demand by offering customers decarbonised alternatives whenever possible.

It said by 2030, the production and sale of petroleum products would account for around a third of TotalEnergies’ aggregate energy production and sales, noting that this is slated to decline to below 20 per cent by 2050, versus 55 per cent in 2020.

“Simply put, we are leveraging the energies of today to build the energies of the future, and 2020-2030 will be the decade of our transformation into a truly broad energy company with a lineup featuring oil, gas, electricity, hydrogen, biomass, wind and solar,” the oil major noted.

The company reiterated that, “TotalEnergies intends to become a major player in the energy transition, and we have built a solid foundation on which to achieve our ambition.”

Giving more insight into how the adaptation would unveil locally, Popoola-Mordi, said the

company was working together with local regulators to adapt the name change of the broad energy company they want to become.

According to her, “during this period, you will witness the following: Brand overhaul, Change from our usual communication, Total service stations will gradually change to take on the new logo, name and lifestyle, Total offices and assets will gradually depict our ambition, Investment will tend more towards renewables.”

She allayed concerns that the name change and transformation to TotalEnergies would result to job losses in Nigeria, saying on the contrary, it would have a more positive impact on the country as the company would constantly upskill its staff in tandem with the transformation.

The Country Communication Manager, Total, Dr. Charles Ebereonwu, assured that the company was in Nigeria for the long haul, maintaining that Total Companies in Nigeria will continue to be an important part of the TotalEnergies Group.

He noted that the company had embraced renewables with the project to solarise its over 577 service stations spread across the country. Ebereonwu explained: “No negative impact on the workforce in Nigeria or any other country,” he declared, adding, in fact, there all be employment opportunities.

Jaiz Bank Shareholders Approve N883m Dividend James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË Shareholders of Jaiz Bank Plc have approved a total dividend of N883.9 million, representing three kobo per share for the 2020 financial year.

Speaking at the bank’s ninth Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, its Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, said the Islamic financial institution worked assiduously towards ensuring that the dividend payment was made to the shareholders to meet their aspirations.

He explained that despite the challenging economic environment that was aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, gross earnings rose by 33 per cent from N14.70 billion in 2019 to N19.60

billion in 2020.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Jaiz Bank, Mr. Hassan Usman, said the bank had demonstrated financial resilience by remaining profitable during a tumultuous year.

He further assured stakeholders of the board’s commitment to continue to sustain the positive performance.

He said: “This sterling performance is reassuring and gives us confidence to pursue our vision to be the clear leader in ethical banking in sub-Saharan Africa.”

According to its audited financial results for the year under review, the company recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N3.10 billion, a 45 per cent increase over the N2.11 billion recorded in the

previous year.

Similarly, Profit After Tax (PAT) increased from N2.44 billion in the preceding year to N2.90 billion in 2020, indicating a continuous growth in profitability over the last three years.

The bank’s total assets grew to N233.66 billion compared to N167.33 billion recorded in the previous year, representing a 40 per cent growth.

Similarly, earnings per share increased from 8.29 kobo in 2019 to 9.85 kobo in 2020, while return on equity for the year under review stood at 17 per cent, placing the bank among the top four quoted banks with the highest return to shareholders in the country.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)

Interswitch Sensitises Nigerians on Seamless Tax Payment System The Interswitch Group has reaffirmed its preexisting partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to enable taxpayers file all naira denominated tax returns through its robust and government-approved payment gateway.

The Interswitch payment gateway was deployed on FIRS’s new Tax Administration Solution (TaxPro-Max) e-filling platform recently and registration on TaxProMax is mandatory.

A statement from the organisation explained that taxpayers yet to get their user credentials had been advised to register online at https://taxpromax.firs.gov.ng/ or visit the nearest FIRS tax office to be onboarded immediately.

Commenting on the consolidation of the partnership with the FIRS, Interswitch Group’s Divisional CEO for Industry

Ecosystem Platforms, Chinyere Don-Okhuofu, said the company was committed to supporting the FIRS to deepen effective tax collection, which is critical to national economic prosperity through its robust digital payment platform. She said, “In furtherance of our commitment to support the federal government in driving efficient and accountable revenue collection across all touch points, we are delighted to consolidate our existing partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service in delivering seamless payment collections and reporting to complement the improved TaxProMax platform.

“The continued partnership between Interswitch and the FIRS, which dates back as far as 2005 when Interswitch pioneered electronic tax collections for the federal government is an

attestation of our commitment to delivering robust and efficient payment solutions and a confirmation of the agency’s trust in our solutions.”

She added: “FIRS has modernised its tax administration and collection processes. We believe that the ease accompanied by the new platform will enhance tax compliance. “In addition, leveraging proven payment solutions such as Interswitch’s makes the platform consistent with global standards. We therefore encouraged taxpayers to pay all their naira-dominated tax returns through the Interswitch portal.”

Don-Okhuofu stressed the need to strengthen the digital payment landscape through innovative payment solutions such as TaxPro-Max to drive the much-needed transformation in the Nigerian economy.

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͱͱ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $74.01 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $73.13 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

41

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Vetiva Fund Manager Makes Final Distribution to ETFs Unit holders Goddy Egene Vetiva Fund Managers Limited has announced the final distributions for three of its exchange traded funds (ETFs) for the full year ended December 31, 2020.

They are the Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF; Vetiva S&P Bond ETF, and Vetiva Banking ETF. While investors in Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF will receive of N0.65 per unit, those in Vetiva S&P Bond ETF and Vetiva Banking ETF will get

N15.30 per unit and N0.15 per unit respectively.

According to the company, the distribution will be paid to unit holders whose names appear in the relevant Register of Unit Holders as at 5.00pm on Thursday, 17th June 2021.

Speaking on the distribution, the Director of Asset Management of Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Mrs. Oyelade Eigbe said: “The distribution is in line with the structure of the Fund to remit

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

distributions to unit holders.

Also, the ETFs continue to represent convenient investment vehicles for broad exposure to the Nigerian equities market, Nigerian bond market and relevant sectors of interest via a single security.”

She explained that the Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF (the first equitybased ETF to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) is designed to track the performance of the constituent

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

companies of the NSE 30 Index.

The index is constituted of the top 30 companies listed on the NSE in terms of market capitalization and liquidity.

On the other hand, the Vetiva S&P Bond ETF is the first bond ETF to be listed on the NGX and the FMDQ and is designed to track the performance of the S&P/FMDQ Nigeria Sovereign Bond Index, which tracks the performance of local currency denominated sovereign debt

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

publicly issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Vetiva Banking ETF is designed to track the performance of the NGX Banking Index. Other Exchange Traded Funds and mutual funds managed by Vetiva are the Vetiva Consumer Goods ETF, Vetiva Industrial Goods ETF and the Vetiva Money Market Fund.

The ETFs track the performance of the NGX Consumer Goods Index and NGX Industrial

O F

Goods Index respectively, whilst the Vetiva Money Market Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of money market instruments to meet its objective of capital preservation, liquidity and current income.

Vetiva Fund Managers Limited is a subsidiary of Vetiva Capital Management Limited and is registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission to carry out business as fund/portfolio manager.

2 4 / 0 6 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

42

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 23Jun-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 153.16 154.68 -5.33% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.40% Nigeria International Debt Fund 314.54 314.54 -23.78% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.38 111.38 -0.64% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.60% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.20 3.36 -5.84% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 3.24% Anchoria Equity Fund 131.43 132.87 -1.19% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.08 -19.05% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.96 19.53 4.56% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 415.92 428.46 3.88% ARM Ethical Fund 37.72 38.86 11.90% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.96 -8.60% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.09% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 129.72 130.37 2.71% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 -19.59% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.04 2.08 -18.28% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 1.62% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.14% Paramount Equity Fund 16.01 16.31 0.12% Women's Investment Fund 133.37 134.82 0.18% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.91% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 116.63 117.39 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.91 106.91 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.92% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.17 1.19 -2.25% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.37 1.37 -13.81% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,379.16 1,379.16 9.41% FBN Balanced Fund 187.15 188.44 -0.28% FBN Halal Fund 110.29 110.29 8.54% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.76% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

125.65 154.24

125.65 3.46% 156.33 2.02% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.95 1.55 1.17

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 3.86% 3.95 2.10% 1.58 1.46% 1.17 3.44% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 3,628.43 3,358.16 100.00

Offer Price 3,628.43 3,358.16 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn -3.76% 2.50% 5.57%

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.10% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.85 2.91 24.07% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 150.06 150.51 -3.44% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.24 1.28 31.38% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.52% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.39 1.41 2.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,147.75 1,147.75 3.89% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.01 11.05 5.11% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.62% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.65 1.67 7.23% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.49 11.54 -5.30% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.33% PACAM Equity Fund 1.62 1.64 2.71% PACAM EuroBond Fund 111.10 112.79 1.08% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 126.68 126.34 5.69% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.41% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,166.84 3,192.58 -1.52% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.67 230.67 2.59% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.19 1.20 1.27% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 302.72 302.72 2.74% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 219.15 221.86 0.29% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.62% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,296.93 10,425.36 -1.96% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.64% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.49 114.49 3.07% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.72 101.72 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.36 1.38 -0.28% United Capital Bond Fund 1.95 1.95 3.15% United Capital Equity Fund 0.92 0.94 6.41% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.83% United Capital Eurobond Fund 121.20 121.20 3.50% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.11 1.12 2.32% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.36% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.67 12.78 6.73% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.99 14.12 14.54% Zenith Income Fund 24.12 24.12 0.61% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.07%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.09 51.54

2.77% -1.64%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.94 123.12 97.89 17.31 17.65

12.84 125.71 99.65 17.41 17.75

-2.86% 2.20% -1.53%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.72 5.66 17.02 1.00 18.97 148.81

3.76 5.74 17.12 1.00 19.17 150.81

-1.29% -0.58% 4.98% 4.16% -7.51% -31.95%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.52

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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Nobody Can Incite Disaffection between My Predecessors and I, Says Okowa Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday described as an exercise in futility attempts by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs in the state to pit him against his predecessors, Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Addressing a crowd of PDP faithful and hundreds of members of the All Progressives

Congress (APC) in Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency, who defected to the PDP, Okowa scored high the respective PDP governments that governed the state since 1999.

He stated that the attempts by some persons in the state to put him on a collision course with past leaders of the state would not work as he was focused on developing the state, according to his electoral mandate.

He added that PDP as a political party believed that power belongs to God while the people have the right to make their choice as to who would govern them.

Okowa said: "We are a party that believes that power belongs to God and that's why we are rejoicing. We also believe that power belongs to the people and that the people reserve the right to make their choice.

"Sometimes ago, I said that

power belongs to God and that only God will determine who will succeed me. I wonder why some people are angry about that statement because truly, only God knows who will take over from me.

"We are one family in the PDP and those who don't have our character are angry because we always say the truth and they are trying all means to scatter our PDP family, but they will always fail because

we have bonded very well together as a party.

"Together as a family, we can continue to make things happen; together as a family we change things in our family by working hard for everyone.”

He said he would not work to put money in anybody’s pocket, adding that a day will come when he will expose those who are angry with his administration.

He stated: "You voted for

me to do what is right for the interest of the people and not to put money in somebody's pocket - that’s not what you voted me for.

"Beginning from Chief James Ibori’s tenure to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and myself; we have worked very well and we are still working.

"If anyone says he is not seeing what we are doing, it’s either that they are blind or they don't live in Asaba.

the North-east are not enrolled in schools as a result of the conflict.

The UNDP said: “The full human cost of the war is much greater.

“Already, many more have died from the indirect effects of the conflict.”

It cited damage to agriculture, water, trade, food and healthcare.

Children younger than five accounts for more than nine out of 10 of those killed, with 170 dying every day, the UNDP added.

If the conflict continues to 2030, more than 1.1 million people may die, the agency stated.

“Destruction and displacement have set back development in the region by decades, and continued conflict will only further scar the region,” the UNDP said.

The report said since 2009, the devastating conflict in the North-eastern Nigeria has directly resulted in the deaths of approximately 35,000 people as a consequence of insurgency.

The report warned that indirect deaths, including disease and hunger resulting from the conflict’s physical and economic destruction, already far outnumber those from direct causes.

The report: ‘Assessing the Impact of Conflict on Development in North-east

Nigeria’ added that critical aspects of progress and development, including GDP, poverty, malnutrition, infant mortality, education, water availability and sanitation, may not return to pre-conflict levels even by 2030.

UNDP stated that more than 90 per cent of conflictattributable deaths are of children under the age of five.

The report said physical and economic destruction wrought by the insurgency had dismantled already fragile health and food systems.

According to it, less than 60 per cent of health facilities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States are fully functional, while a quarter are either completely destroyed or non-functional.

The report also lamented that attacks from insurgency have also led to massive internal displacement, with more than 1.8 million Nigerians displaced in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, while the vast majority (nearly 1.5 million) are located in Borno.

The study also showed that in addition, 1.8 million students were out of school in 2020, and without increased investment in development efforts, the average Nigerian in the North-east would have lost a full year of education by 2030.

The statement, however,

acknowledged that Nigeria has made great strides in retaking and stabilising large areas of the region, stressing that continued investment in development from both national and international stakeholders is needed.

“Without continued investment in development as a long-term solution, the protracted conflict in northeast Nigeria will continue to impact other parts of the country and the entire Sahel region.

“There is a need for international partners and national stakeholders to ensure that funds are invested not only on life-saving and humanitarian needs but also on mid-and long-term development priorities in order to enable Nigeria to achieve the SDGs and attain the AU 2063,” the report quoted UNDP Resident Representative, Yahaya, as saying.

The report noted that to overcome the conflict, development efforts need to be focused on the stabilisation of affected areas through a community-level approach that enhances physical security and access to justice, rehabilitation of essential infrastructure and basic service delivery as well as the revitalisation of the local economy such as market stalls, schools and police stations.

that of PANDEF led by Chief EK Clark,” he said.

He added that the state government was thankful to God that Akpabio, “esteemed and distinguished for his transformation agenda while he was governor Akwa Ibom State had cause to come to the Niger Delta region to consult with the critical stakeholders and I'm thankful to God that he came.”

Otuaro added that if the minister had sat in his office, there would have been some unwholesome scenes in relation to the ultimatum that they had given.

“So I want to say that it is the expectation of the critical stakeholders that the board should be constituted," he said.

According to him, the position that the board would be constituted when the government is done with the forensic audit, is untenable against the backdrop of the fact that the board can be constituted and the forensic audit can be going on.

On the rising tension over zoning of the governorship position and the recent dissolution of the cabinet by Okowa, the deputy governor

said the situation would be resolved at the right time.

He added that he reserved the right to run for the governorship election but was non-committal over whether or not he would run in view of the zoning arrangement in place.

He stated that it was within the powers of his boss to effect a change of cabinet.

"First, it is within the powers of the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to dissolve his cabinet and reappoint those he feels very strongly that can help us deliver on a stronger Delta Agenda, because that truly is our agenda, one that truly is stronger and more secured Delta State for tomorrow.

“So, that is in the exercise of his power and there's no problem about that and we are happy with it and I think the people are also happy with it.

"As to the questions you have thrown up with regards to contesting or indicating interest, zoning and all of that, I don't want to get myself into all of that. I am a Deltan; I am a Nigerian, like any other person. So, we all have the rights to aspire to elective

positions. I have the right to aspire within the context of the law. I can aspire. But it is not my place to tell you if I want to," he said.

According to him, the zoning of the governorship seat to South, North or Central Senatorial Districts, are all politics.

NIGERIA WILL SOON OVERCOME ITS SECURITY CHALLENGES, SAYS OSINBAJO live in peace and prosperity in this country."

According to him, the supplementary budget seeking approval for funds to enhance the capacity of the military and other security agencies is part of the concerted efforts of the federal government to beef up its response to the nation's security challenges.

He said: “The president has recently constituted a committee that will look at the whole security infrastructure with a view to looking at the needs of the military, as well as the police and security agencies.

"The result of that is a bill before the National Assembly, a supplementary bill. The purpose of that bill is to present some of the needs of the military, as well as of security agencies in order to be able to beef up our response to the security challenges."

Osinbajo also stressed the need for traditional rulers, local and state governments to collaborate with the federal government to tackle insecurity.

“Any country with this number of security challenges must respond as robustly as possible. But it is also important to bear in mind that it takes a combined effort of all of us, at the local government level, state and federal levels; all of the levels; we need to come together to tackle this

issue of insecurity," he added.

According to him, even as the federal government is concerned about the security challenges, and will continue to ramp up efforts towards improving security nationwide, community efforts are also vital in tackling the issue from the roots.

He stated that at the level of community there is a need to take decisive action, as most of the security issues occur at the community level.

Osinbajo expressed happiness that his guest has set up a committee in his domain to tackle insecurity "and that you’ve been able to contain the menace that we see in different parts of the country in your community."

He added that the federal government will support the community in tackling its challenges, and is also working with the Ekiti State Government on dealing with insecurity, as well as various issues.

In his remarks, Ajakaiye thanked Osinbajo for granting his delegation audience and listening to their demands, including support for the establishment of a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in the community.

He said: “Again, as a community, we have come to appreciate you (Vice President) for your diligence, hard work,

commitment and loyalty; and that, we from the South-west are very proud of you. We want to assure you that we are very much in support of you. From our own end, we are doing a lot to ensure that the menace of insecurity will not remain in our domain.”

UN: 350,000 Killed in North-east Insurgency Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday put the death toll from the ongoing conflict with terrorists in the North-east at about 350,000 people as of the end of 2020.

It, however, projected that should the insurgency continue till 2030, the fatalities could rise to over 1.1 million.

According to a UNDP’s report on the impact of the insurgency in the North-east region presented yesterday at a virtual meeting by the Country Director, Mr. Mohammed Yahaya, at least 35,000 people have so far been killed directly by the insurgents, with 350,000 said to have died indirectly as a result of the crisis.

On the socioeconomic impact of the crisis on states in the region, the report said $27.8 billion had been lost in GDP, plunging at least 1.4 million people into poverty.

The report showed that at least 1.8 million children in

DELTA URGES FG TO CONSTITUTE NDDC BOARD to the oil-rich region.

He described as untenable, the assurance of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, that the board would be constituted after an ongoing forensic audit.

Otuaro also allayed fears of a political storm in the state over the zoning arrangement for the governorship position, saying the issue would be resolved at the right time.

He said the non-constitution of the board of the NDDC could trigger militancy in the region following the recent ultimatum issued by the Ijaw Youth Council and oil communities’ rights activist, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo.

He stated that following Tompolo’s ultimatum, Akpabio had engaged in wide consultations in the region.

Otuaro said he was part of the consultative meetings and was also very much aware of the fact that consensus reached in the inner meetings was that the board would be constituted at the close of this month.

He added: “The expectation of all those who are involved in that critical engagement

is that the board will be constituted at the close of this month.

“If there is anything to the contrary, Senator Akpabio knows exactly what to do.

He has to reach out because any gap in the circumstance will be misconstrued for something else.

“And for us in Delta State Government, we don't want a repeat of what happened in 2016 that boxed us up into a recessionary period, where there was a resurgence of militancy in the region. And then we observed the breaches of critical oil and gas facilities where the Trans-Forcados 48inch line was breached and production output was cut.”

He said the position of the state government was in tandem with the position held by critical stakeholders in the region.

He said: “We have a strong opinion that the long delay and the non-constitution or the substantive board of the NDDC is a flagrant abuse of the Act, establishing the NDDC. "That is the position of the Delta State Government and like you have said, the

NDDC cannot be like a sole proprietorship business, because it is not meant to be so.”

He recalled that South-south governors met and in their resolution, they affirmed that the board should be constituted immediately.

The governors, he said, also recommended that financial receipts in favour of the NDDC should be lodged in an escrow account, adding that this was borne out of the fact that the sole proprietorship leadership - the interim leadership of the NDDC is unknown to the NDDC Act. He stated that the recent visit by Akpabio to the region for consultation had calmed frayed nerves as the government may not have contained the likely unwholesome situation that would have arisen.

"The recent spate of ultimatums given by the Ijaw Youth Council and some other critical stakeholders, including that of Government Ekpemupolo, is also in tandem with the position of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led government and that of the South-south governors and

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NEWS

Buhari Lauds Ijaw Leaders for Believing in Nigeria's Unity Pledges action on environmental degradation Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on their recent affirmation of belief in a united Nigeria and supporting the fight against insecurity by developing internal control mechanisms.

He also promised immediate action on environmental degradation affecting the Niger Delta region.

The president gave the commendation yesterday while receiving the National Executive of INC led by Prof.

Benjamin Okaba at the State House, Abuja.

He implored the leadership of the association to use its influence ‘‘in making sure that we keep working together to keep this country a united, indivisible entity, so that we can tackle our problems together and overcome our challenges together.’’

The president also used the occasion to address some demands of the association on several issues including environmental degradation, restructuring, creation of states, allocation of operational licenses for marginal fields to Ijaw people, the inauguration of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), among others.

On the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project, President Buhari said he had directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the remediation efforts in Ogoni are implemented with a high percentage of local content and inclusion of the surrounding communities.

Similarly, the President said the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, under the same ministry of Environment, is working to ensure that oil spills are reduced and new ones prevented while

all relevant agencies of government have been directed to ensure that they enforce compliance by the International Oil Companies to international best practices.

Addressing their call for immediate restructuring, the president noted that the National Assembly whose responsibility is to ensure that the constitution responds to the call for a restructured Nigeria has already concluded regional consultations. ‘‘As soon as they finalise the process, necessary action would not be delayed on my part,’’ he said.

On the creation of two additional states and more local government areas for the Ijaw people, the President said it is a legislative matter, which should naturally be handled by the National Assembly with concurrence at the state levels.

On the allocation of operational licenses for

marginal fields to the Ijaw people, the President said while he completely agrees with the demand, ‘‘the process of granting licenses is guided by laid down rules and regulations, most of which even favour local content and local contractors.

I see no reason why they should not be granted such licenses if they qualify.’’

On NDDC, the President pledged that the Board would be inaugurated as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted.

His words: ‘‘A contentious issue that has been a subject of discourse amongst the Ijaw people of recent has been the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its billing by delivering the required succour to the people of the region. ‘‘Based on the mismanagement that had previously bedevilled the

NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July 2021. I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board will be inaugurated. ‘‘However, I would like to implore you that the Ijaw National Congress should play a more active role in making sure that the mismanagement that occurred in the past is not repeated".

The President also assured the leadership of INC that the completion of the EastWest Road remains top on his infrastructure agenda, adding that the occasional disturbances by youths in some communities along the route of construction work would require the close attention and guidance of leaders in the region. ‘‘Furthermore, we have made considerable progress with the construction of the

Bonny to Port Harcourt Bridge,’’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Okaba urged the President to mandate the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to direct the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to their operational bases in Ijaw land and the Niger Delta region. ‘‘The excuse of insecurity is no longer tenable for it is common knowledge that nowhere in Nigeria is safer than the other. Secondly, the revamping of the major ports at Onne, Warri, Port Harcourt, Bonny will accelerate economic growth, reduce joblessness, youth criminality and contribute to national unity and stability,’’ he said.

Reaffirming strong faith in the ‘‘overall and mutual benefits of true federalism and resource control to the prosperity and stability of Nigeria,’’ Okaba assured the President that the Ijaws ‘‘have no secessionist agenda.’’

export gas, which potentially puts long-term export gas supply at risk.

He added that the country needs to move away from the “unproductive” debate about satisfying local need before shipping gas abroad.

He called for a delicate balancing between the political drive and the business needs of the PIB, saying that many of those who discuss the matter are approaching it from the point of emotions, rather than reality.

He added: “ A lot of people who talk about the gas business in the gas value chain come from the emotional side. But emotion does not create a business, emotions do not attract investors, emotions do not sign contracts.

“So, I will say that while we recognise those emotional elements, we need to create a platform where the companies and the entities that have these resources will come together in a conference facilitated by the minister of state and let us have that conversation.”

He stated that everybody is currently doing the economics of the gas sector from their own point of view, and there’s no consensus on the way forward for the gas sector in the PIB. He wondered why the NLNG model was not adopted since it has been tested to be workable, explaining that there is sufficient gas resource that will meet both domestic and gas export.

In his remarks, Attah stated that energy has always been in transition, adding that there should be no surprise about the current talks about renewables.

With 7.8 billion persons on earth and an additional 2.8 billion by 2050, he said the world would always require energy to function, while gas will continue to be relevant.

According to him, the energy of the future must look at the sustainability of the environment and which

does not emit massive carbon like coal, oil and others.

He stated that gas is cheaper and could be either a transition or destination fuel, adding that a future without gas is almost inconceivable.

BARKINDO: COVID-19 PANDEMIC INCREASED GLOBAL DEBT BY $24TN meets in advance of the ordinary meetings of the OPEC conference, focused on reviewing the conditions of the global oil market, emerging trends related to the oil industry, including demand, supply and stock movements, as well as the recovery prospects for the world economy.

Barkindo highlighted the contributions of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) of participating countries, which continue to support the global oil market through voluntary production adjustments in the interest of market stability.

On OPEC forecast for demand recovery, Barkindo stated that the market optimism was a reaction to the more than 2.4 billion vaccine doses that have now been administered globally.

Also, there are signs that the international community is ramping up its support to developing countries to help bolster their acquisition of life-saving vaccines.

He said these efforts were drawing the world closer to bringing the pandemic under control, and thereby helping accelerate the global economic recovery, as the latest market developments point to much better conditions and improved prospects.

On market fundamentals, Barkindo stated that in terms of the global economy, the GDP growth forecast has risen from 4.4 per cent in November 2020 to 5.5 per cent in June 2021.

He added that an upward momentum into the second half of the year is being expected.

He restated his earlier forecast that China and the US will see the lion’s share of growth in 2021, with China’s economy expanding by 8.5 per cent and the US by 6.4 per cent.

According to him, India, despite having to confront a devastating second-wave of COVID-19 infections is still forecast to achieve a growth

of 9.5 per cent.

He said: “The forecast for world oil demand has decreased from 6.2 mb/d in November 2020 to 6 mb/d in June 2021. The outlook for later this year looks especially promising with demand slated to exceed 99 mb/d in the fourth quarter.

This prospect would bring us back close to pre-pandemic levels.”

He stated that there are now encouraging signs that the worst of the pandemic is over, but warned that it is too early to jump to conclusions, especially with uncertainties surrounding mutations.

Barkindo said meanwhile, debt levels in major economies continued to rise, fuelled by massive fiscal and monetary stimulus programmes, with government debt levels, after the COVID-19 lockdowns, reaching their highest to date in both advanced economies and emerging market economies.

He added: “The absolute amount of global debt has increased by more than $24 trillion over the course of the pandemic – this is more than the annual GDP of the US. World debt now stands at $281 trillion, comparing to the annual world GDP of around $80 trillion. With this in mind, the risk of rising inflation in the months to come will need to be closely monitored.

“Looking at the world oil supply, non-OPEC supply growth was revised down from 0.9 mb/d in November 2020 to 0.8 mb/d in June 2021. The main drivers for 2021 supply growth are anticipated to be Canada, Brazil, China and Norway, while US liquids supply is now expected to only grow by a marginal 0.03 mb/d y-o-y.”

He expressed optimism that the return of Iranian production and exports will happen in a transparent and orderly fashion, supporting the deal by OPEC+ countries on ongoing efforts to

rebalance the oil market and promote market stability.

Barkindo also lauded the conformity to the production adjustments by member countries, which he puts at 114 per cent in April.

Opposition to PIB Grows as Shell Kicks over Bill’s Position on Gas Sector Meanwhile, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) may, again, run into troubled waters this month as Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) yesterday opposed the passage of the proposed legislation in its present state.

The company stated that the bill, if passed as it is, could throw the gas sector into more crisis and further stunt the growth of the sector, which the country is banking on for much of its revenue as the world moves towards cleaner sources of fuels.

During the week, reports indicated that the bill, which has spent over 15 years in the National Assembly, may not be passed this month as promised by President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan, as key stakeholders pushed for final alterations to some specific parts of the document before it becomes law.

Speaking during an online forum organised by the British Nigeria Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, called for a conference of all stakeholders, to be called by the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, to resolve the differences.

Themed: “Gas Economy: Maximising the Potential,” the programme was overseen by the NBCC oil and gas group and attended, among others, by the Managing Director of the chamber, Mr Kayode Falowo, and Managing Director, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mr Tony

Attah.

Other speakers at the event were the President of the Nigeria Gas Association (NGA) and Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), Mr. Ed Ubong, and Gas Portfolio Manager, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mr. Yemi Famori.

Ojulari stated that the PIB as it is today is not enabling enough and not fully aligned with the direction that Nigeria has articulated around the “Decade of Gas” as propagated by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He called for a further review of the PIB to ensure that it delivers and contributes to the ambition that Nigeria has set for itself to be in the class of Qatar and Australia whose economies are largely run on revenues from gas.

According to him, with the condition set for exportation of gas resources by companies operating in the sector, the proposed petroleum governance bill will stifle competition.

He said: “The terms and prices of gas development, especially for deep nonassociated gas, need to be more competitive. Today, it is actually looking worse than it is in the current environment and that’s an area that has not enjoyed a level of emphasis.

“Today, the PIB does not do any justice or to help to unlock the huge potential that we have in the nonassociated gas environments.

With the potential of gas to power our economy, the focus should be more on competitive discuss that will stimulate gas.

“Currently, the version of the PIB that we have is not sufficient and will not enable us to incentivise investors to unlock the huge non-associated gas that we have.”

In the domestic gas space, Ojulari said the PIB required the fulfilment of domestic gas obligation as a condition to

Bill to Be Laid Tuesday Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has assured the nation that the PIB would be laid on Tuesday by its joint committees on the bill.

He said: "At the moment, we are dotting the i's and crossing the t's on the PIB; the Petrol Industry Bill, and by the grace of God, our committees, the joint committees, will finish their work on it by the end of the week, hopefully. The reports would be laid on Tuesday in both chambers. This is what we have planned and this is what we're working towards."

He also said much work had been done on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and it would be passed before the National Assembly proceeds on its annual vacation next month.

"We also have some work to do on the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill. Our committee in the Senate and indeed, in the House have worked jointly and we have very little to do really, to get the reports and considered in the two chambers.

"We expect that we'll do that before we go on our annual summer recess, which comes up on the 15th of July, by the grace of God. "So, before we go on summer recess, we should be able to pass the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill," he added.

According to him, the National Assembly will also work on the confirmation of nominees for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissionership as well as passing the 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill sent to it last week by the president.

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NEWS

How I Stabbed Super TV CEO to Death, Says 21-year-old UNILAG Student Chiemelie Ezeobi A 21-year-old undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu, has narrated how she stabbed the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Mr. Usifo Ataga, to death in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

She spoke at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters

in Ikeja yesterday after she was paraded as a suspect by the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.

Odumosu said Chidinma was arrested at her parents’ residence in the Yaba area of the state on Wednesday night.

The suspect, who was paraded at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja,

Insecurity: Irabor Parleys Military Veterans in South-west

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has urged military veterans to be drivers of peace, unity and progress within their neighbourhoods.

Irabor made the appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State at a one-day security parley with retired senior military officers in the South-west zone.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore Wap Maigida, the CDS noted that military veterans could become the mouthpiece of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The security meeting which was tagged “CDS Interaction with Retired Senior Military Officers in the South-west,” was organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), and held at the Headquarters 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan.

He said the veterans were qualified and knowledgeable in defence and security matters to undertake the task of security enlightenment and sensitisation in their domains.

Irabor disclosed further that the AFN intended to leverage on the security meeting to boost the ongoing military operations.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Military Cooperation (CDCMIC), Rear Admiral Fredrick Ogu, said the participants were expected to bring some salient issues to the attention of the DHQ and also proffer solutions.

He said the South-west interactive meeting was being held in Ibadan due to the cosmopolitan nature of the city and Lagos, both experiencing series of emerging security threats.

confessed to the crime, adding that the scuffle that led to his death was because the deceased had allegedly forced her for another bout after several rounds of sex.

The 300-level student of Mass Communication was said to have stabbed him severally during the scuffle, tied him up and left him to bleed to death.

She then proceeded to take his ATM cards, his phones and laptop.

The suspect formatted the laptop and sold it at Computer

Village before the police arrested her.

Chidinma said she had been in a romantic relationship with Ataga for about four months before the ugly incident.

The suspect said she and Ataga were “having fun” when an argument broke out and she stabbed him twice.

“We were in the lodge smoking.

He was trying to make advances on me. I was tired and he became violent on it. I let him have his way. Towards afternoon, he

ordered roofies. We took it together and ate food. He became high.

I was still not happy with the first one (sex) that we had. So, I was staying on my own, smoking and drinking. He, too, was on his own.

“He came to me and I was like I am not happy with what he did. I was like, ‘You don’t help me, you don’t assist me with anything, you are just playing with me around’. He was like, ‘Take my ATM and withdraw what you want’.

“He later became violent trying to get to me and I was resisting and defending myself.

At some point, he hit my head on the wall and I also retaliated.

“At some point, he was chasing me around the kitchen cabinet.

I took a knife and stabbed his neck. I approached the door and he followed me. I stabbed him twice on the neck side. I threw the knife to the bed and he was going for it but I also went for it.”

THIRTEEN HEARTY CHEERS …

L-R: Founding Principal Partner, J-K Gadzama Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief JoeKyari Gadzama (left); and former President Goodluck Jonathan, at the firm’s 13th Annual Public Lecture, with the theme: ‘Redefining Democracy, Yearnings of the Minority in a Democratic Setting,’ in Abuja... recently

Bandits Kill One, Abduct 12 FAO: 65,800 Borno Farmers Kicked Out of Farms By Terrorists in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one person and the abduction of 12 others by dare-devil bandits in Awon/ Mothercat Junction, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The bandits were said to have inflicted serious injuries on four others during the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night.

In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammad Jalige, the police said the bandits were in large

numbers and were armed with sophisticated weapons.

He said, on receiving the information, a joint team of the police, the military and vigilantes rushed to the area with a view to countering the hoodlums, but discovered that they had inflicted injuries to four persons while one Hamisu Mikailu, 40 years, was found dead.

He said 14 people were abducted, adding however that the security team trailed the bandits to the outskirt of the village and rescued two persons while the remaining 12 were whisked away by the bandits.

Gbajabiamila Celebrates Sanwo-Olu at 56 Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his 56th birthday.

Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Lanre Lasisi described Sanwo-Olu as a silent achiever, whose performance in office speaks for itself.

He said Sanwo-Olu has proven to be a man of the people since he assumed office two years ago.

The Speaker who said it was not a mere coincidence that he and the governor share the same birthday, noted that they have a lot in common, especially in the area of serving the people.

According to him, “I recall

how Sanwo-Olu had sleepless nights at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic last year to ensure that the people of Lagos were safe, being the worst-hit state in the country. Following the destruction of both public and private property in the state during the EndSARS protests, Governor Sanwo-Olu did his best to rebuild the state.

“We all thank God for the life of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, my birthday mate. Lagosians are proud of him, and indeed Nigerians are proud of him. I believe in the next two years, Lagos State will witness massive development much more than what we saw in the past two years. One can only pray for more years in good health and continuous God’s protection for our Governor.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has raised the alarm of impending food insecurity in the troubled North-east region of Nigeria, as insurgency has denied 65,800 farmers access to agricultural inputs in the area.

Speaking at the flagging-off of the 2021 rainy season farming

interventions at the Farm Centre in Maiduguri yesterday, the Country Representative of FAO in Nigeria, Fred Kafeero, lamented that inaccessibility to improved seeds and fertilizers have resulted in food insecurity and poverty among the populace.

He disclosed that the launch was the sixth rainy season farming intervention being conducted by FAO in Borno,

Adamawa and Yobe States since 2016.

The FAO representative said supporting the rainy season farming is key to the insurgency-affected region, noting that farmers’ harvests contribute significantly to food security and income generation throughout the year.

According to him, “Access to agricultural inputs for high yields

also saves lives and livelihoods of farmers,” adding that the distribution of seeds and fertilizers has contributed to building of people’s resilience to conflict.

Kafeero said that this year, 65,800 household farmers were supported with agricultural inputs and livestock restocking for fattening, while 40,000 farmers were targeted for the distribution of inputs.

Alleged N544m Contract Scam: Court Rejects EFCC’s Forensic Report on Former SGF Alex Enumah in Abuja

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gudu District, Abuja, yesterday rejected the forensic report and other exhibits of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal.

Justice Charles Agbaza of the FCT High Court refused to admit the EFCC’s documents while

ruling in an application argued

by Lawal’s lawyer, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN).

The EFCC is prosecuting Lawal and five others on charges bordering on fraud and money laundering to the tune of N544 million. In its bid to prove their claim against the former SGF, the commission had urged the court to admit the forensic report and other exhibits it claimed indicted Lawal.

But the judge declined to accept

the documents on the grounds that they did not meet the condition for admissibility.

According to the judge, the forensic report and other computer-generated documents violated the provisions of the Evidence Act, 2004.

Justice Agbaza noted that both EFCC and the defendants did not dispute the fact that the documents were generated through computer.

He, however said that Section 84 of the Evidence Act, which

relates to admission of such documents was not complied with by EFCC. Among others, Justice Agbaza said that certificate of compliance was not provided as required by law before such exhibits could be accepted while the oral evidence of a prosecution witness, Mrs. Fatima Umar, did not conform with provision of the law on how the information obtained from an iPhone of a private person was generated.

Students’ Abduction: FG Mulls ‘Communication Architecture’ for Unity Schools

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, yesterday said the federal government was considering greater security measures to ensure that cases of abduction are no longer recorded in the nation’s 110 unity colleges across the country.

He described part of the security measures being considered as “a complex and sophisticated communication

architecture.”

The ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Ben Goong, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

Goong quoted the minister as speaking at the Federal Government College Otobi, Benue State.

He was said to have spoken through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono, at the

inauguration of some projects at the college.

The statement quoted the minister as saying, “The safety of our children is a topmost priority to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The government would leave no stone unturned in her efforts to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining abducted children of Federal Government College,

Birnin Yauri, in Kebbi State “The federal government is putting in place greater security measures, including a complex and sophisticated communication architecture that would make it almost impossible for bandits and other criminal elements to operate so as to safeguard all unity colleges as well as prevent a reoccurrence of the Yauri ugly experience.”

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Dangote Receives Highest Civilian Honour in Cameroon President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has received the highest civilian honour in Cameroon - the Commander of the National Order of Valour - from the President of the Republic, Mr.

Paul Biya.

According to Biya, the landmark honour was conferred on Dangote in recognition of his efforts in infrastructural development of Cameroon and Africa through his cement plants.

FG: Lifting Embargo on Recruitment Won’t Tackle Unemployment

Pays N24.8bn to 413,630 public work beneficiaries of public Deji Elumoye in Abuja The federal government has ruled out the possibility of lifting embargo on recruitment into the public service, saying it will not make any significant difference to the unemployment problem in the country.

It also disclosed that it had paid N28.8 billion as stipends to 413,630 beneficiaries across tge 774 local government areas under its public work scheme introduced last year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who made this disclosure yesterday at the State House, Abuja while featuring at the ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team, said government was more

concerned about improving the skills of Nigerians, and empower them to be self-employed.

When asked to reconcile the fact that while government was battling to reduce unemployment, it continued to place embargo on recruitment and replacement in the civil service, the Minister declared “I think your question assumes that the kind of employment we want to create is in civil service, that’s not the idea of employment.”

According to him, public services employment globally account for less than one per cent of employment in the country.

He added that it will be very short-sighted of government to think it can lift people out of poverty and create employment by opening up gaps in the civil service to employ people.

Julius Berger Delivers Lagos Roads ahead of Scheduled Completion Date Nigeria’s foremost engineering construction company, and the nation’s preferred infrastructure development partner of choice, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was the recipient of well-deserved encomiums and applause last week as Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated superbly upgraded and rehabilitated network of roads in the highbrow Ikoyi area of the state.

The road network comprising the popular Thompson road I and II, MacDonald/Lateef Jakande and Milverton roads was inaugurated by the governor at a well-attended ceremony last Friday amidst celebratory fanfare.

In his speech, the governor lauded Julius Berger Plc for the prompt delivery of the project saying: “thank you very much Julius Berger for keeping faith with your words. You promised to deliver and still keep the vegetation and beautifying trees of Ikoyi while you construct the intricate network of roads, and we all can testify that you have done just that. Indeed, I am happy you have kept the landmark we promised.”

Sanwo-Olu further said: “I am happy too that within 12 months Julius Berger kept their words with the time frame without distortion to the area.

Thank you very much,” the governor said.

The President, at a conferment ceremony held at the Unity Palace, Yaoundé expressed pride at Dangote’s various efforts to promote industrialisation across Africa through the building of cement plants in several African countries. He noted that these plants have provided thousands of direct and indirect employment at their various locations, to boost the economies of their host countries, just like in Cameroon.

He urged the leading African investor to consider more

investments in the manufacturing sector in Cameroon, explaining that there are numerous business opportunities in the country. He maintained that his government is focused on promoting a businessfriendly environment to make the country more attractive and an investors’ destination.

In his response, Dangote thanked Biya and the people of Cameroon for the great honour done to him in the award of the nation’s highest civilian honour.

He disclosed that there are

plans to diversify the group’s investments in Cameroon, starting with energy. He said, “We have plans to expand our investment to other sectors beginning with oil and gas while our capacity in cement will be expanded”.

He commended the Cameroonian government for providing an enabling environment, which aided the successful completion of the Dangote Cement plant. He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the

President and cabinet in solving the challenges encountered in the construction of the plant.

He said, “At the inception of our construction activities at the plant, we encountered several challenges, but the government stepped in and ensured that we overcame these initial problems. Also, the incentives by the Government to investors are encouraging. We feel very much at home here in Cameroon because of the business-friendly environment. “

WORTHY HONOUR…

L-R: President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left), and President of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Paul Biya, congratulating the Africa’s richest man after his decoration with the highest civilian honour in Cameroon, the Commander of the National Order of Valour, at The Unity Palace, Yaoundé…recently

Court Grants Baba Ijesha Bail over Alleged Sexual Defilement An Ikeja Sexual Offences Court yesterday granted N2million bail to actor Omiyinka Olanrewaju a. k. a. Baba Ijesha Baba Ijesha, who has been in custody since April 22, 2021 over alleged sexual defilement of a minor.

The actor, who is being tried

by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo over charges bothering on rape, sexual

assault and abuse of a minor, was granted bail on the ground that it was his fundamental human rights.

According to the judge, the surety must be a resident of Lagos with a visible house address and payment of three years taxes.

Justice Taiwo stated, “One of

the sureties must be a blood relation who will enter a N1 million bond with the Chief Register of Lagos State and one of the sureties must also be a legal practitioner.”

Omiyinka, who wore a white hooded jacket and a mask, was brought to court chained to another criminal suspect as

he arrived the court.

He was arraigned by the State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on a six-count of attempted sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, and indecent treatment of a child.

He however pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

Lawan: N’Assembly to Support INEC to Delineate Electoral Constituencies Deji Elumoye in Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has stated that the National Assembly will work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its bid to properly delineate electoral constituencies across the country ahead of the 2023 general election.

Lawan gave the assurance yesterday while playing host to a

delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The last exercise which witnessed the creation of electoral districts and constituencies across the country was carried out in 1996.

The Senate President, in his remarks during the visit, said the delineation of electoral constituencies in the country

would enhance democracy as well as provide equitable and fair representation in Nigeria’s governance structure.

He explained further that having more districts and constituencies would present a level playing field for all Nigerians to elect leaders of their choice at the polls.

While underscoring the need for the federal government to find a way around getting

accurate information about the country’s population size, he stressed that such information is significant and critical for the creation of more constituencies in disadvantaged areas.

He said: “I want to assure you and Nigerians, that we will go all the way with you, to finding solutions on getting the delineation of electoral constituencies done before the end of our tenure.

EFCC Nabs Three Suspects over FG Extends COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility Period to July 5 N3.5bn Ponzi Scheme in Sokoto Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja centre to do so.

According to Shuaib, “It is, dates are administered first to Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Operatives of the Sokoto Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested the trio of Benson Kufre John, Joseph Iraboh Eseosa and Sunday Marcus, who were earlier declared wanted by the commission for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting people in a N3.5billion ponzi scheme.

A statement by the commission said the agency first got wind of the alleged criminal activities of the trio on October 28, 2020 following a complaint from UBA Plc, regarding the operation of an account, Annexation Business Concept opened by one Sunday Marcus. It was discovered by the commission that the account had a turnover of N3, 525, 372, 654.43)

within a period of period of six months (February to August 2020).

In the course of investigation, the EFCC discovered that the suspects specifically opened the account as a vehicle to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by enticing them with mouth-watering “returns on investment” as high as 30%, 60% and 200% depending on the duration of the investment.

So far, investigation has established Benson Kufre John and Iraboh Joseph Eseosa, as the mastermind of the Scheme, who procured one Sunday Marcus to register the company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and opened the UBA Bank Account using fictitious addresses and unregistered phone number.

The federal government has said it has extended the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine from June 28 to July 5, 2021.

It said anybody yet to take the second jab of the vaccine should hurry up and go to the nearest designated vaccination

While briefing journalists on the update of the vaccination exercise, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said the country is yet to record any case of death directly linked to the COVID-19 vaccination.

however, important for me to repeat that Nigeria has not recorded any case of death directly linked to the COVID-19 vaccination”.

He added that the agency was tracking the utilisation of the vaccines to ensure that those that have early expiration

avoid wastage.

Shuaib said cases of mild, moderate and severe reactions on the vaccine that have been recorded were those expected from normal vaccination, adding that those who experienced any of those have since recovered and are doing well.

GTB Names Training Complex after Co-founder, Aderinokun Exactly 10 years after the passing of the co-founder and former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Tayo Aderinokun, the leading financial institution yesterday opened its new Training Complex in his name.

The complex is known as “Tayo’s Plaza.”

Aderinokun was one of Africa’s

most influential and renowned bankers before his passing on Tuesday, June 14, 2011.

Situated in the tranquil city of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, Tayo’s Plaza houses an eightstorey training complex that includes 105 ensuite residential rooms, half a dozen lecture halls, two fully equipped libraries, an

amphitheatre and a banking hall with 24 teller terminals amongst other facilities.

All entrants to Guaranty Trust will now pass through Tayo’s Plaza, where they will undergo an intensive screening and extensive onboarding programme on delivering the best customer experience in financial services.

Commenting on the opening of Tayo’s Plaza, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said, “Through our new training complex, we will continue to nurture and empower young people to think critically and break new grounds in excellence.”

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FG: Separatist Agitators Using Twitter to Attack Security Forces The dissemination management of communications on the current state of insecurity, infrastructural development and economic growth of the President Muhammadu Buhari- led administration as it affects other federating units top agenda yesterday, at the meeting in Lagos of Progressive Governors Forum, (PGF), an umbrella body of All Progressives Congress (APC), governors, and information managers of APC governments.

The participants had in attendance, the host, Governor

Bababjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed; Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina and his counterpart from the office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, while most of the governors attended via a virtual platform.

Others in attendance include members of the state Executive Council, Lagos, Information Managers of APC Government, and board members of the forum, General Managers of

Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Voice of Nigeria, VON, among few others.

In his keynote address,

Titled: Contemporary Challenges of Information and Communication ManagementRegulatory issues and

Requirements, the information minister commended SanwoOlu, for graciously hosting the meeting.

“I commend the tenacity and commitment of the organisers, while hailing the patience of all those involved.”

Buhari Names New Board Members for FHA Deji Elumoye inAbuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the constitution of a new Board for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) for a period of three years, with Senator Lawal Shuaibu from Zamfara State retaining his position as Chairman.

A statement issued yesterday by the presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, named other board members as Modestus Umenzekwe, Anambra State; Mumini I. Hanafi, Kwara State; Adamu Maina Dadi, Yobe State; Adamu Ismaila, Adamawa State; Zubairu S.N, Nasarawa State; Chinyere Anokwuru, Abia State; Yinka Ogunsulire, Ondo State: Veronica N. Shinnaan, Plateau State; Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Rivers State and Olajumoke O. Akinwunmi, Ogun State.

President Buhari’s approval of the appointment into the Board of

FHA took into cognisance requisite competence, experience and network in the housing industry to actualise the administration’s vision of providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.

Buhari has also approved the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Lyambee Jime as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council.

Jime, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, brings his wealth of experience to the new role having distinguished himself in several public offices.

He was at a time Managing Director at the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal constituency in Benue State between 2007 and 2015, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly from 1992 to 1993.

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED…

Managing Director of Periwinkle Luxury Lifestyle Condos, Mr. Chiedu Nweke (left); and Managing Director of Eko Atlantic City, Mr. David Frame, at the signing ceremony of a land acquisition deal for the Pan Atlantis Condos to be situated in Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, in Lagos…recently

Restructure to Save Nigeria from Disintegration, George Tells Buhari Segun James Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has joined the list of prominent Nigeria calling for the restructuring of the country, saying restructuring is the only way to save Nigeria from disintegration.

George in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was his commander-in-chief while he was in the Nigerian

Navy, said he wrote in reaction to Buhari’s recent statement on restructuring, adding that he is writing as a junior to the president while in service.

The PDP chieftain, who said his position was without partisan or ethnic considerations, said: “It will be wrong and even cynical for anyone to pretend that the present Nigerian structure is smooth and without flaws,” adding that” “On the contrary, the skewed structures are provoking the glaring indices

of terror and widening chaos in the country.

“From Sokoto to Calabar to Jigawa to Delta to Borno to Rivers, the Nigerian state is sinking deeper into loose banditry and general uncertainties.

“Virtually everyone is vulnerable. There are no safe havens anymore. The present policing architecture is obviously unsuitable to modern threats and challenges. Policing can no longer be centralised. This is

one of the cardinal points why restructuring of the Nigerian state is important.”

Continuing, George said in the letter that: “Power has to be loosened at the centre for the survival of this very fragile union. The states must be constitutionally empowered to determine their growth and development. We cannot all be held down by an overarching unitary system which stunts merit and halts individual progress and initiatives.

Victimisation of Student: FG May Inaugurate Two Committees to Review Oronsaye Report Head of Civil Service Mustapha, recently met on the work of both committees Court Awards N5m Damages Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja ofThe the Federation (HoSF), Dr. the report. and make appropriate Yemi-Esan said one of the recommendation in the interest The federal government is Folasade Yemi-Esan, disclosed against UniJos Lecturer considering the inauguration this yesterday while briefing committees would holistically of the public service.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, presided

by Justice M.H. Kurya has awarded N5million damages against a lecturer of the department of Economics, University of Jos, Mr. Thaddeus Longduut, for victimising a student undergoing a Master’s degree programme in Economics, Georgia Davou, causing her not to graduate from the programme.

The court, in the case of Georgia Mark Davou vs.

University of Jos (1OR FHC/J/ CS/38/2018), which was decided on June 23, 2021, ordered the University of Jos

to also immediately pay the plaintiff N100,000 in damages, reinstate the student, change her supervisor and ensure that the final defence of her thesis is done within reasonable time.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Gloria Ballason, had in 2018 brought an application against the defendants for arbitrarily withdrawing the plaintiff from the Master’s programme on allegations of poor performance without complying with the school prospectus, without granting the plaintiff access to her results, and without fair hearing when she petitioned the school for access to her results.

of two committees to reevaluate the report of the Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Parastatals, otherwise known as the Stephen Oronsaye Report.

journalists on activities to commemorate this year’s Nigeria Civil Service Week.

She said the plan to set up of the committees was mooted after she and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss

review the Oronsaye report of 2011, while the second one would evaluate what had ensued since the report was submitted till date.

She stated that at the end of exercise, the federal government would harmonise

The HoS said from the several meetings she and the SGF held to find a way forward for the Oronsaye report, most of the conversations reinforced the fact that the report is now outdated because it happened several years ago.

CDS, Nigeria’s Flag Designer, Others Unveil World’s Largest Flag in Ibadan Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor; the designer of the Nigerian flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, members of his family, close friends and country music idol, Timi Dakolo yesterday unveiled the world’s largest flag at the Polo ground in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The flag covers an area of

3,275.6 square meters. It has a length of 75.3 meters and a width of 43.5 meters.

Prior to the unveiling, the Guinness world record for the largest flag to be flown was held by the United Arab Emirates and covered an area of 2,448.6 square meters.

Performing the unveiling was the designer of the Nigerian flag, Akinkunmi, accompanied by members of his family, close

friends and country music idol, Timi Dakolo.

The octogenarian while welcoming guests to the event, expressed happiness that he is being honoured while alive, saying “I have always dreamt about Nigeria being at the fore front of every good thing.”

He also gave special recognition to the CDS, Irabor, for honouring him with his presence.

Irabor in his own remarks, said, “Let us always remember that the flag is not a mere symbol of Nigeria; it is a symbol of a united Nigeria.

Let us work together for unity and love.”

It was learnt that the process to certify the achievement as the world’s largest flag to be hosted has begun and should be concluded before the flag is hoisted in Ibadan later this year.

Area Councils including, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Gwagwalada and Bwari.

He said that all the seven deaths associated with the faeco-oral gastro intestinal disease were recorded in AMAC, out of which three of the cases tested positive to Cholera using the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit.

According to him, the HHSS began to receive reports of sporadic cases of gastro-enteritis in some FCT communities, including the IDP Camp in Wassa, Dei-Dei, Zuba, Shenagum and Kubwa.

He attributed the sporadic outbreak to the leaching of sewage into the drinking water ways during the rainy season and the contamination of food matters by the bacteria.

The acting health secretary said the FCTA had deployed some RDT test kits, drugs and consumables in some of the health facilities that have reported cholera cases and is in the process of distributing the commodities to the remaining health facilities, including some primary health facilities.

He noted that the HHSS, through the Department of Public Health, has intensified surveillance in the health facilities and has also directed the area councils to do the same respectively.

Kawu urged FCT residents to report any case of diarrheal disease to the nearest health facility and improve on general personal hygiene in addition to ensuring that the water used for domestic purposes is clean and boiled and ensure that faecal wastes are hygienically disposed off.

Buhari Felicitates With House Speaker, Gbajabiamila At 59 FCT Records Seven Deaths in 91 Suspected Cholera Cases He, therefore, joined Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on his 59th birthday anniversary, praising him for the vision, maturity and courage he has brought to Nigeria’s leadership.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, felicitated with the Speaker who he described as a visionary leader.

the National Assembly, particularly members of the green chamber, in celebrating with the lawmaker, whose selflessness, forthrightness and patriotism continue to broaden the scope of policies, taking into full consideration the voice of Nigerians.

The statement said as the visionary leader turns 59, the President prays for his good health and strength, and the grace of God for more wisdom to keep serving the country.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) has confirmed the death of seven persons in a territory that has been linked to 91 suspected cholera cases.

The Acting Secretary of the HHSS, Dr. Mohammed Kawu, disclosed this yesterday while briefing the press on the Cholera outbreak.

Kawu said that the suspected cases were reported in three

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WORLD OF ISLAM House Summons Amaechi, NPA

24 HOURS...

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

over N166bn, Others

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and the management of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to give details of the revenue accruing to the NPA as at December 31, 2016, amounting to N166,685,929,000, which were not properly captured in the statement of account of the agency.

The minister and NPA management, which were initially expected to appear before the House Committee on Public Accounts yesterday, pleaded for another date to cause appearance, and were given a July 8 to appear before the committee.

They are also to explain the cost of services rendered to

the NPA amounting to about N103.996 billion, including channels and waterways maintenance, N65.130 billion; and port and quays expenses of N38.412 billion.

The minister and the authority are further expected to respond to audit queries contained in the comments of the Auditor General of the Federation on the group financial statement of the NPA for 2016.

In the AuGF’s query signed

by Adolphus Aghughu and dated May 24, 2021, he said the minister and the NPA management are to give a breakdown of maintenance, budgetary provisions and evidence of work done on the channels and waterways as examination of the accounts revealed that the channels and waterways maintenance rose

from N44.427 billion in 2015 to N64.130 billion in 2016, which is an increase of over N20 billion.

The auditor general said the minister and the NPA management are also to explain what happened to the dividend income of N643.006 million received from their joint venture partners as well as interest income of about N97.8 million and N28.7 million being interest from bank deposits and interest on loan and receivables.

Other queries against the NPA include administrative expenses of N61 billion, which include professional charges of N638 million; donation and subscription of N1.88 billion; exchange loss of N7,3 billion; defined benefit expenses of N11.4 billion and director’s remuneration of N4.2 million.

Monsignor Ajang Ordained New Bishop of Lafia Catholic Diocese Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Reverend Monsignor David Ajang was yesterday officially ordained by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Guido Filipazzi, as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The Holy Father had in March 2021 appointed Rev. Ajang as the new bishop of the Diocese of Lafia to fill the vacuum created following the appointment of Bishop Matthew Ishaya Audu last year as Bishop of the Metropolitan Catholic Arch Diocese of Jos.

In a homily before the ordination at the St Williams Cathedral in Lafia, Apostolic Antonio Guido Filipazzi urged the new Bishop, Dr. Ajang, to be a father to all members of the church by avoiding any form of segregation.

The Papal Nuncio also charged Ajang to embrace non-members of the Catholic Church, including those who are not Christians, “because Christ loves them all.”

To the clergy and laity of the Lafia Catholic Diocese, Filipazzi said they must accord the new bishop full cooperation and respect “because he will sit at

the cathedral as a representative of Christ.”

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of the Catholic Arch Diocese of Benin City, Edo State, Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubeze, urged the clergy and laity of the Lafia Diocese to resist the urge to compare every action taken by the new bishop with that of the former, as according to him, “Bishop David Ajang is a different person compared to Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu, coming with a different style.”

Dump APGA, Anambra PDP Guber Aspirant Tells Delegates David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, has stated that the November 6 election would be another opportunity for the state to dump the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Ozigbo, however, said that a lot would depend on the choice of candidate of the delegates of the party, as choosing a credible

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known and address as MISS EBISIKE CHINYERE CONSTANCE, now wish to be known and address as MRS EZEASOR CHINYERE CONTANCE. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as THOMPSON ILIYA LUKA and THOMPSON LUKA HANANIYA, now wish to be known and addressed as THOMPSON, LUKA HANANIYA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SULEMON FAOSAT ADUNNI now wish to be known and addressed as SULEIMAN FLORENCE ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note I formerly known and addressed as PRINCESS ADAEZE NWAJI now wish to be known and addressed as PRINCESS ADAEZE NWAJIOZIBO, all former documents remains valid, Banks and the general public should please take note.

candidate would help the PDP win the main election.

Ozigbo stated this yesterday when he met Adhoc delegates in Awka on the forthcoming primary election of the party.

He said: “This coming election is our best shot at kicking out APGA from Agu Awka (Anambra government house). All we have to do is to ensure we do the right things at the primaries. The people of Anambra are waiting for us to show a willingness to depart from the old way of doing things.

“As we approach the primary election, let us energise our base to ensure that we take over Agu Awka.

“I called this meeting to remind us that we are not members of different political camps, but we are members of a united PDP with a common goal of victory at the November 6 polls.

“If you are here and I am not your number one choice, I am not here to poison your mind against your preferred aspirant; I am only here to present myself and my credentials.”

Senate Committee Commends SIIFZ on Investment Initiative, Others Fred Ojeh The Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, has commended the board and management of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) for their improvement and the huge investments in the Zone, particularly SIIFZ’s contribution to the growth of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) by supporting one Single Free Zone Authority.

Fadahunsi made the commendation when the Senate committee and the board of the NEPZA visited the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) and other federal government agencies operating in the Zone in Apapa, Lagos State, recently.

He further appreciated the contributions of the various Free Zone Enterprises in the Zone through which revenue is generated for the government by

agencies in the zone.

The lawmaker, however, urged NEPZA to push for the amendment of its Act to close out all issues militating against the operations of FTZs in the country.

Also, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, who also lauded SIIFZ’s investment initiative, stated that the oversight visit was aimed at ensuring consistency in the payment of appropriate revenue into the Federation Account, through the regulatory body, while ensuring that the Free Zone operates optimally.

In his remark, the Chairman of the Board of SIIFZ, Maher Jarmakani, highlighted the zone’s employment generation, infrastructure, and investments by registered enterprises in the areas of terminal operations, ship repair, heavy industries, pollution management, fabrication, and training among other sectors.

The Sharia of Human Interconnectedness - 2

Abdul Malik Mujahid/SoundVision (Continued from last week)

In terms of religious coexistence, the Quran says: “…To each among you have we prescribed a law (Sharia) and an open way. If God had so willed, He would have made you followers of one faith. But He willed otherwise to test you in what He has given you; therefore strive to excel one another in all virtues. Ultimately you all shall return to God; then He will show you the truth of those matters in which you dispute” (Quran 5:48).

This understanding of how human beings were created, as well as why humans are different, is built into the faith structure of Islam.

We believe that there is only One God who created all. We are asked to believe in all of the Prophets, not just Biblical Prophets but all. We are also asked not to prefer one Prophet above others in terms of respect. We are asked to believe in the earlier scriptures despite God’s criticism of people for changing those scriptures (Quran 2:285).

Any Muslim who does not believe in the whole set of these principles is not considered a believer

by God (Quran 4: 136).

These principles are also a part of an Islamic social structure: justice and fairness, upholding the rights of the poor, as well as charity to those in need, extend to all people without any differentiation between a Muslim and a non-Muslim.

In the peace sanctuary of the Prophet, Madinah, the Prophet established peace between various tribal and faith groups after a hundred plus years of warfare. He negotiated and implemented a written constitution. Classical Islamic literature refers to this document in Arabic as “waseeqatun Nabi.”

What is significant about this document is that after stating the equal religious and legal rights of each of the Jewish and pagan tribes of Madinah, this document repeatedly uses the phrase “one Ummah with the believers.” This constitution implemented the Quranic recognition of the presence of multiple religions as well as other variations among people, while keeping in mind the “oneness of humanity”, and offering equal security, mutual defense, legal and civic autonomy and freedom of religion to all citizens including those who worshiped idols.

Dealings with the Theological Divisions While God insist people to follow Islam, He recognizes some will not. He, therefore, prefers that the differences in faith are to be referred back to God, Who will judge between us on a day when He is the Final Arbiter instead of quarrelling over religious differences (Quran 5:48).

In the meantime, we must learn to peacefully coexist by establishing cordial relationships of mutual benefit, thankfulness to each other, and care for the disadvantaged and neighbours, regardless of whether they share our faith or not. Muslims are required to cooperate for the good, in righteousness and piety for all, and not for sin and rancor (Quran 5:2).

The Islamic prayer called Salat literally means connection in Arabic. It connects us to our Creator five times a day. Another word derived from the same root is used for the connected phones. Another is used when referring to relations between human being, particularly family “Silatul Rahm”, with the word “Rahm” meaning the womb, giving precedence to ties that bind us through our birth.

Perhaps this is why in Islam, a person cannot give away all of their wealth even to charity without first making sure they have paid the inheritance shares due to family members.

But relations of the womb or blood are not the only ones that emphasize human interconnectedness in Islam. Neighbours are given high priority, regardless of whether they are Muslim or not.

In Islam, therefore, relationships, justice, rights, and duties toward one’s neighbours are not limited to Muslims.

The Prophet once said: “Angle Gabriel kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance” (Recorded by the Hadith collection of Bukhari and Muslim).

This helps establish a connection with others beyond our immediate circle, particularly with those who we connect with regularly, even if it is just a “hello” in the driveway on the way to work or school in the morning. One example of how Islam establishes the right of neighbours is the fact that a neighbour has the first right to buy your property if you are selling it, even over your family.

But a neighbour in Islam is not just the person who lives on your block. The Quran’s definition is broader, and it includes 1) neighbours who are near, 2) neighbours who are of other ethnic

background, 3) the person sitting, walking, working or studying next to you, 4) the traveller (Quran 4:36).

This should give us pause on days we think we can annoy the person sitting next to us on a plane, train or bus with a loud cellphone conversation, for example. Chapter 49 of the Quran offers us detailed advice about proper manners and behavior in relation to all human beings, including the above-mentioned types of neighbours, whether that is name-calling, spying, or backbiting.

Traditionally, Sharia has always emphasized the protection of faith, life, property, liberty, and safety of all, regardless of their faith. And it defines a violation of the sanctity of these rights of every citizen capital crimes.

These are Islamic ideals that Muslims the world over learn of through sermons, Imams, teachers and mothers, who still inspire one to live by these ideals. This is what 150 leading Islamic scholars asserted in the document known as “A Common Word.”

Islamic Ideals of Mutual Humanity in Practice It was through the systemic incorporation of the concept of mutual humanity and other recognition of other religions into belief structures, laws and values that explains why Islamic societies, from the start, were racially diverse, multi-ethnic, and open to other faith communities. Whether it is Madinah, Baghdad, Andalus, Egypt, Timbuktu, Jerusalem, Istanbul, Bukhara or Delhi, one finds people of different races and religions living and working comfortably with each other by and large.

Rumi’s poetry, One thousand and One Nights, alif lailah, and the rest of Muslim classics depict the neighbourhoods in the Muslim world as a large cosmopolitan culture in which ‘others’ are regular participants as neighbours, scholars, traders, partners, heroes as well as villains.

Rose Wilder Lane of “Little House on the Prairie” fame also known as an important libertarian philosopher as a result of her book “Discovery of Freedom,” asserts that Prophet Muhammad was the second most important sources of freedom in the world.

Although her reading of the Prophet’s contribution and Islamic civilization might be difficult for some to stomach in today’s Islamophobic environment, it is one which most Muslims continue to remember to inspire them in their efforts to make the world a more just place of human habitation without religious and racial animus.

Rose Wilder Lane came to these conclusions about 70 years ago when most of the Muslim world was still under colonial occupation. It was during these times that the ideals of Islam faced some of their major challenges.

Faced with the triple whammy of colonial occupation, cultural hegemony, and forced modernization, Muslims started reacting to events defensively instead of continuing to serve humanity at large and develop at their own rate of progress. Progress, which they helped define for a thousand years with their contributions to world civilization, which was open to all faiths and communities.

The Challenge of Living the Ideals for Mutual Humanity Muslims, however, cannot claim that they have always lived these ideals individually or collectively.

Unfortunately, there are many examples, which show Muslims living way below their own ideals and occasionally groups like Taliban and Hizbut Tahreer denying those ideals altogether or partially.

We must consider ourselves individually responsible for our personal neglect and collectively, for the transgressions of other human beings – their basic right to healthy and productive lives and freedom of religion.

The human challenge to practically implement these principles was evident even in the Prophet’s life.

There are many Hadith, or teachings of the Prophet, quoting from his sermons, which repeatedly strike at Arab pride, pride in ancestry, and ill treatment of the other in terms of color, tribe, religion and class.

The Prophet realized the challenges of preaching the message of unity of humankind. Even in his farewell sermon shortly before his death, he made it a point to address this issue: “O people, remember that your Lord is One. All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor [does] a black has any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action. Indeed, the noblest among you is the one with the best character (Taqwa).

FRIDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

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PERSPECTIVE

Sanwo-Olu: Celebrating a Kind Hearted Achiever at 56

Gboyega Akosile

It is common in our clime for praise singers and vuvuzela blowers to be at their best performances, increasing the tempo of their art to crescendo on a day like this for governors, presidents and people of high political positions. One can’t blame them.

It is their way of validation. The dramatis personae often times are not confused even though the situation may present a blurry image.

I have listened to and read various things said and written about Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, the Governor of Lagos State. Most of them have dwelled on how well he has performed as governor in two years under very harsh economic challenges. Most of the accolades have come from successful management of Covid-19 pandemic by Governor Sanwo-Olu, who saved Nigeria from what could have resulted in a monumental catastrophe. Like a gallant soldier, Sanwo-Olu rose up to the occasion and gave Covid-19 a good fight. This feat ultimately left no one in doubt as to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s managerial and administrative skills.

No one ever prepares enough for disasters.

The nation woke up in September 2020 to the legitimate agitation against police brutality by the Nigerian youth, tagged #EndSARS protest.

The protest, aimed at drawing attention to human rights abuses being perpetrated by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), was later hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements. Lagos State was the epicentre of the demonstration. The unfortunate incidents of October 20, 2020 led to a coordinated destruction of public and private assets in Lagos. Again, Governor Sanwo-Olu rose up to the challenge, worked with the citizens and stakeholders to bring about a peaceful resolution. Today, Lagos is the only State in the federation that has fulfilled the demands brought forth by the #EndSARS protesters.

Taking over the affairs of Lagos at a time when the State was challenged, Sanwo-Olu has proved to the world that governance is not rocket science. His persuasive management approach has helped stabilise the state, taking it out of the near dilapidation back on to her progressive trajectory without hurting citizens -young, old, rich or poor.

Kindness comes naturally for this governor.

The first touch point for me was during the electioneering. On a particular day, we had worked till late in the evening and it was time for everyone to retire to bed. I was bent on going home but the then aspirant, Babajide Sanwo-Olu insisted that I stayed over at a nearby hotel. I, nevertheless, went home that night but not without thinking of his caring gesture that bought me over completely.

Another very remarkable scenario played out in October 2019. This time, Mr. SanwoOlu had already secured the governorship ticket of the APC. He asked me to ride with him in his vehicle for a certain review. Just as we were making a turn from Mobolaji Bank-Anthony road into GRA, our pilot/ security vehicle became a bit reckless, Mr. Sanwo-Olu was quick to call them to order.

He complained bitterly about such behaviour saying everyone deserved some respect.

He has entrenched the same tradition in his convoy even as governor.

With the two incidents, I saw in him a man who genuinely cared about the welfare of the people around him. In fact, three years after, Governor Sanwo-Olu is a better version of the person I saw in him at that time. He cares completely about the welfare of the residents and this is why the Sanwo-Olu touch is felt in every facet of Lagos life -Transportation and Traffic management, Health and Environment, Education and Technology and Making Lagos a 21st century economy as well as in Security and Governance.

Without any iota of doubt, the 56th birthday of Governor Sanwo-Olu is worth celebrating considering his personal achievements as well as meaningful impacts in private and public sectors.

Born on June 25, 1965, Governor Sanwo-Olu has been part of Lagos State’s progressive

Sanwo-Olu trajectory in the past 18 years, serving in the Executive cabinet of the three previous governors. Perhaps this accounts for the reason he takes governance so simple as he does. Governor Sanwo-Olu ranks top among the rest in many areas of human endeavours.

Characteristic of great leaders whose sole interest is the welfare of their people, Governor Sanwo-Olu keeps vigil almost every day for Lagosians to have a sound sleep.

He’s perhaps unaware that sometimes some of us around him don’t look forward to the weekly Governor’s itinerary. The sight of the itinerary can raise one’s blood pressure but it is a regular routine for Governor Sanwo-Olu; you signed up for the job and you must do it!

The governor would call you in the middle of the night and ask whether you are sleeping.

I once answered him: “sir, it’s 3a.m. in the morning” and he simply laughed!

Sanwo-Olu doesn’t ever delay anythingnever! He treats every matter-personal or State with a dispatch except those that require further consultations or deliberations. Even those ones, he handles immediately either by setting meetings or committees. He recognises government bureaucracies and red tapes but has a way of cleverly ensuring that those factors do not slow down the pace of work or intended deliverables. I have seen this at very close range in the last three years of working with him. Sanwo-Olu’s management skills and administrative acumen coupled with his personal attributes of humility and humanity have worked for him. This is why in just 757 days in office, under very difficult conditions occasioned by covid-19 pandemic and the unfortunate EndSARS protest, Governor Sanwo-Olu recorded numerous achievements across the THEMES agenda.

A tested and trusted professional, management expert and consummate administrator, Sanwo-Olu has made life more in abundance for Lagosians through the delivery of his campaign promises. During the electioneering, I remember him saying two things, which almost became a cliché: “let’s under promise and over deliver”, “Governance is a marathon and not a sprint”.

These sayings are just making sense to me, and they make me wonder where he gets his wisdom from. Most critics have forgotten that one major election promise of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is continuity. He told Lagos electorate during the electioneering

that his administration would govern from where his predecessors had stopped. This is exactly what he has done.

The near abandoned LagosHoms in Igando was completed and commissioned, the Agege Pen Cinema bridge, which was roughly at 19 to 20% foundational level when he assumed office in May 2019 had been completed, with additional roads network, the Igbogbo Ikorodu housing project, the BRF Housing Estate, Iponrin, Lagos Homs in Lekki, several roads across the metropolis started by the immediate past administration have all been completed and commissioned.

For Governor Sanwo-Olu, it does not matter who started what project. What’s important is completion of those projects for the greatest good of the people. It is all about the people of Lagos State.

In Sanwo-Olu, I see a man who is not satisfied with his level of yesterday and wants to do more today. He always desires to do more. And these burning desires drive him to deliver more for the people. He often says to us that “you must look good today, tomorrow and always”. He dislikes you giving excuses for failures even though he agrees that honest errors could be made sometimes.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership skill was tested by COVID-19. Expectedly, Lagos was the epicenter of the pandemic in Nigeria in February 2020. Tackling the health disaster head-on, the Governor saved Lagos and by extension the entire country from a major calamity.

Apart from COVID-19 pandemic, Lagos was hit by massive destruction of properties worth billions of naira in the aftermath ofEndSARS protests hijacked by hoodlums.

Despite the challenges, Governor Sanwo-Olu took the bull by the horns to put Lagos on the path of progress through the Lagos Rebuild initiative.

Looking at the efforts devoted to achieving the first pillar of the THEMES agenda, which is Traffic management and transportation, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is closer than ever in giving Lagos a reliable intermodal system of transportation with heavy investment in waterways, aggressive pursuit of the light rail projects as well as road transportation to make life easy for Lagosians. The state government has also reduced traffic congestion in some critical parts of Lagos with continuous road infrastructure, junction improvements and opening up more communities with new

link roads and bridges.

More than 51 major infrastructure projects such as the Pen-Cinema fly over, ramp and road networks, Lagos-Ogun Boundary roads Phase II, Lekki Oniru Traffic Circulation Projects, network of roads in Ojokoro, Somolu and Ikoyi, among others. The administration also constructed and rehabilitated 301 inner roads in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). It also commissioned the Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT lane. The Eleko junction to Epe concrete pavement road construction is ongoing. These road projects are executed to bring succour to the people of Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu has also made a significant impact in the lives of millions of Lagosians in the areas of Health and Environment. He believes that nothing should be spared to give Lagosians quality health care and that’s why he has made a lot of intervention in the health sector.

Apart from the comprehensive renovation of medical facilities at various Health Centres and General Hospitals in the State, the State is also developing new facilities, such as the New Massey Children Hospital, New General Hospital, Ojo and a Rehabilitation and Mental Health facility in Ketu Ejinrin.

The State Government is also building a 300-bed Isolation Centre and a Research Institute at IDH, Yaba. It has also improved maternal and child health with the provision of the Mother and Child Centres (MCCs) in Eti-Osa, Igando, Badagry and Epe. In the area of Environment, Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration within two years in office has invested significantly in the waste collection capacity of LAWMA as well as significant improvement in drainage management and maintenance.

Sanwo-Olu’s passion for quality education is a driving force behind his numerous interventions in that sector. His administration has completed more than 1,097 school projects in just two years, built six secondary schools, provided over 100,000 tables and chairs, provided 2,000 hostel beds in model schools and recruited over 2,000 teachers for public schools. It also introduced EKO EXCEL - an education reform programme targeted at developing highly skilled teachers through training, support and motivation, which has reached about 1,009 schools, 13,000 teachers and 450,000 pupils.

Governor Sanwo-Olu is not paying lip service to security and governance in the State as his administration has worked tirelessly to ensure that Lagos is safe and secure for residents. Today, security agencies in Lagos State can boast of modern crime fighting equipment. On Thursday, June 10, President Muhammadu Buhari joined Governor SanwoOlu to officially handover patrol vehicles and security equipment to security agencies in Lagos State. The equipment were; 150 Double Cabin Vehicles, 30 Saloon Patrol Vehicles, 1,000 Ballistic Vests, 1,000 Ballistic Helmets, 1,000 Handheld Police Radios/ Walkie Talkies, 100 Security Patrol Bikes, two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), four High Capacity Troop Carriers, two AntiRiot Water Cannon Vehicles and Office/ Command Furniture and other Ancillary Support Resources.

Despite delivering on his campaign promises, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not looking back as he is marching on toward “Greater Lagos.” During his State broadcast on May 27, he said his administration is working tirelessly to deliver the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Imota Rice mill, Integrated Mass Transit System and other infrastructure to Lagosians within the next two years.

He said completing the projects within the next 24 months will bring absolute transformation to the livelihood and the economy of Lagos State.

Going by his track records and achievements in office, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at 56 stands tall among the contemporary African leaders.

He also remains a model to his generation.

Happy 56th Birthday to an achiever! r"LPTJMF JT UIF $IJFG 1SFTT 4FDSFUBSZ UP UIF -BHPT 4UBUF (PWFSOPS .S #BCBKJEF 4BOXP 0MV

FRIDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ THISDAY

53

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION THE HERO OF MAIDUGURI divisiveness of Nigerians that the president has cultivated as article of faith. Haven made nonsense of the guardrail of federalism and institutional checks and balances, the consequences of this breach are clear enough in the sorry state of contemporary Nigeria.

The paradox of the Buhari experimentation is that whilst he was projected to prove the messianic leadership perspective he ended up proving the contrary.

In the election and expectations of him, Nigeria failed to heed the admonition of former American president, Barack Obama, that what Africa needs is not the rule of strong men but the reign of strong institutions. What Obama was saying amounted to the prioritisation of constitutional form and structure over the leadership utility perspective. No one could have anticipated the magnitude of the Nigerian President’s failure but his disappointment underscores the salience of Obama’s wise counsel. In a series of revealing outbursts especially the television interview he granted the Arise TV, Buhari was in his (base reactionary and parochial) elements. An expert at galvanising and promoting wedge issues (to consolidate his political base and poke the middle finger at the rest of us) he went to town on the rationalisation of his lopsided public appointments as merit determined. This mind bending posturing raises the question of how a government of meritocracy can become the embodiment of governance failure and incompetence.

It is the penchant for this kind of willful distortion of reality that has done the most damage to the public perception of his government. Could Nigerians have, so soon, forgotten the history and logic behind the insertion of the federal character clause in the Nigerian constitution? Was it not motivated by the national integration imperative of accommodating the ‘merit disadvantaged’ North which would otherwise have resulted in poor representation of the region in a competitive federal bureaucracy and public service? Is it not confounding that this rationale can be blatantly stood on its head with the argument that the South is now the region in need of the affirmative principle.

A damaging hallmark of the Buhari dispensation is this proclivity for provoking unflattering comparison and division among segments of Nigerian population especially along the North/South divide-prompting the poser that why does this president persist in abdicating the responsibility of playing the adult in the room? Could it be a deliberate regime survival ploy of fomenting fractiousness and divisiveness to forestall an emergent national consensus on his failed stewardship? Today he is celebrating his Fulani ties with the Niger Republic and tomorrow becomes the turn of enraptured reminiscences on his Hausa/Kanuri maternal linage whilst the mere mention of Igbo instantly elicits a vituperative outburst.

From the abundance of the heart does the mouth speaketh. A friend (Fulani, by the way) recalled an argument he lately had with a Buhari apologist where the latter rationalised Buhari’s clannishness as nothing more objectionable than following the precedent of former President Goodluck Jonathan. To highlight the failure of the president- even with the bar set so low, he asked, where is the correlate of Hassan Tukur or Nasir El Rufai (of Jonathan’s and Obasanjo’s presidency respectively) in Buhari’s presidency? Both Tukur and El Rufai constitute a pair of the most powerful insiders in the presidency they served under regardless of their different regional identity from that of their principals.

Hence the question, can Nigeria afford

Buhari another president of Buhari’s description?

If it cannot, is Nigeria in a position to prevent a recurrence? If it cannot, how then does the country insure itself against a similar lapse, going forward? This is the essential argument for a constitutional reform that limits the capacity of the central government to undermine governance delivery both nationally and at the local/ state/ regional level. To cement his legacy, the president then escalated his opposition to restructuring with an incendiary attack at the Ahmadu Bello

University (ABU), “And again those who are discussing restructuring, my question is, what are you going to restructure? If you ask many Nigerians what they are going to restructure, you will find out that they have nothing to talk about.

“Some of them have not even studied the 1999 Constitution. The 1999 Constitution is almost 70 to 80 per cent 1979 Constitution...

So those calling for whether separation or restructuring, some of them I will say they are very naive or even mischievously dangerous”. Understood as restoration

Can Nigeria afford another president of Buhari’s description? If it cannot, is Nigeria in a position to prevent a recurrence? If it cannot, how then does the country insure itself against a similar lapse, going forward? This is the essential argument for a constitutional reform that limits the capacity of the central government to undermine governance delivery both nationally and at the local/ state/ regional level

of federalism (as enunciated in the 1960 Independence Constitution and 1963 counterpart), those Buhari slandered as dangerous and naive are in the good company of the founding fathers of Nigeria including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo and the colonial patriarch. Unlike most of their ill educated successors, they found reasoned commonality in the prescription of federalism as the optimal constitutional structure for Nigeria. Another irony of the Nigerian situation is that the most vantageously positioned president to move the restructuring agenda towards a consensus resolution is a president of Northern origin-to confront its demonisation as a southern imposition by unscrupulous demagogues. This, of course, is an impossible expectation of the incumbent president who has made it clear he would rather war war than jaw jaw on the spiralling Nigerian crisis. I end today’s offering by quoting myself ‘In Nigeria, the constraint of federalism would potentially mitigate the damage and division a dangerously nepotic and parochial President can unleash.

With decentralisation and devolution of powers, the need would hardly arise for the destructive mad ambition to capture power in Abuja. Restructuring would free up space and power for comprising regions to pursue their legitimate priorities without let or hindrance from the federal government.

He would be denied the unaccountable powers and resources that enable him to contemplate building railways all the way to Maradi in Niger Republic with resources realised from the Niger Delta’.

GBAJABIAMILA @ 59: TRULY THE LONG ROAD but state who the Speaker truly is.

Just read his description: “Though we belong to different political parties and of course, hold opposing political views on governance issues, such do not blur one’s recognition of Femi’s personal and distinctive accomplishments as a leader in our national polity, including as the Speaker of House of Representatives, where I lead the opposition.”

If an opposition politician calls his fellow politician in the ruling party “a dazzling lawyer, outspoken politician, very brilliant and courageous legislator, a humble and hardworking administrator, team player and a firm believer that power comes only from God and that He gives to every man according to His time and purpose,” then you should know that the man in question is worthy of those words. Those exactly

were the words Elumelu used in describing the Speaker.

Those of us who work with the Speaker can attest to his humility. He doesn’t see himself as a boss, that’s why when he appointed us as his aides, he said to all of us: “You’re to work with me and not work for me.”

At 59, apart from the grey hair on his head and around his moustache, nothing seems to suggest that the eloquent Gbajabiamila has spent even half a century on earth. Here is a man that is still as agile as someone in his 30s. The kind of ‘races’ he runs from one meeting to another and one function to another on a daily basis without much hassle beats everyone’s imagination. What’s more, you don’t see any sign of fatigue in him.

In terms of handling his assignment as

Speaker, his performance is unparalleled.

When he made that solemn pledge to put Nigeria first on June 11, 2019, Gbajabiamila really meant it. True to his word, the House under his leadership passed many peopleoriented legislation and resolutions such as the Finance Act, the Police Reform Act, the Deep Offshore Sharing Agreement, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), among many others.

Most importantly, the House under Gbajabiamila’s resolute leadership ensured the return of the country’s annual budget to the January – December cycle. This was not achieved in a long time, but both the 2020 and 2021 budgets were passed in good time by both chambers and returned to the constitutionally prescribed cycle.

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has also stood out for his passion and consistent

support for the Nigerian workers. He has intervened and interceded in several industrial disputes by bodies such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), among others - interventions that have gone a long way to endear him to the Nigerian worker.

While serving commendably at the federal level, Rep. Gbajabiamila has also continued to make his presence felt within his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency. As he marks his 59th birthday today, it is worthy to salute a humble and remarkable leader. What a long road! Happy birthday, Mr. Speaker. r-BTJTJ JT UIF 4QFDJBM "EWJTFS PO .FEJB BOE 1VCMJDJUZ UP UIF 4QFBLFS )PVTF PG 3FQSFTFOUBUJWFT

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FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

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

27 Years After, Buhari Fulfils Three-Bedroom Pledges to 22 AFCON ‘94 Winning Eagles Sanwo-Olu also redeems three-bedroom promise to Chioma Ajunwa, rewards Edo 2020 medalists Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of 22 three-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles Squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1994, in fulfilment of an earlier promise by the Federal Government.

This was sequel to a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, leading to the President approving the allocations in their states of preference.

A release on Thursday by Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, noted that six players and three technical crews had already received their houses.

Players to benefit from this largesse from President Buhari include; Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).

Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased) and Stephen Keshi (Deceased).

Officials listed to get the

promised houses are; Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.

Similarly, the long wait is over for Chioma AjunwaOparah, the first African woman to win a gold medal in the Olympic Games field event.

Twenty-five years after, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, redeemed the Government’s pledge of a house to the athlete.

The Governor, yesterday, presented keys to a threebedroom apartment in Babatunde Raji Fashola Housing Estate in Iponri to Ajunwa-Oparah, who is now an Assistant Commissioner of Police in Lagos Police Command.

Sanwo-Olu made the presentation at a reception held for Lagos State’s athletes who participated in the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Edo State. Lagos won 125 medals, including 32 gold and 27 silver medals in the contest.

The Governor, at the event, also presented cheques to the medal winners, some of whom are going to represent the nation in the forthcoming Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Nigeria Seals Women’s 4x400m Relay Qualification Team Nigeria’s women 4x400m relay team will be among the 16 nations that will file out for the event at the delayed 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo, Japan after the team scorched to a 3:26.84 African lead yesterday at the Lagos Open Athletics Championship in Lagos.

The team, anchored by Patience Okon-George has now jumped to the front of the queue for the four available slots on offer for the event in Tokyo.

The quartet of World U-18 fastest girl so far this year, Imaobong Nse Uko, NCAA 200m finalist Favour Ofili, Knowledge Omovoh and Okon-George is now ranked 13th in the ranking for the best 16 nations that will be in Tokyo ahead of Belarus (3:28.14), Australia (3:28.64) and Switzerland (3:28.77) who have all provisionally qualified.

The 4x400m team has now become the second Nigerian

relay team to qualify after the women’s 4x100m team led

by Blessing Okagbare sealed their passage to the games with a 42.97 seconds run at the National Championship (Olympic Trials) last Thursday at the sports ground of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos.

Nigeria won a silver medal in the event 25 years ago at the Atlanta Olympics where Falilat Ogunkoya led Charity Opara, Bisi Afolabi and Fatimah Yusuf to also set a new 3:21.04 seconds African record.

The men’s 4x100m team however failed to make it despite improving to 38.59 seconds.

The men’s 4x400m team also failed to qualify but will, together with the 4x100m and 4x400m mixed relay teams get their final chance to book their flights to Tokyo at the MOC Relays on Sunday at the sports ground of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba in Lagos.

Patience Okon George (left) anchored Nigeria’s 4x400m Women’s team to qualifying for Tokyo 2020...yesterday

Ajunwa-Oparah, a long jump athlete, put Nigeria on the global radar after she won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia,

United States.

She was promised a house by the then Military Government, but the pledge was not fulfilled before the country returned to

democracy in 1999.

Presenting the apartment’s key to the first individual Olympic gold medalist in Nigeria, SanwoOlu said the feat achieved by

Ajunwa-Oparah helped redeem the country’s bad image and raised the hope of young people seeking to improve their sporting skills.

Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games women’s long jump gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah (left), decorating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with a replica of her gold medal shortly after receiving the key to the Three-bedroom apartment promised her by the state...25 years ago

NFF Empanels LOC for Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released the names of members of the local organizing committee for the First Lady of Nigeria Invitational Women’s Tournament (Aisha Buhari Cup) that the country will host in September 2021.

NFF’s 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, is Chairman of the Committee,

which has, among other terms of reference, been saddled with the responsibility of organizing a befitting tournament that will uphold the good name and image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The tournament will hold 14th – 20th Septemberin Lagos.

A nominee of the Lagos State Government will serve as

Vice Chairman, and Members include Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Chairman of Chairmen and Member of the NFF Executive Committee.

Another Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode is Director of Organisation, with Amina

Daura, NFF’s Head of Women’s Football, as deputy director.

Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, AIG Umar Baba, Hon. Margaret Icheen, Mrs Chisom Ezeoke, Kemi Areola, Mr Ademola Olajire, Mrs Ufuoma McDermott, Ms Ese Okpomo, Yinka Olagbemiro and Kola Daniel are other members.

Onojaife Tega Wins Kandaval Cadet Golf Championship Fifteen-year old Onojaife Tega has emerged winner of the Kandaval Cadet Golf Championship, tagged, Kandaval Cup. The event which held at the SBA Golf Club within the Nigerian Airforce base, Shasha, Lagos saw the SS2 student dismiss stiff challenge from 38 other participants to claim the diadem.

For his efforts, he alongside

the runner up, got a trophy, cash prize and other gift items Addressing the media after the event, veteran broadcaster and sponsor of the championship, Tony Obot, disclosed his motivation for staging the golf tournament.

“Incidentally, I am also a golfer. Each time I play here, I notice that some of the younger ones here are more like ‘outsiders’ to the

game, merely helping us carry our bags and getting the balls. So, I felt that they should be encouraged to be a part of this beautiful game, one can never tell, the next Tiger Woods may be among these kids,” he said.

He went further revealing that more golf competitions would be staged to help Nigeria unearth talents in the sport.

“This is definitely not going to be a one-off, we will replicate what we have been doing with table tennis over the years with golf, and definitely, this is not going to be a one-off competition,” he added.

Obot, through his company, Kandaval Communications has been sponsoring the Lagos State Inter-schools Table Tennis Championship since 2012.

Amuneke, Siasia Thank Buhari for Redeeming the Pledges Femi Solaja

Former African Footballer of the Year and member of the victorious Super Eagles of 1994 class, Emmanuel Amuneke, is delighted with the news that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to the team for winning the AFCON tournament that year.

Late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, had rewarded members of the team with a three-bed room apartment each but poor cash gifts from state governments, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals and also the political turmoil over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election presumably

won by MKO Abiola in the country then, distracted the regime from fulfilling the shelter promise till he died in June of 1998.

But members of the team did not lose hope as they kept pressing for the reward which President Buhari has now put to rest yesterday following the directive that those who are yet to collect their own should be rewarded as a matter of urgency.

“It’s a dream come through to all members of the team and I want to thank the President for making the wish of members of the team come through. “I also want to thank the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, whom

we learnt took it upon himself to make it come true.

Its most unfortunate that some of our members are no longer alive but the joy of it is that the families they left behind have something to fall back on-going by this latest development.

The former FC Barcelona star also debunked the news making around that part of the reason for the delay in the allocation of the apartments was because some members of the squad at the expense of majority.

“The insinuation was false, most of those have collected their own are mainly those who chose Abuja and it was easy for the Federal Housing Authority to allocate to them but for most of us that wanted

Lagos and other State capital spread across the country was part of the reason for the delay,” he pointed out.

Also speaking on the house gifts 27 years after the promise, Samson Siasia while thanking President Buhari, stressed that it was worrisome that those of them collecting the keys to the houses now no longer have the initial privileges of deciding where to have the houses.

“Some of us wanted to be allocated the houses in Abuja but now we are hearing that we can only have the houses in our states of origins,” observed Siasia who later after hanging his playing booths led Eagles as head coach

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Okowa to Opposition

“If anyone says he is not seeing what we are doing, it’s either that they are blind or they don’t live in Asaba. Their attempt to pit me against my predecessors will not work because I am not quarrelling with them” – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa boasting that he won’t be distracted by attempts to pit him against his predecessors.

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26 years

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

The Hero of Maiduguri “I predict that every multi-lingual or multi-national country with a unitary constitution must either eventually have a federal constitution based on the principles which I have enunciated, or disintegrate, or be perennially afflicted with disharmony and instability” – Obafemi Awolowo

T

he fundamental political argument of Nigeria today boils down to the contention between the political leadership perspective and the constitutional structure perspective of governance. The latter will argue, for instance, that the presidency of Major General Muhammadu Buhari is more a symptom rather than the cause of Nigeria’s governance crisis and dysfunction; and the former takes the position that leadership, more than any other factor is the decisive prerequisite for a functional Nigerian governance. Inherent in this leadership perspective is the presumption that good or bad leadership is not random and that good leadership can be summoned whenever the need for such is acute -let the constitutional form be damned.

After all there is the quotable insight of Alexander Pope that ‘let fools contend, what is best administered is best’. But because ‘what is best administered’ can

be dangerously elusive, the uncertainty and potential waiting-in-vain can be mitigated by an anticipatory constitutional form and structure. The view that governance success or failure is all about leadership becomes quite problematic given that democracy cannot and does not guarantee the election of good leadership. Further and with particular relevance to Nigeria, is the observation that ‘Democracy and democratic elections usually work better within populations that have shared traditional values and value the same national myths and legends... that when people share the same values, its easier for them to use democracy or democratic elections as a method to settle disagreements between themselves because they already agree on the basics.” Taken together, the need to edge leadership uncertainty with structural ramparts, is the theory behind the prioritisation of the constitutional structure over the role of leadership. It assumes the foolproof (worst case) scenario that there will be a prevalence of bad leadership necessitating a responsive instrument to mitigate the damage it can wreak. In young pseudo democracies like Nigeria the potential for good leadership is also compromised by the lack of sustained mechanism for political leadership production and recruitment.

The basis for the expectation and hope

of utilitarian leadership is predicated on a regular and routinised institutional leadership succession and recruitment. It assumes the durability of civil democratic rule and the instrumentality of the political party system as the mechanism through which political leadership recruitment is effected. In the specific experience of postindependent Nigeria, this channel has been substantially fractured and disrupted by the protracted intervention of military rule and a consequent abrogation of party politics.

Nonetheless, were all other things equal and civil democratic rule to be spared this disruption, it is still not a sufficient condition and guarantee for the preclusion of bad and dysfunctional leadership. The election of Donald Trump as American president is proof positive of this conclusion. If the structural and institutional guardrails of federalism and the principle of separation of powers were not extant, it is a moot point what magnitude of damage the unrestrained leadership of Trump would have inflicted on America. Fareed Zachariah of the Cable News Network (CNN) has been proven right in the foresight he proffered in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election that former American president Donald Trump constitutes a cancer on American democracy. Sadly he was proven wrong that Trump had no chance of winning the

election. By near universal consensus, Trump is the antithesis of good leadership yet he was elected president and presently towers over any other republican leader in a potential race for the party’s presidential nominee in the 2024 election cycle. Trump had attained to this pedestal on account of a unique ability to cultivate and promote the human potential for hate, divisiveness and prejudice.

Increasingly, Buhari has proven himself to be a Nigerian version of Donald Trump.

Within a few days of his state visit to Lagos, he embarked on a similar visit to Maiduguri and the two visits were a study in contrast. While Lagos has been relatively spared of the more pernicious impact of Buhari’s governance, Maiduguri is the worst manifestation of the Buhari misgovernance syndrome. Expectedly, he was received with cold indifference in Lagos while he, ostensibly, enjoyed a tumult welcome in Maiduguri. To dissuade me from writing off the attitude of the Boko Haram beleaguered city as a peculiar case of masochism, I was assured by those in a position to know that the aso ebi (ceremonial uniform clothing) decked Maiduguri multitude was a rent-a-crowd political stunt. Either way, it is an indication of the polarisation and Continued on page 53

Gbajabiamila @ 59: Truly the Long Road Lanre Lasisi Yesterday has gone, but its memories are still with us. Today is here, and we should make the best of it. Tomorrow is for God, so we can only hope for the best.

This is the story of every human being.

While we are still living, we celebrate ourselves, not just for our achievements, but also for how we have been able to positively affect the lives of others. This is key in whatever that we do.

The story of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaking Speaker of the House of Representatives, a man of many parts, and one of the most patriotic living Nigerians, is one that should encourage all of us. Today is exactly 59 years that this quintessential and benevolent leader was born.

A humble, humane, unassuming, accommodating and kind-hearted being, Gbajabiamila’s humble beginning as a lawmaker, who became a silent achiever even before occupying the Number 4 Citizen’s seat, is indeed worthy of study.

Since that election season in 2003 when the people of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State voted him to represent them at the Green Chamber, there was no going back. He was sworn in alongside other members then, a couple of weeks before his 41st birthday.

Gbajabiamila On five different elections’ seasons, his people kept faith in him as he never disappoints them. This should be a case study for students of politics, as Surulere is a cosmopolitan area where different interests exist. Yet, the people keep trusting him to be their representative. Only a worthy representative gets this from his people.

But wait a minute! He’s got records that no one else has got in the history of

the Nigerian Legislature. Gbajabiamila, it was, who became the Minority Whip in 2005, just two years after his first election to the House. Soon after that, he became the Minority Leader in 2007, after his second election to the Parliament. He maintained the position in 2011 during his third coming to the House. By 2015, when his attempt to become Speaker was not ordained by our Creator, he became the Majority Leader of the House, serving up to 2019, before clinching the Number 4 seat in the land.

In essence, Gbajabiamila, a lawyer whose practise transcends borders, spent nearly 14 years as a Principal Officer before becoming Speaker. No one has achieved this before.

It’s unprecedented. By the time he is done, he would have spent 18 years out of 20 in leadership positions in the House. You see what I’m talking about!

It’s really been a long road for Gbajabiamila before he became the Speaker, and he achieved all this in the last 59 years. Ayo Adeagbo, the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Visual Communications/ Personal Photographer, captured all of that in a photo book he recently launched titled ‘Gbajabiamila: The Long Road,’ which is slightly altered as the heading of this tribute of Gbajabiamila at 59.

If one was ever in search of a perfect description of what Gbajabiamila symbolises,

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo perfectly captured that in his speech at the launch of the above-mentioned book.

Prof Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said Gbajabiamila “is one of the most resilient, most resourceful and most successful Nigerian politicians having won elections five times in the past 18 years.”

As well as perfectly describing the Speaker as “charismatic,” not done yet, Osinbajo went on to say: “He is an effective bridge builder across tribes, across religions, across political parties, and even generations. He has proved to be an innovative mediator and an honest broker in several local and national disputes and conflicts.”

You know what? The VP wasn’t alone on this. The President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, whom Gbajabiamila joined in the House in 2003 before the former moved to the Senate in 2007, was full of praises for the Speaker and said he found the Number 4 Citizen very helpful.

In the face of the stiff opposition politicking being played in our clime, a major figure in the opposition party, the Minority Leader himself in the House, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, could not Continued on page 53

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